Once again, the calendar shows that another week of 2012 has past. It's time for me to look back over the week and evaluate how I did in working on my goals for 2012.
In honor of the Pro Bowl Football Game which is being played in Hawaii as I type this post, I'm going to use a football analogy for my update. (I personally know three ticket holders-- my brother, his son and daughter-in-law are scheduled to be at the game. And unless any of them are deathly ill, I'm confident that they are in the stands.)
1. Finances - the team has consistently marched the ball down the field and has scored a touchdown! Once again (third week in a row), we have come under budget for our discretionary spending. Because of this consistency, I just paid an extra $365 on debt reduction! High Fives everywhere as the team celebrates this score!
2. Spiritual - unfortunately, this week was a "3 & out" for the offense. My chapter for the week was supposed to be Galatians 4. I was not consistent in getting into the Word so I do not feel that I am ready to move onto the next chapter in Galatians. In addition, I haven't yet memorized my verses for January. The very busy weekend (wedding coordinator duty) aside, I chose other pursuits on days in which my time for study was not limited. No excuses -- I failed to advance the ball in this goal this week. I'm going to tackle Galatians 4 this coming week. And by the end of the day on Tuesday, I will have learned my memory verses.
3. Personal - this week was a defensive struggle. I struggled to maintain my momentum. The posts were down in number -- mostly because I didn't have any posts about Galatians 4. As far as the writing degree pursuit, I was encouraged by class on Tuesday. We were quizzed on the material that we had been assigned to read so there was value placed on completing the assignment prior to class. We also spent time going over the material the professor would be using for the test coming up this next week. Because much of the course is focused on a career in journalism, I'm struggling with maintaining an interest in the coursework. I have had to remind myself several times this week that this class is a requirement in my Writing major. When the thought creeps into my brain asking why I don't just drop the class, I remind myself that I have to take this class. Thankfully, Friday's class was canceled in advance so I didn't have the challenge of being up an half hour early!
Speaking of rest, I was exhausted when I got home late afternoon on Saturday after the wedding. I fell asleep on the coach just after 9:00 p.m., and after dragging myself to bed at 11:00 p.m., slept wonderfully until the alarm went off on Sunday morning. Then, this afternoon, instead of getting on the computer and posting my blogs, I took a 3 hour nap! It was GREAT!!! Sometimes, physical and mental rest is the key play needed to score big in the pursuit of goals.
Some people would say that 2-1 is a winning record. I wouldn't agree with that assessment this week knowing that the loss was in the pursuit of my Spiritual goal. However, as my memory verse reminds me, "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal..." It's time to start anew and continue moving forward.
Look for my next post to be on what I'm learning from Galatians 4.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Publish my Writing?
As you know, my Personal goals for 2012 involve the pursuit of my bachelor's degree. Last semester (Fall 2011), I took the course, Intro to Creative Writing -- one of the requirements for the Writing degree that I'm pursuing.
The last section of the course was focused on Non-Fiction Writing, which I really feel is my niche'. At the end of the unit, we had to submit a finished Non-Fiction essay, along with the drafts and revisions to that essay that we had worked on throughout the unit. The work was due on the last day of class which meant that the professor would not be able to grade and return the work before the end of the semester. She told us that we could pick up the graded work in the next semester.
I knew that I had received a 100% grade on the work, but I wanted to see what comments the professor had made that could help me to improve my writing. So, I took advantage of her offer and asked her to send my graded work via campus mail.
When I opened the envelope that she had sent me, I was stunned! Her comment on my essay was "Excellent Essay -- worth trying to publish" and she had circled "worth trying to publish" twice for emphasis.
Seriously? It's publishable work? My writing is worth publishing?? I don't believe it! Almost a week later, I'm still in a state of unbelief!
Besides not believing it's publishable work, I'm struggling with whether or not I want to try to publish the essay. There are risks involved in publishing the essay. Do I want to share the essay with the world? I wrote about my experience. Do I want the world to know about these experiences? Although the focus of the essay was my experiences, I also included family members' experiences in the essay. Would they want me to share the essay with the world?
If I do decide to try to publish the essay, where do I begin? How does one submit an essay to a publisher? What type of publication is appropriate? There is a risk that the work will be rejected. How will I feel if my work is rejected? Will I stop writing?
All these questions...I've not been able to answer a single one of them. What am I going to do with the essay?
When I don't want to deal with an issue, I often ignore the issue, silently hoping that the issue will go away. I have done this with my essay. I have closed the envelope and shoved it between some folders on my desk. Out of sight -- out of mind? Well, temporarily, at least. And yet, the issue always sneaks back into my mind. I know that I need to resolve it. Yet, it is often easier to shove it back into the recesses of my mind.
I haven't resolved anything. I don't know when or if I ever will. And so, the essay resides between my folder. It's safer there.
Next Blog: Goal Updates
The last section of the course was focused on Non-Fiction Writing, which I really feel is my niche'. At the end of the unit, we had to submit a finished Non-Fiction essay, along with the drafts and revisions to that essay that we had worked on throughout the unit. The work was due on the last day of class which meant that the professor would not be able to grade and return the work before the end of the semester. She told us that we could pick up the graded work in the next semester.
I knew that I had received a 100% grade on the work, but I wanted to see what comments the professor had made that could help me to improve my writing. So, I took advantage of her offer and asked her to send my graded work via campus mail.
When I opened the envelope that she had sent me, I was stunned! Her comment on my essay was "Excellent Essay -- worth trying to publish" and she had circled "worth trying to publish" twice for emphasis.
Seriously? It's publishable work? My writing is worth publishing?? I don't believe it! Almost a week later, I'm still in a state of unbelief!
Besides not believing it's publishable work, I'm struggling with whether or not I want to try to publish the essay. There are risks involved in publishing the essay. Do I want to share the essay with the world? I wrote about my experience. Do I want the world to know about these experiences? Although the focus of the essay was my experiences, I also included family members' experiences in the essay. Would they want me to share the essay with the world?
If I do decide to try to publish the essay, where do I begin? How does one submit an essay to a publisher? What type of publication is appropriate? There is a risk that the work will be rejected. How will I feel if my work is rejected? Will I stop writing?
All these questions...I've not been able to answer a single one of them. What am I going to do with the essay?
When I don't want to deal with an issue, I often ignore the issue, silently hoping that the issue will go away. I have done this with my essay. I have closed the envelope and shoved it between some folders on my desk. Out of sight -- out of mind? Well, temporarily, at least. And yet, the issue always sneaks back into my mind. I know that I need to resolve it. Yet, it is often easier to shove it back into the recesses of my mind.
I haven't resolved anything. I don't know when or if I ever will. And so, the essay resides between my folder. It's safer there.
Next Blog: Goal Updates
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A Powerful Example
I don't about you, but when I learn about a tragedy that affects hundreds, thousands, or millions of people, I fail to grasp the enormity of the event. I can't visualize how many individuals the tragedy really encompasses. For example, when I heard about 1.5 million Haitians living in the tent cities after the earthquake, I couldn't comprehend what that looked like or how many individual people that was.
This past Sunday was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and our Pastor shared some statistics about the number of abortions that have occurred since the Supreme Court legalized it in the Roe v. Wade case. He touted facts such as 3 abortions occur in the U.S. every minute. Then, he did the math and said that during the time left in the service (45 minutes), 135 babies would be aborted. I thought to myself, "That is tragic!"
And then, Pastor had all the people in the outside two sections of the church stand up. He had gone through the Sanctuary earlier in the service and counted the people in those sections. The number of people standing was approximately the number of babies that would be aborted during the next 45 minutes. Almost half of the congregation was standing. Looking at them and thinking about that amount of loss of life in just the few minutes left during the service, I was stunned. What a powerful example of the tragedy of abortion!
If a gunman had come into the service and shot that many people, the whole world would have heard about the story. I can imagine the front page headline, "Tragic shooting in church. 135 dead." People would be shocked, outraged, and angry at how such a tragedy could occur in the United States. Why don't we have that type of reaction to abortion? How do I, as a Christian, react to abortion? How should I react? What is the Biblical response?
When I'm considering a politician as a candidate for whom I might cast a vote, I often turn to organizations, such as Right to Life, to see if they endorse that man or woman. What is that politician's stand on abortion? I do use the information as an important factor in my decision whether I will vote for that candidate, but I do not hold to the maxim that I will never vote for a candidate who supports abortion.
Once a year, I am reminded of the fight against abortion by an announcement in our church bulletin stating that Right to Life is holding a prayer vigil in our county on a Sunday afternoon and is looking for people to join them. Only once have I participated in this vigil. Why is it so inconvenient for me to take 2 or 3 hours out of my life, once a year, to focus on abortion and to pray for the victims and for the law to be changed?
Lord, thank you for the powerful example given which demonstrated to me the immenseness of the abortion tragedy. Forgive me for being callous to human tragedies around me -- whether suffered by only one person or by millions. Teach me to respond correctly and show me how you want me to minister your love to hurting people.
Next post: Publish my Writing?
This past Sunday was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and our Pastor shared some statistics about the number of abortions that have occurred since the Supreme Court legalized it in the Roe v. Wade case. He touted facts such as 3 abortions occur in the U.S. every minute. Then, he did the math and said that during the time left in the service (45 minutes), 135 babies would be aborted. I thought to myself, "That is tragic!"
And then, Pastor had all the people in the outside two sections of the church stand up. He had gone through the Sanctuary earlier in the service and counted the people in those sections. The number of people standing was approximately the number of babies that would be aborted during the next 45 minutes. Almost half of the congregation was standing. Looking at them and thinking about that amount of loss of life in just the few minutes left during the service, I was stunned. What a powerful example of the tragedy of abortion!
If a gunman had come into the service and shot that many people, the whole world would have heard about the story. I can imagine the front page headline, "Tragic shooting in church. 135 dead." People would be shocked, outraged, and angry at how such a tragedy could occur in the United States. Why don't we have that type of reaction to abortion? How do I, as a Christian, react to abortion? How should I react? What is the Biblical response?
When I'm considering a politician as a candidate for whom I might cast a vote, I often turn to organizations, such as Right to Life, to see if they endorse that man or woman. What is that politician's stand on abortion? I do use the information as an important factor in my decision whether I will vote for that candidate, but I do not hold to the maxim that I will never vote for a candidate who supports abortion.
Once a year, I am reminded of the fight against abortion by an announcement in our church bulletin stating that Right to Life is holding a prayer vigil in our county on a Sunday afternoon and is looking for people to join them. Only once have I participated in this vigil. Why is it so inconvenient for me to take 2 or 3 hours out of my life, once a year, to focus on abortion and to pray for the victims and for the law to be changed?
Lord, thank you for the powerful example given which demonstrated to me the immenseness of the abortion tragedy. Forgive me for being callous to human tragedies around me -- whether suffered by only one person or by millions. Teach me to respond correctly and show me how you want me to minister your love to hurting people.
Next post: Publish my Writing?
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Recap of Week #3
We're on the downward side of January. Here's how I did on my 2012 Goals this past week.
1. Finances -- once again we came in under our weekly discretionary budget!!! And the results are posted on our study wall. Some of our success in achieving this goal stems from the fact that we aren't going out to eat. I planned our meals for January and so far we've followed the plan pretty well.
I did make an "oops" this week -- we were supposed to have Beef Stroganoff on Thursday evening. When I was making my grocery list, I checked to see that we had Cream of Mushroom soup in the cupboard -- yep, there was a can. What I forgot is that I needed two cans. I used the can we had in the cupboard on Tuesday for One-Dish Chicken Bake and didn't have one on Thursday for Beef Stroganoff. My husband asked me if I wanted to go get something to eat. After shopping my cupboards and freezer, I realized that the only quick meals I could make were breakfast or frozen pizza. Out to eat sounded much better.
He took me to Schlotzsky's -- one of my favorites places to eat. Lots of people know that I love Schlotzsky's so when I receive restaurant gift cards, they are often from Schlotzsky's. Indeed, I had three gift cards in my purse to this fine restaurant! So, the meal was provided by other's generosity! Thanks!!
Due to a scheduling change, I didn't have a meal planned for Friday night. My husband brought home Sir Pizza's Royal Feast -- LOVE it!! Only $13.75 for a pizza that will feed him once and me three times!!! YUM!!!
In the past when we have restricted our spending this tightly, I would sometimes feel deprived because we have to limit our eating out. But getting to go "out to eat" twice this week and only spending $13.75 was terrific!!! And, knowing that I have other restaurant gift cards in my wallet helps -- we can go out to eat for cheap if I get desperate!!
2. Spiritual -- Galatians 3 is finished. Thanks to the Holy Spirit who teaches me. I hadn't thought of the Kellogg's Christmas party (that I wrote about in my post) in years. How is it that this memory came back to me when I reading, studying, and mediating on verse 1? The Holy Spirit is responsible to teach me all truth -- He prompted the memory as an illustration of the verse to teach me.
And then, to think about being declared "righteous" by the thrice-holy God. It causes me to worship this gracious God and to praise the Saviour who exchanged my sin with His righteousness (II Cor 5:21).
Wonderful week of study in His Word!
My husband asked me yesterday how I was doing on my Scripture verse memorization. I replied that it wasn't February yet so I didn't have to report. I think he's smart enough to know that my reply indicates that I'm not done learning the verses. I have attached a copy of the verses to my computer monitor so they are easily accessible, but that's about as much as I've done to learn them. I've 9 days to master the verses -- lots of time, right??? :)
3. Personal -- six blogs last week! Wow, I was wordy!!! :) Of course, most of them were written last Sunday afternoon. Must have had too much caffeine that day!!! When I have a lot of caffeine, I become a "motor mouth" and catch myself doing a lot of talking -- I wonder if that works the same with my writing.
In my pursuit of my bachelor's degree, I attended two more classes this week -- I was on time to both!!! In fact, I was over 10 minutes early on Friday!!! Amazing, I know!!
After Friday's class, I'm a little concerned that attending class could be a waste of time. We were assigned to read Chapter 1 as homework. The textbook is not hard to understand. I read Chapter 1 and learned the content. In class, we went over all of the content in the chapter. Did I learn anything in class? NO!! I had learned it while I was reading the chapter. I hope that this is not a trend of what the content of our class time will be when we are assigned a chapter to read.
Overall, another good week in staying on task with my 2012 goals. This blog is definitely making a difference.
Next Post: A Powerful Example
1. Finances -- once again we came in under our weekly discretionary budget!!! And the results are posted on our study wall. Some of our success in achieving this goal stems from the fact that we aren't going out to eat. I planned our meals for January and so far we've followed the plan pretty well.
I did make an "oops" this week -- we were supposed to have Beef Stroganoff on Thursday evening. When I was making my grocery list, I checked to see that we had Cream of Mushroom soup in the cupboard -- yep, there was a can. What I forgot is that I needed two cans. I used the can we had in the cupboard on Tuesday for One-Dish Chicken Bake and didn't have one on Thursday for Beef Stroganoff. My husband asked me if I wanted to go get something to eat. After shopping my cupboards and freezer, I realized that the only quick meals I could make were breakfast or frozen pizza. Out to eat sounded much better.
He took me to Schlotzsky's -- one of my favorites places to eat. Lots of people know that I love Schlotzsky's so when I receive restaurant gift cards, they are often from Schlotzsky's. Indeed, I had three gift cards in my purse to this fine restaurant! So, the meal was provided by other's generosity! Thanks!!
Due to a scheduling change, I didn't have a meal planned for Friday night. My husband brought home Sir Pizza's Royal Feast -- LOVE it!! Only $13.75 for a pizza that will feed him once and me three times!!! YUM!!!
In the past when we have restricted our spending this tightly, I would sometimes feel deprived because we have to limit our eating out. But getting to go "out to eat" twice this week and only spending $13.75 was terrific!!! And, knowing that I have other restaurant gift cards in my wallet helps -- we can go out to eat for cheap if I get desperate!!
2. Spiritual -- Galatians 3 is finished. Thanks to the Holy Spirit who teaches me. I hadn't thought of the Kellogg's Christmas party (that I wrote about in my post) in years. How is it that this memory came back to me when I reading, studying, and mediating on verse 1? The Holy Spirit is responsible to teach me all truth -- He prompted the memory as an illustration of the verse to teach me.
And then, to think about being declared "righteous" by the thrice-holy God. It causes me to worship this gracious God and to praise the Saviour who exchanged my sin with His righteousness (II Cor 5:21).
Wonderful week of study in His Word!
My husband asked me yesterday how I was doing on my Scripture verse memorization. I replied that it wasn't February yet so I didn't have to report. I think he's smart enough to know that my reply indicates that I'm not done learning the verses. I have attached a copy of the verses to my computer monitor so they are easily accessible, but that's about as much as I've done to learn them. I've 9 days to master the verses -- lots of time, right??? :)
3. Personal -- six blogs last week! Wow, I was wordy!!! :) Of course, most of them were written last Sunday afternoon. Must have had too much caffeine that day!!! When I have a lot of caffeine, I become a "motor mouth" and catch myself doing a lot of talking -- I wonder if that works the same with my writing.
In my pursuit of my bachelor's degree, I attended two more classes this week -- I was on time to both!!! In fact, I was over 10 minutes early on Friday!!! Amazing, I know!!
After Friday's class, I'm a little concerned that attending class could be a waste of time. We were assigned to read Chapter 1 as homework. The textbook is not hard to understand. I read Chapter 1 and learned the content. In class, we went over all of the content in the chapter. Did I learn anything in class? NO!! I had learned it while I was reading the chapter. I hope that this is not a trend of what the content of our class time will be when we are assigned a chapter to read.
Overall, another good week in staying on task with my 2012 goals. This blog is definitely making a difference.
Next Post: A Powerful Example
Saturday, January 21, 2012
What's the Big Deal with The Shack?
A coworker asked me yesterday if I had ever read the book, The Shack. She had received it as a Christmas gift from her husband and was reading it in small chunks. I replied that I had not read it, but that I was familiar with it and knew that there was some controversy surrounding the book. She shared some parts of the book that she agreed are not consistent to Biblical truth, specifically that God was portrayed as a woman.
I told her that I would probably enjoy the story even though the book is not Biblically accurate. I then told her that I like to read Richard Paul Evans' books. He is a Mormon who often uses spiritual aspects in his books. I know that his theology is incorrect; yet I don't hesitate to read his books.
I imagine that I would enjoy reading The Shack. I've heard that it is a good story. So, why haven't I checked it out of the library? Truthfully, I've been hesitant to read the book because of the controversy surrounding it.
I've read (well, actually listened to the audio files) the whole Harry Potter series twice and thoroughly enjoyed each of the books. You might remember that there was controversy surrounding this series because the characters are witches and wizards. I know that witchcraft is often associated with Satan. Did reading these books impact my beliefs or cause me to doubt my faith in God? Absolutely not!!
So, why the hesitation to read The Shack? Makes no sense.
Next post: Recap of Week #3
I told her that I would probably enjoy the story even though the book is not Biblically accurate. I then told her that I like to read Richard Paul Evans' books. He is a Mormon who often uses spiritual aspects in his books. I know that his theology is incorrect; yet I don't hesitate to read his books.
I imagine that I would enjoy reading The Shack. I've heard that it is a good story. So, why haven't I checked it out of the library? Truthfully, I've been hesitant to read the book because of the controversy surrounding it.
I've read (well, actually listened to the audio files) the whole Harry Potter series twice and thoroughly enjoyed each of the books. You might remember that there was controversy surrounding this series because the characters are witches and wizards. I know that witchcraft is often associated with Satan. Did reading these books impact my beliefs or cause me to doubt my faith in God? Absolutely not!!
So, why the hesitation to read The Shack? Makes no sense.
Next post: Recap of Week #3
Promised Blessing
Galatians 3:9 is "So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." This is a promise -- people of faith will be blessed.
We use the word, "blessed" often in our society. "God bless America." "Have a blessed day." "Blessings on you!" But what is the blessing that is promised in Galatians 3?
Many people believe that blessing means prosperity, health, and happiness. They think that if you are facing difficulties or struggling with finances, you are not experiencing the blessing of God.
A few years ago, the Prayer of Jabez was a popular subject. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we read, "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.'" To prove their point that prosperity, health, and happiness signify God's blessing, proponents of this doctrine use the end of the verse, "And God granted his request."
One of my new favorite songs is Laura Story's "Blessings." The song reminds us that blessings might not be prosperity, health, and happiness. It may be disappointment, pain, and trouble. Here are the lyrics:
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
So, back to Galatians 3: 9, what blessing is promised?
Looking closely at Galatians 3:6, we find our answer, "Consider Abraham: He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." God declared that Abraham was righteousness. People of faith in Jesus Christ are declared "righteous" before God.
Romans 4:4-7 reiterates the blessing of righteousness, "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 'Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.'"
Imagine--the Righteous Judge declares that sinful Brenda Eubank is Righteous -- a person without sin! AMAZING!! What grace and mercy!!! That is a blessing!!!
Next post: What's the Big Deal with The Shack?
We use the word, "blessed" often in our society. "God bless America." "Have a blessed day." "Blessings on you!" But what is the blessing that is promised in Galatians 3?
Many people believe that blessing means prosperity, health, and happiness. They think that if you are facing difficulties or struggling with finances, you are not experiencing the blessing of God.
A few years ago, the Prayer of Jabez was a popular subject. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we read, "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.'" To prove their point that prosperity, health, and happiness signify God's blessing, proponents of this doctrine use the end of the verse, "And God granted his request."
One of my new favorite songs is Laura Story's "Blessings." The song reminds us that blessings might not be prosperity, health, and happiness. It may be disappointment, pain, and trouble. Here are the lyrics:
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
So, back to Galatians 3: 9, what blessing is promised?
Looking closely at Galatians 3:6, we find our answer, "Consider Abraham: He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." God declared that Abraham was righteousness. People of faith in Jesus Christ are declared "righteous" before God.
Romans 4:4-7 reiterates the blessing of righteousness, "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 'Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.'"
Imagine--the Righteous Judge declares that sinful Brenda Eubank is Righteous -- a person without sin! AMAZING!! What grace and mercy!!! That is a blessing!!!
Next post: What's the Big Deal with The Shack?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Bewitched??
Today, my third day in reading Galatians 3, was a fruitful day. The first two days were a struggle as I tried to absorb the content on a "macro" level -- trying to get the gist of the passage. Now that the content is becoming more familiar to me, I began today to hone in on the "micro" level -- looking at individuals words and phrases to draw out the meaning.
Verse 1 has caught my attention each day. "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." Today this verse invoked a memory that helps to illustrate Paul's point.
My father worked at Kellogg's his entire career. When I was a young child, Kellogg's hosted a Christmas party each year for the employees' children. On a Saturday afternoon in December, my parents took my siblings and me to the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium where we were entertained for an hour or so and then given a box of goodies to take home with us.
I remember the entertainment one year was a magician. He did the standard tricks of changing scarves into different colors, making the metal rings intersect, and having his magic wand turn rubbery. The trick that I liked the best was one that involved participants from the audience.
The magician had several audience members join him on stage where they sat in folding chairs. He promised them a prize if they could figure out how the objects he displayed disappeared. The fun part of the trick was that the audience could clearly see that he was throwing the objects behind the participants' backs. The participants never caught on to the trick. They did not know that the objects were just behind them in plain sight.
Imagine with me that someone in the audience who has just watched this trick is asked to join the magician on stage. The magician performs the same trick and the participant, who has just seen how the trick is done, doesn't turn around in his seat and find the "disappearing" objects. How dumb would that be? Why would he fall for the trick and not remember the solution?
This is exactly what Paul is saying to the Galatians. "Before your very eyes" -- you were in the audience watching the show. "Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified" -- you understood the solution to the trick. "Who has bewitched you?" -- why are you falling for the magician's trick?
The passage continues with Paul asking the Galatians how they were saved. Was it by works of the law or by faith? He answers his question in verse 11, "Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
I appreciate that Paul used the word "clearly" in verse 11. "Clearly" -- there is no doubt -- the evidence is in plain sight -- it's right "before your very eyes." We are "saved by faith...not of works." (Eph 2:8-9)
You know the solution -- Don't be fooled by the magician's trick.
Blog update -- I now have a third follower!! (Hi, honey!) My husband found his way to my blog. Three weeks...three followers. The blog is on a roll. As you know, the point of the blog is not to get a following -- it's for me to keep focused on my 2012 goals and to have accountability in my life. Knowing that others are reading the posts is encouraging me to keep writing, reading and studying the Word, and making good financial decisions. The accountability is working! Thanks for reading....
Next post topic: Promised Blessing
Verse 1 has caught my attention each day. "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." Today this verse invoked a memory that helps to illustrate Paul's point.
My father worked at Kellogg's his entire career. When I was a young child, Kellogg's hosted a Christmas party each year for the employees' children. On a Saturday afternoon in December, my parents took my siblings and me to the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium where we were entertained for an hour or so and then given a box of goodies to take home with us.
I remember the entertainment one year was a magician. He did the standard tricks of changing scarves into different colors, making the metal rings intersect, and having his magic wand turn rubbery. The trick that I liked the best was one that involved participants from the audience.
The magician had several audience members join him on stage where they sat in folding chairs. He promised them a prize if they could figure out how the objects he displayed disappeared. The fun part of the trick was that the audience could clearly see that he was throwing the objects behind the participants' backs. The participants never caught on to the trick. They did not know that the objects were just behind them in plain sight.
Imagine with me that someone in the audience who has just watched this trick is asked to join the magician on stage. The magician performs the same trick and the participant, who has just seen how the trick is done, doesn't turn around in his seat and find the "disappearing" objects. How dumb would that be? Why would he fall for the trick and not remember the solution?
This is exactly what Paul is saying to the Galatians. "Before your very eyes" -- you were in the audience watching the show. "Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified" -- you understood the solution to the trick. "Who has bewitched you?" -- why are you falling for the magician's trick?
The passage continues with Paul asking the Galatians how they were saved. Was it by works of the law or by faith? He answers his question in verse 11, "Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
I appreciate that Paul used the word "clearly" in verse 11. "Clearly" -- there is no doubt -- the evidence is in plain sight -- it's right "before your very eyes." We are "saved by faith...not of works." (Eph 2:8-9)
You know the solution -- Don't be fooled by the magician's trick.
Blog update -- I now have a third follower!! (Hi, honey!) My husband found his way to my blog. Three weeks...three followers. The blog is on a roll. As you know, the point of the blog is not to get a following -- it's for me to keep focused on my 2012 goals and to have accountability in my life. Knowing that others are reading the posts is encouraging me to keep writing, reading and studying the Word, and making good financial decisions. The accountability is working! Thanks for reading....
Next post topic: Promised Blessing
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Tax Time
If you hadn't already noticed by the TV advertisements, it's tax season. One of my tasks in the next few weeks is to start working on our 2011 tax return.
Last year, knowing that we would lose one of our tax exemptions (our daughter got married) in 2011, I had additional funds taken out of my paycheck, trying to estimate correctly what our tax liability would be for 2011. I didn't want to have to write a check to the IRS on April 15, 2012.
So, now, I need to find out how accurate my estimate was. Will we owe money? If so, how much? And if so, we need to start planning on how we will pay for the taxes.
One of the first tasks is to organize my documents. I have them all together in a file folder, but there is no organization within the folder. I need to sort and categorize them appropriately.
Then, I need to calculate my husband's officiating income. We keep track of his officiating income and expenses in Excel spreadsheets. I need to total the spreadsheets and calculate the net income.
Because we don't have all of our tax documents (W-2's, giving receipts, interest income statements, etc.), we can't file the tax returns yet. But, I usually print out the tax returns and do an estimated return. The estimate usually is sufficient to determine whether we will have a liability or receive a tax refund.
One thing that could determine whether or not we have to pay additional tax is the Making Work Pay tax credit. I had not heard whether Congress reinstated this tax credit so I just checked the IRS.gov website. This credit has expired (and was not reinstated as in 2011). I'm surprised! I figured that Congress would extend this tax credit again for 2011. That makes me a little nervous that we may have to pay something.
On a happy note, the IRS no longer allowing the Making Work Pay tax credit will make my job at work easier. Last year, we had to make a correction to almost every FAFSA record that was selected for verification because the Making Work Pay had not been accounted for by the student in filling out the FAFSA.
I think I'll start the tax filing process next Saturday. Here's hoping for a good result!
WOW -- three blogs in one day on three different topics! I didn't know I had that many musings in me in a day! Not bad, if I say so myself! :) Time for a cliff hanger because I don't know what topic the next blog will address. Thanks for reading!
Last year, knowing that we would lose one of our tax exemptions (our daughter got married) in 2011, I had additional funds taken out of my paycheck, trying to estimate correctly what our tax liability would be for 2011. I didn't want to have to write a check to the IRS on April 15, 2012.
So, now, I need to find out how accurate my estimate was. Will we owe money? If so, how much? And if so, we need to start planning on how we will pay for the taxes.
One of the first tasks is to organize my documents. I have them all together in a file folder, but there is no organization within the folder. I need to sort and categorize them appropriately.
Then, I need to calculate my husband's officiating income. We keep track of his officiating income and expenses in Excel spreadsheets. I need to total the spreadsheets and calculate the net income.
Because we don't have all of our tax documents (W-2's, giving receipts, interest income statements, etc.), we can't file the tax returns yet. But, I usually print out the tax returns and do an estimated return. The estimate usually is sufficient to determine whether we will have a liability or receive a tax refund.
One thing that could determine whether or not we have to pay additional tax is the Making Work Pay tax credit. I had not heard whether Congress reinstated this tax credit so I just checked the IRS.gov website. This credit has expired (and was not reinstated as in 2011). I'm surprised! I figured that Congress would extend this tax credit again for 2011. That makes me a little nervous that we may have to pay something.
On a happy note, the IRS no longer allowing the Making Work Pay tax credit will make my job at work easier. Last year, we had to make a correction to almost every FAFSA record that was selected for verification because the Making Work Pay had not been accounted for by the student in filling out the FAFSA.
I think I'll start the tax filing process next Saturday. Here's hoping for a good result!
WOW -- three blogs in one day on three different topics! I didn't know I had that many musings in me in a day! Not bad, if I say so myself! :) Time for a cliff hanger because I don't know what topic the next blog will address. Thanks for reading!
The Week in Review
It's Sunday....time to review the past week and evaluate how I did on my progress in achieving my 2012 goals.
Goal 1 -- Finances
You may remember that in the first week of 2012, I was not successful in curbing the spending of discretionary income and keeping within our weekly budget. This was NOT an issue this past week. I was under our weekly budget by $110! Our successful week is now posted on our study wall for the whole world to see. Well, actually, it's probably only going to be seen by a few people -- mostly my husband and me -- but I've proudly displayed it for us to celebrate our success!
Goal 2 -- Spiritual
Once again, studying the Word has been uplifting for me! Galatians 2 was thought-provoking, caused introspection, and was confusing! All of this reading, mediating, and studying has immersed me in more truth. That's a good thing! Bring on Galatians 3!
Next week, my husband is only officiating three times which means that he will be home much more and which means that there is the potential for interruptions/distractions during my personal devotions. (He was gone every night this past week.) We'll see how I do in disciplining myself to separate myself from him and find a quiet spot to read, study, and mediate.
Our church is memorizing Scripture together. Our passage for January is Philippians 3:12-14. I'm adding the Scripture memorization to my goals of 2012. I'll let you know in February if I learned this passage.
Goal 3 -- Personal
Four blogs were written this past week. Did you enjoy them? And, my college course began on Friday. (And, yes, God has a sense of humor -- I was greeted with several inches of snow on Friday morning -- and traffic patterns in Bellevue are different at 7:50 a.m. than they are at 8:20 a.m. So, I was a couple of minutes late to class. Rats!!!)
The professor said that to be successful in this class, you have to be curious. Hmm...I wouldn't list curiosity as one of my strengths! She also said that you need to be able to walk up to a total stranger and start a conversation. Yeah...that is also not one of my strengths. So, challenges for this semester -- get to class on time, be curious, and talk to strangers! Wish me luck!!! And, yes, I am once again, by far, the oldest student in the class. The age difference is always a little awkward.
I do like the course textbook -- it was written in a magazine-type design. Lots of short articles, pictures, etc. And, we're only doing 5 chapters -- a whole 114 pages! I don't expect to fall asleep reading this textbook -- not at all like my Chemistry textbook. I think I napped EVERY time I read that book. Each chapter was 20-30 pages long and was (sorry, Shane) very boring!!!
A successful week in all three of 2012 goal areas! Hoping to be successful again next week!
Next post: Tax Time
Goal 1 -- Finances
You may remember that in the first week of 2012, I was not successful in curbing the spending of discretionary income and keeping within our weekly budget. This was NOT an issue this past week. I was under our weekly budget by $110! Our successful week is now posted on our study wall for the whole world to see. Well, actually, it's probably only going to be seen by a few people -- mostly my husband and me -- but I've proudly displayed it for us to celebrate our success!
Goal 2 -- Spiritual
Once again, studying the Word has been uplifting for me! Galatians 2 was thought-provoking, caused introspection, and was confusing! All of this reading, mediating, and studying has immersed me in more truth. That's a good thing! Bring on Galatians 3!
Next week, my husband is only officiating three times which means that he will be home much more and which means that there is the potential for interruptions/distractions during my personal devotions. (He was gone every night this past week.) We'll see how I do in disciplining myself to separate myself from him and find a quiet spot to read, study, and mediate.
Our church is memorizing Scripture together. Our passage for January is Philippians 3:12-14. I'm adding the Scripture memorization to my goals of 2012. I'll let you know in February if I learned this passage.
Goal 3 -- Personal
Four blogs were written this past week. Did you enjoy them? And, my college course began on Friday. (And, yes, God has a sense of humor -- I was greeted with several inches of snow on Friday morning -- and traffic patterns in Bellevue are different at 7:50 a.m. than they are at 8:20 a.m. So, I was a couple of minutes late to class. Rats!!!)
The professor said that to be successful in this class, you have to be curious. Hmm...I wouldn't list curiosity as one of my strengths! She also said that you need to be able to walk up to a total stranger and start a conversation. Yeah...that is also not one of my strengths. So, challenges for this semester -- get to class on time, be curious, and talk to strangers! Wish me luck!!! And, yes, I am once again, by far, the oldest student in the class. The age difference is always a little awkward.
I do like the course textbook -- it was written in a magazine-type design. Lots of short articles, pictures, etc. And, we're only doing 5 chapters -- a whole 114 pages! I don't expect to fall asleep reading this textbook -- not at all like my Chemistry textbook. I think I napped EVERY time I read that book. Each chapter was 20-30 pages long and was (sorry, Shane) very boring!!!
A successful week in all three of 2012 goal areas! Hoping to be successful again next week!
Next post: Tax Time
Wedding Coordinator Strikes Again!
Like many young girls, I was fascinated by weddings. I remember being so excited when I received a wedding dress for my Barbie doll. Now Barbie & Ken could get married; and believe me, they often got married at my house! I loved the details of the wedding -- flowers, bridesmaids, cake, and especially the flower girl.
I always wanted to be a flower girl, but never had the opportunity. However, when I was a preteen, my cousin and I were asked to be Guest Book attendants for a wedding. That was pretty exciting for us! We wore matching beautiful, homemade ankle-length dresses. I even had shoes with heels! I felt so special being a part of that wedding!
For awhile in high school, I collected wedding bouquets. I made it a hobby of mine to catch wedding bouquets. I would position myself in the front of the sometimes hesitant group of available young ladies, and I would use my basketball rebounding skills to be the one to grasp the thrown bouquet. One summer, I attended six weddings. And, yes, I claimed six bouquets!
Then, it was time for my own wedding. My mother and I planned the wedding together. (Although, she did MUCH more work in the planning and execution of the plan than I did.) And, the day was a success! I don't remember any details that we missed -- from the food to the ceremony to the decorations to the clean-up.
Many years later, I helped my daughter, Ashley, plan her wedding. Only then did I really appreciate all the work that my mother had done in planning my wedding! It is a LOT of work. And, I found out that I'm really good at it! Ashley's wedding was a success! In fact, it was so successful that a few months later, one of the guests from Ashley's wedding asked me to be her wedding coordinator. She said that Ashley's wedding and reception was the best organized wedding event she had ever attended.
Thus, began my unofficial career as a wedding coordinator! I found that I like this job. Truthfully, it is a LOT of work to make sure the wedding goes as the bride and groom had envisioned. And, I'm always exhausted at the end of the wedding day, but I love it!
This past Thursday night, I stepped back into the role of wedding coordinator. This time, I'm teaming up with my cousin (whose wedding I was the guestbook attendant way back when!). We met with the soon-to-be wed couple and went over all the details of day. They've done a nice job in planning the wedding. We quizzed them on different details of the day and added some suggestions and advice on some other things to consider as well as some things they need to communicate to those in the wedding party.
After the meeting, my adrenaline was pumping. I was invigorated and excited. I had forgotten how much I love this unofficial job! And, I'm looking forward to the rehearsal and wedding day and helping another couple's wedding day be just liked they hoped and dreamed!
It's Sunday so it's time to evaluate the previous week and how well I did on my 2012 goals. Look for that blog next!
I always wanted to be a flower girl, but never had the opportunity. However, when I was a preteen, my cousin and I were asked to be Guest Book attendants for a wedding. That was pretty exciting for us! We wore matching beautiful, homemade ankle-length dresses. I even had shoes with heels! I felt so special being a part of that wedding!
For awhile in high school, I collected wedding bouquets. I made it a hobby of mine to catch wedding bouquets. I would position myself in the front of the sometimes hesitant group of available young ladies, and I would use my basketball rebounding skills to be the one to grasp the thrown bouquet. One summer, I attended six weddings. And, yes, I claimed six bouquets!
Then, it was time for my own wedding. My mother and I planned the wedding together. (Although, she did MUCH more work in the planning and execution of the plan than I did.) And, the day was a success! I don't remember any details that we missed -- from the food to the ceremony to the decorations to the clean-up.
Many years later, I helped my daughter, Ashley, plan her wedding. Only then did I really appreciate all the work that my mother had done in planning my wedding! It is a LOT of work. And, I found out that I'm really good at it! Ashley's wedding was a success! In fact, it was so successful that a few months later, one of the guests from Ashley's wedding asked me to be her wedding coordinator. She said that Ashley's wedding and reception was the best organized wedding event she had ever attended.
Thus, began my unofficial career as a wedding coordinator! I found that I like this job. Truthfully, it is a LOT of work to make sure the wedding goes as the bride and groom had envisioned. And, I'm always exhausted at the end of the wedding day, but I love it!
This past Thursday night, I stepped back into the role of wedding coordinator. This time, I'm teaming up with my cousin (whose wedding I was the guestbook attendant way back when!). We met with the soon-to-be wed couple and went over all the details of day. They've done a nice job in planning the wedding. We quizzed them on different details of the day and added some suggestions and advice on some other things to consider as well as some things they need to communicate to those in the wedding party.
After the meeting, my adrenaline was pumping. I was invigorated and excited. I had forgotten how much I love this unofficial job! And, I'm looking forward to the rehearsal and wedding day and helping another couple's wedding day be just liked they hoped and dreamed!
It's Sunday so it's time to evaluate the previous week and how well I did on my 2012 goals. Look for that blog next!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What are You Talking About, Paul?
Do you ever read a portion of Scripture and think to yourself, "I have no clue what that means!" Well, that was my reaction when reading Galatians 2:17-21. On day one of reading Galatians 2 and not understanding this passage, I wrote this note in my journal, "don't understand this section at all!"
Included in this section is that well-known verse that I memorized when I was a kid, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who love me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) Even though this verse is very familiar, it is in a paragraph that makes no sense to me.
On day two, I used some online Biblical commentaries and read what different Bible scholars thought about this passage. Not surprisingly, they don't all agree on the meaning of this passage. So, I sat and reflected on their thoughts as well as other Scriptures passages. I wrote down some thoughts and ideas and thought some more on the passage.
I found myself thinking of the passage throughout the day and mentally cross referencing it against other passages of Scripture.
On day three, I reread the passage and reread my notes and thought, "What were you thinking, Brenda?" And, so I sat and mediated on the passage some more. More ideas took shape.
Am I confident that my "interpretation" was accurate? Not a chance! Do I think that this mental exercise is worthwhile? Definitely! As a result of struggling to understand this passage accurately, I've read and examined more passages of Scripture -- I've been exposed to more truth! How is this not a good thing??
As I once again sit and reflect, my mind thinks of John 16:13 in which Jesus said that it is the Holy Spirit's job to "guide you into all truth." And, then I thought of James 1:5 that says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." And so, I ask God to help me with the understanding of this passage and trust Him, through the Holy Spirit, to meet this need of mine.
Thanks for reading. I'm switching gears for my next blog: Wedding Coordinator Strikes Again!
Included in this section is that well-known verse that I memorized when I was a kid, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who love me and gave himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) Even though this verse is very familiar, it is in a paragraph that makes no sense to me.
On day two, I used some online Biblical commentaries and read what different Bible scholars thought about this passage. Not surprisingly, they don't all agree on the meaning of this passage. So, I sat and reflected on their thoughts as well as other Scriptures passages. I wrote down some thoughts and ideas and thought some more on the passage.
I found myself thinking of the passage throughout the day and mentally cross referencing it against other passages of Scripture.
On day three, I reread the passage and reread my notes and thought, "What were you thinking, Brenda?" And, so I sat and mediated on the passage some more. More ideas took shape.
Am I confident that my "interpretation" was accurate? Not a chance! Do I think that this mental exercise is worthwhile? Definitely! As a result of struggling to understand this passage accurately, I've read and examined more passages of Scripture -- I've been exposed to more truth! How is this not a good thing??
As I once again sit and reflect, my mind thinks of John 16:13 in which Jesus said that it is the Holy Spirit's job to "guide you into all truth." And, then I thought of James 1:5 that says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." And so, I ask God to help me with the understanding of this passage and trust Him, through the Holy Spirit, to meet this need of mine.
Thanks for reading. I'm switching gears for my next blog: Wedding Coordinator Strikes Again!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"Two"sday's Musings
Day Two of reading Galatians Two! Verse Two stuck out to me today. Paul wrote, "I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately....for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain."
Paul went up to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders and to explain to them about his ministry to the Gentiles. His trip to Jerusalem was motivated by a "revelation." I would think a divine revelation would make one feel very confident that God was using you. However, Paul seemed to be struggling with insecurity. He met with the leaders in private because he didn't want to be humiliated if they determined that his ministry was not Spirit led. He was afraid of the leader's response to his ministry.
Thinking about my life, how often am I afraid of others' response to me? If I'm being honest with myself, I have to answer, "A Lot!" For example, even though I knew that I needed some type of accountability in my life, I was afraid to start a blog. What would others say or think about me?
Insecurity often keeps me from "sharing my heart" -- if I tell you something personal, there is a potential that you might not keep my confidence or you might think less of me. That's a risk I'm not ready to take; so I close off myself.
Insecurity often prevents me from trying new things -- I might fail while someone is watching me. I tried using the Wii gaming systems a few years ago, playing with my kids. I was TERRIBLE -- by far, I was the worst player in the group. I didn't like failing at Wii. I experienced humiliation and ridicule. And since that day, I politely decline any invitation to play Wii. I'll let somebody else play instead. While I sound polite on the outside, in reality, internally, I'm adamantly refusing to play. I won't play because I'm afraid of failing again.
Oh, insecurity.....why don't you just leave and never return?
Yet, as I ponder my weakness of insecurity, I am reminded of the promise of 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Hebrews 11 has a couple of my favorite examples of insecure people who are listed as heroes of the faith: Moses and Gideon. God can and does use insecure people to do his ministry. He used Paul, Moses, and Gideon. Today's passage in Galatians Two was a good reminder to me that despite my insecurities, God can use me, Too.
The number of my followers has doubled in one week -- instead of one follower, I have twice as many -- a whole Two!! ("Hi, Alyssa!") At this rate, I'll have..............hmm.......what is 52!? I don't know, but that's a lot of followers! I rather doubt this rate of increase will continue!
My next blog is going to be about the last section of Galatians Two: "What are You Talking About Paul?"
Paul went up to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders and to explain to them about his ministry to the Gentiles. His trip to Jerusalem was motivated by a "revelation." I would think a divine revelation would make one feel very confident that God was using you. However, Paul seemed to be struggling with insecurity. He met with the leaders in private because he didn't want to be humiliated if they determined that his ministry was not Spirit led. He was afraid of the leader's response to his ministry.
Thinking about my life, how often am I afraid of others' response to me? If I'm being honest with myself, I have to answer, "A Lot!" For example, even though I knew that I needed some type of accountability in my life, I was afraid to start a blog. What would others say or think about me?
Insecurity often keeps me from "sharing my heart" -- if I tell you something personal, there is a potential that you might not keep my confidence or you might think less of me. That's a risk I'm not ready to take; so I close off myself.
Insecurity often prevents me from trying new things -- I might fail while someone is watching me. I tried using the Wii gaming systems a few years ago, playing with my kids. I was TERRIBLE -- by far, I was the worst player in the group. I didn't like failing at Wii. I experienced humiliation and ridicule. And since that day, I politely decline any invitation to play Wii. I'll let somebody else play instead. While I sound polite on the outside, in reality, internally, I'm adamantly refusing to play. I won't play because I'm afraid of failing again.
Oh, insecurity.....why don't you just leave and never return?
Yet, as I ponder my weakness of insecurity, I am reminded of the promise of 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Hebrews 11 has a couple of my favorite examples of insecure people who are listed as heroes of the faith: Moses and Gideon. God can and does use insecure people to do his ministry. He used Paul, Moses, and Gideon. Today's passage in Galatians Two was a good reminder to me that despite my insecurities, God can use me, Too.
The number of my followers has doubled in one week -- instead of one follower, I have twice as many -- a whole Two!! ("Hi, Alyssa!") At this rate, I'll have..............hmm.......what is 52!? I don't know, but that's a lot of followers! I rather doubt this rate of increase will continue!
My next blog is going to be about the last section of Galatians Two: "What are You Talking About Paul?"
Sunday, January 8, 2012
It's Evaluation Time!
Happy January 8, 2012! We're one week into 2012, and it's time to evaluate how I did this past week on my 2012 goals. To add some interest into the evaluation, let's use baseball! After all, I read on Facebook this week that Spring Training was only six weeks away!!
Picture this in your mind: the pitcher, aptly named 2012, toes the rubber on the pitching mound. At the plate stands our favorite player, Yours Truly, waiting for that first pitch.
2012 begins his wind-up and delivers the pitch. It's a Financial Goal fastball, and Yours Truly swings and misses. She wasn't even close!!! "STRIKE ONE!" yells the umpire.
Yours Truly steps out of the batter's box, adjusts her batting gloves, practices a few swings, and climbs back into the box. 2012 glares in at her and readies himself to pitch. He delivers the Spiritual Goals screwball toward home plate. CRACK! Yours Truly's bat connects soundly with the ball, and it sails over the left field fence! The crowd cheers as Yours Truly trots around the bases. The game is off to a great start!
The next time Yours Truly comes up to bat, 2012 walks her on four straight Personal Goal pitches. Maybe he's nervous that she might hit another home run.
If you were successful in figuring out my baseball analogy, you know that I struck out on my financial budget goal for the week. I'm not really upset about missing this goal this week because I had 2 unusual, large purchases this week. I purchased an infant car seat (on clearance) as a shower gift for my daughter, and I purchased a winter coat and a raincoat for me (both on clearance). All of these items were on my "needs" list. PLUS, I purchased a birthday gift for my granddaughter and another shower gift. Without the two major purchases, I would have hit a home run on that pitch -- coming in under my budget!
Home Run on the Spiritual Goal!!! It's been EXTREMELY good to be back into the Word on a consistent basis. And, I'm excited to start reading, absorbing, pondering Galatians 2 this new week.
And the 4-pitch Base on Balls was four (count them -- four!!!) blogs written! I feel that the progress on my personal goals is coming along swimmingly. This coming Friday, I begin my next college course. The only dread about the course is the starting time. It's begins at 8:00 AM!!! I don't have to be at work until 8:30 a.m. -- in case you didn't know, that's a HALF HOUR early!! I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON!!! A half hour is a MAJOR adjustment. I'm praying for NO snow on Tuesday and Friday mornings!!!! I barely make it to work by 8:30 (8:31, 32, 33, etc.) with dry roads. I certainly don't want to be hampered by snowy roads!
Now that the baseball game is over, let's talk about my granddaughter, Jenny! She is one of my favorite topics.
Growing up, I never understood the bumper stickers, "Ask Me About my Grandchild" and "If I'd known Grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first." I loved my grandparents, and I knew that they loved me. But, they didn't seem emotionally overwhelmed by their grandchildren.
So, when Jenny came along, I had NO clue what emotional upheaval in my life would occur. I now believe in "love at first sight." I literally fell in love with her! How could this little babe knit herself instantly so tightly to my heart? I hadn't carried this baby inside me for nine months. I had just watched my daughter's body change. I hadn't experienced her growth. I hadn't felt her kick me or push on my bladder. I hadn't had nine months to bond with her like I had with my own children. Yet, when Jenny arrived in the world, and I held her for the first time, I was smitten!!!
It's now five years later since I met my granddaughter. She continues to have the same affect on me! I get VERY excited when a visit with Jenny is upcoming. I LOVE to watch her development. Each time I am with her, I look to see what's different -- is she taller? has her vocabulary increased? has she done something different to her bedroom? what new skills has she learned?
My husband and I have four grandchildren (with one more on her way, arriving in March!!). After Jenny, I knew what to expect on meeting each of them. I knew that they would knit with my heart instantly and that I would be enthralled with each of them.
My children now complain that we don't arrange our schedules to come to visit them -- we are only interested in seeing the grandchildren. I tell them that's not entirely true -- I like hanging with them as well. But, it is definitely the grandchildren (who physically change so much quicker than adult children) that often cause me to schedule a visit!
Well, my husband spilled the beans at Jenny's birthday day party yesterday, and my family now knows that I have a blog. And, consequently, I now have my first follower! ("Hi, Ashley!") So, no longer am I anonymous. I have a reader....I'm not sure how I feel about this fact. I guess I don't mind too much. I guess I'd already reconciled in my mind that if I started a blog, it was inevitable that someone would hear about the blog and start following.
And speaking of the blog, not sure what my next posting's subject will be. You'll have to stay tuned to find out....I know, aren't cliffhangers the worst??? By the way, who shot J.R.?
Picture this in your mind: the pitcher, aptly named 2012, toes the rubber on the pitching mound. At the plate stands our favorite player, Yours Truly, waiting for that first pitch.
2012 begins his wind-up and delivers the pitch. It's a Financial Goal fastball, and Yours Truly swings and misses. She wasn't even close!!! "STRIKE ONE!" yells the umpire.
Yours Truly steps out of the batter's box, adjusts her batting gloves, practices a few swings, and climbs back into the box. 2012 glares in at her and readies himself to pitch. He delivers the Spiritual Goals screwball toward home plate. CRACK! Yours Truly's bat connects soundly with the ball, and it sails over the left field fence! The crowd cheers as Yours Truly trots around the bases. The game is off to a great start!
The next time Yours Truly comes up to bat, 2012 walks her on four straight Personal Goal pitches. Maybe he's nervous that she might hit another home run.
If you were successful in figuring out my baseball analogy, you know that I struck out on my financial budget goal for the week. I'm not really upset about missing this goal this week because I had 2 unusual, large purchases this week. I purchased an infant car seat (on clearance) as a shower gift for my daughter, and I purchased a winter coat and a raincoat for me (both on clearance). All of these items were on my "needs" list. PLUS, I purchased a birthday gift for my granddaughter and another shower gift. Without the two major purchases, I would have hit a home run on that pitch -- coming in under my budget!
Home Run on the Spiritual Goal!!! It's been EXTREMELY good to be back into the Word on a consistent basis. And, I'm excited to start reading, absorbing, pondering Galatians 2 this new week.
And the 4-pitch Base on Balls was four (count them -- four!!!) blogs written! I feel that the progress on my personal goals is coming along swimmingly. This coming Friday, I begin my next college course. The only dread about the course is the starting time. It's begins at 8:00 AM!!! I don't have to be at work until 8:30 a.m. -- in case you didn't know, that's a HALF HOUR early!! I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON!!! A half hour is a MAJOR adjustment. I'm praying for NO snow on Tuesday and Friday mornings!!!! I barely make it to work by 8:30 (8:31, 32, 33, etc.) with dry roads. I certainly don't want to be hampered by snowy roads!
Now that the baseball game is over, let's talk about my granddaughter, Jenny! She is one of my favorite topics.
Growing up, I never understood the bumper stickers, "Ask Me About my Grandchild" and "If I'd known Grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first." I loved my grandparents, and I knew that they loved me. But, they didn't seem emotionally overwhelmed by their grandchildren.
So, when Jenny came along, I had NO clue what emotional upheaval in my life would occur. I now believe in "love at first sight." I literally fell in love with her! How could this little babe knit herself instantly so tightly to my heart? I hadn't carried this baby inside me for nine months. I had just watched my daughter's body change. I hadn't experienced her growth. I hadn't felt her kick me or push on my bladder. I hadn't had nine months to bond with her like I had with my own children. Yet, when Jenny arrived in the world, and I held her for the first time, I was smitten!!!
It's now five years later since I met my granddaughter. She continues to have the same affect on me! I get VERY excited when a visit with Jenny is upcoming. I LOVE to watch her development. Each time I am with her, I look to see what's different -- is she taller? has her vocabulary increased? has she done something different to her bedroom? what new skills has she learned?
My husband and I have four grandchildren (with one more on her way, arriving in March!!). After Jenny, I knew what to expect on meeting each of them. I knew that they would knit with my heart instantly and that I would be enthralled with each of them.
My children now complain that we don't arrange our schedules to come to visit them -- we are only interested in seeing the grandchildren. I tell them that's not entirely true -- I like hanging with them as well. But, it is definitely the grandchildren (who physically change so much quicker than adult children) that often cause me to schedule a visit!
Well, my husband spilled the beans at Jenny's birthday day party yesterday, and my family now knows that I have a blog. And, consequently, I now have my first follower! ("Hi, Ashley!") So, no longer am I anonymous. I have a reader....I'm not sure how I feel about this fact. I guess I don't mind too much. I guess I'd already reconciled in my mind that if I started a blog, it was inevitable that someone would hear about the blog and start following.
And speaking of the blog, not sure what my next posting's subject will be. You'll have to stay tuned to find out....I know, aren't cliffhangers the worst??? By the way, who shot J.R.?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Paul's Bible School
Following the announcement of the retirement of our church's Senior Pastor, I was honored and humbled to be asked by our Deacon Board to serve on the Search Committee. One of the first tasks the Committee needed to do was to create a profile of our next Pastor. What education, experience, strengths, etc. should this man possess?
I remember discussing our requirements for his education. Did we require a Bachelor's Degree? a Master's Degree? Must the candidate have graduated from a Christian Bible College? Did we require a degree in Pastoral Studies? What about Seminary?
In our society, it seems that requirement #1 for men and women who want to go into Christian ministry is to be a college graduate from a Christian College or University. We expect our men and women to learn how to do ministry from professors at these institutions. Hopefully, these institutions are capable of instilling knowledge and providing ministry opportunities to allow the students hands-on experience so that when graduation comes, a new crop of effective ministers are ready to serve.
The apostle Paul made a point in Galatians 1:11-12 to say that he did NOT go to Bible School. "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."
No Bible School for Paul and no need of Bible commentaries -- he had first-hand training directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. In his life of Judaism, he had lots of formal teaching on the Old Testament. But, Paul was living in the Church Age. The Old Testament was completed -- the New Testament was just beginning. Like the other apostles, Christ personally trained Paul.
I wonder how different Paul's training was in comparison to the training of the 12 disciples. When Christ was training Paul, His work of salvation had been completed. No more anguish at the thought of the cross with its terrible burden and shame. No more physical limitations such as fatigue and hunger for Christ. Was there more joy displayed by the Lord during Paul's training because his work was completed?
Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that "Jesus...who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame." Christ's work was completed -- He had entered back into His rightful place as God the Son with the Godly attributes taken up again that He had set aside to take on human form (Phil. 2:6-11).
Did the timing of Paul's training -- after the work of salvation was completed and the elimination of physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles -- have any correlation on the amount of the New Testament written by Paul in comparison to the other apostles?
Paul doesn't specify in this passage or other passages when his training took place. I wonder if the visions that Paul experienced were the times of training from the Lord. In II Corinthians 12, he writes about his "visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven....He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." Acts 9:12 says of Saul (while blind from his conversion experience), "In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
I've always wondered if Paul's training occurred while he was in Arabia (Gal. 1:17) which is where he went immediately after his calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Paul wrote in Gal. 1:18 that three years had passed after his conversion before he went to Jerusalem. Christ's training to the 12 disciples lasted 3+ years. Could Paul's training have also lasted 3 years?
I've enjoyed thinking and wondering about Paul's training. Lots of things we don't know. One thing that it is safe to say, Paul had an unique, first-hand training experience with the Lord. I'm sure that it contributed greatly to the impact of his ministry to the church of Jesus Christ in his lifetime as well as every generation of Christians since.
In my next blog, I'll give you an update on progress of financial goals and share some thoughts about my granddaughter, Jenny, who turned 5 on Wednesday.
Until then, thanks for reading....
I remember discussing our requirements for his education. Did we require a Bachelor's Degree? a Master's Degree? Must the candidate have graduated from a Christian Bible College? Did we require a degree in Pastoral Studies? What about Seminary?
In our society, it seems that requirement #1 for men and women who want to go into Christian ministry is to be a college graduate from a Christian College or University. We expect our men and women to learn how to do ministry from professors at these institutions. Hopefully, these institutions are capable of instilling knowledge and providing ministry opportunities to allow the students hands-on experience so that when graduation comes, a new crop of effective ministers are ready to serve.
The apostle Paul made a point in Galatians 1:11-12 to say that he did NOT go to Bible School. "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."
No Bible School for Paul and no need of Bible commentaries -- he had first-hand training directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. In his life of Judaism, he had lots of formal teaching on the Old Testament. But, Paul was living in the Church Age. The Old Testament was completed -- the New Testament was just beginning. Like the other apostles, Christ personally trained Paul.
I wonder how different Paul's training was in comparison to the training of the 12 disciples. When Christ was training Paul, His work of salvation had been completed. No more anguish at the thought of the cross with its terrible burden and shame. No more physical limitations such as fatigue and hunger for Christ. Was there more joy displayed by the Lord during Paul's training because his work was completed?
Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that "Jesus...who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame." Christ's work was completed -- He had entered back into His rightful place as God the Son with the Godly attributes taken up again that He had set aside to take on human form (Phil. 2:6-11).
Did the timing of Paul's training -- after the work of salvation was completed and the elimination of physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles -- have any correlation on the amount of the New Testament written by Paul in comparison to the other apostles?
Paul doesn't specify in this passage or other passages when his training took place. I wonder if the visions that Paul experienced were the times of training from the Lord. In II Corinthians 12, he writes about his "visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven....He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." Acts 9:12 says of Saul (while blind from his conversion experience), "In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
I've always wondered if Paul's training occurred while he was in Arabia (Gal. 1:17) which is where he went immediately after his calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Paul wrote in Gal. 1:18 that three years had passed after his conversion before he went to Jerusalem. Christ's training to the 12 disciples lasted 3+ years. Could Paul's training have also lasted 3 years?
I've enjoyed thinking and wondering about Paul's training. Lots of things we don't know. One thing that it is safe to say, Paul had an unique, first-hand training experience with the Lord. I'm sure that it contributed greatly to the impact of his ministry to the church of Jesus Christ in his lifetime as well as every generation of Christians since.
In my next blog, I'll give you an update on progress of financial goals and share some thoughts about my granddaughter, Jenny, who turned 5 on Wednesday.
Until then, thanks for reading....
Thursday, January 5, 2012
How can God allow us to resist Him?
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 1:6, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ..."
I thought about the word, "deserting." Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia -- these are believers in Christ. How could true believers in Christ "desert" God? Then, I thought about my life. I say I am a true believer and that I have been saved by faith. Yet, there are MILLIONS of examples from my life when I "desert" God and disobey Him. Instead of acting as I say I believe, I act as an Unbeliever.
Then, I thought about the omnipotent God who saved me and who is in control of everything. How can this omnipotent God allow me to desert or resist Him? He has the power to do anything that pleases Him. If my obedience pleases Him, why wouldn't He cause me to ALWAYS obey? Why would He allow resistance and disobedience? I think this question is akin to the age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
I thought about the verses of promise in the Bible, such as Romans 8:28 ("all things work together for good...") and Phil 1:6 ("He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion...), that tell of God's working in our lives. And, I wonder how my resistance of Him could be incorporated into the "working together for good."
At some point, for Him to accomplish what He has promised, wouldn't there have to be a time in my life of non-resistance to Him? For me to stop resisting Him, does God change my heart without my intervention? If so, why allow me to resist in the first place? He is God -- He can make me do whatever He wants -- whether I like it or not. Conversely, if God and I are in a "partnership" to change my heart, how does that align with Phil 1:6 when it says, that "He" is in charge of working in me?
These are the types of things that make my mind go "Tilt" (in the words of my long-time Pastor, Brian Spencer). Since I can't figure them out, I go back to the things I know to be true:
1. His thoughts and ways are SO MUCH HIGHER than mine.
2. As God lectured Job and Jeremiah, how can the clay/creature question the ways of the potter/creator?
3. And finally, Heb 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
By faith, I believe God. I don't have to figure this out -- but I do need to trust Him.
Reading over this post, I wonder if any of my musings make any sense to anyone who stumbles across this blog. Can you follow my thought patterns/attempt at logic? I'm not sure....if not, I apologize to you for not making myself clear. But, that also goes well with my topic -- it's about as clear as mud to me.
This week of reading, absorbing, mediating, etc. on Galatians 1 has been REALLY good! I've got notes of ideas for five more blogs. However, I'm not planning to write five more blogs this week. Probably just one more blog from my thoughts on Galatians 1:12, "Paul's Bible School".
I thought about the word, "deserting." Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia -- these are believers in Christ. How could true believers in Christ "desert" God? Then, I thought about my life. I say I am a true believer and that I have been saved by faith. Yet, there are MILLIONS of examples from my life when I "desert" God and disobey Him. Instead of acting as I say I believe, I act as an Unbeliever.
Then, I thought about the omnipotent God who saved me and who is in control of everything. How can this omnipotent God allow me to desert or resist Him? He has the power to do anything that pleases Him. If my obedience pleases Him, why wouldn't He cause me to ALWAYS obey? Why would He allow resistance and disobedience? I think this question is akin to the age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
I thought about the verses of promise in the Bible, such as Romans 8:28 ("all things work together for good...") and Phil 1:6 ("He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion...), that tell of God's working in our lives. And, I wonder how my resistance of Him could be incorporated into the "working together for good."
At some point, for Him to accomplish what He has promised, wouldn't there have to be a time in my life of non-resistance to Him? For me to stop resisting Him, does God change my heart without my intervention? If so, why allow me to resist in the first place? He is God -- He can make me do whatever He wants -- whether I like it or not. Conversely, if God and I are in a "partnership" to change my heart, how does that align with Phil 1:6 when it says, that "He" is in charge of working in me?
These are the types of things that make my mind go "Tilt" (in the words of my long-time Pastor, Brian Spencer). Since I can't figure them out, I go back to the things I know to be true:
1. His thoughts and ways are SO MUCH HIGHER than mine.
2. As God lectured Job and Jeremiah, how can the clay/creature question the ways of the potter/creator?
3. And finally, Heb 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
By faith, I believe God. I don't have to figure this out -- but I do need to trust Him.
Reading over this post, I wonder if any of my musings make any sense to anyone who stumbles across this blog. Can you follow my thought patterns/attempt at logic? I'm not sure....if not, I apologize to you for not making myself clear. But, that also goes well with my topic -- it's about as clear as mud to me.
This week of reading, absorbing, mediating, etc. on Galatians 1 has been REALLY good! I've got notes of ideas for five more blogs. However, I'm not planning to write five more blogs this week. Probably just one more blog from my thoughts on Galatians 1:12, "Paul's Bible School".
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Why This Blog....
My husband caught me yesterday writing my first post on my blog....I hadn't told him that I was going to begin blogging. He was surprised and sounded disdainful when he asked me about it.
I hadn't told him about starting a blog because writing to the world is risky for me and I'm extremely hesitant for anyone to know that I'm writing a blog. I don't usually take ANY risks -- I live in the comfortable. I'm not sure what responses I would receive if I told anyone that I have started blogging. I'm afraid that others would have a similar reaction as my husband.
So, why begin a blog? Several reasons...the first is peer pressure from my kids. I know....peers are usually people your own age, or at least, your own generation. All three of my kids have blogged over the past several years, and the blogs have given me insight to their thoughts, feelings, decisions, etc. in a way that I wouldn't have had access to otherwise. None of them live close to us so hanging out routinely with each of them over a pop or cup of tea to chat isn't possible. The blogs have often given me a glimpse into what is going on in their lives on a day-to-day basis.
I like to think that I can stay up with my kids on a technology level -- I like technology a LOT!!! But, I'm been limited in my efforts to "keep up with the Jones'" -- or in this case, the Eubank's/Pichea's/Allen's -- due to the old, dilapidated computer that I was using at home. Being a cheapskate, I was never ready to fork over the money to upgrade to a new computer -- I could always think of higher priorities on which to spend that money. However, during the last few months of using the old computer, it finally dawned on me that I was actually costing myself time, much frustration, and even money (electricity usage) by trying to navigate the internet on the old computer. So, I finally made the decision that I was ready to upgrade. And, I thought Christmas was an appropriate time. So, on Cyber Monday, I shopped online (on my husband's much quicker work laptop!) and found a good deal on a Dell PC. When my husband came home from work that evening, I showed him the deal and told him I wanted to purchase it as my Christmas gift from him. He was agreeable so....I have a new computer!!! Speed on the internet is NO LONGER AN ISSUE!!! Hallelujah!!! Now, I can keep up with the kids and stay technologically advanced! (I do have some catching up to do....apparently PINTEREST is a "must" for cyber users. I need to check it out!) Anyway, one of the ways to "keep up with the Jones'" is for me to blog.
Reason number two is the accountability that the blog will afford me. Since I don't take risks, I have NEVER wanted to open myself up to others and have an accountability partner. I have "head knowledge" that accountability partners are good things, especially in challenging each other in their spiritual growth. I have "head knowledge" that I do better with accountability. I work hard to get "A's" in my college classes. Knowing that I'm being graded on my work challenges me to do my best. I have "head knowledge" that accountability will help me achieve my 2012 goals. So, I'm using this blog (as secret as it may turn out to be) to be an accountability tool in my life. I am going to report to the world my progress on my goals...the blog will help keep me accountable.
Reason number three is competition. No, I haven't entered into any formal blogging competition. This is an informal competition with my kids. And, no, they don't know about the competition at all (unless they stumble onto this blog!)! All three of my kids are EXCELLENT writers. Quite frankly, I was surprised at the quality of the writing they produced on their blogs. Grammatically, it was top notch. In readability, it was excellent. Creatively, it was quality stuff. As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm working on my Bachelor's degree. My major is Writing. My informal competition is to see if I can excel in blogging as well as (or even better than) my kids. Is this a lame reason for a blog? Sure....but Reason Number Two outweighs this reason "in spades!"
Reason number four is my Writing degree. If I think I might ever be a writer, I need to write. A musician needs to practice his/her music. A doctor needs to have a residency. A race car driver needs to learn the track during his/her practice laps. So, it follows that a writer needs to write. And so, by committing to at least weekly updates on this blog (we'll see how that goes), I will be practicing my writing.
Four reasons for the blog -- some good and uplifting....some just lame. But, all combined together, caused me to take the risk in beginning a blog.
That's all for today....next blog is from my initial thinking on Galatians 1, "How can God allow us to resist Him?"
I hadn't told him about starting a blog because writing to the world is risky for me and I'm extremely hesitant for anyone to know that I'm writing a blog. I don't usually take ANY risks -- I live in the comfortable. I'm not sure what responses I would receive if I told anyone that I have started blogging. I'm afraid that others would have a similar reaction as my husband.
So, why begin a blog? Several reasons...the first is peer pressure from my kids. I know....peers are usually people your own age, or at least, your own generation. All three of my kids have blogged over the past several years, and the blogs have given me insight to their thoughts, feelings, decisions, etc. in a way that I wouldn't have had access to otherwise. None of them live close to us so hanging out routinely with each of them over a pop or cup of tea to chat isn't possible. The blogs have often given me a glimpse into what is going on in their lives on a day-to-day basis.
I like to think that I can stay up with my kids on a technology level -- I like technology a LOT!!! But, I'm been limited in my efforts to "keep up with the Jones'" -- or in this case, the Eubank's/Pichea's/Allen's -- due to the old, dilapidated computer that I was using at home. Being a cheapskate, I was never ready to fork over the money to upgrade to a new computer -- I could always think of higher priorities on which to spend that money. However, during the last few months of using the old computer, it finally dawned on me that I was actually costing myself time, much frustration, and even money (electricity usage) by trying to navigate the internet on the old computer. So, I finally made the decision that I was ready to upgrade. And, I thought Christmas was an appropriate time. So, on Cyber Monday, I shopped online (on my husband's much quicker work laptop!) and found a good deal on a Dell PC. When my husband came home from work that evening, I showed him the deal and told him I wanted to purchase it as my Christmas gift from him. He was agreeable so....I have a new computer!!! Speed on the internet is NO LONGER AN ISSUE!!! Hallelujah!!! Now, I can keep up with the kids and stay technologically advanced! (I do have some catching up to do....apparently PINTEREST is a "must" for cyber users. I need to check it out!) Anyway, one of the ways to "keep up with the Jones'" is for me to blog.
Reason number two is the accountability that the blog will afford me. Since I don't take risks, I have NEVER wanted to open myself up to others and have an accountability partner. I have "head knowledge" that accountability partners are good things, especially in challenging each other in their spiritual growth. I have "head knowledge" that I do better with accountability. I work hard to get "A's" in my college classes. Knowing that I'm being graded on my work challenges me to do my best. I have "head knowledge" that accountability will help me achieve my 2012 goals. So, I'm using this blog (as secret as it may turn out to be) to be an accountability tool in my life. I am going to report to the world my progress on my goals...the blog will help keep me accountable.
Reason number three is competition. No, I haven't entered into any formal blogging competition. This is an informal competition with my kids. And, no, they don't know about the competition at all (unless they stumble onto this blog!)! All three of my kids are EXCELLENT writers. Quite frankly, I was surprised at the quality of the writing they produced on their blogs. Grammatically, it was top notch. In readability, it was excellent. Creatively, it was quality stuff. As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm working on my Bachelor's degree. My major is Writing. My informal competition is to see if I can excel in blogging as well as (or even better than) my kids. Is this a lame reason for a blog? Sure....but Reason Number Two outweighs this reason "in spades!"
Reason number four is my Writing degree. If I think I might ever be a writer, I need to write. A musician needs to practice his/her music. A doctor needs to have a residency. A race car driver needs to learn the track during his/her practice laps. So, it follows that a writer needs to write. And so, by committing to at least weekly updates on this blog (we'll see how that goes), I will be practicing my writing.
Four reasons for the blog -- some good and uplifting....some just lame. But, all combined together, caused me to take the risk in beginning a blog.
That's all for today....next blog is from my initial thinking on Galatians 1, "How can God allow us to resist Him?"
Monday, January 2, 2012
Goals for 2012
Do you ever feel peer pressure to conform to society's expectations? I'm feeling the pressure...Here it is -- January 2nd of the year of our Lord 2012, and I haven't decided on my New Year's resolutions. Actually, I'm not planning on making "resolutions", but I do want to cement my goals for 2012.
When I worked at Interactive Learning Systems (aka ILS) years ago, one of my responsibilities was to collate literally hundreds of pages in hundreds of notebooks on Career Development. As I collated the material, I read the material. What I remember the clearest is that if you write your goals down, you will be much more successful in achieving them.
If I'm going to make goals for 2012, why wouldn't I want to achieve them? So....this blog has begun (more on why a blog later) with my goals for 2012.
Goal #1: Finances -- last year while working with our budget, I began a process of keeping a weekly budget of our "discretionary" spending on our kitchen white board. Having the weekly total in front of us daily helped me control some of the impulse purchases. A few weeks ago, I reviewed the weeks of 2011. Unfortunately, we didn't achieve keeping under our weekly budget as often as I would have liked. Going into this project, I knew that purchasing supplies for a wedding in 2011 would definitely impact the weekly budgets. Most of the weeks that we didn't achieve our weekly goal, we were less than $100 over the budget, but continually being over the budget, as you may realize, isn't a good idea. So, we are going to work on this goal again. To aid our efforts in achieving this goal, I'm going to display on the wall in our study each week's budget that we were successful in staying within the budget. In addition, any money leftover is going to go toward debt reduction!! And, I'm going to keep a running total on this blog of how we are doing.
Goal #2: Spiritual -- consistency of spending time with my Saviour has always been a struggle for me (a similar story of most Christians). Part of my personal struggle is that "devotional" books, such as "Our Daily Bread," are not sufficient for me. They just don't challenge me nor cause me to mediate on the Word. So, I need to use other tools. I've used different tools over the years: "Reading Through the Bible in a Year", study books, journals, etc. Some work well...some don't work for me at all...some work for a time and then I need a new challenge. Bottom Line -- I need a new plan!!! So, as I sit here and contemplate what I should do for my Bible reading and how I can incorporate it in this blog, I reflect back on what tools I've used in the past that were most effective to my spiritual growth. I'm going to begin the new year reading Paul's epistles -- one chapter each week and then I'll reflect on this blog my thoughts, the impact of the Word, what I learned, what I struggled with, etc.
Goal #3: Personal -- in 2011, I got back on track with my personal goal of obtaining my bachelor's degree. I've decided firmly on a major (no more oscillating back & forth) and took three courses toward achieving this goal. In 2012, I'm going to continue taking courses toward this goal. I'm taking a beginning Journalism class & I've already purchased my books (so there's no going back!). Don't want to waste my money...rather Discover bonus money!!! I have some other personal goals, but I'm not ready to share them on this blog....I'm not ready to be that transparent with the world. (A girl's got to have some secrets, right?) And, I'm not going to write them down either....so much for the Career Development advice of writing down goals!
That's it for today....my next blog material will be on WHY a blog at all!
Happy New Year to any of you who stumble onto this blog!
When I worked at Interactive Learning Systems (aka ILS) years ago, one of my responsibilities was to collate literally hundreds of pages in hundreds of notebooks on Career Development. As I collated the material, I read the material. What I remember the clearest is that if you write your goals down, you will be much more successful in achieving them.
If I'm going to make goals for 2012, why wouldn't I want to achieve them? So....this blog has begun (more on why a blog later) with my goals for 2012.
Goal #1: Finances -- last year while working with our budget, I began a process of keeping a weekly budget of our "discretionary" spending on our kitchen white board. Having the weekly total in front of us daily helped me control some of the impulse purchases. A few weeks ago, I reviewed the weeks of 2011. Unfortunately, we didn't achieve keeping under our weekly budget as often as I would have liked. Going into this project, I knew that purchasing supplies for a wedding in 2011 would definitely impact the weekly budgets. Most of the weeks that we didn't achieve our weekly goal, we were less than $100 over the budget, but continually being over the budget, as you may realize, isn't a good idea. So, we are going to work on this goal again. To aid our efforts in achieving this goal, I'm going to display on the wall in our study each week's budget that we were successful in staying within the budget. In addition, any money leftover is going to go toward debt reduction!! And, I'm going to keep a running total on this blog of how we are doing.
Goal #2: Spiritual -- consistency of spending time with my Saviour has always been a struggle for me (a similar story of most Christians). Part of my personal struggle is that "devotional" books, such as "Our Daily Bread," are not sufficient for me. They just don't challenge me nor cause me to mediate on the Word. So, I need to use other tools. I've used different tools over the years: "Reading Through the Bible in a Year", study books, journals, etc. Some work well...some don't work for me at all...some work for a time and then I need a new challenge. Bottom Line -- I need a new plan!!! So, as I sit here and contemplate what I should do for my Bible reading and how I can incorporate it in this blog, I reflect back on what tools I've used in the past that were most effective to my spiritual growth. I'm going to begin the new year reading Paul's epistles -- one chapter each week and then I'll reflect on this blog my thoughts, the impact of the Word, what I learned, what I struggled with, etc.
Goal #3: Personal -- in 2011, I got back on track with my personal goal of obtaining my bachelor's degree. I've decided firmly on a major (no more oscillating back & forth) and took three courses toward achieving this goal. In 2012, I'm going to continue taking courses toward this goal. I'm taking a beginning Journalism class & I've already purchased my books (so there's no going back!). Don't want to waste my money...rather Discover bonus money!!! I have some other personal goals, but I'm not ready to share them on this blog....I'm not ready to be that transparent with the world. (A girl's got to have some secrets, right?) And, I'm not going to write them down either....so much for the Career Development advice of writing down goals!
That's it for today....my next blog material will be on WHY a blog at all!
Happy New Year to any of you who stumble onto this blog!
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