I'm glad that February is coming to a close! This whole month of February has been focused on helping students and families file their FAFSA. I'm exhausted from the FAFSA! I've volunteered at College Goal Sunday. I helped at Portland High School's FAFSA workshop. I helped the Admissions department on President's Day with 3 FAFSA Workshops in one morning. Along with my co-worker, Sarah, we hosted 4 different FAFSA Workshops on campus. And, of course, multiple appointments of students and families meeting with me one-on-one to file their FAFSA. And tons of phone calls answering FAFSA questions.
I think my exhaustion comes more from the extra talking than it does the extra hours I've worked. I was not blessed with the "gift of gab." I don't fit the stereotype of a woman who can't shut up. In every marriage seminar/class that I've ever attended, the speaker cites the statistic that on average, a woman speaks 20,000 words a day while a man only speaks 13,000. I've never actually counted my words, but I'm guessing that my capacity is closer to the man's average of 13,000. I can tell when I've had a lot of appointments during a workday. By the end of the day, I realize that I'm exhausted from talking. I often comment, "I've talked way too much today!"
I remember as a Junior in High School that our Guidance Counselor gave us a career aptitude test. I found out that my perfect job was to be in a room by myself all day -- not needing to interact with others. So what do I do for a living? I'm a financial aid officer who interacts daily with my coworkers, students, parents, and other employees.
On the days of helping file FAFSAs, I'm constantly interacting with dozens of people in a fairly intense environment. At times, I'm going right from one family to another to another as they ask questions and seek my expertise. Being in this type of situation for six events has worn me down. (The only relaxed event was at Portland High School.) I'm so ready for a day of quiet at work-- no phones, no appointments, no walk-ins, no talking -- just being able to focus on the paperwork on my desk!!
My perfect job has changed over the years. I do enjoy interacting with others. I would go stir crazy in a room by myself ALL the time. In fact, some of my favorite workdays are the days in which I've interacted with our students and their families. I love the days that the mom cries tears of joy because we've found a way for her son or daughter to financially afford to attend Olivet College. I'm a hero to them just by doing my job -- finding financial aid solutions for their student.
My job is very cyclical. I know that in a few days, the office will get quiet again. The mad dash to file the FAFSA by March 1st will be over. My exhaustion will be cured -- the days will be better. And, as a bonus, Spring Break is just a little over a week away -- five glorious days out of the office!
Next Post: Sitting Down in Heaven?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
God's Work / Our Work
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God's Work -- We are the product of God's work. "We are God's workmanship." When you think of an artist or a craftsman, you evaluate the art that they produce. The higher the quality of the piece produced, the more skilled the artist or craftsman is. Our salvation was God's work. It was produced flawlessly through the death of Jesus Christ. He has proclaimed us justified and righteous in Christ.
Yet, as we look as our lives, we recognize that we are not perfect and definitely not holy. We are in the process of being sanctified. God is often referred to in the Scriptures as the Potter. He is the Potter; we are the clay (Jeremiah 18). God continues His work in our lives to change us more and more in the image of His Son. (II Cor. 3:18) "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6)
The same God who spoke the world into existence takes His time in working on our lives. He has the power to "speak us" into perfection, but He chooses to mold us slowly day by day and hour by hour. Why?
Our Work -- According to Ephesians 2: 10, we are to "do good works". And, we don't choose which good works to do -- God has already chosen them for us.
So, are the good works we are supposed to do? Micah 6:8 answers this question, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
How do we accomplish our tasks? The Scripture tells us in II Corinthians 5:9 what the Apostle's Paul's goal was in his ministry, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." In Phil. 3:13-14, Paul shares how he works: "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Jesus instructed us in Matt. 5:16 to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Our obedience in doing the work that God has given us brings honor and glory to Him.
I John 1 talks about walking the light. Romans 1:17 & Hab. 2:4 say, "The righteous will live by faith." Jesus boiled the commandments down into two phrases: "Love God" and "Love people."
So, let's evaluate how the work is going? Do I see progress in being changed into the image of Jesus? Am I becoming more like Him? When people look at my life, do they praise God? Am I pleasing God by obeying Him? It's safe to say that God's work in my life is not complete!
Next post: FAFSA Focus!
God's Work -- We are the product of God's work. "We are God's workmanship." When you think of an artist or a craftsman, you evaluate the art that they produce. The higher the quality of the piece produced, the more skilled the artist or craftsman is. Our salvation was God's work. It was produced flawlessly through the death of Jesus Christ. He has proclaimed us justified and righteous in Christ.
Yet, as we look as our lives, we recognize that we are not perfect and definitely not holy. We are in the process of being sanctified. God is often referred to in the Scriptures as the Potter. He is the Potter; we are the clay (Jeremiah 18). God continues His work in our lives to change us more and more in the image of His Son. (II Cor. 3:18) "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6)
The same God who spoke the world into existence takes His time in working on our lives. He has the power to "speak us" into perfection, but He chooses to mold us slowly day by day and hour by hour. Why?
Our Work -- According to Ephesians 2: 10, we are to "do good works". And, we don't choose which good works to do -- God has already chosen them for us.
So, are the good works we are supposed to do? Micah 6:8 answers this question, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
How do we accomplish our tasks? The Scripture tells us in II Corinthians 5:9 what the Apostle's Paul's goal was in his ministry, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." In Phil. 3:13-14, Paul shares how he works: "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Jesus instructed us in Matt. 5:16 to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Our obedience in doing the work that God has given us brings honor and glory to Him.
I John 1 talks about walking the light. Romans 1:17 & Hab. 2:4 say, "The righteous will live by faith." Jesus boiled the commandments down into two phrases: "Love God" and "Love people."
So, let's evaluate how the work is going? Do I see progress in being changed into the image of Jesus? Am I becoming more like Him? When people look at my life, do they praise God? Am I pleasing God by obeying Him? It's safe to say that God's work in my life is not complete!
Next post: FAFSA Focus!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday already?
Another week has flown by....the calendar says that February is almost over! Wow! Time for a recap on the previous week and how I did in working on my 2012 goals:
1. Finances - I'm totally geeked this week! Lots of things to celebrate!!! We had $2 to spare on our budget for the week!! I calculated our State of Michigan tax liability for 2011 and found out that we only owe the State of Michigan $29. The reason we owe them any money is from the "Use Tax" -- purchases that we made via the Internet that didn't collect Michigan sales tax. On Thursday this week, we will pay off a credit card balance in full!!! Over $1000 in credit card debt reduction!! YEAH!!!
March is a multiple-birthdays month for our family. It will be a challenge to purchase birthday gifts and continue to stay within our discretionary budgets. Plus I plan to do some traveling in March. Grandbaby #5 is scheduled to arrive so I'll be taking a trip to Chicago to introduce her to Grandma Eubank. Can we minimize our weekly discretionary expenses, such as gas and groceries, so that these extra expenditures will not cause us to go over our budget? That is the challenge facing us!!!
2. Spiritual -- Ephesians 1 is complete. It's fun to think about how amazing God is and to reflect on His grace to me. I'm looking forward to another week of study in Ephesians as I work on Chapter 2. I didn't work on my memory verses at all last week. Here we are in the tail end of February, and I still need to learn the verses. Apparently, having them at the top edge of my computer monitor is not good enough to remind me to learn them. I'm going to have to move them to the middle of my screen so that I can't ignore them! Three days to go -- thank heavens for Leap Year in 2012! Otherwise, it'd be just two days to go!!!
3. Personal -- My writing is officially published! Both of the news stories that I have written as assignments for my Basic Reporting college course were published in last Friday's edition of the college's newspaper, The Echo. Unfortunately, the headline that the copy editor wrote for both articles was poorly done. On one headline, there was a misspelled word. On the other headline, the content of the headline was not addressed in the article at all!!! Speaking of writing, three more posts were added to the blog this week.
I've been questioning this week the value of continuing to pursue my bachelor's degree. At the rate I'm going, it will be several more years before I finish the degree. Should I bother continuing? What's the point? I'm 50 years old -- do I really think that I will change careers in my mid- to late-50's? Then, this morning, a friend asked me if I was done taking classes. I told her I still had years to go, and jokingly told her I was trying to be Olivet's oldest graduate. She laughed and then commented positively that it was a good goal. That was encouraging to me -- thanks, Lord, for her affirmation and encouragement.
1. Finances - I'm totally geeked this week! Lots of things to celebrate!!! We had $2 to spare on our budget for the week!! I calculated our State of Michigan tax liability for 2011 and found out that we only owe the State of Michigan $29. The reason we owe them any money is from the "Use Tax" -- purchases that we made via the Internet that didn't collect Michigan sales tax. On Thursday this week, we will pay off a credit card balance in full!!! Over $1000 in credit card debt reduction!! YEAH!!!
March is a multiple-birthdays month for our family. It will be a challenge to purchase birthday gifts and continue to stay within our discretionary budgets. Plus I plan to do some traveling in March. Grandbaby #5 is scheduled to arrive so I'll be taking a trip to Chicago to introduce her to Grandma Eubank. Can we minimize our weekly discretionary expenses, such as gas and groceries, so that these extra expenditures will not cause us to go over our budget? That is the challenge facing us!!!
2. Spiritual -- Ephesians 1 is complete. It's fun to think about how amazing God is and to reflect on His grace to me. I'm looking forward to another week of study in Ephesians as I work on Chapter 2. I didn't work on my memory verses at all last week. Here we are in the tail end of February, and I still need to learn the verses. Apparently, having them at the top edge of my computer monitor is not good enough to remind me to learn them. I'm going to have to move them to the middle of my screen so that I can't ignore them! Three days to go -- thank heavens for Leap Year in 2012! Otherwise, it'd be just two days to go!!!
3. Personal -- My writing is officially published! Both of the news stories that I have written as assignments for my Basic Reporting college course were published in last Friday's edition of the college's newspaper, The Echo. Unfortunately, the headline that the copy editor wrote for both articles was poorly done. On one headline, there was a misspelled word. On the other headline, the content of the headline was not addressed in the article at all!!! Speaking of writing, three more posts were added to the blog this week.
I've been questioning this week the value of continuing to pursue my bachelor's degree. At the rate I'm going, it will be several more years before I finish the degree. Should I bother continuing? What's the point? I'm 50 years old -- do I really think that I will change careers in my mid- to late-50's? Then, this morning, a friend asked me if I was done taking classes. I told her I still had years to go, and jokingly told her I was trying to be Olivet's oldest graduate. She laughed and then commented positively that it was a good goal. That was encouraging to me -- thanks, Lord, for her affirmation and encouragement.
Sovereign Lord
Want to know how incredible our God is? Read Ephesians 1: 11, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Did you catch that? No matter what happens -- good, bad, indifferent, painful, even evil -- God is able to use it to conform to the purpose of His will. He makes it work for His purposes. That's mind-boggling stuff!
How can He take something tragic, like a loss of a pregnancy, and make it conform to His will? How can He take the rape of innocent children and make it work for His purposes? And yet, He does.
Even the world understands this. So many times, I hear unbelievers say, "Everything happens for a reason." They understand that tragedy can build character and strength. The legend of the Phoenix is an illustration of how the world believes that out of ashes, things can be made new.
"...We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Everything that God allows into our lives is orchestrated by Him to work in us to accomplish His purpose. "...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)
Only my all-powerful and all-knowing God can do this!
Next post: Sunday already?
Did you catch that? No matter what happens -- good, bad, indifferent, painful, even evil -- God is able to use it to conform to the purpose of His will. He makes it work for His purposes. That's mind-boggling stuff!
How can He take something tragic, like a loss of a pregnancy, and make it conform to His will? How can He take the rape of innocent children and make it work for His purposes? And yet, He does.
Even the world understands this. So many times, I hear unbelievers say, "Everything happens for a reason." They understand that tragedy can build character and strength. The legend of the Phoenix is an illustration of how the world believes that out of ashes, things can be made new.
"...We know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Everything that God allows into our lives is orchestrated by Him to work in us to accomplish His purpose. "...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)
Only my all-powerful and all-knowing God can do this!
Next post: Sunday already?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Chosen by God
Ephesians 1:4: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
Ephesians 1:11: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Out of the billions and billions of human beings that God created, He chose me to be His child. Why would He choose me? What made Him decide to adopt me as His child? Lord, I don't understand your selection process. Why me and not others?
Ephesians 1: 5 tells us, "In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Not only did he choose me, the Scripture says that it pleased the Father to adopt me as His child.
In my mind, I see a Team Captain picking his team. As he calls out his next selection for a player, he says, "I'll take Brenda!" And then, he's so excited to have me on his team that he hugs me and jumps up and down for joy. What value do I bring to the team that makes Him excitedly choose me? None! It is totally and simply His grace that I'm on the team.
Ephesians 1:6: "...to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
I praise your grace, Lord!
Ephesians 1:7-8: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us..."
Lavished grace....what a wonderful word picture. There is nothing held back...it's generous....it's overwhelming....it's amazing!!! And, He chose to give it to me!
Words are so inadequate to express the wonder, humility, and thankfulness of my response to God's grace. It is so undeserved...I am so unworthy...why would you choose me?
His answer: "Because I wanted you!"
Next post: Sovereign Lord
Ephesians 1:11: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Out of the billions and billions of human beings that God created, He chose me to be His child. Why would He choose me? What made Him decide to adopt me as His child? Lord, I don't understand your selection process. Why me and not others?
Ephesians 1: 5 tells us, "In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Not only did he choose me, the Scripture says that it pleased the Father to adopt me as His child.
In my mind, I see a Team Captain picking his team. As he calls out his next selection for a player, he says, "I'll take Brenda!" And then, he's so excited to have me on his team that he hugs me and jumps up and down for joy. What value do I bring to the team that makes Him excitedly choose me? None! It is totally and simply His grace that I'm on the team.
Ephesians 1:6: "...to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."
I praise your grace, Lord!
Ephesians 1:7-8: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us..."
Lavished grace....what a wonderful word picture. There is nothing held back...it's generous....it's overwhelming....it's amazing!!! And, He chose to give it to me!
Words are so inadequate to express the wonder, humility, and thankfulness of my response to God's grace. It is so undeserved...I am so unworthy...why would you choose me?
His answer: "Because I wanted you!"
Next post: Sovereign Lord
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wanting Attention
Our two oldest grandchildren (along with their mother) spent this past weekend with us. It was interesting to watch the different antics they used in trying to get attention.
The first born used "in your face" techniques to get attention. She danced around the living room, making sure everyone was watching her. She inserted herself in the pictures being taken. She tried to make a grand entrance when she walked into a building, looking around to see if everyone had noticed that she had arrived. She does not understand the art of subtlety at all! She was seeking attention by being dramatic!
The second born is quite the opposite. He understands subtlety very well! You can see the wheels turning as he thinks about what he is supposed to do and then chooses to do the opposite. At the restaurant yesterday, he was sitting next to me. He knew that he was supposed to stay in his chair. Several times, however, he chose to leave his chair. He walked just out of my arm's length so that I couldn't reach him. He was pretty confident that I wouldn't create a public scene by chasing after him. When it was time to leave, he deliberately walked the opposite way from the table, away from the exit. He stopped several tables away and watched to see what the adults would do. He was seeking attention through his deliberate acts of testing the boundaries.
You might think that my grandkids are just children and that they'll grow up. I would like to think that is true; but, unfortunately, I know too many adults who behave the same way. We all know adults who are classified as "drama queens." And, we all know adults who test the boundaries in their quest for attention.
I'm sometimes guilty of changing my behavior because I want attention. I normally classify myself as "shy" and "reticent", but sometimes I find myself being "loud" and "brash," using my behavior to get attention. I wonder what God thinks about this type of behavior. Did He create our yearning for attention? Or is that a consequence of sin's curse? Is it selfishness? Or is a psychological need?
Next post: Chosen by God
The first born used "in your face" techniques to get attention. She danced around the living room, making sure everyone was watching her. She inserted herself in the pictures being taken. She tried to make a grand entrance when she walked into a building, looking around to see if everyone had noticed that she had arrived. She does not understand the art of subtlety at all! She was seeking attention by being dramatic!
The second born is quite the opposite. He understands subtlety very well! You can see the wheels turning as he thinks about what he is supposed to do and then chooses to do the opposite. At the restaurant yesterday, he was sitting next to me. He knew that he was supposed to stay in his chair. Several times, however, he chose to leave his chair. He walked just out of my arm's length so that I couldn't reach him. He was pretty confident that I wouldn't create a public scene by chasing after him. When it was time to leave, he deliberately walked the opposite way from the table, away from the exit. He stopped several tables away and watched to see what the adults would do. He was seeking attention through his deliberate acts of testing the boundaries.
You might think that my grandkids are just children and that they'll grow up. I would like to think that is true; but, unfortunately, I know too many adults who behave the same way. We all know adults who are classified as "drama queens." And, we all know adults who test the boundaries in their quest for attention.
I'm sometimes guilty of changing my behavior because I want attention. I normally classify myself as "shy" and "reticent", but sometimes I find myself being "loud" and "brash," using my behavior to get attention. I wonder what God thinks about this type of behavior. Did He create our yearning for attention? Or is that a consequence of sin's curse? Is it selfishness? Or is a psychological need?
Next post: Chosen by God
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Another Week is Done!
Did you notice that another week of 2012 has come and gone? We're starting the last full week of February....winter is almost gone, and spring is on its way. I look outside and wonder, is it really only February? The sky is a beautiful blue, the snow has almost disappeared from even the shady spots, you can walk on the grass and not get your shoes wet....it looks and feels more like late March or April than the end of February. This has been a remarkable winter...in my opinion, it has been great!!!
Because another week is done, it's time to evaluate how I did on my 2012 goals for the last week.
1. Finances - I'm happy to report that we've had another successful week of keeping our discretionary spending inside our budget. The tally sheet has been posted on the wall in celebration of our success! My daughter commented to me yesterday that she and her husband should use tally sheets to stay within their budget. I told her that it only works if you are required to post how you do on a blog....my husband and I used tally sheets last year, but since there was no accountability, it was a rare week in which we were successful in making our budget. The accountability of this blog is what has made the difference in our success.
I didn't achieve my plan to calculate our State income tax liability during the past week. So, it's on my "to do list" for this week. Also, on my "to do list" is to calculate what amount of debt reduction we can accomplish during the month of March. March is one of those months for us that has extra expenses --we pay our home insurance quarterly so the premium will be due in March. In addition, one of our car insurance policies is due in March. Even with these extra expenses, I expect to accomplish some debt reduction. How much reduction is possible is the answer I need to calculate this week.
2. Spiritual -- I finished my study in Galatians!!! Galatians 6 had lots of practical applications for my life...some of which I wrote about in this blog. Now, it's time to go on to the next book. As you may remember, my plan is to work through the Apostle Paul's epistles, one chapter per week. I will begin Ephesians this week.
I've not done much work on the memory verses for February. Thanks to 2012 being a Leap Year, I've still got 10 days left. Probably should spend some time this week working on the verses so that I don't have to "cram" next week.
3. Personal -- I went to class on Tuesday without having an idea of what news story to write that deals with Black History month. All of us in class seemed to be struggling with ideas. Our professor bailed us out and made some suggestions. One of them was the annual Women of Color Luncheon that was scheduled for the next day. Oh, I thought, I've got a free lunch ticket to attend...that would a good subject to use for my news story. Thank you to our professor! The article is due this coming Friday, and I've got a good portion of it already written. I'm waiting for a couple of sources to respond to my interview questions. And then, I can finalize the article. In case you were wondering how I'm doing with getting to the 8:00 class on time, I was only late on the first day!!! Thankfully, God's been giving us this mild winter so snow hasn't been much of an issue!
In the blogging world, I completed five posts this week....it seems someone was wordy!!! I'm feeling more comfortable with the concept of vulnerability that comes with sharing my thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. on the blog. Well, I'm not sure "comfortable" is the best word choice. It's more that I'm feeling "less fearful." The blogging experience has definitely been good for me in the area of accountability. It has also allowed me to take some small, safe steps of stepping out of my comfort zone. Once in a while, I even consider making my blog more public. When I see on Facebook that one of my friends has announced on her wall that she has completed a post, I sometimes want to reply, "Me, too! I've just posted an entry on my blog." But, the idea of the world (yes, even if they are my Facebook friends) reading my blog scares me. That doesn't feel safe to me. So, I continue to write in relative obscurity -- knowing that my three followers and whoever else stumbles into the blog are the only ones reading my posts.
Good Week? YES!!!
Next post: Wanting Attention
Because another week is done, it's time to evaluate how I did on my 2012 goals for the last week.
1. Finances - I'm happy to report that we've had another successful week of keeping our discretionary spending inside our budget. The tally sheet has been posted on the wall in celebration of our success! My daughter commented to me yesterday that she and her husband should use tally sheets to stay within their budget. I told her that it only works if you are required to post how you do on a blog....my husband and I used tally sheets last year, but since there was no accountability, it was a rare week in which we were successful in making our budget. The accountability of this blog is what has made the difference in our success.
I didn't achieve my plan to calculate our State income tax liability during the past week. So, it's on my "to do list" for this week. Also, on my "to do list" is to calculate what amount of debt reduction we can accomplish during the month of March. March is one of those months for us that has extra expenses --we pay our home insurance quarterly so the premium will be due in March. In addition, one of our car insurance policies is due in March. Even with these extra expenses, I expect to accomplish some debt reduction. How much reduction is possible is the answer I need to calculate this week.
2. Spiritual -- I finished my study in Galatians!!! Galatians 6 had lots of practical applications for my life...some of which I wrote about in this blog. Now, it's time to go on to the next book. As you may remember, my plan is to work through the Apostle Paul's epistles, one chapter per week. I will begin Ephesians this week.
I've not done much work on the memory verses for February. Thanks to 2012 being a Leap Year, I've still got 10 days left. Probably should spend some time this week working on the verses so that I don't have to "cram" next week.
3. Personal -- I went to class on Tuesday without having an idea of what news story to write that deals with Black History month. All of us in class seemed to be struggling with ideas. Our professor bailed us out and made some suggestions. One of them was the annual Women of Color Luncheon that was scheduled for the next day. Oh, I thought, I've got a free lunch ticket to attend...that would a good subject to use for my news story. Thank you to our professor! The article is due this coming Friday, and I've got a good portion of it already written. I'm waiting for a couple of sources to respond to my interview questions. And then, I can finalize the article. In case you were wondering how I'm doing with getting to the 8:00 class on time, I was only late on the first day!!! Thankfully, God's been giving us this mild winter so snow hasn't been much of an issue!
In the blogging world, I completed five posts this week....it seems someone was wordy!!! I'm feeling more comfortable with the concept of vulnerability that comes with sharing my thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. on the blog. Well, I'm not sure "comfortable" is the best word choice. It's more that I'm feeling "less fearful." The blogging experience has definitely been good for me in the area of accountability. It has also allowed me to take some small, safe steps of stepping out of my comfort zone. Once in a while, I even consider making my blog more public. When I see on Facebook that one of my friends has announced on her wall that she has completed a post, I sometimes want to reply, "Me, too! I've just posted an entry on my blog." But, the idea of the world (yes, even if they are my Facebook friends) reading my blog scares me. That doesn't feel safe to me. So, I continue to write in relative obscurity -- knowing that my three followers and whoever else stumbles into the blog are the only ones reading my posts.
Good Week? YES!!!
Next post: Wanting Attention
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Clock Cheats Us!
Some days I can't wait for eternity! How different our lives will be when we aren't controlled by the clock!
Take, for instance, this morning....I was having a wonderful, casual Saturday morning, enjoying family time with my husband, our two daughters, and three of our grandchildren. We were playing, chatting, laughing, etc., just enjoying life and each other. And then, I noticed the clock. It immediately demanded my attention -- I needed to stop everything that I was doing and start getting ready to go to our daughter's baby shower or we'd be late. So, we hurriedly scrambled around and got out the door. The clock forced us to hurry.
What a nice time we had at the shower! One thing, though, that wasn't so nice -- the clock. A couple of the guests had to leave early....the clock was demanding that they leave in time to get to their next appointment. I felt robbed that they had to leave so soon. Then, at the "conclusion" of the shower, one by one, the guests left. And yet, I thought, it's too early....I didn't get to spend as much time with each of the guests as I would like, and I'm certain, my daughter felt like that as well....and then, my daughter left with her husband's family....and I thought, I didn't get to spend as much time as I would like with you, daughter!!! The clock robbed me again!
What will our lives be like in eternity when time is no more....will the rushing around be forever gone? Will we get to spend as much "time" as we want with each other? I certainly hope so.
Next post: Another Week is Done!
Take, for instance, this morning....I was having a wonderful, casual Saturday morning, enjoying family time with my husband, our two daughters, and three of our grandchildren. We were playing, chatting, laughing, etc., just enjoying life and each other. And then, I noticed the clock. It immediately demanded my attention -- I needed to stop everything that I was doing and start getting ready to go to our daughter's baby shower or we'd be late. So, we hurriedly scrambled around and got out the door. The clock forced us to hurry.
What a nice time we had at the shower! One thing, though, that wasn't so nice -- the clock. A couple of the guests had to leave early....the clock was demanding that they leave in time to get to their next appointment. I felt robbed that they had to leave so soon. Then, at the "conclusion" of the shower, one by one, the guests left. And yet, I thought, it's too early....I didn't get to spend as much time with each of the guests as I would like, and I'm certain, my daughter felt like that as well....and then, my daughter left with her husband's family....and I thought, I didn't get to spend as much time as I would like with you, daughter!!! The clock robbed me again!
What will our lives be like in eternity when time is no more....will the rushing around be forever gone? Will we get to spend as much "time" as we want with each other? I certainly hope so.
Next post: Another Week is Done!
Large Letters by Paul
I used to wonder why Biblical scholars thought that the infirmity that the Apostle Paul's mentions several times throughout his letters was related to his eyes. I think the answer lies in Galatians 6:11: "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!"
Over the past few years, I've noticed some deterioration in my eyesight when trying to read. If I'm tired or in low lighting when I'm reading or working on the computer, my eyes struggle to make out letters and numbers properly. Yes, this deterioration is attributed to aging eyes.
For awhile, I used a magnifying glass and the "trombone" method to get the correct distance between what I was trying to read and my eyes. It's blurry....move the book or paper up or down....still blurry....move it again....that's perfect -- now I can read it! :)
After being amused by my reading methods, my daughter purchased me a set of three reading glasses -- I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one in our home study -- that have become more convenient to use than a magnifying glass. Basically, the reading glasses are portable magnifying glasses!
When I'm writing notes to myself or signing my name on a check and am not wearing the reading glasses, I've noticed that my handwriting is larger than it used to be. I'm writing in "large letters!" I now understand why the Biblical scholars think that Paul had trouble with his eyes....if reading glasses weren't available for aging eyes, Paul would have a hard time seeing small letters. He would be compensating for poor eyesight by writing in large letters.
Galatians 6:11 may become my new "life verse!" Well, at least for as long as I resist purchasing regular reading glasses!
Next post: The Clock Cheats Us!
Over the past few years, I've noticed some deterioration in my eyesight when trying to read. If I'm tired or in low lighting when I'm reading or working on the computer, my eyes struggle to make out letters and numbers properly. Yes, this deterioration is attributed to aging eyes.
For awhile, I used a magnifying glass and the "trombone" method to get the correct distance between what I was trying to read and my eyes. It's blurry....move the book or paper up or down....still blurry....move it again....that's perfect -- now I can read it! :)
After being amused by my reading methods, my daughter purchased me a set of three reading glasses -- I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one in our home study -- that have become more convenient to use than a magnifying glass. Basically, the reading glasses are portable magnifying glasses!
When I'm writing notes to myself or signing my name on a check and am not wearing the reading glasses, I've noticed that my handwriting is larger than it used to be. I'm writing in "large letters!" I now understand why the Biblical scholars think that Paul had trouble with his eyes....if reading glasses weren't available for aging eyes, Paul would have a hard time seeing small letters. He would be compensating for poor eyesight by writing in large letters.
Galatians 6:11 may become my new "life verse!" Well, at least for as long as I resist purchasing regular reading glasses!
Next post: The Clock Cheats Us!
Supporting Ministries
Do you ever have a Scripture verse that just hits you between the eyes? That happened to me this week in my study of Galatians 6. Verse 6 says "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor."
Reading that verse caused me to think about the ministries from which I receive instruction in the Word. Obviously, I thought of my Pastor and my church. Do we "share all good things with (our) instructor"? In evaluating our giving, I would say that we are faithful in supporting our church and our Pastor.
Then, I thought about other ministries that are providing me Biblical instruction. When I don't have an audio book playing while I'm driving, the radio is usually tuned in to WSCG, a Christian radio station from Grand Rapids. Is the radio station providing me with instruction in the Word? Definitely -- not only through the few "preachers" on the station that I occasionally hear, but through the many Biblical songs that are played as well as through the "verse of the day" that is read several times a day and also appears on the radio station's website. Should we be supporting this ministry? According to Galatians 6:6, the answer is, "Yes!"
So, now that I know this Scripture and have identified a practical application in my life, I have a choice to obey or to disobey. I choose to obey. I'm going to send a gift to WSCG when I pay bills next week as part of our discretionary spending.
My choice to give or not to give reminded me of another time that we faced a decision on giving. Our student ministries pastor was changing ministries. Instead of a youth pastor, he was going to be a full-time missionary. Our church voted whether or not we wanted to be his "sending church," accepting the responsibilities that accompanied the status of a sending church. I voted, "Yes" on the ballot. The vote passed -- we became the sending church.
A few months later, our church had a pledge drive for our Faith Promise Giving -- the giving program that we use to support our missionaries. My husband and I had a decision to make. Did we want to increase the amount of our weekly giving to our missionaries. We talked about it. My husband wanted to increase our giving by 100%. I wasn't so sure that our budget could handle an increase. Our income hadn't increased while our expenses had. Could we and should we increase our giving? As I debated in my mind what we should do, the Lord reminded me that I had willingly voted to be the sending church to our new missionaries. If I was willing to vote, "Yes" on becoming the sending church, I needed to literally "put my money where my mouth was." I needed to financially support my vote. The Lord's reminder made my decision for me -- we did increase our giving to Faith Promise by the amount that my husband had suggested.
In the world of politics, so many people want their governments to stop spending. They vote for candidates who pledge to balance the budget and reduce the spending. However, the people don't want the reduction in spending to affect them personally. They are not willing to financially support their vote. As a financial aid officer, there is often peer pressure for me to lobby Congress when there are proposed cuts to spending levels for higher education. Cut somewhere else, but keep spending levels for our students at the same level or at an increased level.
I choose not to contact my representatives on this matter. As I'm constantly learning in my personal life with my finances, spending money is easy...staying within your budget is harder....reducing spending to eliminate debt is even harder. Yet, this is what needs to be done to make our finances healthy. The government and the people served by the government need to learn this lesson as well.
Next Post: Large Letters by Paul
Reading that verse caused me to think about the ministries from which I receive instruction in the Word. Obviously, I thought of my Pastor and my church. Do we "share all good things with (our) instructor"? In evaluating our giving, I would say that we are faithful in supporting our church and our Pastor.
Then, I thought about other ministries that are providing me Biblical instruction. When I don't have an audio book playing while I'm driving, the radio is usually tuned in to WSCG, a Christian radio station from Grand Rapids. Is the radio station providing me with instruction in the Word? Definitely -- not only through the few "preachers" on the station that I occasionally hear, but through the many Biblical songs that are played as well as through the "verse of the day" that is read several times a day and also appears on the radio station's website. Should we be supporting this ministry? According to Galatians 6:6, the answer is, "Yes!"
So, now that I know this Scripture and have identified a practical application in my life, I have a choice to obey or to disobey. I choose to obey. I'm going to send a gift to WSCG when I pay bills next week as part of our discretionary spending.
My choice to give or not to give reminded me of another time that we faced a decision on giving. Our student ministries pastor was changing ministries. Instead of a youth pastor, he was going to be a full-time missionary. Our church voted whether or not we wanted to be his "sending church," accepting the responsibilities that accompanied the status of a sending church. I voted, "Yes" on the ballot. The vote passed -- we became the sending church.
A few months later, our church had a pledge drive for our Faith Promise Giving -- the giving program that we use to support our missionaries. My husband and I had a decision to make. Did we want to increase the amount of our weekly giving to our missionaries. We talked about it. My husband wanted to increase our giving by 100%. I wasn't so sure that our budget could handle an increase. Our income hadn't increased while our expenses had. Could we and should we increase our giving? As I debated in my mind what we should do, the Lord reminded me that I had willingly voted to be the sending church to our new missionaries. If I was willing to vote, "Yes" on becoming the sending church, I needed to literally "put my money where my mouth was." I needed to financially support my vote. The Lord's reminder made my decision for me -- we did increase our giving to Faith Promise by the amount that my husband had suggested.
In the world of politics, so many people want their governments to stop spending. They vote for candidates who pledge to balance the budget and reduce the spending. However, the people don't want the reduction in spending to affect them personally. They are not willing to financially support their vote. As a financial aid officer, there is often peer pressure for me to lobby Congress when there are proposed cuts to spending levels for higher education. Cut somewhere else, but keep spending levels for our students at the same level or at an increased level.
I choose not to contact my representatives on this matter. As I'm constantly learning in my personal life with my finances, spending money is easy...staying within your budget is harder....reducing spending to eliminate debt is even harder. Yet, this is what needs to be done to make our finances healthy. The government and the people served by the government need to learn this lesson as well.
Next Post: Large Letters by Paul
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
It seems every year that Valentine's Day sneaks up on me....I know it's coming, but it some how catches me unaware. It's not like Christmas. At Christmas, I feel such pressure to get everything done: send out Christmas cards, purchase gifts, wrap gifts, decorate the house, make cookies, etc. There is so much to do, and I'm intensely aware of the looming deadlines.
Valentine's Day is just not like that for me...and so I'm usually unprepared when February 14th arrives! Take this year as an example. On Sunday (2/12/12), I thought about sending Valentine cards to my kids and grand kids....oops, even if I put them in the mail on Monday (2/13/12), there is no possible way that they would be delivered on time. So...no Valentine cards were mailed.
Yesterday at work, I remembered that I hadn't purchased a gift for my husband for Valentine's Day....oops! And, I didn't even have an idea of what to get him! Double oops....I decided that I could stop at the local grocery store on my way home from work and buy a card and some Snicker Doodle cookie dough. Baking cookies would be a good gift for him.
I arrived at the grocery store about 5:30 p.m. (Remember, it's Feb. 13th---the day before Valentine's day.) The Valentine card selection was quite picked over. I did finally find an appropriate card. Then, I went to the refrigerated section of the store. There was NO Snicker Doodle cookie dough...apparently the store no longer carries it! Rats! The idea of making cookies from scratch entered my mind, and I quickly rejected that idea. I knew my schedule that evening wouldn't allow me to make cookies from scratch! So, Plan B....what is Plan B? I looked over the choices of the cookie dough that the store did carry and found Peanut Butter cookie dough with chunks of miniature peanut-butter cups in it. My husband loves peanut butter cookies so I selected that flavor of cookie dough.
When I got home from the store, I found a lovely bundle of roses and a Valentine's card waiting for me. My husband remembered the holiday!!! What a good guy! :) At least one of us was prepared for the day!!
After I got the cookies into the oven to bake, I set the timer and started supper. Waiting for the cookies to finish baking, I trimmed my roses and put them in a vase with water. The cookies finished baking, and I placed them on the cooling rack.
It dawned on me that I needed to decide how I was going to present my gift. Should I just put the cookies in a bowl? That idea didn't seem very appropriate for a gift. Should I somehow wrap them? Red saran wrap would be a nice way to wrap the cookies....but, of course, I don't have any red saran wrap in the house. I thought maybe I had some red ribbon so I went to the study closet where we keep our gift-wrapping supplies. No red ribbon, but I did have some leftover tissue paper with pink and red hearts on it. That would work nicely!
Cookies wrapped, card signed. Where to put the gift? We don't have a Valentine's Day tree to put the gift under. We don't have a "designated gift area" in our house. I decided to put the gift and card on my husband's bedroom dresser.
Then, I had to figure out what to do about no Valentine cards for my kids and grand kids? I decided to send a text message to them. So this morning before class (yes...before 8:00 a.m.), I texted them a Valentine's Day greeting.
Valentine's Day is now winding down....do I wish I had been more prepared? YES!!! Will I learn my lesson and get it right next year??? Hmm.........Based on previous years' experiences, I highly doubt it.
To all the readers of my blog, Happy Valentine's Day 2012!
Next Post: Supporting Ministries
Valentine's Day is just not like that for me...and so I'm usually unprepared when February 14th arrives! Take this year as an example. On Sunday (2/12/12), I thought about sending Valentine cards to my kids and grand kids....oops, even if I put them in the mail on Monday (2/13/12), there is no possible way that they would be delivered on time. So...no Valentine cards were mailed.
Yesterday at work, I remembered that I hadn't purchased a gift for my husband for Valentine's Day....oops! And, I didn't even have an idea of what to get him! Double oops....I decided that I could stop at the local grocery store on my way home from work and buy a card and some Snicker Doodle cookie dough. Baking cookies would be a good gift for him.
I arrived at the grocery store about 5:30 p.m. (Remember, it's Feb. 13th---the day before Valentine's day.) The Valentine card selection was quite picked over. I did finally find an appropriate card. Then, I went to the refrigerated section of the store. There was NO Snicker Doodle cookie dough...apparently the store no longer carries it! Rats! The idea of making cookies from scratch entered my mind, and I quickly rejected that idea. I knew my schedule that evening wouldn't allow me to make cookies from scratch! So, Plan B....what is Plan B? I looked over the choices of the cookie dough that the store did carry and found Peanut Butter cookie dough with chunks of miniature peanut-butter cups in it. My husband loves peanut butter cookies so I selected that flavor of cookie dough.
When I got home from the store, I found a lovely bundle of roses and a Valentine's card waiting for me. My husband remembered the holiday!!! What a good guy! :) At least one of us was prepared for the day!!
After I got the cookies into the oven to bake, I set the timer and started supper. Waiting for the cookies to finish baking, I trimmed my roses and put them in a vase with water. The cookies finished baking, and I placed them on the cooling rack.
It dawned on me that I needed to decide how I was going to present my gift. Should I just put the cookies in a bowl? That idea didn't seem very appropriate for a gift. Should I somehow wrap them? Red saran wrap would be a nice way to wrap the cookies....but, of course, I don't have any red saran wrap in the house. I thought maybe I had some red ribbon so I went to the study closet where we keep our gift-wrapping supplies. No red ribbon, but I did have some leftover tissue paper with pink and red hearts on it. That would work nicely!
Cookies wrapped, card signed. Where to put the gift? We don't have a Valentine's Day tree to put the gift under. We don't have a "designated gift area" in our house. I decided to put the gift and card on my husband's bedroom dresser.
Then, I had to figure out what to do about no Valentine cards for my kids and grand kids? I decided to send a text message to them. So this morning before class (yes...before 8:00 a.m.), I texted them a Valentine's Day greeting.
Valentine's Day is now winding down....do I wish I had been more prepared? YES!!! Will I learn my lesson and get it right next year??? Hmm.........Based on previous years' experiences, I highly doubt it.
To all the readers of my blog, Happy Valentine's Day 2012!
Next Post: Supporting Ministries
Monday, February 13, 2012
Weekly Update
As we begin a new week, it's time for me to take a quick look back to see how I did on my 2012 goals during the previous week.
1. Financial - We were $12 under our discretionary spending budget for the week! Success!! Whoo Hoo!!! The tally sheet is ready to be hung on our wall in the study. Speaking of $12, I finished calculating our Federal Tax Return on Saturday. Knowing that we were losing a tax deduction (our last child was leaving the nest), I had made several changes to our payroll retirement withholding at the beginning of 2011. I was trying to keep us from having any taxes due on April 15th. After finishing the calculation on the Federal tax return, we owe the IRS just $12 for 2011. I was pretty proud of myself and extremely thrilled when I finished the calculation!!! That was some awfully good estimating of our income and tax liability for the year!!! Then, I read the next line on the tax return, "2011 estimated tax payments and amount applied from 2010 return." Oh, oh, oh, I think I paid an estimated amount in 2010 for 2011. I quickly looked at our 2010 Federal Tax Return and was overjoyed to see that we had paid over $200 as an estimate. We don't owe the IRS -- The IRS owes us!!!! YEAH!!! I've decided to not request a refund. I'm going to let the IRS keep our money for another year -- we may need it next year to avoid having to pay on April 15th! (Since I didn't have a Tax Return Form from the State of Michigan, I couldn't calculate our tax liability with them. I went to the Library yesterday to collect a form, and my task this week is to calculate whether we will owe the State on April 15th.)
2. Spiritual -- When one thinks of "Love" passages in the Bible, I doubt a person would think of Galatians 5. Yet, that was the theme that I pulled out of this week's chapter study. As I worked on my blog post on Saturday on the topic of Galatians 5, I was reminded of other "love" verses. I found it an interesting coincidence (or maybe it was providential?) that at the Sweetheart banquet we attended Saturday night, several of the same verses from my blog were used by our Pastor in the devotional time, reinforcing my thinking and learning.
On Sunday, I got all excited when our Pastor used verses from Galatians at the end of his sermon. "That's my book!" I felt like saying. It's like I've adopted the book of Galatians as my very own.
This week's study is on Chapter 6 -- the last chapter in the book. I've enjoyed working my way through Galatians - one chapter at a time. It's been good to dive deep into the passages and pull out nuggets of truth, examining phrases, comparing Scripture with Scripture. Even though I took my time working through the book, I know that there is so much more to learn. One week per chapter is just not adequate to glean out everything.
3. Personal -- we took a test last Tuesday in my college course. I studied well and felt confident going into class that morning. Then, I started the test....some of the questions surprised me. There were a lot of short answer questions, one worth 25 points. I skipped over some of the questions that I wasn't sure about and concentrated quite a bit of time on the 25-point question. After several of my classmates had turned in their test and left the room, I looked at the clock. The class time was starting to wind down. I thought to myself that there was just about the right amount of time left for me to go back and answer the questions I had skipped. Then, I realized that there was another whole page of the test that I hadn't even started -- and I realized that the clock was now my enemy!!! YIKES!!! Starting to panic, I frantically worked on the last page of the test, hoping that I could finish this section quickly enough that I would still have time to return to the questions I had skipped. Just as the class time was expiring, I finished the last section and quickly wrote answers to the skipped questions. Ten minutes later (yes, after class was supposed to be finished), I turned in my test and left the class, weaving my way through the students in the hallway, who were waiting to enter the classroom for their class that was supposed to be starting. I did not feel confident at all leaving the classroom that I would receive an A on the test. Being rushed to finish it, I definitely didn't have any time to double-check my work. I figured that I would probably get a B+ or A- on the test! So, Friday, I was anxious to get my graded test back. The professor talked about the test, reviewing some of the questions and answers on the test. She had obviously graded them, so why wasn't she passing them back to us? Finally, as class time was almost over, she handed them back. I was stunned to see my grade - 98%! I got my A after all!!
The next challenge in the class is to pick an article subject for our next news story -- due on 2/24. The professor threw me a curve ball when she instructed us that our story would deal with Black History month. In my mind, I had already developed the beginnings of a story on tax returns. Somehow, I don't think Black History month and filing your taxes are related.
Next Blog: Happy Valentine's Day!
1. Financial - We were $12 under our discretionary spending budget for the week! Success!! Whoo Hoo!!! The tally sheet is ready to be hung on our wall in the study. Speaking of $12, I finished calculating our Federal Tax Return on Saturday. Knowing that we were losing a tax deduction (our last child was leaving the nest), I had made several changes to our payroll retirement withholding at the beginning of 2011. I was trying to keep us from having any taxes due on April 15th. After finishing the calculation on the Federal tax return, we owe the IRS just $12 for 2011. I was pretty proud of myself and extremely thrilled when I finished the calculation!!! That was some awfully good estimating of our income and tax liability for the year!!! Then, I read the next line on the tax return, "2011 estimated tax payments and amount applied from 2010 return." Oh, oh, oh, I think I paid an estimated amount in 2010 for 2011. I quickly looked at our 2010 Federal Tax Return and was overjoyed to see that we had paid over $200 as an estimate. We don't owe the IRS -- The IRS owes us!!!! YEAH!!! I've decided to not request a refund. I'm going to let the IRS keep our money for another year -- we may need it next year to avoid having to pay on April 15th! (Since I didn't have a Tax Return Form from the State of Michigan, I couldn't calculate our tax liability with them. I went to the Library yesterday to collect a form, and my task this week is to calculate whether we will owe the State on April 15th.)
2. Spiritual -- When one thinks of "Love" passages in the Bible, I doubt a person would think of Galatians 5. Yet, that was the theme that I pulled out of this week's chapter study. As I worked on my blog post on Saturday on the topic of Galatians 5, I was reminded of other "love" verses. I found it an interesting coincidence (or maybe it was providential?) that at the Sweetheart banquet we attended Saturday night, several of the same verses from my blog were used by our Pastor in the devotional time, reinforcing my thinking and learning.
On Sunday, I got all excited when our Pastor used verses from Galatians at the end of his sermon. "That's my book!" I felt like saying. It's like I've adopted the book of Galatians as my very own.
This week's study is on Chapter 6 -- the last chapter in the book. I've enjoyed working my way through Galatians - one chapter at a time. It's been good to dive deep into the passages and pull out nuggets of truth, examining phrases, comparing Scripture with Scripture. Even though I took my time working through the book, I know that there is so much more to learn. One week per chapter is just not adequate to glean out everything.
3. Personal -- we took a test last Tuesday in my college course. I studied well and felt confident going into class that morning. Then, I started the test....some of the questions surprised me. There were a lot of short answer questions, one worth 25 points. I skipped over some of the questions that I wasn't sure about and concentrated quite a bit of time on the 25-point question. After several of my classmates had turned in their test and left the room, I looked at the clock. The class time was starting to wind down. I thought to myself that there was just about the right amount of time left for me to go back and answer the questions I had skipped. Then, I realized that there was another whole page of the test that I hadn't even started -- and I realized that the clock was now my enemy!!! YIKES!!! Starting to panic, I frantically worked on the last page of the test, hoping that I could finish this section quickly enough that I would still have time to return to the questions I had skipped. Just as the class time was expiring, I finished the last section and quickly wrote answers to the skipped questions. Ten minutes later (yes, after class was supposed to be finished), I turned in my test and left the class, weaving my way through the students in the hallway, who were waiting to enter the classroom for their class that was supposed to be starting. I did not feel confident at all leaving the classroom that I would receive an A on the test. Being rushed to finish it, I definitely didn't have any time to double-check my work. I figured that I would probably get a B+ or A- on the test! So, Friday, I was anxious to get my graded test back. The professor talked about the test, reviewing some of the questions and answers on the test. She had obviously graded them, so why wasn't she passing them back to us? Finally, as class time was almost over, she handed them back. I was stunned to see my grade - 98%! I got my A after all!!
The next challenge in the class is to pick an article subject for our next news story -- due on 2/24. The professor threw me a curve ball when she instructed us that our story would deal with Black History month. In my mind, I had already developed the beginnings of a story on tax returns. Somehow, I don't think Black History month and filing your taxes are related.
Next Blog: Happy Valentine's Day!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Galatians 5 - It's about Love!
Galatians 5:6: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
The only thing that counts - what is of value in Christ Jesus?
Faith - required for salvation
Expressing itself through love - Christian living
Galatians 5:13-15 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."
I have a choice of how I want to use the freedom I have in Christ. I can indulge the sinful nature -- in verse 19-21, Paul lists the acts of the sinful nature. Or I can chose to "serve one another in love" - which according to verse 6 has great value.
"If you keep on biting and devouring each other".....Christians treating each other badly. Christ said in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The first fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 is "love." "Serve one another in love." "Faith expressing itself in love." Notice a theme?
What an appropriate theme as I get ready to attend our church Sweetheart Banquet in a few minutes. Here's an opportunity for me to choose to "serve one another in love."
Next post: Weekly Update
The only thing that counts - what is of value in Christ Jesus?
Faith - required for salvation
Expressing itself through love - Christian living
Galatians 5:13-15 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."
I have a choice of how I want to use the freedom I have in Christ. I can indulge the sinful nature -- in verse 19-21, Paul lists the acts of the sinful nature. Or I can chose to "serve one another in love" - which according to verse 6 has great value.
"If you keep on biting and devouring each other".....Christians treating each other badly. Christ said in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The first fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 is "love." "Serve one another in love." "Faith expressing itself in love." Notice a theme?
What an appropriate theme as I get ready to attend our church Sweetheart Banquet in a few minutes. Here's an opportunity for me to choose to "serve one another in love."
Next post: Weekly Update
New Experiences
I tend to be a coward at heart. I like safe places - comfortable, routine, I know you...you know me places. So I don't usually wander outside of my comfortable, safe places.
Yet, this past week has been one of new experiences, and happily, I survived these new experiences.
New Experience #1: riding the South Shore Line (commuter train) from South Bend, IN into Chicago. South Bend has a combination airport/bus depot/train station. A friend drove me to this building where I was going to board the South Shore Line and take it to downtown Chicago. On the way, we stopped at Arby's to pick up sandwiches for lunch. There was a train already in the station. I asked my friend if that was my train. I was relieved when she said that she thought it must be my train. However, my nervousness manifested itself -- I started to get out of the car and had to be reminded to give my friend her sandwich. Then, I almost forgot to get my bag out of the back seat. I went into the station terminal and purchased my ticket, asking if we could board the train yet. After finding out that boarding would be starting in a few minutes, I used the restroom. When I came out of the restroom, I realized that boarding had started so I dutifully followed the rest of the crowd onto the train. There were no signs, no announcements that I heard, I just followed the crowd, hoping that someone ahead of me knew what they were doing. There were no empty seats in the first car so I went into the next car and found a seat. Sitting down in my seat, I was SO relieved -- I had been on-time and had successfully boarded the correct train. One hurdle successfully jumped!
When I realized that I was going to be riding backwards all the way to Chicago, it amused me. How appropriate, I thought -- instead of this grand entrance into the big city, I was arriving backwards! It was like I was sneaking in, hoping one would notice me!
New Experience #2: Finding my way to Chicago's Water Tower. When I reached the last stop on the South Shore Line (Millennium Park), I knew that I had to walk several blocks to meet my two favorite residents. I had looked at the Chicago map prior to my trip so basically understood the general area and knew that I had to walk north on Michigan Avenue. When I came out of the underground station, I expected to be standing at Michigan and Ottawa. Oops, I was at Michigan and Randolph. (Why I thought it would be Ottawa, I have NO idea. Looking at the map now, the street corner on the map is Michigan and Randolph.) I had to guess which way was north -- talking to my favorite residents on my cell phone was no help -- they weren't sure either whether I should go left or right. I knew that I had to cross the river, but I couldn't see the river from where I was standing. I chose left and headed up Michigan Avenue, hoping that I would not be retracing my steps in a few minutes. A few blocks up the street, there was a city map. Sneaking a peek at it (I didn't want it to be obvious that I was a tourist!), I realized that I was indeed heading north!!! Celebrating internally, I continued up Michigan Avenue. The next hurdle was locating the Water Tower. I knew it was on Michigan Avenue, but there are LOTS of buildings on Michigan Ave. Since I wasn't sure which side of the road it was on, I was concerned that I would accidentally pass it, looking at the buildings on the wrong side of the road. There were lots of other pedestrians on the sidewalk with me, carrying on their conversations. Not intentionally eavesdropping, I realized that the group in front of me was talking about the Water Tower and had just spied it. I looked up and saw "Water Tower" on the top of a building across the street, a few blocks up on the other side of Michigan Avenue. With another internal celebration, I crossed the street at the next opportunity and confidently strolled up the street toward that building. Unfortunately, by crossing the street, I could no longer see the Water Tower. My view was blocked by the other tall buildings in front of it. I considered crossing back over to the other side of Michigan Avenue so that I could keep the building in my sights, but I decided that I was close enough that I would be able to find it. Sure enough, a couple of blocks farther, there it was! As I waited to cross the last corner before arriving at the entrance to the Water Tower, I called my two favorite residents and let them know I had arrived! Hurdle 2 was completed!!!
Side Note: I happily allowed my favorite residents to lead me around the city. They took great care of me, paying for my subway and bus fares. I could literally sit back and enjoy the rides -- I only had to follow their lead.
New Experience #3: Amtrack train ride from Chicago to Battle Creek. With my visit in Chicago coming to a close, my favorite resident drove me to Union Station to catch my train to Battle Creek. Giving her a hug good-bye, I grabbed my bag (remembered it all by myself this time!!) and entered the station. I looked around for the kiosk where I needed to print my pre-purchased ticket. When I didn't locate it right away, I stepped up to the Information Desk and asked the attendant where it was located. He kindly instructed me on the kiosk's location behind the stairway. After I successfully printed the ticket, I looked at the electronic arrival/departure board on the wall and saw that I needed to go to Gate D and that my train was located on Platform 22. (I experienced a quick thought of Harry Potter's 9-3/4 Platform which made me smile.) Looking around, I realized that there was a very long line, snaking around the waiting area and down the corridor that I had just walked. This long line was where I needed to be. So I retraced my steps until I found the end of the line where I joined my fellow travelers in waiting for the opportunity to board the train. When we began boarding the train, I noticed signs posted on the side of the train, next to the car doors. I quickly realized that these signs were stops on the route so I continued walking down the platform until I saw Battle Creek on the side of the train. Climbing aboard, I located an empty seat and sat down, breathing a huge sigh of relief. Another successful hurdle jumped -- I was on the train, ready to head home. I could sit back and enjoy the ride. As we pulled out of the station, I realized that we were riding backwards again, sneaking out of the big city. Once again, I thought it was appropriate!
New Experience #4 -- Portland High School's FAFSA Workshop. February is the month when much attention is given to encouraging students and families to file the FAFSA for financial aid for the next academic collegiate year. One of our Admissions representatives was scheduled to go to Portland High School to help them in their FAFSA Workshop Night. She asked if any of the Financial Aid Officers would like to go along to help. I volunteered my services. To my knowledge, I had never been to Portland High School, and this was my first time volunteering to help with FAFSAs at a local high school. I wasn't sure what this experience would bring -- I was a little nervous. I checked out the possible routes to Portland High School and chose a route. Even though most of the route was "back roads," I realized that it was the most direct route. Thankfully, the event started at 3:00 p.m. so I knew that I would be driving to the school in the daylight. I figured navigating back roads in the daylight should not be a problem. I also had to pick a route to come home -- going back to Olivet on the way home would not be efficient. I chose a route that I thought would be easily navigated in the dark since the event was scheduled to conclude at 7:00 p.m. I successfully arrived at Portland High School and, after driving around the entire school building, I found the main entrance. As I was finding a parking spot, the Admissions representative pulled into the parking lot. I waited for her to park. Knowing that she had been to Portland High School before and could navigate the building, I happily allowed her to be the leader. (Have you noticed that I like "playing" Follow the Leader when I'm in an unknown environment?) Once we were settled into the computer lab, I felt much more at ease. I knew that I could help the families with their FAFSAs. I am very knowledgeable and confident with the FAFSA, having helped dozens of families and students in the past. I truly enjoyed myself during the event. After the event, I headed home. Remembering and retracing the roads that I had traveled in Portland to get to the high school, I navigated to where I had to turn off to get me on the route I had chosen to go home. Traveling a new road in the dark made me a little nervous, but it wasn't long until I found I-96 W which I would take to M-66 in Ionia. Smooth sailing from there to home! Another successful hurdle jumped!
New Experience #5: Olive Garden for One -- I'm very comfortable going to fast food restaurants by myself. I can either choose the drive thru or eat in the dining room. If I know I'm going to be eating by myself, I often take along a book to read. I've also gone to a few family restaurants to eat by myself when on business trips or traveling by myself -- i.e. Applebee's and Hacienda. I'm not as confident in those situations. I feel a little embarrassed when I approach the podium and ask for a Table for One. On Thursday, I traveled after work to Kalamazoo to shop at Babies R Us for a baby shower gift. Knowing that it would be supper time while I was in Kalamazoo, I had to decide where I would eat. There is a Schlotzsky's near Babies R Us which would normally be my first choice when I'm eating alone. There is also an Olive Garden (one of my favorite restaurants) near the store. Because I'm not comfortable eating alone in a family restaurant, Olive Garden would not usually enter into my choices when by myself. This time, however, I considered my finances. I had gift cards to both Schlotzsky's and Olive Garden. I knew that my Schlotzsky's card did not have adequate money left on it to pay for a meal there. On the other hand, my Olive Garden card would adequately cover my dinner. I would be much more comfortable with a Table for One at Schlotzsky's than at Olive Garden. Other factors in my decision where to eat were the facts that (1) my husband does not like Olive Garden, and (2) there isn't an Olive Garden located in Battle Creek -- we either drive to Jackson, Kalamazoo or farther to get to an Olive Garden. When decision time came, I thought about all the factors, including reflecting on the successful new experiences I had survived in the past week and chose Olive Garden. I walked up to the podium and asked for a "Table for One." Dinner was wonderful, the service was terrific, and I felt fairly comfortable during the whole experience.
What have I learned? Successfully surviving these five new experiences does give me confidence that I can do them again. I can ride on the Amtrack by myself to Chicago. I can eat in a restaurant by myself and enjoy the meal. I can find my way to a new place. Will I ever be completely comfortable in these situations? I'm not sure. I think that these types of experiences must be repeated over and over and over again until they become so familiar to me that they are routine. Then, I think I will be comfortable in them.
Next Post: Galatians 5 -- It's about Love!
Yet, this past week has been one of new experiences, and happily, I survived these new experiences.
New Experience #1: riding the South Shore Line (commuter train) from South Bend, IN into Chicago. South Bend has a combination airport/bus depot/train station. A friend drove me to this building where I was going to board the South Shore Line and take it to downtown Chicago. On the way, we stopped at Arby's to pick up sandwiches for lunch. There was a train already in the station. I asked my friend if that was my train. I was relieved when she said that she thought it must be my train. However, my nervousness manifested itself -- I started to get out of the car and had to be reminded to give my friend her sandwich. Then, I almost forgot to get my bag out of the back seat. I went into the station terminal and purchased my ticket, asking if we could board the train yet. After finding out that boarding would be starting in a few minutes, I used the restroom. When I came out of the restroom, I realized that boarding had started so I dutifully followed the rest of the crowd onto the train. There were no signs, no announcements that I heard, I just followed the crowd, hoping that someone ahead of me knew what they were doing. There were no empty seats in the first car so I went into the next car and found a seat. Sitting down in my seat, I was SO relieved -- I had been on-time and had successfully boarded the correct train. One hurdle successfully jumped!
When I realized that I was going to be riding backwards all the way to Chicago, it amused me. How appropriate, I thought -- instead of this grand entrance into the big city, I was arriving backwards! It was like I was sneaking in, hoping one would notice me!
New Experience #2: Finding my way to Chicago's Water Tower. When I reached the last stop on the South Shore Line (Millennium Park), I knew that I had to walk several blocks to meet my two favorite residents. I had looked at the Chicago map prior to my trip so basically understood the general area and knew that I had to walk north on Michigan Avenue. When I came out of the underground station, I expected to be standing at Michigan and Ottawa. Oops, I was at Michigan and Randolph. (Why I thought it would be Ottawa, I have NO idea. Looking at the map now, the street corner on the map is Michigan and Randolph.) I had to guess which way was north -- talking to my favorite residents on my cell phone was no help -- they weren't sure either whether I should go left or right. I knew that I had to cross the river, but I couldn't see the river from where I was standing. I chose left and headed up Michigan Avenue, hoping that I would not be retracing my steps in a few minutes. A few blocks up the street, there was a city map. Sneaking a peek at it (I didn't want it to be obvious that I was a tourist!), I realized that I was indeed heading north!!! Celebrating internally, I continued up Michigan Avenue. The next hurdle was locating the Water Tower. I knew it was on Michigan Avenue, but there are LOTS of buildings on Michigan Ave. Since I wasn't sure which side of the road it was on, I was concerned that I would accidentally pass it, looking at the buildings on the wrong side of the road. There were lots of other pedestrians on the sidewalk with me, carrying on their conversations. Not intentionally eavesdropping, I realized that the group in front of me was talking about the Water Tower and had just spied it. I looked up and saw "Water Tower" on the top of a building across the street, a few blocks up on the other side of Michigan Avenue. With another internal celebration, I crossed the street at the next opportunity and confidently strolled up the street toward that building. Unfortunately, by crossing the street, I could no longer see the Water Tower. My view was blocked by the other tall buildings in front of it. I considered crossing back over to the other side of Michigan Avenue so that I could keep the building in my sights, but I decided that I was close enough that I would be able to find it. Sure enough, a couple of blocks farther, there it was! As I waited to cross the last corner before arriving at the entrance to the Water Tower, I called my two favorite residents and let them know I had arrived! Hurdle 2 was completed!!!
Side Note: I happily allowed my favorite residents to lead me around the city. They took great care of me, paying for my subway and bus fares. I could literally sit back and enjoy the rides -- I only had to follow their lead.
New Experience #3: Amtrack train ride from Chicago to Battle Creek. With my visit in Chicago coming to a close, my favorite resident drove me to Union Station to catch my train to Battle Creek. Giving her a hug good-bye, I grabbed my bag (remembered it all by myself this time!!) and entered the station. I looked around for the kiosk where I needed to print my pre-purchased ticket. When I didn't locate it right away, I stepped up to the Information Desk and asked the attendant where it was located. He kindly instructed me on the kiosk's location behind the stairway. After I successfully printed the ticket, I looked at the electronic arrival/departure board on the wall and saw that I needed to go to Gate D and that my train was located on Platform 22. (I experienced a quick thought of Harry Potter's 9-3/4 Platform which made me smile.) Looking around, I realized that there was a very long line, snaking around the waiting area and down the corridor that I had just walked. This long line was where I needed to be. So I retraced my steps until I found the end of the line where I joined my fellow travelers in waiting for the opportunity to board the train. When we began boarding the train, I noticed signs posted on the side of the train, next to the car doors. I quickly realized that these signs were stops on the route so I continued walking down the platform until I saw Battle Creek on the side of the train. Climbing aboard, I located an empty seat and sat down, breathing a huge sigh of relief. Another successful hurdle jumped -- I was on the train, ready to head home. I could sit back and enjoy the ride. As we pulled out of the station, I realized that we were riding backwards again, sneaking out of the big city. Once again, I thought it was appropriate!
New Experience #4 -- Portland High School's FAFSA Workshop. February is the month when much attention is given to encouraging students and families to file the FAFSA for financial aid for the next academic collegiate year. One of our Admissions representatives was scheduled to go to Portland High School to help them in their FAFSA Workshop Night. She asked if any of the Financial Aid Officers would like to go along to help. I volunteered my services. To my knowledge, I had never been to Portland High School, and this was my first time volunteering to help with FAFSAs at a local high school. I wasn't sure what this experience would bring -- I was a little nervous. I checked out the possible routes to Portland High School and chose a route. Even though most of the route was "back roads," I realized that it was the most direct route. Thankfully, the event started at 3:00 p.m. so I knew that I would be driving to the school in the daylight. I figured navigating back roads in the daylight should not be a problem. I also had to pick a route to come home -- going back to Olivet on the way home would not be efficient. I chose a route that I thought would be easily navigated in the dark since the event was scheduled to conclude at 7:00 p.m. I successfully arrived at Portland High School and, after driving around the entire school building, I found the main entrance. As I was finding a parking spot, the Admissions representative pulled into the parking lot. I waited for her to park. Knowing that she had been to Portland High School before and could navigate the building, I happily allowed her to be the leader. (Have you noticed that I like "playing" Follow the Leader when I'm in an unknown environment?) Once we were settled into the computer lab, I felt much more at ease. I knew that I could help the families with their FAFSAs. I am very knowledgeable and confident with the FAFSA, having helped dozens of families and students in the past. I truly enjoyed myself during the event. After the event, I headed home. Remembering and retracing the roads that I had traveled in Portland to get to the high school, I navigated to where I had to turn off to get me on the route I had chosen to go home. Traveling a new road in the dark made me a little nervous, but it wasn't long until I found I-96 W which I would take to M-66 in Ionia. Smooth sailing from there to home! Another successful hurdle jumped!
New Experience #5: Olive Garden for One -- I'm very comfortable going to fast food restaurants by myself. I can either choose the drive thru or eat in the dining room. If I know I'm going to be eating by myself, I often take along a book to read. I've also gone to a few family restaurants to eat by myself when on business trips or traveling by myself -- i.e. Applebee's and Hacienda. I'm not as confident in those situations. I feel a little embarrassed when I approach the podium and ask for a Table for One. On Thursday, I traveled after work to Kalamazoo to shop at Babies R Us for a baby shower gift. Knowing that it would be supper time while I was in Kalamazoo, I had to decide where I would eat. There is a Schlotzsky's near Babies R Us which would normally be my first choice when I'm eating alone. There is also an Olive Garden (one of my favorite restaurants) near the store. Because I'm not comfortable eating alone in a family restaurant, Olive Garden would not usually enter into my choices when by myself. This time, however, I considered my finances. I had gift cards to both Schlotzsky's and Olive Garden. I knew that my Schlotzsky's card did not have adequate money left on it to pay for a meal there. On the other hand, my Olive Garden card would adequately cover my dinner. I would be much more comfortable with a Table for One at Schlotzsky's than at Olive Garden. Other factors in my decision where to eat were the facts that (1) my husband does not like Olive Garden, and (2) there isn't an Olive Garden located in Battle Creek -- we either drive to Jackson, Kalamazoo or farther to get to an Olive Garden. When decision time came, I thought about all the factors, including reflecting on the successful new experiences I had survived in the past week and chose Olive Garden. I walked up to the podium and asked for a "Table for One." Dinner was wonderful, the service was terrific, and I felt fairly comfortable during the whole experience.
What have I learned? Successfully surviving these five new experiences does give me confidence that I can do them again. I can ride on the Amtrack by myself to Chicago. I can eat in a restaurant by myself and enjoy the meal. I can find my way to a new place. Will I ever be completely comfortable in these situations? I'm not sure. I think that these types of experiences must be repeated over and over and over again until they become so familiar to me that they are routine. Then, I think I will be comfortable in them.
Next Post: Galatians 5 -- It's about Love!
Monday, February 6, 2012
One Month Completed
If you look at the date of this post and compare it to the calendar, you will notice that it is NOT Sunday, February 5, 2012, when I am writing this post. It is Monday, February 6, 2012. Blogging was not an option yesterday.
This past weekend was great! But, it didn't lend itself to providing me with available time to blog! That's okay. I don't regret nor feel guilty at all that I didn't post a blog this weekend!
January 2012 has left us! What a nice winter we are having!!! I wasn't disappointed or depressed that the groundhog saw his shadow on Thursday morning. Six more weeks of this type of winter weather -- bring it on! It's been fabulous!!!
So, you may wonder, how'd you do last week with working on those goals? Well, thanks for asking. Let me tell you....
1. Finances -- I was nervous this week that our discretionary spending budget would be a "bust." I knew that I was going to spend money in Chicago during the upcoming weekend. When I bought groceries on Monday, I was surprised at the amount that I spent. Oh no, I thought, almost half of the week's budget is already gone! Then, Tuesday, I had to purchase a tank of gas because I was driving to a conference in Lansing on Wednesday. After the gas purchase, the budget was over 60% gone! YIKES!!!! Parking at the conference cost me another $10.
Heading for Chicago on Saturday, I kept reminding myself, you only have $67 to spend. $67! $67! When I got to Chicago, I met up with my two favorite residents, and we immediately headed for The Cheesecake Factory. YUM!!! Three pieces of cheesecake purchased for $25. Down to $42. And, I hadn't yet purchased our supper! When suppertime rolled around, we decided to get hamburgers & fries from a local bar & grill as take-out. Total cost for three of us was $40. $2 left!!! Way to go! "You did it!" I thought to myself. Then I talked to my husband who told me that he was eating Sir Pizza. I knew that meant he had spent $14 on that pizza! Oh, dear! That means we shot the budget by $12. But wait, the $10 for parking at my conference will be reimbursed so I don't have to count that. And, I'm sure that since I usually round up when keeping track of the spending, the remaining $2 over the budget could be simply from the rounding.
Thus, I declared that we met our financial budget for the week, and I hung up the week's budget on our study wall.
As you might remember, I started working on our tax returns a few weeks ago by organizing the paperwork. Since we have now received all of the necessary tax forms, I need to work some more on the returns. I need to calculate my husband's officiating net income and then start plugging numbers into the tax returns. This will be my project for the coming weekend. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, I will have determined if we have to pay or if we will be receiving a refund.
2. Spiritual -- I was back on track this week. I successfully completed the January memory verses by the end of January. February's verses are already fastened to my computer monitor -- the first step in successful memorization. PLUS, this is a leap year, so I have an extra day in February to accomplish this task. It's like Bonus Baseball!! :)
I was consistent in Bible Study this week, finishing up my study in Galatians 4. In addition to the phrase, "Children of Promise" -- of which I blogged in my last post -- I wrote about Galatians 4:18 (being zealous) and Galatians 4:15 ("What has happened to your joy?") in my Journal. On to Galatians 5 this week!
3. Personal -- As you probably noticed, blogging was WAY down this week. That's okay -- the busy weekend definitely contributed to the reduction of posts. And, I focused on my most important goal this week -- maximizing the time spent in God's Word. Got the priorities right this week!!!
I was very pleased with the class time this week in my college course -- learning actually occurred during class time!! YEAH! And, I successfully completed my first news story, of which I've given permission to be used in the next edition of the ECHO, Olivet College's newspaper.
On a side note, sometimes it is an advantage to be the oldest person in class. When the grammar skills were needed this week, I think I was the only student who had ever diagrammed a sentence in his/her lifetime. I knew why you shouldn't move the adverb, "only" in the sentence we were discussing.
And, I was pleased to learn that the old editing marks are still in existence! While the rest of the class is just learning them, I'm all set because I've used them for...um....decades!!
Overall, a great week! On to the first full week of February! Looking forward to continuing to work on my 2012 goals!
Next post: New Experiences
This past weekend was great! But, it didn't lend itself to providing me with available time to blog! That's okay. I don't regret nor feel guilty at all that I didn't post a blog this weekend!
January 2012 has left us! What a nice winter we are having!!! I wasn't disappointed or depressed that the groundhog saw his shadow on Thursday morning. Six more weeks of this type of winter weather -- bring it on! It's been fabulous!!!
So, you may wonder, how'd you do last week with working on those goals? Well, thanks for asking. Let me tell you....
1. Finances -- I was nervous this week that our discretionary spending budget would be a "bust." I knew that I was going to spend money in Chicago during the upcoming weekend. When I bought groceries on Monday, I was surprised at the amount that I spent. Oh no, I thought, almost half of the week's budget is already gone! Then, Tuesday, I had to purchase a tank of gas because I was driving to a conference in Lansing on Wednesday. After the gas purchase, the budget was over 60% gone! YIKES!!!! Parking at the conference cost me another $10.
Heading for Chicago on Saturday, I kept reminding myself, you only have $67 to spend. $67! $67! When I got to Chicago, I met up with my two favorite residents, and we immediately headed for The Cheesecake Factory. YUM!!! Three pieces of cheesecake purchased for $25. Down to $42. And, I hadn't yet purchased our supper! When suppertime rolled around, we decided to get hamburgers & fries from a local bar & grill as take-out. Total cost for three of us was $40. $2 left!!! Way to go! "You did it!" I thought to myself. Then I talked to my husband who told me that he was eating Sir Pizza. I knew that meant he had spent $14 on that pizza! Oh, dear! That means we shot the budget by $12. But wait, the $10 for parking at my conference will be reimbursed so I don't have to count that. And, I'm sure that since I usually round up when keeping track of the spending, the remaining $2 over the budget could be simply from the rounding.
Thus, I declared that we met our financial budget for the week, and I hung up the week's budget on our study wall.
As you might remember, I started working on our tax returns a few weeks ago by organizing the paperwork. Since we have now received all of the necessary tax forms, I need to work some more on the returns. I need to calculate my husband's officiating net income and then start plugging numbers into the tax returns. This will be my project for the coming weekend. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, I will have determined if we have to pay or if we will be receiving a refund.
2. Spiritual -- I was back on track this week. I successfully completed the January memory verses by the end of January. February's verses are already fastened to my computer monitor -- the first step in successful memorization. PLUS, this is a leap year, so I have an extra day in February to accomplish this task. It's like Bonus Baseball!! :)
I was consistent in Bible Study this week, finishing up my study in Galatians 4. In addition to the phrase, "Children of Promise" -- of which I blogged in my last post -- I wrote about Galatians 4:18 (being zealous) and Galatians 4:15 ("What has happened to your joy?") in my Journal. On to Galatians 5 this week!
3. Personal -- As you probably noticed, blogging was WAY down this week. That's okay -- the busy weekend definitely contributed to the reduction of posts. And, I focused on my most important goal this week -- maximizing the time spent in God's Word. Got the priorities right this week!!!
I was very pleased with the class time this week in my college course -- learning actually occurred during class time!! YEAH! And, I successfully completed my first news story, of which I've given permission to be used in the next edition of the ECHO, Olivet College's newspaper.
On a side note, sometimes it is an advantage to be the oldest person in class. When the grammar skills were needed this week, I think I was the only student who had ever diagrammed a sentence in his/her lifetime. I knew why you shouldn't move the adverb, "only" in the sentence we were discussing.
And, I was pleased to learn that the old editing marks are still in existence! While the rest of the class is just learning them, I'm all set because I've used them for...um....decades!!
Overall, a great week! On to the first full week of February! Looking forward to continuing to work on my 2012 goals!
Next post: New Experiences
Thinking about "Children of Promise"
Galatians 4: 28 "Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise."
All week long, I've been mediating on the phrase, "Children of Promise." I think this phrase jumped out to me because I'm an expectant grandmother, looking forward to meeting my fifth grandchild in March!
What are "children of promise"? Let me share some of my thoughts on this phrase.
1. Supernatural birth -- Isaac was conceived well after Sarah's body was no longer physically capable of becoming pregnant. It was God that enabled her to become pregnant. He supernaturally reversed the aging process of Sarah's womb, and Isaac was conceived. Sarah's womb was dead, but God regenerated the womb. Ephesians 2:1 says that we are "dead in trespasses and sin." "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive [regenerated us] with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions." (Eph. 2:4-5) God gave us a supernatural birth -- the new birth of which Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:7, "You must be born again."
2. Foreknowledge -- If you don't know something is going to happen, you can't make a promise that it will happen. God promised that Isaac would be born. He knew it would happen. God also knew that I would be a child of promise. He knew that I would accept his gift of salvation. Romans 8:29-30 tells us that "those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son....And those he predestined, he also called, those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." God foreknew me and called to be a child of promise.
3. Family Member -- when born, Isaac became a member of Abraham and Sarah's family. When I was born again, I became a member of God's family. He adopted me! Galatians 3:26: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."
4. Heirs -- Galatians 4:7: "...since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." This reminds me of the phrase in the song, Family of God: "Joint heirs with Jesus...."! In Isaac's case, the second born received the inheritance. The child of promise was the heir. Galatians 4:22-31 discusses the differences between the child of promise (Isaac) and the child born "in the ordinary way" (Ishmael). Only the child of promise receives any inheritance. I Cor. 2:9 gives us a hint of how magnificent our inheritance will be, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."
What is my response to being a "Child of Promise"? Thanksgiving to our Amazing God....humility at the undeserved privilege....Acknowledgement of my unworthiness and His great grace, love, & mercy...Worship and Praise to my Heavenly Father!
"Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation, so rich and free!"
Next post: One Month Completed!
All week long, I've been mediating on the phrase, "Children of Promise." I think this phrase jumped out to me because I'm an expectant grandmother, looking forward to meeting my fifth grandchild in March!
What are "children of promise"? Let me share some of my thoughts on this phrase.
1. Supernatural birth -- Isaac was conceived well after Sarah's body was no longer physically capable of becoming pregnant. It was God that enabled her to become pregnant. He supernaturally reversed the aging process of Sarah's womb, and Isaac was conceived. Sarah's womb was dead, but God regenerated the womb. Ephesians 2:1 says that we are "dead in trespasses and sin." "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive [regenerated us] with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions." (Eph. 2:4-5) God gave us a supernatural birth -- the new birth of which Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:7, "You must be born again."
2. Foreknowledge -- If you don't know something is going to happen, you can't make a promise that it will happen. God promised that Isaac would be born. He knew it would happen. God also knew that I would be a child of promise. He knew that I would accept his gift of salvation. Romans 8:29-30 tells us that "those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son....And those he predestined, he also called, those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." God foreknew me and called to be a child of promise.
3. Family Member -- when born, Isaac became a member of Abraham and Sarah's family. When I was born again, I became a member of God's family. He adopted me! Galatians 3:26: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."
4. Heirs -- Galatians 4:7: "...since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." This reminds me of the phrase in the song, Family of God: "Joint heirs with Jesus...."! In Isaac's case, the second born received the inheritance. The child of promise was the heir. Galatians 4:22-31 discusses the differences between the child of promise (Isaac) and the child born "in the ordinary way" (Ishmael). Only the child of promise receives any inheritance. I Cor. 2:9 gives us a hint of how magnificent our inheritance will be, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."
What is my response to being a "Child of Promise"? Thanksgiving to our Amazing God....humility at the undeserved privilege....Acknowledgement of my unworthiness and His great grace, love, & mercy...Worship and Praise to my Heavenly Father!
"Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation, so rich and free!"
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