Our youngest daughter is expecting her first baby -- our fifth grandbaby. We've been waiting for Nora's appearance for several weeks now -- enough though the official due date was just yesterday.
One of the doctors told our daughter in late February that she was going to deliver the baby early because Nora was already in position at that time. The doctor didn't do us any favors in telling us that she was going to come early. Now, almost four weeks later, we are still waiting.
At her appointment last Monday, my daughter found out that she was dilated to 3 centimeters and her doctor told her that she was "on the launching pad." Five days later, we're still waiting for the countdown to commence, and the baby to appear.
Every time the phone rings, I race to see who is calling. I'm expecting a call at, literally, any moment that will herald the news that labor has begun, and they are on the way to the hospital.
Waiting for this grandbaby has been the toughest one of all the babies. My life is on hold -- I don't want to make any plans or appointments. I have vacation days that I've saved up to use when Nora arrives, but I can't schedule them until she makes her arrival.
Waiting for every other grandbaby has been so different than this one.
Grandbaby #1 was born in Wisconsin -- 10 hours away. Her due date was about the same time that our son was getting married. I knew that I couldn't see the baby until after the wedding. If the baby came early, she would just have to wait for Grandma. I scheduled a flight for the weekend after the wedding, hoping that the baby would arrive before I got there. Jenny arrived the day before Grandma's flight -- perfect timing.
Grandbaby #2 was born in Indiana -- 2-1/2 hours away. I could get to him at any point of the day -- even after work. I just needed to get that phone call, and I could leave whenever I wanted. David kindly made his appearance on a Saturday in which we were already planning to be in his hometown. Very convenient of him to time his arrival with our schedule!
Grandbabies #3 & #4 were born in Delaware -- 10+ hours away. Once again, I had to schedule, in advance, when I could visit the grandbabies. The babies were due in mid-March. Although we expected the twins to be born early, I decided to wait to visit the babies until my daughter's spring break in April. Therefore, I didn't get to meet Emily and Kyle in person until they were more than a month old.
I want to meet Nora on the day that she is born (unless her arrival is the middle of the night!)!!! She will be born in Chicago -- 3+ hours away.
A couple of weeks ago, my daughter asked me what my plans are for when Nora arrives. I don't know what I'm going to do -- everything depends on her timing. If it's a weekend, Grandpa can go with me, and we will probably make it a one-day trip or a two-day trip & stay overnight in Chicago. If it's a weekday, I have to figure out when I'm going to leave, how long I'm going to stay, how many vacation days I'm going to use, can I miss a class period, etc. The only thing that I have settled in my mind is that I'm driving.
I usually live a structured life. I have my "to-do" list and know what is planned for the next week or so. There isn't a lot of room for spontaneity. But, I'm not living a structured life right now. I didn't make any plans for my week of Spring Break because I'm waiting for Nora. I wouldn't commit to being available for a Technology Committee meeting at church because I'm waiting for Nora. I don't want any obligations to get in my way of being able to drop what I'm doing, jump in the car, and head for Chicago.
So you can arrive anytime now, Nora. Grandma's ready to meet you!!
Next Post: Watching Spring Arrive
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
March Madness
I love March Madness. My two favorite sports days of the year are the Second-round of the Men's NCAA basketball tournament --yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday). (It seems weird to me to call these two days, "the second round" -- I still consider them first round games!)
It's a good thing that I don't gamble! As much as I am obsessed with these two days, I can only imagine how greater the obsession would be if there was money attached to the outcome!
I have loved these two days for over twenty years! I remember being obsessed with them when I was a stay-at-home mom back when our kids were pre-schoolers.
I love that the starting times of the games are staggered so that you can see the finish of each game. I love that the parity of play in the men's tourney is so close that a lot of the games are decided in the last minute.
I love that the games are now on four different networks so I can control what I want to watch. Believe me, the TV remote got a huge workout yesterday!
I love the dramatics and the emotion of the games -- winner advances, losers are done - college careers are over for seniors!
I love choosing brackets and being emotionally tied to the outcomes of each game. I love competing with others on our picks.
I was thrilled when I realized that my Spring Break week coincided with these two days of basketball. It's been a long time since I had these two days off and could see for myself the outcome of each game -- watching it live is SO MUCH BETTER than watching highlights of the game after the game is completed!
I had a hard time choosing between my desire to visit my grandchildren during this week of Spring Break and my desire to watch the games uninterrupted. That's how much I love these two days of basketball!!!
Harry Potter movies are on ABC Family network -- I love Harry Potter, but I haven't even sneaked a peek at them -- even when the games are on commercial breaks! My desire to watch the games is greater!
At our house, sports is on the TV much of the time that my husband is home. Even when I am emotionally attached to the games -- the Red Wings are playing, Michigan vs. MSU football, etc. -- I wander away from the game, playing on the computer, reading books, doing household chores, etc. Not during these two days of basketball. I'm glued to the TV all day/night long.
I was actually annoyed last night when my husband didn't change the TV station to a different game during commercial breaks. He was switching back and forth between CBS, TBS, & TNT. However, he was neglecting the game on Tru TV. When he left the living room to bring our dog in for the night, I reclaimed the remote. If he wasn't going to check out the game on Tru TV, I would do it for him!
In an attempt at full disclosure, I do have to say that I did take a break from watching the games late last night for about half an hour to get on the computer and to read my Bible. But even that time was strategically chosen -- it was during the first halves of the late games. I didn't miss the deciding minutes of the outcomes of the games! :)
The rest of the tournament will not hold my attention as well. With fewer games being played each round, you have wait longer for the outcomes of the games. I'll still be emotionally involved and root for my teams, but I won't be as glued to the TV. And, depending on how my bracket plays out, I may not even watch the later rounds. There is a direct correlation between my bracket and my interest in the later rounds. If I don't have any teams left, I probably won't even watch the game!
But during the first two days of the tourney (aka the 2nd round!), my brackets still look great. Hope of victory still abounds. And the outcomes of the games come one after another, keeping my interest and excitement level peaked!
March Madness lives in me!!!
Next Post: Waiting for Nora
It's a good thing that I don't gamble! As much as I am obsessed with these two days, I can only imagine how greater the obsession would be if there was money attached to the outcome!
I have loved these two days for over twenty years! I remember being obsessed with them when I was a stay-at-home mom back when our kids were pre-schoolers.
I love that the starting times of the games are staggered so that you can see the finish of each game. I love that the parity of play in the men's tourney is so close that a lot of the games are decided in the last minute.
I love that the games are now on four different networks so I can control what I want to watch. Believe me, the TV remote got a huge workout yesterday!
I love the dramatics and the emotion of the games -- winner advances, losers are done - college careers are over for seniors!
I love choosing brackets and being emotionally tied to the outcomes of each game. I love competing with others on our picks.
I was thrilled when I realized that my Spring Break week coincided with these two days of basketball. It's been a long time since I had these two days off and could see for myself the outcome of each game -- watching it live is SO MUCH BETTER than watching highlights of the game after the game is completed!
I had a hard time choosing between my desire to visit my grandchildren during this week of Spring Break and my desire to watch the games uninterrupted. That's how much I love these two days of basketball!!!
Harry Potter movies are on ABC Family network -- I love Harry Potter, but I haven't even sneaked a peek at them -- even when the games are on commercial breaks! My desire to watch the games is greater!
At our house, sports is on the TV much of the time that my husband is home. Even when I am emotionally attached to the games -- the Red Wings are playing, Michigan vs. MSU football, etc. -- I wander away from the game, playing on the computer, reading books, doing household chores, etc. Not during these two days of basketball. I'm glued to the TV all day/night long.
I was actually annoyed last night when my husband didn't change the TV station to a different game during commercial breaks. He was switching back and forth between CBS, TBS, & TNT. However, he was neglecting the game on Tru TV. When he left the living room to bring our dog in for the night, I reclaimed the remote. If he wasn't going to check out the game on Tru TV, I would do it for him!
In an attempt at full disclosure, I do have to say that I did take a break from watching the games late last night for about half an hour to get on the computer and to read my Bible. But even that time was strategically chosen -- it was during the first halves of the late games. I didn't miss the deciding minutes of the outcomes of the games! :)
The rest of the tournament will not hold my attention as well. With fewer games being played each round, you have wait longer for the outcomes of the games. I'll still be emotionally involved and root for my teams, but I won't be as glued to the TV. And, depending on how my bracket plays out, I may not even watch the later rounds. There is a direct correlation between my bracket and my interest in the later rounds. If I don't have any teams left, I probably won't even watch the game!
But during the first two days of the tourney (aka the 2nd round!), my brackets still look great. Hope of victory still abounds. And the outcomes of the games come one after another, keeping my interest and excitement level peaked!
March Madness lives in me!!!
Next Post: Waiting for Nora
Birth Order
Our church has been viewing Dr. Kevin Lehman's DVD Series, "Value-Based Parenting" on Sunday nights over the past two months. Last Sunday night was the session on Birth Order.
Birth Order is fun to think about and to recognize. I do see it play out in some families. For example, our two oldest grandchildren exhibit alot of the traits. Our granddaughter is very conscientious, concerned about doing everything right and well, and is interested in academic achievement at five years old. Her brother is her opposite. He resists abiding by the rules, isn't really interested in learning his ABC's and would much rather run and play than sit still to learn. Their mother (a first-born achiever) will have to learn to adopt her home-school teaching to meet his learning style. Handing him worksheets will not work for him like it does for her daughter. There will need to be lots of hands-on learning with games and motor-skill activities.
In considering birth order, I think about my siblings and me. I'm the baby of the family....but I don't think I exhibit the traits of a baby of the family. I have always been an academic achiever; I want to obtain my "A's" in my courses; I want to be the best, brightest employee in my area; and I typically achieve these goals. I am rarely a comedian or attention getter. I would rather blend into the background than draw attention to myself.
Yet, I think back to my early childhood. I was a precocious child. I was a flirt with both boys and men. I had no qualms about climbing onto a man's lap to get his attention. I had boyfriends as a pre-schooler and throughout all of my early elementary years. I loved to be teased by men and boys.
I'm not like that anymore. I am very reserved around men -- even ones that I've known literally all my life. So what happened to change my outgoing personality? I was abused by actions and words.
There are four distinct incidents from my child/teen/early adult years that have left me emotionally scarred and, I believe, altered my personality. The childhood one stripped my innocence and robbed me of my comfort around men. The two incidents from my teen years affected my self-esteem, creating a life-long struggle with how I view myself. The final one from my early adult taught me that drawing attention to myself was a bad idea and should be quashed.
In each of these situations, the people who affected my life so profoundly were professing Christians. I'm studying Ephesians 4 this week. This text talks about building up the body of Christ by our words and actions. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen....Be kind and compassionate to one another." Instead of building up, the four incidents tore me down.
In reflecting on these verses and my life, what a practical lesson these verses are to me! I have personal knowledge of what can happen when someone does not obey this instruction. I need to be more conscientious of how my words and actions can affect others, and I need to live out the verses in my words and actions.
Next post: March Madness
Birth Order is fun to think about and to recognize. I do see it play out in some families. For example, our two oldest grandchildren exhibit alot of the traits. Our granddaughter is very conscientious, concerned about doing everything right and well, and is interested in academic achievement at five years old. Her brother is her opposite. He resists abiding by the rules, isn't really interested in learning his ABC's and would much rather run and play than sit still to learn. Their mother (a first-born achiever) will have to learn to adopt her home-school teaching to meet his learning style. Handing him worksheets will not work for him like it does for her daughter. There will need to be lots of hands-on learning with games and motor-skill activities.
In considering birth order, I think about my siblings and me. I'm the baby of the family....but I don't think I exhibit the traits of a baby of the family. I have always been an academic achiever; I want to obtain my "A's" in my courses; I want to be the best, brightest employee in my area; and I typically achieve these goals. I am rarely a comedian or attention getter. I would rather blend into the background than draw attention to myself.
Yet, I think back to my early childhood. I was a precocious child. I was a flirt with both boys and men. I had no qualms about climbing onto a man's lap to get his attention. I had boyfriends as a pre-schooler and throughout all of my early elementary years. I loved to be teased by men and boys.
I'm not like that anymore. I am very reserved around men -- even ones that I've known literally all my life. So what happened to change my outgoing personality? I was abused by actions and words.
There are four distinct incidents from my child/teen/early adult years that have left me emotionally scarred and, I believe, altered my personality. The childhood one stripped my innocence and robbed me of my comfort around men. The two incidents from my teen years affected my self-esteem, creating a life-long struggle with how I view myself. The final one from my early adult taught me that drawing attention to myself was a bad idea and should be quashed.
In each of these situations, the people who affected my life so profoundly were professing Christians. I'm studying Ephesians 4 this week. This text talks about building up the body of Christ by our words and actions. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen....Be kind and compassionate to one another." Instead of building up, the four incidents tore me down.
In reflecting on these verses and my life, what a practical lesson these verses are to me! I have personal knowledge of what can happen when someone does not obey this instruction. I need to be more conscientious of how my words and actions can affect others, and I need to live out the verses in my words and actions.
Next post: March Madness
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Week Gone By
Whoops....I'm a little delayed (aka late!) in writing about the week that has past. It's already Tuesday in the new week, and I hadn't recorded my progress during the previous week on my 2012 goals.
1. Finances - A stellar week!!! Because we had stocked up so well the previous week on groceries, we didn't have to visit the grocery store during the week. We finished the week at $77 under our budget...even though we brought home pizza 2 times and went out to eat with our son and his family!! In addition, I scheduled debt-reduction payments to reduce our debt by $150! And, I've begun to build up our savings account (which is generally at $5 just to keep it open) so that when the car & house insurance is next due in June and again in September, along with the property tax which is due in September, we will have reserve funds to pay those bills. Planning ahead and, most importantly, saving for extra expenses in these two months!! Yeah!!!
2. Spiritual - I didn't spend as much time as I should have in Ephesians 3. When our family visits, I find it very difficult to take time away from them for Bible reading and study. I choose to spend time with them and take care of them (cooking, dishes, picking up the house, etc.) rather than carving out time alone with the Lord and His Word. Is this a bad thing?
WWJD? We know that He spent time away from His disciples and the crowds to meet alone with His Father. (Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.") (Matt 14:22-23: "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.")
Maybe the question shouldn't be, "Is this a bad thing?" Instead, the question should be, "Is this the better thing?" That question is easier to answer. No, spending time with my family is NOT the better thing. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better thing when she chose to spend time at the feet of Jesus instead of getting the household chores done. (Luke 10:41-42: "'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'")
As part of my Spiritual goal of being consistent with spending time with my Saviour, I need to choose to take time away from my family when they are visiting or I'm visiting them. And, since I need accountability in this area of my life, I need to include how I'm doing on this part of my goal in future posts.
I haven't started working on memorizing the Bible verses for March....I've got more than half the month left...what's the hurry, right??? :)
It's official -- I've been asked by our Pastor to take on the church website. He told me that he's going to telephone two men this week that he knows who could build the website. Pastor asked me to be their contact person. It sounds like we will ask one of them to build the website, and I'll be helping in the design, functionality, and content areas. Once it's built, it'll be my job to maintain the website, keeping it updated and to be the point person for the church ministries.
3. Personal -- Class is going well....I got an "A" on the test over Chapters 3 & 4. The professor also told me that I got an "A" on my part of the group news story. YEAH!! The story is slowly coming together. Both class sessions (Tuesday & Friday) were spent trying to combine the individual work that the students have done into one cohesive story. It's not done yet, but we're getting closer. Thankfully, the story isn't due until March 23rd to the college newspaper. We might have it done by then!!! :)
Meanwhile, I'm on SPRING BREAK!!! It's great!!! One official day (yesterday) done -- one library book read!!! :) Today's objectives are to catch up on my blog, get the tax returns ready to mail, read Chapter 5 of my textbook, prepare my b-ball tournament bracket, spend some time studying Ephesians 4, play on the computer, read another library book -- all while waiting for grandbaby #5 to appear!!!
Next Post: Birth Order
1. Finances - A stellar week!!! Because we had stocked up so well the previous week on groceries, we didn't have to visit the grocery store during the week. We finished the week at $77 under our budget...even though we brought home pizza 2 times and went out to eat with our son and his family!! In addition, I scheduled debt-reduction payments to reduce our debt by $150! And, I've begun to build up our savings account (which is generally at $5 just to keep it open) so that when the car & house insurance is next due in June and again in September, along with the property tax which is due in September, we will have reserve funds to pay those bills. Planning ahead and, most importantly, saving for extra expenses in these two months!! Yeah!!!
2. Spiritual - I didn't spend as much time as I should have in Ephesians 3. When our family visits, I find it very difficult to take time away from them for Bible reading and study. I choose to spend time with them and take care of them (cooking, dishes, picking up the house, etc.) rather than carving out time alone with the Lord and His Word. Is this a bad thing?
WWJD? We know that He spent time away from His disciples and the crowds to meet alone with His Father. (Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.") (Matt 14:22-23: "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.")
Maybe the question shouldn't be, "Is this a bad thing?" Instead, the question should be, "Is this the better thing?" That question is easier to answer. No, spending time with my family is NOT the better thing. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better thing when she chose to spend time at the feet of Jesus instead of getting the household chores done. (Luke 10:41-42: "'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'")
As part of my Spiritual goal of being consistent with spending time with my Saviour, I need to choose to take time away from my family when they are visiting or I'm visiting them. And, since I need accountability in this area of my life, I need to include how I'm doing on this part of my goal in future posts.
I haven't started working on memorizing the Bible verses for March....I've got more than half the month left...what's the hurry, right??? :)
It's official -- I've been asked by our Pastor to take on the church website. He told me that he's going to telephone two men this week that he knows who could build the website. Pastor asked me to be their contact person. It sounds like we will ask one of them to build the website, and I'll be helping in the design, functionality, and content areas. Once it's built, it'll be my job to maintain the website, keeping it updated and to be the point person for the church ministries.
3. Personal -- Class is going well....I got an "A" on the test over Chapters 3 & 4. The professor also told me that I got an "A" on my part of the group news story. YEAH!! The story is slowly coming together. Both class sessions (Tuesday & Friday) were spent trying to combine the individual work that the students have done into one cohesive story. It's not done yet, but we're getting closer. Thankfully, the story isn't due until March 23rd to the college newspaper. We might have it done by then!!! :)
Meanwhile, I'm on SPRING BREAK!!! It's great!!! One official day (yesterday) done -- one library book read!!! :) Today's objectives are to catch up on my blog, get the tax returns ready to mail, read Chapter 5 of my textbook, prepare my b-ball tournament bracket, spend some time studying Ephesians 4, play on the computer, read another library book -- all while waiting for grandbaby #5 to appear!!!
Next Post: Birth Order
Immeasurably More
Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
"Immeasurably more" -- that phrase caught my attention as I was reading Ephesians 3. By definition, you cannot measure an "immeasurable" quantity. It is uncontainable, infinite, incomprehensible. Then the apostle Paul adds the word "more" to "immeasurable." "Immeasurably more," he declares.
If you're a Toy Store fan, you might think of Buzz Lightyear's phrase, "To infinity and beyond!" A math fan might think of "n+1".
The phrase reminded me of two things: the universe and Psalm 103:12. Scientists cannot quantify the vastness of the universe. Galaxy after galaxy of stars have been discovered; yet they know that more galaxies are undiscovered. Psalm 103:12 describes how far my sins have been removed from me: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
It shouldn't be surprised that our omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent God can do "immeasurably more" than we ask or imagine. His knowledge, power, and greatness is immeasurable. As Chris Tomlin sings, "How Great is our God!"
Next post: Week Gone By
"Immeasurably more" -- that phrase caught my attention as I was reading Ephesians 3. By definition, you cannot measure an "immeasurable" quantity. It is uncontainable, infinite, incomprehensible. Then the apostle Paul adds the word "more" to "immeasurable." "Immeasurably more," he declares.
If you're a Toy Store fan, you might think of Buzz Lightyear's phrase, "To infinity and beyond!" A math fan might think of "n+1".
The phrase reminded me of two things: the universe and Psalm 103:12. Scientists cannot quantify the vastness of the universe. Galaxy after galaxy of stars have been discovered; yet they know that more galaxies are undiscovered. Psalm 103:12 describes how far my sins have been removed from me: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
It shouldn't be surprised that our omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent God can do "immeasurably more" than we ask or imagine. His knowledge, power, and greatness is immeasurable. As Chris Tomlin sings, "How Great is our God!"
Next post: Week Gone By
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Don't Need to Wait for an Invitation
Ephesians 3:12: "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
This verse reminds me of Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
According to Ephesians 3:12, as Christians, we can approach God because of Christ's work ("In him") and the faith that has saved us ("through faith in him").
I am also reminded of Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
I like the word "confidence" that is used in describing how we are to approach God's throne. This attitude is the exact opposite to the Old Testament story of Queen Esther when she had to approach the king. She literally feared for her life. If he didn't show her mercy and extend his scepter to her, she would be put to death. There was no confidence in approaching the king -- even though she was his wife, the queen.
Our God is the King of Kings. If ever there should be trepidation and fear in approaching a king, you would think it would occur in approaching the all-powerful, thrice-holy God who is described as an all-consuming fire and who cannot look upon sin. How amazing that He allows me to approach Him at my whim. And, even more amazing, it's pleasing to Him when I come to Him confidently. He wants to reward me when I earnestly seek Him.
We don't need to wait for an Invitation to approach the Father. Christ's saving work and our faith have provided us access to Him. We only need to approach with confidence and in faith.
Next Post: Immeasurably More
This verse reminds me of Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
According to Ephesians 3:12, as Christians, we can approach God because of Christ's work ("In him") and the faith that has saved us ("through faith in him").
I am also reminded of Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
I like the word "confidence" that is used in describing how we are to approach God's throne. This attitude is the exact opposite to the Old Testament story of Queen Esther when she had to approach the king. She literally feared for her life. If he didn't show her mercy and extend his scepter to her, she would be put to death. There was no confidence in approaching the king -- even though she was his wife, the queen.
Our God is the King of Kings. If ever there should be trepidation and fear in approaching a king, you would think it would occur in approaching the all-powerful, thrice-holy God who is described as an all-consuming fire and who cannot look upon sin. How amazing that He allows me to approach Him at my whim. And, even more amazing, it's pleasing to Him when I come to Him confidently. He wants to reward me when I earnestly seek Him.
We don't need to wait for an Invitation to approach the Father. Christ's saving work and our faith have provided us access to Him. We only need to approach with confidence and in faith.
Next Post: Immeasurably More
Monday, March 5, 2012
Check-Up Time
Another week finished...another check-up of my progress on my 2012 goals....
1. Finances - good news/bad news week. As I mentioned last week, March was going to be a challenging month in trying to keep our discretionary spending within our budget due to the three family birthdays during the month. On Saturday, my husband and I went birthday present shopping for our twin grandbabies (who are turning ONE on Thursday). I knew after the birthday presents were purchased that we were coming close to the end of our allotted budget. I also knew that we needed to go grocery shopping. Prior to our shopping trip, I had planned menus for meals for the rest of the month of March and had written out our grocery list. Knowing that we would exceed our budget by purchasing the items on the list, I decided to stock up on quite a few items that the store had on sale and that we would need later in the month. Bottom line (bad news)....we didn't make our goal and can't hang our budget sheet on the study wall. Yet, these purchases will help us keep within the budget in the upcoming weeks.
In the good news department, I was able to pay an extra $332 in debt reduction this week!!! That was pretty exciting!!!
2. Spiritual - There is SO MUCH good stuff in Ephesians 2! I could have easily written several more blog posts on this chapter -- Christ is our peace; He "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles; we are together a "holy temple in the Lord" which is God's dwelling place. Great stuff!!! But, the week is past, and it's time to move onto Ephesians 3.
I did learn my February memory passage before the calendar turned to March! And now, we have a new passage in March to learn. I've just added the passage to the frame of my computer monitor so that I can start to learn it.
I may be taking on a new ministry. I found out Sunday that the person who had committed to update our church's website has decided that the work is more consuming than his schedule allows. This news wasn't a surprise. His progress on the website had come to a standstill several months ago. I had hinted to a few people that I would be willing to help with this ministry if he requested assistance or decided to step aside.
I took a website design class several years ago. I remember the basics but will need to brush away the cobwebs and, since technology has changed a lot since then, learn some new skills if I do take on this ministry. I'm pretty excited and a little nervous/apprehensive about the task of updating the website. I'll keep you informed on whether this is a new ministry for me.
3. Personal - How to make me panic in my college course? Have the professor tell us that she hasn't decided whether or not to give everyone the same grade for our next news story. The news story is a class collaboration -- we were each given a particular piece of the story as our assignment. In class tomorrow, we are supposed to write the story together. I don't want us to be graded the same. What happens if someone doesn't complete his/her portion of the story? I don't want to be held accountable for that student's failure in completing the assignment! YIKES!!! Please grade us individually!!!
We had a test on Chapters 3 & 4 in our last class period. I'm confident that I will be pleased with the grade on the test. I'm not confident that a group grade on our news story will make me as pleased.
Six blogs last week! I suspect that my posts will not be as plentiful this week. We're having LOTS OF FAMILY visiting!!! WHOO!!!HOO!!! Babies and babies and kids and kids!!! Love it!!! :)
1. Finances - good news/bad news week. As I mentioned last week, March was going to be a challenging month in trying to keep our discretionary spending within our budget due to the three family birthdays during the month. On Saturday, my husband and I went birthday present shopping for our twin grandbabies (who are turning ONE on Thursday). I knew after the birthday presents were purchased that we were coming close to the end of our allotted budget. I also knew that we needed to go grocery shopping. Prior to our shopping trip, I had planned menus for meals for the rest of the month of March and had written out our grocery list. Knowing that we would exceed our budget by purchasing the items on the list, I decided to stock up on quite a few items that the store had on sale and that we would need later in the month. Bottom line (bad news)....we didn't make our goal and can't hang our budget sheet on the study wall. Yet, these purchases will help us keep within the budget in the upcoming weeks.
In the good news department, I was able to pay an extra $332 in debt reduction this week!!! That was pretty exciting!!!
2. Spiritual - There is SO MUCH good stuff in Ephesians 2! I could have easily written several more blog posts on this chapter -- Christ is our peace; He "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles; we are together a "holy temple in the Lord" which is God's dwelling place. Great stuff!!! But, the week is past, and it's time to move onto Ephesians 3.
I did learn my February memory passage before the calendar turned to March! And now, we have a new passage in March to learn. I've just added the passage to the frame of my computer monitor so that I can start to learn it.
I may be taking on a new ministry. I found out Sunday that the person who had committed to update our church's website has decided that the work is more consuming than his schedule allows. This news wasn't a surprise. His progress on the website had come to a standstill several months ago. I had hinted to a few people that I would be willing to help with this ministry if he requested assistance or decided to step aside.
I took a website design class several years ago. I remember the basics but will need to brush away the cobwebs and, since technology has changed a lot since then, learn some new skills if I do take on this ministry. I'm pretty excited and a little nervous/apprehensive about the task of updating the website. I'll keep you informed on whether this is a new ministry for me.
3. Personal - How to make me panic in my college course? Have the professor tell us that she hasn't decided whether or not to give everyone the same grade for our next news story. The news story is a class collaboration -- we were each given a particular piece of the story as our assignment. In class tomorrow, we are supposed to write the story together. I don't want us to be graded the same. What happens if someone doesn't complete his/her portion of the story? I don't want to be held accountable for that student's failure in completing the assignment! YIKES!!! Please grade us individually!!!
We had a test on Chapters 3 & 4 in our last class period. I'm confident that I will be pleased with the grade on the test. I'm not confident that a group grade on our news story will make me as pleased.
Six blogs last week! I suspect that my posts will not be as plentiful this week. We're having LOTS OF FAMILY visiting!!! WHOO!!!HOO!!! Babies and babies and kids and kids!!! Love it!!! :)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Not my Cup of Tea
We live in a society that caters to our opinions and preferences. The power of the individual can change corporations decisions and policies. The squeaking wheel really does get the grease. Companies are constantly polling and surveying their customers and non-customers on their opinions, buying trends, and product usage. In politics, it is often the lobbyists who drive Congress. I think the old Burger King slogan sums it up well, "Have It Your Way!"
Because we are selfish individuals, we like it to be our way. We like the idea that our opinion and preference makes a difference. We like it that we get to choose.
If we're not careful, people in the church have this same attitude. This attitude can really manifest itself in worship styles. Many people think that the worship style should match my preferences. And, if it doesn't, I'll just leave and find a church where it does.
Last weekend, our church had a Kids Winter Weekend with a Fun Fair on Saturday, and a Puppet Ministry on Saturday and twice on Sunday, including the Sunday Morning Worship Service. The weekend was advertised a couple of months in advance. There should have been no surprise what the Morning Worship Service was going to be -- it had been well advertised that it was going to be geared toward kids and that God's Helping Hands (the puppet ministry) was going to minister.
One of the hats that my husband wears at church is the Head Usher. He is always in the back of the Worship Service or roaming the church in his duties during the Morning Worship Service. After the service last week, he told me that several people had left the service early, complaining that this was not an appropriate service for a Morning Worship Service. According to them, there was no message. It was just entertainment.
Wait a second, I protested. Did they not pay attention to the advertising? Did they not listen to what the puppets were saying and singing? The message was a salvation message geared toward children. They were sharing Psalm 23 and Jesus as the Good Shepherd who died for the flock.
I was flabbergasted that people would be so selfish that they would leave a service early because it didn't meet their preference style of a Worship Service. The puppets weren't trying to meet your preferred style. They were trying to meet the kids' preferences. Yes, the same kids who sit/endure through the Morning Worship Service that is geared toward adults 50 out of 52 Sundays a year! You can't support a Sunday Worship Service that is geared toward them?
Missionary Sundays are often met with disdain. I recently heard a member of our congregation say that the missionary who is sharing with us tomorrow (3/4/12) is one of her favorites of the missionaries which the church supports. Another church member responded that she doesn't have any favorites. In essence she said that she can barely stand any of them coming to share their ministry.
What? You don't want to know how God is using their ministry? You don't want to know if the money that you are giving is being used effectively? You aren't encouraged by their testimony of God's blessings in their ministry?
Granted, I wouldn't every Worship Service to be kid-focused or missionary-focused. And I do enjoy the "normal" adult-focused Worship Service, but what's wrong with having it all?
There is a wise man (in our congregation) who says regarding particular worship styles that are not his preferred style, "It may not be my cup of tea, but it is someone else's. So, I'm glad that they get to taste their favorite cup of tea." WOW!!! That should be all of our attitudes!
After all, isn't that what Philippians 2:1-11 all about? This passage is one of my all-time favorites (speaking of preferences), especially verse 3-5: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
If only we could get this right. If only I could get this right!!! I'm struggling right now to be sharing my home again with my husband. During basketball season (Nov - Feb) each year, he is gone during the main "at home" hours, officiating up to six times a week.
When I'm not at work, I basically get to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it without having to consider his opinion or preference. If I want to delay eating supper, I can. If I want to run errands right after work, I can. I control the remote! I control what's for supper! I decide which room I'm going to be in...which TV I want to watch....what time I want to go to bed. I'm in charge, and there is no one else to consider. I get very used to living virtually by myself.
You might have notice that it's now March. Basketball season is winding down....he only officiated a couple of games last week. And he's been home all weekend. I have to learn to share my home again. He has preferences and opinions. We have to get along. Things have to change in my world. I am not in control anymore. I have to share/give up the remote. I have to consider and yield to his preferences. We have to be a couple again.
It's hard for me each year to adjust to living with my husband again. This year is no exception. Lord, help me to remember Philippians 2. And help me to remember that it's okay if it's not my cup of tea.
Next Post: Check-Up Time
Because we are selfish individuals, we like it to be our way. We like the idea that our opinion and preference makes a difference. We like it that we get to choose.
If we're not careful, people in the church have this same attitude. This attitude can really manifest itself in worship styles. Many people think that the worship style should match my preferences. And, if it doesn't, I'll just leave and find a church where it does.
Last weekend, our church had a Kids Winter Weekend with a Fun Fair on Saturday, and a Puppet Ministry on Saturday and twice on Sunday, including the Sunday Morning Worship Service. The weekend was advertised a couple of months in advance. There should have been no surprise what the Morning Worship Service was going to be -- it had been well advertised that it was going to be geared toward kids and that God's Helping Hands (the puppet ministry) was going to minister.
One of the hats that my husband wears at church is the Head Usher. He is always in the back of the Worship Service or roaming the church in his duties during the Morning Worship Service. After the service last week, he told me that several people had left the service early, complaining that this was not an appropriate service for a Morning Worship Service. According to them, there was no message. It was just entertainment.
Wait a second, I protested. Did they not pay attention to the advertising? Did they not listen to what the puppets were saying and singing? The message was a salvation message geared toward children. They were sharing Psalm 23 and Jesus as the Good Shepherd who died for the flock.
I was flabbergasted that people would be so selfish that they would leave a service early because it didn't meet their preference style of a Worship Service. The puppets weren't trying to meet your preferred style. They were trying to meet the kids' preferences. Yes, the same kids who sit/endure through the Morning Worship Service that is geared toward adults 50 out of 52 Sundays a year! You can't support a Sunday Worship Service that is geared toward them?
Missionary Sundays are often met with disdain. I recently heard a member of our congregation say that the missionary who is sharing with us tomorrow (3/4/12) is one of her favorites of the missionaries which the church supports. Another church member responded that she doesn't have any favorites. In essence she said that she can barely stand any of them coming to share their ministry.
What? You don't want to know how God is using their ministry? You don't want to know if the money that you are giving is being used effectively? You aren't encouraged by their testimony of God's blessings in their ministry?
Granted, I wouldn't every Worship Service to be kid-focused or missionary-focused. And I do enjoy the "normal" adult-focused Worship Service, but what's wrong with having it all?
There is a wise man (in our congregation) who says regarding particular worship styles that are not his preferred style, "It may not be my cup of tea, but it is someone else's. So, I'm glad that they get to taste their favorite cup of tea." WOW!!! That should be all of our attitudes!
After all, isn't that what Philippians 2:1-11 all about? This passage is one of my all-time favorites (speaking of preferences), especially verse 3-5: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."
If only we could get this right. If only I could get this right!!! I'm struggling right now to be sharing my home again with my husband. During basketball season (Nov - Feb) each year, he is gone during the main "at home" hours, officiating up to six times a week.
When I'm not at work, I basically get to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it without having to consider his opinion or preference. If I want to delay eating supper, I can. If I want to run errands right after work, I can. I control the remote! I control what's for supper! I decide which room I'm going to be in...which TV I want to watch....what time I want to go to bed. I'm in charge, and there is no one else to consider. I get very used to living virtually by myself.
You might have notice that it's now March. Basketball season is winding down....he only officiated a couple of games last week. And he's been home all weekend. I have to learn to share my home again. He has preferences and opinions. We have to get along. Things have to change in my world. I am not in control anymore. I have to share/give up the remote. I have to consider and yield to his preferences. We have to be a couple again.
It's hard for me each year to adjust to living with my husband again. This year is no exception. Lord, help me to remember Philippians 2. And help me to remember that it's okay if it's not my cup of tea.
Next Post: Check-Up Time
Sitting Down in Heaven?
Whenever I read Ephesians 2:6, I am surprised! "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."
Sitting down in Heaven? Really? We are going to be sitting with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? I can't picture it. It would make more sense to me that we would be bowing on our knees or lying prostrate face down or at the most standing in His presence.
In our society, we stand in honor of special persons. All rise for the courtroom judge; we stand in honor of graduates parading into their graduation ceremony; the entire government stands for the President of the United States when he enters the House chamber for the State of the Union address. The mother of the bride rises and the guests join her to honor the bride coming down the aisle.
Sitting with someone breeds an air of familiarity and comfort. Let's sit and have a chat. Sit with me and have a cup of tea or a Diet Coke. Let's sit together and enjoy the view.
I don't think I would feel comfortable sitting down with the Queen of England or the President of the United States or the Pope. Yet, the Scripture says that I'll be sitting with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Next post: Not my Cup of Tea
Sitting down in Heaven? Really? We are going to be sitting with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? I can't picture it. It would make more sense to me that we would be bowing on our knees or lying prostrate face down or at the most standing in His presence.
In our society, we stand in honor of special persons. All rise for the courtroom judge; we stand in honor of graduates parading into their graduation ceremony; the entire government stands for the President of the United States when he enters the House chamber for the State of the Union address. The mother of the bride rises and the guests join her to honor the bride coming down the aisle.
Sitting with someone breeds an air of familiarity and comfort. Let's sit and have a chat. Sit with me and have a cup of tea or a Diet Coke. Let's sit together and enjoy the view.
I don't think I would feel comfortable sitting down with the Queen of England or the President of the United States or the Pope. Yet, the Scripture says that I'll be sitting with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Next post: Not my Cup of Tea
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