This is the name that my daughter gave to the get-together she's having with her friends this evening. The party consists of dancing to songs, eating, putting on make-up, and doing facials. I knew all of the friends that were coming except for one. After meeting her, I see that she is nice enough, just like Morgan's other friends.
While we were wating for Morgan's guests to arrive she says to me, "Mom, can we put on more lights? It makes the place look inviting." I told her that we could, just for tonight. It is taking every ounce of restraint that I have to keep my fingers off of the switches. It is ingrained into me. As a matter of fact it is ingrained into my children. Over the holiday break we went to spend time with one of my husband's fellow teachers and his family. While the adults were sitting at the kitchen table, we would periodically see lights go out in different sections of the house. Following the "outting" of the light, we'd hear one of their kids scream, "Stop turning off the light!" to one of our kids. It was hilarious.
Anyhow, the girls are having fun, my daughter's happy, the lights are on, and this is one of the best New Years Eve Eves I've had in a long time.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Let It Rise!
Today was one of those rare but wonderful mornings when the kids got up pretty early for school. This resulted in us having breakfast early and having extra time until the bus would arrive. Me, being as frugal as I am with my money, am even more frugal with my time. So I decided to prepare some pizza dough--one for tonight's dinner and one to freeze for another meal.
As any good baker knows, the magical ingredient in dough is yeast. In order for the yeast to become "active", it needs to be exposed to just the right temperature--105-110 degrees, according to my favorite cookbook.
I got my water ready and tested it--just about right from what I could determine. I got everything else ready in the mixer to pass the time while the yeast did its thing.
Everything was prepared. I had the flour, salt, and oil in the mixing bowl. Everything had taken close to 7 minutes by my estimate. But there sat the yeast at the bottom of the water. Lifeless. I looked at the top of the water and there were no signs of any action going on--no bubbles, no movement. I looked through the glass and everything was murky, it was no help watching through that vantage point. I was disappointed. Here I had wasted a packet of yeast by not getting the water temperature right. Then a thought came, 'Maybe if I microwave it just a little, it will be warm enough to make the yeast active without killing it.' This plan didn't sit too well in my mind. Then another thought, 'God works like this. He wants me to have faith that He is going to do what He says that He will do, even if I don't see Him working with my own eyes. I need to prepare for two batches of dough even though it looks to me like there may only be one.'
So I left the counter where the lifeless yeast was sitting and went into my cabinet. I grabbed two bowls and sprayed them with cooking spray, put the dough hook on the mixer, and went back to the yeast. I stood there for a couple of minutes...waiting. And wouldn't you know it, up rise the bubbles followed by the yeast! I couldn't help but praise God as I watched that starburst pattern rise again and again from bottom of the measuring cup. My Father loves me so much that He created a cooking class just for me!
As any good baker knows, the magical ingredient in dough is yeast. In order for the yeast to become "active", it needs to be exposed to just the right temperature--105-110 degrees, according to my favorite cookbook.
I got my water ready and tested it--just about right from what I could determine. I got everything else ready in the mixer to pass the time while the yeast did its thing.
Everything was prepared. I had the flour, salt, and oil in the mixing bowl. Everything had taken close to 7 minutes by my estimate. But there sat the yeast at the bottom of the water. Lifeless. I looked at the top of the water and there were no signs of any action going on--no bubbles, no movement. I looked through the glass and everything was murky, it was no help watching through that vantage point. I was disappointed. Here I had wasted a packet of yeast by not getting the water temperature right. Then a thought came, 'Maybe if I microwave it just a little, it will be warm enough to make the yeast active without killing it.' This plan didn't sit too well in my mind. Then another thought, 'God works like this. He wants me to have faith that He is going to do what He says that He will do, even if I don't see Him working with my own eyes. I need to prepare for two batches of dough even though it looks to me like there may only be one.'
So I left the counter where the lifeless yeast was sitting and went into my cabinet. I grabbed two bowls and sprayed them with cooking spray, put the dough hook on the mixer, and went back to the yeast. I stood there for a couple of minutes...waiting. And wouldn't you know it, up rise the bubbles followed by the yeast! I couldn't help but praise God as I watched that starburst pattern rise again and again from bottom of the measuring cup. My Father loves me so much that He created a cooking class just for me!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Holiday Shop
This week I volunteered at holiday shop in my children's schools. While serving the kids as they shopped for loved ones, I made some interesting observations.
First among these was generosity. The kids' lists had quite the variety of recipients whom they were anticipating blessing with a gift. Beyond immediate family the lists included friends, babysitters, teachers, and even a dead cat! 'How cool', I thought, 'that our young people have such generious hearts for others.'
My second observation involved spending tactics. The kids that I served worked pretty independently to stay within the budget they had. I would regularly encounter blank stares as the kids were performing mental math to add up their purchases. Others incorporated counting fingers, adding on paper, and one saavy shopper even brought her calculator along. While It was wonderful to see the kids staying within their budget, I noticed that they were also determined to spend every single dime of the money they brought with them. "Look, ma! No change!"
Finally, I saw the face of today's American family. One child was buying for "dad's girlfriend". Another child brought in tags to buy gifts for two seperate holiday celebrations: one at mom's house and one at dad's house. Two other encounters left me wondering about whether some young people today see fathers as a mere accessory in a family. In the first instance, a parent volunteer was serving a child to try and brainstorm who to shop for. The volunteer offered that the child could buy a gift for "Daddy". The child responded that they were doing a test to find out who "Daddy" is. A similar scenario occurred with me and a different child. The child had tags for multiple people. After shopping with her for mom I (without looking back through the tags) instinctively asked her what she wanted to buy for dad. "Oh, dad's in there?" she inquired. "I used to have a dad. But he left. Now I have another dad." My heart broke in two. I looked through her tags, now more than ever hoping to find "Dad" in the mix. In the end, I had to turn to her and say, "I'm sorry, Honey. Daddy isn't here."
First among these was generosity. The kids' lists had quite the variety of recipients whom they were anticipating blessing with a gift. Beyond immediate family the lists included friends, babysitters, teachers, and even a dead cat! 'How cool', I thought, 'that our young people have such generious hearts for others.'
My second observation involved spending tactics. The kids that I served worked pretty independently to stay within the budget they had. I would regularly encounter blank stares as the kids were performing mental math to add up their purchases. Others incorporated counting fingers, adding on paper, and one saavy shopper even brought her calculator along. While It was wonderful to see the kids staying within their budget, I noticed that they were also determined to spend every single dime of the money they brought with them. "Look, ma! No change!"
Finally, I saw the face of today's American family. One child was buying for "dad's girlfriend". Another child brought in tags to buy gifts for two seperate holiday celebrations: one at mom's house and one at dad's house. Two other encounters left me wondering about whether some young people today see fathers as a mere accessory in a family. In the first instance, a parent volunteer was serving a child to try and brainstorm who to shop for. The volunteer offered that the child could buy a gift for "Daddy". The child responded that they were doing a test to find out who "Daddy" is. A similar scenario occurred with me and a different child. The child had tags for multiple people. After shopping with her for mom I (without looking back through the tags) instinctively asked her what she wanted to buy for dad. "Oh, dad's in there?" she inquired. "I used to have a dad. But he left. Now I have another dad." My heart broke in two. I looked through her tags, now more than ever hoping to find "Dad" in the mix. In the end, I had to turn to her and say, "I'm sorry, Honey. Daddy isn't here."
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Money Back Guarantee?
The other day my daughter was asked to "doggysit" for a neighbor. She earned $15.
In our home we have a practice of what the kids do with any money that they receive. First, they tithe to our church. Then they put half into savings and the other half into spending. (Hint: If you have younger children, after the tithe you can put it all into savings--they'll never know :-)
Lately, Morgan has been putting all of her money into savings after the tithe. Her reasoning is that she wants to save all she can for college. I am very proud that she has made this decision on her own at only 11 years of age.
However, the day that she earned the dogsitting money, I saw her putting it all into an envelope. "What are you doing, Morgan?" I asked her.
"Making out my tithe," she responded.
"You're putting all of your money in?" I asked.
"Yeah," she said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because I want to," she answered.
Now you would think that as proud as I was of her putting money into savings for college I would be even more proud of her wanting to sacrifice it all to give to God. Nope. Instead I started thinking "Is she just being lazy?" After all it takes time and effort to figure out the tithe, make the appropriate change, record the money in her allowance ledger, etc. Maybe she just doesn't want to go through all of those steps.
After kicking things around in my head, I finally gave up and kicked myself. I realized why I was not at ease with her giving all of her money. Because I didn't trust God to provide. You see in my mind, when Morgan puts money into savings for college, there is a guarantee that she has so many dollars towards her education. When she gives the money to God, there is no guarantee that she will ever see those dollars again.
Or is there?
Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I had it all backwards. By putting her trust in God, Morgan is storing up treasures in heaven where there is a guarantee that she will see those treasures. The money that I am trusting in could be spent, stolen, or lost. The treasure that she has stored up will last forever.
In our home we have a practice of what the kids do with any money that they receive. First, they tithe to our church. Then they put half into savings and the other half into spending. (Hint: If you have younger children, after the tithe you can put it all into savings--they'll never know :-)
Lately, Morgan has been putting all of her money into savings after the tithe. Her reasoning is that she wants to save all she can for college. I am very proud that she has made this decision on her own at only 11 years of age.
However, the day that she earned the dogsitting money, I saw her putting it all into an envelope. "What are you doing, Morgan?" I asked her.
"Making out my tithe," she responded.
"You're putting all of your money in?" I asked.
"Yeah," she said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because I want to," she answered.
Now you would think that as proud as I was of her putting money into savings for college I would be even more proud of her wanting to sacrifice it all to give to God. Nope. Instead I started thinking "Is she just being lazy?" After all it takes time and effort to figure out the tithe, make the appropriate change, record the money in her allowance ledger, etc. Maybe she just doesn't want to go through all of those steps.
After kicking things around in my head, I finally gave up and kicked myself. I realized why I was not at ease with her giving all of her money. Because I didn't trust God to provide. You see in my mind, when Morgan puts money into savings for college, there is a guarantee that she has so many dollars towards her education. When she gives the money to God, there is no guarantee that she will ever see those dollars again.
Or is there?
Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I had it all backwards. By putting her trust in God, Morgan is storing up treasures in heaven where there is a guarantee that she will see those treasures. The money that I am trusting in could be spent, stolen, or lost. The treasure that she has stored up will last forever.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The In, Not the Out, is What We're All About
Last evening in our women's care groups at church, we were discussing the topic of purity in women. Naturally our conversation went to the topic of dress. Even in churches, women dress and primp as though they were attending an audition for "America's Next Top Model". In doing this, God's Holy place is reduced to a showroom for women to reveal their newest outfit, most recent tatoo, and glamorous hairdos.
Unfortunately, many of us as women were never taught that there is more to value in us than what meets the eye. The inside of our bodies--our character, our morals--is what God cares about. However as young girls, a lot of what we heard as compliments were things like, "You look so pretty in your new dress today, Katie!" or "Jamie, I like your curls."
Will you join me in a unique and challenging task? I charge you to commit to begin to compliment girls and young ladies on their inner beauty. The Bible says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." 1 Peter 3:3-5a
There are so many ways to compliment these younger women on their inner beauty. "Josey, I love how you prayed in front of the class even though you were scared." "Lucy, thank you for mothering your sister while your mom was away. That's just what Jesus would do." "Holly, how wonderful that you made it to church even with a broken leg. I can see where your heart is." Pray to God for the opportunities and the words to say. Let's tell this next generation of young women how good they look to God.
Unfortunately, many of us as women were never taught that there is more to value in us than what meets the eye. The inside of our bodies--our character, our morals--is what God cares about. However as young girls, a lot of what we heard as compliments were things like, "You look so pretty in your new dress today, Katie!" or "Jamie, I like your curls."
Will you join me in a unique and challenging task? I charge you to commit to begin to compliment girls and young ladies on their inner beauty. The Bible says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." 1 Peter 3:3-5a
There are so many ways to compliment these younger women on their inner beauty. "Josey, I love how you prayed in front of the class even though you were scared." "Lucy, thank you for mothering your sister while your mom was away. That's just what Jesus would do." "Holly, how wonderful that you made it to church even with a broken leg. I can see where your heart is." Pray to God for the opportunities and the words to say. Let's tell this next generation of young women how good they look to God.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The New Math
During this time when we should be saving every penny that we can get our hands on, God has been "doing a new thing." Isaiah 43:18,19
When we were getting out of consumer debt, we were very purposeful and did not give to most causes that came about--even though they were good causes. Instead, we stayed laser-focused on our goal and tried not to veer from the plan of action we had formulated.
This time around is different. In spite of now living on one income, God is leading us to give in all types of situations. For example, my husband is a teacher and one of his students hasn't been doing his homework. He found out that the student had lost his calculator. Without a thought, my husband picked up a new calculator for him at Target and that was that.
We were not this laid back about giving the first time around. It's as though God has put into us a peace in knowing that truthfully, He was the one who paid off our debt, not us. So if He paid off our debt, He will also pay off our home using His money His way. Giving to receive--definitely the new math.
When we were getting out of consumer debt, we were very purposeful and did not give to most causes that came about--even though they were good causes. Instead, we stayed laser-focused on our goal and tried not to veer from the plan of action we had formulated.
This time around is different. In spite of now living on one income, God is leading us to give in all types of situations. For example, my husband is a teacher and one of his students hasn't been doing his homework. He found out that the student had lost his calculator. Without a thought, my husband picked up a new calculator for him at Target and that was that.
We were not this laid back about giving the first time around. It's as though God has put into us a peace in knowing that truthfully, He was the one who paid off our debt, not us. So if He paid off our debt, He will also pay off our home using His money His way. Giving to receive--definitely the new math.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Good Hair Day
On Monday my daughter got her hair done for school pictures at our stylist's salon. We came out to the parking lot to get into our car and a man had just started up his car parked next to us. As my daughter opened her door to get into the back seat, I heard a dull "thud". Immediately, I knew exactly what she had done--she had hit the guy's car next to us with her door.
I told her what had just happened and she said, "I did? Really?"
As she was talking to me I looked through my window at the man next to us who was looking back at me with disgust all over his face. 'Oh, great,' I thought. 'He does not look happy at all.'
I tell my daughter that she needs to say sorry. She opens her car door (very gingerly this time) and says, "Sorry" out the crack in the door. As she's apologizing, I'm apologizing through the window at the same time.
In that moment, the look on the man's face totally changes. He sheepishly smiles, holds up a hand and says, "That's okay, that's okay."
I was so very thankful for God's grace right then and there. In this day and age when everybody is suing anybody for everything, we were protected. No need to exchange insurance cards or phone numbers, just "Sorry" and "That's okay".
God's word is true when it says "A gentle answer turns, away wrath,..." Proverbs 15:1a
I told her what had just happened and she said, "I did? Really?"
As she was talking to me I looked through my window at the man next to us who was looking back at me with disgust all over his face. 'Oh, great,' I thought. 'He does not look happy at all.'
I tell my daughter that she needs to say sorry. She opens her car door (very gingerly this time) and says, "Sorry" out the crack in the door. As she's apologizing, I'm apologizing through the window at the same time.
In that moment, the look on the man's face totally changes. He sheepishly smiles, holds up a hand and says, "That's okay, that's okay."
I was so very thankful for God's grace right then and there. In this day and age when everybody is suing anybody for everything, we were protected. No need to exchange insurance cards or phone numbers, just "Sorry" and "That's okay".
God's word is true when it says "A gentle answer turns, away wrath,..." Proverbs 15:1a
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Umbrella Faith
Today God gave me a simple illustration of how He provides.
As the boys were by the door getting ready for school this morning, I told them that we would drive the car to the bus stop since it was raining. They opened the door and upon seeing that it wasn't raining hard insisted that we walk to the bus stop instead of driving. I gave in and we all put up our hoods and walked to the bus stop.
It was kind of chilly with the water falling onto our clothes and much to my dismay the rain was coming down harder than it had been earlier. The boys didn't notice this as they worked hard at finding any and every possible way to get even more wet! As I stood there I thought, "I've got to buy another umbrella." We have two but when it rains my daughter takes one to her bus stop and then one usually ends up in whichever vehicle my husband takes to work. The moment that I realize I need one is always when I am about to step out of the house to go to the bus stop with the boys--in the rain.
As my youngest son and I are waiting for his bus to come, I see my neighbor and his dog coming up the street. I enviously eye his humongous umbrella with the glaring bank logo on it as he makes his way towards us. I'm cold and wet. Where is that bus?
My neighbor approaches and says hello. As he does this, he extends to me what he is holding in his hand--an extra umbrella!
"Now you know," he says, "a Black woman and her hair. That little hoodie ain't enough for you to be covered up right."
I had to laugh. I thankfully accepted the umbrella from him.
My son's bus came and left. My neighbor was still close by with his dog so I tried to give the umbrella back to him before I went inside. He refused.
Coming into the house I had to smile. God provided the umbrella I needed...and I already had a hair appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning :-)
As the boys were by the door getting ready for school this morning, I told them that we would drive the car to the bus stop since it was raining. They opened the door and upon seeing that it wasn't raining hard insisted that we walk to the bus stop instead of driving. I gave in and we all put up our hoods and walked to the bus stop.
It was kind of chilly with the water falling onto our clothes and much to my dismay the rain was coming down harder than it had been earlier. The boys didn't notice this as they worked hard at finding any and every possible way to get even more wet! As I stood there I thought, "I've got to buy another umbrella." We have two but when it rains my daughter takes one to her bus stop and then one usually ends up in whichever vehicle my husband takes to work. The moment that I realize I need one is always when I am about to step out of the house to go to the bus stop with the boys--in the rain.
As my youngest son and I are waiting for his bus to come, I see my neighbor and his dog coming up the street. I enviously eye his humongous umbrella with the glaring bank logo on it as he makes his way towards us. I'm cold and wet. Where is that bus?
My neighbor approaches and says hello. As he does this, he extends to me what he is holding in his hand--an extra umbrella!
"Now you know," he says, "a Black woman and her hair. That little hoodie ain't enough for you to be covered up right."
I had to laugh. I thankfully accepted the umbrella from him.
My son's bus came and left. My neighbor was still close by with his dog so I tried to give the umbrella back to him before I went inside. He refused.
Coming into the house I had to smile. God provided the umbrella I needed...and I already had a hair appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning :-)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Hip Hip Hooray for 3 Pay Days!
Don't you just love 3-pay months?
These are the months when those of us who are paid bi-weekly receive three paychecks instead of two. It takes some time for this to happen and of course one of the criteria is that the month has to have 5 Fridays in it instead of just 4.
Well, it just so happens that September is a 3-pay month for us. Yippee! This means that we can pay extra on our mortgage--but not just yet.
You see, when there is a 3-pay month, the following month you don't receive a paycheck until two weeks in. Generally people have bills that are due the first of the month or at least the first few days of the month. This is the case for our family. Therefore, we need to use that extra pay towards those "early in the month bills". Eventually, we are able to reconcile that extra pay, but it takes a couple of months. Probably December will be the month for us.
In spite of the waiting that we have to do, I am still excited because some people don't even see the extra pay--ever. It just kind of gets morphed into paying things that suddenly come up. When my husband and I became wiser in money matters, one of the pearls of wisdom we picked up was to not let that money be absorbed, but to keep your budget as though you didn't receive an extra pay. We tithe off of it, but then we don't touch it. That helped us in making headway to pay down our consumer debt. Now we can put that same tactic to use in paying off our mortgage :-)
These are the months when those of us who are paid bi-weekly receive three paychecks instead of two. It takes some time for this to happen and of course one of the criteria is that the month has to have 5 Fridays in it instead of just 4.
Well, it just so happens that September is a 3-pay month for us. Yippee! This means that we can pay extra on our mortgage--but not just yet.
You see, when there is a 3-pay month, the following month you don't receive a paycheck until two weeks in. Generally people have bills that are due the first of the month or at least the first few days of the month. This is the case for our family. Therefore, we need to use that extra pay towards those "early in the month bills". Eventually, we are able to reconcile that extra pay, but it takes a couple of months. Probably December will be the month for us.
In spite of the waiting that we have to do, I am still excited because some people don't even see the extra pay--ever. It just kind of gets morphed into paying things that suddenly come up. When my husband and I became wiser in money matters, one of the pearls of wisdom we picked up was to not let that money be absorbed, but to keep your budget as though you didn't receive an extra pay. We tithe off of it, but then we don't touch it. That helped us in making headway to pay down our consumer debt. Now we can put that same tactic to use in paying off our mortgage :-)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
How I'm Wired
Today was a day of running. I have been conent to be mostly "working" at home this week, but today I needed to run.
One of my passions is to minister to the people right here in my own neighborhood. The opportunities are endless and I have been able to build many relationships. With this in mind, I volunteered to coordinate a block party for our neighborhood that's being held this Saturday.
The only problem is I cannot just go out and buy stuff. Even though it's not my money, I feel instinctively obligated to get the best price on everything. This can equate to substantial running around, but it wasn't too bad. My one moment of angst was at the Dollar Store. Now some people think, 'The Dollar Store? What's to compare? Their price is always the cheapest--one dollar.' Unfortunately this is not always the case. Yes, their items are one dollar. But how much or many items are you getting for that price versus going to a grocery store? With this in mind, I grabbed the ketchup and mustard off of the shelf, a tug-of-war going through my brain.
"This is ridiculous! Just get 2 bottles of ketchup, 2 bottles of mustard, and get out of here! You've been shopping all day and you're tired."
"No. Do you see the measly amount of ketchup and mustard that you get for a dollar? You can get twice the amount at Price Rite for just twenty cents more."
"But then you have to stop at one more store before heading home. C'mon, just grab it already."
"I...I can't. I'm putting it back. I'll just go to Price Rite. It's just up the street from here."
"What's wrong with you?"
"I sometimes wonder myself."
Yeah, these are the things that go through my brain. It's just how I'm wired.
One of my passions is to minister to the people right here in my own neighborhood. The opportunities are endless and I have been able to build many relationships. With this in mind, I volunteered to coordinate a block party for our neighborhood that's being held this Saturday.
The only problem is I cannot just go out and buy stuff. Even though it's not my money, I feel instinctively obligated to get the best price on everything. This can equate to substantial running around, but it wasn't too bad. My one moment of angst was at the Dollar Store. Now some people think, 'The Dollar Store? What's to compare? Their price is always the cheapest--one dollar.' Unfortunately this is not always the case. Yes, their items are one dollar. But how much or many items are you getting for that price versus going to a grocery store? With this in mind, I grabbed the ketchup and mustard off of the shelf, a tug-of-war going through my brain.
"This is ridiculous! Just get 2 bottles of ketchup, 2 bottles of mustard, and get out of here! You've been shopping all day and you're tired."
"No. Do you see the measly amount of ketchup and mustard that you get for a dollar? You can get twice the amount at Price Rite for just twenty cents more."
"But then you have to stop at one more store before heading home. C'mon, just grab it already."
"I...I can't. I'm putting it back. I'll just go to Price Rite. It's just up the street from here."
"What's wrong with you?"
"I sometimes wonder myself."
Yeah, these are the things that go through my brain. It's just how I'm wired.
Friday, September 23, 2011
The price
I had the opportunity to make some money today. Not a lot of money, but some.
Before coming home I worked as a registered nurse. The position I held for the past 10 years was in research. I enjoyed it because it because it gave me the opportunity to contribute to and know about upcoming treatments in medicine. Sometimes I would participate in the research studies or have my family participate for the benefits of the testing that was provided in addition to the benefit of getting paid for time and effort. Not too long ago I saw that a local university was beginning to do consumer testing on various food products. To me this was a no-brainer. I get paid to eat. Need I say more?
I participated in one study so far (was paid $10 for 20 minutes which was really 10 minutes) and due to my responses from that study was asked to return for another study. The time that I signed up for was today right after the kids got on the bus. That way I could get it done in the morning and have the rest of my day. But the Holy Spirit convicted me last night. Right after the kids get on the bus is my time alone with God. If I don't spend time with Him then, my history has been that I will not spend time with him at all. So I left a message last night asking them to reschedule me if possible. I haven't heard back and I am fine with that. In my time alone with God this morning He spoke to me about something that my heart has been aching over. I am so thankful. Had I went, the payment I received would not have been worth the price I paid.
Before coming home I worked as a registered nurse. The position I held for the past 10 years was in research. I enjoyed it because it because it gave me the opportunity to contribute to and know about upcoming treatments in medicine. Sometimes I would participate in the research studies or have my family participate for the benefits of the testing that was provided in addition to the benefit of getting paid for time and effort. Not too long ago I saw that a local university was beginning to do consumer testing on various food products. To me this was a no-brainer. I get paid to eat. Need I say more?
I participated in one study so far (was paid $10 for 20 minutes which was really 10 minutes) and due to my responses from that study was asked to return for another study. The time that I signed up for was today right after the kids got on the bus. That way I could get it done in the morning and have the rest of my day. But the Holy Spirit convicted me last night. Right after the kids get on the bus is my time alone with God. If I don't spend time with Him then, my history has been that I will not spend time with him at all. So I left a message last night asking them to reschedule me if possible. I haven't heard back and I am fine with that. In my time alone with God this morning He spoke to me about something that my heart has been aching over. I am so thankful. Had I went, the payment I received would not have been worth the price I paid.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Speck that Rules the World
Do you struggle to hear from God? I do. I want to, but I don't. Yes, I hear from Him through His word and through the Holy Spirit guiding me daily in my life. But I never heard His voice directly. Today that all changed.
Recently I have been feeling a sense of urgency to become closer to God. One morning last week, I felt like He was saying that I needed to stop coming to Him to find out what He wants me to do and start coming to Him to find out more about who He is. I can relate to this. I have had some friends in the past with whom I could say I had a one way relationship. They talked and I listened. The only thing they wanted me for was to be a sounding board for their problems. Even when I told them what they should do about their situation, they wouldn’t take my advice. One woman didn’t even know that I had kids!
Well, that’s how I have been with God. I want to hear from Him, but only about me. “Lord, what should I do about this issue with my son’s teacher?” “Lord, please help my ministry to advance.” “God, work out my schedule so that I can attend this event.” Do you see the selfishness? Me, me, ME. I am that friend that I dread to God.
Today was different. I was determined to hear Him speak no matter what. I had time, I was alone, nothing was pressing at me that I had to do except for this. I silenced clocks, phones, and, most difficult, my mind. The latter was only by the power of the Holy Spirit. In no time at all I heard what it seemed like I had waited forever to hear—God’s voice. He spoke to me clearly and undoubtedly. His words were relevant and personal. Actually they have application to this blog. He said,
“I don’t have to be big and high. I can be a speck and low and still rule over all. I am God.”
He’s telling me (and you) don’t limit Him. He has no limits. Not based on what He’s done in the past in your life or based on what you’ve done in the past in your life. His word says,
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18, 19
Just as my mind pictures God to be big and high, my mind also pictures God paying off my mortgage with resources that me and my husband work for. After all, that’s how He paid off our consumer debt. But why limit Him? The Bible says that He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than I can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
From now on, when I think of God, I’m going to think of a lowly speck that can do ANYTHING.
Recently I have been feeling a sense of urgency to become closer to God. One morning last week, I felt like He was saying that I needed to stop coming to Him to find out what He wants me to do and start coming to Him to find out more about who He is. I can relate to this. I have had some friends in the past with whom I could say I had a one way relationship. They talked and I listened. The only thing they wanted me for was to be a sounding board for their problems. Even when I told them what they should do about their situation, they wouldn’t take my advice. One woman didn’t even know that I had kids!
Well, that’s how I have been with God. I want to hear from Him, but only about me. “Lord, what should I do about this issue with my son’s teacher?” “Lord, please help my ministry to advance.” “God, work out my schedule so that I can attend this event.” Do you see the selfishness? Me, me, ME. I am that friend that I dread to God.
Today was different. I was determined to hear Him speak no matter what. I had time, I was alone, nothing was pressing at me that I had to do except for this. I silenced clocks, phones, and, most difficult, my mind. The latter was only by the power of the Holy Spirit. In no time at all I heard what it seemed like I had waited forever to hear—God’s voice. He spoke to me clearly and undoubtedly. His words were relevant and personal. Actually they have application to this blog. He said,
“I don’t have to be big and high. I can be a speck and low and still rule over all. I am God.”
He’s telling me (and you) don’t limit Him. He has no limits. Not based on what He’s done in the past in your life or based on what you’ve done in the past in your life. His word says,
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18, 19
Just as my mind pictures God to be big and high, my mind also pictures God paying off my mortgage with resources that me and my husband work for. After all, that’s how He paid off our consumer debt. But why limit Him? The Bible says that He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than I can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
From now on, when I think of God, I’m going to think of a lowly speck that can do ANYTHING.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Priceless
Today was a good day. My oldest child was baptized after deciding on her own that it was what she wanted to do to display her faith in Jesus. My middle child did the best job he's ever done in church service, sitting taking notes on the sermon and participating in singing the praise songs. Last but not least my five year old (our youngest) was reported to have good behavior in nursery. He asked me when we got home,
"Mommy, do you have a job?"
To which I answered, "My job is taking care of our family."
He seemed pleased with that answer and walked up the stairs for his nap. There are some things on which you cannot put a price tag. This day is one of them. Today my job was a breeze :-)
"Mommy, do you have a job?"
To which I answered, "My job is taking care of our family."
He seemed pleased with that answer and walked up the stairs for his nap. There are some things on which you cannot put a price tag. This day is one of them. Today my job was a breeze :-)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Free stuff
I might has well let you in on a little secret--I love the word "free". Getting things for free has been one of the biggest helps to our getting out of debt. Free food is one of my favorites. After attending a party or other gathering where there may be leftovers, I have no shame in taking them when they are offered. It is a two-fold blessing
1) No cooking for mama (me)
2) Less food we need to take from our own sources for meals (which equals money saved)
Of course you can't be prideful if you are going to accept leftovers. I used to have that problem. Didn't want people to think that my family's livelihood depended on the "charity" of others. Today, I don't care what they think. I'll take your leftover food, hand-me-down clothes, surplus toothpaste (don't ask). It all goes towards the cause of lowering my families expenses.
I bring up this topic today because we were at a farm co-op that our family is a member of and we met a woman and her daughter who happen to live in our township. How awesome it was to find out that she and her husband were pastors! We talked about many things and among them she told us that she gets grapes from her neighbor and this year had such a surplus that many went bad before she could process them. I spoke right up and told her that I will take her extra grapes anytime :-) Just to give you another example of this, my husband and I went to a bed and breakfast over the summer and met a couple from Florida who have connections at Disney. They told us whenever we are ready to come visit Florida let them know and they'll get Disney World tickets for us and our three kids. Can you believe it?! It never ceases to amaze me the ways in which God provides--especially when I'm not looking for it.
1) No cooking for mama (me)
2) Less food we need to take from our own sources for meals (which equals money saved)
Of course you can't be prideful if you are going to accept leftovers. I used to have that problem. Didn't want people to think that my family's livelihood depended on the "charity" of others. Today, I don't care what they think. I'll take your leftover food, hand-me-down clothes, surplus toothpaste (don't ask). It all goes towards the cause of lowering my families expenses.
I bring up this topic today because we were at a farm co-op that our family is a member of and we met a woman and her daughter who happen to live in our township. How awesome it was to find out that she and her husband were pastors! We talked about many things and among them she told us that she gets grapes from her neighbor and this year had such a surplus that many went bad before she could process them. I spoke right up and told her that I will take her extra grapes anytime :-) Just to give you another example of this, my husband and I went to a bed and breakfast over the summer and met a couple from Florida who have connections at Disney. They told us whenever we are ready to come visit Florida let them know and they'll get Disney World tickets for us and our three kids. Can you believe it?! It never ceases to amaze me the ways in which God provides--especially when I'm not looking for it.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Flashback
Yesterday evening I went to the ATM to get some money for groceries. Since I would be out in the general vicinity of one of our favorite grocery stores for a school open house, I wanted to kill two birds with one stone. I keyed in the amount to take out of checking and after some snarling from the ATM machine I got a receipt. "Insufficient funds". I haven't seen those words in years. We've been out of debt since Christmas 2008 and have remained that way by keeping a close eye on our finances. How could we, The Webbs, have insufficient funds???, I thought, raising a fist to the sky (just kidding).
It was then that I heard God say, "Reality check. Just remember Who is keeping you out of debt."
Got it, Lord. Please forgive my pride. An early, sober reminder that He is the one who is going to perform this miracle.
It was then that I heard God say, "Reality check. Just remember Who is keeping you out of debt."
Got it, Lord. Please forgive my pride. An early, sober reminder that He is the one who is going to perform this miracle.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
I made it!
I thought this day would never come.
For quite some time now my husband has been on me to start a blog about personal finances. About three years ago we were blessed to have paid off all of our consumer debt--no more car payments, student loan payments, home equity loan payments--sweet freedom! Ever since then, I have had a passion for sharing with others about money matters. Whenever I talk to someone and they mention their food bill being out of control my heart starts racing because I can't wait to share all kinds of tips on how to buy groceries cheaply (I checked--cheaply is a word).
That being said, this summer God spoke plainly to me regarding what He wanted me to blog about. Believe it or not, my assignment from Him wasn't all of the insights that I learned from our time getting out of debt (although I'm sure this blog will have some of those here and there). He told me to blog about how He is going to make us completely debt-free in five years. That means paying off our mortgage, currently at a balance of $98,000.
I am a homemaker. For a little over a year now, I've had the privilege of not working on purpose. Several years ago God put in me a desire to be at home for my children who are all school age now. Thankfully, a few years after getting out of consumer debt, God made that dream come to pass. So when I heard Him speak to me about paying off our mortgage in five years I wondered about what I could do to help God accomplish this. I thought, "I know. I'll walk the neighbor's dogs for extra cash and put all of it towards our mortgage. Then I can blog about my days with the dogs and how close we are getting to being debt-free." God gave me no peace in that thought. He told me that if my mortgage gets paid off in that way, the glory goes to my neighbor and not to Him. Instead, He told me to trust Him and let Him (can you imagine--leaving it up to God?!) determine how my mortgage will get paid.
So here I am, taking this first step into the Red Sea by starting this blog, waiting for Him to part the waters...
For quite some time now my husband has been on me to start a blog about personal finances. About three years ago we were blessed to have paid off all of our consumer debt--no more car payments, student loan payments, home equity loan payments--sweet freedom! Ever since then, I have had a passion for sharing with others about money matters. Whenever I talk to someone and they mention their food bill being out of control my heart starts racing because I can't wait to share all kinds of tips on how to buy groceries cheaply (I checked--cheaply is a word).
That being said, this summer God spoke plainly to me regarding what He wanted me to blog about. Believe it or not, my assignment from Him wasn't all of the insights that I learned from our time getting out of debt (although I'm sure this blog will have some of those here and there). He told me to blog about how He is going to make us completely debt-free in five years. That means paying off our mortgage, currently at a balance of $98,000.
I am a homemaker. For a little over a year now, I've had the privilege of not working on purpose. Several years ago God put in me a desire to be at home for my children who are all school age now. Thankfully, a few years after getting out of consumer debt, God made that dream come to pass. So when I heard Him speak to me about paying off our mortgage in five years I wondered about what I could do to help God accomplish this. I thought, "I know. I'll walk the neighbor's dogs for extra cash and put all of it towards our mortgage. Then I can blog about my days with the dogs and how close we are getting to being debt-free." God gave me no peace in that thought. He told me that if my mortgage gets paid off in that way, the glory goes to my neighbor and not to Him. Instead, He told me to trust Him and let Him (can you imagine--leaving it up to God?!) determine how my mortgage will get paid.
So here I am, taking this first step into the Red Sea by starting this blog, waiting for Him to part the waters...
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