Today during my morning walk I had a billion thoughts floating around in my head. So much so that about a block into walking it dawned on me that I hadn't yet read my scripture card. Glancing down at it with anticipation I smiled on inside as I read a favorite and familiar verse.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:16
How I love this verse! Passing the townhouses further down in our development I began to meditate on what the word "ordained" means. Allowed. Permitted. Cleared. Approved. Then I remembered specific times in my life of abuse, marital turmoil, parenting struggles, financial devastation...God okay-ed all of these parts of my life. They were given clearance to be a part of my story. And in every instance they have built me up as a person, made my life better, and given me more faith in Jesus.
Why does God allow suffering? Because it reminds us to trust in Him and not in ourselves.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
My Book
This morning I went for my walk around 5:30am. Even at this early hour the humidity and heat of the day were nearly unbearable. I am a heat-lover by nature so oftentimes the A/C is my mortal enemy. However on this stifling day, I returned from my walk with much love for the whirring heat pump doing its job of cooling our home.
This heat wave reminds me of a time when our heat pump didn't work in the dead of summer. It was seven years ago when our youngest was a baby. We needed $10,000 to get a new one and we didn't have one dime of it. Seeing our youngest lying in his crib outlined by a pool of his own sweat was a wake-up call for us. If we didn't get our money together right then and there, our children would continue to be casualties.
Ross and I took our own personal classes on money management. We checked out books from the library, read, shared, and applied what we learned to our lives. Our commitment was to get out of the $40,000 worth of consumer debt that had us bound. But we committed to doing it in obedience to God. We didn't stop tithing, we didn't take on extra jobs (God didn't tell us to), we didn't use any get rich quick programs. Mostly we began being more responsible with what money we did have. (Read Matthew 25:21) To our amazement, in two short years all of the debt was gone!
I've written about our victory in a book called Personal Finances Personal Freedom http://olivepresspublisher.com/ The story is a quick read of a little over 100 pages. I assure you that in reading it you will uncover hope for managing your money and direction on where to begin.
This heat wave reminds me of a time when our heat pump didn't work in the dead of summer. It was seven years ago when our youngest was a baby. We needed $10,000 to get a new one and we didn't have one dime of it. Seeing our youngest lying in his crib outlined by a pool of his own sweat was a wake-up call for us. If we didn't get our money together right then and there, our children would continue to be casualties.
Ross and I took our own personal classes on money management. We checked out books from the library, read, shared, and applied what we learned to our lives. Our commitment was to get out of the $40,000 worth of consumer debt that had us bound. But we committed to doing it in obedience to God. We didn't stop tithing, we didn't take on extra jobs (God didn't tell us to), we didn't use any get rich quick programs. Mostly we began being more responsible with what money we did have. (Read Matthew 25:21) To our amazement, in two short years all of the debt was gone!
I've written about our victory in a book called Personal Finances Personal Freedom http://olivepresspublisher.com/ The story is a quick read of a little over 100 pages. I assure you that in reading it you will uncover hope for managing your money and direction on where to begin.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Face Lift
Today I was feeling down. It was one of those days where I focused on all of the balls I was juggling in the air rather than thinking about Who was holding them up there. Needless to say I was feeling kind of low and overwhelmed. The last place I wanted to be was church.
When I arrived, the men who opened the doors for me said "hello" and asked the usual question, "How are you?" to which I responded the usual "Good, how are you?" After getting past the doors, I went into the office to drop of our tithes and was confronted by two members with some encouraging words. They shared with me about my demeanor and how that spoke volumes about me before they even got to know me. Wow, what an unexpected lift!
Later on in the evening, a friend encouraged me as a writer to continue on in my craft and to not give up. Something I really needed to hear. I've been stagnant with the arrival of summer and our family home all day together. So writing has been on the back-burner. She reminded me that I need to do what I have been created to do--a much needed exhortation.
Lastly as I was leaving, two friends stopped me to chat. I had recently sent an email to one of them, and through that she connected with my blog. She told me how much she enjoyed it and let me know that reading it had been a blessing to her. Her words brought a smile to my face.
On the drive home from church, I saw clearly how although church was the last place that I wanted to go, it was exactly where I needed to be. God used His people to lift my face up from my problems towards His love.
When I arrived, the men who opened the doors for me said "hello" and asked the usual question, "How are you?" to which I responded the usual "Good, how are you?" After getting past the doors, I went into the office to drop of our tithes and was confronted by two members with some encouraging words. They shared with me about my demeanor and how that spoke volumes about me before they even got to know me. Wow, what an unexpected lift!
Later on in the evening, a friend encouraged me as a writer to continue on in my craft and to not give up. Something I really needed to hear. I've been stagnant with the arrival of summer and our family home all day together. So writing has been on the back-burner. She reminded me that I need to do what I have been created to do--a much needed exhortation.
Lastly as I was leaving, two friends stopped me to chat. I had recently sent an email to one of them, and through that she connected with my blog. She told me how much she enjoyed it and let me know that reading it had been a blessing to her. Her words brought a smile to my face.
On the drive home from church, I saw clearly how although church was the last place that I wanted to go, it was exactly where I needed to be. God used His people to lift my face up from my problems towards His love.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Trash to Treasure
While I was walking earlier this week I spotted a familiar white pick-up cruising through our neighborhood. When I saw this truck for the very first time, I thought it was one of our neighbors. However after spotting it on several other occasions, I realized that the driver does not live in our neighborhood. He makes an appearance every Wednesday, though. Wednesday is trash day.
The driver of the truck comes through our neighborhood looking to find refuse, stuff that lacks value to its previous owner. He takes what might have been tossed into a landfill and salvages it for his own purposes.
Our God is like the man in the white pick-up. He sees us in our sin, destined for hell, and rescues us to be His forever. Although we may have been tossed out by others like yesterday's trash, in His eyes we are today's treasure.
The driver of the truck comes through our neighborhood looking to find refuse, stuff that lacks value to its previous owner. He takes what might have been tossed into a landfill and salvages it for his own purposes.
Our God is like the man in the white pick-up. He sees us in our sin, destined for hell, and rescues us to be His forever. Although we may have been tossed out by others like yesterday's trash, in His eyes we are today's treasure.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Little by Little
Yesterday Morgan and I made a date to go clothes shopping for her. Because of how much she's grown in the past year and a half, she's needed to replace almost everything in her wardrobe except for t-shirts.
Purchasing a whole new wardrobe can be expensive. When I let my husband know of the need a few months back, he suggested that we budget a set amount of money each month to fund this need. Do I have the smartest husband on the planet or what?! By setting aside $30 each month for Morgan's clothes, we don't break the bank and we capture store sales that cycle around specific months or seasons. Below I have listed some tactics that I use when shopping for clothing.
Purchasing a whole new wardrobe can be expensive. When I let my husband know of the need a few months back, he suggested that we budget a set amount of money each month to fund this need. Do I have the smartest husband on the planet or what?! By setting aside $30 each month for Morgan's clothes, we don't break the bank and we capture store sales that cycle around specific months or seasons. Below I have listed some tactics that I use when shopping for clothing.
- Sign up for email notifications of one or two stores that you like and frequent. Kohl's emailed me a $5 coupon, mailed me 3-$10 coupons, and I get coupons emailed to me for 20% off any purchase. I have combined these for free merchandise! Only do this for one or two stores because the emails may come daily which can be annoying.
- Go to Salvation Army Family Store on Wednesdays. This is their 50% off day for clothing. Their prices are already low, but add an additional 50% off and you really save! Yesterday I got Morgan a pair of skinny jeans ($7.99), a pair of jean shorts ($2.99), and got myself a top ($3.99) all for only $7.50. The skinny jeans were brand new and both the jean shorts and the top looked brand new.
- If you have some time on your hands, you can shop in the "bin rooms" at the Goodwill--one is in Harrisburg on Cameron Street and one is in Lancaster on Lincoln Highway. All of the clothes are mesh-mashed into large bins so that you have to sort through them to see if anything suits your fancy. But you only pay 85 cents per item. Perfect for those who love the thrill of the hunt...and own a pair of comfortable shoes.
- Don't forget about Gabriel Brothers. This is my go-to store for great deals on new clothing. They regularly have clearance racks loaded with off-season clothing priced in the range of $1-$7. We found two tops for Morgan for $2 each--same shirt in two different colors that she can wear with practically anything. These are the kinds of deals for which Gabes is notorious.
- Ross Dress for Less is the place to find a nice dress at a decent price. I don't mind paying a little more here than what my frugal nature normally allows because it's worth it. Ross has excellent quality, selection, and style. Whenever I need to find a dress for an event or to freshen up my wardrobe, I make a bee-line to Ross. I also love the name :-)
- There is a Clarks shoe outlet in Hanover, PA about an hour drive from Harrisburg. Every May and September they have a sale during which some of their shoes are available for as little as $19.99. Believe you me it is worth the drive for comfortable, quality, stylish shoes. We went there last month and spent $35 dollars for 3 pairs of shoes and a pair of socks by using a coupon and a frequent shopping card reward. These are shoes that normally cost upwards of $60 each so it is quite the bargain.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Too Proud to Beg
Following my workout with a friend this afternoon, I decided to postpone lunch and a shower to run some quick errands right down the road. I had to go to the bank and then to the CVS both of which are within a one mile radius of our home.
After finishing up at the bank, I hopped into my car and put the key into the ignition to start the engine...well, at least that was my plan. My car had other plans. I could get the key into the ignition, but I couldn't get it to turn forward.
This same thing had happened to me in the past and I was never really sure why it happened. But I wasn't too worried because eventually the key would always turn and I would head on my merry way. So I tried a couple of times in a row like usual, but still could not get it to turn. I prayed, I praised God that at least I had a car and at least this predicament was only car trouble not sickness or marital issues. I called Ross and left him a message asking him to pray for me. I tried again, still nothing.
It was hot and my windows were in the up position. I decided to go for a walk thinking I would be cooler this way and it would give the car some time to straighten itself out. During my walk I saw two police officers in their cars sitting side-by-side at the adjoining convenience store. Then I saw two former members of my church riding turning into the convenience store their motorcycle. I waved hello and they waved back. I also found a penny and picked it up (see earlier post) I circled back to my vehicle after the walk and tried to start it up. Still stuck!
I thought about the two police officers. I didn't want to ask them for help for two reasons. 1) I thought that they may not know what to do and have me call AAA or 2) They may come over to the car only for it to start up and me to feel stupid. But nothing was working and it was very hot so I decided to walk up and talk to them. On the way over, a AAA truck pulled up to the gas pump. I was half way over to the policeman and thought again about what I should do. 'If I go to the AAA guy, he's probably going to tell me that I have to call in my request so that it's official. And he'll probably be all grouchy for me taking him away from what he's doing.' I slowed my steps in the direction of the officers, 'But the AAA guy knows all about vehicles and if is available he can best help me with my problem.' I did a 180 and started back towards the tow truck that I had passed.
"Excuse me," I timidly spoke, "I can't get my key to turn in the ignition. I do have triple A but I wasn't sure if I needed to call it in or if you can just help me."
"Sure, I can help. Where's your vehicle?"
I point out my vehicle still in the bank parking lot.
"I'll be right over."
For the sake of time and condensing this post I'll sum everything up to say that he served me with a great attitude, got my key to turn, and told me why it keeps happening to me. Now I know what to do when I have this problem in the future. It made me think about what my pastor preaches about so often--God sends help our way, but we don't like who He sends it through so instead we just make up our minds to suffer. God sent two policemen, two friends, and a AAA truck to help me with my car trouble...he also sent the trouble to reveal to me my sin of pride.
After finishing up at the bank, I hopped into my car and put the key into the ignition to start the engine...well, at least that was my plan. My car had other plans. I could get the key into the ignition, but I couldn't get it to turn forward.
This same thing had happened to me in the past and I was never really sure why it happened. But I wasn't too worried because eventually the key would always turn and I would head on my merry way. So I tried a couple of times in a row like usual, but still could not get it to turn. I prayed, I praised God that at least I had a car and at least this predicament was only car trouble not sickness or marital issues. I called Ross and left him a message asking him to pray for me. I tried again, still nothing.
It was hot and my windows were in the up position. I decided to go for a walk thinking I would be cooler this way and it would give the car some time to straighten itself out. During my walk I saw two police officers in their cars sitting side-by-side at the adjoining convenience store. Then I saw two former members of my church riding turning into the convenience store their motorcycle. I waved hello and they waved back. I also found a penny and picked it up (see earlier post) I circled back to my vehicle after the walk and tried to start it up. Still stuck!
I thought about the two police officers. I didn't want to ask them for help for two reasons. 1) I thought that they may not know what to do and have me call AAA or 2) They may come over to the car only for it to start up and me to feel stupid. But nothing was working and it was very hot so I decided to walk up and talk to them. On the way over, a AAA truck pulled up to the gas pump. I was half way over to the policeman and thought again about what I should do. 'If I go to the AAA guy, he's probably going to tell me that I have to call in my request so that it's official. And he'll probably be all grouchy for me taking him away from what he's doing.' I slowed my steps in the direction of the officers, 'But the AAA guy knows all about vehicles and if is available he can best help me with my problem.' I did a 180 and started back towards the tow truck that I had passed.
"Excuse me," I timidly spoke, "I can't get my key to turn in the ignition. I do have triple A but I wasn't sure if I needed to call it in or if you can just help me."
"Sure, I can help. Where's your vehicle?"
I point out my vehicle still in the bank parking lot.
"I'll be right over."
For the sake of time and condensing this post I'll sum everything up to say that he served me with a great attitude, got my key to turn, and told me why it keeps happening to me. Now I know what to do when I have this problem in the future. It made me think about what my pastor preaches about so often--God sends help our way, but we don't like who He sends it through so instead we just make up our minds to suffer. God sent two policemen, two friends, and a AAA truck to help me with my car trouble...he also sent the trouble to reveal to me my sin of pride.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Dusting Up on My Discipline
Today as I went about cleaning our bedroom, the gray fuzzy coating over top of our dresser drawers spelled it out pretty clearly. It was time for a dusting. I got the rag and dusting can out from under the kitchen sink and trudged back up the steps. This is my least favorite chore.
I shook the can, sprayed the rag and then put the can down on the dresser. The tinny sound that I heard when I placed it down confirmed what I thought to be true. I was almost out of spray.
The reason this is significant is because I have never had to buy dusting spray for over 13 years--the length of time that Ross and I have been married. When we first married my co-workers bought us a basket full of cleaning supplies that included about 6 institutional-sized bottles of Pledge. Combine this with the fact that I am not an avid duster and suffice it to say that we've been covered all these years.
I feel like dusting is one of those things that you can do regularly if you want to, but if you don't who's really going to know? Especially in my bedroom. But when I stop and think about it, my husband sees the bedroom. He would know. And not dusting shows him that I don't care about him, especially since he has allergies.
This thought reminded me of the discipline of reading God's word regularly. I often fool myself into thinking that I don't need His word everyday. If I still look good on the outside, who's really going to know that I'm dusty on the inside. The answer is that God knows. And not reading his word shows Him that I don't care about Him, especially since He wrote it for me.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. This scripture is in the Bible and speaks to what I have just written. I'll leave it to you to go get your Bible, dust it off, and find out where the verse is.
I shook the can, sprayed the rag and then put the can down on the dresser. The tinny sound that I heard when I placed it down confirmed what I thought to be true. I was almost out of spray.
The reason this is significant is because I have never had to buy dusting spray for over 13 years--the length of time that Ross and I have been married. When we first married my co-workers bought us a basket full of cleaning supplies that included about 6 institutional-sized bottles of Pledge. Combine this with the fact that I am not an avid duster and suffice it to say that we've been covered all these years.
I feel like dusting is one of those things that you can do regularly if you want to, but if you don't who's really going to know? Especially in my bedroom. But when I stop and think about it, my husband sees the bedroom. He would know. And not dusting shows him that I don't care about him, especially since he has allergies.
This thought reminded me of the discipline of reading God's word regularly. I often fool myself into thinking that I don't need His word everyday. If I still look good on the outside, who's really going to know that I'm dusty on the inside. The answer is that God knows. And not reading his word shows Him that I don't care about Him, especially since He wrote it for me.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. This scripture is in the Bible and speaks to what I have just written. I'll leave it to you to go get your Bible, dust it off, and find out where the verse is.
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