Stewardship

For the month of September, we are doing a church wide study of stewardship. I think like everyone else, I get a slight knot in my stomach when we start talking about money,  because it's one of those subjects that isn't openly broached outside the four walls of our house.

We've been doing our best to go through the nightly journal, and it's given us some great time to openly talk about how we spend, save and give. It took me about .002 seconds into day one to figure out to me, money = security. If we just saved a little bit more, spent a little bit less, I would feel better. I wouldn't have anxiety when my car starts making a weird sound or Namath needs immediate knee surgery (ha). A secure life is always justwithin grasp...

So needless to say, this quote in Sunday's worship guide hit me hard.

"We want treasures because they give us security. But because of decay (moisture, rust, thieves...), treasures lead us to security's opposite - anxiety. Because our riches bring us into constant war with decay, they do not bring us rest. It is a great service of Jesus, therefore, to liberate us here from anxiety about gain. Jesus teaches the truest "liberation theology." 

                                                        - Adolf Schlatter 

Inherently, there is nothing wrong with seeking financial security. Just as there's nothing wrong with a lot of the things we place importance on. It's the gray area when it goes from being a good thing to being one of the most important things. 

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...."

If everything comes from God, how am I using what He gives me?

Would someone else use it better? 

Big Girl Weekend

Hellola, and Happy Good Friday!

 I'm reminded every year how much I enjoy Holy Week. There's a few things that have come together this season to give me a broader picture of the magnitude of what Christ did on the cross for us...for me...but that's a post for another day.

We are looking forward to celebrating this Easter weekend for the usual reasons, but an added bonus -  it's the first holiday we'll be hosting in our new home. The first thing I did was plan on serving a HUGE bowl of mashed potatoes. If all else fails, we'll have mashed potatoes. That's my motto.

I've banned myself from the pinterest holiday board for my sanity and my bank accounts sake.

We did take a break from Bible Study this week to have a little craft night, and I came away with this cute wreath. 

I love it, and think I can continue to re-purpose it come Summer, although someone will have to check himself. Jury is still out on rather he doesn't like Easter, the wreath, or my placement of said wreath. He'll be opening an interior design business any day now.

I'll be last minute grocery-flower and decor shopping tomorrow and hope to have pictures to prove it, come Monday.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5

Costly

My Bible study group just finished Tim Keller's "Counterfeit Gods". If you've never read Tim Keller, I would highly recommend it, as any good Presbyterian would.

As with any good book, there were a few parts that resonated with me well past when I closed the pages. Actually, weeks past, which is only slightly annoying, and very telling of how much I needed to hear this passage.

I actually took a picture to send to a friend, because, can't we all relate? Or maybe I'm alone out here on a limb, holding grudges.

At every point in the Bible, the writers are at pains to stress that God's grace and forgiveness, while free to the recipient, are always costly for the giver. From the earliest parts of the Bible, it was understood that God could not forgive without sacrifice. No one who is seriously wronged can "just forgive" the perpetrator. If you have been robbed of money, opportunity, or happiness, you can either make the wrongdoer pay it back or you can forgive. But when you forgive, that means you absorb the loss and the debt. You bear it yourself. All forgiveness, then, is costly.

I think somewhere between the messages of "forgive because we have been forgiven" and "seventy times seven", I have it in the recesses of my mind that I should "just forgive", and it should be easy. I mean, Jesus DIED for our sins, surely I can forgive for fill in the blank. While those statements are true, there was comfort for me in the fact that it's not easy, nor is it supposed to be.

Wrongs require payment, sacrifice- and more often than not, that payment and that sacrifice is made by the one wronged. Sometimes to people who don't ask forgiveness - and a lot of times don't "deserve" it. Ouch.

On the cross we see God doing at the cosmic level what we all have to do when we forgive. There God absorbed the punishment and debt for sin himself. He paid it so we did not have to.

Sound familiar? Keller does a great job of always taking it back to the cross. What Christ did for us on the cross, we are called to emulate, on a smaller scale, in our own lives. It's not fun, or easy, but it's truth.

A nice truth for the thick of  Lent season.

Patriotic, Part III

I hope you're feeling patriotic, because this series continues. We covered a lot of ground in DC.

Speaking of grounds, on our third day, we took the Metro to Arlington. 
 

  One of my favorite things was JFK's grave site.

 Loved the view. Before JFK's death, he visited the spot and commented to a friend that he could, "stay here forever."
 

 The inscription on the grave of his inauguration speech was beautiful.

 LET THE WORD GO FORTH
FROM THIS TIME AND PLACE
TO FRIEND AND FOE ALIKE
THAT THE TORCH HAS BEEN PASSED
TO A NEW GENERATION OF AMERICANS

 LET EVERY NATION KNOW
WHETHER IT WISHES US WELL OR ILL
THAT WE SHALL PAY ANY PRICE - BEAR ANY BURDEN
MEET ANY HARDSHIP - SUPPORT ANY FRIEND
OPPOSE ANY FOE TO ASSURE THE SURVIVAL
AND THE SUCCESS OF LIBERTY

IN THE LONG HISTORY OF THE WORLD
ONLY A FEW GENERATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED
THE ROLE OF DEFENDING FREEDOM
IN ITS HOUR OF MAXIMUM DANGER
I DO NOT SHRINK FROM THIS RESPONSIBILITY
I WELCOME IT

 THE ENERGY - THE FAITH - THE DEVOTION
WHICH WE BRING TO THIS ENDEAVOR
WILL LIGHT OUR COUNTY
AND ALL WHO SERVE IT
AND THE GLOW FROM THAT FIRE
CAN TRULY LIGHT THE WORLD

 AND SO MY FELLOW AMERICANS
ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU
ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY
MY FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE WORLD - ASK NOT
WHAT AMERICA CAN DO FOR YOU - BUT WHAT TOGETHER
WE CAN DO FOR THE FREEDOM OF MAN

 WITH A GOOD CONSCIENCE OUR ONLY SURE REWARD
WITH HISTORY THE FINAL JUDGE OF OUR DEEDS
LET US GO FORTH TO LEAD THE LAND WE LOVE - ASKING HIS BLESSING
AND HIS HELP - BUT KNOWING THAT HERE ON EARTH
GOD'S WORK MUST TRULY BE OUR OWN
  

It truly set the tone for the walk through the rest of the cemetery. 

 We made our way over to the tomb of the unknown solider for the changing of the guard.

Beautiful day at Arlington, and so humbling to take in the visual reminders of the sacrifice of life as far as you could see in every direction.

Today

I heard this a few weeks ago, never mind where, and it has popped into my head time and time again.*

This is the beginning of a new day.

God has given me this day to use as I will.

I can waste it or I can use it for good.

What I do today is very important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it.

When tomorrow comes this day will be gone, forever,

Leaving something in its place I have traded for it.

I want it to be gain, not loss, good, not evil,

Success, not failure, in order that I shall not

forget the price I paid for it.

I am a sucker for a good quote. I used to have a quote board in my office.(It was an excellent gauge of my mood that day. May be why I got rid of it....) I especially love one that makes you think, and this one was timely for me.

 

In the midst of work, working out, cleaning, church, friends - what am I truly exchanging today for? In other words - what am I investing in today? Is what's left in the place of today something of value? After all, its the actions, comments (even the ones under my breath) and attitudes I choose on a stressful Monday or a boring Wednesday that make up the months, and the years. 

Makes you think, huh? 

 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

*This is not a Bear Bryant quote. I promise, you can google it. So don't let it deter you if you cheer for that other team.

It's a (Wood) House

 Well, for now. Sit down, pour a drink, because I have an exciting update. Well, exciting for us, and maybe semi-exciting for you, if you're sitting in a cube, like me.

We've gotten so used to things moving at a glacial pace, and you know how that thrills me, (name that movie)  I was putting all my eggs in the foundation basket for Sunday's visit. I squealed when I saw this.

 First floor framing!

 From the back of the house looking forward.

 We can take showers!

 First floor guest room window. No, that' not a Coors Light box. Trust me, I zoomed in to check.

 On that subject, let me interrupt for a PSA on appropriate construction zone drinks.

APPROVED. Lord knows we are on a tight deadline. Give me a month and I might be bringing you a case myself.

 DENIED. I'm not sponsoring your house party. Also, who drinks beer while eating candy?

 Needless to say, we were pretty pumped. Are you singing Vogue in your head now, too? Just me?

 While being neighborly and making sure the houses a little farther along were making good progress as well, we ran across this on one houses steps.  

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

 133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. 134 Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts.

 Good reminders. There is more to creating a home than picking the right shade of grey and matching cabinets and counter tops.

Run the Mile You're In

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately – not this verse in particular – I’ll get to that in a minute.

About a month ago, we were on a Saturday morning run that was particularly warm. I kept looking at my watch, wishing the minutes and miles to hurry by so we could just get this part of the day over with already. Something I read at some point popped in my head – run the mile you’re in. So I gave it a try. Instead of thinking about the 5 miles left, just focus on getting to mile 2. Then 3. It made it so much easier, and bonus- it went by much faster.

Since it hasn’t cooled down much, I’ve been saying this to myself a lot lately. Run the mile you’re in. Consequently, I’ve been hearing that phrase in other areas of my thoughts. I’m a worrier. A worrier and a planner. A really fun combination where you can worry and plan for stuff that is out of your control and/or months and years away. Houses, jobs, finances, kids. The list goes on and on.

In a lot of ways, it’s a good thing. I believe preparing for the future is responsible and being a good steward of what we are given. But instead of worrying about things I can’t control in the future, I’m trying to learn to do the best I can today and trust that our steps will be directed when the time comes, and we'll know when the time comes.

Come Sunday, wouldn’t you know Philippians 4 was the sermon? It really helped me close the gap on my thoughts.

We are in a great place right now across the board, and instead of letting my mind be cluttered with anxious thoughts, I’m going to focus and enjoy the mile we’re in.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

It's Been A While

What a week we had last week - a royal wedding, devestating tornados and the death of Bin Laden. Pretty emotional.

This was the light outside of our apartment after some straight line winds tore through downtown.

I could not believe the amount of insulation from who knows where littering the streets around us.

We had a good friend who, just a week after having her sweet baby boy, had her childhood home destroyed.

The damage is wide reaching. There are so many ways to help and give back in what will prove to be a long recovery process. If you are a couponer, or not, I thought this was something quick and easy anyone can do while you're out to make a donation.

Meanwhile, babies were born and people still got married. Life has a way of moving on, even in the midst of crisis.

He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them.

Job 37: 11-12

He is always in control.

No Guilt in Life, No Fear in Death

We lost a wonderful co-worker and friend this week. In times like these, when I just can't make sense of the why's, I'm so grateful to have what we know to be true to lean on, and isn't it good to know?

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15-50-57

I came across one of my favorite passages from The Purpose Driven Life, and have read it a few times this week. I always find myself going back to this passage and never get tired of its message.

In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven. One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act-the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense. Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.

Every moment, THANK GOD.

Why I Run

The eternal question. Not really...but I do ask myself this a lot. Specifically when it's cold. Or hot. And my legs are tired. And I'd rather be eating Taco Soup and watching a movie. I wish I was one of those that just craved a daily workout and couldnt go without it. Alas, it is not so.


I started running just to prove I could do it. I had a few friends who were running half marathons and marathons and I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it too, if I wanted. Just once, of course. I started and could barely run 2 miles. As each week passed, I couldn't believe that I was able to keep up with the training plan. Twelve weeks later, I finished my first half marathon and immediatley wanted to do another, so I did. I loved the competitive spirit of racing and it made working out more fun.



Soon after, this happened. The stress took a toll on my body, and consequently my running took a serious hit. As in, completely stopped. I remember putting on my running clothes to get out and relieve the stress and only being able to walk. It was another thing I had lost. When the dust settled and I gained some strength, I started back with that same 2 miles. I remember texting one of my best friends, "It feels so good to be back!"


I started training for Mercedes and is it got closer it became increasingly symbolic for me - that I had come out the other side and was strong again. I remember telling this to Matt, feeling just as cheesy as I do now typing it, and him relaying that he had thought the same thing. Try writing that on a conversation heart....and just in time for Valentines Day. I ran my best time ever that year, and will never forget how good I felt after.


Since then, Matt has run nearly every race with me, and most every run. He's only beat me a couple of times:)



This was not one of them.


Running has been a part of the worst and best parts of my life. Do I absolutely love getting out in the freezing cold or burning heat? No. Can I imagine my life without it? Absolutely not.


I love the challenge. I love how there are good days that make you feel accomplished, and bad days to remind you of how much work you have to do. Climbing a hill and speeding back down. Crossing the finish line and drinking a cold beer. The competition with yourself is always new. Which can also be a little annoying, if I'm being honest.

And some good rap on the iPod doesn't hurt either.


Happy race weekend!

In Christ Alone

I'm always so surprised (sad, but true) at how God meets us where we are and is present in the details of our life. I talked a few weeks ago about the attitudes of my heart, and it seems since then nearly every message I've heard through Bible study or church has referenced the sheer power of what fills our heart. Coincidence? Unlikely. Nonetheless, it's amazing to me how God hears our struggles and desires to teach us.

Saturday night, on my run to CVS (party people!!), I heard this classic hymn on the radio. It struck me how powerful the lyrics were, so I dug up an old CD with this song and listened to it on the way home. I laughed when I opened the program Sunday and it was the closing hymn.

After a looong Monday...it's good to hear it again.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Happy Monday:)

Attitude Check

I have referenced my tendency towards a Type A personality numerous times on this blog. There are many advantages - I'm fairly organized, I'm pretty good at planning ahead and providing some structure to our family life.

On the flip side, there are parts of my personality that aren't so pretty. An exaggerated sense of time urgency, competitiveness and becoming easily irritated are things I struggle with. When things don't go according to my plan, I get frustrated. It's amazing how these are magnified when living with another person who doesn't always share these traits (thank the Lord). It's something I've been praying God would begin to change in me this year.

Be careful what you pray for. As I'm sure we've all experienced, God doesn't just give us patience, or love. But instead, gives us a chance to exercise patience and love. I've been slow in making the connection between these prayers and the circumstances God provides to give me a new attitude.

This week in church, we read 3 John. As I glanced through the intro, I read something that struck that nerve again. "It can be easy to join others in gossip, complaining or small acts of dishonesty..."

Rarely, if not ever, do I think of complaining as a fault, much less a sin. It really clicked with me how deep our attitudes run and how what is in my heart surfaces.

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things from the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

I think blaming a personality type is a cop out. I'm going to go out on a limb and say most of us have a tendency towards selfishness, frustration and jealousy rather than serving, peace and joy. As I move forward this year, I pray that my heart would be changed. I think the rest will fall into place.

Lessons from a Morning Run

This morning, I got a good reminder from T.I. on my morning run.

'Errbody right here

What you need to do is be thankful for the life you got, know what I'm saying?

Stop looking at what you ain't got and start being thankful for what you do got

Good point, buddy.

With it being Thanksgiving week, what better time to do just that? All joking aside, this is something I've been trying to work on the past few months. There will always -every single day-be someone to compare yourself to that has more things, better things, a bigger house, a nicer car. If I focus soley on those things, it really cultivates an attitude of discontentment and ungratefulness.

Our run this morning took us by a few important landmarks in my life. I think God wanted to drive the point home with me. Chance? I think not.

We ran past my work. People there can drive me crazy. Things don't always go my way. A lot of days, I'd rather just be in bed. Yet, I was reminded how grateful I am for my job. There are so many wonderful people there that I get to spend my days with. I'm encouraged to branch out in my career. And let's face it, Public Relations is the whip cream of the economy, yet in the midst of the economic crisis, I never once feared losing my job. What a huge blessing for me, and now for our little family as we start our lives together.

We ran through the park. I love seeing the sun rise over the skyline in the morning and being able to enjoy God's creation before starting a busy day of work.

We passed the bread factory, which was pretty tortorous (excuse my bunk spelling). I read something a long time ago that has stuck with me. How neat that God gives us food to enjoy? Something we need to live we also get to take pleasure in preparing, serving and sharing with our friends and family? Tonight we will be enjoying some baked potato soup. Recipe to follow.

Then, there's this guy. So grateful to have him as my running partner. I really love that we have a hobby that we can enjoy together. It's been beneficial to our relationship and our health and thinking about how far we've come in each area makes me so grateful. I could drone on about the similarities in running and life, but I think you can make those comparisons yourself. I love that this is something we share.

Life is pretty good right now, so its easy to be thankful. My hope is that as we go through the hard seasons too, we will have learned to always be looking for the blessings in our lives. More often than not, you don't have to look very hard.

Happy Thanksgiving friends!!