I don't know about you, but the "School of Hard Knocks" has made me one pretty tough chick. I am not a cryer. Well, I can't say that I'm completely immune, but it takes a lot.
Nine years ago, I knew something wasn't right when the then-owner of our house made it clear that the house would sell "as-is". I don't like being suspicious of others anymore than you do, but that school I mentioned above will do that to a person. I knew something wasn't right about this man's lack of disclosure, so I told my husband we should have the house inspected. After all, that had saved me a bundle when I didn't purchase that other house years earlier because it had failed its inspection. My kind, trusting husband, on the other hand, felt forking over an extra $300 or so was a waste of money.
We began having trouble about 6 months after moving into the house, and it has plagued us ever since. We've had the septic system pumped several times, and my dear husband has plunged, blown up tubes, snaked, and no-telling what else to try to get our plumbing into normal operation, all to no avail. Every few months or so, there we were again, with something stopped up.
Well, dear husband got his fill of it and decided we were handling this situation, once and for all. So I was sitting at the table paying bills last week while the plumbers trekked in and out with huge snakes, a super plunger, a camera, and their icky, poopy-germy workboots. (I'm SURE of it, because I could see those little buggers in my mind. EEUUUUW!)The problem turned out to be one that, lo and behold, my jack-of-all-trades husband would not be able to fix, so I had the privilege of hiring the plumbers to spend the following day with the me. When they told me the cost, I went into worry mode. We already had to replace our septic system, then there's the new roof we have to buy, and now another $850? I managed to hold it together until they left, then I lost it.
Fast forward a week, and I am praising God for getting us through yet another bind. It turns out that our insurance is covering the roof because it had hail damage. Because we are savers, we were able to pay the plumbing company the day of the service. We had planned to use our income tax refund to pay off some bills, but we'll be using it to replace that septic system. And, the strangest things have happened in the meantime. No one gives us money, but people have been giving us small amounts of money for services we don't even charge for.
As I pondered this, I thought about how God knew that I would sit at that table, crying and worrying over finances. Nothing surprises Him. The Word tells us not to worry because it solves nothing, but I don't know a person who hasn't done it. I began to think about how I would feel if one of my children was upset like that. I would set out to fix the problem (unless my remedy would cause him pain in the long run) and that's just what my Heavenly Father did for me. He had compassion for His child, and He fixed it.
I've been learning as much as I can from this situation, but, right now, I'm basking in God's love for me. It's so wonderful, and that's enough for today.
Take time to enjoy your blessings today. They're all around you.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Yes, You Have Them Too
Do you know someone whose gifts are so evident that yours seem to pale in comparison? You know, the kind of person you want to physically injure because she got all the talent? The kind of person who prompts the passive/aggressive voice of insecurity inside you to jump out and scream, "Lord, why does sheeeeee have all the gifts, all the looks, etc.?" Well, I'm not one of those people. In fact, I'm the one who has asked God that gut-gnawing question many times, and I've spent much of my life just trying to find one thing I actually do well.
So last fall, I started scrapbooking. I had collected sentimental items, paper, and embellishments for years, and it all finally came together when I opened that Cricut Christmas morning. (If you don't know what that is, you don't want to know now, because it brings new meaning to the word "addiction".) As soon as I laid eyes on that blessed box, I've been a new woman, a paper-cutting, bow-tying, glue-sticking, button-sewing, encouraging maniac who can't get enough. Someone can prick a finger, and I'm on it. I'm their man. Forget the wedding scrapbook. Cardmaking is IT.
First Corinthians 12:4 tells us: "Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit." God has given every single one of us gifts. Sure, some are more obvious, and I believe an extroverted person's gifts will be seen much more quickly than those an introvert. Quiet people tend to stay "behind the scenes", and I've been thinking lately that keeping our gifts to ourselves isn't really a good thing. We do it for one of two reasons: 1) because we're too insecure to let others see them, or 2) because we're being humble.
Let's examine those reasons for a few seconds. If we believe we have a gift, but we're too insecure to put it out there, how can we use it to glorify God? And if we think God has given us a gift, but we don't let people see it, aren't we really hiding God's glory instead of being humble?
The key is found in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men." Everyone wants to make a difference, but why even concern ourselves with whether something is a gift or not? Isn't that more of a self-focus than a God-focus? (I'm preaching to the choir, folks.) If we enjoy doing it and believe we should be doing it, it's probably a gift, but more importantly, as long as we are doing it for God, then it's a gift to Him, and that's what really matters. After all, it came from Him, so wouldn't it be nice to use it to bless His heart?
How would you like to honor God with your gift today?
So last fall, I started scrapbooking. I had collected sentimental items, paper, and embellishments for years, and it all finally came together when I opened that Cricut Christmas morning. (If you don't know what that is, you don't want to know now, because it brings new meaning to the word "addiction".) As soon as I laid eyes on that blessed box, I've been a new woman, a paper-cutting, bow-tying, glue-sticking, button-sewing, encouraging maniac who can't get enough. Someone can prick a finger, and I'm on it. I'm their man. Forget the wedding scrapbook. Cardmaking is IT.
First Corinthians 12:4 tells us: "Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit." God has given every single one of us gifts. Sure, some are more obvious, and I believe an extroverted person's gifts will be seen much more quickly than those an introvert. Quiet people tend to stay "behind the scenes", and I've been thinking lately that keeping our gifts to ourselves isn't really a good thing. We do it for one of two reasons: 1) because we're too insecure to let others see them, or 2) because we're being humble.
Let's examine those reasons for a few seconds. If we believe we have a gift, but we're too insecure to put it out there, how can we use it to glorify God? And if we think God has given us a gift, but we don't let people see it, aren't we really hiding God's glory instead of being humble?
The key is found in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men." Everyone wants to make a difference, but why even concern ourselves with whether something is a gift or not? Isn't that more of a self-focus than a God-focus? (I'm preaching to the choir, folks.) If we enjoy doing it and believe we should be doing it, it's probably a gift, but more importantly, as long as we are doing it for God, then it's a gift to Him, and that's what really matters. After all, it came from Him, so wouldn't it be nice to use it to bless His heart?
How would you like to honor God with your gift today?
Monday, May 3, 2010
What's A Girl To Do?
My loved ones know that I struggle with insecurity. Really, do you know a woman who doesn't in this sexed-up, disposable culture? Most hide it well, but no, not me. My wounds overflow just as quickly in public as they do in private. God is working on me, but the whole issue has definitely gotten worse before it gets better. I mean, I have said some of the most immature, embarrassing, and insane things lately, and all on Facebook. Is that horrifying, or what? Never say never, Sister. It could happen to you too.
See, that's just the thing. Insecurity is insidious. It creeps in while we aren't watching, then at the most inopportune time, rears its nasty head. Like when that co-worker stands, posed for attention, sucking up to the clueless boss. Like when that dear friend seems to have it all, yet still has energy to spare. Like when that clique doesn't include you. Like when that Miranda Kerr look-a-like walks past. Like when your husband slips up and glances at another woman. (Oh, no, I didn't!) You get the message.
Psalm 139:14 says: "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth quite well."
Few, I believe, are so insecure that Scripture doesn't quickly cut through the pain, but we do exist. It takes more time for some than others, and that doesn't feel good, but it's okay. If you are one of those people, please allow me to elaborate on verse 14 a little. It doesn't say, "I will praise Thee; for I feel like I am fearfully and wonderfully made...." It says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love that it says His works are "marvelous", because if God made you, guess what? You are mah-ve-lous, Darling!
Dear friend, I encourage you to continue reading the remainder of the Psalm. It is chock full of God's rich love for YOU, and it would take many lines for me to explain the vastness of it. I don't know that I could do it justice anyway, but I would be so happy if you would allow God to speak to your wounds as you read it in your own time.
In fact, the Bible is filled with love for you. Love is who He is, and you are the object of His affection. I pray that you and I learn to stop searching this world and find our security in Him only, for He truly is the only One who can give it to us.
Father, thank You for the marvelous, distinquished person who is reading this. Thank You for showering her with Your love and acceptance. She was in Your heart long before she was ever conceived; wow! Thank You for helping her to stop judging herself and start loving herself so that she may be whole. Help her forgive those who have hurt her so that she may begin to break free from the bondage of unforgiveness. Most importantly, heal her mind of the wounds people have inflicted on her over the years so that she can freely accept Your love. Thank You, Father, that whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
See, that's just the thing. Insecurity is insidious. It creeps in while we aren't watching, then at the most inopportune time, rears its nasty head. Like when that co-worker stands, posed for attention, sucking up to the clueless boss. Like when that dear friend seems to have it all, yet still has energy to spare. Like when that clique doesn't include you. Like when that Miranda Kerr look-a-like walks past. Like when your husband slips up and glances at another woman. (Oh, no, I didn't!) You get the message.
Psalm 139:14 says: "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth quite well."
Few, I believe, are so insecure that Scripture doesn't quickly cut through the pain, but we do exist. It takes more time for some than others, and that doesn't feel good, but it's okay. If you are one of those people, please allow me to elaborate on verse 14 a little. It doesn't say, "I will praise Thee; for I feel like I am fearfully and wonderfully made...." It says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I love that it says His works are "marvelous", because if God made you, guess what? You are mah-ve-lous, Darling!
Dear friend, I encourage you to continue reading the remainder of the Psalm. It is chock full of God's rich love for YOU, and it would take many lines for me to explain the vastness of it. I don't know that I could do it justice anyway, but I would be so happy if you would allow God to speak to your wounds as you read it in your own time.
In fact, the Bible is filled with love for you. Love is who He is, and you are the object of His affection. I pray that you and I learn to stop searching this world and find our security in Him only, for He truly is the only One who can give it to us.
Father, thank You for the marvelous, distinquished person who is reading this. Thank You for showering her with Your love and acceptance. She was in Your heart long before she was ever conceived; wow! Thank You for helping her to stop judging herself and start loving herself so that she may be whole. Help her forgive those who have hurt her so that she may begin to break free from the bondage of unforgiveness. Most importantly, heal her mind of the wounds people have inflicted on her over the years so that she can freely accept Your love. Thank You, Father, that whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
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