Warning: This is going to be one of those rambling posts where I spew out a bunch of thoughts with no order of editing.
I have so much stuff. We, as in the majority of the people I know, have more stuff than the rest of the world. Did you know that if you have a roof over your head every night, a meal a day, clothes to wear, and transportation (even if it's public transportation) you are wealthier than 85% of the world. And if you make more than 50K a year you have more money than 99% of the world. 99%!!! That number is so crazy it's hard to even fathom.
Any what do we do with all that money? If you're like me you save some of it, invest it if you can, and buy stuff. Much of the stuff unnecessary extras by the worlds standards- which are a far cry from Southern California standards. And, because I know I've been blessed, I give some of it away. But, as my friend Becky posted the other day, do you ever give until it hurts? Because the "loss" I feel when when I give to Compassion International, the church, or a local charity, probably hurts a whole hell of a lot less than starving, or digging through the trash heap for food, or watching your baby die because you can't put a roof over her head.
I recently read a book that has all but destroyed me. The books is called "Radical" by David Platt. it's an easy read, not overly theological, actually quite simple, and very Biblical. But, I'll be honest, the entire time I was reading it I kept referencing back to my Bible hoping it wasn't Biblical, because it points out how much I have missed the mark. Being a Christian isn't saying a nice prayer, going to church on Sunday, and hanging with your other Jesus-freak friends. It's not about being Moralistic (as we have SO created the American church to be), anti-gay, and Republican. Being a Christian is a radical transformation of the heart. Learning and transforming (through the Holy Spirit) to love the things Jesus loves and hurt for the things He hurts for. All because we have been saved by Grace. We should be so overwhelmingly burdened by Christ's love for us that we can't help but run after Him. (If you do decide to pick this book up please read it all the way though. You are going to want to put it down part way. And you are going to disagree with the author sometimes, but you need to get to the last chapter where he brings it all together.)
So should I do? Sell all my possessions and give them to the poor? Live like a peasant and never enjoy another "luxury" as long as I live. Give up Starbucks, new clothes, restaurants, and vacations forever?
I don't think so (except in a few extreme circumstances). The Bible actually promotes working hard and saving money. However, we are also to help the poor and love our neighbor more than ourself. I am beginning to see that it comes down to a condition of the heart. How tightly do I hold on to my stuff, my extras? If God did ask me to give up a luxury (or two, or three) would I do it? Would I be able to do it with a happy heart knowing that He will take care of me and trusting in His eternal promises? Or would I drag my feet kicking and screaming? Or tell Him flat out No? Do I love other people more than I love myself?
I think giving comes down to prayer. I don't pray about my finances nearly enough. I move forward in the standard American fashion - saving, planning, spending without asking God about it very much. When we do ask God does some mighty things.
I was recently given some money for my birthday. I had a plan for that money involving my favorite amusement park and my two favorite boys. We had a date set and everything ready. Then I learned about a boy in Russia who needs a home. This boy has Downs Syndrome and if he doesn't get adopted in the next year he will spend the rest of his life in a mental institution. At four years old he won't have a mom to tuck him in at night and tell him that she loves him. He'll never go to an amusement park and meet Mickey Mouse and eat cotton candy, while my little boy will probably get to go multiple times. My heart broke. I prayed. And you guess it - I gave the money to a family that might adopt this boy. God asked me to - I could feel it in my bones. Did I want to? Honestly, not really. I really wanted to have that fun day with my family. But I am learning that loving people more than i love myself isn't about my emotions or my wants. It's about sacrifice. And we will go to Disneyland another time. And it will be okay to spend the money and enjoy family fun. God created fun. But at this particular time He wanted me to do something else.
And God is so good. I wasn't expecting a reward for my giving, but God gave me something anyway. We didn't get to go to Disneyland. The arranged date came and went. I was sad but excited for little Daniel far away in Russia. But a few days later God answered a huge prayer in my life. Something I've been praying about for over a year. I can't share it right now, but I am blessed! My God is so good to me. I will never understand the depths of His enormous love. I just pray that I might show someone else a small glimpse through my own life.
Transform My Heart
Sunday, December 19, 2010
I'm a self-proclaimed Non-Crafter. I do not craft. I cook and have plans to one day sew, and I've ventured into the arena of furniture restoration a few times. But most DIY crafty projects send me running in the other direction where I can safely admire from afar.
But then I saw this in the Pottery Barn catalog:
And I really wanted it. But I didn't want to pay any money.
Enter very handy husband.
With RJ's "help" (I directed; he labored) we produced this:
I LOVE it! So much that I can't tuck it away after the Holidays. So it's going to go in Landon's room where it will hold photos of him and his friends (and maybe I'll sneak some in of his parents too) until next Christmas season.
Super easy and inexpensive. I still need to find cute little clips or mini-clothespins. But otherwise we actually had the old gold frame in a closet, but you could easily find one for a few dollars at a thrift store. Then all you need is some thin wire and a handful of small screws. We screwed the tiny screws into the sides, wrapped the wire around a screw head and then pull it taunt wrapping the end of the wire around a sew head on the opposite side. Viola! I'm a crafty DIYer.
But then I saw this in the Pottery Barn catalog:
And I really wanted it. But I didn't want to pay any money.
Enter very handy husband.
With RJ's "help" (I directed; he labored) we produced this:
I LOVE it! So much that I can't tuck it away after the Holidays. So it's going to go in Landon's room where it will hold photos of him and his friends (and maybe I'll sneak some in of his parents too) until next Christmas season.
Super easy and inexpensive. I still need to find cute little clips or mini-clothespins. But otherwise we actually had the old gold frame in a closet, but you could easily find one for a few dollars at a thrift store. Then all you need is some thin wire and a handful of small screws. We screwed the tiny screws into the sides, wrapped the wire around a screw head and then pull it taunt wrapping the end of the wire around a sew head on the opposite side. Viola! I'm a crafty DIYer.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Last night I experienced a beautifully serendipitous moment. As I was watching on of the greatest modern day love stories unfold on the silver screen real-life love was blossoming nearby. Yes, at nearly the exact moment I watch Edward Cullen, vampire, propose to his soul mate Bella Swan, human, my dear friends were announcing their engagement to the world (via mass text message). How often to we get to experience a true eclipse of the heart?!
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| Team Jacob! |
Friday, December 17, 2010
Yesterday RJ, Landon and I went to our friends holiday party. Kids were welcome so we headed over right when the party started (b/c the fashionably late entrances are reserved for the chic people not encumbered by little people and 7 o'clock bedtimes).
Hoping to stay as long as possible we dressed the little man in his red footsie pj's and cowboy boots. Easy, maintenance free, and one of his most adorable looks. Win all around.
And apparently my son is one party animal. Landon breezed into the party without a moments hesitation. Confidently walking in front of mom and dad, he planted bear hugs on everyone he saw, shmoozed for lap space with all the pretty ladies, tried a wide assortment of finger foods and fine cheeses, gave all the men "fist pounds", and even indulged one beer drinking thirty-something in a belly bump. He shared his smiles with young and old alike, dividing his time evenly between those his own age and the adult crowd, and told a few good "jokes" getting the entire room to explode in laughter.
And at 7:30 when his Dad was tired and already thinking of bed, Landon was just getting started - snuggling between a couple of guys on the couch to grab a few minutes of the football game.
Our son is a social butterfly. Adorable at 20 months - frightening in 20 years.
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| The cheese-face always wins a few new friends |
Hoping to stay as long as possible we dressed the little man in his red footsie pj's and cowboy boots. Easy, maintenance free, and one of his most adorable looks. Win all around.
And apparently my son is one party animal. Landon breezed into the party without a moments hesitation. Confidently walking in front of mom and dad, he planted bear hugs on everyone he saw, shmoozed for lap space with all the pretty ladies, tried a wide assortment of finger foods and fine cheeses, gave all the men "fist pounds", and even indulged one beer drinking thirty-something in a belly bump. He shared his smiles with young and old alike, dividing his time evenly between those his own age and the adult crowd, and told a few good "jokes" getting the entire room to explode in laughter.
And at 7:30 when his Dad was tired and already thinking of bed, Landon was just getting started - snuggling between a couple of guys on the couch to grab a few minutes of the football game.
Our son is a social butterfly. Adorable at 20 months - frightening in 20 years.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A few weeks ago we hosted the
1st Annual Mid-Town Wine & Cheese party.
No children allowed
Wine tasting games
No jeans or tees; lets dress up!
and lots of great wine and food.
It was such fun to dress up in something that sparkled,
sip wine and talk with friends without any distractions.
We should do grown-up night more often!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Has anyone overwhelmed by the shopping insanity outside?! I have found myself avoiding the mall, main street, and Target at all costs. Its so bad in Target I was tempted to buy my toilet paper at the Circle K just so I wouldn't have to navigate the Target parking lot. The weather outside is delightful but the consumer insanity is frightful (sorry, I just couldn't help myself!).
Not that I I'm asking everyone to return my Christmas gifts. I love a good present as much as the next girl. But, with a little boy in our home who is starting to understand the concept of stuff and "mine" I'm looking at everything a bit differently than before.
RJ and I are consciously trying to teach Landon what it means to have a spirit of true thankfulness and generosity. And most importantly contentedness in the Lord alone - not in stuff. Along with that we are trying to combat the sense of entitlement that is so prevalent in our generation and subsequently being passed down to the next. Lofty aspirations that are much easier said than done. Particularly since the best way to teach is through example!
And I'm surprised to find that I really want to give Landon material things. It's fun to see him get excited about a new toy. And honestly, it's easier on me when he's occupied with playthings and not begging me to color with him for the 400th time. However, I know that when he's a grown man he will remember our coloring episodes more than he'll remember the 8th dump truck he opened on Christmas morning. And while I definitely don't think there is anything wrong with gifts or toys (we will be giving our son gifts to celebrate Christmas) I am realizing that I need to look at the big picture.
It will be more fun on December 25th if Landon has a huge pile to tear through rather than a more humble stack. But down the road will he have a stronger sense of gratitude and less entitlement if he has to learn to be contented with fewer toys and more relationship building? I think so.
And I think we can say the same for our Heavenly Father. God loves us and wants to give us the desires of our heart. I am beginning to think that He probably wants to say Yes to many of my prayers; and He would delight in my excitement and enjoyment. However, God sees the big picture and He knows what is best for my character development. So while he would love to give me some immediate gratification in His wisdom He says "no" or "wait" knowing that is better for my long-term growth. Which is ultimately more wonderful than immediate gratification anyway.
Not that I I'm asking everyone to return my Christmas gifts. I love a good present as much as the next girl. But, with a little boy in our home who is starting to understand the concept of stuff and "mine" I'm looking at everything a bit differently than before.
RJ and I are consciously trying to teach Landon what it means to have a spirit of true thankfulness and generosity. And most importantly contentedness in the Lord alone - not in stuff. Along with that we are trying to combat the sense of entitlement that is so prevalent in our generation and subsequently being passed down to the next. Lofty aspirations that are much easier said than done. Particularly since the best way to teach is through example!
And I'm surprised to find that I really want to give Landon material things. It's fun to see him get excited about a new toy. And honestly, it's easier on me when he's occupied with playthings and not begging me to color with him for the 400th time. However, I know that when he's a grown man he will remember our coloring episodes more than he'll remember the 8th dump truck he opened on Christmas morning. And while I definitely don't think there is anything wrong with gifts or toys (we will be giving our son gifts to celebrate Christmas) I am realizing that I need to look at the big picture.
It will be more fun on December 25th if Landon has a huge pile to tear through rather than a more humble stack. But down the road will he have a stronger sense of gratitude and less entitlement if he has to learn to be contented with fewer toys and more relationship building? I think so.
And I think we can say the same for our Heavenly Father. God loves us and wants to give us the desires of our heart. I am beginning to think that He probably wants to say Yes to many of my prayers; and He would delight in my excitement and enjoyment. However, God sees the big picture and He knows what is best for my character development. So while he would love to give me some immediate gratification in His wisdom He says "no" or "wait" knowing that is better for my long-term growth. Which is ultimately more wonderful than immediate gratification anyway.
Monday, December 6, 2010
I don't think Christmas has been this fun since the year my sister and I got Popples. (How awesome were those things! Stuffed animals that turned into pom-pom balls - awesome!) Landon is loving on Christmas. Or, at least, he's loving on trees and ornaments and lights.
We decorated our tree about a week ago and there was NO WAY he was missing out on any of the action. I gave him his own box of (unbreakable) ornaments and RJ showed him how to put the loop over the tree branch. But he thought it was way more fun to find himself a sturdy branch and start stacking.
Christmas tree tip for those with toddles: The lights and ornaments are overwhelmingly exciting - and of course little hands are eager to hold and touch everything. So underneath the tree I put a small box with 5-6 unbreakable ornaments inside. Landon is allowed to play with those ornaments whenever he wants. He can open the box, hang them, carry them around, play with them, whatever his little heart desires; but he is not allowed to touch any of the others. And, so far, it's working surprisingly well. It's pretty cute how into them he is.
Speaking of cute, whenever we drive home in the dark I point out all the Christmas lights and he claps his hands saying "More Mommy More."
If he thinks Christmas is this fun already I can't image what he'll think when he realizing the colorfully wrapped boxes under the tree aren't just decorations!
We decorated our tree about a week ago and there was NO WAY he was missing out on any of the action. I gave him his own box of (unbreakable) ornaments and RJ showed him how to put the loop over the tree branch. But he thought it was way more fun to find himself a sturdy branch and start stacking.
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| Choosing a good branch |
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| Carefully selecting an ornament for the tree |
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| Only part-way finished and already getting a really nice stack |
Christmas tree tip for those with toddles: The lights and ornaments are overwhelmingly exciting - and of course little hands are eager to hold and touch everything. So underneath the tree I put a small box with 5-6 unbreakable ornaments inside. Landon is allowed to play with those ornaments whenever he wants. He can open the box, hang them, carry them around, play with them, whatever his little heart desires; but he is not allowed to touch any of the others. And, so far, it's working surprisingly well. It's pretty cute how into them he is.
Speaking of cute, whenever we drive home in the dark I point out all the Christmas lights and he claps his hands saying "More Mommy More."
If he thinks Christmas is this fun already I can't image what he'll think when he realizing the colorfully wrapped boxes under the tree aren't just decorations!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
50 free Shutterfly cards obtained!
And I just got back our 2010 Holiday photos.
The Hervey's have done it again!
Amazing.
Here's a preview:
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