I really love our new church- it's diverse, not uber political and most importantly it is very bibically based. The pastor is going through some of the more contriversial subjects in the bible and is handling it all in a bibical, balanced and practical way. Its really refreshing- what Jer and I have been wanting for awhile. Were looking to get involved with a mentoring ministry, apartment ministry and a small group. Cant wait to see what God does. I am so thankful He brought us to Anaheim. I love our church, community and new home (I am still amazed that God gave us such a great place).
In all of His faithfulness, I know He cares for us. He has taken care of us and will continue to- with a job for Jer, our finaces and in our walk with Him. Thank you Lord
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Like David
So David complained a bit in the Psalms... here is my honesty moment:
I would love for Jer to have a stable job. I would love to have enough money to not worry about paying for our bills and groceries. I would like to have enough to take our bunny to the vet for his medical needs. I wish that we wouldn't keep getting screwed financially- that we wouldnt have to worry about paying for an unfair ticket. Every time I think things are getting better, I feel like we get hit again.
But then I remember all the ways that God has provided... all of our blessings. He is faithful, even in the difficult times. I am so thankful for that. I know things could be worse and I thank the Lord for sparing us from that.
I just dont know how many more trials I can take Lord. It would be so nice not to keep getting hit so hard financially.
There is my honesty moment. I trust you and pray that You would hear my prayer...Amen.
I would love for Jer to have a stable job. I would love to have enough money to not worry about paying for our bills and groceries. I would like to have enough to take our bunny to the vet for his medical needs. I wish that we wouldn't keep getting screwed financially- that we wouldnt have to worry about paying for an unfair ticket. Every time I think things are getting better, I feel like we get hit again.
But then I remember all the ways that God has provided... all of our blessings. He is faithful, even in the difficult times. I am so thankful for that. I know things could be worse and I thank the Lord for sparing us from that.
I just dont know how many more trials I can take Lord. It would be so nice not to keep getting hit so hard financially.
There is my honesty moment. I trust you and pray that You would hear my prayer...Amen.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Always Pro-Life?
When I was in high school, I had a shirt that said "Abortion is Homicide". What a statement I made! Years later, I realized that this particular shirt may have been worn with the purist of intentions, but it did not reflect God's love.
The controversial law in Mississippi, which was not upheld this week, got me thinking a lot about the issue of being pro-life.
The way that this law was presented was that the issue of abortion was black and white. Growing up in the church, I had heard the same thing- abortion was a matter of life or death, murdering or not murdering, black and white. Essentially, this law suggested that abortion was always wrong and that life began at conception (again the same thing I had heard from the majority of the Christian community).
However, this law did not pass...in Mississippi, arguably one of the most conservative states. Why was this?
The Economist had a really funny letter to the editor last week on the issue:
SIR – I was delighted to read your article about the effort in Mississippi to pass a state constitutional amendment to recognize embryos as people from the moment of fertilization (“A person already?”, October 8th). My wife and I have been considering IVF to address our lack of success in conceiving a child. Mississippi’s proposed amendment gives us even more reason to pursue this treatment, and to move to Mississippi.
After the procedure we will insist on taking custody of any extra embryos that result from IVF—it is our right as parents after all. Once safely in our home we plan to keep them in a freezer in our basement and list them as child dependents for tax purposes, thus giving us a tax deduction. To protect the lives of our children in case of a power outage we will buy a backup generator. Anything less would be bad parenting.
I had a good laugh, noting that by technicalities (stating that personhood began at conception) this person could have actually done this if the law had passed.
I read another story about a Christian family in Mississippi who had a child through in vitro. Now with in vitro, doctors get rid of embryos that they know will not work. By that law, the family could not have another child through in vitro, because it would be ending the life of an embryo (even if it was a "bad" embryo). It was suggested that this is why a substantial amount of Christian-Right members did not vote for this law, even though they were pro-life....it hit home. Almost everyone knows someone who has tried in vitro in the Christian community.
Perhaps abortion is not a black and white issue. Perhaps pro-lifers will be abandoning the term "life begins at conception" because this law proved it is a little more complex than that.
So now we live in a world where this law was tried and failed. The Christian community recognizes that this affects some of their own members. But will the Christians community recognize that it is not black and white for people outside of the Christian community? It is not a black and white issue for an 11 year old child who became pregnant after being raped. It is not black and white for a couple who is told the mother and possibly the child will die if she carries the baby to term. It is not black and white for the woman who takes the morning after pill after a condom breaks.
Now hear me out- I am not saying that abortion is right (or wrong) in any of these cases. I just think as Christians that we need to recognize that it is not a black and white issue. We need to love those in our own community and those outside of our community who are faced with these difficult choices. We need to ask God for His wisdom. But more than anything, we need to be much more loving when it comes to this subject.
Lord give us Your wisdom, guidance and love when it comes to this matter. Amen.
The controversial law in Mississippi, which was not upheld this week, got me thinking a lot about the issue of being pro-life.
The way that this law was presented was that the issue of abortion was black and white. Growing up in the church, I had heard the same thing- abortion was a matter of life or death, murdering or not murdering, black and white. Essentially, this law suggested that abortion was always wrong and that life began at conception (again the same thing I had heard from the majority of the Christian community).
However, this law did not pass...in Mississippi, arguably one of the most conservative states. Why was this?
The Economist had a really funny letter to the editor last week on the issue:
SIR – I was delighted to read your article about the effort in Mississippi to pass a state constitutional amendment to recognize embryos as people from the moment of fertilization (“A person already?”, October 8th). My wife and I have been considering IVF to address our lack of success in conceiving a child. Mississippi’s proposed amendment gives us even more reason to pursue this treatment, and to move to Mississippi.
After the procedure we will insist on taking custody of any extra embryos that result from IVF—it is our right as parents after all. Once safely in our home we plan to keep them in a freezer in our basement and list them as child dependents for tax purposes, thus giving us a tax deduction. To protect the lives of our children in case of a power outage we will buy a backup generator. Anything less would be bad parenting.
I had a good laugh, noting that by technicalities (stating that personhood began at conception) this person could have actually done this if the law had passed.
I read another story about a Christian family in Mississippi who had a child through in vitro. Now with in vitro, doctors get rid of embryos that they know will not work. By that law, the family could not have another child through in vitro, because it would be ending the life of an embryo (even if it was a "bad" embryo). It was suggested that this is why a substantial amount of Christian-Right members did not vote for this law, even though they were pro-life....it hit home. Almost everyone knows someone who has tried in vitro in the Christian community.
Perhaps abortion is not a black and white issue. Perhaps pro-lifers will be abandoning the term "life begins at conception" because this law proved it is a little more complex than that.
So now we live in a world where this law was tried and failed. The Christian community recognizes that this affects some of their own members. But will the Christians community recognize that it is not black and white for people outside of the Christian community? It is not a black and white issue for an 11 year old child who became pregnant after being raped. It is not black and white for a couple who is told the mother and possibly the child will die if she carries the baby to term. It is not black and white for the woman who takes the morning after pill after a condom breaks.
Now hear me out- I am not saying that abortion is right (or wrong) in any of these cases. I just think as Christians that we need to recognize that it is not a black and white issue. We need to love those in our own community and those outside of our community who are faced with these difficult choices. We need to ask God for His wisdom. But more than anything, we need to be much more loving when it comes to this subject.
Lord give us Your wisdom, guidance and love when it comes to this matter. Amen.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Trusting God in All Seasons
We were hit with some tough news this week. Now it is our choice- if we are going to trust in God or if we are going to let fear dictate. Lord, let our path be directed by You, let us go to You in prayer always.
A sweet friend sent me a note the other day (in the spirit of Thanksgiving) listing off the reasons she was thankful for me. It really made my day and encouraged me in the gifts God has given me. It served as a reminder of those gifts and to pray about how I can use them more for His glory.
This same friend told us about an opportunity that totally fits in Jerry and my heart for ministry. We need to learn more and pray more, but I am really excited about this.
Tried a new church that we love. I share many similar convictions and love the way the pastor treated God's word with reverence, truth, completion and practicality. It was awesome.
So Lord- I end this with a simple request: Have me pray more. I want to be in constant communication with you. I want our steps to be guided by you. I want to serve You. Help me do this. Amen
A sweet friend sent me a note the other day (in the spirit of Thanksgiving) listing off the reasons she was thankful for me. It really made my day and encouraged me in the gifts God has given me. It served as a reminder of those gifts and to pray about how I can use them more for His glory.
This same friend told us about an opportunity that totally fits in Jerry and my heart for ministry. We need to learn more and pray more, but I am really excited about this.
Tried a new church that we love. I share many similar convictions and love the way the pastor treated God's word with reverence, truth, completion and practicality. It was awesome.
So Lord- I end this with a simple request: Have me pray more. I want to be in constant communication with you. I want our steps to be guided by you. I want to serve You. Help me do this. Amen
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Hey Peterman!
Jerry and I have noted that we both feel as if almost all stress has been removed from our lives. It’s like Peter from Office Space, post hypnosis. We have our own place, are more secure financially and do not have an awful commute anymore! I think I was clinging onto weight due to stress because as soon as we moved in I have already lost a few pounds without really changing my routine.
I am so blessed by my job. Though it can be hectic at times, I realize that I have so much fulfillment from this job-it’s a great ministry, I have a great boss and co-workers, I enjoy using my gifts and talents and I wake up excited to go to work. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this apartment, work and so many other things- we are so thankful!
Yesterday we held a memorial service for my great-grandmother. She was 95 years old. Longevity definitely runs in my family and she was blessed with a wonderful life. She was one of the sweetest and funniest people I have ever known and I will miss her very much. Times like these often make those surrounding think of their own mortality. Life is interesting- it seems so short, yet we are blessed with so many memories and chapters. I would love to take some time to reflect on all that has happened in my life- maybe jot it down. Then I think on my birthday each year I will reflect on that year- I imagine it will be interesting to see all that has happened. Life is such a gift. I am so thankful that God gave me an amazing partner in crime to go through life with.
Jer has gained 20 lbs and I am so thankful. I am beginning to see all the signs of his hyperthyroidism diminish. We are so blessed to live in a day and age where he can take medicine and see these kind of results. I am so glad to have my husby back!
I am so blessed by my job. Though it can be hectic at times, I realize that I have so much fulfillment from this job-it’s a great ministry, I have a great boss and co-workers, I enjoy using my gifts and talents and I wake up excited to go to work. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this apartment, work and so many other things- we are so thankful!
Yesterday we held a memorial service for my great-grandmother. She was 95 years old. Longevity definitely runs in my family and she was blessed with a wonderful life. She was one of the sweetest and funniest people I have ever known and I will miss her very much. Times like these often make those surrounding think of their own mortality. Life is interesting- it seems so short, yet we are blessed with so many memories and chapters. I would love to take some time to reflect on all that has happened in my life- maybe jot it down. Then I think on my birthday each year I will reflect on that year- I imagine it will be interesting to see all that has happened. Life is such a gift. I am so thankful that God gave me an amazing partner in crime to go through life with.
Jer has gained 20 lbs and I am so thankful. I am beginning to see all the signs of his hyperthyroidism diminish. We are so blessed to live in a day and age where he can take medicine and see these kind of results. I am so glad to have my husby back!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
What a Year!
It has been crazy lately, and as a result I have not been diligent about blogging. Hopefully I will be able to blog consistently again in the near future.
We have had our fair share of trials and tribulations this year. It started with our former employers changing our status on our W2 without our knowledge. As a result, we owed $3K in tax returns (there went our entire savings for the move). Then we hit a deer (actually he ran into us), a $2K expense. We were told we owed a $500 bill that I had been assured three different times we did not owe. My husband landed in the hospital with a Thyroid crisis (another hefty bill) and our car was broken into (with many expensive items in my wallet stolen).
So we ended up being a great deal poorer than expected and a lot more stressed out. It was frustrating because we planned ahead financially, but still ended up in this situation.
Looking back on it, I note it as a time where God was working on my faith in Him. See, when planning ahead financially, I was in control. I had to lose that control to fully trust God with our lives. And you know what? He came through every single month. When I didn’t think that we would have enough money for groceries, Jerry’s parents randomly gave us a gift card for Stater Bros. When I didn’t think we would have enough money to pay for the unexpected bill, we were given a love gift for the amount.
It’s the trials and tribulations that strengthen our faith. God blessed us with the opportunity to rent a place in Anaheim. My human side worries that another major trial is going to happen and we won’t have enough money. But then I am reminded of what the Lord has taught me in this year and I realize that even if that does happen, He is in control. Lord, help me to remember the amazing lesson that you have taught me. Thank you for taking care of your children. Amen.
We have had our fair share of trials and tribulations this year. It started with our former employers changing our status on our W2 without our knowledge. As a result, we owed $3K in tax returns (there went our entire savings for the move). Then we hit a deer (actually he ran into us), a $2K expense. We were told we owed a $500 bill that I had been assured three different times we did not owe. My husband landed in the hospital with a Thyroid crisis (another hefty bill) and our car was broken into (with many expensive items in my wallet stolen).
So we ended up being a great deal poorer than expected and a lot more stressed out. It was frustrating because we planned ahead financially, but still ended up in this situation.
Looking back on it, I note it as a time where God was working on my faith in Him. See, when planning ahead financially, I was in control. I had to lose that control to fully trust God with our lives. And you know what? He came through every single month. When I didn’t think that we would have enough money for groceries, Jerry’s parents randomly gave us a gift card for Stater Bros. When I didn’t think we would have enough money to pay for the unexpected bill, we were given a love gift for the amount.
It’s the trials and tribulations that strengthen our faith. God blessed us with the opportunity to rent a place in Anaheim. My human side worries that another major trial is going to happen and we won’t have enough money. But then I am reminded of what the Lord has taught me in this year and I realize that even if that does happen, He is in control. Lord, help me to remember the amazing lesson that you have taught me. Thank you for taking care of your children. Amen.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Camping
It is amazing how God always takes care of us. Just when it feels like we won’t have enough to make it, He provides in an amazing way. Lord, help me to continue to put my trust in you.
Our pool is out of commission. I am doing aerobics in the meantime, but I am hoping that the pool will be fixed soon, as I am not seeing the same weight loss results as I do with swimming (probably because it is the highest caloric burning workout).
Jer has an interview on Friday. If you have a moment, would you pray for him? This would be an amazing opportunity for us. We would be so thankful for this.
Random thought- Do you think that the Garden of Eden was destroyed by the flood? It was something that Jer and I had talked about.
We are going camping on Saturday...I can't wait :)
I have been sucking at doing devotions. I think I am going to try to do them during lunch. We’ll see how it goes. It is sad that I need a schedule, but as an adult I see that my days disappear before my eyes. Lord, please help me to be able to do this. I love spending time with you. You are my all and I want to show that to you by spending time with you. Amen.
Our pool is out of commission. I am doing aerobics in the meantime, but I am hoping that the pool will be fixed soon, as I am not seeing the same weight loss results as I do with swimming (probably because it is the highest caloric burning workout).
Jer has an interview on Friday. If you have a moment, would you pray for him? This would be an amazing opportunity for us. We would be so thankful for this.
Random thought- Do you think that the Garden of Eden was destroyed by the flood? It was something that Jer and I had talked about.
We are going camping on Saturday...I can't wait :)
I have been sucking at doing devotions. I think I am going to try to do them during lunch. We’ll see how it goes. It is sad that I need a schedule, but as an adult I see that my days disappear before my eyes. Lord, please help me to be able to do this. I love spending time with you. You are my all and I want to show that to you by spending time with you. Amen.
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