Humbled

Last night at work, my first delivery was one that I get at least once a week. This week she ordered twice. On Wednesday, she didn't tip me. So, of course, sinful person that I am, I complained about her not tipping as soon as I saw who I was delivering to. Right away, I knew that I did not have an attitude that was pleasing to God. So, I asked for forgiveness and prayed that God would help me not to be mad at her or continue to think badly of her if she didn't tip this time. When I got to her apartment, she recognized me as the person who delivered to her the day before. She apologized most sincerely to me for not having a tip for me the day before and said that she only had enough cash for the sandwich and wouldn't be able to tip me today either. I felt so horrible as she was saying this because I had such a bad attitude about going there. Then she asked me when I worked again and I told her the days that I work, so, she said she would tip me extra next week when she ordered again. So humbling!

This was just another one of those lessons that you should never judge people too quickly. You have no idea what their circumstances are or how they are struggling. I mean, this is the second most important commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself," and I did not love on that girl. What an Awesome way for God to show me that I need to get off of my high horse. I also love the fact that even though I was already aware of how sinful I was being and was dealing with it on the way, God said, "No, I still think you need to be taken down another notch or two for this to really sink in," and had me go through that conversation with this sweet girl. Thank you, Father, for these important lessons in humility!

Contentment

Church yesterday was a definite eye opener. It was all about being content. I am not a content person. I have known this about myself for quite awhile, but God really put things in a better perspective for me yesterday. Pastor Todd discussed 1 Timothy 6:2-21. This is mainly about being content with material things, something we all struggle with at times. We can seek contentment with just a little bit more, but this only leads to wanting even more. Given our financial situation I have definitely been learning how to be content with what we have. We don't really have the money for the extra things anymore and I'm actually kind of grateful for that right now. God is teaching us so much through this time! It's actually really cool! Todd made the statement that "Contentment is a present-tense issue. What we have is what God has provided." Being discontent with what we have is like telling God that He is not a good provider. Looking around our house, I see a lot of things we don't really "need." We don't need computers, DVD's, televisions, nice furniture, wall hangings, or even an electric washer and dryer. Yet, God has provided all of this for us. And frankly, that should be good enough. The point is being content with what we have right now, not constantly looking at what we want and don't have.

Todd also talked about the fact that we can still be content right now and still have ambition for the future. In fact, having ambition for the future is necessary. It gives us something to shoot for. It make us want to become better. The goal is to not let your ambitions make you discontent with where you are now. I think that has been my problem. Our calling and our goal is to work in Youth Ministry someday. Mike wants to be a youth pastor and I really want to lead a youth girls small group. That hasn't happened yet and it has been discouraging at times. I know we are not where we want to be and that is frustrating, but it shouldn't keep us from enjoying where we are now. It also shouldn't keep us from serving in other ways at our church where the opportunity to work with the youth is not there right now. God, please help us to be content and take advantage of where we are right now!

First Day of Autumn

Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn! Autumn is my favorite season! There's just something calming about it. It also represents change to me. I know there is change with every season, but I think I like the change Autumn brings the most. The leaves change colors and it starts to get a little colder outside. Autumn makes drinking hot beverages seem more magical and comforting somehow. It also reminds me of going to the mountains. It's the time of year that I always remember going to the mountains. There is just something so beautiful about the mountains in the Fall. I think it's just the time of year where I see God most in creation. I see Him all year, but I feel more connected to Him through nature in the Fall. I feel like we are going to have a lot of change this Fall and I can't wait. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us! Hopefully, we'll get back to the mountains this year, but if we don't, there is enough beauty where we are to enjoy.

New Blog

I was starting to find it weird that everything on my old blog was basically about me. I then realized I wanted one that had to do with my family, so here it is. I wanted a fun little catch phrase that fit our name and this is what came to mind. It then reminded me of an old Steven Curtis Chapman song, one of my least favorites, might I add. However, I do like some of the lyrics, so I decided to use some in the title. Anyway, we'll see what comes of this.