freerice.com

Sounded too good to be true....BUT......

I checked this out at snopes.com. It is real! The friend that sent me an email about it got her info from a Willow Creek affiliated newsletter. Check it out folks. You increase your vocabulary while donating food to the needy.

http://www.freerice.com/

Ho Ho Ho! or Bah! Humbug!

Okay, here is a touchy subject. **Warning**If you have children around you may want to read this later. It contains some spoilers! What do you tell your kids about Santa? How old do you believe kids should be before you start changing the story?

From early on as a mommy, I had trouble with Santa. I felt very uncomfortable with the whole idea of Santa. I didn't know how to broach the subject with my daughters about Santa. I didn't know how to respond to their questions. I even agonized over the whole 'wrapping paper recognition' thing.

Why so much anxiety over something people have done for AGES? First of all, I am a B rated liar. You remember the B rated horror movies, like 'The Gourmet Zombie Chef From Hell"? The effects were so unrealistic, they were comical. The story was so pitiful, it was amusing. That is the kind of liar I am. Infants can see through my facade. When my dear hubby is telling the girls a tall tale, they come and check with me, because I am on 'the trust list' (aka. can't lie list).

Then God blesses me with a natural defense attorney as a first-born. Here is a play by play from one of our discussions.

"Mommy, can I have some candy?"

"No. It's almost supper time."

I catch her with a piece of gum.

"Didn't I tell you you couldn't have any candy?"

"No. I asked if I could have any candy. You said no. You didn't actually say, Alea, you can't have any candy....and ACTUALLY, this is gum."

She was doing this at the age of five!!!!

So......you see my predicament. She will see through my lies for sure! I am so going to get busted, and not be able to lie my way out of it. Anyways, I am really struggling with the whole idea of encouraging my girls to be truthful, and to assure them that there is nothing they ever need to keep from us.....yet they learn best by the example we set, and we felt we were setting an example of lies. True, it was a harmless lie. Even a fun lie. But...it was a lie.

Then came the final straw. Alea told us that she prayed to Santa about what she wanted for Christmas. SHE WAS PRAYING TO SANTA!! Now, not only am I worried about being caught in a lie, or encouraging lies, our children are confusing God with Santa!!! It is time to nip it in the bud.

So we make the decision to tell them about Santa. We talk about legends and myths. We tell them that some people choose to play that legends are real because it is fun. We tell them that some people choose to use their imaginations and creativity to make Santa seem alive, and that is fine. But we have chosen not to.

We told them that we had made a vow of honesty to them, and that we had broken it. We were well meaning, but we had broken our vow, and we told them we were sorry. We told them that we never wanted them to doubt the truth in our words ever again. We also told them that we never wanted them to doubt the truth of Jesus Christ, or lose focus of him as the reason for Christmas.

We told them that other parents had fun playing the part, and to please not spoil their fun. We instructed them to never be rude when people asked them well-intended questions about Santa, such as "what did Santa bring you for Christmas?", but to politely answer them as if they believed.

It was not a popular decision with many family and friends. We were told that we were ruining the 'spirit of Christmas', and taking away our girls childhood. People even accused us of taking away our children's gifts. They still get gifts. No more - no less. They just know where they came from. And they know that when we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the birth of the coolest baby to ever have lived.

The following letter was given to us by some dear Christian friends of ours. We used it. It raised an interesting point, and my girls understood it. Of course, Alea argued at first... but that's another story.

Dear *******,

In first grade you’ve learned some interesting things about Santa Claus. You’ve learned that he has different names in different countries, and that he does different things in each. This variety of Santas has confused you, so I think it’s time to tell you the truth about who Santa Claus really is.

You see, Santa is real. It’s just that you don’t know him by his real name-mom and dad. Yes, it’s your father and mother who shower you with presents each year at Christmas time.

Why? Because we are joyfully celebrating Christ’s birthday the same way the three Wise Men did. Just as they brought gifts to the newborn Jesus, we give gifts to a child that we’re happy has been born, and that we love very much.

Why do we say someone else does it? I’m not sure. Maybe because we want to share with you the feeling of being loved by someone you haven’t actually seen. Like being loved by God. We don’t see God, but we do see what God does for us out of love. God gives us many gifts: our families, our homes, and our entire world.

We want to share the feeling of being loved no matter who you are or what you do, as God loves you. I know we sometimes say, “Be good if you want Santa to come,” when we want you to behave. But as you’ve already figured out, Santa-or rather, we-come anyway. And God does, too. God may not like what we do sometimes, but God always loves us.

I think it’s important that you know Santa is real, and that mom and dad are Santa. Because I don’t want you to be told Santa isn’t real, and have your wonder about if God is real.

Dad and mom become Santa every Christmas for a good reason. Because we want to share the love that God gave us when God shared the greatest gift of all-his son, Jesus

We love you,

Mom & Dad

Having Trouble Sleeping...Again!

Having trouble sleeping again and came across this. And I promise I didn't have any coffee after lunch today! Those of you that know me....is this me?!

You Are a Soy Latte

Yeah, you've got a bit of that healthy hippie thing going on But you're more Kate Hudson urban bohemian than Phish groupie You're worldly and well traveled.. and you know where to get the best coffee in town. All your experience makes you a compassionate person - and a caring girlfriend.

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Oooooh! I can't wait 'til morning so I can brew a cup!!!!

Autumn in My Backyard!

Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?

I couldn't resist. I often wonder if I overcomplicate things. Apparently not! Journalists and newscasters try to simplify stories so that anyone can understand them. My blog is written on an elementary level! Share it with your children!!

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Miracles are all around us!

Ever seen a miracle? I mean, we read about them in the Bible. We read about them in magazines and books. We see stories about them in the movies. But have you ever seen or touched a miracle? If so, how did it impact you? Did you believe it was a miracle of God or merely a coincidence?

Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered
Psalms 105:5 (ESV)

Miracles are mentioned frequently in the Bible. They are manifest by God. They are performed by Christ. They are performed by the disciples. The working of miracles is even mentioned as a spiritual gift. They leave people in awe. They strengthen belief. They create faith.

We often pray for a miracle. God, they say there is no hope, but you are a God of miracles.....God, show them a miracle.....God, soften his hard heart - work a miracle.... But, do we really go into our prayers with the expectation of having them answered? Do we expect to witness a miracle? I think we are full of doubt. But I don't think it is doubt in God's ability to perform a miracle. I think it is that we doubt God is willing to perform a miracle on our behalf.

Miracles serve a purpose. Really, don't all the spiritual gifts work toward fulfilling God's purpose? Miracles are all around us. We need to learn to recognize them for what they are. When we see a miracle in progress, we need to stop. We need to think of the implications. God causes miracles to work toward His purpose. When I see a miracle performed in a person's life, I have learned to stop and think about what His purpose is in their life. What does He have in store for their future that a miracle was necessary to propel them there?

Just last week, I saw God work a miracle in the life of a five year old child. I saw people's hearts soften, and saw them make decisions that would impact this child's life forever. I saw them turn 'it isn't possible' into 'it is done'. My favorite part of the story is hearing about how, as these government officials filled out the paper work, they were shaking their heads in wonder, looking confused, and saying 'this never happens'. Never? It was happening. They just didn't know they were being used as an instrument in the working of a miracle.

When I think of this story, I can't help but wonder, what does God have in store for this child? After all, miracles aren't thrown around haphazardly. This child's life required a miracle to propel her toward her purpose - God's purpose.

I missed one of the greatest quotes of all...

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

Mahatma Ghandi

the Greatest of these is LOVE!

I have found it difficult lately to set my heart to writing. My heart has been aching as I look around me. The things I have seen have elicited so much emotion, but so few words. God has told us that if we forget all else, to remember one word.....Love. God is love. Love God. Love thy neighbor. Love your enemy. God so Loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.... and I see Love all around me. But I see so much hate. I hear negative comments...criticisms...gossip. I see senseless violence. I hear God crying out - I gave this to you. You choose what to do with it. Do something!

I don't think we realize how much power we have. I don't think we realize the strength behind a word or a look. When we were children, we were told that we could do anything - we could change the world. And we believed it. Somewhere along the way, we lost faith in our own power to change things. But the catch is that we continued unconsciously to influence things around us. We thought we couldn't impact our environment....yet we continued to impact our environment. We thought that we couldn't change other people's views and perceptions.....yet we continued to change their views and perceptions, and sometimes tainted our own beliefs along the way.

We have power! And we are not harnessing it. We are not utilizing our power to accomplish a purpose. What would happen if we would actively channel our power of influence toward a purpose? What are we capable of? Can we zap away someones negative attitude with our positive one? Maybe not. Maybe so. But we can plant a seed of hope. Can we show love instead of hate? Compassion instead of anger?

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said "Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." Do we really have the power to help a person attain their potential? Do we have the influence? Anne Frank said "How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway... And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! "

We have the power to teach people about love. God would not have commanded us to show love above all else if it was not possible. Christ said "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt 18:3 (KJV) Christ used the illustration of being like children. Do you think that could be because children still have limitless faith? Children still think they can change the world. Why don't we? Have we tried?

We can complain about the world around us. "What is the world coming to?" "These kids today..." But as long as we continue to be 'armchair activists' we are exhibiting the most fearful sort of influence - the influence of indifference. And those children that look to us for guidance, learn something. They learn that a person is doesn't have the power to change the world. And they are wrong!

something to think about.......................

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Audrey Hepburn

If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. 2 Chron 10:7 (KJV)

I look forward confidently to the day when all who work for a living will be one with no thought to their separateness as Negroes, Jews, Italians or any other distinctions. This will be the day when we bring into full realization the American dream -- a dream yet unfulfilled. A dream of equality of opportunity, of privilege and property widely distributed; a dream of a land where men will not take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few; a dream of a land where men will not argue that the color of a man's skin determines the content of his character; a dream of a nation where all our gifts and resources are held not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of service for the rest of humanity; the dream of a country where every man will respect the dignity and worth of the human personality. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Prov 15:1 (KJV)

The unique personality which is the real life in me, I can not gain unless I search for the real life, the spiritual quality, in others. I am myself spiritually dead unless I reach out to the fine quality dormant in others. For it is only with the god enthroned in the innermost shrine of the other, that the god hidden in me, will consent to appear.
"An Ethical Philosophy of Life" Felix Adler

I have expressed my strong interest in the mass of the people; and this is founded, not on their usefulness to the community, so much as on what they are in themselves.... Indeed every man (sic), in every condition, is great. It is only our own diseased sight which makes him little. A man is great as a man, be he where or what he may. The grandeur of his nature turns to insignificance all outward distinctions. William Ellery Channing

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people Franklin D. Roosevelt

Kindness is the highest form of intelligence. Negativity is poison and in all things we reap what we sow. when you are negative without tempering such actions or attitudes with kindness, you create an environment ripe for the breeding of resentment and animosity, hurt feelings are the natural outcome. The intelligence comes in when you realize that a kind word or action results in reciprocation, it opens the door to love and contentment. Negativity and criticism may help to develop a thicker skin, but pressed too hard, the skin become stone, and have you ever tried to squeeze blood from a stone *unknown

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. Prov 18:4 (KJV)

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Prov 18:8 (KJV)

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Prov 31:26 (KJV)

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration; I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)

I think that this is the first time I am meeting most of you. But to me, whether it is an old friend or new friend, there’s not much difference anyway, because I always believe we are the same; we are all human beings. Of course, there may be differences in our cultural background or way of life, there may be differences in our faith, or we may be of a different color, but we are human beings, consisting of the human body and the human mind. Our physical structure is the same, and our mind and our emotional nature are also the same. Whenever I meet people, I always have the feeling that I am encountering another human being, just like myself. I find it is much easier to communicate with others on that level. If we emphasize specific characteristics, like I am Tibetan or I am Buddhist, then there are differences. But those things are secondary. If we can leave the differences aside, I think we can easily communicate, exchange ideas, and share experiences. Dalai Lama

And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. 34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Lev 19:33-34 (KJV)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (KJV) AMEN.

One Laptop Per Child

http://www.laptopgiving.org/

Looking for the ultimate Christmas gift? Buy one of these computers for your child and one will be given to another child. Note that $200 of the purchase price is tax deductible.

We usually spend very little on our children for Christmas. They are so blessed anyways. But this year we are probably going to spend a little more, and get them a computer to share. As a benefit, we will be giving another child a tool for learning. I want my children to know that I wish to provide for the children of the world in addition to them. I hope that by so doing, I will help nourish a desire in them to provide for the needs of people less fortunate than themselves.

These computers have recently become available to donate. Starting tomorrow, November 12, and through November 26, they will be available to purchase for your personal use. The catch is that they are only available on a buy one, give one basis. What an incredible plan! For less than half the price of a standard laptop, you can purchase two - one to keep, one to give. Please check out their site, and read more about this incredible product. The frequently asked questions section should answer any questions you may have.

What a valuable lesson our children can learn from our purchase decisions. Please consider this organization and others like it, when you are planning your shopping list.

Can You Out-Give God? Wanna try?

My husband raised an interesting point yesterday. He stated that you never hear about people giving their way to financial ruin. Basically, you never hear about people giving so much to others that it financially breaks them. Why is that?

I can think of a couple of reasons that people head down the path to financial ruin. The most notable of these is consumption of unnecessary stuff. People financially ruin themselves by consumption. They buy. They use. It is gone. They buy more. The television is an advertising tool. It nurtures desire for stuff. Even food. I can be full. Next thing I know a commercial comes on showing a juicy burger, or ......pizza! Suddenly, I DESIRE food. I try to think of something else, but my mind goes back to that image.

It works the same way for stuff. Not just the commercials, but the programs. I can glance at almost any show on television, and say "Oooh, look at that table, door, stained glass window, vase, sofa (you get the picture). That would look great in my house". Speaking of houses, there sure on some neat ones on TV. I think back to when I when I used to watch "Friends". I have never seen an apartment so large...and well decorated! And several of those folks were unemployed!!!

I hate to allow my kids to watch cartoons. Not just because it is senseless rot, but because of the commercials for toys, toys, and more toys. All I hear is "I want", "I gotta have". We buy. We use. It is gone.

Everything God has given us temporarily for our time on earth is small. He has saved the true treasure and riches for us in heaven. He wants first to see what we do with the small things we are entrusted with on earth. That is how he determines what he will entrust us with in heaven. It is a test. What does your score look like?

People that give, give, give just don't buy, buy, buy. They don't fall prey as frequently to the "gotta haves". And that is simply because their desire to give to others is greater that their sense of want. When you look outside yourself to the needs of others, you don't feel the selfish pangs urging you to CONSUME.

I would love to be that kind of person, but I have to confess, I just am not there. I love to give to others, but I frequently catch myself weighing my 'giving' against my 'wanting'. Just this morning I caught myself filling my 'wish list' shopping basket, full of soap making supplies, so when payday hits, I am ready to buy, buy, buy, at the touch of a key. I want to increase my score! I want to be a giver, and not a consumer. I want to try to give my way to financial ruin. After all, I have already figured out how to buy my way to financial ruin.

So, why can't you give your way to financial ruin? Because you can't out-give God. Every time you give with pure intentions, it comes back to you. God will continue to entrust you with more and more of his treasure. But wouldn't it be fun to try?! How would you like to be the first person in history to out-give God? Wanna try?

Quick Quotes of Note

A fresh mind keeps the body fresh. Take in the ideas of the day, drain off those of yesterday. As to the morrow, time enough to consider it when it becomes today. Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer

How well I have learned that there is no fence to sit on between heaven and hell. There is a deep, wide gulf, a chasm, and in that chasm is no place for any man. Johnny Cash

No man ever prayed heartily without learning something. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer

Fire! Fire!

I tried to start an electrical fire this morning! For those curious folks, electrical fire + caffeine does not equal steady hands. My hair dryer has been trying to go out. It has been flickering in and out, but I have been trying to keep it going. I am a little attached to my hair dryer. See, I have what I like to refer to as combination hair - combination curly and straight. So, allowed to follow it's natural form, it resembles a well-used mop. Sheer vanity prohibits me from going out as a mop head. I used to....then I saw the pictures. Ouch!

So.......today I had just finished drying the very front of my hair and, POP, sparks fly from the hair dryer to my arm, the back pops off it, and it shuts off as it flies from my hand to the floor. (as I look on, ready to run for the fire extinguisher) I have a small burn on my arm and the bathroom smells like 'burning'.

You know, I can't help but look back and see the warning signs. Just like our nerves warn our brain with pain when we touch something hot, there were warning signs leading up to the POP! The dryer started flickering on and off (Warning! Danger Ahead!). It even started loosening from the outlet, which, by the way, is not a loose outlet (Stop Now! You can still turn back!). Just like God tries to warn us of danger ahead with an unsettling feeling. The Holy Spirit always gives us a warning sign when we are leading down a dangerous path.

But I did what I so often do when I receive those warnings. I plowed ahead. After all, I know what I'm doing. I'm in control! I can play with fire and not get burned. Right? POP! Flying sparks! Oh! You were talking to me, God? I hear you now!

We have warning signs all around us. Stress, fatigue, headaches, illness, depression. These are all warning signs to Stop! Danger Ahead! What are they danger signs of? That is different for everyone. Often it is trying to accomplish too much in too little time. Other times it is a warning sign of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Sometimes, it is a detour sign from God telling us that he has a clearer path for us that leads toward a life of abundance.

My oldest daughter has had migraines since she was five years old. The cause seems unclear to medical professionals. Their solution is to help her deal with it. They actually told me that she would likely have them for life, but that most women find they start to taper off after menopause. Menopause?! She is eight!! I refuse to accept that. I see it as a warning sign. My God, the great I Am, can do anything!!!!! And we will continue to make small changes in lifestyle to try to lead us toward the path to abundance.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

An Amazing Story!

My family experienced one of the most amazing examples of koinonia last night. I just have to share. Koinonia is a Greek word that translates as participation, social intercourse, benefaction, fellowship, communion, communication, distribution, and sharing. As many of you know, it is my passion. I wish to live my life teaching others of how incredibly rich and blessed their lives can be if they spend their time in communion with others, in fellowship, sharing with people, giving to people. My life is exceedingly, abundantly above anything I could have imagined it to be. I'm not wealthy. But I am blessed. Let me begin my story. See for yourself.

I was approached by a friend at church in September. She informed me that she had been approached by an individual who wanted to provide a 'date night' for my husband and I. I was told that child care would be provided. We were to choose a restaurant and let her know of times that we would be available, and she would get back to us with arrangements.

Last night, at the arranged upon time, we dropped our girls off for a pizza and movie party with friends who agreed to help. All the arrangements were made for us by our contact person. We then proceeded to Carrabas for our 6:15 reservation. I must note that Carrabas does not take reservations, but made a special exception. We were led to a special booth, beautifully decorated especially for us. The table was dressed with a lacy tablecloth and there was a gorgeous bouquet of flowers in a glass vase in the center of the table. Our benefactor had put so much care in providing a romantic environment - from the flickering tea lights to the beautiful napkin rings. And leaning against the vase of flowers was a card addressed to us.

Well, I can't share the details of the card. But know that there were two sets of eyes welling up at that table. And it did reveal our benefactor, who then came out and gave us hugs, took a couple of pictures, told us to enjoy our evening, and disappeared. It was another dear, precious friend of ours, and a complete surprise. We proceeded to enjoy the evening, eating wonderful food, and enjoying amazing service. Many of the staff members came by, telling us they had been dying all day to know the occasion for our special night. They looked at us dumbfounded as we said that we didn't have an occasion. We just have the coolest, most amazing friends ever!

We were told to take the flowers with us. They were ours. And we faced the awkward task of leaving without paying. Our friend had taken care of the details.

Koinonia doesn't just mean fellowship. It means giving. It means sharing. Our friend shared a part of herself when she selflessly provided this incredible evening for us. We have no way of knowing the number of people she touched in the process. Who in the restaurant that night could possibly have heard the story, and been touched by Christ operating through our friend? How about the staff? Do you think our young waitress could tell her children twenty years from now the story of one night long ago, when she was waiting tables? Who was possibly moved to change while witnessing our teary prayer before our meal? Could it have made a difference in our friend, providing for us? I pray that God will bless her a hundred fold. I know it made a difference in our lives. It is yet more evidence of Christ in the world. To quote my husband - this is what life is like when you live in the Kingdom.

What Do You Do With Every 86,400 Seconds?

I think back to when I was in High School. My junior year, we had a young man die while playing a school football game. I don’t remember all the details. What I remember was the thoughts running through my head after it happened. I remember thinking that he would never graduate, never go to college. He was a senior, and his whole final year had been dedicated to preparation for graduation and college. I knew him. He was exhausted. But he was focused on the ‘once I attain this or that, I can rest and have some fun’. He never got the opportunity. I remember thinking, what a waste. He never grasped that which he was reaching for. If he would have known, would he have lived differently? Would he have spent less time studying and filling out applications, and more time visiting with friends and family? I mean, planning for a future is a great plan. But how often do we push the present aside, only looking toward the future?

I have been speaking to so many people lately who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. They are working long hours at a job they detest. They are running to and from activities. They are studying for a better degree. They are putting in long hours, trying to obtain a promotion. They are trying to make it to PTA meetings, helping kids with homework, cheering for their kid's sport team. They are working two or three jobs to try to pay for a bigger house, accessories for their BlackBerry, a nicer car, a neater vacation, and to pay their medical bills from all their stress-related illnesses. On top of all those responsibilities, they still have the simple tasks of living, like cleaning, laundry, eating, and paying bills. Into the tiny cracks of time they have remaining, they try to cram in 'living'.

Every now and then I feel overwhelmed. Between teaching, driving to and from activities, church, cooking, cleaning, bill paying, grocery shopping, and laundry, it is a wonder we ever have time for each other and friends. But most days I am content with my life. But it has been a difficult road to contentment.

We used to work a lot. I worked long hours. My husband worked long hours. We were barely getting by. Funny things started to happen to us both. My job became unbearable. Things were crumbling at my husband's job. So I took a job for less money, but more time at home. Then, at work, they started throwing more time at me. Christ was just becoming an important part of my life. He started making me VERY uncomfortable where I was working. They started making me work overtime and weekends with no notice, which is kind of hard to do when you have child care to provide for. My husband kept the girls with him at word during the week, but if we both had to work on the weekend, we were in trouble. Just how many people do you know you can find to keep a couple of small children at 5 am on a Saturday? So, I started looking for yet another job. I found one with the school system. Alea was starting Kindergarten, and I could get her on and off the school bus -a major dilemma, since we went to work so early. But the pay was very, very low (15K gross!). My husband told me that he believed God was weaning us off my paycheck.

That was the year God started telling me about home schooling. To add to the pressure from God, my kindergartner was incessantly sick. She even had her scalp split on the playground one day. So we made the choice for me to quit work, and home school our girls, beginning at the end of the school year. As soon as we committed to that choice, Alea stopped getting sick.

It was difficult at first. Although my husband was working long hours, he was making very little over minimum wage. We found consolation in the fact that we still had more time together, and the girls and I were, for the first time, building a relationship. But God is faithful, and less than a year after I quit work, He made it possible for Darrell to make more than the additional 15K I had been earning.

God gives us all the same amount of time every day. None of us get a 26 hour or 30 hour day. But He grants us freedom in what we choose to do with our time. Some of us choose to strive for success. I used to be in that boat. But what I found was that I never attained it. The measuring stick for success kept changing. It seemed to me that once I started climbing the proverbial ladder to success, every time I moved up a rung, another one popped up above me. When I got a raise, I needed a newer car. Once I got a newer car, I needed a better job. It was a never-ending cycle. Instead of being content whatever my circumstances, I was always reaching for other circumstances.

But some people live for contentment, enjoying the moments as they tick by. It may look like they don’t have as much in the way of possessions. They may have a smaller house, and an older car. They may appear to go without what some of us would deem necessities. But I have noticed a look of peace on their faces that I am willing to trade my possessions for.

I am not afraid of hard work. In fact, I think my days are more full of work than they were before. The difference is that I feel fulfilled. I am not striving for something else that eludes my grasp. I no longer find myself thinking about what I can accomplish on my vacation days. I don't long for a better car, nicer clothes (okay maybe I long for nicer clothes :)), or more exotic vacations. My job is not only one of a housekeeper, teacher, and cook. My job is one of a relationship builder. And I am content.

I want every day of my life to include fellowship with my family and friends, and appreciation for something God had placed around me for my enjoyment. I want every day to include more serving, and less receiving or expecting. I want every day to let God know He is my priority. I want every day to let my family know I love and cherish them. I want every day to let my friends know that I appreciate and value them. I want every day to let a stranger know that I notice them, even if just by eye contact and a smile. I want every day to be content with what I have, and as the minutes tick by, not be thinking about what tomorrow‘s journey may bring. After all, today may be my last tomorrow.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:23

"One of the illusions of life is that the present hour is not the critical, decisive hour. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It's up to you to decide what to do with them." Jim Valvano

“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” Benjamin Franklin

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1

"To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." Jim Valvano

“To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, Every cubic inch of space is a miracle.” Walt Whitman

"What is a thousand years? Time is short for one who thinks, endless for one who yearns." Henri Alain-Fournier

"To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else." Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

"We say that the hour of death cannot be forecast, but when we say this we imagine that hour as placed in an obscure and distant future. It never occurs to us that it has any connection with the day already begun or that death could arrive this same afternoon, this afternoon which is so certain and which has every hour filled in advance." Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart