NY Goals - an Update

It's 4am, and I can't think of anything better to do than blog!! ;) Actually, sleep sounds good. Problem is I was just laying there not sleeping so thought I would get on the computer.

Now that we're nine or ten weeks into the year, I thought I'd update you on my progress toward the 2010 goals...

Weight - not much progress. In fact, I got on the scales the other day and decided to march myself back to WW. I think the online eTools are very helpful. (I probably should have continue to pay for and use those after making LT member a couple of years ago.) Regardless, I hit a mtg with a friend yesterday and followed her to a Zumba class after. Then last night I went dancing. So... I'm already feeling a bit achy. But... it's a good soreness, to be sure. And, I *may* still be able to hit my original target... by May 1.

Fingernails - excellent! They're looking relatively nicely. I've tried to keep a nail file and lotion closer this year. I think that's helped. But, mainly, it's the pure will power not to bite or pick at them.

Job - got one! I took a Controller position at a local public accounting firm (though they've had me out on an audit the past few weeks).

Budget - made one! Signed up for mvelopes through Crown Financial. It's been a good way of putting together a financial plan. In fact, I already made an additional $1500 principal pmt toward my car loan. I only have about $3k outstanding.

Respect - nothing much to note... other than I've already had some opportunities to bite my lip and cheerfully dig in to projects I wouldn't have otherwise chosen. I feel like I've done a good job of voicing an opinion but not being disagreeable or disrespectful.

Is that everything? Hope so!

Why I'm His (and He is Mine)

So, God is really amazing. I hope you already know that. In case you don't, I'd like to share what I know.

First a quick note... I'm making some headway on my 2010 goals. My fingernails have grown out considerably. (I had to trim them last night!!) And, I got a job! I'm working as the Controller in a public accounting firm.

The job is totally God. I had every reason to be worried... the economy is terrible, lots of people are out of work, most companies are letting people go (not hiring!), and on and on. Also, I've been somewhat out of the typical accounting realm for six years now. But, God's peace was with me. I knew I was being obedient to Him by resigning my last position. The week I planned to resign, a recruiter (a former co-worker) called me randomly. He lined up an interview for me between Christmas and New Years. I had an offer in hand by Jan 11 and started a week later!

I could feel like a fish out of water right now. But, instead, I'm realizing how perfectly God has prepared me for this new position. I've learned a surprising amount about leadership, confidence and my own ingenuity from my job at The Gathering. I realize I'm only a couple of weeks in, but I feel fairly at home... like I'm definitely the right (unique) person for the job!

In addition to blessing me with a job and His peace, God has provided for me financially. I anticipated I may have to flex my dollars/savings here for a few weeks, since I've been working part-time at two places the past couple of weeks. But, I got paid on Friday and noted that my combined paychecks matched (nearly exactly) what I was previously making! Blessing! That could have still left me tight... because I've been used to some cushion from having a roommate. God knows what He's doing, though! Two jobs back, I had participated in an employee stock purchase program. Well... the company was just purchased, so all of my outstanding shares were paid out... over market value, mind you! And I just received the check in the mail today!! On top of that, my next paycheck will include my new salaried amount, five days of hourly pay (paid in arrears) and an hourly paycheck from The Gathering. And that will all come five days before I'm supposed to go skiing. (I had already planned the ski trip before I resigned, so was not sure how that might work financially.)

Point is: God knows exactly WHAT we need... and exactly WHEN we need it. He is Good! He is SO Good! And He is faithful. He does exactly what He says He will do.

Lights Out!

So, I was surprised last night while driving home how many people still have their Christmas lights on. I guess it's kind of nice. I mean, it's so much work to get them up. People might as well leave them up awhile. But, maybe it's just another instance of what I like to call "the Christmas Sprawl." Retailers now put out Christmas merchandise around Halloween, so I suppose it's reasonable that individuals would try to draw it out on the back end as well.

Merry (Belated) Christmas, I guess!

Thoughts on the Coming Year

As promised, a few goals I have for myself heading into this new year...

1) Down to x lbs. by May 1st.
- Join a gym as soon as I have a source of income identified. :)
- Count my WW points.

2) Take better care of my fingernails.
- Keep nail clippers, file and lotion on hand (may require a larger purse)
- Refrain from biting and picking at my nails.

3) Show greater respect to my employer and friends.
- Beware of my facial expressions
- Exercise wisdom and caution before challenging a decision

4) Get a job!!!! :)

5) Make a new budget based on my new income.
- By February, if possible.
- Finish paying off my car
- Rebuild my savings account

So without further ado... Twenty-Ten, it's on!! :)

2009, As Amended

Before I launch into the goals for 2010, I want to go back and address 2009. I may have been hormotional when I wrote the last update. Upon further reflection, I realized how blessed I've been in 2009...

RELATIONSHIPS - I dated a couple of guys this year. (That's always something to celebrate!!)

TRAVEL - I got to go to India and tell others about Christ.

PEACE - As tumultous as this year has felt, I've had a tremendous amount of peace. Even now as I've resigned one job with no other job lined up, I'm at peace when I would otherwise have expected to be panicked.

FINANCIAL - God provided a rommate and some assistance with living expenses. In addition, it's the first year in several years where I haven't had any major expenses!!

FAMILY - I was able to spend some extended time with my family over the holidays (nearly half of the last six weeks)!

CHURCH - My church blessed me greatly by allowing me to take a six-week break from my responsibilities!!!

SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING - God has taught me some new things... 1) from the book of Job I learned I should be extremely cautious when questioning him, 2) He is GOOD... even when I can't see it, 3) He is faithful to take care of me and will never leave me alone (John 16:23), 4) Respect is an act of obedience (Eph 5 and the book "Love & Respect" by Eggerichs) and 5) it's not fair to withdraw from my friends like I have this year. My response to them should be consistent and reliable.

I don't know what 2010 will hold, but 2009 was nothing to snivel at. As you can easily see, I have a lot to be thankful for. :)

Welcome to Twenty-Ten, People.

It's just after midnight, and I thought I'd welcome everyone to the new year. I have a few "resolutions," though I prefer not to call them that. Resolutions are made to be broken. So... we'll call them "goals" for this coming year. I'll post them soon. :)

Job

I was reading in Psalms yesterday and ran across this verse (33:7): "He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses." That reminded me of some of the imagery in the book of Job: (38:37) "Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens?"

So, I've been reading some of the later chapters of Job (32-42) and am amazed at some of the truths there.

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING COME FROM GOD'S SPIRIT

Elihu (son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram) rebukes Job and his friends. Since he was the youngest person there, he sat and waited until everyone else was done speaking. Finally, he spoke up...

"I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right." (32:7-9)

"For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good." (34:3-4)

NO ONE (EXCEPT GOD) IS PERFECT

Job claims over and over to be righteous. And, to be fair, God even refers to him as "blameless and upright" in chapter 1. But, Elihu points out that God is over all and above all... "It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust." (34:12-15)

i.e. - Man is still man... fallible and imperfect... subject to God and dependent on His mercy.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR OUR SUFFERING

Elihu explains that often it's our suffering that causes us to turn (or turn more fully) to God: "God does all these things to a man - twice, even three times - to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him." (33:29-30) "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food." (36:15-16)

WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN QUESTIONING GOD

Job indicts God on several counts, which include...

1) God has left him/ignored him (29:1-6, 30: 20)
2) God has attacked him/has bad intentions toward him (30:19, 21-23, 26)
3) God is unjust (27:1-6)

Check this out, though... in Job 40:8, God asks of Job, "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"

Ouch! How many times do we want to blame God, in an attempt to maintain our own righteousness? It's easy to want to point a finger at God when we're suffering. (I know I've charged God with many of the same things as Job!) BUT... God will not be mocked. If you catch yourself questioning God, I'd encourage you to take a look at Job... especially the last few chapters where God responds to Job.


What great reminders! I know I sometimes (often) I need to be put back in my place. The book of Job helps me find my way back there. :)

The Extent of My Creativity...

The KDR 2009 Christmas Card Collection:


Probably my favorite:
Classic:
Contemporary:

Ember... my littlest niece

Word of the Week: ACTUALLY

I hadn't been home long when I noticed that nearly every sentence my four-year-old niece, Natalie, utters includes the word "actually." It was pretty entertaining, and I inquired as to who she picked that up from. My sister ("Mom") replied, "Actually, I'm not sure where she picked that up." Well... it wasn't long until I heard my Mom ("Grandma") say it. Then, my brother-in law ("Dad") was caught in the act. My Dad ("Grandpa"), too. Yes, even me ("Aunt Krista") as well as the Geico Gecko on TV. It appears poor little Natalie never had a fighting chance.

Actually, it's pretty funny when you think about it! ;)

Home for the Holidays

Several weeks ago I watched my new favorite movie, "Dan in Real Life." I enjoyed the story, but even more so, I enjoyed watching the family-interaction in the movie. Dan and his three daughters joined their large, extended family for the holidays. The family spent time preparing meals, eating meals together, competing in crossword puzzles, playing football and performing in their annual talent show. It was so much fun to watch a family come together like that and truly enjoy each others' company.

I may have had a touch of that this weekend. I spent Thanksgiving (and the days surrounding it) at my parents' house in Kansas City. My brother and sister and their families were all around as well. My parents are refinishing their upstairs, so there's been lots of painting to do. When some were painting, some were watching the girls and others were preparing meals. My parents have a new hot tub, too, so we all took turns relaxing after all the hard work.

Some of my favorite memories from the weekend include the following:

Going to Grandparents' day at my eldest niece's (Erin's) school. She had written and illustrated a "story" about the time she and I went to see a movie. I'm apparently "Ant Cerest." (She's still working on her spelling.) But my head grew a bit when her teacher mentioned hearing a lot about Erin's Aunt Krista. :)

Playing with my fifteen-month old niece, Ember. She has a smile that can melt your heart. I tried to get some pictures, so I'll try to post one later. She's generally a very happy child... mainly getting upset when her mom is away or unable to hold her for some reason. I was happy to play substitute for mom from time-to-time. There's something unbelievably touching about when a young child like that prefers you over every other person around. They look into your eyes like they're looking into your soul. That may be love in its truest form.

Baking two pumpkin pies with Erin. She's just learning how to read, so she helped by reading the recipe and then helping me measure out the ingredients. She also did a great job preparing the pie crust. We also painted together this afternoon. She kept telling me I was "fake painting," because I was just cutting-in (planning to roll the walls later). The section she was doing, she did all by hand... "the old fashioned way." (I'm not sure anyone told her that she was painting the wall that would be covered up by the washer and dryer!)

Painting along side my sister, my brother, my brother-in-law and my Dad. We shared stories of old and quite a few laughs. Some of the highlights were Michelle leaning back into a wall David had painted and leaving a nice butt print. David scolded Avery (3) and Natalie (4) at some point for rough-housing in one of the newly painted rooms. He said to them, "and if you mess up these walls, are YOU going to want to repaint them?!" To which they both replied, "YES!!" :) That kind of backfired on him. John and I enjoyed some nice conversation and mended some fences that had been knocked down a long time ago.

Cooking dinner for the fam. Though I would have enjoyed painting more yesterday, I baked a couple of pies (with Erin) and then made chili for lunch/dinner. At some point Michelle pitched in and made some scrumptious cornbread to go with it. We also spent some time cleaning and straightening the house. With eleven of us packed in here, that was an unending task.

I think what I enjoyed the most was just having the whole family together and seeing everyone chip in to help out. No complaining, no whining (from the adults, anyway)... just a great sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the time together. There was also a sense of wanting to honor Mom and Dad by helping with the upstairs project. They've done so much for each of us over the last thirty-five years. They give and give and give... and, unfortunately, don't always get much back. It really was a meaningful time being able to serve them in some special ways.

So... in summary, it really has been a Happy Thanksgiving!! Maybe the best one yet!

Thanksgiving... the day(s) after

I feel like I'm mourning a bit today (and lately). Is it possible to mourn and be grateful at the same time, or is mourning simply a sign that I'm not grateful for the current blessings in my life?

And apparently I DO need a man...

... to open bottles for me, at least. I got a nice blister trying to open a bottle of soy sauce this past weekend.

But more seriously, I'm trying to make some big life decisions right now. It'd be nice to have a husband's counsel to lean on.

Missouri

So I've been in Missouri the past few days, and here are some of the interesting things I saw...

A sign on the compartment of a semi-truck that said, "Fire Putter Outter Inside."

State Fair Community College - I love the State Fair as much as the next guy, but is that (carnies, mullets, cigarette-smoking twelve year olds, etc.) the connotation you want for an institution of higher learning?

A town called "Knob Noster."

Soul Searching

I'm on a sort of soul-searching mission. I believe my purpose for being on this earth is to bring glory to God, but I realize there are millions of more specific ways I can do that.

Initial thought(s):

PEOPLE - I know my more specific role has something to do with people. (Again, duh.) But this is my second official day off from work, and I've already realized that I've been neglecting some people. I mean, I see people all the time and am drawn to be in community; however, I wonder if I've been busy meeting with people in a task-oriented (work) sense and neglecting the deeper soul-issues of meeting with people. Some things I'm thinking of tackling in the next few weeks include: reaching out to some old friends, encouraging some people around me, finding ways to thank people who have been involved in my life, being more open to people, spending some quality time with my nieces, etc. Those things get me really excited, but they're things I've failed to do much of lately.

HUMILITY - Check out John 13. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty familiar with the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. I've read it a hundred times (at least) and feel like I get the point. HOWEVER, I was reading it yesterday and focused in on verse 3... "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God..." Wow! I can't imagine that... having been given ULTIMATE POWER and AUTHORITY, the FIRST thing Jesus does is to get a towel and basin, strip down and wash the feet of his friends... and even of his "enemy" (Judas). I can't imagine that would be my first instinct.

The crazy thing is, God has given us power through his Holy Spirit. In fact, in the next chapter of John, Jesus tells us that we may ask for anything in His name, and he will do it. It's easy to take that and get excited about all the selfish things i could do with that kind of power. Yet, Jesus is clear to tell us that the PURPOSE for asking things in his name is "so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."

I wish my prayers were for THAT purpose only, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, I would be drawn toward humility... toward picking up a towel and serving those around me.

Paul & Barnabas

Acts 15:36-41 (NIV)

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

I heard a sermon on this passage yesterday. And though I'm familiar with the passage, I thought the pastor added some great insights...

Paul and Barnabas were good friends. Acts 9: 26-27 explains that Paul was shunned by Jesus' disciples until Barnabas welcomed him into the circle and explained that his conversion was legitimate. It was this friendship that was brought into conflict when Paul and Barnabas were picking a team for an upcoming mission. Barnabas wanted to include his cousin, John Mark, but Paul had been burned by John Mark when he deserted a team on a previous mission. He showed either some spiritual immaturity or possibly a lack of ability to handle the pressures of this kind of mission work. The division was so sharp that Paul and Barnabas agreed to disagree and built two separate teams.

PRINCIPLE #1: The MISSION is greater than the CONFLICT.

There may be a time to break relationship over principles and truth. BUT... you should make absolutely sure that they are BIBLICAL principles and truth. Too many times we let other things cloud our decision to break relationship - pride, for example. But, we need to also recognize that people can change. You may need them in the future and/or they may need you. We should make every attempt not to burn bridges.

PRINCIPLE #2: Even if you have to change a relationship, don't write people off.

I hadn't really considered it before, but reading Paul's words in II Timothy 4:11, "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." I appears that John Mark matured in his faith and became an asset to Paul in his ministry.

PRINCIPLE #3: What action will bring God the most glory?

Shouldn't this ALWAYS be the question in the forefront of our minds?!

Finally, whatever the conflict, choose...

Principle... Not Pride
Humility... Not Power
Unity... Not Independence
Peace... Not Turmoil (Rom 12:18)
Love... Not Accommodation

Receipts

So, I'm cleaning out a large pile of receipts I've been collecting for a few years. One the back of an April 2007 receipt I have written the following...

Cat
Sly, Aloof, Frisky
Black
Dark, Dreary, Lonely
Atlantic Ocean
Cold, Wet, Wavy

The Desert

Psalm 63

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Servanthood

I was reminded today that servanthood most often means doing what you DON'T want to do when you DON'T want to do it. It's a lot easier to "serve" others when the task is easy or convenient. But Christ set the supreme example by going somewhere he really didn't want to go and doing something he really didn't want to do. Why did he do it? Because he was a servant.

Phil 2: 12-16

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."

Risk & Failure

I read something recently that struck me... "Failure is our master teacher, and those who do not know this teacher well tend to be short-termers in the growth process." (Cloud & Townsend)

So many people I know are paralyzed by the fear of failure and, as a result, risk nothing. It's unfortunate, really, because there's so much to be gained in life. But, most of what there is to gain is only attained by taking a risk.

I've always considered myself to be a risk-taker, and yet, I feel like I've shrunk back some... played it safe, sat out one too many dances. It'd be nice to turn that around. It's difficult to think one can please God without taking risks. Isn't that what faith is all about in the first place?! (Hebrews 11:6) Faith is a risk. Faith in God may just be the ultimate risk.

Why not go all out?