In light of my last post depicting my happiness about shopping, this article seemed ridiculous when I first read it. A couple in Oregon are living with 100 items each including clothes and other necessities. Just in my dresser I have probably 200 items already, so the idea of living with so little seemed insane. But what about all my beloved shoes?? What about my Psych DVD collection?? And oh my gosh, what about my bag full of makeup must-haves?!?!?! But upon further thought, it really doesn't sound all that bad.
In my Sunday School class, we've been talking about the costs of being a follower of Christ. One of those costs is that we "give up" all the possessions we have. (Luke 14:33) It does not necessarily mean that we are to walk through life with nothing but the clothes on our backs, but upon deeper study into my trusty lexicon, it means "our belongings being placed away from us into their proper category and not being permitted to be a part of us." So in essence, do not be attached to your possessions, and put them in their "proper category" so that your priorities remain in the right place.
And then today, Dad was preaching about being content with what we have instead of chasing satisfaction in things that cannot give it. Hebrews 13:5 says "Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'" I cannot get satisfaction from the latest product of awesomeness and God has promised to care for me, so why do I bother seeking contentment in anything but Him?
All that being said, I don't think I'm gonna start living with 100 items alone. God has chosen to bless me with lotsa stuff to dust, and I don't want to waste it, haha! But what if I started spending less money on unnecessary and temporary things and focusing on God for my satisfaction? Not only would my life feel richer because I was closer to my Heavenly Father, but I would be able to save up for maybe a house later on in life and I would also have excess money to give to my church and to those who need help! Who really needs 20 pairs of shoes anyhow?
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Shopping Like There's No Tomorrow
One of the things I looked forward to most when starting another semester at school was shopping for new school supplies. I was never quite singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year" in my head while dancing down the aisles like in that old Staples commercial, but it was still fun to choose new notebooks and pens. Even last year in college, my friend and I would show off our new supplies and "ooooh" and "aaaah" at all the pretty colors.
But now that I am done with school (for now at least) I don't have the option to enjoy shopping for such stuffage. Well, I could I guess, but I would never use the stuff. And now that I have a car payment, I can't just be wasting money like that. I say that, but I've been spending money left and right on other things that I may or may not have needed...
Ever since I dropped most of my savings for the down payment on my beloved car, I've been spending money on like... everything. I had been saving up cash for years for my big purchase, and now I've suddenly started buying everything awesome in sight. Apparently I'm making up for denying myself everything awesome for the last few years. I will probably regret it later. But there are a few things I bought that I'm super happy about.
My favorite Roxy flip flops were practically dead. After wearing them every day for ten months out of the year, even really nice flip flops need replacing. When I went to my favorite surf shop to purchase a new pair, they did not have the kind I wanted. So I splurged a little and bought some double stacked Rainbows. Oh my gosh, it's like walking on a cloud. In fact, I loved them so much that I went back three days later and bought a pink pair that I have already planned to wear with my Sunday dresses. Including the amazing Reebok Easytones I bought recently, I have spent nearly $200 on shoes in the past month. Am I crazy? Don't answer that.
I've also been going kinda makeup crazy too. My cousin is selling Avon now and I have fallen in love with their mascara and lip gloss. But it's justifiable because it's cheaper than the Lancome stuff I was using, and much better. I wish I had jumped on this bandwagon a loooong time ago. Also while Sam and I were shopping spree-ing in Wilmington, we walked into an Ulta store on a whim. It was either a mistake or an act of God, I haven't figured out which yet. But they were having this big promotion that if you bought about $20 worth of Ulta products, you could get a bag full of makeup goodies. And we did it. I think I've found a line of makeup that I will love for the rest of my life.
Will somebody please take my debit card from me before I go completely crazy? Thanks.
But now that I am done with school (for now at least) I don't have the option to enjoy shopping for such stuffage. Well, I could I guess, but I would never use the stuff. And now that I have a car payment, I can't just be wasting money like that. I say that, but I've been spending money left and right on other things that I may or may not have needed...
Ever since I dropped most of my savings for the down payment on my beloved car, I've been spending money on like... everything. I had been saving up cash for years for my big purchase, and now I've suddenly started buying everything awesome in sight. Apparently I'm making up for denying myself everything awesome for the last few years. I will probably regret it later. But there are a few things I bought that I'm super happy about.
My favorite Roxy flip flops were practically dead. After wearing them every day for ten months out of the year, even really nice flip flops need replacing. When I went to my favorite surf shop to purchase a new pair, they did not have the kind I wanted. So I splurged a little and bought some double stacked Rainbows. Oh my gosh, it's like walking on a cloud. In fact, I loved them so much that I went back three days later and bought a pink pair that I have already planned to wear with my Sunday dresses. Including the amazing Reebok Easytones I bought recently, I have spent nearly $200 on shoes in the past month. Am I crazy? Don't answer that.
I've also been going kinda makeup crazy too. My cousin is selling Avon now and I have fallen in love with their mascara and lip gloss. But it's justifiable because it's cheaper than the Lancome stuff I was using, and much better. I wish I had jumped on this bandwagon a loooong time ago. Also while Sam and I were shopping spree-ing in Wilmington, we walked into an Ulta store on a whim. It was either a mistake or an act of God, I haven't figured out which yet. But they were having this big promotion that if you bought about $20 worth of Ulta products, you could get a bag full of makeup goodies. And we did it. I think I've found a line of makeup that I will love for the rest of my life.
Will somebody please take my debit card from me before I go completely crazy? Thanks.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
What Am I Looking At?
A couple weeks ago, two thirds of my family took off to Myrtle Beach SC for a week long summer youth conference. This is only the second time in the last ten years that the bus full of luggage, teens and snacks has taken off without me. Although I did get to follow it down there a couple days later to rescue my mommy with a sore back. Nine hours of driving in my new car, baby. But the eye twitching in the last hour tells me that my limit should just be eight. Anyways, the few days of a silent house gave me a chance to remember several of the things I had learned while attending SeeSalt.
Yep, it's called SeeSalt. I know you're thinking "They spelled it wrong!" but no, it's intended to be that way. That, or they misspelled it while first creating the conference and never bothered to change it. But since the constant theme of the conference is being the light of the world and salt of the earth, Imma go with a purposeful misspelling. The conference is unique in more aspects then just its name though. Unlike many other youth conferences, they use no preaching in their evening worship services. At all. All of their messages are told through brilliant dramatic performances and it is quite effective. For someone like me who has grown up listening to sermons each Sunday, it's a refreshing change and always enjoyed it.
Every time I attended the conference, I came home having learned so much. While I could go on and on about all the various things I discovered, one of the things that has stayed with me is an interesting aspect of the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) that I never really considered before then. I forget the main point of the class I had heard this in, but the teacher went on to talk about how the Israelites were paralyzed in fear at the sight of the giant while young David confidently went to battle with him. She pointed out that the main issue the Israelites had was where they were placing their focus. While they were busy focusing on the size and muscle of the enemy, David was focusing on God and all His power. The people shook in their boots while David was peaceful and calm, knowing that their great and mighty God would give him the victory.
So who are we looking at? Who are we focusing on? Are we focusing on the problems standing before us ready to beat us to a bloody pulp? Or are we focusing on the God who has the power to use the abilities He gave us to defeat the threat? So often I get caught up in a paralyzing, dropped-jaw stare at the challenges facing me that I forget He promised He would take care of me no matter what. I need to divert my focus from the problems and place it on the ultimate Problem Solver. He's much bigger than my problem anyways, so why do I even bother wasting the time and energy by being scared of it? Apparently, that lesson is a little more difficult to learn than the ones at the conference.
Yep, it's called SeeSalt. I know you're thinking "They spelled it wrong!" but no, it's intended to be that way. That, or they misspelled it while first creating the conference and never bothered to change it. But since the constant theme of the conference is being the light of the world and salt of the earth, Imma go with a purposeful misspelling. The conference is unique in more aspects then just its name though. Unlike many other youth conferences, they use no preaching in their evening worship services. At all. All of their messages are told through brilliant dramatic performances and it is quite effective. For someone like me who has grown up listening to sermons each Sunday, it's a refreshing change and always enjoyed it.
Every time I attended the conference, I came home having learned so much. While I could go on and on about all the various things I discovered, one of the things that has stayed with me is an interesting aspect of the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) that I never really considered before then. I forget the main point of the class I had heard this in, but the teacher went on to talk about how the Israelites were paralyzed in fear at the sight of the giant while young David confidently went to battle with him. She pointed out that the main issue the Israelites had was where they were placing their focus. While they were busy focusing on the size and muscle of the enemy, David was focusing on God and all His power. The people shook in their boots while David was peaceful and calm, knowing that their great and mighty God would give him the victory.
So who are we looking at? Who are we focusing on? Are we focusing on the problems standing before us ready to beat us to a bloody pulp? Or are we focusing on the God who has the power to use the abilities He gave us to defeat the threat? So often I get caught up in a paralyzing, dropped-jaw stare at the challenges facing me that I forget He promised He would take care of me no matter what. I need to divert my focus from the problems and place it on the ultimate Problem Solver. He's much bigger than my problem anyways, so why do I even bother wasting the time and energy by being scared of it? Apparently, that lesson is a little more difficult to learn than the ones at the conference.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Diploma Or No Diploma? That Was The Question.
After weeks of waiting and warring, I finally have my diploma! Apparently, taking the classes and doing the homework is only half the work to get that pretty piece of paper. The other half is trying to convince the office that you did in fact complete your requirements for graduation and are entitled to receive a diploma.
A few weeks before the graduation ceremony, I checked with the registrar to make sure that I was set to graduate and walk the stage with the rest of my class. She responded that I was, upon the completion of certain courses I was then taking and the substitution of others. A piece of advice, my friends: Don't rely on an email for confirmation, but rather call your registrar and ask so many questions that it may cause them to hang up the phone out of frustration.
We were told before the graduation ceremony that we would be getting our diplomas in the mail within two weeks. I've no idea why they didn't have the diplomas ready for us that night. I mean really, I paid the fee for the diploma and I bought a cap and gown for the ceremony, so the very least they could do is give me my diploma that night! But noooooo, they'll mail it to us later. Ok then, but just as long as you're paying for the postage!
Anyways, I waited and waited but nothing ever came to my door in a diploma sized envelope. My friends got theirs, but mine was nowhere to be seen. So I took it upon myself to call the school and find out what was up. According to the records, I still had not completed my course requirements! Why they let me walk with my class without allegedly not fulfilling my requirements, I have no idea. For weeks, I continued to contact my advisor and registrar trying to figure out what was wrong. First they would say it's ok and I would have my diploma in a few days, and then something else would be wrong.
And then one morning I got an email from my advisor stating that I needed to take another English course. I hate English. Don't get me wrong, I can write an awesome paper. In fact, last semester I wrote a paper accusing Shakespeare of poor writing skills... and got an A. Yeah, I'm that awesome. I could rock another course if I had to, but I really hate English. At this point, my daddy called the president of the college, and then I started getting a little more attention. ;)
I then had a lengthy discussion with my division director and finally got everything straightened out. All mistakes in my paperwork were corrected and I did not have to take anymore courses! A few days later, I had this in hand...
All that being said, this is the first problem I've ever experienced with my school. Overall, they have been great to me and I don't regret spending the last three years with them. But I think they need a little more practice with their communication. Anyways, my name looks awesome on that paper and it will be framed and put on my wall very soon!
A few weeks before the graduation ceremony, I checked with the registrar to make sure that I was set to graduate and walk the stage with the rest of my class. She responded that I was, upon the completion of certain courses I was then taking and the substitution of others. A piece of advice, my friends: Don't rely on an email for confirmation, but rather call your registrar and ask so many questions that it may cause them to hang up the phone out of frustration.
We were told before the graduation ceremony that we would be getting our diplomas in the mail within two weeks. I've no idea why they didn't have the diplomas ready for us that night. I mean really, I paid the fee for the diploma and I bought a cap and gown for the ceremony, so the very least they could do is give me my diploma that night! But noooooo, they'll mail it to us later. Ok then, but just as long as you're paying for the postage!
Anyways, I waited and waited but nothing ever came to my door in a diploma sized envelope. My friends got theirs, but mine was nowhere to be seen. So I took it upon myself to call the school and find out what was up. According to the records, I still had not completed my course requirements! Why they let me walk with my class without allegedly not fulfilling my requirements, I have no idea. For weeks, I continued to contact my advisor and registrar trying to figure out what was wrong. First they would say it's ok and I would have my diploma in a few days, and then something else would be wrong.
And then one morning I got an email from my advisor stating that I needed to take another English course. I hate English. Don't get me wrong, I can write an awesome paper. In fact, last semester I wrote a paper accusing Shakespeare of poor writing skills... and got an A. Yeah, I'm that awesome. I could rock another course if I had to, but I really hate English. At this point, my daddy called the president of the college, and then I started getting a little more attention. ;)
I then had a lengthy discussion with my division director and finally got everything straightened out. All mistakes in my paperwork were corrected and I did not have to take anymore courses! A few days later, I had this in hand...
All that being said, this is the first problem I've ever experienced with my school. Overall, they have been great to me and I don't regret spending the last three years with them. But I think they need a little more practice with their communication. Anyways, my name looks awesome on that paper and it will be framed and put on my wall very soon!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Despicable Me
I'm still working my way down my list of movies that I wanted to see this summer, as noted in this post. It has been a great time and I've gotten to see almost every one that I had listed so far! Although after hearing some pretty horrible reviews of The Last Airbender and almost running out of spending money, we opted to nexflick it when it comes out on DVD. Oh, and I haven't seen Toy Story 3 yet and I'm having the hardest time not hearing anything about it from my sisters who have. But on to what I have seen...
Despicable Me was adorable. Gru aspires to be the greatest thief in the world, setting out to steal the moon. (dun dun DUUUUUUN) But really, who names their kid "Gru"?!?! His mama musta hated him because it's the abbreviation for a Soviet military intelligence service. (Thank you, Google!) No wonder he rebelled and became a thief! On the bright side though, it's not as bad as Jabez' mama naming him "Pain." And I thank God that my mom decided to not call me "Polly Esther" as my cruel father wanted. But I digress...
So like his outdated name, Gru himself is outdated and is striving to out-do his younger competitor. In order to complete his mission, Gru needs to steal a vital piece of equipment from this nemesis by penetrating his heavily armed fortress accessible only by little girls selling cookies. I mean seriously, who can resist that, right? Gru then adopts three little girls to infiltrate the compound and to make a long story short, he eventually comes to love the girlies and gave up his dream to be their daddy. I totally saw it coming.
It definitely wasn't the most substantial plot in the world, it made up for it in mind-aploding cuteness. I couldn't understand a single word the little yellow minions were saying, but that didn't change the fact that I wanted to take one home after the movie was over. I still might have to buy a minion plushie so I can snuggle one. The flick was full of "aaaawwwwwwww's" and laughter, and we musta said "IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!" about twenty times during the ride home. Despicable Me was super cute but I'm not sure if I'd be interested in seeing it again.
But with that being said, take a second to adore the cuteness...
Despicable Me was adorable. Gru aspires to be the greatest thief in the world, setting out to steal the moon. (dun dun DUUUUUUN) But really, who names their kid "Gru"?!?! His mama musta hated him because it's the abbreviation for a Soviet military intelligence service. (Thank you, Google!) No wonder he rebelled and became a thief! On the bright side though, it's not as bad as Jabez' mama naming him "Pain." And I thank God that my mom decided to not call me "Polly Esther" as my cruel father wanted. But I digress...
So like his outdated name, Gru himself is outdated and is striving to out-do his younger competitor. In order to complete his mission, Gru needs to steal a vital piece of equipment from this nemesis by penetrating his heavily armed fortress accessible only by little girls selling cookies. I mean seriously, who can resist that, right? Gru then adopts three little girls to infiltrate the compound and to make a long story short, he eventually comes to love the girlies and gave up his dream to be their daddy. I totally saw it coming.
It definitely wasn't the most substantial plot in the world, it made up for it in mind-aploding cuteness. I couldn't understand a single word the little yellow minions were saying, but that didn't change the fact that I wanted to take one home after the movie was over. I still might have to buy a minion plushie so I can snuggle one. The flick was full of "aaaawwwwwwww's" and laughter, and we musta said "IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!" about twenty times during the ride home. Despicable Me was super cute but I'm not sure if I'd be interested in seeing it again.
But with that being said, take a second to adore the cuteness...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Saved By Her Enemy
I mentioned several posts ago that one of the books I wanted to read this summer was "Saved By Her Enemy" by Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak. It's a true story about an Iraqi girl (Rafraf) who comes to work as an interpreter for American news correspondents (including Don) reporting on the war. I'm about half way through the book right now, and it has been quite an eye opening read as I have learned more about the culture of Iraq, and many particular stories have made a lasting impact on me. Here are two short stories that caught my attention.
Rafraf tells about a group of five high school boys. One had told a joke about then-president Saddam Hussein, and a nearby teacher told a local informant of the incident. Later, all five of the boys were taken by officers and were never seen or heard from again. Their families hoped for their return for a long time before finally accepting that they had been executed. All for a joke.
She also recounts her fear of Americans when she was younger. Iraqi children were taught that Americans are murderous monsters. For years, little Rafraf had nightmares about the American in her closet and under her bed. But unlike our "bogeyman" these Americans were more terrifying because she knew they really existed. The Iraqi press told nothing but horror stories about Americans, and since there was no alternative source of information, they had no choice but to believe it.
These two stories in addition to many others in the book thus far have given me a new perspective on my own nation. Our country has countless problems, but I know that I don't have to worry about what will happen if I joke about or disagree with our president. Also, the press can really get on my nerves with their biased reporting, but I am so glad that they aren't government controlled (as far as we know, anyways) and that we have multiple sources of information to turn to. I am so thankful that God placed me here, and I don't need to take my first amendment rights including freedom of speech and press for granted.
Rafraf tells about a group of five high school boys. One had told a joke about then-president Saddam Hussein, and a nearby teacher told a local informant of the incident. Later, all five of the boys were taken by officers and were never seen or heard from again. Their families hoped for their return for a long time before finally accepting that they had been executed. All for a joke.
She also recounts her fear of Americans when she was younger. Iraqi children were taught that Americans are murderous monsters. For years, little Rafraf had nightmares about the American in her closet and under her bed. But unlike our "bogeyman" these Americans were more terrifying because she knew they really existed. The Iraqi press told nothing but horror stories about Americans, and since there was no alternative source of information, they had no choice but to believe it.
These two stories in addition to many others in the book thus far have given me a new perspective on my own nation. Our country has countless problems, but I know that I don't have to worry about what will happen if I joke about or disagree with our president. Also, the press can really get on my nerves with their biased reporting, but I am so glad that they aren't government controlled (as far as we know, anyways) and that we have multiple sources of information to turn to. I am so thankful that God placed me here, and I don't need to take my first amendment rights including freedom of speech and press for granted.
Monday, July 19, 2010
I Don't Do Mornings
Last Friday, my family took a mini vacation to the Outer Banks to see my mom's aunt at her cute little beach house in Cape Hatteras, and then up to Chesapeake to see some of my dad's side of the family. The trip was quite nice, except for the part where we had to get up at 4 am in order to make the first ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke. I didn't even know that 4 o'clock came twice a day until then.
When I was little, I would annoy my mom because I would wake up with the sun. I was always excited the start the day. Oh how silly I was! Now that I am older and more understanding of the value of sleep (and sleeping late), I take the beginning of Psalm 127:2 to heart, "It is vain for you to rise up early." Amen! I still have to work on the next part of the verse that talks about not staying up late... but I LOVE the last part that says "He gives His beloved sleep," so I try to take full advantage of that gift. I don't wanna waste it!
So yeah, I do not like mornings. I don't even want to be talked to until I've been awake for an hour, and no amount of coffee can change that one hour restriction. And if I am talked to, I respond in incomprehensible moans and growls. I discovered a verse recently that I think justifies this state of morning hatred in Proverbs 27:14, "He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him." I seriously laughed when I first read this. God tries so hard to give us some common sense, don't He? Ok, so it doesn't completely justify my morning grouchies, but it warns perky morning people that evening people don't take kindly to sweet words in the early hours. If only people understood that!!!
I think that God Himself understands the horribleness of mornings. In Lamentations 3:22-23, it describes how His mercies are new each morning. Why should they be new each morning? Because He knows just how annoying they are, and therefore how much more we need those mercies! So am I irrational to think that mornings are so awful? According to the Bible, I think not!
Disclaimer: Yes, I know that I completely took some of these passages out of context and did not discuss their meanings correctly. But I know it got you thinkin'. ;)
When I was little, I would annoy my mom because I would wake up with the sun. I was always excited the start the day. Oh how silly I was! Now that I am older and more understanding of the value of sleep (and sleeping late), I take the beginning of Psalm 127:2 to heart, "It is vain for you to rise up early." Amen! I still have to work on the next part of the verse that talks about not staying up late... but I LOVE the last part that says "He gives His beloved sleep," so I try to take full advantage of that gift. I don't wanna waste it!
So yeah, I do not like mornings. I don't even want to be talked to until I've been awake for an hour, and no amount of coffee can change that one hour restriction. And if I am talked to, I respond in incomprehensible moans and growls. I discovered a verse recently that I think justifies this state of morning hatred in Proverbs 27:14, "He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him." I seriously laughed when I first read this. God tries so hard to give us some common sense, don't He? Ok, so it doesn't completely justify my morning grouchies, but it warns perky morning people that evening people don't take kindly to sweet words in the early hours. If only people understood that!!!
I think that God Himself understands the horribleness of mornings. In Lamentations 3:22-23, it describes how His mercies are new each morning. Why should they be new each morning? Because He knows just how annoying they are, and therefore how much more we need those mercies! So am I irrational to think that mornings are so awful? According to the Bible, I think not!
Disclaimer: Yes, I know that I completely took some of these passages out of context and did not discuss their meanings correctly. But I know it got you thinkin'. ;)
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