A Lesson in Life

Welcome to another edition of "Before the Invention of the Wheel."  I graduated from a "traditional school" -- a very good traditional school.  In all my years of junior high and high school, however, I never clearly remember covering the same information twice; too much going on, cram for the test and forget it just as quickly.  So, I guess it's a good thing when Christine says to me, "We just did this!"  She must remember something from year to year.  Unfortunately, most academic plans repeat the same information every other year or so, reinforcing important concepts and adding new ones as students' abilities mature.  It's great for assuring strong foundations, but can present a challenge when reviewing "dry" material.  I keep a close eye on homeschooling sites and email chains to find new and creative ways to present some of this material.  When Civics became part of our schedule this year, I cringed.  I knew Christine had to review it; she was capable of a more in depth investigation of government and statesmanship.  But, frankly, after the 2008 election, which we dissected and ransacked at length, I'd had enough government.  Enter: Teen Pact.

Teen Pact is an organization that offers leadership training from a Christian standpoint; their goal is to encourage and train youth to make an impact on their country through statesmanship and Christ-directed leadership.  They host many different events and camps.  Christine reluctantly attended their PA State Capital Class last week.

Christine has never been away from home for more than a weekend.  She is not a politico or a prodigy.  She'd probably wear last year's Uggs at clearance prices before she wore a dress.  She likes being homeschooled, but refuses to call herself a "homeschooler," likening homeschoolers to aliens or veal.  And the last time she voluntarily opened her Bible was when she slept with her "Beginner's Bible" under her pillow, and would look at the cartoons before drifting off to sleep.  Teen Pact was not exactly something she was happily anticipating.

Shopping together for her new wardrobe surprised Scott and I; attending the class, passing the class, and really liking it surprised her.  From the first outfit she tried on without complaint, until we dragged her from the capital on Thursday, Christine seemed to mature right before our eyes.  She enthusiastically spoke of new friendships, proudly and confidently showed us around the capital, and blushed with happiness when she showed us her test scores.  At some point, I wish I'd gotten it in writing, she spoke of going back next year!  She had stepped outside her comfort zone, tried something completely foreign to her and learned not only could she surpass her own expectations, but others can as well.  The stereotypes she clung to on Monday were memories by the end of the class.  As parents, Scott and I look for opportunities to teach and challenge our children; we both know how good accomplishment, independence and maturity can feel, and this was no different -- we knew she could make it, maybe even like it.  Turns out, at least for now, she knows it too.  

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!

Friday, May 7 is our second wedding anniversary!  I'm having trouble counting to two when it comes to tabulating the years we've been together.  In some ways, it seems like a moment ago we were walking and talking along the river, Scott agonizing over the whole thing while I told myself not to think too much about this -- I was only looking to be friends.  We discovered that neither person was who we thought they were, but each was exactly who we were looking for.  Despite his nerves and my indifference, we talked easily, and our first date seemed more like an evening spent with someone we'd known forever.  Likewise, in the short time we've been together, Scott and I have lived a lifetime.  Painful drama, joyous celebrations, good news and bad, transformations and renovations that have changed our lives as well as our home.  With every bump in the road we encounter, our relationship becomes stronger and we discover new things about one another.  (God's grace in action!)  But then again, isn't that what marriage is all about?

Ephesians 5:15-32 teaches the doctrine of the Bride of Christ.  All debate aside, the point is this, God designed marriage; it is a sacred and treasured relationship, and God shares with us specific thoughts on it.  Genesis 2:18-24 is the account of the first marriage, Adam and Eve's, and explains the depth of such a relationship.  1 Peter 3:1-7 instructs both the husband and the wife in their treatment of one another.  1 Corinthians 7:1-2 says marriage is important for preventing sexual immorality -- the old "better to marry than to burn" tenet.  Conversely, if you're not willing to marry him/ her stay out of bed -- pretty simple.

I'm not saying anything new when I say that society has a completely different view.  "If things don't work out, there's always divorce."  "We just became two different people."  "It's only physical."  Backbiting, bitterness, unresolved issues, meddling in-laws.  We all have our drama, but thank God He has given me a man who knows it is less about the drama and more about how we handle it, together, for life.

Here's to 48 more!

Why Didn't I Think of That?

What is this Silly Bandz mania that has stricken?  Anyone between the ages of 3 and 83 is suddenly willing to fork over $4.95 of their own, or someone else's hard earned cash to wear some cheap animal or alphabet shaped rubber bands by the bagful, around their wrist.  Are you serious?  Or am I just "old?"  Is there something I'm missing here?  Or am I just annoyed because I still go to work each day while some clown is laughing his way to the bank for inventing a rubber band in the shape of a yellow kangaroo?  So what about paper clips in the shape of sea creatures or scented staples?  Hmmm...

From God's Word to Your Heart

I think the state of the economy the last few months has prompted many folks to take a closer look at their finances and maybe, set clearer goals with regard to their savings.  My husband and I are no different.  We have been making a concerted effort to be better stewards of the gifts we have been given.  We spend more time discussing and considering our purchases, choosing more frequently to prepare for "rainy days ahead."  In addition to stewardship, we have devoted more attention to charitable giving.  We know we are blessed in many ways, and feel compelled to "pay it forward;" we have been actively seeking out those we can help.

Anyone who has ever remained on a budget knows the sense of accomplishment it brings.  Likewise, giving to others leave us with a feeling of pride and satisfaction.  These are humanity's rewards -- the immediate remunerations that come from human nature, feelings that fade with time and may even leave us second guessing our actions when our situation seems to turn for the worse.  There are heavenly rewards, however, that are much greater than these.

In Malachi 3:10 God tells us to test Him with regard to His promises, specifically the promise that He will bless us in our giving.   Luke 6:38 tells us to give and it will be given to us, according to the measure with which we give -- a loving, gracious heart, a merciful, generous reward.  Proverbs 11:24 promises generous people will prosper, but those who hold back will find poverty. Is payback the only motivation?  Of course not.  James 1:17 and 1 Corinthians 4:7 tell us that nothing we have has been achieved through our own toil, tears, righteousness or merit; it all comes from God.  Whatever we have is God's gift to us.  It is all about loving the Giver, not the gift.  Matthew 19:16-30 is the story of a rich young man who figured he'd been "good enough" to get to Heaven.  When Jesus suggested he give his money to the poor and follow, you could have heard a pin drop -- a needle really.  According to verse 22, the young man didn't even reply, just hung his head sadly and moved on.  Jesus told his disciples it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone who's heart has been given to money to enter Heaven.

On a personal level, my experience has been, what we give God not only replaces, but multiplies back to us.  When I notice the needle of my gas tank moves more slowly these days than it did before, I know God is stretching out the flour and oil as he did for the widow and her son (1 Kings 17:8-16).  When our refrigerator seems perpetually full, it is God multiplying our loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30-43).  When opportunities arise to supplement our income, God is filling every vessel we can find with precious oil (2 Kings 4:1-7).

The Lord may be calling you to share your blessings, no matter how small they seem, with others.  Why don't you give Him the chance to fulfill His promises?  He will be faithful.