has been great and fairly busy. Thus I have had no time to ponder a blog post. Just wanted to let you know of the going-ons this week and what I've been thankful for:
41. Thankful to go ballroom dancing with a new friend and her husband last weekend- fun times had by all!
42. for Immanuel's Biblical Womanhood class last weekend and the women who taught it- wow! Praise the Lord for the encouragement and teaching by the Lord that day!
43. for my Gospel Community Group and the fellowship of our cookout last Sunday afternoon- praising Him for the babies in our group especially.
44. For a week of work- though i haven't felt well all week the Lord sustained me and I didn't have to take a sick day.
45. I'm thankful that my dad's knee scope surgery went well
46. Zumba! (have I already used that one ? Still thankful!)
47. For random kids who come up to me in the hallway and sign something random to me (0r try to)
48. For the opportunity to be a "musician" again- teaching performing arts club with the music teacher at my school has been a blessing and treat. Lots of memories have come flooding back!
49. Thankful for the opportunity to teach a youth group's D Now this weekend in Indiana! What a privilege to teach the Word to students! I'm SO excited for it!
50. Tortellini soup on the stove right now. Praise the Lord for His constant provision of our meals!
so, I've reached 50 things I'm thankful for this week. Not to say I didn't complain and fight comparison or envy this week as well. Just keeping it real- I'm not writing these lists because I'm perfect in this thanksgiving thing. I'm writing them to remind myself that everything comes from the Lord- He provides for our needs and so much more- and He sustains us each day. Join me - what have you been thankful for this week??
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Giving- Tithing in the New Testament
Well its after 11:17 pm on a Sunday night which means one thing: I didn't keep my self-imposed bed-time-on-a-school-night yet again. Why am I just now starting a blog post when I'm supposed to be in bed? I don't know- but I'll try to make it quick.
Today's sermon at my beloved church, Immanuel Baptist Church, was on money. "oh no", you think, "a sermon about money!" But it was really helpful. Very humbly presented and a clear picture of giving from the Old and New testament.
I won't sum up the whole thing here- but just tell you a few things I found interesting/thought provoking.
We think the Bible teaches of a tithe. Actually, the Old Testament law teaches that the Israelites were to give 23 1/3 percent! 10% went to the Levites (reference somewhere in Leviticus, sorry I missed that one). 10% to a festival in Jerusalem ( Dueteronomy 14:22). And every three years, 10% went to the soujourner, the poor, and the widow among them (Duet. 14:28)
That totals 23 1/3 %. So if you say "I give 10% because the Bible teaches it!"- well actually you should be giving more!
So what about the New Testament?
Jesus only speaks of a tithe one time. It is mentioned one other time in the NT also, in Hebrews. But the NT does speak of giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
If you are a believer- the Holy Spirit lives in you and can lead you to know how much to give to the work of the church. Maybe that will be 10%. Maybe it will be 23% or 50% of your income! Maybe it means $10 a month for you or maybe it means $500 or $5,000. But God doesn't want churches to coerce or guilt people into giving . At the same time, if a person truly is a believer and understands that God can provide for their every need, no believer will think "I'm gonna give the smallest amount possible! Haha! I sure got off easy!" No- the Lord loves one who gives cheerfully as they are led by Him to give.
Additionally, when you understand that Jesus left the ultimate riches of Heaven to come to earth to die for you sins- He left ALL to stretch out His arms and pay the price for our iniquity- you won't dwell on "what percentage should I give?" Our giving should be grace-based sacrificial giving.
I've caught myself thinking and maybe even saying "yeah, we're just poor seminary students right now". Well, our income put us in the top 7% of people on this planet as far as yearly income goes. Top 7 %.
I have a roof over my head in the thunderstorm right now
I am not poor.
I have a computer to type this on. I can read the words I am typing.
I am not poor
I have a myriad of shoes to wear tomorrow, as I got to my job.
What excuse do i have for not giving more?
I have been saved by a Savior who "though he was rich, for my sake became poor".
christians, we must give! Give generously to your church, to missions, to the poor, to orphans and widows.
The Lord can provide all your needs, and calls you to give cheerfully. Trust Him!!
Today's sermon at my beloved church, Immanuel Baptist Church, was on money. "oh no", you think, "a sermon about money!" But it was really helpful. Very humbly presented and a clear picture of giving from the Old and New testament.
I won't sum up the whole thing here- but just tell you a few things I found interesting/thought provoking.
We think the Bible teaches of a tithe. Actually, the Old Testament law teaches that the Israelites were to give 23 1/3 percent! 10% went to the Levites (reference somewhere in Leviticus, sorry I missed that one). 10% to a festival in Jerusalem ( Dueteronomy 14:22). And every three years, 10% went to the soujourner, the poor, and the widow among them (Duet. 14:28)
That totals 23 1/3 %. So if you say "I give 10% because the Bible teaches it!"- well actually you should be giving more!
So what about the New Testament?
Jesus only speaks of a tithe one time. It is mentioned one other time in the NT also, in Hebrews. But the NT does speak of giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
If you are a believer- the Holy Spirit lives in you and can lead you to know how much to give to the work of the church. Maybe that will be 10%. Maybe it will be 23% or 50% of your income! Maybe it means $10 a month for you or maybe it means $500 or $5,000. But God doesn't want churches to coerce or guilt people into giving . At the same time, if a person truly is a believer and understands that God can provide for their every need, no believer will think "I'm gonna give the smallest amount possible! Haha! I sure got off easy!" No- the Lord loves one who gives cheerfully as they are led by Him to give.
Additionally, when you understand that Jesus left the ultimate riches of Heaven to come to earth to die for you sins- He left ALL to stretch out His arms and pay the price for our iniquity- you won't dwell on "what percentage should I give?" Our giving should be grace-based sacrificial giving.
I've caught myself thinking and maybe even saying "yeah, we're just poor seminary students right now". Well, our income put us in the top 7% of people on this planet as far as yearly income goes. Top 7 %.
I have a roof over my head in the thunderstorm right now
I am not poor.
I have a computer to type this on. I can read the words I am typing.
I am not poor
I have a myriad of shoes to wear tomorrow, as I got to my job.
What excuse do i have for not giving more?
I have been saved by a Savior who "though he was rich, for my sake became poor".
christians, we must give! Give generously to your church, to missions, to the poor, to orphans and widows.
The Lord can provide all your needs, and calls you to give cheerfully. Trust Him!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thankfulness when I don't feel like it
So- Its almost Friday. Because I work in a public school, once its the last 30 minutes of the day on Thursday, its basically Friday in my book. And that thought is glorious :)
Anyway- as I was saying- its almost Friday and I haven't posted in days. Its not that i haven't wanted to. I have actually come to my blog, thought "its about time I write something" and then stare at a blank screen with nothing to say. Sigh. Is my time as a blogger over so soon?
And so- I come back to the main idea of this blog. Thankfulness. In everything be thankful. Declare His praises. With every breath, praise the Lord. Maybe when I have nothing to say, nothing to write about, its exactly because I haven't been dwelling on His goodness enough this week.
Continuing my list
31. I'm thankful that my mom has written out by hand her best 50 or so recipes for me to use.
32. Thankful for a new friend from South Korea and that together we can practice English.
33. Thankful that, because of the blood of Christ, this new Korean friend is my sister in Christ and we have SO much in common even if we don't communicate well yet!
34. Thankful for Mrs. Mohler and Mrs. Ware of Seminary who taught tonight on making the most of our time, being wise stewards with our time, to glorify God and plan well for our families!
35. I'm thankful that God's grace doesn't reveal all of sin to us at once but that He sanctifies us as we can handle it- His grace is sufficient!
36. Chai
37. Even though his 2 inch long white hair is embedded into everything in this house, I am SO thankful for my puppy, and especially when I return home after not seeing him for 14 hours and he basically knocks me over with excitement.
38. Thankful to hear my husband yell with joy from his "office" because it means he figured out a Greek passage he's been working hard on.
39. Thankful for those kids at school that want hugs. I think I enjoy them more than them!
40. Thankful for Daniel and the encouragement in Christ we get from that book.
Anyway- as I was saying- its almost Friday and I haven't posted in days. Its not that i haven't wanted to. I have actually come to my blog, thought "its about time I write something" and then stare at a blank screen with nothing to say. Sigh. Is my time as a blogger over so soon?
And so- I come back to the main idea of this blog. Thankfulness. In everything be thankful. Declare His praises. With every breath, praise the Lord. Maybe when I have nothing to say, nothing to write about, its exactly because I haven't been dwelling on His goodness enough this week.
Continuing my list
31. I'm thankful that my mom has written out by hand her best 50 or so recipes for me to use.
32. Thankful for a new friend from South Korea and that together we can practice English.
33. Thankful that, because of the blood of Christ, this new Korean friend is my sister in Christ and we have SO much in common even if we don't communicate well yet!
34. Thankful for Mrs. Mohler and Mrs. Ware of Seminary who taught tonight on making the most of our time, being wise stewards with our time, to glorify God and plan well for our families!
35. I'm thankful that God's grace doesn't reveal all of sin to us at once but that He sanctifies us as we can handle it- His grace is sufficient!
36. Chai
37. Even though his 2 inch long white hair is embedded into everything in this house, I am SO thankful for my puppy, and especially when I return home after not seeing him for 14 hours and he basically knocks me over with excitement.
38. Thankful to hear my husband yell with joy from his "office" because it means he figured out a Greek passage he's been working hard on.
39. Thankful for those kids at school that want hugs. I think I enjoy them more than them!
40. Thankful for Daniel and the encouragement in Christ we get from that book.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Do you want a yummy soup that is super easy?! (in fact, its sort of a cheater soup, so its great to make if you don't have time to cook meat, dice veggies, ect.) I have one for you to try, thanks to a recipe from my mom. It has been a favorite for a couple of years now and as soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, I'm ready to make it. And so, while my own pot of Turkey Wild Rice Soup is simmering on the stove, I thought I'd share it with you :)
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans chicken broth ( I used "homemade" broth from the last time I cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot)
2 cups water
1/2 cup apple juice (optional, if you don't have it, add a bit more broth or water)
1 box long grain wild rice mix (Uncle Ben's is the best. The one that says "with 32 seasonings")
2 1/2 cups cooked turkey, cubed ***
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
***(sometimes stores have a chunk of cooked turkey breast in the meat coolers. This works, but is usually way too much and then i forget to use the rest. I have just recently realized I can get a chunk of cooked turkey from the deli counter. Just ask for 3/4 pound of the cheapest turkey. Works perfectly!)
1. In the pot that you will make the soup in, saute mushrooms and onion in oil or butter
2. Stir in water, broth, and apple juice. Bring to a boil
3. Stir in the box of rice mix and the separate little spice packet. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Cut up turkey into small pieces and add to the soup. Add frozen veggies, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes or until it's hot again and veggies are tender.
There you have it! SO easy and really tasty. Serve with hot bread or cresent rolls!
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans chicken broth ( I used "homemade" broth from the last time I cooked a whole chicken in the crock pot)
2 cups water
1/2 cup apple juice (optional, if you don't have it, add a bit more broth or water)
1 box long grain wild rice mix (Uncle Ben's is the best. The one that says "with 32 seasonings")
2 1/2 cups cooked turkey, cubed ***
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
***(sometimes stores have a chunk of cooked turkey breast in the meat coolers. This works, but is usually way too much and then i forget to use the rest. I have just recently realized I can get a chunk of cooked turkey from the deli counter. Just ask for 3/4 pound of the cheapest turkey. Works perfectly!)
1. In the pot that you will make the soup in, saute mushrooms and onion in oil or butter
2. Stir in water, broth, and apple juice. Bring to a boil
3. Stir in the box of rice mix and the separate little spice packet. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Cut up turkey into small pieces and add to the soup. Add frozen veggies, and let it simmer for 10 more minutes or until it's hot again and veggies are tender.
There you have it! SO easy and really tasty. Serve with hot bread or cresent rolls!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
September Saturday with my Sweetheart :)
Yesterday was a gorgeous Saturday. I woke to a crispness in the air, the kind that makes you pull the covers all the way up to your chin. I LOVE that feeling! We had stayed up late watching Gilmore Girls so I knew Cody would be sleepy still. I decided to make him breakfast in bed! It had been forever since this had happened- and I hadn't planned ahead, so I just made what I could. Cheesy scrambled eggs, English muffins with Nutella, and hot tea :) It was well received!
On to our morning- we went yard sale-ing around the neighborhood for about an hour or a bit more. For the most part we didn't find much (it was a special neighborhood yard sale weekend so we went to 15 probably) We did find a pretty great kitchen canister set, porcelain, a pretty green, for $2. We also got a brand-new looking electric juicer for $5! More on this at the end of the day.
Then was on to Seminary campus bookstore, lunch on Frankfort Avenue at a Greek place. We had lamb gyros! yum! Reminded me of eating them in Germany, where they call them Kebabs.
Next we walked about the Reseviore, which neither of us had done before. Its really nice and peaceful!
After a brief trip to the mall we raked leaves for 2+ hours. All of that from ONE tree in the front yard! Its a beautiful sycamore tree, but boy does it have a lot of leaves and loose them early!
Cody and Piper with the 7 bags of leaves. And yes, that is a snow shovel in his hand....
Then I ran to do a few errands while Cody grilled cheeseburgers. Yum!
We ended our wonderful Saturday together with another episode of Gilmore Girls and a drink from our juicer. I had read several websites on juicers and am excited to try veggie juices for health and nutrients. But we started our new juicer experience with something sweet- apple and plum juice. It was a hit! Very tasty!
On to our morning- we went yard sale-ing around the neighborhood for about an hour or a bit more. For the most part we didn't find much (it was a special neighborhood yard sale weekend so we went to 15 probably) We did find a pretty great kitchen canister set, porcelain, a pretty green, for $2. We also got a brand-new looking electric juicer for $5! More on this at the end of the day.
Then was on to Seminary campus bookstore, lunch on Frankfort Avenue at a Greek place. We had lamb gyros! yum! Reminded me of eating them in Germany, where they call them Kebabs.
Next we walked about the Reseviore, which neither of us had done before. Its really nice and peaceful!
After a brief trip to the mall we raked leaves for 2+ hours. All of that from ONE tree in the front yard! Its a beautiful sycamore tree, but boy does it have a lot of leaves and loose them early!
Cody and Piper with the 7 bags of leaves. And yes, that is a snow shovel in his hand....
Then I ran to do a few errands while Cody grilled cheeseburgers. Yum!
We ended our wonderful Saturday together with another episode of Gilmore Girls and a drink from our juicer. I had read several websites on juicers and am excited to try veggie juices for health and nutrients. But we started our new juicer experience with something sweet- apple and plum juice. It was a hit! Very tasty!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Thankfulness from self-preaching
Ever have a week when it isn't a terrible week, but not overwhelmingly wonderful either? Just- normal. A normal week. You feel like there is nothing to complain about but not too much to get excited about? That's sort of the kind of week I have had. Predictable would be a good word for it. Day to day life.
When I start thinking that this life is too mundane- I remember what I deserve to get- hell, condemnation, isolation from God- and think on what I have been gifted instead- a relationship with the Living God for eternity and daily grace- and I realize that nothing about that is mundane! Sometimes this Gospel truth doesn't just jump into my head. Sometimes walking down the hall at school going through the motions (literally, as I wave my arms through the air interpreting for the 7th hour of the school day) the Gospel doesn't just shine through me like light through a jack-o-lantern. I've got to dig around, got to ask "what is it I'm placing my trust in right now?" "what does it look like in this situation to rely on Christ?"
Sometimes, the Lord brings to mind full Scripture, and as if flows through my mind, I find comfort and rest in the Truth. At times, all I can answer myself is "Christ. His grace. You don't deserve it, but He died for you". And that is enough too.
I need to preach the Gospel to myself daily. Don't you? Isn't it SO GOOD to know that salvation isn't walking down an aisle, saying a prayer and then its done? No- the Lord continually sanctifies us, blesses us, gifts us, teaches us, changes us from one degree of glory to another. And I, for one, desire to be filled with praise for this much more in the "mundane day-to-day" of life.
Continuing my list:
21. The GOSPEL- which I can hear every day for the rest of my life and I will never be tired of it.
22. I am thankful for my job, that I have one to go to everyday.
23. Thankful for cooler weather- the crispness new in the air today!
24. Thankful for a dear, bosom friend, and a few hours with her tonight before she moves away. Thankful for hundreds of hours of precious memories with her the past few years.
25. Thankful to the Lord for answered prayers concerning apt, job, safe travel, ect for friend.
26. Praise the Lord for Elisabeth Elliot and the grace given to her. Thankful for her books that are grace to me.
27. Thankful for beef stew in a bread bowl.
28. Grateful that tomorrow we can wear jeans and a t shirt to work.
29. Thankful for Psalm 105
30. I am thankful that tomorrow is a weekend!
When I start thinking that this life is too mundane- I remember what I deserve to get- hell, condemnation, isolation from God- and think on what I have been gifted instead- a relationship with the Living God for eternity and daily grace- and I realize that nothing about that is mundane! Sometimes this Gospel truth doesn't just jump into my head. Sometimes walking down the hall at school going through the motions (literally, as I wave my arms through the air interpreting for the 7th hour of the school day) the Gospel doesn't just shine through me like light through a jack-o-lantern. I've got to dig around, got to ask "what is it I'm placing my trust in right now?" "what does it look like in this situation to rely on Christ?"
Sometimes, the Lord brings to mind full Scripture, and as if flows through my mind, I find comfort and rest in the Truth. At times, all I can answer myself is "Christ. His grace. You don't deserve it, but He died for you". And that is enough too.
I need to preach the Gospel to myself daily. Don't you? Isn't it SO GOOD to know that salvation isn't walking down an aisle, saying a prayer and then its done? No- the Lord continually sanctifies us, blesses us, gifts us, teaches us, changes us from one degree of glory to another. And I, for one, desire to be filled with praise for this much more in the "mundane day-to-day" of life.
Continuing my list:
21. The GOSPEL- which I can hear every day for the rest of my life and I will never be tired of it.
22. I am thankful for my job, that I have one to go to everyday.
23. Thankful for cooler weather- the crispness new in the air today!
24. Thankful for a dear, bosom friend, and a few hours with her tonight before she moves away. Thankful for hundreds of hours of precious memories with her the past few years.
25. Thankful to the Lord for answered prayers concerning apt, job, safe travel, ect for friend.
26. Praise the Lord for Elisabeth Elliot and the grace given to her. Thankful for her books that are grace to me.
27. Thankful for beef stew in a bread bowl.
28. Grateful that tomorrow we can wear jeans and a t shirt to work.
29. Thankful for Psalm 105
30. I am thankful that tomorrow is a weekend!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Labor Day weekend in Illinois
Alright- I know- I'm backtracking. But I just uploaded pics from Labor Day weekend when we went home to visit and there were so many great pics I just had to post them.
The Gardner Family on our way to Illinois.
The Gardner Family on our way to Illinois. 
Cody and I with Jared, Jon, Josh, and Jessi Wharton and the newest Wharton, Michelle at Josh and Michelle's wedding reception! What a joy to be with all 4 Wharton kids at the same time- it had been ages! 
At another wedding the same day, I got to see Nichole and Amanda- two of my closest friends from childhood/high school.
I had the privilege to read Scripture to my Grandma Vi ( on left) and her roommate, Neva. 
Cody preached two times at our home church. Praise Him for the opportunity!
Mom, Dad, and I in a golf cart at Duquion state fair. Dad worked at the fair all week and we took him dinner one night.
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