This isn't a Rick Warren bandwagon...

The big name in evangelical circles right now is Rick Warren. He is the author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and many others studies and books. Even after reading "The Purpose Driven Life" I was still skeptical of his "ministry." How could someone who was making so much money and who had so much influence, keep his focus on what truly mattered? I received a forward this morning that answered my questions and turned my whole day around. I've enclosed excerpts from that email below. I hope you'll be encouraged and inspired.

"People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in heaven day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body - but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense. Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others. You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder.

For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book [The Purpose Driven Life] sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do: II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72. First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)? When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

In happy moments, PRAISE GOD; in difficult moments, SEEK GOD; in quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD; in painful moments, TRUST GOD; in every moment, THANK GOD."

Rick Warren

Camp Joshua 2006 (a.k.a. The Year of the Bugs)

Eric and I got back from Camp Joshua in Lees Summit, MO! This is a great camp for kids who have Tourette Syndrome, Asbergers, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ADD and ADHD. My personal opinion for ADD kids is that they just need more activity in their lives! (And switching between activities quicker.) Eric and I were in the same cabin (as a "family unit") with a 6 little boys (11 years old) and they were overall great kids! I know now why God chooses VERY FEW couples to bless with sextuplets! I can't imagine having 6 kids at the same age all at once! One week was enough for me! The week was fun - although Eric and I came home with 45 bug bites each! A fun game to play with your spouse: "I'll Count Your Bugbites if You Count Mine!" Here are some great pics of the week:

Isaiah 1

I realized this morning that I have never read through the book of Isaiah - only a few verses here and there. What a lashing Isaiah gives the Israelites! But, as I read, a few verses stuck out to me:

"Stop bringing meaningless offerings!

Your incense is detestable to me.

New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations -

I cannot bear your evil assemblies...

They have become a burden to me;

I am weary of bearing them.

...wash and make yourself clean.

Take your evil deeds out of my sight!

Sopt doing wrong, learn to do right!

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Defend the cause of the fatherless,

plead the case of the widow.

'Come now, let us reason together,'

says the Lord.

'Though your sins be as scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red as crimson,

they shall be like wool.

If you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the best from the land;

but if you resist and rebel,

you will be devoured by the sword.'

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Isaiah 1: 13-14,16-20

I have been reminded that it is not the "motions" of Christianity or religion that turn God towards us - it is the constant real heart attitude we show in our lives. "Learn to do right...seek justice, encourage the oppressed." This should be our constant motivation in all we do!

Memorial Day 2006

Memorial Day 2006

(Some people couldn't handle the 100 degree weather -

notice who is at the head of the table!)

I think this is the first good smile I've gotten out of Kristin in years!

(She usually has a intentionally goofy expression on her face)

Renee' braved the heat with me...

...as did Sara and Ryan (her "friend")...

...and Great Aunt Beth - with her Great Dr. Pepper...

... and Bridget the Beagle.

There were many courageous people at this holiday gathering!

Along with courageous, there was also a silly squirt present:

(notice the many different moods)

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

Still loving the yard!

Here are the promised "Before and After" pics! I can't believe what a GREAT difference this has made! I look outside in the morning and seeing such a huge project completed makes my whole day happy!

Side note: One-Pan Taco casserole (from previous post) was FANTASTIC!!

Also, check out our adorable dogs:

Sadie is so funny - she tries to be super independent (only allowing us to pet her when SHE wants us to and never seeming to need us except at food times) - but here she is sitting by my feet instead of running outside, even though both doors are open. Longingly looking outside, but content to keep me company.

And this is the "baby" of the family:

She KNOWS how cute she looks with those "sad puppy" eyes and she uses them frequently to her advantage! And usually it's after she has pulled all the dirty kleenexes and trash out of the wastebasket - and she gets out of a punishment! We may not be the best dog-trainers in the world, but we sure like Nala and her little puppy sweetness (even though she's almost 2 years old!)

What's for dinner tonight?

This is a new recipe I am trying out for tonight:
I hope it's good because it looks really easy!
I'll let you know after it's done!

15-Minute Taco in a Pan
Prep: 10 min. Total: 24 min.

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
2 c. water
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 c. Minute Rice, uncooked
1 c. Mexican-style Shredded Cheese
2 c. shredded lettuce
2 c. chopped tomatoes

Brown meat in large nonstick skillet; drain
Add water and seasoning mix; stir. Bring to boil
Stir in rice. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 min.
Top with lettuce and tomatoes.

4 servings

Optional: top with coarsely crushed tortilla chips and ¼ c. sour cream.

A job WELL done!

Eric and I have been WORKING hard (I was so sore on Saturday evening, I could barely move from my spot on the living room floor!) We have spent the last 2 weekends working on our backyard: first, updating and adding to our flower garden (pics above) and then powerwashing, scrubbing and staining our entire deck. If you had asked me if we had a big deck, I would have told you "no" but now I know how huge it actually is! And we have spent time on every square inch of it! As soon as we get a nice sunny day, I'll post our before and after pics of the deck - a GREAT transformation! Now, we really want to get cooking on our house painting! It really needs it - especially compared to our great "new" deck! But, if we don't have the time to paint, I will be extremely content with our great updates we have made!

Happy spring everyone!

Have you ___________ today?

"A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35

Here we go...

A crazy week - and it's only Wednesday! I have been working feverishly to get done with my weekly tasks both at work and home so I can leave for a weekend away with my mom and 2 of my sisters. We headed to Joplin, MO for a Women's Conference at Ozark Christian College. This has become a tradition for my mom and I and even though it is always busy to get ready to leave, I'm glad to just get away for a few days and fill my head and heart with great teaching and Biblical wisdom. Because I still have MANY things left to accomplish before I leave, I'll make this short and sweet. As of June 1, 2006 I will no longer be teaching piano lessons! I told you on my last posting that I was going to be clearing my schedule - and that will definately do it! Eric and I figured out I've been teaching for 12 years! That's almost 1/2 my life! And even though I love the kids (usually) and don't hate teaching, I feel there are other things in my life that should be priorities right now. One of my first posts said we were trying to get into shape - HA! This has not happened yet - and one of the reasons is because I teach until 7:00 most nights a week and Eric and I had no time or energy after eating and cleaning up to do any sort of activity. So, exercising and preparing more nutricious foods will move higher up on the list (have you ever realized how much TIME it takes to actually plan and make healthy foods? Bad-for-you food are so much quicker!) and I will use this empty time to figure out the best way for God to use me. I've been thinking of starting a support group for married women. I think there would be a great demand at our church and sometimes the best way to get involved in something is to start it yourself! Well, so much for "short and sweet!" Pray for my trip - good weather and no car trouble! Here's a great thought for the weekend (courtesy of Heartlight.com)

A New Venture

This picture illustrates a new chapter in my life - I'm going to be coordinating weddings at our church! One of the current coordinators moved and there was an opening that I filled today! I am really excited to add a new activity to my schedule! And for those of you who may be worried that one more activity is not what I need, I'll keep you posted. I may be freeing up a HUGE part of my schedule very soon - I'll let you know as soon as I have definate information!

I'm blogging! I'm blogging!

I apologize PROFUSELY for the lack of posts lately! An Easter season when you work at a church is crazy busy - I haven't even had time for laundry the past 2 weeks. The only things that got cleaned were underwear and socks - until our closet was completely empty anyway! I feel like I am decompressing today - finally - after a crazy two weeks of work. After getting evaluated at work today and talking with my boss I am been pondering two words that came up during our conversation: relevant and Effective. We were discussing how to better our ministry at church and keep our focus in the right direction. Relevant and effective can be used as a measuring tool for any activity: hobbies, housework, pet care, exercise, eating, cooking and time with spouse (talking instead of watching TV, for example.) Even as I sit here I am thinking of all the things I should be doing that would be relevant and effective for my afternoon! By asking myself: "Is this __________ relevant and effective?" I feel as if I can be freed up for only the important things God wants for my schedule! This answers my own question I posted a few weeks back! Have a great spring day! (By the way, the snow melted quickly and the flowers are out on our trees here! Beautiful!)

My "windows" are open!

After Eric and I went to "A Weekend to Remember" in February, I felt like we understood even better how we thought - and here is another insight into the minds of women and men. Check out this transcript from "Family Life Today" for some entertaining information! :)
http://www.fltoday.com/fltoday/default.asp?id=8509

"Just Whistle While You Work"

Today is the day for cleaning! Yes, the deep down, vaccuum-all-the-corners-wash-the-windows-wipe-out-cabinets day! Yesterday we had great bursts of thunderstorms all day and now that the outside looks so clean, it's time for me to do the inside. A quick anecdote before I get to the task list: I started out this morning by pulling all the dogs' bed covers off and throwing them in the washer. Just for fun (well, I did say this was the vaccuum-all-the-corners day) I pulled out the bed in their room - yes, the dogs occupy what would be an otherwise empty room in our house - and saw dog hair an inch thick in between the bed and the wall! Now, for those of you without pets, this is a really disgusting image (and no, I do not have pictures!) but for those of you who love your animals and know that dog hair will never be gone until your dogs are, you understand! Well, let's just say that even though I love my dogs, this was the most disgusting way I've started my day in a long time. So, those of you without dogs, count yourselves blessed that you only have to deal with a few long human hairs in the sink occasionally. I've vaccuumed every square inch of the dog room and feel cleaner myself because of it! :) The task list calleth! Have a happy spring day!

Wise Walking

Two things are on my mind today - first: Eric and I have decided to get in shape. Yes, we have decided on this path before, but this time it's serious! Counting calories and exercising will be our courses of action and I'll try to keep you updated with our progress! I also read a verse this morning that I'm trying to put to use in my life for the next few weeks: "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe." (Proverbs 28:26)I am trying to "walk in wisdom" as I make certain decisions, but it's hard to discern whether I am just doing what I think is right, or if God is the one guiding my path. How do you know which it is? Do I have to wait for the situation to play itself out and then I'll know? Or is feeling at peace with a situation good enough? Sometimes I feel as if I am talking myself into an "at peace" state and never really know!
Eric and I will be walking to keep our bodies healthy and I will be constantly checking myself to see if I am walking in the depth of God's wisdom instead of becoming comfortable in my limited understanding.

A Surprise!

Even though today is the first day of spring, you'd never know it by looking outside! I took these pics only 2 minutes ago (views from our front and back doors!) Amazing the surprises God gives us - this is the only snow we've gotten in months! But, I will not complain, because I LOVE snow! You can't tell from the pictures, but it is REALLY coming down and is expected to keep up for the next 20 hours! As I finish up this post, the snow falling has doubled and it really beautiful - I'm so glad I don't have to drive in it! Yay for snow! (even if it is a bit late.) :)

My first posting ever!

I'm a little nervous as I start this venture! I'm not used to sharing or opening up except to a select few. I feel God's pulling me out of my "close knit" comfort zone to get me ready for something new - so here I go! I have a wonderful husband, Eric, whom I have recently fallen in love with all over again! (Not that I ever stopped loving him, but I am filled with a new appreciation for the man God has given me!) We have 2 INSANE labrador retrievers - cute but crazyMy husband works in the construction industry and I stay busy by cleaning up after the dogs, working part-time at our church and teaching 19 piano students every week.I pray daily that my life mirrors God's plan for me, and want my schedule and activities to be His and not my own. We live a smallish city in the middle of the USA and yearn for the day our home can be surrounded by trees and hills next to a pond/lake. I feel pretty wordy for my first post and hope I can think of more topics for future postings! :) Stop by again - I'll try to update often!