Lessons From a Widow

In my previous post, I mentioned that my Bestie was on the trip of a lifetime in Israel...well, she wasn't alone.  She was there with her husband, my sister and brother-in-law and 200 people from our church!  Several of our pastors took this gargantuan group on a tour of Israel, seeing some of the most important places described in the Bible.  My husband and I were pretty bummed we couldn't make it this time around, but look forward to going in the future should the Lord will.

Upon their return, my Bestie and Sis let me know they had brought me back something from Israel.  They wouldn't give it to me until they were both present (which took almost a week for all of us to get in the same place at the same time), but when they did I was (and continue to be) blessed by their gift.

What is it?  Oh, I'm so glad you asked!

Inside this necklace sits a mite, a small copper coin, and there is a pretty phenomenal story about a coin like this in the Bible...

Luke 21:1-4 

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.  And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Did you catch that?  She put in all she had to live on. ALL SHE HAD TO LIVE ON! Wow.

I think there are a couple important things to note about this passage of Scripture.  First, the Bible describes this widow as "poor."  The Greek word used here expresses extreme poverty...not the kind of "poverty" that we see here in Orange County...real poverty. Completely destitute.  Utterly and completely poor.  Surely, someone in this extreme situation is not one we would normally see in the position of giving.

Second, Jesus says she gave more than all of the others.  How does that make sense?  Monetarily speaking, there probably wasn't anyone who came close to giving as little as she did.  She gave what would be considered about 1/4 of a penny.  She gave practically nothing.  And yet, she gave everything.

The poor widow in this story demonstrates a complete reliance on God's provision.  She knew who allowed her to have the copper coins to begin with, and she gave them back to him out of a heart of obedience, worship and sacrifice.

I know that everything I have belongs to the Lord and he wants me to use all that I have to serve him and his church. While I may not ever be in the position where I have to give my last 2 pennies,  Paul said,

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. 2 Corinthians 12:15a

Paul was willing to spend his financial resources and be spent (physically and emotionally) for the sake of the Corinthians.  As my husband and I prepare to enter into the Fall, which for us, is a busy season of ministry, the widow and Paul challenge me to spend and be spent for the glory of God.  I want to have a faith like the widow's: a heart that trusts God completely, obeys him wholly, and sacrifices all for his glory. I'm so thankful for the coin hanging around my neck that reminds me of her example.

From left to right (my Sis, my Bestie, and me), wearing our Widow's Mite necklaces.

Encourage, Love, and Prefer Your Husband - 30 Day Challenge

A couple weeks ago, my Bestie (best friend) told me that she did a 30 day challenge to facilitate encouraging her husband on a daily basis.  She shared it with the girls in her small group and together, they all encouraged one another to do it and held each other accountable to the challenge.

After a couple weeks of this idea bouncing around in my head, I decided to take it to my small group as well.  Unfortunately, by the time I decided to do this, my Bestie was on the other side of the world (on the trip of a lifetime to Israel)!  So ya know what that means...I couldn't copy her list.

So there I sat, thinking up ways I could verbally, tangibly, physically, emotionally, and spiritually - not only encourage - but also love and prefer my husband for 30 days straight.  But I needed a little help (it's hard to think of a different idea for every day!), so I reached out to some other leaders in our marriage ministry and asked for their input. They gave me some great ideas.  The list still needed a few more items so I took it to my small group and together, we finished the last few challenges.

The purpose of this challenge is to spend 30 consecutive days intentionally showing a different form of encouragement, love, or preference to your husband.  Sometimes, we can get in the pattern of always doing the same thing over and over.  Hopefully, this challenge will give you some new ideas to continue to do after the challenge is over.  It is important to note that the purpose of this challenge should not be to draw attention to yourself, but rather, to humbly serve and love your husband in a way you maybe wouldn't normally think to do.  Some of the challenges are easy and won't require too much time or effort.  Others are a little more intricate and will require time, effort, and planning in order to complete.

I hope you consider joining us on our 30 Day Challenge, all you need to do is copy this list and leave it in a place you can see it everyday.  Please leave a comment if you intend to join us, and keep me updated on how the challenge is going for you!  Without further ado.... 

Encourage, Love, and Prefer Your Husband

30 Day Challenge

Day 1: Leave your husband an encouraging note somewhere that he’ll find it.  Let him know how thankful you are for all he does.

Day 2: Do something around the house today that he usually does, or something that you know he will appreciate having done (take out the trash, pick up his laundry, organize his closet, anything you think he’ll appreciate!)

Day 3: Buy his favorite candy at the grocery store.  Slip it into his lunch, or surprise him with it when he gets home tonight.

Day 4: Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain at all today to your husband, or about your husband.

Day 5: Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do today and instead, spend that time focusing on your husband.  (Maybe no Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram tonight?)

Day 6: Let tonight be a Date Night In. Prepare a special dinner tonight for the two of you.  Put the kids to bed early, or let them watch a movie, while the two of you enjoy each other’s company over some good food, and maybe some candlelight!

Day 7: Put extra effort into your appearance today for your husband (wear his favorite outfit, do your hair the way he likes, do your make-up the way he likes, etc.)

Day 8: Write your husband an encouraging verse on a post-it note or index card.  Leave it someplace he will find it (in his car, on his pillow, in his briefcase, etc.)

Day 9: Take the kids to visit your hubby on his lunch break.

Day 10: Publicly encourage your husband today, either on social media or in front of others, say kind words about how hard he works and what a great husband and father he is.

Day 11: When your husband gets home from work today, be as excited to see him as your children are.  Run to him, throw your arms around him, kiss him, hug him, let him know how happy you are that he is home.

Day 12: Initiate prayer tonight with your husband.

Day 13: Send your hubby a flirty text message letting him know you can’t wait for him to get home tonight.

Day 14: Wake up early today and prepare your husband’s favorite breakfast.

Day 15: Identify something that is troubling your husband or that he is worried about.  Commit to praying for this issue today and let him know you are praying for this issue.

Day 16: Make your husband’s favorite lunch and pack it up for him to take to work today.

Day 17: Rent his favorite movie tonight, get his favorite candy and some popcorn.  Then snuggle up close for movie night!

Day 18: Compliment a physical attribute about your husband today.

Day 19: Initiate Bible reading tonight with your husband.

Day 20: Plan a date night for the two of you and plan to do his favorite things (maybe go to his favorite restaurant, go see a movie he has been wanting to see, go do his favorite activity, etc.)

Day 21: On a note card or piece of paper write, “I love you because…” and then make a list of at least 10 reasons why you love your husband.  Surprise him with it tonight.

Day 22: Ask your husband what he would like to see done in the home today then, make sure that task is accomplished by the time he gets home.

Day 23: Give your husband a back rub tonight.

Day 24: Commit to praying for your husband throughout the day today, then text, e-mail, or call your husband today and let him know you are praying for him.

Day 25: Wash his car.
Day 26: Remind your husband of a recent success he had, and let him know how proud you of his successes and his hard work.

Day 27: Initiate intimacy tonight.

Day 28: Join your husband for a hobby he likes to do (golfing, surfing, mountain biking, etc.).

Day 29: Make today “Surprise Father’s Day.”  Have your child(ren) make him cards, get him a little gift, make his favorite dessert, and show him how much you appreciate the father he is to your child(ren).

Day 30: Ask your husband to make a list of his 10 favorite things you did this month.  Keep that list someplace safe and use it as a reminder the next time you want to show your love for him.

Sick but Blessed

I'm sick.


I woke up last night with a fever, chills and a cough that was driving my poor husband crazy.  Neither of us slept well.  He got up before the sun came out...I slept in long after the sun came out.  The girls and I had big plans for the day: the beach with friends, frozen yogurt on the way home, and church tonight.  We were so looking forward to the plans we had.  Instead, my sweet girls spent the entire morning (and better part of today) taking care of me.


They both woke up, got themselves breakfast, quietly came and sat on my bed, and turned the TV on waiting for me to wake up.  When I did wake up, I tried to get out of bed, but my precious oldest daughter said, "No, Mommy.  You need to lie down today."  My body felt so weak, I didn't argue with her.  She then whispered something to her sister and they dashed out of the room.  I closed my eyes and tried to suppress the cough I felt coming.  I couldn't fight it, I erupted in a coughing hysteria.  When I opened my eyes, both my girls were standing in front of me.  My oldest had a bottle of water and a bottle of Advil in her hands.  The youngest had the thermometer and the Vick's Vapor Rub in her hands.  Both had looks of concern on their faces.  They proceeded to bring me water, snacks (which consisted of Fritos and Cheetos...I didn't eat them, but I smiled and said "thank you"), take my temperature, and snuggle with me.


When I finally drug myself into the shower, I discovered when I got out: a pair of jeans, a shirt, and a pair of shoes were laying on my bed. They had picked out my clothes for me for the day.  The oldest told me she is my "Special Nurse" and the youngest told me she is my "Special Person to Make You Feel Better."  Sweet girls.  Sweet blessings.


Today I've been praising God for letting me be a Mom...especially the Mommy of these 2 girls.  I think of Psalm 127:3&4, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are children born in one's youth."

I know my children are like arrows...someday, my husband and I are going to have to shoot them out into the world.  So with that in mind, I cherish sweet moments like today.  I'm going to remember their sweet voices whispering to me that I'm going to be ok, and I better drink all my water, and not to get out of bed one more time or they will tell Daddy.  I'm going to remember someday that they thought it was perfectly reasonable to bring Cheetos and Fritos as a snack to a sick person.  So today, I'm thankful I'm sick because it brought me to an acute realization of how very blessed I am, and when I think of how blessed I am it causes me to worship and praise the God who blesses me, so undeservedly.

I know this isn't how I envisioned the day...it's not the day I had promised them, but even though my body feels awful, my spirit is filled with joy.

Me and my girls.  *Disclaimer: this pic was taken a few days ago.  No, I will not post a picture of myself while sick.

Birthday for a Bug

Our "baby" is officially 4.  How is that possible?!  Although her birthday was on Monday, we celebrated on Sunday with a day at Disneyland!  Here are some pictures from the day...

The birthday girl!

Dancing in the streets of Disneyland. =)

Opening presents in the streets of Dinseyland...I should also mention, she picked out her own  birthday outfit. =)

Our handsome nephew and my Schmoopsie!

Our ZuZuBe and her Nana

The birthday girl with her aunt, uncle and cousin

Now I've got that handsome boy!

The cousins. <3

She loves her Nana!

The crew -3

It was a great, fun, (and exhausting) day!  Some of our friends came and met up with us in the evening as well, and we all had dinner together.  Aside from a couple temper-tantrums (nothing a little correcting and redirecting didn't solve) it was a perfect day!  The Love Bug was beyond excited to have her family and friends at Disneyland to celebrate her birthday.

We are so thankful that our daughter is healthy and strong, and that we have been given the opportunity to raise her.  She brings so much joy and laughter to our family, we could never imagine our family without her, and can barely remember what life was like before she was around.  Schmoopsie and I continue to pray we will have the wisdom to faithfully raise her (and her sister) in the knowledge and fear of our Lord.  We are so blessed to be this girl's Daddy and Mommy!  Happy birthday, Love Bug!!!

Exhausted after a full day at Disneyland.

Proof of Purchase

On Sunday we went to Best Buy to get a Roku box for the "new addition" to our family, Stevie the TV (read here about the birthday present I got Schmoopsie).  As we proceeded to the register, Daddy let The Bug hold the Roku box, and then let the ZuZu help him pay at the cash register.  He handed ZuZu the receipt to hold as we walked out of the store.  We climbed into the car, with The Bug holding the box and ZuZu holding the receipt.  

As we headed home, Zuzu said from the back seat,  "Daddy, what is a receipt?"  Schmoopsie answered, "A receipt is our proof of purchase.  It is what we show people so that they know we paid for what we bought.  It is our proof that what we bought now belongs to us - and no one can take it away from us since we bought it."  This answer satisfied her and she simply said, "Oh, I get it!"

As we drove the rest of the way home in silence, I started thinking about how much Schmoopsie's answer reminded me of another proof of purchase.  As a Christian, I also have a proof of purchase: the Holy Spirit.  The Bible not only says that Christians receive the Holy Spirit at the point of their conversion, but that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our salvation, our proof that we are sons and daughters of God.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14

Most people are familiar with Jesus' last words on the cross.  He said, "It is finished" (see John 19:30).  In English, this phrase translates into 3 words, but in Greek, it is actually just one word, "Tetelestai."  "Tetelestai" is actually an accounting word.  When a debt had been paid, the accountant, or lender would write "Tetelestai" over the bill.  "Tetelestai" meant finished, complete - the debt had been paid.

I have been redeemed, bought with the price I could never pay on my own.  Yet in Christ, my debt has been paid, and I have a guarantee, a receipt, a proof of purchase: the Holy Spirit.  What joy and confidence I have in knowing that I am his!  He has given me his Spirit to help me (John 14:16) and make me more like my Savior (Galatians 5:16).  Nothing can take me away from the Father because I have his proof of purchase.

The Birthday Bash

My sweet Schmoopsie (by the way, he is really loving that I am referring to him as "Schmoopsie" on my blog...tee hee hee) turned 29 on Friday!   Since this is the last year of his 20's, I decided we needed to have a proper celebration...so that is what we did.  Well, let's be honest...it wasn't "proper" but it certainly was a celebration!

Friday was a hectic day.  He worked all day long and got home in just enough time for the 4 of us to hop in the car and head to church where he was teaching in the youth ministry for the 5th and 6th graders.  The sweet leadership team of the 5th and 6th grade ministry sang him "Happy Birthday" and got him a couple books to add to our library!  He was exceptionally excited because one of the books he received was on his Wish List, and they didn't even know it!  (Thank you JP and team!)

His presents from The Edge team!

Teaching

So, Saturday was the day we celebrated the big 2-9 by having the fam over for dinner and dessert!  Of course now that I'm on Pinterest, a normal get-together is no longer sufficient so I had to add just a few decorations to keep things (p)interesting! =)

Happy Birthday banner!

Schmoopsie told me he wanted to do a "Hamburger Bar", so I went and bought every hamburger topping I could think of, this way, everyone could build their own burger.  Everyone loved it and the burgers sure were delicious!

The sign reads, "Mike's Hamburger Bar"

Some of the delicious toppings: Sauteed Mushrooms, Roasted Bell Peppers,  Lettuce and  Tomato

I made place-cards for every topping.  Here's an example of the Teriyake Marinade and Pineapple.

The Birthday Boy and our bro-in-law grillin' away!

If I haven't mentioned it before, my Mom-in-law is an INCREDIBLE cook/baker.  You name it, she can make...and make it well!  When she offered to bring something for the celebration, I knew exactly what my Schmoopsie would want...his favorite, German Chocolate Cake.

The delicious and incredible German Chocolate Cake my Mom-in-law made!

Our sweet ZuZu (she had changed into her jammies by this point in the evening) and my Mom -in-law.

I was dying to get to the point in the evening where we could give Schmoopsie his presents.  I have been saving for quite some time, and I just couldn't wait to give him his special surprise! I knew he was going to be completely shocked...and he was!  After he opened all of his cards/gifts my bro-in-law carried in his "big surprise"...

Surprised by this big present...

Opening in disbelief...

I did well! =)

He loves it!

We sang "Happy Birthday", grubbed down on some delicious cake, and then lounged around in our Post-Prandial Lethargy (otherwise known as, a food coma)!  A while after we had finished our cake, I looked around the room and noticed Schmoopsie was no where to be seen.  I grabbed my camera, crept upstairs, and found exactly what I expected...

Caught!  Ditching the party to set-up his new tv. =) 

Schmoopsie and Stevie (the tv)

We spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing into the night.  Schmoopsie told me, after everyone left, that he felt spoiled and loved (as we all should on our birthdays), and I felt like my mission was accomplished!  I love this man so much and am so proud and blessed to be his wife!  I can't wait to see what God has in store for him (and us) this next year.  It's been quite an adventure up until now and I don't expect this year to be any different.  My greatest wish and prayer for my husband is that he would continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus this next year, and that he would be continually used for God's glory.

Happy birthday, my Love!  May your 29th year be your best yet!

A few more pictures from the night...

Everyone gathered around while he opened his gifts

One of our little beauties...I just LOVE this pic of our Love Bug!

Love Bug stole the camera and started snapping away!

Another picture by the Love Bug...and her uncle acting silly!

Miscellaneousness and Valentine's Day

I think I have wanted to write every single day since the new year has begun.  We are now 46 days into 2012, and this is the first time I have had...well wait, that's not true.  It's not just about having the time, but also having the energy to write...


I wanted to write about The Equipped Conference my church held for its leaders and all that I learned there.


I wanted to write about my Dad's wedding day and the goodness and faithfulness of God that was displayed throughout the day.

A bird's eye view of the wedding.  It was a gorgeous day!

I wanted to write about a message our pastor and his wife gave about Biblical discipline in parenting, and all that I learned from their wisdom.  (You can listen to this message here)


I wanted to write about a sermon I heard by Pastor Raul Ries about the woman caught in adultery from John 8, and Jesus' command to her to "go and sin no more."  (You can read this story here)


I wanted to write about the snowboarding trip my Schmoopsie and I took to Brian Head, UT with some other couples from the marriage ministry we are in.  (In my mind, this was going to be a hilarious post where I was incredibly witty and even poked fun at how violently ill I became our last morning there.)

The Kid Table

Me being towed up the Tubing Hill

Schmoopsie flying down the mountain

Me and some of the girls

Hubby Lovey and some of the guys

The whole Brian Head crew...minus 3

And lastly, yesterday, I wanted to write about Valentine's day...well, since I only missed it by one day...


Yesterday was Valentine's Day...it was a great day.  The morning started off with both my girls climbing into bed with me and snuggling (always a great way to start a morning).  Once we got out of bed, we went downstairs for a "special" breakfast.  There's just something special about the smell of bacon in the morning, isn't there?  The ZuZuBe was DYING to get to school all morning because she knew she had a "Friendship Party" where she and her classmates were going to exchange Valentines.  So by the time I dropped her off, she was practically jumping out of her skin to get in the classroom door!

The Valentines she gave to her classmates...thank you Pinterest!

After I dropped her off at school I had to go into work for a few hours, but I couldn't wait to get home to my 3 Valentines. Hubby Lovey had already found his card and opened it...

This was my card to my Schmoopsie, the inside reads, "Happy Valentine's Day to my main squeeze!"

When I came home I didn't see any flowers or a card addressed to me...I won't lie to you, my heart sank a little.  That's when I saw his opened card on the table, so I said, "I see you already opened your card."  He said, "Yes!  I loved it.  Thank you!  I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to get you a card."  I put my bravest face on and said, "That's ok, Honey.  I know things have been crazy busy for you."  He kissed me and gave me a hug.  When I pulled back to look at him he handed me a folded up piece of paper (which he had clearly pulled out of his pocket while hugging me) and said, "I didn't get a chance to get you a card...but I do want you to have this..."  At this point I was grinning like an idiot, good things always come from folded up pieces of paper in his pocket!  I unfolded the paper and there was a picture of TOMS shoes on it!  (Now for those of you who don't know, I have been wanting a pair of TOMS for a few months now!)  Not wanting to assume anything I said, "What does this mean?!?!"  He said, "You can order any pair that you like!  I wanted to order them for you, but I wasn't sure which pair you wanted."  This was of course followed by me jumping up and down, kissing him, and tell him what an amazing husband he is!  Insert repentance for being filled with self-pity when I didn't see anything when I walked in the door.

After all that, we had dinner together as a family.  After dinner, Hubby Lovey took the girls over to the couch and read them the story of St. Valentine. Then it was business as usual for bed-time.  When we came downstairs after putting the girls down, Schmoopsie immediately grabbed ZuZuBe's bag that had all her Valentines in it.  He sorted through EVERY one of them carefully reading every word (I think he was checking to make sure there was no 5 year-old-boy making any expressions of love for our daughter). Ha ha, I love my protective husband!  At the bottom of her bag he found a pink card that had probably a million heart stickers all over the front of it, he handed it to me and said, "What's this?"  I said, "I don't know." I started to open it, then I let out a little gasp...

Our daughter's first Valentine...addressed to us.

It was a Valentine...for us.  Tears immediately filled my eyes as I looked up at Schmoopsie and said, "It's for us..."  I can't describe the smile that crossed his face as he read it.  It is now proudly displayed on our mantel.

As we were lying in bed that night, I couldn't help but count my blessings and thank the Lord not only for what a special day it had been but also for all the undeserved blessings he gives our family.  I was thinking that the day couldn't have been any better when suddenly, Schmoopsie handed me the Ipad and said, "Oh yeah, pick one."  I grabbed the Ipad from him to see 3 different phones displayed on our cell phone carrier's website.  "What?"  I said, a little confused.  "You are getting a new phone, so pick which one you want."  Wow.  Just when I thought it couldn't get any better.

Now, don't get me wrong, I loved the gifts, but it wasn't about the gifts, it was about the love and generosity of the one who was giving them...and not just the immediate one who was giving them.  The Bible tells us:


Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17


Ultimately, God is the one who provides every good gift I have.  He is the one who receives all of my love,  praise, and devotion because he gave me the greatest gift of all, my salvation.


"For one will scarcely die for a righteous person - though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:7-8


Think about that for a moment.  One will scarecly die for a righteous person.  How many people would you die for?  Maybe your husband or wife?  Maybe your children?  Maybe even your mom or dad or sister or brother?  What about your enemy?  Think about that one person that just rubs you the wrong way, or that person who has offended you in the past, or maybe even it's someone you truly hate.  Would you die for them?  No.  You wouldn't.  But that is exactly what Christ Jesus did for us.  He died for us while we were his ENEMIES.  He died for us while we spit on him, hung him on a cross, mocked him, disobeyed him, broke his commandments, and turned our backs on him.  He bore the wrath of MY disobedience to God, of YOUR disobedience to God.  And he did this all while we were his enemies.  While I was his enemy.  Now that is love.


I hope this Valentine's Day you know the love of Christ.  The love that calls you now to turn from your life of disobedience of God's commandments and turn to a life of trusting that what Jesus did on the cross takes all the punishment you have in store.  If you already know the love of Christ then I pray that you boldly share about his love with others.


I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day, and thanks for catching-up with me!  I am resolved to post more often!