"Debt Free"

So, Samantha and I started 2 years ago
the process of Financial Peace University.
We didn't do this the traditional way...
meaning, taking the 13 week course
offered at many differing places.
We simply bought the book, and
trudged along... working through the
steps outlined within.

Now, I'm certain the benefits of taking
the class and working the process
has many benefits to which we may
have missed out on; however, we have
successfully eliminated our debt.
WE ARE DEBT FREE!

The process has allowed us to take
back control of our finances. And as
we gear up to move into the next
phase of the FPU process, we can look
back over the last two years and say
with certainty that any sacrifice we
had to make to remove all of our
debt (mortgage not included) was well
worth it. And we would recommend
to all who can't seem to overcome the
"debt monkey" to take a serious look
at the process.

Debt Free.

Financial Freedom.

It's definitely a weight that we will not miss.

Much the same way, I am spiritually debt free.
Except, there was no FPU course to work
through to help me work out my debt.
No debt snow balls.
No gazelles running my debt away.
No sacrifices.

Quite simply, I can, can't, couldn't do anything about.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Colossians 1:21-22 NIV

"free from accusation"

Freedom from the debt I owe for the sin that is in my life.

Freedom from that debt...
well, that's not just weight missing...

That's weight forever eliminated.

And I for one am so thankful for the spiritual debt of mine
that has been paid in full.

"Never Satisfied"

"Never Gets Old"

"Get Off The Couch, Help Another"

I have spent the better part of 5 years trying
to determine where I am to serve with the
idea of this in mind: "For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10

And over the past few months, the message my
heart has been receiving is just this: "get up
and start doing. Stop waiting for the great
big flashing neon sign to point you in a direction.
If it's some thing that is too be done sacrificially
in service for others, then do it. But if it is something
that leads your heart towards sin, then avoid it.
just GET OFF THE COUCH, HELP ANOTHER."

Therefore, I am declaring the beginnings of
G.O.T.C.H.A. I have no idea what this means
or where it's heading or how this is going to
be put into practice... It's just a starting point.
It's the first step. It's moving my behind
off the four-legged room filler and into
action.

So, look for it.

G.O.T.C.H.A. is coming!

"Roller Coaster"

I stand in line to experience,
what most do call a rush.
The speed at which we travel,
in its seat I am crushed.

As we ascend the beast,
my heart is soaring high.
To the top we climb,
into the endless sky.

Whip around each corner,
my body takes to much.
And as we reached the valleys,
my nerves are calmed as such.

My stomach is full of uncertainty,
my lungs let out a cry.
I stood 3 hours in a line,
and feel that I can fly.

I'm on a roller coaster,
the highs and lows we glide.
I'm on a roller coaster,
with Jesus at my side.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31 (NIV)

"Thought"

Sometimes, the shame you hide, is exactly the reason you quiver.

"Traditional March Observations"

From time to time, I go back and read some
of the stuff that I wrote in years past. It's
a good reminder of how I have or have not
changed over time. It's a good reminder
of happenings from home that I may have
or haven't forgotten. It's a good reminder.

I found today from last March a rambling
of sorts of stuff. So, I figured, with spring
on the horizon to wonder aloud about
things again.

#1 I Contribute To The Obesity Of Nature.

HUH?

Well, I thought the 18 inch, 3 inch diameter
bird feeder full of sunflower seeds was being
emptied by chickadees and finches.
Only to discover the 2 ton squirrel that
enjoys hanging upside down to empty it.
Yeah, this squirrel is so big...
supply your own punch line here.

#2 Listening Is Not Genetic.

In fact, listening is a skill that most
people have to work all their lives
to ascertain.

#3 Laundry =equals= Lawn Mowing.

Both pointless activities that after completed
you can relish in the fact it is over and you've
accomplished something...
Only to remember that in less than 4 days,
you'll need to do it again.

#4 Daffodils.

They are currently 3 inches out of the ground.
I love the spring flowers. When you see them
poking through the surface, you know there
is a hope for the end of winter.

#5 Pittsburgh Style Sandwiches.

Italian bread. Chopped up steak.
Provolone cheese. French Fries.
Cole Slaw. (optional onions, ketchup).
Mm Mm Good.

#6 Vacuuming, Dusting, Washing Dishes.

See #3

#7 Baking Cookies or Racing Cars.

4.5 year old Luke has been adamant for months
now that he's going to race cars when he grows up.
(Pray now please)
Yesterday, he had a change of heart due to his
most passionate love for all things cookies.
He decided he wanted to be a baker.
Which excited his 7 year old sister who informed
him that when she has a family, he then could
do all the baking for her families birthdays,
holidays, etc. free of charge.

Well, some time after the completion of the few
dozen chocolate chip cookies they baked
yesterday, he had a change of heart... he still
wants to be a race car driver.

I guess 2 things come from this:
the roads of Beaver County are safe only for
another 13 or 14 years, and...
sister better start saving for all those cakes
she's going to need in the future.

#8 The Greatest Kid Magnet.

No matter how far away you go...
Downstairs from upstairs,
Pittsburgh from Baltimore,
USA from Uganda...
if you are on the phone, your children
will find you.

Nothing at that moment is more important
to a child when you are on the phone.

#9 Sunshine, Blue Skies.

In Pittsburgh, it doesn't necessarily
indicate a play-outside experience
is going to occur on that given day.