Its is well

It Is Well

Kristene DiMarco

Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard

Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me

Far be it for me to not believe
Even when my eyes can't see
And this mountain that's in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of sea

So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Tanya Brown

quote

Found this quote and found it pretty interesting.

"Don't worry about meeting the right people. If you meet with God, God will make sure you meet the right people at the right time. After all, there nobody that he doesn't know." ~Mark Batterson

New Toys and God's Abundance

Troy has been telling me about this guy called Dave Ramsey for a long time. Actually when I first met Troy, he was leading a bible study by written by Dave Ramsey. You could do a search for Dave Ramsey to see what he's all about if you don't already know. He's basically a financial advisor who has a radio program and writes books and speaks at conferences.

With all that being said, I'm hooked on this guy, Dave Ramsey. I listen to his radio program nearly every day at work via Dave's website. And needless to say, I'm working on getting out of debt, which I feel is God's best for my life.

Troy is working on getting out of debt too, but unfortunately I'm a little more hardcore serious about cutting back and living like a minimalist for a couple of years so that we can be completely debt free (including the house) in 5 years. In all reality, it will take us a bit longer unless a miracle happens. There are some incidentals which need to be paid (examples: braces for our 2 older kids, tires for the car).

So here are some steps we're taking to get the ball rolling:
#1 We've cut off our cable
#2 We've signed up with a different internet provider who has given us faster speeds and lower monthly payments
#3 We purchased an antennae for local TV shows
#4 We've purchase a Roku (streaming internet box) at a reduce price with Playon, so that we're still able to watch the Nascar races when they are playing on ESPN, instead of a local network
#5 We shopped around for cheaper insurance (both home and auto)
#6 Not that this counts, but we both are trying to get life insurance so if something were to happen to one of us, the other would be financially cared for. (I have to laugh because I'm having some issues getting life insurance because of all the traveling I've done in the last 5 years: Tanzania, Romania, Dominican Republic, & Nicaragua) They seem to frown upon the fact that I travel outside of the US so often. Who knew?
#7 I've been a coupon queen for quite a few years now, but that's just a consistent way to save money on groceries, shoes, clothes, and eating out
#8 We're working towards living on one of our income, and putting the other income all towards debt and mission work. Allowing God's abundance to flow through us, instead of stopping it for our personal gain.

Here's are my personal obstacles: I keep finding these deals which I can't seem to not purchase:
#1 I got a Archos G9 80 tablet for $40. The normally sell for $170.
#2 I found a Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android 3.0+ for $18 at Target today. It normally sells for around $50. So I'm $58 into my tablet/keyboard combo, but now I have the capability of updating my blog, sending emails and keeping up better with my calendar in less time and effort than trying to use my phone. I'm really pleased with this little tablet and this full sized keyboard. I'm using it to type this blog update and it's AMAZING. But now I'm good for a while again without any new gadgets. :-) We'll see what the next item is that I can't live without.

So what are you doing to be more financially responsible?

Daily Challenge #36

Give...

That word just keeps floating around my head this morning.

Give what?
Give to whom?
What will is cost me?
What's in it for someone else?
Who has been praying for me to give?

Troy and I recently went on a mission trip to Nicaragua. I don't have any photos uploaded yet, but once I do, I'll be sure to add the link. We kept a blog while were there, so you can check it out here. The trip continues to capture my heart. From the people we met to the places we visited - there's just nothing like it. We met some people who sleep under the stars - they possess nothing but a few sticks used as cornerposts for their homes. We gave food to the less fortunate ("less fortunate" an understatement!) Yet the people all seemed content, even full of joy to share with us. As Americans our lives are so full that we miss the joy and contentment of life - just living should be enjoyable.

Again I hear a voice in my head saying, "give".

The Lord's prayer requests of God to give us our daily bread. Do I really depend on God to give me food? I have more than enough food in my kitchen to last weeks. Do I expect God to deliver me from temptation? I question that one, too.

One thing I do do, ask God to help me be a giver - to be generous with all I've been given. As you have received, freely give. My heart's desire is to know how to give... and what to give... and to know that God, the giver of all good gifts, will be honored by my giving. God gave us His one and only Son. He has blessed me with 3 sons. Why me - to have 3 amazing sons? Am I giving to them what they need to be givers of life and love and compassion and hope and charity and food? I want to raise up 3 passionate men who know God, the Giver of all good gifts, that they may give to all without finding fault. That's one of my deepest desires.

So, what are you giving? Who needs what you have? Do you believe that you're intended to give to others, and there is great JOY in giving? When is the last time you gave to someone in need? It may be overdue.

Find things to give. Seek out someone who needs God's grace. Give mercy where it may not seem justified. Give forgiveness to those who don't deserve it. Let something go.

Let this thought capture your heart: "It just might be more important to be kind than to be right."

Nicaragua Updates

Just a quick update from Nicaragua. You can read some updates on this blog:

http://nicaraguamission2012.blogspot.com/

Daily Challenge #35

What do you think about when you hear "Salt Life"?

Someone has taken those words and commercialized them, and they are making a killing at it! We see cars and SUVs with Salt Life window decals nearly every day. I think about Christ telling His disciples to be "the salt of the earth". Is that what the "Salt Life" is all about? After checking the website for Salt Life, I don't think that is what is meant. The skulls on the logo indicate to me that Christ's "salty" advice is not what they are emphasizing. But whatever the "Salt Life" window decals mean, I'm convinced that "Salt" and "Light" go together. Humor me for a minute.

Can you imagine going to the beach in the dark? Would seeing the partially clothed bodies have any appeal? How about listening to the waves but not being about to see them? Would that be a place you would want to go to on vacation? Personally I believe it's the light that gives the "Salt Life" so much meaning. But what do I know?

Maybe I can create a website and window decals which say, "Light Life". Think I could make a million dollars?

So the challenge is to think about the "salty" advice of Christ. What are you seeing with your eyes which draw your thoughts to Christ? What do you look at which pulls your affection away from Him? Next time you see a "Salt Life" window decal, you might think differently about what it means to you. Are you living the "Salt Life"?

Luke 11.34  Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.

Matthew 5.16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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Nicaragua or Bust!!!

Hello,

Hope this email finds you well.

This last weekend our pastor was talking about how Jesus went to where the need was the greatest. He didn't wait for people to come to Him. This thought really set me thinking about our upcoming mission trip. Troy and I will be traveling to Nicaragua next month with City on a Hill United Methodist Church. We'll be co-leading the trip with another couple named Anna and Todd Mixon. We can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us in central America.

I've attached a letter, illustrating a few of things we'll be doing while were there. Please take a minute to read through.

We can use your prayers while we prepare for the trip and all the while were there.

Thanks in advance,

Tanya

Daily Challenge #34

What do others do for you that speaks clearly, "I love you"?

This is what Troy and I have been figuring out for each other. Troy does many things around the house, but that doesn't really express to me that he loves me. And I do things for him, but the message gets lost in the busyness of life. His "love language" is different than mine. Partly this comes from that fact that he's a guy and I'm a chick, but even then, we are very different.

When he helps out with the kids, that really helps me to know that he cares about the kids, and frees up some time for me to do other things. Parenting on the same page speaks clearly the Troy loves me and cares for me. (Crazy how love can be communicated!)

So what speaks "I love you" to you?

Your challenge is to make a list of these items. Troy was given a list of 61 items. If he could do one of these items every day, then he would be set for 2 months. Some are pretty hard to accomplish, but others would take very little effort. Some of the items he definitely would score lots of brownie points if he would do than more often!

Share the list with your friends, spouse, kids, anyone. It may benefit someone to know how you feel loved the most.

For me, I like to spend time with people - one on one communication. Anything we can do together, that's the key for me.

Daily Challenge #33

So my life got really busy all of a sudden.

• Been blessed with a new job which is a longer commute and more responsibility.
• School began for Michael & Alex - the older two kiddos. Carson is still hanging out at daycare.
• Carson is getting potty trained - (this is tough one for him!)
• Carson has moved from the crib to his racecar toddler bed.
• I've been selling lots of items on craigslist. 
• Trying to plan for Troy's birthday which is  2 weeks away.
• Preparing for a mission trip which is in 6 weeks - still trying to get our letters sent out.

So, what's going on with you? What's been happening in your world?

So your challenge: do something which has been on the back burner for far too long.

For me, I need to 1.) create and mail our support letter for the mission trip and 2.) write a couple letters to friends who have had some crazy life experiences.

Daily Challenge #32

Been slacking on getting out this Daily Challenge. Please accept my apologies for that.

Troy and I have been running everywhere! Welcome to summer insanity, right? Oh well, I'm sure we're not the only ones going through this craziness.

So our challenge today is to take a moment to sit back, relax and take a breather. Take at least 7 minutes to decompress.

Sit still. Let your muscle take a moment to relax. Focus on mind on something other than work, irritations, expectations, etc. Focus on a word: "Dreams". What would you really like to do? Where would you really like to be? 

We've had some good things happening in the Brown house in the last couple of weeks, but these good things are causing us to scamper around like fools. I need a breather, a true breath of fresh air.

Wants: Books

Margin by Richard A Swenson

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Daily Challenge #31

Sweet spot.

What do you think about when you hear those two words?

What's your sweet spot?

Some of us will be thinking about candy and chocolate. Some of us will be thinking about sports. Some of us will be thinking about relationships. Some of us may be thinking of a place where life feels perfect. Some of us will be thinking of something which makes us feel exhilarating.

How does your sweet spot feel? What emotions does it arouse within you? Do you get any satisfaction from even thinking about it? What reward to you get from your sweet spot? Could any of your friends or family name what your sweet spot is or do you keep it a secret? If found out, would you be humiliated? Is your sweet spot God-honoring or not?

Each of us has a different sweet spot.

So what is the challenge? The challenge is to share with someone what your sweet spot is. Then ask that person what their sweet spot is. You may be surprised at the answer.

When I hear the words "sweet spot" I think about this:

There's a place in South Dakota where I used to go when I was in high school. It's a cemetery on a hill near a large curve on a road overlooking a valley. I've been thinking about that place a bunch lately. I remember going up on that hill and pouring out my heart to God. He seemed to hear me there, and it seemed as though my heart was always mended after those moments up on that hill. I felt relief and freedom when I would go there. There was something magical (and mystical) about sitting among the dead while speaking with the Giver of life in that cemetery.  For the record, no one knew how much time I spent on that hill, nor would anyone guess that is one of my sweet spots. Guess the secret is out.

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Daily Challenge #30

Another beautiful day is upon us. 


As I sit here, staring out the office window, I'm reminded how fortunate I am to be American. Hot water every day. Internet that works. Power that stays on. Nearly everyone has a vehicle. Clean water. Medicine and medical technology to lengthen life and take away pain. Fire trucks. Trash service. Cell phones. Educational systems which provide knowledge. Freedom to worship without fear punishment. Coke. Peanut butter with honey. Trader Joe's.  Ok, so now I'm daydreaming.

Anyway, what things in your life do you appreciate? What could you not live without?

After my 6 months in Tanzania, I discovered that there was very little which I could not live without. But there was one thing: I needed to able to communicate with people. I was forced to learn Swahili so that I could express myself. Without being about to communicate, I was dying.

Carson, our youngest son, is now 2. It's really hard for me to understand him. Most of the time I have no clue what the little guy is saying. I'm praying hard over him to speak clearly. I want so desperately to understand what he has to say. This is how my friends in Tanzania felt. They desperately wanted to know what I was all about, but we we couldn't communicate. One or both of us had to change, otherwise we would always struggle in our relationship.

The great thing about Carson is that he talks all the time, and I love that he doesn't get discouraged. He just keeps trying and trying to get me to understand what he's saying. I believe that he will speak clearly one day, and we won't struggle the way we do right now to communicate. What a glorious day that will be, because I can't wait to hear all the stories he will have to tell. It's going to be amazing!

So what things in your life do you most cherish?
What could you not live without?
Who might you be struggling to communicate with?
Is there anyone in your life who you need to pray for lines of communication to be opened?

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Daily Challenge #29

Truth Versus Lies

I wanted to have this daily challenge be about exercising, and getting your life together, but.. I can't get out of my head this idea of truth versus lies. So how about we go with a little of both.

Exercise:

Do some stretching - even if that means yawning with your arms stretched out over your head. 

Stand up and bend at your waist - trying to touch your feet with your hands.

Balance on one leg for as long as you can stand. Switch legs and see how long you can balance on the other leg.

Stand up straight, stretch your arms straight out in front of you. Bend your knees and then stand back up. 

How does it feel? Can you feel your muscles stretching?

Ok, now onto lies versus truth.

Our past shapes who we are. I think everyone knows that to some extent. And we all to some extent believe that we are what we think. But the questions I'm wrestling with are "Can we control all our thoughts?" and "Why are some thoughts so hard to dislodge?"

Some of the lies which have sunk their evil talons into me are:

I'm not a good mom

We won't have enough money to cover the Nicaragua trip.

I'm not a good wife

Our kids will fail because I have failed

Troy will leave eventually and I'll be left with 3 kids

We won't have enough money to cover all our bills

I realize these are all LIES. They are not the truth. I fight these thoughts/feelings often. 

These are some truths which I cling to:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31.6)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29.13)
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4.8)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Prov. 16.3)

So the second half of today's challenge is to name and write down what lies bounce around in your head. We all have lies which tempt us away from the truth. These lies will keep you for living life to the full. They will keep you from taking risks, growing in intimacy with your spouse, doing what God has called you do, etc.

Let the word of God dwell in you richly. (Col. 3.16)

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Daily Challenge #28

Today's Challege: Upload some photos to your facebook account. 

Anticipation is building...

Can you feel it? Can you sense the anticipation building? I certainly do.

There's a prompting on my life to pounce on a new adventure. I can't avoid it. Seems like every article, blog, book, radio program, etc., that I pick up focuses on discovering what my  passions are and pursuing those passions. It's everywhere! Literally, everywhere. In the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep, I picked up a parenting book from John Maxwell from 1996 called Breakthrough Parenting. I only made it through page 33, but so far it's loud and clear that I need to keep learning. And to do that, I need to figure out what my passions are. (See the trend?)

So how does one figure out what he is passionate about? 

• Listen to what you talk about the most
• Look at your bank account to see where your money is going
• Peruse your bookshelf to see what interests you have
• Think about which websites you spend the most time
• What would you really like to do in the next 5 years
• If money was not an issue, where would you like to be

Check out this personality test: Keirsey Temperment Sorter or this career test: The MAPP Assessment

Daily Challenge #27

'Wow Moments'

Think back over your life. What have been some 'Wow Moments' for you? How did these moments make you feel? What made them so special to you? Were there others with you during these experiences?

Now go and tell someone about one of those experiences. The person you're telling may need to hear about something positive which happened to you. Give as many details as possible. Let them know how you were feeling when it happened. 

It may just help you get out of the funk that you're in on this Monday.

I want to hear about your 'Wow Moment'.

Don't be a quitter

Found these tips on one of the blogs which I follow and wanted to share.

Before you quit anything:

1. Remember once again why you began this course of action. Remember why you started this degree program. Remember why you got married. Remember why you volunteered for this project.

2. Know that anything worth doing is probably going to be very difficult at times. In fact, there may be moments when you feel stuck. Before you quit, ask yourself, "Is this to be expected?"

3. Many people will exit once something becomes really difficult. Anything worthwhile is going to have its "but-this-is-hard" moments.

4. Seek to make progress just today. Take a step or two forward.

5. Talk with people who have a track record of persevering. Learn from them. Remember that there will be far more people who will give you reasons why you should quit.

6. Pray, thanking God for the ways you can become more Christlike even through a very difficult process.

Daily Challenge #26

Prayer Donor

Check out the site - sign up to pray for someone. This could be revolutionary. You might want to write your own prayer as well. Everyone needs a little help here and there.

So what are you wrestling with? What decision are you struggling to make? What needs do you have in your life which don't feel fulfilled? 

Daily Challenge #25

5 minutes. Do you have 5 minutes to spare? I was listening online to Craig Groeschel from Life Church in Oklahoma speak on his new book called Soul Detox. He was speaking of the toxins which corrupt our lives. You can listen to his 3 part message here. I originally found out about the book from this website. It's crazy how you can get from one place to another on the net without even really paying attention where you started from. I recommend listening to the message from Craig. It's a good one, especially part 3.

Back to where I started from: a question. Do you have 5 minutes? Do you think you can spend 5 minutes a day for 5 days straight thinking about nothing by God. Just sit and think of God - what He has done for you, what you are doing for Him, what He desires of you, etc.

Craig says it this way, "You don't have time to not be still before God."

This song by Casting Crowns helps me to realize the need I have to rely on God. Here are the lyrics.

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
No one knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet