I've recently been reading the book The Blessed Life by Robert Morris. What a great read! I highly recommend it. I've learned so much about managing my money and how God wants us to use His money!
I experienced something amazing recently though that I have to share. This book explains how your tithe is the first fruits of your labor. If we don't tithe, we are robbing God. Malachai 3. I don't want to do that! Also, it's the first fruits of our labor that we are to give to God. In Romans 11:16 it says that when we give our first fruits, the rest of the lump of money is blessed and holy. I was the rest of my money to be holy!
After this, I learned about my offerings being what I give away after I have tithed. Tithing is just returning to God what is His and then our offerings are in addition to the tithe. The offerings are the part God works with in our hearts. I had no idea how hard it would be to give just a little bit more away!! I did it though. I gave $20 over my tithe. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it sure was hard to let go of. After that, I gave a dollar and some change once and then a dollar and forty something cents another time. That's about $22.42 right? God works with our offerings right? Later that week, I got my tax refund. It was exactly 10 times that amount. $2,242. Amazing.
I love it! I'm growing so much. God is so good. I am excited.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Cherry Blossom 2010
The Cherry Blossom Festival!!!! I wait ALL year for it! I love it so much. There is so much diversity in one small compact spot. :) The traffic. The beautiful trees. Spring finally arriving. Tourists! Cameras. Paddle boats. Illegal crossings of the street. Bike riders. Dogs. Indians. Spanish speakers. Asians. African Americans. Caucasians. Strollers. Couples in love. Angry police officers. Yelling. Honking. Laughing. Frisbees. Kites.
Well, I just love it. In my opinion, hands down, the best time of the year in Washington, DC.
This year, I experienced the beautiful adventure with my friends Sherman and Samantha. What wonderful people!
While we were walking, avoiding branches hitting our heads and being snapped in an unavoidable picture, I had this overwhelming desire to become friends with every Indian person I saw!!!! There were so many of them! I was amazed! They were so beautiful with their sarees. The little children had pierced ears with gold jewelry. A lot of them had red and sparkly dots on their foreheads. Some younger women had red down the parts in their hair. The older men had a special way of walking with their hands behind their backs. The older women were serious and looked like they had been through a lot. They were definitely demanding of respect. The younger women dressed in Western clothing and looked happy and so pretty. I am inspired to seriously surround myself with Indians! The amount I saw today tells me there is a serious population in the city. I have to meet them!
How many Indian people can you spot in this photo?
Well, I just love it. In my opinion, hands down, the best time of the year in Washington, DC.
This year, I experienced the beautiful adventure with my friends Sherman and Samantha. What wonderful people!
While we were walking, avoiding branches hitting our heads and being snapped in an unavoidable picture, I had this overwhelming desire to become friends with every Indian person I saw!!!! There were so many of them! I was amazed! They were so beautiful with their sarees. The little children had pierced ears with gold jewelry. A lot of them had red and sparkly dots on their foreheads. Some younger women had red down the parts in their hair. The older men had a special way of walking with their hands behind their backs. The older women were serious and looked like they had been through a lot. They were definitely demanding of respect. The younger women dressed in Western clothing and looked happy and so pretty. I am inspired to seriously surround myself with Indians! The amount I saw today tells me there is a serious population in the city. I have to meet them!
How many Indian people can you spot in this photo?
Friday, March 26, 2010
How can they hear?
My life verses:
Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Get this show on the road!
It has been a while since I've written on this blog. I have to admit that I lost my momentum for a little while. I was starting to doubt that going to India was what I was supposed to do. I didn't know what I was supposed to do next! I decided what I was doing with my life at the River School was not getting me closer to going to India.
Isn't God amazing in knowing exactly what we need when we need it? I went to a leader's meeting at my church. A man from the Virginia church was attending the meeting that day. Grace Covenant Church is part of a world wide church called Every N
ation. My church in DC was started by the Virginia Grace Covenant Church. The man, Pastor Jim Critcher, is a prophet. He hears from God often! How amazing! Paul talks about prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14 if you would like to learn more.
Pastor Jim was walking around the room encouraging, comforting, and confirming events in people's lives. I was thinking, "Oh, I don't need a prophecy. I'm fine. Someone else needs it more than I do." All of a sudden, BOOM, he puts his hands on my shoulders. He told me that I feel like I have had to hurry, hurry, hurry the past few years while I was trying to graduate from Gallaudet University.
Read the full prophecy in my blog entry below.
He said I need to remember that the things in my heart are not dead.
From that day on, my mind has been racing to figure out what steps are ahead. I helped to plan a trip that some of the people in my church went on to South Africa. They helped with an orphanage called Baby Haven who take in homeless children from the suburbs of Johannesburg. I learned some of the behind the scenes steps for sending a group of people short term to a foreign country.
The next step is right around the corner! There is more to come on that step soon, as soon as I find out. Macau, China and Manila, Philippines may be in the future for my summer.
Isn't God amazing? :)
Isn't God amazing in knowing exactly what we need when we need it? I went to a leader's meeting at my church. A man from the Virginia church was attending the meeting that day. Grace Covenant Church is part of a world wide church called Every N
ation. My church in DC was started by the Virginia Grace Covenant Church. The man, Pastor Jim Critcher, is a prophet. He hears from God often! How amazing! Paul talks about prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14 if you would like to learn more.Pastor Jim was walking around the room encouraging, comforting, and confirming events in people's lives. I was thinking, "Oh, I don't need a prophecy. I'm fine. Someone else needs it more than I do." All of a sudden, BOOM, he puts his hands on my shoulders. He told me that I feel like I have had to hurry, hurry, hurry the past few years while I was trying to graduate from Gallaudet University.
Read the full prophecy in my blog entry below.
He said I need to remember that the things in my heart are not dead.
From that day on, my mind has been racing to figure out what steps are ahead. I helped to plan a trip that some of the people in my church went on to South Africa. They helped with an orphanage called Baby Haven who take in homeless children from the suburbs of Johannesburg. I learned some of the behind the scenes steps for sending a group of people short term to a foreign country.
The next step is right around the corner! There is more to come on that step soon, as soon as I find out. Macau, China and Manila, Philippines may be in the future for my summer.
Isn't God amazing? :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What am I doing??
Well, it's been quite a while since I've written anything! I'm very sorry about that. I have been trying to keep myself growing the past few months. My finances are starting to become under control. I have permanently pocketed the credit card and am purely living off of my income! What a crazy way to live! :) It's really awesome. I am hoping to become a better steward of the money I've been given and I am actually saving up for things now so I am prepared for future expenses. Isn't God great?
Valentine's Day right? Usually that is a day when single people like myself are not too happy or thinking
about how long they have been single. Well, this year was not like that at all! How amazing? I've been working through the book Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris with my small group. It's really brought me to have a better understanding of how to date in a healthy way. At the same time, I have been growing more confident in who I am and depending on God instead of people for my affirmation and love. Last year at this time, I was very codependent and that was not a good way to be. I told myself I had to hang out with other people or else I wasn't loved. If people didn't invite me to places or to do things, they didn't like me or want to be around me because I was a bad person. Those were all lies. It took a pretty dramatic event to bring me to change how I was acting. I finally got it though. I am trying to be continually aware of things around me that take my focus off of God in the center of my life. It happens pretty easily it seems.
I just read this book called Going to School in India by Lisa Heydlauff. The book is
about various schools around India and the children that go to them. It really is an eye opening book. These kids, they just break my heart. It makes me realize that what I'll be faced with in India is much larger than I can even conceive right now.
I have been really focusing on what I am supposed to be doing right now. I feel like I should just go!!! I am sick of just sitting around here in DC waiting. I was thinking and praying this morning. What if I just left and went to India next year to work at my church's sister church in Mumbai? It's always an option. I don't think it would be the wise thing to do though. I know I have a lot to learn and a lot of areas to grow in before I am ready to face what is there. God has all the time in the world. There are stories of people always waiting for years and years! Why do years seem like such a long time? I guess God likes to develop patience and faith over time. I can do that. I'll wait and grow.
I've recently taken over the small group I have been attending for a little over a year. I am co-leading it
with a wonderful person. I am definitely learning a lot with this step in my life. The only downfall of this move is that I now don't have any one discipling me. The leader of the group is moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo soon. How amazing is that? I'll be praying for someone as knowledgeable and wonderful as her to continue to push me on my journey. This small group is quite amazing though. I am learning how to care for and interact with women in a whole new way. Who would have thought someone super shy would be put in this situation?
Valentine's Day right? Usually that is a day when single people like myself are not too happy or thinking
about how long they have been single. Well, this year was not like that at all! How amazing? I've been working through the book Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris with my small group. It's really brought me to have a better understanding of how to date in a healthy way. At the same time, I have been growing more confident in who I am and depending on God instead of people for my affirmation and love. Last year at this time, I was very codependent and that was not a good way to be. I told myself I had to hang out with other people or else I wasn't loved. If people didn't invite me to places or to do things, they didn't like me or want to be around me because I was a bad person. Those were all lies. It took a pretty dramatic event to bring me to change how I was acting. I finally got it though. I am trying to be continually aware of things around me that take my focus off of God in the center of my life. It happens pretty easily it seems.I just read this book called Going to School in India by Lisa Heydlauff. The book is
about various schools around India and the children that go to them. It really is an eye opening book. These kids, they just break my heart. It makes me realize that what I'll be faced with in India is much larger than I can even conceive right now.I have been really focusing on what I am supposed to be doing right now. I feel like I should just go!!! I am sick of just sitting around here in DC waiting. I was thinking and praying this morning. What if I just left and went to India next year to work at my church's sister church in Mumbai? It's always an option. I don't think it would be the wise thing to do though. I know I have a lot to learn and a lot of areas to grow in before I am ready to face what is there. God has all the time in the world. There are stories of people always waiting for years and years! Why do years seem like such a long time? I guess God likes to develop patience and faith over time. I can do that. I'll wait and grow.
I've recently taken over the small group I have been attending for a little over a year. I am co-leading it
with a wonderful person. I am definitely learning a lot with this step in my life. The only downfall of this move is that I now don't have any one discipling me. The leader of the group is moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo soon. How amazing is that? I'll be praying for someone as knowledgeable and wonderful as her to continue to push me on my journey. This small group is quite amazing though. I am learning how to care for and interact with women in a whole new way. Who would have thought someone super shy would be put in this situation?Saturday, September 27, 2008
Get Those Finances in Control!!
Well! I officially work with 3rd graders, so fun! I like it way better than I thought I would. The kids are sassy and fresh and keep me on my toes. When I overslept on Friday, I walked in just as the kids were coming and one girl said, "Ms. Overton, did you just get here? You are late!" I said, "No, I'm right on time. Just in time for you to get here." Is that lying to a 9 year old? Also, it is the first time I've been late! It doesn't happen often. :)
Since school has started up again, 4 weeks ago, I haven't been able to learn about India as much as I was this summer. That has bummed me out a little bit and I've been trying to figure out what to do about that. Well, recently, I have become obsessed with getting my finances in order and getting out of debt. It just so happens that there is a woman in my church who manages the budgets of billion dollar corporations who wants to help people just like me! Wow! So great! I e-mailed her and begged for her to help me. We talked a little while last night and now it's the hard part: I actually have to do stuff to get myself ready and in control of my finances so that God can work through me to help me get out of debt. hmm......
What does that mean? Well, possibly not buying Christmas presents this year, not buying new clothing for a while, not going to movies and out to eat, not buying coffee at Star Bucks... etc. It's going to be hard, real hard, especially since I am surrounded by rich children and parents all day long. It's hard to live a humble live style honestly. I have to do it though!! My debt situation is getting out of control. I have to start saving for the school in India. I know this is my time to get my life in order so that it can happen.
That is all for now. No other updates on India! I am learning a lot about being a teacher and excited about what is to come. Who knew I'd be a teacher?? Not me! I still love my job though and look forward to every day I am here!
Since school has started up again, 4 weeks ago, I haven't been able to learn about India as much as I was this summer. That has bummed me out a little bit and I've been trying to figure out what to do about that. Well, recently, I have become obsessed with getting my finances in order and getting out of debt. It just so happens that there is a woman in my church who manages the budgets of billion dollar corporations who wants to help people just like me! Wow! So great! I e-mailed her and begged for her to help me. We talked a little while last night and now it's the hard part: I actually have to do stuff to get myself ready and in control of my finances so that God can work through me to help me get out of debt. hmm......
What does that mean? Well, possibly not buying Christmas presents this year, not buying new clothing for a while, not going to movies and out to eat, not buying coffee at Star Bucks... etc. It's going to be hard, real hard, especially since I am surrounded by rich children and parents all day long. It's hard to live a humble live style honestly. I have to do it though!! My debt situation is getting out of control. I have to start saving for the school in India. I know this is my time to get my life in order so that it can happen.
That is all for now. No other updates on India! I am learning a lot about being a teacher and excited about what is to come. Who knew I'd be a teacher?? Not me! I still love my job though and look forward to every day I am here!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
God's Wake-Up Call
Last weekend, I went to The Call here in DC. It is a huge all day praise and worship get together on the National Mall by thousands of people. It was started by Lou Giglio from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. Anyway, main point- they said at one point to pray that "God would shake the slumber from you in the mornings." I thought, hmm.. I can pray that prayer too! I did for a couple of days in a row, because I do want to wake up in the morning and pray, but it is sooo hard! Well! God answers prayers. He is now giving me a wake up call at 3:30, 4, 5, 5:30 am on any given day since last Monday. I have been having such an amazing time too and I feel so special that God would do that, know what I mean?? It's like, the creator of the universe is taking the time to wake me up in the morning so He can spend time with me!!! It blows me away.
I gotta tell you, I am getting nervous about this upcoming election. Do you really know the crucial information about the candidate you are voting for??? I have been praying for the nation and the candidates every day. I think this is going to be such a pivotal election for this nation.
My India goals came close to being met as the summer comes to an end (can you tell I've been watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics?). I did not make an Indian friend or watch Bollywood movies. However, a friend of mine and I are planning a party with Indian food and movies that will complete that portion of the goal.
I decided to learn a Hindi Devanagari symbol each week by writing it often and learning the sound. Now that school started, my time is going to be limited to how much I can dedicate to learning the language. Who knows though? Since I am waking up so early, I have a lot of time in the mornings! God is hilarious.
Please pray for my upcoming school year at the River School. I am going to be in the third grade class now with an amazing co-teacher who really knows what is going on. I am being very challenged right now with the amazing amount of knowledge I have to learn in a short amount of time. God doesn't give us more than we can handle though, so I know it will be ok. Thank you!
I gotta tell you, I am getting nervous about this upcoming election. Do you really know the crucial information about the candidate you are voting for??? I have been praying for the nation and the candidates every day. I think this is going to be such a pivotal election for this nation.
My India goals came close to being met as the summer comes to an end (can you tell I've been watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics?). I did not make an Indian friend or watch Bollywood movies. However, a friend of mine and I are planning a party with Indian food and movies that will complete that portion of the goal.
I decided to learn a Hindi Devanagari symbol each week by writing it often and learning the sound. Now that school started, my time is going to be limited to how much I can dedicate to learning the language. Who knows though? Since I am waking up so early, I have a lot of time in the mornings! God is hilarious.
Please pray for my upcoming school year at the River School. I am going to be in the third grade class now with an amazing co-teacher who really knows what is going on. I am being very challenged right now with the amazing amount of knowledge I have to learn in a short amount of time. God doesn't give us more than we can handle though, so I know it will be ok. Thank you!
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