Feeling Blessed.

This past week we started the project of re-roofing out home. Let me tell you, this is a BIG project. I was quite skeptical about us taking this on even though we have had experience with roofing before. Both of us attended a church summer camp during middle/high school that did home repair, including roofing, for individuals in need. We both ended up working at that camp as staff for several summers after high school and got a decent amount of experience. Even with this knowledge (or because of it) it made me nervous to do our own home. So we called a couple of companies and had them come out and give us a quote for what it would cost to roof our home and had my dad help us get a quote for the materials if we were to do it ourselves. The cost difference was quite SIGNIFICANT and what the materials cost was going to be was around what our tax refund was this year. So we are re-roofing our house. 

My dad has much more experience with roofs than we do and has been spearheading the project. I have been little to no help on the actual roofing since there is a Little One to watch and our roof is something steep! I used to be able to get up on a roof no problem, but not any more. 

 I knew that my husband and my dad wouldn't be able to complete the project on their own but I wasn't sure we would be able to get enough help (one of the reasons I was nervous about doing this) but I was wrong to worry. We have had people from my husband's work and people from our church out almost everyday that we have been working on this roof. 

We are so blessed. It is always amazing to me how God continues to provide for us even when we doubt that He will. The roof is not done but I am confident that it will be soon.

Desire.

A few days ago I was having a conversation with a younger person and some how we got onto the topic of what they wanted in life. It went something like this, a house with a big yard to play with their kids in, a nice car, a boat and maybe a beach house. 

I can remember when these were things that I very much wanted for my life as well. Not to say that I would not enjoy these things if we had them but there are things that I want more for our life. 

I want a family that is full of love, for each other and for the Lord. I want to fill our little home with children who are in need of a family. I want to serve the Lord passionately and radically. I'm not sure what that looks like for our family just yet but these are the things I desire right now.

Isn't it funny how God changes our dreams? He created us for love and to serve him and it isn't until we are doing those things that we are truly fulfilled. I would love to say that those are my only desires and God has made me content with exactly where we are.

I very much struggle with being content with what we have right now, that little part of me always seems to want more. I hate those thoughts that go something like this:

"Wouldn't it be nice if we had better cars that didn't have to have the bumper duct taped on?"

"Wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about finances and we had 'enough' money" 

"Wouldn't it be nice if..." there are all kinds of thoughts like this, but I have to keep reminding myself that I am learning to trust that God will provide for us, He has never let us go without before. He is slowly changing my heart, it is very slow, as I am a bit stubborn. 

Has God changed your dreams?

I hope she comes to know and love this story

Wednesdays are for World Changing.

Last week I mentioned that many times I have pass by those on the street asking for money. It is easy to look away, fiddle with my radio and continue on my journey in the comfort of my air-conditioned car. I do not want to do the easy thing, I want to love others and love doesn't ignore. So this week I have packed a small bag with a few comforts to easily pass to the next individual I come across asking for help. Since I like to be prepared I have a small stockpile of travel size items ready for when I go out of town, so most of the items I pulled from there. 

Here's what I included:

Shampoo

Bar of soap

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Floss

Chapstick

Deodorant

Clementines

Washcloth

I have packed these bags before and I love to hand them out. This time though I am going to add the person who receives the bag to my prayer list, so even though the items may not last the impact will.

Wednesdays are for World Changing.

If you were to ask me to describe myself I could give you several adjectives that I think do a pretty good job, such as hardworking, creative, a people pleaser (I'm working on it!), loyal...but apathetic is not one that I would 

choose. When I think about it though, I think a lot of the time I believe it does describe me. 

Apathetic: adjective

1.having or showing little or no emotion: apathetic behavior.

2. not interested or concerned; indifferent or unresponsive

(thank you dictionary.com) 

When I pull off the interstate and there is a man standing with a sign asking for money I avoid eye contact and put him out of my thoughts. When my husband suggests we make a meal for a family I nod but take no action. When I hear of nations going through war and famine I do not pray. 

There was a song playing on the radio the other day and this one line caught me

"Why don't you break my heart til it moves my hands and feet" 

Big Daddy Weave, Love Come to Life 

So what have I let the Lord break my heart for? I don't want to just choose one cause to champion but I want to let my heart be soft so that it can be moved to take small actions that show His great love. So many times I wish I would have give that man some money or something to eat, or offered an encouraging word to someone but my heart was too hard and I did not act. 

When I was little I wanted to change the world! Now I know that I may not be able to bring world peace but I can love and love changes things. His love changes things. I am small but He is not and if I let Him, then He can do work through me. How amazing is that?

So on Wednesday's I will be posting one way to make a difference, it may be offering a kind word to someone, praying for something or taking action. So today I am giving up apathy.