two encouraging things
This will sound strange, but I'm so encouraged by this thread about purses! (And now I'm seeing that it's a members-only post, sorry.) The original poster asked some questions about buying purses: Do you get what you pay for when you buy a more expensive brand? What is a way to make sure the purse you want to buy is quality and will last?
In the ensuing discussion, people discuss looking for a purse that will last five years, that has good thick leather, and why it's worth it to save up for a while to buy a Dooney Burke, Coach, or Fossil. They talk about locating an affluent town nearby and going to its consignment shops. They talk about buying from Etsy or an outlet vs. going to the mall. I'm encouraged because here is a whole discussion board full of women who actually consider factors other than current trends in making their purchases! A whole community of people who will not look down on me for wanting to get the best bang for my buck. A way of living that is okay with getting by on just a little. (My actual experience here in Orange County is quite the opposite.)
After reading the comments, I realized that I have a 9-year-old Robe di Firenze bag that has held up stunningly well. I bought it in Spain at El Corte Ingles where it was on sale for what I thought was $13 USD. The exchange rate was favorable ... and then Visa never actually charged me. This purse was essentially free to me! So tonight, I googled it and discovered that it's a $450-500 bag.
*gulp*
Different subject here. To finish out the school year, we've asked some of the more responsible seniors in our youth group to teach the lesson each week. They can pair up, teach solo, or have us help ... whatever. Well, so far they have soloed. And it's pretty incredible stuff. This week's lesson on Sanctification, led by our young friend Tobin, was particularly impacting in my day-to-day life and reliance on God. Here are some notes I took:
Galatians 3:3 says that just as our faith begins by God's power, it continues by God's power. He is the one who works in us; we just need to make ourselves AVAILABLE TO GOD.
- This means staying close to Jesus (consider the woman who was healed in Matthew 9:20-22).
- This means "putting on" Christ, or "wearing" our faith for all to see (Galatians 3:27).
- This means inner renewal -- daily experiences with God and thoughts of God (Romas 12:2, Ephesians 4:22).
- This means not losing hope and living day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
- This means actively training for Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7).
Rules cannot produce growth. God sets us free to make good decisions, to be available, and to be set aside for him. God provides a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and God will complete us (Philippians 1:6).
He gave excellent personal examples of being available to God, and a lot of actually practical steps for application. For example, you know how many of us talked to imaginary friends when we were young? Well, Tobin just kept talking, but to God instead of his imaginary friend. Personally, I talk to myself a lot. Hearing Tobin's encouragement, I've started addressing God instead of my Self in these conversations. It's so much more productive, right?!
Truly, Tuesday nights are "church" for me, both in fellowship and in teaching. It's sooooooo good!
In the ensuing discussion, people discuss looking for a purse that will last five years, that has good thick leather, and why it's worth it to save up for a while to buy a Dooney Burke, Coach, or Fossil. They talk about locating an affluent town nearby and going to its consignment shops. They talk about buying from Etsy or an outlet vs. going to the mall. I'm encouraged because here is a whole discussion board full of women who actually consider factors other than current trends in making their purchases! A whole community of people who will not look down on me for wanting to get the best bang for my buck. A way of living that is okay with getting by on just a little. (My actual experience here in Orange County is quite the opposite.)
After reading the comments, I realized that I have a 9-year-old Robe di Firenze bag that has held up stunningly well. I bought it in Spain at El Corte Ingles where it was on sale for what I thought was $13 USD. The exchange rate was favorable ... and then Visa never actually charged me. This purse was essentially free to me! So tonight, I googled it and discovered that it's a $450-500 bag.
*gulp*
Different subject here. To finish out the school year, we've asked some of the more responsible seniors in our youth group to teach the lesson each week. They can pair up, teach solo, or have us help ... whatever. Well, so far they have soloed. And it's pretty incredible stuff. This week's lesson on Sanctification, led by our young friend Tobin, was particularly impacting in my day-to-day life and reliance on God. Here are some notes I took:
Galatians 3:3 says that just as our faith begins by God's power, it continues by God's power. He is the one who works in us; we just need to make ourselves AVAILABLE TO GOD.
- This means staying close to Jesus (consider the woman who was healed in Matthew 9:20-22).
- This means "putting on" Christ, or "wearing" our faith for all to see (Galatians 3:27).
- This means inner renewal -- daily experiences with God and thoughts of God (Romas 12:2, Ephesians 4:22).
- This means not losing hope and living day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
- This means actively training for Godliness (1 Timothy 4:7).
Rules cannot produce growth. God sets us free to make good decisions, to be available, and to be set aside for him. God provides a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and God will complete us (Philippians 1:6).
He gave excellent personal examples of being available to God, and a lot of actually practical steps for application. For example, you know how many of us talked to imaginary friends when we were young? Well, Tobin just kept talking, but to God instead of his imaginary friend. Personally, I talk to myself a lot. Hearing Tobin's encouragement, I've started addressing God instead of my Self in these conversations. It's so much more productive, right?!
Truly, Tuesday nights are "church" for me, both in fellowship and in teaching. It's sooooooo good!