If I'm Not Answering This Call, It's Because I'm Too Busy. Leave a Message.

     I know, two blogs in one day...but I just had to clear up that prochetta/prosciutto thing once and for all.

     Lately I've been pondering the idea of listening to God's direction when I ask for wisdom and guidance and open doors.  I am really a bad listener when it comes to my relationship with God.  I've prayed for a career opportunity, friends, culinary school and much, much more.  But topping out the list these days has been the request for a job that pays the bills and even maybe offers a little extra for entertainment or a living room chair.  I ask, knock, seek and then shut my ears out and don't listen.

      Last week in small group, I admitted to praying for new friends and then turning down invites, or excusing myself for reasons unknown to join the small group months ago.  I asked.  God provided and I said, "no thanks."

       I didn't even realize that I was doing it.  I had no idea at the time, the wonderful people that were in that small group that were there ready to befriend, encourage and love me. 

      Yeah, me, me, me.

      We are blessed beyond measure to be out here.  We know this and look for ways to give back what was never ours to begin with.   It's so easy to clamp up and drive yourself into survival mode until God's voice becomes clear.  I know for a fact that God so eagerly wants to bless each of us.  It's not a matter of opinion.  I know it to be true.  We are blessed in more unconventional ways than I thought I ever wanted to be.  But scripture tells us to give.  And then give more.  I've definitely been a recipient of that giving and am so blessed to be able to pay it forward in smaller ways.

      After the sermon on Sunday it was clear to both Ian and I that God has a lesson for us in terms of money.  Even since then, we've read more on the subject together, not even realizing before we began, that it was going to completely inter-twine with Sunday's message.  God's talking.  For sure.

      On Saturday night, I marked down a cute canister at work that I've been eying for weeks now.  Originally it was $20, marked down to $15 and with my discount, I could buy it for around $10.  I had to wait until the sale started on Sunday, but I thought that was a good enough markdown to finally make that purchase.

       Sunday came and our pastor continued on his Proverbs sermon series.  This week it was about money.  I've never been the most materialistic person.  I like nice things, but it's never been worth going bankrupt over.  He talked about 1 Tim. 6:10.  I learned something new. It's not that 'money is the root of all evil.'  It's that the 'LOVE of money is the root of all evil.'  No, I don't love money the way that I love my family and I'm not always out for the bigger, better, newest toys. But I worry about money a lot.  I put more energy in the love of worry more than I do for my love for God.  Not intentionally, but that doesn't matter.

       So striking a new balance of giving and saving, I've come up with a plan that needs to be put out there in order for me to be held accountable.  After the bills are payed and the tithe is offered, we have comparatively little to give or save.  But that Starbucks canister was so darn cute.... but equally unnecessary.  So here's the new plan:  That $10 dollars I was willing to spend on the canister is going to the savings account. And I will continue to do this as I find things that I think are must haves, but are just not necessary.  Why not to charity, you ask? Because we have found other ways to do that, and while we don't have kids yet, I have to start thinking now about how we will provide in the future. Like, you know, a house. 

      There, now I've put it out there. I can't let my readers (all two of you) down!  And it's a lesson that all good things come from God, and ONLY in His timing.  He's provided friends and He continues to bless Ian in school. (although like all school, it's a struggle.)  But it's clear that God has more for us to learn.  Pray with us that we become good stewards of our blessings, and are responsible with however much is going to come from the awesome career opportunity God has planned for me.  We thank Him for all the love and support shown by so many.  And we pray for open ears to hear God's word so that we can make the decisions that are obedient to Him.