The Journey

I wonder if your heart has been tugged like mine has with the recent deaths in the news over the past couple of weeks?

Natasha Richardson, beautiful 45 year old daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, died suddenly from falling on a beginner ski slope in Canada. She leaves behind Liam Neeson and her two teenage boys.

Jane Goody, the woman who has been battling cervical cancer in Great Britain just died on Monday. (She was 27 and a single mom with two sons. She knew her cancer was fast progressing and felt like she had very little money to leave her sons when she died. So, she agreed to sell her rights to allow tv cameras to witness her departure from this earth. It was the first "reality tv show" that centered around someone dying.)

The three families from California: six adults, one pilot, and seven children all under age 10, who crashed their plane in a cemetery in Montana. The grandfather was waiting to pick them up and received a phone call that he had lost two daughters, two sons-in-laws and five grandchildren in an instant.

Are you struck as I am how one phone call can radically change your life? One decision to go skiing or take an airplane, and your days on earth are done. It's amazing to me how life as we know it, carpools and all, just seem to keep going on while others around us are nearly paralyzed with mind numbing grief. Whenever I have attended a funeral, I always feel so odd when I reenter life.
I am reminded of the hymn, "It is well with my soul."

This hymn was written by an American businessman, Hoaratio Spafford, whose four daughters drowned when the ship they were travelling on with their mother sank to the bottom of the ocean in 1873. The words to this hymn are still sung today, some 136 years later.

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrow like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well, with my soul.' "

Dear Lord,

The days of our lives are numbered. You know exactly how many days we have on this earth. Be with the families and children of those who have suffered such loss in these past two weeks. May we be a comfort to those around us who have also suffered a recent loss. Help us to live each day here as if it were our last, and to cherish every moment.

The ESV Study Bible

Here is a bargain for $32.49. The English Standard Version Study Bible is an incredible resource that is available for the public. It has 2,752 pages which is equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library all in one volume.

According to their website, "the ESV Study Bible has 2 million words of Bible text and insightful teaching in 2,752 pages.

20,000 notes—focusing especially on understanding the Bible text and providing answers to frequently raised issues.

Over 50 articles—including articles on the Bible’s authority and reliability; on biblical archaeology, theology, ethics, and personal application.

200-plus charts—offering key insights and in-depth analysis in clear, concise outline form; located throughout the Bible.

Over 200 full-color maps—created with the latest digital technology, satellite images, and archaeological research; printed in full color throughout the Bible.
80,000 cross-references—to encourage easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes.

40 all-new illustrations—including full-color renderings and architectural diagrams of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon’s temple, Herod’s temple, the city of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time and throughout the history of Israel, and many more."

You can check it out for free at www.esvstudybible.org.

Now go and enjoy and CHERISH every moment!

Kim

Paint Colors and Disneyland Days

Paint Colors

What is it about paint colors that makes it SO hard to choose the right color?

You see it in a friend's house, you love the color, you go and buy the can of paint, and then you put it up on your walls and are convinced it is a different color! The paint stores shudder when they see me coming! One time, I bought 11 different cans of paint for the exterior of my house. You see, I had an orange roof, so the color could not go green or it would look like Halloween. And, I couldn't tell until it was up on the exterior. The color looked different when it was sunny out than when it was cloudy.

I feel really sorry for the painters. Their job is to paint and yet how many times have I asked them, "What do you think? Does this go pink or yellow or green when it's on the wall instead of tan?" (Numerous times, that "painter" has been my husband!)

I have learned a few things along the way...

The type and color of flooring you have, the color of your ceilings, whether or not you have a pool outside to reflect the light, all factor into why the color might look different in your friend's home or different on a swatch than in your lovely home.

The Dunn Edwards paint store will give you free samples in the "flat" type of paint when you are working with a painter. You just need to give them your painter's contractor number.

The Entertainment Book has a great coupon for Sherwin Williams paint. A friend of mine saved $25.00 by using it.

Tear out magazine articles where designers suggest paint colors they love and have worked well for them in a number of houses.

Always get a quart or multiple quarts if you are like me! Paint a 2 X 2 square on the wall and look at it in the daytime and in the nighttime, as it will change according to the light.

I've learned that unless you get a really good designer to help you, who understands YOUR style, the designers will often gravitate toward the paint colors that they like. I love light colored walls and invariably, people have suggested much darker colors than I would have naturally chosen or been happy with.

I just recommended a paint color called, "Softer Tan," (Sherwin Williams) to a friend. I had seen it thoughout a beautiful house in Corona del Mar with bright shiny white molding. I used in my office and upstairs and LOVE it! It does not go pink, nor yellow, if anything it gives off a very slight hint of green like a beautiful khaki. Try it, you just might like it!

Finally, in the end, it's best to follow the old German proverb, "Choose what you love and love what you choose."

And, always remember that it's just paint. The room can always be repainted...like my chocolate brown dining room that I had to change back to white, or my white color that was just a tad yellow and we had to repaint it the RIGHT shade of white.

So, what is the inspirational or spiritual insight from this post? Marry someone who is REALLY patient with you when you are choosing paint colors! And, be thankful for how patient our God is with us at all times!!

Dear Lord,

Thanks for being the God of all creation, who created every color into existence. Thank you that You do not grow weary of us and are always patient and loving. Help us to use your strength to be the same toward others.

Disneyland Days

Did you know that this year in 2009, you can go to Disneyland free on the day of your birthday? So fun! You can sign up simply by logging onto http://disneyland.disney.go.com. My friend, Teresa Genoway, has tried this out and had a blast with her kids. She also found out that you are eligible to then return to the other park (California Adventure or Disneyland) within 30 days for free as well. So, it's basically two days for free! One of the perks for living 20 minutes away from the Greatest Place on Earth!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

"The Dove Dash" - and Deals!

The "Dove Dash"

Do you ever wonder what you're missing, in terms of knowing where God is at work in your community? I know He is always at work. But sometimes in the craziness of life, I am just not able to see it nor to be a part of it.

I was allowed to see a glimpse of Him at work in my community this weekend...
We have an event in our community called, "The Dove Dash." This year was the eighth annual event. It is a 2.5 mile run/walk in support of Ryan Corbin, Pat Boone's grandson. Ryan was 24 years old when he fell through a skylight on a rooftop in LA. A bright, articulate man, engaged to be married, whose dreams were suddenly shattered. Ryan is now in a wheelchair and slowly making progress on his brain injury. Ryan's Reach (http://www.ryansreach.com/) was founded on his behalf in order to help aid brain injured individuals and their families. There is a very moving video of Ryan and his story on the website.

Last year, I REALLY wanted to do the Dove Dash. However, since it is a fundraiser, you need to register ahead of the day of the event. If you decide to just show up, you have to get there around 6:30 am. I didn't get around to registering early last year, so I told my two girls I would wake them up and we would go register and do the run. They were excited the night before. However, when I tried to wake them up at 6:00 am the next day, they both convinced me they would run it next year. So, all three of us went back to sleep!

This year, I was bound and determined to go! I registered myself, my husband, and one of my daughters in advance. It was raining as we walked down our street to the entrance of the community where the race started. It didn't take long for us to realize just how blessed we were to even be a part of this event. Hundreds of runners were there to run for Ryan's cause. Pat Boone dedicated the event, while another gentleman sang the star spangled banner. Just before the gun went off, 20 doves were released into the sky - a symbol of holiness, innocence and fidelity.

During the middle of the run, as I approached the two mile mark, I saw one of Ryan's family members pushing him in his wheelchair. I got all choked up as I was running just thinking of their family's ordeal and how one day in heaven, there will be no more tears or sorrow. Don't you think that some things are just too hard for humans to comprehend and we are just called to trust? This family is an amazing testimony of faith and trust in God, and hope for the future knowing it is in God's hands.

I was in awe of all of the volunteers who it took to pull off this event and to serve a complete sit down pancake breakfast at the end of the run. Even the local grocery store had participated and presented a check to Ryan's Reach for over $6000.

Despite the floundering economy in our land, there was HOPE that tied these members of our community together to support a cause bigger than ourselves.

Despite Ryan's body not working as it used to on this earth, there was HOPE that one day in heaven, he will speak and run as if this had never occurred.

Despite the rain, there was HOPE in the hearts of every runner of the race that they could do a little something, perhaps make a tiny sacrifice, that might help a young individual and others like Ryan.

It was a glimpse of God at work.

I hope the next time God is at work in a mighty way in my neighborhood, I am not sleeping. I wonder what else I may have missed?!

Dear Lord,

Help us to be aware that You are at work. Cause us to remember that you never slumber nor sleep, but You are always at work in our midst. Let us have the eyes to see You and cause us to never be the same again.

The Deals

A friend of mine in Chicago, IL, Stephanie Raquel, told me about a money saving website created by a friend of hers. It is called http://www.bradsdeals.com/ . There are hundreds of coupons available for you to print for all kinds of name brand stores that you will recognize. Some of the savings are up to 75% off of the retail price.

Check it out, so you're not the one wondering what you may have missed!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

Walking in Step with God

My two golden retrievers amaze me. They are very perceptive.

They sleep on the floor in our room and when the alarm goes off they begin to wonder. "Is today the day?" "Do we get to go with our buddies on a long walk?" "Could it really be?!" And, they begin to watch me very carefully. "Is she getting out her workout clothes or street clothes?" The hat, the sweat pants, and the running shoes are dead giveaways.

As soon as they see what I am wearing, they "rejoice with gladness" with non-stop tail wagging, when I am wearing workout clothes. They begin to follow me into every room in the house, and wait in the family room while I make the lunches. They even somehow realize that there is a slight time delay in getting ready and getting the kids off to school, before their walk begins.

But, when I emerge in street clothes instead, they just lift up their heads, look at me and go back to sleep on the floor.

When I see their ability to perceive what is going on, it sometimes makes me wonder about my own ability to perceive what is going on in my own life. Am I that aware of God in my midst? Do I recognize His presence and His plans for me for the day?

Now, what my dogs REALLY don't understand is when I emerge in workout clothes but there is no walk for them, because I am instead headed for the gym where no dogs are allowed. It's a bit of a bait and switch, and a real bummer for them. But, somehow, they don't seem to hold any grudges and are just as happy to be with me when they get to go on their next walk.

I think I can learn a lot from my two pals, Daisy and Lily...

Dear Lord,

Help us to be in step with You and Your plans for us. Help us to be aware of all that you are doing in our midst. And, when we don't understand, help us to trust You because of your great love for each of us.

Money Saving Tip for the Day

I learned a fun tip from John Piper's blog yesterday (his link is posted under the right side column of my blog). He said that you can go to http://share.go-backstage.com/pagecxvi and download some new modern day recordings of some classic hymns. It's absolutely free, I tried it last night. (It's also cool because apparently CXVI stands for the page number where Aslan sings Narnia into being in CS Lewis' writings.)

So, take a look, download them onto your iPod and go take a long walk with God (and your dogs, of course.)

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

The Little Green Table Then and Now

Early on in our marriage, my husband and I travelled to Hungary, behind what was the Iron Curtain at the time. We met a darling missionary couple from the US who were investing their lives with considerable risk and living in Budapest. We were invited over to their apartment and the wife showed us a little green colored table that she had found on an old estate. She bought it for a song and said to me, "I just love how God knows how much I love bargains and provided this for us."

Do you know how someone can say something and they don't even realize that it was significant to you? It made an impact on me because I remember thinking - wow! Does God really care about that for her? For me? Does He love us SO much that He wants to bestow gifts upon us? He does. I have seen over the past twenty years that He loves to do this, because He loves us. He is SO creative, and knows what we will love better than we do ourselves.

Have you asked Him to meet a need in your family's budget? Do you believe He owns everything? "For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." Ps 50:10.

I think this was the beginning of my quest for bargains...asking God to provide for us as our family grew to six people over the years, in amazing and creative ways. How He is able to do it, I do not know. All I know is that He knows our budget, our needs, our hearts, and our desires. He is able, more than able. And the best part is, when we find a real deal, there is more to give away ultimately back to Him.

Dear Lord,

Help us to come to You as our Provider, Jehovah-Jireh, the giver of every good and perfect gift. Help us to see You meet our needs in unbelievable ways - where the provision can only be attributed to You.

The Little Green Table Now...

I wanted to post the above picture to show you a sampling of some amazing bargains that are out there for everyone to find:

Antique Oval Mirror - Craig's List - $25

Old Man/little girl in the boat painting - Goodwill - Originally $25 at the Goodwill but on sale for half price for $12.50.

Golden bird circle - JoAnn's Fabrics - 30% off - $13.99

My own little green table - (Ethan Allen) - Craig's List - $75 - Originally $269.

Italian Soup Tureen - Estate Sale in San Juan Capistrano - $40 - (The very fun God-thing was that the tureen matched the four cups and saucers we had purchased in Italy, four years prior!)

White Swedish Chair - Craig's List - part of a dining room set - approx $60 - originally $399.

I am convinced that finding the deal is more than half of the fun, especially when we realize WHO helped to guide us to find the deals in the first place!

I'd love for you to post your comments about your favorite deals!

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

Blogging and Bagels...

"Life is short and a fevered rehearsal for a concert we cannot stay to give. Just when we appear to have attained some proficiency we are forced to lay our instruments down...How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none. Eternal years lie in His heart. For Him, time does not pass, it remains, and those who are in Christ share with Him all the riches of limitless time and limitless years." A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy

I love this quote and I love the visual of laying down our instruments when He deems we are ready to be with Him. Can we even imagine that day?

I've been thinking about this blog and asking myself, "What do I want the real focus of EVERY MOMENT to be?" Should it be funny life stories about maximizing our resources, or should it be about the Christian worldview, or should it be a blend? I know that I like variety, and I hope you do too, because I think it's going to be a blend. I'm going to keep the format of the spiritual idea to ponder, the brief devotional prayer, and the financial tip for the day. But the themes will vary...and in the meantime, I'm going to keep playing my instrument and praying my music is pleasing to Him! Will you keep playing with me?

Dear Lord,

Remind us of this life being a dress rehearsal for eternity. Please give us your eyes to see the things that are not of this world and let us use our time for Your purposes. May our lives be pleasing songs to You.

Money Saving Tip of the Day

Today's tip comes from Tiffany Carlson of Trabuco Canyon. Did you know that you can purchase a whole bag of day old bagels at East Coast Bagels on Santa Margarita Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita for just $2?

Bagels and Brew on Alicia Parkway also offers half price bagels in the late afternoons. So, check out your local bagelry for a great savings. Slice the bagels in half and pop them in your freezer so they are easy for the kids to toast in the mornings.

Now go and enjoy every moment!

Kim

The Three Things and Three Flavors

The Three Things

My husband and I were privileged to attend an incredible conference this past weekend in Laguna Niguel. It was sponsored by an organization called , "The Council for National Policy" (CNP), of which we have been members for the past five years. It can be thought of as a conservative policy organization that meets three times a year to reflect on the state of our nation and strategize for the future.

Dennis Prager, a conservative radio talk show host, spoke Friday afternoon and succinctly said that there are three things that distinguish ourselves as a unique nation in the world. I am blogging about this topic because I believe it is important to remember to tell others about these three things. Each of us in our individual lives still has the power to make a significant contribution to our American society. Ronald Reagan once said, "All great change in America begins at the dinner table."

No other nation in the world has these three values together: "In God, We Trust," "Liberty", and "E Pluribus Unum" (from many comes one). And they are all found on our US dollar. Liberalism is at war with all three. Here is why in Dennis Prager's opinion, the combination of these three things make our nation unique.

1. On our currency is printed, "In God, We Trust." Our society is unique in that it is based on Judeo-Christian values. Most people do not know what is inscribed on the Liberty Bell, including me. Do you? Do your children know? It is taken from the book of Leviticus 25:10, in the Torah of the Old Testament. It says, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all of the inhabitants thereof." Let us not forget that our ethics come from God, from His word in the Old Testament.

2. Liberty. We are all born equal, before God. Liberty is the freedom to be all that one can be, with a minimum of restrictions. It is not to be a decision between liberty or equality, for they cannot truly coexist at the same time. Liberty is opportunity and equality means that some will be limited to give others an equal chance. We are to be liberty oriented, not striving for equality as in most European societies. Focusing on liberty (and not equality) and the opportunities that come from it, is a major strength of our nation.

3. E Pluribus Unum - from many comes one. No where else does an immigrant become assimilated into a culture and truly become a part of that society. One can grow up in Turkey, immigrate here and immediately become an American. Today we are told that multiculturalism is the strength of our nation - that is not exactly true. We have always had many cultures, but we should not promote multiculturism, as it is the opposite of assimilation. It preserves our differences rather than uniting us. We are to promote assimilation, becoming American and a part of our great nation for those who CHOOSE to immigrate here. We do not care where you come from, and no where else can you become as accepted as here.

I saw this firsthand when I lived in Sweden for a year in the 1980's. Turks, Egyptians, and Iranians immigrated there and their country's policy was open toward them. However, once they immigrated they were never truly received as a part of Swedish culture. They remain Turks, Egyptians, and Iranians in that country today even as Swedish citizens.

These three things are what Dennis Prager, a Jewish scholar, referred to as the American Trinity. Can we be challenged by the quote from Ronald Reagan to discuss these ideas around our dinner tables with our kids or coworkers? Pose the questions, "Why is our nation unique? Why is it important that we recognize and fight to preserve and protect its uniqueness?"

Dear Lord,

You are the author of the Old Testament and the New Testament, the books from which so many of the values of our nation have sprung. Let us remember to pass on your truths, your commandments that have given us our ethics. May You find us faithful. Help us to do our own part in proclaiming your truth.

Three Flavors

Close by to where we we stayed in Laguna Niguel is my absolute favorite, by far best bargain yogurt place around. It is called Kultured Kitchen. (Exit the 5 Freeway at Camino de Estrella and head west. It will be on the south side of the street a couple of lights down the road.) It is a mom and pop shop, non-franchised, with huge portions. A small yogurt is $4.17 which includes three of my favorite flavors: coconut, mocha, and cappucino and a bag of carob chips and peanuts. A real bargain for a lunch or a perfect treat for the kids after a day at the beach.

Now go and enjoy every moment and discuss our great nation with your kids!

Kim