Again

Juliana broke her arm again. Yes, the same one she broke last year. Thankfully the rods were still in it, so when the bones broke the rods kept them stable. The orthopedist at CHOA rebent the arm back and put the cast on it. I was so relieved that there wouldn't be another $10,000 surgery to put the rods back in.

For the next few weeks Juliana will be wearing a black cast.

Debt fight

2010 is the year I am going to make huge progress on eliminating my debt.

At least, those are my plans. Last month was the highest amount I've ever owed and I refuse to go higher (an emergency could bite my butt--Murphy could move in).

I've had a spreadsheet to track all purchases, but now I'm going to track my percentage paid. Something to give me incentive and hope. So, at the right I'm starting at 0% for February and look forward to that percentage going up in March!

Tomorrow (going to give myself some time to find it) I'm going to start Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University--I've actually owned it for the past 3 years, but never listened to. Yea, me!

Pray for my diligence, focus, gazelle-like intensity!

"Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else!" - Dave Ramsey

Prayer and Matt Chandler

This morning I read a powerful story of Pastor Matt Chandler. He has been diagnosed with a stage 3 brain tumor. His outlook is amazing and humbling. Reading his story has lead me to their family blog, The Chandlers.

In an October 24 post Lauren said,

"I'm praying because I want to know Him. I want to be a part of the advancing of His Kingdom. I want to see change--in me and in others. I want to fight sin. I want to humble myself before the Sovereign King."

I've struggled with prayer and the idea of prayer. Does it work? The bible says He knows our days before they happen. So how does prayer change that? Does He change his mind about paths if people pray?

In that same post Lauren also says:

Pray. For it is fellowship with God.

Pray. For it is a beckoning to join with God in accomplishing His eternal purposes.

Pray. For it truly changes things.

Pray. For it is a means of confession + fighting sin.

Pray. For it is an act of humility.

So praying is also done for me and my relationship with God, not simply for Him to change His mind. I've been reading Catherine Marshall's book A Closer Walk: A Spiritual Lifeline to God. She's shown me repeatedly that praying brings her focus to God in all she does. Prayer is for her and her relationship with God. I know that prayer does bring about miracles. I'm just still unsure why--is it prayer or His already chosen path.

I've been reading my Bible at night before bed. Each night I've opened it, it has shown me verses that directly apply to me now. Very cool to lay down, close my eyes, and go "Wow!"

Why we are helping Haiti!

Lorraine at All Are Precious In His Sight posted someone's internet diatribe on why aren't we helping the folks in the U.S. that are homeless, sick, etc. She then goes on to tell them WHY! Amen!

Here is one example she gives and you can go read the rest of her amazing response.

Wanna see homeless without shelter?

Thousands of Haitians (elderly and infants included) are sleeping outside on the ground.

They've made "tent cities" as they have no homes or steady structures to take shelter in.

Haven't seen a tent city in America (unless it was a campout to buy front row seats to a concert)!!!

Debt sucks

April at Coal Creek Farm said "Debt sucks big donkey wads." AMEN!

I'm thinking about starting a Debt reduction countdown box on the right. Something to hold me accountable. Not sure yet how to design it.

According to April, what is needed is "focus, diligence, persistence, good planning & organization."

I'll try and get remotivated.

Decoration or a way of life?

Amy at Building the Blocks... did a post today about "Wearing your cross" and it spoke to me -- actually it screamed at me, as I am guilty.

"How many times had I worn my cross- yet not truly carried it?
How many times had I viewed the cross simply as a decoration and not as a way of life?
Lord, forgive me."

Lord, forgive me.

Jan. 15 scripture

Today's scripture passage is huge for me.

My dear brothers take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19&20 (NIV)