tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30004431071260858952024-03-12T21:45:45.838-07:00Everything in LoveAnd do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-5050652161099589182015-01-20T11:33:00.000-08:002015-01-20T11:41:01.037-08:00Sunday's Spark Notes<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We continued our series, Vision 2015, this week. Wesley’s message
was all about obedience. Getting nervous?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let’s look at Acts 7:54-8:1 and Acts 9:1-22</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Acts 7 we see Stephen addressing the Sanhedrin (Jewish
leaders-ruling class), calling them out for rebelling like their forefathers,
killing messengers that God sent (including JESUS!), and idolizing the temple rather
than focusing on worshipping God. The Sanhedrin were enraged (didn’t see that
coming) and they stoned Stephen to death. We are then introduced to Saul of
Tarsus, who approved of Stephen’s death. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let’s fast forward to Acts 9. Jesus knocks Saul off his
horse while riding to Damascus and says “you’re done doing what you’ve been
doing. Now you’re going to get with what I’ve been doing.” Whoa (talk about
subtle). Saul also loses his sight during this encounter. We are then
introduced to a man name Ananias. Jesus tells Ananias to go find Saul, heal
him, clothe him, board him, and help Saul regain his strength. WHAT?! The Lord
wants Ananias to help the man who tried to wipe out followers of Jesus.
Christians. Genocide. Ananias. Saul. Obedience.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ananias obeyed The Lord (not without reservation). By verse 22 we see Saul proclaiming
Jesus’ name! How does this happen? Saul is killing Christians and then 3 days
later he is proclaiming Jesus’ name!? Again, how does this happen? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The obedience of the people of God. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saul was able to see how God’s people lived, loved, and opened
their arms to the worst kind of sinner. That kind of love is transforming. Because
of Ananias’ obedience to God we see the transformation from Saul to Paul.
Ananias’ obedience was much more than just caring for a sick man.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wesley stressed that our obedience in the hands of a sovereign
God can change the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obedience looks
a lot like us opening our arms to those we wouldn’t normally “roll” with- the
worst kind of sinner. I know it is uncomfortable, but if we don’t engage the
darkest of sinners, we are not being obedient. There is a group of people dying
because the Church is too lazy to engage those around us. Surrendering to God’s
Lordship like that can go global!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, one question remains. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does God get His people to obey Him? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">God gets His people to obey Him by casting a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vision</i></b> of what He will do
with our obedience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obey God and He will
use that obedience to do amazing things in the lives around us, just like He
used the obedience of Stephen and Ananias to shape Saul into the man who wrote
the majority of the New Testament. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-24631864609265822962015-01-12T12:30:00.001-08:002015-01-20T11:41:16.364-08:00Sunday's Spark Notes<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week we started off the New Year by spending the month
of January revealing how we believe God has called us to continue fulfilling
our churches vision in 2015, things that are important to our church because
they are important in the scriptures. It’s called… wait for it… Vision 2015!
Catchy, right? Straight to the point, the way I like it! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Last week we talked about church membership and how
important it is to be plugged into a local body of believers where we can pull
together our resources to further God’s Kingdom here on Earth. To have
community and accountability as we wait for Jesus’ second coming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Yesterday we talked about prayer (Luke 11:1-13). What if we’ve been praying
all wrong?! Then how do we pray if we have been praying all wrong? Luke 11
tells us how.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In Luke 11:1 have you ever noticed how odd it is that Jesus’
disciples wanted Jesus to show them how to pray. These are men who have been
raised to KNOW the first five books of the Bible by heart. This was their
schooling, it wasn’t an extracurricular class. Prayer is something they should
know a little bit about. Who am I kidding? They should know A LOT about prayer.
If their confidence in prayer was shaken because they heard and saw Jesus pray,
shouldn’t we take a second look into our prayers and how we are praying? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Luke 11:2-4 Jesus shows us how to pray. Yep. You got it!
It’s the Lord ’s Prayer. Prayer is supposed to be theocentric. God centered.
Not me and my stuff. Let’s dissect verses 2-4. This is going to be fun! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And He said to them, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“When you pray, say:</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="woj"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Father,
hallowed be your name.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><span style="color: red;">Your kingdom come. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Your Glory- May Your kingdom come- May You
be made much of!)</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><sup><span style="color: red;">3 </span></sup><span style="color: red;">Give us each day our daily bread,</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Give me everything I need today to hallow
Your name- rather than running back to my sinful desires!) </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><sup><span style="color: red;">4 </span></sup><span style="color: red;">and forgive us our sins,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>(God forgives sins for His namesake- that men
will worship Him for His goodness!)</em> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><span style="color: red;">for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">(When we forgive those who have wronged us-
who gets the credit/glory? GOD! He empowers us to forgive those who have
wronged us!)</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><span style="color: red;">And lead us not into temptation.”</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">(We model Christ when we abstain from our
temptations-gossiping, social media, neglecting marriages, lust, greed, etc-
Who gets the credit from us abstaining from our temptations? GOD!)</span></span></i></span><br />
<div class="lineCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="lineCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is so
much more on Luke 11:1-13. I can’t fit it all into one post (I guess I could,
but you probably would be sick of reading it!). I encourage you to go the REVO church
website to hear more! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="lineCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<a href="http://discoverrevo.com/sermons#series_38"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://discoverrevo.com/sermons#series_38</span></span></a><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="lineCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">We’ll never
pray theocentric prayers unless we develop a theocentric orientation and begin
to love God above all things; and when we begin to desire others to love Him as
well. Here are a few passages to meditate on that may help us see the glorious
reality of who God is so that we may fall in love with Him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="lineCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Isaiah 40, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 84
& 86 <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our city
will not know Jesus unless we pray theocentric prayers for 2015. That’s how we
will spark a revolution of life change through Jesus! </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-8144631747353363452014-03-04T18:52:00.004-08:002014-03-04T19:27:47.453-08:00Asking for Forgiveness<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so blessed to be a
parent. I learn something everyday! Not because I'm awesome and always
get it right the first time, or that I apply all the knowledgeable
information I read in parenting books. No. I learn so much from my 3
year old!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
other day Ava spilled her water on the floor in the living room, having
an evening snack and movie. She quietly walked into the kitchen and
with the biggest eyes and softest voice I heard...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Daddy, do you forgive me?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were confused at first, and then she added the bit about the water spill.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another
instance (because there can never be just one), Ava had ripped the gas
bill to shreds and stuffed it in a little box that she laid on the table
(there really wasn't a need to freak out because of the internet these
days and how everything is online, but I just like to hold paper in my
hands while I still can). As soon as I opened the box I heard...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Do you forgive me?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My
heart melted both times. I searched my memory bank trying to recall
where she heard those sweet words. Where has she seen it? From whom did
she learn it? Unfortunately, and regrettably, I am a poor teacher. I am
still trying to say "I'm sorry." My "sorry's" are drawn out with no eye
contact and maybe the words are being said through gritted teeth more
often that not. Very rarely do I add, "Do you forgive me?"!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">She
learned all about asking forgiveness from her father. Not because he
sat her down one day and said this is going to be our lesson for today.
No. He taught her by the way he lives, the way he loves her mother, and
the way he loves her. Her father is quick to say "I'm sorry" without
gritting or looking away. She has a great model of the Gospel and
Christ's love for us and others.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are both so blessed to have such and amazing man of God in our lives. And you will be comforted to know that my "sorry's" aren't as torturous as they once were. Little children aren't the only ones who are teachable. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-14249921939572743002013-11-06T11:31:00.001-08:002013-11-06T11:31:52.306-08:00Grievig Italy<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wesley left for Italy on Monday. Surprisingly I am not as
upset as I thought I would be, partly because I have already grieved over every
scenario possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the moment I found out Wesley would be going to Italy,
I cried. I cried hard. Every. Day. I cried for the things that could happen to
him (that probably wouldn’t). I cried for the places and people I wouldn’t see.
I cried for the lack of control I had for his well-being (for some reason I
felt I could make sure the pilot was as careful as he could be just by being a
passenger. Hilarious, I know). I cried for the food I wouldn’t get to eat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I grieved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I grieved for a lost husband that I still could hold. I
grieved for a little girl who wouldn’t know how great her father is. I grieved
for the culture I wouldn’t see. I grieved for the people I wouldn’t get to hug
(I love to hug and cuddle, and I hear Italy is the place to go if you love
being close to people). I grieved for the History I wouldn’t see and feel with
my hands. I grieved for ridiculous (some more than others) reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I prayed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I prayed Philippians 4 every day. I read Philippians 4 every
day. I wanted that passage to be ingrained into my being. I wanted to only
think about Jesus’ peace. I wanted only Jesus’ peace. I wanted Jesus’ strength.
I needed Jesus’ strength.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the time came to drop Wesley off at the airport I
thought I would lose it. I thought I would need to pull over and cry because I
wouldn’t be able to see the road. I thought I wouldn’t be able to breathe from
snot bubbles bursting (this happens to you too!). I thought I wouldn’t be able
to eat or enjoy anything this week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I was wrong about everything. Jesus sent His peace. I took
all of my worries and prayed about them. It was (and still is) the most amazing
feeling. When I dropped him off I was fine. Fine. Not one single tear dropped
from my eyes. It was amazing. It was freeing. It was peace. It was Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>“6 </sup>do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-ESV-29433">7 </span></sup>And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… <sup>13 </sup>I
can do all things through him who strengthens me.</span>” Philippians 4:6-7, 13</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-64416040287940790842013-08-13T07:05:00.001-07:002013-08-13T07:05:37.443-07:00Luxuries: The (almost) impossible one for me to give up<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read an article the other day about how to cut your grocery
budget in half. The article caught my interest and got me thinking about food
luxuries. I never thought about cheese, honey, or good coffee being luxuries!
These were always in stock at my parent’s house growing up so I never thought
twice about these items when creating a grocery budget for my small family of
three. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Side Note*</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up I never learned how to create a budget;
my parents were always there to give me what I needed. I had a small part time
job but when I was going to school they paid for everything. I was extremely
blessed to have such great parents! But I had no sense of a budget or how to go
by one, so when I got married and started my own family with our own budget, it
was a rude awakening for me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">End Side Note*</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This morning as I was eating my biscuit smothered in honey, I
started thinking about that article (and the fact that I am running low on
honey-shucks!). I was thinking about how hard it would be to give up honey. I was
thinking about how sad that little bear’s face will be when I don’t get him out
of the cupboard as much. I was thinking about how much I love honey. I was
thinking, “is this a product I can stuff into my grocery budget?”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Having a budget has made me more conscience about how I
spend money. For instance, when we go out to eat and spend $20+, was that
Chinese take-out really worth it (okay let’s get real- Chinese take-out is
always worth it!)? In all seriousness, there has been a time or two (or twenty)
that I could’ve used that $20+ plus to get a week’s worth of breakfast or lunch
food.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do I love
honey, but I am rather fond of cheese and not just block cheese, all kinds of
cheeses! [According to the article] Cheeses are also luxury items when it comes
to groceries, so we cut back from buying five different cheeses to two (Colby
and mozzarella) and the savings are substantial! I can use those cheeses for
the things I cook the most. I encourage you to take an inventory of your
groceries and see if there are any ways you can save! (I wasn’t able to find
the article so I could post it for you- sorry!)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">So, after much consideration and staring at that cute honey
bear face, I have made the decision that honey is a luxury that will no longer
be a luxury but a staple in our pantry.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-9918082668791576192012-09-11T12:07:00.001-07:002012-09-11T12:07:24.189-07:00Mirror Mirror<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ava takes any chance she can to look at herself in a mirror (a
little something she learned from her father).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The other day while sitting on the potty (with no success) she asks for
my hand mirror. After a few minutes of talking to herself, she gets tired of
holding the mirror and in slow motion I see the mirror fall to the floor. I unfortunately
was too slow (shocking, I know) and the mirror shattered. I didn’t have the
heart to tell her that is was 7 years bad luck, so I just told her 7 minutes
(what child really has a concept of time anyway). Meanwhile I am still serving
my 42 year-bad-luck sentence. If my parents were as brilliant as me… I would
have been “free” 41 years 364 days 23 hours and 18 minutes ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-16206287854829661542012-03-05T11:22:00.000-08:002012-03-05T11:22:28.071-08:00What have I married into?<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A recent conversation Wesley and I had about his favorite holiday.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “Are you going to plant a tree for Arbor Day?” If any of you knew Wesley is college, he was a non-showering-frisbee throwing-tree hugging-hippie. Jokingly, asking him if he was going to participate in the “hippie” holiday, as I like to call it. </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">To my surprise he responded, </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“Yeah, I think I will. I like Arbor Day. I think I am going to plant a Japanese maple.” I don’t know why I was surprised.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “Hey I love Japanese maples! They are so pretty!” </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Wesley: “They look a lot like weed…”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “NO they do not! They have a burgundy color and have pretty leaves… they don’t look like weed leaves.”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Wesley: “I know what a Japanese maple looks like, we had them in our backyard when we lived in Columbia.”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “Then you should know that they don’t look like weed leaves!”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Wesley: “Have you ever seen a weed leaf?”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “Well, no. Have you?”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Wesley: “Yeah, we had them in our backyard when we lived in Columbia.”</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">What have I married into? The drug Cartel family perhaps…</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Clearly, Wesley was joking and I don’t know anyone who is involved with the Cartel, and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you… I might get shot…</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-88615133702949809972012-02-29T20:27:00.000-08:002013-08-13T07:08:42.313-07:00I remember the day I wanted to look older... but today is not that day...<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Wednesday nights, like many church communities, is the night for band practice, choir practice, and/or youth group. REVO’s youth rGroup, following tradition (REVO is not a traditional church in the least), meets on Wednesday, recently the kids ministry, specifically rTheather (where I volunteer on Sundays), is working with the youth on Sunday mornings to act out the Bible stories for the little kids (Pre-5<sup>th</sup> grade). Therefore I go to youth group on Wednesday to help them practice their lines, etc.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A wonderful REVO-family, the Marshall’s, opens their home to the teens and pre-teens and feed them every Wednesday! What amazing families we have here at REVO! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I was in mid-Manwhich bite, when a pre-teen, puffed out his chest oh so proudly and stated,</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“Well I’m 12…”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “I remember when I was 12… That was like 30 years ago!” </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Obviously joking…</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Pre-teen: “You’re 40!?”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Another teen, older therefore I thought wiser, interjected,</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“You look more like 30.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Apparently I thought wrong…</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">After chewing, swallowing, and digesting the previous comment at the same time my stomach was digesting my bite of Manwhich… I calmly lost it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“WWWHHHAAATTT!?!?!?! You think I AM 30!?!?!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Not-wiser teen: “What? Are you older?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Clearly she thought I was flattered by the “low” number she threw my way. I was on the verge of crying. Not only was I mistaken (seriously mistaken I might add) for a 30 year old, that was the lowest number she could come up with… That is as young as I was going to get?! Come on!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Me: “But I am only 22…” as my eyes are desperately searching for an anti-depressant. At the same time, I am thinking about all the money I spent on Mary Kay products. The same products that make me feel like I look young (the same) and refreshed… but in reality, I age by 8 years.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Awesome.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-33272347569213266392012-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:002012-01-03T10:24:21.680-08:00Ringing in the New Year<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and all that implies, lets ring in the new year with lists of goals of which we shall never achieve or at least we won’t get to them in the same year we set them. Well this year it is not going to happen to me… again. I am going to take my resolutions very seriously.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my list for the year 2012:</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Keep my blog up to date!</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Finish a few crafts on my list.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Learn to sew.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Get the family scrapbook in order ( I am a couple years behind).</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Find a publisher for my book!</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look forward and hope to achieve many, if not all of my resolutions on my list. Why not surprise yourself and put something on your list you have been dying to do or finish. You will be satisfied when you mark it off your list as complete! </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone!</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-12675689290285526852011-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:002011-10-19T20:44:05.410-07:00Answered Prayers<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week one of fundraising is under our belt! We haven't been as active as we need to be. Everything is so overwhelming and we just don't know where to start! God will make a way and will be faithful! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The other night Wesley told me that two people have committed to supporting us every month! This is huge seeing that we haven't even sen out the first letter. Oh Yes! These are answered prayers. I was floored and overjoyed. I can't believe the unbelievably great responses we have already gotten from friends, family, and complete strangers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am so excited about this season in our life. Prayers are still being answered.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">God is so great and God is good. Even if we don't reach our goal. God is still great and God is still good.</span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000443107126085895.post-59952873225178133232011-10-13T10:23:00.001-07:002011-10-13T10:24:40.167-07:00Full-Time Ministry<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the conversation I had with my husband a little over a week ago.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"So I am going to turn down the Buckle job and raise support full time."</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What? When did you decide this?"</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I have been unsettled about Buckle for a couple of weeks now. God keeps telling me that we should raise support."</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Okay... Love you..."</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband, the smartest man I know, told me this breaking news as he was walking out the door to work his next to last day at American Eagle. Why he thought this was an opportune moment, I have no idea!</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wesley (my husband) was the stock lead manager at American Eagle (AE); he was offered a management position at Buckle (another clothing store) which would have given us somewhat of a feeling of financial stability. Then out of nowhere, a local church offered him a great job as the Creative Youth Pastor (kind of like a youth pastor assistant). Ironically, the church offered him the same amount we were planning on raising to be full-time at REVO (a rockin' awesome church plant here in Winston! </span><a href="http://www.discoverrevo.com/"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.discoverrevo.com/</span></a><span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> check it out!). </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, we are following what God has told us to do. As of current, neither one of us have jobs and we are in the process of raising our support for a year. I am overwhelmed and surprisingly calm considering the amount of information I had to absorb and process in such a short time.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't worry, for all of you reading this and sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen, are we going to live or die or be homeless? I will be the first to tell you that God will provide in the way He sees fit. We will be fine. This will be a good season and adventure in our lives. I will definitely keep you all posted about things to come and the adventures in raising support for a family of three. </span>Heather Lanaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00742073479968249545noreply@blogger.com1