Paperless Filing System

  

I am diving headfirst into a paperless filing system!  It’s on my list (I LOVE LISTS!) of goals to complete in time to move… in 1.5 months.  But, I’ve already got myself started and am feeling very motivated.

**CAVEAT:   Do not attempt this process unless you are willing (and capable) of actually physically throwing stuff away.  C’mon….you can do it.  I know it’s scary – but if you use your shredder when in doubt and push forward despite your misgivings, you’re gonna feel fabulous at the end of one folder.  Guaranteed.


 Here’s some quick details:  I’ve been very good at maintaining our filing system over our almost-8 years of marriage.  We have two filing drawers full with every important piece of paper that has entered our  lives (excepting the few HUGELY IMPORTANT papers that live in our tiny fireproof safe).  I also have been diligent about purging the files once a year, as soon as we receive our W2’s.  All tax related paper from the past year goes into one single folder, taxes are filed, and the folder is placed in the bottom drawer.  All other papers go into the trash or shredder.  This process will GREATLY aid in the speed at which I will reach my goal.

  I am using the following free ‘cloud-based’, online programs:  Dropbox and Evernote.  We also use Microsoft Office on our local computers to create spreadsheets for tracking all kinds of information (YAY FOR ELECTRONIC LISTS!).  Most importantly – these are all free.  The only thing I have invested is time.

Let’s dive into my Evernote program and I’ll show you how I did it.  (I have already set up my program and a few folders.  If you need help doing this, please google for information, or ask a tech savvy person who can help you).

 This is a screen capture of my Evernote all set up so far:

My first NOTEBOOK was Paperless File System - which I modified to be a 'Stack' of notebooks (To learn anything I've mentioned, just Google it).  Then, the first notebook in this stack was 'Safe Contents *PRIVATE*' (which, when setting up, I chose 'local' folder -it does not sync with other devices or store to the cloud - still debating on how I want to handle this stuff).
Today, I am going to create another notebook (NOT A NEW NOTE - Notes go INTO NOTEBOOKS) within my file system stack.  I'll show you with a series of screenshots:

This, I believe at this time, is the most important step for me - Every word in the title you give your notes or notebooks will be cataloged for later searching - which will be a big time saver when you've got over a hundred notes.

Once that's done, click TOOLS, IMPORT FOLDERS, ADD.  (You can see I have previously set up in my EVERNOTE OPTIONS to have my main Evernote folder in my Public Folder.)  Click your main folder (mine is EVERNOTE), click MAKE NEW FOLDER, name same as your Notebook name. OK

Now I start scanning.  I wont bother to show you this process - as no two printers or scanning software are exactly alike.  2 only important factors when scanning:  Scan into your computer as "PDF Document", and make sure you save it into that folder up there that you just created (or whichever folder you are working on at the time). (As far as Evernote is concerned, all documents will go into the currently set 'default notebook' - which you can change as needed).  If you have a few extra minutes, I highly recommend naming it appropriately at the time you scan it.
  Every time you scan a document correctly into that folder you set up to automatically import, Evernote will pop up with a notification on your computer's taskbar that a document was synced.

*You see I have a notebook called INBOX?  My scanner is set up to automatically send all scanned items to that folder and Notebook- just in case I'm in a hurry and don't feel like categorizing at the time.  These will automatically sync to my Evernote, which I will use to file into appropriate notebooks later.  **When I initially set up the INBOX Notebook, I checked that box that says 'Make default notebook'.

There is so much more to Evernote, and paperless filing - and you can really get into it if you have the time and money.  There is Premium Evernote, which will give you lots more space and better encryption.  There are also a number of scanners on the market now that actually have a button on them that scans DIRECTLY to Evernote, without you opening a single program or window on your computer.  They are pricey - so I make due with what I have.

Some suggestions to reduce clutter in your life, purse and bookshelves:

• Utilize Excel Spreadsheets, Microsoft Money, Mint.com, or Quicken as your check register.
• For ongoing lists that you may need to update, reorder or keep indefinitely – use Excel spreadsheets or some type of word processer to create the list.
• Don’t print favorite emails – just place them into a ‘Saved Stuff’ folder on your email account, and it will be saved for later – also accessible from anywhere.
• File taxes online.
• Stop buying paper books – invest in Electronic Books.  Kindle is the most popular right now – and you don’t have to buy a reading device unless you want to.  The Kindle E-Reader is free to download to any computer, smart phone or tablet.  And – it’s another ‘cloud-based’ system.  Access any book from any device from any location.  Could it be any better?
• Store favorite recipes, ideas, pictures and documents online.  I use Allrecipes.com, Pinterest.com, Dropbox.com and Google (documents, gmail, etc), and am in the process of choosing a photo site.  All are free to join, and can be accessed from any internet connection, on most devices.

Hope Looms..

   I’ve felt misplaced and unsettled for years now- and I’m pretty sure I can pinpoint the exact event that it started.  During one of our (many) moves 5 years ago, we had a choice to make in regards to our living conditions.  One was humble, and less than ideal, yet very fair in price.  The other, being much far grander, in a nice community, was steep in price.  My pride took over in that decision and, upon my insistence, we moved where I thought I’d be happier.  Bad choice –PRIDE.

  Here we are in the future; one financial crisis after another, 6 moves, and many hard choices later.  We live in the city, in a small apartment –where the work brought us.  But hope looms on the horizon.

  We will be moving (again) in less than two months, out to the country again, out to a real home (almost of our own).  So many blessings to be had with this move:  a new baby, a place to put her, my own washer and dryer that isn’t a mile away, a garage to work in, a yard to play and plant in, a bigger kitchen where I don’t smell all the neighbor’s food, a reunion with our big dog, and 4 entire walls to claim as my own.  The best blessing of all, is that all moving costs will be paid with cold, hard cash.  No credit or loans.  Praise the Lord.

  We don’t have work in the area where we are moving, but we are hopeful in the Lord’s plan for our life – and we know HE can open doors that no man can shut.  HE is asking us to be faithful and move forward without knowing what’s ahead.  If we can prove ourselves to be strong and courageous in this endeavor (yes, this takes much courage – when everything in our sensible mind screams at us not to do this), HE will be faithful in return.  Our ‘storehouses will overflow’ with blessings – so many more than I have listed above.  Beyond what I could dream or imagine.  Because HE is always faithful.

  Another ‘First Day’ is headed my way.  A new start.  And yes, I have a list of all the things I will do for my new start.  I hope to maintain my blog with success stories of all my endeavors!  I pray that God’s grace over our lives and the evidence given would, in turn, give you hope for your future and help you to remember – our God is a God of second chances.

All about TWITTER

  Let's face it folks.  Our world is being built on the latest greatest technologies with the world of the INTERNET as the backbone.  It's nearly impossible to go 'back-to-basics', as some would say.  Those 'basics' almost don't even work in the U.S. these days.  You actually may lead a healthier and happier life if you embrace these 'modern advances' with a cautious restraint, a little skepticism, and always a healthy dose of knowledge. 

  When we have a question - any question - we don't need to seek out a dictionary, an encyclopedia or even someone knowledgeable;  We have Google.  When we need to connect to a friend, we don't need to write them a letter in the mail (SNAIL MAIL), or drive over to their house, or even make a phone call.  They are a mere text, email or social network message away.  And the beauty of these options, is that there is no obligation to carry on a mundane conversation, or to answer immediately.  One can take one's time to think about the question, and get back to them when it's convenient.
  I am writing today to tell you a little bit about Twitter.  You can learn about them by visiting their page, and/or - of course - Googling them and reading their history.  I'm going to tell you why I use it, and what value it holds in my life.

  I've had my Twitter account for quite a while, but didn't use it until I got my smart phone almost a year ago.  Since then, I've been using Twitter regularly through my phone and my laptop.  The SINGLE MOST attribute of Twitter that has attracted and held me:  EVERYONE is limited to only 140 characters in each post.  This forces people to stop chattering with useless information - and get creative on how to get their point across in such a small space.  SOOOOOO much different than facebook - guaranteed.  There's even a "Twitter Jail" that someone will be locked up in if they over-post. 

  We'll start off at my Twitter account:  @jncutright (all Twitter profile names are preceded by @).

 This is a screenshot of my profile page from Chrome Browser on my laptop.  The top is a very short bio, my custom picture and stats on my tweets. The left is buttons to show my recent tweets, who I'm following, my favorites, etc.  The right side displays the clicked buttons, currently showing a list of who I'm following.  Pretty basic and simple.  I chose the purple background also.  That's customizable. But you don't have to if you don't want.  If you're at your computer a lot, you could choose to leave this site open on your browser, and it will update itself automatically or you can hit refresh whenever you want.
  There are many different types of 'dashboards' or external programs to access Twitter without using their website.  The most common and popular being HootSuite, BufferApp and TweetDeck.  There are hundreds more (Google 'Twitter programs'), but these should get you started.  Most of these sites offer multiple network access (ie:  check out feeds from Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and LinkedIn all at once), multiple network posting with one click, business-oriented themes and options and even more if you pay for the app.  Some of these open in your browser, and some will become their own window on your desktop for easy viewing at all times.

  I mostly use my phone to access Twitter and other social networks.  Since we are talking about Twitter, I'll try to stick to the subject.  I have an HTC Incredible 1 through Verizon Network.  It is Android based with HTC Sense overlay.  However - I have 'rooted' my phone, thus 'hacking' into it's framework in order to change it and customize it as I see fit.  It's basically just an Android phone right now.  That fact aside, these are some screenshots showing first one of my home pages with two different widgets:

Twitter's official Android App on top.  TweetCaster's App on the bottom.

 This second screenshot is the TweetCaster App open to the list of tweets by the people I follow:  I can scroll up and down, or use the tabs at the top to search for people, see direct messages (like an email in Twitter), and view tweets that I've 'starred' as my favorites (things I want to remember). (I don't pay for apps, so they get stuck with annoying ads at the bottom, but you can close it on some)

Once again, pretty basic and simple.  All you need is a smartphone.
  Now, I can't speak for iPhones, Blackberries, or Windows Phones, because I don't have one - purposely (I can give you my reasons another time if you wish to debate on which phone would be best).

  Let me tell you a little bit about the folks I follow.  I currently follow 27 people - and only 6 of them are people I know personally.  The majority are big names in the world (well....my world anyways).

  My very first Tweep (you gotta use silly names like this for people on twitter...): Chevelle, a rock band that I really enjoy.  For the most part, they only post about once a week and it's something to do with their tour schedule.  In addition to my musical inspirations is Air1Radio and one of their hosts Brant Hansen.  They, in turn, led me to follow Cure International (talk about an amazing ministry to listen in on).

  My biggest list includes my 'spiritual/biblical' teachers:  Kay Warren, Rick Warren, Dr. Jim Reeve (Pastor at our new church), Faith Church (our new church), Steven Furtick, James McDonald and Pastor Rick Dorr.  These fine leaders post verses, anecdotes, sermon quotes, links, prayer requests, praise reports and links throughout the day.  Biggest Tweeter:  Rick Warren - he tweets all day long and into the night.  He DOES NOT use an auto-tweeter either, so he must not get much sleep.  But every single post is direct and worth every minute it takes to read them.  Sample tweet by Rick Warren:  "If people tell me "We worship the same God" I say "Are you sure? My God is Jesus Christ & I believe God is Trinity"".

  I follow Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, outstanding author and blogger) and Andy Stanley (Son of Charles Stanley, gifted preacher at North Point Church) as my Leadership go-to guys.  They post links to great podcasts, articles and blogs.
  My financial counseling via Twitter is one and only:  Dave Ramsey and his radio show The Dave Ramsey Show.  He says awesome stuff all day long - and isn't afraid to reply to the haters.

  Finally, a smattering of my interests includes (sorry no links) Xbox, GuildWars2, UFConXboxLive, and FitPregnancy.  They offer news and info regarding their particular subjects and links to helpful articles.  I even won free tickets for a UFC event through their Twitter page.

  The best part is - none of these people I follow tweet about 'what they had for lunch' or 'when they're headed to bed', like we see so often on facebook.  Not that it's a problem, but I feel that Twitter is my little world of 'strictly-helpful-posts' that are no more than a sentence long.  Just right for a quick glance.  Also - just right for retweeting when I find something I feel the rest of either my followers or other networks should read.  If you follow me on facebook, you'll see I often post things that appear with the RT @ 'so-and-so', with 'by Tweetcaster' at the bottom.

   I highly recommend you give it a shot before passing it off as too technological for you, or that you think you'll be addicted like you are to facebook.  You'll never develop healthy self-control unless you're presented with situations that require it.  (I should tweet that)

  There are a million other articles on how to use Twitter efficiently - which you probably don't need unless you're using it for a big-time ministry or a business.  Feel free to follow me, I won't spam you with useless over-posting.  (I don't want to go to jail...).  

  As a side note -be aware of scammers, spammers and general weirdos on Twitter -just like everywhere else in the world.  I used to select the option to 'approve' those who want to follow me - and I got emails constantly to approve people I didn't know and that had VERY SKETCHY profiles.  I rejected them all day long - then I figured, what's it gonna hurt?  Once someone is following you, it's not like you will ever see posts by them.  They only see your posts - and all I ever post is verses and quotes from my fav pastors.  That seems like a good deal.  The only reason these kinds of people 'follow' you initially:  they think you'll do the customary twitter-good-etiquette of 're-following'.  They are 'friend-gatherers'.   You'll meet these people on all social networking.  I just refuse to 're-follow'.  Plain and simple. I never even know they are there.

  Let me know if you have any questions - I'll help as much as I can. 

Paying Debt for Christmas

  Christmas is less than 2 weeks away, 2012 is shortly after that, and Scott and I feel like this year has rushed by.  I'm sure most of you feel the same way.  There were times when it drug by as slow as molasses in the winter, like the days Scott and I lived separate - waiting for the weekend to come so we could see each other.  However, 2011 is nearly gone - and where have we found ourselves at the end of this busy year?

  We find ourselves at Christmas time.  The time when people are out in the stores buying things they can't afford for people the don't like.  Racking up the credit card bills because they can't say no to their own children.  Maybe some are even spending their hard earned cash - but they are spending it on clothes they don't need, on toys they don't need, on expensive food that could've been made at home for cheaper -all the while the tires on their cars are showing the steel, the dog needs his teeth cleaned to save his heart, the kids need to see a dentist, and the debt collectors are still calling.
  What has happened that make people so blind that they think this is all ok?  I can't understand it.  I really can't.  It's not that I haven't been there - we have.  We went so far under early on in our marriage when Scott lost his job - it's taken years to dig out.  But, for the most part, we recognized the problem - saw the solution and did our best to get there.  It seems as though americans are brainwashed into thinking that this over-spending is just a 'way of life', 'just the way it is', and that nothing can be done.  HELLO!?!?!  YES - YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELVES!!!
  I am going to brag a bit - just because we are proud of ourselves.  For Christmas this year, we are going to be 100% debt free - and then some.  As of December 15th, we're done.  The credit cards are closed, the family loans are paid, and our vehicles belong to us, not a bank.

  It wasn't luck that enabled us to dig ourselves out of this financial mess.  I hear that all the time, that Scott sure was lucky to get a job with Edison.  It has nothing to do with luck.  It was perseverance and many many hours of studying to pass the tests with higher than average numbers.  It was working on a construction crew in the dead cold of winter for 14 hour days, while waiting for a better job.  It was doing side-jobs on the weekends, working for such small wages we barely broke even after the materials. I helped Scott on these side-jobs, when I wasn't working at my 2 jobs, just so we still had time together on the weekends.  We did not sit around hoping for something fabulous to happen.  We did not willingly live paycheck to paycheck - we put aside any extra penny that we found.  We did not buy new clothes, or new vehicles.  We wore our shoes and jeans with holes in them.  And...we have the God of the Universe fighting for us.  You think he would've handed us a job if we sat around in the house praying for the bills to go away?  No.
  And, I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again; despite having family members in the company, Scott had to get in all on his own.  None of them had any say as to his hiring.  It doesn't work that way.
  So - we've paid everyone - and we still had extra cash.  PRAISE THE LORD!  HE IS SO GOOD TO US!  We have been on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover for a while now, and we have our emergency fund safely set aside (Baby Step #1), Debt is paid (Baby Step #2) and we're moving onto Baby Step #3 (get 6 months worth of expenses saved up in cash assets).  It's actually really fun.  And it has improved our marriage.  We actually enjoy sitting down at the laptop and going over our budget.
  We were able to buy Scott some much needed shoes and gear made specifically for his job (Fireproof stuff...).  I was able to go shopping for some much needed maternity clothes - and you know where I went?  (Just because we finally had money did not give us permission to be stupid with it...)  I went to the local thrift store and spent $35 and got 9 new winter tops, all in good or brand-new-with-tags condition.  Ross was next - because of their discount clothing.  Bought jeans and leggings over there. 
  And we're still ahead!  If I had, like an idiot, gone to the nearest mall, or designer outlet to buy clothes, there would be none left to give or save.  Now we are able to put more into savings, which makes us feel so much more secure about having a new baby in July, and we are able to give abundantly at this time of year.
  My own family is pretty money-conscious, so last year we each drew names of one family member to be the secret santa for, so we don't have to buy for EVERYONE.  It's wonderful.  I've been building the box all year with fun little things that I've found at the dollar store, walmart, and the thrift store.  It has made Christmas so much more relaxed.  And we're able to focus on a few friends and family who have special needs this year. 
Dave Ramsey's motto:  "Live like no one else."
For Christmas:  "Give like no one else."
  We're living proof that it's possible.  Don't give into the 'spending culture'.  Be in control of your money.  Get out from under the weight of debt.  And have FAITH that God can take you anywhere if you trust him and are wise with what HE GIVES you.

The FIRST Day of the Rest of OUR LIVES

We are at another huge turning point.  A new direction; a different path.  Just when I settle into a routine - my life is turned upside down in the most amazing way and quite unexpectedly:

WE’RE PREGNANT!!!

DUE: JULY 13, 2012

GENDER: WE WILL FIND OUT AT 20WEEKS

#1 RULE:  DON’T TOUCH MY BELLY!

Yes, you are reading it correctly.  I will follow up with a brief explanation – but until then – we want you all to know that we are more excited than we’ve ever been in our entire lives!  This little baby is a true blessing! 

  We’ve had an ultrasound done at 6.5weeks on Nov 22, and everything looks great.  The little heart was flashing and we were even able to hear it!

  We are healthy and happy and I feel huge already!  [WARNING WARNING]: TMI: I’m fairly nauseous, and am horribly bloated, my back hurts, my boobs hurt, my sense of smell is in overdrive, and I pee all day long.  It’s beautiful.  I am the happiest pregnant girl in the world – I’m pretty sure of that.  (Except when we’re playing Call Of Duty Black Ops on the Xbox – I’m a very angry person on there..)

  We’ll keep everyone posted as best as possible – most of the updates will probably be on Facebook, but I will try to update this blog and send out emails to those who aren't on facebook.  WARNING:  I love to post details (like I did up there ^).  You’ve been warned.  And here is the video of the little heartbeat:  (This is how we announced it on Facebook and to the grandparents:)

 This announcement might have come as a shock to you – but we both hope that it was immediately followed by a lot of joy!  Sad to say – We’ve already encountered a few negative responses (maybe not necessarily negative – just certainly not excited or approving).  Crazy right?  Maybe they were just too shocked….Maybe they will be excited later….  And maybe if I clarify a few things  - they will finally understand and then be excited.

  We weren’t going to tell anyone that we’ve actually been ‘trying’ for a baby.  It’s just one of those awkward things that I honestly wouldn’t even know how to bring up in a conversation.  Well – now you know; this wasn't an accident.  What probably has been most confusing, is that we’ve always said that we NEVER wanted children.  It was 100% entirely true until 20 months ago. 

  My best girlfriend got pregnant and I was doing a lot of research about pregnancy and the birthing process so that she had a shoulder to lean on and someone ‘non-biased’ to come to for info.  I found everything interesting to say the least –but it didn’t really make me want to have a baby.

  9 months later, the little guy was born.  I held him and admired…and learned a lot about babies very quickly.  This was the first baby that didn’t entirely gross me out.  I think because his Momma and I were so close – he was just an addition to our friendship. 

  In the end, it wasn’t holding a soft little baby, or seeing my friend experience a unique kind of joy exclusive to giving birth, or even all my intense and very-much-enjoyed studying of the whole process of baby-making.  It was God – the same guy who changed my mind about marriage all those years ago.

  One night, I said to Scott, “We need to talk.”  He said, “Yes we do.”  I had no idea what he was thinking (I was pretty sure I was in trouble for something…) and he had no clue what my thoughts were (He thought he was in trouble too…).

  We came to the conclusion that we had been given a sudden desire to have our own baby.  Our hearts had been changed at the same time – though we didn’t even know it, nor facilitate it.  Was all this coincidence?  No.  God doesn’t work in coincidence.  He’s just got the most perfect timing in the world.

  So here we are.  Pregnant.  Due on July 13, 2012. 

  

  We wanted the ULTIMATE surprise to be that we were never having children – then suddenly we were pregnant.  Guess it was just too much.  We’re over-achievers…

  So yes, you have permission to be excited with us!  This was planned!  We actually WANT a baby!   1,2,3….BE EXCITED!!!

  Quick update on our future plans (I think I just heard God laugh...):
  Our apartment lease is up in May 2012, and Scott will be eligible for the next step in his apprentice process in January 2012.  So, we will be moving (have no idea where yet), in May at the latest.  It will depend on where his job relocates him to - but it also may even keep us in the city.  This is basically working like the last one did.  Jobs pop up in various locations throughout Mid and Southern California, Scott signs the bid for them, and eventually, when he has enough seniority over others that have signed the job bid, he will get the job and will start within 3 weeks.  He's still low enough on the seniority list that we have to take what's available.  Later on, he can pick and choose and wait around for a good location.  Obviously we'll keep you posted.
But this all means we're moving at 8 months pregnant, and we don't know where yet.  God's got a plan though.  We trust in HIM and HIM alone.
Keep us in your prayer to continue making wise decisions and learn how to be Godly parents.

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD."

Prayers, Process, Promises....and the Payoff

  I have been reading a book called Sun Stand Still, by Steven Furtick.  It was recommended by our Pastor early this year at an awesome leadership retreat.  Yes, it's taken me this long to reach the last chapter.  When I read a devotional book, it's about like when I read the bible.  I'll read a sentence or two, or maybe a couple paragraphs, or maybe even half a chapter, but I always get curious and HUNGRY to know more and I begin to dig deeper.  Praise the LORD for this hunger, which causes me to seek out 'meatier sustenance'.
  The book is mostly about 'Audacious Prayers and Audacious Faith', which I had a very difficult time swallowing (much of the reason why it's taken so long to get through it).  I've always struggled with suggestions like 'audacious prayers'.  My mind turns it around and says it's just 'name-it-claim-it' stuff that is fake.  But I pushed through the book and it took all the way to the 2nd to last chapter before it finally hit me hard enough to make sense.  Wow.  That's all I can say.  Get the book.  Seriously.  You can even find it cheap on Amazon.  I'd loan you mine, but two other people have already asked to borrow it when I'm done.
  I think everyone will get something out of this book that will be unique to their situation.  Don't read it assuming what someone else has told you about it will be the same thing that you gain from it.  God will use it in a deeply personal and specific way if you are open.
  That being said, (and now that I understand this book), I am here to talk very briefly about PROCESS.  Allow me to quote from the aforementioned book:
  "If all God wanted to do was get right to the 'happy ending', you'd be in heaven by now.  If His only intention were to make your dreams come true, He'd snap His fingers and your vision would appear out of thin air.  But that's not all God wants.  And deep down, it's not really all you want either.  You want to learn to walk by faith, not by sight.  And you can't learn that without walking through periods of complete darkness.  The apprehension and gut-level fear you'll feel in these stages may make you turn back and pursue something safer.
  Or you can opt for something better.  You can embrace the process with audacious faith.  Because every big dream has small beginnings.  Between the promise and the payoff, there's always a process.
  And that process is the breeding ground of faith.  That process has the potential to draw you closer to Jesus than you've ever been before.
  The process is the point." 
  I know it's hard to hear someone say, 'Everything happens for a reason'.  Though that is an awful thing to tell someone that is struggling or hurting, it's true at it's base level.  It's the process.  We are going to be processed, it's the way of this world.  However, it's your choice on how you will emerge from this so-called 'refining process'.  Like I talked about last week, it's a choice.  A choice to pursue and push, and keep moving forward.  It's so hard when you come out the end, and it's still not all sunshine and butterflies, but the same place that you started from...or so it seems.  But how did you come out?  That will depend on choices you've made in between.

  I seem to do this processing all at one HUGE TIME.  I hold stuff back, put things off, stay safe down in my rut, and generally keep my smile pasted on my face, while I hide in the dark.  Then, BAM!  I put my foot down and go flying out into space, trying to make things better and seek out that 'change' that I need.  I seem to do this every single time!  What is wrong with me?  (Only God knows that answer...)
  Then I calm down, seek God like I was supposed to, and I have to start at the beginning. What was the purpose behind all this stuff that's been going on in my life?  It usually takes me weeks of digging, studying and researching, praying on my knees, on my face, and feeling very lost in the meantime.  Then, just like it started, BAM, it hits me and I can't believe how stupid I was, and it was right there in front of me!  I had my blinders on - the 'scales' over my eyes!  Oh thank you, Holy Spirit, for the guidance!
  It's not a magic word.  It's not a special prayer, or ceremony or verse.  It's different for everyone, and, especially for me, it's different every time.  It's just the process.
I know I said brief, but I kept going.  Sorry, almost done.

  I have suffered from Chronic Migraines all my life.  From my earliest memories, I can see myself laying in bed at maybe 4 or 5, and crying and screaming and kicking the wall, because my head was exploding in pain, and I didn't understand.
  My genes are to thank for this condition;  my Grandma and Great-Grandma have both suffered.
  As medical research and treatments are advancing, there is looming hope.  But usually, the doctors are just about as puzzled as we are over the condition, and there is never a 'works-for-everyone-everytime' answer.  I have made peace with this condition early on, accepted it as my 'thorn' and moved forward as carefully as possible.
  Not until recently was I given hope.  I told my doctor that my migraines were better from my new anti-hypertensive.  She wanted to know how much better.  Well, instead of migraining 3 times weekly, it's only been 2. And instead of hurting every day, it's only been like 28 out of 30 days.  It's better.
The doctor didn't think so.  Her opinion of better was migraining only once a week, being pain-free for more than 2 days...maybe even going an entire MONTH without a single migraine.
  Yeah right.  That's what my brain said. And my doctor knew it!  She said, you've got to be open to how I can help you, because if you're not, you can leave right now.  Because I can't do anything for you if you don't think I can.  Wow.
  So I attended a 2-hour information class, which I thought I'd know everything they'd tell me.  And guess what?  I barely knew anything.  And you know something else?  One lady (the one who always keeps talking about herself and asking stupid questions and making stupid comments - and makes the class go longer and longer (you know who I'm talking about....)), ended up leaving because she came right out at the beginning admitting that nothing would help her and all she wanted was morphine.
  I gained so much information, knowledge and insight through that 3 hour class (yes, that lady made it go that much longer!) that I suddenly felt empowered and hopeful.  It's been a long time since I felt hopeful in regards to my migraines.  Just the knowledge alone was the spark that fueled my desire to be well again.
  Very recently, I have experienced a change in my life that has seemingly eliminated my daily pain.  All I can say is -OH MY GOSH - what a process.  27 years (or am I 28?) of chronic pain, and acceptance that it's normal...then one day I don't hurt.  Strange.  2 days, I don't hurt...what the heck is wrong with me? (That is honestly how I felt when I didn't hurt - that something must be wrong).  Suddenly it's been 5 days, with no pain, and life is brand new to me.  I weep when I thank the LORD for this miracle, and you know something?  It doesn't hurt to cry anymore.
  Talk about a bear of a process...and I still don't know all of what I am supposed to have learned from this.  But I do know that I have been so near to God through my pain... As I said in previous post, "I Thank Thee For My Thorn".  And I truly mean it.
  Now I can say, "Thank You, LORD, for the process.  I am hopeful in Your promise"
Amen.

Tupperware storage bins make good end-tables....

con-tent

[kuhn-tent]

adjective

1.satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

 

 ^{Philippians 4:12-13}

  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

    When we first moved into our new apartment, we found we were in need of a few things.  We splurged and bought a few brand new items at discount stores, and I've been hunting down craigslist ads and thrift store finds since then.  The one thing I haven't found (cheaply anways) was some sort of end tables to go next to our couch.  We use them a lot; we set our cups and plates on them while we eat dinner and watch Netflix, I put my morning devotional books there, all the game controllers and remotes go there...so we really do need something.  I've been looking for the ottoman/storage basket type, with a sturdy enough top to place things on.  I finally decided last week that my storage bins, with a small blanket placed strategically to hide their bright colors, will work just as well, if not better than anything I could find.  Yay for not spending money!

  I suppose I have learned to be content.  We have moved a total of 10 times since we've been married (only been married 7 years...) and it has taught us so much on what kinds of possessions to value and what things must be let go of.  It has taught us to live simply and not accumulate.  It has taught us the value of a paperless system.  It has taught us when to invest in a nice item that we know we will always take with us, versus getting something used and very cheap, in the anticipation that it will be gotten rid of before the next move.

  We are content.  We are happy.  We don't have much and we don't plan on getting more, but we know where our true and deep joy is found.  We are TRULY happy.

  We've heard that so many times since our recent move to the city.  It's not that we like the city better (no, we will always be wide-open-spaces-country-folk), and it's not that we are any healthier down here (probably the opposite).  We have no close friends or family.  I have only a few of my animals left, and one of our dogs is living with her grandparents until we can get a house with a yard (we recently lost our dragon - so sad - he was a huge part of the family and was around before we were even married).  My apartment complex is clean and semi-pleasant, but the walls have lead paint, there is an on-going mold issue, cockroaches will come in if you don't keep it treated, and there's plenty of noisy people blasting their 'oompa loompa' through the walls at night.  I have only 2 dining table chairs, and one is broken.  All our clothes fit into three dresser drawers and one closet - combined.  We work physically hard all day long, sewing holes in our socks, repairing our vehicles ourselves, cooking meals at home, putting in extra hours at work while sacrificing time at home, and walking somewhere to save gas, when we could have driven.

  I'm trying to get across to you that we don't have THINGS that make us happy - we probably have the opposite by the world's standards.  But we have made choices to live like this and it's these choices that make us happy - that make us content.

  We chose to live frugally, and that allows us to save for hard times (security and peace-of-mind).  We made a wise choice in following an excellent job opportunity, even though it meant leaving all our family and friends and 'wide-open-spaces' behind.  We have clung to each other along our journey and it has strengthened our marriage bond beyond what most people have at our age. We have chosen to stick to our faith, rely upon our great big God and trust HIS guidance - even when he seems mysterious, distant or downright confusing. It's our 'CHOICES' in this life that have given us joy. We CHOSE contentment.  We CHOSE joy.  And we CHOOSE not to let anyone or anything take it from us.  Not even the crazy LA drivers.

Every choice you make places a controlling power into the hands of that some-one or some-thing. You had better make good and sure that person or thing has your best interests in mind.

 

  ~Hebrews 13:5

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, 

because God has said,    

  “Never will I leave you;
   never will I forsake you.”  

  ~Jeremiah 29:11 

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.