3.25.2008
3.17.2008
the sweetness of settling in
After the chaos of last year, I finally feel like my life is settling into a...well... LIFE. After Jake and I got married it seemed like we were going a million miles an hour. My 2 week trip to California, our trips back and forth to the cabin, train rides to the city, trying to find a teaching job, working at Parkview, no friends... It was endless business, fun, and loneliness combined.
When I think back over the last week or two, I am beginning to see the resemblance of what I would like my life to look like. We have a wonderful church, where we are making wonderful friends. We have a bible study that feeds and encourages. I am getting involved with the youth group which I love. I finally am a professional substitute teacher, which is amazing. I am still working at a gourmet shop which is too much fun. We have friends. We can enjoy being in the beautiful city of Chicago, or running in our quaint suburban neighborhood. We know when enough is enough and we need a night to be home and quiet. I could not ask for a better life than one I have been gifted with. I do miss my family, but the times we have ahead to be together make me so excited.
I am a planner and a lover of routine. Although I have learned to flexible, and my days reflect the need for flexibility, I love getting up and going to the gym. I love working, making dinner, watching my favorite tv show and crawling into bed to cuddle with my husband at the end of a long day. I have found that there is a broad routine that creates comfort, and a fluctuation that happens daily to keep me on my toes.
When I think back over the last week or two, I am beginning to see the resemblance of what I would like my life to look like. We have a wonderful church, where we are making wonderful friends. We have a bible study that feeds and encourages. I am getting involved with the youth group which I love. I finally am a professional substitute teacher, which is amazing. I am still working at a gourmet shop which is too much fun. We have friends. We can enjoy being in the beautiful city of Chicago, or running in our quaint suburban neighborhood. We know when enough is enough and we need a night to be home and quiet. I could not ask for a better life than one I have been gifted with. I do miss my family, but the times we have ahead to be together make me so excited.
I am a planner and a lover of routine. Although I have learned to flexible, and my days reflect the need for flexibility, I love getting up and going to the gym. I love working, making dinner, watching my favorite tv show and crawling into bed to cuddle with my husband at the end of a long day. I have found that there is a broad routine that creates comfort, and a fluctuation that happens daily to keep me on my toes.
3.13.2008
WOOO HOOOOO
I finally went to orientation today at the Libertyville High School and I already have a teaching (subbing) job for tomorrow lined up! It has been a long road to get where I am now, but I am so excited I cannot wait!
3.11.2008
The Prosperity GOSPEL
I found this video on a friend's Facebook page (Thanks Heather!) and thought it was quite interesting. It seemed almost harsh to me, offensive even. But when I think about what the message at heart is- it's true.
3.03.2008
Extreme Home Makeover VS. The BIG GIVE???
Extreme Home Makeover is one of my favorite shows. I love the stories of the families and watching Ty and the gang bring the family's dreams to life. I'm not sure what the motive behind the show is, but I like the message of giving back without any reward (that I know of) other than seeing the joy giving brings and helping people.
The Big Give is Oprah's new TV show. To be fair I am not a huge fan of Oprah. I used to be, but after her "Spirituality" bent and cheering for Obama, I have really lost respect for her. I digress.... The premise of the show is there are a group people chosen to give away money (Oprah's $) to those in need. They have a partner and are "graded" on how much money they raised to give, how creative they were, teamwork, and attitude. What they don't know is that Oprah will give the last person standing 1 MILLION dollars.
Alright, so this is good right? People are giving instead of taking... They are doing good for others... I guess my struggle is that they are doing it to win a competition. There is a criteria for their giving. I don't think the people on the show are bad, or even that everyone has selfish motives to be on TV or win the competition... But it makes me think about the parable of the Pharisee and the poor man who went to the temple to pray, or the rich man who made a generous gift to the church known while the poor woman with only a penny gave it away quietly... The obvious lessons of the parables are that the motive for giving or praying is not to be seen and heard. Giving is to be from the heart.
God is the only one who can judge the heart, let me make that clear. I just wonder what the "heart" behind turning giving into a competition is...
The Big Give is Oprah's new TV show. To be fair I am not a huge fan of Oprah. I used to be, but after her "Spirituality" bent and cheering for Obama, I have really lost respect for her. I digress.... The premise of the show is there are a group people chosen to give away money (Oprah's $) to those in need. They have a partner and are "graded" on how much money they raised to give, how creative they were, teamwork, and attitude. What they don't know is that Oprah will give the last person standing 1 MILLION dollars.
Alright, so this is good right? People are giving instead of taking... They are doing good for others... I guess my struggle is that they are doing it to win a competition. There is a criteria for their giving. I don't think the people on the show are bad, or even that everyone has selfish motives to be on TV or win the competition... But it makes me think about the parable of the Pharisee and the poor man who went to the temple to pray, or the rich man who made a generous gift to the church known while the poor woman with only a penny gave it away quietly... The obvious lessons of the parables are that the motive for giving or praying is not to be seen and heard. Giving is to be from the heart.
God is the only one who can judge the heart, let me make that clear. I just wonder what the "heart" behind turning giving into a competition is...
2.19.2008
Patience is a virtue...Isn't it?
I am patiently waiting for a teaching job. I am going on 4 weeks of having my information turned into the education office and they still have not called me for orientation. Apparently they wait until there are enough people to do orientation... I applied to teach at a Christian school as well, and am waiting for them to process my application (which was 4 pages long) and receive my references. In the meantime I am not working much and boredom is settling in. I am doing my best stay busy. Not being a big shopper, I have invited my 82 year-old great-aunt to lunch with me on Wednesday and I have embarked on the journey of re-reading all Jane Austin novels. I forgot how great they are!
I am also on the seemingly constant pursuit of weight loss. Yes, I'm dieting. I work out constantly and am very active. I could eat lettuce for a month and gain weight. While sharing this lament with my doctor the other day, she shared the news that birth control pills (mine in particular) make you hungrier and therefore weight gain is inevitable. Oh boy! However, I have been making South Beach Diet recipes which I started after my bout with the stomach flu and lo and behold I have lost 7 lbs.! I have come to the conclusion that eating healthy starches and eliminating sugars or foods that your body turns into sugars really is a great way to shed some pounds in a healthy way. Oh, and snacking all day is not a bad thing :)
Jake and I are great. I'm really excited about teaching, and I'm off to a yoga class tonight.
I am also on the seemingly constant pursuit of weight loss. Yes, I'm dieting. I work out constantly and am very active. I could eat lettuce for a month and gain weight. While sharing this lament with my doctor the other day, she shared the news that birth control pills (mine in particular) make you hungrier and therefore weight gain is inevitable. Oh boy! However, I have been making South Beach Diet recipes which I started after my bout with the stomach flu and lo and behold I have lost 7 lbs.! I have come to the conclusion that eating healthy starches and eliminating sugars or foods that your body turns into sugars really is a great way to shed some pounds in a healthy way. Oh, and snacking all day is not a bad thing :)
Jake and I are great. I'm really excited about teaching, and I'm off to a yoga class tonight.
I know I can't just post lyrics to songs all the time... But as I listen to these songs they speak to my soul and I just love them. We sang this song in our wedding... I love it... and it brings me to tears every time I hear it.
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
2.09.2008
Where oh where can the SUNSHINE be?
Jake is taking me downtown for an overnight, a nice dinner, and we are going to see WICKED tomorrow. Super excited! I will let you know if we make it there and back alive since the high temp. tomorrow is 5 freaking degrees. Anyone who is an advocate for global warming has obviously NEVER lived in Chicago where the frigid temperatures are evidence enough that there is NO global warming.
1.16.2008
Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed Be Your Name-by Matt Redman
album: Where Angels Fear To Tread (2002)- - -
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
This song says it all. Blessed be YOUR name Lord, even when life sucks. I have been reading some magazines- REAL SIMPLE and READER'S DIGEST for example, and am not surprised at all the "Quick Fixes" for the new year. None of them are new- how to lose weight, how to clean your house, how to be happy. Yes, that's it people- magazines are claiming they know how to make you happy. If you only do these things:
" If you don't talk about what your husband did to make you mad until you are home at the end of the day, THEN it will go away because you forgot... One way to have a happy marriage."
"Try to focus on the positive."
"Drink more wine. It's good for you."
"Friday night dates without the kids are a must, that way you have time to be with your spouse and talk about something other than kids or work. This will make you happier."
Ok, ok. So not all of these are necessarily BAD... But I don't really think any of them are going to make us eternally happy. No one said this life was going to be easy, and I would suggest that anyone who is searching for some earthly "fix" is going to be quite disappointed. The thing is... Jesus is supposed to be our "all and all" HE is supposed to make us happy. But "happy" seems like a term worth defining because I don't think happiness lies in "feeling good". Sure it helps us to feel happy, like when someone we love gives us flowers, or says something nice to us... But being truly happy, I believe, we have to have our ultimate trust, faith, hope in Jesus. Because just as the song says, Blessed be Your name, when I walk in the wilderness, or when the sun is shining on me... Or when it's just plain hard. Weakness is not desirable. Praising Jesus when we hurt, are lonely, or angry is not desirable, at least not to me. but I find that when I do give it up, and praise him in the good times and the bad times- it is then that I feel "happy". Kind of ironic, but so so sweet.
I suppose none of this is really new, or even profound, but I needed to remind myself of my need for my savior. And that being happy does not come from a diet, it comes from being in relationship with Jesus, the ultimate friend and healer. The heavenly "fix".
" If you don't talk about what your husband did to make you mad until you are home at the end of the day, THEN it will go away because you forgot... One way to have a happy marriage."
"Try to focus on the positive."
"Drink more wine. It's good for you."
"Friday night dates without the kids are a must, that way you have time to be with your spouse and talk about something other than kids or work. This will make you happier."
Ok, ok. So not all of these are necessarily BAD... But I don't really think any of them are going to make us eternally happy. No one said this life was going to be easy, and I would suggest that anyone who is searching for some earthly "fix" is going to be quite disappointed. The thing is... Jesus is supposed to be our "all and all" HE is supposed to make us happy. But "happy" seems like a term worth defining because I don't think happiness lies in "feeling good". Sure it helps us to feel happy, like when someone we love gives us flowers, or says something nice to us... But being truly happy, I believe, we have to have our ultimate trust, faith, hope in Jesus. Because just as the song says, Blessed be Your name, when I walk in the wilderness, or when the sun is shining on me... Or when it's just plain hard. Weakness is not desirable. Praising Jesus when we hurt, are lonely, or angry is not desirable, at least not to me. but I find that when I do give it up, and praise him in the good times and the bad times- it is then that I feel "happy". Kind of ironic, but so so sweet.
I suppose none of this is really new, or even profound, but I needed to remind myself of my need for my savior. And that being happy does not come from a diet, it comes from being in relationship with Jesus, the ultimate friend and healer. The heavenly "fix".
1.10.2008
Sweet Home Montana
I have been in Montana for just shy of 2 weeks now and I have to say this place is rejuvenating. I have been cross-country skiing up in the mountains, I have been skiing DOWN a mountain, and being in the great outdoors does something to my soul. It makes me feel alive, it draws me closer to my savior. I can think and breathe clearly. I am amazed as I sit in the living room of my parents beautiful home looking out at the mountains, snow, and a beautiful Bald Eagle, at how creative our "creator" is.
Why am I am in Montana? My parents are currently on another continent- in Saltzburg, Austria. Think The Sound of Music. They are at a missionary conference for World Harvest Mission. Therefore, I am here, with my youngest brother Johnny. I'm supposed to be the adult, but honestly, I am having more fun being one of the kids. All of his buddies come over to eat dinner, and they are all great kids.
James is home too, which means the three Masterfield Kids are having a great time together. The other day someone in town who knows my mom said to me, "You must a Masterfield". And of course, I will always be a Masterfield, but I have become so used to hearing Abby McKelvy that it caught me off guard and I had to laugh. Speaking of McKelvy- I really miss my husband...
They say absence makes the heart grow stronger. Boy is that true! Every day I wake up and I'm so excited to be here and to be enjoying Montana- but I wish I was sharing it with my wonderful husband, Jake. He has been so gracious in letting me be here for so long. I am going home tomorrow and I am super excited to see him!
Because I have not posted in forever, this one is long. I apologize. But there is one thing I wanted to add. I got this from my dad, and it was very encouraging to me.
How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
We can be patient when things go against us,
thankful when things go well,
and for the future we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father
All creatures are so completely in his hand
that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved.
Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 28
Why am I am in Montana? My parents are currently on another continent- in Saltzburg, Austria. Think The Sound of Music. They are at a missionary conference for World Harvest Mission. Therefore, I am here, with my youngest brother Johnny. I'm supposed to be the adult, but honestly, I am having more fun being one of the kids. All of his buddies come over to eat dinner, and they are all great kids.
James is home too, which means the three Masterfield Kids are having a great time together. The other day someone in town who knows my mom said to me, "You must a Masterfield". And of course, I will always be a Masterfield, but I have become so used to hearing Abby McKelvy that it caught me off guard and I had to laugh. Speaking of McKelvy- I really miss my husband...
They say absence makes the heart grow stronger. Boy is that true! Every day I wake up and I'm so excited to be here and to be enjoying Montana- but I wish I was sharing it with my wonderful husband, Jake. He has been so gracious in letting me be here for so long. I am going home tomorrow and I am super excited to see him!
Because I have not posted in forever, this one is long. I apologize. But there is one thing I wanted to add. I got this from my dad, and it was very encouraging to me.
How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
We can be patient when things go against us,
thankful when things go well,
and for the future we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father
All creatures are so completely in his hand
that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved.
Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 28
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