Who really is the Dirt Bag?

Lately, I have noticed some commercials that really bug me. You have probably seen them-

the male actor is so in love with his possession (in some it is a beer) that he rambles on about how wonderful it is, tells of the great lengths he would go to obtain/keep the item. It is very obvious that his "item/product" is very important to him. Then he is speechless to his significant other; barely capable of muttering a few loving words and is not willing to go to any lengths for her. He obviously communicates to his wife/girlfriend that she has little significance in his life.

Dirt Bag! She is your wife, love her, make her feel important, the least you could do is give her as much praise as you give your beer!

I wonder how often I do that to God. I ramble on and on about me, I go to great lengths to keep my things organized. I express my love for my computer, cell phone, itouch by spending many hours each day with them. Then I leave a few words left for God. I tell Him I will get to Him in a minute. How important do I make God feel?

Maybe I am the Dirt Bag?

Island Time

We received disappointing news Thursday. Our expected departure date of 3/23/10 was pushed back. The next possible departure 3/25/10, MAYBE or 3/28/10 or 4/1/10 or well I am not thinking past that. The Jamaican government has not had time to review our documentation and without their approval we cannot get our Visa and without a Visa-no travel for the Blacks. Island time has its advantages (you can never be late) and its disadvantages (deadlines do not really exist).

My initial reaction was one of sadness and disappointment. Just five hours earlier I had went through the emotions of preparing myself for the expected phone call "Your approved! See you on the 23rd!" I had the nervous butterfly stomach, the sadness of saying goodbye and the excitement of picturing myself boarding the plane. NOW those feelings are negated and left with uncertainty. The uncertainty did not last long, no we do not have a departure date but God quickly reminded me that He is in control! God knows our days, our hours, our minutes. While the 23rd was "our plan" God showed his grace and intervened. Changing our departure date to an upcoming date that is in His "ideal time."

An hour after all of these events this is what God painted for me (okay that sounds narcissistic) but I appreciated the reminder.

Time

Enjoying my TIME with family

Loving my TIME with old friends

Good use of TIME to speak with supporters

Appreciate TIME to handle financial business

Missing my preschool TIME

Need more Bible TIME

Want TIME to blog about the concepts God is placing on my heart

SURPRISE!

It was a perfect plan, nothing out of the ordinary- show up at the normal time and place for growth group, head up to the youth room b/c the kitchen "was occupied" and BAM! a room full of balloons, streamers, food and my closest friends/family. I am so thankful for my growth group family to realize how important this night was for us. Aaron and I do not like to say goodbye but the time was well spent. As Aaron and I sat on stage one by one our growth group members shared words of encouragment, memories, and sadness; we were humbled. We cried, we laughed, we cried some more. We were blessed by the graciousness of our friends. The intuition of Kimberly to know what we would need (something simple, good food, and time for grieving). We do not deserve the praise they offered but it was like vitamins for our hearts and mind. Reminders of the talents God has placed in us and reflections of how Christ has been growing us for this moment. I do not want to leave this group of wonderful people BUT I am glad that since I am leaving it is these people that will be praying!