The End of a Very Busy Week . . .
3 months ago
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
My Early Birthday Gift
This is one of those stories where everyone says "Awwww" at the end. The good kind of aww.
As I've mentioned before, my husband works in the food industry. I tell him that as long as people eat, he has a job. For the most part this has been true; his sales may fluctuate from one month to the next but there's never been a time when he hasn't been able to make enough money to pay the bills. We're very thankful for that.
Still, the economy being what it is, his company has looked for ways to save money. Recently they switched cell phone companies. The contract the company had with Cingular expired, and they decided to go with Metro PCS. Yes, the service is less expensive, but it has its drawbacks.
As sales supervisor my husband has several salesmen working under him who he speaks with regularly while on the road. He also speaks with clients, supermarket owners and managers. So he spends alot of time on the phone. The issue he began having with the new service company is that inside the stores (especially in the freezer section, where most of his products are) he couldn't get a signal. This meant that his sales force couldn't get a hold of him, nor could his customers. He was also embarrassed every time someone from the competition was around and saw my hubby having to walk out the store just so he could make a phone call. It was hindering his productivity, and he wasn't happy.
At home, we've had Sprint for our phone service for several years and are happy with them. My hubby spoke with his bosses and asked if it were possible to switch his work phone over to our home phone service, with the company paying him whatever they were paying Metro PCS. He explained the problems he was having, and the company agreed to his request. So my hubby called Sprint and worked out a good plan with them that would work for his job and our personal phones.
A couple of days after he'd told me about this, I received an email from Sprint verifying the purchase of a new phone. Sprint has my email address on file, so anytime a change is made they send me an email. Since my hubby had already told me he was adding his work phone to our account, I figured he was upgrading his phone also. I printed the email without really reading it, and left it on his nightstand. When hubby came home, he asked what the paper was for. I told him Sprint had emailed me a confirmation of his order and I'd printed it for him. He became very serious. "Why did they email you? I'm the one that placed the order." I explained that my email is the one they have on file. "But I never told them to email anything. What did they have to do that for?" I told him Sprint's system does it automatically, whether he requests an email or not. I couldn't understand why he was so upset about it. Then he told me. "I was buying you a new phone for Christmas, and Sprint ruined my surprise." Since I hadn't read the email, I didn't notice there were two phones ordered, one for him to use for work and an additional one. It was so sweet! I laughed because he was pouting like a little kid all because his surprise was discovered.
Now that I knew about the phone, my hubby asked me to fill out the paperwork for the rebate offers. Turns out, to qualify for the rebates the phones need to be activated by November 14. Since that's exactly a month before my birthday, we agreed the phone would be an early birthday gift. I get to learn how to use my burgundy Blackberry Curve now, and hopefully I'll have gotten the hang of it by the time my birthday rolls around. Thanks for my early gift, honey!
As I've mentioned before, my husband works in the food industry. I tell him that as long as people eat, he has a job. For the most part this has been true; his sales may fluctuate from one month to the next but there's never been a time when he hasn't been able to make enough money to pay the bills. We're very thankful for that.
Still, the economy being what it is, his company has looked for ways to save money. Recently they switched cell phone companies. The contract the company had with Cingular expired, and they decided to go with Metro PCS. Yes, the service is less expensive, but it has its drawbacks.
As sales supervisor my husband has several salesmen working under him who he speaks with regularly while on the road. He also speaks with clients, supermarket owners and managers. So he spends alot of time on the phone. The issue he began having with the new service company is that inside the stores (especially in the freezer section, where most of his products are) he couldn't get a signal. This meant that his sales force couldn't get a hold of him, nor could his customers. He was also embarrassed every time someone from the competition was around and saw my hubby having to walk out the store just so he could make a phone call. It was hindering his productivity, and he wasn't happy.
At home, we've had Sprint for our phone service for several years and are happy with them. My hubby spoke with his bosses and asked if it were possible to switch his work phone over to our home phone service, with the company paying him whatever they were paying Metro PCS. He explained the problems he was having, and the company agreed to his request. So my hubby called Sprint and worked out a good plan with them that would work for his job and our personal phones.
A couple of days after he'd told me about this, I received an email from Sprint verifying the purchase of a new phone. Sprint has my email address on file, so anytime a change is made they send me an email. Since my hubby had already told me he was adding his work phone to our account, I figured he was upgrading his phone also. I printed the email without really reading it, and left it on his nightstand. When hubby came home, he asked what the paper was for. I told him Sprint had emailed me a confirmation of his order and I'd printed it for him. He became very serious. "Why did they email you? I'm the one that placed the order." I explained that my email is the one they have on file. "But I never told them to email anything. What did they have to do that for?" I told him Sprint's system does it automatically, whether he requests an email or not. I couldn't understand why he was so upset about it. Then he told me. "I was buying you a new phone for Christmas, and Sprint ruined my surprise." Since I hadn't read the email, I didn't notice there were two phones ordered, one for him to use for work and an additional one. It was so sweet! I laughed because he was pouting like a little kid all because his surprise was discovered.
Now that I knew about the phone, my hubby asked me to fill out the paperwork for the rebate offers. Turns out, to qualify for the rebates the phones need to be activated by November 14. Since that's exactly a month before my birthday, we agreed the phone would be an early birthday gift. I get to learn how to use my burgundy Blackberry Curve now, and hopefully I'll have gotten the hang of it by the time my birthday rolls around. Thanks for my early gift, honey!
The Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today, October 26, 2009...
Outside my window...the sun shines brightly and there isn't much of a breeze. The cold front we got last week has come and gone, and summer weather is back. I liked the reprieve. We're hoping to get another one soon.
I am thinking...about all the things I need to get done around the house because I was out of the house most of last week and this weekend. So much for being a "stay at home" mom!
I am thankful...for the announcement our pastor made yesterday at the volunteer appreciation picnic. Can't post about it yet - top secret! But it's so exciting to see what God is doing in and through our church.
I am wearing...an olive green t-shirt, pale blue capris and sandals. Doesn't sound like fall attire, does it?
I am remembering...the young man convicted of armed robbery. I continue to pray for his repentance.
I am creating...a cleaner neater home today. I have to. I can't stand it when the house is messy.
I am reading...Romans for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, Proverbs for growth groups. I started reading The Edge of Darkness by Francine Rivers but I haven't had time to get past the intro. It's been a hectic week.
I am hoping...my husband's insomnia goes away. He hasn't been able to sleep which makes him irritable (understandably so). Need to find some natural way to help him get some sleep.
On my mind...the pile of laundry I need to get to. Today.
From the learning rooms...I had a very productive meeting with E's teachers on Friday. They are listening to me (unlike last year's teachers) and are encouraging strategies to help E with reading comprehension. I'm so glad to finally have someone believe that my son needs additional help.
I am noticing that...my birthday is less than 2 months away. Where did this last year go?!?!
I am pondering these words...from the song "Beautiful King" by Danyew: "Every word that you say wields the beauty of angels. Every smile is arrayed with a joy like wedding bells. It's my heart you hold. Of your mystery I sing. I will stand and behold my Beautiful King."
From the kitchen...tilapia today. With noodles and salad. Ate too much this weekend, so I need to keep it light today.
Around the house...I'll be running around getting things done today. Laundry mostly.
One of my favorite things...is playing worship songs while driving. South Florida traffic can be a nightmare, but when I'm praising my King, it's like the traffic isn't even there.
A few plans for the rest of the week: there's no Awana this week because of a pastor's convention. Thursday the Cub Scouts will have their Halloween costumes and we'll be going to a local park. E gets his Webelos badge this week which is pretty exciting. Growth groups on Friday, then we'll see what the weekend brings.
From my picture journal...we went to a birthday party at Boomers on Saturday and my son was able to ride a go cart solo for the first time. The smile on his face could not be wiped off for hours. At least not until it was time to go home.
Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Observing My Senses
For Today, October 24, 2009...
I am seeing...on and off rain. The cold front we got at the beginning of the week has left us, and the temperatures have gone back up to the 80's, though not as much humidity till today.
I am feeling...thankful for the many blessings I receive from my Lord.
I am tasting...lemonade, which I drink a lot of.
I am hearing...Saturday morning cartoons. Brings back memories.
I am smelling...banana nut muffins that just came out of the oven. The whole house smells delicious!
It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?
I am seeing...on and off rain. The cold front we got at the beginning of the week has left us, and the temperatures have gone back up to the 80's, though not as much humidity till today.
I am feeling...thankful for the many blessings I receive from my Lord.
I am tasting...lemonade, which I drink a lot of.
I am hearing...Saturday morning cartoons. Brings back memories.
I am smelling...banana nut muffins that just came out of the oven. The whole house smells delicious!
It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?
The Week in Review
Boy, has this been an eventful week! I haven't blogged as much as I would have liked, only because I was on busy mode the whole week. Of course for blogging purposes it was pretty monotonous.
Monday - I reported promptly at 8:00am at the courthouse for jury duty. This meant getting up at 5:25am so I could get my son up, prepare breakfast and lunch (I took a packed lunch to the courthouse) and heading out the door by 6:30am. My son didn't have school on Monday, but thankfully grandma stayed with him. I met my cousin at the courthouse, because surprisingly we both got called for jury duty the same day. What are the odds! By 9:40 she'd been called, and I had to wait till 10:30. Jury selection began, but it's very slow. I kept trying not to nod off, since I was tired and the jury selection process is pretty boring. Imagine my surprise when I was chosen to serve! I was sure they'd pass me by just because I looked like I was half asleep! The attorneys began opening arguments the same day, and we didn't get out till 5:30pm. I was exhausted. One good thing, though: I met a pastor's wife there. I was so glad; it meant I wouldn't be the only one looking at this case from a biblical point of view.
Tuesday - I was supposed to be at the courthouse by 9:00am, but due to having to drop my son off at school and getting into major traffic, I didn't get there till 9:30am. I felt awful, because everyone was waiting for me. The case began. Armed robbery. I posted about this in my previous post, so I won't go into detail except to say that several of us were in agreement that this young man needed prayer. I'm thankful for our God who gives second chances. I pray this young man will seek His forgiveness.
Because the judge had another trial, we were dismissed at 2:30pm. This gave me time to go home and prepare enough food for 3 days, since I knew I was going back the next day. My son and I had Burger King on Monday, and it didn't exactly agree with me. I don't eat much fast food, so my stomach doesn't appreciate it. Besides, there's nothing like giving my family a home cooked meal.
Wednesday - The trial finally ended. Although we agreed the evidence proved the young man guilty, no one was happy about it. At 20 years old, it's difficult to send someone to prison. But that is the consequence of crime. He's still young; I pray he'll turn his life around. We were dismissed at 1:45pm but by the time I got home it was 3:00pm. Just in time to say goodbye to my oldest son as he headed off to work.
E and I went to church that night. It was Harvest-fest at Awana. Games, activities, crafts, lots of fun. The kids didn't want to leave. I went to Bible study, which I desperately needed after 3 days of trial. Pastor is doing a series on Praying like Jesus. It was so refreshing.
Thursday - My first day at home all week. I did a bunch of laundry which had piled up, plus gave the kitchen and family room a good cleaning. I was thankful to get a chance to catch up on home matters. We went to Cub Scouts at night, but I mostly just sat there and watched the boys. I was only too happy to relax for a while.
Friday - After grocery shopping I met with E's teachers. What a difference from last year! His teacher is in agreement with me that E needs to be tested for a learning disability. She has other children in her class with issues, so she seems better equipped to deal with the situation. Both his teachers listened to my concerns and we're working on ways to help E with reading and writing skills. Thank the Lord for these wonderful teachers!
We had 12 women last night at growth groups. What a blessing! It seems the group grows every week. Lots of participation, too. It's very diverse; I have teenagers, young single women, married women with small children and married women with grown children. The beauty of the book of Proverbs is that it's relevant to everyone. It was an amazing night and the Holy Spirit was in full force feeding us from the Word. Another refreshing night.
My week isn't over, either. I just pulled some banana nut muffins out of the oven (yes, baked from scratch; the bananas were over-ripe and I don't like throwing them out). In a little while E and I are heading out to Boomers for a birthday party he was invited to. We'll have the rest of the afternoon to rest. Tomorrow after church is the Volunteer Appreciation picnic at a nearby park. I volunteer in several ministries, not because we get a picnic ;-) but because it is such a blessing, to others and to myself. I'm looking forward to it and praying it doesn't rain.
I hope everyone has a joyous weekend. God bless!
Monday - I reported promptly at 8:00am at the courthouse for jury duty. This meant getting up at 5:25am so I could get my son up, prepare breakfast and lunch (I took a packed lunch to the courthouse) and heading out the door by 6:30am. My son didn't have school on Monday, but thankfully grandma stayed with him. I met my cousin at the courthouse, because surprisingly we both got called for jury duty the same day. What are the odds! By 9:40 she'd been called, and I had to wait till 10:30. Jury selection began, but it's very slow. I kept trying not to nod off, since I was tired and the jury selection process is pretty boring. Imagine my surprise when I was chosen to serve! I was sure they'd pass me by just because I looked like I was half asleep! The attorneys began opening arguments the same day, and we didn't get out till 5:30pm. I was exhausted. One good thing, though: I met a pastor's wife there. I was so glad; it meant I wouldn't be the only one looking at this case from a biblical point of view.
Tuesday - I was supposed to be at the courthouse by 9:00am, but due to having to drop my son off at school and getting into major traffic, I didn't get there till 9:30am. I felt awful, because everyone was waiting for me. The case began. Armed robbery. I posted about this in my previous post, so I won't go into detail except to say that several of us were in agreement that this young man needed prayer. I'm thankful for our God who gives second chances. I pray this young man will seek His forgiveness.
Because the judge had another trial, we were dismissed at 2:30pm. This gave me time to go home and prepare enough food for 3 days, since I knew I was going back the next day. My son and I had Burger King on Monday, and it didn't exactly agree with me. I don't eat much fast food, so my stomach doesn't appreciate it. Besides, there's nothing like giving my family a home cooked meal.
Wednesday - The trial finally ended. Although we agreed the evidence proved the young man guilty, no one was happy about it. At 20 years old, it's difficult to send someone to prison. But that is the consequence of crime. He's still young; I pray he'll turn his life around. We were dismissed at 1:45pm but by the time I got home it was 3:00pm. Just in time to say goodbye to my oldest son as he headed off to work.
E and I went to church that night. It was Harvest-fest at Awana. Games, activities, crafts, lots of fun. The kids didn't want to leave. I went to Bible study, which I desperately needed after 3 days of trial. Pastor is doing a series on Praying like Jesus. It was so refreshing.
Thursday - My first day at home all week. I did a bunch of laundry which had piled up, plus gave the kitchen and family room a good cleaning. I was thankful to get a chance to catch up on home matters. We went to Cub Scouts at night, but I mostly just sat there and watched the boys. I was only too happy to relax for a while.
Friday - After grocery shopping I met with E's teachers. What a difference from last year! His teacher is in agreement with me that E needs to be tested for a learning disability. She has other children in her class with issues, so she seems better equipped to deal with the situation. Both his teachers listened to my concerns and we're working on ways to help E with reading and writing skills. Thank the Lord for these wonderful teachers!
We had 12 women last night at growth groups. What a blessing! It seems the group grows every week. Lots of participation, too. It's very diverse; I have teenagers, young single women, married women with small children and married women with grown children. The beauty of the book of Proverbs is that it's relevant to everyone. It was an amazing night and the Holy Spirit was in full force feeding us from the Word. Another refreshing night.
My week isn't over, either. I just pulled some banana nut muffins out of the oven (yes, baked from scratch; the bananas were over-ripe and I don't like throwing them out). In a little while E and I are heading out to Boomers for a birthday party he was invited to. We'll have the rest of the afternoon to rest. Tomorrow after church is the Volunteer Appreciation picnic at a nearby park. I volunteer in several ministries, not because we get a picnic ;-) but because it is such a blessing, to others and to myself. I'm looking forward to it and praying it doesn't rain.
I hope everyone has a joyous weekend. God bless!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Proverbs Thought of the Day
"Do not eat the bread of the stingy;
do not desire their delicacies;
for like a hair in the throat, so are they.
'Eat and drink!' they say to you;
but they do not mean it.
You will vomit up the little you have eaten,
and you will waste your pleasant words."
- Proverbs 23:6-8, NRSV
Ever had the unfortunate circumstance of swallowing a hair? It causes an annoying tickle in the throat that will immediately trigger the gag reflex. It's fairly accurate to say the experience is not pleasant.
God compares this nasty sensation to dealing with a stingy person. The reason for this is because stingy people are hypocrites; they offer without really wanting to offer. Ever had someone ask you, "You don't want any of this, do you?" You automatically answer no even if you want to say yes, because the offer is in the negative. I remember my grandmother, who would never ask a person if they wanted something to eat or drink; she just served whoever came to her house. Her explanation was, "If you ask, you do so in the hopes they'll say no." There is no genuine desire to share, just the desire to appear generous.
What's the problem with stinginess? It fails to acknowledge the real owner of everything we have. Nothing we have is ours; the proof is in the fact that we don't take it with us when we die. Everything stays behind for someone else to enjoy (or discard). When we realize and accept that everything in our possession is only temporarily ours, that all belongs to God and He, in His generosity, has allowed us to enjoy it, there is no logical reason for us to hoard anything. Just as He shares with us, so we must do with others. After all it's just stuff, until it blesses someone else.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Proverbs Thought of the Day
"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you."
- Proverbs 22:26-27
In these tough economic times, we may feel tempted to help someone who is having trouble getting a loan by co-signing for them. Did you know that the Bible tells us not to do this? Many are surprised to find that God is against putting up security for another person's debts. Why is that?
For the co-signer, the message is simple: if the loan cannot be paid by the principal borrower, the debt then falls on the co-signer. What happens if you have debts of your own that you need to take care of? The finance company doesn't care. You made a promise to pay, and if you don't it will affect your credit rating. The finance company may try to put a lien on your property. The least they'll do is call daily to harrass you into paying for this debt. Is it worth the trouble?
But perhaps you're thinking, "I wanted to help this person. Why should I be punished for doing good? Doesn't God want me to be generous?" Clearly this isn't the way God wants generosity expressed. Proverbs 22:7 tells us that "the rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." God wants us to avoid getting into debt, not help others increase their own. When we co-sign a loan, we're interferring with God's plan for that person's life. Rather than helping them, we're hurting them by getting them further into debt. Perhaps God is trying to teach that person to be content with what they have. Maybe God wants to give that person a lesson in saving for the future. Regardless of what His reasons may be, we need to obey God's Word and not put up security for another person's debts. God has promised to take care of our daily needs. Let's trust Him to do just that.
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