tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.comments2011-01-25T22:02:49.328-05:00Living a Wartime LifestyleDochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-88367788883033605942011-01-25T22:02:49.328-05:002011-01-25T22:02:49.328-05:00I think it is healthy and natural to support our f...I think it is healthy and natural to support our friends. I think it is right to spend time with other couples. I think it is right to go out on dates with our spouses. I think it is right to celebrate milestone events in the lives of people we care about. Going to see a friend in a show is more about just supporting a friend though. Its about fellowship, relationships, a break in the routine.<br /><br />These events do not always have to cost money. And they do not always have to involve giving gifts to a 1 year old who won't appreciate it. For example, 2 recent birthday parties we attended asked guests to bring pajamas for homeless child instead of a gift for the birthday girl.<br /><br />And you can't really complain about GS cookies. We buy cookies every month anyway. So getting them from the GS isn't really that big of a deal.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01333931458796397707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-81703032869067555452010-07-06T03:21:52.890-04:002010-07-06T03:21:52.890-04:00Just visiting from MBC 100 Club. Thanks for visit...Just visiting from MBC 100 Club. Thanks for visiting my blog. Become a GFC follower and get first alerts on giveaways.<br /><br />http://lydiaspennies.blogspot.comLydia's Pennieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00687120142146456735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-49097762465469898942009-09-05T15:11:30.927-04:002009-09-05T15:11:30.927-04:00Shirley,
The fact that few people in the US actua...Shirley,<br /><br />The fact that few people in the US actually starve to death shows that the poorest in the US are relatively better off than millions in the world. John Piper's writings aren't always easy to understand--partially because they can be long, and partially because he is so detailed and thorough that there's just a lot of information to grasp. You could check out his Taste and See articles, which are much shorter and straightforward. <br />http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByTitleDochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-1185695908799087822009-09-05T13:01:59.509-04:002009-09-05T13:01:59.509-04:00I think that even the homeless in the United State...I think that even the homeless in the United States are rich compared to many third world countries. I didn't read Piper's article. He writes such long ones, that I lose interest or don't get the point all the time because of his many words. He is a gifted speaker and writer, so the difficulty is with me I am sure. <br />I do agree that I am rich, and yet, I live on a fixed income. I am not going by money or possessions but by the blessings I get from God. Thanks for letting me comment. Shirley..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-18136489794680305952009-06-15T21:59:25.275-04:002009-06-15T21:59:25.275-04:00Jennifer and I were watching a TV show the other d...Jennifer and I were watching a TV show the other day about the 5 worst bride meltdowns on those reality shows. One bride started crying and screaming because the bagpiper didn't show up on time. I started wondering whether Americans have put too much into the wedding day being "perfect." There's that whole thing about girls planning their wedding from the time they're 12 years old. I think a perfect wedding would be a good celebration of two people getting married, and that shouldn't cost enough money to send someone to Yale.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-49166521385454898012009-06-15T21:30:47.773-04:002009-06-15T21:30:47.773-04:00Hi! I appreciate your blog. About weddings -- we...Hi! I appreciate your blog. About weddings -- we kept our budget low ($2000 for everything -- our daughter and husband could keep whatever they didn't spend as a gift; we fed a meal to about 150 guests) and did our best to balance good stewardship and celebration, making memories that would be pleasant and Christ-honoring for the couple and the guests. It took a lot of creativity, planning, and work but we have no regrets. A wedding uses all of the talents of a godly woman -- sewing, flower arranging, decorating, hospitality, planning, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-7503286298597833642009-05-26T21:58:42.271-04:002009-05-26T21:58:42.271-04:00It gets somewhere around 45mpg, but it requires th...It gets somewhere around 45mpg, but it requires the more expensive 91 octane. It's up to you to decide whether that's good on gas or not.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-75239611435041796762009-05-26T21:30:50.752-04:002009-05-26T21:30:50.752-04:00Is that good on gas?Is that good on gas?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-19691429684036074072009-03-15T07:23:00.000-04:002009-03-15T07:23:00.000-04:00Bruce, you said "But, if he was merely to say we'r...Bruce, you said "But, if he was merely to say we're all rich, what should his advice be?"<BR/><BR/>My point is that the advice would be the same, only, he wouldn't let pretty much every member of his audience 'off the hook' by only using examples of extreme wealth.<BR/><BR/>I said his perspective was off, not his advice.<BR/><BR/>If his perspective was off of the ultra rich (he seems to be fixated on condemning the ultra rich - his latest blog post "Bernard Madoff: How Are the Mighty Fallen!") then his advice would be MUCH more practical. My guess is, most people sitting in our churches today, if asked, would NOT agree that they are "rich."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-45393689053138601202009-03-13T05:17:00.000-04:002009-03-13T05:17:00.000-04:00I have no doubt Piper would agree all Americans ar...I have no doubt Piper would agree all Americans are rich. I've heard him talk many times about the slums of Calcutta, etc. But, if he was merely to say we're all rich, what should his advice be? Since you're reading this blog, you're rich; but what does that mean for you? You're not giving up your internet access.<BR/><BR/>Yes, there is a difference between 'absolute poverty' (not having enough food) and 'relative poverty' (not being able to afford a 3 bedroom apartment for your family. But, then we still have to consider what that wealth means. <BR/><BR/>Here's an example I've considered recently. Jennifer and I have a Ford Focus. Now, simply having a car makes us rich, by comparison to most of the world. But can we actually get by without a car. Yes and no. Yes, if we want to move to the migrant part of the county and ride the citrus company bus to the orange groves and earn minimum wage; or yes if we want to limit our job prospects to only those places served by the very limited public bus system. If I want to keep my decent paying job, though, I need a vehicle. So, does having one of the cheapest cars available make us rich?<BR/><BR/>So, what is the "hook" that I need to feel in this case? Figuring that out is partially the purpose of this blog.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-51630955733355904992009-03-09T22:00:00.000-04:002009-03-09T22:00:00.000-04:00I've been looking for a cheap, cute design for a h...I've been looking for a cheap, cute design for a homemade dress-up box and I love your repurposed basket! Thanks for sharing the idea!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-8598964937702710962009-03-09T09:43:00.000-04:002009-03-09T09:43:00.000-04:00Piper gives great advice in this video, but IMO, h...Piper gives great advice in this video, but IMO, his perspective of off.<BR/><BR/>All of his examples of 'wealth' alluded to people I would consider to be extremely or extravagantly rich. The reality is, most Americans, yes, even those living beneath the 'poverty level' set by America's government are RICH compared to billions of people living all over the world.<BR/><BR/>Face it, anyone reading this blog is rich.<BR/><BR/>Piper would better serve his audience if he acknowledged this and allowed his examples of wealth reflect it.<BR/><BR/>ie. Did you eat three nutritious meals today? You are rich. Do you wear different clothes every day? You are rich. Do you own a computer? You are rich.<BR/><BR/>Don't talk about expensive cars, homes, boats. That lets us off the hook too easy!Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13066375929871393092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-28080473984999124442009-03-09T05:31:00.000-04:002009-03-09T05:31:00.000-04:00I also don't think owning a home in America is un-...I also don't think owning a home in America is un-wartime. In some ways, it can be extremely wartime. <BR/><BR/>I know a minister who moved into inner-city New Orleans in order to start a ministry. He bought a house there in order to demonstrate his commitment to being in the community. <BR/><BR/>Also, wartime living in about good stewardship, and home ownership--especially in America--can be a great act of stewardship since there are tax breaks and the chance to build equity. If someone is able to live in one house for decades, the relative cost of the mortgage will become cheaper and cheaper, allowing them more disposable income for ministry. <BR/><BR/>I'd be interested to hear more about your thoughts on man B and family. I don't think I disagree, but I'm curious how you would define "family-oriented"? What should Christians use to determine whether we're being family-oriented?<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-2457381258126478002009-03-05T21:04:00.000-05:002009-03-05T21:04:00.000-05:00I think the issue is more complex than just "man A...I think the issue is more complex than just "man A" and "man B."<BR/><BR/>I don't fit into either of your defined categories, but I am doing my best to be as radically obedient as I can to God's call on my life. That has put me in a place where financial security is not something I can realistically secure for myself, I will never own my own house and 'retirement' will probably not be a reality until it's medically necessary - and I'm okay with that.<BR/><BR/>I do think that my path is not for everyone though. For some, their radical obedience is to be in a financial position that they can support people like myself. They are not any less "wartime" because they live in America and own the house they live in, it's just the place God has put them.<BR/><BR/>I think we need to focus on being obedient to God's call in our lives and not try to deem one lifestyle as more 'spiritual' or 'wartime' as another.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and the reason I decided to comment - I disagree COMPLETELY that 'man B' is not building a family-oriented life! Maybe not the American idea of 'family-oriented' - but I think it's wrong to think radical obedience means you devalue your family in any way at all. I actually think the opposite - being obedient, to the point of sacrifice - true sacrifice - is the best thing you can do for your family. It's the most 'family-oriented' thing a Godly man can do. It's not all about money.<BR/><BR/>my two cents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-14472409121061804312009-03-05T20:45:00.000-05:002009-03-05T20:45:00.000-05:00I take a lot of napkins (when I can) - but they ar...I take a lot of napkins (when I can) - but they are never wasted! :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-60246934773237237562009-02-21T15:25:00.000-05:002009-02-21T15:25:00.000-05:00I love the basket! So far Esme's dress up has con...I love the basket! So far Esme's dress up has consistly primarily of wearing Mommy's clothes and shoes! We're working on changing that, though.<BR/><BR/>I did get a bunch of scarves (some silk) from thriftstores that work great as doll blankets or dress-up, and Esme loves beads and funky glasses, too. I'm looking for stuff with a range of ways to fasten - bows, velcro, buttons, snaps, etc. so she can practice that as well. <BR/><BR/>And I think dress-up stuff is not only cheaper but better quality from thrift stores than you'd get in toy stores. Smart way to go.<BR/><BR/>As for other stuff - I have been washing out the little applesauce cups and yogurt cups for Esme to use in her counting and scooping and craft sessions. Or to put paint in for painting, etc. And my husband is a general contractor, so I'm checking out his material scraps to see what we can use for toys/educational/craft there, too.Mozi Esmehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16078786257885681829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-47409727644385455042009-02-18T10:52:00.000-05:002009-02-18T10:52:00.000-05:00I'm sure there are things like that we have done -...I'm sure there are things like that we have done - but I can't think of any specifics. Most of their toys/clothes/books all come from the thrift store or garage sales. They are both very creative so they tend to repurpose stuff on their own. Since the boy's obsession is war/soldiers/weapons - he will use anything to make one. He has a toy bow...the other day he made a paper quiver and used straws as arrows - they actually worked. So they tend to do stuff like that.<BR/><BR/>One picnic basket we repurposed as a bicycle basket on my bike :) I wanted something large and heavy duty and with a lid for trips to the library or for a small grocery stop. It can easily be detached from the bike (it's on a rack at the back of the bike) and carried into the store. Works great! And I think it is large enough for 2 jugs of milk even :)Edihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01881967873653190545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-81850681883553201152009-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:002009-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:00I meant were I single and otherwise available. As ...I meant were I single and otherwise available. As in, never been married!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01333931458796397707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-55681586474063074522009-02-10T09:46:00.000-05:002009-02-10T09:46:00.000-05:00Should I be worried that Jennifer, my wife, said s...Should I be worried that Jennifer, my wife, said she'd snatch man A right up if he ever came along? I guess it's a good thing she doesn't live in Seattle and attend Mars Hill Church. <BR/><BR/>And I, too, wasn't sure how to handle MozeEsme's housing question. So, I thought of George Müller who took care of so many orphans. I wondered, what would he do? And I just thought of Augustine's statement: "Love God and do as you please." Or, as Piper has stated, "safety is an illusion" and "risk is right." But, the risk should be taken for the glory of God. <BR/><BR/>The best we can do is pray, consider what the Bible tells us, seek godly advice, use our best discerning judgment, and act on faith.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-8328742224332162382009-02-10T09:18:00.000-05:002009-02-10T09:18:00.000-05:00I too feel that I would be attracted more to Man B...I too feel that I would be attracted more to Man B... but quite honestly, few women will ever have a choice between A & B... so if A came along, and everything was in line, I'd snatch him right up! :)<BR/><BR/>MozeEsme - I have no idea what you should do, and I know you are already praying about you, so I won't give you that advice. But I will pray with you because the step of faith you are taking is huge and Satan will be sure to attack you extra hard!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01333931458796397707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-32828898476264087612009-02-08T21:19:00.000-05:002009-02-08T21:19:00.000-05:00WWGMD?What would George Müller do?WWGMD?<BR/><BR/>What would George Müller do?Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535234533571680290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-67006923868364914562009-02-08T20:10:00.000-05:002009-02-08T20:10:00.000-05:00That is really a tough question, and I'm not going...That is really a tough question, and I'm not going to cut down on someone who goes with option A. But I do know that for me - I'd be more impressed with the guy who went with option B. I believe God always provides us with what we need when we need it, especially if we've been helping those He puts into our paths along the way. A big retirement fund is not a priority for me.<BR/><BR/>It's kind of interesting now, though - we are planning to go into a situation in Zimbabwe where there is no guarantee we will get any income - we'll have to raise funds on our own. I'm not so worried about basic needs - there are always family and friends to help us out with those if absolutely necessary. But we have several houses that we need to pay mortgages on. And if we sell now, we will lose everything we invested into them so far. So do we sell to lower our monthly financial needs, or do we hang on until the market picks up, trusting God to take care of the mortgages and thus have more money to invest in our orphans?Mozi Esmehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16078786257885681829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-20755662677771528992009-02-07T19:59:00.000-05:002009-02-07T19:59:00.000-05:00I do not find my TP holder to be painful to look a...I do not find my TP holder to be painful to look at. I can't honestly say though, that it causes me to give praise to God. But, it is a TP holder... I can't imagine any TP holder that could do that.<BR/><BR/>Several years ago, I found a beautiful Basketville TP holder that I wanted, but couldn't bring myself to spend the $25 for it. And back then, that wasn't really that much money to me. But now, I do wish I had it. That holder was much nicer than our victorian style one. :)Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01333931458796397707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-77287126009430755222009-02-07T19:22:00.000-05:002009-02-07T19:22:00.000-05:00I wish we had been so wise with our home purchases...I wish we had been so wise with our home purchases. A move for a job several years ago put us in a larger house that ended up being more than we needed for 2 people. We thought we'd raise our family there, but another move put us back into a smaller ~1260 sf home which is where we will raise our growing family now.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01333931458796397707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3751871059759107753.post-33825047579500865462009-02-07T19:21:00.000-05:002009-02-07T19:21:00.000-05:00Edi - I have said from the beginning that I wasn't...Edi - I have said from the beginning that I wasn't going to raise a princess. Fortunately, my family respected that and no one has bought her those bratty "because I am the princess" type shirts. Now, I might let her wear a "daughter of the King" type shirt some day, but only when she knows what it means. :)Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01333931458796397707noreply@blogger.com