Touchy subject huh?  Most people get turned off when a man of “the cloth” discusses money or tithing. I know in my experience there are people who are forever turned off by church when a priest/ pastor preaches on tithing and giving money to the collection plate. However tithing is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible.

“3. THE TITHE IS INTRODUCED AS LAW (LEV. 27:30–34)

Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. If a man wishes to redeem some of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it. And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord. One shall not differentiate between good or bad, neither shall he make a substitute for it; and if he does substitute for it, then both it and the substitute shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.”

Here we see Moses giving the tithe as a law. The first 10 percent is called “holy,” or set apart, as belonging to God. The Israelites were to return to God what was already his, and in doing so, recognize the Almighty’s provision.”

There’s more:

“This is a list of all 17 bible verses about tithing from both the Old and New Testament scriptures.

Genesis 14:20 – In this bible verse, Melchizedek comes out to meet Abraham, as Abraham gives him a tithe of the spoils of his victory.
Genesis 28:20-22 – After the vision of God’s renewed covenant, Jacob initiates a covenant with God vowing to give him a tithe of what he receives from the promised land.
Leviticus 27:30-32 – The specifications of tithing is introduced into the law of Moses.
Numbers 18:20-32 – The tithe is dedicated the Levites for the work in the tabernacle.
Deuteronomy 12:5-11 – God gives instructions for what to do with the tithe once Israel crosses the Jordan.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 – God gives instructions on how to disperse and exchange the tithe.
Deuteronomy 26:12-15 – God gives instructions on how Israel should sanctify the tithe before they can ask for a blessing.
2 Chronicles 31:5-12 – The children of Israel do what’s right under the reign of Hezekiah, and bring the tithes to the designated places.
Nehemiah 10:37-38 – Israel obeys God and brings the tithes to the storehouse.
Nehemiah 12:44 – Officers were appointed to watch over the tithes in the storehouse.
Nehemiah 13:5-12 – Nehemiah cleanses the storehouse and kicks Tobiah out of the room that was designated to store the tithe. He then restores order.
Amos 4:4 – God commands Israel to bring back the tithe and reiterates the curse that is upon them if they don’t.
Malachi 3:8-10 – God reprimands Israel for not delivering the tithe, and reiterates the blessings and curse that would be in result of whatever decision they chose.
Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for not obeying the weightier matters of the law along with tithing.
Luke 11:42 – A parallel bible verse of Matthew 23:23 as Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for not obeying the weightier matters of the law along with tithing.
Luke 18:12 – A Pharisee brags about his obedience to the law and tithing.
Hebrews 7:5-9 – Abraham’s tithe is used to illustrate a change concerning the priesthood.
There are many other bible verses that relate to giving, offerings, or first fruits; but the bible references above are all of the only verses that strictly refer to tithing.”

Today our Pastor discussed giving back to God what was already His to begin with. I know this as truth. Everything I have is from The Lord. Everything down to my handbag and shoe collection. However I am guilty of not tithing. It wasn’t until today when Pastor John gave his message and explained how we leave our hand open to receive more from God when we follow the law of tithing did I really get it. I give God what “I can” what I can afford. I do give joyfully but I do not give sacrificially as commanded. This is something I want to change. I want to invest all I can in His kingdom and follow His law that was written so long ago. I want to be blessed by The Lord most high so that I can give back to Him what is already His. To set apart a percentage and watch how He uses my offerings in amazing ways.

God is so good. I’ve seen His work so many times in my life and in the lives of others. There is none higher. I owe Him my life.

I received the email today that I’ve been cleared by the board of education. I’m officially a school nurse with the department of education !  I’m so excited. Yes, I know I was officially hired back in May but this is different. It means the powers that be have reviewed all the paper work I’ve given them including my medical form and still they want me!  I am so excited. I almost can’t wait until my official start date. I even bought a new watch; one with a very clear second hand to use when assessing  a pulse or heart rate. My stethescope had been found and in the ready for over a month now. I’ve been collecting “fall” ish clothing. I just today bought a very nice hooded trench. Next is a good umbrella. I already have cute rain boots. It may sound silly but these are things I never really had to buy myself or worry about as a stay at home mom. I’ll be walking a decent distance from the ferry to my job so appropriate weather gear is a must. I don’t want to arrive looking like a drowned rat all day.

I must have faith. Faith that the Father has placed me in this position and that He will take care of all my needs. I know He will. Things will work out.  I’m so excited!

 

 

 

Its the end of August and summer vacation is slowly coming to an end. Samantha doesn’t go back to school until after Labor day and I don’t start work until then as well so we still have a week or two to enjoy sleeping in, going to the gym and the thrift. Samantha is currently working on her summer school work. With the schedule she put herself on she should be finished by next week which I’m glad about. I do not want her doing this work the night before school starts. I’m not a fan of summer school work.

Today I’m on my way to the isle of Manhattan for an appointment. It’s a gorgeous day to be going. The sun is out but it’s not hot and not a rain cloud in sight. The windows are open on the boat and there is the best sea breeze coming in. I’m sitting on the Brooklyn side so there’s no view of the Statue of Liberty but that’s ok I’ve seen her before. I forge the name of the boat I’m on but it’s one of the older ones with the blue and yellow seats on the lower level. Very 1960ish although I could be wrong. The boat is docking.

It’s days like this I’m reminded of how great our God is and how when we obey and walk in the footsteps and direction He sets forth; how it feels so right. There are no coincidences, I know this as fact. There’s too much that has happened in my life and the lives of family members to  believe otherwise. The most incredible example is me being pressured by the state to accept group home placement for my son in Brooklyn. I declined even though they were pushy. The following week at Bible study I mention this to my o leader and bam! She knows of an agency that has an opening in our borough. That is Gods timing. Always perfect. I enjoy thinking about when I interviewed for my current job. I was so nervous, texting and Facebooking friends for support. In the middle of all that I prayed; deeply and heartfelt. I remember almost saying aloud, “Ok God, if this is what you want from me; if this is where you want me to be I’ll do it…”  In the next moment I was being called by one of the interviewers to tell me I was hired. Amazing, our God is amazing. There is no other explanation.

I wish everyone a happy end of summer. I hope it was a relaxing season, relaxing enough to carry you into a new school year and for some of us a new career.

 

 

 

 

For my new job I had to collect letters of employment verification. Essentially letters from former employers stating that I did work there as stated on my resume. One letter was short and sweet; just stated the facts and that is ok it’s all I need. Other letters however made me sit back and remember what it was like to work for that employer. One such letter was from when I worked for a private practice  physician. The letter was full of praise and compliments in addition to verifying that I did work there. I felt like blushing when I read it and wondered if what he wrote was indeed true. Part of me thinks he just writes the same thing about everyone but then I think why would he go the extra step if it wasn’t true? It’s funny how we are our worst critic. I know for me it’s easier to believe the not so great things I say to myself about me than to believe the really nice things someone is actually saying to me.

Before I began to lead a bible study group for mom’s of special needs children, my good friend and mentor wrote for me a letter of recommendation, that she felt I could lead the group among other incredibly positive things about me. I almost fell over reading that letter. The woman who wrote it is a very honest person and doesn’t sugar coat things. Traits I really admire in a friend. So I know the positive things she wrote about me truly came from her heart. While I loved reading her letter I doubted what she said as truth. Why do we do that? We doubt the good and positive others see in us.

I remember when I first came to Christ as an adult. I accepted Him as my Savior. I was so happy to be born again as His child. And then I met the Lord, it was amazing! But…I still had a hard time back then believing that I deserved to be saved. That I wasn’t good enough for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I was too sinful of a person. Even though He met me where I was (on more than one occasion) and even though I knew the Gospel I still doubted whether I was worthy of His sacrifice.

Today things are different. I am confident in who I am in Christ. I am the daughter of a King and the Lord loves me I spite of my sins. When it comes to people however I still have a hard time believing the praise bestowed upon me. Such as what was written by my mentor and more recently, former employers. Today is a good day to start. To start believing what was said to be true, to be confidant. I printed out the email of the letter from the physician. I’ll keep a copy to remind myself of the positive.

Off to Brooklyn to meet with Human Resources about my new job. I’m taking public transportation since the area I’m going to is notorious for not having any parking. The first leg of my trip begins with the ferry into Manhattan then a subway into Brooklyn. I’m excited and nervous all at the same time. Last night I had to gather a ton of paper work and original documents such as my original college diploma, original nursing license, the first registration certificate I was ever issued as a registered nurse. Don’t ask me why but I had that one. It shows you how God is always in control even back then in 1994. Some of you may think I’m being silly but I know God is always working things for our good.

The ferry is crowded; mostly people going to work at this time of the morning. Very few if any tourists. The ferry is really nice to ride in the summer, all the windows and doors are open and the breeze from the water feels like air conditioning. For once I don’t see anyone I know, that’s ok I’m enjoying the solitude and the opportunity to people watch. It always amazes me how many women put their makeup on while riding the ferry. And they do it with such precision. I don’t think I’m that good.

I’m going to arrive at my destination early. I didn’t know how else to plan the trip without cutting it close timewise. I’d rather be early and kill time than be rushed and running to the appointment or God forbid late, yeesh no!

It is such a beautiful day. The sky is clear and the air is dry but now it doesn’t matter much that I’m on the subway platform. It’s warm but not hot. I’m nervous waiting for the train. I’ve never taken this train to Brooklyn before. Here’s the train. I’m off…thank God for an air conditioned car.

It’s 9:16 and I’ve arrived.  Appointment isn’t until 10. Let the people watching commence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m home and it’s Sunday. It feels great to be home again. I’m the only one up and I’m sitting here next to an open window having my coffee and listening to the sounds of home; my neighbor working and whistling in his garage (our houses are one driveway apart; just the way I like it), a police car siren on Forest Ave behind our house, and the dogs roaming around looking for attention. For whatever reason one of the cats is sneezing.

Today I’ll go to church and be inspired by the message preached by Pastor John. I missed church while we were away. I love the worship songs we sing praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don’t know what or where I’d be without Jesus in my life. I see things differently than I did in the past and I react in a different manner to challenges in my life. I know God is in control and there’s nothing He won’t or can’t do for His children.

The house is waking up. Time to get on with my Sunday.

Our week at the beach is over and we’re driving home. We drove down there with only Lelly and Samantha and are coming home with Alyssa and her boyfriend Sam. Alyssa flew down to see her boyfriend’s mother’s new house a few days before we left. Sam’s mother then drove them to the beach house last Saturday and his mom and sister stayed for dinner. It was really nice to see Sam’s mom and spend time with her. She’s a great woman.

As I write this we’re in the great state of Delaware. A few hours from home. For the record I’m starving, ok maybe not starving but I am hungry. I was outvoted for stopping for lunch, everyone wants to “plow through” to home. Fine I’ll live.

I’m really going to miss the beach or rather being so close to the beach. I’m already planning our next beach day after we arrive home. I am ready to go home though. I miss my house and I miss my pets. I’m ready to get back into whatever routine I’ll have going on with Samantha being finished with camp. This week I do have to meet with Human Resources for my new job. I hope the weather is nice. While I was in vacation I received a few work related emails. I’m glad to have gotten them although all it made me think was,”Wow…$h!tz getting real!” I’m still awaiting an employment verification letter from one of my former employers. I’ve been calling and asking for this letter since May. I have no idea why they are having an issue with this when all my other former employers sent me their letters within days of me asking.

Another part of being home I’ve been missing is church. I miss my church family and I miss the Pastor when he preaches his message. I really enjoy listening to Pastor John. He teaches so much when he preaches. He’s great.

We had a great week away. Good times with great friends. I had a wonderful beach buddy in my friend Martha. I even convinced Samantha to come with us one day and she came along. She did lose her enthusiasm after a few hours. I neglected to bring snacks so it was partly my fault. Thankfully Tommy came back from jet skiing with the older kids and collected Samantha and brought her back to the house so she could enjoy the pool.

So farewell to the beach! Hello again to my life.

 

As I’ve blogged the other day I love the beach. I love watching the waves come in, I love people watching as well as hanging out with my girls. Samantha and I went in the water earlier today and she got slammed by a wave with the boogie board. She’s fine but it soured her taste for the beach, well that and I was her only source of entertainment and I’m not a big go deep into the water kind of gal. Thankfully Tommy came by and went in the water with her and all was right with the world on the beach.

Today is about 76 degrees Farenheight and sunny. Perfect. Sunscreen is a must not even a “maybe.” I love feeling the sun on my skin.

It’s funny that I love the beach so much, I don’t remember our parents taking us to the beach when we were kids. We had a pool and that’s all I remember. Going in and out of the pool, having friends over and just having a fun time.

The first time I went to the beach I was 16 yrs old and it was with Tommy and 2-3 other friends. I remember getting tossed by the waves and not in a good way. Like tossed in my a$$. Tommy taught me how to ride and jump the waves. We had such a great time. I remember coming home with a sunburn, nothing major I just don’t remember the importance of sunscreen being promoted back then. Tommy and I still talk about that day.

So today I sit and soak up our last couple of days here at the beach. I do miss being home so I think after a week we’ll all be ready to go back. But in a few more weeks school will start and I’ll be starting a new job. I’m excited yet a little sad because then summer will truly be over. And I had a really nice summer and I hate to see it end.

But, it will be nice to have a change of season, that’s why I love living where I do, we have all four seasons and each has their ups and downs. Until then I’m just hanging out at my favorite place.

 

 

 

 

So it’s a rainy day here at the beach house. There’s kids here of varying ages so thank God there aren’t any very young, hard to entertain children on board.

Theres talk of bowling, the movies and of course more shopping. There’s an antique/salvage shop we’ve been visiting the past 2 years that had very cool and unusual merchandise. The verdict hasn’t been set as of yet.

Im holding out hope that the skies will suddenly appear blue but the odds are looking pretty slim of that happening.

Its funny the more I’m away from home and away from my church and radio stations playing worship music the more I feel like I miss God. I know He is with me always but not hearing Pastor John’s message on Sunday which would send me on my way for the week feels odd, like a void. I guess you don’t realize how much it means to you to have The Lord and worship as a part of your life until it’s not there for a while no matter how small the time frame. Yesterday Alyssa played new to me worship music by a group called “Elevation Worship” and I so enjoyed it! To hear the group singing and worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ just felt so good, like the sun shining on my face good. When we go out today I’ll ask her to play it again.

Tomorrow the weather is suppposed to be great thank God. It’s not the end of the world to do other things than go to the beach at a beach house but it could get old if the weather doesn’t cooperate for an extended period of time. Thursday is supposed to be nice as well and Tommy is planning a fishing trip on a boat. I’m going this year. Last year I didn’t want to go and I think Bill and I went thrift shopping; of which absolutely stinks in this part of the state. So I won’t be wasting my time thrifting down here again.

The weather aside from being rainy is also quite cool, quite the change. But that’s ok I get to wear my ultra fab new Harley Davidson tee shirt compliments of my Harley riding husband.

So here’s to tomorrow being a gorgeous beach day and the next day as well !

It’s that time again, summer beach house time!  For the third year in a row we’ve rented a beach house in North Carolina with 2 other families and it’s been wonderful. This year and last year have been with the same families. It’s really cool as we all get along and even if we all do separate things no one gets offended or pressured into doing something they don’t want to do.

My husband still doesn’t understand my need to shop wherever I am. If there’s a shopping center I’m there! Yesterday we spent most of the day at the beach. It was fabulous. The sand was so soft and clean, the water was crystal clear and so refreshing. I brought a book to read but spent most of my time just staring out at the ocean watching the waves come in and go out. It was mesmerizing and calming. At one point Alyssa, Sam, Lelly and Thomas (the son of one of the families) joined us at the beach. It was nice hanging with the “teen” division. Lelly is always fun and says the funniest things.

While scrolling on Facebook yesterday I noticed my church was doing a life feed of Pastor John preaching. I couldn’t find my headphones so I missed it. Hopefully I’ll have time to catch up before next week. I’m really enjoying his series on “The minor prophets”. Last week was Jonah and I left church with such a great understanding of Jonah as a prophet and why he was so hesitant to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. It’s more than a story about a guy being swallowed by a whale…I highly recommend the book of Jonah, it’s a great read.

So today is Monday. I still don’t know what we’re doing for the day. Some of the kids are baking a birthday cake for Bill, one of the husbands.

Alyssa and Lelly want to visit this quaint outdoor shopping village in town. I’m all for it of course. It’s cool to walk around there and the shops are quaint and charming. There’s a shop run by local artists. One year Tommy and I purchased a stunning painting of the sun rising above the ocean. It hangs in our dining room. Last year it was handmade wind chimes.  We’re trying to figure out what will be this year’s purchase?

I’m so glad to be here with all these people. It’s quite relaxing, I keep falling asleep early in the evening and sleeping way past the time I usually do at home. It much be the beach. I’m sure if it.