Oh dear...

Why, oh why did I change my blog background??? Now all my links are gone!

New Year's Resolution Re-visited

So, back in April, I did several posts about my adventures in budgeting and dealing with our money. (You can refresh your memory by going to the archive sidebar and clicking on April, if you so wish.) I'm happy to say that things are still trucking along well. Mvelopes is definitely a fixture in our budget life and I keep track of all of our expenditures there as well as our budget.

Dave Ramsey often talks about "gazelle intensity" on his program. What he means by that saying is just that you get so intense about getting debt paid off and living a completely debt free life that you kick it into high gear until you've reached the debt free goal.

I have been in "gazelle" gear since January when I made the New Year Resolution. However, in my devotional time recently, I feel as if I'm recognizing the temptation in my own soul of making my gazelle-ness an idol. Ya know what I mean? While getting out of debt is a good thing and still is my/our goal, God has been showing me that there are definitely some areas in life which need that kind of intensity, but money isn't one of them.

For me and my personality, I actually find it enjoyable to go over what we've done with our money each day, record it, make sure it is taken out of the correct envelope, double check that I know how much money is left, etc. I can spend a particularly long amount of time estimating when the next bill will be completely paid off and we can start on the next one! (Chad thinks this has become my hobby! ha!)

Lately, and today in particular, it seems that God has put His big hand under my chin and lifted my head up - up towards more noble things. Yes the budget is important. Yes Mvelopes is a permanent part of my life. Yes we need to be sure we are spending and saving wisely. However, there are some weightier matters that need to be attended to now that the money thing is running smoothly. Luke 12:31-32 KJV "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

My mind began particularly running through this vein of thought when I read this blog, written by Ann. Her temptations towards idols are different from mine but the lesson is the same.

I do have to say, though, that it feels good to have followed completely through on a New Year's Resolution! =D

Pictures from our weekend

My friend, Leah

Leah's adorable son....isn't he so cute?

Friends from Rocky's church....

Some random man that was sitting at the next table. The adorable little boy pictured above decided to take pictures of fellow patrons and I had some very amusing pictures on my camera!

More pictures from our weekend

For some reason, Chad and Rocky did not want their pictures taken. I have strict orders from Chad not to put any pictures of him on the blog or Facebook. Do you see how submissive I'm being? =D

Jennifer and Trelanie are good friends of mine - even if they do accentuate my need for a tan. =D

These are allegedly some famous ex-football players for the Kansas City Chiefs. I do not know anything about them but thought it would be cool to have famous people on my blog. Ha! (Shawn - if you read this, I would have put your pic with them on here but ya had your eyes closed. You must have been overwhelmed with the aura of the "famous" people!)

From my Secret Pal at Church

Our church does Secret Pal for a whole year. We recently drew names and I got my first gift! Isn't it purdy? I loved it!

Sweet!

Cousins, sisters and brother

Goons! =) (Family joke)

More family ...

So I decided, at the last minute, to go to the church camp where I grew up. It was sooooo much fun. I love those people!!!!! My Uncle Steve, Aunt Beth, Kent and Maria, were there as well. It was so great to see them. They are on deputation representing the Bible Methodist mission in Mexico.

Date night

You've heard of Phillips 66, right? You know, you can buy gasoline there. Well me and Mr. Phillips go way back. (Or at least he goes way back) His "country home" is located near where we live. It has been turned into a gorgeous museum, lodge, and wildlife preserve. The hills there are so pretty and wild animals everywhere! When I heard that OK Mozart would be playing there with Time for Three, I asked Chad if we could go. Chad isn't a classical music lover but he said he would go. Music, outdoors, is one of my very favorite things! So as the sun set, we listened to Beethoven and Dvorak and then the evening ended with a fireworks display. (I tried taking pictures of the fireworks but that didn't work out so well.) We had a great time!

Went to see the family!!!!

Knowing my penchant for Dr. Pepper, my loverly husband bought me an extra large can of the poison. I was amazed at his generosity! See how large it is next to his Diet Coke? It was a great way to start a trip where we were going to see the fam. =)

My cousin Mark and almost all of his gorgeous family. Ellie is missing in this picture. She was sitting on our side of the table so she missed this shot. =)

Julia and Luke

Elisa is so gonna kill me for putting up a picture with her french fries in her jaw. LOL!

Cousins once-removed, second cousins, whatevah....I just know they are cute!

I should feel guilty for posting this picture of my brother....but I don't. =)