Purses and the Sabbath

As I promised, a post about Sabbath reflections.

Last week at work we had some down-time (a very rare occurrence!) and I got to talking about religion with one of my coworkers who is Jewish.  She was talking about going to temple and having to tuck her tube of lipstick in the waistband of her skirt since you aren't suppose to take your purse into temple.

Not take your purse to church?  What are you suppose to do with your cell-phone, checkbook, credit cards and cash?  Or your lipstick, lotion, hairbrush...or whatever else you happen to NEED with you at all times?  I asked her why purses were not allowed in the temple and she said that you aren't suppose to deal with money or finances on the Sabbath.  She said that the church members still tithe, but they don't bring their money to the temple on the Sabbath, instead they send their tithes in the mail or drop them off on another day.

Hmmm....

I got to thinking about this.  I am not Jewish, but I am intrigued by the idea of not bringing my purse to church on Sunday.

Why?

What does a purse represent?  It represents what it holds: wordly belongings.  My valuables.

Coach is just a name.

Wallet: full of credit cards, debit cards, banking information, and cash (<--not as much as I'd like though!).

Checkbook: though I hardly use it anymore because debit cards are so handy!

Black filing folio: with coupons for stores that I go to often


Planner: which has EVERYTHING in it-- my many "to do" lists (In fact, I have a whole moleskin book dedicated to my many "to do" lists...crazy I know) and my work schedule.  Without it I would be lost.

Photo album with pictures of my precious little boy...all of which you've probably already seen since I post so many pictures of him!

Personal care items: perfume, hairbrush, mirror and some other "female things" that don't deserve to be photographed.  :)

The contents of my purse.  Where's the Bible in all that stuff?  Just sayin'.

What do all these things represent: my wealth, my time, my vanity... Not to mention my purse itself, which is a designer purse (although I did buy it at the outlet store for 70% off, it still represents wealth and vanity.  That's not to say that I think that owning a coach purse -- or any other designer purse for that matter -- is a bad thing, but I know that my desire to buy this purse came out of a desire to "have" a "status symbol". Our society places value on certain things, and at the time I felt that because people value expensive purses that if I had one I would be viewed as more successful, put-together, and more deserving of respect from those around me.  I mean, I could afford a coach purse.

...at 70% off.  ;)

(And I worked extra incentive hours at work to pay for it).  I do like the purse now (perhaps mostly for the comments I get on it...), but I wouldn't have normally made a purchase like this.

So, I think that this Sunday I will attend church SANS coach purse.  Or any other purse for that matter.  The purse carries the worldly things I have decided are valuable to me and I want to make sure that I keep those things in their proper place.  Money has a purpose and is necessary, however we need to be diligent in being good stewards of God's blessings and not worshiping money.  Planners are important to keep us on schedule, but we need to make sure that we are allowing room for God's plans for our day.  Lip gloss and bobby pins and mirrors and brushes are good to have around, but it's important not to let our looks become more important than the inner beauty God wants us to cultivate.  So this Sunday, instead of bringing my purse and all it's contents, I will bring the diaper bag.  The ever-stylish tote filled to the brim with diapers (both clean and dirty), wipes and butt cream.


Sounds chic!

The diaper bag isn't that bad, is it?

Disclaimer: I am in no way suggesting that a girl can't have nice things (I think that a girl should have a few nice, classic pieces in their wardrobe, but it's important to make sure that those things aren't bought as idols or as status symbols.  If you've worked hard and decided to treat yourself with a new purse.  Go for it!  Just make sure it's because you like it, not because our society values it)

Give it your all!

So much for resolving to post more frequently!

I go through fits where I wonder why I even have a blog.  It's not because I think that blogging is silly-- in fact there a quite a few blogs out there that I enjoy reading, but those are usually blogs with helpful tips and hints for saving money or making delicious meals or DIYing.  I've tried to post some of those things, but truth-be-told I hardly have time to do those things, let alone blog about them.

But here I am blogging.  Nate is in bed (we just completed our bath, bottle and book routine, although he didn't stay awake for the book part) and I have so many things that I want to get done, that I am overwhelmed.  So, I suppose you could say that I am procrastinating.  And I am not a procrastinator.

But on to the reason I am blogging: I had an epiphany.

Or something like an epiphany.

One of my goals for this year is to get back in shape.  Not body shape-wise, but cardiovascular and strength-wise.  I have always enjoyed running 5Ks in the spring and summer, but now it's been well over a year since my last one.  The Marion Arts 5K is a yearly favorite for me, in part because it takes me back to the days when Austin and I were interested in each other (but not yet dating).  It was an awkward time in our relationship, but at the same time it was so thrilling and exciting.  After running the race the first year we knew each other we walked around downtown Marion together.  It was perfect.  So for some reason the Marion Arts Festival 5K is important to me.  And I am going to run it again this year.

Or the half-marathon.

Austin is planning on running the half and I think that would be a challenging, yet reachable, goal for me.  So the training has begun.  Today was my long-run day and I set a goal for 5 miles on the treadmill (a distance that is longer than I have ever ran on a treadmill.  I hate treadmills.  When I run on a treadmill I feel like gerbil or a mouse and it's near impossible to keep from getting bored).  Last week I had a goal for 5 miles and did not reach it and at the beginning of my run it appeared I would face the same fate: failure to meet my goal.   Mile one was easy, but as I passed the one mile mark I found myself coming up with excuses to quit early.  I thought for sure that I would stop short of my goal.  But every mile I convinced myself that I could go one more.  And before I knew it I was at mile 4.  And by that time, there was no turning back.  Mile 5 came and went and I exceeded my goal.  And it was exhilarating.

As I was driving home I was thinking about how accomplished I felt.  Tired and sore, yes, but more importantly I felt that I could do almost anything.  I had a renewed energy and a desire to give everything "my all."  It reminded me of 1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.


Obviously this doesn't just apply to running but to life in general.  I don't want to give things half-effort.  I want to give my all--run to get the prize--in everything I do.  That doesn't necessarily mean I will succeed in everything (although it may increase my chances), but rather it means that I will try hard and give all my time, energy and focus--100%--to the task at hand.  Whether that is giving quality time to God during my quiet times, giving all my attention to Nate when it's play-time, or even just relaxing when the time comes to kick back (yes, it's important to give your all to observing Sabbath...that's another topic I want to tackle soon.)

I suppose I could go on, but this post is getting long and I think you are probably getting the idea:

Give it your all!

And here are a few pics of little Nate giving play-time his all!

Nate loves to sit up all by himself.  What a big boy!

A little post-play time stretching!

How do you do it?

Eight days until I return to work.

Yes, I know I should not be complaining.  I will have had over 14 weeks of maternity leave...that's amazing and I am so thankful for that, but I am still not ready to go back.  Thank goodness I am not going back full-time.  It's hard enough thinking about spending 16 hours a week away from little Nate.  What I will miss the most are our mornings cuddling and watching "Good morning America."  That is probably my favorite part of the day, even though it is at 6am!

Looking forward to returning to work has made me wonder how I am going to do it all.  I mean I already feel like I am not doing a good enough job being Nate's mom, Austin's wife and a friend to those I care about.  I feel that there are just not enough hours in the day to do all the things I feel I need to and be the woman I think I should be. I've had to stop reading Proverbs 31 because it is so darn depressing!  I've always wanted to be the Proverbs 31 woman, but I am not and trying to be drives me crazy!  (Although someone pointed Prov 31:15 out to me: "...she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls" So she must have had a little help.  I guess that makes me feel a little better).

I feel so inadequate because at the end of the day I look back on all the things that I didn't accomplish.  I feel like I didn't spend enough time with Nate, I didn't make lunch for Austin, I didn't make any Christmas gifts, I didn't go for a run...I didn't even shower!  What makes the feelings of inadequacy worse is the tendency I have to compare myself with others or with an unrealistic standard that I set for myself.  

I compare myself with the women out there who are taking their 3 month old to the library and reading to them, teaching them Latin and sign language (...you know, they say the sooner the better!).  I look at all the ladies that have blogs that I enjoy following (the blogs about living frugally and being a creative, loving, adventurous, homeschooling, bread-baking and Christmas-gift making, freshly showered and good-lookin', strong Christian mother and wife) and feel at once encouraged to try new things and discouraged at how I am not quite measuring up. 

I know it's not beneficial for me to be striving so hard to become the woman--the wife and mother--that I think I should be.  I want to be more focused on becoming the woman God wants me to be for my family and friends.  

And I think that starts with a shower (and maybe some make-up too!).

In other news, the house remains on the market and we are continuing to do open houses (this weekend will make 4 weekends of open houses in a row.  Our house has never been cleaner!).  Before the open house last weekend Austin and I (and little Nate too) spent a day decorating the house for Christmas.  Here are a few pictures of the final product:

...and the stockings are hung... (notice my craft project from last week--the window pane?  Not too bad if I do say so myself!)

Cozy Christmas Corner.  I can't leave my plants out to die, so I have to find room for them (and holiday them up) inside.

And the living room has more of a formal feel with navy blue, burgandy and silver and gold.

Now no post would be complete without a picture of Nate.  This is one that Austin took this morning. 

Showing off his muscles...

Giving thanks

I will not be blogging tomorrow since it is Thanksgiving.

I will also not be joining the crazies who are going to spend their Thanksgiving in line for Black Friday deals or, even worse, actually shopping on Thanksgiving.  This year many stores are opening at midnight, 10pm and even 9pm.  So after Thanksgiving dinner you have a few short hours to digest your meal and chat with family you haven't seen for months before tearing off in your SUV to the nearest shopping center.  (Who am I kidding.  How many people actually chat with their family members in person anymore.  People are more likely to be text-messaging their cousin or facebooking (via smart phone, of course!) their brother who is in the other room watching TV, listening to their I-pod and reading their Nook or Kindle (Or both. At the same time).

Really, how far is that from the truth?

Thanksgiving is a day when we are suppose to be giving thanks, not getting things at the mall.  I am going to spend my Thanksgiving with the people I am thankful for: my family and friends.

And now, in spirit of Thanksgiving, which seems to be as dead as the true meaning of Christmas, I will share with you a few things for which I am thankful:

1. Nathaniel David Oates:  I am thankful that God has blessed us with him.  He has grown up so much since the picture below.  Now he is smiling, cooing and laughing...it's amazing!  He is truly a gift from God and I am thankful for him everyday.  On a lighter note: I am so thankful that he is sleeping through the night- I got 8 straight hours of sleep last night!

Nathaniel David, 1 day old

2. My wonderful husband and our soon-to-be 4 years of marriage: It's hard to believe that it's been that long!  We've had many great memories already and so many more to come.  Austin is such a hard-working and loyal man.  He is so tender and sweet with Nate, but also so strong.  He is a wonderful husband and a great father.  Nate and I are so blessed!

This engagement photo was taken over 4 years ago!

3. Our families-the Bill Oates family and the Kettelkamps.  We have such an amazing and supportive family! 

4. Austin's job, especially his new schedule-weekends off!  We are loving all of the family time!

5. The opportunity for me to go to part-time so that I can spend more time with Nate and we can maximize our time together as a family. 

Well these are just a few of the things I am thankful for, there are many more.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family and not with the retail workers who are missing their family on Thanksgiving!

Is this a waste of time?

I'm sitting at my dining room table (smelling icky after an hour of P90X) and a thought just occurred to me: is blogging a waste of my time?  Is anyone really reading this?  And do I really have anything to say?

Now, I apologize if this offends you.  I am in no way saying that blogging is a waste of time.  In fact, your blog is probably the reason I decided to give this a try.  There are so many fresh, fun and thoughtful blogs out there and many times I get ideas for projects and suggestions and insights about faith from other peoples' blogs.

I guess the reason that I question whether or not I should be blogging is because I have so many other "to dos."  In fact, in front of me is sitting a moleskin book that I have titled my "Book of Lists."  In it I have written crafts I want to make, ideas for Christmas gifts (homemade of course!), goals (spiritual and fitness related), "to do's," "to buys" (like a new vaccumn cleaner and water glasses), ways to decorate and projects I want to do (like working on Nate's baby book or organizing all of my pictures).

(In case you couldn't guess I am a first-born and have a type-A personality)

So, there's no real blogging today, however I want to link you to a blog that I visited a few days ago.  The current blog post is about organizing your prayer life and since I have a type-A personality I was all over that. Trista, a high-school friends' wife offers a really good idea on how to organize your prayers and develop a fruitful prayer life.  Check it out!

http://jonandtrista.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/organize-your-prayer-life/#comment-15

Two-in-a-row!

Wow...I'm actually making a post everyday so far.  Ok, I know, it's only day number 2, but it's progress.  Especially considering how busy I've been.  Cleaning, sorting, organizing, washing windows, scrubbing grout and going crazy while I'm at it.

It's a little nerve-wracking to know that complete strangers (and maybe some not-so-complete strangers) will be coming into your home and scrutinizing everything from your color choices and decor to the dirty laundry sitting in baskets in the laundry room.  (Actually right now I am trying to finish up the last of the laundry in the basement...).  I am an avid HGTV-watcher and during the day they play TONS of episodes of house-hunters and there are a lot of really, really picky home-hunters.  They complain about EVERYTHING!  It makes me look at my house and wonder what people are going to complain about when they get here.  We have painted cabinets in the kitchen and the painting on the trim in the house isn't perfect.  The backyard isn't as beautiful as it used to be when everything was green and flowering and some of the trees need trimming.

But I love our house.  I fell in love with it the first time I toured it.  In fact, I brought my mom back that day and toured it again.  So I trust that there is a family out there that will fall in love with this house.  Maybe at tomorrow's open house, maybe on Sunday.  Maybe in two weeks or maybe next spring.  And I'm sure that there will be people who don't like our house at all, and I have to be ok with that.  I probably wouldn't like their house (So there!).

Here are a few more pictures of the inside (sorry about the small pictures, they are from the realtor's website):

Dining room

Kitchen

Family Room

During my quiet time I prayed about the journey the Lord is taking our family on and I read a passage from 1 Timothy 6 that it meant a lot to me.  The Lord has blessed us in so many ways and I want to be sure that we are not so concerned with material treasures but things that really matter, like investing in our family, serving and sharing.  It also makes me realize that when the Lord blesses you, he gives you the responsibility to be a good steward of those things.  I want to make sure that my family is a good steward of what he has blessed us with, creating a firm foundation for the future.

 ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

On another note, here is a picture of Nate from the other day.  Austin always talks about what a strong boy Nate is (even the NP was amazed when he was three days old and fighting to hold himself up the day we got discharged from the hospital).  In this picture Austin is holding him and commenting on his big biceps.

Nate and daddy "flexing" for the camera.  Don't tell Austin this, but I'm pretty sure Nate is sleeping, not flexing!

I'm not seeing the muscles.  I say, "let's count the rolls!" (Oh and check out that sweet little double chin.  Love it!)

Trusting in the Lord

So...after spending a few hours exploring the blogs of other women, I've been encouraged to make my blogging a more regular thing.  I'd really like to carve some time out every day to blog a little.  But at the same time I find myself so busy that I have a hard time finding time for my quiet time (which should definitely come first) or even a  quick shower.  (Just in case you were wondering, I have showered today!  In fact, I even did my makeup and hair.)

So the reason for my blog today (in addition to becoming a more regular blogger.  On a side note: although I said I wanted to be a more regular blogger, I don't want to blog just to blog.  I want to actually be saying something.  Something important.  Something that matters and will maybe resonate with one of my few readers.  And let's be honest, I may not even have a few readers.  Not many people know this exists.  But whether they do or don't it doesn't matter.  Even if I am writing this just for myself, I want what I say to matter).

Now that we've got that explanation out of the way:

So the reason for my blog today is to say "it's official."  There is a "For Sale" sign up in the front yard.  We have open houses scheduled for Saturday 1pm-2:30pm and Sunday 2pm-4pm.  It's hard to believe.  Here is a picture of the house sans "For Sale" sign.  (It's too dreary out to run out and take a picture of the house with the sign up, but you can imagine)

Isn't it pretty?  We did a lot of clean-up this past weekend.

Back of the house. 

Wow, looking at those pictures make it hard to believe that we really put a "For Sale" sign up in the front yard.  We really love the place BUT...

I love this guy way more:

My precious baby boy!

So the reason the sign is up is because Austin and I would like for me to have the option to stay at home and only work PRN.  When I go back to work, Austin and I will be working opposite shifts.  He will work evening shifts Monday through Friday and I will work night shifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  And although this works out GREAT for childcare (we will only need someone to watch Nate for 6 hours a week), we won't have a lot of family time and that is really important to us.  We have LOVED these past 10 weeks when we have been able to spend time together as a family any time that Austin is not at work.  It has been great.  Even though having a newborn can be stressful and frustrating at times, these 10 weeks have probably been the best 10 weeks when it comes to family-togetherness.

The sign is up and the listing is on-line, but we don't have another house that we are looking at right now.  We are trusting in the Lord and in his plan for us.  If our house sells soon, great.  If it doesn't, that's okay too.  I will just return to work and continue working until something changes.  The Lord is good and his plans for us are too.  He desires to bless us.  And he has.  Big time.  We desire to be good stewards of all the gifts that He has given to us.  And when I think of the gifts that He has given to us, I think immediately of Nathaniel.  He is such a wonderful, amazing gift and I want to be able to spend as much time with him as possible. I want to do the job the Lord has blessed me with (being a mom) to the best of my ability, and to me that means being able to spend as much time with him as possible; doing my best to raise him in a way that honors the Lord.

So, the sign is up and we are trusting in the Lord.  His plans for us are good and we look forward to the journey the Lord is taking us on.