How I Became an International Dynamic Woman

After forty-six hours of travel and a late dinner at Faith Fellowship Aurora, we arrived at the Send Guesthouse for just one night before embarking for Pozorrubio in two large vans.  The guesthouse was kind enough to allow us to leave the bulk of our luggage with them so that we could take smaller bags for our three nights in Hotel J'Adore in Pozorrubio.

Our first morning in the Philippines, we enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, bacon, Toast, and juice at the Send Guesthouse.

Cindy, Diann, Kim, and Janice

Sonja and Tina

Devri, Amber, Danya, and Charie

On the way to Pozorrubio, we had a three to four hour ride through the countryside.  

Hard at work...not unusual to see while traveling through the countryside

Lunch was at a very nice McDonald's, where the girls were thrilled to enjoy chicken and spaghetti.  I played it safe with a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. And yes, it was just like what we have in the USA.

The Hotel J'Adore (new) boasts of being the first and only hotel in town and is quite nice.  The staff aims to please; they were gracious and kind to us. When we arrived, you can imagine our disappointment to find that there was a brown-out (electricity was off) and the interior was sweltering.  The towels we were given on our first night (to wear down the back of our shirts) were going to come in handy. 

Another disappointment for some of us was that not only were we to share a room (which we expected), but we were also sharing a bed.  Not a big deal in many parts of the world but I must admit, we Americans tend to be spoiled in regards to not sharing beds.  I grew up sharing a double bed with my sister, but since that time have had a queen-sized all to myself.  And my roommate, Marsha, is married and accustomed to sharing with her man.  We looked at each other with laughter and dismay when we saw this:

Hotel J'Adore

I know, I know.  Some missionaries are in huts in the jungle and this is lovely and luxurious.  Nothing to complain about here.  But we laughed about this a lot.  And it was especially funny the evening we partook of our complimentary massage. One massage was included as part of our hotel stay and it was a welcomed treat after a long, hot day.  

We were laying side by side on this bed while two lady masseuses worked on us. Mine massaged one arm and hand and then I felt her holding my other hand and I thought it strange that she was "just" holding it.  Until I realized that she was actually now down by my feet and I was holding my roomie's hand!  This was our Lucy and Ethel moment.  We laughed about it later.  I don't know if Marsha even noticed at the time (I think she was in a massage trance), but I was embarrassed. Especially because we were unable to communicate with the masseuses in English. When I first spoke to the lady before she started, she said to me, "I am getting a nose bleed."  I said, "Oh no, do you need a tissue?" and she shook her head side to side.  I found out later that the phrase "I'm getting a nose bleed" is used when one is unable to speak English or tired of trying.

My wonderful, patient, gracious roomie, Marsha

After leaving our belongings at the hotel, we walked down the dusty street to check out the church where we would be ministering the next day.

Bawal Umhi Dito translates to "You can't pee here."

This picture was taken through a van window as we were departing on Tuesday. Apologies for the lack of clarity. The official church sign (white sign by the door) says "Pozorrubio Faith Fellowship."  

Beyond these walls is a little church that serves as a beautiful haven on this dusty road in a precious little town typical of provinces in the Philippines. There are many economically impoverished living in the area.  Pastora Connie Ragado lives and serves behind these walls and out in the community.  

Pastora Connie and her niece, Eliza

She is a beautiful lady inside and out!  Precious Shepherd of her congregation and lover of God's children (and impressive carpenter by hobby), Pastora Connie felt called to start this church under the umbrella of Faith Fellowship.  There were many times early on that she preached to just one person.  She continued to be faithful and now regular attenders on Sunday morning number from fifty to sixty people.

Imagine our surprise when we walked beyond the cinder block walls to find this sign greeting us:

Sign in the courtyard of Faith Fellowship Pozorrubio

OMS stands for One Mission Society, which is the organization that sent the Burdick's to the Philippines for their 20-years of service.   Brent was the Pastor at Faith Fellowship in Aurora for many years. Throughout our travels, it was clearly evident that there is a deep love and appreciation for Brent and Kim and their family here.  Kim, Brent's wife (and one of my dear friends), was the leader of our team.  Kim and Brent's daughters, Danya and Devri, were also members of our team.  We were sent by OMS Dynamic Women In Ministries  and our home church, Good Shepherd UMC, and not to be forgotten, by the generous donations of friends, relatives, and co-workers. You know who you are.  I pray that God will richly bless you for giving so that our team could have this opportunity and so that many could (hopefully) be encouraged by the Lord through us during our travels. What a privilege we've had!  Your investment is greatly appreciated more than you can ever know.  Thank You.

Breakfast outdoors at Hotel J'Adore with sweet girls and dear friends Amber, Danya, and Devri

So, that is, in a nutshell, is how I became an International Dynamic Woman, not to be confused with international man of mystery!  My roomie and I enjoyed calling each other International Dynamic Woman.  Hear us roar!  :)

Stay tuned for part two and more on our time at Pozorrubio Faith Fellowship.  (I promise not to wait so long to tell you the rest of the story.)

Philippines 2014: Forty-Six Hours of Travel, Oh My!

Posing for this picture at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 9th, we look so fresh!  I, for one, am glad that I didn’t know some of what lay ahead.  

July 9th, 2014

Not that anything was particularly disappointing; it’s more that it would have been so daunting.  In fact, at the end of almost every day on this trip, I said to my roomie, Marsha, “I am so glad that I did not know ahead of time all that this day would hold!”  I would have not believed that I could do it all! Exhausting!  But--oh, so satisfying.  That’s the only way to describe it.

Shortly after the picture, we were on our way to the Charlotte Douglas Airport. After stops in Chicago and Qatar (more about that later), we landed in Manila on Friday, July 11th around 4:00 pm.  The Philippines is 12 hours ahead, so for us, it was 4:00 am.  By the time we collected our bags, met our ride, and arrived at our destination of Faith Fellowship Aurora, it was 9 pm.  That translates into 46 hours total from the time of the initial picture to reaching our destination.

Lots of bags--Lots of people, Manila airport

Manila traffic on a Friday night is something to behold.  We really didn’t have far to go in miles, but it took over 3 hours to maneuver through the traffic. No words to describe how it works there…no order, no sense of staying in a lane; really, I have never seen anything like it.  God bless our drivers!

What happened in the 46 hours between July 9th and July 11th? 

We flew to Chicago first.  It was there that we met Bethany.  She saw all eleven of us in our purple shirts and suspected that we must be on a mission trip.  She approached us and introduced herself. Bethany was on her way to Madagascar for a month, in preparation for a longer mission commitment beginning in 2015.  We loved her!  In fact, when we arrived in Qatar, Kim invited her to be our guest at the airport lounge.  We had eight hours to wait and she had seven.  

What a lovely young woman and what a great place of respite for us.  The airport and the lounge are new.  In fact, the lounge was not listed as being open yet but we prayed hard that it would be and we were happy to find it so.  I can’t decide whether the best part was the shower or the fabulous food…it’s a toss-up!  It felt wonderful to have a shower.  The food was fantastic.  

Marsha, Kim, Janice, and Sonja

Delicious!

Now is probably the time I should confess my faux pas…the one that made some of my team members want to remove their purple shirts for fear of being associated with me.  I really have my ankles to blame, first and foremost. Here is a picture of the instigators:

I have Cankles!

My skin stung from being stretched so much.  The flight from Chicago to Qatar was almost 13 hours.  All of the food was prepared in accordance with Islamic standards (announced to us before each meal and snack).  Translation:  spicy and salty.   I am one who rarely turns down a meal, but this was not appealing to me at all.  Who wants chicken and rice for breakfast?  Spicy chicken and rice, at that. 

So…after a wonderfully satisfying meal in the airport lounge I began to wish I could elevate my feet.  I felt I needed to get them above my heart.  When Devri said to me, “Just put them up on the wall,” I thought that sounded like a great idea.  I truly didn’t understand that she was joking.  (Since then, the girls decided that I am kindred spirits to Amelia Bedelia).

I am told that I created a spectacle.  Yes, I had a skirt on but I tried to cover with a blanket (apparently unsuccessfully).  It wasn’t the peek of my thighs that brought the attendant running, though, it was the sight of my feet.  The team had talked me into taking them off the wall but then, I put them up on a chair (facing the glass windows) while still lying on the floor.  I had achieved the height (or low) of offense at this point, as the bottoms of my feet were in view for all to see.  Not a good idea in Qatar.  Especially during the month of Ramadan.  

We have talked since then as to whether my team would have stayed in Qatar had I been arrested.  I have been assured by our leader, Kim, that we would have stayed together, no matter what.  I am SO glad that the consequences were no more than embarrassment.  My poor team. 

No more pictures of my feet, but here is one that touched my heart:  prayers for Bethany.  

Kim, Bethany, Amber, Danya, and Devri

Our encounter wasn’t by chance but by Divine direction.  It was so great to hear her story and in some small way, be an encouragement to her. 

We took this picture with Bethany before departing for our flights:

Kim, Diann, Tina, Devri, Cindy, Janice, Danya, Bethany, Marsha, Cherie, Amber, Sonja

If you would like to follow Bethany in Madagascar, you may do so here.  She is making a difference…I am so proud to call her my new friend.

As far as Qatar Air, the food was not so great but the planes and the staff were impressive.  Beautiful attendants, fashionable uniforms (the nicest I have seen), and very interesting bassinets for babies which hung on the wall. I wish I would have snapped a picture.  We had two babies hanging on the wall on our flight from Qatar to Manila.  Relieved that neither fell out!  I did fine some stock photos:

Don't they look cozy?

Cindy is comfy, too

Landing in Qatar

It's a Biggin!

When we arrived at the church in Manila, it was so great to meet more of Kim’s friends (especially Marilyn, whom I had corresponded with quite a bit in the process of writing and printing a devotional in the Philippines.  Marilyn was key in getting information to Benette, who graciously and generously formatted the book for me. Thanks Marilyn!).  

We were warmly welcomed with home-made soup, KFC, and gifts. 

Delicious Welcome!

Should the hand fans and sweat towels have been an indication of what was to come?  Silly me, I thought it was a washcloth.  I soon appreciated the custom of wearing a towel under the back of my shirt with a small portion folded over the neck.  Yes, it was that hot and humid.  I will tell you all about it soon.

Philippines 2014: Initial Thoughts

Women's Retreat in Pozorrubio

I have been avoiding this—the writing about my trip to the Philippines.  Rarely at a loss for words and guilty on countless occasions of exceeding the recommended 500 word limit for blog posts; I am known for throwing propriety and caution to the wind.  I write until I am done with my thoughts.  Perhaps it is fear that keeps me from writing now; fear that words might fail to do justice to what my heart knows to be true.

Don’t let me be guilty of overdone platitudes: “I went to give but how much more I received,” or “I thought I would serve but it was they who served me.” Not that any of that is untrue.  It just isn’t enough.

You have to know this about me first—I am sentimental, but I am not.  I am romantic, but I am not. Tears do not come easily to me.  I am a realist.  I am suspicious.  I have learned not to expect too much and therefore, I am often pleasantly surprised.

All that I knew was that I was supposed to go.  I didn’t know why.  Honestly, I wasn’t the least bit excited about this journey even a week before.  Oh, I pretended to be excited.  Truthfully, I held more dread than anticipation. What if the heat was unbearable?  What if I felt suffocated being around people for two weeks?  Where would I find the peace and solitude that I crave?  What if I don’t sleep and get cranky and horribly offend someone?

Please understand, I am the same woman who stood on a hill overlooking Jerusalem in 2000, surrounded by friends who were weeping for joy at their first sight of the Holy Land, all the while feeling nothing but shame for having no tears of my own.  I was miserably tired, hot, and unimpressed by the pale beige tones of the desert and the pierce of the thorny ground into my Birkenstock-exposed toes.  Jet lag is not my friend.

Afraid of setting my expectations too high, the best I knew to do was to lean in to the prayers offered on my behalf.  There must have been more than I even imagined.  I had the privilege of an assignment prior to the trip…the writing of a devotional for the women we would meet in Manila and the provinces, “31 Days of Hope.”  One of the days was about letting go.  For someone like me who lives alone and has the illusion of control, journeying with a group to other side of the world can be daunting.  I took my own advice and it helped.  Well, actually, it was the advice of a friend to me when I was escalating up the hill of a roller coaster I had never ridden before; “Just relax and let it happen.”  And so I did.

It didn’t matter that I didn’t get more than five hours of sleep at a time while I was there.  It didn’t matter that I was drenched with sweat much of the time.  It didn’t matter that there was a typhoon and we were without electricity for an entire day, and portions of days thereafter.  It didn’t matter than I had way too much rice and (sometimes) food that I could not identify. None of that mattered because this adventure, this, was the best trip I have ever taken…even better than Italy.  How could this be?

My heart was fully engaged.  That is what mattered.

On the way to the airport 07_09_2014

Manila...after 38 hours of travel

This rainbow was waiting for us at the Manila airport

Oh, I am not done…this is only the beginning…

Unpacking

My house looks like a bomb went off.  Those of you who know me well are probably thinking, “So what else is new?”  I really have been doing better with my messiness!  

I returned from the Philippines Monday evening after forty straight grueling hours of travel (24 in airplanes).  With no time to completely unpack my bags, my mind, or my heart, I was off to the She Speaks conference in Concord, NC. 

She Speaks is an annual conference put on by Proverbs 31 Ministry.  It is a powerhouse of a conference to train women who feel called to speaking, writing, and/or blogging because they love Jesus.

Wow!  All I can say is, “Wow!”  I know the phrase “drinking from a fire hose” can be overdone, but that is the only way I can describe the past three days. 

I don’t really feel like a Proverbs 31 type of gal.  I have no husband or children.  My life experience is very different from the demographic.  But I felt right at home anyway.   One would think that being in a room with 800 dynamic and beautiful women would be intimidating.  It was, at first.  But in almost every break out session, we were reminded that “There is only one me.  I am the expert at being me.  God wants to use me.” 

This seminar is a testimony to the power of prayer.  It was bathed in prayer.  I felt it.  I have so much more to unpack now.  Bags and memories from a life-changing trip to the Philippines.  An ocean of information from She Speaks.  Where do I begin?  Perhaps not today.  Today is my last day of being forty-something.  I need to just be.  

One of the other great aspects of the conference was the new friendships.  I met the most wonderful women at meals, in my seminars, in the ladies room (you know how us girls can make a party out of going to the bathroom!  And there is always a line…)

I met Carolina from Texas.  She loves teenagers.  Her last husband passed away from pancreatic cancer.  She has remarried (to the love of her life.)  And she is my age!  We had a wonderful time getting to know each other.

I met Natasha from Europe, now living in Greenville, SC.  She is a first generation Christian.  Lovely accent.  She is married with two boys and longs to go back to her home country and tell people about Jesus.  We had wonderful conversation over lunch.

I met Cara from Louisiana.  She is married with 3 children.  Cara lost over 100 pounds after reading Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Made to Crave.  She was so thrilled to meet her in person to say “thank you.”  Cara’s trip to She Speaks was paid for by fund raising back home.  Her friends are so proud of her and wanted to make this event possible for her.

There are many more.  So many unique women with unforgettable stories.  I have gathered amazing new friends in the past three weeks.  Some are oceans away, in Manila or Concepcion or Pozorrubio or Pagrai or Pinapal or Villa Corazon.  I can’t wait to tell you about them.  But for today, I want to revel in being forty-nine.  It has been a fabulous year.  What a ride!

When Is It More Lonely to Be With Someone Than to Be Alone?

This video is being passed around on Facebook...which is kind of ironic, given the subject matter.  What do you think about it?

Note: This video is on You Tube (click here).  If you cannot see it on your smartphone, please check it out from your computer.  It truly is worth a watch.

Look Up Video by Gary Turk

I like it.  I confess, I have been guilty of being the one "looking down."  I have also found myself sitting next to someone who was the one "looking down."  It was a lonely experience. 

I have been told, over the years, that there is no more lonely place than to be in a marriage and feel isolated.  I imagine that is true.  I am thankful that I have not experienced that kind of loneliness.

Have you ever felt lonely in a crowded room?  I have.  And yet, I took a trip overseas by myself and I did not feel lonely.  Why is that?  Perhaps it has to with expectations and focus.

When I traveled to Italy solo in 2008, I knew that I would be alone much of the time.  I embraced it and I prepared myself for it.  It was a wonderful adventure in which I felt satisfied just being with myself and my God.  I reveled in the triumph of it, really.

My travels were in the days before Facebook for me.  I was able to get to an Internet kiosk every so often and send a letter home to friends and family.  The letters are included at the beginning of this Blog, Travelling Solo.  Sometimes, there would be replies waiting for me.  This communication was valuable for me and reminded me that I had people thinking of me and rooting for me back home.  I was thousands of miles away but we still connected on some level.  I guess I wasn't really alone at all.

The times I have felt terribly lonely in a room full of people were times when I did not feel connected to anyone in the room at that moment...times when I felt insignificant.  Times when I was believing lies in my head that said, "No one cares that I am here."  Or, "Everyone else is having more fun than me." Kind of self-absorbed, wasn't I?

I am learning a lot about myself.  Some good things and some not-so-great things.  Information is power.  

I have learned to ask myself an important question, "What do I need?"  The answer is not always the same.  If I put myself in a room full of people when I am sensing the need to be alone, I will not thrive.  I may offend someone.  I won't be the best conversationalist and I may leave feeling more empty and alone than when I arrived.

Conversely, sometimes I need to be around a group of people.  I feel energized in the company of people whom I value.  There is an energy in the room that I pick up within myself.  It's a bonus when I can laugh with others. Laughter is a medicine which my soul craves.  Sometimes I need to be with people so that I am reminded that I am not alone.

I am so grateful for the many friends and loved ones in my life who share moments and memories with me.  I value our conversations and our pondering.  I treasure the times we have laughed together, yes, even when it is at my expense.  Life is rich because of you.

My Friend

Sometimes I hear God 

through the thoughts He plants in my mind

in response to my earnest prayers.

Sometimes I hear Him through your voice.

Sometimes it seems that I am laying in God's 

strong hand at night...

like my mattress is the cushions of His hand.

Sometimes I feel Him through your arms.

Sometimes I see God in the clouds on a sunny day,

or in a breathtaking view of mountains 

or an ocean that spans infinity.

Sometimes I see Him in your eyes.

Sometimes I feel understood by God

through reading His timeless Word

and sitting before Him in silence.

Sometimes I feel understood because you listen.

                                                  JKL 5-7-14

Easter

Today...

Miracle for Jen

I am still trying to wrap my head around all that I experienced this past weekend at the Knowing God Ministries conference in Apex, North Carolina.  The weekend was entitled, Making a Difference in my Corner of the World.  

I attended the conference by invitation of a friend who is also an alum of Grove City College (in Pennsylvania.)  Fuller, whose name at GCC was Karen Fuller, was only an acquaintance when we were in school.  We reconnected last year at an alumni event in Cary, NC and have become heart-to-heart friends.  Our faith especially connects us as our life experiences have been very different.  We share a heart for God and currently, the experience of being single gals.

Fuller and me at KGM Conference February 28, 2014

Fuller is on the ministry team at Knowing God Ministries (KGM).  She is gifted in speaking, writing, photography, and I'm sure in a multitude of other ways. I am so glad that I responded to her encouragement to attend this event.  

The main speakers at the conference were Linda and Jen Barrick.  Here is a picture of KGM founder, Tara Furman with Jen and Linda:

Tara Furrman, Jen and Linda Barrick (photo taken by Fuller Harvey)

Where do I begin?  Certainly, the highlight of the conference was hearing Jen's story and witnessing her joy and her relationship with the Lord.  Also, Linda is a gifted speaker and teacher in her own right.  She leads a Bible study in Lynchburg, VA that has grown to include over 600 women weekly.  Her sweet spirit and her openness was refreshing and touching.  I was encouraged by both the simple and the profound reminder that God is near and He wants to be my deepest friend.  

Take a look at this video to get a taste of what we heard this weekend:

What we heard is even more profound if you know the Barricks' story.  They were hit by a drunk driver in 2006, when Jen was 15 (she is now 22) on their way home from church.  Jenn was not expected to live through the night.  She was in a coma for nearly 6 weeks.  When she started to come out of the coma, instead of swearing (as her parents were warned that most people do), Jen prayed, praised God, and spoke the words to praise songs.  

Click Here to watch the short version of her story on You Tube  

Needless to say, I was honored to get to meet these beautiful women and to hear their story.  I was challenged to get back to the basics of my faith...God desires a love relationship with me.  That really is the point of the cross, the reason why Jesus came, the reason he had to die.  My sin does not have to keep me from a Holy God because of His great love for me.  The same is true for you.

In addition to three teaching sessions with Linda and Jen (which were all fantastic), we had the opportunity to participate in three breakout sessions with other dynamic women of faith.  I was blessed and challenged by these sessions as well.

Check out the adorable decorations (I love the "vase" and tulips):

Photo taken by Fuller Harvey for KGM Ministries

Such a fun weekend and impactful on so many levels.  I am so glad that my friend, Fuller, encouraged me to attend.  

If you are interested in reading Jen's story, she has a book called "Miracle for Jen" available at Amazon.  The Barrick family also have a website called Hope Out Loud.  

Finally, I was blessed to watch a two-part series produced by Joni and Friends:

PART 1

PART 2

These videos are free to watch.  If you have some time, they are well worth it.  

Jen signs her books with her favorite Bible Verse:  

However, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived--the things God has prepared for those who love Him."  I Cor 2:9

Debt Free! (How I became debt-free and you can, too)

Wreath lovingly made by my Sis-In-Law, Janet Lawrence

I updated my Facebook status yesterday and it has caused quite a commotion...I have never received so many "likes" and comments before...not to anything.  Not to surviving Cancer, not to one of these carefully crafted blog posts, not to a clever video re posted...NOTHING has garnered the attention of yesterday's status for me.  As I type this, it has 101 likes!  

What is it?

"Just wired my final mortgage payment!  Debt free in every way!  Praise God, my Provider and Sustainer.  Now...to find a job..."

Thank you for celebrating with me.  I am touched by the support.  I am feeling celebratory and grateful. It's almost like I won the lottery.  But it's really not like that at all.  I didn't "win" anything.  I didn't luck into my home...this was a slow and steady process...this was twenty years in the making...this was the culmination of hard work, restraint, patience, and trust.  This day was the harvest of a twenty-year journey.  

Some are expressing envy.  Some who completed this journey before me are giving good advice (don't forget about saving for annual property taxes and insurance which were formerly taken out of escrow). It's true that even though I own my house, clear of debt, it can still be taken from me.  If I fail to pay the annual property taxes, the government can take it and kick me out!  For this reason alone, I am grateful that I chose to stay in my "starter" home. The property taxes are based on the value of the home.  The lower the home value, the lower the taxes.

When I bought this house at twenty-nine years old, my realtor said I should get a balloon loan because I would not still be in it in five years time.  (This is a loan with lower payments but then you have to pay the whole thing off in a specific time, like five years.  At the pay-off, you fund it by getting another loan).

Being a fiscal conservative, I chose to get a conventional 30-year loan.  I am so glad that I did.  When interest rates fell, I refinanced and chose a 15-year loan.  

Would you like to know my secrets?   Would you like to be debt-free, too?

This is my best advice:

1.  Give money away: You cannot outgive God.  I know that probably wasn't what you were expecting.  I gave my life to Christ at nine years old.  When I was in the membership class at my Baptist Church, it was designed for adults.  I didn't understand much about the class but the one thing I heard and understood was the principle of tithing.  This is the only only place I know of in Scripture where God says "test me in this."  (Malachi 3:10-11).  I took it to heart.  In fact, it irritated my mother, who would have preferred that I not tithe the money I earned waitressing that was earmarked for college tuition. But I fought her on this.  My form of rebellion was tithing!  I have tested God and he has ALWAYS met my financial needs...through unemployment (4 times now), through Cancer treatments (2 times now) and I never missed a mortgage payment in twenty years.

2.  Buy a house worth less that "they" say you can afford.  When I bought my house, I was told that I could afford a home worth 40 to 50% more than the one I chose.  I knew that if I bought that much house, I would not have money for other things I needed and some other things I enjoyed.  I chose a small "starter" home.  It doesn't have some things that I would like...it's not a "dream-home" but it is my home and I love it. 

3.  Fight the urge to Trade Up.  My income nearly doubled over the course of the twenty years it took to pay-off my home.  I was tempted for a brief season to consider trading up to a larger home or a home in a location more central to town.  I fought the urge and I am so glad that I did.  Instead, I chose to stay put and make my home as beautiful as I could...I made it "mine" and I settled in.  This enabled me to do some travelling and never miss a payment, even when I was out of a job or undergoing chemotherapy.

4.  Pay extra every month.  After I refinanced at a lower interest rate, I chose to continue to pay the higher monthly payment and even added some to it.  I paid $200 extra principal for a couple of years.  I stopped when I lost my job but when I regained employment, I paid $100 extra or sometimes just $50 extra.  This shaved years off of my loan.  What really helped me was designing a table in Microsoft Excel whereby I was able to calculate how much time I could shave off my loan depending on how much extra I paid.  It was fun to dream and see how fast I could finish.  I wish I had done this sooner and I wish I had been even more disciplined.  


I need to confess...I have been blessed and I have not always been a great steward of money.  I love pretty things, nice jewelry and clothes, and I have wasted money over the years.  I have medicated pain in my life through spending money.  God has worked on my heart and I have had to learn some things the hard way.   

I wish I had learned sooner.  Don't we all?  But I am a work in progress and so are you!  It is never too late to take steps, even baby steps, towards financial freedom.

(I would be remiss if I didn't add one more thing...the best way to be debt-free is to accept God's gift of His son, Jesus, the One who died for all of our debts...great and small).  John 3:16...Timeless Truth! My biggest debts can't be reduced to dollars and cents...my biggest debts were wiped free at Calvary.

Father, I thank You today for providing a beautiful home for me...far beyond what I ever imagined I would have as a single woman.  Thank you for this gift  of a place of peace, of hope, of ministry, and rest to call my own for this season of my life.  Thank You for a tangible reminder of your provision in my life.






I had help decorating from Elle Westover...so Gifted, and such an inspriration in every way!  Thank you, Elle!  See her website HERE.  Or check out her facebook page HERE.