Run Tell DAT!

I think one of the most awesomely beautiful things about having a relationship with God is that He can continue growing you IF you let Him. Just when we think we're too big for our own pants, we discover how unbelievably wrong we were. I often discover how corrupt, rotten to the bone, and truly unworthy I am of His saving grace. But, that’s the beauty of God. He LOVES me where I am. Through that realization though comes REVELATION. I have had a lot of time to think lately since the hubby and I (well, mostly him) have been sprucing up the house.

Wow, I’ve realized I have a LOT of STUFF. Stuff that has clogged up my own so-called décor style. So, I’m downsizing. Getting rid of the clutter. And, it’s GREAT!

What I’ve realized through this so far is that, we as a nation especially, are SO in over our heads. Not only with debt, but THINGS. Possessions. Clutter.

How many milk glass vases can I have? Apparently, 15. Yes, I said FIFTEEN.

About 2 years ago, I started begging Jason to go house hunting because we didn’t have our “dream home”. I wanted it to be just like I wanted it to be…stainless steel appliances, hardwood throughout, charming, clawfoot tub in at least ONE bathroom, etc. When we started looking, we quickly discovered that everything seemed to be out of our budget or too big of a hot mess to take on at the time. I told God in my prayer time that I couldn’t understand why I should feel so bad for wanting a nice home, a nice place to kick off my shoes and start a family in soon.

Here’s what I learned…

What I have is a home. It’s where your heart is…it’s where your family is…it’s not self indulging. When I look back on my house hunting days, I realize how selfish I was and how UNHAPPY I was with what God had blessed me with already. I know He wants increase for us, but at the same time, He calls for us to be more Christ-like. I’m not perfect by ANY means, but the lesson I’ve learned is that I am beyond blessed to have a roof over my head and the ability to take up some old carpet to put down hardwood laminate.

Now I know, I’d rather pay off my debts first and not be a slave to any one or any company.

I’ve also learned to downsize in other areas such as cosmetics! That’s right. I’m a Sephora addict. I take that back. I WAS a Sephora addict. Now, I still get giddy when I get a new ad in the mailbox, but I know too that I have 87 different lipglosses to choose from and I don’t need to “treat myself to just this one thing” because I deserve it.

I don’t need to “treat myself to just this one thing” because it’s 50% off. Here’s why:

#1. We probably don’t need it. Yeah, I’m talking to you too. Whatever you’re obsessed with that will make yourself look better or more accomplished or just to feel better. Trust! It IS a high for me to shop.
#2. Do you already have it??? Do you? Seriously, a new pair of heels? You have them already.
#3. What could you do with that money to better serve this world? Give to the humane society, help the church with a new endeavor, sacrifice for someone other than yourself? SAVE the money for your future?
#4. God don’t like greedy. Trust. God’s working on me with this. I’ve made promises to Him that I intend to keep concerning debt & giving. It’s a hard road to travel, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that He knows my heart.

Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal… You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:19 and 24). Did Jesus pursue the acquisition of money? No. On the contrary, He became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9) and had “no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

So, that new car that you need because it’s cute…no you don’t. Is your’s still running? Okay then, you’re MORE than fine. You’re blessed. This nation is blessed and we take life for granted every second of just about every day.

Be thankful for what you have now. Look at the person that you pass in Atlanta asking for a handout…ask yourself later, when you’re at Cheesecake Factory if you should have maybe given him that $5.

Run tell DAT!