Self-discipline

For any of you who are familiar with Dave Ramsey and his teachings about how to handle money, you know about the envelope system.  The concept is very basic:  agree with your spouse about how much you'll spend for different things, put that amount of cash into specified envelopes, and only spend the cash.

This is one of those things that sounds so easy but when it's you in Mardel, looking at very lovely things that would make your home look oh-so-lovely, it's tricky to remember that the debit card isn't in your wallet when you know you don't have a "home decorations" envelope.  And the Target envelope just can't cover these lovelies and toilet paper as well.

My boys, particularly the older 2, have a bad case of what I call "want-i-tis."  They want, want, want.  Drives me crazy.  This morning with #3 I got to model what it looks like to appreciate something, file it away for another day like Christmas or when you have cash in the envelope and be at peace without getting it today.

The irony is that I have a daily calendar that tells me what character trait to pray for for my kids.  Today's?  Self-displine.  It made me smile that I had prayed for this and I had such an opportunity to practice it today myself.

Batman on the organ

This year I've become a part of the music team at my bible study.  I love music, sing in our church choir and even teach the kids' choir as well.  I play the piano, love singing and also play guitar.  One would think that playing the piano for our study would be right down my alley.

It would be, but somehow when I play the piano I get nervous and make these weird mistakes.  Last Wednesday I felt so embarrassed that I was bothered by it the rest of the week.

So, for this week, I practiced more and felt prepared.  I also prayed that the music would be about worship and not about me.  He answered in such a neat way!  He brought an organist!  She has lots of experience.  Today as she played, I played along and felt so much more comfortable.  No nerves=no mistakes! 

I just needed a Batman on organ for my Robin on piano.  And God provided.

Granted, in the grand scheme of life I know my comfort level as I play piano isn't that important, but it sure is nice.