From 6 to 60 in Two Days

The topic of the week was weather. A snow storm moved in on Tuesday and disrupted classes Tuesday evening, Wednesday and Thursday. We may have had an inch or two of snow, but the bitter cold kept everything frozen for days. Ice was a real problem on the roads, but thankfully the power stayed on and we were warm. On Thursday morning, the wind chill was 6 degrees. In Georgia! However because of where we live, we were enjoying 60 degree temps on Saturday. This must be the #1 reason that I live in the South in the winter. :)

I must say that I enjoyed having several 1/2 days this week. It was just what I, and probably others, needed. God knew that and orchestrated everything. 

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.

Job 37:9-10 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds of the north. By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen. 

To Excel in Giving

Last week I told you about my plan to put half of my commissions to work for scholarships to student camp. I had all intentions of working on my business at least 30 minutes each day. Unfortunately, it seemed I was pushed and pulled from every side. I stayed up until 12:30 Monday night (actually Tuesday morning) watching the National Championship, then arose at 5:30 to begin my day. I wish I could say that I actually slept those 5 hours, but it was more like 4.5 hours. The college was back in session and they were still accepting students. Our office was jumping! As the 'fireman' for all things that go wrong with our computer programming and having to test for an upgrade this weekend, I was treated to a crazy week. Adding to that the loss of sleep and getting back into Calculus with my son, I had to let the business rest for five days. 

I received notice of my first commission check for January and it was about $100 lower than the last one. At this point, I can pay about 1/3 of a scholarship. I'm going to need to pick up the pace to send more students to Deeper Camp 2018. 

Today at church, the pastor gave the sermon I needed to hear. He spoke about giving and how when you commit to do that, you will be tested. (I can say that's exactly how I view this past week.) However, if you stay on course, you will also be blessed and grow in Christ-likeness.

II Corinthians 9:10-11 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which cause thanksgiving through us to God. 

He has supplied the seed and direction, now it's time for me to sow the seed. Praying for guidance to do what I've been tasked to do. 

Great Things

January 1, 2018 started off with a bang when my beloved UGA Dawgs won the Rose Bowl! I believe it was absolutely the best football game I have ever seen! With such an exciting evening, it actually wasn't very difficult to get up early the next day to exercise and return to work. 

Every morning, I'm rising at 5:30 for exercise, making breakfast and lunch for my daughter, then sitting down to read my Bible until I must get dressed to head out the door. The difference is striking: I'm no longer rushing around; I'm not forgetting things; I'm more calm at work; and I feel like I've already accomplished a lot for the day.

I've got another idea I'm working on in regards to my network marketing business. Last year, the goal I had for my business was to pay for the products I was personally using. That was accomplished by August and has been met ever since. As I'm getting more involved in seeing how this business works, I'm thinking more about what kind of good I can do with it. Or rather, what kind of good God can do with it. I've prayed for ideas and yesterday this particular project took hold of my heart. 

Every summer, my church conducts a 5 day retreat for 6th - 12th graders. It's available for any student who wants to break away from everyday noise and build their spiritual lives. This will be the first year my daughter will go. I'm excited for her and will be happy to pay her way. But I also remember that every year there is a call to sponsor other kids. I want to do this, so I am pledging 50% of my commissions from January - May to go to sponsoring kids for the BPBC Deeper Camp.  If I stay at my current level, I'll be able to provide just over 2 scholarships. However, I don't want to stay at this level. I'm going to endeavor to pray over and work harder at the business, sending more kids to this church camp!

I Samuel 12:16 Now therefore, stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes.