September 11, a day of...celebrating?

This past Sunday, we had church in the park. We gathered to hear the wonderful worship music of The Lawrence Family, listened to a 9/11 Tribute from Steve Williams, ate a never-ending (until it was all gone, of course) potluck picnic, had a cupcake competition and a softball game (oldies vs punks), and, best of all, had some amazing fellowship.

Of course it may have seemed like an odd day for a church picnic - it was, honestly, supposed to be a day of solemn remembrance. So why were we celebrating?

Do the right thing for the right reasons

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. 1 Peter 2:13-15

I've had several thoughts on my heart this past week. One is about doing what is right. I was driving down a country road and thinking about speeding - not that I was contemplating the act of it, just the concept in general. I checked to make sure I was under the speed limit and then asked why I cared at that moment. I typically do not have any qualms about going a bit over the limit. I like to drive fast.

Then I saw a sign listing the fines and consequences for speeding in a construction zone: $7000 plus 15 years (max) for killing a worker in a construction zone. I realize that the sign is in place to warn drivers of the consequences of breaking the speed limit law. But I can't help but wonder how many obey the law because they are afraid to get caught and how many obey because it is what is right?

Our Father is Concerned...

...with our wants. But where's the line between our desirable wants/needs and the out-of-control wants?

When do we stop asking for what we want and start asking for His will?

Here's the thing - I want a lot of things. Not like fancy cars and houses, a gazillion wardrobes, and a private jet. Nothing like that. I want my life to get on with it already. I finished college later than most do, I don't have my "career job" yet, I don't have a fully-funded emergency fund. Don't worry, this isn't a sob-story. But you get an idea of what my "wants" are.

Recently I was informed of the perfect job - I was qualified, interested, and they wanted me. A few weeks after the interview, I received the "we found someone else" email. I prayed and prayed for this job - I wanted it. But did I ever stop to consider asking for it according to His will? Yes, I did. Right after the interview, I prayed again. "Please, Lord, press it on their hearts to choose me." And then I stopped to think. And then I prayed, "Father, I really want this. I want You to want this for me too. I know that what concerns me concerns you, Lord. Please, is this what You want for me?"

Financial Peace Progress

I have started to get more serious about putting myself out there as a writer. I started this (new) blog to get me back into the process of writing for a large audience. I also signed up for Associated Content (finally) and currently have three items published on their site. One is a creative short story, another is a fun article for teachers about April Fool's Day, and the third is the article below. A wide range of submissions, you say? Indeed. I haven't quite found my niche and am exploring all of the avenues. Plus, I'm showcasing my (1) ability to adapt and (2) well-rounded-ness.

The third submission to Associated Content was for their Business and Financial section. I chose to write about my progress with Financial Peace University with a unique spin. I am very (VERY) impressed that this piece was published (in the Business and Finance section) because it is heavy on biblical reference. I'm so proud that I stayed true to myself and allowed myself to listen to the message that God placed on my heart. I'm incredibly grateful that He is exemplified and glorified through this posting on a mainstream site. Enjoy!

  

My Financial Makeover

Undoing a Lifetime of the Wrong Thinking

By Meagan Rae

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm huge on God. I pray multiple times daily. I praise at home, in my car, and at church. I teach preschool Sunday school and am a member of the Young Adult bible study group. I love Jesus and am so incredibly blessed to know Him. Yet I struggle daily with remembering the ways I need to honor God. There are some areas which I need to work on. Not many are aware that we are to honor Him with our money. Proverbs 3:9 reads, "Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase." This means being responsible with finances and faithfully tithing. I do tithe - and faithfully. But I do not honor God with my finances.

The line between trusting and doing

Life is great until something goes wrong. And then you pray about it. But how much are you supposed to "do" in the meantime?

I recently faced a situation with my vehicle. Long story short, it's in my Grandmother's name but I have sole possession and make the payments. She passed away a few months ago so the contract is null. I have to figure out some kind of solution for this situation. (PS - "situation" = understatement!)

So I've been praying - not really for anything specific. I mean, I would REALLY like to keep the car. So of course it's mostly, "Lord. I want to keep the car. Please help me figure out how I can do that. If I can't keep it, then please tell me what I need to do. Just, make a way." So I'm asking Him to make a way for this to all just work out.

But I can't just sit on my hands and wait. Can I? I mean, if I trust that God's going to work this out for me in some way, shape, or form, then what more do I need to do? I prayed! I handed it over to God!

You contending with me? You contending with me?!

My Dad is full of scriptural wisdom. As much as I read the bible, I can't seem to be able to quote scripture. But I'm okay with that. I need to look things up. It doesn't mean I don't know anything. I digress. So Isaiah 49:25 says, ..."For I will contend with him who contends with you."

I was complaining about work and how my hours are constantly cut and I'm sent home early. Ah, the perils of being "the new girl." It wasn't so much complaining as it was whining. I was concerned that my paychecks wouldn't be enough to cover my car payment (let's save that stupid mistake for another day, shall we?). And he told me, "The bible says that God will contend with those that contend with you." I kept saying, "what? what?" because I thought he really said something like "God is content with those who are content with you." Totally different, right?

So I started thinking about it, and I realized that God really does say "vengeance is Mine!" (Deuteronomy 32:35). It's kind of funny in that not-so-funny way. I never thought of avenging my lost wages and my hurt feelings, but it's just more proof of how much God loves me and wants the best of everything for me.

Blow my mind

I don't think it's possible that God could ever cease to amaze me. I have some amazing news, but first, a story.

Several years ago in college a professor pushed me into teaching composition. Prior to that experience, I had always planned to be a travel writer. As it turns out, I absolutely love teaching first-year writing. I have since decided that I want to be a college teacher, nay, a professor. A master's and doctoral degree are both necessary in order to receive the esteemed title of professor. So I applied for grad school at my college. They didn't exactly want me. I can only speculate on why, but I have since accepted that maybe I just don't belong there. My favorite professor then started pushing her alma mater to me and eventually convinced me to fly to Florida and visit the school. I did, met with some really nice people in the department, and fell in love with the campus. Since returning from that trip, I prayed constantly and focused my attention to work and my graduate class. So, enough of digressing.

I'm pretty sure you can figure out my news...but...I was just accepted to the University of South Florida!! Should I choose to attend, I will be living somewhere in the Tampa Bay area and will be studying in the Rhetoric and Composition program. "HOORAY!"

I know that the Lord has amazing plans for me. Plans that I can't even begin to understand. I'm so grateful that my concerns matter to Him. Thank you, Father, for showing me such love and compassion. I cannot wait to start this coming chapter of my life. I continue to pray that You blow open doors. And blow my mind. I know that if this is part of His perfect plan for me, that He will make a way for me to go to Florida - financial worries be darned. Can't wait.

ANOTHER new blog?

I'm no stranger to blogging. Like most bloggers, I've had something like five or six blogs? I can't seem to stick with them though. It's like I'm window shopping and I never try anything on before purchasing. Then I get home, wear the item twice, and decide it isn't for me. Blogging is exactly like that for me. I was never the girl who could keep a journal on a regular basis. Throughout my adult life I tried to remedy that particular shortcoming, but it never worked out like I hoped.

Since I really despise "Introduction to me and my new blog!" posts, let's just move on: paradisaical. Paradisaical (pærədɪˈseɪɪkəl, for my phonetic-freak-friends), means attributable to paradise. It is also a synonym for wonderful. Hence, while life may be wonderful, It's [also] a Paradisaical Life. Clever, no? I thought so.


You see, sometimes life just plain bites. And sometimes it's pretty freaking awesome. Every single day I'm trying to remember that just because something didn't go my way, that just because I'm not in the greatest mood, that just because all I want to do is crash and burn, my life is really amazing. Sure, I carry some baggage (I used to joke that not even Southwest Airlines would let my bags fly free because they were too heavy), but it's nothing I can't handle with some help from above. 

I know that my troubles are not many, and that God doesn't give me anything I can't handle. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though a, b, and c aspects of my life aren't completely great right now, I know that everything has a purpose, and unto everything there is a season. God has a plan and my life - good times and bad - is amazing because I have Christ in me. Can you imagine what life would be like without Jesus?


I know many people who do not believe in God and do not go to church. I used to be one of those people. I wouldn't trade my life with Jesus for anything; I know that my reward is in heaven with my Savior.