So I did a little shopping this last weekend for the new job. And I'm pretty proud of my thrifty find, so I thought I would share with you some of my rules. I have a few tips on how I have curbed the once shopping addiction and how I keep my spending on track. I think how we spend our money is very important and excessive spending is not necessary or biblical. I also think it is okay to treat ourselves something and that is something you need to decide on your own. These are just personal guidelines I follow.
Now that I'm buying clothes again I'm really careful to follow some rules.
1. I never window shop, don't go to the mall unless you actually need something. How you decide your need is a personal thing but try to go with the replace not upgrade thought process. If things don't fit or a ripped or worn out it is okay to replace them. In my case I got a new job and did need new dress clothes because I had none!
2. Decide what you need before you go to the mall. If all you need is a new sweater, go in, find a sweater, and leave.
3. Don't buy too fast, sometimes it is worth it to shop around and find the best deal. I also try the thrift stores first, you don't always find something there but when you do it is well worth it. It takes a bit more work but is worth the savings.
4. Set a budget and don't go over it. For me I would not spend over 15 dollars on a shirt, so if it was more than that it went back on the rack. I don't even try it on if it is over the budget. This is a great way to not fall in love with things that are more than you would want to spend. You tend not to really love stuff until you see how it fits etc.
5. Always try it on! Make sure it fits right otherwise it will sit in the closet and be a waste of money.
6. Try to arrange your closet in a way you can see everything. I used to have so many clothes that things would be lost and I would forget what I had. I find that continually donating stuff that doesn't fit or is ripped etc. allows you to see what you actually have and therefore know what you actually need.
7. Try to buy things that work with everything else in your closet. This weekend I fell in love with some grey shoes but they would not have matched with my tan pants so then I would have needed to buy another pair of shoes for those pants. So I walked away. Later I found the same style shoes in black and knew they would work perfect! Was so glad I held off.
8. Spend the majority of your money on things that are timeless. Anything trendy try to find on super sale or at the thrift store because it is unlikely you are going to want to wear it after it is out of style.
So what did I buy this weekend?
I got three great pairs of dress pants. I bought some fantastic grey slacks at the thrift store for $6. I found dress pants I liked at target for $25, since they were regular I kept shopping and figured I could come back if I found something cheaper. When I went back to target the next day they had restocked and organized the sale rack and I found two great pairs of dress pants for $6. Same price as the thrift store, I was very excited.
I treated myself to a dress. I don't really have a fall dress for weddings and I found a great black classic dress for $7. You can't really go wrong at that price and I have a wedding to wear it to next month anyways!
I thrifted one cardigan at $8 and splurged on another at $25.
I bought myself some great white Gap jeans for $10.
I thrifted a blouse for $6, bought one at $15 and a nice dress sweater at $15.
Last but not least I bought me some shoes! I needed something I could wear in winter, wanted a flat and a heel for the office. So I got these great oxfords for only $20 and some super cute ankle boots with a small heel for $30.
Shopping is all about balance, something you might spend a little more than you wanted to on something but getting everything else at a great price balances things out!
It is also about remember that it is important to look good, because if you look good you tend to feel good but our worth cannot only come from outward appearance. We are children of an amazing God who pursues us passionately and we don't need to put anything on to please Him. He loves us exactly as we are!
9.02.2011
8.30.2011
My Beautiful Dresser!
This is a bit of a brag post, about my amazing husband.
We had a bit of a space issue in our house. We have two closets which is totally enough but we desperately needed something with drawers. All of Shaun's clothes that couldn't hang were literally thrown on the top shelf of his closet and I have no idea how many times all those clothes came down in search of one t shirt that was buried in the bottom. So we started checking the thrift stores for dressers. We couldn't find anything! So we started looking at some cheaper furniture stores. I have expensive tastes and so does Shaun. It is not on purpose we just like things that tend to cost way too much money. The dresser I feel in love with was....$1299. Not a hot chance that was happening.
Back when we first got married Shaun always used to joke that he would like to be a furniture builder. I never thought I would see the day where he built anything. My husband is an accountant and he is the smartest man I know but I had never seen the handy man side of him.
Shaun got it in his head that he was going to build a dresser. I was a little bit scared but figured worst case we would waste a bit of money if it didn't work out and I would end up with no dresser.
My anniversary gift was a beautiful dresser. And I am baffled that it turned out as amazing as it did. Apparently I married a man who can do pretty much anything he sets his mind to. I'm incredibly proud and I have a beautiful dresser full of t shirts so that laundry is much less frustrating.
Please ignore the grainy iPod photos.
We had a bit of a space issue in our house. We have two closets which is totally enough but we desperately needed something with drawers. All of Shaun's clothes that couldn't hang were literally thrown on the top shelf of his closet and I have no idea how many times all those clothes came down in search of one t shirt that was buried in the bottom. So we started checking the thrift stores for dressers. We couldn't find anything! So we started looking at some cheaper furniture stores. I have expensive tastes and so does Shaun. It is not on purpose we just like things that tend to cost way too much money. The dresser I feel in love with was....$1299. Not a hot chance that was happening.
Back when we first got married Shaun always used to joke that he would like to be a furniture builder. I never thought I would see the day where he built anything. My husband is an accountant and he is the smartest man I know but I had never seen the handy man side of him.
Shaun got it in his head that he was going to build a dresser. I was a little bit scared but figured worst case we would waste a bit of money if it didn't work out and I would end up with no dresser.
My anniversary gift was a beautiful dresser. And I am baffled that it turned out as amazing as it did. Apparently I married a man who can do pretty much anything he sets his mind to. I'm incredibly proud and I have a beautiful dresser full of t shirts so that laundry is much less frustrating.
Please ignore the grainy iPod photos.
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| It's starting to look like a dresser. |
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| All fits and look great, hard part is done. |
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| After the first coat of primer. |
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| The finished product, I think it's beautiful! |
8.29.2011
Changes in Life
Lately life has been full of big decisions. Decisions made while holding tightly to Gods Word and promises and full of trust and hope. I have full confidence that I have made the best decision for Shaun and I.
I'm leaving my job. After four years it feels a bit like a break up where we leave on good terms and walk away friends, but there are still a lot of weird emotions you don't expect. I'm leaving the best boss I probably could have ever had and some of the closest friends I have made in my life. I can truly say that I will miss most of the people that I spend my days with and the community that we have at my job.
I don't do things halfway, that's not me. I fully commit in all ways. This job has seriously consumed more of my life than it probably ever should have and it will feel so weird once that giant chunk of brain space is freed. There are so many areas of my job where I feel tired and really need a change. That is part of the reason why I'm so excited to start my new job as it included absolutely nothing that I did at my current job. It is a huge change. I'm thrilled to work no evenings and weekends. I know health wise it is one of the best things that I can do, to force my body to wake up at the same time every single day. It will greatly impact my migraines and sleep patterns. It will also include a lot less worry and take home "energy."
God has guided me every step of the way in this decisions and I love how He has come through on every single thing. Big things like working next door to my husband with the same hours (does it get more blessed than that) and small things even as I shopped for new work clothes He opened up some great deals to allow me to get what I need for my new job for very little. I'm so thankful. He is so good and I never would have left my current job without a pretty serious direction from Him and He led me.
What a great God we serve.
So I start after September long. Pray for me if you want!
I'm leaving my job. After four years it feels a bit like a break up where we leave on good terms and walk away friends, but there are still a lot of weird emotions you don't expect. I'm leaving the best boss I probably could have ever had and some of the closest friends I have made in my life. I can truly say that I will miss most of the people that I spend my days with and the community that we have at my job.
I don't do things halfway, that's not me. I fully commit in all ways. This job has seriously consumed more of my life than it probably ever should have and it will feel so weird once that giant chunk of brain space is freed. There are so many areas of my job where I feel tired and really need a change. That is part of the reason why I'm so excited to start my new job as it included absolutely nothing that I did at my current job. It is a huge change. I'm thrilled to work no evenings and weekends. I know health wise it is one of the best things that I can do, to force my body to wake up at the same time every single day. It will greatly impact my migraines and sleep patterns. It will also include a lot less worry and take home "energy."
God has guided me every step of the way in this decisions and I love how He has come through on every single thing. Big things like working next door to my husband with the same hours (does it get more blessed than that) and small things even as I shopped for new work clothes He opened up some great deals to allow me to get what I need for my new job for very little. I'm so thankful. He is so good and I never would have left my current job without a pretty serious direction from Him and He led me.
What a great God we serve.
So I start after September long. Pray for me if you want!
8.01.2011
New clothes!
Holla!!! Finally did some shopping this weekend. I've been super frustrated with my wardrobe lately but having made a one year no mall commitment I held firm and spent several days crying with nothing to wear. Don't get me wrong I have clothes, so many clothes that I can never choose what to wear. But...they are all from high school. I really don't wan to dress like I'm in high school anymore. I seriously was ready to look like a grown up.
So anniversary weekend was the one year up. So we went shopping! Yay! My closet is making me smile again. And the best part, I just took three times what I bought to the thrift store so my closet no longer overwhelms me. And I like everything in it. And it all fits because apparently I've lost some weight. So now I feel like way more of a grown up with slacks and blouses and skirts. Out to mcc went the classic Jean mini, anything ripped (including preripped jeans), a ton of Tshirts (really who needs 30+Tshirts that is ridiculous), a bunch of really tacky dresses, and three heavily patterned lululemon sweaters I spent way to much money on when I was young and struggled to part with in spite of the tackiness.
So the wardrobe is sorta at a starting over point. Trying to replaced instead of just add ridiculous amounts of clothing. I also have a new clothes that I actually feel really good about myself in. It's hard to feel 'blah' everything you leave the house.
In spite of everything I just typed I really didn't buy that much but it all works together to make tons of different outfits and I got some key pieces that will work with some stuff I have already.
So the closet is really nicely organized now, and I will smile all week when I open it up!!
My husband spent almost the same amount of money on me for his wardrobe, lots of work clothes. He always looks so sharp.
Well back to the anniversary goodness. (which included an amazing breakfast in bed!)
So anniversary weekend was the one year up. So we went shopping! Yay! My closet is making me smile again. And the best part, I just took three times what I bought to the thrift store so my closet no longer overwhelms me. And I like everything in it. And it all fits because apparently I've lost some weight. So now I feel like way more of a grown up with slacks and blouses and skirts. Out to mcc went the classic Jean mini, anything ripped (including preripped jeans), a ton of Tshirts (really who needs 30+Tshirts that is ridiculous), a bunch of really tacky dresses, and three heavily patterned lululemon sweaters I spent way to much money on when I was young and struggled to part with in spite of the tackiness.
So the wardrobe is sorta at a starting over point. Trying to replaced instead of just add ridiculous amounts of clothing. I also have a new clothes that I actually feel really good about myself in. It's hard to feel 'blah' everything you leave the house.
In spite of everything I just typed I really didn't buy that much but it all works together to make tons of different outfits and I got some key pieces that will work with some stuff I have already.
So the closet is really nicely organized now, and I will smile all week when I open it up!!
My husband spent almost the same amount of money on me for his wardrobe, lots of work clothes. He always looks so sharp.
Well back to the anniversary goodness. (which included an amazing breakfast in bed!)
7.20.2011
Better World Shopper
So I posted on facebook the other day that I found the greatest app of all time and I was totally addicted!
Check it out... Better World Shopper
I discovered it from one of my favorite blogs, Heather Hendrick and her family are missionaries in Haiti. She's currently doing posts on how they came to the decision to move to Haiti and how we can help the poor, whether that means from home or moving somewhere else to serve Him. You guys should check it out if you haven't.
Anyways back to the app. And there is also a book for those of you who don't have an apple device!
I've expressed before on this blog how important it is to me to spend my money wisely and to support companies who make a difference in a good way not a bad way. My wedding anniversary marks exactly one year since I've bought any clothing from a mall (disclosure: I had to buy new work pants and that's not possible to find in a thrift store but I seriously tried.) I've only bought clothing second hand, or from non-profits. I guess I found this app at the perfect timing because now that I've finished the end of my one year commitment I don't want to forget why I made this commitment in the first place. It is so important to me to spend my money in a way that helps others. I personally am not okay with the ways that some companies treat their staff in third world countries. One can argue that those people or in some cases children need the money regardless of how bad their working conditions are. But I know there are still going to be thousands of people buying these products if I stop. I want my money to affect people positively. There is a lot of great organizations that I love that empower women in third world countries and pay them extremely fair wages as well as teach them savings and life skills. These women have dreams and can raise their families on their own. I love that buying these products makes me feel good, and makes me feel like I'm impacting the lives of those less fortunate than me.
So this app is pretty great. It rates companies on five different factors.
1. Human Rights (sweatshops, child labor etc.)
2. The Environment (recycling, renewable energy etc.)
3. Animal Protection (animal testing, factory farming etc.)
4. Community Involvement (volunteer efforts, nonprofit alliances etc.)
5. Social Justice (fair wages, fatalities etc.)
I started this journey hoping that the clothing I could buy would make a difference and support things that were important to me. Now I can try to buy almost everything in a reasonable way. Like this app has everything, from airlines to gas to granola bars to cleaning supplies to gum. Companies are rated on a scale of A to F.
One of the most interesting things that I discovered is that a lot of the companies that advertise the things they are doing in third world countries, didn't actually do that good. And some companies that have come under a really bad rap for sweatshops etc. actually had way higher grades than I thought they would. I guess that just reminds me that advertising is that, advertising and tries to convince us to buy the product no matter what that means.
I'm really excited that I feel I can make informed decisions about what cleaning supplies I buy and also how I grocery shop. For some people this doesn't matter and I understand that. But for me it is really important and I will switch what I usually buy if it means the new product will make a better impact on the world. Check it out and make a decision for yourself and your life. Whatever that means. For me its drastic but maybe for you its baby steps and that's okay. We have a lot of opportunities to make an impact in this world and how we spend our money is one of the largest ways we can make an impact!
Check it out... Better World Shopper
I discovered it from one of my favorite blogs, Heather Hendrick and her family are missionaries in Haiti. She's currently doing posts on how they came to the decision to move to Haiti and how we can help the poor, whether that means from home or moving somewhere else to serve Him. You guys should check it out if you haven't.
Anyways back to the app. And there is also a book for those of you who don't have an apple device!
I've expressed before on this blog how important it is to me to spend my money wisely and to support companies who make a difference in a good way not a bad way. My wedding anniversary marks exactly one year since I've bought any clothing from a mall (disclosure: I had to buy new work pants and that's not possible to find in a thrift store but I seriously tried.) I've only bought clothing second hand, or from non-profits. I guess I found this app at the perfect timing because now that I've finished the end of my one year commitment I don't want to forget why I made this commitment in the first place. It is so important to me to spend my money in a way that helps others. I personally am not okay with the ways that some companies treat their staff in third world countries. One can argue that those people or in some cases children need the money regardless of how bad their working conditions are. But I know there are still going to be thousands of people buying these products if I stop. I want my money to affect people positively. There is a lot of great organizations that I love that empower women in third world countries and pay them extremely fair wages as well as teach them savings and life skills. These women have dreams and can raise their families on their own. I love that buying these products makes me feel good, and makes me feel like I'm impacting the lives of those less fortunate than me.
So this app is pretty great. It rates companies on five different factors.
1. Human Rights (sweatshops, child labor etc.)
2. The Environment (recycling, renewable energy etc.)
3. Animal Protection (animal testing, factory farming etc.)
4. Community Involvement (volunteer efforts, nonprofit alliances etc.)
5. Social Justice (fair wages, fatalities etc.)
I started this journey hoping that the clothing I could buy would make a difference and support things that were important to me. Now I can try to buy almost everything in a reasonable way. Like this app has everything, from airlines to gas to granola bars to cleaning supplies to gum. Companies are rated on a scale of A to F.
One of the most interesting things that I discovered is that a lot of the companies that advertise the things they are doing in third world countries, didn't actually do that good. And some companies that have come under a really bad rap for sweatshops etc. actually had way higher grades than I thought they would. I guess that just reminds me that advertising is that, advertising and tries to convince us to buy the product no matter what that means.
I'm really excited that I feel I can make informed decisions about what cleaning supplies I buy and also how I grocery shop. For some people this doesn't matter and I understand that. But for me it is really important and I will switch what I usually buy if it means the new product will make a better impact on the world. Check it out and make a decision for yourself and your life. Whatever that means. For me its drastic but maybe for you its baby steps and that's okay. We have a lot of opportunities to make an impact in this world and how we spend our money is one of the largest ways we can make an impact!
7.19.2011
Life lately...
"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."
-Albus Dumbledore
Saw 7.2 yesterday, and it did not disappoint. I've grown up with Harry Potter. My mom has read me the books since I was a little girl and I've seen every movie as soon as it opened! I'm actually really sad that this era in my life has ended. I'm totally the geek that reads the books every year and I'm feeling a huge marathon once 7.2 comes out on video!
I went camping this weekend which was quite the adventure for me. I'm not a camper, I'm a hotel person. But I lived and in spite of some serious sleep deprivation I greatly enjoyed my time. I'm so incredibly grateful for my husbands' family. We all get along so great and I completely enjoy spending time with them, even if its which camping... My nieces and nephew completely steal my heart every time I`m with them. I have some serious baby fever and get a little frustrated by my long timeline to get my babies home. Five years is a really long time, but I want to make the most of the time I have just Shaun and I.
Work has been really frustrating lately. I`ve been feeling the same way I did before my job changed. I can feel my anxiety raising every Sunday night just knowing I have to get through another work week. I`ve been praying about this a lot and if God doesn`t want me at Canadian Tire anymore I really want that to be evident. I feel like work has just been bringing me down in the rest of my life. It tires and drains me out so much I feel like I`m not myself in the rest of my life. I think my biggest frustration with my job is I have such a passion for serving people and I want my life to make a difference. I don`t feel like my job allows that in the way I want. It`s so easy to say I would like a job with less stress and pressure and politics, but won`t that be in every job? I don't know for sure. The grass is always greener on the other side and I'm aware of that. But at the same time the thought of staying at this job until I have kids sends me until a full panic and completely overwhelms me. I don't think I'll make it without going off the deep end. Well pray with me if you want....
It's been the birthday month. Shaun's two Sundays ago and Dad's this last Sunday and my brothers is on Friday. Shaun hates presents and parties and I broke all the rules and bought him a watch that was way more money than I ever thought I would spend on a watch. Needless to say once he was over the anger he loves it!
Well sorry if this was a little scatterbrained but this is what I've been living lately!
-Albus Dumbledore
Saw 7.2 yesterday, and it did not disappoint. I've grown up with Harry Potter. My mom has read me the books since I was a little girl and I've seen every movie as soon as it opened! I'm actually really sad that this era in my life has ended. I'm totally the geek that reads the books every year and I'm feeling a huge marathon once 7.2 comes out on video!
I went camping this weekend which was quite the adventure for me. I'm not a camper, I'm a hotel person. But I lived and in spite of some serious sleep deprivation I greatly enjoyed my time. I'm so incredibly grateful for my husbands' family. We all get along so great and I completely enjoy spending time with them, even if its which camping... My nieces and nephew completely steal my heart every time I`m with them. I have some serious baby fever and get a little frustrated by my long timeline to get my babies home. Five years is a really long time, but I want to make the most of the time I have just Shaun and I.
Work has been really frustrating lately. I`ve been feeling the same way I did before my job changed. I can feel my anxiety raising every Sunday night just knowing I have to get through another work week. I`ve been praying about this a lot and if God doesn`t want me at Canadian Tire anymore I really want that to be evident. I feel like work has just been bringing me down in the rest of my life. It tires and drains me out so much I feel like I`m not myself in the rest of my life. I think my biggest frustration with my job is I have such a passion for serving people and I want my life to make a difference. I don`t feel like my job allows that in the way I want. It`s so easy to say I would like a job with less stress and pressure and politics, but won`t that be in every job? I don't know for sure. The grass is always greener on the other side and I'm aware of that. But at the same time the thought of staying at this job until I have kids sends me until a full panic and completely overwhelms me. I don't think I'll make it without going off the deep end. Well pray with me if you want....
It's been the birthday month. Shaun's two Sundays ago and Dad's this last Sunday and my brothers is on Friday. Shaun hates presents and parties and I broke all the rules and bought him a watch that was way more money than I ever thought I would spend on a watch. Needless to say once he was over the anger he loves it!
Well sorry if this was a little scatterbrained but this is what I've been living lately!
7.12.2011
My take on the STM conversation...
Blog world is currently in uproar about this thing we call STMs.
Kinda sounds way to close to STDs.
But seriously I'm going to try to be mature about this whole Short Term Missions thing. Because I have an opinion. It might be different than yours but that is okay.
STMs have been huge in my life and my walk with God. They have changed how I live and my beliefs. They have given me deep passions that I know are from the Lord. They are trips that I would never go back and change, and experiences I think others should have too.
My first STM was to good ol' America. It was through YWAM and we went to Denver for training and classes and then went into New Mexico to serve on the Navajo Reservation. What an experience that was. My little grade ten self sharing my faith with an animist in the market. It was the first time in my life I was forced to defend my faith. We also had many opportunities to serve the local church building (painting, sanding, etc.) What I look back upon that trip the greatest impact was probably had upon the youth on the team. It is possible that our park ministry and market ministry God used in someones life. It is also possible that they all just walked past us and didn't think about it again. But God truly changed me on that trip. He opened my eyes to His heart for the World. For the first time I saw beyond my little Mennonite town into the vast mission field before us.
My second STM was to Mexico. There we taught VBS for one week to an amazing group of kids who would not have had that opportunity had a team not come to serve. We practically shared the gospel and built relationships. This ministry relied on STMs coming in during the summer to run their VBS programs. We also helped in painting their new building. My heart broke for these kids during this trip. Kids who needed love and really needed Jesus.
My third STM was a longer trip to Uganda. God completely transformed my life during this trip. He evidently showed me the path He wants me to live. He showed me His deep heart for the poor. He gave me a passion for adoption. Most people I know will tell you that I came home from my two months in Uganda changed. I gave as much as I could during those two months and I pray that I made a small impact in a child's life.
There is a lot of criticism floating around about STMs and I will say sometimes they are done really badly. I'm sure every LTM has stories about some obnoxious person who came on an STM and made their life miserable for the entire time they were there. I've seen it first hand while I was in Uganda, people who were there just to take their pictures so they could go home and brag that they loved Africa and they are better Christians that you because they went and really served God with actual poor people. It happens. Poverty tourism happens and it sucks. It's not Godly at all and it makes me just as mad as you all do.
I'm reminded of what love really is:
But sometimes people go on STMs with the right heart. A heart wanting to serve and to love. My youth kids just went out to Chicago to serve there for two weeks, and I can hardly wait to see how God changes their hearts. They want to serve Him and they all truly feel called to go on this trip. How can you tell me that's wrong?
See our God is so much bigger than messed up missions trips and I truly believe that when people go out with the right heart, Gods Grace will cover their mistakes and He will use it for His glory.
I also think that STMs lead to LTMs. Most LTMs you talk to started their journey in missions with an STM. They didn't just take the plunge, they dipped their feet first and God captured their heart and pulled them in full force. I also think that people who have been on STMs tend to give more to the work of missions. It is a lot easier to give your money when you've seen the fruits of it in action.
My biggest worry with all this talk is that people will start using bad STMs as an excuse. The excuse to sit on their lazy butts and do nothing for His kingdom. We must remember God calls us to go out.
Kinda sounds way to close to STDs.
But seriously I'm going to try to be mature about this whole Short Term Missions thing. Because I have an opinion. It might be different than yours but that is okay.
STMs have been huge in my life and my walk with God. They have changed how I live and my beliefs. They have given me deep passions that I know are from the Lord. They are trips that I would never go back and change, and experiences I think others should have too.
My first STM was to good ol' America. It was through YWAM and we went to Denver for training and classes and then went into New Mexico to serve on the Navajo Reservation. What an experience that was. My little grade ten self sharing my faith with an animist in the market. It was the first time in my life I was forced to defend my faith. We also had many opportunities to serve the local church building (painting, sanding, etc.) What I look back upon that trip the greatest impact was probably had upon the youth on the team. It is possible that our park ministry and market ministry God used in someones life. It is also possible that they all just walked past us and didn't think about it again. But God truly changed me on that trip. He opened my eyes to His heart for the World. For the first time I saw beyond my little Mennonite town into the vast mission field before us.
My second STM was to Mexico. There we taught VBS for one week to an amazing group of kids who would not have had that opportunity had a team not come to serve. We practically shared the gospel and built relationships. This ministry relied on STMs coming in during the summer to run their VBS programs. We also helped in painting their new building. My heart broke for these kids during this trip. Kids who needed love and really needed Jesus.
My third STM was a longer trip to Uganda. God completely transformed my life during this trip. He evidently showed me the path He wants me to live. He showed me His deep heart for the poor. He gave me a passion for adoption. Most people I know will tell you that I came home from my two months in Uganda changed. I gave as much as I could during those two months and I pray that I made a small impact in a child's life.
There is a lot of criticism floating around about STMs and I will say sometimes they are done really badly. I'm sure every LTM has stories about some obnoxious person who came on an STM and made their life miserable for the entire time they were there. I've seen it first hand while I was in Uganda, people who were there just to take their pictures so they could go home and brag that they loved Africa and they are better Christians that you because they went and really served God with actual poor people. It happens. Poverty tourism happens and it sucks. It's not Godly at all and it makes me just as mad as you all do.
I'm reminded of what love really is:
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 1 Corinthians 13:3
But sometimes people go on STMs with the right heart. A heart wanting to serve and to love. My youth kids just went out to Chicago to serve there for two weeks, and I can hardly wait to see how God changes their hearts. They want to serve Him and they all truly feel called to go on this trip. How can you tell me that's wrong?
See our God is so much bigger than messed up missions trips and I truly believe that when people go out with the right heart, Gods Grace will cover their mistakes and He will use it for His glory.
I also think that STMs lead to LTMs. Most LTMs you talk to started their journey in missions with an STM. They didn't just take the plunge, they dipped their feet first and God captured their heart and pulled them in full force. I also think that people who have been on STMs tend to give more to the work of missions. It is a lot easier to give your money when you've seen the fruits of it in action.
My biggest worry with all this talk is that people will start using bad STMs as an excuse. The excuse to sit on their lazy butts and do nothing for His kingdom. We must remember God calls us to go out.
Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. Then he said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God's good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned. Mark 16:14-16
The poor, the needy, the widow and the orphan. We are called as Christ followers to love and take care of the least of these. I pray that we will not be ignorant of the needs around us. There are needs in my town and province, but also across the World and as a Christ follower I need to be doing all I can to help all of them. I am not only responsibly for my community for Jesus said, "Go into the World." We can't all become LTMs, though that would be amazing. If you aren't called to be an LTM, support an LTM, help meet their monthly expenses. Support organizations started by locals in third world countries. These people want to help their own, they don't always want help from us but sometimes they need help get that started, we can do that. Support aid organizations in countries going through extremely hard times. There is a huge drought right now in East Africa, why not give money to feed people who will die without the help. I strongly suggest giving to STMs because Gods grace can use these trips to change hearts and life directions. And if an STM changes the life of one person is it not worth that one lost sheep?
We also need to remember the poor aren't always a flight away and there are great opportunities to serve right here. Local soup kitchens and food banks always need extra hands and donations. Churches have some great outreach programs that need volunteers. Pray about your role in "reaching the World." Jesus said our outlook must be global. So maybe that means time given on home base and finances given on the global base? Ask Jesus where He wants you to be serving, giving your time and money? And please don't use bad STMs as an excuse to sit on your butt and do nothing for God. There are so many out there that need help and need the gospel. Go and do something!
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