We're going to talk money and food today. I know neither of these topics really have any value in the kingdom economy, but the way we spend one to obtain the other does have a bearing on what we have left for greater causes. Eating out, for those of us who keep kosher can be a challenge. We never have any idea what's cooked next to what.
A friend introduced me to the dining experience of a Mongolian Grill. It seemed to have real potential. Since they are constantly cleaning the grill, I could choose the least busy time to dine and avoid any potential treif next to my dinner. The buffet is comprised primarily of vegetables, and although I think there is crab in the evening, the main choices of meat are chicken and beef. It seemed simple enough to just take a bowl, place my choice of ingredients in the bowl, add some pepper sauce of sorts, and hand it to the grill chef.
While the chef mans the grill, we were to stand and watch the food prepared. Of course, the chef does provide skilled entertainment of sorts and scoops the finished product onto a plate. He smiles as he hands the plate over the counter very close to the "jar" and the gong. I can then add sunflower seeds, wasabi, and head to the table. In the meantime, the waitress has brought a beverage and rice to the table for my dining pleasure. In checking my facts, I have discovered the HuHot's Mongolian Grill refers to their chefs as "Grill Warriors."
As I casually ate my meal, and it was good; I glanced through the menu for the cost of this buffet as well as the appetizers and overpriced desserts. Being left handed, I think the right side of my brain is supposed to be dominant. At any rate, it kicked in as I looked at prices while dining. Maybe that's why I never got into reading cereal boxes. The right side of my brain wasn't needed as there was virtually no math on a cereal box, yet I digress . . . Back to my eating and "calculating."
The "cereal bowl" in which I had gathered my grill goodies held probably, at most $2.00 worth of finely sliced and diced chicken and veggies with pepper sauce; for $8.99. It is all you can eat, so I did have the option to fill another cereal bowl, if I so chose, but one plate really did seem adequate. Maybe a few more pea pods or bamboo shoots, but I was full and satisfied, except I found myself discontent with the cost of the meal. I didn't want to sit there and "eat my money's worth." I wanted the meal to be more economical. Now, here's the kicker that caused me to rethink this establishment.
Upon entering the establishment through lunch hours, $8.99 is a given. When Mr. B and I went together, that was two people to be "served," so there were two meals to grill and two glasses of water . . . For $17.98, there were two plates, lovely as they were, exceedingly overpriced for veggies and paper thin meat. That's not all, though, a 20% tip: 3.60, even 15% is 2.70, then the grill chef's tip. Even a dollar a plate is an additional $2.00 and I'm sure someone reading this just called me cheap . . . So, for two people to have lunch with minimal tips, the cost is $22.68 + tax. That's over $11.00 a piece for a couple of dollars worth of veggies AND I served myself and another person at the table.
The food was good. I have no complaints about the freshness or the quality of preparation. I will, however; probably not return to HuHot's Mongolian Grill. That is an outrageous cost for lunch and I could do something much more meaningful with that money.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Time is More Valuable Than Money
I've done a great deal of comparison and differentiation when it comes to time and money versus the world system and the Kingdom, but something very simple dawned upon me this week that has to be shared. It's such a basic fact, everyone may already know this! The truth is short and it's up to us as to whether it's bitter or sweet.
Money poorly spent, can often be "made up" if the amount isn't too large. A poor financial investment can be rectified and the money applied another direction. Even bad debt can be paid off, or in severe cases, bankruptcy can offer a clean slate. But time misspent and poorly invested is lost forever . . . We are each given so many hours in a day, and no one is guaranteed tomorrow.
Money can be made and replaced and the Fed can just print it, but . . . time spent, good or bad, is spent.
Money poorly spent, can often be "made up" if the amount isn't too large. A poor financial investment can be rectified and the money applied another direction. Even bad debt can be paid off, or in severe cases, bankruptcy can offer a clean slate. But time misspent and poorly invested is lost forever . . . We are each given so many hours in a day, and no one is guaranteed tomorrow.
Money can be made and replaced and the Fed can just print it, but . . . time spent, good or bad, is spent.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Paying Forward
The title of this article is a term that really doesn't set well with me, politically speaking, but it seems appropriate for the grocery store. I'd like to appeal to all those who receive a discount, primarily senior. This does not apply to those who are having to decide between filling a prescription or eating cat food, but rather to those of us who are still actively in the workforce, but our silver locks afford us a discount on certain days. Honestly, I really cannot understand how I should be more deserving of a discount than a young couple trying to feed and clothe their family.
I've been on this soapbox before, but I've gotten to know some of the cashiers at the local grocery store. We're not organizing a club or anything, and bless their hearts, there's no gossip going on. There are young families in real need and any little bit of assistance is greatly appreciated by the clerks. They've shared with me, how heart breaking it is to watch someone start putting things back, especially when it's simple staples like bread and milk at the end of the month. These are not people who have a cart full of ready made food and children screaming for candy. These are people who are what we now know as "the working poor." How can this be, in America?
Mr. B dropped me off at the market the other day and he headed to O'Reilly's. I knew I should take my time and I did, but I still ended up at the end of one of the checkouts for awhile and that's when I got to see what is happening. I try to make it a point to go on Tuesday, which is senior discount day. As it turns out, the senior discount is about the same percentage as the tax rate, so I can estimate what it will be. The store was quite busy, so I was able to witness several transactions. Of course, there were several seniors that seem to make a point to shop on the discount day. There were several younger shoppers also though. Perhaps they were taking advantage of the advertised sales before they changed or avoiding the pre-Thanksgiving Wednesday shoppers. At any rate, I watched the majority of the crowd pay with plastic. It could have been debit cards or SNAP benefit cards. I couldn't tell, but it is also possible to use credit cards at the grocery store. Can you imagine paying interest on a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, and toilet tissue?
When I turned 55, I determined my senior discount would serve a better purpose than giving me a discount on dog food and coffee. The cashiers will work you on this. As the cashier spoke the other day, she shared that "she has a pretty good idea of the regulars who are struggling." It's the only grocery store in town. A few dollars discounted is not going to change whether or not I am supplied, but a few dollars for a young struggling family may be the difference between a gallon of milk, or going without. As an aging boomer, I really did want to leave the next generations a better world, but now as a Bible believer, I know that simply is not going to happen. As a Bible believer, however; I can leave my change and redirect my senior discount, paying forward, to "feed the lambs."
I've been on this soapbox before, but I've gotten to know some of the cashiers at the local grocery store. We're not organizing a club or anything, and bless their hearts, there's no gossip going on. There are young families in real need and any little bit of assistance is greatly appreciated by the clerks. They've shared with me, how heart breaking it is to watch someone start putting things back, especially when it's simple staples like bread and milk at the end of the month. These are not people who have a cart full of ready made food and children screaming for candy. These are people who are what we now know as "the working poor." How can this be, in America?
Mr. B dropped me off at the market the other day and he headed to O'Reilly's. I knew I should take my time and I did, but I still ended up at the end of one of the checkouts for awhile and that's when I got to see what is happening. I try to make it a point to go on Tuesday, which is senior discount day. As it turns out, the senior discount is about the same percentage as the tax rate, so I can estimate what it will be. The store was quite busy, so I was able to witness several transactions. Of course, there were several seniors that seem to make a point to shop on the discount day. There were several younger shoppers also though. Perhaps they were taking advantage of the advertised sales before they changed or avoiding the pre-Thanksgiving Wednesday shoppers. At any rate, I watched the majority of the crowd pay with plastic. It could have been debit cards or SNAP benefit cards. I couldn't tell, but it is also possible to use credit cards at the grocery store. Can you imagine paying interest on a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, and toilet tissue?
When I turned 55, I determined my senior discount would serve a better purpose than giving me a discount on dog food and coffee. The cashiers will work you on this. As the cashier spoke the other day, she shared that "she has a pretty good idea of the regulars who are struggling." It's the only grocery store in town. A few dollars discounted is not going to change whether or not I am supplied, but a few dollars for a young struggling family may be the difference between a gallon of milk, or going without. As an aging boomer, I really did want to leave the next generations a better world, but now as a Bible believer, I know that simply is not going to happen. As a Bible believer, however; I can leave my change and redirect my senior discount, paying forward, to "feed the lambs."
Monday, November 24, 2014
In Everything
These past few weeks, it seems every time I'm praying, several thoughts bombard my awareness. Some of them are distractions, but others are things Abba wants to talk about. Remembering the first time He brought up a subject, brings a smile to my face. I'd been walking in covenant for about five years, when one morning through prayer, I told Him I wanted to talk about what He wanted to talk about. That particular morning, I was on my knees in prayer when a particular situation came to mind, and it involved money. Immediately I asked forgiveness that my mind had wandered, and to all things . . . "money!" I began, once again, to give thanks, when my mind again wandered to that same scenario that involved "money."
When I asked for forgiveness again, His voice was clear and firm. He simply said, "You said you wanted to talk about what I want to talk about!" With that, a new realization entered my awareness. Beyond tithing and good stewardship, our Heavenly Father truly does want to guide our steps financially. With our society having moved away from an agricultural base, we don't think so much about the other 90% of our income when it's cash. In an agrarian society, there are constant reminders that Adonai controls it all. Every bit of the provision is in His hands.
The soil is nourished by proper use according to His Instruction. The seeds sprout by the life He has created within them. The shoots reach for the sun, as the roots long for the rain. As the plants grow to yield produce, that also is in the hand of our Creator. The same principles apply to flocks and herds. When living agriculturally, it is so much easier to see the hand of our Creator in every step.
Since most of our socio-economic base consists of nothing more than the perpetual motion of currency for service and products, we often don't consider Abba in every dollar that passes through our hands. That morning, over 15 years ago, He was preparing me to receive some money. Without His preparation in that matter I probably would not have handled the situation properly, or maybe I would, but I learned something so much bigger. From that morning on, and this was through the 90s round of "prosperity teaching," I viewed money and material things from a completely different perspective. This also began the preparation for my heart to return to the garden, an agrarian lifestyle. It would be less than three months later, He would then lay the foundation for this work to which He has called me.
That single statement through morning prayer, telling Abba, I wanted to talk about what He wanted to talk about, took our relationship to a level I didn't even know existed. He does want to talk with His people about so many things. His plans truly are more than we can ask or imagine.
When I asked for forgiveness again, His voice was clear and firm. He simply said, "You said you wanted to talk about what I want to talk about!" With that, a new realization entered my awareness. Beyond tithing and good stewardship, our Heavenly Father truly does want to guide our steps financially. With our society having moved away from an agricultural base, we don't think so much about the other 90% of our income when it's cash. In an agrarian society, there are constant reminders that Adonai controls it all. Every bit of the provision is in His hands.
The soil is nourished by proper use according to His Instruction. The seeds sprout by the life He has created within them. The shoots reach for the sun, as the roots long for the rain. As the plants grow to yield produce, that also is in the hand of our Creator. The same principles apply to flocks and herds. When living agriculturally, it is so much easier to see the hand of our Creator in every step.
Since most of our socio-economic base consists of nothing more than the perpetual motion of currency for service and products, we often don't consider Abba in every dollar that passes through our hands. That morning, over 15 years ago, He was preparing me to receive some money. Without His preparation in that matter I probably would not have handled the situation properly, or maybe I would, but I learned something so much bigger. From that morning on, and this was through the 90s round of "prosperity teaching," I viewed money and material things from a completely different perspective. This also began the preparation for my heart to return to the garden, an agrarian lifestyle. It would be less than three months later, He would then lay the foundation for this work to which He has called me.
That single statement through morning prayer, telling Abba, I wanted to talk about what He wanted to talk about, took our relationship to a level I didn't even know existed. He does want to talk with His people about so many things. His plans truly are more than we can ask or imagine.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Interests and Entertainment
Watching television is a big theft of time, in my book. I'm not saying it's wrong for everyone, but even people with televisions speak of how horrible the shows are. That's not the point today, however. In living without a television, Mr. B frequently gets reminiscent of old programming. He used to want to discuss old movies on Shabbat and I did put the kibosh to that, but if it's not Shabbat, I'll listen. The observation did have to be made though, that talking about old television shows seemed an even less productive way to spend time than watching television. That's when it hit me!
Somehow in Mr. B's recollection of old television shows, I saw a pattern of introducing non-nuclear families very early in television programming, so I began analyzing. I've stated for years that society seems to follow the pattern of television, or perhaps television programming is actually the indoctrination for the mindset of the next generation. "Will and Grace" just isn't so funny anymore, is it? As I listened last night about shows I never saw, like "Sky King" etc. I thought of my old favorite, and the analysis really began.
I wasn't so much into cartoons as a child, but I loved Gilligan's Island. Before syndication, I was actually witness to the series being transformed from black and white to color! I have a more meaningful point to make, however. Seven people on a deserted island was my little escape when I wasn't reading. The show first caught my attention, because just like the Wizard of Oz, one of the characters was from Kansas. As an old Kansas girl, I could not wrap my mind around the concept that anyone would be trying to get back. As I lost myself in this show weekly for thirty minutes, "uncharted isolated territory" was really rather appealing to me. When the show went into syndication, it was absolutely wonderful. I watched it afternoons before chores. It truly was my escape through some very difficult times of my life.
So, as Mr. B discussed shows of the 50s, I thought of what our favorite shows really teach us, subliminally. I thought of the political ramifications of the Skipper and Gilligan. Skipper was definitely "old school" and political candidates still tend to come across as seeking to be captains on a ship that is great, but sinking. More than one VP comes to mind when thinking of Bob Denver's inept character, Gilligan.
The girl from Kansas did all the "homespun stuff" for the castaways, like food preparation and cleaning. Check . . . The professor spent his time divided between working on communication and sustainability. Check . . . But I learned more than that. In watching the movie star strut around the island in so many different dresses, the theme song would play in my head. She sure brought a lot of clothes for a 3 hour trip. Her character taught me how truly superficial and fleeting fame and vanity are. Her life was now, no different than anyone else on the island, except she had no skills, was overdressed, and afraid she'd be forgotten by her fans. Then there were the Howells. Mrs. Howell was obviously just for show and Mr. Howell, with all his riches, was just as stranded as the rest of them. His money couldn't buy his way off that island. Although Skipper certainly took notice of the movie star, there was not even a hint of impropriety going on between any of them. Survival and cooperation were the priorities.
I'm certainly not giving any spiritual significance to sitcoms, and yet, we are drawn to what interests us, even in our childhood and certainly at times of escaping. I realize it was only a 30 minute show, but last night I realized how even our choice of entertainment reflects our interests. To what is the next generation being directed, for their interests and entertainment?
Somehow in Mr. B's recollection of old television shows, I saw a pattern of introducing non-nuclear families very early in television programming, so I began analyzing. I've stated for years that society seems to follow the pattern of television, or perhaps television programming is actually the indoctrination for the mindset of the next generation. "Will and Grace" just isn't so funny anymore, is it? As I listened last night about shows I never saw, like "Sky King" etc. I thought of my old favorite, and the analysis really began.
I wasn't so much into cartoons as a child, but I loved Gilligan's Island. Before syndication, I was actually witness to the series being transformed from black and white to color! I have a more meaningful point to make, however. Seven people on a deserted island was my little escape when I wasn't reading. The show first caught my attention, because just like the Wizard of Oz, one of the characters was from Kansas. As an old Kansas girl, I could not wrap my mind around the concept that anyone would be trying to get back. As I lost myself in this show weekly for thirty minutes, "uncharted isolated territory" was really rather appealing to me. When the show went into syndication, it was absolutely wonderful. I watched it afternoons before chores. It truly was my escape through some very difficult times of my life.
So, as Mr. B discussed shows of the 50s, I thought of what our favorite shows really teach us, subliminally. I thought of the political ramifications of the Skipper and Gilligan. Skipper was definitely "old school" and political candidates still tend to come across as seeking to be captains on a ship that is great, but sinking. More than one VP comes to mind when thinking of Bob Denver's inept character, Gilligan.
The girl from Kansas did all the "homespun stuff" for the castaways, like food preparation and cleaning. Check . . . The professor spent his time divided between working on communication and sustainability. Check . . . But I learned more than that. In watching the movie star strut around the island in so many different dresses, the theme song would play in my head. She sure brought a lot of clothes for a 3 hour trip. Her character taught me how truly superficial and fleeting fame and vanity are. Her life was now, no different than anyone else on the island, except she had no skills, was overdressed, and afraid she'd be forgotten by her fans. Then there were the Howells. Mrs. Howell was obviously just for show and Mr. Howell, with all his riches, was just as stranded as the rest of them. His money couldn't buy his way off that island. Although Skipper certainly took notice of the movie star, there was not even a hint of impropriety going on between any of them. Survival and cooperation were the priorities.
I'm certainly not giving any spiritual significance to sitcoms, and yet, we are drawn to what interests us, even in our childhood and certainly at times of escaping. I realize it was only a 30 minute show, but last night I realized how even our choice of entertainment reflects our interests. To what is the next generation being directed, for their interests and entertainment?
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Just Right
Life on the homestead is changing a bit. It certainly appears to be for the better. A few weeks ago, I mentioned investing in more off grid power. With that plan came a cost. A "power house" would be needed for the battery bank. It only made good sense to have it near the house and near the power pole, until we get the full battery bank accumulated. The option to switch on and off grid seems right for now. So, the obvious solution meant I would have to give up my milking parlor for this project. My milking parlor is pretty special. I had it built to specs and even received the bonus of a custom paint job at no additional charge, since I was also ordering a chicken house as well. I can operate a hammer and nails, for small jobs and repairs, but when it comes to actual buildings, I prefer to contract a carpenter. So, in moving forward in this power project, the milking parlor would become the powerhouse.
That meant a new building and I'm still no better at carpentry now, than I was six years ago. I prayed about it and saw two buildings in a dream or vision. One was just like the milking parlor only the paint was reversed. The building was dark green with white trim. The other building was smaller, and lighter green with a green shingled roof. I didn't notice whether the trim was the same color or not. When I got up I could still clearly see those two buildings and considered my need, as well as placement. In full confession, I wanted a smaller building because my milking parlor that was going to be exclusively mine, ended up shared . . . The other consideration pertained to the location and I didn't want a large building blocking the view from my office window. I do not make investments lightly and I knew this would involve a considerable cost, as well as being fairly permanent in location.
The next trip to town involved going by the place I'd bought the milk parlor. The very first building on the lot was exactly like the milking parlor, only reversed colors, BUT no windows and a rather large price tag! Adding windows is my "speed" of carpentry, but the price was discouraging. I went by a couple of other places with buildings on their lots, but just didn't see anything else like what Abba had shown me. Trying to get home before it rained, I finished up town business and headed toward home. Less than six miles from home, on the side of the highway, sat a little light green building with a phone number on it. I hadn't noticed that building on the way to town . . .
Later that evening after chores, I called the number, the gentleman quoted me a price I could hardly believe. I then asked if that price would include delivery. These builders usually do deliver, but it's frequently an added fee. When I told him my location, he said he'd do it for the price he quoted. The deal was made at that moment. He said the forecasted rain might be a problem, but he'd get it here as soon as he could. The next morning, which was Tuesday, it was raining. Before noon Wednesday, my new little building the future milking parlor was in place, leveled and paid for. A 6' X 8' building, 16" centers, 4' double door, all for a fourth of the price of the other building! Abba gave me a choice, and there was no need to rush. He worked it out "just right."
That meant a new building and I'm still no better at carpentry now, than I was six years ago. I prayed about it and saw two buildings in a dream or vision. One was just like the milking parlor only the paint was reversed. The building was dark green with white trim. The other building was smaller, and lighter green with a green shingled roof. I didn't notice whether the trim was the same color or not. When I got up I could still clearly see those two buildings and considered my need, as well as placement. In full confession, I wanted a smaller building because my milking parlor that was going to be exclusively mine, ended up shared . . . The other consideration pertained to the location and I didn't want a large building blocking the view from my office window. I do not make investments lightly and I knew this would involve a considerable cost, as well as being fairly permanent in location.
The next trip to town involved going by the place I'd bought the milk parlor. The very first building on the lot was exactly like the milking parlor, only reversed colors, BUT no windows and a rather large price tag! Adding windows is my "speed" of carpentry, but the price was discouraging. I went by a couple of other places with buildings on their lots, but just didn't see anything else like what Abba had shown me. Trying to get home before it rained, I finished up town business and headed toward home. Less than six miles from home, on the side of the highway, sat a little light green building with a phone number on it. I hadn't noticed that building on the way to town . . .
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Counting the Costs
To a certain extent, life is an equation and balance is the goal. I'm not talking about salvation, here, as there is no way in the world any of us could balance out the price that was paid for us. I'm speaking of the practical application of navigating through this imperfect world without compromising our values. Coming to grips with an exchange, if you will, to reach the goal in Abba's Plan for our life. I really hadn't considered the emotional cost of spiritual service to Him in this call He has placed upon my life. We all speak of being willing to die for Messiah, so apparently we've counted the physical costs, but what about the cost on an everyday basis, that of dying to self, while still being physically alive.
The main cost that I continue to stumble over is the rejection. I'm handling it better, but I still don't like rejection. Rejection hurts my feelings. As a homesteading, obedient believer I've been called some horrific things, been told off in no uncertain terms, cussed out, and been disinvited to more than one family gathering. I've come to understand two things in this, well hopefully more than that, but two very distinct choices I make at these times. One is, I truly do not want to do anything to be deserving of the treatment I've received, and two, I no longer falsely apologize to "keep the peace." Sometimes silence and a good distance is peace!
My refusal to be manipulated and controlled by some has resulted in these folks with obvious control issues calling me controlling. It seems closed minds and open mouths are often traits in the same body! In having my mind healed, perhaps I'm a bit more sensitive to the emotional costs of following Messiah. My intelligence is what it is, but having been made whole, mentally, the full emotional picture is not always so pretty. There are days, I seriously have to keep my mouth shut and count the costs. I'd like to think I'd face death for my faith. I've said as much, as well as hearing many others speak the same, but this daily dying to self seems to revolve mostly around emotions, behavior, and the tongue.
In seeking Abba, I am gaining wisdom as I count the costs. Much of the rejection comes from people I truly would not be able to maintain a pleasant long term relationship with, anyway. I watch their lifestyle and demands and realize their rejection of me made it much easier on me, but their rejection of truth truly makes my heart sad. I don't want anyone to reject Messiah and I certainly do not want to be a poor example of what it is to follow Him. In counting the costs, the stakes are high, of eternal consequences. Navigating through this world clearly requires self-control in exchange for "the last word." I think of that list in Galatians 5, as I count the cost. The works of the flesh are so closely aligned with ego and "self-worth" and have no place in a life that produces the fruit of the Spirit.
For some, the costs may be materialistic, and for others, we can see by the headlines, the cost truly is their physical lives. For now, here in America, the costs don't seem too far beyond emotional pain and some difficult employment choices, but we are still called to count those costs which amounts to dying to self. Our Heavenly Father created us to have emotions, but He also gives us the power to starve and overcome the destructive emotions and the grace to feed the healthy ones.
The main cost that I continue to stumble over is the rejection. I'm handling it better, but I still don't like rejection. Rejection hurts my feelings. As a homesteading, obedient believer I've been called some horrific things, been told off in no uncertain terms, cussed out, and been disinvited to more than one family gathering. I've come to understand two things in this, well hopefully more than that, but two very distinct choices I make at these times. One is, I truly do not want to do anything to be deserving of the treatment I've received, and two, I no longer falsely apologize to "keep the peace." Sometimes silence and a good distance is peace!
My refusal to be manipulated and controlled by some has resulted in these folks with obvious control issues calling me controlling. It seems closed minds and open mouths are often traits in the same body! In having my mind healed, perhaps I'm a bit more sensitive to the emotional costs of following Messiah. My intelligence is what it is, but having been made whole, mentally, the full emotional picture is not always so pretty. There are days, I seriously have to keep my mouth shut and count the costs. I'd like to think I'd face death for my faith. I've said as much, as well as hearing many others speak the same, but this daily dying to self seems to revolve mostly around emotions, behavior, and the tongue.
In seeking Abba, I am gaining wisdom as I count the costs. Much of the rejection comes from people I truly would not be able to maintain a pleasant long term relationship with, anyway. I watch their lifestyle and demands and realize their rejection of me made it much easier on me, but their rejection of truth truly makes my heart sad. I don't want anyone to reject Messiah and I certainly do not want to be a poor example of what it is to follow Him. In counting the costs, the stakes are high, of eternal consequences. Navigating through this world clearly requires self-control in exchange for "the last word." I think of that list in Galatians 5, as I count the cost. The works of the flesh are so closely aligned with ego and "self-worth" and have no place in a life that produces the fruit of the Spirit.
For some, the costs may be materialistic, and for others, we can see by the headlines, the cost truly is their physical lives. For now, here in America, the costs don't seem too far beyond emotional pain and some difficult employment choices, but we are still called to count those costs which amounts to dying to self. Our Heavenly Father created us to have emotions, but He also gives us the power to starve and overcome the destructive emotions and the grace to feed the healthy ones.
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