Sunshine and Encouragement

I don't have much time, but I realized the last time I posted was quite a bit ago. And I realized that post was pretty angry. So I thought I should update everyone on some things going on in my heart and life. Like I said, not much time so I will probably elaborate on these in the near future.

1. I am considering alternatives to law school. Either a job in journalism (using my fabulous Missouri J-School degree! aha!) or a service-based job teaching kiddos in need somewhere in this great big country. I'm in the interviewing stages for a few different things, and still awaiting the response from a few law schools. In other words, no decisions have been made regarding my career/future/job etc. I'm getting SUPER impatient. In a good way, I know God is working out all the details for me as I sit here on this beautiful sun-shining day.

2. God is truly working on my heart. Next Wednesday I will officially become a member of The Crossing. I have a lot to add to this piece of info but basically - though it might be a short time - I think The Crossing is God's church, the larger body I feel drawn to be a part of, here in Columbia and I'm eager to contribute more as a devoted member rather than just an attendee of the beautiful worship services they hold each week. Like I said, I've been learning a lot in the past two months about The Crossing, and God has truly been transforming how I think about so many things. It's been wonderful. And a definite challenge.

3. Memphis is growing growing growing! He's over 40 lbs. We recently discovered he has a heart murmur, so he saved his little man parts for some time while the vet runs some tests to make sure it's minor and they can put him under anesthesia. He is a sweet little puppy, and I'm so excited to welcome the spring weather and get outside with him.

4. I have been a book-worm and I'm loving it. Just finished Redeeming Love, which I also have much to write in response to and am currently reading Along for the Ride. I've been taking advantage of the library and it has been a much needed little safe spot I can escape to now and then.

5. I am working like a crazy woman and it's finally starting to pay off! By July I should have all of my credit cards paid off as well as MY CAR! Woohoo! Considering getting a new one, but I really want to bask in the joy of no car payment for a while. I've readjusted my spending in HUGE ways for me, but it's been so rewarding. I'm grateful for the Lord's encouragement in this matter, it's been largely responsible for my commitment to finally be debt free :)

Today is a very good day. Now Tuesday, I was quite down and discouraged. But I stopped and prayed a beautiful prayer (adapted from Psalm 139, which I will eventually post), a gift from a woman in my bible study this winter and within an hour, God responded, literally. Like I said, the Lord is loud in my life right now and I will do all I can to keep Him that way :)

More to come, sorry for the brevity!

PSA

It is not OK to tip $5 on a $100 tab ... ever. I would rather you keep your $5 because if you can spend $100 on alcohol alone but not $20 to appropriately pay your server (who for many rely solely on tips for income) your money is better left in your pocket. Please keep it and put it towards a fund for your future when you need help for your alcoholism and deeper issues. Also, if you did receive bad service and that's why you're tipping that badly (which is hardly ever the case) have the audacity to say something... not write it on the slip and not avoid eye contact until you exit the restaurant. I've tried very hard to understand people like you, you bad tippers. And the most I can conclude is that you are very greedy people in most cases who will do anything to save money while pretending to afford a life of luxury that you wish for but don't quite have. You don't have it because greed doesn't yield wealth. And wealth isn't always in your bank account balance, contrary to your belief. There is a God in this universe watching you, and He is sad that you somehow justify in your twisted mind not paying someone to serve you food and drink. It's a very humble task, to serve other people. It's not something people like you would probably lower yourself to do, which is why you somehow think you're above paying for service. But the day will come when you realize how accepting service with grace, gratitude and repayment (or payment) is something life requires of you. Eventually you will need someone's service and when they repay you with a bad attitude, when they ignore you, or when they treat you badly when you've only done what's been asked of you, you might begin to understand how frustrating it is every time you undertip. Until then, seriously keep your $5.