A new vehicle...

The decision to purchase a new vehicle is usually one that comes with a lot of weight.  Vehicles are not inexpensive and there are so many factors that go into making your choice.  Since 2008 (yes, 5 years) I have been discussing the purchase of a new vehicle with Dan.  For quite some time, I had my heart set on purchasing a blue mini-van.  Though at times, I think my children need to be separated by the space of a 15 passenger van.  Perhaps even a small bus.

We have put off the purchase because neither of our cars were really in a position where they wouldn't run.  When we make a purchase, we use it until we have no more use for it.  So, taking away from our savings or adding a car payment has been difficult for us to warrant.

A few months ago, we came to the conclusion that the Fall/Winter of 2013 would be a good time to get a new vehicle.  As that time draws closer - I become more guilt ridden with the thought of spending the money.  I also hate to say 'goodbye' to a vehicle that has been so good to me for 12 years.

Yesterday, my son told me that daddy's car was better than mine.

"Oh yeah?!"  I thought.  "I guess you'll learn when daddy's car dies on the side of the road and mine takes you to college Mr. 5 year old!"

Overprotective of my car?  Just a bit.

I've even convinced myself that once I do finally make that move and get a new vehicle... that I will "bless" my husband with my old car.  This way, I haven't really lost my car... right?

Moments like that remind me that I am not resolute in my decision.  If the 5 years of talking about it hadn't already clued me in.


I will most likely still be driving my current car next June.  I can see that happening.

Though I thought I knew what I wanted in a new(er) vehicle - I'm at a stage of confusion.  It is quite possible that I am subconsciously ruining our plans to avoid all of my guilt.

Do I want a mini-van or a large SUV?

Perhaps I should stick with a mid-size sedan due to gas prices skyrocketing?

I have really become fond of black vehicles over the blue.  Does that even really matter?

My car is running fine - so long as I can keep shady mechanics away from her... why purchase another vehicle?

I would love a navigation system but do I need it?

The kids want a rear-entertainment-system... how necessary is that, really? 

Leather interior?  Yes please!  Oh, nevermind - that is costly.

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So, share your thoughts with me!

Am I the only one who behaves this way when it is time to consider a new vehicle?

What are the things you look for in a new vehicle?  

What is the most important factor when you make this type of purchase?

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Why You Should Keep Everything

My husband will tease from time to time that I am a pack-rat.  I keep so much stuff.  No, I'm not hoarding anything.  It's difficult for me to get rid of gifts that have been given to me - sentimental value.  If something may prove useful - I don't want to throw it out.  Again, I am not hoarding - my house is organized and not crowded.  (Though I do have a creative and imaginative 5 year old who does not like to pick-up his toys)

I also find it very important to keep documents.  Financial documents.  Journals and diaries.  Calendars and planners.  Okay, I guess maybe that is going a bit far?  Yet, it has come in so handy several times the past few years.

Two years ago - I began receiving phone calls and letters stating that I owed on a student loan.  Well, I did take out student loans for college - but I was well aware of them and knew their current status.  These letters and calls claimed that I was very behind.  Also, the amount owed didn't match my student loans.

I've finally been provided with the "proof" of what I owe on this student loan.

As it turns out - a very underhanded office has pulled a student loan application of mine from over a decade ago... and claim I owe it.  What these low-down, dirty rotten thieves didn't account for - was my record keeping ability.  The loan in question was actually consolidated into a current loan - which is being paid... to the company it is owed.

So, they've pulled a previous account.... which was long ago paid off.  They've hoped I would forget or not keep accurate records and think that I needed to pay them.  They thought it likely that I would just pay up.

Well, I'm not just a good record keeper...  I also watch every single penny.  Getting my hard earned money is difficult.   

I've researched this company/office extensively and have found that I am not the only one they've done this to.  I've found complaints that stretch back years.

My question is, how do they continue to operate?  How have they not been shut down?  What is wrong with our legal system that allows them to continue to harass people.   Even if the company was in the right in thinking they were owed money - their behaviors are disgusting and illegal.  I use to work in finance - I know what is and is not allowed when it comes to lending and collecting.

So, my Saturday advice - keep everything!  Don't assume that just because 7 or 10 years have passed, you can now throw out financial documents.  Don't assume that because an account or loan is paid in full that you no longer need proof of every transaction.  Keep it all!

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How we view our parents.

I often wonder what my children think of me. I know they love me. My thoughts are more along the lines of - what do they really think of or imagine about me? Who do they think I am?

I think it's very possible that a lot of us grew up with views of our parents that were a little skewed. Maybe for the worse. I know I had a view of my parents that wasn't correct. It was not a 'bad' view. I was just a little too imaginative. I think I lived in my own little world for the longest time - not really focusing in on the world around me, ever.

For example, the view and imaginations of my father were completely wrong. Again, it wasn't a bad view. Just a little too imaginative. I was just 7 years old - so give me a little break on my crazy imagination.

My father loved to play the guitar and sing. He would often sing to us and play his guitar in the evenings. I loved sitting on the shaggy carpet of our living room and listening to the folk type songs and songs of faith that he would sing. This is where my imagination would begin to run away with me.

I loved the sound of my father's voice and it reminded me of people I had heard on the radio - sometimes singing the same songs. Had my father actually been the lead singer of a popular band back in his younger days? I was quite certain that he had. I had seen the pictures of him as a teenager - I was pretty sure he could have been a member of The Monkeys. (I watched a lot of Nickelodeon at my grandparent's house)

The sporty car sitting in the drive way was another giveaway. Okay, I think it was actually a Chevy Impala - but to me it was one awesome car. Yes, I was sure that my guitar wielding, folksy singing and sports car driving father - was in fact - a former rock star. I was positive that he had settled down after years of record making, concert performances and globe trotting. He was now a father and doing the family thing.

Years went by and I forgot about my suspicions. I eventually grew older and became a college student. While checking out at a clothing store - a CD was placed in my bag. It must have been some promo item that was being handed out with purchases - I'm not sure. The sales clerk pulled it from a stack of CDs and placed it in the bag along with my purchase. I took it back to my apartment and forgot about it.

A few weeks later I picked it up and decided to see what was on it. I didn't recognize any of the songs but thought I'd listen to it and see what it was. The first song brought all of my imaginative stories about my father back to my thoughts. No, it wasn't my father singing - but the voice sounded a lot like what I remembered my father sounding like. There is something about the lead singer's voice that reminded me greatly of my father and all those nights he sang to us. I don't particularly enjoy the type of music on the CD but I've held onto this CD based solely on that. In fact, I have no idea what the meaning of the song is. The lyrics are a bit odd and I'm sure there is some underlying meaning or message - but I play it from time to time just to hear the voice and think back on yesteryear.


Below is a Youtube video of that song.

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When people have been talking about you

My mother has always given me valuable insight. Some of it I didn't understand at the time but grew to see its meaning. She has an uncanny way of being able to see through words, glances and actions to see what is going on inside of someone. It isn't done in a judging spirit - but in a caring manner. She sees when someone's hurt is causing them to act certain ways or say different things. There is a lot of compassion behind any interaction she has with someone.

"And of some have compassion, making a difference"
Jude 1:22

When I was a teenager, she made the comment that you can always tell when someone has been talking about you. This didn't necessarily mean they were talking bad about you... maybe they were bragging you up or planning a surprise. Unfortunately, there are the times when they are not speaking compliments but uttering cruel comments.

I didn't grasp all of that at the moment. It took years. But eventually I saw what she meant. When someone who is suppose to have some bond of loyalty to you is speaking badly of you - it shows. It shows in the way they look at you, approach you or stand near you. It also shows in the people they spoke those betraying words to. They can also have a different approach toward you. Sometimes their heart or mind has been swayed about you and you have been left without an opportunity to tell your side of the story.

This happened very recently to me. It doesn't happen often. At least not from those who have a friendship or relationship of sorts with me. But it's human nature and it does happen.

The attitude began to show. Facial expressions were made. They could no longer stand beside me as they once did. Quick quips were made. Slowly I noticed that three other people were also behaving very awkwardly around me. I was too busy and pushed it off.

When someone treats me this way or lies to me... I tend to slowly walk away. The bond has been broken, the bridge is burned and trust is no longer there. Forgiveness? Yes. A continued friendship/relationship? No.

"And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32

How do you handle it when someone begins talking about you or having an attitude?

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Everything is breaking but everything is a blessing.

Ever experience a time when it seems that everything is breaking. Nothing goes as planned and that makes it more difficult for you to accomplish anything?

The past few months has been just that for me. Well, a lot of things have broken.
No, this isn't a "woe is me" post.

My car has had several issues the past few months. I'm currently without a vehicle.

The refrigerator isn't keeping a cool temperature and food is spoiling if not consumed right away.

My daughter broke her window a few weeks ago.

The vacuum was spraying dust and dirt everywhere.

Several faucets have been dripping. One, almost a constant stream now. The other had to be entirely shut off.

The carpet cleaner just pours water everywhere.

The dryer takes two cycles to dry clothes.

The basement toilet was leaking water everywhere.


At a moment when something goes wrong... that entire list from above hits me. I get frustrated and honestly I get a little angry. Why does everything seem to be falling apart!

A few seconds pass and I remember how truly blessed I am. Nothing from the above list is a tragedy. It can all be fixed in due time.

I have my health. My family is healthy. We have a roof, food and clothing. Not a minimal amount of food. More clothes than we need. A house where each of us can have our own space and the kids are making wonderful memories.

I'm even blessed in the list of broken things above.


::My car has had several issues the past few months. I'm currently without a vehicle.

This has been a wonderful car. I purchased a used vehicle that was made well and taken care of. Only recently have a handful of things needed to be repaired. I would say that's a blessing for a vehicle that is 16 years old and with almost a quarter of a million miles.

::The refrigerator isn't keeping a cool temperature and food is spoiling if not consumed right away.

When we purchased our home, we didn't have the added expense of buying new appliances. This refrigerator came with the home. If we now need to get a new one and it is giving us some warning before it goes out completely... I appreciate that!

::My daughter broke her window a few weeks ago.

Her window is only cracked. It isn't dangerous. It's only "not pretty". Wind and rain are still being kept out. This is fine for now. I'm grateful that she didn't shatter the window and injure herself.

::The vacuum was spraying dust and dirt everywhere.

When I complained about the vacuum, my husband reminded me that it was a well made vacuum with great reviews. I looked up some information. I took the vacuum apart. I cleaned it thoroughly. Works like new!

::Several faucets have been dripping. One, almost a constant stream now. The other had to be entirely shut off.

This isn't detrimental. The faucet that needed to be shut off is outside. No big deal. The kitchen faucet will be fixed shortly and we've been given a water filter to add to it once it is repaired!

::The carpet cleaner just pours water everywhere.

I can simply not use it right now. My carpets aren't disgusting... but I could always rent one if it became a necessity.

::The dryer takes two cycles to dry clothes.

I may need to clean the air vent leading to the outside. It is most likely an issue as simple as that.

::The basement toilet was leaking water everywhere.

We were able to shut the water off to that bathroom while my husband repaired the issue with the pipes leading to the toilet. Problem is now solved and it isn't like that was our only bathroom.


Though we can't always understand the mountains and issues in the lives of others - it is likely that most of us aren't really dealing with anything devastating. It could happen at any moment. But as for now, enjoy the small problems before they turn into the problems we wish we had.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

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