Hello friends and family!
It is on a rainy Wednesday, while I am at home with a sick child, that I come to you with this update. I haven't been writing as often lately, as life has been a little busier than I'd hoped.
Last week I had strep throat, then one child had gastroenteritis, causing me to use up all my paid time off. So today, I'm taking one for the team, so that our little one can get the care he needs. My family's needs come before my work's demands! Speaking of which, back in September I was hired as a full time permanent substitute teacher for the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), which is the district in which Matt is also employed. I work in special education, K-12. My experience with special education was not extensive prior to this job, so this has very much so been a learning experience. It's a great job, and I am thankful that (if I can't be homeschooling my own children right now) I can at least be on the same schedule as them! The kids love their school, and are doing very well, continuing to make us proud parents.
In October, it was decided by our pastor that Arise Church would merge with our friends at LifePath Church. Arise was no longer bearing the fruit of a thriving church community, and the best option was to stop our church services as we knew them. Although the small community of believers serves & loves well and has grown in relationship to one another and to God, there are better ways to steward the gifts God has given us. One example being the high cost of renting our meeting space (Apache Elementary).
As of November 3, Arise Church has merged with LifePath Church, which is also in Peoria, AZ. This is the church that Arise met up with a few times over the summer, and has developed a growing relationship with. Pastor Joe will now serve as the executive pastor, and most (if not all) of our congregation will begin to gather and serve there. Of course, our family was in Michigan over the summer, and we were all too sick to leave home last Sunday, so we personally have not begun a relationship with LifePath's pastor or congregation. We will also begin to attend, but are praying for direction on what God really wants us to be doing in this season. Of course we have been presented with several opportunities/ministries to serve in, but ultimately they don't align with where we are at on our journey of exploring how we can best and creatively serve God and his people as church leaders and further form the foundational functions of how our family thrives.
I've been reminded that it is so easy to passively go through life doing what others expect, striving to fit in with cultural norms, aiming (often selfishly) for a bigger & better future (house, job, status), without ever challenging the status quo or questioning if there is something more, something different that God wants you to do. I believe God is calling us to something different. And what it boils down to is being in-sync--every minute of every day--with the Holy Spirit. I need WAY more reminder and surrender in this area. My motives are [usually!] good, but my discipline not always, if I'm being totally honest. And you know what? It's OK to aim for a better future, and in fact, we should! But I'd rather live a full life doing it HIS way than spend any moment doing it my way. That's why I believe it is important to look at the motives of the heart and allow God to show you the areas that you and I have selfish desires, and ask him to give us new eyes to see things in the way He does. Allow his WORD to be the guide. It gives us new perspective, new hope, and new vision. And the step-by-step, day-to-day might look a little different than how we'd naturally think, so we need to rely on him in EVERYthing, good/bad, easy/hard. Our family is working through some things that we've asked God to help us with, and it has been a really tough/long season as anyone who's talked to us knows... but we are pushing through, and seeking God in it. And I would encourage you to do the same, whatever "season" you're in. Don't just do things because that's what others are doing. Seek first the kingdom of God.
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9
Thank you to those who supported us in our venture to plant Arise Church! We are forever grateful for your encouragement, financial support, and prayers. There are many good things that happened because of Arise, praise God, and there are many more good things that we anticipate, because that's just the kind of God we serve!
Thanks for reading. I am praying that each reader is renewed and led by the Spirit of God into greater, Kingdom things!
Peace and love,
Tori & Matt Walker
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Monday, September 9, 2019
he works in the waiting
Because I have not written all summer long, I could probably make four separate posts out of this if I really went into detail, but I'll spare the details for in-person conversations and will try to keep this relatively brief!
SUMMER RECAP
My family and I traveled back to Michigan this past June & July. Matt-being a school employee-has the summer "off" anyway, and we were already planning to visit before we had decided to just stay the duration of his time off. So we packed up our RV and went.
We worked at Warner Camp doing "this and that" as they needed, and camped all summer out there as well. It is such a peaceful, beautiful, and fun place to be--outside of the pesky mosquitos. The grounds, events, and the people are prayed over daily. To me it has always been a place of renewal, relaxation, and drawing closer to God, and that's just what it was... plus a lot of work. (P.S. If you are looking to book a retreat (year-round availability), or just go camping in your tent or RV, check out www.warnercamp.com!) We did office work, cleaned bathrooms, life-guarded (Matt got trained for that!), assisted in music/worship, assisted the head-chef in the kitchen, etc. But most importantly, we had many little gatherings and conversations, some of them planned, some of them spontaneous. This--this--is what my soul was longing for: encouragement in the faith through the body of believers.
I can't possibly thank each person we had a meaningful conversation with, but I am full of gratitude for the openness and willingness these people had to share what God is doing in their lives. It's not always pretty... often ministry is messy and hard to navigate through. It doesn't always look how we though it would. But the constant through it all is our sovereign God and his goodness and faithfulness to his people. The way he works through the body of Christ (the church) is a truly beautiful thing.
Special thanks to:
Rachel & Joe Green
Mary & Brant Porter
Mary & Nick Deitrich
Katie Deitrich
Gary Bannister
Tim Foreman
Ken Walters
Bill Greiner
The Birdsongs
And of course, our amazing parents!
WHAT I LEARNED
God shined light on several things, as Matt and I have discussed, not all of which I will share in this post. In talking to these people, many whom serve in church-ministry, we gained much insight. The theme that we heard throughout this string of conversations was that God was indeed working in the lives of these people, and he was/is beginning to pour out something new. It seemed like in every situation, there had been some kind of revelation, conflict (which isn't always bad), and/or shift in the status-quo. The verses that come to mind are these:
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Mark 2:22 - "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."
I truly believe that God is doing a new thing in his church. He isn't doing my thing or your thing--but a new thing that HE has planned. Do you and I have a willingness to press into what this is? Are we seeking him as intently as we should? (I know I have much room to grow!) This is why it is SO important for people who love Jesus to be regularly renewing their minds (Romans 12:2) & transforming into someone who is more Christ-like. And until the Lord gives us the next instruction or the next assignment, we must be faithful to him and seek him even more in the waiting.
In a devotion today, I read something about "the waiting" that struck a chord with me. It was called "Waiting Well." The question asked was something like this: "Do you want more of God and what God wants for you, or do you want more of what you want?"
Yikes. That really put it into perspective. Somehow I've gotten so greedy with wanting "what I want" more than I want Jesus himself. I'm so thankful the Lord showed me that today, because my unbalanced desire for "stuff" is not how it should be! God, in this waiting period, help me to desire more of YOU, and less of the stuff I want.
May we all be willing to take a look at ourselves, get the plank out of our own eye before removing the speck in another's, and press into what God is doing right in your own backyard. Because if the Lord isn't leading it, it will be in vain. If the Lord is leading it, watch out world! Miracles, health & restoration, strength & wisdom, and changed lives will be witnessed! That's what the church is about--following the Lord's leading to love and serve others--not about organized religion/gatherings.
BACK AT IT
So now that we are back in Phoenix, Matt continues to work for the school system. I have gotten a job as a substitute teacher, and am waiting on another job as well, and the kids are in a Charter school. Oh how I would love to be homeschooling still. God knows that. And I believe He will allow us to do that again in the future. But for now, this is what it needs to be. We are continuing to serve at Arise Church, and build community with those around us.
Honestly? Life isn't easy. Parenting is hard. Our financial and living situation are challenging. Our systems in place are not what we'd like them to be. BUT... there are many good moments. We are thankful for God's provision. We are thankful for the closeness of our family. And so we praise Him! Whether we have a little or a lot, he is good. Whether he gives or takes, he is good. Whether we are sick or healthy, he is good. Whether prayer is answered as we hoped or not, he is good.
I am going to continue to seek him more, and make sure I am "waiting well." God is good. He is doing yet a new thing! May the church be attentive and ready to change as the Lord leads. And if you find yourself in the waiting period, I pray you will seek him with your whole heart and wait well until the next phase. And just know that while you are waiting, God isn't sitting idly by. No. He is indeed working. Remember that he works ALL things for the GOOD of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). Please let me know how I can pray for you! Comment here, send me a FB message, or shoot me a text.
Thanks for doing life with us. Thanks for supporting and encouraging us. Thanks for praying for us. We are thankful for you--our friends and family!
With much love,
Tori
SUMMER RECAP
My family and I traveled back to Michigan this past June & July. Matt-being a school employee-has the summer "off" anyway, and we were already planning to visit before we had decided to just stay the duration of his time off. So we packed up our RV and went.
We worked at Warner Camp doing "this and that" as they needed, and camped all summer out there as well. It is such a peaceful, beautiful, and fun place to be--outside of the pesky mosquitos. The grounds, events, and the people are prayed over daily. To me it has always been a place of renewal, relaxation, and drawing closer to God, and that's just what it was... plus a lot of work. (P.S. If you are looking to book a retreat (year-round availability), or just go camping in your tent or RV, check out www.warnercamp.com!) We did office work, cleaned bathrooms, life-guarded (Matt got trained for that!), assisted in music/worship, assisted the head-chef in the kitchen, etc. But most importantly, we had many little gatherings and conversations, some of them planned, some of them spontaneous. This--this--is what my soul was longing for: encouragement in the faith through the body of believers.
I can't possibly thank each person we had a meaningful conversation with, but I am full of gratitude for the openness and willingness these people had to share what God is doing in their lives. It's not always pretty... often ministry is messy and hard to navigate through. It doesn't always look how we though it would. But the constant through it all is our sovereign God and his goodness and faithfulness to his people. The way he works through the body of Christ (the church) is a truly beautiful thing.
Special thanks to:
Rachel & Joe Green
Mary & Brant Porter
Mary & Nick Deitrich
Katie Deitrich
Gary Bannister
Tim Foreman
Ken Walters
Bill Greiner
The Birdsongs
And of course, our amazing parents!
WHAT I LEARNED
God shined light on several things, as Matt and I have discussed, not all of which I will share in this post. In talking to these people, many whom serve in church-ministry, we gained much insight. The theme that we heard throughout this string of conversations was that God was indeed working in the lives of these people, and he was/is beginning to pour out something new. It seemed like in every situation, there had been some kind of revelation, conflict (which isn't always bad), and/or shift in the status-quo. The verses that come to mind are these:
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Mark 2:22 - "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."
I truly believe that God is doing a new thing in his church. He isn't doing my thing or your thing--but a new thing that HE has planned. Do you and I have a willingness to press into what this is? Are we seeking him as intently as we should? (I know I have much room to grow!) This is why it is SO important for people who love Jesus to be regularly renewing their minds (Romans 12:2) & transforming into someone who is more Christ-like. And until the Lord gives us the next instruction or the next assignment, we must be faithful to him and seek him even more in the waiting.
In a devotion today, I read something about "the waiting" that struck a chord with me. It was called "Waiting Well." The question asked was something like this: "Do you want more of God and what God wants for you, or do you want more of what you want?"
Yikes. That really put it into perspective. Somehow I've gotten so greedy with wanting "what I want" more than I want Jesus himself. I'm so thankful the Lord showed me that today, because my unbalanced desire for "stuff" is not how it should be! God, in this waiting period, help me to desire more of YOU, and less of the stuff I want.
May we all be willing to take a look at ourselves, get the plank out of our own eye before removing the speck in another's, and press into what God is doing right in your own backyard. Because if the Lord isn't leading it, it will be in vain. If the Lord is leading it, watch out world! Miracles, health & restoration, strength & wisdom, and changed lives will be witnessed! That's what the church is about--following the Lord's leading to love and serve others--not about organized religion/gatherings.
BACK AT IT
So now that we are back in Phoenix, Matt continues to work for the school system. I have gotten a job as a substitute teacher, and am waiting on another job as well, and the kids are in a Charter school. Oh how I would love to be homeschooling still. God knows that. And I believe He will allow us to do that again in the future. But for now, this is what it needs to be. We are continuing to serve at Arise Church, and build community with those around us.
Honestly? Life isn't easy. Parenting is hard. Our financial and living situation are challenging. Our systems in place are not what we'd like them to be. BUT... there are many good moments. We are thankful for God's provision. We are thankful for the closeness of our family. And so we praise Him! Whether we have a little or a lot, he is good. Whether he gives or takes, he is good. Whether we are sick or healthy, he is good. Whether prayer is answered as we hoped or not, he is good.
I am going to continue to seek him more, and make sure I am "waiting well." God is good. He is doing yet a new thing! May the church be attentive and ready to change as the Lord leads. And if you find yourself in the waiting period, I pray you will seek him with your whole heart and wait well until the next phase. And just know that while you are waiting, God isn't sitting idly by. No. He is indeed working. Remember that he works ALL things for the GOOD of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). Please let me know how I can pray for you! Comment here, send me a FB message, or shoot me a text.
Thanks for doing life with us. Thanks for supporting and encouraging us. Thanks for praying for us. We are thankful for you--our friends and family!
With much love,
Tori
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Raising Successful Kids / Successfully Raising Kids
--> Though our lifestyles and methods in which we raise our children may differ, there is one thing we can certainly agree on: we all want the best for our kids. We all want to raise successful children, and how we define that very word, [success], may vary as well. So how can we be certain that our children are headed down the right path, the path that will lead to a bright future?
--> Well, since I am not a perfect parent, I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers. There are days that I feel frustrated with my kids and frustrated with myself in how I had handled things. But ultimately, I carry-on confidently, because I trust and rely on these few truths:
1) These are not just MY (or OUR) kids. They belong to the Lord. They are His children. He loves them more than I do. I CANNOT raise these kids alone or alone with my spouse. I/we need the wisdom, guidance, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Several times daily, I need to ask God, "How do you want me to handle this situation?"
2) God has entrusted these children to me specifically, whether I gave birth to them, adopted them, or they are in my care for a shorter-term. He knew it all along and has placed them in my life for a period of time determined only by him. Not only has he placed them in my life, but he has equipped me to influence them, teach them, raise them, lead them, and love them in a way that is unique to who he created me to be! So I am not going to compare myself to the other moms, who seemingly have it more together/better/easier than me. I'm not going to compare my children to other kids. I'm not going to adopt a parenting-style that fits in a box defined by the latest parenting books, trends, or ideas. And lastly, I am not going to measure my kids' success by the world's standards, but by knowing and showing them that they have a greater purpose in this life. I love what Craig Groeschel says: "We are called by God to unleash single-minded, Christ-centered, biblically-anchored, world changers." This means that as I raise my kids (and live my own life) I know that we have a greater purpose than just getting a good education in school, getting a good-paying job, buying the perfect house, creating a name/reputation for ourselves, taking the best vacations, and so on. Not that those things don't have great value, but I believe that compared to knowing Christ and living a life FULLY in and for him, the rest is meaningless. That's right, meaningless. I believe it is so important that Christian parents know and exemplify this. Without Christ at the center of all we do and all we are, we fall short of the greatness and purpose that he has for each of us.
3) I am going to pray for these kids until I see my prayers answered. Also, I am going to pray for myself and my spouse. And when I pray, I am not going to pray for MY will to be done, but for GOD'S will to be done, in my life and in my kids' lives. I am going to pray for things that can't be answered or fulfilled by mom or dad, but prayers that really take an act of God to accomplish. I'm going to pray that He places in them a desire to know Jesus and to know the Word of God. I'm going to pray that they desire righteousness and honesty. I'm going to pray that they have kind, repentant, teachable hearts. I'm going to pray that they impact their friends and those around them in a way that pleases our heavenly Father. Those are just a few examples of things that I pray. And I don't pray them just once. I pray them OFTEN. I pray for them aloud for my kids to hear, and I pray for them privately and with more details.
4) I have to set the example. The thing I've been most moved by and challenged with, is BEING a parent who leads with integrity. I can't just talk about it--I have to do it. If I want my kids to develop good character, I have to be demonstrating that consistently--not just telling them how they should be and what they should/shouldn't do. Kids learn far more from whatever example we are putting on display, and it's important that a strong foundation is built in the early years, if possible, because the older our kids get, the greater the amount of people influencing them will be. They need to learn and see in us good ethics, righteousness, honesty, faithfulness, kindness, forgiveness, perseverance, acceptance, repentance, etc., because more often than not, good character & character-development isn't being taught or displayed in the entities around us as well as it ought. And these character attributes don't happen overnight, by the way. I am still a work-in-progress! Guess what, our behavior is a choice, but our motivation comes from our heart. Our intentions for behavior-modification will only come from a renewed Spirit. I have to surrender my own way to His way, every hour of every day. I don't have to, but it works out a LOT better when I do, so that's what I aim for. That's what we all should aim for.
--> Being a parent should be a huge wake-up call, because now, not only am I responsible for my own actions and life, but I have children in my life who I am responsible for and actually will be judged for. It can feel a little overwhelming. (Is that an oxymoron? Let's face it, there's nothing little about being overwhelmed!) It can look like a long road to the presumed light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel. It can seem impossible to survive whatever parenting phase you or I are in. We can be stubborn and selfish and not even desire the things we should as Christian parents. But thankfully, God is an unrelenting, loving, forgiving God, ready to extend grace for the moment you or I are in. He is pursuing us, and bringing us back to him. And all it takes is a moment in which we pause, connect with Him, and surrender. Ask for his help, and then follow the lead. Successful parenting can be reduced to perpetual prayer, giving up, and allowing God to do His thing!
What do you find the hardest about parenting? What have been some of your parenting wins? We all want to successfully raise successful kids. So let's learn from the hard times and celebrate the good times! Here's to you, mama/papa!
--> Well, since I am not a perfect parent, I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers. There are days that I feel frustrated with my kids and frustrated with myself in how I had handled things. But ultimately, I carry-on confidently, because I trust and rely on these few truths:
1) These are not just MY (or OUR) kids. They belong to the Lord. They are His children. He loves them more than I do. I CANNOT raise these kids alone or alone with my spouse. I/we need the wisdom, guidance, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Several times daily, I need to ask God, "How do you want me to handle this situation?"
2) God has entrusted these children to me specifically, whether I gave birth to them, adopted them, or they are in my care for a shorter-term. He knew it all along and has placed them in my life for a period of time determined only by him. Not only has he placed them in my life, but he has equipped me to influence them, teach them, raise them, lead them, and love them in a way that is unique to who he created me to be! So I am not going to compare myself to the other moms, who seemingly have it more together/better/easier than me. I'm not going to compare my children to other kids. I'm not going to adopt a parenting-style that fits in a box defined by the latest parenting books, trends, or ideas. And lastly, I am not going to measure my kids' success by the world's standards, but by knowing and showing them that they have a greater purpose in this life. I love what Craig Groeschel says: "We are called by God to unleash single-minded, Christ-centered, biblically-anchored, world changers." This means that as I raise my kids (and live my own life) I know that we have a greater purpose than just getting a good education in school, getting a good-paying job, buying the perfect house, creating a name/reputation for ourselves, taking the best vacations, and so on. Not that those things don't have great value, but I believe that compared to knowing Christ and living a life FULLY in and for him, the rest is meaningless. That's right, meaningless. I believe it is so important that Christian parents know and exemplify this. Without Christ at the center of all we do and all we are, we fall short of the greatness and purpose that he has for each of us.
3) I am going to pray for these kids until I see my prayers answered. Also, I am going to pray for myself and my spouse. And when I pray, I am not going to pray for MY will to be done, but for GOD'S will to be done, in my life and in my kids' lives. I am going to pray for things that can't be answered or fulfilled by mom or dad, but prayers that really take an act of God to accomplish. I'm going to pray that He places in them a desire to know Jesus and to know the Word of God. I'm going to pray that they desire righteousness and honesty. I'm going to pray that they have kind, repentant, teachable hearts. I'm going to pray that they impact their friends and those around them in a way that pleases our heavenly Father. Those are just a few examples of things that I pray. And I don't pray them just once. I pray them OFTEN. I pray for them aloud for my kids to hear, and I pray for them privately and with more details.
4) I have to set the example. The thing I've been most moved by and challenged with, is BEING a parent who leads with integrity. I can't just talk about it--I have to do it. If I want my kids to develop good character, I have to be demonstrating that consistently--not just telling them how they should be and what they should/shouldn't do. Kids learn far more from whatever example we are putting on display, and it's important that a strong foundation is built in the early years, if possible, because the older our kids get, the greater the amount of people influencing them will be. They need to learn and see in us good ethics, righteousness, honesty, faithfulness, kindness, forgiveness, perseverance, acceptance, repentance, etc., because more often than not, good character & character-development isn't being taught or displayed in the entities around us as well as it ought. And these character attributes don't happen overnight, by the way. I am still a work-in-progress! Guess what, our behavior is a choice, but our motivation comes from our heart. Our intentions for behavior-modification will only come from a renewed Spirit. I have to surrender my own way to His way, every hour of every day. I don't have to, but it works out a LOT better when I do, so that's what I aim for. That's what we all should aim for.
--> Being a parent should be a huge wake-up call, because now, not only am I responsible for my own actions and life, but I have children in my life who I am responsible for and actually will be judged for. It can feel a little overwhelming. (Is that an oxymoron? Let's face it, there's nothing little about being overwhelmed!) It can look like a long road to the presumed light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel. It can seem impossible to survive whatever parenting phase you or I are in. We can be stubborn and selfish and not even desire the things we should as Christian parents. But thankfully, God is an unrelenting, loving, forgiving God, ready to extend grace for the moment you or I are in. He is pursuing us, and bringing us back to him. And all it takes is a moment in which we pause, connect with Him, and surrender. Ask for his help, and then follow the lead. Successful parenting can be reduced to perpetual prayer, giving up, and allowing God to do His thing!
What do you find the hardest about parenting? What have been some of your parenting wins? We all want to successfully raise successful kids. So let's learn from the hard times and celebrate the good times! Here's to you, mama/papa!
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Apple Cider Vinegar
I am not one to jump on the latest fad or trend. It took me so long to even try essential oils! But when I find something that works well, and when I'm passionate about it, I like to share it, because well, I want it to enrich your life like it has mine!
Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV.
It really is a staple in our home. With it I clean, cook, wash, ingest, and more! It is versatile, effective, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
This is how I use it:
*** Cleaning. I dilute regular apple cider vinegar with tap water. Sometimes half of each, sometimes 1/3 water, 2/3 vinegar. I keep it in a spray bottle.
... I use it to wash surfaces, clean up sticky spills, and I also use it in pans before I use soap/water.
... I use it with baking soda to clean stains and get rid of build-up. Pour it in a plastic baggie, stick your faucet right in, and put a rubber band around the faucet to uphold the bag.
... I use it when someone has a "potty" accident. I spray it directly on the "spill", dab it up with a rag, then pour baking soda over it to help remove the stench. After it's dried, I vacuum the soda up.
*** Hair/shampoo replacement. Honestly, I only shampoo & condition my hair once or twice a week. The other days, I either do nothing, or wash it with the ACV spray. This helps with a dry scalp/dandruff, as well as removes the build-up that shampoo leaves in your hair.
*** ACV Tea. I swear by this. It's an absolute favorite recipe of mine, and I share it with singer-friends and anyone suffering from a sore-throat. (Thanks BECKY for teaching me about this!)
First, it has to be Bragg ACV organic/raw/with the mother. You can't use the regular ACV for this. It won't be nearly as effective. I only use Bragg! Use that or similar.
RECIPE:
... make a cup of water or tea, hot or cold. I prefer hot tea, green/decaf.
... pour about a "shot" of ACV in.
... pour about a tsp-tbsp of honey in. Local honey is best. (Google how good honey is for you!)
Drink this up to a few times daily. Best if taken at onset of sore throat.
*** I've used it in recipes such as salad dressings & such, but haven't done so lately, so I have nothing good to pass on. ;) I just want you to know how versatile it is! It also decreases feeling hungry, kills bacteria, and apparently can even improve your gut health.
That, my friends, is how I use apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I take it with tea & honey even when I'm not sick. I usually buy the meijer or kroger brand, unless I'm drinking it, then it's 100% Bragg. Have you used it? Have you tried it? What do you use ACV for? I'd love to hear!
Now go do your own Google search on the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You may be surprised...
Here's to good health and living your best life. Cheers!
Tori
*Disclaimer: use at your own risk. I am not a healthcare professional. I only speak from personal experience and the information I've gathered from my own reading & research. It may not be healthy for all to ingest. Speak with your doctor/dietician before trying if you have concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV.
It really is a staple in our home. With it I clean, cook, wash, ingest, and more! It is versatile, effective, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
This is how I use it:
*** Cleaning. I dilute regular apple cider vinegar with tap water. Sometimes half of each, sometimes 1/3 water, 2/3 vinegar. I keep it in a spray bottle.
... I use it to wash surfaces, clean up sticky spills, and I also use it in pans before I use soap/water.
... I use it with baking soda to clean stains and get rid of build-up. Pour it in a plastic baggie, stick your faucet right in, and put a rubber band around the faucet to uphold the bag.
... I use it when someone has a "potty" accident. I spray it directly on the "spill", dab it up with a rag, then pour baking soda over it to help remove the stench. After it's dried, I vacuum the soda up.
*** Hair/shampoo replacement. Honestly, I only shampoo & condition my hair once or twice a week. The other days, I either do nothing, or wash it with the ACV spray. This helps with a dry scalp/dandruff, as well as removes the build-up that shampoo leaves in your hair.
*** ACV Tea. I swear by this. It's an absolute favorite recipe of mine, and I share it with singer-friends and anyone suffering from a sore-throat. (Thanks BECKY for teaching me about this!)
First, it has to be Bragg ACV organic/raw/with the mother. You can't use the regular ACV for this. It won't be nearly as effective. I only use Bragg! Use that or similar.
RECIPE:
... make a cup of water or tea, hot or cold. I prefer hot tea, green/decaf.
... pour about a "shot" of ACV in.
... pour about a tsp-tbsp of honey in. Local honey is best. (Google how good honey is for you!)
Drink this up to a few times daily. Best if taken at onset of sore throat.
*** I've used it in recipes such as salad dressings & such, but haven't done so lately, so I have nothing good to pass on. ;) I just want you to know how versatile it is! It also decreases feeling hungry, kills bacteria, and apparently can even improve your gut health.
That, my friends, is how I use apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I take it with tea & honey even when I'm not sick. I usually buy the meijer or kroger brand, unless I'm drinking it, then it's 100% Bragg. Have you used it? Have you tried it? What do you use ACV for? I'd love to hear!
Now go do your own Google search on the benefits of apple cider vinegar. You may be surprised...
Here's to good health and living your best life. Cheers!
Tori
*Disclaimer: use at your own risk. I am not a healthcare professional. I only speak from personal experience and the information I've gathered from my own reading & research. It may not be healthy for all to ingest. Speak with your doctor/dietician before trying if you have concerns.
HE Will See You Through
(Written in January; accidentally not published until April)
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Here we are, 2019! A new year is already upon us. It’s crazy to think that in just a few weeks, we will have been in Phoenix for a whole year. And what’s crazier than that, is to think that we also will have survived living in our RV for a whole year!
School at home is going well. Matt’s work is going well. In fact, the school district he works for hired another guy to do what he does (their plan was always to hire two), and the guy they hired lives on this side of town, so Matt and he are able to carpool! This gives the kids and I a chance to leave home base once in a while and participate in meet up groups. The kids are connecting with other kids and building friendships with kids from these groups, and in our community, an answer to prayer!
Arise Church continues to meet and build community with those around us. It’s such a sweet group of people. Each person is highly valued and deeply loved by God. Whether you go to a large, medium-sized, or small church, (or no church), it is good to remember that. People are not a number, nor are they a problem to be solved; they are people to be loved, as the Father loves them. Over the past few months, God has put it in my heart to be a hope-carrier—to remind people and tell them of the hope they have in Jesus. Darkness is all around us; hardship and struggles are a reality for so many people; but that is not where the story stops. God is the author and finisher of our faith. His plans are good. He is a restorer and redeemer, and no matter WHAT it is, he’s going to see you through. That’s the message I’ve been carrying with me lately, as I lead, as I meet, and as I share.
Matt and I are very hopeful this season. We are still falling short financially each month, and there are other struggles we have, but through it all, I have peace. I feel like we are right where God wants us to be. We trust in him. We are thankful for what he’s walked us through, we’re thankful right where we are, and we’re thankful for where he’s leading us.
Raising support is part of what we must do in this season, and so, although I’d rather not, I am asking for a few more families/people to partner with us for a little while. Or if you are able to give a one-time gift, we would appreciate that as well.
Checks can be sent to Arise Church with the memo “Walker Support” at the address listed below, or you can give electronically at www.arisechurchaz.org/give. Thank you so much for your help, your prayers, and your encouragement!
May you, too, be find peace from God in whatever season you are walking through. He is our hope!
Love,
The Walkers
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Monday, March 25, 2019
American Living
I watched a video today that caused me to ponder the way we (Americans) live, and the expenses and incomes we have. This led me to create a mock-budget for the average American family, consisting of four people: 2 parents and 2 children.
As you will see below, the first results are for one parent working full-time, and the second totals are an example of one parent working full-time and the second parent working part-time. I’ve created these reports based on averages in my google search results, as well as assumptions about the basic things people live with.
Of course, totals will vary from family to family, and scenario to scenario. So keep in mind that this report was built on estimates and averages for the 2019 year.
See the reports, and then keep reading below to see the questions this data led me to ask.
BOTH SCENARIOS assume $150,00 house debt (or a similar monthly rent),$100,000 combined college debt, $45,000 car debt (for two vehicles), and $5,700 credit card debt, which is the national average.
SCENARIO 1
1 parent working full-time
$1,050.00 insurances (health, life, & car)
$2,550 debts (house, car, education, credit)
$500 utilities (water, electric, gas, trash)
$200 entertainment (internet, cable, Netflix, etc.)
$800 food & grocery
$200 gasoline
$400 savings (retirement, college, vacation, etc.)
$400 miscellaneous (school expenses, gifts, tithe, extras)
——————
$6,100 in monthly expenses
Scenario 1 has a yearly income of $55,000 and yearly expenses of $73,200, with a DEFICIT of $18,200.
SCENARIO 2
1 parent working full-time and the other parent working part-time
$1,050.00 insurances (health, life, & car)
$2,550 debts (house, car, education, credit)
$500 utilities (water, electric, gas, trash)
$200 entertainment (internet, cable, Netflix, etc.)
$800 food & grocery
$200 gasoline
$400 savings (retirement, college, vacation, etc.)
$400 miscellaneous (school expenses, gifts, tithe, extras)
$1,000 childcare services (daycare, before/after school care, etc.)
——————
$7,100.00/month expenses
Scenario 2 has a yearly combined income of $80,000 and yearly expenses of $85,200, with a DEFICIT of $5,200.
*Not included in either budget are renters/home-owners insurance, pet expenses, HOA fees, extra services utilized, uncovered medical expenses, etc.
QUESTIONS:
- Why, in both scenarios, is there a deficit?
- Are worker wages not high enough?
- Do Americans live beyond their means?
- Can we live our lives without these (or any) debts?
- Can you relate to either budget/scenario?
- By living according to a budget with an annual deficit, are we accruing more and more debt annually?
- Are some of the expenses we consider to be “needs” actually “luxuries”?
- Are we willing to change the way we live, either by changing our income or by reducing spending, to stop going into debt and start living within our means?
- If both spouses work full-time, this budget will work out, but as income increases, will expenses also grow?
- What are the biggest expenses and problems Americans face, and what can we, the people, do to help fix the broken systems and/or mindsets that exists?
- What questions or observations do you have pertaining to this?
I’m looking forward to reading your questions, answers, and thoughts on this subject! Thanks for reading and thanks in advance to those who contribute and respond!
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