Stuff versus Treasure

I have to admit I do enjoy shopping and I like stuff. I like makeup with its interesting packaging and playing around with it. I love shoes and purses. I feel the thrill of the hunt for bargain prices as I enter the mall. But I can have a good time just browsing and looking around without the need to necessarily buy something. However, that is second best. I have thought that perhaps I could be a Secret Shopper; that could be fun.

I am trying to do some updating on my house so I've been spending time looking for just the right thing.

Merely walking through Barnes & Noble, I see at least 10-15 books I would like to read. It gets worse at Wellspring.

I just like to be out and about.

Last winter, Mark's grandpa died at 100 years of age and this past weekend there was an auction at Grandpa's house. The house was packed full of stuff that we hauled outside so that people could look it over and buy it. There was all kinds of stuff. Mark's grandma had been quite a crafty person so there were also sorts of things she had made, there were some antique type things, some nice furniture.

As I walked through looking around, I could not help but think about the stuff Grandma and Grandpa had accummulated over the years and now it was just going to be sent off to the highest bidder. What was important to them, may not be important to anyone else.

So I wonder ....

Are the things I value, valued by anyone else? If someone had to look over all my stuff and decide whether to bid on it or not, would they? Finally, what do I want to leave behind that people would consider precious, something that could be passed on, something to be desired.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and seal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destory, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Treasure or just stuff? Time to decide.

My Grateful Heart

1. Family celebrating birthdays in July and August: Mark's mom and dad, Gerri, Larry, Katie, Garrett, my mom, Dale, Mark.
2. Starting to get some answers regarding Tate's medical issues.
3. Carson's willingness to volunteer with the WHS cross country team.
4. Safe travel for Carissa to Orange City last night.
5. Tirimasu Tuesday.
6. Our On-Line Book Club and their insights on "The Shack."
7. An e-mail from Shari on a job possibility for Carson.

With Lifted Hands

1. Continued healing for Tate, my dad, Carissa and Katie Bloom.
2. Blessings on Carissa's time with Rachel in Orange City.
3. Safe and healthy delivery of Eric and Laurie's baby later this week.
4. Jobs for Carson, Aaron, Curtis and Mike.
5. Answers for couples struggling with infertility.