Why, oh why?!

So you are probably wondering what this blog is about. Truthfully, I'm not sure I even know what this blog is ALL about, or what it will evolve into. But the title gives me a starting point. The phrase "Because God has been so good to me" comes from a book a good friend of mine let me borrow. A son was asking his aging father why he was still paying tithing, even when he had spent a good part of his 70+ year life sacrificing and serving for the Lord. Why not keep the money? It's not all the much in the 'grand scheme of things'. The elderly man had very little as far as material possessions go. Even keeping up with the bills and keeping food in his fridge was becoming difficult. The son's intentions were good, he didn't want to see his father struggle financially. But when asked why he continued paying tithing, even after all the sacrifices he had made in the name of his God, he simply said, "Son, I pay my tithing because God has been so good to me".

This phrase hit me to the core. If you really think about it, it could be the answer to every question, doubt or struggle we may have.

Q: Why do I have to go home teaching EVERY month?

A: Because God has been so good to me.

Q: My kid is such a pain during Sunday School! Why shouldn't I take my kid home for a nap during church?

A: Because God has been so good to me.

You get the picture. Really and truly there are so many things we 'rationalize' our way out of. I am guilty as charged. But I am trying to remember this phrase as I get those overwhelming urges to cut corners, skip out, or just plain be lazy spiritually.

I am sure I am not the only one that feels at times like a failure parent. At least I hope I am not. Those times when all I want to do is put myself in time out and let my crying, fighting and ornery kids just duke it out and then I come out of my sound proof room (I wish!) and deal with the bloody aftermath. What's a few bloody noses or broken bones, right?! But during those times when my patience is thinner than my 33yr old hair, I try to remind myself how patient God has been with me. Why should I muster all the patience I can and treat my kids with love and kindness? Why should I be good to them? Answer: because God has been so good to me.

So let me remove all doubt right up front. I am not perfect. I repeat, I AM NOT PERFECT. Just like everyone else I am an imperfect being trying his best to live a perfect gospel given by a perfect God to help us become perfect like him. So this blog is one way for me to reflect on my blessings, share my talents, and perhaps even help others along their way. At times I will give away designs (similar to my blog header above) I have made or give options for people to request custom designs. Feel free to comment, give advice or just say hi.

But overall this blog is to remind me that yes, God has been good to me.