Growing up on Bellehaven Court

I grew up living at 1705 Bellehaven Ct, the first house I remember, my folks moving there when I was approaching the age of 2. We stayed there till the summer of 1977 when at age 9, almost 10, we moved up to 1194 Bobcat Blvd. It was a move to the heights to a house my dad had built by Mr. Kaplan. But those 7 years at Bellehaven Court (feels longer) were a great experience. I guess my big memories from there are:

• Christmas morning getting the pinball machine. It wasn't the fancy one from the arcade but one my folks got for us anyway. 
• Cooking with my mom in the kitchen. 
• Playing with T in our play room. 
• My dad saying, "The wind is my friend."
• Staying home from school and watching "Dialing for Dollars" on TV which was the afternoon showcase of movies. 
• Playing 500 game with the kids on the street, at the end of the cul-de-sac. 
• Getting babysat by all of the Reynold's kids, but mostly Mark and then Brian and I think their sister one or two times. The Reynolds moved across the arroyo to a bigger house. Seemed like a dream house to me. They had a shaggy dog. I was probably 5 when they moved from their house next door. 
• Throwing rocks at the car with T and then getting punished by taking a bath. Car wash drying by my dad. 
• Visits by the Jewel man, sitting on my mom's lap or next to her. 
• Watching my mom put on her cosmetics in her bathroom. 
• Birthday party in the garage with all of the neighborhood kids. 
• Spending the night at Don's across the street and having Mrs. Faerber kissing me good night. 
• Hanging out in Cindy and Missy's little house in their backyard. 
• Cherry tree next door. And in Faerber's back yard.
• Mr. Weeks and AB's visits. 
• Playing hockey in our driveway. 
• Putting my pillow in the freezer to get it cold.  

Well, just thought I'd start making a list of memories on Bellehaven growing up. 

Contentment in Christ

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

What is the secret to being content? It seems normal for us to want something new, to hear something different or new, to watch the latest episode, to see the most recent movie. And yet we hear of this virtue of contentment from the Bible. 
 
Defined
Here is the dictionary definition of "content" -- satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else

One thing that I mention to the kids often that I am sure they get tired of hearing is that society trains us to not be content. If we were all content then I would be out of a job. The source of the City's revenue is gross receipts tax which comes from people buying things, including things at the mall or department stores; this includes the latest phone or MP3 player as well as food at a restaurant. While I despise this at times, my employment depends on this. It must be okay then to want things.

It is easy to see contentment with relationships. My wife Pamela of 22 years is someone I am completely content with. There is no one else I want and there isn't a new improved model I am looking for. I can say the same about each of my children. I enjoy their growth, but I never want to trade them in for someone different.

But, the windows on our house, the carpet on our floors, the landscape of the yard, are all things I would like an improvement. Obviously, there are things that break, like the washing machine and dryer or the porch roof or another appliance.

Context
The verse above was written when Paul was in prison. As a prisoner, Paul had to provide his own comforts and it was often the Philippians that wanted to share what they had with him. Yet, Paul, reminds them that he has learned to be content in whatever situation he is in (Phil 4:11). But, he also wants to share that his contentment is not because of his own effort, but because of the strength the Lord gives. And so his contentment is not meant to be done at our own doing.

So, we see the virtue of contentment and wonder how we are going to be able to have this virtue. And God (through Paul) is showing us that we can be content because of the power or strength given to us by the Lord.

Conclusion
The secret is Jesus and realizing that, like everything else, our life is not based upon our own doing, but upon the strength of the Lord. Don't trouble yourself with the "what-if's" of life, meaning, well, if I don't buy something then I won't get paid and my family won't survive. I may not understand it, but strength in the Lord means God will give me strength.

Does this mean we are to want nothing? That my money should only be spent on things that need replacement? I think it is okay to receive things, but we should be careful that we don't get in the habit of having to receive that which is new just for the sake of getting something new. If we couldn't get stuff that is new, would we be able to still be happiness and content? If not, then our focus has veered off center.

Providence

Over the last couple of months I've been ending my prayers each day with the following proclamation.

"Lord, I submit to You on this day and accept Your providence for my life."

I find that often the reason for the sins of my life is that I'm not accepting of what God has provided and instead I want to take control of situations.

God has provided me with a beautiful, caring, understanding wife that works hard for our family and desires to glorify God in her life. Period.
God has provided me with children that are healthy and enjoy being kids and willingly go to church. Period.
God has provided with us a nice home on a nice quiet street with friends nearby. Period.
God has provided me with everything that we need. Period.

I praise God for who He is and I praise God for what he has done.

Period.

I came across this in my reading this morning.

Psalm 127:2
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

I think so often that all my hard work, my long hours is what needs to occur in order for us to have what we need. And God reminds me to go to sleep. He reminds me again that He gives and He blesses when I'm willing to simply drop my hands, look up, and allow Him to be the active agent.

Don't turn the corner and expect something more.

Submit and Accept His Providence and You will see that it is actually what you need.