Cindy Finley

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Archives for May 2015

May 26, 2015 By cindyfinley

When an iPad Becomes a Weed-Eater

Three weeks ago, my 2009 MacBook Pro bit the dust. First the screen kind of went green, and then it just died.

So, I dutifully made my appointment with my local Genius …

… who told me, “I can’t recommend that you fix this computer. They don’t make the parts for it anymore.”

For me, not having a computer is pretty much like a landscaper not having a lawn mower. He can cut the grass with a weed-eater, but it’s going to take a lot longer and not be nearly as effective.

My husband’s iPad became my weed-eater. The loss of my computer didn’t make my work impossible, but it did make it much more difficult.

Nine days after the death of my computer, I sent out an email to folks who receive my monthly RiverCross Update.

Within a day, a couple wrote to me that they would like to purchase a brand new MacBook Pro for me. I couldn’t believe it. Here’s what they said:

(We) are thankful to be able to partner with you in this very important work of being Christ’s hands, feet, and heart for these orphans!  As you know, we share your heart for the children of the world who do not have a safe, loving family. Our desire is that this material machine will allow you to do crucial work for the minds, spirits, and bodies of these precious ones! God bless you in your work. 

As you can guess, I was pretty blown away. A few days later …

Me and MacBook Pro

… no more iPad weed-eater!  Here’s what I learned from this situation:

Your challenge can be a catalyst toward essentialism.

Because using Bill’s iPad was like trying to cut the grass with a weed-eater, I reduced my computer time to the essential. I set aside lesser things and focused only on what was absolutely important. Even with my fancy new MacBook Pro, I’m committed to keeping the non-essential to a minimum. Could your challenge be the catalyst toward essentialism?

Your challenge can be the platform to deepen community.

When we honestly share our challenges, people are able to connect with us. They may not be able to fix our problems, but they can come alongside. We begin to experience the beauty of community rather than individuality. Is there someone who would be blessed to come alongside you in your challenge?

Your challenge can be the mechanism to deepen your trust in God.

I really didn’t see how my computer situation was going to work out. But I believed that God would provide exactly what I needed to do the work he has called me to. Although I wanted a quick fix, God, in his mercy, didn’t provide one. I had to wait. As a result, I had the joy of seeing God provide more abundantly that what I could have ever orchestrated. Could God use your challenge to deepen your trust in him?

How do you face challenges that make your work more difficult? Leave a comment, or connect with me on Facebook. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Filed Under: Identity in Christ, Intimacy with Christ

May 1, 2015 By cindyfinley

And It Started with a Caboose Talk

This one stepped into our life in the fall of 2011.  His entrance has become a thing of legend in our family.

David1He called my husband, Bill, and asked if they could meet. He wanted to talk to him about dating our daughter, Sara Maria.

In true Finley fashion, we decided it wouldn’t be enough for David to simply meet Bill. He needed to meet the whole family.

Since David and Sara Maria were in school about 3 hours away, I found a spot I thought would be absolutely perfect halfway between.  Alberta, Virginia.

Look how cute!

Not only did it look cute. Not only was it halfway between. But it also had a short looping hiking trail.  This meant that while Bill and David talked, me and the kids could walk the trail.  Pretty smart, right?

So, the morning dawns bright and beautiful.  And we head to Alberta.  As is the norm, we pull into town a bit behind schedule.

At this point, I’m getting a little bit unsure about my choice of location. There are no cars or people anywhere.  I mean none.  I’m getting a bit weirded out, but, this doesn’t dampen the moment.

We pull up to the trailhead.

David is standing there. Waiting for us. On the way, we’ve talked about not overwhelming him. About trying to tame the Finley-ish-ness of our tribe. About trying to tone it down.  But when we arrive, there is no holding back.  We pretty much erupt from the car.

But David doesn’t seem to mind. And look at him.

David3

He’s not the type of guy that minds.  We love him already.

So, Bill suggests that he and David take a walk around town. And the kids and I head down the Alberta School Park Trail.

Not so bad. A little weird. Because again there is NOBODY around. But, that’s okay . We find a rusty water tower. Which of course Josiah and Cameron want to climb. But, they don’t.

The trail is REALLY short. So, in about five minutes we are back at the car. We decide to walk toward the town.  As we walk toward the town, we see Bill and David talking on a lovely bench positioned in front of this caboose.

Cute, right? They continue their Caboose Talk and we keep walking. Again … no cars, no people. We find another trail. This one has rusty old-fashioned farm equipment positioned along the way. I’m not sure if they’ve been discarded or are there for decoration.

This trail lands us on the other side of town. The other side of town. This is not impressive, though it might sound that way. At the 2010 census, the town of Alberta has a population of 298. Town might be a stretch.  And still, we have not seen one of those 298 people.

We walk up the street which is lined by about five houses. One of these houses has a chain link fence holding back about 20 pit bulls. Next door we notice a beautiful oak tree in which a flock of turkey vultures are roosting. Cue the Twilight Zone music.

We walk back toward the caboose. David and Bill are still talking. We round the corner by the Alberta General Store. Not opened, of course. It’s mid-day on a Saturday. Why would it be open?

We see a library.  Which, of course draws Finley progeny the way that a flame draws a moth. The library is, of course … not open.  And as you might guess, this stirs the Finley girls to sing Christmas carols and try out a few ballet moves in the middle of the street.

Eventually, the Caboose Talk wraps up. David and Sara Maria are officially dating.

That Caboose Talk happened three-and-a-half years ago. Their dating relationship didn’t last.

Sara Maria and David

Because … this!

SM and David

Today’s David’s birthday. And we get to celebrate with him tonight!

Happy birthday, David! We love you and are so thankful the Lord brought you not only to Sara Maria, but also to us. And it started with a Caboose Talk.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people. Colossians 1:3-4

 

 

 

Filed Under: Family

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