Simplify Your Finances

Luke 14:28 The Message

"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it?  If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish.  Everyone passing by will poke fun at you:  'He started something he couldn't finish'."

Today I was reminded of how important it is to consider my Husband's advice.  I have a tendency to complicate situations, so God has blessed me with a Husband who encourages me to simplify and "chill out."

While adjusting our February budget, due to income tax returns and a career change, I was spending too much time obsessing over recording information by hand.  Just as my eyes were beginning to cross, my wise man strolled in and asked why I didn't stick with computerized budgeting.  Hmmm...good idea.

Because we are currently taking a financial peace class, I am trying to complete all of the forms available and implement cash envelopes.  What I'm realizing is that I need to start small by accomplishing one goal at a time.

The computer is a friendly device, if we'll put the tools available into practice.  Are you creating an online budget?  Let's agree to not only formulate a simple plan, but stick to it in 2009! 

Girl's Night Out

Proverbs 27:9 The Message

"Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul."

When was the last time you had a girl's or guy's night out?  Call your friends and plan a date.  It doesn't have to be anything fancy.  How about dinner and a movie, or a coffee date if you're on a strict budget.  

Times spent with friends refresh the soul.  My Husband has been traveling, and I took the opportunity to visit with friends during his absence.  Being alone with a four year old is much easier when I take time to get away for friendship and conversation with adults.

Don't let the weeks pass by without sharing a few hours with a close friend, or two!  God desires to encourage us through good friends and lighten our hearts.  The Bible also says laughter is the best medicine.  It's time to treat yourself.  Of course, make sure you're spending time with God and your spouse.   Relationships truly make the world go 'round.

For you:

Pray God helps you carve out time to spend with friends each month.  Choose carefully those you desire to grow closer to in friendship.  Have anyone you really admire?  Spending time with them will open your eyes to personal areas for growth.

Share Your Testimony

Acts 4:20 "For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Passage:  Acts 5:17-42

Has God blessed you?  Take a moment to reflect on how merciful and generous God has been.  Having come through seasons of God's goodness at work in my life, I am compelled to share these stories with others.  After reading today's passage, you will be too.

Acts 5:17-42 is a perfect illustration of Peter and the apostles' testimony even in the face of adversity.  They preached and performed miracles in Jerusalem.  Filled with jealousy, the high priest and rulers imprisoned Peter and the apostles.

During the night, God sent an angel to free them and send them witnessing in the temple courts.  Eventually, they were brought before the high priest to explain their unlawful actions.  Because God was on their side, Peter and the apostles were set free after being flogged and ordered not to teach about Jesus.

The part I find most incredible is that the men rejoiced because they were honored by suffering disgrace for Jesus' name.

For you:

Be encouraged.  Share your story of how God has blessed you and performed miracles in your life.  If you suffer persecution, rejoice that you are worthy to suffer in Jesus' name.  Pray God gives you opportunities to share with the people in your realm of influence.

They Go Together Like Peas And Carrots

God Rewards Apologies

Proverbs 22:4 NIV

"Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life."

Bad decisions get us in trouble.  Can you recall a time when a poor choice wreaked havoc and disturbed peaceful relationships?  I have such an instance fresh in my mind.

First, I failed to honor a responsibility which negatively affected several people. 

Secondly, I became defensive, failing to see my opponent's view.  

Thirdly, God urged me to apologize.

Doing so brought a reward of inner peace.

For you:

Are you experiencing inner turmoil and longing for peace?  Pray God softens your pride and strengthens you to deliver a humble apology.  Expect rewarding peace.

Trusting God To Strengthen You

2 Samuel 22:3

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."

God will strengthen even the weakest individual.  You may be physically, emotionally or spiritually weak, yet God has a plan to sustain you. I believe you must put faith into action by trusting God to keep His promise of strength.

It is up to us to respond to conflict, especially involving those in authority, with self-control.       God doesn't promise us an easy life.  In fact, the life of a believer is more difficult because we must choose to take the path less traveled.  We can't allow our emotions to take the place of wise choices.

Job 28:18 reads, "Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention;  the price of wisdom is beyond rubies."  King Solomon was admired for his wisdom which was more important to him than his great wealth and prosperity.  He chose poorly and paid the consequences.  However, God forgave his repentant heart and strengthened him again.  

For You:

Are you needing strength for the battle ahead?  You may have peace and quiet now, but chances are good some type of conflict will occur in the future.  How will you respond?  God plans to prosper and strengthen you in repsonse to your faith and trust in Him.  Take courage, God is on your side.

My Best Year Yet

Does God ever chase you down on an issue you know must be faced and changed for the better?  As we begin 2009, consider the areas of your life that need improving or even dramatic redirecting.  For example, you may be weak in health, poor in finances, or heavy in spirit.  You may be waiting on God to answer countless prayers and work a miracle in your life.

I encourage you to ponder what action steps you must take to reach your goals in 2009.  One excellent way to step out in faith is by adapting dietary changes to improve your health.  Yes, there are millions of diets available to us in modern times.  You would benefit by praying God reveals to you His dietary solution for healing.  

Today I am beginning (again) the Maker's Diet (Jordan Rubin).  My doctor diagnosed me with Pernicious Anemia last year.  She insisted on monthly B12 injections to manage my illness.  However, the acne which came as a side effect led me to search for an alternative.  Being nudged by God to dust off the Maker's Diet, I am on a mission to follow His guidance and receive healing and wholeness.

For those of you who are financially poor, join a Financial Peace University group (Dave Ramsey).  Tate and I are facilitating a group this spring with hopes of paying off our debts and budgeting our money wisely, with the support of others in our group. 

Is your spirit heavy and burdened?  Replenish yourself daily by seeking Him in His Word, talking to Him and laying your prayer requests at His feet while believing He will bless you.  Start your day focusing on Christ, health, happiness and productivity.  Steel away to a quiet place to focus your mind.

Please share your personal goals for 2009.  I look forward to sharing our successes with one another.

Stress Buster

Recently God convicted me that I am too busy. One very busy week left me with a cold, fatigue and a grumpy attitude due to stress. This is not God's best for me or you. Even if the things we're doing are positive and helpful to our communities, we and our families suffer.

I recall being rude and irritable with most everyone in my reach that week. Feeling guilty, I hear God say to eliminate commitments and enjoy more time relaxing and playing with my family.

Not to say the process was easy. I found it difficult to let go of commitments and give a notice saying I was quitting in 2 weeks. As I prayed and confessed my fears to God, he gave me strength and peace in letting go.

My 2 weeks are almost up as of this weekend. As much relief as I'm feeling now, it is hard to believe quitting was such a challenge for me. At this point, I am so excited for the free time ahead. My family can enjoy a happier wife and mother because I'll be less stressed and fatigued.

Plus, we can take family trips and outings, which we haven't been able to do because of my full weekends.

I encourage you to put God and your family first above all else. Is there a way you can lessen stress in your life? From personal experience, you'll be glad you did!