Richard and I recently signed up for a class called "Financial Peace University" by Dave Ramsey. It is facilitated by a church member. It is a 13 week class and we have already learned a lot within the first week. My dad took us to a "Total Money Makeover" conference several years ago and we got the basics of Dave Ramsey's finance theory, however the class is more in-depth.
We are very thankful we do not own any credit cards. We are also blessed we do not have monthly notes on our vehicles...thanks to dad who taught us there is nothing wrong with driving older cars.
However, we do have a problem with saving. We are guilty about spending our money on food, social events, clothes, and other items we feel like we need. We should have much more in savings than what we do. We are ready to change our old habits and learn how to save!
I remember when we first got married our house was so bare! I did not realize how much things cost until we were in a house without any furniture, groceries, and appliances. I just thought I would have everything my parents had once I had a house. Boy, I was wrong and I soon realized that it takes many years to have what my parents have established.
My favorite saying by Dave Ramsey is:
"Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else!"
Changing Subjects....Tithing...
I mentioned in one of the earlier posts that tithing is difficult. I never really understood why there was a certain % which needs to be given to God. I just thought you give what you can give to the church. I never understood "giving with a joyful heart" either. Each time we give (or even when I was in school), it was so hard to place the check or cash into the offering plate. Why?
I realize it is because I have been selfish. I think of things that our tithes could buy. I will start praying daily that God will help me give out of love! Please pray for me in this area as it is difficult.
Here are many verses on tithing....
Genesis 14:18-20
v. 20 "Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything."
Leviticus 27:30
"A tithe of EVERYTHING from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, BELONGS to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord."
Numbers 18: 26
"...When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of hat tithe as the Lord's offering."
Deuteronomy 14:22
"Be sure to set aside a tenth of ALL that your fields produce each year."
**Malachi 3:7-12** This scripture is too long to type, but I really enjoyed reading it! It is about Malachi urging the people to stop holding back their tithes. Everything we have is from God; so when we refuse to return to him a part of what he has given, we rob him. (Life Application Study Bible, NIV)
More scriptures:
Matthew 23:23
Luke 11:42
Luke 18:12
I Corinthians 9:7
Hebrews 7:8
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
God is Faithful!
I started remembering what all God has done in my life over the past couple of years this morning. There were a few scriptures that I read this morning that brought one situation to mind.
I worked for a great company a little over a year ago. I remember praying so hard before the interview and after the interview, hoping to get the job. I was blessed and received the position. This company was very good to me and I was able to work my way up rather quickly. I worked there for 4 years. I was able to travel to many places with this company as well as meet many new faces.
I got married and had a baby while working there. I realized after having a child that I did not want to work for this company "long term". I did not want to have to travel and work year round with having a little one. I began to pray and pray and pray...
I really prayed HARD. I began to read God's word. I begged God to show me his will for my life.
I always wanted to be a teacher when I was little. I used to beg mom and dad for a chalkboard, a teacher's edition, and anything teacher related. I can remember mom asking my 2nd grade teacher if she had any extra teacher's edition books that I could have. I also remember asking mom to buy "TAP" drinks and peanut butter crackers as that was my favorite teacher's snacks. I wanted to be just like my teacher.
I refused to pray and find out God's will for my life when I graduated high school. I knew better than to major in what I did (Criminal Justice), but I can not go back and change things. I see now how important it is to do God's will. Long story short...I was sitting at this company searching for God's will for my life. I kept reading God's word...soon I realized that God was calling me in the field of teaching. I typed up a quick resume and passed out to 13 different elementary schools.
I knew I had to take a step of FAITH and do what God was calling me to do. I struggled several times by telling God "no" because I did not know what was in store for me. I did not want to step out of my comfort zone or give up my "security blanket". After all, I had a great job...making decent money...ends were being met...
I finally followed God's call and gave a notice to my boss. It did not go over well like I had planned. My boss was happy I wanted to make a career change and the field I was choosing, but he did not want me to leave. The reactions and soon proposals I received made it much harder for me to follow God's will. I was very tempted to stay and even had to go home and think about it for several days. I kept praying...
I received a phone call asking me to meet with the CEO of the company. I was blown away. I was nervous, yet curious. I prayed before entering the office. I knew my decision (really God's decision) before going in there. The CEO asked what was needed to keep me at the company. He wanted to know first hand that I was leaving. He as well as a few others told me I was crazy for stepping out on a limb without even having a job lined up in the teaching field. I am not sure how it came out, but somehow I managed to say it was a done deal and that I was leaving. I was very thankful of EVERYTHING the company did for me, but there was no amount of money that could keep me there.
I realized I had a missed call when I got back to my desk (after meeting with the CEO). I received a voicemail from a principal at one of the elementary schools I gave a resume to. The principal wanted me to come in for an interview. I met with the principal and she told me how hard it is to get a job in the Desoto County school system. The principal said there are hundreds/thousands of applicants waiting to get a job in the district. The principal said that the reason I got the job was because of where I was currently working. A husband of a teacher works with me and gave me a good reference. I was blown away because I was not familiar with the man at our company. I only knew of the man. I was so grateful and blessed.
Even though I did not choose God's plan for my life initially...he is slowly but surely getting me back to where he wants me to be.
The point of this story is that God is FAITHFUL. I stepped out not knowing if I would even have a job. I knew that God wanted me to get out of where I was and do what he called me to do.
Even in the midst of our unanswered prayers...God is really answering them. The prayers might not be the answers we want, but the requests are being answered by the way God wants them to be answered...according to his will for our life.
I hope you can remember some times when God has been FAITHFUL to you! :)
Here are some verses I read this morning:
(**The third verse was my favorite during my situation**)
"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." Psalm 55:16-17
"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56: 4
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10: 13
I worked for a great company a little over a year ago. I remember praying so hard before the interview and after the interview, hoping to get the job. I was blessed and received the position. This company was very good to me and I was able to work my way up rather quickly. I worked there for 4 years. I was able to travel to many places with this company as well as meet many new faces.
I got married and had a baby while working there. I realized after having a child that I did not want to work for this company "long term". I did not want to have to travel and work year round with having a little one. I began to pray and pray and pray...
I really prayed HARD. I began to read God's word. I begged God to show me his will for my life.
I always wanted to be a teacher when I was little. I used to beg mom and dad for a chalkboard, a teacher's edition, and anything teacher related. I can remember mom asking my 2nd grade teacher if she had any extra teacher's edition books that I could have. I also remember asking mom to buy "TAP" drinks and peanut butter crackers as that was my favorite teacher's snacks. I wanted to be just like my teacher.
I refused to pray and find out God's will for my life when I graduated high school. I knew better than to major in what I did (Criminal Justice), but I can not go back and change things. I see now how important it is to do God's will. Long story short...I was sitting at this company searching for God's will for my life. I kept reading God's word...soon I realized that God was calling me in the field of teaching. I typed up a quick resume and passed out to 13 different elementary schools.
I knew I had to take a step of FAITH and do what God was calling me to do. I struggled several times by telling God "no" because I did not know what was in store for me. I did not want to step out of my comfort zone or give up my "security blanket". After all, I had a great job...making decent money...ends were being met...
I finally followed God's call and gave a notice to my boss. It did not go over well like I had planned. My boss was happy I wanted to make a career change and the field I was choosing, but he did not want me to leave. The reactions and soon proposals I received made it much harder for me to follow God's will. I was very tempted to stay and even had to go home and think about it for several days. I kept praying...
I received a phone call asking me to meet with the CEO of the company. I was blown away. I was nervous, yet curious. I prayed before entering the office. I knew my decision (really God's decision) before going in there. The CEO asked what was needed to keep me at the company. He wanted to know first hand that I was leaving. He as well as a few others told me I was crazy for stepping out on a limb without even having a job lined up in the teaching field. I am not sure how it came out, but somehow I managed to say it was a done deal and that I was leaving. I was very thankful of EVERYTHING the company did for me, but there was no amount of money that could keep me there.
I realized I had a missed call when I got back to my desk (after meeting with the CEO). I received a voicemail from a principal at one of the elementary schools I gave a resume to. The principal wanted me to come in for an interview. I met with the principal and she told me how hard it is to get a job in the Desoto County school system. The principal said there are hundreds/thousands of applicants waiting to get a job in the district. The principal said that the reason I got the job was because of where I was currently working. A husband of a teacher works with me and gave me a good reference. I was blown away because I was not familiar with the man at our company. I only knew of the man. I was so grateful and blessed.
Even though I did not choose God's plan for my life initially...he is slowly but surely getting me back to where he wants me to be.
The point of this story is that God is FAITHFUL. I stepped out not knowing if I would even have a job. I knew that God wanted me to get out of where I was and do what he called me to do.
Even in the midst of our unanswered prayers...God is really answering them. The prayers might not be the answers we want, but the requests are being answered by the way God wants them to be answered...according to his will for our life.
I hope you can remember some times when God has been FAITHFUL to you! :)
Here are some verses I read this morning:
(**The third verse was my favorite during my situation**)
"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." Psalm 55:16-17
"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56: 4
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10: 13
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Obeying God's Commands
I read the entire chapter of Deuteronomy 28 a few days ago. The chapter discusses blessings for obedience to God's commands and curses for being disobedient. It was a huge "eye-opener" for me!
I definitely want to make sure I live for God and obey all his commands. I was pretty frightened after reading the curses for disobedience.
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. " Dt. 28:1
There is a list of blessings starting with verse 3.
I pray that God will continue to help me live for Him and to obey his commands!
I am also praying for you today!
I definitely want to make sure I live for God and obey all his commands. I was pretty frightened after reading the curses for disobedience.
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. " Dt. 28:1
There is a list of blessings starting with verse 3.
I pray that God will continue to help me live for Him and to obey his commands!
I am also praying for you today!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Bad instinct? PRAY!
I was recently driving to Collierville and stopped at a red light. I felt this horrible feeling inside of me. I knew right away that my feeling was an instinct of something about to happen. I could not put a finger on why I was having this horrible feeling. I look over to the car next to me and there were two men of TWO different ethnic backgrounds staring my way. (You would have agreed with me if you were in the car with me!) I started getting closer to the car in front of me, so that my car would not be in line with their vehicle. Then, the men got closer until they were in line with my car again.
I knew right then that my instinct was coming from God. I immediately prayed for God to protect me and to help the light turn green FAST! I bet I prayed at least 10 times for God to protect me. I was very thankful the light turned green and nothing happened. Praise God!
Those guys were bad news! Although, nothing happened to me I know without a shadow of a doubt something could have or would have happened if I did not pray. I also know that someone would be their victim. Looking back...I should have prayed for the next person.
I also read a story about a woman who suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. The woman felt this urge to pray. She said it was around midnight or shortly after. She just started praying although she was unsure what to pray. She asked for protection of her home and her children. The next morning the woman found out why she felt the sudden urge to get on her knees. She said that a neighbor had been robbed at gunpoint. WOW-The POWER OF PRAYER!
"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" Deuternonmy 4:7
"Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:8-9
I knew right then that my instinct was coming from God. I immediately prayed for God to protect me and to help the light turn green FAST! I bet I prayed at least 10 times for God to protect me. I was very thankful the light turned green and nothing happened. Praise God!
Those guys were bad news! Although, nothing happened to me I know without a shadow of a doubt something could have or would have happened if I did not pray. I also know that someone would be their victim. Looking back...I should have prayed for the next person.
I also read a story about a woman who suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. The woman felt this urge to pray. She said it was around midnight or shortly after. She just started praying although she was unsure what to pray. She asked for protection of her home and her children. The next morning the woman found out why she felt the sudden urge to get on her knees. She said that a neighbor had been robbed at gunpoint. WOW-The POWER OF PRAYER!
"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" Deuternonmy 4:7
"Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:8-9
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Better Late Than Never...
I ran out of time this morning, so I was not able to post something until this evening. I also woke up late and did not have a chance to read the Bible. I just finished reading a passage a few minutes ago.
I read some scriptures that tell you to love your brother and neighbor as thy self.
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:44
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1-2
I can name many instances where I have not gotten along with people. I will name some places where I have not gotten along with people...
Old job (co-workers)
Current job
Family member (s)
Church
School
Grocery
Neighborhood
& many more places...
It is very difficult for me to forgive and forget. It is also difficult for me to try to get along with people who are not willing. I have a hard time loving someone back who is being mean or ugly.
However, God tells us that we are to love one another as brothers. We are to obey God's commands. I hope that I will reach out to those who have hurt me, who are mean to me, who will have nothing to do with me, who talk bad about me, who thinks they are better, who thinks they are more "godly"....etc...No matter how hard it may be...with time...I might be able to heal a broken relationship. This next verse is good!
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9
I read some scriptures that tell you to love your brother and neighbor as thy self.
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:44
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1-2
I can name many instances where I have not gotten along with people. I will name some places where I have not gotten along with people...
Old job (co-workers)
Current job
Family member (s)
Church
School
Grocery
Neighborhood
& many more places...
It is very difficult for me to forgive and forget. It is also difficult for me to try to get along with people who are not willing. I have a hard time loving someone back who is being mean or ugly.
However, God tells us that we are to love one another as brothers. We are to obey God's commands. I hope that I will reach out to those who have hurt me, who are mean to me, who will have nothing to do with me, who talk bad about me, who thinks they are better, who thinks they are more "godly"....etc...No matter how hard it may be...with time...I might be able to heal a broken relationship. This next verse is good!
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Use me, O Lord...Really?
I must admit I was scared yesterday when praying. I was scared to say two words to God--"use me"! I even felt something in my throat as if those two words were having trouble coming out of my mouth. Why?
I believe the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa Terkeurst, explains it well. She says sometimes we think God is a vending machine. We put in what is required and then hope to get something good in return.
We attend church hoping to have a good day, week, or month. We tithe because it is the "right" thing to do and hope God will reimburse us for something we desperately want, but do not need.
I can honestly say that sometimes I go to church because it is the right thing to do. I leave church feeling much better. Tithing is hard for me to do. I think twice about the amount I am "willing" to give instead of giving with a joyful heart.
I made a commitment to change my ways in 2010. I want to change how I just sit in a pew because it feels right...change how I tithe...learn how to witness...and I also want to get more involved with church.
So, I prayed yesterday for God to use me and to show me his plan for my life. It was extremely hard and I told God how hard it was for me to say those words. I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head.
...surely God does not want me to go overseas to witness or go on any other type of mission trip...
I have no idea what God has in store for me, but I will continue to pray and see how God plans to use me!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29: 11-14
I believe the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa Terkeurst, explains it well. She says sometimes we think God is a vending machine. We put in what is required and then hope to get something good in return.
We attend church hoping to have a good day, week, or month. We tithe because it is the "right" thing to do and hope God will reimburse us for something we desperately want, but do not need.
I can honestly say that sometimes I go to church because it is the right thing to do. I leave church feeling much better. Tithing is hard for me to do. I think twice about the amount I am "willing" to give instead of giving with a joyful heart.
I made a commitment to change my ways in 2010. I want to change how I just sit in a pew because it feels right...change how I tithe...learn how to witness...and I also want to get more involved with church.
So, I prayed yesterday for God to use me and to show me his plan for my life. It was extremely hard and I told God how hard it was for me to say those words. I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head.
...surely God does not want me to go overseas to witness or go on any other type of mission trip...
I have no idea what God has in store for me, but I will continue to pray and see how God plans to use me!
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29: 11-14
Friday, January 1, 2010
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
***You should be able to leave comments now under each posting. I turned on the comment section on the blog.***
Last year our church started a mission called "Obey '09" where each church member wrote down a certain amount of service hours they would commit to in the year of 2009. The hours were volunteering their time to impact the lives of others. There were many ways our church members used their volunteer hours.
*Traveling to another country on a mission trip to witness to others
*Vacation Bible School
*Olive Branch Food Pantry
*Local School Block Parties
*Volunteering in the Nursery
*Teaching a Bible Study Class
*Visiting the homeless
*Visiting old church members
*Witnessing to people at work, school, and in their neighborhood
I can not wait to see on Sunday the different ways our church, as a whole, were able to witness in 2009.
Our sermon last week (by Dr. James Stewart) was about the United States being our mission field. He said that the U.S. is the third largest mission field with China and India being 1st & 2nd. WOW!
It is all about stepping out of our comfort zones. I struggle BIG time in this area. It is very hard for me to walk up to a stranger and witness. However, there are different ways to witness!!
We are able to witness just by living a Christian life! We are able to witness by inviting others to church or helping someone in a time of need. We can use our spiritual gifts God blesses us with in order to witness (baking, cleaning, painting, singing, giving, etc).
I have a friend that struggled witnessing, so she decided to type up scripture verses and print them out. She walked around her neighborhood and taped them to her neighbor's doors trying to spread the word of God.
I plan to think of some ways to witness to people in 2010. I know it is going to be difficult stepping out of my comfort zone! I hope with a plan in mind and a goal (of service hours) I will be able to share the gospel. How about you?
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)
God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Don't let the comfort and security of your present position make you miss God's plan for you. (Life Application Study Bible, NIV)
I would like to share this video with you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3f_Ot9oBio
Last year our church started a mission called "Obey '09" where each church member wrote down a certain amount of service hours they would commit to in the year of 2009. The hours were volunteering their time to impact the lives of others. There were many ways our church members used their volunteer hours.
*Traveling to another country on a mission trip to witness to others
*Vacation Bible School
*Olive Branch Food Pantry
*Local School Block Parties
*Volunteering in the Nursery
*Teaching a Bible Study Class
*Visiting the homeless
*Visiting old church members
*Witnessing to people at work, school, and in their neighborhood
I can not wait to see on Sunday the different ways our church, as a whole, were able to witness in 2009.
Our sermon last week (by Dr. James Stewart) was about the United States being our mission field. He said that the U.S. is the third largest mission field with China and India being 1st & 2nd. WOW!
It is all about stepping out of our comfort zones. I struggle BIG time in this area. It is very hard for me to walk up to a stranger and witness. However, there are different ways to witness!!
We are able to witness just by living a Christian life! We are able to witness by inviting others to church or helping someone in a time of need. We can use our spiritual gifts God blesses us with in order to witness (baking, cleaning, painting, singing, giving, etc).
I have a friend that struggled witnessing, so she decided to type up scripture verses and print them out. She walked around her neighborhood and taped them to her neighbor's doors trying to spread the word of God.
I plan to think of some ways to witness to people in 2010. I know it is going to be difficult stepping out of my comfort zone! I hope with a plan in mind and a goal (of service hours) I will be able to share the gospel. How about you?
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)
God may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Don't let the comfort and security of your present position make you miss God's plan for you. (Life Application Study Bible, NIV)
I would like to share this video with you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3f_Ot9oBio
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