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   Thank you for following my blog!  I now have my own website and will be blogging from there from now on. Please follow me at www.nameyourcash.com

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What was your name?

     Earlier this morning, I was reviewing my bank accounts and ensuring the transactions matched up with the budget entries.  There was one transaction that I couldn't remember exactly what it was for.  It had a name that I didn't immediately recognize and the date didn't line up with any shopping excursions. The rest of the transactions had the company name clearly marked.  Not remembering what it was for gave me "deja vu". I've been down this road before! In my past behaviors, I would use my credit card and not even blink at the amount.  I always told myself that I would just pay a minimum payment and could have maximum fun now!  If I did use my debit card, I knew exactly how much was available in the account.  The problem with that is I had a bad habit of forgetting bills in which I had already written checks.  The next day all of my transactions would go through and the checks would bounce.  This was a vicious cycle of behavior!

       It's ironic to me that in addition to my inability to recall the "name of my money", I also am terrible in recalling the "names" of people I meet.  I rarely forget a face but names escape me as quickly as I hear them.  It's a good thing that checking accounts don't have feelings and aren't insulted when you forget who they are and that some of their occupants are simply waiting for their train out of the station.  No bill has ever been left for very long at my train station and some leave as soon as they arrive!

     It is good to have reminders of what your money is for and who people are that quietly come in and out of your life.  Don't take it personally if I ask you your name, there is so much in this world to keep track of!

$1.37 - The Balance Of My Heart And My Checking Account

Do you ever have those days where you feel completely empty?  You feel like you've given everything of yourself to everyone who has asked and you need to take time to fill up again.  Unfortunately, time is not on your side and there is much more day left compared to your emptiness. The funny part is that, at the same time I was feeling empty, I received my daily checking account balance and it read $1.37.  I laughed at the amount as I remembered sharing with a friend that I often bring my checking account balance down to $1. "That's the beauty of using cash and knowing exactly where it's going", I told her.  To her dismay she said, "I can't imagine mine being that low, ever".  The difference for me now compared to me years ago is; all bills are paid!  I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from, whether or not I'll receive my final notice for the electric bill, or if the fumes my car has been running on will finally dissolve.  Instead, I have plenty of gas in the car, a pantry full of food, lights on all over the house, and I have the ability to share.
          Being a naturally giving person, the hardest part of being broke was not being able to invite others over for anything. I didn't have the money to pay for my own food, let alone anyone else.  Now, I share everyday with someone...my food, my time, my money.  However, today, I still feel empty.  From the song of Mary, mother of Jesus, written in Luke 1:49-55, is a song I now sing today..."For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me...he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands." 
       I take now this moment of quiet and ask the Lord to fill my heart up with the fruits of the spirit that he does so easily and quickly.  Remind me of the blessings that he has poured upon me, saved by His grace and mercy.  Fill my heart steadfastly! So I, in turn, may fill your heart.


For you have shown me Lord, $1.37 is plenty...yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  

Safe Within My Own Money

    What do I need to feel safe within my own money?  Is it the balance in my bank account sitting at a specific number? Is it knowing that my money is doing what it should for me and my family? Or, is it knowing that all my basic needs are provided for at this time. It is interesting to me to apply Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to financial situations. On the bottom level of the pyramid there are the basic four: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.  On the next level up there are social and relational needs like: entertainment, activities with friends, events. and vacations with family.  Above that level is providing above and beyond for yourself and others.  This is where I'm sitting with my feet dangling below and my finger still touching the tip of the bottom level.  I know how to show people how much I care by using my money to benefit them.  I know specific gifts that make my husband and children smile.  I'm able to buy a new purse, special face cream, and a new shirt (just for fun).  Still, I'm looking up at that top level and trying to figure out what it takes to get there.  How can I stop looking down and focus on the ultimate goal?  That top level is a place where I have enough and I no longer have to count each penny and adhere to a strict budget.  It is a place where I can do what I want to do for others and for myself. The bigger question is why am I still focused in the mentality of the bottom level?  Why do I scrounge around for things that are taken care of?  I need to get up and figure out how to get to the top level; both financially and mentally.  In this journey of my financial needs, I need to realize I am safe within my own money.

On a quest for wisdom

    As I went to the library this morning with the girls, I glanced at the rows of books with a longing to dive deeper into the writing of others.  I've had so little free time over the past few months that my list of priorities didn't include reading novels - fiction or non-fiction. I recently downloaded a Kindle App for my iPhone and have started reading a book called "The Wall Street Money Machine" by Jesse Eisinger & Jake Bernstein.  It has rekindled my passion for learning and I checked out a book today called "Make Money, Not Excuses" by Jean Chatzky.   I could argue that reading these books is a form of research for my own novel.  I'm learning more about my own financial mistakes, the mistakes of my friends and family, and most importantly the pathways towards financial success.  It is written in Proverbs 8:10-11, "Receive my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies, and desirable things cannot be compared to her." I want to remembered for my wisdom, not my material wealth.  I want to teach my girls that gaining knowledge is far more important than excessive wealth.  Gaining knowledge requires me to sit back and listen, research, and learn from others.  I may have expertise in an area but, God is the only true expert.  Although I will seek knowledge from other writers, the bible is my main source of instruction and inspiration.  As it is written in verse 12, "I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." May you all find yourself learning something new everyday!  

Time is Money

      When I was a teenager in the late 80's, I remember hearing about corporate executives trying to find a balance with work and family.  In the movies during that time, I remember them saying "time is money".  It's funny how much you hear a saying as a child, but it doesn't have meaning for you until you have an experience that shapes the phrase.  As an on-line professor and aspiring writer, my time really is money.  I must spend time on the class to ensure the students are being guided effectively through the course.  Even as I write now, I'm trying to improve my ideas and their cohesiveness with current publication demands. There are only so many hours in the day.  I wonder, how many hours do I spend on money-making activities?

       When I sit back and think about it; I am "working" approximately 10 hours a day, sometimes straight through without a break for myself.  It makes for some really long days but, there are goals that I have for myself and my family. It's often difficult to stay focused on those goals when you are exhausted from to-do lists, multiple jobs, and volunteer work.  Ultimately, my time without an agenda attached is limited. However, I feel successful when I am crossing something off the list then jumping into a playful unplanned activity.  The smiles from my girls are the best reward!

       As I try to imagine what God's plan will be for me in the years to come, I'm eternally grateful that my day job has been working along side of my beautiful little girls. My co-workers have been my children.  That's kind of funny when you think about it. Their ability to do more for themselves is enabling me to be more efficient with my time. My prayer today is that when I do re-enter the workforce outside of my home, my children won't feel left out.  I hope that they will learn to cherish our time together and understand that work is a part of life.  Maybe one day, many years from now, my girls will be my co-workers again.  Only the Lord knows what is in store for us! His time, his money!

Reflecting on our progress

As I began facilitating a new class tonight, I reflected on the changes I've made in the past three years.  It's what I've done with my money, not necessarily how much I've made, that's mattered to our family.  My income over the past three years has been like a yo-yo string, bouncing up and down.  We've lived on less, spent more on "emergencies", and still managed to have more than enough.  Being obedient to God and trusting in him fully has made all the difference.  Yes, I'm a budget queen and that has certainly helped us in those tight times.  However, I must pay tribute to the real provider - GOD! We would not be where we are today without him.  Thank you Lord for all you do for us!

A Budget For Your Savings

      While attending a writers' conference this weekend, I was given a unique opportunity to talk to a young man about his finances. There was a long line for the buffet that went out the door of the cafeteria and nearly around the side of the building.  It was snowing lightly and since I had been indoors, I didn't have a coat.  Looking at this long line of men that were sharing the campus for their men’s retreat, I was imagining how cold I would be by the time the line moved back into the foyer.  I asked a man standing at the doorway if he would allow me to take a place in line in front of him.  He said, “of course”, and we began to chat.  We began discussing his work and his current financial picture.  He was 28, single, a homeowner, and had been fortunate enough to put some money away for his retirement.  He also had some secure loans through banks that were helping improve his credit score.  I encouraged him and said that it sounded like he was doing well.  Then, he asked me a question that caught me off guard.  “What do I do now?”  He was unsure of how to use the rest of his money to prepare for his future.  I chuckled to myself and began thinking of when I was single and preparing for having a family.

            Determining what you need to start a marriage and family is very subjective.  I told this man that what he would need financially depended on his lifestyle.  First, I suggested that he talk with his friends and acquaintances that already have children about unexpected and budgeted expenses.  For starters, a child enrolled in full-time day care costs anywhere from $90 to $250 per week. If only one spouse is working, the other must be able to provide for everyone on one salary.  This includes everything from personal needs to the rise in your utility bill.  For him, I suggested he put as much money as he can away in a Money Market account that he can’t access with a debit card.  This account may need to be in a different bank if you aren’t a “saver”.

            Struggling with saving is a common dilemma that can be remedied in two ways. First, as mentioned above, choose a bank that is different from your regular checking account.  Check the rates on Money Market Accounts and regular savings accounts to find the best one for your money.  Second, name your money with specific goals.  For example, if you are saving for a wedding you would name your cash like this: wedding dress, flowers, tux, wedding bands, disc jockey, table decorations, bridal party gifts, etc.  Just like a regular household budget, your savings may need a budget too.  You are less likely to spend your savings if your goal has a name.  If your goals change along the way, you simply rename the money.  When you deposit money into savings that doesn’t have a name, it will likely disappear for little things that pop up unexpectedly.  In Proverbs 21:20 it is written, “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets”.  Give your money a name and save, save, save!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

When the weather is dark and gloomy, my mood is naturally reflective.  I think of similar days that are gone by.  I remember all that I have done, where I’ve been, and what I have and haven’t accomplished.  Then, my thoughts roam to tomorrow.  I look to what I’m facing that I know about and I dream about where I would like to be.  I’m a dreamer and my thoughts are often of tomorrow. I had a DISC profile completed on me that said, “Don’t dream with her, you don’t have enough time”.   There is a need for people like me to help others see the big picture.  For that reason, my dreaming talents are a blessing from God.  However, people close to me often remind me to “live in the moment”.  One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth”. It is a constant reminder to me that what I’m planning may not be part of God’s plan. This has been a huge growth area for me.  It has only been in the past year that I’ve accepted that simple truth.  Tomorrow is a day away, fix what you can now and leave the rest for God. 

            When it comes to our financial journey, the idea of planning for tomorrow is a major area for people. Retirement planning is a hot topic for obvious reasons.  Many people today are retiring today with the hope that Social Security will be there to support them.  Some people live so much in the moment that they forgot to look ahead.  Before they knew it, they were 62 and facing retirement.  Tomorrow had arrived and they are asking what happened yesterday.  Living paycheck to paycheck has led them to their last paycheck.  Like a job that has ended suddenly, their way of life has been stranded.  The unfortunate part is that their options are very limited.  Perhaps they needed more “dreamers” in their life.  They needed someone to ask the tough questions about tomorrow. Planning for tomorrow and talking to others is not always for boastful reasons; it is for showing others that you love them enough to care about what their life will look like when they face retirement head on. I will try to remember to live in the moment, as long as my friends know that they can always count on me to think about tomorrow.

Trusting The Experts

                Today, I have been overwhelmed with thoughts on the concept of trust.  This is such a complex subject with many facets to its’ definition and function.  In my little section of the world, trust is relying on the advice and expertise of others to accomplish my goals.  It amazes me how much we “trust” in a given day.  Here are some examples of my trust in just six hours. 

                As I was trying to wake up this morning, I trusted that when I pushed snooze on my alarm it would ring out again in exactly nine minutes (it did). I woke up to the sun shining, my house in the way I had left it, and my family all well and cared for throughout the night (thank you God). To make sure I would be fully awake when necessary, I trusted that my husband would bring me my morning coffee before he left for work (he did).  I began to get ready for the day and took my time knowing when I was expected to begin work (ready with time to spare). When the children arrived and woke up, we ate breakfast.  I trusted that the refrigerator had kept the milk from spoiling and my coffee pot would keep my essential second cup warm until I was ready for it (check, check, thank you God).  It all sounds so simple but, it requires a trust in God that is not easily understood.

                There are even bigger examples of trust that have been dominating my thoughts over the past few days.  We are looking at relocating to a different area and I have contacted a few experts to help us. First, I’ve contacted a realtor about our current home (there are some complex steps that must be taken instead of just selling it).  Second, I contacted my sister that lives in the area we want to relocate to.  She is already giving us specific living areas that would be best suited for us.  She has also given us job information and websites to check out that are local search engines.  We have trusted this realtor and my sister to provide us with their expert advice.  Gone are the days when we would simply pack up and go; there is so much more to consider when you have a house and a family.

                Finally, there is having absolute trust in God. This is a conscious work in progress! In Psalms 18:30, it is written, “As for God, His way is perfect: The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him”.  When I am feeling discouraged, hopeless, or anxious, it is hard to remember that God is my expert. He already knows what will be and I simply need to trust him. No matter if I endure a trial or tribulation, he is right there with me.   As my mother reminded me this morning, I can plan all I want but, God is IN CHARGE!!! I must listen at all times to what he is trying to tell me, especially when things go against my ‘plan’.  God’s way is perfect; I need to continually remind myself to trust the expert! 

Cash Accomplishment

    This has been a revolutionizing weekend for me in several ways.  First, I've finally purchased some new clothes and shoes that I desperately needed. Second, I paid for everything in CASH!!! Finally, I felt as if I had received a reward for all my hard work. It has been a long time since I felt this way and it has given me a sense of accomplishment.

      After having two children in the past three years, I thought my body would be forever possessed by the "mommy fashion".  Fellow mothers you can relate to the daily wardrobe...quick and easy, with matching not required since the diaper bag and toddler backpack end up on your arms too. Your shirt includes drool, spit-up, and/or cereal bars that were stuck to the leg and butt of the infant you just picked up.  High heels don't allow for much running after the toddler that has suddenly gained independence in the grocery store. I wear t-shirts, jeans, and slip on shoes.  After the intervention from a close friend, I now have Bandalino sandals, classy capris, and shirts that actually hug my new curves (thank you Weight Watchers!!!). 

      Cash, ah the most wonderful thing to use when buying clothes! I was forced to make choices and didn’t have the “debt devil” following me around the mall.  I watched as so many people answered “credit” when asked for their method of payment.  I’m thrilled to know that I’m no longer a slave to my debt because I do not emotionally shop anymore.  If it isn’t a necessity and not in the budget, it doesn’t happen! I’m not debt free YET but, my new behaviors will help me get there faster.

      Finally, I’ve been working hard to lose weight, save money for this weekend, and have the opportunity to focus on myself.  My sense of accomplishment comes from knowing that I’ve been patient.  I have waited determinedly and not listened to the hackling voices along the way.  Now, I can continue walking along with an open heart and mind, in super cute patent leather sandals, to the next flag on the road God has paved for me!

Advice

Yesterday, I was approached with the news that I may be losing one of the children in my care.  I felt every emotion you can possibly imagine and I immediately called one of my closest friends.  This friend always looks at a situation like I normally do – from every possible angle.  She allows me the four phone calls it takes to talk out everything.  Then, she even allows me to call the next day and keep talking.  Now, that’s a great friend.  I don’t always take her exact advice but, she always validates my feelings.  In Psalms 32:8 it is written, “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you”.” When we seek advice from others and from God, are we willing to hear their answers?  I have another friend that will tell it like it is.  She tells me the hard truths and doesn’t always read through my venting.  Sometimes I just need to let it all out; I don’t need a solution.  I need someone to sit back and say, “I hear you”.  Of course, I’m guilty of always offering solutions.  I’m not the greatest listener but, I’m working on it. It’s funny to me that I just realized, God always does exactly that.  Sometimes through prayer you figure out what God is trying to tell you, sometimes you don’t.  Sometimes the last thing you want to happen actually occurs, and the warning you were given just doesn’t seem long enough.  While talking to my husband about including this situation in our prayers, he mentioned that maybe if this spot becomes free, God is actually answering someone else’s prayers.  Ah, advice.  Sometimes you ask for it, sometimes people just give it, and ultimately the wisdom of others helps you make the right choice.  Today, I will end with this prayer. 

Lord, give me the patience to wait for your advice.  Open my ears and my heart so that I may accept any words you have to say to me; either directly or through others.  Allow me to continue walking on the best pathway that you have chosen for me.  May I always be looking forward at the light you shine in this world.  Thank you for sending your disciples to guide me and teach me.  Your will be done. Amen.

Written on April 27, 2011

Consistency

Over the past two years, my husband and I have been using a budget written for the calendar month.  That worked quite well when my previous job paid me only once a month. My husband has always been paid bi-weekly and twice a year he had an “extra” check.  I’ve heard advice from several people about using the “extra” check for things other than regular bills.  I’ve struggled with wrapping my head around how to use a zero-based budget consistently in this particular situation.  We had once used a 4-week zero-based budget but, it requires a lot of planning.  Now that I’m paid weekly, we are back again to a 4-week zero-based budget. It has taken some time to plan the transition. However, we are looking forward to having some consistency in our spending, especially in groceries.  Even though I’ve been nicknamed the “budget queen”, I still work hard to ensure that the needs of my family are adequately covered.  I remind myself that budgets must be changed as your work situation fluctuates, as your needs change, and when you discover new personal financial goals. Be flexible in your planning but, be consistent in your actions!

The Greatest Commandment

     
Today on Good Friday, many of us are acknowledging the resolve of the Lord to make his holy presence known to all.  I have acknowledged his presence in many ways and have seen the powerful ways he’s impacted people’s lives, without them even recognizing him.  We, as a society, are eager to have more, do more, and be more; thus, our impatience hinders our ability to see the amazing ways God is present in our lives.  Of course the Lord wants us to plan; but, he expects to be the writer of the plan.  If we look at our lives and make a list of what we want to accomplish, we should never put a deadline on it.  I was watching a television show where one of the characters was turning 30 years old and was reviewing a list of things he had hoped to do by that age.  He had written the list when he was 15 years old and some of the items were certainly from the mind of a young person with a positive outlook on life’s possibilities.  The accomplishments he had hoped to have checked off included: riding a wave and beating a video game in one sitting.  Many of those things on the list he had done or could easily do in a day.  However, what he was truly concerned about was that, at the age of 30, he was now a decorated war veteran and divorcee that would never find his true love. 

Love is the greatest commandment that God has given us; to love him with all our heart, with all our strength, and all our soul. Secondly, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Then, as he has written it, and showed it time and time again throughout history, why are we so convinced that we will never find true love?  It is already in front of us! God loves us in a way that no one else ever will, even ourselves.  If we start there, returning to the one who loves us unconditionally, we may begin to wait patiently on the rest of the pieces of our life.  In his love, he has given us what we need.  It is our inability to accept the love that he has offered that leads us to feelings of hopelessness, despair, loneliness, anger, greed, and hatred. We have become disgusted with the turmoil around us and in our own lives; to the point we reject the good things that come our way.  However, even in the depths of despair, he has sent his disciples to reach out and share that love.

I’m not referring to biblical disciples.  I’m referring to modern times, the people that we meet who have taken the time and effort to treat us in a caring, loving way.  I look back at the opportunities I have been given to share his love and I’m in awe.  I did not begin to feel love until, I accepted the complete unconditional love, and then passed that along to every person I met.  I began to see past the exterior and recognized the need displaying itself in others’ behavior, eyes, and words.  The most powerful response given is love.

 If we were to meet the Lord right now, I believe his first question would be, “do you love me?” A question so simple but, yet so complicated.  How many times have we been asked this same question by a person we were in a relationship with?  My two-year old daughter asked me this question a few days ago.  Without hesitation, I answered “yes”. Without hesitation, I answer “yes” to my Lord.  “Why then,” God may ask you, “do you not fully trust me?”  It is easy enough to say we believe but, to show we believe takes another leap of faith. When we have showed love to others along the way, it doesn’t matter if we have failed to accomplish our goals. The result, with God’s love living in us, is that we have accomplished his goals. If I could have held the hand of the man who was about to turn 30 and facing his lack of accomplishments, I would remind him that he has had and will always have God’s love.  He simply must be willing to accept it in its’ pure form with the faith of the things yet to come.  With each question we have we ask God and we will find the answers are written from love.  To understand and share those answers grows out of our love for him, for his word, and for his plan. 

The Greatest Commandment   -  Matthew 22:37-39  - Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

The gift of sacrifice

As we are nearing Easter weekend, my thoughts are filled with the gift of sacrifice that God made with the death of Jesus on the cross.  Eternal life with him is such an amazing gift that it is difficult to wrap my thoughts completely around this concept.  It led me to think about how we sacrifice to remove the sin of debt from our lives.  I was talking with a friend that has worked very hard to get himself and his family out of debt.  They have been successful and are now working towards building wealth.  His family has sacrificed several luxuries along the way but, he will undoubtedly tell you it was worth it.  I continued to caution him about going too far with sacrificing the luxuries.  In Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 it is written, “I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live, and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God”.  When we work hard, are good stewards of our resources, have paid our debtors, and give back to God what is his; then, he expects us to enjoy ourselves.  If you don’t allow yourself a little splurging every once in a while; you are more likely to fall into bad habits with your spending.  Keep your focus on God and the gifts he has given us.  He meant for us to enjoy what he has blessed us with; as long as we keep him first in our lives!

The gift of a birthday

            Yesterday, while attending a birthday party for a 3-year old, I had the privilege of talking with the girl’s great-grandmother.  Her observations about gifts really made me think about the shift in society from the thought of giving a gift itself, to giving themed gifts. As the little girl was pulling princess clothes and accessories from the bags, the great-grandmother commented on how elaborate the gifts were these days.  She mentioned that when she was a child there were only a few gifts and they were usually hand-made.  The time and thought required to create a gift probably meant far more to the child than the princess tiara that was simply grabbed off a store shelf and tossed into a shopping cart.  Without a second thought, I responded to her with a comment about how the perception of gifts is a strong indicator of debt acceptance.  Her generation didn’t believe in going into debt for anything other than a home.  The focus was on life itself, not on the material things. It was a mindset that you worked for everything you had and if you wanted more, you worked harder.  It’s a pretty simple concept that has been lost along the wayside as parents want to show their children how much they can give them.  Perhaps psychologically, parents are making up for the long hours of work and super busy schedules. 

At some point, we must have realized that a theme makes it easier for people to choose the “right” gifts.  This idea of the “right” gift makes me chuckle.  Are we afraid that if the child doesn’t like it, we will offend the parent? How about a lesson for our child in gratefulness?  It concerns me that we are so pressed for time and short on energy that we have allowed our creativity be put on hold. Instead, we have allowed the world to hold our attention in a very unhealthy way.  I am coming around to the mindset that a celebration of a birthday should be about friends and family; honoring the life of the child, and for that reason there is no need for a theme. A theme may be a way to show that we are better organized but, most children (especially under the age of 5), don’t even care about the plates and decorations being a certain way.  The presence of food, people, games, and cake is all they care about!  It’s not what they see, it’s what they do! This week, as we celebrate my husband’s birthday, I will teach my children that a birthday is a day to honor that person, not things.

Fishing for Taxes

      When I was growing up, I don't remember my parents mentioning much about taxes. The first time I filed taxes, I was 16 years old.  I had earned enough to meet the requirements to file.  I was so excited to be a tax-paying citizen.  Now, 20 years later, I'm not as excited.  We are still waiting on our state tax refund due to a missing form.  Trying to call them to verify that they have received this form is a nightmare!  They don't accept your call if there are too many people calling.  The answering service says that this is to ensure that when you get through, you do not have long wait times. However, we haven't been able to get through in a week.  Oh well, at least we filed.  I was thinking of a verse where Jesus tells people that they must pay unto Caesar what is Caesar's and pay unto God what is God's.  I was trying to find the specific verse and came across another passage where Jesus paid the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27).  In this passage he instructs Simon to cast a hook in the sea and the first fish he catches will have money in its mouth.  He instructs Simon to then give that money to the temple for their tax. 
      Imagine that Peter and Jesus are standing around talking and then tax collectors come up to Peter and asked if Jesus was going to pay temple tax.  Peter replies "yes" but, then hesitates because he wasn't sure how or if he should be exempt because he was Lord.  I can imagine the moment of anxiety that Peter felt when he was unsure if he had replied wrongly.  Would he have been responsible for paying Jesus' tax? Then, sitting in a house, Jesus tells Peter to go fishing.  I'm sure it was nothing like today but, I can only imagine Peter getting up and making his way to the water.  He would grab his pole; cast the line, and then TADA!!! Here is a fish on the hook and low and behold, there is money in its mouth.  Can you see other fishermen becoming instantly annoyed as this man simply cast his line and catches a fish without any hesitation?  If I know anything about fishing is that catching a fish takes patience and strategy.  Anyway, so then, did he take the money out and throw the fish back?  Gives a whole new perspective to catch and release.  Then, Peter walked back to the house where Jesus and the tax collectors were, and gave them their money.  Who knew a sea could be an ATM!!! 
         I suppose that on this day, tax day, we should delay our duty no longer, and pay the collectors.  It is owed to them, just as we owe God for his blessings on our life.  As we patiently await our refund, I must remind myself that the money we are waiting on will not save us from drowning in a sea of debt.  Therefore, may my day be filled with gladness and appreciation for what God has given me!

The debt fear of a child

        Like a monster that has awakened a child from slumber, your debt is tearing your family apart! How long before we realize that our debt not only affects our future but, also the future of our children?  In this, we are not speaking of an inheritance.  I'm talking about fear that lives deep within us and keeps us gently holding the hand of false security.  I have a friend that mentioned the debt of her parents kept her family from being able to answer the phone.  The bill collectors would call and harass her parents to the point that the fear captured their family and held it hostage.  The worry carried as a burden on her when she was a child was unbearable.  Now, as an adult, she works as much as possible to get out of debt. 
          I remember sitting at work with another friend as she glanced at the unceasing efforts of bill collectors to reach her.  The fear of admitting that she had nothing weighed so heavily on her heart, that she couldn't bear to talk to the people on the other end of the line.  These collectors are taught to push your buttons, play on your emotions, and get you to agree to anything that will get them their money.  I get calls all the time from collectors looking for a man that has the same first and last name as my husband.  They are relentless and don't always believe that they have the wrong number. 
          There are two specific feelings I have about this type of situation. First, I'm saddened by the fear we hold so tightly to ourselves. For whatever reason, we refuse to let that fear go and lay on God's shoulders.  I counted 63 times from one of my concordances that God says to his people, "FEAR NOT!".   This phrase is followed by reminders that our Lord is always with us.  Next time your phone rings and you think it may be a bill collector, FEAR NOT, and tell them that God is with you.  If they want to speak to you they must be respectful or you will hang up.  If they become rude or raise their voice, HANG UP!!! Tell them you are working on a plan and will try to pay them what you can, when you can.  Tell them you are aware of your debt and intend to pay your debtors as God has instructed you to do so.  However, you are not afraid of them or anyone else.  Your life will not end if you tell them you don't have the money.  They can't jump through the phone and get you. They won't jump out of your closet when you are sleeping. 
         My second feeling on this is, to be perfectly honest; it's their job to call you out on being late on your payments! Stop acting like a child and face the consequences.  Make an arrangement you can live with.  Even if it is not what they want, tell them what you can give them this month.  Tell them that they may call you back in three weeks to find out how much they will receive for the next month.  Tell them that if they call you more than that, it is harassment and you will not accept the call.  Remember, you made the bed. Now sit up, straighten up your covers, grab your bible, and ask God to help you write a plan.  Don't just give up, that's the fear that Satan lives for!
     Don't let fear run your life, your children's lives, your spouses' life, or your parents' lives.  We are only here on this earth for a short time.  God has control! FEAR NOT!

Convenient messages

As I was chatting away with a friend and later with my mother, we were discussing the topic of teaching at a time of convenience for people with small children. I am debating about having an FPU class in my home on Saturday mornings to accommodate my friends with busy weekday schedules.  Also, we all have small children that don't do well with others after 7pm.  We affectionately refer to it as the "toddler witching hour".  My mother referred me to the passage in 2 Timothy 4:2 that reads, "Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction".   It reminds me of my teacher training and the instruction that was reiterated; take advantage of teachable moments.  Any way you can, you should be looking for the opportunity to help a child grow in the foundations of knowledge.  God's desire is no different for us! At every moment, we should be taking advantage of an opportunity to learn and teach about his plans for us.  This is exhausting but, rewarding in a way that is indescribable.  We help a child learn to read, God helps us to understand how to teach, and we help a friend find their righteous path.  It doesn't get any better than that.

My Presidential Friends

I'd like to talk about how quickly some  friends pass in and out of our lives: Washington, Lincoln, Hamilton, Jackson, Franklin, etc. It's different when you hold cash in your hands to purchase things you want and need. A close friend of mine shared her story this week about paying cash for groceries.  She said it made a difference in how much she thought about the total.  Instead of swiping a card, and casually mentioning how much she spent when she returned home from the store, she had to repeat the total.  The physical act of looking at the bills and counting the cash made her acutely aware of how much she spent. I chuckled because I always calculate the approximate total of my items cost as I shop.  Apparently, that is a rare phenomenon.  I've always shopped that way and I consider it a sort of game to see how close my rough estimate is to the exact total.  I can honestly say, that I'm usually within two dollars.  I've had to put things back before.  It is not embarrassing, it's smart shopping! At what point in our society did we go from "pride in swiping the card to buy it all", to "pride in showing we can make smart and healthy choices"? It's amazing how much difference it makes when you take cash to the store instead of your card.  Today, I will glance at my friends, Jackson and Lincoln, and remind myself how precious they are to me.  They don't mean the world, they aren't true friends, but, they are precious in their own right.  I worked hard for them to be here and for that, I will cherish their value.

Walk a mile in my shoes

A friend sent me a text yesterday asking if my husband might have a pair of shoes that a teenage boy could borrow for the prom.  Instantly, I said that if we could find them, he could borrow them.  Now, I have no idea who this young man is and giving a pair of shoes that you hope to wear again is a leap of faith.  I was watching an episode of Secret Millionaire a few weeks ago and a businessman was passing out clothes and toiletries to homeless people on skid row.  An older man walked by the van with excrement on his shoes.  Disgusted and determined, the businessman asked the older man what size shoe he wore.  Without hesitation, the businessman took off his own shoes and gave them to the older man!!! Wow! He was so selfless and I hesitated about allowing this young man borrow my husband's dress shoes that have been in the closet for ages, worn only four times in the past year.  Can I be more like the businessman and take off my own shoes for someone with an immediate need?  What am I holding on to that could meet someones needs today?  I have a friend that posted a picture on facebook of his feet because he was going a day without any shoes.  What an experience that must have been! Today, I will be thinking about how a necessity can be considered a luxury for those who have very little.  As my dad always used to tell me, "walk a mile in their shoes before you pass judgement!"

Your health is your wealth

Yesterday, I enjoyed a surprise lunch with my husband and my daughters at a local Chinese restaurant.  We opened our fortune cookies at the end of the meal and mine read "Your health is your wealth".  I chuckled at the saying but, then I realized how true that is for everyone!  When you are not healthy, your ability to create wealth is limited.  God gives us many opportunities to work for the wealth of our family and to serve others.  I was talking to a family member yesterday about how we reach a certain age and our bodies simply can't handle the work demands of most jobs.  I have been thinking about retirement from a perspective of you don't have to work if you are financially secure.  I had not thought about not working because your body isn't supporting the demands of the job.  Now, when I'm planning for retirement, I will plan to work as long as I can to benefit my family and others.  However, I will be realistic that the time frame will be all God's.  It will be according to his plan and it may not be anywhere close to my idea of an appropriate time.  Therefore, like the squirrel that puts away acorns for winter, we should be putting something away for the winter of our lives.  If our health is our wealth, then right now I'm rich! If I have learned anything from my elders, it is that nothing lasts forever!  I should take advantage of the health I have now and save, save, save!!!

When it comes to goals, can saving money be like preparing for a marathon?

I was attending a Weight Watchers meeting tonight and the topic was about goals.  They are kicking off a 6-week walking challenge to prepare for a 5K in May.  The plan includes starting slow by walking 10 minutes a day the first two days, then increasing the length of your daily walk until you are walking consistently for 45 minutes. In the past, I have participated in training for 5k's and other running goals.  After a few weeks of training, I realized that the hip pain I was feeling far exceeded the joy I felt in completing the training.  

Looking back at my ability to save money, my "training" was about the same.  You start off slow; a few dollars a week, then slowly increase until you are putting away 10% to 15% of your pay in a retirement savings.  Needless to say, that up until a year ago, I never made it past the "few dollars a week".  I'm still putting away a few dollars here and there because that is virtually painless.  However, to be intense about paying debt and saving for my future, I've not figured out how to get past the "pain".  I struggle with sacrificing as I have witnessed others testimonies of sacrifice.  Don't get me wrong, I've given up plenty and have a new outlook on needs versus wants.  However, I wonder if there is a point where you work through the "pain" and break through to that "runner's high" that people talk about.  Is there a "financially secure" high?  These questions I ask myself leave me to come to one real conclusion.  I'm running a financial marathon that includes many bumpy parts of the trail. My ability to dust myself off when I fall and to run again is based on my faith in God.  I know that my training will include trusting in God to provide, relying on others, learning from mistakes, and not giving up on my goals.   At least I know that when I finish this financial marathon, God will have been with me all along the way, and he will be there to help me celebrate by helping others in his Kingdom.  Let's keep on training!

Presence As A Present

I was attending an Early Childhood conference yesterday sponsored by the Alliance for Kids.  In one of the first sessions I was attending, the presenter showed us this quote by Jesse Jackson: "Children need your presence more than your presents."  Of all the wonderful information that I received at the conference, reading this quote helped me the most.  I had been debating working outside the home and not renewing my day care license.  After much prayer and conversation, I realized that the Lord has me in this career for a reason. There are people I continue to meet in this field that are blessing my life with their wisdom, compassion, and encouragement.  On a daily basis, I'm changing my perspective on my work and the impact it has on my children and the children I care for each week.  No matter how little the pay, or how menial the task may seem to me, these children are happy to be with me.  I could work in a position that pays much more but, I would only be able to spend a few hours a day with my girls (except weekends of course).  I recognize that many people are unable to stay home with their children; hence, the need for day care centers and family child care homes. However, for me to have chosen a different path based on money would have resulted in my children only having presents from me, not my presence. 

This also brought up a second thought for me: am I truly giving them my presence?  Yes, I'm physically there with them but, am I emotionally with them?  Children need uninterrupted time to play for their imaginations to flourish.  However, when they call on me to read a story or hold a baby doll, do I accept their offers or continue checking my email?  There have certainly been times where my lack of sleep has kept me emotionally unavailable for their simple play.  I didn't have the energy to engage them in a way that would increase their vocabulary, offer a different option, or show them new ways to play.  At the very least, I am grateful that I gave them my love.  It doesn't take much energy to give a hug, hold a child on your lap, or let them climb over you as you lay in the floor. 

When you are with your children or any children that are a part of your life today, give them the greatest gift you could ever give them....YOU!!!

Firstfruits

For many people across the nation, today is payday! It is the first day of the month and a Friday; many people are counting their monies and making plans. We check our accounts to make sure the money is there and then we prepare for withdrawals.  For some of you, everything is gone within a few days.  Many people have mortgages and car payments that are paid out with the first check of the month.  I wonder; how many people are keeping God in mind for their first paycheck? There are many references of giving firstfruits in the Old Testament.  These things include: corn, wine, oil, honey, frankincense, wheat, and various livestock. Oil and wine are mentioned multiple times! In biblical times, oil and wine were precious items.  These expensive items were considered acceptable sacrifices to the high priest and to God. 

What would that look like for us today?  If you were asked to give of the most valuable of items that you have received for the month, what would they be?  As you are pulling out your cash or debit cards for one of your large shopping trips to Wal-Mart, Sam's, or Costco, would you buy something for your church food pantry or local food bank? What about setting aside and donating some old clothes that are taking space in your closet after you hang up that new shirt you just bought? What if you skipped happy hour this week and paid for some people to enjoy a hot meal at a soup kitchen? 

I know, you're probably feeling a tug of guilt mixed in with a bit of hoarding.  I deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Why should I give up my entertainment to help people?  The answer is simple...

GOD TOLD YOU TO!!!!  When you do something for others, the blessings will pour out to your family.  Don't believe me?  Try it this week and see what happens!

Dollars equals friends

Once upon a time...I lived a different life filled with many luxuries, plush accommodations, plenty of wine, fine clothes, grand meals, and expensive jewelry. Looking back, I had many "friends".  Weekends at my home were filled with various people entertaining one another, luxurious shopping trips, meals fit for a king (and priced that way too), and fine wines to drink. I was just a pretty face.  There was no depth to any relationship I was in, including my marriage at the time.  In Proverbs 19:4 it is written, "Wealth adds many friends, but a poor person is separated from his friend."   As I read that verse, I realize now that my true friends were not active during my life at that time.  We were completely separated by my selfishness, money, misunderstandings, and arrogance.  When you are not living your life for God, but for man, for "friends", you will soon find yourself where I did years later. I was broke, alone, and had damaged many true friendships and family relationships. In verse 10, I find it even more fitting for that time of my life: "Luxury is not appropriate for a fool."  Perhaps the reason my luxurious life was fleeting was because I was not blessing others.  I'm not talking solely about giving to church offerings or charities.  I'm talking about not benefitting anyone but myself, in any way, every day, day in and day out.  That is a hard thing to admit.  Though my environment was influenced heavily by others, it was my own choices that framed my life.

Do you have the right kind of friendships in your life?  Is your money or lack thereof, causing rifts in your relationships with your friends and family? 

Don't let money continue running your life another day!  Search out the wisdom found in God's word...start with Proverbs!

Early Equals Prepared

I was thinking yesterday about the saying "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise".  I was up earlier than usual to prepare for what I knew was going to be an early day for my two girls.  I love to have a routine and I pride myself in adhering to a schedule each day.  I've found that consistency in our schedule ensures my family is happy and healthy!  I'm certainly not a morning person and getting up before 7:00 am is a real struggle.  At any rate, I was prepared and it made all the difference.  There have been times in my past when I woke up well after my alarm and rushed to arrive to work on time.  I felt inadequately prepared for the day ahead, felt short on patience, and I could never get caught up as the day raced onward.  I do not like feeling that way and I make every effort possible to avoid those situations.  I like to be at least 15 minutes early for everything, especially if I'm leading or teaching.  In those cases, I would prefer to be 30 minutes early.  Life doesn't always allow for me to be that early but, when it does, I have a more successful day!

When we are early, we are more prepared for what situations we face throughout the day.

Were you prepared for your day today?  If you weren't on the early side this morning, were you able to catch up?

Without a list

Today, my husband and I ventured into Wal-Mart without a list.  I know, embrace yourself super-planners!  In the past, we would have wondered around making purchases of items that were not necessary for the menu.  After two years of living with a plan, we were able to shop without a list.  Amazing!  As a matter of fact, we only forgot one item that we usually have on Sunday mornings...cinnamon rolls. :)  The rest of the items purchased were in our budget and part of the plan.  Being spontaneous can be fun for some things but, not when it comes to spending money.  If you don't have it, you can't buy it! When you live with a plan for an extended time period, it becomes habit!

Have you ever shopped without a list and ran into trouble paying your bills later?

Looking at our work - Day 7 - Learning Environment

Looking at my work the past seven days, I've realized how important every task is to the people you serve.  If you work with a happy spirit, heart of love, and gentle hands; you will reap rewards greater than you could ever imagine.  The biggest part of working is learning about yourself.  That’s why some people can stay in the same job for years while, others move on after a few months or a few years.  As you learn more about yourself, you find out what works for you and what doesn’t.  We adapt to the environment and the environment begins to change us.  We change our perspective, our expectations, our ideas, and we grow as individuals.  We don’t always realize what an effect a job can have on us until we no longer have that job. 

Today, think about your work environment.  What has your job taught you? What can you learn from your job, no matter how you feel about the job?

Looking at our work - Day 6 - Lazybones! Sluggard!

I was listening to the Dumping Debt lesson of Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" last night and began to read one of the passages he mentioned in the lesson.  He mentioned that in Proverbs 6:1-5, the Lord directs us to "Go, humble yourself, and appeal firmly to your neighbor. Permit no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from a snare, and like a bird from the trap of the fowler." God's plan for getting out of debt is: do not rest until you have worked yourself out of the slavery of debt! I've facilitated this course 4 times before and this time, wow, this really hit home.  I must be more diligent.  I don't have a great success story, YET. I will though, we will, as we begin to truly grasp these words.  In verses 10-11 it is written, "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to relax, and your poverty will come like a robber, and your need like an armed man".  I wonder how many times we choose rest, without pay, over work.  Why didn't we take that shift that someone asked us to so they could attend a family function? How many times have we let Satan have hold of our work? If we are lazy, we are not being obedient to God.  Now that is a tough pill to swallow.  No one wants to identify themselves as lazy.  Keep in mind that 'lazy' is not a characteristic that we have constantly.  Often we admit that we need rest and need to be lazy.  God recognizes those times that we need to rest.  What he wants from us is to work for him.  We are in his kingdom and with that privilege comes responsibility.  We each have a role to play in serving others in his kingdom. 

Are you willing to open your eyes to see the work that God has for you to do in his kingdom?  Will you choose sleep over working for God?

Looking at our work - Day 5 - Honing our abilities

Last night I was thinking about attending trainings in my current career field.  As I paid over the phone for two classes, I wondered what the purpose is if I already know how to care for children and have been trained for years regarding age appropriate activities.  Secondly, I'm my own boss; I don't have to worry about performance evaluations.  Then, I thought about this verse. In Proverbs 22:29 it is written, "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people".  Basically, the people who strive to continually improve the abilities they've been blessed with will be more confident in their work.  Although I'm my own boss right now, a future employer will want to see that I didn't just "stay at home with my kids and babysit others' kids".  They will want to know what steps I've taken to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and improve my abilities.  When the time comes for me to work outside of my own home, I will have an advantage over others who did not attend trainings. While I'm attending a training class tomorrow night, and as you attend yet another company meeting, remember this simple phrase: People who work hard will have the best jobs and work for the best people. I want to be the best I can be at my job so that I can work for the best people!  

Are you just "doing your job" or are you looking for updates to the methodologies of your chosen profession? Could you take your skills and really focus on an area this week?  It doesn't have to be about your weaknesses, it should be about your strengths!

Looking at our work - Day 4 - Guarding against overwork

When your boss asks you to stay late, are you quick to reply?  There are multiple reasons why we give a quick 'yes' or 'no'.  For the quick 'no', there is usually a legitimate reason such as, a doctor's appointment, a previous engagement (happy hour does not count), or a function for your children or spouse.  For the quick 'yes', we must be prepared to defend our decision if necessary to others.  You might need to extend your child care hours, did you speak with the provider first? Your spouse may have something spontaneous planned that you were not aware of, should you have checked in before you answered yes?  The reason we have said yes must be of a productive nature, not for greed or repayment of a favor.  The bottom line is that when we agree to work overtime, we should not expect the benefits of that additional work to be immediately recognized by the people we consider important in our lives.  Overworking can lead to a multitude of problems in a marriage, family, and even with the quality of our work.  In Exodus 34:21 it is written, "Six days you shall labor, but even on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest".  In order to be prosperous, it is essential that we take breaks. The planned "off-time" from work is necessary!

Are you working too much?  Have you been considerate of your family when agreeing to overtime?  Money isn't everything, you can't buy more time!!!

Looking at our work - Day 3 - Industry Standard

Today, I was thinking about industry standards.  Is there any one person that decides the standards a particular industry follows?  For example, in the service industry, who outlines how a customer should be treated?  The answer is simple - we do!  Customers throughout time have determined the acceptable level of service for the people who are meeting their needs.  As a result, companies that do not adhere to the "standard" are eventually forced out of business.  They close because they lose customers and they run out of money.  When we are fair to our customers and establish reasonable boundaries for service, then our work becomes successful. 

Are you being a fair and reasonable customer? Are you being a fair and reasonable business owner?  Knowing that the one person you truly work for is God, are you following God's business plan for your work?

Looking at our work - Day 2 - "Obsession over possession"

Are you intimately connected to your possessions?  With the disasters that have happened in Japan this past week, I was thinking about possessions.  What if you had everything wiped away with little to no warning?  Would spending your tax refund to buy that new TV have been worth it?  Your debt is on paper and is not located in your home.  Think about this, if your car were damaged then insurance would cover most of the replacement cost.  However, your credit card would still be maxed, your student loans still high, and any personal loans you've taken are still on record.  With today's digital age, our debt is traceable no matter what the disaster.  In Luke 12:15 it is written, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions".  Be aware of what you have, what your goals are, and what you can give to others. When we work, what are we working for? Is it to gain possessions? I've always said, "You can't take a U-Haul behind a hearse"! 

What do you possess that matters to you?  Is it material or immaterial?  When someone has lost everything, how will you give to them?

Looking at your work - Day 1

For the next 7 days, I want to take a closer look at our work.  In the book Thou Shall Prosper, Rabbi Lapin says, "Few people can truly excel at occupations about which they entertain moral reservations".  If you feel like you are not helping others by the work that you do, then you should take a closer look at each task that you accomplish in a given day.  Some days may be full of recognizable ways in which you've helped someone but, other days you may feel like you are a character in the movie Groundhog Day.  You just keep doing the same thing over and over until you get it right.  The question you should be asking yourself every morning is this: "Is there something I can do today to help someone else above my normal duties".  It may be as simple as making extra copies for someone who is overwhelmed in the office, helping someone struggle with moving a piece a furniture, or giving someone a much needed break.  We are all aware of how our bad days can spread like germs on a shopping cart.  At the end of a bad day, we question if the job itself is the problem. It is impossible to be successful at a job in which you are continually second guessing yourself. 

Do you have moral reservations about your work?  Can you see the benefit to others?  Will you make an effort today to change your perspective?  What will you do today to stop standing still in your work and start moving towards success?

Like pieces of a puzzle that constantly changes...

My budget puzzle keeps constantly changing!  I modify my budget on a daily basis!  My income is inconsistent and I have to keep adjusting to the changing income.  I give my money a name and then sometimes it changes as fast as my outfits!  More than my changing income, the name changes with my mood.  Today, out of a necessity, I took money out of groceries for some over-the-counter medicine for my daughter.  I'll rearrange later...if only I could sneak away to my budget now...