Pages

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Economic Times Are They Really That Bad?

It really depends on your perspective, after listening to Dave Ramsey this weekend it makes me realize that money is truly the root of all evil and WE have made it that way. We SERVE money way too much!!! I am just like most Americans, we are suffering financially due to a recent loss of a job and new found employment that resulted in a much, much lower income level.

You guessed it, you make some immediate changes to your living habits due to necessity to make the lower income work in my household. Fortunately for me I have a wonderful, supportive spouse that is extremely hard working and does what ever is necessary....

I sometimes learn a lesson the HARD way. I've made great money over my adult life but didn't retain or save it like I should have and now I'm regretting it big time. I'm now in a position, thru my own mistakes to counsel my children in their affairs, however they are young adults and are prone to NOT listening. I've surmised that I will need to coach them but constructively and do it in such a manner not to be offensive and appearing to be in their business but more out of love and concern, compassion. If they choose not to heed my advice then they will need to make their own mistakes.

I'm still struggling with my own circumstances now but I'm more determined than ever to be in a DEBT FREE position very soon. It will include great SACRIFICE, but guess what no matter how great, it can't compare to the ULTIMATE sacrifice that was offered up for me and you! Like I said before, it definitely depends on your perspective. And remember, turn your financial stress over to HIM cause He can't handle it if you don't give it to HIM and you'll be stress free!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Let it A-loose!!!

Ok, in other words - SET IT FREE!!! No really, just set it free. Once you set it free, think of it no more....

Forgiveness is required, that is if you ever expect to enter the gates of Heaven! Do you really think that Jesus will forgive us and cleanse us if we hold grudges against those that have done us wrong or hurt us? The answer is pretty simple - NO.

Forgiveness is a very difficult thing. It takes a lot of soul searching, reflection on the bigger picture and the admission that you yourself are not guiltless in your own transgressions against others. Once you come to this realization forgiveness is much easier.

True forgiveness lives and breathes in your very heart. Once you've forgiven someone you should feel at peace and free. Can you image how much less stressful our world would be if we could all simply forgive? None of us are perfect and we will cause others pain whether intentional or not - what matters is how we respond and the sincerity around our own admissions.

Forgiveness is a great medicine for your spirit and soul, give it a try I assure you that you'll be at peace and feel much better. If you find it extremely difficult to do so, guess what - you can always call on Him to for help, cause He's always there for you.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Who Do We Turn To In Difficult Times?

I hope we can all answer this question by simply stating "Our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ"! Consider a few suggestions that we often overlook in our busy lives. We often lack seeing the big picture and the easiest answers when confronted with "doom and despair" situations, ok - maybe a little dramatic. Consider the following:

1. How about "Pray first" instead of last when we feel like..."nothing else to do but pray at this point". In this we would keep a personal and healthy relationship with our Father.
"but in everything, but prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:6

2. How about "Checking our Attitude", because we wear our emotions on our sleeves for all to see and we don't realize how that may affect or touch others negatively in our lives.
"...sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." 2 Corinthians 6:10

3. Don't Worry! It can't be God's problem if it's still yours!!!! Let go of it and give to Him.
"who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:27-34

4. Let's be Content with what we have!!!
"Give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Feeling inspired today and wanted to share these thoughts. I struggle each and everyday with these exact issues and hope that these thoughts may encourage or remind you that the big picture is not so BIG at all we just make it appear that way!