Last summer, we made the commitment to manage our finances according to Biblical principles. We read books, and listened to broadcasts from both Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial Ministries. We listened to their advice, and started making drastic changes to the way we viewed money matters. One of the biggest changes we made was to shred all of our credit cards and become free of debt.
(It is actually going to take us a couple more years to be entirely rid of our existing debt load, but we are moving steadily forward in the right direction).
We do not acquire new debt. We save. We budget. We plan. We pay cash. We assess needs versus wants. It is a whole new way of living for us.
It is working GREAT!
One of the ways we cut major expenses was to stop eating out at restaurants and fast food, and instead cook at home. That meant I had to learn to cook. I have not been very skilled in this area, so I have had quite a learning curve. I have finally gotten to the point of being able to make tasty meals on a regular basis, and even preparing meals for others when needed.
We are impressed with ourselves right now. But, we are even more impressed with God. He has blessed us beyond measure. Our church family, our extended family, and our friends rallied around us and gave generously to help us out with all of our travel expenses for Jersey #2's surgery. We started out with a budgeted amount in mind that we needed to save up to cover the expenses. We were given that EXACT amount by other folks. All of our needs were met....just like the Bible says....But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
In addition, our church family has filled our freezer full of meals and continues to bring meals to the house. It is such a blessing to be able to unwind from the recent stresses and not have to worry about meal preparation or grocery shopping. The ladies from our church have really taught me that there are many, many meals that can be prepped in advance and frozen for later. I had no idea such menu options existed.
I have been re-working our household budget now that life is taking a calmer course once again. The Referee and I have been discussing our priorities for our family, making plans, and making changes to the budgeting categories.
One area I hope to improve upon is the level of financial assistance we can offer to other folks going through challenges. I thought we were fairly generous before, but I was shown a whole new level. I was so humbled by the number of folks who gave us money, in addition to tithing regularly to their church. That is generosity at its best.
The next area I hope to improve upon is preparing more meals for folks who are going through challenges. No matter how big or how small the life challenge, a meal can really ease a burden. Everyone needs to eat. So, a prepared meal can be a real show of love.
We have just received an outpouring of love and blessings from our community, in the exact areas where we have been working hard to improve...food and finances. It seems our efforts have been greatly rewarded. And, our eyes have been opened to just how helpful those things can be to a family in crisis.
Our next step is to pay it forward...
(It is actually going to take us a couple more years to be entirely rid of our existing debt load, but we are moving steadily forward in the right direction).
We do not acquire new debt. We save. We budget. We plan. We pay cash. We assess needs versus wants. It is a whole new way of living for us.
It is working GREAT!
One of the ways we cut major expenses was to stop eating out at restaurants and fast food, and instead cook at home. That meant I had to learn to cook. I have not been very skilled in this area, so I have had quite a learning curve. I have finally gotten to the point of being able to make tasty meals on a regular basis, and even preparing meals for others when needed.
We are impressed with ourselves right now. But, we are even more impressed with God. He has blessed us beyond measure. Our church family, our extended family, and our friends rallied around us and gave generously to help us out with all of our travel expenses for Jersey #2's surgery. We started out with a budgeted amount in mind that we needed to save up to cover the expenses. We were given that EXACT amount by other folks. All of our needs were met....just like the Bible says....But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
In addition, our church family has filled our freezer full of meals and continues to bring meals to the house. It is such a blessing to be able to unwind from the recent stresses and not have to worry about meal preparation or grocery shopping. The ladies from our church have really taught me that there are many, many meals that can be prepped in advance and frozen for later. I had no idea such menu options existed.
I have been re-working our household budget now that life is taking a calmer course once again. The Referee and I have been discussing our priorities for our family, making plans, and making changes to the budgeting categories.
One area I hope to improve upon is the level of financial assistance we can offer to other folks going through challenges. I thought we were fairly generous before, but I was shown a whole new level. I was so humbled by the number of folks who gave us money, in addition to tithing regularly to their church. That is generosity at its best.
The next area I hope to improve upon is preparing more meals for folks who are going through challenges. No matter how big or how small the life challenge, a meal can really ease a burden. Everyone needs to eat. So, a prepared meal can be a real show of love.
We have just received an outpouring of love and blessings from our community, in the exact areas where we have been working hard to improve...food and finances. It seems our efforts have been greatly rewarded. And, our eyes have been opened to just how helpful those things can be to a family in crisis.
Our next step is to pay it forward...
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