As a kid I remember the first "big ticket" item I saved my money to purchase. It was in the Service Merchandise catalog. It was $36.99. It was a gold banded Timex watch, that looked a little like THIS (except in 1987 14ct gold). I was 13 years old. I had barely started babysitting and jobs were few and far between. It seemed like every time I earned ten bucks my parents were reminding me to tithe and save. Spending wasn't really talked about...like most kids I didn't really have any trouble doing that!
Now it's time for me to start really teaching my own kids about money and I can hear my mom and dad's voice in the back of my head....tithe, save...then spend. It's true....I sound a lot like my mom these days. So, I've been trying to talk to Savannah and Tucker about how to manage their meager money. Along with mastering percentages, Savannah is learning to think about purchases more before she makes them. She's signed up for discounts at her favorite stores and receives the occasional e-coupon on her iPod touch. She's making progress, but still needs much, much, much guidance....and I need a recorder with my parents voice ringing out "tithe, save, spend."
Tucker's a whole nother story....at 7 years of age he barely understand that we don't have a money tree growing in the back yard. I've started paying both the kids for EXTRA chores at home. He is understanding that when he works he gets paid and when he doesn't ...no money exchanges hands. He enjoys earning a quarter here and there and is ready to open a back account for all his cash (his words).
There are plenty of resources out there to help us teach our kids about money. If we don't teach them, someone will. The world's methods of dealing with money is to borrow, borrow, borrow. But as Christians, we know God's Word teaches against that. So, if I am going to do my job well, I've got to instruct them according to God's word. Here are a few resources that might be helpful as you do the same:
Dave Ramsey's Junior Clubhouse
Compass has two great books The ABC's of Handling Money and The Secret to Handling Money God's Way.
Crosswalk.com has a great article about talking about money with your kids.
Money Matters for Teens
Just because your family may not have a lot of money (its all relative anyway) doesn't give us as parents the excuse not to teach them about money. If we don't do it somebody will. I don't know about you, but, I've looked around and am pretty sure the world doesn't know how to do it God's way.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Gifts....Thankful Thursday
A few things that I'm especially thankful for this week:
1. I found a $100 Lowe's gift card I had misplaced over 2 years ago. Ironic that I found it just a few days after I started deep cleaning my house and needed to buy little things like the blind wand that broke off the wood blinds 2 years ago, the toilet paper holder thing-a-ma-jig that holds the tp between the actual holder (that was specific wasn't it?), a shoe organizer, lightbulbs and a plastic shelving unit for my laundry room? I think not.
2. For the 10 potatoes that I dug up out of my garden. I know, I know....not a big yield....but still, after all they survived to just be with us today...2 late winter freezes, being mowed down not once, not twice...but three times...well, I think they deserve a standing ovation!
3. For the $25 pool that is making the summer more fun for the kids. Sure it's a glorified kiddie pool but it's already paid for itself by providing countless hours of fun for them. And it's cool and wet!
4. For the encouragement of God's Word. I've been revisiting some of my favorite Psalms in preparation for substitute teaching in Sunday School and I'm more convinced than ever of God's goodness, faithfulness and overwhelming protection over my life.
What are you thankful for today?
Thankful Thursday and One Thousand Gifts
1. I found a $100 Lowe's gift card I had misplaced over 2 years ago. Ironic that I found it just a few days after I started deep cleaning my house and needed to buy little things like the blind wand that broke off the wood blinds 2 years ago, the toilet paper holder thing-a-ma-jig that holds the tp between the actual holder (that was specific wasn't it?), a shoe organizer, lightbulbs and a plastic shelving unit for my laundry room? I think not.
2. For the 10 potatoes that I dug up out of my garden. I know, I know....not a big yield....but still, after all they survived to just be with us today...2 late winter freezes, being mowed down not once, not twice...but three times...well, I think they deserve a standing ovation!
3. For the $25 pool that is making the summer more fun for the kids. Sure it's a glorified kiddie pool but it's already paid for itself by providing countless hours of fun for them. And it's cool and wet!
4. For the encouragement of God's Word. I've been revisiting some of my favorite Psalms in preparation for substitute teaching in Sunday School and I'm more convinced than ever of God's goodness, faithfulness and overwhelming protection over my life.
What are you thankful for today?
Thankful Thursday and One Thousand Gifts
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Your Home Under Fire
I was reminded today at lunch that my home is under fire.
A godly woman spoke the words I've thought a thousand times.
"There is no place Satan wants in more than your home."
Within the walls of our homes are the things that most women cherish the most...our husbands and our children. Not much else matters when counting our tangible blessings. But, what I've been pondering lately is what can I do to protect and shelter my home from the fiery darts of the enemy. I know that the world is wrestling for my kids and my husband...and me, but I want, within the walls of our home, for there to be some sense of safety. A sheltering place, a refuge, a place where we've prepared and prayed and planned for the distractions of this world to be less.
Is it possible?
I don't know. (I say that a lot). I guess there are no guarantees but I'd like to think that God would honor our efforts to prepare our homes as a sanctuary for holiness, as a place where Satan and his agents are not welcomed by invitation. Here are a few things that we're working on at our home to safeguard our greatest treasures.
1. Pray together... at meals, at bedtime, at devotions, when you hear a siren, when someone is sick, when something good happens, when you're fearful. Pray out loud together. This models for your kids that you go to God in everything. I found out a neat little tidbit at the end of the school year with my kids. Bruce always took the kids to school since I left to teach so early. He was out of town towards the end of the year and we were riding together to school and one of the kids piped up that it was their day to pray. Seems that they had been taking turns praying on the way to school all year long. Way to go dad!
2. Censor your media viewing...Whether it's TV, magazines, music videos, the internet. I've been too lax in this area in the past. Although we've had a boundary it hasn't been near what it should be and unfortunately many of the attitudes and actions and vocabulary that kids pick up are influenced heavily by TV. So, earnestly pray about and be aware of what your kids watch...and what you watch too. Just because you're an adult doesn't mean that you're untouchable. The attitudes of the enemy are not selective when he throws his fiery darts.
3. Talk about issues. The dinner table is a great place to talk about what's going on in the world (given that your kids are a little older). Healthy debate and biblical foundations can be formed and polished if you know how God's Word applies to issues. This not only helps your kids form a Biblical worldview, it also keeps the up to date with current events and issues that they may be faced to defend of take a stand against. Home is a great place to practice defending your faith.
4. Keep perspective of eternity. There's an old saying that says "Don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good". I've meet people through the years (and might have actually been that person in some instances) that knew so much about what God's word had to say, yet the way they conveyed their information was so contrary to the love filled way God presents Himself. We can't grow weary in doing right. God's word tells us we will reap what we sow. However, if all I do is produce a generation of children that knows the legalities of God's word without the heart knowledge of Christ Jesus, I may instead raise a generation of arrogant, self consumed, holier than thou kids, who only know rules and not grace. Eternity is about grace. Remember that.
5. Treasure you time with your spouse. If like most couples, it's not near as much as you would like, but nevertheless, don't underestimate the power of a thirty minute talk over the grill, 15 minutes of quiet time before the kids get up or a once a month date night. Satan wants nothing more than to get you so busy so that you can't fit time with your spouse in your schedule. It's those moments spent in conversation or just in quiet comfort that your relationship is renewed, strengthened and made more fireproof. Neglect this point and you'll probably move from happy to lonely to looking for something to fill your heart vacancies...and that's where you'll need the fire department...because your home will be under fire.
Of course this list isn't exhaustive. We could talk for hours about ways to safeguard our most valuable commodities. I'm wondering, what would you add to the list.... share it in a comment.
A godly woman spoke the words I've thought a thousand times.
"There is no place Satan wants in more than your home."
Within the walls of our homes are the things that most women cherish the most...our husbands and our children. Not much else matters when counting our tangible blessings. But, what I've been pondering lately is what can I do to protect and shelter my home from the fiery darts of the enemy. I know that the world is wrestling for my kids and my husband...and me, but I want, within the walls of our home, for there to be some sense of safety. A sheltering place, a refuge, a place where we've prepared and prayed and planned for the distractions of this world to be less.
Is it possible?
I don't know. (I say that a lot). I guess there are no guarantees but I'd like to think that God would honor our efforts to prepare our homes as a sanctuary for holiness, as a place where Satan and his agents are not welcomed by invitation. Here are a few things that we're working on at our home to safeguard our greatest treasures.
1. Pray together... at meals, at bedtime, at devotions, when you hear a siren, when someone is sick, when something good happens, when you're fearful. Pray out loud together. This models for your kids that you go to God in everything. I found out a neat little tidbit at the end of the school year with my kids. Bruce always took the kids to school since I left to teach so early. He was out of town towards the end of the year and we were riding together to school and one of the kids piped up that it was their day to pray. Seems that they had been taking turns praying on the way to school all year long. Way to go dad!
2. Censor your media viewing...Whether it's TV, magazines, music videos, the internet. I've been too lax in this area in the past. Although we've had a boundary it hasn't been near what it should be and unfortunately many of the attitudes and actions and vocabulary that kids pick up are influenced heavily by TV. So, earnestly pray about and be aware of what your kids watch...and what you watch too. Just because you're an adult doesn't mean that you're untouchable. The attitudes of the enemy are not selective when he throws his fiery darts.
3. Talk about issues. The dinner table is a great place to talk about what's going on in the world (given that your kids are a little older). Healthy debate and biblical foundations can be formed and polished if you know how God's Word applies to issues. This not only helps your kids form a Biblical worldview, it also keeps the up to date with current events and issues that they may be faced to defend of take a stand against. Home is a great place to practice defending your faith.
4. Keep perspective of eternity. There's an old saying that says "Don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good". I've meet people through the years (and might have actually been that person in some instances) that knew so much about what God's word had to say, yet the way they conveyed their information was so contrary to the love filled way God presents Himself. We can't grow weary in doing right. God's word tells us we will reap what we sow. However, if all I do is produce a generation of children that knows the legalities of God's word without the heart knowledge of Christ Jesus, I may instead raise a generation of arrogant, self consumed, holier than thou kids, who only know rules and not grace. Eternity is about grace. Remember that.
5. Treasure you time with your spouse. If like most couples, it's not near as much as you would like, but nevertheless, don't underestimate the power of a thirty minute talk over the grill, 15 minutes of quiet time before the kids get up or a once a month date night. Satan wants nothing more than to get you so busy so that you can't fit time with your spouse in your schedule. It's those moments spent in conversation or just in quiet comfort that your relationship is renewed, strengthened and made more fireproof. Neglect this point and you'll probably move from happy to lonely to looking for something to fill your heart vacancies...and that's where you'll need the fire department...because your home will be under fire.
Of course this list isn't exhaustive. We could talk for hours about ways to safeguard our most valuable commodities. I'm wondering, what would you add to the list.... share it in a comment.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
10 Things...that make my day
I am generally a positive person. Generally. But every now-n-then, just like you, life stumps me, trips me up and instead of looking up, I get down. However, there are a few things that can put a smile on my face pretty quickly...
1. Hearing my kids use good manners. I like this. A lot. I like to hear them being polite and grateful and respectful. Especially when they do it on their own.
2. A Diet Coke from Diary Queen....with their ice...out of the fountain. I would buy one of those machines (ice and fountain) for my house if I had room. Maybe.
3. A new magazine in the mail. Southern Living, Better Homes, Taste of Home...and in a pinch, I'll rate some catalogs as good as a magazine...YWAM, CBD, Country Door.
4. Hearing a favorite artist on the radio....JJ Heller, Jimmy Needham, Merideth Andrews
5. Listening to the testimony of God working in someone's life.
6. Hearing from our missionaries.
7. A new sharpie pen....slight addiction...
8. An empty laundry basket....rarely happens...but when it does we observe a moment of silence.
9. The jingle of keys in the door that signals Bruce is home from work.
10. Time with my church family....truly some of the greatest people on earth!
What makes your day?
1. Hearing my kids use good manners. I like this. A lot. I like to hear them being polite and grateful and respectful. Especially when they do it on their own.
2. A Diet Coke from Diary Queen....with their ice...out of the fountain. I would buy one of those machines (ice and fountain) for my house if I had room. Maybe.
3. A new magazine in the mail. Southern Living, Better Homes, Taste of Home...and in a pinch, I'll rate some catalogs as good as a magazine...YWAM, CBD, Country Door.
4. Hearing a favorite artist on the radio....JJ Heller, Jimmy Needham, Merideth Andrews
5. Listening to the testimony of God working in someone's life.
6. Hearing from our missionaries.
7. A new sharpie pen....slight addiction...
8. An empty laundry basket....rarely happens...but when it does we observe a moment of silence.
9. The jingle of keys in the door that signals Bruce is home from work.
10. Time with my church family....truly some of the greatest people on earth!
What makes your day?
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday's Reading
Hopefully you're able to enjoy this Lord's Day basking in His goodness. Here are a few of my favorite links this week...articles and music that spoke to me. Maybe you'll have time today to take a look.
1. I Know Who You Are - JJ Heller writes songs about real life and Jesus. This is a song is powerful for anyone...but especially someone who is going through a time of faith testing.
2. Memorial Day Activities you can do with your Kids...via The Pioneer Woman
3. Audio Spanish Lessons...for FREE!! I think I will use these with my kids in the fall. They also have French Lessons.
4. Religion and the Oklahoma tornadoes ...a little warning...there is a little course language that I wish wasn't there...but it's a good article otherwise...and one that my heart resonates with.
5. Article about Teaching our kids to serve others... and fight the feeling of entitlement. HERE
1. I Know Who You Are - JJ Heller writes songs about real life and Jesus. This is a song is powerful for anyone...but especially someone who is going through a time of faith testing.
2. Memorial Day Activities you can do with your Kids...via The Pioneer Woman
3. Audio Spanish Lessons...for FREE!! I think I will use these with my kids in the fall. They also have French Lessons.
4. Religion and the Oklahoma tornadoes ...a little warning...there is a little course language that I wish wasn't there...but it's a good article otherwise...and one that my heart resonates with.
5. Article about Teaching our kids to serve others... and fight the feeling of entitlement. HERE
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Weekend Wrap Up
This week started with attending the funeral of a godly grandmother of one of the ladies in our church. Monday I sat and listened as this godly grandmother was memorialized. What a blessing to hear of someone who honored the Lord with her life. What a comfort to her family!
There was more cleaning out...overhauling...mopping...sweeping...scrubbing as I managed to finish deep cleaning the house. There are a few remaining piles to go through and several tiny jobs still to be done but for the most part, there's not an inch of the house that hasn't had a good cleaning.
In the cleaning out, Tucker and I came across his coveralls from just 2 years ago....
I also had a little time to start this little book...by Thom Ranier, President of Lifeway. So far, it's the best explanation and teaching book on church membership. He delves into all the uncomfortable churchy issues with biblical perspective. I'm loving it so far.
These girls twisted my arm and made me take them to Dairy Queen before church Wednesday Night
And...last but not least....friends are getting married today...Love is in the air...
There was more cleaning out...overhauling...mopping...sweeping...scrubbing as I managed to finish deep cleaning the house. There are a few remaining piles to go through and several tiny jobs still to be done but for the most part, there's not an inch of the house that hasn't had a good cleaning.
 |
| I have a slight addiction to sharpie markers...please don't judge |
In the cleaning out, Tucker and I came across his coveralls from just 2 years ago....
 |
| Is he allowed to grow this much in just 18 months? |
These girls twisted my arm and made me take them to Dairy Queen before church Wednesday Night
 |
| Lizzie and Savannah....Can I freeze time here too??? |
Thursday, May 23, 2013
What Happened on Wednesday
Church dismissed at 7:30pm. Or so I thought. What I didn't bank on happening was that Bruce would want to stay and throw a game of spades with some of the guys (is a pastor supposed to throw spades after church, at church ...that's another blog post). So as I meandered to the parking lot I ran into a couple of moms....and for the next hour and 15 minutes...we had...dare I say it, an extended church service.
Oh, the conversation actually started with talk of my new ride. Humbly I got to share again how good God was to give us such a blessing...(thanksgiving). Then one of the moms started talking about mom stuff...you know, kids, school, discipline, parenting, struggles, failures, concerns. In my heart and with my voice I too admitted some of my "stuff" and how God was teaching me some of those very uncomfortable lessons. Each of us casually shared verses and encouragement and wise counsel (edification). We talked of God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, God's patience with us as we learn our way, His Spirit guiding us (worship). And after an hour of sharing and listening and admonishing each other to stay faithful to this eternal job of parenting and mothering and womanhood, I left feeling blessed, encouraged and motivated. And hopefully they did too.
Sometimes you just need the after church church service. The one that takes place in the parking lot or the church foyer or at Dairy Queen eating an ice cream cone. Sometimes you need those iron sharpens iron conversations...the ones that aren't meant to condemn, but to create an atmosphere of motivation to do better...do your best...get focused. Sometimes you need a good swift kick from a friend to get your act together, to get back on track, to high tale yourself out of a sticky situation.
God isn't limited to meeting with us within the walls of our auditoriums in our church buildings. I love gathering corporately with my church family. I enjoy the time we spend together in worship and fellowshipping and teaching and preaching. But, forbid it Lord, if I miss YOU in the parking lot, where three moms happen to meet after church. Help me to see Your timing as a means to minister and be ministered to, instead of an interruption. God's busy all the time...He does not slumber or sleep....
I'm keeping my heart more open to where and when He wants to meet with me in unexpected places.
Oh, the conversation actually started with talk of my new ride. Humbly I got to share again how good God was to give us such a blessing...(thanksgiving). Then one of the moms started talking about mom stuff...you know, kids, school, discipline, parenting, struggles, failures, concerns. In my heart and with my voice I too admitted some of my "stuff" and how God was teaching me some of those very uncomfortable lessons. Each of us casually shared verses and encouragement and wise counsel (edification). We talked of God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, God's patience with us as we learn our way, His Spirit guiding us (worship). And after an hour of sharing and listening and admonishing each other to stay faithful to this eternal job of parenting and mothering and womanhood, I left feeling blessed, encouraged and motivated. And hopefully they did too.
Sometimes you just need the after church church service. The one that takes place in the parking lot or the church foyer or at Dairy Queen eating an ice cream cone. Sometimes you need those iron sharpens iron conversations...the ones that aren't meant to condemn, but to create an atmosphere of motivation to do better...do your best...get focused. Sometimes you need a good swift kick from a friend to get your act together, to get back on track, to high tale yourself out of a sticky situation.
God isn't limited to meeting with us within the walls of our auditoriums in our church buildings. I love gathering corporately with my church family. I enjoy the time we spend together in worship and fellowshipping and teaching and preaching. But, forbid it Lord, if I miss YOU in the parking lot, where three moms happen to meet after church. Help me to see Your timing as a means to minister and be ministered to, instead of an interruption. God's busy all the time...He does not slumber or sleep....
I'm keeping my heart more open to where and when He wants to meet with me in unexpected places.
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