Philippians 4:8-9

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Not your typical Womens Retreat!



I had an amazing time at the retreat, but not for the obvious reasons. The teaching focus of the weekend was "The bride of Christ"...
The speaker was just not my style. I had a hard time focusing on what she was saying and felt myself being easily distracted. That's NOT to say that I didn't learn anything, but not in the typical way.

What I walked away with was an AMAZING look into my heart & the motives of my actions or lack of actions regarding our finances. I hate conflict, so if there was any "issues" with our finances...I would just ignore it until we got paid again. I know some of you think I'm CRAZY, (I am) but I was just so uncomfortable talking about anything regarding our money.
At the retreat I attended a Budget & Finance workshop (at the nudging of the Lord) I actually felt like this was tailored just for me. My heart was so burdened that weekend with the fiances, and I just felt like "this is why I am here".
As I sat in the workshop soaking up all the information, my heart became more heavy by the minute. I knew the way I had been "avoiding" and making decisions without consulting T was WRONG...I heard it LOUD & CLEAR!

AS soon as the workshop was over, a nap was in order! After the nap, I spent some time with the Lord confessing, thanking Him, and praising Him! He has been so faithful even thru my avoidance He has always provided for us!!
But...my heart knew that there was more to be done...I had to confess to T, and ask him for forgiveness as well. T was way excited about the pending new financial plan, he forgave me right away and jumped on board!!!

I went into this weekend expecting to meet with God, but never imagined it would be in my checkbook! He never ceases to AMAZE me and SURPRISE me!

Below are some of the "budget tips":
Spend all your money on paper BEFORE you cash your check.
Create a zero based budget: List out all your monthly expenses & zero out all money
Then:
Step 1- Set up an emergency fund (at least $1000.00)
Step 2- Put all extra money towards paying off debt (including cars, credit cards)
Step 3- Save 3-6 months of expenses in bank

I was intimidated at first! But the whole point of step 1 is so if anything comes up unexpectedly you don't have to stop paying down your debt, you just take it from your emergency fund and you continue paying down your debt as planned.
As you are paying down your debt you start with the smallest debt to the biggest debt. Pay off the smallest one first, then apply that money to the next debt in line. Soon you will be making large payments in your biggest debt, therefore, you are well on your way to being DEBT-FREE!!!!

P.S. We are still on Step 1....this is a process people!!!!!!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Living the dream!





No, we are NOT pregnant...this is Halloween!!!! I was literally "living my dream" and T was a construction worker! We went to the Harvest Festival at our church. We had such an amazing weekend!(not just because I got to "pretend" I was pregnant)

God is so good and so faithful!! He knows EXACTLY what and who we need in our lives. When I look back on this past year, I can see the Lord guiding T and I in our every step. He lead us to our church family where we have just been loved on and blessed in so many ways! The friendships we have made, and continue to make, remind us of Gods love. Our marriage group and the Youth leadership team have been placed specifically in our lives for such a time as this!




An awesome couple has been put in our lives that have struggled with infertility and have gone thru EXACTLY what we are currently going thru. God is so good!!

Dwayne and Deneva lead the marriage group, and their friendship has been so comforting and so encouraging to us. God is so good!!



Nate and Elise have been a source of refreshment. Nate and T have a lot in common and Elise is so easy to talk to(plus she cut my hair and I love it!!) God is so good!!



Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, a friend can help him up.

We are so thankful that we are surrounded by those that love the Lord, and love us!!
This past year has been so "full" for us! Full of friends, love and challenges, but God is so good and faithful!