The Start of Something New

I've found that new beginnings don't always start with a new concept or situation.  Sometimes it has more to do with refining what we already know.  Starting over.  Getting a do-over.  Wiping the slate clean.  Or sometimes just taking what we know to a new level.  I feel like this year will be more of the latter.

A few weeks ago our Pastor spoke to my husband about our willingness to present a Financial Freedom class at our church.  We have had a lot of experience with Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course.  We've taught it to individuals in our home and led a class a few years ago at church.  We accepted the responsibility to present the material.  We aren't financial gurus, we're just people who failed at this money thing and learned something in the process.

Our Financial Story

Nearly five years ago, our family went through a financial crisis.  My husband lost his job in a down-turned economy shortly after buying a house.  His masters degree in information technologies made no difference.  He was forced to work at McDonald's for nearly 10 months.  At minimum wage, we were no longer able to make our mortgage payments.  By the time my husband got another job that would cover the bills, the house was too far behind.  We were ignorant of how to handle such situations and ended up going through a foreclosure.

The foreclosure was handled by an unscrupulous attorney's office who was not forthcoming with information.  The sheriff served us with papers saying that we had 48 hours to vacate the premises one day before we received a letter from the attorney's office stating the foreclosure was complete.  It was a scary time.

Thankfully, in the time that my husband was working at McDonald's, I came across a book of Dave Ramsey's called Priceless at Goodwill.  I recognized the name but really didn't know anything about him.  When I flipped though it, I noticed that there were scriptures included and that Dave was interested in handling money God's way.  I bought the book for 99 cents.  It revolutionized my way of thinking.

It wasn't long before my husband jumped on board with the new ideas and we started implementing Dave's and the Bible's teachings on money.   When we were forced to move, we had money set aside that made the transition much easier.  We also had the knowledge to not make the same mistakes twice.

Since that time, we have been eager to share our story and the information that we've found with others that are in similar situations.  There are a lot of people who are hurting financially simply because they don't have the knowledge to handle it better. It is our privilege and our way of giving back to present the information that we have learned to others. Our first class was Tuesday.

I don't have it all figured out.  It's easy to slip back into old habits.  That's why teaching these financial classes are so good for my family.  It causes us to readjust and get motivated again.  So this year, I'm going to use what I already know and take it to a new level.

What is it that you want to improve in your life this year?

Welcome 2015!

Happy New Year to you all!

We rang in the new year about like we always do.  My husband went to bed by 11pm, my daughter fell asleep on the couch and my son and I stayed up putting together a puzzle.  When the clock turned over to midnight, we wished one another a Happy New Year, brushed our teeth and went to bed.  I suppose it's not the most exciting way to celebrate, but at least I can say that I saw 2015 tiptoe into our lives.

To kick things off today, I'm putting together lists of things to do this year.

 First is my book list.  You'll find it to the right of the page.  I'm a firm believer that if you want to make the best of life, you must obtain knowledge.  Books are key.

I've also found a 52 Weeks To An Organized Home list on Pinterest. It's not 100% fitting for my home, but close enough to be a good start. I'll start with my kitchen counters and sink today.  One organizational project a week should be doable.

I started a daily Bible reading program this morning.  I found a copy of The One Year Bible (New Living Translation) at Goodwill a few weeks ago.  It's set up with a passage from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs daily.  And the Living translation will keep the reading light.  Generally I use the King James Version for my studies but I know myself, and "easier" will keep me engaged longer.  Preferably, for the whole year.

As far as typical resolutions, I guess I don't have any.

I really just want to continue doing the best I can every day.  Looking for better ways.  Implementing new ideas.  Being open to people.  Being frugal.  Reading.  Helping.

Our pastor recently spoke on considering what we can contribute to the church and the work of God and not just on what we get from it.

When Mary poured expensive perfume over Jesus' feet, she was taking the best she had, probably what would have been passed on when she died, and gave it to the Lord.  (John 12:3)

The message was to offer the best of our talents to God now and not have them still setting on a shelf when we die.

So this year, 2015, I'm giving the hashtag of #DoLifeBig and using Jamie Grace's song, Do Life Big, as my theme song.  I want to make sure I'm not holding back my best just for the sake of holding back.

So here's to a new beginning.  To doing my best.  To doing life big.  To new changes...  Of course, today is the first of the month and some things don't change.  Rent is due.  Oh, well. #DoLifeBig