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

Holiday Parties for the Introvert

Is Christmas over yet?

It seems that I have been involved in some Christmas celebration at least twice a week since the beginning of December.  Don't get me wrong.  I love Christmas.  I love spending time with my family.  I love the special music and services that celebrate Jesus' birth and all that it means for us.  I love the lights and the ornaments.  And, honestly, we don't go all out for Christmas commercialization.  We buy gifts and put up a tree but we're tempered folk.  Nothing is extravagant or flashy or overly expensive.  But the one thing that really wears on me is the expectation to be involved in every social event going on!

Since the beginning of the month we have been in two performances of a Christmas drama, participated in numerous choral and musicians practices, performed at a Christmas community night and a Christmas service, helped with a Ladies' Christmas party, gone to homes for cider and sweets, exchanged gifts in our home, traveled to exchange gifts with other family members, and after the holiday was over, attended a church Christmas party last night.

I don't know how people find so much to talk about at Christmas parties (or parties in general) but there always seems to be a continuous din of chatter. I get lost in it.  I certainly don't feel the need to add to it.  But being the only person at a social event that isn't socializing makes you stand out.  And standing out isn't what I have in mind.

I usually try to find a quiet corner (quiet being relative in this statement). And if I can find a book to go with my corner, that's more ideal.  At least then I'm engaged in an activity and wards off attempts to drag me into the cacophony.  But it's better to go prepared, so I bring my own book.

Introvert problem #1 - Finding enough room in your purse to tuck a book... 
Or two.

Bringing a book to a party causes another dilemma.  Someone might ask what I'm reading.  For someone like me, it's not a conversation I enter into lightly.  I tend to read non-fiction.  Mostly psychology, self-improvement, and finance.  So, really, unless you're willing to go into a deep theological or theoretical conversation, I'd prefer you don't ask.  I choose books with boring titles for this very reason.

I have to say that at last night's festivities, I was saved from having to retrieve my book.  In a far corner of the farthest room was a small table with a puzzle in the works.  There was enough room for 3 or 4 people to gather around.  Ahhh! My refuge!  When I took a seat, a few others gathered around.  We concentrated on finding the right match, we helped locate elusive pieces, we celebrated every success.  There was no call for small talk.  When the noise around us got louder, we huddled closer.  Others thought we all liked the same hobby, little did they know we were really just introverting.

That puzzle table was the most exciting part of the party for me.  I enjoyed every moment.  So here's a plea to all you extroverts and party-throwers.  PLEASE provide a puzzle table at all social events!  It makes it so much more comfortable for quiet people.  It attracts those who shy away from small talk.  And it's a lot less awkward than pulling a book out of my purse.