Money Matters

After I typed the title of this post, I thought about how it could be taken 2 different ways. Money matters, as in it matters if you have money. OR the matters of money. :)

Today at church I learned a lot about how I view money and financial stability. God really knows how to use people in our lives to get our attention about certain things. All week, my husband and I have been discussing money and how to know the limit for planning ahead financially and when to just trust God to provide and not push ourselves to save every stinkin' penny! Our Sunday School lesson was out of Luke 12, when Jesus told the parable of the Rich Fool and then went on to ask why we worry about money.....since God obviously takes care of the birds by feeding them, why would He NOT take care of us that are made in His image?? Wow. That really struck home. I worry constantly about money and having enough for the girls to go to a Christian school and retiring and what about having more kids? What a convicting lesson! God takes the time to care for simple birds by finding them food and shelter. Why wouldn't He take care of people, those whom He made in His image and sent Jesus to die for?! Now, I guess my lesson to learn is when to draw the line for financial planning. I work so hard to save money on everything around the house that sometimes I think I let myself become obsessed with it. I don't think that is how God wants me to be a steward of what He's given me. I think that's a bit too much, if I'm consumed with how to save money. Plus, what am I doing with that saved money to further His Kingdom? Most of the time, nothing.

So, my thoughts to ponder this week: how should we plan for the girls' schooling? Do we continue to cut out things and sacrifice and scrape to save every last penny to put them through private school? Or do we just do as we are by giving to church and doing all that we can to help others and share God's love and just trust that He'll see us through those financial situations? I mean, how much does God want us to do for ourselves financially so that He can bless us? Do we plan at all for that kind of thing or just wait for Him to work? How much logic does He want us to factor in? Or is it just all spiritual and faith-based? And what about retirement? Do we concern ourselves with setting aside money for 40 years from now? Or do we act as though Jesus will come again before then and not even worry about it? I've heard arguments for both.

I have no answers for these questions. I trust God fully. I just don't know what steps He wants me to take to see that I give my girls Christian schooling. We have a whole year until Iris is in kindergarten but the church's preschool is even expensive with Iris and Lily going this year. I can't imagine the impact of Kindergarten prices. I don't want to worry about it. I would rather just enjoy my family and provide what I can now for them by continuing to be simple and use our money wisely (in a non-obsessive way, of course). Maybe that's my answer for now. Maybe that's God's answer for now: Wait. He will fill me in on the plan when He needs to. :) I guess since it's not my plan it really shouldn't concern me to the point of this long and drawn out blog! LOL. :)

Summertime Sickness

First, let me say that the garage went soooo well!!! I was worried about having help throughout the day, but we didn't run out of help at all! Several people showed up to set up around 8 AM (which I know is SUPER early for some folks....especially those who work Mon-Fri and have no kids. lol). Then, there were 4 of us that stayed all day. It was so great. We had so many people stop by and sold quite a lot of things. We ended up having a lot left over as well, but helpers came back at the end to load up vehicles and transport everything to WINGS' warehouse. Hopefully they can profit from all the leftover stuff!

Now, on to not so great things....my girls are sick. :( Two had fevers during the week, which made for a really exciting time trying to get things organized for the Sale. Then yesterday, while at Grandma's house, my oldest had a fever and now the other two have developed runny noses and watery eyes. I assume my oldest will have that as well in a few days. So, we will be home from church today. :( I'm bummed because I wanted to be there when they announced that the sale went well. I was so excited to see we made a profit to help out the ministries at church, but I won't be there to share in the excitement with the congregation. Oh well, it was still a great day yesterday!

Church Garage Sale, August 7th, 10am-4pm

That's right. I'm putting it on here again. COME TO OUR CHURCH GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY!!!

New Hope Community Church, located at 1023 E Palatine Rd, Palatine, IL 60074, is having a one day garage sale on Saturday, August 7th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Church members donated all the items for sale, and the proceeds will go to help fund our church's ministries. The items that do not sell will be donated to WINGS Resale Shop, right here in Palatine.

There will be A LOT of items. I have been sorting through the donated things and there is quite a bit already. We are accepting donations from the church all week, so I will remain busy the rest of the week with sorting and pricing the items and tables. We also plan to have a table set up with info on the church and a form to fill out so we know how we can better serve the community! Pop and water will be for sale as well (looks like they're calling for a Sunny 83 degree day!!). So, come out and bring some friends with you!! It's going to be a lot of fun with a lot to offer both in merchandise and fellowship!