How to Handle Money

The article at the link below gives great advice on giving, being generous and tithing. Even when you don't have much money to give, there are other things you can do.

What Does Generosity Look Like When Everyone's Broke?

"We give generously, save wisely and then live appropriately", the article mentions.

Here are my thoughts on each:

GIVE GENEROUSLY

Pray and think about where God wants you to give. Of course tithing is the number one priority (and by the way, tithing literally means one-tenth of your salary. If you give more than the tithe, that extra is an "offering". Less than a tithe is a "donation"). If you feel lead by the Holy Spirit to give to other places also, then do so--generously--but not more than the tithe. If you can't afford to give one-tenth of your gross salary, then give one-tenth of your net salary.

SAVE WISELY

Give to yourself also. Have a financial plan for your future. Again, pray about it. Go by the leading of the Holy Sprit in where and how much you should save for yourself. If you want to invest your money, fine, but don't obsess over it. Invest moderately and try not to think about it much.

LIVE APPROPRIATELY 

Many people live above their means. Make sure what you buy is aligned with what God wants you to buy. It's not just "What Would Jesus Do?", but also "What Would Jesus Buy?", meaning is it modest? Is it healthy for the body, mind and spirit? When you buy what God wants you to buy, you can afford anything! The closer relationship you have with God, and the more you lead a godly life, you will naturally truly want only what God wants for you, and you can get it all.

Also, don't hate money or love money. Be neutral toward it. 

I'm not financially rich, but I truly can buy whatever I want. 

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

No Excuses

I want to mention a very common excuse Christians use in order to not be a true disciple and spread the Word.

Christians tend to do two extremes: 

1. We don't mention God at all, and no one (or very few), outside of fellow Christians, don't know we are Christian.

2. We are overbearing, shoving Jesus down people's throats.

I think most Christians fear doing #2 so much, they cower under #1, as an excuse not to talk about faith at all.

But there should be no excuses. Actually, talking about your faith life should be no different than when people talk about their life interests, and passions.

For instance, at work it's quite common for co-workers or bosses to ask you after the weekend, or a vacation, "How was it?" "What did you do?" Instead of saying something that doesn't really have to do with faith, tell them what you did that is faith-based that you did, like for example, "I started a Bible study." Or, "I discovered a great way to pray throughout the day". Or "I started going to a new church." Say it with enthusiasm! It's perfectly OK to say that. You are not "preaching" to them, but simply answering their question (if they don't like the answer, they won't ask you again).

This way, you are not being silent about God, and you are not being pushy about God. You are just giving witness in how you live your life. 

Everyone in your life--work, social activities, etc.--should know you are a Christian. That alone is witness, but don't be scared in going beyond that by taking the next step:

If someone asks what you did, or what you are going to do, mention your faith life.

Here are some additional things about discipleship:

4 Things We Get Wrong About Discipleship

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

Stop Waiting and Just Do It

This article, sadly, reminds me of my own problem in waiting for big issues to pass before I start back my daily Bible Study/Catechism/Bible stories reading. (which all only lasts 1 hour a day total).

So, part of my mid-year New Year's Resolution is to do that daily--no matter what!

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

Christian TV Show Resurrection

7th Heaven is Officially Getting Resurrected

The Christian soap, Another Life, should also be resurrected!

I have been binge-watching this old series for about a week now. It's very good, although it would be nice if they mentioned God more, but as characters in the show become Christians, they are to talking about Him more frequently.

Unfortunately, Another Life episodes 1-69 were not released on syndication, but an introduction in episode 70 does give background information.

I LOVE the opening scene of Another Life, where it shows the sun in the background of an ocean. It's such a soothing comfort for me...I have always loved watching (and hearing) the Pacific Ocean, so no surprise there.

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

"Consumers Are Demanding a Return to Durable Clothing"

A MUST READ!

I am so happy someone wrote about fashion like in the link below.

The main problem with what I buy is the constant pilling on clothes. There are even pilling products to shave it off! So silly, as it's just scraping away the clothing material; soon, there will be holes.

I recently bought a pair of jeans after decades of not wearing them. Beautiful style--gorgeous--but sooo thin, I can easily feel the cold in even 60F degree weather! This is the first time I had cold legs wearing blue jeans. The jeans are blouse thin! So I'm not sure how long they will last.

What has happened to our clothes?!  

Well read the article below to find out:

Threadbare Promises: Why Consumers Are Demanding a Return to Durable Clothing

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

Cohabitating

Well, if both were adamant about sex being for procreation only, Christian couples living together before marriage would be so much easier. 

Plus, it's also about habits; people let their guard down when they live together. Example: Can a person honestly live with someone who has this staunch very filthy habit of _______? As the person didn't know about it when just dating. Not living together, you tend to just see mostly other's best side only; a person can't keep that up 24/7 when living together. Eventually, the worst comes out. If you can live with that person being that way for the rest of your life--FINE! But now you know about it before marriage. If not, maybe time to have a talk, and possibly each make different (separate) plans for their future....

Also, what I want to emphasis what is said in this article "No, cohabitation isn't automatically sinful." 

Right.

But I totally agree living together before marriage is a bad idea, IF either one isn't very strong in faith, doesn't really fear God (I mean in the honoring, worshipful way) and doesn't make 1 Corinthians their life mantra: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God", then yes--DON'T COHABITATE. 

Also, there are many married couples who don't have sex, but live like roommates. Even sleeping in the same bed, but don't have sex (not that I would encourage this--I would not...too inappropriate before marriage, in my opinion), and I'm not just talking about Christians; non-Christian married couples not having sex exist, too.

So not all of us are weak in that area. 

Sex isn't about love... 

It's about the act of procreating, period.

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

Here I Am --Send Me!

"Here I am. Send me!" is what us faith-based believers should be saying to any call we get from our Lord when it comes to telling others about EVERYONE'S God. It's a strong expression of being ready to serve God. A willingness to accept a mission or task, even if it's difficult or unclear at that moment, and even if it means surrendering one's own plans, but trusting a higher purpose or calling from God.

God has been calling me recently to speak out more about Him. I talk about God at work; all my leadership knows I'm Christian, and this is the reason why I have this blog...to talk about the Word to others.

And as I listen for any other calling from God to do His Will, His tasks, I will continue to say, "Here I am, Lord. Send me!"

For more on mission work, check out this beginning of a 6-part new weekly series called:

The Future of the Great Commission

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

Unequally Yoked

I'm thinking, as I read the title of the link below: 'Ya' think?'

A New Study Finds God-Centered Relationships Are Stronger and Last Longer

2 Corinthians 6:14 says: "Do not become unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"

It means a believer should not enter into partnerships or relationships (including marriage) with those who do not share their faith, as doing so can lead to conflict and compromise. 

The term "unequally yoked" is a reference to a farmer's practice of using a yoke to connect animals, such as oxen, when plowing. If the animals are not matched in size and strength, the yoke will not be effective, and the animals will pull in different directions. 

Similarly, in relationships, differing spiritual beliefs can create friction and hinder progress.

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com

Who or What Do You Think of Most Every Day?

This article, How Worship Shapes Who You Are is really good!

I have heard it said, whoever or whatever you think about most in your day-to-day life, is who you worship. This is so true.

And as the article says, worshipping God is not just on Sundays, but every day, throughout the day in your life. There are so many things in life that reminds me of God every day, because I'm always thinking of Him every day. He's my God and my Best Friend.

Email me for FREE spiritual or nutritional advice at: LoraJET@rocketmail.com