Financial Sites and Advice, My Favorite

My Favorite Financial Websites

Dave Ramsey  offers practical financial advice from a Biblical point of view. On his website you’ll find many articles, forms, tools and step-by-step advice so you can start getting control of your finances right away! You can also listen to his radio show and get information for classes (offered through many churches) and live events.

Money Help for Christians is written by Craig Ford, who says on the blog, “Each day I’m searching for new discoveries about debt-free living, frugality, generous giving, and simple living.”  The site contains many Bible-based articles as well as the offer of a FREE download of the book “The Bible and 21^st Century Finances” when you subscribe to receive free e-mail articles. Several other downloadable books are also available.

Bible Money Matters is  a Christian personal finance blog that helps regular people gain control of their finances and live financially free. Peter Anderson writes about finances, faith and family. Sign up to receive articles by e-mail.

My Favorite Advice ( From experience; I do all of these things) 

• Save change in a change jar
• Save dollar bills
• Use the envelopes system (outlined at Dave Ramsey); I label envelopes with categories of spending (groceries, personal items, gifts, clothing, etc.) and place the budgeted amount of cash in the envelopes every month. When the cash is gone, I don’t spend any more in that category. Using cash makes me very conscious of what I spend and if I really need that item.
• Avoid going in the store if at all possible, since I inevitably “have to have” more than just that one item. 
• Shop ahead; I purchase 3-4 deodorants, boxes of cereal, cans of tomato sauce, bags of dog treats, etc. at one time, when I have coupons and they’re on sale. This way I never run out and have to buy when they’re not on sale or I don’t have coupons, and I don’t have to go into the store as often.
• If I do go in a store for “just one or two things” I do not get a cart! When I have to carry everything I’m much more discerning about what I buy.
• Make and use my own dishwasher soap and clothing detergent. It is MUCH cheaper than, and works just as well as the much more expensive chemical-filled products!

What are your favorite financial websites and money-saving tips?

I’m also blogging at Nebraska Family Times .

Today’s post is titled “Fall Down” and based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

E-mail…More Productive Things to do than to Check…Yet Again

Sometimes I check my e-mail…for the umpteenth time of the day, out of boredom or just for something to do. I’ve tried to become more conscious of how I spend my time, and I’ve found that when I have “something” in mind to do, rather than a mindless task (like checking e-mail), I’m more likely to spend that time productively.

Here are some things to do besides checking e-mail... yet again.

• Read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the date (today, for example, I’ll read Proverbs 5)
• Clear out the dishwasher and wipe down the counters
• Say a prayer for someone you’re concerned about (I keep a prayer journal so I can easily see who I’m concerned about, and why)
• Clear off the bathroom counter and wipe it down, as well as the mirror
• Find, address and write a note in an encouraging card for a friend going through a hard time
• Call my mom for a quick chat
• Take the dog for a quick walk
• Lift weights or do a quick cardio workout (a few minutes of exercise several times a day has been found to be just as effective as an extended time of exercise)
• Update your monthly or weekly calendar
• Page through a new magazine and enjoy a piece (or two or three!) of chocolate

What will YOU do today instead of checking e-mail…yet again?

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com. 

Today’s post is titled “Every Thought” and based on 2 Corinthians 10:5b

Deepening Your Relationship with God

Do you want to become closer to God? Do you feel a desire to deepen your faith? The suggestions below will help make your faith an integral part of your life, every day.

• Pray that the Lord would cause you to thirst to learn more about Him, to want to read His Word. 
• Read the Bible. There are many translations available;consider a study Bible, which has notes that will help you better understand the readings. Start in Genesis, and read straight through. Or start in Matthew, and read the New Testament first. Or read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the date; read Proverbs 4 today, and Proverbs 5 tomorrow, for example. A Chronological Bible will allow you to read through the events in the order in which they happened. Whatever you read will increase your knowledge of God and His will, and what He wants from us. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
• After you've chosen a Bible, make daily personal Bible study an absolute priority. You cannot develop a relationship without the Lord without spending time with Him! Write in your Bible, or use a notebook to journal what you learned and your observations and questions during your Bible study. 
• Begin your day with prayer. Thank Him for the blessings He has given you and ask Him to bless your day. Philippians 4:16 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."   1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to "Pray without ceasing." 
• If you haven't already, find a church home. Talk with friends, or local pastors or priests, about the beliefs of their church, and choose one to attend. Ask questions so you know what the beliefs of that denomination are. If you have a church home but haven't been regularly attending, attend church every week. Yes, you can be a believer without attending church, but worshiping with other believers strengthens your faith, teaches you about your faith and your Lord, and encourages you in your daily walk. 
• Become more involved with your church by attending Bible class, teaching Sunday school, or volunteering where needed. Being with other believers will deepen your faith. 
• Take sermon notes. It will help you remain focused during the service and give you a study reference. 
• Keep a prayer journal. List what you are thankful for as well as your requests for yourself and others. Date your list and record God's answers so that you can look back and see how He answered your prayers.
• Listen to Christian music. The encouraging messages and uplifting music will put a positive spin on your day, no matter what is happening. 
• Post Bible verses, written on notecards or sticky notes, around your home (on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator, and so on), so you'll read them several times a day. 
• Proceed with caution in choosing devotion books, websites, TV shows to watch, or programs to listen to. Many "Christian" authors and speakers seem to use the right buzzwords, but be very discerning--test everything you read or hear against the only Authority--the Bible. Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you will receive a truly Christian newspaper in your mailbox every month!  

How do you make time with the Lord a priority? How have you deepened your relationship with the Lord? What's your favorite way to study the Bible? 

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This entry is adapted from the book "Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home", by Shelly Burke. To read more about "Home is Where the Mom Is" click the "Table of Contents" tab at the top of this page; to order, see the sidebar of this page. 

Chapters--my Favorite in the Bible
by Shelly Burke

Yesterday I shared my favorite verses in the Bible, and today I'm sharing my favorite chapters of the Bible. Many verses in the Bible are "stand alone", but it's also important to take them in the context of the verses around them. When reading these chapters throughout the years, I've gradually underlined more and more of them. I often put the date by my daily Bible readings and jot down my thoughts about the reading as well as what's going on in my life. As I shared yesterday, I'm awed by the way Bible readings, written thousands of years ago, apply to the happenings in my life. 

• Genesis 6-9 (OK, I know that's more than one chapter!) The narrative (our pastor calls them "narratives" because "story" implies fiction, and the Bible is not fiction!) of Noah takes my emotions from sadness (that the earth has so quickly become so corrupt), to fear (for the unbelievers who will die, and for Noah and his family, living through the flood), to joy (in God's promise, symbolized by the rainbow). To read my review of the movie "Noah", click here Review of "Noah."
• Genesis 45 In this chapter Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery many years earlier, and he cries as he forgives them and promises to provide for them and their families.
• Joshua 1 God's words to Joshua, as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the promised land after Moses' death, give me courage when I am facing something that seems too much for me (and if God gave Joshua the ability to lead 2 or 3 million people into an unknown land, I think He can equip me to do almost anything He calls me to do!)
• Proverbs 4 Full of "wise instruction" in almost every area of life. 
• Luke 2 This most-read narrative of the Nativity never fails to bring tears to my eyes! 
• John 3 Along with the beautiful words of John 3:16, read the other words of Jesus in this chapter, along with the unmistakable promise of eternal life for all who believe. 
• Romans 8 Comforting, encouraging, inspiring words about life in the Holy Spirit. 

Read one of these chapters and let me know what you think! What is YOUR favorite chapter of the Bible? 

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I'm also blogging at Nebraska Family Times.  Today's entry, "Comfort".  

Bible Verses, Some of my Favorite

I'm always awed by the fact that the Bible has the right words for any and every situation, emotion, and happening in my life. 

Here are a few of my favorite Bible verses:

• When I am sad: "Praise the Lord! He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:1,3
• When I am afraid: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
• When I am tempted to say something negative: "Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth;
  
  keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3
• When I'm thinking of the past: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19 (these are my anchor verses for 2014)
•  When I am going through a difficult time: "Consider it all joy, my brethren,when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
• When I am feeling down about my short-comings: "For we all stumble in many ways." James 3:2
• When world happenings seem overwhelming: "For in the days of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27:5
• When I am facing a hard thing: "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you...the Word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it." Deuteronomy 31:11, 14
• When I am discouraged in my work: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24
• When I am anxious: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
•  When I am thankful: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! And His love endures forever!" Psalm 136:1
• When I am excited to share my gifts: "Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
• When I want to help others: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10
• When I want to say the right thing: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
• When I need to focus on what is right: "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." Proverbs 4:25-27
• When I need a reminder of God's love: "The Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 14:2

What is one of your favorite Bible verses? 

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I'm also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times. The verse for the devotion today is "He makes everything beautiful in its time." 

A to Z Blogging Challenge

A is for...All About the A to Z Challenge! 

I'm so excited to be starting the A to Z Blogging Challenge today! I will be blogging every Monday through Saturday in April, with the theme of each entry corresponding with the letter of the day. I'm so excited to blog this month! I love to write but due to "life circumstances" haven't been writing as much the last year or so (read more about me at About Shelly and the "Nebraska Family Times"). 

My theme for the month is "lists"; the main part of each entry will be a list of bullet points. I tend to be wordy in my writing, so this will be a challenge for me! My goal is to give you practical information you can put to use immediately (Favorite Financial Sites and Advice, How to say "NO", Making Sunday a Day of Rest), with a few fun lists thrown in (the letter "Q" will feature a list of my quirks, and I'll ask you to share some of your quirks too!). 

I'm re-writing the book that inspired this blog; I wrote Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home several years ago. I've talked to several moms in just the last few days and my conversations with them solidified my decision to make the book into downloadable form. I love being a mom, and now that I'm in a different phase of my life (read more about that by clicking the link above, "About Shelly and the "Nebraska Family Times"") I especially want to encourage moms whose kids are young and at home with them.  

If you want to receive notification of every post by e-mail, sign up in the sidebar, just under the A to Z Blogging Challenge badge. 

This Month My Blogging Entries will Include: 

• Lists that will deepen your faith (Developing a Personal Relationship with God, Making Sunday a Day of Rest)
• Lists that will help moms (Life Skills to Teach Kids, Preparing for Sick Days)
• Lists that will make your life easier (Favorite Financial Sites and Advice, How to Say "NO")
• Lists that will make you laugh (Quirks)
• Giveaways! Comment on selected posts and you'll be in the drawing to receive a selection of devotion books and accessories! Several will be given away so check every day! 

I look forward to blogging (almost) every day--and hope you enjoy reading my posts! 

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Review of "Noah"

Have you seen the movie "Noah"? Are you thinking of seeing it? I saw it last night with a friend.

Short review: The movie has very little in common with the Biblical account. However, I think the movie leaves a lot of room for discussion with believers or those weak in their faith. In the review I've given suggestions for preparing to see the movie with your kids, discussion after the movie, and discussing the movie with friends and others. To read the review, click below.

Review of the movie "Noah"

CAUTION: There are a several intense and potentially disturbing scenes in the movie; I wouldn't suggest it for kids under the age of 13!