When my wife and I first got married, we decided to start investing in various funds. We sat down with a lady from Allstate and wrote a policy for life annuities for her and myself. Since that time, we have been able to invest in a 401-k and a couple IRA Wroth’s. Believe me when I tell you that it is not much; however, I do desire to make sure that my loved one’s are taken care of in the event something were to happen.
Recently, I have been speaking with a man from Edward Jones about making some additional investments. As I was speaking to him just the other day, I began to think about the investment each of us should be making not only in retirement or in the unforeseen, but also in ourselves.
I wonder, what are you doing to improve yourself? A man once said, “You make the world a better place by making yourself a better person.” How are you making the world a better place? Do you have a personal plan for growth? What are you doing to develop yourself? If you don't make a plan, you might not do anything.
Luke 2 says,
"I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
Ask yourself these questions when planning for the future:
1. Where do I want to be spiritually at the end of next year?
2. What spiritual goals do I want to accomplish next year (ministry, verses memorized, etc)?
3. What area of my life do I need to work on (patience, faith, prayer life, specific sin, etc.)?
4. What verses can I memorize to help me in the above mentioned area?
5. Who can I seek out to be my accountability partner to help me grow spiritually next year?
God desires that 2010 would be an even greater year of spiritual growth for you than 2009 was.
Remember as you enter a new year to keep your eyes on God, your focus on His will, and your determination to live for Him strong. Take time to invest in yourself. Others will be glad you did.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
This Is Christmas
What's all this hectic rush and worry?
Where go these crowds who run and curry?
Why all the lights-the Christmas trees?
The jolly "fat man," tell me please!
Why, don't you know? This is the day
For parties and for fun and play;
Why this is Christmas!
So this is Christmas, do you say?
But where is Christ this Christmas day?
Has He been lost among the throng?
His voice drowned out by empty song?
No. He's not here-you'll find Him where
Some humble soul now kneels in prayer,
Who knows the Christ of Christmas.
Where go these crowds who run and curry?
Why all the lights-the Christmas trees?
The jolly "fat man," tell me please!
Why, don't you know? This is the day
For parties and for fun and play;
Why this is Christmas!
So this is Christmas, do you say?
But where is Christ this Christmas day?
Has He been lost among the throng?
His voice drowned out by empty song?
No. He's not here-you'll find Him where
Some humble soul now kneels in prayer,
Who knows the Christ of Christmas.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Economy Is So Bad...
This is a bit funny, and also sad. Someone recently sent me an email with these one-liners. I thought it too good to pass up. Enjoy!
THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD . . .
The economy is so bad that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
It's so bad, I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"
The economy is so bad that CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
The economy is so bad if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
The economy is so bad Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
The economy is so bad Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
The economy is so bad Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.
The economy is so bad the Mafia is laying off judges.
The economy is so bad Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.
Isn't it great to know that our trust is not in organizations, institutions, or in the goverment? Our trust is found in Christ alone! (Psalm 31)
THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD . . .
The economy is so bad that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.
It's so bad, I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"
The economy is so bad that CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
The economy is so bad if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
The economy is so bad Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.
The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.
The economy is so bad Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.
The economy is so bad Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.
The economy is so bad the Mafia is laying off judges.
The economy is so bad Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.
Isn't it great to know that our trust is not in organizations, institutions, or in the goverment? Our trust is found in Christ alone! (Psalm 31)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Mindset Change
There are times when we find ourselves so extremely frustrated with life. Even during a wonderful Christmas season, we can let negative feelings and emotions permeate our very core. Personally, I have found that often times, the smallest change in the paradigm of my thinking can make all the difference.
Before we "lose our cool" or give someone "our two cents" or become aggravated over a situation/event in our life consider changing your mindset. Often times, the greatest change can take place in our lives by simply making a minor mindset change.
Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last six months.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for minimal wages, to feed her family.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you panic over a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the person on chemotherapy who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about?, what is my purpose?, be thankful for there are those who did not live long enough to get the opportunity to wonder.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness, or insecurities, remember how much worse it could be if you were one of those bitter and insecure people."
Before we "lose our cool" or give someone "our two cents" or become aggravated over a situation/event in our life consider changing your mindset. Often times, the greatest change can take place in our lives by simply making a minor mindset change.
Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last six months.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for minimal wages, to feed her family.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you panic over a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the person on chemotherapy who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about?, what is my purpose?, be thankful for there are those who did not live long enough to get the opportunity to wonder.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness, or insecurities, remember how much worse it could be if you were one of those bitter and insecure people."
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