Balance

It is that time of year. School is getting ready to start up for the kids again, the year is half of the way over and I start to think about what the rest of this year is going to look like. There will only be 1 2010. What extraordinary thing will happened this year or what has happen in 2010 that was life changing. This year has been a roller coaster but it is a staple year in my life. Lots of things changed about how I need to live every day life. My "what is the point" way of thinking has prioritized things differently as well.

So what is next?

Going to get focused on balance. I want to start the day right, in the word to hear what God has for me. Financially planning out the future more how God wants us to spend our money instead of the way that I think it is fun and selfish to spend. I want to start to think of others before I worry about what I can get out of every equation. When the time is right I want to look more into missionary work with MAF.

Life in the west is different. Sometimes it feels like what you drive and where you live makes you who you are. When I was first married we lived in an apartment. I remember seeing S class Mercedes and cars like that in the car ports of our neighbors. It was always interesting to me to see them living in an apartment (these were not luxury apartments) and drive cars that were worth the same as some homes in the mid-west.

When I was up visiting my Grandpa we talked a lot about his life and he also asked about mine. When I was getting ready to leave my Grandpa hugged me and said "Don't get lost in the shuffle." I have so much respect for my Grandpa. He is a man that I would most want to be like.

My wife and I have been listening to Dave Ramsey. His financial plan is not easy to follow but I do believe that it is more how God would want us to spend His money. A year ago I would have avoided this like the plague. Now it is getting exciting to think that we can own our cars and pay cash for them. Living without the stress of money seems possible now.

All of this said my prayers are going to be "Please give me the knowledge and wisdom to balance all of this." Thank God he provides us the skills where we are weak. All glory and honor and praise to Him.

Shaun