Measuring the Cost
I think the article "Attitude on Money" by Stephen W. Gibson was one of my favorites this week. It's refreshing to read an article on how money isn't evil, it's what we choose to do with it that's good or bad. After reading the article, I'm not sure if I have a healthy attitude towards money. There wasn't a lot of it growing up, nor did my parents set a good example of how to manage it. It's been a struggle as an adult to learn to think of it as a tool, instead of an expendable resource. A few years ago my husband was offered a job with Amazon that had a significant pay increase. It changed our lives. We've been able to pay off all our debt, start investing, and put some money into savings. Even with all that progress, I think there's some mental work that I need to do. I tend to look at everything regarding finances from a place of scarcity. While we've been blessed, maybe if I looked at it with an eye to how to serve, it'd be easier for me to overcome that initial kick of fear when thinking about money.
Our view on money can certainly affect the way we live. The greatest example I can think of is my mom. My parent's marriage had a lot of... problems. My mom coped with those problems by spending way too much money on frivolous things. She was a shopaholic. By viewing money as a way to comfort, or get attention, it put the family finances in some serious trouble, making my parent's marriage even worse. When my parents eventually divorced, my mom had to deal with the consequence of leaving a marriage with absolutely nothing. Watching her has been a great lesson in how not to live my life!
One of the rules for prospering is that we should always be thinking of how we can help. What can we give? I like the idea that what we give, we'll always see return. Seeking after money and wealth allows us to really focus on giving and serving. I can't wait until my husband and I can focus on that more!
Quotes from the lesson:
"Formula for Success"
-I would like to suggest that if we are really to be a chosen generation, we have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well.
"Life, Liberty..."
-Be forewarned, becoming an expert in an area requires more than raw talent and usually takes ten years or longer of serious focus. Michael Jordan is an extraordinary athlete, but reaching a championship series required decades of training and remaining on the court for practice long after his teammates had gone home.
-Prepare for adversity in advance. Hone your skills. Invest in loving relationships. Practice gratitude and reflection. Connect regularly to the transcendent. Then you will be prepared to be transformed by adversity instead of crushed by it.
-Savor sensual pleasures. Spread them out. Enjoy them but make them a conscious choice. Do not let them become your master. Seize the moment. Let go. Keep life simple and your pleasures even simpler. 62 Truth and beauty don’t diminish with repetition.
Our view on money can certainly affect the way we live. The greatest example I can think of is my mom. My parent's marriage had a lot of... problems. My mom coped with those problems by spending way too much money on frivolous things. She was a shopaholic. By viewing money as a way to comfort, or get attention, it put the family finances in some serious trouble, making my parent's marriage even worse. When my parents eventually divorced, my mom had to deal with the consequence of leaving a marriage with absolutely nothing. Watching her has been a great lesson in how not to live my life!
One of the rules for prospering is that we should always be thinking of how we can help. What can we give? I like the idea that what we give, we'll always see return. Seeking after money and wealth allows us to really focus on giving and serving. I can't wait until my husband and I can focus on that more!
Quotes from the lesson:
"Formula for Success"
-I would like to suggest that if we are really to be a chosen generation, we have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well.
"Life, Liberty..."
-Be forewarned, becoming an expert in an area requires more than raw talent and usually takes ten years or longer of serious focus. Michael Jordan is an extraordinary athlete, but reaching a championship series required decades of training and remaining on the court for practice long after his teammates had gone home.
-Prepare for adversity in advance. Hone your skills. Invest in loving relationships. Practice gratitude and reflection. Connect regularly to the transcendent. Then you will be prepared to be transformed by adversity instead of crushed by it.
-Savor sensual pleasures. Spread them out. Enjoy them but make them a conscious choice. Do not let them become your master. Seize the moment. Let go. Keep life simple and your pleasures even simpler. 62 Truth and beauty don’t diminish with repetition.
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