our trees

I loved having church on our property. God blessed us with clear skies. I loved Caz’s message about a little boy brave enough to share what he had. We’re taking an important journey together as a church, and I wanted to share a book that has really changed my perspective on money. It’s called Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. http://www.amazon.com/Money-Possessions-and-Eternity-ebook/dp/B000FCKCJM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382493200&sr=8-1&keywords=money+possessions+and+eternity

            It’s not a book about budgeting but more of a philosophical book about the role money should play in our lives. He’s very moderate. I remember at one point in the book he said he and his wife went on vacations, because it nurtured their relationship. After Ben and I read it we decided to tithe more, although we were not at a place where we could give 10% yet. Instead we committed to give 10% of any moonlighting income and slowly increase our regular tithe until we were at 10%. God has blessed us, I think partly because of this decision.

            I’m not going to shake my Bible and say everyone needs to give more (I don't like guilt as a motivator), but I do encourage you to read the book and explore some questions: How are we going to get to a place where we can build on our beautiful land, and watch our children play under the oak trees generations before us played under? How are we going to grow our wonderful church?

            My prayer is that God will increase the incomes of each family, so we can all give more. I pray that we give out of joy and conviction and not guilt. I pray God gives us wisdom in our financial decisions. And let’s keep joining together under these large trees, under the great clouds of witnesses of those who have gone before us.