We are free!

It is Christ who set you free,
So now stand up and just believe.

Your words of faith don't match your actions,
Your fear and disbelief show no anticipation.

For we are called to walk by faith,
and move by the unseen,
Yet when some do just this,
they're called crazy, unwise, and near insane. 

Who would pack up their entire life in faith to move,
Those who walk by the Spirit to follow Christ -
And so should you!

So sad His followers are known best for their judgment,
Called critical, hypocrites, superficial, and so discontent.

There's too many who are not 'saved',
Who are so much better well-behaved.

You say, 'Hey, leave me alone, I'm forgiven - you should know we live by grace',
Though this is true, let me remind you:
When people look at you, they should see Jesus Christ's face!

We all need to try harder,
We all need to walk stronger.
Although not by our own strength, might or power,
But this is your warning - we're at the final hour.

He said, "Apart from me you can do nothing",
The Word says, "Through Christ I can do all things".

So close the wide gap between you and Him,
Get to know the real God, please let Him in.

The world is looking to us for mercy, hope and love,
If they see it in us, they'll want to know our Father above.

So let Him change the way you think, feel and act;
Let Him guide your words - please let them see,
Despite their lack of knowledge - He sits on the throne,
We all are truly subject to His mighty sovereignty.

So crucify your flesh, get out of YOUR way -
Let God guide your ship, do to what His words say.

Pick up your cross and follow Him,
And show them what it means, to be free in Him.

They're looking for answers, they're looking to you,
Love Christ first, and show them it's true.

He loves them and longs for their hearts,
That's why He's equipped you and set you apart.

Love Him, live for Him, and show them we are free,
Open the door and let them in, for you hold the key.

Written by Jennifer Morin
July 4, 2012 - 7 a.m.

Happy Indepedence Day!!!!!

My Thoughts on Thursday - "NO" buys you LIBERTY

I've met with a couple of very business-minded, financial planning individuals this week and we engaged in great challenging conversations. I thought for today I would throw out some of the things we discussed. Now, for the sake of my feelings, don't personally attack me, but just hear me out and then think about it for a day or two, and then email me your thoughts.

Now, in no particular order, here are taglines of conversation topics:
1. People are not planning for their retirement.
2. Healthcare WILL be the biggest expense when we retire (there will be no Medicare).
3. People are living longer. (Their meds are keeping them alive).
4. Most seniors are on blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetic meds. (These ailments are preventable.)
5. Young people do not realize they need to save a.s.a.p. for retirement.
6. Most people do not have money to save.
7. These people do not have a written out budget.
8. Most people spend their money unwisely & impulsively.
9. People want fancy things now and will live in debt to have them.
10. People do not have financial goals.
11. People do not have fitness/spiritual goals.
12. People glorify eating bad at buffets, drinking all night, hangovers.
13. When you talk about healthy eating/budgets/self-discipline, many react defensively.
14. 65% of Americans are obese/overweight - fact!
15. Healthy Eating and Exercise can change that fact.
16. All it takes is goals, self-discipline, and the right program.
17. It's necessary to tell yourself 'NO'.

This is just a brief list....and I'll expand on #17: It's necessary to tell yourself 'NO'....Think about it, our parents told us no, we tell our kids no, God tells us no...because if we/or our kids were allowed to do everything we/they wanted, where would that land us. Really, think about it.

Somewhere, when we grew into adults, we decided that doing whatever we wanted, buying whatever we wanted, and eating whatever we wanted was what being an adult was all about. "Now that I'm an adult, I can do things my way". And where has that got us? That's got our nation in debt, into foreclosures, 65% if us obese/overweight, arrested, divorced, etc. Isn't it time that we shift our own mental paradigm and began to say no to our appetites, spending urges, addictions and start making decision that move us closer to true freedom.

Are we really free when we need 3 meds to keep us alive? Are we really free when we have to work 2 jobs to just keep the lights on? There is freedom in the simple life. There is freedom in telling your impulses "no". Tomorrow, I'm going to give you our personal written budget catagories (minus the $ amounts). Use it as an example of how YOU, yes YOU can structure your finances in a way that's uses them wisely. This way you can afford freedom in your life!