My blog today will be short and sweet, hopefully.
Once again, certain people in my life bring more drama then I know what to do with and I'm tired of it. Literally. I was so emotionally drained by the time I laid my head on my pillow last night, I don't remember "pillow" talk time with my husband. How grateful I am to have a husband like I do! Who goes before the Lord on my behalf when I can't even speak another word. For three days straight I have had such peaceful rest. It has been bliss, considering what my days have been like. Thank you, Lord.
Yesterday in my first period class, I literally was overcome with tears and emotion that, at one point, I could not even teach. I had another teacher cover my class so that I could run to the bathroom. My poor kids were looking at me clueless and helpless. They kept asking, "Mrs. Sheneman are you ok?" "Are you sad because you are selling Nala?" Kids are absolutely a blessing from the Lord even after they enter 6th grade! ;) On a side note, our memory verse for this week is James 1:1-2 "...consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. 3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4) Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Another one of God's daily provisions for my life! Oh, how grateful I am to have Him as my constant.
In the midst of all this "stuff," I'm choosing to find rest. I pray that in the midst of this day, in your situation, and in your trial that you would also find rest.
Psalm 91:1-2, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
From Debt to F-R-E-E-D-O-M....
Below you will find a testimony from some very dear people in my life. People who I call my spiritual advisors/mentors/parents. They truly know what it means to live within their means and to sow into God's kingdom. We are blessed to have them in our lives! I will not ramble any longer, but I pray you would see two things in this testimony: discipline and diligence. As a result of these two things, the favor of God rests upon their lives because of their obedient hearts.
We were married in 1987, and our first mutual investment was heating oil futures in the commodities market, and we lost every penny. We did not get rich quick...but we were both working in corporate America and this was just one of the many ways we found to spend money. Fortunately, we did manage to make some intelligent choices and establish some retirement savings along the way.
In 1991, we felt in control of our future and decided to start a business in antiques. And though an accountant advised that this would not work, we just knew it couldn't fail. I (Judy) quit my job testing computer software to run the new business. Four years later when the store lease finally ended, we were about $110,000 in credit card debt from covering the business losses. We continued the business on a much smaller scale and were able to start making a profit, but not enough to repay the debt.
Gary and I continued to struggle in a very worldly fashion by transferring credit card balances and making minimum payments until 2001. That's the year we both gave our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and discovered Crown Financial Ministries. In January of 2002 we led our first Crown Small group study.
The revelation knowledge of what God says about stewardship, in this bible study, is phenomenal. In addition to studying God's Word, we implemented Crown's practical approach to our budgeting and spending. The wisdom we received from God's Word has truly helped us get our financial life in order, and it could have saved us from many of the poor financial decisions we made prior to 2002.
One of the first practical applications in the Crown study was to create a debt summary of what we owed. Comparing our original summary from 2001 to various points since, it is a blessing to see how God has worked through our application of His principles.
In just three years, we had reduced our total debt by $40,000. In addition, we had taken control of our spending by living within our budget, had transferred the remaining credit card debt into our mortgage, and had paid off our credit card bills with no balance every month for over two years. We had gone from no emergency savings to 3-4 months of living expenses saved.
Another area of our finances impacted by this study was how we viewed our automobiles. In 2002, we were emotionally ready to upgrade our older vehicle for a newer one. This would have burdened us by continuing with two car payments. However, this would not meet our budget so we decided to hold off getting a new car. Instead, we maintained our car expenses to within our budgeted amount, paid off the second car and started setting aside money for the future purchase of a new used car. In 2006, we were able to replace our older vehicle by paying cash for a newer used car.
The most significant change to our spending occurred in the area of giving. When we took the Crown course our total giving was about equal to our tithe. As we filled out our taxes for 2004 and did the math, we found that our giving had increased to over 15% of our income.
Our long term goal was to become completely debt free, and in January 2007, we felt God place it upon our hearts to achieve this goal. It required a step of faith because Gary would have to change employers, and we would have to leave the area we had lived in for 26 years. Within three months of starting his search, Gary had a job offer and we decided to make the move.
When shopping for our new house, we kept moving up our price range because of our emotional desires. About three weeks into the search we both, independently, felt in our spirits the need to refocus on our objective, and downscale our price range. Within a week the right house at the right price came on the market.
When our old house sold, we were able to tithe on the increase on the value of our old home, and pay off our new mortgage before the first payment was due.
Since August 2007, we have been free of all debts and continue to give generously into God’s kingdom. However, the most rewarding result from taking the Crown Small group study has been the walk with God that brought us out of debt and closer to God.
Sincerely,
Gary & Judy
If that isn't a financial testimony then I don't know what is. Trey and I are doing our best to implement the tools that I have learned in Crown as well as the guidance and direction of Gary and Judy. I remember Gary and Judy talking to me about emergency savings last summer. Making sure that Trey and I were ok, if God forbid, a financial crisis hit our home. Well, seeing as though we are in a time of transition, I find it reassuring and extremely grateful that Gary and Judy had that talk with me. Thankfully, we have set aside enough funds to sustain us through this time of transition. Thank you, Lord!
I pray this has blessed you. Enjoy your Sunday!
We were married in 1987, and our first mutual investment was heating oil futures in the commodities market, and we lost every penny. We did not get rich quick...but we were both working in corporate America and this was just one of the many ways we found to spend money. Fortunately, we did manage to make some intelligent choices and establish some retirement savings along the way.
In 1991, we felt in control of our future and decided to start a business in antiques. And though an accountant advised that this would not work, we just knew it couldn't fail. I (Judy) quit my job testing computer software to run the new business. Four years later when the store lease finally ended, we were about $110,000 in credit card debt from covering the business losses. We continued the business on a much smaller scale and were able to start making a profit, but not enough to repay the debt.
Gary and I continued to struggle in a very worldly fashion by transferring credit card balances and making minimum payments until 2001. That's the year we both gave our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and discovered Crown Financial Ministries. In January of 2002 we led our first Crown Small group study.
The revelation knowledge of what God says about stewardship, in this bible study, is phenomenal. In addition to studying God's Word, we implemented Crown's practical approach to our budgeting and spending. The wisdom we received from God's Word has truly helped us get our financial life in order, and it could have saved us from many of the poor financial decisions we made prior to 2002.
One of the first practical applications in the Crown study was to create a debt summary of what we owed. Comparing our original summary from 2001 to various points since, it is a blessing to see how God has worked through our application of His principles.
In just three years, we had reduced our total debt by $40,000. In addition, we had taken control of our spending by living within our budget, had transferred the remaining credit card debt into our mortgage, and had paid off our credit card bills with no balance every month for over two years. We had gone from no emergency savings to 3-4 months of living expenses saved.
Another area of our finances impacted by this study was how we viewed our automobiles. In 2002, we were emotionally ready to upgrade our older vehicle for a newer one. This would have burdened us by continuing with two car payments. However, this would not meet our budget so we decided to hold off getting a new car. Instead, we maintained our car expenses to within our budgeted amount, paid off the second car and started setting aside money for the future purchase of a new used car. In 2006, we were able to replace our older vehicle by paying cash for a newer used car.
The most significant change to our spending occurred in the area of giving. When we took the Crown course our total giving was about equal to our tithe. As we filled out our taxes for 2004 and did the math, we found that our giving had increased to over 15% of our income.
Our long term goal was to become completely debt free, and in January 2007, we felt God place it upon our hearts to achieve this goal. It required a step of faith because Gary would have to change employers, and we would have to leave the area we had lived in for 26 years. Within three months of starting his search, Gary had a job offer and we decided to make the move.
When shopping for our new house, we kept moving up our price range because of our emotional desires. About three weeks into the search we both, independently, felt in our spirits the need to refocus on our objective, and downscale our price range. Within a week the right house at the right price came on the market.
When our old house sold, we were able to tithe on the increase on the value of our old home, and pay off our new mortgage before the first payment was due.
Since August 2007, we have been free of all debts and continue to give generously into God’s kingdom. However, the most rewarding result from taking the Crown Small group study has been the walk with God that brought us out of debt and closer to God.
Sincerely,
Gary & Judy
If that isn't a financial testimony then I don't know what is. Trey and I are doing our best to implement the tools that I have learned in Crown as well as the guidance and direction of Gary and Judy. I remember Gary and Judy talking to me about emergency savings last summer. Making sure that Trey and I were ok, if God forbid, a financial crisis hit our home. Well, seeing as though we are in a time of transition, I find it reassuring and extremely grateful that Gary and Judy had that talk with me. Thankfully, we have set aside enough funds to sustain us through this time of transition. Thank you, Lord!
I pray this has blessed you. Enjoy your Sunday!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Gettin' Busy!
Trey and I have been doing a lot of work on our home; well, atleast I think so. We have hung new light fixtures (yes, all of which required turning off the power), installed new door knobs, and even some painting (which was very short-lived). Our weekends have been spent "perfecting" our already perfect home! Again, atleast I think so and, my opionion, along with my husbands, is the only one that counts! Ha. :)
We actually have a realtor coming out this week to assess our home. We are hoping that with all we have done, she will be like, "WOW, this house is amazing and ready to sell." Seriously, I don't think I could handle doing anything else at this point unless it were free. And we all know, in many cases free is hard to come by; unless, of course, you are grocery shopping! :)
The kitchen was the last thing that needed painting and it got finished today. YIPPIE! That means since we have moved in we have had our entire house painted with the exception of the dining room which has wall paper. I have yet to take it down because I really LOVE it and the pattern matches the chandelier.
The house sure does look nice or neutral? Both. I don't know about you but when I look at buying a home paint color is the first thing I notice. Neon pink, bright purple and lime green walls aren't exactly the color palettes that this girl would choose from. In fact, I cringe at the sight. So, we have chosen a neutral paint color in the upstairs bedrooms, office and kitchen. Literally, all it would take is for someone to move their stuff in and they wouldn't have to do a thing. Well, unless they wanted neon pink, bright purple, and lime green walls. In that case, knock yourself out-- JUST BUY OUR HOME! :)
With that being said, I am fully confident that if the Lord desires us to be elsewhere He will make a way, where in an economy like this one, others would say, "chances are slim in selling your home."
Remember my last blog post? God operates outside of the human mind and ability because He is the one who is to get ALL the glory and honor. Our sinful nature wants to take credit for everything but if it is outside the human ability then He gets all the credit. Can I just say how comfortable and at peace I am believing that to be true!
This was pretty random and completely oustide of my "normal" blog posts, but I wanted to post this in the hopes that you would pray for the selling of our home and maybe you know someone or you yourself is looking to buy a home in Heron Bay!
Relaxin',
~Jenni-Shene~
We actually have a realtor coming out this week to assess our home. We are hoping that with all we have done, she will be like, "WOW, this house is amazing and ready to sell." Seriously, I don't think I could handle doing anything else at this point unless it were free. And we all know, in many cases free is hard to come by; unless, of course, you are grocery shopping! :)
The kitchen was the last thing that needed painting and it got finished today. YIPPIE! That means since we have moved in we have had our entire house painted with the exception of the dining room which has wall paper. I have yet to take it down because I really LOVE it and the pattern matches the chandelier.
The house sure does look nice or neutral? Both. I don't know about you but when I look at buying a home paint color is the first thing I notice. Neon pink, bright purple and lime green walls aren't exactly the color palettes that this girl would choose from. In fact, I cringe at the sight. So, we have chosen a neutral paint color in the upstairs bedrooms, office and kitchen. Literally, all it would take is for someone to move their stuff in and they wouldn't have to do a thing. Well, unless they wanted neon pink, bright purple, and lime green walls. In that case, knock yourself out-- JUST BUY OUR HOME! :)
With that being said, I am fully confident that if the Lord desires us to be elsewhere He will make a way, where in an economy like this one, others would say, "chances are slim in selling your home."
Remember my last blog post? God operates outside of the human mind and ability because He is the one who is to get ALL the glory and honor. Our sinful nature wants to take credit for everything but if it is outside the human ability then He gets all the credit. Can I just say how comfortable and at peace I am believing that to be true!
This was pretty random and completely oustide of my "normal" blog posts, but I wanted to post this in the hopes that you would pray for the selling of our home and maybe you know someone or you yourself is looking to buy a home in Heron Bay!
Relaxin',
~Jenni-Shene~
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The One Who is Called Faithful...
REALLY IS...I promise!
Often times, in a world, where there is so much chaos and confusion, we need to find our rest in the One who is stable (un-moved; despite the situation), in control, and all-knowing. I pray, on this Saturday morning, that you can trust, that even in the midst of your situation, He is still: Full of Wisdom, Infinite, Sovereign, Holy, Omniscient, FAITHFUL etc...My God, I just get ELATED typing these words out. No lie.
A.W. Tozer writes, “Man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. Worship is pure or base as the worshipper entertains high or low thoughts of God.”
You have two choices here: praise Him in the bad or give Him nothing at all. And as a result, of you doing one or the other, you will determine your thoughts towards God at that moment, whether it be subconscious or not. You will. I will.
Now, in my earlier days of being a Christian, the Bible calls those- "Babes in Christ," I would worship based on my feeling of God (what has he done for me lately mentality) at that moment. Can any of you relate? Or was I just overly transparent?
I didn't realize that my praise towards Him had the power to change my situation. But as I have grown older and wiser (hopefully), I have come to realize that my praises to Him have the power to change things. Demons flee at the name of Jesus. Which means when I'm praising Him, I am recognizing that He is who He says He is: Holy, Sovereign, FAITHFUL, Full of Wisdom....get it? Therefore, demons can not entertain you or me, only He can-the One who is Faithfully Holy. ALWAYS.
Those thoughts of abandonment can't consume you because, "He will never leave you nor forsake you; he sticks closer than a brother, a friend, your spouse, your parents etc..."
Those thoughts of fear, worry, and doubt can't consume you any longer, even though your spouse doesn't have a job, because God is Sovereign- ALL-knowing; He knew your END from your beginning. He is the One who orders your footsteps. He is the One who causes promotion.
At some point in our Christian walk we have got to get to this place. Peace dwells here. I promise. When others around me can worry like no tomorrow I can say, "I know God will make a way where there seems to be no way." I mean when we really think about it isn't that how God operates anyways? Outside of the human mind? Don't you ever wonder why He doesn't operate in ways that we can understand? I do, well, atleast in my mind I do. Hey, it works for me. :) This is what I have found: faith requires us to believe in those things that are unseen. So in order for God to be God and for me to have faith, it is required of Him to operate outside of my human capacity because if man can think it, man gets all the credit, but if God can think it then we will give him all the glory. And as his children, are "job" is to praise Him, glorify Him, and honor Him.
Our perspective of God, I believe, has a lot to do with our worship towards Him. It is a mindset. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
It is that feeling you get when the alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m. and you really don't want to get out of the bed to go to the gym. But, you know you have to if you want to see results. Well, I really believe if you expect to see things change around you it first starts with praise. Which, might I add, completely contradicts our society today. We don't praise until we get results.
I encourage you, start praising Him in the storm and see what happens! Try not to allow thoughts that contradict who God is to leave your mouth. There is power in the tongue. Once you speak it, you ended up believing it. So speak life into your situation today!
I will close for now. But, if you have gained anything from toay's blog I hope it was this: He is Full of Wisdom, Infinite, Sovereign, Holy, Omniscient, FAITHFUL etc...He loves you, cares for you and desires to take care of you ALL the days of your life.
Still Praisin',
~Jenni~
P.S. My chief editor (my husband) was not present to edit my blog, so I hope I didn't throw you off with all my grammatical errors. Nope, not afraid to admit that I absolutely stink in English, but I hope to be getting better. :)
Have a great weekend!
Often times, in a world, where there is so much chaos and confusion, we need to find our rest in the One who is stable (un-moved; despite the situation), in control, and all-knowing. I pray, on this Saturday morning, that you can trust, that even in the midst of your situation, He is still: Full of Wisdom, Infinite, Sovereign, Holy, Omniscient, FAITHFUL etc...My God, I just get ELATED typing these words out. No lie.
A.W. Tozer writes, “Man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. Worship is pure or base as the worshipper entertains high or low thoughts of God.”
You have two choices here: praise Him in the bad or give Him nothing at all. And as a result, of you doing one or the other, you will determine your thoughts towards God at that moment, whether it be subconscious or not. You will. I will.
Now, in my earlier days of being a Christian, the Bible calls those- "Babes in Christ," I would worship based on my feeling of God (what has he done for me lately mentality) at that moment. Can any of you relate? Or was I just overly transparent?
I didn't realize that my praise towards Him had the power to change my situation. But as I have grown older and wiser (hopefully), I have come to realize that my praises to Him have the power to change things. Demons flee at the name of Jesus. Which means when I'm praising Him, I am recognizing that He is who He says He is: Holy, Sovereign, FAITHFUL, Full of Wisdom....get it? Therefore, demons can not entertain you or me, only He can-the One who is Faithfully Holy. ALWAYS.
Those thoughts of abandonment can't consume you because, "He will never leave you nor forsake you; he sticks closer than a brother, a friend, your spouse, your parents etc..."
Those thoughts of fear, worry, and doubt can't consume you any longer, even though your spouse doesn't have a job, because God is Sovereign- ALL-knowing; He knew your END from your beginning. He is the One who orders your footsteps. He is the One who causes promotion.
At some point in our Christian walk we have got to get to this place. Peace dwells here. I promise. When others around me can worry like no tomorrow I can say, "I know God will make a way where there seems to be no way." I mean when we really think about it isn't that how God operates anyways? Outside of the human mind? Don't you ever wonder why He doesn't operate in ways that we can understand? I do, well, atleast in my mind I do. Hey, it works for me. :) This is what I have found: faith requires us to believe in those things that are unseen. So in order for God to be God and for me to have faith, it is required of Him to operate outside of my human capacity because if man can think it, man gets all the credit, but if God can think it then we will give him all the glory. And as his children, are "job" is to praise Him, glorify Him, and honor Him.
Our perspective of God, I believe, has a lot to do with our worship towards Him. It is a mindset. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
It is that feeling you get when the alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m. and you really don't want to get out of the bed to go to the gym. But, you know you have to if you want to see results. Well, I really believe if you expect to see things change around you it first starts with praise. Which, might I add, completely contradicts our society today. We don't praise until we get results.
I encourage you, start praising Him in the storm and see what happens! Try not to allow thoughts that contradict who God is to leave your mouth. There is power in the tongue. Once you speak it, you ended up believing it. So speak life into your situation today!
I will close for now. But, if you have gained anything from toay's blog I hope it was this: He is Full of Wisdom, Infinite, Sovereign, Holy, Omniscient, FAITHFUL etc...He loves you, cares for you and desires to take care of you ALL the days of your life.
Still Praisin',
~Jenni~
P.S. My chief editor (my husband) was not present to edit my blog, so I hope I didn't throw you off with all my grammatical errors. Nope, not afraid to admit that I absolutely stink in English, but I hope to be getting better. :)
Have a great weekend!
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