Last year she wasn't so interested in the whole cake thing. She screamed and screamed during the whole song and didn't want to get her hands dirty at all. I don't think she even took a bite of the cake. She was not happy again until she was back to sitting in the chair her grandparents gave her.





This year, however, she really enjoyed being the center of attention except when being sung to. She was a little overwhelmed with that, but otherwise she loved it!! She ate some of her cupcake and cookie and is really liking the whole idea of 'pesents'. She has something to get today, but after that I think she will be seriously not happy that they don't happen to come to her every day.




In the busyness of getting ready for parties I was reminded of what a blessing children are and that she is our little gift from God. Children are definitely a great responsibility, but such a joy! I love watching her discover new things. God is so gracious to give us these little blessings to raise for His glory. Yes, it gets overwhelming at times and is a great responsibility, but it is so much fun!! Babies are very cute, but it is a lot more fun when you can interact and do things with them. I am loving getting to know this little person with a very big personality.

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3

Finances.

What first pops into your mind? . . . Numbers? Security? Fear? Trust?

My guess is that especially in today's economic times most of us immediately think fear. My husband and I have been struggling a bit for the last 2 years. Until recently fear is exactly what I thought of. After losing a total of 3 jobs and some bad decisions in between, along with having a baby, we have definitely been thinking fear.

We recently started the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University and are in the process of getting Baby Step 1 accomplished.

Let me start by saying that my husband has been a Dave Ramsey fan for a couple of years, but I was hesitant to jump on board. Mostly because I manage the finances and who was he to try to tell me how to do it? So, I never listened. I never read the book. I realize he was trying to help and appreciate the effort, I really do (especially now). I also didn't do it because from what he showed me it was way too complicated and I had my system (I still kinda think that, but know it is going to be well worth the effort).

Now my system is in the process of transforming to Dave's system. I am budgeting and somewhat using the envelope system and most importantly I am starting to change from thinking fear to secure. The more money that gets saved, the more secure I feel. Amazing, huh?

The change that is taking place is not just in our bank account, but also in my heart. I am learning more about trusting the Lord. He truly meant what He said about "supply[ing] all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19) The key phrase in that verse is 'according to His'. So often we take verses like this out of context and assume that whatever we think we need we will have - like the Prayer of Jabez fad. That is not the case.

God knows what we need. Sometimes we need a big fat 'NO!'.

Paul says earlier in that passage that he "know[s] how to get along with humble means, and [he] also know[s] how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance [he has] learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (vv.12-13) God was with him in all of those circumstances. He didn't leave him when he had humble means - He taught him lessons and grew Paul's faith.

We need to learn to do the same thing. After a time of abundance are we truly thankful when a time of 'humble means' comes along? When we are 'suffering need'? We need to be.

Take the opportunity to open your eyes and learn what God has for you to learn. Pray about just what he would have you do with your finances right now and take the opportunity to grow closer to your God and your family.


You can purchase the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Kit here.