Friday, May 1, 2015

What I've Learned {in April}



1. Hubs and I have bought into many myths pertaining to debt. We are being challenged in a convicting and positive way through a David Ramsey “Financial Peace” course offered through our church.

God’s Word: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

2. God has much to say on being a good steward of money.

God’s Word: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Luke 16:10

3. Taking the “Financial Peace” course means creating a monthly budget. Creating a monthly budget means allocating how and where you spend your income. Allocating how and where you spend your money means you come to the conclusion you don’t need to spend money on a maid. I surely did learn in April how much I miss my maid. She did a great job with the deep cleaning. I am slowly learning to enjoy again a daily routine of tending to our home.

God’s Word: Proverbs 31

4. I love that we are a part of the Army Reserves family. They do a fabulous job of taking care of their soldiers and their families.

God’s Word: “Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.” Philippians 2:4

5. Twenty-five years of marriage does not mean we have this marriage thing all figured out. Hubs and I are thankful for the chaplain-led program, Strong Bonds, offered through the Army. We enjoyed two days in Minneapolis last weekend focused on strengthening our marriage and connecting with other military couples.

God’s Word: “Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Hebrews 13:4

6. When you get to Deuteronomy 34 after seven months of studying The Life of Moses tears will fall over the death of Moses and him only seeing the Promised Land from a distance. Even though Moses asked God to let him cross over to see the wonderful land (Deuteronomy 3:25), I imagine Moses was far more excited about his heavenly home with God.

God’s Word: “No eye has ever seen or no ear has ever heard or no mind has ever thought of the wonderful things God has made ready for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

7. I already know I am going to miss my Monday evenings with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). My prayer is that the habits I have formed as a result of BSF stay with me throughout the summer months instead of waiting to take them back up again come September when we study Revelation. Time with God and in His Word should not be a seasonal thing but a daily thing.

God’s Word: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

8. An extra day or two was probably needed to ponder vow renewal plans before I pressed send on our Save the Date email. Once the email was out I had a panic attack over the number of people we had invited to our home. All is good though because God is good! We are likely making alternate plans to have our celebration elsewhere and thankfully our first choice for a venue is still available. It’s a good thing Save the Date’s don’t include details on the location.

God's Word:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

9. Watching your children go through hard seasons is one of the most difficult things we do as parents. But God doesn't waste our suffering. Our family of four is growing closer as we walk through the hard stuff together.

God’s Word: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

10. My new favorite game is TableTopics. Our family stays in frequent communication these days via group text messaging thanks to this lovely game. I’m in charge of asking the question and then the men join in with their answers. I have 135 questions to choose from. Oh, what fun!

God’s Word: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful but heartache crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13

How about you? What did God teach you in April?

20 comments :

  1. I love reading your words here. I've missed them but am so encouraged by how you're seeking God right now. Love you dearly. xoxo

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    1. Thank you, sweet friend. I love you much. xoxo

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  2. "be content with what you have" that is always a challenge isn't it - but one I am striving toward. It is just too easy to get caught up in the "things" of the world that don't really matter when our resources should point to what does. I had not heard of the Strong Bonds program but know many military families whose marriages have went through challenges - happy to hear there are resources. Praying for your family Beth as you walk your child through this hard season. Seeing a child struggle (in any area) is a faith challenger/builder for me. Happy to see again "neighbor" - blessed to share my little piece of real estate at Chatting at the Sky with you!!

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    1. It's always a delight to see you here, Mindy. Thank you for stopping by. xoxo

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  3. I love how God continues to teach us through the ordinary routines of life. He is working hard to teach you through so many things isn't He? I am learning what it means to finish well and to listen well to hear what God is calling me to next. He also is teaching me what it means to be brave. I love that you shared this with all of us. Thanks for popping over to The Weekend Brew.

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    1. You have no idea how much I am looking forward to hopefully seeing you in July!!! What a treat it would be, Mary. You are in my prayers as your retirement day nears. Much love. xoxo

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  4. You're tackling some big things, my friend! So glad you found the time {and inspiration} to share :) Always enjoy these posts. You're in my prayers. Always.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, friend. Love you.xoxo

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  5. Hi Dear! (I love that photo that starts off the post!) You've had a busy April, and are certainly learning a lot, and there's plenty of things to be thankful for... A great 30 days.
    I told you that my SIL loves Dave Ramsey, so I'm not surprised you do too.
    What has April taught me? Patience. Healing takes time, I had no idea how long. I have two grandbabies coming this summer, it's hard to wait! Starting new projects and wondering how they'll turn out. Ugh.
    Yep, I got what I needed, the grace to wait.
    So lovely to spend time with you Friday my friend. Hope you enjoyed today too!
    Hugs,
    Ceil

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    1. It was delightful to spend time with you last weekend, Ceil. Healing does take time, doesn't it? But God . . . He is so good! Love you. xoxo

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  6. I love how God is teaching you to continue to lean into Him in this season. I am always blessed by your words Beth. Blessings and Love!

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  7. Beth,
    So great to be reading what you've been up to and learning in April!! I especially love the scriptures you chose to go with each new revelation/event/experience during the month. It sounds like you have been enjoying your time....especially with hubs and family...as well as learning a lot. I think it's great that you will be renewing your vows...definitely an event worth celebrating. I'll be celebrating with you in spirit long distance :). So glad to see you pop up in my inbox...
    Lots of love and ((hugs)),
    Bev

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the scripture I picked out, Bev. I am trying to do that with all things these days. To know that God has wisdom to share in all circumstances and to go to Him in all things. Much love to you. xoxo

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  8. You certainly learned a lot in April, Beth! Looks like a great month :). Financial Peace is an awesome class. My husband and I took it a long time ago and could definitely use a refresher course.
    That Table Topics game looks amazing! Thanks for the recommendation. I think I'll order that for my people. I love the idea of doing it through group text. Now that my daughter lives on her own, that would be a perfect way for us to play.

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    1. You will enjoy the Table Topics game, Candace. It really is a great way to keep family talking when we get to the point of living in different places. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings. xoxo

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  9. I can't wait to hear about your vow renewal celebration, Beth ... oh so glorious!

    And I love how you peppered your learnings with the beauty of God's Word. Inspired ...

    Hugs!

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  10. Love your lessons shared. Can't wait to check out Table Talk. Praying for your kids as well as sweet blessings of renewal and joy for you and your hubby! Our 25th anniversary is in Nov.

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  11. This is great stuff. Happy to read your writing as always. Love and miss you:).

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Much love to you.