tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275730.post2799052050751806445..comments2023-06-15T09:28:38.897-05:00Comments on My Mundane Life: In other news...Katannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04565779997509656273noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275730.post-91573830739649225802008-06-24T11:12:00.000-05:002008-06-24T11:12:00.000-05:00I would have to say that I agree with Swing.Obviou...I would have to say that I agree with Swing.<BR/><BR/>Obviously the 10% tithe isn't optional, but she's right. We have been blessed and we should be grateful, not guilty.<BR/><BR/>The less exciting part of that is what gratefulness looks like. Gratefulness means being a good steward of God's blessings. You probably know how I feel about debt. I'm almost as opposed to it as Ramsey. Your blessings aren't a license to live beyond your means.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, never never NEVER buy any car that makes smoke. No matter where the smoke comes from it is ALWAYS bad. Yes, there's the possibility that the last guy who changed the oil just spilled some on the engine and there's not actually anything wrong, but the liklihood is that the leak in the main seal is a symptom of 20,000 miles per year and very poor maintenance. Oh, and replacing a main seal by yourself would cost about $200. Paying a pro to do it would cost between $500 and $700.<BR/><BR/>I'm still praying for you, bro. Everyday. I promise. I'm really looking forward to being able to come up and see you more often. We're definitely going to have to hang out a lot more often.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13423434474491928449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12275730.post-30534078350709196392008-06-23T09:31:00.000-05:002008-06-23T09:31:00.000-05:00Gene Wilder at 22.5 feet tall? Wow that's a littl...Gene Wilder at 22.5 feet tall? Wow that's a little scary. But those screens look really cool!!<BR/><BR/>I understand your quandry about the iPhone, but like you said, there's not clear-cut Biblical answer on this one. There are definitely times when God calls us to give money/service/etc to others, but I don't think his plan for all Christians is to live as cheaply as we can and give everything else away.<BR/><BR/>For our family, most of our giving decisions happen when we make our monthly budget: It's at that time that we sit down and decide how much we're going to give and to what organizations. This way, we don't have to tackle this decision on a day to day basis - because if I feel like I'm constantly struggling with this, I'll eventually just give it all out of feeling guilty. But God doesn't call us to a lifetime of feeling guilty over how much money we do or don't give!<BR/><BR/>And actually, at this time a lot of our budget is going toward savings (thanks to Dave Ramsey, of course). We're trying to pay off the house and have a comfortable emergency fund tucked away. The portion of our total income that we just "give away" is at this point relatively small (though I will say that it's bigger than our "blow" money budget - the money that we just spend at our discretion). However, once we get the house paid off and our retirement secured - that will totally open us up to a much bigger opportunity for giving than we ever had before!! What kind of good can I do in my community if I can suddenly give away my mortgage payment every month? Just something to think about.<BR/><BR/>So my suggestion is this: make a budget and at THAT time prayerfully consider what percentage God wants you to give away. Then stick to giving what you said you would, and don't feel bad about spending the rest on yourself. God has so totally blessed us in this country, and that's something to be thankful for, not feel guilty over.<BR/><BR/>OK, all that was theoretical, but I do have one more thing that applies directly to you. I, personally, am not sure that an iPhone is the smartest use of $300 when you're trying to save up for a new car and don't have an emergency fund. That's just me. I think there are much more important priorities for you right now. Otherwise, you just might be feeling really cool calling a tow truck from your new iPhone when the transmission finally gives out on Rhonda.<BR/><BR/>That's my 2 cents. OK, maybe it was more like 3.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01048936523086212165noreply@blogger.com