Oh Money.

Just thought I'd share a bit on something not related to the precious rascals. :)

Through some influential sermons. mentors, prayer, and personal convictions, Jason and I have embarked on a journey to become completely debt-free, all in the next 3 years (with the exception of my graduate loans which will take a bit longer). We literally drew out this master plan one night, dedicated to the Lord, and asked for his help to be conscious of our spending (recognizing the frivolous from the necessary) and to help each other not lose sight of our ultimate goal. Thus our budgets are extremely tight right now, but (so far!) we have happy hearts. :)
Our main goal is to free up "debt money" we spend on bills every month in order to be able to give more to certain ministries we're passionate about and let God use us in that way. Our goal is NOT to then buy nicer things or even change our budget once we get there - we understand this, however is where Satan will try and trip us up, and therefore, we pray about this part often.

In the past month, there has been a handful of graces from God (as I have come to call them) that have blown us away and assured us of His presence with us throughout this journey. A few of our close friends have told us we need to write these things down and keep record of this plan and how God is working.

Thus, the other night, we started another blog, strictly about our finances and God's presence through this journey to get out of debt (and do our best to incur it no more!)

For the time being I am keeping it private, for mine and Jason's own records. It is very blunt and honest and not necessarily public worthy yet. :) But we do hope to finish this thing through until the end, and someday share our story of how it was done.

Mike Erre, the Pastor at Rock Harbor (my old church in Cali - download his podcasts "Money, Sex, and Power") once asked us all this question:
"How much of God's money are you going to give back to Him?"

It's always rung in my ears, is written in my Bible, and Oh.My.Goodness. convicts me at my core sometimes.