Happy New Year! We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas.
How would you like to start the new year with a life-changing event?
Looking back on 37 years of marriage, if we could change one thing, we would have started a spending plan (budget) in the very beginning of our marriage. The spending plan that we began over 20 years ago has done more for our marriage than any one step we have taken, besides our commitment to the Lord. Even though we didn’t disagree on how we spent our money and we weren’t in a lot of debt, we didn’t know where our money was going. The lack of a plan caused an underlying tension and financial insecurity.
The guru of our day was Larry Burkett. We read his books, listened to him speak, and followed the Biblical principles that he showed us. Our life has been different ever since.
Shortly after that time, Ed became a certified financial counselor through Christian Financial Concepts. He wanted to teach others what we had learned. We both studied and began teaching others about managing money according to God’s design.
We begin a new Managing Money class on Tuesday, January 4th, from 6:30-8:30. The class is four weeks total. We teach the Biblical principles and practical tools. A person or a couple’s life could you be changed forever in this class! Pray and ask God whether He is leading you to come or to sponsor someone else to come. [see details here]
We tell people that managing money isn’t rocket science; it really isn’t hard at all. A few major obstacles exist for most people: 1) a conviction of the heart—making a commitment to follow God’s direction, believing that what He wants is the best for our lives; and 2) a lack of skills in knowing how to formulate and execute the plan; and 3) a belief that someone is going to tell them how to spend your money.
What we do in reference to these obstacles: 1) we clearly present God’s heart on the issues, leaving the opportunity for people to respond; 2) we walk everyone through the steps, one at a time, and are available outside of class for additional help; and 3) we do not set the amount of money people spend on anything, that amount is between them and God and their family (if they have one)., we do not ask anyone to reveal any personal financial information in class.
It is not too late to make end of the year gifts! If the donation is mailed, the envelope must be post-marked by December 31st for us to give a tax-receipt for 2010. You may also donate online up to midnight on the last day of the year. These year-end donations fund a significant amount of ministry in the coming year.
We challenge you to consider what the Lord wants you to do during the coming year to grow closer to Him and to grow in your closest relationships.
We love and appreciate you and your support of the work God is doing through Living Well! We are excited to see what He is going to do in the year to come! May the Lord bless you in the coming year.
Our love in Christ,
Donna and Ed Edwards
P.S. Please pray that the Lord will continue to provide for the ministry through year-end giving.
