I wanted to share with you two emails that I get that talk about the economic concerns that we are facing. One comes from the United Methodist Board of Christian Social Action from Jim Winkler. The other is a subscription that I signed up for Serving Strong. I found the articles interesting and wanted to share them with readers. I do believe that panicking is not the answer. coming together remembering God is present and maybe this being the time for us to look at our life style and make some informed decisions. At the same time we know people who have been laid off or their hours cut. We need to not only keep them in our prayers but begin to look at what are the ways that we can reach out to them during these difficult times.
Here are the articles:
I hope we will avoid pushing that near mania into outright panic, though, and making hasty decisions we will soon regret. Some lines of Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “If,” come to mind.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too; …
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
We should all take these words to heart. God does not deal in scarcity, but rather in abundance. This economic crisis is a human construct. If you have faith that God will provide abundant life, and realize that doesn’t mean big houses and fancy cars or private jets, then you can look forward, and won’t have to turn back.
Jim Winkler
Date: 2/23/2009
©2005-2009
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| A Financial State Of |
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The message seems loud and clear - the world economy is in crisis. But amid the uncertainty you still have a choice. Actually two choices. First, you will always be able to choose your attitude. Second, you can choose what to feed that attitude. ATTITUDE Consider this: The American Fitness Professionals & Associates says, "Your attitude totally affects your experience of life; it is all about how you take it. When we look for the good in any given situation we will find it and it is in every situation no matter what." I'm not advocating a head-in-the-sand ignorance. Rather, a world view big enough to make room for hope. I know. You're asking, "But how can attitude really help my particular situation?" Valid question. Attitude is not going to make money magically appear in your checking account. But it WILL free your mental space. With this space, you can recognize solutions and opportunities. Dave Gibbons says, "Scarcity brings clarity." Go ahead and follow the news reports. But choose your attitude. Don't let others choose it for you. ATTITUDE FOOD So you've chosen to stay optimistic about the future. How do you maintain it? By nourishing it. Here are 2 basic food groups for your consideration (something to try over the lenten season): First, surround yourself with a COMMUNITY of others who have chosen a similar attitude of hope. If forced to interact with a "downer", balance it with a conversation with someone from your Community. Second, seek Now, if you are taking steps to strengthen your financial picture, I have compiled a list of some top-rate websites and resources for you. Visit the following link and start your journey: www.servingstrong.com/finances Our ability to serve strong depends on the strength we have to give. When we are victorious over financial pressures, we are able to give our best to those we are called to serve. I'll "see" you right here next week. |
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