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“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.” Matthew 25:29

How can we be good managers of our financial resources?

It begins with a budget. And every good budget has certain biblical principles to keep in mind:

1. Give to God First – Scripture is very clear that we are to give God a tithe, or 10% of our income. In Scripture it’s referred to as the “storehouse” (Malachi 3:8-10) or where you worship and are spiritually fed – your local church. We’re to do this first before anything else. This acknowledges that all we have comes from Him and that we trust Him to meet our needs. It’s a way of saying – God, all of this is yours (Proverbs 3: 9-10).
2. Save & Invest – Any financial planner will tell you that at least 10% of your income should go into savings and investments. Scripture provides the analogy of ants to emphasize the importance of this principle. Ants work hard during the summer months to prepare for the winter. When it comes to saving and investments, we are to be wise planners (Proverbs 6:6-11).
3. Pay Taxes – No one has ever been excited about paying taxes, but Scripture is very clear that we are to pay the taxes we owe. After all, those funds not only pay the salaries of our civil servants, but they also fund and maintain our roads, water, schools, courts, and even our police and military protection. (Romans 13: 6-7).
4. Plan for Fixed Expenses – These are regular costs such as your mortgage, car payment, monthly groceries and any debt payments. These payments must be paid or there are penalties – they are fixed.
5. Manage Discretionary Expenses – This category covers all the fun things like entertainment, vacation, shopping and hobbies. These things are nice, but not necessities.

The bottom line is that all of us are called to be good managers of the specific resources that God has entrusted to us – each according to our own ability. While there should be no comparison in the kingdom of God, we should make the most of the ability and opportunity that God has given.

So how are you doing as a manager of God’s financial resources?

One day, we all must give an account for how we managed “His” resources.

What will God say to you?

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer became the most common cancer this year, accounting for 12% of all new cancer cases worldwide. In addition, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among American women. However, some men are also at risk for breast cancer.

The main factors that influence your risk of breast cancer include being a woman and getting older. Additional risk factors that are out of your control include genetic mutations, exposure to radiation therapy, your reproductive history and your family history.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As such, this is the perfect time to refamiliarize yourself with the following warning signs of breast cancer: Screenings can’t prevent cancer, but early detection can make treatment more effective. Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram each year, while women age 55 and older can switch to biennial screening. For more information about breast cancer risk factors, talk to your doctor or visit breastcancer.org

Having good friends makes life so much more meaningful, fuller and richer. But what happens when those friendships fall apart because of offense or disagreements? What happens when no one is willing to compromise, and no one is willing to make the first move to make things right? 

The answer is hurt and division. 

Doing life with people can be difficult. Why? Because relationships require vulnerability, transparency and trust with imperfect people. All it takes is one wrongly timed word or an unintentional action and a friendship can be split and divided. It may have even happened in your circle of friendships, marriage, workplace or family.  

The enemy would love nothing more than to rob you of community. If he can get you to isolate yourself, then you become less of a threat in the Kingdom of God. But God doesn’t call us to do life alone, but together. God doesn’t call us to be guarded, but to guard our hearts. Guarding our hearts means that we allow God to take soap and water to our hearts everyday and scrub away offense and hurt and polish the most important thing to Him: love. Let love be your guiding force as you are mindful of the words you speak, the actions you do, and motivation behind your attitude. Always do a heart check and allow God to work in you before you ask Him to work in someone else. 

Try a “48-hour” rule. If there’s an offense between you and someone else, you have “48-hours” to confront them in love OR let it go. This allows us to put not only unity at the forefront, but most importantly, love. God has too much that He wants us to do together to let an offense drive a wedge between you and someone else.

Maybe there’s a friendship God is asking you to mend? Maybe there’s a loved one to whom God is calling you to make the first move and reach out? Maybe there’s someone God is asking you to forgive?  Let’s strive to “get along” and “stay together” through every season and valley we go through. Let’s apply forgiveness and grace in all our relationships, for this is the key to staying united in love.

Revive your tired eyes with these simple exercises…

**BLINK- 20-20-20 Look 20 feet aware from your computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds

**YAWN – yawning helps increase the secretion of tears and helps moisten dry eyes

**DISTANCE YOURSELF – The perfect distance from your screen is 18 to 25 inches with eyes gazing downward

**DROP IN – Apply over the counter eye drops to help moisten dry eyes. Also using a humidifier adds moisture and warm compresses help as well.

**LOOK AROUND – Close your eyes, keep your head still and gently raise them towards the ceiling, to the left and to the right, then down to the floor.

**CHANGE YOUR FOCUS – Hold a finger in front of one eye and focus on it. Slowly move away shifting your focus in the distance, then return back to your finger. Repeat 2-3 times for both eyes.

**DO FIGURE EIGHTS – Picture a large # 8 in it side 10 feet ahead. Trace the number with your eyes a few times, then revers.

“We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling.”  ~Unknown