April 15, 2010

Faith and Finances Blog Tour: How to Help Others in a Bad Economy



Today we feature a book perfect for the times - FAITH & FINANCES: In God We Trust, A Journey to Financial Dependence
Jesus spoke about money and material possessions more than any other topic. The book offers a contemporary retelling of the parable of the Rich Young Ruler, giving a fresh look at the relationship between a person's faith and their finances.

Devotionals by Christy award-winning writer Ann Tatlock, plus best-selling authors, Loree Lough, Yvonne Lehman, Virginia Smith, Irene Brand, DiAnn Mills, Miralee Ferrell, Shelby Rawson and others, offer spiritual insight and practical advice on how to trust God, not wealth.



10 Ways to Help People in a Bad Economy

Points that offer some "food" for thought:

1) Stress less. Gulls don't store up fish and shrimp, yet they don't starve. In other words, don't worry about what you can't control.

2) Love more. Love is free. Families and friends remain the true source of significance. A life with love and being loved will outlast any economic downturn.

3) Give it all to God. Nations rise and fall. Economies expand and collapse. Whatever financial difficulties you face today God foresaw long ago and will see you through. Don't quit, but let go. Work, budget, but give whatever remains of your wealth to God and trust He'll make it stretch to provide for your daily needs.

4) Dream big. Dreams do not die, they only go dormant. You may not see your dreams come true, but that doesn’t mean they won’t. Make a photo album of places you’d like to visit and give it away as a gift. Write a letter of memories and share it with your spouse and children. Our plans for the future begin with our desires of today.

5) Smile often. Be careful how you live. Your actions and attitudes matter.

6) Trust others. Trust begins with an open hand. We cannot reach for the future with a closed fist. If you want to move forward you will have to trust again. Be wise and discerning, but trust. This is, after all, the lifeblood of our economy.

7) Let go. You can't make a sun rise or a sparrow sing. You control less than you think. Relax, let go, and help those you can.

8) Travel more. Memories don't lose their value, so travel more, not less. What you don’t spend on others you should exchange for memories. Take trips, even if it’s only around the block, to a new park, a creek or spending a day at the community center.

9) Spend less, savor more. Give thanks for the small things and don't begrudge the tough times. You can endure more than you think.

10) Look up. A bowed head will miss the sunrise, sunset and silver lining. Of all creatures man stands nearest to heaven so lift your chin, open your eyes and gaze toward the stars.

BUY:


** Follow the rest of the tour during April and May. See rest of schedule here.

4 comments:

Nikki Leigh said...

Hi Christine - Thank you so much for hosting Faith and Finance on your blog. You shared some very timely information that I hope will be beneficial to your blog readers.

Nikki Leigh

Courtney Mroch said...

What a very uplifting book to share. Great message and advice to follow at ANY time, not just the hard ones, right?

Anonymous said...

Thanks bunches, Christine. F&F went to the "dogs" and loved it!

Cindy Sproles said...

Faith and Finances is not a book on how to build your 401K....but how to build your trust in the Father that He will provide for you. This book is unique and different, a story with devotions gingerly woven into the pages. I promise, it will touch you.
Cindy Sproles
Christian Devotions, Editor
www.christiandevotions.us
www.cindysproles.com