Part 2-Budgeting: Building "A House of Order"-- Recap of our February Quarterly RS Activity!

The second part of our activity focused on budgeting and getting our finances in order as a way to have more peace in our lives and have the ability to give and share with others. As mentioned during the lesson, we are all at different places financially--and that is okay.

The scriptures and general authorities teach that we should get out of debt as soon as possible and avoid debt at all costs. Debt is something that binds us down and literally makes us "servants to the lender." As we strive to live within our means, have a plan, make sacrifices, and work diligently, we can become free from the chains of debt and experience peace from knowing that we are doing what Heavenly Father would have us do. We can have peace of mind and spirit and eliminate stress and worry from our lives as we have our finances in order and are able to take care of our family's temporal needs. We can then share and give to others more abundantly when we do not owe the bank, Visa, or Sallie Mae! ;)

As discussed in our lesson, every specific aspect one program or way of managing finances will not necessarily apply to every person or family--everyone is different. Take bits and pieces of what works for you. Some people are more disciplined and are able to use credit cards as a way to build points--and then pay them off completely each month by using money in their account and therefore not accruing debt. For others, that may not be the best option, and using cash (and debit cards) feels like the best way. Another way to manage over spending is to use the cash envelope system for categories such as entertainment, food, clothing, and gas.

Most importantly, we have been instructed by our Heavenly Father to live within our means and get our finances in order. It may feel overwhelming, stressful, and hopeless at times. But it is possible! Trust in the help that will come as we trust in Heavenly Father and seek His help.

Here are some ideas that were shared at our meeting. And as mentioned that night, much of the information was taken from Dave Ramsey, and you do not have to agree or follow everything he says. Read, learn more, give it a try, and figure out if it works for you.

For more information, check out Dave Ramsey online.

Here is one of the books mentioned as well: The Total Money Makeover

Tips and Ideas that will lead to Financial Peace---

all taken from Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University program.

~Put God first--everything we have comes from Him! Tithing always comes first. Pray for help!

~Budget--- Have a plan! (Give-Save-Spend)

            -Make a new budget each month, as some expenses vary month to month.

            -Spend all $ on paper before the month begins—know where your money is going!

            -Use cash/envelope system for certain categories such as food, clothing, and entertainment.

~Avoid using credit cards—use cash or debit cards instead!

~Have an emergency fund so that you do not have to rely on credit or borrowing from family/friends during unexpected emergencies.

~Save ahead of time (a little bit month to month) for upcoming expenses or items you would like to purchase—that way you can pay in cash and it doesn’t rock the budget.

~Get out of debt ASAP using the debt snowball—make sacrifices where necessary.

~ “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”

~Get our lives and finances in order so that we can experience peace and then be able to live and give like never before. Once we help ourselves in this way we are free to reach out and help others.

Step 1: $1,000 emergency fund ($500 with an income of $20,000 or less). This fund is for EMERGENCIES ONLY. This is the foundation so that when emergencies arise, credit cards won't have to be the go-to! This is the beginning of peace of mind, knowing that there is money in the bank in the chance of an unexpected expense.

Step 2: Pay off Debt using the Debt Snowball! List all debts in order from lowest balance to highest (excluding house mortgage). Pay only the minimum payment due on all debts except for the lowest balance. Pay as much as possible per month on the lowest debt until it is paid completely. Then apply what was being paid on the first debt to the next, creating a snowball effect. Continue this pattern as each debt is paid off. 

Step 3: 3-6 month Full Emergency Fund.  Once all debts are paid (aside from mortgage), begin saving 3-6 months worth of household expenses. This is considered a fully funded emergency fun in the event of loss of employment or more expensive emergencies. This is separate from saving for items to be purchased. The goal is to have a full emergency fund at all times. 

Step 4: Investing-- more info here. 

Step 5: Save for Children's College Fund-- more info here. 

Step 6: Pay off House EARLY! pay more and make extra payments in order to pay off home before the original pay off date.

Step 7: GIVE. Once our family finances are fully in order, we will have more opportunities to share and give in more abundance. 

Lesson recap: Sacrifice

Sacrifice, by Dallin H. Oaks in the April 2012 Conference, was the topic of our lesson today, given by Trudy Cook.

Trudy had us think of a sacrifice in our lives, what happened because of it and what would have happened if we hadn't done it.

This evaluation helps us determine the motivation for and definition of sacrifice. Is what we do in favor of a bigger picture, a greater good? Or perhaps motivated by some other selfish desire or maybe not necessary at all?

Dallin Oaks:

Jesus Christ endured incomprehensible suffering to make Himself a sacrifice for the sins of all. That sacrifice offered the ultimate good—the pure Lamb without blemish—for the ultimate measure of evil—the sins of the entire world. In the memorable words of Eliza R. Snow:

His precious blood he freely spilt;

His life he freely gave,

A sinless sacrifice for guilt,

A dying world to save.
 

That sacrifice—the Atonement of Jesus Christ—is at the center of the plan of salvation.

Our Savior requires us to continue to offer sacrifices, but the sacrifices He now commands are that we “offer for a sacrifice unto [Him] a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20). He also commands each of us to love and serve one another—in effect, to offer a small imitation of His own sacrifice by making sacrifices of our own time and selfish priorities.

When we sacrifice with the Spirit to guide us, knowing that God will help us, we can "bring forth the blessings of heaven"³. We can also let go of a lot of guilt.

Trudy asked us to examine our lives and our sacrifices, and see if the loss we feel when we "sacrifice" is just an expression of disappointment at not getting our selfish desires.

We went on to discuss the types of sacrifices we make in the church.

Dallin Oaks:

For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives. In that experience I know of no group whose members make more sacrifices than Latter-day Saints. Their sacrifices—your sacrifices, my brothers and sisters—stand in contrast to the familiar worldly quests for personal fulfillment.

In a recent study on the service Mormons give, it was determined that they give 420 hours a year compared to those of other faiths giving on average 42 hours a year. Think of it, the hours spent by leaders in each ward and stake to administer the programs of the church and minister to others, all the time spent serving in callings. Think of the hours spent in the temple, the time and money to send missionaries out, and especially the sacrifice we make in our families.

Perhaps the most familiar and most important examples of unselfish service and sacrifice are performed in our families. Mothers devote themselves to the bearing and nurturing of their children. Husbands give themselves to supporting their wives and children. The sacrifices involved in the eternally important service to our families are too numerous to mention and too familiar to need mention.

Maybe we should stop and pat ourselves on the back. We need to see all that we are doing, and keep focused on what motivates us and why we want to sacrifice.

Truly, our lives of service and sacrifice are the most appropriate expressions of our commitment to serve the Master and our fellowmen.

One young man said, "It's [the church] true, isn't it? Then what else matters."

Oaks:

I am grateful for the marvelous examples of Christian love, service, and sacrifice I have seen among the Latter-day Saints. I see you performing your Church callings, often at great sacrifice of time and means. I see you serving missions at your own expense. I see you cheerfully donating your professional skills in service to your fellowmen. I see you caring for the poor through personal efforts and through supporting Church welfare and humanitarian contributions.

...Such examples of giving to others strengthen all of us. They remind us of the Savior’s teaching:

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself. …For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24–25).

And lastly,

Just as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is at the center of the plan of salvation, we followers of Christ must make our own sacrifices to prepare for the destiny that plan provides for us.

e

Lesson: Sacrifice

It's appropriate that this lesson follows the one on Fasting, and soon to follow I'm sure will be the one on Consecration. Gospel principles build one on another, don't they? Thanks for a great lesson Margie.

Gospel Principles, Lesson 26, Sacrifice

Taught by Margie Clark

Object lesson: Cookies

If Margie made cookies (and she did and they were yummy!) but held some back or worried that we'd eat them all up and leave nothing for her, would it be sacrifice?

Yes, but only if the meaning was to forfeit or lose something. Which is hard to do; it hurts.

Sacrifice means to make sacred.

In that sense it's a goal we all are striving for...to make ourselves sacred in preparation to live with God again.

Doctrine and Covenants 98: 14-15:

13 And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.

14 Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.

15 For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me.

The meaning of sacrifice

Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work.

The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God.

People have always been tried and tested to see if they will put the things of God first in their lives.

Even though sacrifice by the shedding of blood was ended with the atonement of Jesus Christ, the Lord still asks us to sacrifice. But now He requires a different kind of offering.

He said: “Ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood, … and your burnt offerings shall be done away. … And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:19–20).

A “broken heart and a contrite spirit” means that we offer deep sorrow for our sins as we humble ourselves and repent of them.

We must be willing to sacrifice everything we have to the Lord

The Apostle Paul wrote that we should become living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God (see Romans 12:1).

If we are to be a living sacrifice, we must be willing to give everything we have for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—to build the kingdom of God on the earth and labor to bring forth Zion (see 1 Nephi 13:37).

What examples of sacrifice have you observed in the lives of people you know? 
What examples of sacrifice have you seen in the lives of your ancestors? 
in the lives of early members of the Church? 
in the lives of people in the scriptures? 
What have you learned from these examples?

The Lord’s people have always sacrificed greatly and in many different ways. Some have suffered hardship and ridicule for the gospel. Some new converts to the Church have been cut off from their families. Lifetime friends have turned away. Some members have lost their jobs; some have lost their lives.

But the Lord notices our sacrifices; He promises, “Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:29).

Sacrifice helps us to be "made sacred"
As our testimonies of the gospel grow, we become able to make greater sacrifices to the Lord.

M. Russell Ballard in a talk titled, The Law of Sacrifice said,

The primary purpose of the law of sacrifice is twofold: to test us and to assist us to come unto Christ.

The law of sacrifice provides an opportunity for us to prove to the Lord that we love Him more than any other thing. As a result, the course sometimes becomes difficult since this is the process of perfection that prepares us for the celestial kingdom to “dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever” (D&C 76:62).

How does sacrifice help us come unto Christ?

...the Prophet Joseph Smith explained an important relationship between the principle of faith and the principle of sacrifice: “Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; … it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God.

"When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 69).

To summarize: we must know what we do is pleasing before God and understand that this knowledge comes to us through sacrifice and obedience. Those who come unto Christ in this way receive a confidence that whispers peace to their souls and that will eventually enable them to lay hold upon eternal life.

He punctuates the principle with these words:

Our highest sense of sacrifice is achieved as we make ourselves more sacred or holy.

This we do by our obedience to the commandments of God. Thus, the laws of obedience and sacrifice are indelibly intertwined. … As we comply with these and other commandments, something wonderful happens to us. … We become more sacred and holy—[more] like our Lord!”

e

Related VFW blogposts:
Joseph Smith's quote on sacrifice
Find Nobility in Motherhood and Joy in Womanhood
Charity, The Pure Love of Christ

Orson Scott Card Address

Coming up in Book Discussion we are reading and discussing Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

Recently he spoke at a dinner in Washington:

“America has been a remarkably good and strong culture,” Orson Scott Card said at the 26th Annual Gala dinner of the Washington DC Chapter of the BYU Management Society this weekend, “but the Goodness of the culture has already been so damaged that it can barely be said to exist. And the Strength of the Culture is eating itself up from within.

 He goes on to talk about some of the destructive stories we've told ourselves over the years and how they affect society. He ends with a plea for us to speak up for what is good:

I think that for America to survive as a Culture Strong and Good, we must stop telling the stories that are destroying both our Strength and our Goodness, and work to combine the best parts of what’s old and what’s new into stories that will remake us, into not only a society that can last, but also one which should last.

The stakes are so high that it’s worth making the attempt, even if it turns out that it’s already too late to keep this culture from self-destruction. Even then, there would still be the hope of building something Good and Strong among the ashes.

Orson Scott Card on the Dismantling of America

Good article. It made me think. Thanks for the tip Devon.

e

What Manner of Women Ought Ye to Be?

Reylyn Checketts has kindly agreed to share her talk with us again here on our blog.

It is based an article by President Uchtdorf from the Sep 2009, Liahona, The Influence of Righteous Women.

It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the influence that righteous women have had in our own lives.

Righteous women in the scriptures
He  begins:

As we look at the history of this earth and the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children. He mentions Eve, the mother of all living.

Sister Tiller gave a great lesson in Relief Society last Sunday about the Fall of Adam and Eve.

Whereas much of the world blames Eve for the world’s problems, latter-day scriptures help us understand that their Fall was a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us. Because of the Fall, we are blessed with physical bodies, the right to choose between good and evil, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. None of these privileges would have been ours had Adam and Eve remained in the garden.

Among other great influential women is Mary, the mother of Jesus who brought forth the Savior of the world. When the angel Gabriel came in unto her he said, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”. Mary’s response to her call was this. “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.”

The scriptures also mention women whose names are unknown to us but who bless our lives through their example and teachings. Women such as the woman of Samaria whom Jesus met at the well of Sychar. Also, Martha, Rebekah, Sarah and there are many others.

In Gospel Doctrine class last week, Sister Hall mentioned “the midwives” during the lesson about Moses. Knowing that I would be speaking this week on righteous women, that piqued my interest. I looked it up in the Exodus to read for myself and while reading, I was so impressed at the courage of these women. 

Women’s nature to nurture
President Uchtdorf:

Through serving in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations—not to mention their private acts of love and service—women have always played and will always play an important part in helping “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion”.

They care for the poor and the sick; serve proselytizing, welfare, humanitarian, and other missions; teach children, youth, and adults; and contribute to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Saints in many other ways.

It’s these qualities that made me think of another talk by President Uchtdorf that he gave in the most recent General Conference.

You will recall the story he told of the bombing of a city during World War II where a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God's presence in their lives.

Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war.

Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.”

When I heard that story, I thought of women.

It’s women’s nature to nurture. Great deeds are done by men, but, when I think of being “God’s hands,” I think of righteous women.

Even as He is
So, in answer to “What manner of  Man or Woman ought ye to be,” the answer is “to be even as He is, and do as He would do.”

To encourage women in this effort, President Uchtdorf says:

As you live up to this mission, in whatever life circumstance you find yourself—as a wife, as a mother, as a single mother, as a divorced woman, as a widowed or a single woman—the Lord our God will open up responsibilities and blessings far beyond your ability to imagine.

He adds:

May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. [and here is where women need to listen because we have a tendency to beat ourselves up] 

. . . But  don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. 

Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. 

Don’t compare yourself with others. 

Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. 

Have faith and confidence in Him and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. 

The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fullness of the gospel. 

Wherever you have been planted on this beautiful but often troubled earth of ours, you can be the one to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”

President Uchtdorf concludes, “My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity.”

President Uchtdorf is much like President Hinckley in that he offers encouragement and makes us feel like we can do it. I love that.

Thanks Reylyn. We love that too.

e

Women who...

It's always interesting to take a break from routine life and visit with family and friends.

Over the last two weeks I had the opportunity to fly to Utah to celebrate my parents' 60th Wedding Anniversary, help my son through a minor surgery, and cook Thanksgiving dinner for extended family.

One word keeps coming to mind when I think back and remember those days and conversations... conversations and laughter at the dinner table, questions of concern in the car, deep and serious words late at night in the dim light.

Resilience.

The men and women, but especially the women in my life, personify that concept. And I see a little of myself in all of them.

Women who travel with young children, patiently, because "it's worth it".

Women who change school and career plans because they find "the right one".

A woman who is "an old woman now, you know" who loving cares for an ailing spouse.

Women who open their homes to others (at the last minute sometimes) even when they are overloaded themselves and say "I'm happy to have you here".

Pioneer women who had to put up with this...

And this...

And this...

(rocks everywhere)

Women and men who drop everything to come and celebrate.

(It's been 10 years since we've all been together!)

Women who use creativity (and the latest technology) to keep in touch.

Women who make mistakes and have the courage to laugh at themselves.

(and, thanks to the men who help fix things sometimes)

Women who laugh despite it all.

The Lord wants women who are resilient enough to follow Him and His plan for them.

Women who are flexible and adaptable.

We are they.

And, we are stronger, and more resilient, than we think we are. Thank you all for your continuing examples.

Ellen

LDS Philanthropies - Cast Your Bread

LDS Philanthropies is a department of the Office of the Presiding Bishopric responsible for philanthropic donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its affiliated charities including:

• Family Search
• Humanitarian Services
• Perpetual Education Fund
• Missionary Fund
• Temple Patron and Construction Funds
• Brigham Young University
• BYU Hawaii
• BYU Idaho
• LDS Business College
• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Church History

If you have an interest in giving to any of these causes, this is the place to do it.

Anyone may make donations on this site. They need not be a member of the church. I've had people want to donate to my son's mission or maybe our children heard a news report about a disaster and want to help. Perhaps a neighbor wants to donate something to a loved one's favorite charity. This is the place to do it, once or ongoing.

You'll also find news of what the Church is doing about natural disasters and need around the world. If you're concerned about recent flooding in the Phillipines or tsunami damage in Samoa, or just want a way to help those in need, donate to the emergency response fund.

If you'd like to honor a loved one, in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in their name.

Besides our tithes and fast offerings, this website shows you the many ways to give.

Learn more about the history of LDS Philanthropies.

I'll put a permanent link in the right side bar for future reference.

Remember “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecc. 11:1. You know, what goes round, comes round.

Happy Giving!
Ellen

Joseph Smith's quote on Sacrifice

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life" (Lectures on Faith, comp. N. B. Lundwall [Salt Lake City: N. B. Lundwall, n.d.], p. 58).