Resume Help Day: December 4th!

FCBC Friend and Family of all ages, The Young Adult Ministry invites you to…

RESUME HELP DAY!
…a day of workshops and one-on-one appointments
designed to help you build and/or strengthen your resume!

Come out for professional and compassionate assistance with your #1 job search tool!


When is Resume Help Day?
Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 10:30am – 2:00pm

What should you bring?
A print copy of your resume, if applicable. Don’t have a resume? No worries. Plan to sign up for one of the “Build Your Resume” workshops (see below).

What’s on the agenda?
10:30am Sign up begins for the one-on-one appointments and workshops
(limited spaces available; first come, first served)

10:30am First Round of 30-minute, one-on-one appointments begins (every 30 minutes
thereafter, until 1:30pm)

11:00am First Workshop: “Build Your Resume”

11:45am Second Workshop: “Interview Like a Pro”

12:30pm Third Workshop: “Build Your Resume”

1:15pm Fourth Workshop: “Interview Like a Pro”

1:30pm Last Round of 30 minute, one-on-one appointments begins/doors close

Where?
The New York Public Library at 125th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, lower level.

Important FYI…
All assistance offered on Resume Help Day is on a first come, first served basis. Sign up for appointments and workshops begins at 10:30am, sharp! For more information, email fcbc.yam@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED!

Are you passionate about all things CAREERS? Are gifted at writing effective RESUMES? Perhaps you're a HUMAN RESOURCES guru or a strong writer or a PR pro who has been looking for a simple yet profound way to serve your spiritual community at FCBC? Well, no matter which group you fall into, look no further....

The Young Adult Ministry is hosting a 1-Day (2-3 hours) resume building and strengthening workshop on Saturday, December 4th and we need your help!

If you are interested in assisting people with their resumes, please respond to fcbc.yam@gmail.com for more details.

If you don't know the ins and outs of resume writing BUT are a strong writer who would feel comfortable assisting others via a paper guide in a large group format, please contact YAM for more details.

Sign up to assist on event day ends this Thursday, Nov 18th.

Please note: A separate email will be sent at a later date for those who are *seeking* help.

Spread the word!!!

Agape!

Become What You Believe...Day 7!

Success involves hard work and help from others

 

"One person standing alone is easily attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three people are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

"We think it's important to make a speedy decision, but it's more important to make the right decision."

Today we come to the last two steps in getting where you want to be.  Step eight in the nine-step plan is to enlist a team for support. You are never going to reach your goals, you are never going to fulfill your dream if you try to do it by yourself.

Step #1 - Determine your present position

Step #2 - Be specific about what you want

Step #3 - Look for God's promise

Step #4 -- Ask God to help you

Step #5 -- Identify the barriers

Step #6 -- Create a step-by-step plan

Step # 7 -- Be patient and persistent

Step # 8 -- Enlist a team for support

I've been to Africa many times and heard this proverb over and over: "If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with others." We think it's important to make a speedy decision, but it's more important to make the right decision.

Success is never a one-man job; it takes teamwork. God wired it this way because the most important lesson he wants you to learn here on earth is to love people. Not only that, there are some things in your life that you will never be able to change without the support, prayers, and encouragement of other people. That's why it's so important to be in a small group.

Our verse today says it all. The stronger your team is, the more you can fulfill your dream.

The last step to going after your dream is this: you must pay the price. Success never comes without a price tag.

Step # 9 -- You must pay the price

The only thing free in this world is salvation from God through Jesus Christ, and that one's free because Jesus paid the price on the cross.

Eliezer had to pay a price to get Rebekah to come back with him and marry Isaac. Genesis 24:53 says, "Then he brought out gold and silver and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave expensive gifts to her brother and her mother." Great goals require great sacrifice.

If you are serious about getting a focused life you need to ask three questions.

What will it cost?

What am I willing to give?

Is it worth it?

The greatest use of your life is to invest it in something that will outlast it. Jesus said, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36 NIV). Don't begin working toward your goals until you've counted the cost.

I pray that God will help you get a clear vision of what he wants you to be and do. And I pray that you will use the nine steps we've covered this week to make the rest of your life the best years of your life.

*devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection

Become What You Believe...Day 6!

It Takes Patience and Persistence to Reach a Goal

"These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will sure come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)

"If you are going to really reach your goals in life, sometimes you  have to delay gratification. You have to do the tough thing instead of the fun thing."

The seventh step to getting where God wants you to be is to be patient and persistent.  Why? Because it's not going to happen overnight. The more important your goal is, the longer it's going to take; the more significant it is, the more discipline it's going to require.

Step #1 - Determine your present position

Step #2 - Be specific about what you want

Step #3 - Look for God's promise

Step #4 -- Ask God to help you

Step #5 -- Identify the barriers

Step #6 -- Create a step-by-step plan

Step # 7 -- Be patient and persistent

Nothing great is ever accomplished without persistence and patience because, in order to be successful, your dreams must translate into work. The people who succeed in life are the people who are willing to do what they don't feel like doing. They are not mastered by their moods, they are mastered by the Master, and they establish their goals and plans according to God's will.

Eliezer was a great example of patience and persistence. We saw his patience in choosing the right woman by making a detailed plan. He didn't make a snap judgment. He wasn't impulsive. The Bible says in Genesis 24:21 (NIV), "Without saying a word, [he] watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey succeed."

Later, after he got invited to Rebekah's house for dinner, the Bible says, "The food was set before him (Eliezer), but he said, 'I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say'" (Genesis 24:33 NIV). Now personally, I would have eaten first. But this guy was focused.

What's the point? If you are going to really reach your goals in life, sometimes you have to delay gratification. You have to do the tough thing instead of the fun thing, the right thing instead of the pleasurable thing.

And the reason that's so hard is because most of us don't want to delay gratification. That's why we're in debt. Our attitude is, "I want it and I want it now." And if we can't afford it, then we put it on our credit cards.

It's important for you to learn this lesson because any goal that's worth achieving is going to have obstacles in the way. You need to have a long-term view so, when difficulties come, you can persevere knowing that you are going to get past it.

I love today's verse. It's a great reminder that God's timing is perfect and ours is not. When you find yourself in God's waiting room, just be patient and persistent. A God-given vision will always be fulfilled.

*devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection

Become What You Believe...Day 5!

Create a Step-by-step Plan

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

Successful people are willing to make sacrifices and put in the time of preparation that unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.

I gave you a homework assignment yesterday. Did you write down the barriers to your goals? I hope so. You need to identify your barriers so you can create a step-by-step plan to overcome them. That's step six in the steps to getting where you want to be.

Step #1 - Determine your present position
Step #2 - Be specific about what you want
Step #3 - Look for God's promise
Step #4 -- Ask God to help you
Step #5 -- Identify the barriers 
Step #6 -- Create a step-by-step plan

In Genesis 24:12-14, we see that Eliezer designed a simple but well-thought plan to find Isaac's wife. He took ten of Abraham's camels with him, loaded with samples of the best of everything Abraham owned. He journeyed to Nahor and then made the camels kneel down outside the town beside a well.

Eliezer then prayed, "O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission. See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, 'Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.' If she says, 'Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,' let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master's son." (Genesis 24:42-44 NLT)

Now this was a big deal because camels can drink a lot of water. So that meant the woman would have to draw 20, 30, maybe 40 buckets of water. That's a serious commitment. And that's the kind of woman Eliezer was looking for - a woman who was kind, generous, had a servant's heart, was willing to help someone in need and would go the extra mile.

And you know what? His plan worked. A woman named Rebekah offered Eliezer a drink of water and then she offered to water his camels also.

As you make plans to overcome your barriers and achieve your goals, I want you to ask yourself two questions.

How do I intend to get there once I know what my goal is?
How long will it take?

The second question will determine your schedule, your deadlines, and your timetable. This will help you think through a course of action.

Now you may be thinking, "Rick, this is a lot of work. It's going to take time." You're right, it will take time. That's why 95 percent of Americans have no written goals. A recent Harvard study showed that only 5 percent of Americans have written goals and many of them are among the highest earning people in the nation. That's because successful people are willing to make sacrifices and put in the time of preparation that unsuccessful people aren't willing to do.

You can either drift through life or you can be directed through life by taking the time to think through where God wants you to be. Is your future worth the effort? Yes, absolutely!


devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection

Become What You Believe...Day 4!

 

What's Keeping You from Your Goal?

The servant said to him, "What if the woman does not want to return with me to this land?" Genesis 24:5 (NCV)

"What are the barriers, obstacles, and road blocks keeping you from reaching your goal? "

The last few days we've been looking at the first steps to getting where you want to be. We saw that we need to assess where we are, identify our goals, find a promise from God, and ask him to help us succeed.

Today it's time for step five: identify the barriers.

Step #1 - Determine your present position
Step #2 - Be specific about what you want
Step #3 - Look for God's promise
Step #4 - Ask God to help you
Step #5 - Identify the barriers

Ask yourself, "Why haven't I reached my goal already?" What are the barriers, obstacles, and road blocks in your way?

It may be a financial problem or a relational problem or an educational problem holding you back. For some people, it's an emotional barrier. A lot of people sabotage their own success because they think they aren't worthy of it. Whatever your barrier is, you need to identify it before you can move forward.

In Genesis 24, Eliezer had a number of barriers to his goal of finding a wife for Isaac. He had to figure out how to get to a country he'd never been to, then he had to find the right woman he'd never met. And then he had to convince her to go back with him to a country she'd never been to and marry a complete stranger. Oh, and he had to convince her parents to let her go! Most people would call that "mission impossible."

Today I have an assignment for you. I want you to write down on paper what your goals are and then I want you to list the barriers. Why am I having you do this? Because you can't remove an obstacle until you first identify what it is.

devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection

Become What You Believe...Day 3!

Ask God to Help You Get Where You Want to Be

"O Lord, God of my master, Abraham," he prayed. "Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham." Genesis 24:12 (NLT)

"Your prayers reveal how serious you are about your goals. If you don't pray about them, you really don't care about them that much."

The fourth step to getting where you want to be in life is simple: ask God to help you.

Step #1 - Determine your present position
Step #2 - Be specific about what you want
Step #3 - Look for God's promise
Step #4 -- Ask God to help you

Once you have found your promise in God's Word, pray and ask God for success, just as Eliezer did in today's verse.

Is it really okay to pray for success? Yes! If you aren't praying for success, what's the alternative? Are you going to pray for God to make you a failure? Eliezer clearly shows us that it is okay to ask God for success in accomplishing a goal as long as the motive is right.

When your success helps people and honors God, praying for success does not become a selfish act. It is the means to good testimony. In fact, here is what the Bible says, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God and there we will receive mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it" (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

If you study Genesis 24 further, you'll find that Eliezer prayed during his entire mission. In verse 12 he prays before he starts. In verse 15 he prays after he arrives in Nahor. And in verse 52 he prays in front of Rebekah's family.

So my question to you today is this: Are you praying about your goals? Are you praying about your future? Are you praying about your dreams or are you just kind of keeping them to yourself?

Your prayers reveal a couple of things. First, they reveal how serious you are about your goals. If you don't pray about them, you really don't care about them that much. If you only pray about them once, they are not a desire, they are just a whim.

The other thing your prayers eveal is how much you are depending on God to reach your goals. If you never pray about your goals, never pray about your job, never pray about your finances, you are not depending on God in any of those areas. The more you depend on God, the more you'll pray.

So determine your present position, decide what you want, find a promise from God to hold onto, claim it, and then ask God for help.


devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection

Side Note: How to set goals

If you began the devotional series with us yesterday, you saw that the 2nd step toward becoming what you believe is to set goals! Are you trying to set goals, but are not exactly sure how to do it? Check out http://www.successmethods.org/how-to-set-goals.html. Great articles on how to become what you believe through this very important task!

Become What You Believe...Day 2!

God's Promise for You!

Abraham said, "The Lord brought me from the land of my relatives to this land and he has solemnly promised me that would give this land to my descendants." Genesis 24:7 (NCV)

"The size of your God determines the size of your goal. And godly goal-setting always starts with a promise of God. Don't look at your limitations; look at the promises of God."

It's not just enough to know where you are and where you want to go. To help you faithfully press toward your goal, you need to find a promise from God.

The Bible has over 7,000 promises from God to you - promises of success, confidence, health, prosperity, strength, wisdom and more. Why does God make these promises?

Because he wants you to learn to trust him.

From yesterday, we learned that to prepare for a decade of destiny, you should take these steps -

Step #1 - Determine your present position

Step #2 - Be specific about what you want

The next step is --
Step #3 - Look for God's promise
When you set a goal, don't focus on the problems, focus on the promises. Find a promise in God's Word that will take you to your goal.

This is what Abraham does when Eliezer, his servant, starts to worry about accomplishing the goal he is given. In today's verse, Abraham tells Eliezer about the promise he received from God: "He'll [God] send an angel before you so that you can find a wife there for my son" (Genesis 24:7 NCV).

You don't need an angel because dozens of time in Scripture God has said, "I'll be with you no matter where you go." God is always with you whether you feel it or not. You just need to plug into the power.

Back in 1980, the first year I started Saddleback Church, a reporter asked me, "How big do you thing this church is going to get?" I said, "20,000 people by 2020." The reporter looked at me and said, "Who do you think you are?" I told him, "The question isn't who do I think I am, the question is 'Who do I think God is?'"

The size of your God determines the size of your goal. nd godly goal-setting always starts with a promise of God. Don't look at your limitations; look at the promises of God.

Ask yourself, "What promise can I claim?" With 7,000 promises in the Bible, you might not know where to turn. To help prepare you for your decade of destiny, we're going to cover a promise a day in our DriveTime Devotions. You can sign up to receive them at www.drivetimedevotions.com


devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection.

Become What You Believe...Day 1!

How to Focus Your Life


"Abraham was now old and well advance in years, and the Lord had blessed him in every way." Genesis 24:1 (NIV)

"You can't just know the what, you need to know the why - that's your motivation. If you don't know why, you will give up when it gets tough. "

The next ten years can be the greatest of your life. They can become a Decade of Destiny, where your life is focused and, as a result, you're able to make an impact in all you do.

To get where you believe God wants you to go and be what you know God wants you to be, there are several steps you need to take that will get you focused --

Step #1 - Determine your present position
You've got to know where you are before you can know where you are going. To do that, ask yourself two questions:

Where am I now? Where are you spiritually, financially, emotionally, relationally, physically, and occupationally?
What would I like to change? In all of those areas you identified, what would you like to be different?

God promised Abraham that he would be become the father of a great nation. But in Genesis 24, we find Abraham is now an old man and his son, Isaac, still doesn't have any children yet. Abraham assessed the situation and, as a result, he sent his servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for Isaac.

An important principle here is that it is never too late for you to make a change in your life, even though making the change may take longer than you think. This is why you can't procrastinate. You can either drift through the next ten years or you can have direction over the next ten years. God wants you to have direction.

Step #2 - Be specific about what you want
In order to get to where you want to be, you need to describe exactly what you want.

For instance, Abraham told Eliezer exactly what kind of wife he wanted for Isaac. He said, "Don't get a wife for my son from the Canaanite girls. Instead, go back ... to the land of my relatives and get a wife for my son" (Genesis 24:3-4 NIV).

You will never reach a vague goal. The more general it is, the less power it has. But the more specific it is, the more power it has in your life.

Ask yourself these four questions:

What do I want to be?
What do I want to do?
What do I want to have?
Why do I want it?

You can't just know the what, you need to know the why - that's your motivation. If you don't know why, you will give up when it gets tough.

When Eliezer heard Abraham's goal, he started asking "What if...?" If you listen to the what-ifs of your goal, you will fail because of worry and fear.

You don't need to focus on the how for now because, once you figure out the why, God will show you how. He will help you solve the problems that stand in the way of your goal.

Today pray about your answers to steps #1 and #2, and tomorrow we'll look at the next steps.

*devotional compliments of The Purpose Driven Connection

Some Harlem Churches in Fight for Survival

"Some [churches], like All Souls’, cannot afford a full-time minister, let alone operate a soup kitchen or clothes pantry."


Fam,

Giving, like reading, is fundamental.  Churches don't run on fumes and their bills are not government paid.  Without a full-time minister or a food pantry or ministry, how much outreach, aka walking with Jesus, can be done?  Just saying...

Read on (from The New York Times):

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/nyregion/24harlem.html?pagewanted=all

Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Happy Tuesday, Young Adult Fam!

Question of the Day: What do you believe about yourself...because that's what you are becoming (check to the left...)

Last night drew the conclusion of our 21-day financial fast from all non-essential spending.  Whew *wipes brow a few times*  Overall, people's stories and testimonies of what they learned on this journey were profound and a blessing to hear.  For anyone interested in embarking on this journey in the future, check out this link:

While the fast has wrapped, don't think we're done here...because we are not. YAM's entry into connecting with everyone via this platform has only just begun.  At FCBC, we have been charged to "Become What [We] Believe" in 2010.  So whether that change will be seen in your finances, relationships (starting in June), or your profesional and educational goals, YAM is praying to help you along the way.

As for this site, we will continue to encourage YA's within our fam to share via this platform. We will also post news pertinent to our lives and this walk and encourage you to comment on it.  Let's make this a discussion site that digs into our lives and the things that impact us the most.

Until next time, check the next post.

Agape,
YAM

Week 3: Ms. Retail Therapy…in Recovery

Age: 37
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Phrase that describes my relationship with money: Impulsive
Phrase that describes my parents’…: Dismissive and cheap
My 21-day goal: To be more willing to sacrifice my spending, on a regular. To do more of my grooming (hair, nails, etc.) at home. And to stop shopping because it makes me feel good (Retail therapy is real!)
My weakness: Shoes, clothes and buying unnecessary items at Target
My fear for these 21 days: No real fears. Looking forward to the challenge but a little "fearful" of what my hair may look like after week 2.
What I will miss most: Starbucks in the morning and weekly manicures

"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." -Philippians 4:11 

"Our world promotes dissatisfaction with our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives more complete if only we would obtain them! If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing the lifestyles and possessions of others with our own, and we will always be dissatisfied." - Blackaby

* * *  
Convo with God, Day 18 

Father,

This financial fast has been absolutely phenomenal for me! It has given me the opportunity to prioritize things that are really important. This time of sacrifice has opened my eyes to so many things, like how easy it is to wash my own hair *shout out to Salon 545* or make my own oatmeal *smh*.  Oh, how I neglect me and you when I don't make going to the grocery store a weekly necessity. As the fast draws to a close, not only do I really desire to create better spending habits, I also am grateful for the chance to be more creative in how I cope with life and stress. As I have said before, I shop because it appeases me.  Never mind, I spend and still end up feeling unfulfilled.

God, what I have realized is that shopping can't replace you or dealing directly with you when I know my solace is you! So, here it is …I profess to believe "being in this world and not of it" because that's part of my identity as a follower of YOU. I've been forced to ask myself, "Do I really believe this? " because, clearly, I don't fully live by it.  I often succumb to the worldy pressure of HAVING everything I want but don't necessarily “need.”   So, I will not mislead you and say that I am fully delivered from "excessive spending" but I am at the first step...

"Hi, my name is Malaika and I am a shop-a-holic". Crowd replies, "Hi, Malaika"…. 

Seriously, shopping is a real addiction! *UGH* Ask me how I know? I felt the effects of "withdrawal" while helping Little Ms AC shop for a prom dress at the mall. Physical anxiety overtook me because I couldn't spend. Cranky, nauseous, headache and over all frustration because I actually had to exhibit self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). After venting to my prayer partner, she asked, "Did you even have the money to spend?" LOL! The funny thing was, I didn't!  No matter how hard I work, I will not be able to satisfy *every* material whim and desire that overtakes me.  This is a troubling and difficult realization that I have come to. So much has come out of this fasting time. Self-reflection! Self- awareness! Conviction! I won't even attempt to bring the total "fasting" experience to full conclusion because that would imply closure...

The harsh reality is that this journey is really only JUST beginning. Twenty-one days has turned into something more permanent and significant. I remember laughing at PT & RSV for even suggesting that I do this sacrifice (still wondering how I got caught up in the matrix). Yet, you knew what I needed at the exact time. I appreciate the extra push and continued support. Becoming who I believe "financially" is going to require some additional discipline and active diligence. 

Signed,
Ms. Retail Therapy…in Recovery

Week 3: His & Hers Billionaires

Ages: Late 20s
Hometowns: Baltimore, MD and Chicago, IL
Phrase that describes our relationship with money: Undercover-Billionaire-ish
Phrase that describes my parents’…: Make the most with what you have and create an inheritance for your children’s children.
Our 21-day goal: Sacrificial team-building experience with my future spouse regarding money. Gain a better understanding of money's purpose in our lives.
Our weaknesses: Buying random stuff when it's on sale, electronics. Justifying purchases based on where we live (NYC-area): eating out, taking cabs.
Our fear for these 21 days: Carrying cash everywhere (no cards); forgetting we're actually on the fast.
What we will miss most: Hmm….

His...This financial fast has seen more external challenges to my finances than I expected. I have see a multi-thousand dollar unexpected bill arrive, had my car towed and seen a laptop break. After lots of very hard thought and prayers… I have seen God is faithful throughout. I approached the financial fast with the wrong attitude, thinking it was a win as I would be better off having saved on the things given up. Instead, God made my fast more about me giving up the comfort I derived from having a large bank account.

Going through this with my fiancée's support and accountability has been both challenging and fulfilling. What I appreciate the most is that where I may focus on what I can do or she can do, her faith points me back to what God can do as the real power in our lives. My accountability partner has the advantage of knowing every single dollar I have spent in this time which lets her speak with a knowledge and authority no one has ever had. It has been a time of breakthrough in our vision. Kristen and I “discovered” that our housing expenses (we each rent) are quite large, consuming over 40% of our combined monthly income. We are pursuing a strategy of (as our leases end 4 months before we get married) each renting rooms near where we currently live so that we can put more aside for some of the expenses that come as newlyweds. We have sought after wisdom for our career directions, so that we can become what we believe

Having the other hold us to account for our spending (especially where we are doing so out of serving God, rather than not having the money) has been amazing and has opened the door toward that being a place of intimacy rather than strife between us moving forward.

Hers...Eating out and taxi cabs and living in New York City…although I was not fearful to give them up, I certainly didn’t see a clear path to living without them. Thankfully, I was not relying on my own natural vision during this fast. Since starting the fast there were three important things I wanted to accomplish: to keep a better account of my budget and where my money is going, to gain a better understanding of savings and to see Richard and I develop positive habits together where finances are concerned in preparation for our life together.

I have had to touch my bank account for very little since starting this fast. Cooking meals has become very therapeutic. It’s actually becoming a creative outlet right now. Additionally, I am increasing my time spent in Connecticut which mostly likely will be my next home after New York City. The fast has helped me to transition my thoughts of how life would be lived in Suburbia. NYC has all of life’s conveniences waiting for you when you step outside your door. In a place where driving is necessary, is a slower pace and it’s more family oriented, some lifestyle changes would need to be made.

As Richard and I examine our values and how we want to save and spend, this fast is very timely. It’s an answer to prayer by helping us structure our combined finances in just a short eight months. I don’t think that we will be so quick to go back to the way we were spending before. At the very least we will be conscientious about making a purchase and analyzing its value or need in our lives. For me, I would like to eat out occasionally and not as a lifestyle. In addition, I would like to cab for emergencies and as a last resort, not a first choice.

We are looking forward to the last Financial Seminar about Savings. Now that we know where we can cut back spending, we need to be mindful of where to put it.

Signing off….RADIKL

Week 3: Fun Now/Pay Later: Fell off the wagon and the horse got away!

Age: 33
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Phrase that describes my relationship with money: Carefree
Phrase that describes my parents’…: Sad
My 21-day goal: To gain more clarity on how to become a better steward; utilize my money in ways God has ordained for me, and to be content whether abased or abound.
My weakness: Feeling as though I need to have everything now.
My fear for these 21 days: Not being able to purchase, not having enough…being without.
What I will miss most: Beauty-related rituals (getting my hair and nails done :'-(

* * *

Man, did I fall off last week! What happened you ask? I just got lazy and started making excuses for why I could spend money. "Self, you deserve this," I said. "Go get some fast food and a manicure..." and the list goes on. I wish I could say I stayed strong and that I wanted accountability, but alas I just wanted what I wanted sound familiar? (I'm shaking my head up and down).

I know I can do better.  Did I need anything I purchased "out of turn?" Nope! I could have lived without all of it.  No, I didn't spend as much as I would have normally spent because the conflicted spirit within was shouting "what are you doing?!"  Yet, I did what I could to turn down the inner shouting and pressed on. Besides, I was trying to curb a desire that would eventually throw a tantrum to get its way again.

I realize that the way we deal with kids when they throw tantrums (ignore their bad behavior) is the same thing we must do when we feel our desires that operate as false needs.

So, I'm living, learning and pressing forward with the knowledge that I can do better. And one second, moment, or day I will do better. This journey has made me see and understand myself better.  I also better understand the power that lives within me is stronger than the forces outside.

So I'm hitching up my boots and jumping back on the wagon again. Another day has been given to me and there is possibility ahead.

Fun Now/Pay Later

Week 3: Frugally Confused - On Transparency & Accountability...

Age: 25
Hometown: Harlem, NY, NY
Phrase that describes my relationship with money: Concerned
Phrase that describes my parents’…: Careless
My 21-day goal: To spend and save more responsibly
My weakness: Buying things I don't need
My fear for these 21 days: Not being able to follow through
What I will miss most: Dining out/fast food)

Okay, so here we are entering our final week of the financial fast and I must say this has been a revealing task for me. Why? Because I have realized my relationship with money and food are jacked up!

I have spent money over the years on frivolous things that I didn't to make me happy. I have gone shopping when I didn't need to go.  I have gone out to the movies when I knew that I should have stayed at home.  Yet, I would spend that money anyway.  I have even gone to the ATM and withdrawn money not caring that my account would overdraft, because - as I saw it - I always knew the money would get replaced...eventually.

As far as food goes...it's basically like a "comfort" for me.  Don't get me wrong:  I love to cook for family, friends, and church events. Yet, during this fast, I have realized that sometimes I eat out of boredom, or because I'm out with friends.  I have also realized that there are times that I go out to dinner and eat...even though I am not hungry.  As I said last wee, I also buy fast food when I'm just too lazy to cook at home...although I have the same ingredients at home in my kitchen. 
I'm sharing all of this because I want to be transparent. The love of money is the root of all evil.  Yeah, I know it sounds like a cliche and churchie.  Yet, if it weren't the truth it wouldn't be in scriptures and we wouldn't be participating in this fast.  Our focus needs to be on the one who is, and should be the most important in our lives, God!  Instead of relying on God, we instead sometimes turn our focus to other things and seek those things to fill, hold, steady, increase our complete us...things like money and food.

As Rev LaKeesha said last week at bible study, we tend to sweat the small things a little too much and tend to forget the bigger picture at hand. With God we can do all things...that's ALL things! Yes, your bill is late, but it will get paid if you learn that pair of heels isn't more important than having electtricity at home.  Also, your relationship with money will improve when you recognize that the night out with your friends for drinks isn't a necessity when you know that you haven't tithed in two weeks...OR...when you acknowledge that you can cook at home instead of going to buy that 2-piece from Popeye's. Put that money toward paying off your debt.

Let's focus on God a little more, because when we are in line with what GOD needs from us, we can be obedient to what He requires of us...such as being good stewards over money and tithers. 

This final week, my focus is on God and what He needs me to do.

Frugally confused signing off!