Christian Financial Resources to Get Organized in the New Year

If tax season has you concerned about what is going on with your finances, help is here!

We found a web site that is packed full of the Top 50 Christian Business and Finance Blogs that will help you understand how to organize your own personal finances, get out of debt, set up college funds, save for retirement, invest, understand legalese of financial issues and much more.

Some of these resources include:

• ChristianPF.com: This site gives advice on everything from credit card tips, building personal wealth to banking tips. Also be sure to check out the “Money in the Bible” category to help you see your priorities more clearly.
• Gather by Little: Use simple Bible tips to help you increase your personal wealth, “little by little.”
• Why Religion is an Important Part of Personal Finance: Read articles about how to save money by cutting costs in unlikely places.
• Christian Finance Blog: Browse categories like taxes, retirement, emergency fund, and more. This blog gives great financial advice that is “relevant to today?s Christian.” Don?t forget to check out the verse of the day!
• Free Money Finance: Find tons of helpful resources on this blog inlcuding saving for your kids? college tuition, holiday spending trends, and Biblical investing.
• Fallible.com: Katy McKenna Raymond writes about her personal Christian experiences often touching on money and finance.
• Good Sense Ministry: Learn about the financial and spiritual benefits of stewardship.
• Crown Financial Ministries: This site gives valuable information on organizing and understanding your money.

This is one page you will want to bookmark and refer to often!

My Family Doesn’t See The Benefit of Me Doing Online Ministry When Bed-Bound

I spend a great deal of time in bed due to my illness and have made some amazing friendships and really feel like God has given me a ministry on the Internet reaching out to other people who are hurting and encouraging them. I am on Facebook, twitter, and other social networks. But my family sees this as an aimless waste of time and tells me that I don’t have real relationships with these people so I can’t truly make a difference. Do you think they are right? And if not, how can I convince them that people online need the Lord too and I may be someone they reach out to? -Renee (real name withheld)

Renee, I disagree with your family. God has given us a wonderful tool to use to glorify Him. I have been a support group leader for people who suffer from dysautonomia, a rare/chronic illness for over a decade. One person in particular I finally got to meet in person after chatting and supporting them on the internet for a whole decade. And I can say that it was not a waste of time, she was and is a real person who God lead me to help time and time again.

I just had a book come out nationwide on living with dysautonomia. There is an article on the book and they interviewed Floy my internet friend. She stated how I was always there for her, when her husband walked out, when her son went to college, when she had to go to the hospital and when she was depressed. So, yes I made a difference in her life. That is living proof that you can make a huge impact through the internet.

What is important to remember is that we are here on earth for God and not ourselves. So we need to answer to God. I have found that serving other dysautonomia sufferers is what God has called me to do. I actually work for God, and although I suffer greatly from my illness it gives me great joy, hope and love when I help others for our Lord Jesus Christ.

The fact is the only one you need to answer to is God. Your family members are human, the bible clearly says not to lean on men for strength, but on God.

When I first became ill in 1997 I searched daily for someone who suffered from the same illness. One day I signed on the computer and I had a message from a girl who was suffering just like me. I sobbed with joy that there was someone else like me. That is when I knew God wanted me to reach out to others and help them. I feel Renee you are right in Gods path and that by helping others you are working for God and I consider the best job in the whole world.

Lynn Fox Adams, author of “God Needs ME: Living with Dysautonomia,” has been bed ridden for the past 15 years with a rare chronic condition called dysautonomia. When she lost her job, family members, savings and all of her physical abilities she turned to God and has found that He is all she needs. She has had the honor of being featured in a variety of newspaper articles and magazines and has spoken on Capitol Hill in front of house and senate. You can contact Lynn at lynnfoxadams@charter.net .

Fireproof – A Good Valentine’s Rental Movie

Fireproof is an amazing movie that was out in 2008 that set records for any independent film. Starring actor Kirk Cameron, heplays a fire chief and a man who is well-respected by those in his community. But his marriage is nearing the end. It’s not because of an affair with another person, or some dramatic event that takes place; but rather because, day by day, both spouses take one another a little more for granted and move away from each other than toward each other. Both are searching for validation of their emotions and even simple appreciation.

Despite the fact that the movie was at the theaters two years ago the ministry of this movie continues to impact lives and change marriages. They have set up a Fireproof website specifically for Valentine’s Day review can hear the author made some of the love dares that were completed in the film, send a Fireproof e-card, or listen to one of their hit songs from the film and download it–John Waller’s song “While I’m Waiting” from the FIREPROOF Soundtrack CD.

Here are 8 reasons I believe every married couple who copes with chronic illness should see this movie:

1. The dialogue is real, as if the writers were hiding behind the furniture of living rooms around the world and eves-dropping on actual conversations, arguments and threats. Let’s face it… real fights are most often about who has done the dishes. You won’t find the typical Hollywood lingo in this film like, “You had me at hello.”

2. The burden of care-giving is addressed. The “wife” in the relationship has a mother who has recently had a stroke. The expense of the medical equipment she needs, like a wheelchair and a bed, is shown in this film, something nearly always overlooked in your typical movie. Though this situation may be dissimilar to yours, it’s helpful to see illness and its impact on a marriage acknowledged as a stressor in a marriage relationship.

3. It will make you laugh. Just because the emotions run deep enough to bring on many tears in this movie, doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself laughing through those tears at times. Even if your marriage is “perfect” and you think you don’t need a boost, it’s a move night to share with your spouse just for fun. The firehouse crew is and the little things the actors do, where you see yourself, will bring smiles to your face.

4. It tells both sides of the story. Whether you are the spouse who is trying to make your marriage work, or the one who just wants out, you’ll find many of your emotions and fears represented. Though the husband in this film is made out in some cases to have been the one with some “problems” the wife isn’t without room for improvement in how she treats her husband either. A surprise twist at the end will leave you with a reminder that no one is perfect, regardless of how they may appear to be.

5. It’s packed with real life scenarios, including those of a fireman. This isn’t a cheap flick with a strong message, but a strong film that happens to have a solid message. If you love those “edge of your seat” movie scenes when you are eating popcorn as fast as you can get your hand to your mouth, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re a woman, you can rest easy that there is plenty of “guy stuff” in this movie that won’t make your man feel like he’s at a chick flick.

6. Kirk Cameron yells. Okay, maybe not one of the top reasons to see this film, but watching him lose his temper and kick a trash can may just leave the men (or women) in the audience feeling like they aren’t being judged of silly behavior or lost tempers. Most of us have had a situation where we’ve wanted to please our spouse and their response made us want to go kick something, right?

7. It provides a tool to take along. The book “The Love Dare,” which the actor works through to win his wife’s heart back, may seem more like a way for the movie makers to make an extra buck. It’s not. In fact, all actors worked for free. The book is rather a way that you can take something tangible away from the film and literally start applying it to your own marriage. As my mom and I left the theater the guys beside us exchanged words. “I guess I have to go order my wife some flowers now… but it’s going to cost me a fortune!” “Hey, weren’t you listening. It doesn’t matter how much they cost.” The great thing is, if you’re on a budget, expensive flowers aren’t required; it’s the actions.

If I was a Christian counselor I would hand couples the DVD (when available) and tell them to go watch it together before our first appointment.

A nice plus is the “behind the scenes” honor that actor Kirk Cameron gives his wife by keeping his own promises: he vowed to her (despite being an actor) to never kiss another woman. So his wife was flown in for the kiss at the end of the film, where she stood in for the actress. He’s been married seventeen years, is the father of six children, and a strong believer in Christ who is not ashamed to proclaim it. That makes me want to listen up to what he has to say. He made the rounds before the film released, including spots on the Today Show, Dr Phil (9/25/08) and many more and he has done well. Despite some over-eager or even rude (names not mentioned) interviewers, he has represented Christ well. He’s come a long way from the posters on my little sister’s wall!

And on a side note, you may be interested to know he founded a camp over twenty years ago, Camp Firefly, for chronically ill children and their families. (Go, Kirk!)

As the founder of Rest Ministries which serves those who live with chronic illness, I firmly stand behind this movie as being one of the best to impact a marriage. It may be the two best hours you give your marriage since the day of your vows.

Lisa Copen

PS: You may also be interested in this: Focus on the Family is putting together a “special marriage seminar on February 27 that your church can host. The Focus on Marriage simulcast conference is Saturday, February 27.” Stephen Kendrick, author of Fireproof and The Love Dare is one of the guest speakers. You can attend at a church near you that offers this event via satellite. Find a location near you here at FOTF’s web site.

 

A Nice Surprise – I Found an II Week Button!

Last week I stood at the counter of my rheumatologist to pay and happened to see this small button sitting there on the counter.

“Do you know what this means?” I asked the receptionist, Frank, picking it up.

“No,” He said. “I think someone accidentally left it here.”

“This,” I said pick it up to show him, “means ‘my illness is invisible but my hope shines through.’” I turned to my husband who was with me that day. “Look! It’s one of my Invisible Illness Week buttons.” I turned back to Frank and said “I actually designed this. How cool is that?”

Frank asked again “Now what does it mean?”

“The initials stand for ‘My Illness is Invisible But My Hope Shines Through.’” I explained. “See, you wear it on your coat or something and then when someone says ‘What does that mean?’ you say ‘It means my illness is invisible but my hope shines through.’ It’s a great way to let someone know about Invisible Illness Awareness Week or about why you have hope despite a chronic illness.”

Laying it back down on the counter I walked out of the office with a smile on my face. About two hours later as I walked into my home the phone was ringing. It was Frank.

“Hi, Lisa. It’s Frank again. Can you tell me one more time what that this button stands for? I’m going to write it down.” And he did.

I literally have just 7 of these buttons left and they are 1-inch in diameter. If you would like one, just be one of the first 7 people to e-mail me through our contact form here (a new window will open up) and I will send it out next week.

And yes, I actually have 8 buttons. If you are reading this and recently left your button at the rheumatologist’s office in Escondido, e-mail me and let me know. I have a button saved just for you!

Lisa Copen, Rest Ministries Founder

Ever Feel Like You are Herding Cats?

When this commercial played during a “Best Super Bowl Commercials” TV show Lisa laughed out loud and replayed it a few times for her family. Now you too can enjoy this moment thanks to YouTube.

Whether you have cats, dogs, children, or grandchildren, we’re sure you’ve had moments where it felt like you were herding cats!

See below or click here to play.

www.youtube.com/v/Pk7yqlTMvp8&hl=en

Special Interview with Renee Bondi

Reprinted from HopeKeepers Magazine 2004

I was having a ball with wedding plans; my music program was a huge success; I was blessed to have had the opportunity to travel and see the world; I had friends and family to love. My life was full, and I saw nothing but blue skies above,” she writes in her book The Last Dance But Not the Last Song. But in May 1988, after a romantic weekend as a prom chaperone with her fiancé, her life would take a dramatic dive—literally.

She went to bed filled with innocent anticipation of life ahead, but awoke “diving” off the foot of her bed. She simply remembers being in mid- air and thinking, “Huh?” and then hitting the floor. Filled with searing pain in her neck and shoulders, she thought, “I’ve really done it now. . . I’ve got a real kink in my neck.”

Later at ICU, however, the doctor would tell her, “You’ll never walk again. . .” and he would be right. That night, Renée became a quadriplegic, having no feeling below the top of her chest. He also told her, however, “You’ll never be able to sing. . .” —and he would be wrong. He didn’t know Renée, her fierce determination and passionate spunk; nor did he understand her faith that would propel her forward through any challenges she would face. Today, Renée has sold over 100,000 albums and she travels throughout the United States singing and speaking for Christian conferences, church events, and youth rallies. But the closest thing to her heart right now is simply being a wife and a mother, miracles that she acknowledge astonish her daily.

I arrived at the church to meet with Renée a bit frazzled, as my directions were confusing. I had also read Renée’s book and I was experiencing a sense of nerves at meeting this inspiring woman. I no longer wanted to sit and just interview her; I wanted to have a relaxing cup of coffee and chat about how she had encouraged me through her honest and raw written words. I started out my conversation with her laughingly sharing how much I related with her frustration of not being able to wear cute, feminine shoes. It’s those little things that make one feel an instant bond.

Despite our surroundings of being in a cubby-hole behind the stage where she would perform in a few minutes when she spoke it was Holy Ground where I would sit with her. Renée’s deep faith and daily surrender were immediately evident.

HK: Many people find losing more abilities the hardest part of living with a chronic condition. How do you get through tough moments?

RB: I’ve often wondered what would it be like if I had something like MS where I wouldn’t really know where I’m going to be in a year. One may wake up tomorrow with some paralysis or dysfunction. At the beginning we felt that way, but after fifteen years, I know what I have is pretty much what I have. I know what tomorrow is going to bring. I don’t have the fear that you may, unless I don’t take care of myself. What has helped me over the years is knowing that with God I can handle anything.

I didn’t have that confidence when I was young, but now I know that I can get through anything–including being confined to the wheelchair– because tomorrow is another day and it could be better. I don’t want to sound like a Pollyanna at all, but I know I’m not going to stay this way forever. I can even have this outlook with the worst case scenario: let’s say I get a pressure wound that gets horrible and infected and I get a staph infection and die. . . Still, it’s not horrible. I will go to Heaven where I get to dance again and run and play and be able to use my body. What most people would call the very worst scenario isn’t bad.

HK: I think that describes the “joy of the Lord is my strength” because a lot of people would say tomorrow could be worse.

RB: And it could be, but you’re not doing yourself any favors.

HK: You’ve had some time where you’ve been bedridden for months. What kinds of things get you through these lonely times?

RB: I think what you can do when you’re having a bad day, rather than being depressed about it, is to go ask yourself, “What can I do to make this better? Am I taking care of myself? Do I have the right medical care and attendant care? Have I made good amends with my family? Do I have a relationship with family members or are they estranged? What changes can I make myself?” Rather than dwell and woe about my life, I need to really ask myself, “What can I do?”

HK: You’ve found a certain peace by having a ministry from your experience. How would you encourage someone who is in deep pain, but still waiting for God to reveal His purpose?

RB: I think it’s really important to know that God does not waste our suffering or pain. I had been through junk, pain and suffering, but others wanted to know, “How do you smile in that wheelchair?” It allowed me to share and question, “How do I?” I was able to realize that God was using everything I had been through for a larger purpose. So I would encourage people to help others in their pain because (a) it helps you get out of your own and put your focus on somebody else; and (b) it gives you purpose to live with the pain.

HK: What’s been the most surprising thing about being a mom with disability?

RB: How quickly my son adapted to my disability. He was only about 12 or 18 months old. . . He needed to get out of the crib and I would calmly say, “Daniel, I’m going to help you get out of the crib. Be very careful and listen to mommy. Grab around my head and hold on tight. Do not let go because mommy cannot catch you. Mommy cannot catch you.” And he’d grab around my neck and climb out and crawl into my lap. How he got out of that crib and onto my lap was amazing. I was so surprised.

HK: I think that’s very encouraging for us moms to hear. Many of us are even more nervous than an average mom about how our child will adapt to different abilities we have.

RB: Oh good. Yes! I was very nervous about the infant stage. Very nervous.

HK: If you could reshape how a church reaches out to the disabled community, what would be your vision or your dream?

RB: Some churches are doing an excellent job, but I think they are far and few between. I think that’s something we as disabled people should take on. We ask ourselves, “What do I have to offer to society?” and this is a huge job —to come to our pastor or parish advisory board and say, “What are we doing really to minister to the disabled? Can I help? Can I start a Bible study for the disabled? Can I make sure we have an accessible church? Where can we sit comfortably? Not all together, for example. If I’m disabled, how can I sit with my family?”

It’s absolutely important not to go in with a hardened heart and with an attitude of, “You owe it to me, you’re my church!” But rather offer yourself to be part of the solution. Don’t be an angry, bitter, demanding person.

I would love to see everything accessible, Bible studies that speak specifically to suffering, and signers for hearing impaired at all services, and my absolute dream would be to have a disabled person on staff. I love the fact that many churches have disability Sunday. Sunday school for children. That’s so hard and I understand why it doesn’t happen because it takes the right people. It’s a big job description—for people to have special education skills and also a relationship with Christ. But it’s a dream.

HK: What dreams do you have for your ministry and how God will continue to work in you and your family’s life?

RB: When I was laying in the ICU, I never dreamed I’d now be a wife and a mom—well. . .yes, I did, because I was in denial: “Of course I will be!” But later . . . after denial, I realized this is real, this is my “thing.” Now, to be a wife and a mom and be able to reach out to others is just more than I deserve.

I am in a very, very, very serious place of being a wife and a mom. If I was in my 20’s and single, I’d want to travel and be a recording artist and speak and minister to others on a grand scale, get a record deal, that sort of thing. But I just have no desire; it’s exhausting to parent this way, there is no doubt about it. I’ve had to get very creative at times—very creative. But more importantly, I want to be a good wife; It’s really about being a good wife in order to be a good mom. That’s the gift we’re going to give our son—mom and dad being okay.

This year I was in bed for seven months on my stomach 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while a pressure wound healed; after that I finally got back up in the chair and had other health problems. It was very taxing on our marriage, very difficult. But we finally survived it. We really started praying for joy. We wanted to be joyful. We were whining and cranky. It was very ugly and so we prayed for God to return our joy.

This year Mike and I went through what everyone expected us to go through fifteen years ago, like when everyone was saying, “What is Mike doing marrying a quadriplegic. Does he realize what he’s giving up?” He realized it this year. But now, we’re much, much better.

Again, I had to step back and look at it without being emotional and ask, “What can I do to help the situation?” I started meditating on Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true…” and so while I was stuck in bed I’d go through that verse. Okay, what is true? God loves me. What is true? I’m a quadriplegic and I need to find a way to be joyful. What is noble? Mike being married to me. What is pure? Daniel’s smile. What is lovely? I can see the sky outside.

Once I started meditating on this my attitude and heart started to change and I became someone my husband wanted to be around. Mike said, “Okay, that’s the woman I married. She left for awhile, but she’s back now.”

I taped Scriptures on 3 x 5 cards and put them by my bed, and I’d say them over and over, sometimes putting melodies to them. It really helped pass the day in a good way. I also watched every romantic comedy on video, but I got to where I needed more. I called Joni Eareckson Tada and said, “What can I do? I’ve prayed. I need some new ideas! I’m going down for the count!” She said that it was during these times that she began memorizing the second, third and fourth verses of hymns.

Sometimes it’s hard to pray. I remember soon after the accident when I was in the hospital and a chaplain came to pray with me. She said, “Let’s pray,” and I said, “I don’t feel like it. . .” She told me to breath in and say “Jesus.” Then slowly breath out and say “Mercy. . .” “Jesus. . . Mercy. . .” and soon my heart began to soften.

HK: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Renée. I know you will encourage many.

Visit Renee Bondi’s web site for more information on her ministry, her speaking, music and more, including her latest book and CD (where you can hear samples.)

Lisa Copen had the honor of interviewing Renee Bondi.

Free Book Offer of “Heaven is Real”

Cecil Murphy is the author or co-author of hundreds of books including, “90 Minutes in Heaven” with Don Piper (which is available in the Rest Ministries
bookstore – it’s a great book!)

This week his assistant, Twila, shared that “Cec’s books are taking over my world! That’s good news for you.”

Her offer?

If you purchase a copy of Cec’s newest gift book, Words of Comfort for Times of Loss: Help and Hope When You’re Grieving for $11, I will give you a hardback copy of Heaven Is Real: Lessons on Earthly Joy–What Happened After 90 Minutes in Heaven (by Cecil an Don Piper, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven)

This is a $22 value free and good only while supplies last. (These will go fast!)

You may want to read these yourselves or donate them to your church library, a grief support group, a ministry, or give them to a friend. Contact Twila at twila@gottatellsomebody.com or 563-332-1622.

Love Letter Contest by Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family has announced that they are having their first “Love Letters Contest.” If you’d like to tell your spouse how much you love them, this is a great way to do it and possibly even win a prize. Just visit the Focus on the Family website and explain to them “why you want to grow old with your spouse.”

Each day from Feb. 1-11 they will choose their 4 favorite love letters and each couple will win a prize. February 12 they will choose the Grand Prize recipient from all of the daily winners. This will be a “unforgettable trip to the live ccn.tv/focusonmarriage/” target=”_blank”>Focus on Marriage™ simulcast on Feb. 27 in Colorado Springs, CO.”

Click here to enter the Love Letters Contest!

Grand Prize Includes:
- Round-trip transportation to Colorado Springs, CO
- Two nights at The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort
- Tickets to the live Focus on Marriage™ simulcast event
- An exclusive dinner with the speakers
- Autographed books
- Essentials of Marriage™ products

Cold Hands? Try a Heated Computer Mouse

Brrrrrr. . . it will just getting to you? If you’re sitting at your computer desk with cold hands trying to type, and yet you are trying to conserve and not turn up the heat, this inexpensive heated computer mouse and other accessories may be just the ticket.

According to the company warmmouse.com:

The Warm Computer Mouse is a new product by ValueRays(TM) and available online. A Warm Mouse uses infrared heat to create a soothing deep penetrating warmth to your mouse hand. Infrared heat warm mouse improves blood circulation and relieve tension and stress to the mouse hand.

The Warm Computer Mouse retails for just $25.95, which is around the same price range as most computer mice. There is also a heated, warm mouse, heated, warm mouse pad, a heated, warm keyboard pad and a fleece mouse hand warmer blanket pouch to house the warm mouse and warm mouse pad.

You can find them all at IGM Products .

Most are connected to the computer with a USB port using a low 5v electrical current.

IGM Products state:

The heated computer mouse, heated mouse pad and heated keyboard pad are made using a carbon fiber. Carbon fibers create infrared heat. Infrared heat has healing qualities making the time the user spends holding the warm computer mouse therapeutic in nature. Studies reveal a minimum of 20-30 minutes daily of infrared therapy has healing effects.

So, what do you think? If you decide to try it let us know by coming back and writing a review!

Audio Bible is Exceptional When You Don’t Feel Well

Can’t concentrate to read? Missing reading The Word?

Lisa saw the promotional video for The Bible Experience at a Christian retail show and was blown away! She bought it for herself for Christmas a couple of years ago. Now YOU can watch this video below, thanks to Zondervan and YouTube.

onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.youtube.com');" title=" class="autohyperlink" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_OCovT8Y68

It truly brings the story to life and features voices from Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Blair Underwood, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Ceasar, Faith Evans, Kirk Franklin, and more.

Do yourself a favor watch the video. It was originally priced at $50 so this is a great deal and you can listen to it in bed! Get it here.

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