More Good $ense — November, 2009
The monthly e-publication of the Good $ense Ministry Movement
In This Issue:
Dick's Column | Transforming Truths | News You Can Use | Your Point of View
Spotlight | Market Indicators | Ministry Builders | Resources  Dear G$ Friends and Colleagues,
I find myself a lot more reflective these days – one of the attributes, I suppose, of being in the “later years” of life. And as I reflect on the state of affairs in our world the indicators seem to not bode well for the future. The charts are heading in the wrong direction. (Please note: I’m not referring to current politics, the health care debates or the national debt – I’m thinking bigger picture than that!)
The optimistic side of me whispers, “There have been dark times and end-of-the-world predictions in the past and mankind has come up with answers. It will all work out!” The pessimist within me retorts, “Yes, but historically we’ve never been on the steep slope of the exponential curves* that plot the decline of natural resources and the increase in societal ills. This is different!”
Left to my own devices I would forever fluctuate between these two extremes. But then I remind myself of the fact that in the midst of it all there is a loving God and He is sovereign – ultimately in charge, the author of the last chapter in this epic story of creation, fall and redemption. His will, will be done “…on earth as it is in heaven”. Whatever pessimism or fear about the future I may have can be given over to that reality.
I also remind myself that there are a growing number of stewardship ministries that are transforming lives by removing money as the rival god. Therein lies the foundation for massive changes in how we utilize the limited resources of our world, how we view the plight of the under resourced, and how we address the growing gap between the rich and the poor. So, dear stewardship colleagues, take heart! A sovereign God smiles upon your efforts.
Thanksgiving is around the corner. As we gather at table, Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation reminds us that, “They (the blessings of our country) are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.” What Lincoln said about the blessings bestowed upon our country can be said for the blessings we personally enjoy… they are the gracious gifts of a most high and merciful God (given to us to steward well!)
This Thanksgiving, as you and loved ones reflect on the things you are most thankful for, make a note how different they tend to be from the things we often spend so much of our time, effort and money pursuing. There’s a truth being revealed there – listen for it.
Giving thanks with you and for you,
Dick Towner
Executive Director
Good $ense Stewardship Movement
*See “Margin” by Richard A. Swenson[ top of page ] GARY MOORE & THE FINANCIAL SEMINARY
Here’s the first few lines of Gary’s article this month. I hope they’ll whet your appetite to enough to have you read the whole article.
…Christianity has long been mixed with other ideas that germinated in three soils of the Middle East: Greek, Roman and Judaic. Most Greeks, like Plato, were socialists, or communists. Today, they’d favor governmental health care, Social Security and go under the label of “liberals.” The Romans, like Cicero, were “conservative,” believing the only true role of government was to protect wealth with large armies. Today they’d also favor the FDIC, Homeland Security and border fences.
But the economic thought of Israel transcended both human approaches by claiming God owns wealth and we stewards should manage it with Judeo-Christian morality.
Click here for the full article.
[ top of page ] JANUARY IS WORKSHOP TIME!
Plan now to take advantage of the fact that some 40% of New Year resolutions have to do with money and offer a Freed-Up Financial Living workshop toward the end of January. At that time of the year people are also more open to matters of personal finances as Christmas bills start coming in.
Related sermon messages leading up to the workshop can really boost attendance. Some free promotional aids can be found here. When ordering your Freed-Up workbooks, use the discount code GSMLLC for an additional 5% discount.
[ top of page ] TRAINING
Freed-Up Financial Living FACILITATOR TRAINING and Good $ense BUDGET COUNSELOR TRAINING are being held December 4th and 5th at Willow Creek. It’s not too late to register. Click on the links for information. While training to be a facilitator is not required to facilitate the Freed-Up course, those who have had the training report feeling more confident and better equipped to do so. And the need for trained Budget Counselors has never been greater. Counselor training not only equips a person to be a counselor but also prepares and gives them the resources to train others.
[ top of page ] HELP WITH OUR GIFT LIST
A new Consumer Reports survey offers helpful tips on what holiday gifts to buy and what to avoid. Gift cards are a common choice, and they still head the list of items people want (tied this year with electronics). However, since 25 percent of last year's gift card recipients still haven't used the cards, the article suggested that it might not be the best gift. Clothing is another gift-giving staple, but it's also the gift most likely to disappoint. If you're going that route, people say they would prefer not to receive socks, shirts, sweaters, slippers, or ties. What would they like? Pajamas.
On a related note, Consumer Reports also found that 36 percent of us plan to do some re-gifting this year - up from 31 percent last year and 24 percent in 2007. If you're planning to give away something you previously received as a gift, here are some good ground rules .
For more News You Can Use items, check out Matt Bell’s new blog at .www.MattAboutMoney.com
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