In This Issue:
Dick's Column | Transforming Truths | News You Can Use | Your Point of View
Spotlight | Market Indicators | Ministry Builders | Resources

Dick's Column

Dear G$ Friends and Colleagues,

New normal? You hear it often said today that, “We’re in a time of 'new normal.' Things are different and they’re going to stay different.”

I'm not a futurist enough to know if that's true or not. I do know that we have a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever so there's no new normal there. But I think that it would be good if some things really did change, financially speaking, from what they were not long ago. Like people would save on a regular basis, avoid consumer debt, be content… the sort of thing we Good $ense folks have taught all along. That would be a nice "new normal." May it come to pass.

I'm excited by the response to the Freed-Up Financial Living resources and evidence from around the country that more and more church leaders are responding to the economic conditions by offering stewardship teaching and training to folks both within and outside the church. There is a wide-open window of opportunity. Go for it!

New in Good $ense: I want to share that there is an exciting "new normal" brewing within the Good $ense Movement these days. Let me touch on a few highpoints:

• Matt Bell, our past editor of this newsletter is now spending full time developing his "Financially Speaking" ministry (thus a much abbreviated newsletter this month as we wrestle with life after Matt!) If you haven’t already, check out his website www.moneypurposejoy.com and sign up to receive his newsletters – they’re chock full of the same good information and insights that he has shared in our previous issues. Matt’s new book, Money Strategies for Tough Times is also out – you can get a copy at a reduced price through his website.
• New resources: We've just finished videoing and are VERY excited about two new workshops; How to Get Out of Debt and Later Life Planning for all Ages . They'll be released in August in two-hour DVD format with workbook. Watch for them!
• G$ Training: In light of tight budgets we are evaluating the most cost-effective way to provide training for Freed-Up facilitators and Budget Counselors/trainers. We’d love to hear your views on that – how could we best serve you? Would regional workshops be helpful? Could you help promote a workshop within your region?

One closing thought about "normalcy": Rather than the "normal" summer off-season, why not schedule several stewardship ministry events and train some additional budget counselors? Don't wait until the fall to respond to the great need that is out there.

Sincerely in Christ,