Honesty about $

A moment of honesty here...
We're poor. But we're happy.
(**side note - please know that I am not writing this post to make anyone pity or feel sorry for us by any means. I know there are soo many people out there in much much more dire circumstances - who are homeless, hungry, and struggling financially in this current economic state we're in. I just want to share my  heart and I hope this can be ultimately an encouragement to some of you rather than a cry for pity or sympathy**)
A life of ministry has not promised to be a life of wealth. And in many [but certainly not all] cases, it can be quite the opposite.
My husband works his tail off to provide for our family and so that I can stay at home with Hannah Beth. I am blessed beyond belief to be able to have that privilege. I personally wouldn't trade it for the world.
Our monthly income is quickly divided up to pay bills and we pretty much break even every month. We are fortunate to have some money in savings, but our cars are steadily wearing out and life happens.


And I'm fine with it.
Ok, ok... this is supposed to be a moment of honesty, so No, I'm not always fine with it.
Here in America, surrounded by the love of accumulating "stuff" and "material possessions" - where there's always something new and exciting to buy - sure, I'd love to keep up with the Joneses and actually own a house and have newer cars and a nicer wardrobe and the best toys and clothes and a college fund for Hannah Beth.
It's tough oftentimes to feel the pressure of materialism. It's hard not to be jealous and covetous.


The spark behind this blog was my Bible study this morning - good reminders from Psalm 49 - things I needed to hear - that wealth is ultimately so meaningless when it comes to the grand scheme of things.

"Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.

For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.

For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed,

--and though you get praise when you do well for yourself--

his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,

who will never again see light.

Man in his pomp without understanding is like the beasts that perish."

(Psalm 49:16-20)





I am reminded that this is a "stage" of our life right now - things may not always be this tight financially. But we know that this is exactly where the Lord wants us at this moment in time and this ministry is what we're supposed to be doing  - seeking to build God's kingdom and not our own - very hard to do at times.

"Oddly, the most freeing thing we can ever do is abdicate the throne of our own miniature kingdoms. Our status is infinitely higher as a servant in God's kingdom than a ruler in ours." (Beth Moore - Esther Bible study)

I could write a whole chapter in a book about all the ways that God has provided for our needs in the last 5 years of our marriage. [just a couple examples - here and here] 
And I love the promise of Philippians 4:19,
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."


Though we may be poor in this life according to the world's standards, we have riches in Christ!

 "For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."

(Psalm 96:4-6)