Five Question Friday

 

1. What advice would you give a couple getting married?

     Read & work through Emmerson Eggerichs' book, Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs together. In my opinion, this is a great resource for the learning aspect of love and marriage.
     Also, consider all possibilities for this newlywed season. It may be an appropriate time to focus on education and work. Or, it may serve as an opportunity to focus more intently on your marriage. An education or work can be reestablished later in life, but the foundation of marriage is now. Again, it ultimately depends on what is appropriate for the individuals and marriage unit. Just be aware that many paths exist. 

2. If you could tell your 16 year old self ONE thing, what would it be?
Smile. :)

3. What do you do to keep cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)
     I prefer to use the windows and fans to keep cool instead of turning on the AC for as long as I can. It saves energy, and I love the breezes and sounds that flow in to our home from outside. 

4. What did you crave most while pregnant?
     Not applicable in the least. Perhaps check back years from now if that is ever the case. haha

5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?
     Retro- Harriet Nelson from the Ozzy and Harriet Show. Modern- Michelle Duggar from "19 Kids and Counting". Both individuals portray themselves to exercise a high level of self-control in regard to their emotions (something I'm a work in progress at!). To be constantly aware of how your behavior can build up or tear down your family members is a powerful tool of influence. Obviously, no one is perfect and television portrayal is deceptive, but I can still appreciate the mere show of good character and qualities. 

Money Management Series Giveaway!

                                              

     We're finishing our Money Management Series.. If you missed the previous entries, then read Part 1: Introduction, Part 2: Budgeting and Tracking, Part 3: Allocation and Payments Schedule, and Part 4: Debt, Part 5: Savings. Be sure to enter the giveaway below for some great resources!

     We've discussed the practical aspects of managing money, but if you and your spouse are on two different pages then it will all sound like a nice theory only. Finances are at the top of the list of marital conflict. It's difficult to come together as one while traveling in two different directions. It's not impossible or hopeless though. Perhaps one of you is a saver and one is a spender. Or, one believes in exerting some level of control over money while the other prefers to live with "no worries." I've learned that indirect handling of money through character and prayer are just as important as having all tools for managing money or greater money all together.


      Don't lose sight of the purpose you're taking a journey in money management when if feels as though for every step forward you're also taking two or three steps back. Just do your best. Maintain the purposes for your travel and destinations and just keep going. If he's not with you, then exhibit patience, prayer and grace. In other words, don't fuss and nag! (Easier said than done I admit, but consider it practice). I've learned that it is better to win him over by demonstration than by anything I could say. So, show him how Christmas or taxes were paid in cash without disrupting your living. Allow your lessened stress from being prepared when major expenses arise convey the worthiness of the goals. A lot can be accomplished without a word! This is the basic principle of you exemplify that which you wish others to demonstrate. If they don't see it in you, then they're less likely to do it as well. And if you fuss, nag or just constantly talk with displeasure then he'll certainly have little motivation to join you. Last (but not least!) is to pray for a oneness in this and all matters within your marriage. Notice, I didn't say to pray for him to change or take on your ideas. Just like many other areas of marriage, it's about finding a common ground, not about one conceding to the wishes of the other exclusively. Pray for oneness, patience, grace, a heart for the other person, wisdom, the Lord's guidance etc. Even if you two don't arrive to the same page for a while, you're marriage will benefit by exhibiting these qualities! . Always remember, money is just money and marriage is so much more!


        It's my heart and prayer that this series has been helpful to you. For additional reading, I highly recommend Your Money Map: A Proven 7-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom by Howard Dayton* and The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey*. The latter book, though, is one you can win here at Reviving Homemaking. Enter below for a chance to win the book and deluxe envelope system! (Giveaway starts at 12am est on 5/5/12).

*Note: I’m not an affiliate of any kind with The Lampo Group, Inc. or Thomas Nelson publishing. These materials were given to me by The Lampo Group,Inc. and it was agreed upon that they may be offered as a giveaway.  

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Please feel free to leave any tips you may have in the comment section below. This is simply how I've come to work with finances, but I'd be interested to know of other ways as well. :)

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is an affiliate of Amazon.com. These links will take you to the site and if the materials are purchased then Reviving Homemaking will receive a small percentage of payment in return. Recommendation of these materials was not influenced in anyway. It is done so based solely on my personal experience with them. 

Linked to: Time-Warp Wife, Thankful Homemaker, Growing Home, Becoming a Strong Woman of God, Far Above Rubies, Women Living Well

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