Finances is a huge part of success in a family. I feel like we didn't cover the importance of Fathers at all, but focused squarely on the finances of a family. That is a bit sad as this weekend is Father's day. I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven! I am grateful for His loving kindness in my life!
On the financial material: I do believe that much of our success and happiness is contingent on our proper use of the resources our loving Heavenly Father has given to us. I believe this includes our agency. Our resources. Our talents. All of that! Our Heavenly Father wants to bless and care for us. He loves us completely! Physically, emotionally, temporally, mentally, spiritually. He cares for our wholeness!
We won't be happy if we are hungry. We won't be happy if we are spiritually starving. We won't be happy if emotionally we are in need. He knows that we need all these things to find the joy he promises. Our responsibility is to use those resources, talents, gifts as He intends!
The rich man in the bible failed because he forgot that all that he had came from Him! Yes, it is asking a lot. So was it for the disciples to put down their nets and follow Him. So was it for Joseph to give in the end, his very life for the Gospel. It is no different than for Moses, Noah, Abraham, Adam, and all their wives! I want to give all to the Lord. I know that when I turn my life over to Him, He will make more of it than I ever could! I know that every resource He blesses me with comes as a gift from Him to help me as I strive to bless those around me.
I was taught several years ago by a wealthy family near me, that "You can't give it away fast enough" when it is a righteous purpose. I have pondered that long and hard.
I recognize that I find myself is SUCH different circumstances than all those who were in my Zoom Meeting discussion this week. I listened and participated but carefully because for some their world includes such a meager income! How can I testify of the blessing of prepaying tithing on a goal to take all 13 of my family to the Holy Land a few years ago. It was impossible. We paid the tithing, started working, praying, believing, and working towards making it happen, and miracle after miracle lined up and we took all of our family to walk where He walked for Christmas that year! It was a miracle! The following year, political happenings would not have permitted it to happen. We had set the goal four years ahead, then done everything in our power to make it happen. I testify of the power of prayer. I testify of the power of faith. I testify of the power of tithing. I know that miracles happen when we believe!
This is but one instance in my own life. There are many daily! Laus Deo. I am so grateful!