ASK AUNT MARY-WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS?

June 27th, 2012 | By admin

By Aunt Mary

What are your dreams right now? You may say to get a good job and make plenty of money. Maybe to marry a rich man so you won’t have to work. I’m sure it’s something like that.

When I was your age, I wanted to marry rich so I wouldn’t have to clean the house and wash dishes. I hated that, and I still do. That’s not my piece of cake. I did marry rich, but not in money. My hubby is rich in love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. We’ve had good days and bad days, but after almost 50 years of marriage, I see more good days than bad days.

Through the years we’ve noticed people we’ve gone to high school with that have craved money. They’ve not been happy. They’ve turned to liquor, sex, gambling, and other things. Money does not bring happiness. Oh, it can make life more pleasant, but it doesn’t bring happiness. Being friends with your spouse does. 1 Timothy 6:10 tell us, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many arrows.”

Remember that verse. Be happy with what you have. Don’t look at what others have and wish you had it. Don’t long for what you don’t have.

Marry someone who is your best friend. Enjoy each others company. Sit down and talk together. Go to church together. Have the save beliefs. Have the same beliefs in raising your children. Raise them together. Go to ballgames, school programs, and other activities. Have a deep commitment to family.

Back when my now husband and I were dating, he was in school and I was working. We were at different ends of the state. A guy in the office where I worked kept asking me out, and I kept refusing. This guy drank, partied, and I don’t know what else. I didn’t want any part of that. A friend kept telling me I should go out with him. I knew I shouldn’t. I never did and I’m so glad now that I didn’t. I wonder what ever happened to him. I know what happened to me. I married the one I loved, settled down, had children, remained a Christian, and had a wonderful life. No regrets!

ASK AUNT MARY-MONEY

October 26th, 2011 | By admin

DEAR AUNT MARY-MONEY 

Dear Aunt Mary, I don’t have a lot of money, but I want to spend it wisely. Can you help me? Frugal

Dear Frugal,

There are ways to save money, and there are ways to waste it. Being frugal is very good. That means you want to use what you have wisely.

The first thing I would say is to think about what you are purchasing. Is it really something you need? Maybe it’s a fad, and you want to be in the “in” crowd. Fads never last long. It’s better to shop wisely.

You can save money at second hand shops, Goodwill Stores, and sales. I love sales. Stores start stocking for the next season before the current season ends. Sales usually start in July for summer things and before Christmas for winter things.

Look at the item well. Will you wear it? Is the color right? Does it fit you? Don’t buy in hopes you’ll lose weight. It usually doesn’t happen. Try the item on, look at yourself in the mirror, and if you have a buddy along, it’s even better.

What will you wear with that item? Do you have shirts and sweaters already that you can wear with it, or do you have to buy something? If you buy in neutral colors, you always have something to coordinate with the item. That makes that purchase a little sweeter.

Know how much you can spend on an item and don’t go over that amount. We should all use that strategy when shopping.  Keep a total of how much you spend.

When you start a job of any kind, and start earning your own money, it’s time to make a budget. The first thing on the budget is how much you will set aside for contribution for the Lord. We are not told how much to give in the New Testament, but give the amount you feel comfortable with. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.” That verse explains it. God gives so much to us, we should give something back to Him.