Tithing
This has been a key to our finances. My husband and I don't have a fixed income but we do have fixed giving. We give ten percent of all our income including gift money and all our earnings as a first fruit to God. In additional to our ten percent we also give offerings of varying amounts as well as money to the poor when we can.
Malachi 3:10-11 says, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
Our family and our church believe wholeheartedly in tithing and we have proven that it works. The businesses in our church are flourishing as they tithe too.
Sabbath Rest
I definitely would not have made it through this year if I didn't believe in this principle. Our family day is Saturday and we seldom give up our Saturdays for anything. We love our Saturdays and we rest on our Saturdays. Each week we all know that we are guaranteed a good rest and some lovely family time which frees us up to work hard and push ourselves for six days. Having that light at the end of the tunnel each week is wonderful and I would not ever attempt to do life without a good rest each week. Eric and I also have a weekly date night on Wednesday and this has proven to be a key for or marriage.
Exodus 20:11 says, For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
What didn't work for me this year was too much time on the computer. I recognise that although I might look busy, at times the computer simply robs me of my time, so in 2013 I intend to establish some clear computer guidelines so that I have time for other things that I enjoy such as long walks, baking cupcakes with my children and planning my eldest daughters wedding - yikes now that's a biggie.
So how about you, what worked for you this year? What habits or principles do you intend to keep or put in place next year.
Have a joyful Christmas and a blessed 2013.
Love
Angela
xxx
Malachi 3:10-11 says, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
Our family and our church believe wholeheartedly in tithing and we have proven that it works. The businesses in our church are flourishing as they tithe too.
Sabbath Rest
I definitely would not have made it through this year if I didn't believe in this principle. Our family day is Saturday and we seldom give up our Saturdays for anything. We love our Saturdays and we rest on our Saturdays. Each week we all know that we are guaranteed a good rest and some lovely family time which frees us up to work hard and push ourselves for six days. Having that light at the end of the tunnel each week is wonderful and I would not ever attempt to do life without a good rest each week. Eric and I also have a weekly date night on Wednesday and this has proven to be a key for or marriage.
Exodus 20:11 says, For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
What didn't work for me this year was too much time on the computer. I recognise that although I might look busy, at times the computer simply robs me of my time, so in 2013 I intend to establish some clear computer guidelines so that I have time for other things that I enjoy such as long walks, baking cupcakes with my children and planning my eldest daughters wedding - yikes now that's a biggie.
So how about you, what worked for you this year? What habits or principles do you intend to keep or put in place next year.
Have a joyful Christmas and a blessed 2013.
Love
Angela
xxx
Angela, it seems you have many things that worked well. But understand about the computer. I spend 75 percent of my day in front of the computer. I am either blogging or promoting my shops or working on my online shops. I intend to manage my computer time better this year. But I will never give uo time spent on my blog. It is one of my favorite things. Thank you for sharing at the hop :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine,
DeleteIt's lovely to hear from you. I too love to spend time on my blog so I know what you mean :) Have a wonderful Christmas.
Love
Angela
xxx
It's wonderful to read about your decisions. I was just talking to my husband about how wonderful it was when we were growing up and Sundays were days of rest. We dressed up to go to church and there was no question of going shopping, as all the stores were closed on that day. Though the idea of a day of rest was tied to the Bible, it makes sense to have a day to replenish the human spirit. Today, it's up to each individual and family to find that balance in their lives. Thank for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteI am glad you enjoyed the reminder Diana, I pray 2013 is a wonderful and blessed year for you.
Love
Angela
xxx
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are on the right track! It is great to have a family day where you can spend time together and relaxing. I'm co-hosting this week with Katherine at Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you will stop by for a visit. Wishing you all the best in 2013.
Hi Donna,
DeleteThank you for your comment :) I will stop by for a visit now, have a blessed 2013.
Love
Angela
xxx
Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteI'm in total agreement with you, I have no apologies. I love your Sabbath rest, because we follow this in my home, too: Monday - Friday...busy, busy, busy. One day is needed for family, relax, laughter, and fun. Also, you are spot on concerning tithes. I know for myself that it is the key to living and that extends beyond financial health.
I'm visiting you from Katherine's Favorite Things Thursday blog hop.
www.properhoney.com.blog.html
Hi Carica,
DeleteI am so pleased you have found these principles for your life too. May 2013 be a blessed year for you and your family.
Love
Angela
xxx
Happy New Year wishes and thank you for sharing at the hop. I hope you will stop by again tomorrow for the new giveaway! xo
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Katherine xxx
Delete