The Quest to Be Debt Free

Last year I read Dave Ramsey's book. It took me about three days! I had been on a quest for years but something clicked from the moment I picked it up. Joey and I had already been working to not only decrease debt but wipe it out! It helps also, when you have great friends who share ideas and offer accountability and encouragement. What Dave's book did was put it in lay people's terms for me. I don't get finances and math at all and really have a hard time getting the concept of investing, taxes, whatever--i don't get it! Dave spoke my language and I have been a woman on a mission ever since. Joey was already on the mission but it takes two to tango, right?

There are a few lies that are circulating in this area and I hear them a good Bit when talking in circles about finances.

1. You cannot live without being in debt.
2. You cannot have what you want without being in debt.
3. You cannot give Christmas presents without being in debt.
4. No debt living is impossible and unattainable in America.

ALL LIES!!! And I believed them at one time. Well-not anymore.

Here is the truth and I will tell you, Dave's principles helped, but what I was reading I checked out in scripture and what I found was that, more of the principles that I have learned are biblical ones. God's Word speaks to my finances, who knew? I am however, very thankful that God's Word also speaks to community and in that community of believers we can find support from those in the same boat and from those who have gone before us. God's Word is amazing.
Timeless Truths-
"Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another."
Romans 13:7-8

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24

What I have found is that it wasn't that I didn't have the money to pay off my debt but that my priorities were all out of whack. Funny how I had enough money to go to the movies but not to make an extra payment toward the student loans. We are a society who believes that if we want it--we must have it and I was so in the trap. Debt is one of those out of site, out of mind things. "As long as I pay my minimum payment, I should be alright," is what the world will tell us but don't believe it--It is a dirty lie that will hurt you bad!

My new philosophy--contrary to the lies.

1) You can live without being in debt, I know people who do! They are free--free to give. They are not slaves to debt and they are free to think about other things that honor God. It takes patience and self control but it is possible. I had to learn what I need and what I want. I am still learning it but I am better than I was. With the help of the Lord and practices in self control you can work toward no debt.

2) What I have noticed is that the stuff I get never really satisfies. It may appease me for a while but give it some time and I am over it. Just look in my garage at my Cherished Teddy stash--I'm over it! What does satisfy?
"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live." Isaiah 55:2-3

What is it? What is it? Verse 6 says, "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on Him when he is near." It's the Lord!! He is who richly satisfies! What I really want is Him and so I should spend much more of my resources on doing and having what He wants.

3) Christmas presents-- This is a big deal for me cause I want to go all out at the holiday time! Last year we had no money, and we had to really get creative in the gift giving area. I used World Craft Village and purchased presents that were small and meaningful. It was great! I had to make a decision if it was really about the gifts or really about my love for the people I was giving the gifts. It was about the people, of course, and more importantly about spending time with the people we love. We had a blast last Christmas and didn't go into further debt to do it. In Joey's family we made homemade Christmas presents and had a blast giving each other our creations. So inexpensive and more full of love. This year, if I don't have the cash--I don't buy. It is not worth going into debt for it. Get creative with your love!!!

4) It is possible in our country but it is going to take not listening to news, commercials, tv shows, etc. to achieve it. Being debt free is counter-cultural and is not popular. Stores want us to spend and spend now! Counter-cultural is my word this year and I am out to be it. My life will not always look counter-cultural but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try. Will I fail at times? Yep! But I have to get up and go for it again. With Christ, all things are possible!

We made a huge payment yesterday to get rid of a bill! In November! It kind of freaked me out paying that much money right before Christmas but it brought joy to my soul to know that one payment was going down! I am on a quest to be debt free and the only thing it will cost me is that I gain some self control, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and become more like Jesus. Seeing as how, Jesus lives in me, He will equip me with what I need as I am surrendered to Him. He has asked me to surrender my finances to His control--Great! Cause I don't know anything about them anyway! : )

What is He asking you to do?