Just One More Money Ramble - Debt Free (someday)

As David and I are adjusting our banks, I realized that should we budget our money even close to wisely, we should be out of credit card debt in 24 months. Two little years!

Maybe we will make it this time! Of course, we have a few potential setbacks hanging out there. But, I have one thing going for me. We made an agreement. My paycheck goes in one account and I pay all the bills (and only bills) from that account. He doesn't use it.

His paycheck goes in the other account and he provides all the essentials, like food, gas for the car, and Starbucks.

Never the two shall meet ... we hope. Unless our fun money is donated to our bill money so that we can have a lot more fun sooner!!!!

If just this one little thing is accomplished, we should easily be debt free in 24 months. But, if we are good, wise, and just a little bit cunning, we might even be debt free sooner than that. Well, credit card debt that is. We won't even think about student loans or the house for a while!

Just one more way to get out from under the big bank thumb and lessen someone's bonus by a few pennies.

Move Your Money

So, David and I decided that we had been nickled and dimed long enough by a bank who doesn't really care to have our business. They just want to find ways to keep our money, and trust me, they did! So, we decided recently that we would find a hometown bank or credit union, you know, one the size that when you walk in, they recognize that you are a customer and greet you with a smile.

We chose our new bank through internet research, emails to the bank, and then personal visits. We asked about their policies. We timed their responses by email and phone. We looked for the bank that wanted a customer bad enough that they were willing to serve the customer not one that thought we should feel priveleged that they would possibly allow us to bank with them.

So, today, I found a website that encourages others to "move your money" to a bank that cares about the person, that practices good business, and that isn't taking risks that affect the entire country.

You can check out their page at: www.moveyourmoney.info. Just one little way to get involved in making positive changes for America.

Peaceful, quiet ... MOMMY!

I started a children's ministry blog a few months ago. If you know me, you know that I'm lucky enough to be serving in a career field that is also my passion. I love being able to teach and lead children closer to Christ. But, that is only part of me, the least important of my three hats but often the most expressed. Since I enjoy my other blog, I'm trying a new style of blog, one that is my thoughts. Watch out, it might get a little scary.

The other day, after a day that it seemed that everyone wanted to talk to me, I titled this blog "Quiet? Really?" Since then, I decide to change the name so it's not a reaction to what seems to be my typical day. Well, lately, I have found my brain on overload to the point that I see people's mouths moving but I can't comprehend a thing. Sorry friends and family, that's just the way it is, I don't like it either! I'm blessed to have my son go to work with me but recently I realized I don't have a single moment away from the bustle of family life mixed with a busy career. I'm so full of others information and ramblings, I'm not really sure what's going on inside my head.

So, quiet, I think, is something I desire but find it very hard to attain. Quiet doesn't reflect just a lack of sound, which, oh my goodness, I wish I had about 10 minutes after River gets out of school and David gets off of work. But, quiet, as in the still and peaceful soul that is resting in the knowledge that one belongs to Christ.

Sarcasm is one of my strongest personality traits. Probably not the best! And, sarcastically, I don't know if I will ever have another quiet moment in my life. I have a daughter. She likes to talk. Even to herself if no one is listening. But, realistically, God has promised all of us quiet as we rest peacefully in His love. And, while I won't attain quiet by pounding away at a keyboard, I will move the distractions from my mind and into cyberspace, while allowing God to fill that new found empty corner of my mind with Him. Peace. Really!

PS - Just a quick River story. The other day, she came into the room to tell me something after an extended quiet time in her room. She said, and I quote, "Mom, I was thinking about something and I said, "self I should ..." Yeah, seriously. David and I love to quote that now! Speaking of which, guess why I instituted "quiet time"! Someday it will be more intentional, right now, it's completely selfish!