You know I can’t pass up a good challenge. They really do “challenge” me. They help me keep accountable to taking actions. I can read a great book with inspiration and practical tips, but if I don’t do anything as a result of reading the book, it doesn’t move me forward.
If at some point last month you found yourself stressed about money, you are not alone. In a survey on stress, the American Psychological Assocation found that money was the second (62%) highest source of stress among American adults. Thirty-four percent of respondents said they worry about unanticipated expenditures. Thiry percent worry about saving for retirement. And 25percent worry about paying for essentials.
I think we can and need to change these stats. If we believe in a God who is in control, He is there for us. I’d love to learn together how we can be better stewards of the things He has given to us. This can be a resource for our journey.
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*The Marriage Challenge
Released: June 1, 2018
Publisher: B&H Books
Page Count: 192 pages
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I love the format of this book. It has a great balance of story and practical. In this day, it seems people are “busy” all the time. So a good challenge must be one that is do-able with a little stretch. It’s a challenge if it’s too easy, but it also needs to fit into someone’s real life. Art does this well in The Marriage Challenge. In order for us to live life well together, we must have the same goals financially. We are a unit working toward the priorities we value. It would be a mess if I value culture and want to travel the world while my spouse values the latest advances and wants to buy all the new gadgets.
I think most of us can relate to the story that kicks off the book. A newlywed couple who already see the dangers of not communicating about money and debt. Each chapter also has a bit of education. Even if we make a good amount of money and have enough saved away, not knowing exactly where the money goes and how fast it’s leaving our bank accounts can lead to a surprise…not the good kind of surprise, especially now that we aren’t having to “balance a checkbook.” And each chapter ends up a challenge. They are perfectly bite-sized for busy couples with work, church responsibilities, kiddos, and other family obligations.
And because I’m all about real talk (I’m trying to not be one of those harsh truth-tellers, but it’s hard, people! (because I know we can all do better)), there will be unexpected things in life that may throw us off our financial game…medical fees, home repairs, children’s activities…the little things that can add up to big things if we aren’t careful about being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. All those are things to think on. And I don’t think God is a boring God. I mean, He created so many awesome things and people and places. He wants us to enjoy it from time to time. So do we also have a margin to spend on travel and exploration (and food and books 😉 )? And He is a compassionate God. He wants us to serve and love well. So do we also have a margin to spend on our neighbors and those in need?
Art Rainer is the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and an MBA from the University of Kentucky. Art lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.
Your turn: Do you have a budget? What plans do you have for your money?
Don’t forget to get your copy here or any location where books are sold! –> *amzn.to/2LkgJP9
*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a tiny percentage if you make a purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure policy here.