Isn't It About Provident Living?

One of the major causes of contention in marriages is over money.  “For the love of money is the root of all evil..” (1 Timothy 6:10).  We definitely need money to provide the basics, in order to survive.  However, if we do not keep our priorities in order, “the love of money” can consume our lives.

We often hear about Ebenezer Scrooge this time of year.  At the beginning of, “A Christmas Carol,” Mr. Scrooge is an unhappy selfish man.  After being visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge realizes that his greed will not bring him happiness.  He learns that money will not bring him everlasting happiness.  He eventually  finds joy in sharing what he has with others.

Marriage comes with so many different adjustments.  Money definitely complicates the marriage relationship.  When two people come together from very different backgrounds and views on money, this can be a source of contention.  

President N. Eldon Tanner, former First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught:  “I am convinced that it is not the amount of money an individual earns that brings peace of mind as much as it is having control of his money.  Money can be an obedient servant, but a harsh taskmaster.”  (“Constancy and Change,” Ensign, June 1982)  

As we work together in marriage on our finances, we will find the peace that comes from wisely using the resources the Lord has blessed us with.  

Week #13 Challenge

Set aside time this week to set a long-term financial goal with your spouse.  What steps do you need to take to accomplish this goal?  If you are single set a long-term financial goal that will help secure your financial future.   

Isn't It About Working Together?

One of my favorite stories is told by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  In the chapel of the church where he attended, a group of men were asked to move a grand piano.  They tried with great difficulty to move this piano, but nothing seemed to work.  Finally one of the men spoke up and said, “...stand close together and lift where you stand.”  As the men stood together and each lifted the piano, they were able to move the piano to where it needed to be.

Marriage requires a lot of “lifting where we stand.”  For a marriage to be successful, we need to do our part to work together.  My husband and I own a painting business.  In 2007 when the economy took a downturn, our business wasn’t doing well at all.  We found ourselves with many bills to pay and hardly any income.  This was a difficult time for us.  We struggled and sadly didn’t get along very well during this time.  It wasn’t until we both started working together that we were able to overcome this difficult struggle.  We were blessed as we worked together.  Things did not change right away, but we became closer as we did our best to work together.   This was a growing time for us and our relationship was strengthened as we learned to “stand close together and lift where [we] stand.”

Week # 12 Challenge

With the new year coming up, decide on a goal that will help you become more unified with your spouse. If you are not married decide on a goal that you can work on in the upcoming year that will help prepare you for marriage.