MaineStreams Translation Publishing Services: Providing Good News far beyond the beaten path
Three things to remember when we face opposition
Nehemiah 6:1-2 (LITV)
And it happened, when it was heard by Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that no break was left in it though at that time I had not set up doors on the gates, Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together in the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do evil to me.
Dead end jobs are not meant to be a place to settle down. They are stepping stones as you make your way toward a great job you can pour yourself into with joy.
Then in mid-July of 2019, my transfer from Walmart Chicopee to Ellsworth allowed me to be closer to my family. I jumped right in to a full-time position at Walmart, with benefits. The move came with a big plus: I arrived just in time to enjoy the Maine summer weather I missed so much.
A “comfortable” position
Yes, I really did work at Walmart Chicopee!
Working as a CAP2 stock worker at Walmart is like a gym pass where they pay you to work out all day. I was in the best shape in my life! And I was really good at unloading the truck, so I did it a lot. God blessed me with a lot of great friends among coworkers and customers, friends who are still my friends today.
Before I continue, I must say that this move back up to Maine would not have been possible without the help of Ellsworth Assembly of God. A family in the church allowed me to live in their trailer in the church parking lot. What a blessing it is to be part of a church family that truly cares for strangers, and each other!
If you don’t have such a family, I really encourage you to find one as soon as you can.
I believe that our Western Society has been set up for a long time against Financial Freedom. After working hard at school, it is not normal for fathers and mothers to pour out our adult lives, just working for the basics!
In America, rare are the parents who are home from work in time to welcome their children home from school. In fact, most homes have two parents working overtime, just to make the mortgage payment.
What if you pursued a life where you have time to be with your kids, and do what you love? What would you call it?
I like to call it “Financial Freedom”
Financial Freedom is the ability to take care of yourself and your family without working long hours.
It is having time to spend with your family, and doing what you love.
When you have Financial Freedom, you have come to the place where you can work because you want to, not because you have to.
The Treasure Map to Financial Freedom
Start with a budget
The first step toward Financial Freedom is to prepare a budget of all your living expenses.
Your monthly expenses down on paper is like a treasure map to show you which direction you need to go to get your freedom.
Then, once you have your budget, there are four strategies which lead to Financial Freedom. Usually, the best way to get there involves a combination of these four steps:
Earning More Money (without having to work more hours)
Reducing monthly expenses (pay off that credit card, and own your car or truck)
Increasing your life skills (how to build a house, make bread, change the oil in your car, etc.)
Sharing responsibilities with other families (share your internet connection with your neighbor, rent a part of your home to a friend, etc.)
Nehemiah 6:1-2 (LITV)
