Pocketbook Revolution

The old saying "money talks" is proven every day, in most every way with the Lobby.  Without lobbyists, our representatives would have to buy their own lunches and pay for their own recreation on their meager $174,000.00 annual salary.  The term actually came from business reps standing in the lobby on Capitol Hill waiting for their opportunity to approach a representative regarding a bill or legislation.  Currently, being a lobbyist is an actual career opportunity.

A lobbyist is a professional persuader, a negotiator with cash in hand, "hired" by any collective cause to cajole politicians into legislation to further the cause they represent.  Interestingly, since favors are given, rather than money exchanged it's not illegal or bribery to influence a representative by these tactics.  Obviously, the individual citizen, does not have the power, a.k.a. money, of the lobby.  By the same token, we the people, do not have a largely supported collective cause that is able to send persuasive lobbyists to Washington.  In all honesty, the representatives and councils of family values groups haven't really accomplished much in Washington regarding abortion or the gay agenda.  Those who desire morality and freedom simply cannot win by the rules in Washington.  So what's the answer?

It's time for a pocketbook revolution.  It's time to speak loudly and clearly with our wallets.  Every company, every collective power that promotes something we don't believe it, just stop buying their products!  It really is that simple.  If you don't like the way Procter & Gamble used a gay wedding to both promote Tide and deride Kim Davis, then stop buying Procter & Gamble products . . . all of them!  If you don't believe in the abortion pill or birth control pills, stop using any of the pharmaceuticals produced by the companies that produce the products that offend you.  My latest biggie, was when Frito Lay came out with rainbow Doritos.   Frito Lay makes a great many products besides the special order Doritos.

Do your homework!  Memes and complaint posts on social media aren't going to change things.  All these blogs I've been doing for years would have no impact at all if I didn't back my views with my wallet.  I'm still not making a noticeable difference, but I'm only one person.  If all the people who post memes and articles against abortion, birth control, and vaccines actually stopped supporting Big Pharma straight across the board on all their products, our voice would be heard.  Sick and tired of the Bruce Jenner saga, get rid of the channel that carries his show and google to discover which companies are supporting the transgender agenda.

Our representatives are not listening to us, but they do listen to the lobbyists and lobbyists get their money from Big Corp.  If Big Corp is losing money . . . the benefits to politicians will slim down.  We've had this backward for too long.  Big Corp is calling the shots, the lobbyists are delivering the perks, and the politicians are owned.  If we the people actually put our money where our mouth is and stopped buying ALL the products made by companies promoting what we don't support, we'd see an all new meaning to "trickle down economics."  If we the people don't buy it, Big Corp can't sell it, they have to take a new approach, or lose money.  If Big Corp starts losing money . . . lobbyists will be scurrying around like rats on a sinking ship and politicians might have to actually listen to "we the people."  Or better yet, without all the perks, politicians might leave Washington after a couple of terms.

Even if there aren't enough people to collectively win this pocketbook revolution, those who do will at least know, we've taken a stand and not contributed to the moral collapse of this country.

Assistance

The last couple of weeks I've noticed a real upsurge in requests for financial assistance and spiritual advice regarding money across social media.  Although I don't consider myself to be wealthy, I do know YHWH is my provider, provides well, and I'm debt free, but I am still in this world and like it or not, some things require money.  I'm heading off grid to eventually pay no electric bill, but to do that requires me to purchase a battery bank, and even if I could make solar panels and wind turbines, I can't make them out of air and rocks.  I do know there is a day coming in which buying and selling will not be an option without the mark, therefore; I am investing now for what I think we may need then.

I offer financial assistance in some situations and in others I offer products as a gift, but truth be told, some situations actually need financial management instruction and work ethic motivation.  I do not subsidize poor money management.  I can't afford to!  As long as we are in this world, before Messiah returns, we have to accept the fact that life in this world is not free.  Of all things the public education does not teach and parents tend to not prepare children for is budgeting.  Oh, I grew up being made to have a savings account and tithe, but other than being told how much and when, I was clueless.  I had to learn by trial and unfortunately error . . .

That is why I truly want to help people, not just throw money at them and certainly not judge them.  Many folks have not been taught good financial planning or budgeting, and sadly today there are few examples of a good work ethic.  Knowing, my entire adult life, I had to make it on my own, I really would like to help folks budget for independence and develop a strong work ethic that will carry them through their life.  Yes YHWH does provide, but part of His provision is giving us talents to use to make a living.  It's not about "making money" it's about using our talents to provide for our life and family.  Some of that provision will involve money, but much of our life really doesn't need to.  We just haven't really been taught a good way of money management and prioritizing is difficult for nearly everyone.

I realize any of us can fall on hard times and the economic condition of our country is alarming, which is all the more reason to learn a better way of money management and less dependency on our current system.  I am not advising people to exchange their dollars for silver, at this time, but I wholeheartedly recommend whittling down the number of dollars you depend upon in life.  We have to prioritize and the priorities are shelter and food to start with, then other things.  David wrote that he'd never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging . . . Paul penned that we are to be content with what we have, where we are.

We've been programmed to believe our worth is based upon our possessions and the terms rest and entertainment have been exchanged in the connecting term "leisure."  This nation has produced two generations, going on three now that are of age for the work force, but programmed to believe their leisure time should be their top priority.  Scripturally, leisure time isn't even an issue and a good life provides it's own entertainment!

Your Call is Important

When did ministry become a money making career for so many?  I realize back when our society in general was more religious, rabbis and pastors were dealing with congregants nearly every day.  Although rabbis often had their own homes, many pastors lived in the parsonage.   Even with rabbis living in their own homes, the Jewish community was established for all be within walking distance of the synagogue on Shabbat.  Parsonage, for all practical purposes has become an archaic term.

Much of the ministry in America has become politically and economically powerful with ministers living large and rabbis being quite influential.  I'm not suggesting for a moment that servants of YHWH should live like squirrels in winter, not at all, but the reality of the matter is pretty simple.  If the religious organizations were actually fulfilling their true purpose, a 501c3 would be unnecessary.  Taking care of widows, orphans, and veterans would probably keep most religious organizations quite busy, and certainly below any tax bracket.  Actually working in our specified call would eliminate a great deal of unnecessary travel and activities that are truly "uncalled" for.  A great many  false prophecies and teachings would be eliminated if folks actually walked and worked in their call.

Now, does that mean a pastor should not give a call to repentance and wait for the evangelist?  Absolutely not, but it does mean a pastor doesn't need to be jet setting all over the world, if he is called to shepherd a flock.  Evangelists and prophets should probably be the ones doing most of the traveling, and teachers should be teaching by example first, and words second!  Apostles are trailblazers and missionaries, so they are usually led to establish, then outreach in meeting the needs around them, but also to welcome and work with the other four offices of ministry.

Not that I am claiming to have all the organization or administrative answers, but the duties of the five offices are explained throughout Scripture.  There's no need for so much overlap and confusion, and no need for anything to be going undone.  And as for widows, orphans, and folks in need, every child of G-d is called to meet those needs when they become aware of them.  I do believe it would be amazing for all five calls to be working together in ministries.  I continue to pray for that, here and in other areas as well.

It's time for pastors to tend the flock and live within respectable means.  It's time for teachers to realize the best lesson is a good example.  It's time for prophets to sound the warnings and evangelists to tell the whole Gospel which includes Torah obedience, and it's time for folks to get results from apostles and elders without the need of hospitals.  A 501c3 is completely unnecessary and ministry should not be a business!

Investing in Temporal

This past week as I munched unleavened bread, I took inventory of the place.  The two prior weeks, I took inventory of dust bunnies and leaven.  Now, in the clean brightness, I considered what I've invested in temporal things.  By temporal, I mean shelter, furniture, vehicles, even the wind turbine and solar panels.  One of my daughters got me thinking about the way I spend my money vs. the way she spends hers.  She's been quick to point out that I spend more than she would on domains and webhosting and I need to shop around more.  She's also expressed that a thousand dollars worth of batteries to go with the wind and solar power supply seems excessive.  By that same token, she doesn't think I purchase quality, when it comes to furniture and dishes.  She does think I get great deals on vehicles though!

Now, when I consider the way others spend money, I quickly realize, I probably seem cheap.  When I consider the way that same daughter spends her money, I realize she simply did not receive her set of values from me.  As I aim for sustainable living, there are investments.  I would love to have only a bill for my internet provider, while the internet is still an option and a monthly trip to town for dog food, coffee, and toilet paper.  That's my goal, if Messiah tarries.  I may have to get one more pair of sandals, but it's recorded that the children of Israel's shoes held up for the entire journey through the wilderness, so maybe the ones I have will last another forty years.  I cleaned my closet out this past spring, as well.  I simply do not need a closet full of clothes.  I've splurged in the past few years by making some special skirts for the Feasts.

In recent years, I've truly made purchases with the thought in mind, that I may never need to make this purchase again, or may not have the opportunity to do so.  Many of us are considering the idea that we may be helping others through turbulent times.  I want to be able to offer warmth and sustenance.  According to Scripture some folks are going to be heading to the hills with just the shirts on their backs.  I want to be able to help them . . . I'm not hoarding, at least I don't think I am, but all of the purchases I make, great consideration is given to preparation for the times ahead.

I do know, if I live out my days before Messiah returns, this place and the investments I've made will benefit the next occupant . . .

An Opportunity

Once in awhile, an opportunity arises that you simply dare not taint with money.  That's not to say money is evil or bad, because we know it's only a tool, it's the love of money that is wrong, but I digress . . . Back to the opportunity.  As a Creation Wellness Advocate, or practitioner of natural health modalities, I do have a business that involves clients and the sale of products.  Through this; I also have the opportunity to minister. I've been able to do this with hands on in the area for years, but now with an internet presence, it's been interesting to see a health need on social media and simply offer to send something that might help.  It's as if my business makes my formulas and solutions legit!  Then I'm free to gift and donate as I am led.  Naturally, every transaction is not a gift, but there is something special in each opportunity.  Living agriculturally, tithing has taken on a new understanding, but in this business, products can be used in offerings as well.

Recently, I had the opportunity to administer reflexology with a formulated "Essentials and Extracts."  It was received so well, I asked if I could return.  The woman was quite gracious in her response and I told her I'd be dropping in within the next week or so.  This offer was not for the woman, herself, but for her son and the situation has been very trying and long term.  When I did get there, the young man seemed to remember me.  He genuinely responded favorably again.  She was sure he was aware and had remembered.  There were times he was obviously responsive.  As I worked, she and I chatted.  We discussed kids, grandkids, G-d, small town living, and country life.  All in all, I was there about an hour.  Until meeting me, she was unfamiliar with reflexology, herbs and oils, so I shared some of the progress other clients had experienced.  She asked me what I charged.  I almost told her my rate, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw her reaching into her purse.  I quickly said this was my offering and changed the subject.

As I was preparing to leave, I showed her the product applicator I'd brought for her convenience to use and she immediately went for her purse again, offering to pay.  It was then, that I knew, money could not enter the circumstances.  I've prayed for this young man for quite some time now, and I felt compelled to "lay hands on him and anoint him with oil."   She hadn't asked me to come, I'd contacted her.   This was pure ministry and one simply does not charge for that.  I don't know what Abba has planned in this situation, but I do know a few dollars in my pocket would not compare with the joy of seeing this young man back up and active.

Safe Keeping

Most of us have done this, I'm sure.  We put something "up" where we won't lose it, then forget where we put it . . . Or we do have a special place for safe keeping, use it, know where it is, yet overlook what we're looking for . . . The past couple of weeks, I've not been operating at full capacity.  I'd liked to have been benched on the injured reserve list, but a lot has been going on here at the homestead, so that wasn't possible.  Between a pounding headache, blurred vision, terribly sore ribs, and a weak and painful leg, I've not been at my best in focusing.

Through the course of this, I celebrated a birthday and in that "celebration," I receive a few cards, one being from my parents with a check included.  I placed the check in my "safe keeping" place in my purse so I'd have it when I went to the bank.  There was an entire week between receiving the check and going to the bank, so as it turned out, I forgot about the check.  In the next couple of days, it crossed my mind, so I went to my place of "safe keeping" in my purse and couldn't find it!

I didn't panic, but I did get serious about finding that check.  I looked through the birthday cards, but it wasn't there.  I even checked the glove compartment in the buggy and over the visor, still no check . . . I went back to my "safe keeping" place again and still nothing.  I'm not usually careless and forgetful, but it did cross my mind that perhaps my memory had been affected by my fall.

I poured a cup of coffee and began thinking about the fact I wasn't having to rush around to go work and that I didn't really need the money for anything pressing, I began giving thanks.  There was a time when that check would have been needed, really needed, to pay a bill or an actual provision.  There were about seven lean years in my late teens through mid twenties in which every dollar that came into my possession was needed for provision . . . I, like so many, wasn't operating in any sort of financial wisdom.  Life cost just a little more than I actually made, it seemed.  By the age of thirty, I had gained a considerable amount of wisdom in money management.  When I became a believer and actually began tithing as well as seeking Abba in all income and spending, my finances changed dramatically.  My income didn't increase, but my expenses decreased dramatically, and that has remained consistent all these years later.

At the age of 36, twenty-one years ago, Abba showed me that debt does not lead to the American dream and He had a much better plan for me than the American dream.  As I looked for that check, I was aware and thankful that I don't have a gas heating bill.  I don't have a water bill, and my electric bill is amazingly low by comparison to what I read and hear from others.  My grocery bill is practically non-existent.  I chose to live simply years ago, which included no mortgage or car payment.   The worst thing that crossed my mind about that missing check was if I didn't find it, I'd have to tell Daddy I lost it . . .

That single missing check brought a cavalcade of thanksgiving to my heart.  I had one small moment of thinking Mr. B should have dropped whatever he was doing to help me look, but I gained victory over that thought without verbalizing it, by reading in a devotional.  As I was reading, he did offer to go through the trash before he burned it, and for that I was grateful.  He offered to look one more place, and with that, I said I was going to go through my purse one more time.  Since I'd recently changed purses, I decided to go through every pocket and compartment.  When I got to the "safe keeping" place, I noticed a couple of pages were stuck together.  Sure enough, between those two pages was that missing check!   I immediately gave thanks for the discovery, but then found myself so thankful for the things I'd become aware of, through that time of searching.

Kingdom Economy isn't about bigger houses and fancy jets, it's about how little of the world's wealth we really need and how amazing the provision of our Heavenly Father truly is.    

A Test

Interestingly, most of my tests do not actually come with a dollar sign.  They did at first in my walk, but now most of my purchases are high end investments for the project or livestock, so the deals are pretty cut and dried.  They are made and paid or don't take place.  The other day, though, was an interesting dilemma that came wrapped in disappointment and debilitation.

The other day, I went to lunch with Mr. B.  I make a point of patronizing a particular place for a number of reasons.  It's family owned and operated, the food is really good . . . or was, and the prices are quite reasonable.  This restaurant doesn't include pork on the menu, which is rare in this part of the country.  This business was established about a year ago, and it has been consistently quality food with excellent service, until the new Roman year.  Just before the end of last year, my waiter had brought a dessert on the house, saying it was his gift.  I had a twinge that he was saying, "good-bye."

When I went in January, the place seemed different and he wasn't there.  Upon receiving my salad, I knew something had changed.  Then the entree arrived to confirm, not only had the waiting staff changed, so had the kitchen staff.  When making inquiry, the waitress assured me, the only thing different was the south wall had been painted.  I didn't press further, until I revisited this past week.  There was another new waiter, very few customers through the lunch hour, and another customer asked regarding the authenticity of the Italian chef.

The service was poor, but the kid was new, so I cut him some slack.  When the food came out, it was inedible.  It was truly terrible!  When the waiter asked how the meal was, I simply asked him, when the place had changed hands . . . not if . . . He fessed up, the first of the year.  Apparently, there'd been a problem with too much management, so the former chef and staff had moved on to start their own restaurant.  He then also asked me how I knew.  I told him the food was obviously different.  The poor kid had the nerve to ask if it was better or worse.  I tried to be kind, but I did say, the flavor and quality were inferior to the former fare.  He said he'd heard that a lot, and he'd just started this week.

Lousy food and disoriented service wasn't the worst of the deal.  When it came time to pay the check, the disappointment reached a new height or low, as the case may be.  The waiter was also the cashier . . . which should be ending with "nuff said," but it didn't end there.  He spent ten minutes trying to ring in the total, with the cash drawer opening several times, but for some reason, he continued to press keys.  Since Mr. B and I were in town on business, our one ticket consisted of two meals, each under $7.00, with mine in a carryout container to be fed to the chickens.  When a figure of "twelve something" finally appeared in the total screen, I thought the ordeal was finally over, but I was mistaken.

The young man proceeded to count back the "twelve something" for change from a $20.00.  I let him finish, in hopes of avoiding confusion, then proceeded to explain to him, the "twelve something" was the total for two meals and the change should be $6.00 something.  His expression was completely void of understanding.  I tried it again, even showing him the two meals on the check, to which he replied, "I'm new."  With that, I stopped trying to explain and simply handed back $6.00 plus change and told him to have a nice day.

  Bad food and lousy service is a sure way to an empty restaurant, but giving excess change is the fast track to an empty cash register.  I have no idea if the young man ever figured out what I was trying to convey, but I'm so glad, I insisted that he take the full amount.   As I headed to the vehicle I thought to myself, how sad it was that this business would soon be shuttered.

Time is More Valuable Than Money

I've done a great deal of comparison and differentiation when it comes to time and money versus the world system and the Kingdom, but something very simple dawned upon me this week that has to be shared.  It's such a basic fact, everyone may already know this!  The truth is short and it's up to us as to whether it's bitter or sweet.

Money poorly spent, can often be "made up" if the amount isn't too large.  A poor financial investment can be rectified and the money applied another direction.  Even bad debt can be paid off, or in severe cases, bankruptcy can offer a clean slate.  But time misspent and poorly invested is lost forever . . .  We are each given so many hours in a day, and no one is guaranteed tomorrow.













Money can be made and replaced and the Fed can just print it, but . . . time spent, good or bad, is spent.

In Everything

These past few weeks, it seems every time I'm praying, several thoughts bombard my awareness.  Some of them are distractions, but others are things Abba wants to talk about.  Remembering the first time He brought up a subject, brings a smile to my face.  I'd been walking in covenant for about five years, when one morning through prayer, I told Him I wanted to talk about what He wanted to talk about.  That particular morning, I was on my knees in prayer when a particular situation came to mind, and it involved money.  Immediately I asked forgiveness that my mind had wandered, and to all things . . . "money!"  I began, once again, to give thanks, when my mind again wandered to that same scenario that involved "money."

When I asked for forgiveness again, His voice was clear and firm.  He simply said, "You said you wanted to talk about what I want to talk about!"  With that, a new realization entered my awareness.  Beyond tithing and good stewardship, our Heavenly Father truly does want to guide our steps financially.  With our society having moved away from an agricultural base, we don't think so much about the other 90% of our income when it's cash.  In an agrarian society, there are constant reminders that Adonai controls it all.  Every bit of the provision is in His hands.

The soil is nourished by proper use according to His Instruction.  The seeds sprout by the life He has created within them.  The shoots reach for the sun, as the roots long for the rain.  As the plants grow to yield produce, that also is in the hand of our Creator.  The same principles apply to flocks and herds.  When living agriculturally, it is so much easier to see the hand of our Creator in every step.

Since most of our socio-economic base consists of nothing more than the perpetual motion of currency for service and products, we often don't consider Abba in every dollar that passes through our hands.  That morning, over 15 years ago, He was preparing me to receive some money.  Without His preparation in that matter I probably would not have handled the situation properly, or maybe I would, but I learned something so much bigger.  From that morning on, and this was through the 90s round of "prosperity teaching," I viewed money and material things from a completely different perspective.  This also began the preparation for my heart to return to the garden, an agrarian lifestyle.  It would be less than three months later, He would then lay the foundation for this work to which He has called me.

That single statement through morning prayer, telling Abba, I wanted to talk about what He wanted to talk about, took our relationship to a level I didn't even know existed.  He does want to talk with His people about so many things.  His plans truly are more than we can ask or imagine.

Found Money

My daughter and I have this "game" we play when visiting each other when I try to give her product.  When she sends a check, I don't cash it, and when I give her money, she hides it back in my purse.  It's what we do . . .  We are so much alike, when her check book doesn't balance or I find money in some extra spot, we know, we just know!  She and I are both "stashers" when it comes to smaller bills in receiving change,and we both leave a cushioned pad in our balance; but even though we stick it in a pocket or hide a small deposit in our account, we do remember when we come back across it.  It's when we know we didn't lose track of something, we know the other one has "been there!"

Recently I discovered some "found money," and immediately I had that old feeling!  This daughter of mine is tricky and truth be told a little on sly side!  What I had given her, was a gift, so when I discovered some money, I asked her, she was cagey, so I knew; and that was that.  I couldn't send a check, she already knew my trick!

It seems about 12 to 15 years ago, the old adage "found money is to be spent," became a new adage for me.  "Found money isn't figured in, and can be given away!"  My quest became rather interesting and quite touching this week.  I'd been told the grocery store in a nearby town kept "money on hand" for those who came up a bit short.  The food pantry in that town has now moved well out of the downtown area, so it's not really so accessible for those who are in need.  I'd already left some change on occasion, at the store and taken groceries to the food pantry, but when I heard there was actually a fund for this, I went with money in hand.  As it turns out, I'd heard wrong, but . . . they were gracious and agreed it was a good idea and they would implement it somehow.  To be honest, I was a bit embarrassed in that I felt like I drew significant attention to what I thought was just a simple donation.  It was so awkward, it almost stopped me from doing what I did today.  I'm so glad I listened to the voice of Adonai.

I heard Abba leading me to donate some money in the next town, when I went and today was the day. After reading my devotion and doing chores, I checked the phone book, intending to call to check their policy for donations, not wanting to make the same awkward and embarrassing situation this time.  Well, as it turned out, life got busy and I was on the way to town, before I thought of making that phone call.  I certainly wasn't going to be disobedient, but I was truly apprehensive about bringing attention to the endeavor.  By the time I got there, there were only the two women working the front.  I asked for the manager, and one spoke up and said that was she.  I simply stated, "I don't know where the town's food pantry is, but I know this organization operates an outreach beyond the thrift store."  She smiled and said yes, and I put the money in her hand.  She said thank you, I said  you're welcome and out the door I went.

Before I could get in my vehicle, the other woman came out the door in tears.  Now, I had that moment of instant ? . . . Never mind, this is what Abba sent me to do.  As she approached me with a pen and piece of paper, and the tears were flowing, she simply said she wanted to hug me!  Funny, I'd just been telling Abba how much I missed hugs . . .  We hugged and she said their food pantry had run out of food Tuesday.  Now, clearly, I had no way of knowing this.  I don't even live in that town or have that town for an address.  She, was clearly overcome with joy and surprise.  The pen and paper were for me to write my name.  I'm guessing she's going to be praying for me.  I know, I'm certainly going to be praying for her.  And my daughter, Des, is part of this, too!

What a moment of clarity.  Abba led me to a need I could not have possibly known about and that precious woman's prayer was answered, as she reaches out and helps in that community.  Oh, "found money" it has a purpose!  "Found money is to be shared!"