No, Not One!

Don't Take It With You

            Calling all seniors! It’s time to shine. Get up and participate. You have something to offer.

          Finding joy in helping others is often the best remedy for our many struggles. While it’s true that people can sometimes be challenging (myself included), nurturing social connections is essential for our well-being.

          We can all take a moment to share a smile or a kind word as we pass by, saying something as simple as this: “Beautiful sweater.” It can really brighten someone’s day.    Sometimes, we might feel a bit invisible in this big world. So, receiving a little compliment can make such a positive difference.

          If you can’t say something nice, then pray. This can help you feel connected and engaged. You’re still alive, so stop behaving as if you aren’t. Recall what brought joy to you and share that with others.

          Do you recall telling your kids to switch off the TV and head outside to play? Fresh air and exercise still benefit you, both physically and mentally. Remember that sense of freedom when the door shut behind you and the refreshing scent of nature surrounded you as you explored your yard and nearby areas?

          Bugs, birds, flowers. Embracing Dirt. Do you recall discovering beauty in an ordinary rock? Or the thrill of picking up a shell on the beach? Or the brightest leaf during autumn? Such things don’t seem to hold value anymore when society places man’s creations over God’s.

          Perhaps this is the issue facing children today: we fail to offer them essential advice and share valuable life experiences. We’re not providing insights into what has worked for us, and our hectic lifestyle leaves us little opportunity to discover things independently. In today’s world, families often require two incomes to afford basic needs, which can result in children being left to navigate life on their own.

          Imagine a world where no one experiences the joy of jumping in a puddle, creating mud pies, or taking a peaceful walk in the rain. Our feet have a deep connection to the earth, and this relationship is indeed remarkable. Grounding offers us tremendous benefits. Additionally, we should acknowledge the significance of wearing proper grounding shoes. (See Appendix A.)

          Cherish the lovely moments of watching the sun rise and set, as you count the twinkling stars above—a beautiful reminder that God is always in control. When did you last take a moment to do this? Consider sharing this experience with your children! They need to understand the mighty power of their awesome God. They need to see and value the intricacy and beauty of God’s creations, from how a bee pollinates flowers, to watching them grow with sunlight and water, to feeling the joy they bring to others when gifted as a bouquet.

          Every generation must learn the distinction between cost and value. It’s important to understand what is truly worth investing in.No country should have to rely on another for its essential needs. The landfills are full of cheap items that come with a hidden cost, often ending up in the trash before they’ve even served their purpose. Spend that money on quality, gently used items from your local Christian-based thrift store; Prioritize donating there as well.

          It’s beneficial for everyone involved. You reduce your own burden while acquiring what you need or desire. Your spending supports a mission that creates real change. By saving money, you’ll have more to contribute. This also provides an opportunity for those who cannot afford big box stores to obtain essentials at accessible prices.

          It’s essential to be mindful of where you shop and the impact your choices can have. Consider seeking establishments that align with your values, especially when protecting children from DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.

          I’m about to offend a lot of people here, but this entire book is about perspective and how I wiped away the cloudy worldly view that distorted my godly values.

          • The USA was formed to ensure its people would have the right to worship their God. This country was built on biblical standards. You cannot change the values a country was built on then try to force that change on its citizens, rallying people to bully stores into submission that try to repent and come back to the Truth. After reading the headlines for the past few months, Miss Bess feels she should be considered the poster child of Target Corporation. No one should ever stop any establishment from trying to return to biblical values. Christians, it’s time to take a stand with your wallet too!

          • Any leader responsible for allowing a biblical standard to be changed inevitably answers to God for their actions, not me. I must also answer to God first before man. Therefore, I cannot accept those changes as law. Right here and now, Christians need to ask themselves a serious question. Are you willing to support God and the Bible or not?

          • When you bend one rule, it sets the precedent to bend other rules. Biblically speaking, you cannot alter the Ten Commandments in any way. Even thinking about doing so is the definition of sin itself.

          Let’s collaborate to foster positive change by being mindful consumers. Numerous groups are steadfast in their convictions. Let’s make certain that we patronize stores that adhere to Biblical principles, which nurture and empower children instead of misleading them into believing they are damaged. As businesses adapt, circumstances will shift. Your spending has a significant influence on their goals, too. Make sure your financial support reflects your values. Support what resonates with your beliefs.

          Men ought to dress in ways that convey masculinity. To be honest, pink is not a suitable color for men because it’s associated with young girls. You want your sons, to grow into strong and masculine individuals. Don’t confuse them with what you wear. Do you understand my point? Even small compromises can lead others away from the truth.

Some men wear flannel shirts, comfortable t-shirts, well-loved jeans, and sturdy boots.           They embody the hardworking spirit that makes this great country shine. Of course, some prefer the sharp look of suits and ties as they navigate the world of business. But, there is never a reason for a man to wear women’s clothing.

          Thrift shops offer wonderful clothing at prices that fit every budget. While you’re exploring, just a friendly reminder that pants are best worn around your waist with a belt.    It’s always nice to keep things tidy so we can avoid an accidental peek at your underwear or backside. That shows a lack of respect for yourself and others.

          Women should dress like women. Please avoid shopping in the men’s section. You don’t have to wear a dress, but if you do, the hem should be closer to your knees than your butt. The waist goes at the top, and the hem is at the bottom. Skorts are more appropriate than skirts.

          One of my personal pet peeves is seeing someone’s bra through their shirt, or even more inappropriately, what their bra is intended to cover. Please refrain from going out in public like this; children shouldn’t have to witness it. This also reflects a lack of self-respect and personal value. Consider wearing another shirt underneath, like a tank top.

          Whenever possible, make purchases with cash instead of credit. Credit cards should only be used for genuine emergencies. As your balance grows, the total cost for those items will rise. It’s wise to save up and pay with cash when you can. This is the way to get ahead.

          Credit can be a curse when it encourages you to buy what you can’t afford. It encourages spur-of-the-moment purchases. Remember, you don’t truly own it until it’s paid off anyway. Miss a few truck payments, and you’ll see what I mean.

          Do you really know the actual cost of your home? You may not grasp the complete picture, especially if you’re still paying your mortgage. The total investment will keep increasing until the mortgage is paid off; All that interest must be factored into your calculations.

          Twenty years ago, I enrolled in Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. I discovered the importance of budgeting my finances and shopping for health, life, car, and home insurance to ensure adequate coverage. Settling for the bare minimum offers limited protection, leaving you vulnerable to risk. That course saved me more than once.

          I’m excited to dive into these topics and others that deserve more attention on the website! Let’s focus on nurturing our Kingdom saints rather than putting our children in a debtor’s prison.