THE GIFT OF MONEY 16; THE RAINY DAY

"Enough is better than too much" - French Proverb 

For the most part, deciding where the line is drawn between wise saving and foolish hoarding is not a matter of money; it's a matter of the heart. Certainly, in our quest to live as stewards of God's resources, it makes sense to maintain a reserve large enough to handle some of life's tougher financial circumstances, such as an extended period of unemployment.

Teaching us about saving money, the Bible uses the word "fool" a number of times. (Consider Proverbs 21:20, and Luke 12:16-20).

The key to figuring out how much money you should keep in reserve, includes knowing your household's essential needs monthly. If you were to lose your (source of ) income, taking your next vacation or updating your wardrobe probably would (definitely) not come up as important, on your priorities list - but there are certain bills you'd still need to pay, such as your mortgage, utilities, groceries, and insurance. If you don't already have a budget, create one today. Financial planners often recommend maintaining an emergency fund large enough to cover three-to-six months' worth of essential living expenses. So, take your one-month figure and multiply by six.

THE GIFT OF MONEY 11; A BLESSING, NOT A CURSE!

"Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants." - Benjamin Franklin 

Two neighbours; Frank, and Pat lived next to each other. Pat was a poor teacher. Frank was a landlord. Pat used to be very relaxed and happy never bothering about things Frank bothered about; like closing his doors and windows at night. He slept soundly always, even though he didn't have much money - he was a peaceful man. Frank on the other hand was always tensed, and he worried greatly about things; he was always very keen on closing his doors and windows at night - he didn't have much sleep. The thought of always being robbed bothered him; he always felt someone would break open his safes and steal his money. Frank always wished he could have a peaceful life as Pat had; he envied him greatly!

One day, Frank gave Pat a bag full of dollar bills saying, “Look my friend. I'm blessed with so much wealth yet, I find you in poverty. So, take this cash and live in prosperity.” Pat was overwhelmed, he was joyful throughout the day, then night came, and he went to bed as usual but, today, he went around shutting doors and windows, yet he still couldn't sleep. He kept looking at the bag of cash the whole night, thinking many thoughts - he was disturbed. His life as he knew it had disappeared all of a sudden.

A MERRY HEART

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." - Phyllis Diller 

Here's a little story; A Rich man died and was met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter. He was ushered into heaven where he was taken past mansion after mansion and through street after street paved with gold. Finally, they came to the end of the street and he was shown a small shack and was told that this was where he was going to be living. “Why do I get this ugly little shack when there are so many beautiful Mansions all around that I could live in?” the rich man asked. “Well,” St. Peter said, “We did the best we could with the money you sent us!”

Yes, a smile is something that can be likened to "money", it has the ability to buy healing for a wounded heart. It can be in adequate, but never too much. Ever wondered how people smile back when you first smile at them? Or noticed the feeling of happiness that wells up in you somehow when you smile? Truth be told you can't afford much if you don't smile much. Be generous with your smile don't hoard it.