This afternoon we had the privilege of attending the Dave Ramsey Live event in Nashville, TN (thanks to our son who works for Dave). Can I say, WOW?!!! It was informative, awesome, inspiring, eye-opening, inspirational, motivational, entertaining AND funny. You might expect an event on money management to be informative and eye-opening, but entertaining and funny? Before attending FPU (aka Financial Peace University) several years ago I would have wondered the same thing, but let me just say....Dave's "shoot from the hip" straight talkin' style makes it interesting, entertaining and, yes, funny. Thanks to following his principals, we were able to pay off the last of our debt this summer, and when we purchased our home this fall we did it with his teaching in mind....good-sized down payment and a 15 year mortgage (planning to pay it off sooner). We are also furnishing and decorating it on the "Dave Ramsey Plan"...i.e., NOT dipping into our retirement (even tho' we are retired) and doing it on a cash-only basis. Which just might explain my desire for spring (and all those wonderful yard sales) to arrive!
I knew even before we arrived at the event site today that it would be hard for me not to feel a strong sense of regret and guilt. After all, I didn't always follow those principals....especially as a single mom. I think I was just in survival mode! I do wish I had done a better job as a mother when it came to setting an example in financial matters....but I can't go back and change the past. What I CAN do is encourage young people to check Dave's principles and plan out for themselves....and to let them know that it DOES work! If I had done it earlier in life, I feel I could have had a more positive impact on my kids....but thankfully, the Lord can take our messes and turn them into something beautiful.
Back to that sense of regret and guilt....I knew it would be knocking on my door today, so I was sooooo glad for yesterday's lesson in the Bible study I have just started at church....Me, Myself and Lies....about making over our thought closets. Today I was armed with scripture and focused on the truth that I am not perfect, but am made perfect in Him. So no self-flagellation allowed!! What a difference....I am inspired, not dejected, hopeful not guilt-ridden....such power in His Word.
Have a blessed day tomorrow!
Great for you guys! ! !Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you come away with from the event that you didn't expect?
Look up Clark Howard on the net too.