Day 29

Questions I ask myself...through this debt reduction are:

1. Why do I give temporary solutions for people, rather than actual help? Why do other people do that...especially Christians?

2. Why do I fear really saying what I mean...especially when it comes to debt reduction and the body of believers?

3. Why am I continually disillusioned by wealthy believers?

4. Why do I not see a difference between "the world" and "the church"?

5. Why do I feel like this will cause people to view me as judgmental...when even Jesus up turned tables?

6. Why don't I pray more? Read the word more?

7. Why do I crave McDonald's? Chips?

8. Why is this so hard?

9. Why is it so easy?

10. Does anyone even hear this, get it, wanna make a difference?


Just 10 questions...in my head...that needed to get out...

and yes...we went to McDonald's yesterday...and no...I don't feel guilty...okay...maybe a little.

Day 26

Well, it's cold again, and that means the ceiling isn't leaking.
I got a chance to practically, shovel off snow, from the roof, to prevent ice daming (which was probably the culprit). We still need to look into work on the basement and the second floor ($$$$).

This weekend, we definitely felt like we were going through consumerism withdrawals. We realize how often we would go out...just to do something. Rather than go out only when we have a need. It was really good in a way. At one point on Saturday, I stood in the living room, itching to shop...and I realized that there was other internal issues that I needed to face. So I did that instead. I chose after to sit and read, and I got a lot done around the house.

Someone I know who recently came into some money, was telling me that they were going to purchase a Wii. Okay...every part of me has wanted a Wii. Something that Paula and I can do together, rather than just watch a movie and it gets us active. I thought about my response to my friend, which probably wasn't all that good. I was envious. I really was. I envied his ability to go out and just purchase something like this. I shared with this person how we would like one, but would probably take a few years. In retrospect...maybe that is a good thing...a very good thing. Paula and I can do things apart from watching a movie...and can get active too. But we can't when it is cold, especially anything outdoors...for the sake of Paula's hands and feet. (She has raynaud's)

The weekend posed some "stresses" that we could easily have wanted to go and impulsively buy...but we refrained. Knowing that we have bills to pay, makes us realize that in order for us to do this...we need to take some steps.

We did find a great international food store (Van Lai on McPhillips), with produce being considerably less costly than Safeway and Superstore...and it is a small business, and we have been 3 times since last year, and we realize we then tend to eat better as a result.

So this weekend was good...it did challenge me...and it caused me to sit...with God, my Father more...which is a good thing.

Day 24

Oh...and I just read the mortgage rates are going down again...

We have a 5 year term...at 5.8%...does anyone know how to get out of the term, or if that is possible? This seems like robbery...especially since we only bought last March. I know that probably there is nothing that we can do...other than switch banks, but then we pay a transfer fee. I think we paid just $1,000 off our principle this past year...which totally bites!

AAAAAHHHHH....that is just....AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!

Day 24

Today...

I am on edge...noticing that I am hanging on by a thread...and I thank God for that thread, because at least I have a thread...!

I do see and am finding that I have more and more hope...and trust in God.

Psalm 64...hear my voice Oh God, and in my prayer, preserve my life, from fear of the enemy...and hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked...

I pray that over me, my wife, our marriage, our home, our finances, and our voices that speak truth, and grace, mercy and love.

We need a miracle...sent from heaven...open store house...doors open wide...

our ceiling in our dining room began to leak...apparently the previous owner, was a bit dishonest in regards to water issues! Maybe he didn't figure this was a water issue, even though...it involves water.

But, I have practical ways to temporarily fix it...with the help of people who gave great advice...T, B, M...you are awesome...thanks...THANKS...for calming me down, for telling me it would be okay, and that this is something that happens for 1 1/2 story homes.

Still...we'd like to fix it...get it under control sooner than later.

Also, we had a friend over...and really, in my heart...I wanted to have a space for him to live. We have a basement that could be easily converted...with work...and of course expenses of renovating it.

So...we have a lot to pray about...lots...if you have a moment...please pray for us, as we continue to work to be debt free...so we are able...to further the kingdom in ways we cannot do at the moment.

Peace...love...joy!

Day 18

Ah day 18...how do I feel today?

Well...after a good time at Soul...I found myself really thinking about bitterness, and if I have some of that stuff going down. Especially in regards to finances...money...etc.

I need to apologize...

1. To rich people or those who are well off. I often judge them, critique them and watch how and what they spend their money on.
Regardless of how Jesus spoke on wealth and riches...I am not the judge. Its just tiring to keep doing that.

2. To Christian's in general, who I think are being bad examples...and I have to remember...I am no different.

3. To the institution called the "church" for making it all about money sometimes.

I realize that I am no better than anyone. Heck...I have a long way to go...a very long way to go. This financial fast in a sense is causing me some heavy duty emotional and spiritual awakening...and showing me just how I used to cope with finances. "not very well"

This week was a hit hard week...with the gas bill, and the upcoming car bill, and as I was budgeting this week, realized that we needed to pay for our sign class...and so that is another hit. We are realizing that we need to tighten up, more than ever.

Today we did go out and splurge. We got a .75 cent coupon to go see a movie so we did...and yes we bought popcorn...and cried and laughed our way through the movie...Conversation with Bees. A great movie.

So we are doing okay...even with the big bills...that we can't afford to pay, we have to cry out to God...and that is something I need to do first...to bring it all to God in prayer...and pray. I sensed today, from something our pastor said...that just as we are fasting in regards to spending...that I may need to kick it up a notch and fast...and be in prayer way more than I am now. He challenged us with that in terms of how we relate to others, but I believe for every situation in our lives, this is what we need to do...God is...our Father...He does care...and...will take care of us.

So with that...I am off to pray, read and seek the Lord.

Thanks for your prayers...we appreciate them...especially for a much needed financial break through.

DAY 16

MAYBE WE COULD MOVE IN HERE...!!!

Today is day 16.

Yesterday, was a disaster...okay...I shouldn't say disaster...that is a harsh word.

The car needed oil, antifreeze/coolant...and it really needs to get a tune up, but that is low on the list of what we can do at the moment. I thought, okay, after we catch up on funds from Christmas holidays (Paula being off for 2 wees) then we can get the car in.

Today...was this...

Today...finding out Paula's pay is about half of what it is normally. Hmmm...shucks!
Today...getting our gas/hydro bill for $600...okay...CHOKE!!
Today...wondering...when we will get ahead.
Today...needing more faith than yesterday.

Sometimes, it seems the more we try to do the right thing...the more things go wrong.

But we also made some good choices yesterday. I had 2 guys over to watch a movie, which I borrowed from another friend, and instead of going out to buy chips and such, one of the friends brought muffins...and Paula made popcorn on the stove...yes in the pot type variety...and it was AMAZING better than the microwave popcorn, which is terrible for you.
Paula and I make our lunches, and snacks and think before hand about suppers, and we are making healthier choices and keeping the costs low. Even though we keep being invited out, we continue to take a stand and decline, but offering other alternative choices. A few people have invited us to share meals with them, and I still want to make a DVD lending library...instead of spending $ on rentals.

I was listening on the news today, about Government spending and the new budget and they kept saying that it is better that the government not over spend...that it would be best to lower personal taxes...etc...and the discussion went on and on.

Now, I kept wondering to myself...what if the government adopted a policy of Jubilee, and it became a nation wide policy of debt elimination. Regardless of who, all debts would be erased. Everyone would be expected to eliminate all debt after a series of years. I realize this would create havoc...or I believe it would, in terms of financial institutions...how would they survive? Or would it cause them to thrive? Maybe it would cause more people to spend, and more people to buy and increase our economy rather than slow it down. Maybe more people would invest?

I know there are many things to think about in terms of a Jubilee, how it would work, what it would entail.

Wikipedia gives this definition:

The concept of the Jubilee is a special year of remission of sins and universal pardon. In the Biblical book of Leviticus, a Jubilee year is mentioned to occur every fifty years, in which slaves and prisoners would be freed, debts would be forgiven and the mercies of God would be particularly manifest. In Christianity, the tradition dates to 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII convoked a holy year. Christian Jubilees, particularly in the Catholic tradition, generally involve pilgrimage to a sacred site, normally the city of Rome. At various times in Church history, they have been celebrated every 50 or 25 years.

So there is more to a jubilee than just debts forgiven. Interesting points to think about when we meditate on the mercies of God, particularly in our own lives.

So ends day 16..

What I've learned? That I need God. That even in this, I need him, and in my frustration, spend time alone with him. For He alone is my source, my strength and my provision.

I have learned that doing without is good, and it won't kill me or make my life less than. It actually promotes time with others, and fosters community growth.

I have learned that life doesn't have to be about consuming and it is important to watch and be a good steward of all resources...this includes hydro and gas.

I have learned that life is good, even when our finances are not nearly perfect...okay, they are a mess.

We have received a good advice:
1. to pay off the smallest debt first...while making minimum payments on the rest, so that when you pay that debt off, you have a sense of accomplishment. Then go to the next debt.
2. Consolidating debt into your mortgage is not advisable for debt under $25,000.
3. Don't carry c cards or interact cards.
4. be open with people, get advice
5. Continue to give...this week we did some creative giving...it felt good.
6. Love ourselves...don't beat ourselves up for making mistakes, but rather learning from them and trying to do things different.
7. Ask for help when needed...is okay...really! But very, very difficult for us independent types...okay, we don't do that enough.
8. Realize not everyone is at the same place...as us, we just have to do our part, and live how we speak.

This is tough. It is tough at all levels...but oh, so, good!

Kenny

DAY 13 & 14

So you wanna be a rock star? Only if it gave me the opportunity to make a few extra bucks. Maybe this could be my part time job?

Day 13 was difficult for me. I am finding that I am fully in withdrawal mode...anxious, tired, a wee bit depressed. Withdrawals from anything, I am finding is something to think about.

Everything is permissible but not everything is profitable. That I agree with, and when something has a hold on your life and you can't live without it, then there comes a time when we need to slow down and self evaluate.
Maybe God is saying...what things in your life, do you think you "need" when in reality, I want you do come to me...to give you peace, and joy and contentment. AH...contentment! We are to be content (or at peace) in all things...and I think more so, what I am realizing is that through all things, we are to be at peace, regardless of our circumstances. Even though things are falling a part all over, where is our peace, and contentment, knowing that God is ultimately in control and good...all the time. If we view him as the perfect Father, that would give us a sense of peace.

Yet, on Day 13, I did not feel at total peace. I have not arrived at that point.
I can say it in my head, but in my heart, not yet! I worry about this bill, that bill, the fact that the car we drive is needing repair, and do we have the extra funds at the moment to fix it...nope! The fact is, this is causing me to seek God, rather than seek Man...and the ways of culture. To ask for Wisdom and understanding and revelation...in regards to finances and budgeting and seeking to walk out of debt.

Some people would say, we have far less debt than others, and yet to us...it is too much, hard to deal with and rather daunting. Maybe it's because we do not make what other people make in terms of salary!! I make far less than others I know, at this age, and yes, this is a decision I made to work in Ministry...to be a full time Missionary. I still make far more than what others make in other countries, and have to remember that the cost of living is different here, than in other areas.

So what do we do? How do we practically do this? We watch every penny...and be cheerful givers. Givers of time, resources and yes, even our $. When I begin to hoard and think...in terms of poverty, I will cut off what God wants to do in blessing others, as well as ourselves.

I have read that while you are getting out of debt, don't tithe or give to charity! For me, I am called to give my first fruits back to God. To be disciplined in that. I am called to even test God in this. I am reminded that my security it not here, rather in my eternal resting place.

I'm trying hard to be a leader here in our home, to take up the courage to press into an area of our life that needs help. Being obedient in all things...especially finances is important and I am realizing this...is an area that we need to work on.

I could blame people...specifically where I have been ripped off financially, which has been part of the problem...but I realize that I need to continually lay that down, because I am also to blame. I need to take responsibility for foolish spending, keeping my head in the sand, rather than take initiative and make some good decisions.

Doing this right now, is good. It is causing us to learn and grow as a couple. To communicate, to share our dreams and hopes for the future. To watch what we do in all areas of our life. To see if anything stands between us and God. Is there anything in our life that we think we need for comfort when in reality, we really don't?

My mind is always on...how do we as a community help others, get on board with debt free living...how do we help each other out...when financial crisis hits? Do we just look at those in need and say "well, if they wouldn't have been so careless, or irresponsible..." Do you get my point? Do we judge rather than help...are we then being just like a Pharisee? Do we always have to wait and make people "learn from their mistakes" or "be more responsible" before we lend a hand or help?

This is beginning to feel bigger than just getting out of debt...bigger than just my wife and I being "more responsible" and it is more about the bigger picture of community, specifically a Christian community, which should be on the cutting edge, rather than sitting back...watching people suffer, it is about social justice, and intervention...and taking stands for the poor, oppressed, sick, orphans, widows, immigrants, prostitutes, homeless...and the list goes on...

So maybe Day 13 isn't as hard as I think it is in my human selfish brain. Maybe Day 13 is about growing up, knowing my place in the world and seeing how I, as a man who says I love God, who says Jesus is my brother, my savior, does life differently, because people are hearing my words, watching how I live...and are looking to see how my words line up to my actions.

Day 14...is actually today...and this words above are penned or typed on Day 14, so lets just say that they are words for yesterday and today.

I have no knew insight for today...other than what is typed above.

My only thought is...keep reading, keep pressing in, keep giving helpful suggestions, but don't let it stop with just suggestions...help someone out today. Give radically...Give cheerfully...Give expecting NOTHING in return...

Peace...

Kenny

Day 12

So...today, I feel a bit exposed to the world. Paula shared that "do we have to tell people where we are at financially?" I answered, that we need to be honest and open and in a format that will hold us accountable.
Maybe, we should make a movie? You know like Jon and Kate + 8...this one would be Kenny and Paula + debt.

I feel exposed, and a bit overwhelmed. I should see the glass half full...not empty. That we can get out of debt sooner than later.

I was given a few suggestions:

websites...
www.thriftyfun.com (I found it pretty busy...too much info all over the place)
www.gailvazoxlade.com (she has some good info, I recommend this site. She clearly looks at things from a secular stand, but gives good advice to rid oneself of debt, and gives good advice on investing and what is good and what is bad).

Cut up credit cards...we have them out of our wallets...put away.
Pay cash...we use interact...but will look at switching over to rid ourselves of even the interact card.

Someone suggested a home-stay person from University. That would be great, but until we can afford to renovate and have another bathroom, and room for them, it is highly unlikely that we can do this. Ideally we have the space (basement room, but is has only one window...we'd want another one put in, and also, a bathroom in the basement). So that doesn't help us much, unless we have someone we know stay with us and pay rent for a while.

So that option is really not so good, though we would love to do that.

Today, it's just one of those days of reality, hitting home. That we are in a wee bit of a mess, and need to get out of it.

We are doing okay in terms of extra spending. This is kind of like fasting. I realize that I have shopped to give me comfort, even if it is just something for the house, or extra food, we don't need...it's about comfort, rather than about need. So it is now looking at our needs, rather than our comfort so to speak. We need to realize our comfort comes from God, who in turn gives us peace.

I need to trust God...to put this in His hands...and trust him...with everything.
It just sometimes sounds too good to be true.

Kenny

Day 11

Welcome to our project of Debt Elimination. It began this year, as we talked with a couple on the 30th of December. We have been praying about reducing...and eliminating our debt as we feel called as good Stewards to do that. So what will this entail for us as a couple, and in the future, a family?

1st. Get a grip...an understanding...of what our debt looks like.
So we do the figures...and folks, it doesn't look good.
We have a mortgage which is doable...yet, for 40 years? Not so good!
We have credit card, bank line of credit debt, student loan debt, which we
brought into the marriage (some of it).

Total debt: (drum roll please)

Mortgage: 132,000
Credit C: 17,000
St Loan : 3,000
RBC Bank: 5,000
RBC Bank: 1,700

Total 158,000

We are looking to decrease our debt this year by taking drastic measures. It kinda goes contrary to what most people in our culture would put up with, but what we need to do, is not keep up with the Jones, nor do we want to do what Culture impresses on us to do. (Overspend!!!)

So what is our game plan?

1. No eating out at restaurants for a year.
2. No impulse buying. This means no going to a store on impulse..."to browse" (for a year)
3. No trips for a year (vacations that is...unless we can do free day trips, or stay with friends, and not eat out)
4. No buying name brands
5. Budget food for home
6. No concerts, or entertainment that costs for a year (we will happily exchange DVD's with friends, or find free concerts).
7. Watch each penny that leaves the home (bank). This means tracking each expense for a year...to see where our money goes.
8. Tithe...continue to give 10% our first fruits, plus, give over an above to others. Be that with our material goods, food, or $. Be generous givers.
9. Pray...and continue to ask God for provision to pay off debt.
10. No "buying" gifts for 2009. That means...creativity...!
11. Walk more, park the car. Especially in spring, summer and fall.
12. No reno's until we can afford it.
13. Cancel cable (which we did last year)
14. Grow our own vegetables (bigger garden) and can more food at harvest time.
(maybe have a canning party)

So far, that's our list.
As you can see...we will be having a rather creative 2009. We invite others to join us in our creative efforts to pay off debt. We are thinking of having an art show, in house, invite people to come and enjoy simple yet great food, and buy some art.
Enjoy some spoken word, fine music. This will probably happen when it gets a bit nicer out, so we maybe looking at spring.

We have to be extra vigilant when it comes to summer, as Paula is unemployed, she would love to do more writing. She has one writing gig at the moment (one article a month) and so she is looking to increase that.

I stumbled upon a blog by a Pastor in the States, who's desire to start getting people out of debt got him to write this blog article...

Saturday, August 25, 2007
Pray for "The Debt Elimination Project"

Have you heard of the Debt Elimination Project (DEP)? It's really quite an interesting project.

There was a gentleman who had a heart's desire to help pay off the debt of a single woman in his church who had been struggling from year to year. So much prayer had happened for her by the congregation but nothing seemed to change in her finances.

This man who was one of those who prayed for the lady but he was just frustrated as he continued to observe her financial life. He soon discovered that she was in debt because she just couldn't get her debt down because she could only pay the minimum payments on high interest rate credit cards and loans. Nothing ever seemed to change even though she was doing what she could.

The story goes on to say that the man decided that he would take things into his own hands. He decided to do something. He made it his purpose to help this lady pay off her debt. He was able to give her $30 a month. What he asked her to do was to make sure she sent the $30 as extra payment toward the principal on her highest interest credit card.

After a few months of giving $30 the man just felt like he was only helping her scratch the surface toward getting out of debt. He thought to himself, only if there were a few other people who could give a little like I'm doing. He started sharing what he was doing with a few of his close friends and they caught the vision. Five of his friends decided to do exactly what he was doing and started giving the lady $30 a month each. Now she was receiving $180 to put towards the principal of her highest interest credit card.

Long story short, the concept began to spread like wild fire. The gentleman who started the project soon had 34 people who were giving between $15 and $50 a month to help this one lady. In less than a year the lady had all her debt paid off and she was overjoyed.

Here's the clincher. After the lady had her debt paid off she said, how can I help somebody pay their debt off? She said this in the middle of the group of the 34 people who had just helped her pay off her debt. There were several people in the group who were in debt so the group chose one from among themselves and started the process over.

Now imagine this. This new person didn't receive $30 a month. They received over $1,200 a month and had their debt paid off in five months.

The group continued to grow and they continued to choose different people in the group to help pay off their debt. Some people were getting their debt paid off in less than three months. One person even got a $16,000 debt paid off on the spot!

The Debt Elimination Project got it's name based merely on what now over 700 people were committed to doing. They base their purpose for helping others get out of debt on Matthew 7:12 "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..."

When I heard of this project I committed to help a person I know get out of debt. I'm now in the process of talking to a few of my friends to help them get out of debt.

I'm actually seriously thinking about taking this to another level. I'm thinking about starting an official Debt Elimination Project in our church. We have plenty of single women, widows and certainly families who are in debt who desperately want to be financially free.

What you've just read is just a story I wrote to capture your attention. The gentleman in the story is me. The story is a vision of what I believe the Lord has shown me to help people in my congregation get out of debt and stay out. The other reason I wrote this story is to solicit your prayer as I pursue God's plan to help one person at a time get out of debt. I truly believe it's a whole lot easier for one person to get out of debt if 200 people are helping them.
A debt free church is a church that can be used to to it's full potential.
Stay blessed,

Ced Reynolds

So this is one of the things on our hearts, to begin a project like this. As people have commented, they have asked...very logistic questions. One of them is this "how do you suppose to get people on board?" My probably answer is "Not sure!" We will definitely be praying about this...seeking God to stir the hearts of people. We definitely believe that living Debt free can free up our community to GIVE MORE, SERVE MORE and be more AVAILABLE to do missions or support missionaries here and abroad.
It means that those getting involved may have to change their lifestyle a wee bit. That is going to be the more challenging question. Can people really change from thinking of a rather individual mentality to a community mentality. That what I buy or do will and can affect my neighbor!!

So there you have it...we are in day 11 so far and things are going okay.
We are feeling like we are going through withdrawal symptoms to over spending, but we know that we can do it. We are looking to do a daily blog at how we feel, and how things are going. Our failures, our successes, and acts of God, radical provision that we cannot explain.
Just this morning, an answer came, when I was looking at our bank account and low and behold, we had more than I thought (Paula's vacation pay over Christmas unexpectedly arrived). So we praised God, tithed, and then had a friend over for a meal. It was good. We believe this to be an answer to prayer for provision.
I think that I probably spent more on groceries than I should have...and that is something we will have to be creative about. Making a weekly menu list and sticking to it. Making our own lunches, and coffee, as opposed to buying coffee out!! I am looking at decreasing my coffee intake anyway, and drink more water.
We also hope to be more physically active, read more books and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Come journey with us.
tomorrow is Day 12.

Kenny and Paula