I just read some quotes that made me laugh.
In 1442, “I will never get used to a book. It doesn’t feel right. I just love the experience of unrolling a scroll and the beauty of hand-written words.” Johannes Gutenberg invented movable type and the mechanical printing press in 1439.
In 1881, “I will never convert to electric lights. It just isn’t natural. I love the smell of candles and the flickering of the light.” Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb in 1879.
In 1916, “I will never buy an automobile. It’s too dangerous. I just love of the feel of a buggy and the sound of the horse’s hoofs against the road.” Henry Ford began mass producing cars in 1914.

Change can be good or evil. We need wisdom to leverage change in Godly ways.

Straight Talk from Pastor Troy

In 2 Corinthians 8:7 Paul said, “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

For those who call New Life home, giving cheerfully and sacrificially of our finances is part of our worship. A believer does not work to accumulate personal wealth or possessions, but to be a good steward of God’s resources and model Jesus to our brothers, sisters, and community.

Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the primary ways we serve God is by cheerfully giving God our “firstfruits” (2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 3:9).  God expects us to give, not to meet some petty, required percentage, but by digging deep and sacrificing for the sake of the gospel because Jesus sacrificed for us and all that we have is His anyway.

People ask me questions all the time around the subject of giving and specifically tithing.  Here are responses to some of those questions:

1.     What is the difference between tithing and giving?

        Principle: They are both found in Scripture.  Giving is what we were born to do.  Tithing is a very specific way we give.  Tithing defines God’s beginning point in our giving as Christ followers.

        Practice:  Jana and I love giving.  We tithe 10% to the local church and then give to missions, building fund and other heart-felt opportunities. Tithing is a floor for us, not a ceiling.  We are not paralyzed by meeting some petty, required percentage – we are driven to be good stewards of God’s resources.

2.     What is a tithe?

        Principle:  The literal meaning of the word tithe is “a tenth” or 10%.  A tithe is the firstfruit of your harvest.  This is given to God through your home church in faith as a practical means to finance the mission of the church (Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 23:23)

        Practice:  Jana and I have been tithing for almost 30 years. (It was easier when I worked at McDonald’s).  We believe in the local church and that our tithes make a difference.

3.    How do you tithe?

        Principle:  Find a systematic way to tithe.  Such as following each paycheck, once a month, or having it automatically taken out of your check, etc. (1 Corinthians 16:2)

        Practice:  Jana and I write a check once a month. Many automate their giving through their bank.

4.    What kind of attitude should I have when I tithe?

        Principle:  The Bible says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

        Practice:  Most of the time Jana and I give cheerfully.  Sometimes out of pure discipline. But we do it because we love God and people.  We also think giving is foundational to being a healthy human being (1 Corinthians 13:3).

5.    Isn’t tithing just an Old Testament concept?

        Principle:  Giving is a Biblical concept.  Tithing is found in the Old Testament.  Generous and sacrificial giving is found in the New Testament (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35). Tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament but the bar is raised considerably by Christ and the apostles of the early church.  Christians must give whenever there is a need to be met.  Those who get lost in a percentage amount have lost the whole point of giving.

        Practice:  Usually this question implies the New Testament requires less giving.  Actually the opposite is true.  In the New Testament they actually sold land and gave it to the church.   The New Testament church went way beyond the tithe.  This is why tithing is just a beginning point in my giving.

6.    Should I give first to missions or tithe?

        Principle: Our first and foremost responsibility is to tithe.  This is both a scriptural truth and a practical truth.

        Practice:  Here are priorities of our giving:  We tithe first, give to missions second and then prioritize our building commitment and other heartfelt areas as God leads us.

7.     If I send kids to camp or am not reimbursed for ministry expenses can I include that as part of my tithe?

        Principle:  No!  The tithe belongs to the storehouse (Malachi 3:8-10).

        Practice:  Personally I love paying kids way to camp.  It is worth every penny. This is why Jana and I push ourselves in giving beyond tithing.

8.    What should I do if I can’t afford to tithe? Can I start with a smaller amount?

        Principle:  Start somewhere.  The Biblical standard is to tithe. Honestly, you can’t afford NOT to tithe.  If you wait until you can afford it—you will never start.  Start today!

        Practice:  I think the big question is “are you going backward or forward with your giving?”  No matter how much you give or don’t give right now – we should always be asking this question.

9.    I want to tithe but my spouse doesn’t want to, what should I do?

        Principle:  Very good question.  Be on the same page with your spouse.  Most people don’t reject the idea of giving.  Instead of pushing the “tithe” concept agree on charitable giving.  You will be surprised how open your spouse may be about giving if you frame it in the context that we should give back to this world.

        Practice:  My wife likes tithing.

10.   Is tithing just an adult thing? When should my children begin to tithe?

        Principle:  You can’t start too young to teach your kids to tithe (and save).

        Practice:  Since my girls were walking I have made sure they tithed 10% and saved 10%.  I tried to get them to give to me 10% but Jana wouldn’t let me go there.

11.   Do I need to tithe on a financial gift? Tax return? Bonuses?

        Principle:  If in doubt, tithe.

        Practice:  Yes, on the financial gift and bonuses.  I don’t tithe on my tax return because I already tithed on my gross.  (Although, a tax return is a great opportunity to be a generous giver)

12.   Can I tithe through volunteering my time and saving the church staffing expense?

        Principle:  We need to learn to financially give our money and time. The answer is no.

        Practice:  Jana and I give my time and money.

13.    Is it ok for me to get a tax deduction from giving?

        Principle: Yes, this is called wisdom.

        Practice:  We get a tax deduction for my giving

14.    If I tithe will God bless me financially?

        Principle:  Yes (Proverbs 11:24-25, Proverbs 3:9-10)

        Practice:  He has blessed Jana and me.

15.   Should I tithe off of my gross income or net (after taxes and deductions)?

        Principle:  If in doubt, round up.  The firstfruits principle would indicate gross.

        Practice: Jana and I tithe on our gross income.

16.   Can I give my tithe on a credit card? Is it ok to get airline miles off of my giving?

        Principle:  This scares me.  Although in theory it is possible, you should never go in debt by tithing.  Most people should not consider this option.

        Practice:  We have not and do not tithe on my credit card!

17.    If I am in debt, should I get out of debt before I begin to tithe?

        Principle:  No, begin to tithe first.  I know this sounds strange but God will open up heaven and begin to give you wisdom to get out of debt.

        Practice:  Get out of debt.  Depending on how far in debt you are, I would recommend you get help.  Crown Financial is a great place to start.

We all have muscles.  If you don’t exercise they get weak and fragile.  Giving is a muscle you have to exercise.  Jana and I learned how to exercise these muscles early in our marriage.  I thank God we did.  I remember the first time we gave $500 to missions.  It hurt.  It stretched us.  It was essential as a young couple to learn to exercise this muscle.

How are you exercising your giving muscles?  If you don’t tithe to the local church—it may seem overwhelming to begin.  I get this. But—start exercising your muscles today.  Start with lifting 10 pounds or anywhere.  I have a deep conviction that our goal should be 10% of tithe to the local church.  But—start somewhere. 

I don’t lift weights. I know I need to. (Jana does.  Does this count for me?)  For now hear my illustration.  If I started to lift weights I couldn’t bench press much.  But—I need to start…with a little. 

Start somewhere in exercising your giving muscles. 

Here is what they say with weight lifting…The important thing to remember when it comes to strength training is that you must give your muscles more weight than they can handle–that’s how muscles grow.

You have to start giving “more than you can handle”.  I don’t mean to be stupid.  But…give more than you’re comfortable with.

Stretch yourself.  If you are a faithful tither, remember tithing is the foundation to your giving, not the ceiling.  Give to missions…give to hurting people…give to people groups who have never heard the name of Jesus.

If you randomly give in the offering just to make yourself feel better—start being systematic.  Decide on a percentage and start.  Have the goal to give 10%.  But start with a few weights. If God has blessed you and gifted you to make a lot of money…don’t just buy another toy. Advance the Kingdom of God with your wealth.  Write that $10,000 or $100,000 check to make a difference.

I had a couple sit down with me and say, “Pastor—we want to give in the Big Give Offering (Offering for our new building, November 1^st).  But we don’t have any money.  We are strapped. What would you do?”  I said, “You need to stretch your muscles.  Do this—both of you pray—ask God—What should you give?  Share it with each other.  Decide on this. “  It was funny they both already had a number in mind.  Then I said, “Sell something.  Do an extra job.  Include your kids.  Do a lemonade stand if you have to (just a joke) Stretch your muscles.  As you give it—make this a spiritual act of obedience.  Make it a declaration—my family won’t live in a selfish way.  My family will be givers.  We are out of shape now…but are going to make a spiritual declaration—God is our provider. God is the owner.  Everything spending decision I make honors him.”

My friend and brother in Christ died this week. Roosevelt Hunter went home to be with Jesus. So many emotions. It is like a roller coaster. “this shouldn’t be” “why did God allow this to happen?” I have been sad, mad and rejoicing all at the same time.

My heart is broken. Roosevelt was a brother to me. An uncle to my girls. A best friend. We have known each other since 1993. My family and I are facing incredible pain right now. I went to his funeral Saturday, August 15, 2009.

Really it wasn’t a funeral at all. It was a celebration of a life. Jana and I flew to Florida and did a quick 36 hour trip. I was asked to be one of the pallbearers. Perhaps one of the top 5 honors of my life. It was sacred for me. How do you carry the body of Roosevelt Hunter and not feel like you are walking on Holy ground? Being one of Roosevelt’s pallbearers was a sacred and holy moment for me.

On the plane home I typed out five reflections and thoughts I had in the past few days since hearing about Roosevelt Hunter dying. I am going to take the next few days to share these reflections.

So often Christians don’t take time to embrace their pain and reflect on life. We are so quickly to say, “praise God Roosevelt is in heaven”. I have good theology. I understand heaven is real. I understand Roosevelt is in a better place rejoicing in the presence of God. I understand our final hope is in Jesus and Jesus alone.

With this said, “we need to learn to embrace our pain”. Pain is part of the journey of life. To say “Roosevelt is in heaven—let’s rejoice” is only part of the process to health. I think we have to go deeper than this. What is the message of Roosevelt’s life? What are the implications for our lives? How can the pain make us better? I don’t have all the answers. But we need to get real. We need to be honest. I don’t know why Roosevelt died at such a young age. I don’t get it. It hurts. It makes me anger. As we work through these emotions then we can begin to make reflections and observation that truly can shape us to being more like Jesus.

Roosevelt Hunter’s life had way to much to offer than just saying “praise God he is in heaven”. I will reflect on five of these over the next few days.

A pastor asked me about a year ago–who are you becoming?  Insightful question.  If I followed you for the next 24 hours, I can tell you what you will become in the next 24 years.  Your attitudes, your discipline and your approach to life. 

Who are you becoming?

For 10 years now I have been working on what I call “life blueprints”.  I have life blueprints on my finances, fitness, spiritual life, emotional life, leadership, speaking, and core values.  These life blueprints define who I am becoming. 

Here are seven core values I have been working on the last 10 years.  I evaluate my life on these seven values often.  These are the things I want people to talk about at my funeral.

1.  Intimacy with God—I love God with all my heart, soul and mind.  This is why I was born.

2. Personal Growth–I am a learner. I love to grow. I love to change.

3. Indisputable Character–Who I am is more important than what I do

4. Family Commitment–My wife and two girls are the centerpiece of my life.

5.  Authentic Relationships–I build authentic relationships by being transparent and intentional

6. Financial Strength–I honor God in every spending decision I make

7. Physical Health–My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  I take care of God’s house.

They are simple.  I go to a hotel for two nights.  I eat meals with Jana and spend the rest of the time by myself.  I pray and plan.  Typically I break these into 2-3 hours chunks of time.  (we may sneak away for a movie and some other fun things)

Here is what I do:

• Pray
• Read Bible
• Journal (ask myself tough questions)
• Reflect on personal core values and personal mission statement
• Review personal goals
• Review what I call road rules and “one rules” in my life
• Ask God for a new dream
• Sleep
• Read a book
• Write out  prayers
• Listen to a pod cast
• Write a letter to someone
• Call a friend
• Take an honest look at my spiritual and emotional life
• Review goals for new life
• Write
• Think about next years teaching series
• Thank God for life

The toughest part of this is doing it.  Putting it on the calendar and saying–yes I am getting away. 

I can’t tell you the benefit of this time.  Jesus withdrew from the crowds.  He needed time alone…if Jesus needed time alone–how much more do I need time alone? 

If  I don’t spend time alone–I will have nothing to give when I am with people.

Chelsey turning 16 is one of those moments.  We invited a handful of adults who have impacted her life.  I had three key ladies, who have shaped Chelsey life,  say words of wisdom over her.  Then Jeremy Johnson spoke a pastoral blessing over her.  Then as her dad–I read a letter to her (see below) and prayed over her.  Wow!  What an amazing evening.  

Here is the letter I wrote for my daughter. 

Chelsey Jones Your 16^th Birthday

I have all types of emotions and so many things to say to you as you turn 16.   I have narrowed it down to really a brief statement—a statement that summarizes all my emotions—I am proud of you!  That’s it. You couldn’t make your dad any more proud.  You are an amazing person!  You are an amazing daughter. 

I am proud of the way you  stand for Jesus.  I know this has been tough for you at times.   You have lost some friends because of your heart for God.  You have spent some lonely nights.   I am proud of you as your dad.

I am proud of the way you  problem solve and think.  You are a good thinker.  You always have 10 options to solve one problem. You are persistent and determined.  “No” isn’t in your vocabulary.

 I am proud of the way you just love life.  You live to the fullest.  You chase your dreams.  Your attitude is one of a kind.

I am proud of your attitude and approach with you with your relationship with guys.  I have made a commitment to pray for your future husband—you have made a commitment to walk in purity and honesty.    You  are on the right path.   Stand strong my daughter.  I know temptation will come to lower your standards.  Don’t!  God will honor your character and integrity.  You know who you are and will not compromise!  For this I am proud.

I am proud of you for taking risk. You  have never back down to risk.  From a little girl you jumped on stage and said, “yes”.  (I had to quickly learned not to jump on stage with you and give you a bear—that  is another story).  You have taken risk with drama, volleyball, dance, worship leading and preaching.  You  have courage and tenacity. It takes a lot of guts to stand in front of people and preach and let everyone give their opinion. I am proud of you.  

 I am proud of the way you worship.  Every once in a while I peek in church and watch you  worship.  It  brings joy to my heart to see your heart for Jesus. 

I am  proud of the way you  are so sentimental.  People mean the world to you.  Friends go deep with you.  Family is foundational to you.  People who don’t know you—don’t get this part about you.  I do. You have a tender heart!  Don’t ever lose this.

I am proud of you because you are so crazy.  Sometimes “random” but crazy.  You are the one to say Yes when your dad says, “let’s go to Disneyland again”…it was late…that young couple on splash mountain  will never forget the “Troy and Chelsey” team.

 When I think about your future—all I can say—I’m proud to be your dad.  Full of potential.  Full of life.  Full of joy.  Full of Jesus.

 The Bible says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man”  Before my very eyes you are growing in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. 

I pray the favor of the Lord on you.  I pray the favor of God during your last two years of High School. I pray the favor of the Lord on your college years.  I pray the favor of the Lord on your future husband.  I pray the favor  of the Lord on every decision you make. I pray the favor of the Lord on every gift God as given you. 

 My daughter—walk in the favor of the Lord.  Love Jesus.  Love others.  Keep being crazy! 

 I’m proud of you!  

 Your dad!

I wrote this up.   I know this sounds cheesy.  But, I want the world to know how much I love my wife. 

Here is how I would answer this question

Very few people can look into the mirror of their soul and say, “the decision I made 20 years ago—I would do it again and again”  I  was 22.  She was 19.  We were kids.  We were in love.  Now I look back and ask myself “would I remarry this gal again?” The answer is a resounding yes. 

Why?  Very difficult to put into words. 

Jana is beautiful from the inside out.  I can honestly say every day I know my wife she gets more and more beautiful.  She is a drop dead gorgeous lady on the outside.  But, her outside is only the beginning.  Her beauty goes deep inside.  She is full of life and love.

Jana is my friend and my lover. My best friend.  My only lover.  We have built a great family together.  We aren’t rich, but we are rich.  We have two kids together. We were husband and wife before we were dad and mom.  Our marriage is the foundation of our family.

Jana is the most sincere person I know.  I really mean this.  She cares deeply.  She feels sincerely.

Many women do noble things in this life-but my wife surpasses them all. There is no one on earth like her. 

I am a better man because of her!  She teaches me.  She loves me.  She cares for me.  My wife allows me to be human—but doesn’t allow me to settle for status quo.  I am respected in my job and this community because of her character and life.

I honor my  wife.  The greatest gift God ever gave me is  my wife.  We are parnters— yet individuals.  We are lovers—yet friends.  We are no longer kids—but young at heart. 

She is  my wife.  Today, tomorrow—until death do us part!

With her permission I am posting them.

1. I am proud of you

2. The good thing about turning 18— You are now considered an adult, and GET to make your own decisions. The bad thing about turning 18—You are now considered an adult, and HAVE to make your own decisions.

3. I am giving you a “journey” necklace. I want you to know I respect your journey of becoming a woman of God. I want to give you the proper space for your journey—yet the proper direction.

4. Remember—no matter what man comes in your life—you are always my date on New Years day

5. I meet your mother when she was 18. Your mother is the most Godly person I know.

6. At the age 18 I was a senior at Liberty High School—getting excited about going to Northwest University, had no money, preached my first sermon, working as a Janitor at New Life and excited about the future.

7. I still remember the first day I dropped you off at Northwood Junior High. You are growing up. But you will always be my little girl!

8. Take our teddy bear everywhere you go (he is heavy..but cute)

9. Thank God cleaning your room isn’t a sign of becoming an adult

10. Thank you for listening during our family times—I know you struggled with this. But deep inside you really do like it.

11. I know you had way to many youth pastors. Look at the bright side—they may all make your wedding one day (and hopefully get you a gift)

12. Remember the purity ring I gave you, my daughter. Purity is a lifetime pursuit. You have pursued purity as a teenager. I am proud of this. Now commit as an adult. Don’t drift for a moment.

13. How many car accidents did you get in?

14. I don’t want to count how much money I spent on your cell phone. One day this will be your bill.

15. Every penny you make—tithe 10%, save 10% and buy your daddy something

16. You are gorgeous on the outside and inside. I pray that falsehood and lies would be kept far from you.

17. More than likely your future husband is alive somewhere on this planet. I pray God would direct you to him, I pray you would seek God to know who this is, I pray that your marriage wouldn’t come to quickly…but in God’s timing

18. Kaylee my greatest piece of advice– Above all else—guard your heart my daughter. Don’t let sin enter, greed take over or people embitter you I pray your heart would be tender for God and people

So, now that you realize how destructive stress can be in your life, what are you going to do about it? Here is what I found helpful:

• Laugh. It may sound silly, but laughter not only supplies oxygen to your body, it creates movement. I am personally addicted to episodes of “Absolutely Fabulous” but I have been known to slip an occasional “Fawlty Towers” cassette into my player and roll on the floor in hysterics.
• Sing. The benefits of singing are numerous, especially if you learn to sing from your diaphragm (the part beneath your rib cage… not the one in your drawer!!) I especially recommend doing it in a foreign language so as to eliminate the embarrassment of not remembering the words.
• Dance. There is nothing more stress relieving than an attack of “Happy Feet.” It doesn’t matter what style you choose, just move and breathe and feel the rhythm of the music.
• Walk. Take 15 minutes a day to soak in the sunshine. Not only will you improve your mood but it can help you lose weight by adjusting your melatonin cycle and making you more responsive to insulin.219
• Pose. Just making yourself be still can help blow off steam. Yoga or meditation are ways to lower the stress hormones. For others, running helps them meditate in motion. If you’re feeling stressed, assume the balance pose or T posture. Begin by standing comfortably, arms at your sides, and slowly fold forward from the hips. Extend your arms past your ears and bring your torso parallel to the ground. Simultaneously extend your left leg straight behind you. Breathe deeply and aim for stillness. Gently come back to your standing position and switch sides.
• Primp. Pamper yourself. Remember, you’re a goddess and worth every cent you earn or spend. Take a bubble bath, a steam shower or soak in a hot tub filled with flower petals.
• Sleep. Get to bed by 9:00 PM. Melatonin levels start to rise around 9:30 so pay attention to how much light you are exposed to in a 24 hour period. At least 9 hours of sleep are required by your body to reset your biological clock and improve your insulin sensitivity.
• Inhale. Pay attention to aromas. Cleopatra soaked the sails of her ship in fragrant oils to announce her approach to Rome. Try relaxing oils of ylang ylang, bergamot, tuberose, motia or orange soaked on a cotton ball. Inhaling a fragrance can stir pleasing memories which cause endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, to be released. Burn a candle or put a diffuser in your room. Just a few whiffs of lavender oil can lull you to sleep.
• Pray. Prayer-walking, also known as “walking meditation” provides an easy way to be active and relieve stress. It can be a meandering saunter down a garden path or a brisk march around a track. The point is to walk with prayerful intentions realizing that your journey is an interior one.
• Post inspirational quotes around your work area and be thankful for being alive. There’s more to life than you’ll ever realize and every day brings new chances to share.

From The Menopause Diet, by Larrian Gillespie. Copyright © 1999 by Healthy Life Publications.