Yevet Tenney

Budgets have always been my plague. I write down a wonderful plan, but I never follow through. It is always easier to use a credit card than to carry cash in my purse. Credit cards make it easier to browse the aisles of the store and pick out what you want and get to the cash register with more items than you intended to buy, but you don’t worry because you have your credit card.

I have often puzzled over the Parable of the Talents, as told by Jesus. I was taught it is a story about developing our physical talents – playing the piano, singing, writing, public speaking, etc. – but lately I realized it is much more. It is a parable about stewardship and taking care of our God-given blessings as well.

Recently, I finished my book Burn the Boats – Finding the Treasure in Marriage and Family Life. It was ready for publication when I realized I did not have a chapter on one of the most important aspects of marriage and family life: that horrible monster, finances.

OK. It’s 2018, and I’m not perfect yet. That’s all right. No one would like me if I was. I found that out when I was perfect. Well, at least I thought I was. It was one of those delusional phases of my life when I thought I knew most everything that needed to be known.

As the tinsel and the garlands begin to grace the trees and the glitter of Christmas fills the stores, I remember Christmases past when the children were home. It was never the perfect Hallmark Christmas where smells of cinnamon and spice permeate a spotless kitchen, and the pies and decorative breads line the counters.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
—Philippians 4:4

Lately, I have been puzzled at the commandment the Lord gives us to rejoice. What does it really mean? How is it different from gratitude?