Natalie, now what? - The Journey After the Fast

Tasks for Natalie

1. Get rid of all items you don't need.

2. Make a meal plan/grocery list.

3. Save for your taxes owed.

4. Save for car repairs needed.

5. Save as much as you can this year.

6. Pay $650 towards Chevy Chase until paid off (Goal: December 31, 2010).

7. Lower your exemptions so you no longer owe.

8. Sign up for retirement plan - when teaching begins.

9. Monitor expenses - what can be lowered?

10. Save for summer clothes/shoes that may be needed (Budget: $500).

11. Create a spending ledger for each month (see what you are buying).

12. Re-do your budget again, you need to make some changes.

13. Edit your financial goals over over the next 7 years (step by step process).

14. Increase your cash flow doing what you love and lower your expenses.

Do you have somethings you need to do? Financial Freedom is a journey not a destination!

Day 21 - Last Day of Financial Fast - 2.28.2010

Well, today I cry! Tears of joy, wisdom gained, understanding; but most of all peace, contentment and satisfaction. I realize that GOD wanted me on this journey so that it would not only change my life but others. I am glad I was open to the journey though I didn't care about doing it one way or the other (I didn't think it would help me). But GOD knew that what I couldn't do alone I could do with accountability and that it would change me inside out.

I now have a passion to re-launch WISE Financial, LLC (if you don't know about it, you will). I look forward to taking teens and adults through this journey. I have listed every person I want to tell about this journey through 2010. I told God, 'I cannot believe that I went 21 days without eating out'. My biggest money waster. And now that the fast is over; I don't feel compelled to go eat out even today (2.28.2010). As a matter of fact I plan on continuing doing what I have been doing bringing my lunch everyday, only buy gas and food and going to the grocery weekly, leaving my ATM card at home and monitoring my expenses and continuing to monitor were I can cut back.

I also look forward to my free seminars with a twist that I will have twice a month over the next few months. I realize this is a passion for me; because of my upbringing and the mistakes I made and the mistakes that were made before me. But I realize I no longer need to live in the past and those were merely lessons to be learned so that I break the poverty in my family with God's guidance. GOD took me through this financial fast because HE loves me and YOU. As I read this book; earlier this week I read "The Shack" and completed it on yesterday (2.27.2010) which opened my eyes to another world and allowed me to truly think about various aspects of my life and my finances being one. But my relationship with GOD goes to yet another level.

Now I have steps to take over the next few years and I realize where I'm headed in this journey. I will carry the 21 day book with me for the next 21 days and I look forward to doing the 30 day spending journal - as I will strive to concentrate on needs again. I have a surprise birthday party to go and I'm trying to determine how to get a gift that is meaningful but zero in cost. I also was able to up my amount going to my credit card each month from$600 to $650 so I can pay it off in 19 months (I was excited yet again!); but I am asking GOD to breathe on this and that it be paid by December 31, 2010. Yes that is what I'm asking! And Yes I believe its done! One debt paid of each year is my goal. My student loans will take a few years; but based on my budget only 5 years instead of 15 years (Praise the Lord with me). Again all this will come with sacrifice, limiting my wants and increasing cash flow through my GOD-given gifts. Yet again just a daily grind of being 'mindful of the need/want principle'.

I want to prosper so that I can show others how to prosper as well; I believe that money is a subject I'm passionate about and I have been since about the age of 19 because with money you can advance the kingdom/change the world/change your world. You can do things you never thought possible. So chase it God's way not by neglecting things that are important. God will show us how to balance HIM with our family, friends, careers and God-given purpose. And HE will show us what to do with it as HE is perfect at guiding our lives!

I listed so many people that I want to tell about the journey (I'll be inviting them to my first seminar for the year). I look forward to all those that will be impacted by it. I realize this journey can change your life both financially and beyond. Lately I've been asking GOD to show me how to live simply in every area of my life and now I know how and I'm sure that wisdom will continue to grow. As I end I ask myself and you one question - What do you treasure? Why do you treasure it? Would GOD treasure it too?

Here is to a life that will be filled of all the things you hoped for through the ups and downs of life may deter you a little get back on the plane and don't forget to fly. It is time to take on the spirit of the LION and the EAGLE. Think about their spirits and you will totally understand what I am saying here.

I save $280 dollars this month by doing this fast as I only could buy necessities. But this doesn't include my reduction in car insurance of $23 and my reduction in my home phone of $45.

I have a few assignments I need to go back and do as I continue to make this journey a lifestyle. I am so content with the peace I feel in my heart due to this journey; I am also grateful that I don't beat myself up - but that I see my mistakes and I can steadily fix them with God's help and wise counsel.

As Dave Ramsey says, "Let us live like no one else, so we can live like no one else". Now go prosper; then pour that prosperity onto others! Its for GOD, its for YOU, its for OTHERS!

Walk in HIS love and Be Blessed!

Day 19 and 20

I enjoyed reading the about stewardship. I realize this journey has shown me that I haven't always been a good money steward; but now I can take steps on a daily basis to become a better money steward. Further, I realize that none of what I obtain belongs to me and that God will trust me with more as I show myself trustworthy. I realize in some areas I have it down but in others areas there is work to do. I have realized that my stomach has been more important to me than what future prosperity could bring. I think about the day I had to record my spending for 3 months and realized every other day I ate out, wow! Further, GOD has given me works to do that will bring me prosperity; but I my gifts are for others and though I will receive a monetary reward - it goes beyond the monetary. I realize how important it is to walk in your gift and realize there are things inside of me that I haven't even realized yet; but what I have realized must be done. I look forward to this journey as well. So as I become a great steward of my time and energy; it will assist in continuing to be a great money steward. I realize I don't want for much which is great; and at this point I only need clothes and shoes for the summer and won't need to buy anything else (clothing) for sometime. Needs are: food, gas and clothes and when I take this view want I want diminishes more and more. Of course I will balance activities with free activities. I will balance eating out with viewing my allowance and what I have saved.

But I believe over these next few months eating out won't be a hold on me or something that I must do; like going to the movies won't be as important since I can go to the RedBox and obtain a movie for $1. Why pay $9 when I can pay $1 and wait. What a blessing this journey has been.

Further, there is a blessing in knowing that money doesn't bring happiness or joy as much as relationships do. We spend our lives trying to determine what can make us whole and its our relationship with Christ that allows us to be whole. I enjoyed reading about not spending time on gifts as much as we spend time showing others how much we care about them. That is something money can never buy and the person will never forget. You ever thought of writing a note to someone you will love that expresses all the reason you love them either verbally or written. Relationship was the reason I started this journey; because honestly I didn't think anything could help me; but I thank GOD for a woman that I love that recommended we go through this journey. It was well worth it. So now our WEALTH has changed. Now I can daily think about those that mean so much to me: GOD, Family and Friends and use my time to express that love without money. I realize we cannot spend our time chasing money; but we can spend the balance of life pursuing our purpose and giving to the world what GOD has given to us through those gifts. Don't be afraid what's on the inside of you - it was put there to be nurtured.

Day 15, 16, 17, 18

I realize that the greed chapter didn't have much of an affect on me regarding things; I am not greedy for things- but I realized I have had moments when I wanted that my debt could be a quick fix; that have sufficient savings could be a quick fix. I want it now! I realize now its a journey and not a quick fix; it took years to get here; it will take time for these and other financial situations to change. Now I realize I must be greedy (adamant) about surrendering my financial situations to GOD and then I will stay and remain on the right path.

I must admit I had never heard of financial fornication. I can remember every men I have had a relationship with (before Christ and after Christ) and we NEVER discussed money, amazing. I never bought it up and neither did they. It either wasn't necessary or up for a discussion.

I felt yet another breakthrough on the Peace chapter; I enjoyed reading this. It loosed my mind from the beat up I gave myself for past errors. But after reading this along with reading "The Shack" I realize that I can learn from my mistakes and make wise decisions and see the reward over the next few years. My prayer is that GOD will restore all that I have wasted and lost. And if HE so desired to bless me he will - but I'm thankful for what HE has already given. So I focus on my two issues for this year and I will save, invest and spend wisely. Worrying will not change these situations; but working at it will. I told a friend of mine this fast has become a lifestyle not merely a fast.

On a deeper level I realize that I am preparing to reach great financial freedom; but I also think of my children and others that will benefit from what I have learned during this experience.

Day 14

Well today's lesson conjured some old memories (from 1996) and some thoughts that I have to allow GOD to help me with. (1) I remember a bitter root growing because I co-signed for a Montgomery Ward credit card for my best friend at the time so she could get her car repaired; I ended up paying that $800 dollar bill; she never paid on it. I didn't want to be in her wedding (she asked me to be her maid of honor), I didn't go to her baby shower (she invited me). I was truly upset. I didn't talk to her for a number of years. Even after I was saved it took me time to get over this. I felt used and she took advantage of me; and I just didn't like it! But she decided I know you applied for the Montgomery Ward account for my car - but I'm not paying it, you are. I made a vow after this that I would NEVER co-sign for anyone again. Today we don't have the closeness (we re-connected in 2004) we once shared but we can talk and it was good reconnecting with her after so many years.

I also realize I don't want to have joint credit card accounts with my husband. I don't want him to responsible for my debt and I don't want to be responsible for his. I don't know if that's selfish, or if that is a mindset that should change - and I honestly don't know if this is right or wrong. I don't think its fair to me or him to have to pay or help me pay for my choices. I notice it said in the book only co-sign for your husband - my stomach turned. God, please help me because he can have his own cards and I will continue to use my debit card. Now if my baby needs some help - of course I will help him; but I don't want to responsible for his debt. But what GOD would say about his is all that really matters - I don't like it; but that doesn't mean I can do it my way; I realize that.

I know the bible says, 'the two become one'' but does that apply to this? Real talk. Today I came home and fixed some vegetable quiches and oven-roasted potatoes; they were tasty. I have enough for food and gas for the whole week; I only have $15 of gas in my car and will be mindful of my trips this week I will only go to cell group and bible study and the rest of the week; I will come home. And the journey continues!

Questions/thoughts I am pondering

Can I take money out one day a week for gas and food and not use the ATM card?

Should I get a part time job to help save and pay down the debts?

Who would be a good investing mentor for me? (David Briscoe).

Where can I find loan repayment programs for teachers?

How can I increase my cash flow?

How much do I truly need for an emergency?

How much do I need for the condo (12 months of rent)?

How much could I save or give to debt if I didn't eat out those months?

For a season concentrate on needs only.

What are the books that millionaires read? Further, what do they do?

Do I really need a credit card? (I haven't had one for almost 2 years).

Where are my pockets of extra in my budget?

Day 11, 12 and 13

I must admit thinking about the financial legacy I can leave my kids (my own and others I am able to teach) surely gave me a feeling of hope! I realize that I am not just breaking a bad habit but be provided ways to teach, train and invest in the future generations. I can leave a financial legacy to my kids that go beyond an inheritance. I was never taught how to handle money properly all I saw is a mother that had credit cards and shopped, shopped and shopped again; but when she was laid off in 1994 and those creditors hounded her it was sad. Many thoughts entered my mind as I did these three days. Of course the mistakes; but also how much I have changed mentally because of this fast. I realize there are so many items that I can let go of, so many things I don't need and I can decrease my wants; all I'm thinking about now is paying for my swimming lessons ($55) and purchasing my clothing/shoes for the summer; but with a major transition coming I must be mindful daily of my spending and what is really necessary; also that I can become more frugal that I can concentrate on need and in a little while the debt it will be gone. I have even thought of going to different grocery stores and only purchasing what is on sale instead of one store. I sat this morning (I couldn't sleep) and did my budget for the next 7 years. I kept my salary at what I will make this year with the goal of saving my promotions. Further our boss told us that everyone that received an "Exceptional" performance appraisal will receive a 'cash award'. Of course I was all smiles. Once I've established a good amount in the emergency fund and fund for the condo; then I will steadily pay off the debts. I have some extra money right now and I'm trying to decide do I want to save it or give it to my credit card debt. That is my thinking now. I think I will give it to the credit card. I'd rather do that than feed my stomach (that was how I thought previously). But I cannot eat out anyway; so win, win!

I look forward to having seminars for children from the ages of 5 and up and teaching them about money (God gave me that idea as I read the chapter). Further, HE showed me how important it is to walk in the visions for your life; because wealth is there (beyond the monetary). Now I see why he wanted to bring such stability into my life during this fast as well. I never realize how much WISE Financial, LLC could touch their lives. The debt chapters were not so hard to read; because I realize that diligence brings a profit further (I've beat myself up enough about it). Being upset about my choices will not correct them; but taking action will. I went to Target today (2.19.10) we needed some bathroom items and I wanted a snack but I have cut some things out of my diet but remembered that I can have animal crackers. I purchased a box and a box of Teddy Grahams; my budget was $14 for the bathroom items; I ended up spending $16 I was a little bothered about the $2 overage; but that is just an example of how cognizant of my spending I have become. So I have about $72 left and now I want to put some aside of food and gas and give the remainder to my credit card. Further, I will tutor today and will receive a little more change for my pocket.

As I went back three months on spending oh my God! Over $1000 spent but I have gone to the ATL women's conference (ate out alot), ate out in December and January had a lot of liquid drinks since we were on a liquid fast. I realize that there are so expenses that I don't know what they were for; so I need to add these to my ledger. I realize I don't place all the items on the ledger as I should. Well, I'm no longer counting days because I want to go as long as I can. I love the reward that is coming with this diligence and sacrifice and it shall continue. I asked GOD when could I eat out again, he said when you have a "eat out kiddy". So as I save monies from my allowance and continue to save and pay off debt little by little I can begin to eat out.

I must tell you it felt so good to do my budgets for the next few years and see the debt being erased and year 7 when I able to invest, invest, invest! I've also decided when I begin my career that I will have my exemptions low so I don't owe and invest in my retirement program at my job. Keep in mind I didn't include my business/cash flow monies only my teaching salary monies; so this will be an interesting journey. Further, I have been paying a lot of fees since I frequent the ATM and use my card; so I need to think of ways to decrease this. Today I am going to Starbucks and using a gift card; and I'm packing all of my meals and snacks to eat before and after I tutor. My gas tank is almost empty but I'm going to see how many days I can drive without filling up the tank. My car is really good on gas, and I'm happy about that. Well I look forward to what the next few weeks will bring and all that I will give to savings and my debts!

I even wrote as one of my financial goals that I will do this fast with those that would like to participate 3 times a year (beginning, middle and end). I wonder how many will like to take this plane ride; its surely an eye opener. Well, here's to financial freedom!

Day 9 and 10

Today I was tempted to guy a buy some crackers. But I realized I left my ATM card and money at home. My next thought was to ask a co-worker for $1 to get the item. Then, I realized though I wasn't going to value their money I had to as if it were mine. I came home and had a vegetable omelette, pretzels, sweet potatoes, a granola bar and salsa and chips. I realize that I needed to make my grocery list for the upcoming week. I realized today that I won't have to spend as much getting my condo ready for renovations so that was great news! I will continue to save, save and save again. As long as I'm giving $550 to my credit card I will save as much as I can. My goal is to pay this card off by December 31, 2010. When I begin teaching I will contribute to their retirement fund and I will set my exemptions to 1 for state and federal so that I won't owe next year. I am tired of owing. Further, I realize that I must work and in time I will see the fruit of that labor. My mindset about money is surely changing and I realize it will be a journey. A journey of ups, downs, joys and pains. I realize you can reach any destination if you are willing to take one step at a time. I will be looking for free weekend events so that I don't always spend money to have a good time. I'm also thinking about getting a part time job - but I only want to do something I enjoy! I am going to keep going until March 19 and make this a 40 day fast. My goal is to break this bad habit and build an allowance that I can splurge on - until then I will save, save, save. I look forward to leaving a legacy for my family and my children; that is how I'm viewing money as well. I want my children to learn from my mistakes and not make them. I realize this fast will allow me to become a better steward of my finances.

Day 8

So today was a difficult read. I realize that I stopped investing into my retirement to pay off debts and save more money. I was rather disappointed when I thought about this. But in time I will start again. Actually very soon. I left my ATM card and money at home. It felt good to not eat until I returned home. I cannot believe I have not eaten out for 8 consecutive days - for me that is progress. This journey has shown me that bad choices = disaster and good choices = prosperity. My breakfast, lunch and snacks are packed for tomorrow and I know what I'm going to eat for the rest of the week. I look forward to going to Trader Joes on Friday. I am going to fix all vegetarian meals next week. Vegetable quiche, vegetable spaghetti and vegetable stir fry. I have already made my grocery list. Today I also adjusted my budget to give and extra $50 to my credit card each month. The total per month will be $550 instead of $500. I'm asking GOD to show me ways to pay this off by December 31, 2010. I must make some major adjustments. There is nothing like a determined mind. I wonder how much I could save this year by kicking the eating out habit? Let me see. What are you getting from the journey?

Questions to ask/answer Days 1-7

What are my new thoughts about money/finances?

Do I really need that?

What is God's will for my finances?

What is holding me back from financial prosperity?

Where can I find free activities?

Have you ever imagined being financial free? (what does it look like for you?)

How is financial prosperity my responsibility?

How can I leave a financial legacy to my children?

How can saving become a hobby?

Who really controls my financial decisions?

How much does (the bad habit) cost me a year?

What are you grateful for?

How can I want less?

What truly brings lasting joy?

How is diligence the basis for wealth-building?

How is the budget my financial friend?

What does it mean for me to live below my means?

Days 4, 5, 6, 7

Well I became sick over the past week and had to spend some money unexpected but it was a necessity. I was out of work for a whole week; so not spending was quite easy as one friend helped me to remember. When I returned to work on Friday I was proud of myself I packed my breakfast, lunch and snacks. I tutor on Saturdays and I packed my bag for that as well. Maybe this can become a habit. The biggest thing for me is coming home and not roaming the streets - it seems the more I'm out the easier it is for me to spend (how about that?). I wanted to go the convenience store across the street; previously I would have withdrew $10 and purchased something; but I realized I cannot! I also realize how much a little bit can add up over time. The fast is surely allowing me to see how easy it is to pile up the pennies you spend. God asked me "Natalie, how would your finances would be if you surrendered them to me, truly", by that HE meant asking HIM before I make a purchase now I get to separate my needs from my wants. This is what happens when I want to be a better steward over my finances. Days 4, 5, 6, 7 were a joy to read and I realize I must get rid of somethings that I don't need. I think the biggest joy is because though I have read many books on financial freedom - this one is changing my habits because there is some accountability; some actions to take; some things to do. Further, knowledge has done me no good; wisdom shall do me better! I went to Starbucks today (2.14.2010) and purchased a drink using a gift card; it felt good to not use cash. I filled my tank up and have decided the gas will last me all week; because I will park at the station and come straight home each day. I had $25 dollars left after doing what was needed (food and gas); so I made a credit card payment of $25. What was great about days 4, 5, 6, 7 for me? I have learned how to cut expenses, save daily, I can see the reward of sacrifice (today), God wants me to prosper and he has given me the ability (visions) to do. I realize I do live with financial regrets; but now I want something really bad! Further, I will live on my current salary as long as I can and save the difference instead of adjusting my budget each year for the increase (have you ever thought of doing that, can you live on this year's salary next year?, try it at least!) I loved this quote on page 70 "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone". Made me think of that "want/need principle" and that "reap/sow" principle. Everyday I wake up and tell GOD all that I'm thankful for so that wasn't an issue for me. But some how I thought I had nothing to give or throw away and that's not true at all! So off I go, I have work to do!

Biblical Based Sites/Articles - Will update often!

http://bible.org/seriespage/money-money-money

http://www.crown.org/

http://www.daveramsey.com/

http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/bible-money/#Perspective

Day 1, 2 and 3

I am really enjoying the book. I enjoyed reading the scriptures at the end of the book as well. I want to do some research on the scriptures references made about money as I continue on this journey and beyond. My goal is to continue to do this and only eat out if I am with family and friends as an outing; I am about to make a major life change and with that I must adjust and I truly believe GOD is using this fast to prepare me. I realize that this fast will change my mindset as the liquid fast changed my diet; I now want to eat well! And with this fast I want to be financial prosperous but that is with a condition. I must take responsibility. I must stop wasting money, I must be mindful of the fact that GOD has given me a work to do and I can/will enjoy this journey! I went to the grocery store and only purchased what I needed some breakfast food, juice and soup. I must admit being sick and home helped even more! But asked GOD to take the desire to want to eat out so much away from me and HE has answered my prayer. I believe it so that's settles it! Also, I realized I must purchase new items once what I have is gone I will buy more (I learned that from the book as well). One thing that has really stuck with me is that I realize since the age of 16 when I started working I have always put money to the side that I needed for (food, gas and transportation) and spent the rest. That habit has not changed all that has changed is that my bills have increased over the years. I remember when I had my first apartment in Laurel I furnished the whole apartment in one month using a credit card. And I wonder why I'm in debt! Bad choices. But I realized today - no need for pity, I can turn it around, everyday I can make a decision to save as much as I can and leave a great legacy for my children. I already turned it around because in August, 2008 I called the credit card company and told them to close the account so I no longer have a credit card. My debit card limits me but I have still been wasteful with eating out and splurges and not concentrated on needs. The assignments have been wonderful as well. I am now thinking of ways I can bless others with my time, finding free activities and coming home more so I can prepare meals. I realize I am not a home person and I love being out and about. I will keep children for the weekend while a single person or couple go out on the town. I will find an elderly person that I can shop for. I will pick my aunt and mom up from work more since they don't drive. As I completed my budget for the year (a friend motivated me) I realized that I can save. Further, I realized if I take the monies I am giving to debt and invest them I will have over 1 million dollars when I retire if I start investing after the debt is gone. This will take another 5-7 years since I have student loans. That is not including the funds that I will invest from my career. Today I called and had my car insurance premium lowered by $23 a month and I called Verizon for my home phone and that bill will go down $41 a month. I realize I don't have many extra expsenses and since I will stop eating meat excluding fish, salmon and seafood occassionally my grocery bill will shrink. I also will get my hair done every other month instead of every month. I asked GOD to show me what are some other things I can do - he told me to evaluate all that I have in my refrigerator and cabinets when making my grocery list and eat all of these items before buying more. So, my next few visits will be very cheap! And I love it! What are you learning? I made a decision today that I will be financially wise, frugal and simple.

Are we ready?

I must say I am excited about this 21 day journey. Everytime I go to the book store I pick up the book and skimmed it. A friend of mine is going to pick the book up for me. She also gave me a good idea there were two events that I wanted to attend this month (two friends b-day dinners) and I was going to delay my dates to start because of this and she said; in January put the money aside for the events and you can start on time. So beginning February
8 - February 28; I am on this journey. I have also been searching the net for some helpful ways to save money (I enjoy the knowledge gained) and I'd like to share some of them with you. They helped me; I hope it can do the same for you.

1. Don't go to the movies - get movies from the RedBox for $1.
2. Drive slow and eliminate driving so much, decrease your number of trips -save on gas.
3. Skip getting your hair done every month and get it done every other - Can you do that? This is a new one for me as well; but I'm going to do it, I could save that $70 a month.
4. Don't pay for anything that you can do yourself (manicure, pedicure, car wash (I know its cold); but keep this in mind!
Those are a few; what are some of yours? It felt good to day to plan my meals for the next 6 months (1 year actually); I used my favorite restaurant recipes and decided I will not only curb my eating out (eliminate it entirely during the fast); but I will become a great cook. Also, I can have a eating out/recreation/allowance kitty that allows me to eat out I budgeted $80 per month from my salary and the monies I get from tutoring after I tithe it. So I have $100 a month for an allowance and I have to stay in that boundary; not bad!

I thank GOD for that revelation. Father, thank you for showing me how to live simply!

Please post some of your money saving ideas that would be helpful.

Preview to the Book - 1.26.2010

The Fast is really about curbing the need to consume more than we need.

Reading 1 chapter a day and Complete your Daily Assignment noted in the book.
Tools You need to get started: Prayer, is this for YOU? Get the book, Get a journal, Review your progress, get a highlighter, get an accountable partner and start your day off with the P.A.Y regimen (Pray, Act on the pledge listed at the start of each chapter and Yield to God’s will).

How to use the book:
This book includes twenty-one chapters-one for each day of the fast and is divided into four parts;

Part 1: God’s Power to Prosper You
· Naturally begins with God. You have to believe God has the power to deliver financial freedom or you won’t be able to experience the prosperity he promises-or you won’t be able to enjoy it.

Part 2: Prepare Yourself to Prosper
· Is all about preparation, which includes addressing entitlement, issues, learning to be content, budgeting, saving, and investing. If you’re married and have children, it also means handling your money in way that strengthens your relationship with your spouse and creates wealth for your heirs.

Part 3: Prudence Begets Prosperity
· Is designed to help you get rid of the things that stand in the way of your prosperity-debt, credit, and greed.

Part 4: Believe the Promise and Witness the Proof
Focuses in the testimonies of people who have taken the 21-day fast and whose lives have been changed because of it. There’s nothing more encouraging than seeing God at work

Update - 1.26.2010

I will start the fast on Feb 14 - March 6. I am looking forward to doing this with you all. I pray we get the most out of it and that we truly get to GOD's purpose for our finances. I realize I think I'm entitled to eat out as I want since I work, pay bills and don't spend my money on much else that is a non-essential. But I realize if I fed my debt the way I feed my stomach it would have decreased even more by now. But there is no condemnation only correction to come. I will be purchasing a small notebook to log my purchases each day. I will keep my ATM card at home. Purchase gas and groceries for the week on Sunday. Pray for me as I pray for you. The book covers a wealth of topics; let us take advantage of everyone.

Preview to The Power to Prosper

Hello Everyone,

Well, I am so excited about what the next 21 days will bring. I realize that my money-waster is eating out. So I would like to walk in the discipline of sacrifice=wealth. I will be frank, honest and let you know how I do on a DAILY basis. I ask the same of you; we are a team when we join in on this voyage and this can be a success if we prepare, plan and stay focused!

Tell your friends about it, the more the better. We will have a book discussion about 2 weeks into the month and you can invite someone to that as well. If you have any financial wisdom to share feel free - this is a open forum. So often ask me - Natalie, did you eat out today? My goal is to keep my ATM card at home for the next 3 weeks, plan my meals and to get gas on Sunday for the whole week. I will make no other purchases (excluding food at the grocery store or gas).

Submitted: 1.16.2010