Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth for any of us lies in our faith. Gordon Hinckley

Walking in God’s Favor: For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it. Luke 14:27-29

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the time with our wonderful daughter and two beautiful grand daughters at Balboa Park in San Diego, California. We experienced amazing weather, incredible museums, international food tasting from several countries and the world largest outdoor pipe organ. Days like today seem to naturally increase my energy level.

Let’s face it, as we gracefully age we generally have less energy and our health slowly begins to decline. As a result, we need to limit the amount of physical activities we perform, so we don’t injure ourselves or prematurely end our lives.  In other words, we have to live smarter and wiser.

Each of us must begin with the end in mind. If we plan to become faithful stewards of our wealth in this life we must be willing to pay the price. You are going to have to develop the habit of saving and investing your money.  While you are young and healthy you must develop the practice of saving for your golden years.

Otherwise, your golden years will not be so golden.   Many employers are no longer contributing to or providing retirement plans for their employees. Therefore you must become personally proactive in saving and investing money for your golden years.

With that in mind, what is your plan? Do you have an emergency fund for the storms of life that are sure to come if you live long enough? Have you begun setting aside money for your golden years?

Years ago, Ardella and I began the practice of saving a certain amount of money from our income so that we could have the flexibility to follow our dreams,  passions and opportunities in life during our golden years.

The Joseph principle is the ability to look around the corner and anticipate life’s challenges you may or may not face one day.  In the bible Joseph wisely counseled Pharaoh in the book of Genesis.  “And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of  Pharaoh  and let them keep food in the cities. Then the food shall be as a reserve for the land for seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt that the land may not perish during the famine.” Genesis 41:35,36  (NKJV)

Joseph was divinely given the principle of saving for the storms of life and saved the entire Egyptian nation and his family.   There are many lessons we can learn and practice in our lives from the Joseph principle.

Prayer of Blessings: Lord helps us to look around the corner to anticipate life’s challenges.

Michael Vance is a senior account executive  with Hundley Batts & Associates and the co-founder of stewardshipofwealth.com. Ardella Vance is  a gifted educator and  a Master Guide in the Pathfinders  Club. A global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people.  The Vance’s have been married well over 25 years and share their lives with four adult children and four grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama.