You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you. Maya Angelou

Walking in God’s Favor: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth and be in health. 3 John  1:2

Let Go of Who You Are, To become Who You Can Be

In his book titled The Reallionaire , Farah Gray, a young African-American man who went from public assistance to become a millionaire by the age of 14, says a reallionaire (a word he created) is someone who has discovered that there is more to money than having money. Understanding that stewardship of wealth is not just about being rich in your pocket-book, but realizing you have to be rich inside too.

I believe and agree with Farah Gray that wealth starts on the inside with a certain way of thinking. It begins with the belief system that governs how we relate to money. There are certain ways of thinking that can help you increase your financial health.

Win if You Can, Lose If You Must, But Never Give Up

The first way of thinking is to stop trying to act rich. ” Live Within Your Means.” Living to impress others will only cost you. In the long run trying to keep up with the Jones will eventually result in financial pain and bring you down. Some people who appear to be living prosperous lives, in many instances are in debt up to their eyes balls and have mortgaged their future.

The second way of thinking is to start living on a budget. Spend your money on paper and on purpose before the month begins. Give your money a mission. If you dream of becoming wealthy, create a financial plan to get there. Write it down and look at it often. Remember a dream without a plan is just a hallucination.

The third and final way of thinking that can help you increase your financial health is to start counting your blessings. You are wonderfully made in God’s image. If you have life and health, you are blessed. If you have a family and friends, you are blessed. If you have a personal relationship with Christ, you truly are blessed. Learn to be thankful for what you have right now.

Until You Give Your Best, You Will Never Know Your Potential

How we plan for our future, take advantage of opportunities and how we spend our money all begin inside with our thinking. What do you want to become? What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to obtain? Remember, our thoughts direct our actions or inaction. You have the ability to become a better steward of your wealth.

You are personally invited to attend as our guest to our (7) week series “Next Level Living: Healthy, Happy & Successful”  beginning September 7th to October 19th in Huntsville Alabama at the First Seventh-day Church. The first (10) people to register  will received our “Stewardship of Wealth” workbook. Limited seating. For more information or to  register call 256 852 8360 or email  busychurch@bellsouth.net.

Prayer of Blessing: Lord help us to become wise stewards

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of a weekly podcast Better Husband Father Man a hub for all things parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a senior account executive with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency and co-founder of Stewardshipofwealth.com. Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate  about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinder Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 30 years and share their lives with four adult children and eight exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.