So, how's the planting? Wow! A lot of material to read and remember, so let's summarize what we've planted in this garden! Seeds, Planting Seeds, could be summarized with one simple question.

Do you know how many tomatoes are in a single tomato SEED? 

If not, then you must realize what our God can do with just a little "seed " planting on your part! A smile, a testimony, a tithe, a step of faith--in a moment of fear, an act of kindness-patience-trust-loyalty or? Whatever that "Seed", you must plant it and leave the watering and nurturing up to HIS power! Article two--Weeds! Yes, when you decide to take that step of faith and plant a "Seed" in the garden of life, your life will most likely grow some weeds! Weeds, planted by the Devil, to stop you from your act of commitment to God! When the weeds start to grow, just recall who the Master Gardener is and keep on planting those seeds of faith! And while thinking about Him, ask Him to direct you toward His Goals for your life! Article three-- Goals! God given goals should have priority over our "own" personal goals. My favorite Top Ten Goals (for a quick review click on the top ten goals and go read that page) start with The 3 Dimes--Tithe Dime-Rainy Day Dime-Blessing or Investing Fund Dime. Remember the Bass boat story? See Article Two Goal Setting for a review. Well, that's a story that has repeated itself many many times in my life. Depending upon God is my goal number 2--

2 Big D's:

Depend on God for all your needs, wants and desires

Dedicate everything He gives you to HIM!


In our house, we divide all of the worldly possessions into three categories

1. Needs. Simple and basic things needed for everyday living--groceries, clothing, housing, transportation, etc. No prayer required for the selection and purchasing of any need. However, prayers of TRUE thanksgiving should become a part of your daily devotionals

2. Wants. Above and beyond the necessary. Certain brand names, recreational possessions, fancier than basic, more bells and whistles than needed, vacations, things that are bigger and maybe even better than a need. You know what I mean? Actually, Needs and Wants may differ for each family unit. Prayer is required for the purchase of any want but most are typically acquired as gifts at Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries.

3. Desires. Possessions that are not necessary, but for some reason WE want them! Bass boats! The 25th fishing rod! Another gold bracelet! Clothes that cost two or three times what they are worth but they have such and such a name on them! Second vacation homes! Most adult toys! To obtain any desire, we require tons of prayer! In fact, around our house I like to say that we should pray for four months before buying any desire. Desires can be given as gifts, but are never supplied by parents or family members. As parents, we supplied the amount necessary to fill the need and our children supplied the rest necessary to fund the desire! A great example is the time my son and I went shopping for his new tennis shoes. Well, that's what I called them! He called them "Athletic Footwear" and touted a few brand names. Was I ever shocked to see how the world had turned "needed tennis shoes" into "Desires".

The possession prayer process really has three steps.

1. We pray, so that we can properly classify our Needs, Wants and Desires. (Parents, note here that children only define "things" as needs!)

2. We pray to determine whether or not we should even obtain the possession.

3. We pray that if we do obtain the "thing", we will retain the proper perspectives and attitudes and will always recall that God owns it all!

In order to find true Financial Freedom, you must learn to depend upon God to supply all of your Needs, Wants and Desires. And then, be absolutely sure that you Dedicate all that He gives you to Him!

Goal One: Three Dimes!

Goal Two: Two Big D's!

Goal Three: A Pair of Scissors!

Scissors! Get a big pair ready for the next article in this series.

Please note: Mr. Rick Kornmeier CPA CFP does not sell any financial or accounting services, books or tapes. His involvement with Consumer and Biblical Stewardship is a ministry that was started in the early 1980's strictly as a means of sharing his abilities with churches and Christians in need of his expertise.

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