From Money Fights to Money Peace

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Real marriages go through real challenges from time to time and our big one was money. It's funny how we didn't have any issues with money until we got married. Our money differences which were once a barrier, have become a source of unity that is propelling us to a better life.
Crown Financial Ministries 
Zeke and I recognized that we needed help with our finances early in our marriage so we started Crown Financial Ministries on day 2 of our marriage. We went through this class again before our son was born in 2008. Crown helped us to get on the same page when it came to money. We also became part of a community of people who were seeking to be better stewards of their money.
Financial Peace University
Recently we graduated from Financial Peace University (FPU). Their approach to teaching people to handle money God's way has helped us tremendously. FPU helped us advance towards our goal of being debt free. It has also brought a greater unity when it comes to the way our family handles finances.
Whether your family chooses Crown, Financial Peace University or another program, the goal is to find Unity. Amos 3:3 says "Can two walk together, unless they agreed?" and my answer is a resounding NO. Taking a Biblically based financial class has helped our family end the money fights. It has also helped us to agree on a plan for the future. We found some much needed hope and a light at the end of the tunnel which is not an incoming train.
Yes, we took some of these classes more than once. FPU is my fourth one. I have friends who master the material once but our family has needed more time and support than others. We have learned not to give up. Persistance is a wonderful thing to cultivate.
Yes, we found mentors we trust in the process and we learned to be transparent. Let me tell you that these classes are incredibly confidential and you do not have to let others know about intimate details. Zeke and I decided to take the extra step of relying on mentors to give us counsel on our journey. We learned that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors and that God speaks through these wonderful people. Our counselors have also become friends who pray for our situation specifically and always encourage us.
My friend, no matter where you stand today, there is a way out of the money fights many couples experience. Finding agreement is life changing and your whole family benefits. If you have been through these classes before, don't give up. I'm here to tell you that there is hope and God is a God of hope.
QUESTION: How can your family benefit from having agreement in finances?
Amanda said...

É uma aula presencial? É impressionante a quantidade de "counceling" cristão de boa qualidade que tem por aí.

Cintia Listenbee said...

Sim. Vc vai na aula por 9 (FPU) e na Crown 12 semanas. Tem bastante counseling graças a Deus.

viento said...

Always inspiring Cintia. I am so glad that God made you! I love that you speak to the importance in unity on this matter. Thank you for your faithfulness to blog on these things. You are giving my children and I great things to discuss and pray about on the way to school (yes, I often use your blog entries to open dialogue with the teens in my car before morning prayer ; ) Love you!