balanced

i think most of you know that i attend northpoint community church in alpharetta, georgia. the pastor there is andy stanley. i've been going there for the past two and a half years, ever since i moved to suwanee. i have learned more and grown more in the two years that i have been there than at any other point in my life. i cannot say enough about the amazing programs that they have, the phenomenal worship team, and the wonderful sermons that andy (and other talented speakers) have given. they have truly changed my life.
all of this to say, for the past six weeks, andy has been doing a series entitled "balanced." its a series about gaining and maintaining financial stability. normally i am not one for hearing sermons on finances but this series is unlike any other i've heard. he spoke on how important it is to know what you are spending your money on and continually said, "you have to be knowing where your money is going." for the entire six weeks, he challenged everyone to record their finances...every single penny. at the end, each person was to total what they spent in every area of their life. food, gas, clothes, bills, debt payments...everything. it was such a good exercise for me and i was definitely pleasantly surprised to see how responsible i am with my money!
my favorites of the series were two different sermons...one about the importance of staying out of debt and one on controlling your spending. after hearing this series, i have a completely different view of credit cards. don't get me wrong, i've never been one to just charge and charge and charge. however, i am definitely more committed to paying cash for just about everything now. numerous bible verses have drastically changed my viewpoint. its also interesting to see just how much this society does not replace things...now we UPGRADE. a lot of it was things that i already knew but what an important reminder, especially with the economy the way it is now.
there is a study for small groups to do along with hearing the series each week at church. my small group will finish the study on monday. i have so enjoyed learning with the girls in my group and being challenged by both andy, the girls and the workbook. my parents have gotten phone calls from me each week after the i hear the newest sermon and then they have to listen to me rave about it. :) its just a really amazing series and i would definitely encourage every person i know to listen to it and to participate in the study that goes along with it. the site for it is http://www.balancedonline.org/. its challenging and thought provoking and really teaches you just how much God desires for you to use your money responsibly and for His glory.
just wanted to share what i've been learning lately! i hope some of you find this interesting :)