As we wrap up the year and our “Time To Hit Update” series, we have walked through the “why”, the biblical foundation, and the practical steps of integrating your faith into your final giving strategy. If you have ever felt like estate planning is a confusing maze of legal jargon and emotional decisions, you are not alone. Recently, our basement toilet started wobbling. Two plumbers came out, spent four hours shimming and resetting it. Ten days later, it leaked again. Round two involved … [Read more...]

Not long ago, I took some time away from the office to hike in Glacier National Park. The mountains were breathtaking, the solitude was refreshing, and the views made every step worthwhile. But Glacier is no stroll in the park. It is beautiful, but also wild and remote. Cell service fades, trails get narrow, and the terrain demands attention. At one point, I caught myself wondering: What if I had taken a tumble? If I were alone and could not respond, who would speak for me? We have been … [Read more...]

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” This simple question people ask us at places like restaurants and stores seems simple and non-confrontational. However, we should consider asking this question more often because someday, it will be the last time we can ask. Described in Luke 16:26 is this reality, “[...] a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” Our whole series in The Pathway on the … [Read more...]

Growing up, my parents constantly reminded me to save every penny I could, as saving can get you through tough times. While I am grateful for the financial position saving put me in, I never fully understood the importance of investing. Now, I’m playing catch-up for lost time, interest, and opportunities. At first, saving and investing seem antithetical, but every wise steward recognizes the need to both save and invest. Although they go hand in hand, they serve different purposes. How … [Read more...]

The confident life, part 2 I am on the road a lot! Sometimes, to pass the time, I will turn on the “Pure Comedy” channel on Sirius XM. One comedian, Greg Warren, shared about his poor saving and spending habits. He admitted to spending $55 on an umbrella. Then he gets miffed when his friends point out that he should have been saving in his younger years, as compounding interest is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. He remarks that he should have saved more but “can’t go back … [Read more...]