Today’s Reflection
SCHOOL DEBT, a downsizing of middle-class jobs, and a loss of high paying jobs has translated into a bleak economic picture for today’s young adults. Those who went to college are challenged by school debt. Two-thirds of recent graduates owe more than $26,000. Added together, recent college graduates have wracked up more than $1.2 trillion in debt. …
Boomers, especially those buffeted by the economic peaks and busts of the last twenty years, find the,selves in an untenable situation. While they know they should be saving for their retirement, they are focused on getting through the next day. They are also faced with a sad realization: their children will find it almost impossible to afford the lifestyles they have been able to obtain. …
The most profound symbol and lasting remembrance of the 1960s experience is a black granite, V-shaped wall with the names of 58,272 veterans who died in the Vietnam War. ….In many ways it has become America’s wailing wall. Since its dedication on November 11, 1982, it has become the most visited monument in Washington, D.C. …
As the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the lasting symbol of the events of the ’60s, the resulting spiritual root of the boomer generation is one of brokenness, a sense of loss and disillusionment over what happened to them and a clear break from the assumptions that guided their parents’ generation. This sense of not being whole, of still trying to survive the turmoil of their youth, of living with unfulfilled expectations has produced three other spiritual realities in boomers: loneliness, rootlessness, and self-seeking, which play a part in the daily lives of the boomer generation.
– Craig Kennet Miller
Boomer Spirituality
From pages 31 and 37 of Boomer Spirituality: Seven Values for the Second Half of Life by Craig Kennet Miller. Copyright © 2016 by Discipleship Resources. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What would you say to someone who is struggling financially? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?
1 Corinthians 6:19, NRSV
This Week: Pray for new beginnings. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Emily Balch (January 9).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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11 Comments
My simple advice would be – don’t live a lifestyle above your means. I would also stress the need to have an “emergency fund”, especially if a homeowner. For a month, save every receipt so you can see exactly where each cent is being spent. Then – do a budget.
I have been fortunate, as a single woman, to be financially secure. My dad, early on, consistently talked to me about investing money for my retirement. I probably waited too long, but have been at it for some time now. In a few more years my house will be paid off – that is gonna be huge for me!! Looking forward to that. In the meantime, though, I will be replacing my roof this summer. Speaking of huge – that will be a big expense. My mother wants me to move into a condo, so I don’t have the responsibility of homeownership and all that entails. But, for now, I am maintaining my status quo. Grateful.
Andrea – prayers continue for your daughter and your relationship. Julie – I hope that knee has calmed down for you.
Bracing for an ice storm this afternoon, with a lot of snow to follow. There are no students today, but teachers have an inservice. Very unlikely that will be cancelled, but would like to think we will be dismissed early. Maybe wishful thinking.
Jill’s advice is good, sound. I would add that if you are in a debt situation, find help, much of it is free, and while it will be a grind following through will be very beneficial. As much as I have enjoyed living in a house, as you get older, taking care of one is more difficult. A condo or an apartment are good options. Find what works for you.
Warm, high 52, and rainy, down to 31 today, and then colder for the next two days, 29 and 2, and snow.
Prayers always for the needs and concerns of the UR family, Andrea, Julie, Marcy, Chloe, Lou, Mary, and Jill, and everyone who asks for or needs prayer. God help us with our relations with you, our families, friends, acquaintances, and those for whom we have no personal or family name. Prayers for California’s people through earthquakes, fires, drought, and mudslides. Help those affected by the recent bitter cold and Nor’easter weather.
Thankful my two boxcar models are done, progress is being made on my issues, life continues. God’s peace be with you now and always. Trust in the Lord and your path will be made straight.
In good times and in bad times, I have always had everything I needed. The key word, I believe, is “needed”. I have never competed with what others have and I thank God for that quality in me, as I would undoubtably be a very cranky, jealous personality!
When we were asked for advice my husband would always say “figure out what you have coming in and spend accordingly…..Well, that often fell on deaf ears, as the age of credit cards took over!
still having trouble with fingers
Blessings and prayers to all and stay safe
Rain, flooding occuring now
Snow and ice later
God Bless you all
Prayers for your hands and knee. Thankful for your post, it doesn’t take a lot of words to write a meaningful helpful post. Thank you!
Worked just now draining water from near the house. Between the ice and snow melting and the rain, there’s a puddle near the house. Have it now draining into the pond. Will keep an eye on it. Have tools out and ready. Thank You, Lord for the wisdom to know what to do.
Oh what a weak moment I had yesterday, when I felt nothing was was ever going to improve, overwhelmed by circumstances here, and the liar in chief trying to destroy my hope. Thank you, for praying for me, UR family. Your prayers and thoughts are my compass, pointing me to the Jesus Christ, our Savior, Whom I love with all of my being.
Financially, I have nothing. So, I’m the last person to give advice. I leave everything at the foot of the cross, and pray for all others here in our blessed UR family to know their obligations and so on.
Jill, congratulations on almost having your home paid off and having the wisdom to manage your future and retirement so well. You are so intelligent, and know how to convey your thoughts so well. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge, love and caring , shown every day.
Robert, I agree with you that Jill’s advice is good, thought out and knowledgeable. And I also agree with you about owning a home as one ages vs. a condo or an apartment. It differs with each person’s situation. Thank you so much for including me in your prayers, Robert. As I have stated, I actually FEEL the LOVE and STRENGTH of everyone who prays for me, coming authentically straight from the heart. Jesus Christ is who ties us all together and I am grateful to each of you. I join you in praying for those who have lost their lives, livelihoods, homes and basic human needs with the catastrophic mudslides, on the heels of the rampant wildfires, and then also our citizens in PUERTO RICO who are still 40% without power, all those affected by super hurricanes, terrible storms, earthquakes, massive flooding, wind damage, ice storms and snow storms. Lord, have mercy on our beleaguered souls. And Robert, it soothes my soul to hear about the boxcars being done. Looking forward to hearing about their placement and what comes next! I look forward to hearing about the model trains, as you know, it is a comfort to me.
Connie, my ex was the one who had to have the best and he broke the laws of God and man to get what he wanted. I was so naive and realize now that part of that was denial. I never cared what my car looked like, as long as it got me from point A to point B as I used to say. So very thankful that part of my life is over, although I still include him and his family in my prayers each day.
Julie, I’m praying for your poor hands as the sores are worsening and your knee. Robert is right. You say much with a few words. Thank you so much, Julie. You are such a blessing to us here in the UR family and beyond.
I am praying fervently for Andrea and Lowell, Andrea’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson for reconciliation and mental health care if this is what is needed. Been thinking of my late friend, Kathy, and how she taught me never to judge and keep an open mind. Also praying for Robert, being able to manage the flooding, Annaliese’s pain and muscle cramps and Erich’s job satisfaction. Praying for Chloe and Paige, again for reconciliation with faith based counseling if at all possible. Praying for Lou, as she enters a new phase in life and the joy she had over the holidays with her kids. New beginnings, Lou, we are to be praying for new beginnings. Me too. Don’t know what it’s going to look like yet, but letting go, letting God. Praying for Mary, with all she has going on with her Mom, and especially her Dad, while working through your it all. Please bless her and keep her, Jesus. Praying for Jill and her parents. And Louise and her Aunt. All other prayers requested but unspoken, Lord, You know what their needs are, Father in heaven. Please answer their prayers.
I am exhausted, as usual, and hope I have conveyed what I mean to say, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit here today. My love to all of you, truly.
And these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE!
Thanks dear Marcy
Blessings
And I am thankful for the prayers from Andrea, Francesca and Louise yesterday when I was really down. Thank you, Jesus Christ for the UR family members who pray for one another anytime any of us ask, or a new person in need comes down from the balcony and asks us to pray for them. Yrs, thank you, God for the prayer of this UR family and beyond!
Thankful, Marcy, for your heartfelt prayers for the UR family, each of us by name and need or concern. Most certainly you are in God’s hands, doing God’s work, even as you recover from problems breathing. Thankful to have you at the UR where prayer to help others is freely shared and given. The Lord protect you, care for you, and guide you as He does for each and everyone who turns to Him, trusts in Him, and abides in Him. God is love, from God we learn to love, for God loved us before we were born and while we were sinners.
Thankful for Jill, Julie, Connie, Carol, Chloe, Betsy, Rusty and K, Andrea, Lou, Marcy, Mary and all the UR family for the love from God that you share
so freely. God’s blessing be with you all now and always. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Thanks Robert.
Now my dad needs dialysis. Please pray that this is just temporary.
Blessings
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