READING CAN MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL

Reading can enhance your life. Studies show that the most successful people are the ones who read. We can learn a lot by picking up a magazine, a book, or a newspaper. I think it's great to be able to talk to others about what you read, too. Reading promotes conversation, intelligence, and knowledge. So, what are you waiting for?

I think everyone has a story to tell, and we should. For many years, I got away from writing fiction, but I have had a great time writing my first novel as an adult. Changing real-life situations into fiction helps heal the heart.

What can I say about Life? Mine has been tough at times, but I'm grateful that God has given me mercy, grace, and love. I love my life and the family I've been blessed with.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Wealth, is it Worth It?


I received this book for free from Chick-Fil-A.  It is written by the founder of the company, S. Truett Cathy.  The title of it really intrigued me, and I couldn’t wait to start reading it.

When I received it in the mail, I started on it immediately. It was a hard book to put down. I would consider this book inspirational as well as historical. There are stories of people who did well with their wealth, and there were others who did not do so well. 

I found the history of Chick-Fil-A to be very interesting and just goes to prove that you can achieve what you want to in life.

Dave Ramsey wrote the introduction for the book, and I thought that was great. His words really summed what I believe was behind this book.  Dave says, “With the youngest one in college now, we can only pray that we’ve done enough to pass along not just the wealth, but also the character to carry that wealth. It struck us early on that if we didn’t pour into their character, the wealth our kids inherit will absolutely destroy their lives” (p.12).

Isn’t that the truth…

We have all heard the interpretation of what the Bible says about money… Some say it this way, Money is the root of all evil.  But that is not exactly what the Bible says. It says it this way: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV)

We are also advised to be careful of money and the trust we tend to place in it instead of the God who gave it to us in the first place.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says it this way. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

Hebrews 13:5 encourages us with this. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

I think these things are what Mr. Cathy is trying to say. Work hard in your life, and God will bless you. If you are blessed with money, don’t forget the hand that gave it to you. Don’t allow it to be what you “bank” on (no pun intended).

The story of Chick-Fil-A is a story of a family who trusts God with their wealth.  They receive with an open hand, give with an open hand, and they receive it back again. I really enjoyed this book, and I think it is very encouraging to the reader. If I would not have eaten at Chick-Fil-A before reading this book, I would certainly make it a point to frequent their restaurant now. They are people with integrity and character.