THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 MONEY, GIVING, AND MORE.

 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 MONEY, GIVING, AND MORE.

ANDREW CARNEGIE’S GIVING

Many persons of wealth have contributed to charity, but Carnegie was perhaps the first to state publicly that the rich have a moral obligation to give away their fortunes. In 1889, he wrote The Gospel of Wealth, in which he asserted that all personal wealth beyond that required to supply the needs of one's family should be regarded as a trust fund to be administered for the benefit of the community.

So, I’m trying to follow Carnegie.  All my personal wealth beyond supplying my basic needs should be used “for the benefit of the community”.

God will provide for my needs (Philippians 4:19) - and he does.  Yes, I have two basic incomes.  I do not spend the total of my income each month (generally).  Thus, I’ve been trying to give money away.  In the past few minutes I’ve supported the two churches I am attending, I’ve given cash to four people (somewhat anonymously), and given to other organizations.  I have a scholarship fund at an institution where I taught and I want that to grow.  

I am trying to let God meet my needs (not my wants).  If I have additional expenses in a given month (like when my car insurance is up for renewal, or an unexpected medical bill occurs), they will be met like “needs” from my income.  If I have excess, I can (and will) give it away.  Just before the middle of month, my banking account should basically be in the same “ballpark” as the previous month - not higher and not lower.  (Note, we’re not talking about millions here).  

I’m not giving only to financial organizations.  Some needy friends might find $20 in a coffee cup - just a little to help tie them over.  (Please don’t think I am bragging).

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There is a concept that “You can’t outgive God”.  I’m not trying to do this in order to get things back.  My needs are okay.

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Okay, now time for where you can help me a little.

NEEDS VERSUS WANTS:

Okay, God is meeting my needs.  I’m trying to be “sold out” to Him - no hedging, no turning back, no leaving Him.

How about wants.  A friend wants me to travel with her - she wants to go to Iceland and see the Northern Lights.  I want to see Alaska (I’ve been to all of the other states).  

If I was to travel internationally, I’d need to update my passport to my new name.  Do I “NEED” to travel internationally?  Or do I just “WANT” to travel internationally?

There are things I might say “I NEED”, but I really don’t need them.  What do I really need?  Food, shelter, love, basic essentials of clothes, toiletries?  Is that enough?  

First “WANT” - I liked having my ear pierced and wearing earrings.  Over a year ago, my right ear lobe split (maybe I had been wearing too heavy of earrings?). 

Do I NEED pierced ears and earrings?  Well, it would help for people to understand I am a woman, but I’ve lived without pierced ears for over a year.

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Second WANT - I want to travel to Alaska.  

Why?  Because it is the only state I haven’t visited!!  (Is that a good reason?  Do I NEED to go to Alaska?)

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Third - do I need my passport fixed?

Well - if I WANT to travel abroad, I will NEED a passport.  Do I need to travel abroad?  I’m 74, I’ve been to Germany, Belarus (twice), Kazakhstan, and Ireland (twice).  Do I NEED to travel abroad?  

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WOULD the money I would spend on the items above be better used in DSU scholarship funds?  

I’d LIKE a new tuba.  Bah Humbug.  I’m 74 - my tuba playing days are numbered.

I’d LIKE a television.  Nope.  Maybe when I’m 80!!

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I am frugal.  I don’t eat out much (other than when a friend asks me to join her).  I cook my own food.  I don’t buy pre-packaged dinners.  (I just made chicken spaghetti - using bulk boneless chicken breasts).  I eat oatmeal (good fiber).  I’ve tried to cut out bread, sugar, salt, and butter.  

What do I really NEED?

(The real answer - from the bottom of my heart - is I “NEED” my family!!!)

LOVE WINS!!

Trying to balance NEEDS and WANTS.  The reality is my needs have been met - so beyond that are just desires and things I think I want.  What do you think?

Karen

May 26, 2022