Seeking First

2020 has been wild. But there are some lessons that are good to learn and this is the perfect season to remember them.

It's been a while. And what a year to say the least. But we have something to hope in and to hope for if we know where to look. Take a listen and reflect with me. Merry Christmas.

I am back! What have I been up to? A LOT. Season 2 is going to kick off soon. You can look forward to many different topics this season from politics to the Coronavirus pandemic to justice issues. Listen in for more info on what to expect. 

There is no real war on Christmas.  That is typically used as political propaganda. The truth is, the war that Christ came to fight is already won. But we do have to fight to keep focused on what really matters this Christmas. Here is some encouragement to have the focus of Christmas not be the gifts under the tree but the gift given that would be eventually hung on a tree.

Economic Study of Christmas Spending

https://fortunly.com/statistics/christmas-spending-statistics/

In this episode we talk with Omar and Jeneen Barlow who are raising 3 amazing children and have taught them principals of stewardship that they share with our audience.  Grab a pen and paper and take notes on tidbits that might be helpful to you and your household.  They have an event coming up that may be of interest to you.  Check it out!!  

The Destiny Statement Institute (Web-Based): 

www.allovertheplacenomore.com

Every generation starting at zero or less than zero leaves entire families financially struggling generation after generation. There's got to be a better way.  But what is the best way to begin to carve out a new legacy within your family?  Rev. Chris Holland joins me again for this episode when we discuss generational wealth and how to keep the fundamentals of creating it at the forefront of your wealth building strategies.  

Statistical data from this episode taken from https://www.epi.org/blog/the-racial-wealth-gap-how-african-americans-have-been-shortchanged-out-of-the-materials-to-build-wealth/

How do you and your siblings get along financially? What are each of your financial personalities? Many siblings might fight over various elements of money, but how can we avoid these fights? 

We have reached the last financial personality in our Money on Purpose series. We finish up with a familiar guest, Carrie Campbell who has the financial personality of a Spender.  What does it mean to be a spender and how do spenders balance their finances with their faith? 

Risk takers make the world go 'round.  They are the ones who go out and start businesses, make us long for adventure and know how to show us a good time.  But when is a risk too much? How do risk takers reel it in? Join us on this episode where we talk with a born risk taker who will show us the way! 

Have you ever known a politician who doesn't care about money? Well, meet Karla Cruel, candidate for Philadelphia City Council whose financial personality is that of a Flyer.  These types really don't care about money but value relationships over everything.  Listen to what she has to say.  

In this episode, we explore the Saver Money Personality and how it shows up in the life and faith of our guest, Sharita Reyes, author of Behind the Veil: Preparations for Marriage from a Biblical Perspective.  

What is most valuable to you? For most of us, the things of this world are more valuable than the things of God.  But by God's grace, He helps us to find value in what is eternal instead of what is temporal.  In this episode, I explore the treasure of the kingdom of God and testify of God's goodness to me when I was called to quit a lucrative job and step out into the unknown. 

Rev. Jason Halloway and I take a look at prayer in the kingdom of God and why it is that Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:5-13. How does our prayer life look if we are going to be about the business of the kingdom of God.  

In the episode we remain in our series on The Kingdom and are joined my my long-time sister-friend, Carrie Campbell who will give her perspective on Matthew 25:31-46. We examine Jesus' separation of his sheep from the goats at the end of the age and what it takes to be a sheep and welcomed into the kingdom.  

In this episode we are joined by Rev. Christopher J. Holland, II, Pastor of New Spirit Community Presbyterian Church. He and I will discuss the topic of stewardship from Matthew 25:14-30 and look at what the characteristics of a faithful steward are and how it applies to our life and relationship with God and money.

In the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:16-26, Jesus has an encounter with a young man who has done well for himself financially and morally, according to him.  But when he is given the standard for entering into Jesus' kingdom, it proves to be too much for him to take.  We will be joined by Rev. Dr. Drick Boyd, Professor of Urban and Interdisciplinary Studies at Eastern University to serve as our conversation partner here.  Find Drick at www.drickboyd.org

If we are to seek the kingdom, then we should first understand what it is.  And fundamentally, a kingdom has to have a king.  But what does that even mean to us and how should this govern how we handle money? Join us as we invite my husband, Frederick to discuss our Lord Jesus as a king. 

Take a listen and hear what we are all about at Seeking First. We'll talk about our foundational scripture and get a little insight into what is to come.