Counting My Pennies

Many of you have been with me from the beginning. You know I have been teaching parenting for over 30 years and have never wavered in my passion, but have stumbled over the business plan for Real Simple Parenting. When my husband began planning his retirement, I began counting my pennies. He has always told me not to worry, but I do. My desire has always been to operate in the black and not to take money from our personal account. I was never out to make a fortune. I simply wanted to cover expenses; maintaining the website and domain, keeping my tools updated for speaking on the road, paying the accountant, keeping a social media presence, which is all needed in today’s world.

But this weekend I have been counseled and convicted from both my husband and son. It started with listening to the audio Bible. I listen when I get ready in the morning, so that is a good chunk of time. I was on II Samuel chapter 24 where King David counts his fighting men. I cannot remember ever reading that even though I have read through the Bible lots. I was discussing this with my husband, “What was the big deal?” I was surprised by God’s correction. God says to King David, "I am going to correct you but I am going to give you three options. You pick." (I'm using this in RSP!) But when I read the options, they seemed so severe! My husband pointed out that King David was later convicted because he put his trust in figures rather than faith. My husband is so wise!

Later that day, my saintly husband comes back to me and says, “Janis, I'm not going to count our pennies in retirement. I am going to have faith in God's provision and not rely on the figures.” Ugh! Very convicting! So, I gave away one free coaching video on my website.

Yesterday, my son, Aaron, came over and I asked him to look at the website and give it the once over. Though he was mostly positive, he had one criticism, he basically said, “Mom, you are collecting pennies on the sight, when you should be giving it away.” Ugh again.

That evening I went into the website and made all the coaching videos free. I am sorry it took this long. And I want you to give it away too! Thank you for following me on this looong road.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.” Psalm 119: 105