stewardship | SingleRoots

28 Mar 2012

Syncing Your Calendar to Your Life

syncing your calendar with your love life

I don't believe you can put a timeline on love or marriage.

As a single thirty-something, I often find myself thinking about dating and marriage. In the forms of both daydreams and nightmares, these topics are clearly on my mind. I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed, merely looking ahead. Just like a two-year-old boy might dream of riding a bike, or a 15-year old girl might long for her Sweet Sixteen, I’m thinking about the next chapter in my life. Because, let’s get real, the current chapter seems longer than all seven Harry Potter books combined.

I’ve never been one of those girls that said things like, “I want to be married by 22 and have kids by 25.” Good thing, I suppose, since I’ve clearly missed those goals! I don’t believe you can put a timeline on love or marriage. But, I also don’t like flying by the seat of my pants in life and just “seeing what will happen.” [Read more...]

Categories: Spiritual Growth Tags: adventure, marriage, singleness, stewardship

26 Mar 2012

What Your Generosity Says About You

By Jake Harvey 9 Comments

Familiarity is an easy way to build a relationship.

Many years ago, after college and while trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up, I delivered pizzas. It was a decent job, I left with cash every night, and I spent most of my time on the road listening to good music. But there was one part I couldn’t stand. It wasn’t the boss; I was old school friends with the managers. It wasn’t the low employment status; I liked my work better than most of the other people I knew.

It was being disrespected right to my face by customers.

I am not talking about 2-pie customers who didn’t tip. I’m not talking about the 6 drunk people on the porch who were overly suspicious that I did something to the pizza. I’m not even talking about the folks who lived on gravel roads and couldn’t give good directions to the sink if they were standing in the kitchen. I’m talking about 20, 30 or 50 pizza orders from churches, schools and other organizations. Further, it wasn’t that they ordered that many. [Read more...]

Categories: Stewardship Tags: evangelism, generosity, manners, restaurants, stewardship, tipping

16 Mar 2012

Blog Tour :: 4 Reasons to Be Debt Free Before You Get Married

By SingleRoots Team Leave a Comment

Our friend, PT, over at PT Money graciously invited us to guest post on his blog. Ryan was the obvious choice for this guest posting stint, as he is the resident authority on all things money-related around here at SingleRoots.

And, just so you know, Ryan and Kori are getting married tomorrow, yet they somehow found time in their crazy, wedding planning schedule to write for SingleRoots. Do they love us or what? ~~As a wedding gift, we’re kicking them off the SingleRoots team.~~

We’re so excited for them and can’t wait to see how the Lord grows them in their love for each other and for the Lord. Congratulations, Ryan and Kori! Much love to you both!

Pay Off Debt: 4 Reasons to Be Debt Free Before You Get Married

In one day, I will be tying the knot.

There are lots of reasons I’m madly in love with my future bride, and there are lots of reasons I’m crazy about our relationship.

One really cool thing I’m excited about is that we’re both coming into the marriage debt free.

Now this may not sound really romantic, but in this day and age, I think it’s dang sexy. But we’ll get to that later.

Continue reading…

Categories: Blog Tour, Stewardship Tags: debt, freedom, marriage, stewardship

09 Mar 2012

How Your Paycheck Is an Act of Worship

By Jake Harvey Leave a Comment

God isn't glorified by miserable people, but we do need some careful examination of how we handle it.

When I used to hear the phrase, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems,” I thought, I’d like to put that to the test. How can having more money really be that bad? Then I won the lottery. Just kidding – this is going to go in a completely different direction.

Money isn’t bad – it’s neutral. It keeps the lights on, it puts gas in your car, and it puts food in your stomach. However, it also funds terrorism, feeds addictions, and bribes decision makers. Currency is just the agreed upon standard for trading goods and services. It’s far easier and keeps me from having to calculate my checking account by chickens and wheat. [Read more...]

Categories: Stewardship Tags: finances, money, stewardship, worship

11 Jan 2012

Twenty Things I Learned in My Twenties

By Ryan S. 5 Comments

Guys, don't let your twenties just happen to you...

Now that I’m at the ripe, old age of 31, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the things I learned while experiencing my twenties as a single guy. My list is mainly beneficial if you’re of the male demographic, but I’m sure that it can speak to the ladies too. (Even if it’s a “Yeah, Ryan, preach it, brother!”)

Hopefully, one of my life lessons can save you some heartache, point you in a new direction, or just give you something to think about…

1. Only in emergencies should you live with your parents. And if you must, put a time limit on it. Girls see this as a red flag.

2. If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it. Your future family shouldn’t be paying interest on the big screen you bought when you were 21.

3. Girls don’t care what kind of car you drive. They mainly care if you have drive — as in, whether or not you have enough ambition to support a family someday.

4. Working on a career versus working on an Xbox game has a much bigger payoff in the long run, according to Donald Miller. He’s right. [Read more...]