Yahweh’s Money®️: The Crossroads of Religion & Money

How Gratitude and Contentment Can Help You Navigate Financial Stress with Adriana Lopez

• Crusaders for Change, LLC • Season 3 • Episode 78

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Welcome back to Yahweh's Money, the podcast where faith meets finance! 

In this final episode of Season 3 (we will be back with Season 4 and changes, y'all, in June!), I welcome back my special guest Adriana Lopez and together we dive into navigating the stormy seas of inflation. 

As prices rise and financial pressures mount, we explore how faith-based strategies can empower you to thrive financially. Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings and personal experiences, Adriana and I discuss practical ways to adjust spending habits, embrace gratitude, and prepare for economic uncertainty. 

From switching to generic brands to cutting down on unnecessary expenses, we will share creative tips for maintaining quality of life without breaking the bank while reminding you that God's provision is eternal, even in economically challenging times. 

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that centers on trust, stewardship, and the power of preparation. Let's tackle inflation head-on while keeping our spiritual compass aligned!

Here are a few key takeaways:

  1. Faith Over Fear: Trusting in God's provision can help alleviate financial stress. By focusing on His faithfulness in the past, we can find peace in uncertain times.
  2. Smart Spending Strategies: Preparing for the future is crucial. Paying down debt and saving during plentiful times ensures you're ready for any unexpected downturns.
  3. Practice Gratitude and Generosity: Even during financial strain, there's always room for gratitude. Recognizing our blessings and sharing our abundance can help inspire and uplift others.

Episode References:

  1. Matthew 6:31-33 - Shay opens up with this verse which emphasizes not worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear because God will provide. The focus is on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first.
  2. Joseph's Story - Adriana talks about the story of Joseph from the Bible, who prepared for the famine by storing grain. It’s a great example of preparation and trusting God’s guidance.
  3. Proverbs 22:7 - While not directly quoted, the idea of not being a slave to the lender is mentioned, reflecting this Proverb.
  4. 2 Timothy 1:7 - Adriana touches on not being given a spirit of fear, which reflects this verse that speaks about power, love, and a sound mind instead of fear.

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Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

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Adriana Lopez:

One of the great stories that I love is Joseph preparing for the famine. You know, god gave him that. Of course, he interpreted Pharaoh's dream and he was diligent, he prepared, he stored grain and I think for us it's the same thing saving. We're not sure what things are going to be looking like, but if we can help it right now and pay things off, like right now, one of our goals is to pay off our vehicle. You know, in the time of plentiful right, that's what he did, joseph stored grain. You know the time of plentiful, why things are good and you feel like you can do it. Do something to pay off a bill, do something to pay off a debt that you have. So that's what one of the goals that we're trying to focus on, because when? One of the goals that we're trying to focus on because, when the time comes, that you know again, these times right now are very unpredictable.

Shay Cook:

At least you could say well, I'm glad I did that. I'm glad I'm safe. I'm glad we put money away. Ever felt those awkward vibes when religion and money come up? You're not alone. Welcome to Yahweh's Money, the podcast where we tackle the crossroads of faith and finance. I'm Shay

Shay Cook:

I'm, an accredited financial counselor and the CEO and founder of Crusaders for Change LLC. Join us on our journey as we discuss topics like tithing, saving and conquering debt through religious perspectives. Let's get started. Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of Yahweh's Money. This is actually our final episode of season three, which is crazy.

Shay Cook:

I'm excited for season four. We got some exciting new changes coming, including amazing graphics by the creative genius. Amazing graphics by the creative genius Sharoline, who was working with Crackers and Soup, and Bethany and all of her great production just genius as well. I just love being around black and brown magic. It's just a gorgeous thing and so being able to work with and women, all these women-owned businesses and just doing their things in the name of Jesus and just in God's grace and glory and everything I mean. I'm just excited for season four. With the new run of show, we're going to change up little things there as well, and then we're going to bring in some family and friends and experts. I got my husband coming on with the first episode of season four, so I'm just super excited about that. But before I get into what this episode of talking about inflation and inspiration, I want to welcome back our amazing guest, Adriana. What's up, girl?

Adriana Lopez:

Hey, shay and you you're a great entrepreneur, woman business, so that group of great women.

Shay Cook:

I appreciate that. Yeah, we're doing our thing out here and I'm just excited about what season four is going to bring. But I'm even more excited in this moment about this episode, because Inflation Girl is making everything more expensive, I mean. But God still provides right. Let's talk about faith-based strategies to thrive financially.

Shay Cook:

So, starting with our scripture, matthew 6, 31-33 states so do not worry, saying what shall we eat, what shall we drink or what shall we wear, but seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. I mean that right there. It just says it point blank Don't worry about what you're eating, don't worry about you drinking, you're wearing. God is going to take care of you. And I mean, in these times, right now, that's all we have. So that's what we're going to be talking about in a minute. So, getting into our rapid fire questions, within five minutes we got three questions that we're going to ask each other and go back and forth, and I'm excited about what Adriana the expert, the personal financial expert, has to say. Started with number one, what's one thing you stopped buying due to rising costs?

Adriana Lopez:

Ooh small bottles, small bottles of shampoo, small bottles of conditioner, liquid detergent, because we use these things in big quantities sometimes. There's these cutesy little bottles yeah, you know, when it comes to personal care and I realized that is not going to be something that's going to be economical for us when we run through it like water yeah so I gotta buy the things in bag, and so I've had to change some things that you know I was used to using, because they don't come in like the 32 ounce yeah.

Adriana Lopez:

Yeah, I would say small bottles of things that we use in bulk I no longer buy, no matter how cute I try. But I mean, you know some things you can't like. Some facial cream they come, you know 32 ounce facial, but that's it.

Shay Cook:

What about you? The first thing that came to mind, which is not the right answer, but I'm just going to share it, is white eggs, because my daughter called me the other day. She said Mother, do you know, brown eggs are less expensive than white eggs. She's like they out here racing in these eggs. Man, brown eggs are less expensive, up here at least. I'm only speaking from Maryland, I'm only speaking in Anne Arundel County, I'm only speaking around where we live. They are cheaper. Brown eggs are cheaper than white eggs. My daughter said these people out here racist against brown eggs, but we gonna eat brown eggs and we love brown eggs that's why.

Shay Cook:

I stopped buying white eggs because brown eggs are cheap.

Adriana Lopez:

The only time I'll buy white eggs is if there's no brown eggs, and I've realized, because you know everything that's happening with eggs, that there are only white eggs left.

Shay Cook:

Yeah, exactly Because everybody's buying the cheaper brown eggs. But, like I said, my daughter's like why are the brown eggs cheaper when they are actually more healthier and usually organic and whatever? So how does trusting God change how we handle financial stress?

Adriana Lopez:

Good one, that is good. It's hard. I'm not going to lie. I want to always say that I am, you know, calm during the storms, that I don't freak out. But that's not the truth. You know, I do stress out but I try to remember and look back how God has always been faithful and whenever there has been any trials or tribulations. You know you can always look back and see God's hand in things, but sometimes during it you're not really seeing everything that is going to come to fruition. So, getting into the word and just staying mindful that God is going to see it through, so they might, you know, if the stress is going to be something that is going to come, but you've got to be able to pivot and say, okay, you know what? I know that God's got a bigger plan. That's your word. It looks like you ain't got a bigger plan Because you've always come through.

Shay Cook:

Always. He's always coming through. Yeah, that's the same for me. Trusting God changes my stress financially or any stress by calming me, by keeping me peaceful and, like you said, I am one of those that are just out of mind, just crazy. Sometimes it's like anxiety, depression. All of that hits me when there's stress especially well any kind of stress. There's stress especially well, any kind of stress. And just even recently, the only thing that was able to calm my mind was God and meditation on his word. That's the only thing that worked. And he's like you need to seek me and I did and I had peace and I went to sleep. That's the only thing that works for me now. Ain't no alcohol, no other vice out there is helping me with this stress, only God.

Adriana Lopez:

So yeah, you know, I heard someone say when you're going through trials, there's only two choices either despair or dependence.

Shay Cook:

I love that. That's a good quote Okay.

Adriana Lopez:

Yeah, despair or dependence, it's either one or the other. So I'd rather not get into the despair and dependence on him.

Shay Cook:

Yeah, I love that. I have to write that down. All right, what's one creative way to save money without sacrificing quality of life?

Adriana Lopez:

You know, one thing that I always told clients but I wasn't really fully doing myself, was about buying general brands and not brand names of food and things. We want things here and there, but I really have now switched a lot of things to have more non-brand things. For instance, I love goldfish but not gold turtles.

Shay Cook:

I didn't even know that existed. Okay, I told my daughter she's a goldfish person that gold turtles. I didn't even know that existed.

Adriana Lopez:

okay, I told my daughter she's a goldfish person, so they're a little hollow, you know, yeah, but it gives me that cheesy feeling. So there's some things that you can definitely try to alternate. You know, like things that either buy in bulk, like maybe paper towels. You know, do they always that either you buy in bulk, like maybe paper towels, you know, do they always have to be the brand name? There are a lot of things, a lot of cereals, that are made in the same factories. All they do is just switch. You know the Walmart, you know the great value, you know what I mean. That's all they do. They just change the name on the front of the box, but a lot of things are made. So I've realized that now I can, yeah, perhaps not get the brand name, so sacrifice that, but I'm still getting good things. Yeah, dollar tree's got a lot of good things.

Shay Cook:

So, yeah, we saw another dollar tree coming up in the neighborhood and we were like I guess this time when you're in inflation, dollar trees start going in and then when you get out of it they start closing down. It's like this whole cycle and I'm like man people gonna be prouder than that dollar tree over the next few years with inflation, what about?

Shay Cook:

you man, I don't know. I think the number one thing that comes to my mind about creative and I know a lot of people don't like to do is cooking. I mean, to me that's a man, cooking saves you money. And then when you cook, like, like, you got to cook leftovers people you got to ensure that you guys, I love eating leftovers for lunch because I don't have to worry about, oh, what I'm going to order or where I got to go and all that. No, I got leftovers in the refrigerator and even if I'm out and about taking it with me, like, to me it ain't the most creative thing. But yeah, get creative with that. Know, make sure I mean I love a blue apron box, you know, and all the box, kind of they bring, send everything to you. Yeah, making sure you have your base of potatoes or rice or something like noodles, something, and then throw some vegetables and protein on there. Man, you're good and that carries you, like, gives you all the different nutrients you want. It's mostly fresh because you're cooking it, you're buying it, you're sourcing it locally. Um, so that's my creative way. For me it's creative y'all. For y'all that have been cooking forever, it's not creative, but for me. I didn't really like cooking until like last year, so I'm appreciating it more for my temple that god gave me, um, and my mind, and that is making sure I'm cognizant and mindful of what I'm eating too. So instead of just grabbing and going right, right or just, uh, like from a store or ordering something and I'm like man, I should have just ate more than a refrigerator, I should have just cooked something. So I'm not feeling bad that you know I ordered something and I'm like what am I eating this? Like I should have just cooked something. So, anyway, so that's that. And wow, that was a great rapid fire. Yay, we got gotta have a little ching, ching or something there, like rapid fire, I don't know, some kind of jingle to go. No, I can't sing y'all all right.

Shay Cook:

So main discussion oh man, man, inflation and inspiration, you know, thriving despite rising costs. Like adriana said, let's be dependent on God versus being in despair of everything that's going on with this inflation. I mean, how biblical stewardship helps us navigate inflation, I believe, is key. It's in the word. God wants us to be fruitful and multiply, but he also wants us to not be what's to the lender. He doesn't want to be a slave to the lender. He wants us to be prosperous. I'm trying to go back and forth here, y'all I'm trying to be like there's a positive, but there's also a time of sacrifice and discipline and self-control that is needed. That is spoke about in the Bible often, that God wants us to be great stewards of everything he gives us. Because we don't own anything and I'm going to keep saying that on every episode because we don't until it really sinks in for me and everybody else. But how are you a steward and how is this helping you get through this inflation?

Adriana Lopez:

I would say preparation. One of the great stories that I love is Joseph preparing for the famine. You know, god came him that. Of course he interpreted Pharaoh's dream and he was diligent, he prepared, he stored grain and I think for us it's the same thing saving.

Adriana Lopez:

We're not sure what things are going to be looking like, but if we can help it right now and pay things off like right now, one of our goals is to pay off our vehicle. You know, in the time of plentiful right, that's what he did Joseph stored green. You know the time of plentiful why things are good and you feel like you can do it, do something to pay off a bill, do something to pay off a debt that you have. So that's what one of the goals that we're trying to focus on, because when the time comes that you know again, these times right now are very unpredictable. At least you could say, well, I'm glad I did that, I'm glad we saved, I'm glad we put money away.

Adriana Lopez:

I'll never forget I had a client who was doing very well I mean bringing in like 20,000 plus a month on his own business and during those times and then business slowed down I wasn't really saving what I could have. And I, I just I asked him you know what, why didn't you? He said because I never thought the flow was going to stop. You know what I mean, you know. And then that happens to some of us a lot of us.

Adriana Lopez:

The gravy train is always going to be pouring gravy, you know, but God will provide. But he also wants you to prepare, and being a good steward is to understand that he owns it all. He wants you to, of course, multiply, but he wants you to be able to store away, just like the ants right that, even the ants, you know, prepare.

Shay Cook:

Yeah, they do all year around.

Adriana Lopez:

Yeah, squirrels prepare. I mean, you know a lot of species prepare for the seasons, for the winter. So I think that's a big thing. You know, that we try to do is just prepare and see okay, let's pay off this, let's save, let's put money away.

Shay Cook:

I agree, everything is unknown. I just was thinking about, my mind was like when I was ripped from the government, even though we're talking about inflation, you know, but it still goes with the time. Not only are we dealing with inflation, we're dealing with the crazy administration and government and you know, and all that stuff, and people are losing their jobs or they're getting their jobs back because it just says you can't be firing these people. Whatever the situation may be, we don't tomorrow's not promised. Our jobs are not promised. This business is not promised, even though it's God's business. God might be like tomorrow Shay, I hope he doesn't say this but C4C is done. You ain't getting nothing. We're good, right, and so you're right that preparation is key of saving, of managing your debt, paying down your debt. I mean a form of saving is paying down your debt because those interest rates are high.

Shay Cook:

I was at an event this week where the ladies was like, man, I got to pay down these credit cards or pay them off because they're in 20 plus percent. You know interest rates. Right now I'm like, yeah, you ain't going to get no savings or investment. That's going to be 20 percent. You know interest generating. So you have to prepare y'all.

Shay Cook:

I mean it's hard. I know a lot of people deal with FOMO, deal with you only live once here in these streets, yoloing, but yeah, you want to live in the moment. But again, tomorrow you might not have no job, or your spouse may not have no job, or your kid might move back in the house and you have to pay for them you don't know what this is or your parents? We're in a sandwich generation. We might have to take care of our parents, and I know that's a lot, but we need to be thinking about how we can sustain ourselves but also help others, because, of course, that's what God wants us to help others as well. It's a lot to try to prepare, especially when the costs are going up. People ain't paying us more. I mean it's a lot.

Adriana Lopez:

Yes, it definitely is, and that's why you have to do what's best for your family. Sit down and analyze, look at your budget, see what we were just talking about cooking more at home or not buying the brand name stuff. You have to see what ways that, although you cannot control what is happening, you trust in God that things will work out. But what can we do? I mean, joseph's still prepared, even though he knew that God was going to see through, but he still was diligent in storing grain. So we still do what we have to do. You know, and modify, or just you know, hey, I'm not going to use as much gas and just wasting it doing other things. I'm going to try to knock everything out. You know, when I'm out running errands, you know, I mean just even little changes. Little changes, you're very cost-saving.

Shay Cook:

Exactly.

Adriana Lopez:

So, looking at things, alternating, things, you purchase, you can buy in bulk, buy in bulk.

Shay Cook:

Yeah, I love the whole buying in bulk man. I, especially in this time. You know we go to Costco. I just told my husband, make sure you get that toilet tissue and stuff like, especially after the pandemic, making sure I have the toilet tissue stocked up, the Lysol taken from others. You know I ain't one of those to go buy 20 gallons of milk, which I've seen people do, but I just want to make sure that we have what we can and that the pricing is right too and the savings. It makes sense because I do comparison shopping as well.

Shay Cook:

I'm looking at Costco, looking at other places, because sometimes, unfortunately, unfortunately, amazon might have it for a little cheaper. So you know, go there just for the savings aspect of it all. But yeah, and I love the idea you're saying like, if you go out, get your errands out, because the gas, I mean, not only is it destroying, it's getting more expensive, it's destroying the earth, unfortunately the fumes. So I'm not going to go into that whole green stuff, but we need to be cognizant of that. I know, when I go to a place I'm like, oh, if it's just I'm going to walk around the shopping center, I'm not. I mean, I know that not everybody's capable and able to do that due to disabilities or whatever, but I know if I can I will. So I'm going to walk.

Adriana Lopez:

I mean it's good for me.

Shay Cook:

I don't need to be driving everywhere.

Adriana Lopez:

I, you know, I mean those ways. I know social media, you know well, it's got its. You know things that could be a little bit toxic. It also has really good ideas because with this whole egg thing, you know, with people at the shortage of eggs not being able to get eggs, eggs are, you know, doubled in price. People are substituting eggs, you know, for with other things, and I didn't even know that you could do that in some baking recipes. Oh yeah. So I mean I love the creative way. So even going to social media and seeing, hey, what else could I, you know, use instead of eggs and still get, you know, quality.

Adriana Lopez:

Again, you have to modify and it's not going to be forever, but just in time. Exactly that you just have to. You know, this time of transition until you can get to a place again where this is not an issue. But this time of transition until you can get to a place again where this is not an issue. But I've seen people do these amazing recipes and I'm like, oh cool, that's really cool. I mean I, you know, I'm not going to be trying to need them, but you know, because you know I don't eat eggs. So for me, this little egg hasn't even fazed me.

Shay Cook:

Oh yeah, no, my family is the egg family. I don't eat a lot of like eggs for breakfast because as I've gotten older they don't sit well with my digestive system, but, um, like once a week I might cook some eggs on a weekend, um, but they are part of recipes and I hear people talking about getting chickens, like in our county in Maryland. We can. I think we had two chickens. I heard in Baltimore City they can have five. So I'm gonna have to convince my mother-in-law to get five chickens and I'm talking about the way things are going. We might have to get a cow and a bunch of goats and everything.

Shay Cook:

Because it's crazy out here.

Adriana Lopez:

Yeah, I had a chili. What was it? Sweet potato chili. And I thought it was going to be me with the sweet potato. No, but the whole chili was made from sweet potatoes and while I was like, okay, the flavors are there, it's substituting meat, but it was really good. Yeah, sweet potato chili. And I said who would have thought, but yeah, again substituting things that you think, oh no, you know, maybe toilet paper, you might like your brand, you know name, maybe there's some things you just have, but there's a lot of other things that you really could substitute.

Shay Cook:

Yeah, I mean I used to be an Angel Soft girl and then I was. Now I'm a Charmin girl because of Costco, but I've tried to go back to Angel Soft and then Charmin, charmin. However you do that, that stuff is working. That's the high quality toilet tissue that I love. So what are some smart spending strategies We've kind of been talking about it but that align with faith, right?

Shay Cook:

I think we were saying the preparation, that's the key part of it. Obviously we need a budget. We need to know we're all, all our money needs. That we were talking about this in that same meeting this week. Having a purpose, he's assigning a goal to every dollar, down to the penny that you're using. So you, god knows what you're doing, starting with him, giving your money, your first fruits, right, but then move into and making sure you're taking care of yourself. And then I always say, build in a little bit of fun. Right now I've been sacrificing the fun piece because I love working and trying to grow the business more and everything, but sometimes that might have to be the sacrifice. I mean, you know, what are you sacrificing? That's part of faith. You're like Lord. I mean it's Lent season, you know, people are fasting, all the stuff that's going on, and this time of year, before Easter, you're aligning. You're spending your finances with your faith. So what are you doing right now, adrienne?

Adriana Lopez:

One of the things is gratitude. When Paul said, do not be anxious about anything, of course, in everything give thanks. I got a check the other day unexpectedly. I overpaid on something. It was $18. I just stopped and said, thank you, god, you know, thank you for this $18. I didn't expect it, it was a surprise. And just having that gratitude that we're getting paid, that we have money coming in, I really, really try to focus on gratitude because that keeps me humble, not to think that things are just going to come. You know what I mean. I just remember to myself like hey, every time that the check deposits into our money, deposits into our checking account, just to say thank you when I go in.

Adriana Lopez:

So just really being grateful for what we have, because you know it's like he can be trusted with very little, can be trusted with a lot. I feel like God wants to see your heart of where you're at with the things he provides, because everything is a blessing. You know, my paid off car is a blessing. I remember having this period, you know, of almost giving into my flesh and wanting to buy a newer car because my car is older but it's been paid off. God really humbled me and was like your car is paid off, it's a blessing. It's never broken down on me, so why am I trying to replace it? Is it all vain?

Adriana Lopez:

You know I love Jeeps and that's my thing. And I was like, okay, okay, god you know, again, going back to being a good steward, he knew that that wasn't a wise thing to do. Why would you do that? I said okay, so that's out of me now. So my husband's just shocked that I don't even mention it when we see Jeeps walk. You know what I mean. Oh, I like that color. Oh, that's the one I want. I'm just good to where I'm at, because what I have is what I need Exactly.

Shay Cook:

I agree, and that's great. I'm the same way. I paid off my car during the pandemic I hope to get. I mentioned in a future past episode that I hope that car saves me another five to 10 years. I don't drive a lot. I'm driving more now because I'm out and about in the business world, but I man, this car is what? Almost 10 years old, yeah, next year it'll be 10 years old and I'm like all right, give me another five, 10 years, I'll be happy with that. You know, and I'm the same way.

Shay Cook:

I'm out there, I'm looking at the new Broncos. I'm like, oh, those Broncos are nice, no-transcript it right away, thankful that I received it and just overall thankful, right, that man, god is still providing, because there's so many people out there that are. They're suffering, they don't have everything, and it might be because of where they live or choices, whatever, it doesn't matter. People out here are not as lucky, blessed, not even lucky. I don't even really believe in luck anymore. It's blessed. I think we're all blessed in different levels, but I think we're kind of highly favored and blessed out here, you and I and many that we associate with, because I mean, even though something that you can pinpoint to like well my family's here.

Adriana Lopez:

We're healthy. We at least are getting, you know a meal to eat, or three meals, exactly those things that you might not be getting the income you were getting. You might not be. You know spending what you were spending before because now everything's gone up in price, but you are able to to separate. You know needs versus wants and that's a big thing, I think for a lot of people. That you know really taking a look at are a lot of the things that I was spending money on, where they all you know needs and I think, focusing on what wasn't and being able to again, just for this time of transition, sacrifice for now. You know a lot of those wants, and it's not forever, it's just going to be for this time period, but the most important things are there. You know your faith, your friends and just staying focused on that.

Shay Cook:

Yeah, that's very important, like you said, the importance of gratitude and contentment, being happy and content with what we're given, what we have. We have the basics. Yeah, we might not be living in mansions and driving the latest car and eating like gold food. Whatever it may be. What was I watching the Kardashians? And they were in India at a wedding and they were talking about how, like I mean, the weddings over there in India are just oh my God. And experience.

Shay Cook:

Some of it seems wasteful in my mind, but you know they were telling the other story of how they were feeding, like thousands of people, groceries during their festivities and stuff doing all this great thing, which is great. But we ain't them, and that's fine, because god's still real, he's still taking care of us and man. Even with inflation hitting a 40 year high in 2023, data shows that if you keep with your strong financial habits, you adjust better, you do better. If you continue to do what you know, stick to what you know when it comes to doing your finances, that works for you. And guess what? Inflation is only temporary, so, but God's provision is eternal.

Shay Cook:

Well, there's an action step here of finding one expense to cut or adjust this week and pray over your finances. I don't know what that is for everyone, but think about that. Everyone. Find one expense to cut and adjust this week and then pray over your finances each and every day. I know when I'm paying my bills. I'm thanking God throughout that whole process and before I wrap, I write at the top of my little spin pen that I do print off. I'm old school. I print it off because I want to check it off that everything's paid off and I put thank you, god in the name of Jesus, amen. I literally, for my business and for my personal, I write on there because this is all God. So any last thoughts, adriana?

Adriana Lopez:

Staying mindful that this is not going to be forever. I think that sometimes you know that fear could consume people and definitely God didn't give us a spirit of fear. But just also remember that if you can give during these times that generosity because remember that even when Joseph stored away the grain and when the famine came and they were able not only to provide for Egypt but also for the other countries that were coming, you know to buy the grain, so you know that they had that available. So if you do have the abundance, that can be generous the way God want us, and I think that's definitely something that that has spoken a lot to me during us, and I think that's definitely something that has spoken a lot to me during this time.

Shay Cook:

I love that. Yes, giving back is key and if you have, like you said, like Adriana's saying, if you have an abundance, share, give, be generous, like that's what God wants us to do. He doesn't want us to keep it all for ourselves. He's given it to us to share with others. So thank you, adriana, for another great episode. I just want to say the light of God is shining on you literally, like with the light there, like there it's literally and I loved it, loved that light shining. I thank you, god, I see you God, I see you in Adriana, and I thank you guys for joining us today and have a great day. We'll see you and talk to you soon.

Shay Cook:

A big thank you for listening to this episode. We hope you found today's chat about the intersection of religion and money insightful. We would love to hear your feedback. Hit that subscribe button or follow the podcast and please feel free to leave us a review. For the latest Yahweh's Money content, visit us at crusaders4changeorg or find us anywhere you listen to podcasts. Until next time, stay financially fit and spiritually inspired and remember it's always better Yahweh's way.

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Shay Cook

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