The holidays are upon us again. And along with the holidays come expectations - our own, and those of others. Those expectations are often built up over years of developing and following traditions - some of which serve us well, and some probably not so much.

One reason that the holiday season is so exhausting is that we feel like we're along for the ride. We're driven by traditions and expectations that in some cases we wouldn't choose if we were given the choice. But here's the thing: We are given the choice.

If we approach the holidays with intentionality, with a stewardship mindset, we can make the most of the opportunities that come our way. Perhaps we choose to maintain a tradition that's important for family relationships. We need to recast our thinking from "I have to…because…" to "I'm choosing to, because I value this relationship". To steward the holidays well, we need to be intentional about the choices we make. We may need to be willing to disappoint some people in order to fully engage with others.

Host James Lenhoff helps us think through some key areas that will benefit from our intentionality and stewardship:

• Our time and energy
• Our relationships
• Our finances and generosity

To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org

Email James at: JamesLenhoff@GoodSenseMovement.org

You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Stewarding our finances is a foundational part of discipleship. But so is stewarding our time. Each week, each day, each hour is a gift from God. And he gives us this time for his own glory and for our benefit.

But just like marketers attempt to control how we steward our money, there are those who demand our time. Children's sports or other activities; work, where we're expected to be constantly available; social media clamoring for our attention - these and other influences can drive how we spend our time just like marketers try to drive how we spend our money.

The Psalmist wrote,

"Teach us to number our days,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

Wisdom requires that we steward our time well. But what does that look like? While the details may vary from person to person (and even for one person, may vary over time with circumstances), some key principles can serve us well. Principles like remembering the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11); setting aside time for God daily (Psalm 5:3); intentionally choosing our times to engage and times to disengage (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Time is like money in that it all belongs to God and He gives it to steward well. Podcast host James Lenhoff explores stewardship of time with principles and examples to help us make the most of the time God gives us.

To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org

Email James at: JamesLenhoff@GoodSenseMovement.org

You can see the full video of this podcast episode on our YouTube channel.

Generosity. For some of us, the term conjures up images of offering plates and pledge envelopes. Of capital campaigns and fund drives. And this is indeed part of generosity, as evidenced in the Biblical capital campaigns for the building of the tabernacle and later of Solomon's temple and its replacement.

But is this really the extent of what generosity means? Or is it something more?

Not all giving is generous giving. Paul talks about giving cheerfully rather than reluctantly or under compulsion. The Pharisees tithed but their hearts were not generous, as evidenced by their lack of concern for mercy and justice - the more important matters of the law.

True generosity costs something. It's not giving out of excess or offering the leftovers at the end of the month. True generosity is a priority in our finances and in our lives. It's giving of the firstfruits. True generosity requires some "instead of" thinking.

But generosity also has significant benefits. It draws us closer to God and breaks the hold that money has on us. It results in praise to God and blessing to others.

Join us as podcast host James Lenhoff discusses the costs - and benefits - of generosity, and encourages church leaders to equip their congregations with Biblical teaching on the subject.

To learn more check out www.GoodSenseMovement.org

Email James at: JamesLenhoff@GoodSenseMovement.org

You can see the full video of some of our podcast episodes on our YouTube channel.