I’d gotten saved in February of 1997. In March of that year, God started talking to me about my finances. I knew I needed to give to God – not because He needs it, but because it was an indication of where my heart was (Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”).

The problem was, I was already overspending my modest income. In addition, I’d amassed a debt that was approximately equal to half a year’s salary. » more »

I grew up in a loving home with a wonderful family. In many ways, it was very much like “Leave it to Beaver” – only I was a bit more like Eddie Haskell (It’s a rough parallel, but you get the idea). I got in trouble quite a bit (or at least that’s how I remember it). I think it was a combination of being overly curious and being very interested in having people like me… even to the extent I would compromise what I knew to be right just to make someone happy with me. » more »