May 7, 2024 • 24 mins
{FREE} Proverbs and Principles for a Simple Life: sojohub.com/simplifyfree
Discover the power of intentional living with our 'Simplify Your Life Summer Podcast Series' as Jen and AJ chat about ways to calm the chaos!
It's not just about tidying up your home or even managing your time and money; it's about creating a sacred space for God to reign supreme in your heart and life.
In this episode, we consider the life of the Proverbs 31 woman, drawing nuggets of wisdom for financial prudence and investment in everlasting treasures.
Get ready for actionable advice, peppered with scriptural wisdom, to help you strip away the excess and focus on what's eternally significant.
Join us in this conversation about making over your money and simplifying your life!
Join the Simplify Your Life Summer Challenge: sojohub.com/simplify
Read the Show Notes: sojohub.com/simplify111
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Become a member: www.sojoacademy.com
Sojo Academy is an ongoing membership for Christian women that provides a practical, streamlined, spiritual growth plan for every woman.
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Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jen (00:01):
Welcome to the Sojo Show with Jen and AJ, where you'll
dig deep into God's Wordalongside two imperfect,
frequently ineloquent women, aswe discover fresh ways to walk
out God's truth together.
AJ (00:14):
Welcome back to the Sojo Show everybody.
This is AJ, and actually I'msitting in person next to Jen
and we're recording this onvideo too.
Jen (00:27):
We are.
It's a little awkward though.
AJ (00:28):
It is because we're right on top of each other.
But it's okay, we're friends.
Jen (00:35):
We're shoulder to shoulder Long time.
AJ (00:37):
So, yes, so if you're listening to the audio of this,
you may want to go check out thevideo, just to see us.
Jen (00:43):
We don't know where it is, but it'll be somewhere.
We'll put it in the show notes.
AJ (00:46):
Go find it somewhere.
You're treasure hunting theinternet.
Jen (00:51):
We'll put it in the show notes.
AJ (00:54):
Okay, so we are back though with a very exciting new series.
Yes, I'm excited actually.
And this is kind of a it's likeretro, it is it's total retro.
That's a good word for it.
I was going to say revisitingthe past, but retro.
Retro is cooler, that's so cool.
Jen (01:12):
Because we are so cool.
AJ (01:13):
Yes, we are retro.
Jen (01:17):
We actually really are, I know, not quite antique, but
retro yeah.
AJ (01:22):
Yes, I was going to say something else, but that's not
very nice.
We're mid-century.
Jen (01:27):
We're mid-century.
AJ (01:27):
We are, we're the real deal guys?
Jen (01:30):
Yeah, we are Okay, but anyway, sorry, I digress.
AJ (01:34):
So we have actually been thinking a lot about what is
necessary to keep our focus onthe things that are most
important in life is necessaryto keep our focus on the things
that are most important in lifeand once again, the question
we've been asking is how can wepave a way to keep God the
(01:54):
center and the focus of ourlives?
Jen (01:56):
Right.
AJ (01:57):
And a lot of times that means getting rid of some things
.
Sometimes it means adding toour lives, but a lot of times it
means taking some things outwhich is really scary for yours
truly and me too, I'm.
Jen (02:11):
It's really really scary for me yeah, I mean that's hard
it's hard yeah and yeah butnecessary and there's lots of
reasons for that.
AJ (02:18):
I mean, that's something that really we could talk about
if we wanted to.
But there's lots of reasons whywe can have some internal
resistance to getting rid ofsome things, whether it's habit,
whether it's stuff, whetherit's mindsets.
You know like there's a lot.
There's lots there to play with.
But the bottom line is is, fromtime to time we really do need
(02:39):
to do that.
We need to evaluate and seewhat needs to go and what needs
to stay.
We need to extract the preciousfrom the worthless.
So that's kind of what theseries is going to do.
Yeah, did I set it up?
Real good for you.
Jen (02:54):
You did, you did.
Are you setting it up for me?
AJ (02:56):
I'm setting it up for you.
So tell them what it is.
You want me to tell them whatit is?
Yeah, tell them what it is.
Jen (03:00):
Okay, so, Okay, Okay.
So I will back up and say whywe are saying it's retro and
that is because okay.
So actually we were going downmemory lane just last night and
AJ and I yes, AJ and I weregoing revisiting all the times
we had gotten together in personand like what we had done and
talked through and prayed aboutand and I will say the time one
(03:23):
of us peed in their pants andanother time and another time
both of us broke into an Airbnb,so we're talking some juicy
stuff.
Good stuff, good stuff, goodstuff.
That time that we had to leavean Airbnb because there were too
many roaches.
AJ (03:38):
It was the roach motel.
Jen (03:41):
That was terrible, okay, but anyway, regardless, we're
off track the very first time wemet.
So we first met in April of2019.
And, like in person, we haddone each other online,
obviously, and we'd already beenin ministry together for a few
months, but we met each other inperson and it was such an
awkward experience.
(04:02):
I'm not going to tell a lot ofthe story because but let me
just frame it for you we hadnever met in real life, we only
knew each other online, and westayed in a hotel because this
was pre before Airbnbs were cooland we stayed in a hotel and we
each had our own room, ofcourse, and we did all of our
work from sunup to sunset thehotel lobby.
(04:24):
In the lobby.
AJ (04:27):
People walking in and around .
I mean, we're recording livevideos, we're alive.
I'm chomping on my gum, so youguys remember that.
Yes, and people are walkingaround us, the reception.
Jen (04:35):
They change shifts a couple times.
We're just still sitting there.
The reason I tell the story isbecause that is the day that
this was born, this thing thatwe're doing.
Okay, Because we asked theexact same questions then in
2019.
What do we need to do toprepare our hearts to get the
(04:56):
most out of the spiritualdisciplines and Bible study?
And what we discovered was thisidea of simplification and
simplifying different key areasin our lives, focusing on them,
getting a biblical perspectiveof what it means to do that and
then taking very practical steps.
So we had a within Sojo Academy, we had a series I think it was
(05:20):
actually not called Simplifyyour Life.
Then I think it started likeSummer or something.
AJ (05:23):
Summer Simplified your Life.
Then it was called Summer orsomething.
Jen (05:25):
Summer Simplified or something like that, yeah,
something like that.
And then, and we took sixdifferent areas, key areas, and
we did challenges on them, westudied them and it was powerful
and it was good, and so we areactually bringing it back.
We're bringing it back, we'rebringing it back and we are
(05:45):
Simplify your Life Summer 2024Edition.
We have those six differentareas We've added a seventh
along the way as a special bonusand we are well for one thing
full disclosure.
We're selling this course orthis project, this whole thing.
We're selling this course orthis project, this whole thing,
(06:07):
for and we're selling itactually for a fraction,
literally over 75%, of what wehave sold it for in the past.
So we're selling it to you at atremendous discount.
But, more importantly, we'reencouraging you to look at these
areas, the ones that you findare most important, and do the
challenges.
AJ (06:26):
Do we want to go ahead and tell them what the six plus the
bonus areas are?
Would that be helpful?
Sure, if I can remember all ofthem.
Okay, well, we can rememberthem.
Jen (06:35):
We can remember them.
Go ahead, start with the onewe're going to talk about today.
AJ (06:39):
Okay, yeah, so the one we're going to talk about today is
the area of finances and money,because this creates so much
stress in our lives.
It just and I think it'sactually the number one like
conflict in relationships,marriages.
It is a huge deal and I don'tneed to explain why it's
(07:01):
important, because I'm sure allof us have experienced financial
stress and strain to somedegree and it can wreak havoc on
our lives and cause just anunderlying anxiety level that we
just kind of have to live with.
Jen (07:17):
Right.
AJ (07:18):
So we want to simplify that.
We want to look at scripturalprinciples and implement those
principles into our lives in away that's super practical,
really doable, because Godintended us to function a
certain way and to have acertain relationship with our
finances, and so that's whatwe're going to talk a little bit
(07:41):
about today, and then, in thecourse, you are going to have
very specific exercises to walkthrough that will get you on the
right track.
Jen (07:49):
Yeah, the second area is and we'll run through these
really quickly is time.
Actually, I believe that that'sgoing to be our podcast for
next week is talking about timebecause we, as someone famous
said, we all have the same 24hours in the day and yet we find
it more and more difficult tomanage our time and to be and
(08:10):
when I say productive, I meanthat in a sense of being, you
know, being whole and being welland using our time in a God
honoring manner is difficult.
So we're going to talk abouttime.
That's number two.
Number three is what's anotherone?
AJ (08:28):
We're going to talk about image and how how our health and
our body really is meant to bea tool, a vessel.
Jen (08:36):
The image of God is what that was that's about.
Yeah, we're made after theimage of.
AJ (08:40):
God, so our health and wellbeing.
And then the fourth one, space.
Jen (08:45):
Well, after the image of God, so our health and
well-being.
And then the fourth one, space.
Well, we may not talk aboutthis one, but space is one of
the things, and that is ouractual physical space, right,
and possessions.
Kind of studying, yes, studyinghow stuff affects our heart,
right?
So that's one.
AJ (08:59):
And then I mean this doesn't sound super spiritual, but
we're going to talk about menuplanning and meals, because we
have to eat and the people inour house have to eat.
Houses have to eat every singleday, multiple times, so, like
something that is so regular andthat requires so much daily
attention, how can we reallystreamline that and use that for
(09:23):
the glory of the Lord?
How can we make that happen?
Simple?
Jen (09:27):
Yeah, and it fits in with everything else, because that's
part of managing our time, it'spart of managing our health and
money and our money.
So this kind of it's, it's avery, very practical module that
is, I think, helpful in otherareas.
Yeah, the sixth one I thinkthere is the sixth one is
putting God first.
(09:48):
Yeah, it's really figuring outhow to make that happen.
Again, it overlaps with theother things, and so we do a lot
of discussion on what it meansto have God as our Lord, christ
as our Lord and Savior, and whatit means to be in Christ and
Him to be in us, and so it's andwe touch on the spiritual
disciplines in that, like livinga life of worship, making your
(10:11):
whole life about putting Himfirst through worship, and
whatever it is that we do.
AJ (10:16):
And then there's one that we added on as a bonus, and that
one is that one is digital detox, because we spend so much of
our lives in front of ourscreens.
I mean, we're looking at twoscreens actually right now as
we're recording.
Well, no, three, three threescreens in front of of us.
So it is just such a part of ourlives it can be helpful or it
(10:38):
can be harmful, or somecombination of the two, and so
we have devised this module tolet you assess where you're at
in your digital life and the wayyou use technology, and then
really pick those things andactivities, apps, et cetera,
that are helpful for you, and wehave a process and an exercise
(10:59):
for you to walk through to dothat.
Jen (11:00):
So yeah, so it's super practical.
It's super quote unquote simpleto go through the process, but
we do feel like that.
It is super helpful as well,and the summertime is to do it.
So we are excited about it.
Let's move back around.
Let's go all the way back up tothe top and talk about money.
AJ (11:21):
Yes, let's talk about money.
Okay, so there's so much to sayabout money.
Actually, the Bible has a lotto say about money and Jesus.
Jen (11:28):
Are you going to ask me a question?
AJ (11:31):
Oh, oh yes, I do have a question, okay, so if you guys
have listened to our podcast, weused to do this we used to do
this, and we haven't recorded apodcast episode in a while, so
I'm kind of out of touch.
Jen (11:42):
And we haven't done one together in forever.
AJ (11:44):
So yeah, so this is the question you're going to're
gonna get a question yes.
I'm popping it on, jen, so tellme what?
Is there?
A purchase that you have made,a way that you have spent and
used money that you don't regret, like just a purchase that
(12:08):
you're like.
That was one of the best thingsI ever did.
Jen (12:12):
Okay, all right, so there are actually several, because
I'm a bit of an overthinker whenit comes to spending money.
I am the type of person.
I'm the type of person who'swearing the same shoes from 15
years ago and the same clothesfrom forever.
I mean, I just do not spend alot of money.
So when I do spend money, Itypically make sure that it is
(12:34):
something that I'm not going toregret.
But, in particular, one thingcomes to mind because we were
discussing this so AJ needs anew mattress, because because,
nope, let me tell you.
Okay, she's going to tell.
Because, she just had a birthdayand she's getting old.
AJ (12:57):
Bladdery will get you nowhere.
Jen (13:01):
So, because she's getting old, her back is starting to
hurt my joints, my legs myshoulders.
AJ (13:07):
She's waking up.
Creaky, creaking, it hurts.
She's creaking and I'm a sidesleeper, so like I feel it in my
shoulders.
She's waking up, creaky,creaking.
It hurts, she's creaking andI'm a side sleeper, so like I
feel it in my shoulders.
Jen (13:15):
Mm-hmm.
Anywho, I had, we had thisdiscussion and I mentioned that
early in our marriage.
This was probably 25 years ago,if I had to guess, so we'd only
been married a few years atthis time, my husband and I and
we actually we were young, I andwe actually were young then and
we actually were waking up sorein the mornings.
(13:36):
That's pretty bad.
No, that sounds bad.
AJ (13:40):
Not for any reason the mattress was beating them up.
Jen (13:46):
Oh, my goodness.
So we needed a mattress.
We needed a mattress that wasgoing to make us not wake up
sore, and so we really splurgedon a mattress.
I think it was Pintimperpedic.
We're not doing anadvertisement for them.
We're not getting paid for this.
For all the millions of youthat are listening, you're
probably not buying a mattress.
AJ (14:03):
And what meaning would I like.
Jen (14:06):
So we splurged because, and the reason we splurged because,
and the reason we splurged isbecause someone in our church
was selling them and gave us adiscount.
So, honestly, that's the onlyreason we could afford this
really nice mattress.
But it's now been 25 years ormore.
I'm trying to think of when webought it.
We've been married 30 years.
It has been over 20 years andit is still the most comfortable
mattress ever.
(14:27):
I love it so much.
AJ (14:30):
That is definitely worth it.
Jen (14:31):
And so it was worth the investment.
Yes totally.
AJ (14:34):
Well unfortunately, not all of our purchases can fall into
that kind of category.
Jen (14:45):
Well, and there are times when when you know there are
times when you actually likeinvest money in something that
ends up being a poor decision,but you don't know until after
the fact, right?
So I think that there's a lotof, there's a lot of things to
think about when it comes tomoney, um and and there are some
things that everybody's goingto have regrets over some things
that they purchase, andeverybody's going to have some
things that they are reallythankful that they splurged and
(15:07):
purchased, right.
But I think, really, what itcomes down to is what does the
Bible say about it?
AJ (15:12):
Right and again, there are so many principles around money,
but I think the key takeawayfor us to remember, as believers
, is that our checkbooks can bea means of honoring God and
bringing glory to him, and hehas given us very concrete ways
in which we can do that.
Specifically, and that's kindof what we're going to do in the
(15:34):
course and simplify your lifecourse is we're going to talk
about what we call value-basedbudgeting, and that is to look
at your finances based on yourvalues as a believer and,
instead of making sureeverything ticks and ties from a
numerical standpoint, make sureyour expenditures tick and tie
(15:57):
from a value standpoint and thatthe way you're spending your
money and the way you're usingyour money is in alignment with
not only God's word, but thosedearly held values that we have.
Our values are the souls ofpeople and the glory of God and
eternity, and so are the waywe're using our funds reflective
(16:22):
of that.
That's the question that wewant to pose.
Jen (16:26):
What is an example of something that we need to think
through about how we arespending our money?
AJ (16:34):
Well, I mean, for an example , we have right here the
Proverbs 31 woman and I knowshe's like she's not a real
person.
Jen (16:44):
We have a whole podcast on her, by the way.
We'll put that out there.
AJ (16:46):
So we're not like using this as a standard to say everybody
has to live this certain way oflife, okay, but we do see in her
example ways that she handlesmoney and lifestyle choices that
she then makes based on thosethings.
She gets up early in the morningand provides for her household.
(17:09):
You know she's diligent withher hand, she's working, she's
laboring, she's buying andselling things, and so there are
things that we can learn on howto be wise with money.
Another example that reallystood out to me just this
morning as we were looking overthis material for this is the
verse that talks about the handsof the diligent makes one rich,
(17:34):
and it really struck me becauseI'm like you know, a lot of
times we want to avoid talk ofgetting rich as Christians.
Well, it's either we avoid it orlike that's the thing we focus
in on right.
It's like two extremes, but thebiblical principle is is that
diligence oftentimes leads towealth and whatever you want to
(17:56):
do with that, there is theprinciple there that if I'm not
being diligent, I may be missingout on some wealth that I could
have if I was diligent.
So we're just evaluating someof these biblical principles and
asking you some real personalquestions that are just between
(18:17):
you, your spouse and God butthat are going to make you think
of oh okay, I can realign inthis area and that is going to
be the domino that kind of fallsother areas of my life into
place.
Jen (18:33):
That probably wasn't very well said, but yeah, no, but I
know what you're saying.
And again, things fall on topof each other just like the
dominoes, and the Proverbs arean interesting place to study
when it comes to these practical, because the Proverbs are very
practical, and so there areseveral verses in Proverbs just
(18:54):
like this, and so maybe that'ssomething that's an exercise for
you today as homework.
Go through and see what theProverbs says about your
finances and about money.
And a lot of it has to do with,you know, being diligent, as you
mentioned, not being lazy, notbeing slothful, and managing
your money well.
AJ (19:16):
Right.
Jen (19:16):
Managing it for really, for what our needs are and for
advancement of the kingdom,which is something sometimes we
don't always think about, but weneed to be thinking about.
So right, and you know what?
Here's the thing I was thinkingabout this a minute ago, how we
kind of came up with theseideas several years ago 2019 I
(19:40):
just admitted that but they'reeven more.
They're not even more becausethere's, they're all the same,
but they are just as importanttoday and we were thinking.
I was thinking about it and thelongevity and the and how.
What the word says does notchange.
It does not change, but oursociety does, and our right now,
(20:01):
in summer 2024, this is a bigstressor.
It is, and all of these thingsare time, money, health.
All of these things are evenmore important for us to focus
in on what the word says and tobe diligent, to be diligent
Christians, and I need thisagain oh yeah, yes, yes, exactly
(20:26):
.
AJ (20:26):
I mean there's no like growing out of it you know,
these are timeless principles,and I mean talking about the
timeless principles.
I think one of them is, youknow, to avoid debt, that the
debtor is a slave to the lender.
Did I say that correctly?
Jen (20:45):
Is that right?
Okay, Something was like yes,but okay.
AJ (20:48):
So, and and and.
Honestly, if you are in debt inany capacity, you understand
that to be true and being aslave to the person that you owe
money to, whether it's, youknow, a bank for house, car
credit card, whatever there'syou have to keep that up, you
have to keep those paymentsgoing, and that can oftentimes
(21:10):
cause a lot of stress.
And so if we work to reducethat, or if we come up with a
strategy to reduce that and tonot add to it, we're improving
the quality of our lives.
Jen (21:22):
Oh, my goodness.
Okay, I have to say thisbecause you just prompted this.
I just saw this last night.
I'm like wondering.
This might be completelyinappropriate, but it was on
Instagram, but it was a Saturdaynight live skit with Steve
what's his name, anyway, itdoesn't matter, but it was
Saturday night live skit and itwas just on Instagram, so it was
(21:45):
very clean.
It was fine.
But they were talking about how, so here's how, so here's how
to not go into debt.
If you don't have the money,don't buy the thing.
And the girl's like but what ifI really want the thing?
You don't buy the thing if youdon't have the money.
And it was so funny and she waslike but what if I?
What?
What if what?
AJ (22:06):
if it's something that I really want.
Jen (22:09):
So, but it was the whole, that whole thing of yeah, we
have to be careful and we haveto figure out a way to not buy
the thing if we don't have themoney for the thing Right.
AJ (22:20):
So anyway.
Jen (22:22):
So it's a big topic and I think that it is worthy of study
and worthy of implementing waysto simplify our outlook on
finances and our actual finances.
AJ (22:35):
Right and honestly, it goes back to the very first step of
saying okay, how do my currentchoices align with scriptural
principles?
And just doing that personalinventory, which is what a lot
of this module in the course isgoing to be about.
It's just getting really honestand, yes, we'll get up in your
(22:57):
business a little bit, but youdon't have to give us your
answers.
No it's all good, it's allbetween you and God.
Jen (23:02):
It's all good, all right?
Well, we will see you next week.
We're coming back next week andwe're going to talk about time,
which is really kind of funny,because we're actually going to
do it right now.
Yes, but you won't hear it tillnext week, that's right.
AJ (23:16):
So I might go change my shirt.
I feel like it's a new day.
Oh yeah, we could like fake it.
Jen (23:23):
We could fake it, Totally fake it, I know Well.
Regardless, we are going to beback and we're going to talk
about simplifying your time andjust some, some, some time and
just some some, some quick,practical things that we can
learn from the word about thattopic.
AJ (23:39):
Yeah, sounds good, yeah.
Jen (23:40):
Yeah, sounds good.
In the meantime, if you do wantto check it out, it is live.
The course is live as of today,as a matter of fact.
So socialhubcom slash simplify,go and check it out.
We'll have a link down below.
You are more than welcome tojoin in.
We invite you to join in.
We have some really cool thingsgoing on this summer and feel
like that it will benefit you?
AJ (24:02):
Yeah, absolutely, this is definitely worth making your
summer project your summer 2020.
Jen (24:07):
Yeah, yeah, so fun.
All right, we'll talk to youlater, bye, bye.
Welcome to the Sojo Show with Jen and AJ, where you'll
dig deep into God's Wordalongside two imperfect,
frequently ineloquent women, aswe discover fresh ways to walk
out God's truth together.
AJ (00:14):
Welcome back to the Sojo Show everybody.
This is AJ, and actually I'msitting in person next to Jen
and we're recording this onvideo too.
Jen (00:27):
We are.
It's a little awkward though.
AJ (00:28):
It is because we're right on top of each other.
But it's okay, we're friends.
Jen (00:35):
We're shoulder to shoulder Long time.
AJ (00:37):
So, yes, so if you're listening to the audio of this,
you may want to go check out thevideo, just to see us.
Jen (00:43):
We don't know where it is, but it'll be somewhere.
We'll put it in the show notes.
AJ (00:46):
Go find it somewhere.
You're treasure hunting theinternet.
Jen (00:51):
We'll put it in the show notes.
AJ (00:54):
Okay, so we are back though with a very exciting new series.
Yes, I'm excited actually.
And this is kind of a it's likeretro, it is it's total retro.
That's a good word for it.
I was going to say revisitingthe past, but retro.
Retro is cooler, that's so cool.
Jen (01:12):
Because we are so cool.
AJ (01:13):
Yes, we are retro.
Jen (01:17):
We actually really are, I know, not quite antique, but
retro yeah.
AJ (01:22):
Yes, I was going to say something else, but that's not
very nice.
We're mid-century.
Jen (01:27):
We're mid-century.
AJ (01:27):
We are, we're the real deal guys?
Jen (01:30):
Yeah, we are Okay, but anyway, sorry, I digress.
AJ (01:34):
So we have actually been thinking a lot about what is
necessary to keep our focus onthe things that are most
important in life is necessaryto keep our focus on the things
that are most important in lifeand once again, the question
we've been asking is how can wepave a way to keep God the
(01:54):
center and the focus of ourlives?
Jen (01:56):
Right.
AJ (01:57):
And a lot of times that means getting rid of some things
.
Sometimes it means adding toour lives, but a lot of times it
means taking some things outwhich is really scary for yours
truly and me too, I'm.
Jen (02:11):
It's really really scary for me yeah, I mean that's hard
it's hard yeah and yeah butnecessary and there's lots of
reasons for that.
AJ (02:18):
I mean, that's something that really we could talk about
if we wanted to.
But there's lots of reasons whywe can have some internal
resistance to getting rid ofsome things, whether it's habit,
whether it's stuff, whetherit's mindsets.
You know like there's a lot.
There's lots there to play with.
But the bottom line is is, fromtime to time we really do need
(02:39):
to do that.
We need to evaluate and seewhat needs to go and what needs
to stay.
We need to extract the preciousfrom the worthless.
So that's kind of what theseries is going to do.
Yeah, did I set it up?
Real good for you.
Jen (02:54):
You did, you did.
Are you setting it up for me?
AJ (02:56):
I'm setting it up for you.
So tell them what it is.
You want me to tell them whatit is?
Yeah, tell them what it is.
Jen (03:00):
Okay, so, Okay, Okay.
So I will back up and say whywe are saying it's retro and
that is because okay.
So actually we were going downmemory lane just last night and
AJ and I yes, AJ and I weregoing revisiting all the times
we had gotten together in personand like what we had done and
talked through and prayed aboutand and I will say the time one
(03:23):
of us peed in their pants andanother time and another time
both of us broke into an Airbnb,so we're talking some juicy
stuff.
Good stuff, good stuff, goodstuff.
That time that we had to leavean Airbnb because there were too
many roaches.
AJ (03:38):
It was the roach motel.
Jen (03:41):
That was terrible, okay, but anyway, regardless, we're
off track the very first time wemet.
So we first met in April of2019.
And, like in person, we haddone each other online,
obviously, and we'd already beenin ministry together for a few
months, but we met each other inperson and it was such an
awkward experience.
(04:02):
I'm not going to tell a lot ofthe story because but let me
just frame it for you we hadnever met in real life, we only
knew each other online, and westayed in a hotel because this
was pre before Airbnbs were cooland we stayed in a hotel and we
each had our own room, ofcourse, and we did all of our
work from sunup to sunset thehotel lobby.
(04:24):
In the lobby.
AJ (04:27):
People walking in and around .
I mean, we're recording livevideos, we're alive.
I'm chomping on my gum, so youguys remember that.
Yes, and people are walkingaround us, the reception.
Jen (04:35):
They change shifts a couple times.
We're just still sitting there.
The reason I tell the story isbecause that is the day that
this was born, this thing thatwe're doing.
Okay, Because we asked theexact same questions then in
2019.
What do we need to do toprepare our hearts to get the
(04:56):
most out of the spiritualdisciplines and Bible study?
And what we discovered was thisidea of simplification and
simplifying different key areasin our lives, focusing on them,
getting a biblical perspectiveof what it means to do that and
then taking very practical steps.
So we had a within Sojo Academy, we had a series I think it was
(05:20):
actually not called Simplifyyour Life.
Then I think it started likeSummer or something.
AJ (05:23):
Summer Simplified your Life.
Then it was called Summer orsomething.
Jen (05:25):
Summer Simplified or something like that, yeah,
something like that.
And then, and we took sixdifferent areas, key areas, and
we did challenges on them, westudied them and it was powerful
and it was good, and so we areactually bringing it back.
We're bringing it back, we'rebringing it back and we are
(05:45):
Simplify your Life Summer 2024Edition.
We have those six differentareas We've added a seventh
along the way as a special bonusand we are well for one thing
full disclosure.
We're selling this course orthis project, this whole thing.
We're selling this course orthis project, this whole thing,
(06:07):
for and we're selling itactually for a fraction,
literally over 75%, of what wehave sold it for in the past.
So we're selling it to you at atremendous discount.
But, more importantly, we'reencouraging you to look at these
areas, the ones that you findare most important, and do the
challenges.
AJ (06:26):
Do we want to go ahead and tell them what the six plus the
bonus areas are?
Would that be helpful?
Sure, if I can remember all ofthem.
Okay, well, we can rememberthem.
Jen (06:35):
We can remember them.
Go ahead, start with the onewe're going to talk about today.
AJ (06:39):
Okay, yeah, so the one we're going to talk about today is
the area of finances and money,because this creates so much
stress in our lives.
It just and I think it'sactually the number one like
conflict in relationships,marriages.
It is a huge deal and I don'tneed to explain why it's
(07:01):
important, because I'm sure allof us have experienced financial
stress and strain to somedegree and it can wreak havoc on
our lives and cause just anunderlying anxiety level that we
just kind of have to live with.
Jen (07:17):
Right.
AJ (07:18):
So we want to simplify that.
We want to look at scripturalprinciples and implement those
principles into our lives in away that's super practical,
really doable, because Godintended us to function a
certain way and to have acertain relationship with our
finances, and so that's whatwe're going to talk a little bit
(07:41):
about today, and then, in thecourse, you are going to have
very specific exercises to walkthrough that will get you on the
right track.
Jen (07:49):
Yeah, the second area is and we'll run through these
really quickly is time.
Actually, I believe that that'sgoing to be our podcast for
next week is talking about timebecause we, as someone famous
said, we all have the same 24hours in the day and yet we find
it more and more difficult tomanage our time and to be and
(08:10):
when I say productive, I meanthat in a sense of being, you
know, being whole and being welland using our time in a God
honoring manner is difficult.
So we're going to talk abouttime.
That's number two.
Number three is what's anotherone?
AJ (08:28):
We're going to talk about image and how how our health and
our body really is meant to bea tool, a vessel.
Jen (08:36):
The image of God is what that was that's about.
Yeah, we're made after theimage of.
AJ (08:40):
God, so our health and wellbeing.
And then the fourth one, space.
Jen (08:45):
Well, after the image of God, so our health and
well-being.
And then the fourth one, space.
Well, we may not talk aboutthis one, but space is one of
the things, and that is ouractual physical space, right,
and possessions.
Kind of studying, yes, studyinghow stuff affects our heart,
right?
So that's one.
AJ (08:59):
And then I mean this doesn't sound super spiritual, but
we're going to talk about menuplanning and meals, because we
have to eat and the people inour house have to eat.
Houses have to eat every singleday, multiple times, so, like
something that is so regular andthat requires so much daily
attention, how can we reallystreamline that and use that for
(09:23):
the glory of the Lord?
How can we make that happen?
Simple?
Jen (09:27):
Yeah, and it fits in with everything else, because that's
part of managing our time, it'spart of managing our health and
money and our money.
So this kind of it's, it's avery, very practical module that
is, I think, helpful in otherareas.
Yeah, the sixth one I thinkthere is the sixth one is
putting God first.
(09:48):
Yeah, it's really figuring outhow to make that happen.
Again, it overlaps with theother things, and so we do a lot
of discussion on what it meansto have God as our Lord, christ
as our Lord and Savior, and whatit means to be in Christ and
Him to be in us, and so it's andwe touch on the spiritual
disciplines in that, like livinga life of worship, making your
(10:11):
whole life about putting Himfirst through worship, and
whatever it is that we do.
AJ (10:16):
And then there's one that we added on as a bonus, and that
one is that one is digital detox, because we spend so much of
our lives in front of ourscreens.
I mean, we're looking at twoscreens actually right now as
we're recording.
Well, no, three, three threescreens in front of of us.
So it is just such a part of ourlives it can be helpful or it
(10:38):
can be harmful, or somecombination of the two, and so
we have devised this module tolet you assess where you're at
in your digital life and the wayyou use technology, and then
really pick those things andactivities, apps, et cetera,
that are helpful for you, and wehave a process and an exercise
(10:59):
for you to walk through to dothat.
Jen (11:00):
So yeah, so it's super practical.
It's super quote unquote simpleto go through the process, but
we do feel like that.
It is super helpful as well,and the summertime is to do it.
So we are excited about it.
Let's move back around.
Let's go all the way back up tothe top and talk about money.
AJ (11:21):
Yes, let's talk about money.
Okay, so there's so much to sayabout money.
Actually, the Bible has a lotto say about money and Jesus.
Jen (11:28):
Are you going to ask me a question?
AJ (11:31):
Oh, oh yes, I do have a question, okay, so if you guys
have listened to our podcast, weused to do this we used to do
this, and we haven't recorded apodcast episode in a while, so
I'm kind of out of touch.
Jen (11:42):
And we haven't done one together in forever.
AJ (11:44):
So yeah, so this is the question you're going to're
gonna get a question yes.
I'm popping it on, jen, so tellme what?
Is there?
A purchase that you have made,a way that you have spent and
used money that you don't regret, like just a purchase that
(12:08):
you're like.
That was one of the best thingsI ever did.
Jen (12:12):
Okay, all right, so there are actually several, because
I'm a bit of an overthinker whenit comes to spending money.
I am the type of person.
I'm the type of person who'swearing the same shoes from 15
years ago and the same clothesfrom forever.
I mean, I just do not spend alot of money.
So when I do spend money, Itypically make sure that it is
(12:34):
something that I'm not going toregret.
But, in particular, one thingcomes to mind because we were
discussing this so AJ needs anew mattress, because because,
nope, let me tell you.
Okay, she's going to tell.
Because, she just had a birthdayand she's getting old.
AJ (12:57):
Bladdery will get you nowhere.
Jen (13:01):
So, because she's getting old, her back is starting to
hurt my joints, my legs myshoulders.
AJ (13:07):
She's waking up.
Creaky, creaking, it hurts.
She's creaking and I'm a sidesleeper, so like I feel it in my
shoulders.
She's waking up, creaky,creaking.
It hurts, she's creaking andI'm a side sleeper, so like I
feel it in my shoulders.
Jen (13:15):
Mm-hmm.
Anywho, I had, we had thisdiscussion and I mentioned that
early in our marriage.
This was probably 25 years ago,if I had to guess, so we'd only
been married a few years atthis time, my husband and I and
we actually we were young, I andwe actually were young then and
we actually were waking up sorein the mornings.
(13:36):
That's pretty bad.
No, that sounds bad.
AJ (13:40):
Not for any reason the mattress was beating them up.
Jen (13:46):
Oh, my goodness.
So we needed a mattress.
We needed a mattress that wasgoing to make us not wake up
sore, and so we really splurgedon a mattress.
I think it was Pintimperpedic.
We're not doing anadvertisement for them.
We're not getting paid for this.
For all the millions of youthat are listening, you're
probably not buying a mattress.
AJ (14:03):
And what meaning would I like.
Jen (14:06):
So we splurged because, and the reason we splurged because,
and the reason we splurged isbecause someone in our church
was selling them and gave us adiscount.
So, honestly, that's the onlyreason we could afford this
really nice mattress.
But it's now been 25 years ormore.
I'm trying to think of when webought it.
We've been married 30 years.
It has been over 20 years andit is still the most comfortable
mattress ever.
(14:27):
I love it so much.
AJ (14:30):
That is definitely worth it.
Jen (14:31):
And so it was worth the investment.
Yes totally.
AJ (14:34):
Well unfortunately, not all of our purchases can fall into
that kind of category.
Jen (14:45):
Well, and there are times when when you know there are
times when you actually likeinvest money in something that
ends up being a poor decision,but you don't know until after
the fact, right?
So I think that there's a lotof, there's a lot of things to
think about when it comes tomoney, um and and there are some
things that everybody's goingto have regrets over some things
that they purchase, andeverybody's going to have some
things that they are reallythankful that they splurged and
(15:07):
purchased, right.
But I think, really, what itcomes down to is what does the
Bible say about it?
AJ (15:12):
Right and again, there are so many principles around money,
but I think the key takeawayfor us to remember, as believers
, is that our checkbooks can bea means of honoring God and
bringing glory to him, and hehas given us very concrete ways
in which we can do that.
Specifically, and that's kindof what we're going to do in the
(15:34):
course and simplify your lifecourse is we're going to talk
about what we call value-basedbudgeting, and that is to look
at your finances based on yourvalues as a believer and,
instead of making sureeverything ticks and ties from a
numerical standpoint, make sureyour expenditures tick and tie
(15:57):
from a value standpoint and thatthe way you're spending your
money and the way you're usingyour money is in alignment with
not only God's word, but thosedearly held values that we have.
Our values are the souls ofpeople and the glory of God and
eternity, and so are the waywe're using our funds reflective
(16:22):
of that.
That's the question that wewant to pose.
Jen (16:26):
What is an example of something that we need to think
through about how we arespending our money?
AJ (16:34):
Well, I mean, for an example , we have right here the
Proverbs 31 woman and I knowshe's like she's not a real
person.
Jen (16:44):
We have a whole podcast on her, by the way.
We'll put that out there.
AJ (16:46):
So we're not like using this as a standard to say everybody
has to live this certain way oflife, okay, but we do see in her
example ways that she handlesmoney and lifestyle choices that
she then makes based on thosethings.
She gets up early in the morningand provides for her household.
(17:09):
You know she's diligent withher hand, she's working, she's
laboring, she's buying andselling things, and so there are
things that we can learn on howto be wise with money.
Another example that reallystood out to me just this
morning as we were looking overthis material for this is the
verse that talks about the handsof the diligent makes one rich,
(17:34):
and it really struck me becauseI'm like you know, a lot of
times we want to avoid talk ofgetting rich as Christians.
Well, it's either we avoid it orlike that's the thing we focus
in on right.
It's like two extremes, but thebiblical principle is is that
diligence oftentimes leads towealth and whatever you want to
(17:56):
do with that, there is theprinciple there that if I'm not
being diligent, I may be missingout on some wealth that I could
have if I was diligent.
So we're just evaluating someof these biblical principles and
asking you some real personalquestions that are just between
(18:17):
you, your spouse and God butthat are going to make you think
of oh okay, I can realign inthis area and that is going to
be the domino that kind of fallsother areas of my life into
place.
Jen (18:33):
That probably wasn't very well said, but yeah, no, but I
know what you're saying.
And again, things fall on topof each other just like the
dominoes, and the Proverbs arean interesting place to study
when it comes to these practical, because the Proverbs are very
practical, and so there areseveral verses in Proverbs just
(18:54):
like this, and so maybe that'ssomething that's an exercise for
you today as homework.
Go through and see what theProverbs says about your
finances and about money.
And a lot of it has to do with,you know, being diligent, as you
mentioned, not being lazy, notbeing slothful, and managing
your money well.
AJ (19:16):
Right.
Jen (19:16):
Managing it for really, for what our needs are and for
advancement of the kingdom,which is something sometimes we
don't always think about, but weneed to be thinking about.
So right, and you know what?
Here's the thing I was thinkingabout this a minute ago, how we
kind of came up with theseideas several years ago 2019 I
(19:40):
just admitted that but they'reeven more.
They're not even more becausethere's, they're all the same,
but they are just as importanttoday and we were thinking.
I was thinking about it and thelongevity and the and how.
What the word says does notchange.
It does not change, but oursociety does, and our right now,
(20:01):
in summer 2024, this is a bigstressor.
It is, and all of these thingsare time, money, health.
All of these things are evenmore important for us to focus
in on what the word says and tobe diligent, to be diligent
Christians, and I need thisagain oh yeah, yes, yes, exactly
(20:26):
.
AJ (20:26):
I mean there's no like growing out of it you know,
these are timeless principles,and I mean talking about the
timeless principles.
I think one of them is, youknow, to avoid debt, that the
debtor is a slave to the lender.
Did I say that correctly?
Jen (20:45):
Is that right?
Okay, Something was like yes,but okay.
AJ (20:48):
So, and and and.
Honestly, if you are in debt inany capacity, you understand
that to be true and being aslave to the person that you owe
money to, whether it's, youknow, a bank for house, car
credit card, whatever there'syou have to keep that up, you
have to keep those paymentsgoing, and that can oftentimes
(21:10):
cause a lot of stress.
And so if we work to reducethat, or if we come up with a
strategy to reduce that and tonot add to it, we're improving
the quality of our lives.
Jen (21:22):
Oh, my goodness.
Okay, I have to say thisbecause you just prompted this.
I just saw this last night.
I'm like wondering.
This might be completelyinappropriate, but it was on
Instagram, but it was a Saturdaynight live skit with Steve
what's his name, anyway, itdoesn't matter, but it was
Saturday night live skit and itwas just on Instagram, so it was
(21:45):
very clean.
It was fine.
But they were talking about how, so here's how, so here's how
to not go into debt.
If you don't have the money,don't buy the thing.
And the girl's like but what ifI really want the thing?
You don't buy the thing if youdon't have the money.
And it was so funny and she waslike but what if I?
What?
What if what?
AJ (22:06):
if it's something that I really want.
Jen (22:09):
So, but it was the whole, that whole thing of yeah, we
have to be careful and we haveto figure out a way to not buy
the thing if we don't have themoney for the thing Right.
AJ (22:20):
So anyway.
Jen (22:22):
So it's a big topic and I think that it is worthy of study
and worthy of implementing waysto simplify our outlook on
finances and our actual finances.
AJ (22:35):
Right and honestly, it goes back to the very first step of
saying okay, how do my currentchoices align with scriptural
principles?
And just doing that personalinventory, which is what a lot
of this module in the course isgoing to be about.
It's just getting really honestand, yes, we'll get up in your
(22:57):
business a little bit, but youdon't have to give us your
answers.
No it's all good, it's allbetween you and God.
Jen (23:02):
It's all good, all right?
Well, we will see you next week.
We're coming back next week andwe're going to talk about time,
which is really kind of funny,because we're actually going to
do it right now.
Yes, but you won't hear it tillnext week, that's right.
AJ (23:16):
So I might go change my shirt.
I feel like it's a new day.
Oh yeah, we could like fake it.
Jen (23:23):
We could fake it, Totally fake it, I know Well.
Regardless, we are going to beback and we're going to talk
about simplifying your time andjust some, some, some time and
just some some, some quick,practical things that we can
learn from the word about thattopic.
AJ (23:39):
Yeah, sounds good, yeah.
Jen (23:40):
Yeah, sounds good.
In the meantime, if you do wantto check it out, it is live.
The course is live as of today,as a matter of fact.
So socialhubcom slash simplify,go and check it out.
We'll have a link down below.
You are more than welcome tojoin in.
We invite you to join in.
We have some really cool thingsgoing on this summer and feel
like that it will benefit you?
AJ (24:02):
Yeah, absolutely, this is definitely worth making your
summer project your summer 2020.
Jen (24:07):
Yeah, yeah, so fun.
All right, we'll talk to youlater, bye, bye.
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