Money U. available to members on-line
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
Think of all the blessings to be enjoyed, then rank them top to bottom. Health, wisdom, love, family and prosperity would all be listed high. But perhaps peace would occupy the No. 1 spot on any list of blessings.
Remember the insightful blessing the Savior offered his followers: "My peace, I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
Centuries later, President Gordon B. Hinckley again promises peace to those who follow the oft-repeated, divine counsel to live providently. Members battling to defeat debt and properly manage their money can find comfort in President Hinckley's words: "Though the storms of life howl about you, you will have shelter and peace in your heart."
Since the early days of the Church, priesthood leaders have taught the blessings of paying a full tithe. They've cautioned members about accruing debt and being careless with their money. Meanwhile, countless general conference addresses have centered on the rich blessings found in simple living.
Now another resource is available to help members live providently and peacefully. An on-line course focusing on money matters has been posted on the Church-operated www.providentliving.org.
Rich in resources both spiritual and practical, the course is designed for all members, regardless of their respective backgrounds or financial situations. The use of consumer debt is growing at an alarming rate and many members are struggling under its weight. But, the online course promises on its title page, there is a way out. "You can know of the peace, security, and joy that come from obedience to principles outlined by the Lord's servants."
Entitled "Peace in Your Hearts: Managing Household Finances Wisely," the online course takes about an hour to complete if one moves directly from one lesson to the next. But visitors would be wise to take their time with each lesson. Involve spouses and other family members. Study and ponder the many resources offered in each chapter of money management.
Supplemental money management brochures and literature are also available at providentliving.org.
The on-line course begins with a brief overview and introduces "students" to the perilous but prevalent notion that debt is not only acceptable in many LDS families — but has become an essential step to "the good life." But it is grinding debt, warns President Hinckley in an audio clip, that can make members "slaves to their creditors."
Visitors are also asked to approach this course differently than they would other money management programs. Be prayerful and attentive to personal revelation while studying the course. Listen for the Lord's direction as you work to overcome debt or find ways to save for retirement or a mission. Establish a plan that can be shared with family members and local priesthood leaders.
The first lesson — "Pay Tithes and Offerings" — reminds visitors that God is the ultimate Giver. Enlisting scripture and the words of contemporary Church leaders, the lesson emphasizes the spiritual and temporal blessings to be claimed by paying a full tithe.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve teaches that tithing helps the faithful become honest as they overcome their ill-placed desires "for the things of the world."
President Hinckley also shares his testimony of tithing, calling the commandant "a matter of faith."
"I have yet to find a faithful tithe payer who cannot testify that in a very literal and wonderful way the windows of heaven have been opened and the blessings have been poured out upon him or her," President Hinckley said.
With its many downloads and links, the course is interactive and personal. For example, one page in the "Tithes and Offerings" lesson allows visitors to print out their own feelings and experiences with tithing.
Additional lessons focus on using a budget, proven methods for overcoming debt and how to build a reserve for retirement and during times of need. Again, visitors can take advantage of several downloads to help them, say, complete a budget worksheet or estimate their family's debt-to-income ratio.
The lessons also include several optional audio clips from Church leaders, along with rank-and-file members sharing personal stories of provident living.
Liz Sowards is a young mother of four who lost her husband, Steve, to illness several years ago. The Provo, Utah, resident said she has realized the blessings of following divine direction to be prepared financially. The lessons taught in the on-line course reminded her of the blessings that await the obedient.
"What I liked most about the lessons was the prophetic counsel," said Sister Sowards. "Everybody should listen."
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
