"Living the Weekly Four: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance"

FAITH

Faith: Reflecting the Qualities of Christ

In Romans 15, Paul emphasizes several key qualities of Jesus: patience, encouragement, hope, and peace. These aren’t just qualities we admire—they are attributes we are called to cultivate in our own lives.

• Patience: Jesus’s patience with us is boundless. He waits for us to turn to Him, to grow, and to live out His will. Are we extending that same patience to others, especially in challenging situations?

• Encouragement: Christ’s words and actions are a constant source of encouragement. We are called to lift up those around us, offering them strength and hope, just as Jesus does for us.

• Hope: The hope we have in Christ is unshakable, rooted in His promises. Are we living as people of hope and sharing it with those who need it most?

• Peace: Jesus offers peace that transcends understanding. This peace should not only comfort us but flow through us to calm the chaos around us.

These attributes don’t develop overnight. If we don’t intentionally focus on them or study the Word, they won’t naturally appear in our lives. Transformation requires daily reflection, prayer, and action.

FAMILY

Family: Parenting Grown Children

Dena’ often says, “Shut your mouth and put out the welcome mat.” This advice is simple but incredibly powerful when it comes to parenting adult children.

As parents, we hope we’ve done our best to prepare our kids for life—teaching them to be responsible, independent adults. But looking back, we all recognize things we could have done differently or better. Now that they’re adults, the key isn’t dwelling on the past; it’s adapting to this new stage of parenthood.

• Adapt and respect: Adult children need to feel respected as capable individuals. They’re no longer kids, and treating them as such can create unnecessary tension.

• Trust the foundation you’ve built: If we’ve laid the groundwork well, we can trust them to make their own decisions, even if we don’t always agree.

• Be a safe place: By showing respect and avoiding unsolicited advice, we open the door for our children to come to us with their questions and concerns.

The most important change is often within us as parents. Shifting from the role of a decision-maker to a supporter takes intentional effort, but it builds a relationship based on mutual respect.

FITNESS

Fitness: Feeling the Impact of Healthy Changes

For the past two weeks, we’ve been trying a sugar-free, one-ingredient diet (with one small exception—a Coke on one day!). The results have been both noticeable and encouraging, proving that small, intentional changes can make a big difference.

Here’s what we’ve experienced so far:

• Better sleep: My Oura ring shows an increase in deep sleep, which has left me feeling more rested and refreshed.

• Improved energy: I’ve felt a noticeable boost in my energy levels, and even a patient commented on how positive and energized I seemed.

• Better mood: Clean eating has had a direct impact on my mental well-being, leaving me in a consistently good mood.

The takeaway? Simple, consistent changes can have profound effects on your overall well-being. Whether it’s cutting out sugar, prioritizing whole foods, or just being more mindful about your diet, even small steps can lead to noticeable improvements.

FINANCE

Finance: Smart Year-End Tax Planning

The end of the year is an ideal time to take a close look at your finances and make strategic moves to reduce your tax liability. With a few proactive steps, you can finish the year strong and set yourself up for success in 2025.

Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Max Out Retirement Contributions: Contribute as much as possible to your IRAs, 401(k)s, or SEP IRAs. These contributions lower your taxable income while building your retirement savings.

2. Accelerate Deductions: Pay deductible expenses, such as property taxes or mortgage interest, before December 31 to reduce your taxable income for this year.

3. Make Charitable Donations: Donate appreciated securities or cash to qualified charities. This not only benefits the charity but also provides significant tax advantages for you.

4. Contribute to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Maximize your contributions to an HSA to enjoy tax-deductible savings that can be used for medical expenses now or in the future.

5. Spend Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Funds: If you have an FSA, use up any remaining balance before year-end to avoid forfeiting the funds.

These steps not only reduce your tax burden but also position you for a financially stronger 2025.