Once upon a time I worked in the food industry. I called on families interested in establishing a food budget. Working with the husband and wife, we would build a food time line that would allow them to schedule which meals to prepare and eat at home and which meals would be eaten at restaurants. The simple resolve to enjoy 3 – 5 meals at home each week would prove to be significant in reducing the overall family food expenditure. One simple trick is to always have a shopping list with you at the supermarket and always stick with that list thereby minimizing the impulse buying. I found this all very interesting and applied it to my life with great results.

But…as I age, things have changed. This is not recommended for all but in my case, I no longer take the aforementioned shopping list along. In fact, I don’t even make out a shopping list any more. I simply go to the store. When I arrive, I have forgotten why I went in the first place. So, I visit with friends who are shopping and then return home without buying anything. Look at how much money I am now saving.

I wish I were kidding, but in reality, budgets are important. I believe the most important thing to budget is time. Time is the only thing we can’t make more of (some would disagree and say money but it only seems that way). It’s been said that when we buy books we also think we are buying the time to read them. Time is precious. We need time for family, work, hobbies, relaxation…the list continues. What about time for God? Do we set aside time to spend with the One who loves us the most? Time spent with God will do us more good than anything else we can do. It will also greatly improve the lives of those we love and those in our circle. Why not pick out a time each day and give our Lord your complete attention. Talk with Him and then shut up and listen. As it says in Psalms 46:10, "Be still and know I am God." I like to do this first thing in the morning. Don Andersons says that if we pray to God for forgiveness, before we get out of bed, we start our day sinless. How’s that for a deal?

This is the time of the year we remember God and thank Him for blessings. This is the time of the year we celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus the Christ. Make thanks to God the focus of Thanksgiving and keep "Christ" in Christmas. This has been working for over 2,000 years and it will work for you this year. Oh yes, don’t forget, turkey has that stuff in it that makes you sleepy.

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