Two will become three....and some crazy dives!

Holly: Well...it's the end of July, going into August, and it's an even numbered 4 year period, and you know what that means??

SUMMER LYMPICS!

Yep...from London this year (tears!!!!!! considering I was there this time last year...).  Anyway.  Enough of that.  The three of us (and two very uninterested felines) from humble Apartment #1 are pouring over the diving men's finals right now.  Wow!  Such poise.  And they're SO together!  It's practically perfection, flawless.  How do they do that?  And two guys from Mexico just did a 4 1/2 inverted somersault...so much spinning...perfect spinning!  Crazy!  Perfect!  But we always cringe when they jump off because they're so close to the board and I don't want to see lovely toned divers go splat!  We watched the Opening Ceremony when it came on, but I'm sad to report that we missed James Bond/the Queen parachute in.  But we did catch the bajillion-foot Voldemort and the crazy era music dancing montage.  And the doctors and nurses.  A bit odd, but still well done if I do say so myself.  Hopefully this evening on the beach volleyball front, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh will pull another win....man, that stuff is just as exciting as Sherlock!

Now, onto the second big piece of news that's sweeping the nation...literally!  I'm sure many of you are familiar with the Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit series.  If you're not, I suggest you claw yourself out of that rock you're hiding under and remedy that as soon as possible.  Seriously, I have just recently seen the light and I have no clue why I waited so long.

ANYWAY....

As of today, the illustrious Peter Jackson (if you don't know who that is....oh geez, just look it up) announced today that the originally slated two part movie series of "The Hobbit" will now become a THREE part movie series!  Of course, I have some.....concerns.....with this:  First off, the book is only 271 pages.  Now, there is plenty of material for two movies, but even with some series drawing out, editing, tweaking, etc...it will be interesting to see such short of a book into 3 parts.  I mean, the LoTR series itself is WAY over 1000 pages, and each of those movies is well over 3 hours.  So that makes sense.

My second concern is that of the actors.  Kelly and I are now hopelessly "Sherlocked", and, of course, the illustrious actor playing the hobbit protagonist Bilbo Baggins is also the charming Dr. Watson in Sherlock.  I'm just wondering how that will work in terms of filming and production.  See, Sherlock's seasons are only 3 episodes, but they're 90 minutes.  Season 2 finished in January of this year, and Season 3 starts in January 2013.  The Hobbit (part 1) is being released at the end of this year, December 2013 next year, and now with part 3, theoretically summer 2014.  How will this work??????????????????

Until then, I shall wait anxiously for The Hobbit.  And Smaug.  Who is being voiced by the smooth-as-silk Benedict Cumberbatch (who is also Sherlock).  Can you say SPAAAZZ??? &^%@(*&P_)_)(#$(*&^@#^%$^&

Kelly: As I posted on my Twitter earlier, I stated that I was going to be cautiously optimistic about the fact that a 2-part movie is now going to be turned into 3. Though my concerns have nothing to do about characters, plot holes or material. The way I see it is simple; MONEY. Think for a sec; the LOTR trilogy pulled in over $2 BILLION. No...not million. OVER 2 BILLION DOLLARS. So really it seems like a no-brainer; die-hards will watch and wait for a 3rd movie. They'll wait and pay to see the three movies. Shoot, I'll wait and pay my dues to see the three movies as a recent Ringer. Like Holly, I too am concerned about the overlapping in Sherlock and this third Hobbit film. Again...cautiously optimistic.

And US just won a bronze in diving! TEAM USA!!! For what it's worth though the Chinese team were really good (they won the gold). Mexico completed the most difficult dive and they walked away with the silver. Let's see what is coming up next...YES. Beach volleyball! May-Treanor and Walsh are coming up next and taking on Czech Republic. We've been waiting patiently since Friday, so we are getting very excited. I really have nothing else to add so I am going to post this humorous picture that a fellow Sherlock fan of ours linked to me and Holly via Facebook. Enjoy the Olympics and don't shoot walls if you're bored.

Holly and I have friends. Sherlock doesn't. Except Watson. 

Sherlock and 7 years later: A memoir and thoughts contributing to a dear friend.

Kelly: I was fifteen years old, just coming home from another night of band practice when I got the news. My best friend's mom actually told us. She said there was an accident that involved two people, one of them being my friend Brian. She then said it was speculated and there was nothing released yet. I got home and my dad called the police to see if there were any reports. Nothing. I went to bed that night and prayed that the rumors were not true. Woke up the next morning to find out that they were indeed true. Brian was gone.

I remember for a while just being numb and in shock. How could something like this have happened? I didn't even cry until the funeral, which was two days later. It was on Friday, July 27. This year the 27th is on a Friday. Ironic. Maybe not. After the funeral I remember being angry for a while. It shook my faith in Christ a lot, and for a while I was angry at God. For taking away a friend of mine that I only knew for a short amount of time. 7 years have since passed. I've grown up a lot and I realize now that God was there the entire time, but I was too angry and I continued to push Him away. Ok, that's not the point.

Last night, Holly and I watched the series 2 finale of Sherlock. Just became addicts this weekend and now we have to wait possibly at least a year to figure out what happens next. If you've not seen this show, DO IT. It is fantastic! Anyway, I will try not to give too much away, but the end of the episode had reached a very climatic end. It was sad, beautiful and just....riveting. I held my breath the whole time. Anyway, at the end, Dr. Watson in a soliloquy, is speaking to a late Sherlock Holmes. He says these words:

"But please, there's just this one more thing. One more thing, one more miracle for me, Sherlock. Don't...be dead. Would you do that for me? Just stop this. Stop this."

I just froze after I heard this. I remember thinking the same things 7 years ago when I first heard the news. Maybe if I woke up the next morning it wouldn't be true. And like me, Dr. Watson was in shock after the horrific death of Sherlock. Just...numb. No tears shed, but just frozen. Like I was. Didn't cry till a few days later. That's when it hit us that Sherlock wasn't coming back. Brian wasn't coming back.  Today, I know Brian is in a better place. And that's not just Christian talk; it's faith. It doesn't have to make sense, but it just is. I long for the day when I will see him again. His life has made me on many occasions examine my own life. What I miss the most about him was his hugs. When I was in school I looked forward to a Brian hug. He was just such a sweet guy with a big heart. It's not goodbye for me, but a see you soon in the future.

Holly: This morning as I was driving to work I was saying that it felt unreal to me that 7 years had already passed, because I still remember EXACTLY what went on that day.  It was just another day of marching band practice.  And then it wasn't...

I was also recounting that the beautifully executed line in Sherlock really struck me because, like Kelly, it was exactly what was going through my mind when the car accident was first just a speculation.  Please, don't let Brian be dead.  Just stop all of this crazy talk.  But, as you've probably figured out, it wasn't just a rumor. 

I posted on my Facebook this morning that Brian was one of those people who made your life better just because he was in it.  I only knew him for a short time, but he definitely up my life in that period.  He made me laugh. All the time.  I only hope that I can live my life like Brian did...much like Dr. Watson did...being a friend.

Who would YOU like to meet?

Kelly: While browsing the web, I came across this website that posts really thought-provoking questions. One of the questions was "out of fictional characters from a book, TV show or movie, who would you like to meet?" And I thought this would be a good blog topic.  Wow this is hard. Really really hard. Ok, well here goes. (FYI: We apologize for the wonky fonts. We don't know how to fix it. Please bear with us as we try to figure it out.)

TV: Ooh that's an easy one!!! That's soooooo easy. My answer: Dr. Carter from ER. We have so much in common!!! Like me, he started out as a bumbling student wanting to save lives and practice medicine. Except he's a medical student and I'm a nursing student. He was anxious to get started and was hesitant at first but then just jumped right in and saved a man's life! Though he faced many hard times and even a severe setback involving illegal substances, Dr. Carter got back on his feet and continued to do what he loved. If I could meet him, I would shake his hand and say "thank you." He also provided with me some words of inspiration that I am carrying with me. "You set the tone." It was said to him as a medical student and he said the same words to an aspiring medical student.

Book: This is a tough one for me. I've REALLY had to think about this. I was going to say Jesus, but I believe that when I die I will see Him anyway. I think the purpose of this was to stick to fictional...oops. Anyway...well, to be honest. I really can't think of anyone at the present time. I'd really love to meet everyone from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and The Bible, but shoot that would be a long list. Well, there you have it then. There's my list :P

Movie:  Again, another easy one. First I would like to acknowledge a bunch of my friends and church goers for continuing to feed my addiction to the Lord of the Rings series. Second is now the answer to whom I would love to meet from the movie. That would be Frodo, or as Sam calls him, Mr. Frodo. Frodo, like all of us who are Christians or others pursuing life's journey, are on a quest. It is up to us to respond to it and venture into a journey, sometimes not knowing the outcome. Frodo did such that. Sacrificing his home, belongings and nearly his life on several occasions, Frodo took the call as the Ring bearer and carried it to its final resting place. He had no idea where he was going or what he was doing but gained some trustworthy followers on the way to his quest. Though others tried to help him carry the burden of the ring, he refused, stating it was his to carry but they were happy to join him if they pleased. Like me, I too am on a journey as a Christ follower. I have had to carry my fair share of Rings and others have offered to carry them for me. But I too have stood firm and said they were mine to carry, and I gained followers and supporters along the way. I've got some great Sams in my life, and Sam was an honest and loyal companion to Frodo, especially when Frodo's hope was dead and buried. If I were to meet Mr. Frodo, number one he would live at my place, probably in some small confines that I have in my apartment. And then I would say "we both have faced great journeys, but we are not alone. We never were."

Plus, Elijah Wood is re-gosh-darn-stinking adorable!! ;]

Holly: Well, Kelly, we must be related.  Because some of yours are also some of mine!


TV: Ok, well...I could just be really snarky and say the entire cast of E.R. because at one point all of them have just been like woah to me!  But like Kelly, I also have to go with Dr. Carter.  He starts out as this shy, unsure, timid little med student, but then becomes a warm, well-respected, model physician.  Along the way he deals with all sorts of junk: losing his grandmother ("Gamma"), getting stabbed by a crazy dude and in turn, losing a friend (yes, even though he and Lucy started out hating each other, they DID become friends...so...yeah), a crippling narcotic addiction, a bajillion (in my opinion...crappy, lol) girlfriends, becoming disowned by his family, and finally, falling in love with a woman but losing their child (and, for the record, I'M SORRY KEM, I know y'all lost your little Joshua, but FOR GOODNESS SAKES, HE LOVED YOU!!!!!!!!!! //end rant).  Plus, the passing of the "You set the tone" torch from, WAY back in the beginning, Morganstern to Dr. Greene, from Dr. Greene to Carter, then Carter to Gallant, and finally Carter to Morris= aahh! Brilliant! :D


Book: Ok...again, a bajillion could go here.  Of course Harry Potter: unabashed bravery, loyalty to his friends, his love for his parents...and he defeats Voldemort.  Hello?!?!?!?  Freaking.  Awesome.  But from Lord of the Rings, I LOVE THE TREEBEARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!  Or Ents.  Whatever you prefer to call them.  They keep Merry and Pippin company and just make me happy!  I want to just hang out with an Ent for a day.  Or forever.  :)

Movie: Dangit, Kelly, you took mine again.  The Frodo/Sam storyline is perhaps one of my favorite relational stories in fiction.  So here's sweet, brave Frodo, who gives up his Hobbit comforts, friends, and security in order to take on a very dangerous and weakening mission: destroying the One Ring.  He plans to go at it alone, but Sam shows unwavering loyalty to his master and decides to go along on the arduous journey with him.  Though Gollum tries to break them up (P.S. Gollum is an evil little booger...sorry!  And that "precioussssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss" thing...super. legit. creepy).  But anyway, towards the end of the journey, Frodo is so weak, he doesn't think he can go another minute, and Sam is asking what he can do...and Frodo just says carry the Ring.  I'm done.  And Sam tells him "I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you."  Daaww....still gets to me, even though I've only seen the movie once.  But to have a Sam in your life, to have someone stay by your side through EVERYTHING, the good, pretty, and ugly...it's rare, and it's love.  Plain and simple.  I hope to have someone like that someday.

Well dear us, how in the WORLD could we forget these dashing, charming Brits? None other than Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson! :)

Praying for rain

Kelly: If you all have been watching 30 seconds of the news, it is story after story after story about the fact that rain has been needed. In more areas than ours, but still...rain has been needed. The first mini rain storm started on the first of this month; about 20 minutes of a good downpour. After that, nothing much. 90's, 100+ heat advisories for the last few weeks, and yeah. Before that I couldn't even remember the last time it rained. I'm fairly certain it did not rain the entire month of June unless somebody can jog my memory. Ok enough about that.

For the last few days it has rained a couple of times, but mostly just 20-30 minute downpours and the next day the grounds are completely dry again. This is due to the fact that even though the temperatures have been cooler the humidity is in the 80-90%. Well last night it stormed for quite a bit. Today we have gotten not only one, or 2 but 3 storms. The third one is en route as I type this. With RAIN!!!! Lots and lots of rain! As strange as it is there is a certain beauty behind these storms. It is an answer to prayers that many folks across the country have been yearning for. So yes. Very thankful. This recent rain storm has had me thinking about a silly analogy really. In life we go through "dry spells." A dry spell is defined in the book of Kelly as a moment or period of time in which extenuating circumstances get in the way and cause a wide variety of emotions. These emotions include but are not limited to doubt, fear, anger, worry, sadness, etc. In some of my friends I've noticed their dry spells have been with jobs, family, relationships or in my case health problems...or a health problem. I'm seeing a surgeon next Wednesday about my ankle. I don't know what the outcome will be. Maybe some rain (as in answers) will come my way.

Or maybe in my case it's a break from the storm I'm hoping for. Somebody who will listen and say "I hear you. Let's not cover the problem but try to figure out what's still causing it." So as I close, I will leave with this; take the time to figure out what your dry spells are, if you have any. Thank God for the rain He has sent, or maybe you still need prayers for rain to be sent.

Holly: Might I also remind everyone that like half of the country is in a drought.  Hopefully this rain now will help that.  Like Kelly, I can't even remember the last time it rained until tonight...I'm guessing April (20-30 minute bouts don't count...a WHOLE day of rain).  And I've also noticed many people I care about going through dry spells.  Perhaps the rain is a sign of better things to come.

Perhaps the rain is a sign of better things to come.  That's what I'm choosing to believe.  An old cliche I heard not too long ago is "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow."  Something I always joke around about life being short is that we just never know...I could step outside my door tomorrow and be hit by a bus.  We just don't know.  But what I do know is that many people have prayed for rain...and now it is here.  That has to count for something.  There's still hope.  There always is.

Just now Kelly was saying she always thinks of a particular song whenever it rains.  So I'll post some of the lyrics and also close with this:  we all go through dry spells.  But keep the faith that the rain will come.  As I said before, there's always hope.  It might not come when we want, or in a way that we expect.  But God has been way too good to me and my sister for not having hope.  The thunder and lightning are rolling...I believe things are changing.  Have faith.

"It doesn't have to make sense.  That's why it's called faith."  -from an episode of "ER"

Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

The Five Things You Meet in Sunday School

Holly: Trying to make a Mitch Albom reference...ha. ha. ha. *cricket cricket*

So if any of you don't know who Andy Stanley is, I suggest you remedy that asap.  He is awesome!  We started a new lesson from him in Sunday school this morning, it's called "Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith".  I was sold, I kept thinking hey, I like big faith, I want my faith to blow up, as he kept referring to.  Anyway, Andy Stanley told of five things that either show up when your faith is about to change, or somewhere in your life story, one (or all) of these five things show up.  Disclaimer: these aren't biblical, and they might not all apply to you.  But here's how they apply to Kelly and I.

1. Practical teaching (i.e. Biblical teac. , l  mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm (sorry, Yoda decided to attempt to nap on my keyboard.  She says hello).

Let's try this again:

1. Practical Biblical teaching: So, unlike many other Christians that I have come to know in my 22 years, I didn't grow up in church.  I don't even remember when I got my first Bible or first got excited and on fire for digging into the word.  But this one I have in particular sticks with me: I was about to go on our Nicaragua mission trip, I was almost 18, I had no clue what to expect.  But I remember one Wednesday night after youth group our youth group leader passed out Bibles at the end.  They were light blue with brown dots on them.  I dug into that Bible, and to this day it's flimsy, the spine is worn, the binding is worn, and it's highlighted, written in.  In a sense, it's loved.  I don't use it much anymore.  Now I use my pocket NLT Bible, which, much like my spotty Bible, is worn, highlighted, written in, etc.  Which is a good thing, I suppose.  :)

2. Providential relationships: This one is going to be HUGE for me.  I can't even begin to count the number of people who have influenced me and my faith, good or bad.  But for time's sake, a couple of people stick out to me.  The first would be my academic adviser/boss I had last semester.  I'll make a series of long stories very, very short and just say that he's been through A LOT.  But what he taught me the most was the practice...and power...of presence.  Just being there.  Being his class teaching assistant, I was basically his right hand person, meaning I spent a lot of time with him.  As he was dealing with all the stuff going on, I began to become more aware, just aware of where I was and what I was able to do to lessen his work load.  He later did confess to myself and the other student I worked with that us being there, helping him out, really did make him feel better during his rough days.

The second person that was a faith pusher for me was my pastor.  I've known him for almost four years now, and what I love the most about him (other than his smashing sense of humor, which is going to humiliate his daughter in the future...lol!) is that as he preaches, he isn't just speaking to the congregation on a pedestal; he's speaking to himself.  That levity and humility is so refreshing....and so rare too!  A true, faith-fueled example of practicing what you preach.

3. Private disciplines: In 2009 during college I started journaling again.  To God.  I can now use my journals and flip back to those dark times and see how God worked in those situations.  It's SO encouraging!  I highly recommend journaling; it's tangible prayer to me! I feel closest to God when it's just me, Him, and my pen and paper.

4. Personal ministry: As I mentioned in the first thing, in 2008 I felt led to go on a mission trip to NIcaragua.  My church had gone about 18 months beforehand and I declined that trip.  But something was telling me to go on this one.  And it's so cliche, but it really did change my life!  I saw the love of God explode in ways I had never seen before.  It was amazing!  And although I did stray and eventually rededicate my faith during my sophomore year of college, those memories, people, events on that small ranch in Nicaragua had a huge impact on me.  I hope one day to attend more mission trips.

5. Pivotal circumstances: Oh man, WHERE do I even start?!  I'd say an obvious one was when I first came to Berea.  Coming to Berea gave me new relationships, a church family and home, led me to rededicate my faith, challenged me, saw me at my best and at my worst.  I can say without a doubt that Berea strengthened my faith and it continues to do so, even though I have graduated!

Losing a friend almost seven years ago has spoken volume to my faith too.  For a while I was really pissed at God, which I think led me to stray for a while.  He had just become a Christian, and then bam, killed in a car accident just like that! How could God do something like that?  The biggest lesson I learned, other than overwhelming forgiveness from God and from myself, is that time is short, and the world is our mission field! How will we be remembered?

These are just a few things on my mind and heart, and I'm greatly looking forward to where this study is going to take me and my faith!

Kelly: Wait...how much time do I have??????

To sit here and make a laundry list of each one would be pointless in my opinion. Also for the sake of time, which is running short since we have to head out soon, I will keep my part of this simple. I remember sitting in Sunday School and as each part was listed, I was thinking "oh yeah, and in this part of my life was that one, and this part of my life was that one" and so on and so forth. But the one that got to me the most was the last one; pivotal circumstances. There have been several, and I mean several as large as they get, circumstances in my life where in my opinion there was no way out but God. Ok...not like THAT, but to the point where I felt I had exacerbated all other resources with still no outcome. Most of the pivotal circumstances I am thinking about were times when I really felt I was at my wit's end. So I cried out to God in hopes that He would throw me a rope. But now that I look back I realized the rope was already there and I had used my own scissors to cut it.

Anyway, the point is, I too am looking forward to see where this study will take me in my walk with Christ. Just remembering the little things in life is already blowing my faith up. It really is cliche; if you can thank and appreciate God for the little things, you will be more willing and submissive to the larger things in life. Those larger things when you look back and you can say to yourself "yes. That was God and nothing else." And then I remember going to New Orleans. I was hesitant about going at first, mostly because of the big elephant in the corner we often call money in this day and age. I remember praying that if God wanted me to go on this trip that He would provide. (STORY TIME). I had raised almost all the funds except for about $60 when I was thinking I would have to pull my name off the list. I was still working as a tour guide and had just finished a tour. Earlier in the tour I had explained to my tourist group that I belonged to BCM and was getting ready to leave for a mission trip. At the end, one of the ladies pulled me aside, commended my work in Christ, and handed me $40. The rest is history. Truly a life-changing trip...and place.

That was a little over 2 years ago when I went on that trip. Many more circumstances have blown my faith up, and every day I am finding something about my faith in Christ that blows me up with joy! Who would have thunk it that something as simple as changing your daily thinking could be so radical in the way we live as Christians? Again, who would have thunk it? A lot of the things on the list Holly made I can connect to, but I also have a few things of my own that I will probably mention in the privacy of my own thoughts and God tonight. In the meantime, as this study continues, my goal is to think of my own ways to blow up my faith. And my hope is that it isn't something radical and life-changing, rather something as simple as waking up in the morning or just trying to get through the day. Being a Christian isn't easy, mind you. It's full of choices. You can choose to walk with God or not...at least that's what I believe. You can let your faith in God blow up or grow up. I'm trying to grow up in Christ. What about you?

A Christian life isn't always easy

Kelly: I'm a bit heavy-hearted tonight. As a Christian, we are called to carry many responsibilities. A lot. I feel that part of my responsibilities include things I find on the web that tickle my fancy. Most of the time it's another stupid cat picture. But tonight was different. I posted on my facebook about an article regarding a book that has recently came out. I won't disclose the title, but the author of this particular article made in my opinion several compelling and Scripture-supported arguments about why she was not going to read the book. After reading the article I realized I felt the same way, but didn't really think about it and the way it connected to the Bible. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me.


I posted this article and just left it as it is. And the comments started. A lot. One commentator agreed with me and was not going to read the book as well. Another did not. And those person's comments overpowered those who agreed with me. Some of the comments that were left upset me, because I know in my heart that they are just not true. But I had no words to say. Nothing to defend myself or the God I love. And it hurts in ways I can't even describe. It hurts because I am not like that. I am not someone who "can say whatever I want because I'm a Christian and I can say insulting things all the time." And to be honest, I can understand where these words are coming from. The media is splashed with hypocrisy like the Westboro people who claim to love the same God I do but preach nothing but slander and hate. So I understand. I really do. But what I don't understand is that there are those Christians who love God, love other people and preach joy and act with gratitude but are given the same treatment; a hypocrite. Just another hate-spewing hypocritical "Christian."


And that's not me. It's not. I don't have a mean bone in my body. I wanted to say something, but I didn't. I truly believe words are very powerful, and they can build up but they can also break down. My words tend to break down if I am not in the right state of mind. And even though someone broke me down I was not about to do the same thing. So I will close with this; we are all different people. We are all created in the image of God. And if that is not what you believe then please give me the same respect that I give you, even though our beliefs may differ. If you want to read the book, fine. I only posted the article because I was interested in what the author said. And words were said that should not have been said. I'm not blaming anybody; I'm just trying to live a Godly life.

"But you, man of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith." -1 Timothy 6:11-12a

Money on my mind; some money tricks and tips from the living in the 99% world.

Kelly: For some reason, money has been on my mind today. I've watched friends and family struggle with balancing and managing it, myself included. What this post is about is some things that I have learned about money management. Warning: I am harshly true in some of these tips. Just wanted to let you all know. Now I am not a money expert or a financial professional. These are just some tricks, tips and advice that me who is amongst the 99% and a recent renter and caretaker of my own finances.

Use common sense: This came to mind when I first switched over cell phone companies. I used to pay $45 a month for unlimited everything. I then figured out I didn't NEED the unlimited everything. So I calculated how many minutes I used and how many texts I sent/received. Instead of continuing to pay $45 a month for my cell phone, I changed over to the $30 plan, which is 1000 everything. Boom. Simple as that. Now I save $15 a month!

If you're feeling tempted to spend extra, figure out why: Guilty a LOT! After I get off work, I hang out at a local coffee shop and wait for Holly to pick me up. It's tempting to grab that cup of the flavor of the day, that chai latte, or your no-foam triple cappucino hold the coffee and extra chocolate with 2 shots of espresso, especially when the flavor of the day is your absolute favorite!!! (I fancy hazelnut personally). Are you tempted because you're stressed out? Bored? Tired? Most of time I'm just bored and have the money to spend. Something that I do if I know I'm tempted to spend is just leave my debit card at home if I don't need to pick up anything after I get off work. Just...leave it at home. Don't need it today. Trust me...this isn't as easy as it sounds.

Set a limit: For me, I try not to go less than $100 in my bank. Again, not as easy as it sounds. I try to set this limit for a few reasons. Number 1, it gives me a good cushion to hold me over for when the next pay period comes. Number 2, I have something to use in case of an unforseen circumstance or an emergency. That way, I have coverage to go home or anywhere I need to go. But...your limit doesn't have to be $100. It can be $50, $200, $5, whatever you feel comfortable with.

Be careful and pay attention to your bank account!!! This sort of falls on the being tempted to spend. I know many of times it is extra tempting for me to spend a little bit more, but this has put me in hot water MANY times. Before I opened my bank account, my paychecks were all given to me. Well...when you have lots of extra cash just laying around, there it goes! WEEEEEE!!! 2 weeks until you next get paid and you have no money. Oops. What then? You're stuck. Dangerous cycle. Happened to me on more than one occasion. I established the set a limit rule once I opened my bank account. Also, watch for checks. For my bank sometimes it takes a few days or a few weeks to clear. Just be careful with your spending if you're waiting for a big check to clear.

You're going to have to make sacrifices. Sad truth. If you know you're short on cash, bummer. Better luck next time. This truth caused me to miss many dinner parties with my friends simply because I couldn't afford to eat out or chip in for the meal. It sucks. Big time. But there are worse things in life, and it won't last long. :)

Don't beat yourself up if you slip. It's going to happen. Another truth. Also remember, if you accidentally go over your set limit or whatever, just remember. It's ok. Often though if I went over I put myself on a self-proclaimed spending freeze until I felt I could spend money again. It was a self-punishment. And that was ok...for a little bit. Spending freezes are ok, but I've learned to not use them too often. It causes a lot of frustration and tension that is just unnecessary. But if they work for you have at it. :D I also find praying and LOTS of patience keeps me sane.

NEVER be afraid to ask for help. Another truth. Even as an apartment owner I have still had to sometimes call for mommy and daddy to help me out if I'm struggling. And again, it's ok. Ask for help before you get yourself in money troubles. If you're parents can't help, ask a friend, neighbor, or folks from church. If you don't have any friends, neighbors or a church, ask me. I'll find someone who can help you.

One last thing. Managing money is HARD. It takes time and a lot of patience. It involves sacrifices and there will be times when you will want to scream and cry. But remember, financial struggles do not have to last forever. With just a little bit of careful planning and discipline, you can make $20 go a long way. :]

Holly: Wow...ok.  I was going to add a whole bunch but after reading this, I really don't have anything to add.  Kelly said it all right on the money (sorry...I couldn't resist the pun).  For me, I feel that sometimes I have to monitor my spending extra carefully because of an added expense I've since come to know: gas money.  With the up and down prices I have to purposely budget gas money, which averages about $50 a week.  When it's all said and done that's A LOT.  I mean, thank God my car gets decent gas mileage.

Managing money IS hard.  It's something I struggle with and I think it's something I'm going to keep struggling with.  What Kelly and I have discussed doing is keeping each other accountable; admitting our slip-ups and not getting all bent out of shape over it.  If you don't make a big deal about it, chances are you aren't as likely to slip up again...at least I'm speaking from personal experience.  Accountability is so key here, and I think that's why so many 20-somethings just squander their money: no longer living with Mommy and Daddy and maintaining a somewhat steady income.  The whole mindset of "it's my money and I can do what I want with it".  That is such a DANGEROUS mindset, and it's one I used to hold to frequently.

One thing I have learned is to simply STOP worrying about money.  Worrying does not solve anything and it just drives me crazy.  If you stick to your discipline and keep track of your spending, then you will be fine.  From a Christian perspective, God does not want us to live in financial bondage.  His word says you cannot serve both God and money.  How's that for perspective?

Any readers out there: if you have any money-saving tips, strategies, etc, please feel free to share them!  $$