MMA Community
Daily tips
Need some inspiration? Hungry for some food for thought? Our Everyday Stewardship Tips provide insight on time, talents, health, money, relationships and how they all intersect with your faith.
Talents
- Action step: Make a list of activities you enjoy most.
- Make your goals specific and measurable so they’re easier to achieve.
- Listen to the good things and positive feedback others have for you.
- A church “talent” survey reveals what you and a congregation can share.
- Consider new situations where you could put your talents to work.
- Action step: Write down ways to overcome the fear of using your gifts.
- Consider how you might use your talents in retirement.
Time
- Take time to honor and serve God.
- Schedule time for rest and and relaxation in your day.
- Action idea: Try focusing on doing just one thing at a time.
- Time is a powerful tool for growing your money.
- Crazy calendar? Try 10 minutes a day to pray or meditate.
- There is a return on the time you invest just like money you invest.
- Avoid watching television and working in bed for better sleep.
Relationships
- Avoid family conflicts: plan ahead for what you want to happen in a health crisis.
- Action idea: Formalize end-of-life plans so you can maintain control.
- Remember your church and favorite charities in estate and trust planning.
- Stressed parents: Talk and share with others who face similar issues.
- Teens in families that have dinner together do better in school.
- Consider the financial toll of a serious disability on your family.
- Establishing a will is a gift to your family and loved ones.
Money
- Every person of faith should have a stewardship plan.
- Researchers say giving money to charity increases your quality of life.
- Simply tracking your spending can help you save money.
- Talk to your spouse or loved ones about financial issues.
- The most important thing about a retirement plan is having one.
- Big things can grow from small seeds.
- Special savings accounts can help make college costs affordable.
- Money matters: Doing nothing can be a risk in itself.
- Quit smoking and help lower your insurance premiums.
- A community college can help you afford higher university costs.
- Write down your goals.
- Consider age, health, income, and your family when buying life insurance.
- It’s never too late to review your finances and long-term goals.
- Update your stewardship plan regularly.
- A budget is your guide to reaching your financial goals and dreams.
- Action idea: Enroll in direct deposit for your paycheck.
- Action idea: Try to get a lower finance rate for your credit cards.
- Try a used bookstore, library, or trade books and movies with friends.
- Action idea: Carpool to work to save on gas expenses.
- Consider MMA community development investments in your gifts.
- Look into the social responsibility of the companies you invest in.
- Sell your unused items and assets to bring in extra income.
Faith
- Prayer is like aerobics for the spirit.
- Schedule a time for prayer as you would any other appointment.
- Find a favorite place to meditate, pray, and focus on your faith.
- Keeping faith: A spiritual friend or small group can keep you on track.
- Action idea: Try a new way to pray for a month.
- Consider how you can help teach children about money and faith.
- Establish goals related to your church tithing and talent sharing.
- Determine how your faith can help you make investment decisions.
- Think about a retreat to renew the commitment to your faith.
Health
- Take heart: Laughing relaxes muscles and reduces blood pressure.
- See a doctor immediately if you see symptoms of a serious illness.
- Action idea: Practice deep breathing to relax and reduce stress.
- Make an appointment with yourself to relax and exercise.
- Eating slower gives your brain time to tell you you’re full.
- Exercise for the fun of it, instead of a task to lose weight.
- If you’re an adult, try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.
- Regular exercise gives you energy, improves sleep, and reduces stress.
- Set a healthy example for your children, since they model what you do.
- Take part in a group health event with friends or your church family.
- A workout partner can keep you on track and make exercising more fun.
- Reward yourself (in a beneficial way) when you’ve reached a health goal.
- Make a realistic assessment of your current health and medical situation.
- Drinking enough water helps you lose weight and feel better.
- Eating enough fruits and vegetables is a gateway to better health.
- Action idea: Find small ways to increase activity in your day.
- Cutting down on caffeine and TV before bed can lead to better sleep.
- Take a time out in a way that fits you, like reading, biking, or a hobby.
- Schedule a regular time to meet up with friends and family.
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- One of the best guards against getting sick is still washing your hands.
- Learn what kind of screenings are recommended for your age.
- Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to cut down the risk of skin cancer.
- Take precautions when using dangerous equipment or tools.
- Action idea: Make a habit of buckling up.
- Make sure your doctor explains things in terms clear to you.
- Head to the hospital if you fear a heart attack, stroke, or other emergency.
- Action idea: Review your medical bills to make sure they are correct.
- Keep a list of your prescription information with you.
- Avoid using the emergency room for everyday medical needs.
- Learn and be aware of the early symptoms of serious health problems.
- Understand your health insurance and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- Rely on the providers in your PPO network to help you save costs.
- Action idea: Write down your wishes for end-of-life health care.
- Be as proactive with your health as possible, using preventative care.
- Tell your doctor about ALL your health symptoms, history, and habits.
- Consider growing your own food or buying from a local farmers market.
- Recognize the health concerns unique to your age and your gender.
