Well first I must get something off my chest (gently clears throat, and stands with a proud stature...)
I'M DEBT FREE!!!!
For those of you who don't realize or understand just how excited I am about this, it all starts in the back seat of a car in a land far far away from here:
While traveling with some friends a few years back they were listening to a podcast I'd never heard before. Though I didn't even know who this was talking on the radio I found the topic quite interesting. Various people (from all over North America) would call this christian guy and ask him various financial questions and ask for his advise on how to handle their situations. Not thinking of it much at the time I listened, enjoyed and moved on with my life. (This all happened early march)
A couple of months later I was browsing through podcasts online (and I really don't remember all the circumstances of how this came about) but I notice a podcast called "The Dave Ramsey Show", "The truth about life and money". I signed up for this podcast and started listening with great intrigue.
This guy's message was simple, live on a budget, live within your mean, get out of debt and stay there, use cash because credit is slavery. The Scott version of that is "use your head people, it's common sense" and it is common sense that we all know is really not that common. This really started to hit home with me as I listened over the summer. I mean I had always been taught that debt could be a tool..."you're always going to have a car payment"..., and was fine as long as you managed your finances well and were responsible in repaying what you owed on time.
So this really hit me hard, the idea of living debt free, it made sense, why should I pay someone to borrow their money when I make my own? How can I save money if most of my pay cheque is going to to someone else before I even get it!? I decided after a much time of convincing to start my "debt snowball" and pay off my truck.
At the time I decided to do this I owed just under $22,000 dollars on my truck (my only debt), and here I sit today, three days into being completely debt free. I poured ever cent I had to spare into that thing thumbing my nose at low lobster prices, high gas prices and "the state of the economy".
I have hardly been away in the last 18 months (compared to what I used to do), I have hardly eaten at a restaurant, I cut back on how much gas I burnt, I cut my lifestyle back big time, and it was tough, very very tought! But I did it! I sit here today with a net worth of one truck, plus a few dollars to spare, I live on a budget, I write down where my money is going and I love it! Dave says "controll your money or the lack of it will always control you" and he's right.
So now I'm debt free, I have no intentions on ever owing money again on a debt ever, (with the acception of possibly a house, but I think maybe, depending on the circumstances I might try to pay cash for one of those someday). You all might think this is not possible and that I am crazy...not normal, but "normal in North America is broke".
Proverbs 22:7 say "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender's slave"(NASB check your versions) and this has hit me hard. This is so true, if you owe money you are a slave to someone, don't get mad at me God said it. And in my experience I have come to know that there is nothing more true than this, the borrower is truly slave to the lender.
If you have never heard of Dave or listened to him you have to check this out (www.daveramsey.com). He's very opinionated and some of his rants are hard to swallow but I've come to realize he is a Godly man who through his experiences wants to help people break free from the way money enslaves them. This is a guy who truly cares about people, and isn't afraid to give you the blunt truth for your own good. It is not a get-rich-quick scheme, it's the truth from someone who really does want to see you win with money. We offer his 13 week seminar "Financial Peace University" at the church, I've been through it, it's fun, interesting, entertaining, and I don't know one person who has been through it that doesn't think the whole world needs to hear and get what this guy has to say.
You don't need to have a fantastic income to do this stuff (because I don't), you don't have to be good with money, you just have to be diligent, and decisive about your plan to beat debt and live within your means. It takes discipline (which I am not good at I'll admit), it's hard...but it can be done!
"You can't live without debt in today's world" you might say. Maybe you guys think I'm crazy and am totally out of touch with reality. And if you do, I don't care because did I mention...
I AM DEBT FREE BABY!!!!!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Thursday, September 4, 2008
O Canada, and the Precious Poopsy Puzzle Piece...Oh and "Hold On For One More Day"
Hope this isn't too long and you guys read all of it.
So with the invasion of facebook polluting the psyche of our culture young and old alike, and with marriage taking over everyone's lives (ahem pastors) it may seem as though the blogging world has come to an end. I mean in all honesty we don't live in the same world we did just two or three years ago. So, having said all this, this post may just seem like the obligatory once-a-year post that plagues the blogging world as of late and just brings shame on the whole idea of blogging all together.
Having said that, I have wrestled with the idea of grabbing the defib-paddles and reviving my blog. However it is still up in the air so we will have to see...Now enough of the political blogging crap, lets get to the good stuff.
This summer was actually a pretty good one for me, in fact it was an excellent summer! I had the pleasure a couple weeks ago of watching the last hope of my social life disappear. You guessed it, I had the pleasure of standing up with my cousin Theron in his wedding. For those of you who don't know he finally married Duska (and can I say "It's about time!"). So you two now have an official Scott's Blog congratulations on tying the knot.
My summer started out a little undecided. I thought it was going to be another routine crappy summer, but boy was I ever wrong. Now for those of you who don't know, after lobster fishing I usually work on the weir in the summer time. So my summer started really the best way it could have this year. We took up lobster traps a week early and I got laid off from the weir...and what a blessing that has been! So, in need of work and with nothing to do I did what any good Dave Ramsey listener would do...I went on vacation!
The week after taking traps up (the week we were actually supposed to take traps up) a group from the church traveled to Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp in Ontario to do some work. And I think all of us would agree it was quite a treat. Though my week was plagued by the sight of those miserable picnic tables, we had a great time! Maybe it was stealing puzzle pieces from music camp, or squeegeeing sweat off Parker's back in the Grand Manan vs Staff basketball games, or a triumphant singing of the national anthem in the cafeteria, anyone on the camp ground that week I think would agree it was a week to remember. Plus I got to bring Clarkson home with me for a while!
Soon after returning from the Lake, I went to Beulah for the duration of "Beulah Week". It's the first time in many years I've been there for the whole week, and it was great. The speaking was amazing, the music was great, the company was...hmmmm...wonderful though questionable at times.
After that I was back on the rock for three weeks. I had a great time reconnecting with an old friend from high school (you know who you are) and just enjoying a social experience I haven't had in a long time.
So a couple weeks on the rock and I'm destined to return to Ontario for Zion Hill Camp. Zion Hill never lets me down. This year I got to play with the band once again. This week was pretty straight forward, and is always a good time. Oh and did I mention we went white water rafting? Oh and shout out to Danny Mac as well.
I then had a week of nothing to do, so I spent it between Darren's Cottage and Toronto...I LOVE TORONTO!
So for the sake of length I'm going to keep this short and sweet, because my next week can not be accurately describe in less than a million words. I then returned to the Lake. I fall a little more in love with the Lake every time I go there. Silver Lake will forever hold a special place in my heart, for many reasons. The week was just amazing, the food was great, the company was awesome, the activities were a ton of fun, the speaking, music, it all topped the scale. Good times for all!
I've been reflecting on my summer the last couple days. Connecting with old friends, much undeserved down time, good teaching from the Word, and a lot of love from friends all over. God knew what I needed this summer and He gave it to me. I've finally picked up my devotions again after being dormant for so long, and God is again reminding me of the truth He's already spoken to me, and that the good work He started He will see through to completion.
Fall is fast approaching now and everyone is pretty much back at the grind of life. I already see the challenges that lie ahead of me this fall, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Everyone who knows me should know I'm not perfect but I look forward to what God has for me in the days to come.
So with all that said I hope I didn't bore you guys. As I've said this summer was exactly what I needed, and I see the ways God has changed, and stretched me without me really even noticing. So for that I thank Him.
And with that I bid you adue, and compel you to keep checking back...you never know what you will find!
P.S. Bethany "Freedom" summer team rating...hmmm...Speaking of girl-groups, on a scale of Lillix to Pussycat Dolls, I give them a...Wilson Phillips. GO TO HOUGHTON, and Jon Vogan for President. Love you guys, it's been a pleasure to meet and know all of you.
Oh and...I miss Clarkson
So with the invasion of facebook polluting the psyche of our culture young and old alike, and with marriage taking over everyone's lives (ahem pastors) it may seem as though the blogging world has come to an end. I mean in all honesty we don't live in the same world we did just two or three years ago. So, having said all this, this post may just seem like the obligatory once-a-year post that plagues the blogging world as of late and just brings shame on the whole idea of blogging all together.
Having said that, I have wrestled with the idea of grabbing the defib-paddles and reviving my blog. However it is still up in the air so we will have to see...Now enough of the political blogging crap, lets get to the good stuff.
This summer was actually a pretty good one for me, in fact it was an excellent summer! I had the pleasure a couple weeks ago of watching the last hope of my social life disappear. You guessed it, I had the pleasure of standing up with my cousin Theron in his wedding. For those of you who don't know he finally married Duska (and can I say "It's about time!"). So you two now have an official Scott's Blog congratulations on tying the knot.
My summer started out a little undecided. I thought it was going to be another routine crappy summer, but boy was I ever wrong. Now for those of you who don't know, after lobster fishing I usually work on the weir in the summer time. So my summer started really the best way it could have this year. We took up lobster traps a week early and I got laid off from the weir...and what a blessing that has been! So, in need of work and with nothing to do I did what any good Dave Ramsey listener would do...I went on vacation!
The week after taking traps up (the week we were actually supposed to take traps up) a group from the church traveled to Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp in Ontario to do some work. And I think all of us would agree it was quite a treat. Though my week was plagued by the sight of those miserable picnic tables, we had a great time! Maybe it was stealing puzzle pieces from music camp, or squeegeeing sweat off Parker's back in the Grand Manan vs Staff basketball games, or a triumphant singing of the national anthem in the cafeteria, anyone on the camp ground that week I think would agree it was a week to remember. Plus I got to bring Clarkson home with me for a while!
Soon after returning from the Lake, I went to Beulah for the duration of "Beulah Week". It's the first time in many years I've been there for the whole week, and it was great. The speaking was amazing, the music was great, the company was...hmmmm...wonderful though questionable at times.
After that I was back on the rock for three weeks. I had a great time reconnecting with an old friend from high school (you know who you are) and just enjoying a social experience I haven't had in a long time.
So a couple weeks on the rock and I'm destined to return to Ontario for Zion Hill Camp. Zion Hill never lets me down. This year I got to play with the band once again. This week was pretty straight forward, and is always a good time. Oh and did I mention we went white water rafting? Oh and shout out to Danny Mac as well.
I then had a week of nothing to do, so I spent it between Darren's Cottage and Toronto...I LOVE TORONTO!
So for the sake of length I'm going to keep this short and sweet, because my next week can not be accurately describe in less than a million words. I then returned to the Lake. I fall a little more in love with the Lake every time I go there. Silver Lake will forever hold a special place in my heart, for many reasons. The week was just amazing, the food was great, the company was awesome, the activities were a ton of fun, the speaking, music, it all topped the scale. Good times for all!
I've been reflecting on my summer the last couple days. Connecting with old friends, much undeserved down time, good teaching from the Word, and a lot of love from friends all over. God knew what I needed this summer and He gave it to me. I've finally picked up my devotions again after being dormant for so long, and God is again reminding me of the truth He's already spoken to me, and that the good work He started He will see through to completion.
Fall is fast approaching now and everyone is pretty much back at the grind of life. I already see the challenges that lie ahead of me this fall, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Everyone who knows me should know I'm not perfect but I look forward to what God has for me in the days to come.
So with all that said I hope I didn't bore you guys. As I've said this summer was exactly what I needed, and I see the ways God has changed, and stretched me without me really even noticing. So for that I thank Him.
And with that I bid you adue, and compel you to keep checking back...you never know what you will find!
P.S. Bethany "Freedom" summer team rating...hmmm...Speaking of girl-groups, on a scale of Lillix to Pussycat Dolls, I give them a...Wilson Phillips. GO TO HOUGHTON, and Jon Vogan for President. Love you guys, it's been a pleasure to meet and know all of you.
Oh and...I miss Clarkson
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Promised Me Heaven And Put Me Through Hell
This may seem like a different post than you may usually see on my blog...but I just can't keep this kind of stuff to myself.
So...hmmm, where to start. I found myself on a little bit of a vacation this past week. Steph Not-Neves, Robyn, Kaley Tatton, and Me traveled to Toronto last thursday for a few days off.
The trip contained several pleasurable experiences like my first ride on a train (not just any train...a GO Train), I finally figured out the subway system...I think, another ride to the top on the CN Tower, and enjoying the Eaton's Centre in all it's not-Mcallister Place glory.
And ya, that's really about it, it was nice to get away.
Oh, one more thing. Did I mention that I say Bon Jovi live? Yes it is true. I don't know if you guys noticed the picture on the way in but if you refer to the top of the screen you will see none other than Mr. Jon Bon Jovi, and his quote "right hand man" Richie Sambora.
On Monday night, me and 20,000 of my closet friends convened in the Air Canada Centre to witness what is truly poetry in motion. And though our seat aren't what most would call "great" (seated right behind the stage) this was definitely a concert for the books.
Well I'll start with the opening act Daughtry. Now you should all know that I am not a big fan of American Idol, but this guy has got talent. He is one of the best opening bands I think I've ever seen. One other thing here that I think deserves a shout out is Daughtry's drummer. The guy was wearing a sleeveless hoodie, a kilt, and some kind of weird mask, and can he ever play the drums. He has inspired me to offer Tim Branscombe $100 if he will wear the same attire while playing in church on Sunday morning...And that's something you can take to the bank.
The concert was incredible, it amazed me how after all these years Bon Jovi's voice still rings out in perfect melody to the beautiful rock anthems and ballads of the 80's. I can't tell you guys how much I enjoyed this show, I was truly impressed. Everything from the entertainment value, to the music, to the vocals, crowd involvement made this a truly entertaining time.
The set list started off with the title track off the new cd "Lost Highway" soon to be followed up by "You give love a bad name", some others that deserve an honorable mention are; Bad Medicine, Living on a prayer, Keep the Faith, Born to be my baby, Daughtry joined in for Blaze of Glory, plus more that will get mention as this blog proceeds forth.
I will say I did have one disappointment with the show and that was that they did not play my favorite song "Always". Apparently there is no luck in my loaded dice. Though this did come as somewhat of a relief to me as it did allow me to keep my tears and urine safely contained within my body.
There is just something about seeing a band live that I love. I mean where else can you find thousands of women lusting simultaneously after the same person? Maybe it was the incredible and lost art of the mind blowing rock and roll 80's guitar solos, or Jon and Richie standing in the crowd playing acoustic guitars, staring passionately into each other's eyes singing "I'll be there for you", or maybe just another chance to scream "Wanted Dead Or Alive" at the top of my lungs uncontrollably. All this and more added up to what became a truly memorable time.
Some may call me crazy for driving that far for a concert...but hey, It's my life. One thing is for sure, Bon Jovi is like Bad Medicine. Who cares if these fine looking gentlemen are old, they still got it.
I hear rumors that he will be playing in Charlottetown this summer...I'll see you there.
Have a nice day
(p.s. Please note all song names contained within this blog were on the set list.)
Friday, December 21, 2007
Ho, Ho, Ho
Well everyone, I have returned for short season. I must say, it looks like it is going to be white Christmas (and yes I know it is giving rain for Monday) but I still have complete confidence in the white factor that should invade our Christmas.
Anyway I just wanted to make a short appearance to wish all of my friends and faithful blog checkers a Merry Christmas. And also a save and festive Holiday season, with traveling and what not.
Also thought maybe to promote commenting some people might want to tell some of their favorite holiday traditions or stories from years past...just a thought.
I know for me, my favorite tradition of Christmas is going to my Grandparent's Christmas morning for hot turkey sandwiches at 9am for breakfast...then proceed up the island to my other Grandmother's for turkey dinner. Ah, sweet suculant overindulging in food, while there are starving people in the world.
Just a little footnote, and I confess that I am totally guilty of this more than any other is, but as this holiday season has come and will soon pass I've become more aware of out, "consumerist" society in which we live, and I gotta say that it is really starting to bother me, so keep a close eye out, cause this could inspire a post.
Anyway it's been nice "connecting" so closely with you all again through the use of the internet but my time has come and I must go.
Have a great Christmas (and holiday season in general)!
Anyway I just wanted to make a short appearance to wish all of my friends and faithful blog checkers a Merry Christmas. And also a save and festive Holiday season, with traveling and what not.
Also thought maybe to promote commenting some people might want to tell some of their favorite holiday traditions or stories from years past...just a thought.
I know for me, my favorite tradition of Christmas is going to my Grandparent's Christmas morning for hot turkey sandwiches at 9am for breakfast...then proceed up the island to my other Grandmother's for turkey dinner. Ah, sweet suculant overindulging in food, while there are starving people in the world.
Just a little footnote, and I confess that I am totally guilty of this more than any other is, but as this holiday season has come and will soon pass I've become more aware of out, "consumerist" society in which we live, and I gotta say that it is really starting to bother me, so keep a close eye out, cause this could inspire a post.
Anyway it's been nice "connecting" so closely with you all again through the use of the internet but my time has come and I must go.
Have a great Christmas (and holiday season in general)!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
L'Atention, L'Atention, L'Atention
Bonjour....
Ok, Hello.
I regret to inform you that as of this day my blog and myself as the blogging world is concerned will be on an indefinite Hiatus. For personal reasons I feel as though I need to take an undetermined leave of absence. I know not when I shall return, maybe tomorrow (not likely), maybe the next day, maybe...well maybe never. So to those who have made this blog a frequent stop between their email and the mindless world of facebook I thank you. For those who have made this blog what it is (hopefully at the least a conversation piece) I thank you. We'll see what the future holds.
With that I bid you a due...for now.
Ok, Hello.
I regret to inform you that as of this day my blog and myself as the blogging world is concerned will be on an indefinite Hiatus. For personal reasons I feel as though I need to take an undetermined leave of absence. I know not when I shall return, maybe tomorrow (not likely), maybe the next day, maybe...well maybe never. So to those who have made this blog a frequent stop between their email and the mindless world of facebook I thank you. For those who have made this blog what it is (hopefully at the least a conversation piece) I thank you. We'll see what the future holds.
With that I bid you a due...for now.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
How?
I don't understand a God who loves the very person who sins against Him. I don't undestand.
When life is too much,
You are there
When life is not worth it,
You are there
When I need You,
You are there.
Your mercy is great,
Your Truth is powerful
In You I have hope
You deliver me,
Just as you promised
Let me live my final seconds of this life For you.
Let me grasp each on, good or bad.
That You may teach me, and Your love be shown.
May my life speak of Your love.
May my cries be joyful.
May my tears remind me of Your hope, Your promise
In You is life, love, all I need.
Let me leave it all, the old.
And let the new show of Your greatness.
Your grace is unfathomable.
Yet not too much for a sinner like me.
Your love is amazing
You hold on to me!
Thank You
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Harsh Atlantic
(The one with the stupid look on his face...ya if you didn't figure it out...thats me in my tradition pose of having a stupid look on my face. The other one is Patricia...my cousin)
Well it is not very often that I venture away from the more tradition themes in my blog...however this one just couldn't go untold.
I had a chance to share one of my favorite pass times with someone special. It was with my cousin Patricia on a recent visit of hers to Grand Manan that I discovered my true ambition and calling in life. Boat building. Now I don't want to brag but this may be the most masterful piece of work to ever challenge the waters of the Seal Cove Sound.
I can't tell you all how awesome I really am at this whole boat building thing, I mean this bad boy was constructed completely of junk off the Dark Harbour sea wall...she even comes with a set of stabilizers for added passenger comfort. And that ugly rag on there...well Patty wanted that, its a flag...(Flow high from the castle of my heart.)
Anyway just to say it again...I rock, I am awesome, I am totally radical and can out boat-build anyone!!!...But just to put a little spiritual side on this, we all know that pride cometh before the fall. If you looked at all the pics you'll see my masterpiece capsizing, fall victim to the hard seas of the Atlantic ocean. Guess I'll have to find a new calling in life.
Until next time.
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