Friday Links Roundup: Gazelle Intensity Edition

Leah and I are quite focused on getting out of debt. We aren’t perfect with the process, but we are trying to finish as quickly as we can.

This week reminded me of one of the times we were, as Dave Ramsey puts it, “Gazelle intense.” When we moved to Nashville, we only had one car. I looked and looked for a cheap car to drive to work and around town so I could pay cash for it. I wasn’t looking for anything new or fancy, just something that could last a year or so while we finished getting out of debt.

The car I bought cost less than $1000 including registration! It’s nothing pretty to look at, but it does what we need it to do. We’ve had to have a couple of things fixed on it, but it’s still way cheaper than a car payment.

However, when I drove to work yesterday the wind chill was -3 and today it was about the same (the temperature was 9). Why am I thinking this is a sign of intensity? Because my car’s heater doesn’t work! I’m driving along bundled up like I’m outdoors, but I’m still in my car.

Those are the little things you give up to get out of debt! With that small sacrifice, we are closer now than we were before, and we will be “done” as soon as possible!

On to the links on this cold Friday:

1. Wayne Jackson recently reviewed the new ESV Study Bible on Christian Courier. Personally, I love my copy, but I greatly appreciate his listing of the problems with several of the notes. If you have a copy or are thinking of getting one, this is a must read!

2. Speaking of the Study Bible, the ESV blog announced this week that a version is available for most mobile devices. Click here for more information on this program that costs $29.95.

3. In our society, we have nearly lost what it means to truly be a man. Read Dale Sadler’s article “Being a Man’s Man” for some perspective.

4. As the economy is bad, many people are starting to lessen the amount of money they gamble (about time!). However, some states have thought about beginning or “pushing” a state lottery more to help with lower funds. Read Stuart Yancy’s take on gambling for some personal thoughts and a New Testament perspective.

5. Often, one of the hardest things to do is to stick with a project or lifestyle (even Christianity). Read Jeff Foster’s article “Persistence Pays Off” for some encouragement.

6. Christmas may be over, but some “reflection” articles are still out there. While you may not agree with all that’s said in The Simple Dollar’s post “Children, Christmas, and the Materialism Battle,” it is a post that will make you think. (The 72 comments are a testament to that, as well.)

Before “closing up shop” for the week,” there are some things you can do to stay connected with the Faughn Family of Four anytime.

1. Subscribe to our blog in an RSS reader. You can use the large orange button at the upper right-hand corner if you like to read your blogs in one place.

2. Follow me on Twitter. I don’t update 20-30 times per day like some folks, but I try to update 1-3 times with the “big stuff” and a few funny comments.

3. If you are a member of Facebook, add me as a friend (Adam Faughn). Just place something about the blog in the invitation, and I’ll be glad to add you!

4. While you are on Facebook, join the Faughnblog page. We currently are tied as the #1 blog on Facebook in Nashville!!! Help keep us there!

5. Join the Churches of Christ social network site and add me as a friend there, too. This is a great way to keep up with brotherhood news and reconnect with old friends around the world.

6. Finally, if you know of people who would like to receive updates of our blog posts via email (or if you would like to), send me a message and I’ll add them to our growing list.

Now you can stay up-to-date and “plugged in” all the time! We hope you have a great weekend. Don’t forget the Lord on His day!