How do you manage your home & Finances?

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Managing our Household and Finances 

As a family of three serving in Cambodia, we understand the unique challenges and blessings of living a simple life. My husband and I are very intentional when it comes on managing our finances. It has been a conscientious effort that we should always practice living within or even under our means. It's clear to us that these resources are from God, and we are only given the opportunity to manage it. We should handle it right and model it well to our son. We don't keep or hold on to it much, because we know it is temporal and there is a possibility it could be taken away anytime. God is a faithful God!

While our situation might be different from many, the biblical truths for managing our home and finances remain steadfast. Here are some learnings we have been applying to our family so far. We still have a long way to go actually, but with the grace of God we are adapting gradually. We know that all blessings flow and come from Him. We want to put our hope to the BLESSER rather than the blessings 😍💪

Phnom Penh Riverside

5 Biblical Truths to Manage Our Home and Finances

Principle 1: Stewardship - Everything Belongs to God

Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents)

Here in Cambodia, resources can be scarce. As a family of 3, we would experience running out of our resources especially when we had some unforeseen expenses. We praise God for our works, and we recognize that this is where God is sustaining us every month like Paul as a tentmaker. It's crucial to view every riels/dollar as a covenant trust from God. We're called to be faithful stewards, using these resources wisely to further the Kingdom. This includes budgeting for ministry expenses, health, and extended family needs while prioritizing God's work. 

I have found and read a blog post written by Elizabeth Hamilton 👉How to Have Faith with Your Finances  and was blessed to trust God more with our finances.

Principle 2: Planning and Budgeting - A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Proverbs 31:15 "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens". 

Creating a budget in a country like Cambodia requires flexibility. Unforeseen expenses, such as medical bills or unexpected travel, can arise which happens to us since we have elderly parents. However, a basic framework helps us make wise financial decisions. We prioritize essential needs like food, housing, and transportation, while setting aside funds for ministry and savings. Involving our son in the budgeting process helps him understand the value of money and the importance of giving.

Principle 3: Contentment - Finding Joy is Enough

Philippians 4:11-13 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength".

I love how this verse is put together. It's important to see the context of this verse especially mentioned on the 11&12th verses. Being content in whatever situations. Many times, the last verse is being used in a different perspective. Living simply in Cambodia has taught us the true meaning of contentment. While I miss certain comforts from the Philippines, I am learning to find immense joy in the relationships we've built and the opportunities to serve here. I am learning to focus more on experiences rather than possessions. Our home may be simple, but it's filled with love and laughter. We've learned to find satisfaction in the small things, like enjoying fresh tropical fruits or spending quality time with our family in Kampong Cham (Vandy's side of the family in the countryside) during holidays. 


Principle 4: Diligence and Hard Work - Honoring God with Your Hands

Proverbs 12:27 "The lazy do not roast[a] any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt."

I actually experienced some difficulty during my 1st few months of my missionary life here in Cambodia. I was immediately brought to my destination field a week after I arrived.  I taught English in a local church in this province. My mission agency sent me to Kratie province (9 hours bus ride from the city). I felt like mission work was demanding back then 😅💪😎. I have to learn to communicate with my broken Khmer language, cultural adaptation, and ministry responsibilities in a different level. And I praise God for these experiences, because I learned to see Him move tremendously. Our hard work is a reflection of our faith and commitment to the people we serve.

Principle 5: Generosity - Sowing Seeds of Blessings

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work".

The verse emphasizes the importance of sparingly sowing and generously sowing, urging individuals to give freely and without compulsion, as God loves cheerful givers and can bless abundantly.

In Cambodia, there are countless opportunities to give back. We support local orphanages, schools, and churches. We also share our resources with our Cambodian neighbors, whether it's food, clothing, or medical supplies. Teaching our students the importance of generosity is a priority. By modeling a giving spirit, we hope to inspire them to become lifelong givers as well.

Managing a household and finances can be overwhelming, but with God's guidance and these biblical principles, we can create harmonious and prosperous homes. Remember, it's not about perfection but progress. Let's embrace our roles as God-fearing women, and trust in His provision for our families.

To wrap up, living and serving in Cambodia has deepened our understanding and application of these biblical insights on managing God's resources. While challenges exist, our faith in God's provision and our commitment to living simply have enriched our lives. We believe that by faithfully managing our home and finances, we honor God and make a lasting impact on the Kingdom.

Love,
From Cambodia!


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