Trying to follow

This will be the first of a small series of post I plan on doing on finances. I figured I should post this first entry both to introduce you to why I will be writing these post, and to create some accountability for me to make sure I do get this information out there.
I’ll start by saying that I have done a fair bit of reading as it relates to financial advice. I learned about Dave Ramsey this summer and read all of his books in the fall. I recently finished reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad. While on a brief financial kick in the past I’ve read Robert Allen’s stuff; The Millionare next door; and a slew of other books I found in the personal finances section of Border’s while Mindy does piles of homework. So, I’ve hopefully learned a little bit. And I must say most of these books have some pretty good advice. Many of them leave me ready to take action on making millions in some form or another, but usually that part of me settles down quite quick.

In future post I will share with you a little of the ways that I have dealt with my finances, and ways I hope to deal with them in the future. I am FAR from a financial expert, and nothing I’ll say here has stood the test of time (at least not that much time), but it is things I believe are steps in the right direction. I’ll try to be as honest as possible. Most of my values come from looking at the life and teachings of Jesus and trying to follow those. Some of the topics I’ll probably talk about is Needs vs. Wants, Fun Money, Giving, Saving, and living on what you need.
Since my life, and these views, are all a work in progress, I’d appreciate as much feedback as each person can give to the things that I share.

Many of you who are regular reader’s here at Trying to Follow also regularly read my Xanga, so this might be a repeat for you. This little personality survey has proven to be very popular amongst my friends, so I thought I would pass it on to folks here.

From the website:

The Johari Window was invented by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingram in the 1950s as a model for mapping personality awareness. By describing yourself from a fixed list of adjectives, then asking your friends and colleagues to describe you from the same list, a grid of overlap and difference can be built up.

Basically it’s a neat opportunity to seem some of the character traits that others sort of define you by. I found it to be an interesting and insightful thing to do and I thought you might like it as well.

Here is my Johari Window for you to view. And if you know me please add your describing words too.

Dominant Traits

70% of people agree that Ariah is caring
70% of people think that Ariah is giving
60% of people agree that Ariah is idealistic

All Percentages

able (10%) accepting (30%) adaptable (0%) bold (10%) brave (10%) calm (0%) caring (70%) cheerful (0%) clever (20%) complex (0%) confident (0%) dependable (0%) dignified (0%) energetic (20%) extroverted (20%) friendly (10%) giving (70%) happy (0%) helpful (10%) idealistic (60%) independent (10%) ingenious (10%) intelligent (10%) introverted (10%) kind (0%) knowledgable (10%) logical (0%) loving (30%) mature (10%) modest (20%) nervous (0%) observant (0%) organised (10%) patient (10%) powerful (0%) proud (0%) quiet (0%) reflective (10%) relaxed (20%) religious (0%) responsive (20%) searching (30%) self-assertive (0%) self-conscious (0%) sensible (10%) sentimental (0%) shy (0%) silly (0%) spontaneous (0%) sympathetic (10%) tense (0%) trustworthy (0%) warm (0%) wise (10%) witty (0%)

Peter’s AIDS Fund: A brief answer to “Why?”

I’ve begun to spend a bit of my time tackling two projects, one of which is with my friend, Peter Amico. As simply as I can put it the AIDS Fund project is an effort to raise $1 million to help fight AIDS in South Africa, particularly through 6 small, local, community-oriented organizations that Peter worked with while there for a month. Now some answers to the question “Why?”

“Why AIDS, South Africa, and these organizations?”

This one is fairly simple. As I said Peter just spent a month there and was really touched by what he saw, as well as became aware of a very tangible and current need of more resources for these small organizations.
In 2001 I was in Gambia working with a couple that runs a YWAM facility there. They expressed a desire to set up a child sponsorship program to help pay kids school fees. I tried setting up a website, but it was hard work long distance at that time, and it never happened. But ever since then I’ve had a desire to work on a very local project that would allow people to give and see the impact. Peter’s AIDS Fund is becoming this opportunity.

“Why $1 million?”

Well, to be honest that number is probably a little too low. I think we sell ourselves short far too often. We pick tangible numbers that are big enough to make us feel good, but not so big that we’ll be dissappointed. When you look at the HUGE crisis and you look also at the already billions of dollars that are being handed over to deal with it, this amount might still seem insignificant. But, as you hear the stories of these organizations, and the stories of the people that are being helped, I think you will see why your $1 or more will go a long way, and why it is SO important that you give.
$1 million bucks is not that much; it’s a dollar from $1 million people that hear about this need; It’s $10 from the 100,000 people that Peter might have the opportunity to speak to in churches in Florida; It’s $100 from 10,000 committed friends and family, or $1000 from 1000 people who have realized the importance of addressing this crisis; maybe it’s just $1 million dollars from someone with the money and the compassion to address these needs.

“Why Peter?”

You should probably ask him that one, but I’ll venture a small bit of input. Peter is someone who has seen with his eyes, and been moved to action. We need more people like Peter in the world; willing to stand up and take a stand against the injustice that he has seen and is ready to encourage others to do the same.

[Peter's AIDS Fund]

It’s funny I have this weird feeling that after posting this there are going to be a number of searches that will land on my site from high school seniors googling, “How to get into Wheaton essays” and “Free Wheaton Application Essays online.” If that’s how you got here, just know the essay that your about to read is probably not what got me into Wheaton. I actually got in because of my personal interview where I presented a song and dance routine in the key of h# and directed an entire pantomime by a troupe of trained monkey’s (though I had to agree not to house them in my dorm room; something about a total sum of body hair between roommates restriction).

I figure now that I’ve graduated, and because a friend asked why I wanted to go to Wheaton, there is no harm in revealing this essay to the general public. This was one of three essays I submitted for the Wheaton Application my senior year of high school. (UNCUT: Director’s Edition)

How do you see yourself as a good match to Wheaton’s academic and spiritual environment?

Since I first heard of Wheaton I knew I wanted to attend college there. It was a bright orange T-shirt with a blue Ichthus on the front and “Wheaton Soccer” on the back that first attracted me. “I’d go to that college just to get that shirt!” I told my friend who was wearing the shirt. At the time I wasn’t serious, but as I’ve learned more about the school I’ve found many more important reasons to go to Wheaton then to get a T-shirt.

Compared to many other colleges, Wheaton has tough academic standards. That appeals to me. I’ve always liked to challenge myself in school, taking hard classes that really push you. I don’t like to just get by, that’s a waste of the thousands of hours I spend in school. I believe Wheaton is looking for students that want to get the most out of their academic experience, and I believe I’m that kind of student.

The best way I’ve found to really get a feel for a colleges spiritual environment, besides visiting it, is by the people I know who have attended or are attending there, and the ways they are changed by it. In talking with friends attending Wheaton I’ve heard only positive comments and seen great growth in their spiritual walk. Those adults at my church who have attended Wheaton are individuals I have great respect for. The Wheaton alumni and current students I have talked to are all people with whom I agree theologically in almost all respects.

Two great men who have greatly influenced my life have also graced the halls of Wheaton. John Piper’s sermons and the memoirs of Jim Elliot have never ceased to amaze me. I want to learn from a school that has helped John Piper gain an amazing insight into God’s word and Jim Elliot an incredible patience for God’s guidance. Yet more then anything, I want to go were God leads me to go.

This discussion is sure to create some interesting feedback and debate. Zach brings up some questions about Pacifism, which Ariah tries to address. No script, no agenda, so it get’s a little off on tangents.
This is only half of the show, the second part of this discussion will air next week. And then we’ll continue to discuss pacifism and the Bible as long as there is interest.

We’ve also added to exciting parts to our show: Myth of the Week and the Friend Spotlight!
You could be the Friend of the week and if you are, you’ll win a BIG prize! Listen in and see if your this weeks big winner!

Please send your feedback and thoughts to ariahfine@gmail.com or call and leave an audio message at (615)349-1210

Or Download Here. (right click and choose Save link as…)

Brief shownotes:
-Ariah and Zach discuss Pacifism
-Myth of the Week: ?
-Friend Spotlight: ? Could you be our big winner?!

Disclaimer: No animals where hurt in the making of this podcast