Question from Elizabeth Robinson

When I was in my quiet time this evening I ran across a scripture that I wanted some outside perspective on.

Luke 16:8-9: "The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwelings.

What issues is this scripture addressing? Obviously the Bible is not telling us to buy friends or to be dishonest in monetary dealings but it seems a bit "smoke 'em while you've got 'em." Is this passage really just addressing charitable giving or sacrificial giving?

Eating Well?

One thing that seems to be consistently hard for some of us is to plan ahead so that we are eating right--and feeding our families well. I thought we might share some tips with one another--recipes, meal planning, shortcuts, healthful eating. Eating out(even fast food) really dips into the pocketbook and can wreck a budget if we do it too often--plus, it's not always the most healthy choice. My first few tips deal with mindset: when you grocery shop, think ahead of what your week will be like and plan accordingly. Look for the sales items and plan meals around them. Will you be gone a good part of the day? Think about using the crockpot for some meals. I often will bake a whole chicken with potatoes, carrots, whatever veggie you like and have that for a meal. I then take the leftover chicken off the bone and have that meat to use with other recipes during the week for some quick meals (chicken fajitas, chicken & rice--whatever your family likes). I'll share more of my ideas later, but I'd like to hear from you.

Struggles

It doesn't seem it should be so hard to live this life God calls us to live, especially regarding relationships. When we love someone, why is it so hard to live together peacefully at times? What are some struggles you have had in your relationships--with God, with your spouse, with your family, with your friends, with your co-workers? More importantly, how have you dealt with these struggles? Or do you have questions for others?