Thursday, March 15, 2012

Worth What?



The low interest rates got my attention. A simple calculation confirmed my assumption - by moving from a 30-year to a 15-year fixed loan, and adding a few more dollars to our monthly payment, we could save twelve years worth of payments. Now that's my kind of savings!

The catch? With the downward spiral of the housing market, our home/property value may not appraise for what it had years ago. Why is that such a big deal? We don't want to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). Wikipedia defines PMI, "This type of insurance is usually only required if the downpayment is less than 20% of the sales price or appraised value (in other words, if the loan-to-value ratio (LTV)is 80% or more)." Translation? We'd have to add more money to an already increased monthly payment to cover PMI. Would re-financing be worth it?

With everything riding on the appraisal, I cleaned the house, while making mental notes of all the home improvements we've done over the last few years. The appraiser was friendly and very thorough in her documentations. Our appraisal will arrive within a few days. Time to settle in and wait.

A foreclosure in our neighborhood caused home values to be skewed. Funny to think that just a few years ago, our home was appraised tens of thousands of dollars higher than we expect it will be today. Although we've continued to make upgrades and home improvements, our home has not continued to go up in value.

It's encouraging to know that my value as a human being is not at the mercy of a fluctuating economy. The Psalmist, David, offers reassuring words, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," (Psalm 139:14; KJV). The Lord's love for me, His creation, is evident in the first book of the Bible, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:26a, 27). And he was very pleased with His creation!

Sometimes I'm tempted to find my value in what others think of me. Never a wise move. Just like the fluctuating economy, others opinion of me may change based on what I do or don't do. God loves me unconditionally. His Word tells me so, "But God commendeth (showed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8; word in italics mine).

As I give the Holy Spirit access to all the areas of my life, I don't have to face rejection - I've got God's Word on it, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6). Wow! What a wonderful truth to bask in today. In the big scheme of things, it really doesn't matter what my home is worth. It's enough to know that I'm of immense value to the One who created me.

How do you measure your self-worth? Will you agree with Your Creator, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your great love for me. Help me not to look to others for my value. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that You love me. Help me to live like the person of value You've made me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

10 comments:

  1. Nothing will shake me says the Psalmist :)
    I like that you use the words from psalm 139 in your prayer!
    Great post Maria, thanks.

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    1. Marja - Great to see you! Nothing like basking in the Psalms! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. Hugs and God bless!

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  2. It is a bit frightening to see our saving go down ... but these words from Psalms are a great encouragement.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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    1. Glenda - Wonderful to see you! Definitely relating to your comment. It's made me re-evaluate where I place my faith. Sometimes we don't realize that we've allowed 'things' to take the place of God. So thankful for a loving Savior! God bless!

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  3. I like this analogy, Maria. I know I sometimes judge my worth on how I feel - not a good thing. Thanks for the encouraging word! :)

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    1. Karen - So easy to do! What a relief that I can base my self-worth on who I am in Christ and what He has to say about me! Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs and God bless!

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  4. We've looked at our houses as investments for so long that we've forgotten their original purpose...to be a home where we can raise our families and enjoy life. It's been almost 5 years since my house was last appraised. At this point, I'm happy to have a roof over my head.

    I'm glad that God doesn't value me based on what I do but on who I am: His child. :)

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    1. Susan - Love your insightful words! It IS easy to get caught up in making sure everything is just so in our homes, and not taking the time to enjoy the people within our homes. Hoping you have a wonderful week! Hugs & blessings to you!

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  5. You've drawn an excellent parallel, Maria! I wonder sometimes if people who lived in centuries past struggled with this issue of self-worth as much as we do today in our media-saturated society. Great to remember that then and now, our worth in Christ is guaranteed!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! You raise an interesting question - my guess is, probably not. Your conclusion is right on: "...our worth in Christ is guaranteed!" Have a blessed week, my friend!

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