Being a part of a radio show is not something I ever imagined, or even thought I wanted.
After four years at Carleton’s School of Journalism, I knew writing and newspaper reporting were more my idea of fun, than radio or television journalism.
That graduation happened many years ago, and so much has changed in the journalism world. The internet and social media were only possibilities, and not quite realities, when I headed into the world of community newspaper reporting.
But here I sit over 20 years later, and I find myself reflecting on an entire year’s worth of radio shows. While “Let’s Talk Money with Dave and Reb” is not the journalism I was trained for, there are so many helpful “nuggets” my education, my experience in community reporting, and my training as a blogger, has brought to the show. One of the most valuable lessons I started learning in university, was overcoming fear in talking to strangers and asking them pointed questions. Curiosity is something I started to develop as a young journalist and it has served me well in all areas of my life.
Those comments aside, this radio show encompasses so much more than any of my practical writing or journalism experience; it is a reflection of the spiritual journey that I have been walking especially over the last 10 years.
When my husband David left his family business in 2007, and we heard God speaking to us about another story and journey to be a part of, the future lay before us like a white, snowy landscape yet untouched. Just as Abraham was called to a place that he did not know, that he would later receive as his inheritance (see Hebrews 11:8), we were feeling the pull to leave the “place” we knew and travel to a place we did not yet know. In our own fumbling, distracted and meandering way, we “obeyed and went” even though we did not know where we were going. Ten years later, we are owners of More Than Enough Financial Fitness, with a mandate and desire to love people as God loves, and to bring people the hope of possibilities and practical realities for spiritual growth and financial freedom.
The story of that journey is for another time, but it is important to note here that the radio show “Let’s Talk Money with Dave and Reb”, which has just celebrated its first-year anniversary on CHRI radio in Ottawa and as an Itunes podcast, is a reflection of the practical, heart and spiritual journeys we have been walking personally.
This financial journey of discovery is not one I would have chosen for myself, but yet it is one of the most critical and important junctures that has occurred in my personal life, our marriage and our family’s story.
So let’s talk money – what I have learned on the show
So what have I learned? So much, and so much more to learn. The following thoughts are by no means exhaustive, but they reflect the journey of growth that this show is leading us through.
I love working with my husband.
Yes. It’s true. I once thought we would be at odds if we ever worked together, but truly the joy of doing life together has culminated in this show. After 26 years of marriage, we have learned (and continue to learn) how to communicate, support, love and encourage one another. His practical side helps me ask good questions of myself and others when it comes to applying the Word of God to my financial journey. This show is a reflection of all that good stuff, and I am so thankful!
I don’t like listening to myself, and I think I talk too much…but that doesn’t matter.
For a reforming-perfectionist, it has been challenging to listen to myself. I make mistakes. I do talk too much sometimes, and I cut people off. Our show is more a conversation than an interview style. We want you to feel like you are sitting at the kitchen table with us and joining the conversation. Sometimes I get excited, and I think it comes out wrong, but I am starting to accept myself for who I am, and how I sound. I am grateful for the guests, and all of you who listen, and keep encouraging us to go on. So thank you! (Along the same lines, I do listen to myself sometimes, and when I hear something profound I am amazed!)
I am learning all kinds of stuff, all the time!
As we like to say, money is a currency and so is our financial journey – it runs like a current through the story of our lives. Our stories aren’t stagnate, but are always changing, so there is always something to learn. Our guests on the show teach us so much about heart issues, practical money issues, and God’s love for us and His Word. It is part of the reason I love coming to work!
This show isn’t about me.
Humility. I am not better than anyone, just because I am on a radio show.
Growing up as the youngest of seven children, I know how to seek and get into the limelight. I have been on a journey for decades of trying to learn how to take myself out of the big picture. I want to be one who shares the love and glory of God, but sometimes because of my flesh, selfishness, and need for affirmation, I subtly take it for myself. Pride is always knocking on the door. But again I am reminded: it is His story of love and freedom. I can’t free anyone, only His love and forgiveness can! I throw myself at God’s feet, and come face to face with my Creator, remembering who He is and who I am. He then pulls me up and tells me to get going, and I give thanks again for the privilege of being able to be a part of this show.
Talking about money is important.
Talking about money is important because it usually leads us to what is happening in our hearts. I have learned that reminding people every week to talk about money is important. Sometimes, I don’t even want to listen to what I say, because I am accountable for that knowledge. Somedays I would rather run and hide than deal with finances, but talking about money regularly reminds me, and others, that we are not alone. It also reminds me that sometimes conversations can be hard, but that the reward is greater than the hardship. Talking about money leads to freedom if we persevere through it.
Phew. There it is. A year of radio shows. A year of learning. A year of growth. A year of laughter. And a year of tears. Thank you for being a part of our journey in this calling to hope and freedom.
Rebecca van Noppen is Communications Director at More Than Enough. She is also a teacher, home educator, writer, and woman who loves to pray. A lover of Jesus, she works alongside her husband Financial Coach Dave van Noppen to help others find hope and freedom in Christ on their financial journeys.