During the course of my first daughter's life, sixteen years, I gave $800 or $900 each year to three different churches. I lived in Georgia 23 years, three different pastors. I refuse to let my pastor's tax person file my taxes. He would know my yearly income. He would wonder why his church does not get my 10%. Last year that would have been $8,000.00 

Believe me, the federal government took more than $8,000.00 from me last year. Tithe is voluntary. Taxes are not. When I consider three different churches have received between $23,000.00 and $31,000.00 for the 23 years I've lived in Georgia, it feels like I have paid my dues. It is not godly to justify oneself. But I feel good. Steem protects my writing from torrents.

Times are rough right now. I am waiting for a refund from 2017-2018 since January 1. It's been a long wait. That IRS money was twice what I ever received from Steem. Steem money was gone long ago. But I have a car; a 2007 Chevy Malibu with 170,000 miles to show for it. My Steem trappings used to be a rake. Literally a garden tool. The car's out of commission right now. But school year's almost over. About to be a one income family between, Memorial day and Labor day. Any crying, and I'm selling the car.