Week number 2 of our new life, and I have made a few realizations:
1) It doesn't take long for creeks to dry out when no rain is in the forecast and that is true with money too.
2) Even though we lived very frugally before~ shopping at yard sales, cooking from scratch, buying in bulk/using coupons and not being spendthrifts...now that every.single.cent counts, I realize how rich we really were living. Like saying no to that beautiful hanging flower basket that I really, really want and never even questioned buying before.
3) Weekly menus are really effective when trying to avoid the market and use what you have. And of course, on days when you don't have the luxury to buy a pizza but you really, REALLY don't want to cook. Everyone has those days SOMETIMES, right? Or is that just me?
4) The job didn't just change, but our lifestyles as well. For the better. Matt being home has been the best thing for him physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationship-wise.
5) This new way of life is the best thing for me, as well, if only because of the purifying it has and is causing in my life.
Worrisome times are worth enduring if they cause you to reach for, and cling to, God.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
~Romans 5:1-5
~Romans 5:1-5
A few gifts named, though so many more lived quietly:
801: Sharing a bed with my husband EVERY night
802: Cotton yarn and crochet hooks
803: Patio eating
804: nightly runs
805: three meals a day, together
806: Papa taking part in the school day as well
807: impromptu kickball after dinner
808: a quart of strawberries, our own
809: jobs undone for months, finally being got to
810: baskets. Baskets for gathering, baskets for hauling, baskets of food giving and gifting and hauling around projects in transit.
811: a fan in the window at night
812: a new office for Matt, a place all his own and the sweat it took to make it
813: His dinner suggestions, when I have not a clue.
814: a washing machine that works
815: deer that jump right over your dog and the laughing that ensues afterward.
816: a LETTER from a FRIEND! Just when I needed it.
817: Prospects
Dear Rebecca, I wanted to give you encouragement...I know that you are looking to the Lord, that is what makes it work. Please put something special away for yourself and your family. I have found that through all of our struggles being a farming family, we tend to do best when we have something special. No matter how small it is, a bar of chocolate, a cup of hot cocoa with honey and cinnamon...just a piece of nice candy or you get the idea..something that will make you all rejoice. It will help if times get really difficult. We have had to eat the same very bland food because of lack of income, and it isn't the lack of nutrients that is most harmful, it is your mind and what it does when you eat frugally every single day without any thing nice! Just wanted you to know that now before you can't afford anything else...just in case, not saying that will be the result :) Many hugs and lots of prayers going up for you and for each of your family :)
ReplyDeleteA good list, and I am jealous of your runs-assuming you mean running, and not just jumping in the car and going somewhere. If I ran, I would stand a good chance of knocking myself out, and/or blackening my eyes. (To much info? :-O )
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking on baskets too, and hopefully, tomorrow, I will get out to pick cattails and try my hand at weaving. I think I need to sit down and write you a letter, I have lots to say, and just keep hogging up your comments doing it.
Much love and thoughts your way this Monday evening (well, night actually- I should be in bed)
Bonnie
Oh my...yes, so many lessons learned in the midst of trials...I have this song on my IPOD that says..."this momentary light affliction is working in me...an eternal weight of glory, an eternal weight of glory"...of course the artist is borrowing those words from Apostle Paul, I believe but they always just get right into my core...for me, financial tight spots have always been some hardest and been a GREAT place for growth!! You are not alone!
ReplyDeletePraying for you, friend!!! I am so glad that you are finally able to wrap your arms around your hubby each night! :-)
I read a lot of blogs. So many people who do what you do have not planned it out. They are thrust out because of unemployment or I do not want to name anyone, but because the husband does not seem to want to work. I do not know your husband personally or you, but one thing I know as a long time reader, you and Matt have a strong work ethic. Your husband learned to butcher to save money. Very few people I know in RL and in blogdom will do that. Maybe God is moving you both to be a real farmers, instead of just run a 'hobby farm'. I do not know his purpose or plans, but you both will come through this. And it is ok to occasionally have a treat, even something silly as flowers or chocolate. These things do feed the soul, but you already know that. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful to see that you are counting your blessings! (even when times are challenging and molding! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and rejoicing. Not every one has the ability or forethought that you have. Remember to care for yourself even as you care for others. God provides exactly what you need, when you need it. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for you. May your faith be as Abraham's -
ReplyDeleteHebrews 11:8
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."
(Love ya :)
A working warshing machine? Yeah! In the midst of impending leanness, I'm so thankful that you have a metal cleaning man again. It may seem shallow and silly in light of your other statements, but it does me good to know you've got the boon of technology to lighten the load.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've been thinking on your bigger blessings this week,as well, as I send John off to work, knowing that your family has chosen a difficult road, but, oh, such a good one. God will bless you. He IS blessing you! Of that I have no doubt. :)