OK, here is my first prayer request, and truly the thing that pushed me to make this other blog. We knew when we moved that things would be financially hard, and they are now that way. It is getting to the point that my hubby might have to get a part-time job to pick up the expenses. By the time we get to mid-February, things will be much better. But until then it's going to be a month by month, day by day thing. We think that November is o.k., and we should be able to get a couple of gifts for the kids for Christmas. December, I'm not sure, but this is how the Lord is leading us. Please know that I KNOW, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we were suppose to move. The Lord guided us to it, and blessed us with a beautiful house and neighborhood and is putting things together that is truly just from Him. And it makes me want to believe that because He told us to do it, everything is going to be great and easy. That's what I've always been taught to believe, but that's not the truth. Sometimes He calls us to do things that aren't always easy, and can be downright hard and not fun. But, all that being said, I am blessed. The biggest issue is hubby will have two days off for Thanksgiving and two days off for Christmas. But since he hasn't been there 90 days yet, he won't get paid for them. Ouch. So that hits us hard financially. But he has spoken with his boss, who has agreed to let him make up maybe 8 hours (he's loosing 16 hours). So that would be half, and that would be great. That, in and of itself, is a true blessing from the Lord. So now it's a matter of seeing how much I can cut from our shopping (groceries, paper products etc...) I know that the Lord will never allow us to go hungry, we never have. We have been in worse financial situations than this, and the Lord has always provided. But the influences the past 4 years haven't been the best in that area. The people I was around shopped for anything and everything just because they wanted it. They never budgeted, never said 'no' to something, thought it was a horrible thing if you couldn't just 'buy' it, whatever it may be. And truly, what you hang around, what you let be in your life day in and day out, will eventually rub off on you. I'm use to be around friends that think like I do. They have to budget, they have times that are tight, sometimes they have to sell things or cut back on groceries. And though it's not fun to have to do it, it's not something that means we've done things wrong or have to work so very hard to make it 'right'. Sometimes it's just where we are in life. So now that is where I am, well where we are as a family. Learning to truly trust in Him again. To know He will give us all our needs, though not always our wants. To know that times will be tight, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us, or that we've done something wrong. To live freely in saying 'no' to things and truly watching the Lord bless us with 'wants' we never knew we had. He is my Lord and my Savior. He will guide and protect us, and meets all our needs. I thank You Lord for all that you've given us. I know You are just as in control now as when You told us to move. I know You will provide for our needs, in ways that will astound us. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life, when I am so unfaithful at so many times. I love you Lord.
I am in a very similar tight financial situation. The hard part about having faith is getting it exercises for longer than we think we can bare! I know you won't give up. And you are right, God will provide. He gives us what we need when we need it, not a moment sooner. I'll be praying that you are given the grace you need to face each day.
Blessings,
Jenn
You are a strong spirit and a hope for others out there, your children are in training and seeing the strength the Lord has given you, never give up never given in are what TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE!! Love you my online chicky
JoAnn, you are not the only one to have this struggle. Everywhere I turn, I am hearing of people struggling financially and having to cut back on Christmas. I know things are tight for us, not to a danger point but close. We have struggled with medical bills for over 4 years now and it takes its toll. Do not feel bad about this. You had to make changes for your family. Your husband could not go on like that. I will of course pray for you.
I prayed that the Lord will give you such a peace and you will remember that "....with food and clothing, we will be content...." I believe the US (including the "blessed of the Lord") is heading for economic disaster because of our consumer attitude of "I'll buy what I want even if I have to borrow money." And the "Want it now" attitude. Those of us who have struggled in the past (or are struggling now) to learn how to manage the $$ God provides are in better shape in the long run--even if it is SO hard to trust. Don't despair! Your real riches are in glory and "...the sufferings of this present age are not worthy to be compared with glory that is to be revealed to us...."
Sorry this was so long.
I like it that this is a "private" (as much as it can be) blog and we can openly share with one another about things that might be controversial to the "average" blogger. I, too, have to be careful on my main blog, especially since I am sort of a public figure, what with the books and all. They even know my real name!
I understand where you are on this. It's very hard to say you simply don't have it, when your family has so much and think we should give up hs and go get a real job. DH's hours were cut back for winter :( We have had to make huge cut backs in everything, even on our driving.
I am praying for my sister.
Love you,
((((Brazilian/American hugs))))
We are about to take a huge step that will very much upset my family and a few friends. We know in our hearts its the right thing to do, but still we know how the 'others' will react. I'll be praying for you. We are going through a tough $$ situation right now also.
Kristy
I am sure that this will be a season of big faith growth as you trust Him to meet your needs and see how faithful He is. Also, as you learn to be content in Him and see what you can live without.
Going thru the same cut backs..I know many others who are doing the same..We did 3 gifts each kid to reinforce the gifts given to Jesus in the manger..It really has helped we have three gifts to go..Not sure we have enough for them we will make them small I guess..
Praying 4 U
I know it costs a lot to move, even when downsizing - been there and done that. But I also know that you had too and you did the right thing! God will bless you for it, even though it may look a bit foggy right now. Also the problem of a new job and less benefits at first doesn't help anything. I know the sun will come out tomorrow, but in the mean time, let me know if there is anything I can help with. I'll be praying for you all, I know that's the most important!
Dear Friend,
I really understand where you are. Moving out to Indiana was a great financial move for us and we were able to pay off many debts, but after an expensive summer (vacation, car accident, water heater breaking & flooding in the basement,...), and getting away from budgeting, we're in a tight spot now too. It's frustrating, because although there were some things that came up that we hadn't expected, some of it was just lack of self-control, eating out too often, buying things because I wanted them, taking trips regardless of how much gas costs,...and now we have the credit card to pay, and are convicted just before Christmas when I really don't want to be frugal! We feel foolish for being back in debt!
I will be praying for you, and ask that you pray for me as well! God is faithful!
Blessings,
Angel
P.S. I wanted to add, that all those other people who appear to have the ability to buy whatever whenever, are often burdened by debt, and don't give (to the church, to charities, etc.). In Virginia, we lived in a townhouse while everyone else had these mini-mansions, and I couldn't understand how they could afford them, until I talked to a friend one day who was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy! Living frugally within your means is tough, but much better than fear of foreclosure! And God will honor your obedience. Don't be discouraged by others, just focus on what God wants you to do!
This blog is so I can share my journey with the Lord, my journey as a wife and mother, and my journey as a homeschool mom. I pray that you will see the Lord in my life through happy and sad times, and that this blog glorifies the Lord.
This is an award and tag free zone, thank you.
Ouch. So that hits us hard financially. But he has spoken with his boss, who has agreed to let him make up maybe 8 hours (he's loosing 16 hours). So that would be half, and that would be great. That, in and of itself, is a true blessing from the Lord. So now it's a matter of seeing how much I can cut from our shopping (groceries, paper products etc...) I know that the Lord will never allow us to go hungry, we never have. We have been in worse financial situations than this, and the Lord has always provided. But the influences the past 4 years haven't been the best in that area. The people I was around shopped for anything and everything just because they wanted it. They never budgeted, never said 'no' to something, thought it was a horrible thing if you couldn't just 'buy' it, whatever it may be. And truly, what you hang around, what you let be in your life day in and day out, will eventually rub off on you. I'm use to be around friends that think like I do. They have to budget, they have times that are tight, sometimes they have to sell things or cut back on groceries. And though it's not fun to have to do it, it's not something that means we've done things wrong or have to work so very hard to make it 'right'. Sometimes it's just where we are in life. So now that is where I am, well where we are as a family. Learning to truly trust in Him again. To know He will give us all our needs, though not always our wants. To know that times will be tight, but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us, or that we've done something wrong. To live freely in saying 'no' to things and truly watching the Lord bless us with 'wants' we never knew we had. He is my Lord and my Savior. He will guide and protect us, and meets all our needs. I thank You Lord for all that you've given us. I know You are just as in control now as when You told us to move. I know You will provide for our needs, in ways that will astound us. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life, when I am so unfaithful at so many times. I love you Lord.
