Thursday, May 3, 2012

Things that make you go hmmmm…


Today was a bit disheartening.  

Being a single income family with 4 kiddos it should come to no surprise to anyone that things are squeaky around here in the financial department.  Being good stewards of what God has given us is pretty darn important to us although I must admit in the past few months I haven’t kept quite the eye on our finances as I probably should .  We’ve eaten takeout a few too many times, had a few random hospital/doctor bills pop up completely unexpected, our computer died and needed replaced, well you get the idea. 

I finally set down today to go through our budget and see where we are and how we’ve been doing.  We’ve been very blessed and the only debt we have is our mortgage and our pretty minimal mini van payment and while that sounds good the day to day stuff and all that randomness has added up and there is a LOT less in the emergency fund than I’d like. 

Let’s just say there better not be an emergency people!!!

I started to get really down about that today.  I started to get anxiety over it.  

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I look at our beautiful home and sometimes just wish it away because it would really take a miracle to sell it in this economy and to downsize in our high priced part of the country …well I don’t even think it’s that realistic right now.  


I dream of this little house in the country with a garden and MY CLOTHESLINE like we had as a kid in Ohio.  I dream of opening up the screen door and letting the kids run around outside in a BIG YARD!  


I can smell the air and taste the sunshine.  I can FEEL the breeze on my skin.  


Then I look up and it’s suburbia once again and I KNOW I should be thankful…and I am…but I am also nervous sometimes.  



I’m nervous because the budget doesn’t make sense.  As my girl Mariah put it, there is almost always “too much month at the end of the money”.  When I do MY kind of Math,,,ya know with the excel spreadsheet my ex-fiance manager self loves so much, I see RED each month when I “plan it out” and it freaks me out.  My husband sends in the tithe and I used to panic… Its part of our budget that there isn’t money for, but that’s just one more thing that “there isn’t money for”.


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But, we keep on going and TRYING to do our best with what we are given.  We keep on going and somehow God has provided.

TODAY I was bummed because I’ve been in the shopping mood lately but ya know not exactly $$$ for it…yep I know WHAT A SPOILED BRAT right…but I happen to think shopping is fun.  


But, guess what happened?  I WON A BEAUTIFUL PAIR OF EARRINGS and 2 (count ‘em2!!!) bracelets from my FRIENDS @ Tico&Tina!!!  NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!  


THEN, J went out to get the mail at 9:15 this evening…our mailman MUST HATE US because we only get our mail like twice a week…bad I KNOW…anyway…he went out to get the mail and I got an envelope from my friend Jovan.  IT WAS A COUPON FOR A FREE PAIR OF SHORTS from Old Navy!!!!!!!!!  I completely forgot she asked a couple days ago if I would use the coupon if she sent it to me.  I literally have ONE pair of OLD khaki shorts to wear this summer!!!  I NOW WILL have 2!!!!!!!!!!!  (THANK YOU JOVAN!!!)


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WIERDO the ways that God provides isn’t it?  


I know I didn’t win a years supply of groceries or $1M but that doesn’t matter.  


I think GOD thinks it’s FUN to provide for us in these little ways!!!


Jewelry doesn’t feed my family.  Shorts don’t either.  BUT, what it does do is give me a reminder that He IS here with me through my anxiety and that He WILL provide in ways we can never make up on our own. 




44 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. This post was beautiful. I can relate to your situation a bit. My husband recently went back to school and we are living on what money we had saved up since I am staying at home with the baby. It's so true that the Lord provides for us, and tithing is also very important to us even though we do not have an actual income yet. I will be praying for you and your family!!
    xo

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  3. Well said Kelly! I'm a single mom, so single income is how I roll too. And budget life doesn't come easy sometimes. Sounds like you're doing a great job mama! Your kids time with you is worth more than money. xoxo

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  4. OH I can so relate to your post!! I'd give anything for a home...a house, I mean. We're in a too-small, too-overpriced apartment, but we can't afford to move because that's too expensive! I can't remember the last time I went clothes shopping for myself. We could be better stewards of what we have, but with everything going on in our lives, eating out is sometimes just the easiest (although more expensive) option. Still thankful for all we do have despite any hardships because there's people far worse off than us!

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  5. You are doing a fantastic job. Sometimes those little things like earrings and shorts make us feel better. I hope your dream comes true!

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  6. Always the little reminders to keep us on our toes. HE is good at that. :) I hope things work out for you.

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  7. I hear ya girl! Last year my husband lost his job and there were times when I thought we might have to ask our family for money to get by. But of course, everything worked out. It's those trials that really strengthen our faith and I am so grateful for that :)

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  8. such a perfect post! i love the way you and Justin are so faithful with your money and just completely trust HIM for your provision. It's definitely a lesson I'm working on myself!

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  9. He's a crazy God, that God who loves us. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who loves using excel. I'm a little befuddled about the mail thing, though. You mean you don't rush to the mailbox everyday? Weird.

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  10. Pretty sure you just climbed into my brain and figured out what blog would hit me the most, then wrote about it.

    We're a single income family too and lately I've been bummed about the lack of shopping cash. Your post reminded me that God has, and will always, provide for his children.

    Thanks for this post.

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  11. such a great reminder. We too are a 1-income family and moving back into NYC in 2 months..freaks me out to think of all the extra expenses we'll have but then I remember how FAITHFUL God has been to provide just when we don't have enough!!

    Thanks so much for this post! xoxo

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  12. Oh Kelly! It's truly amazing how God provides, I join you to praise Him for this too.
    Your newest follower from Aloha Blog Hop Today!

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  13. You have such a positive outlook on life. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason. It may not be clear now why the bills are piling up, why your computer broke, etc. but hopefully it brings your family closer together.

    And great work on winning that giveaway. And a coupon for free shorts at Old Navy? Dang...I just bought a pair from there on Wednesday. I would love them more had they been free!

    Maybe you should try your luck again at the giveaway that will be on my blog on TUESDAY of next week!

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  14. I think that's awesome, Kelly. God sends us little reminders that He's here with us, whenever we get down on life! It's good of you to see them :)

    I'm with you... we half half the kids (ha!) but we are also on one income, and DO have a decent amount of debt (from moving cross country, twice)..and it's never easy. There is always something we need, something I want, something that need careful planning to obtain. It's not an easy way to live, but worth it, to watch our babies grow :)

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  15. This is a lovely post, Kelly! And definitely a good reminder. And, by the way, we only get our mail about two times a week, too. :D

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  17. I hear ya. Lately it seems I cannot stop spending on stuff. I literally get a stomach ache, when I have to even think about how I am gonna make it till next payday. I really need to sit down and Prioritize my budget, and spending. Good for you, to look at how our Heavenly father does help, in the smallest ways!!! LOVE coming here everyday to see what you write, very inspirational, and insightful!!

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  18. I think God knew that if he had given you actual money then you probably would have felt too guilty to spend it on yourself - well at least that is generally my experience, but these things you don't have a choice - so happy that God is such a PERSONAL God!!! =)

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  19. "He WILL provide in ways we can never make up on our own." I love that! It's so great to see God's provision!

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  20. Lovely post I can relate it's nice when those little things that help come at just the right time. I have a giveaway going on right now & some coupon savings on my site... I found you via a Friday hop! Drop by anytime! @ DearCreatives.com

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  21. Oh thank you for sharing this!!! I struggle so much with control...I want control so bad, and it boils down to my lack of trust in God. This gives me strength to trust God, that He DOES provide, we just have to let go and trust Him! Praying that God would bless you for being honest and that it would bring Him glory! xo, Viv

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  22. Thanks for the reminder that God provides. We are taking money out of savings each month, as our income does not meet our bills (my husband is a massage therapist, and is working at building his business - we are getting there, but many days I spend time wishing we would get there faster....HA.), and while I am grateful for our savings, I worry about what will happen when it is gone. Silly me, God will provide. Thanks.

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  23. You write with such candidness. <3
    It is amazing how gracious God is, even in our anxious moments.
    What a great read, Kelly!
    Xxo

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  24. The Lord will provide in different ways you don't expect. It's so nice to read your blog and connect with a fellow Christian!!! I think it's awesome that you guys aren't in debt either (except for the mortgage). Few families these days and in this economy can say the same :)

    Followed you from my Aloha Friday Blog Hop!!! Thanks for joining and I hope you have a blessed weekend!

    www.whatjeanlikes.com

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  25. Oh, I can totally relate to the anxiety over money issues. But lately I find myself almost obsessed over it and that is not good. I am praying and trying to trust more.

    The house in the country is our dream too and sometimes I think it will never happen, we can't live on hubby's income alone so I work and we really are well provided for and yet I am discontent over having to work.... Satan loves to make us miserable don't he?

    Blessings on you for your reminders.

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  26. YAY! You're welcome, girl. I'm so glad you could use it...it does seem like the perfect timing for you to get the coupon. So happy for ya! I'm sorry you're going through tough times :( Praying things get better for ya for sure!

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  27. Oh, Kelly. I can totally relate! Times are tough, but if we live the way we are supposed to and always try our best, we will totally be blessed!

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  28. That was a beautiful post. I look forward to reading more of your blog. I'm following you back from what's cooking in the burbs. Have a wonderful weekend!
    Bridget

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  29. Beautiful post! x

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  30. Hey I found you via the aloha hop and am your newest follower!! Maybe we can follow each other? Also Today is the last day to enter my modcloth giveaway!! Come check it out!

    THanks so much:)
    Emily

    http://emilymmeyers.blogspot.com/2012/05/giveaway-time-again.html

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  31. Your post is great! I just found you on the Aloha Blog Hop. I'd love to follow each other! http://sassyshopperreviews.blogspot.com/ Have a fabulous weekend! :)

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  32. hi. i am brand new to your blog.. =) but i totally am on the same page as you. i have 3 kids, one income and 2 tuitions. been calling bills in and putting them on hold, etc... its extremely hard when all i want to do is buy one outfit, just this once...
    but its probably better if i take the kids to a budget movie and cicis pizza..
    ive learned though to totally rely on God for his peace and joy. he really does fill all those voids, even our shopping voids =)
    although i am with you, whoever wants to bless me with a shopping spree...i aint gonna say no.. lol

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  33. Thanks Bridget!!! I appreciate you reading!!!

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  34. Haha! Sarah, why is it so hard for me to go out there and get it? have no idea but i am LAZY! Good to know that our mailman isn't the only mailman annoyed at their customers! PS can't wait until next Monday!!!!!!!!

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  35. Hey Kendra, I think it is SO easy to start obsessing over money especially when you don't have lot of it...or maybe when you do...i don't know I've never been in that situation before!!! Just gotta keep putting things into perspective EVERY day! Or at least that's what i have to do a lot of the time!

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  36. Thanks Alicia! I am so happy you read!!!! It really means a lot! It's so nice to connect with like minded woman!!!!!

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  37. Viv, thank you so much for your comment. That REALLY means a lot to me. It's so hard some days isn't it??? But we just have to keep trying EACH new day..or at least I have to! Haha! I have a thick skull!

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  38. Lynne, I swear it is NOT even believable most of the time how God DOES provide when you just say ok, God I can't do this so it's up to you!!! You stop and start to REALLy see all the little blessings and it's AWESOME!

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  39. Jean, I'm so happy you left a comment. I agree it is SO nice to connect with fellow Christians in this blogging community! I know it REALLY helps me each day!

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  40. I can totally relate to this! The jewelry & coupon came at just the right time -- a reminder that YOU are doing what's best for your family. And God is reminding you that he's got your anxiety-over big & little things! Blessings abound!
    Thanks for blessing my morning. I needed to be reminded of His control over everything.
    And, HI! I'm visiting from Meet&Tweet link-up. Thanks for making this mama feel at home with the same struggles & beliefs!

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  41. I loved this post. So truthful and so encouraging. Being a one income family is hard! When I do our budget I frequently see red too, but God always provides!

    Our budget as been tight the last couple weeks and so we don't have any "fun" money. It's nothing to complain about but it's not the best feeling. But this weekend my in-laws offered to treat us to lunch. And my husband who really wanted to see the Avengers movie this weekend got an unexpected rebate check in the mail, which was just enough to cover the cost of the movie - he's out now seeing it with some friends.

    It's nice hearing about other people small blessings - thanks for sharing.

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  42. Stopping by from SITS.

    What a blessing! It's so cool how it's the little things that make us so happy.

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  43. So happy I found your blog, your story is my story, and when I'm do He lifts my spirits and helps us in so many incredible ways.

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  44. Maribel, Thank you so much for your comment! It means so much to me that others feel the same way!

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