How being poor made us rich. Part 1.

 

{The innocence of our babe's smile, relieves the stresses of everyday life.}

There was a time when we had plenty.  It hasn't always been this way.  Being without money....or at least very much, I mean. I've been into health for a while, and I recall buying alot of my groceries at Whole Foods. I don't buy ANYTHING there now. 

I recall when I didn't even care about a budget.

Ha!

Those days are long gone. (Though we still eat very healthy foods.)

But, you want to know the truth of the matter?  I got what I wanted.  Are you crazy, lady, might be your first thought.  Having to sacrifice that wonderful face cream that made your cheeks feel like velvet and only cost an arm and a leg?  Or, what about having to turn down renewing that magazine subscription that you've always loved?  The one that made you do a little dance at the mailbox when it arrived?

Yep.  That's about where I'm at.  But, I kinda did ask for it.

You see, it's like this.  We have some friends that are very dear to us.  You know the kind I mean.  The kind of friends who would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it.  The kind that you know are praying for you--not just saying that they are.  The friends you laugh and cry with. 

This family had their share of good times, but for a while things were pretty bleak.  The father contracted Lyme's disease, and couldn't work as much as before.  Money got tight--than it got even tighter. 

We walked through this valley with then, and watched God at work.

It. was. amazing.

Many people I'm sure were praying for them (including us), and they saw answers.  They needed God desperately.  When food was running out, it was provided.  Little things and big things were happening, and they had no doubt who was their provider. 

My friend would call me and say "Guess what God did this time?", and we would rejoice together.  Money coming in just when an extra bill they couldn't pay on their own was due.  Food was brought over, when the people giving, didn't even know they were in want.

I have to say, I was jealous for my family.

Jealous for that is our God too, and we weren't seeing Him move in that way.

We had all our needs met by a paycheck, right?  I mean, we KNOW as Christians that God is the ultimate provider....but I wanted to REALLY KNOW.  To have my children and my husband and I pray....then step back and see how God works. 

Sometimes it seems, when all is going well, and the paychecks are coming in....well, we're not quite as desperate for God.  We don't quite need Him, like we would if we would be going without, unless He moves. 

Well, I tell you what.

We're there.  Rough cheeks and all.

Don't let me fool you---this ain't easy.  In fact, it can seem downright impossible at times to figure it out in my mind.  We've had to totally turn around our thinking.  But you know what, in some ways, I am soooooo thankful we are where we are.

Why?  Glad you asked.

1. We are desperate for God's help.

We are not dependant in and of ourselves for our daily bread, or anything else we have.  We know that if it's in His will, he will provide what we need.  We have learned many lessons about money, and have had many a conversation with our children about it as well. We are seeking Him with all our hearts, and expecting to find Him. 

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

2.  Our children are learning the value of things.

No, they are far from perfect, (believe me),....though I do think they are some pretty awesome kids.  Because we share about our budget with them, and are very open with them, they know what we have and what we don't.  They don't beg for the latest game or gadget, or to go out to eat all the time.  They accept willingly what we choose to give, and are very thankful for what is received. 

We deeply believe that if a child never has to go without, it can develop an attitude of "I deserve that".  We believe "Work hard and play hard", is a great motto.  We all pinch in and work together, and then bask in the fruit of our labors, and have a lot of fun together.

For instance, we need to come up with quite a chunk of money to buy homeschool curriculum for the coming year for three of the kids.  Well, one way we will earn some of the money is by having a rummage sale. 

The kids have been furiously working the last couple of days cleaning out closets, and marking items to sell.  They will work hard, and reap the benefits of a great curriculum they enjoy, (and probably be taken out for ice cream cones to celebrate after the sale, as well.)

To be continued.......

{This post is a part of Works for me Wednesday}

 

Comments

[Shelly]

Excellent post! It is like Paul said, "I have learned to be content." We, also, have had times of plenty but are now in a time of... well, less than plenty. There are excellent lessons to be learned in hard times, and we are convinced that our children will be better people for it. Thank you for writing this. It is a good reminder, for I still struggle with wish lists and wanting more. It is good to be reminded of how rich we are when we have little earthly wealth. :)

[Campbell]

Thanks for sharing -- your experience speaks volumes. (Stopping by from SouleMama). The recession has been hard on our family, and we recently discovered we're welcoming a third child in the beginning of 2012. These have been faith testing moments, and to see your faith at work is an inspiration. Thanks.

[Joy Y.]

Shelly,

I think this post was for myself as much as it is for anyone else. I need to remind myself how "rich we are when we have little earthly wealth", as you said in your comment. We mamas need each other in these tough times. Thanks for your words to me!

~Joy

Campbell,

Congratulations on your new blessing coming into your family. Yes, these days are VERY faith testing...but if it was never tested, I guess we couldn't really have a true faith, could we? There is joy to be found if we just ask Christ to open our eyes to it. Our "earthly" eyes make it very difficult to see!

Thanks so much for coming by, and hope to hear from you again!

~Joy~

[Travelmama]

I am also stopping by from Soulemama, and I appreciate your honesty about what you are going through. My husband and and I went through a very, ehem, awesome trial last year, where we were selling our artwork and watches and a CAR! to pay the mortgage, as we started our own company during this tough financial climate.... and it was the best thing that ever happened to us. But the whole time we were learning to create and love no matter what. And then when there wasn't much left to sell, BAM! money came in. We kept saying as we were walking that our love and gratitude and willingness to be in service to God and life, would get us through, and not only did we make it through, we are more abundant on so many levels. Abundance isn't just money, is it? It's almost like we were planting a garden and we couldn't see anything for the first few months but now the flowers are sprouting up, and God was there all along. Anyway, wishing you the best.