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Oftentimes, when a person finds themselves without as much income as they once had, they discover that there really ARE things that can be cutback.
We have to earnestly ask God for help and then start the thinning process. Where can cuts be made? Good question. Practically speaking, it is a life style change that may stick long afterward.
Basic Cell phone service is hard to come by but can be found. Cut all the extras and while you’re at it, cut the kid’s service too. Rationalizing will get you in trouble. Cut it and don’t look back.
Cable TV? - Basic service for TV and computer is still available. Net-Flix can go too.
Food? Well, Cook it at home (what a concept)....no more Starbucks for a while either! Eliminate pre-packaged food items and snacks. That will save a bundle AND you will be healthier in the long run from doing without the preservatives, additives and sugars. Your joints and liver will thank you.
Launder your own things. Purchase wash and wear instead of depending on the Dry Cleaners. Hemming a pair of pants, a skirt, or sewing on a button shouldn’t be too challenging for anyone who can text ninety-miles and hour, now should it?!
Goodwill and consignment stores aren't like they used to be. They are clean and modern. Many of these stores actually purchase new items from retail stores for 10-cents-on-the dollar, and then re-sell them at much lower prices than the retailer...and that's why you'll see Lots of NEW items! Humility might need a tune-up first.
Consolidate errands. Got 3 cars? Sell one! Let the kids pay their own auto insurance with money they earn. Hey, it’s a privilege not a right! They will appreciate getting to drive even more.
So many people pay for a storage facility. Now that’s sad!
When the garage is full of items not used in years, the kids’ rooms are bursting at the seams, it’s time for action. Yard sales, consignment shops, Craigslist or E-Bay - take your pick! Keep up the momentum or you will sink back into the oblivion of myopia.
Charge cards, cut them up, or only charge if you can pay all at the end of the month.
Lottery tickets! Need I say more?
We have to earnestly ask God for help and then start the thinning process.
The key words are Ask God for Help, thank Him for provision, and then begin action.
Today I am hosting a guest post by Nancy. Her blog site is found at: http://songsatnight.blogspot.com/
You will want to bookmark her site and perhaps substribe to her blog.
5 comments:
These are helpful suggestions.
May I add: "Offer gratitude and pray for provision."
I just did a study on Timothy 6:6-8 yesterday; "But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (NIV - translations from Greek via KJV concordance)
Gain in this verse is from the Greek word "porismos." It means furnishing, (procuring), money getting, acquisition.
Which is to say that true gain in our lives is through Godliness or holiness mixed with contentment or sufficiency. Interestingly, that word for contentment is "autarkeia." It is only used once in all the Bible, in this verse...
Our society has swept us up into the great vacuum of materialism and us includes His church. I'm guilty of it as much as the next person. This is contrary to what God desires for us. Our fleshly appetite cannot be quenched. Once consumed with the flesh it can't be satisfied. Our treasure can only be found in Him.
When what we have defines who we are, we have lost the salt or usefulness to and for God. We like the Israelites of old, take the gift from His hand and begin to worship the gift instead of the Giver.
Nice job Nancy. No one likes the shot of truth, but it's good for us...
I think this is great! It is a great reminder that I need to stick with the process of eliminating all the accumulation of "stuff". Thank you.
Boy if people would cut even half of your suggestions they would have the extra money to pay their bills... But what I see happening is guilt put on members of the family that is living within their means. It's so wrong... These sweet, good people take their extra and give it...you never learn to deal with life and continue this cycle. Thanks, Vicki K.
I read this and it is great. Most of it I do, just have to remember to keep getting rid of the accumulation!!!!
Vicki Cook
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