40 weeks... and waiting with anticipation

The 31st marks our due date little Perpetua Faith... we are excited about meeting you face to face!!

when we first found out 

20 week foot

20 weeks

20 weeks in a ball

35 weeks (i think she is praying that she stays in for a while) 

look at that kissy face on this little girl... i love little girl lips! 

On the eve of the due date.. these little boys don't know what to expect. 

Yes, my little men, soon she will be here. 

spend less give more: FOOD

4 principles to spending less on FOOD so you can give more.....

Over the past year as the main money spender on food I have felt very guilty about the amount of money i waste on food each month. Knowing that i could make a change that would help us to save more money and to be able to give more to those who are in desperate need for food/water…. I made a plan. 

The plan helps us eat both healthy and cheap (which can be tricky as you healthy eaters know). I am a beginner at this all but I hope these tips, recipes (to come), and ideas can really help you as well. My goal is to spend $100 or less a week on all food/grocery/toiletries/cleaning supplies/diapers/etc./basically anything other than gas for the vehicles.

Our thought is if we can save even $10 extra a week it is worth it. With that $10 we can feed an impoverished child breakfast lunch and dinner for 10 days...talk about making a difference!!!!

1. Think Deeply and Make a Goal

Know when there are times for fasting and when there are times for feasting. We are soooo blessed here in America. Most Americans are use to daily feasting. Snacks, luxuries meals, gourmet drinks, and desserts are just a part of our feasting routine. We have so much food that it goes bad and we throw away food before we even get to enjoy it.  We don’t know what it is like to go without, to starve, or even fast. And when there are times of feasting such as holidays we just gorge ourselves till we are miserable. I think God has a word for all of this: gluttony, and He sees it as sin. I am the first to confess I participate in it ALL the time. 

A cause helps motivate us all to eat more wisely. Stating a goal or cause to give to, putting a picture from that country or cause on your fridge will motivate you and your family to continue to start a healthy pattern of cheap and better eating in your life. When we are doing it for someone in desperate need… something kicks in and we step up to the plate. 

Limiting your food funds is a great start. It helps for the first 6 months to have a cash only budget for your food spending (including eating out). We even include our toiletries, diapers, etc. in it as well. 

2. Think Ahead and Eat at Home

Planning your meals a week ahead of time saves on last minute costly food decisions and less trips to the grocery. Also making a plan to always eat in and pack lunches for those that are out and about really makes a difference on the food bill.  As a beginner mom at all of this I am learning the healthy, cheap meals I can make ahead and freeze as well as the best recipes to save on the basics.

Once a month I have a make ahead meal day. Where I prepare, cook, and freeze meals so that we always have something easy to have for dinner on those crazy busy days. Also once a week/2 weeks I make the basics that we use mostly every day. For us that is bread, tortillas, beans (we buy dry beans verses canned - cheaper), and Almond Milk. 

Using the "cash only" way with a limit of spending per week (like our $100) at the grocery (and everywhere for that matter) helps from buying things not on the list and helps to evaluate what I really “want/need”. 

3. Think Vegetarian

I use to think eating healthy meant forking out the big $$, but not always true. Most studies show that a less meat diet is more healthier (though that could change – you know one day it’s healthy one day it is not). I have found many vegetarian meals that my meat loving hubby will enjoy, my kiddos enjoy as well, and are full of goodness our bodies need, and are cheap! Will be posting some of my favs soon. 

4. Think Basic and Bulk (not pre-made/processed foods)

Buying in bulk, gardening, and sharing foods are all great helps in saving bucks. I have no green thumb… an honestly pay no real attention to my garden but somehow… it still yields.. so every year I make it a little bigger. Gardening is a great way to teach your little ones powerful life lessons as well. 

I also have a massive gardening sister… and reap from that every year… she is sooo generous with her goodies. I have been buying local happy chicken eggs too from friend’s children and that saves a couple of bucks. 

This is what I have recently started to buy in bulk and from where:

Chicken - Zaycon Foods 40lbs of Skinless, boneless chicken Breasts for $60 that is $1.50 a pound

Black and White Beans - In Richmond (where my friend Martha goes quit frequently) these guys sale them for $16 for 25 lbs.... can't beat that. 

Whole Wheat Grain (I have a great friend that has a mill and lets me use it for free about an hour every 2/3 weeks) - Either this place or this place you can get them for around to $11.40 for 25lbs. 

Natural Peanut Butter (no sugar, salt) - Cheapest you can find it here.

Dates– for homemade almond milk - Cheapest you can find it here.

Almonds (Sams) – for homemade almond milk

If you are local and want to join an order for any of these let me know and i will let you know the details. If you are not local i am sure there are places like these near you and Zaycon is statewide.

You can make 1 large/long loaf of delicious homemade healthy whole grain wheat bread (minus all additives) for $1 why spend $2.50 or more for something not a big and not a good. That is $1.50 can feed an impoverished child well for a day and a half. It adds up! It is actually pretty easy...

and it is worth it.

selfishness

I am sooo excited i get giddy thinking about meeting my little girl in a few days/weeks. But i can't describe my selfish longing when i think of the millions of motherless and fatherless orphans in the world... and how i deeply wish i could take them all home.

Adoption Agency.......my arms, my heart are big enough, and God gives me the strength and help to love and nurture all the children He brings into them... He will help me to do more... just give us chance. 

While i am sitting watching this video tearing up.... my 4 year old so smartly reminds me that "that guy doesn't have a world, he is just pretending mommy, it is Jesus' world,"

me - "Yes" (my too smart for his own pants 4 year old)"you are right"

God has this world and He is rescuing the fatherless. Lord, please please let me be apart of your plan.

Around the World top ten

"Around the World" is among the 5 subjects we hit in our home pre-school

Each day after prayer, verses, bible, and the bible story activity/game/or art... we go to our boxes and figure out where in the world we are traveling to next. We visit a new country or people group about everyday (yes, i know, we are adventurous).

The first day i used this box inside of a box teaching lesson to teach where we are from. Earth/North America, USA, VA, etc., and inside our little city box... there we were... :). Elijah liked our little laminated family.  I taped plastic on the top of the boxes so i could slip the country and continent cards in and out easily. This is a good site for country and contient maps.

Now each day we are looking inside the boxes to find out our next surprise destination. We are in Asia for the next several months. 

my laminated family

After we find out our destination we get our passports (which are passport looking journals i made where we record pictures and info about our travels each day.) 

I had to officially witness Elijah signing it on the first day.. :) 

THEN... we start at our big world map where we live and fly ALL around the room ... several times.... to our destination! We are going to Asia so it takes a while. he he... 

Then we watch a video, a you tube infomercail about the country, and/or read about the country and people who live there. Then we usually do a art project that we can add (or stamp) to our Passport Journals. We add recipes and games from the country too sometimes. 

Isn't she sooo cute. 

 and lastly we pray for the people in the country or people groups that we have learned about. I love it and i love praying with my boys for people around the world!!!

TOP 10 GREAT RESOURCES that we use for our AROUND THE WORLD studies:

It is a bit pricey but what it teaches my kids is priceless and i will use it as curriculum for years to come. Thank you to the parents-in-law for this gift for the boys! 

They have many printouts for art-projects, games, recipes, and all kids of great info. Comes with 12 different videos. We have watched the Malay People video over 5 times already and Elijah loves seeing people around the world and has alot of great questions. Plus he really learns how to pray for them.

Great resource for detailed info on every country in the world and how to pray. 

Very fun and informational for kids with lots of pictures and short stories. 

Great Short Stories about people groups, beautifully illustrated. 

Here is a site with some great around the world printouts.

I know i am plugging these videos again but they are such powerful true stories from people around the world throughout history that have loved Jesus. In other words you need to check it out.... they are real heros for our kiddos.  

Little Pims Videos are good if you are interested in introducing a specific language for your kids. We have the Arabic version and the boys really like it. 

This one has beautifully illustrated short stories about people around the world. :) I really like it! 

This book does a great job of introducing the whole concept of the world and all the people in it. 

  

These are 2 fun game/puzzles that introduce people from around the world. I am sure there are a ton out there. These are a fav in our home. 

I also am collecting a great library of individual true story children's books that i cry through most of the time and the kids get a real picture of a little boy or girls life in another place around the world... one day i throw that list up here. :) 

How to: Pallet Bed

This was a free 3 hour project that even a nine months pregnant woman can do. :) 

It is a bed for Perpetua's room, so mommy can sleep and nurse our little one and then it will be her toddler bed. We never got a traditional baby bed, we have always used a pack-n-play for the first year plus, which has worked out really nice for both boys, it is great when you travel too because you can bring the comfort of home with them. 

The below is what you will need if you can't find pallets the size of your bed. Mine were too big so i had to cut them down. 

need: 

2 or more pallets depending on size you find - free everywhere downtown, big companies are throwing them away all the time. 

circular saw (i am sure someone you know has one) 

hammer (to get the nails out)

electric screw driver (because i am a wimp and can't hammer right)

sander or sand paper (i used it because i don't want any spliters in my little toddler's fingers in the future but probably not necessary for a big kid bed) 

screws

measuring tape

pencil

optional: one kid down for a nap

Measure and mark where you want to cut to make it the size of your mattress. I did the cut on the length because i knew i could make it sturdy by moving the end piece up and screwing it back in as shown below.

 Cut your pallet.

 Pry off nails and planks of wood on end piece with hammer (or just hammer them in). And wedge, with hammer, end piece back into the new end. 

Screw the new end in and do the same thing with the next pallet. Then just lay the pallets on top of each other as shown below. I also cut out an additional middle piece of wood on both pallets to slip in draw baskets as seen below. If you do that make sure you the side with the fewer planks of wood. 

Voila.... a great sturdy place for a mattress with storage below and a fun rustic look.. you could paint or spray paint yours as well i liked the rustic unfinished look. 

God's perspective on wealth...

Here is the non-comprehensive list on passages and verses, God's words, about wealth, what we should do with it, the sins related to it, etc. I am sure there are a lot more out there.. feel free to leave more of them in the comment section below.

These are some of the verses that are challenging and changing me. Ouch is all this little American girl has to say... and then i beg Him ....help me to see everything through Your eyes!

God provides for us

God provides Manna, Quail, and water for the Israelites in the desert Exodus 16:9-21, 31-32, 17:1-7

God provides water for the Israelites Numbers 20:1-11, 21:16-20

God sends help to the Israelites Joshua 5:13-6:27

God provided for Ruth and Naomi Ruth

God works through Saul to defeat the Ammonites 1 Samuel 11

God provides for Elijah 1 Kings 17:1-7

God provides water 2 Kings 2:19-22

God provides for the widow 2 Kings 4:1-7

God provides food for his prophets 2 Kings 4:38-44

I have everything I need in God. Psalm 23

My help comes from the Lord Psalm 121

What if the Lord had not been on our side Psalm 124

The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.  Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land. Psalm 12:6-8

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Psalm 28:6-8

Trust in the Lord and do good.  Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:3-4

Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. Psalm 37:18-19

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever. Psalm 37:25-28a

God is my helper.  Psalm 54:4

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22

He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Psalm 113:9

Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. He has saved me from death,  my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. Psalm 116:7-8

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. Psalm 130:5

He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. Psalm 147:9

The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. Proverbs 10:3

The godly eat to their hearts’ content. Proverbs 13:25

Everything belongs to God

Joash does God's will with His money 2 Kings 12

The Levities, caretakers of God's money Ezra 8:24-34

Job didn't trust in money Job 31:24-28

God owns everything Psalm 50:9-15

Don't desire their delicacies Proverbs 23:6-8

Everything is Mine Isaiah 66:1-2

Wealth used for evil Micah 2:1-3

Wealth by unjust means Habakkuk 2:5-9,12-14

Wealth never fills you Haggai 1:3-6, (11?)

God asks for tithes and offerings Malachi 3:6-11

Trust God and not money Matthew 6:19-34

Pay taxes (give to Ceaser) Matthew 17:24-27, 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17

A camel through the eye of a needle Matthew 19:16-30

Love God more than money (story of the guy came to ask Jesus what he must do - sell everything) Mark 10: 17-31

Give your all (Widow) Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4

Women give to support Jesus and his disciples Luke 8:1-3

Don't store up earthly wealth make your riches in your heavenly relationship Luke 12:13-22

Don't worry about material possessions       Luke 12:22-34

Don't be like the people who do not know God but be faithful with the little things (money). How you value it will and use it will help you in the eternal life with Jesus. Luke 16:1-15

The fate of a man whose god was money (Abraham was rich as well and he went to heaven… so being rich won't keep you from heaven but money being your god will.) Luke 16:19-31

It all will be fading away soon Luke 21:5-6

Support those who are sent 1 Corinthians 9, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Give generously       2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 2 Corinthians 9

Support your teachers of the bible Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17:18

Being content whether you have a lot or a little Philippians 4:10-14

Where true wealth is found 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Don't trust in your money 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Don't love money Hebrews 13:5-6

Wealth fades away James 1:9-11, 5:1-6

It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Psalm 37: 16-17

Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Psalm 119:36

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain,and your vats will overflow with good wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. Proverbs 10:16

The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

A gracious woman gains respect,  but ruthless men gain only wealth. Proverbs 11:16

Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. Proverbs 11:18

Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,  but the diligent make use of everything they find. Proverbs 12:27

Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Proverbs 13:11

Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. Proverbs 14:23-24

There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. Proverbs 15:6

Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. Proverbs 15:27

When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Proverbs 16:8

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. Proverbs 19:1

Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away. Proverbs 19:4

Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. Proverbs 21:6

Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! Proverbs 21:26

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both. Proverbs 22:2

The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!” Proverbs 22:13

Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you. Proverbs 22:26-27

Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.  Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Proverbs 23:4-5

Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house. Proverbs 24:27

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. Proverbs 28:6

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. Proverbs 28:11

Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. Proverbs 28:22

Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity. Proverbs 28:25

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13

But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. John 6:27

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble. Proverbs 28:20

God values the eternal not the things that will pass away

Greedy Gehazi 2 Kings 5:20-27

Don't Trust in your wealth Psalm 49

The Warrior puts his trust in Wealth Psalm 52

Generous will prosper Proverbs 11: 24-26,28

Grant me these prayers Proverbs 30:7-9

Never Satisfied Leech Proverbs 30:15-16

Judah puts their trust in mere humans and wealth and not in God Isaiah 2:5-22

Her eyes are on her appearance and not on God - Israel’s next Top Model Isaiah 3:16-24

The successful city of Tyre was brought down Isaiah 23

Babylon puts her trust in herself Isaiah 47

Like chasing the wind Ecclesiastes 1:8; 2:1-11,24-25

wealth will disappear - Only one thing really matters Ecclesiastes 5:10-17, 19-20; 6:9

Give generously Ecclesiastes 11:1-2

Fat cows of Samaria Amos 4:1-3

Girls should be concerned with the inward 1 Timothy 2:9-12

You must not covet your neighbor’s wife. You must not covet your neighbor’s house or land, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor. Deuteronomy 5:21

Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. Psalm 62:10

 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Psalm 119:37

Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. Proverbs 10:2

Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. Proverbs 11:4

Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. Proverbs 13:7

Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. Proverbs 15:16

Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:19

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. Proverbs 16:32

The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. Proverbs 18:11

Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth. Proverbs 20:17

Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. Proverbs 21:17

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. Proverbs 21:20

Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Matthew 5:42

God wants you to give

God asks Israelites to Give to those in Need Deuteronomy 15:7-11

David shares with others 1 Samuel 30:18-31

You must set aside a tithe of your crops, one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. 23 Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 14:22-23

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. Psalm 112:9

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16

God helps the poor, widows, oppressed and orphans

Rescue the poor and helpless Psalm 82:3-4

History of our faithful God Psalm 107

Speak up Proverbs 31:8-9

What sorrow awaits those who hurt the poor Isaiah 10:1-4

The Lord answers their cries WATER WELL Isaiah 41:17-20

Evil exists there for oppression exists Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

God is furious with those who rob the poor Amos 8:4-8

Give in secret for God rather than man Matthew 6:1-4

Jesus helps the person in need, the Religious leaders are more concerned with their traditions Mark 3:1-6

Jesus heals the deaf man Mark 7:31-37

Jesus heals the blind man Mark 8:22-26

Serve as if you were serving Jesus Mark 9:38-41

Take care of the widows 1 Timothy 5:3-8

Faith without works is dead James 2:14-17

Do not exploit widows or orphans. If you do and they cry out to me, then I will surely help them. Exodus 22:22-23

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds. For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer. Psalm 9:9-12

The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans. Psalm 10:14b

 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.  He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. Psalm 22:24,26

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:10

With every bone in my body I will praise him: “Lord, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?” Psalm 35:10

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows this is God, whose dwelling is holy. Psalm 68:5

God places the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6a

Help him to defend the poor,  to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors. May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever! Psalm 72:4-5

But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them. Psalm 109:30-31

I know the Lord will help those they persecute, he will give justice to the poor. Psalm 140:12

Blessed are those who help the poor. Proverbs 14:21b

Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,  but helping the poor honors him. Proverbs 14:31

The Lord protects the property of widows. Proverbs 15:25b

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. Proverbs 17:5

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17

Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. Proverbs 21:14

Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. Proverbs 22:8

Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor. Proverbs 22:9

 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. Proverbs 22:16

Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. For the Lord is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them. Proverbs 22:22-23

Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans. For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you. Proverbs 23:10-11

A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. Proverbs 28:3

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. Proverbs 28:27

The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all. Proverbs 29:7

The poor and the oppressor have this in common, the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both. Proverbs 29:13

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

10 practical things that have helped me begin living...

10 practical things that have helped me to begin living for the eternal 

…though note: i have a faaaaaaaaaar way to go but these have helped me a least make the first step.

1.   Having God’s perspective or thoughts

i think it was at the Honor Academy, when i was 18 years old, when i first remember this verse being taught, after that study we did i remember a guy writing verses all over his work jeans so that while he was working he would see and read God’s words – very cool. The verse stuck and since then my houses, cars, and sometimes hands have been covered with God’s words. In fact if you want to see what the biggest thing God is teaching me or sin in the forefront of my mind, all you have to do is walk around my house and read.  

On the following post there is a great collection of verses on God’s perspective of money, wealth, what to do with it, etc.… it is not comprehensive list or anything but it is a good start. His words are what have been transforming my heart. 

2. Having a Goal

Simplifying for simplifying sake isn’t enough motivation for me. i knew it was an obedience thing for me but i asked God for goal. It has helped. Last year for us it was the water well. $2,500 to build a good one in India.  So we went through every room/ closet/box/self and found $2,500 worth of stuff. We sold a lot of our stuff on ebay, craigs, and at our big Proceeds for Poverty sale last June with a lot of other donations from our church. 

Fact: 2.2 million children die every year because they do not have access to clean water.  Knowing that every penny we sold was going to help a village in desperate need and generations of lives really is motivating and helps you decide quickly what you really could live without.

3. Having a Question

“What could I live without so that someone else can live.”  …ask yourself that question and it is a lot easier to get rid of the fluff!  i am still asking myself that question. There was a recent fire that destroyed the homes of 280 families in a poor village that we know well in India. When Jonathan told me… I started searching the house thinking of what I really could live without so these families can live and a kitchen island is about to go on Craig’s list this week.

4. Having a Guard

In the bible it says to guard your hearts (Prov. 4:20-23) and your eyes (1 John 2:15-17). Several years ago I turned off the T.V….it wasn’t that easy…I was addicted to a few shows… I knew that it was not teaching me God’s thoughts, in fact it was teaching me thoughts that were opposite of His, I also knew that it was a waste of His time… life is short… and there is a world to change out there. 

T.V. makes you not only see God differently but makes you think you need things you really don’t.  I started with a 30 fast from it, and then a 40 fast, and then a fast with friends that also wanted to fast T.V… and well now.. it is easier to see that it is a waste and damaging to my brain… and honestly I have no desire for it.  Other things got the boot too…..

• Cut off the T.V. and narrowing the movies to pro Jesus/God thoughts too. 
• Throw away the pottery barn/ etc. magazines….yes that was hard…but I don’t even care now… however my latest temptation:  pinterest.com – I am using it mostly for teaching ideas  for the kids… but I do narrow my viewing on that… because well I can easily get sucked in to things like that. 
• Band the Mall or any shopping… yes that may seem extreme…but I am a sucker for a “good deal” so if I stay away… they are missing God’s money from my pocket and I am not missing out on anything that I really didn’t need anyway.

You may be able to do all of the above and it not affect your thoughts and what you spend God’s money on but i am not that strong! If i need a gift for someone… mostly I am looking for something that will either meet a basic need (wal-mart) or draw them closer to Him (I can find those online).

5. Having a budget for EVERYTHING

Cash budget really helps us with this… if there is no cash in the envelope… there is no spending. It helps you to consider “do I really want that?” It helps you save more and have more money to give to those who have real desperate needs. 

We put our food and other spending all together so that really helps. We have a budget for gift giving too…. because I need one… i like to spend money on others but something has changed in my thoughts recently… why spoil the spoiled when there are so many out there without the basic needs to live… and without the basic need of knowing the God that created them. 

We are blessed that we have never been in debt and have stayed away from the temptation of the CCs. We haven’t paid off our house yet but… i am okay with selling it and moving to some other country anyway.  When we did look for a home we looked for something well within our means…and I feel so blessed… i feel like we live in a mansion… we have much more room than we really need. i do wish when we were fixing it up I had God’s perspective. Ashamedly i wasted a lot of money on things that really don’t matter. 

6. Having a Challenge

It is all about Him, why do i want to live simpler so i can give more away? Because that is HIS heart and He truly is all i need.  There is NOTHING good in me… i am selfish, i am greedy, i am materialistic, did i mention i am selfish?  He is the one who gave it all for us… and we are still not worthy or even understand that kind of love. 

It needs to be for Him and through with a real perspective of what we really need. Friends that challenge me have really helped me get back on course. 

I was in China one summer about 10 years ago with 6 young Chinese; they had become believers and went to share God’s love with an unreached people group my church in TX had adopted. Everything they owned was in their back packs. 

Before we left for the trip we stopped and picked up a few trinkets for the girls at Target, a journal, a smell good candle, and a necklace. Shortly after arriving and meeting with them we gave them their gifts… they looked really confused… so we thought these must be silly gifts for someone who lives out of their backpacks. So we asked them “what do you need or want? New Shoes, a new backpack… perhaps?”(yeah… dumb question… I see that now) they replied…

“the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” 

I sank heavily into my seat… I really don’t remember what else was said that night. But it was like I had never heard that verse before…the words kept echoing in my head.. i think it hit me so hard because they really believed that… it wasn’t like “well Jesus is all you need, but you do need food to eat, or Jesus is all you need or want but you need or want that new whatever too” 

He was and is ENOUGH for them.

i want Him to be ENOUGH for me. i want to know that and live it. Thanks for the reminder my friends where ever you are… i will never forget your faith

7. Having Children

Getting kids involved in the giving is a great way to teach yourself what really matters. We do several things:

GO THROUGH: i share with them and show them pictures/videos of people with a basic need, no food to eat, no home because of the fire, that people are sick because they have no clean water, then i ask them, “What would God want us to do to help?”… “Well we need to sell some things to get money to buy them that  food/etc.”… “Would you go through your toys and think of what we could sell” Percentages helps with this too…. “We are going to keep half of your toys and we are going to sell the other half to help these people in desperate need. You chose what we should keep” My kiddos are remarkable about this… they have an easier time of letting go that i do. (P.S. I have the same percentages for me… so i can show them what mommy and daddy are doing)

IN THE LUGGAGE: Before every trip daddy goes on… and as most of you know he goes on a lot… i have the boys pick out a toy to send with daddy to give to a child in need. i ask them to pick something they like, “God wants us to give our best.” And surprisingly a few times i cringed as i saw something i really liked go in the luggage… but what do you say to a willing child with a giving heart. You really can’t ask “are you sure?” 

For those who are wondering… they never miss the toys…even when we have showed them pictures of the toys with the children that received them…they were happy little fellows excited that their toys flew all the way to wherever to “help” some child without toys.  

(Ugandan girls with their teddy bear)

8. Having Creatively Cheap/Free Ideas

Selling my island means  i needed to think of a place for my spices, pots and pans, trash cans and junk drawers…. so i need to find free options that make it feasible. Note below: Diaper Wipe plastic boxes screwed into the back of pantry door, the pots and pans are on top of the fridge, and i really just cleaned up my junk drawers, i put all that random hoop la where it actually belonged. 

For the most part i am thinking of everything that way. i am asking others if they have something i can borrow or share instead of buy, i am thinking creatively and simply. i know some people don’t feel comfortable asking others but isn’t that what the body of Christ is supposed to be doing anyway? 

Recycling and repurposing things really helps. Some of my recent repurposes. 

Painted free finds (desk, chair, little guy table and stool) 

Free Pallets turned into a bed/box springs

9. Having Reality before my Eyes

In my kitchen i have posted a picture of an Indian kitchen to remind me of how really RICH and WEALTHY we are and for me to count my blessings and be content. 

We have MUCH MUCH more that we need to survive.  Seeing reality in pictures, watching movies about the majority of the world, and going and meeting those in great poverty puts a lot into perspective. 

This site helps you find out where you rank in wealth in the world… that reality can really help you see things differently… check it out and see where you rank percent wise in the whole world. You will find out that you are among the top 11% of the wealthiest people in the world.

 http://www.globalrichlist.com/ 

10. Having Conversations with my Maker

Talk to Him about what He wants you to do with His money and ask Him for His heart for the world. He answers prayers. He will draw us closer to Him and His thoughts… He loves us. Admit where you have not been thinking like Him and ask Him to forgive… i do that.. many times… hourly! 

Prayer … true talking to God and listening to Him as well… being silent in His presence… reading His words really is my source of joy. True Joy… not just a little happiness. Joy is something that doesn’t depend on your circumstances or stuff… it can only come from Him… He is the source of limitless joy. 

He is the only one who can turn us into joyful givers. Only He knows our hearts and our motives for giving. i remember my student pastor, ol’ Steve Witt,  after teaching us about this verse and principle asking us to laugh out loud next time we gave in the offering plate at church… all the students did it… until we had the whole congregation laughing… cheerful giving is more fun. 

Remember this, a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

God blesses a man who gives cheerfully,  but his worthless deeds will come to an end. Proverbs 22:8

if i believe...

Over the last several years, by reading God's word, i began to see that i wasn't really living what i say i believe.  There were and are so many things in my life that don't line up with the way He thinks and how He sees the world.

A big one for me was the time, money, energy i spent on the non-eternal... you know stuff, fluff, pretty distracting things. Things that really don't matter in the big scheme of things... as the Bible calls it "meaningless".

Once i spent weeks trying to find a good deal on this bed for elijah. i saw it in a magazine and i guess i thought it would make me happier somehow because it was so cute... and that is just one example of many many many of my desires for stuff that doesn't matter to our creator. He is still working on me in this area of my life big time.

Last year i was complaining to Him on why i wasn't living in some country somewhere loving on people that need hope and love... I was telling Him it would be so much easier to live the way i know i should if i were there. He basically said to my heart, "Heidi, why don't you live for me that way here." OUCH... it reality hit.

I am not acting out what i say i believe and i am not willing to do what He wants no matter where i am.... though i am still His child, who He loves, as a Father, enough to reprove.

So this started a couple of things last year.... selling alot of stuff to selling stuff with others at proceeds for poverty to being able to build a water well for a poor village in India (giving 5000 people clean water) it also lead to reevaluating every cent that God has blessed us with. (p.s. i sold the bed and our headboard too... did you know that we really don't need one.. we have a mattresses and they are marvelous enough... the Bible says Jesus didn't even have a place to lay His head)

(water well - in honor of a friend who died of cancer last year... she knew what was worth living for) 

If you come to my house you are definitely going to see we are still sooooooo blessed... and so are our kiddos... none of us are lacking at all even though we have got rid of soooooo much fluff. i am still sooooooooooooooooo far from my thoughts matching His thoughts, i still covet, still spend time on material fluff that really doesn't matter, but I see Him doing something in me. He is cutting at the core... and it is good...i am wanting these dead branches pruned!!

i know He has been showing a lot of His followers all over america why He has blessed us so... not to build our own kingdoms but to build His...i see a change happening... and it is exciting.

We only are given one life to live. If we really believe He is who He says He is then we must do what He says we should do.

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:17-18