Overwhelmed

I've been feeling overwhelmed. Nothing major. Just an increasing number of small issues.

• We are refinancing our house, so there are phone calls, appointments, faxes, emails, paperwork.
• I am starting a business venture, {side note: If you or someone you know in the Branson area would like private swimming lessons, let me know!} and with that need part time childcare, advertising, liability insurance.
• Somehow we inadvertently made an in-app purchase on the iPod and I don't like to be out money, even if it's only $1.99.
• My summer job is, apparently, already starting.

For the last 16 hours I just wanted to cry and sleep, but I have two small children. So I prayed as often as I could remember.  Praying without ceasing is a work in progress.  In the last hour God has worked out more of my "issues" than I would have thought possible. He truly is faithful.  Today I am grateful to see it so clearly in my life.

Some Motivation for Thought

Last week I bemoaned about being frugal, and some of you are with me.  It's hard to keep saving money when it seems like EVERYONE around you is spending it.  I came up with a few things that make a difference to me. 

• Recieving the mortgage statement when MORE money was going to principle than to interest.
• Student loans one and two GONE in one summer.
• Seeing the saving account grow little by little every month.
• Knowing that there will be hundreds of dollars a month to save and give and invest in just a few years.
• Trusting that being responsible with the material goods I have been entrusted with is acting in obediance to God.

What are some of the "little" things that keep you going strong on spending little?

Keeping On

Andy and I (or maybe just mostly me) have a lot of steep financial goals.  Even without these goals we are on a tight budget. My husband is a junior high teacher and my income is small to nonexistant.  I know in the long run I'll be glad, like when our house is paid off before I'm 35.  But right now it's hard. Seven years of sacrifice; I feel like Jacob waiting for Rachel.
I want to buy groceries without worrying about the cost of pasta or broccoli.
I want to buy new clothes.
I want to eat out.
I want everything.  I want whatever is easiest and "best".
But really, I don't.  And when I have it all, I am not happy. So how do I stay motivated?

I am not

I am not the most beautiful person
But I am pleasant to look at

I am not the best wife
But my husband adores me

I am not the most patient mom
But my children love me most

I am not an outstanding vocalist
But my Lord loves my praise

I am not a professional chef
But I feed my family and friends

I am not a seamstress
But my loved ones are clothed

I am notI am not

But He is

God is all. All I need. All I can ask or hope for.