Not 24 hours after a proud post about reclaiming joy, I was struck down with the flu. Let me clarify, because this was not just any flu. This sickness was one of the most violent periods of illness I've ever had. I'd rank it only under having Ecoli and giving birth via emergency C-section with no numbing. Oh my word!! At one point I think I said out loud, "I had better at least be losing weight from this because this is insane!"
So, whatever was trying to crush my pumped up spirit needs to back off! I just sincerely hope and pray that my son doesn't get it. I obviously don't want my husband sick, but lets be honest, he can hold his own hair back and I haven't the first clue how to explain this to my little boy!
Now that I am back to about 76% normal, I wanted to share that God is still good! In all the chaos we've been going through under our current housing contract, prayers are still being answered even after the most incredible roadblocks come in the way. I mean, this is the kind of stuff you couldn't make up!
I want to encourage everyone with something I was reminded of yesterday that I think of most often when considering my incredible son and providing for his future...finances! While attempting to buy a new home, this is like a dark, looming cloud overhead...but it doesn't have to be!
People who live joyful and blessed lives do not just live within their means...they live below their means. This doesn't mean that you should trade in your 2009 Civic for a 71' Pinto or move from the Country Club to the back alley apartments with barred windows. This is simply the idea that to live paycheck-to-paycheck can happen no matter what your tax bracket.
If you are wealthy, wonderful! I'm so happy for you. Celebrate that! But, if your wealth looks like a $400,000 a year income, don't spend $399,997 a year and call that a victory. Trust me, Murphy's Law (If anything can go wrong, it will.) applies to everyone. No matter your status, Murphy will find you if you are unprepared!
So, for people like my family, in our current living situation, our budget will always look fairly tight because we have chosen to provide for our family by serving others and taking care of family. However, even in circumstances like these, you can take precautions like Dave Ramsey's suggested Emergency Fund, so that you are prepared if something unexpected comes up.
Plan, prepare, and don't procrastinate. Most people unfortunately live lives where we justify spending by convincing ourselves that we are entitled to anything we want instead of being thankful for what we have. There is power in contentment. So, if you have much or little, enjoy it! But remember that your most treasured memories are likely to be made in a place where the stress of finances don't rob you of the joy you thought you'd have there.
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