February 6, 2010
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{Pocketful of Change}
I’ve always had a love/ hate kind of relationship with money.I grew up in a pastor’s home, so we weren’t exactly rolling in the dough…
but though I didn’t have “everything,” I certainly had all I wanted.My parents are both fiercely generous people –
they will often tell us kids they hope we won’t mind not having an inheritance someday,
cause they’ve spent it all on us while living!
And though I’d never fault their generosity.. after all it’s what has concealed my true hair color for years.
I will say that there was a slight downside to it that I didn’t realize until getting married.
Being that my concept of money was slightly, “altered.”Exhibit A: The newly named Mrs.Hutchins gets introduced to, “The Envelope System.”
It took me awhile to catch on too…
I didn’t understand that when one envelope was empty, oh.. say like, clothing/ entertainment -
that you weren’t allowed to swap cash from the other less important envelopes, like…..utilities/ groceries.And though I eventually learned the concept that if the money wasn’t there, it meant you couldn’t buy it,
some things I’ve never completely learned as far as money goes~ like estimating the cost of things.
Shayne always tells me I round down, instead of up.
If something is $10. 99 I don’t see it as $11.00, I see it as 10!
Yes, I can see my more frugal minded friends grinning..
those extra 99 cents adding up on things have shocked me many of times at a store check out line!!I have done better in more recent years though.
Not that my math skills have improved,
but I think I’ve come {and am still coming} to a place of contentment…
of being okay to get by on the necessities.
And I want to be quick to add, if you looked around our home, or peeked in my closet…
you would see much more than mere “necessities.”
God has been good and I don’t want to give the impression that we’re living on potatoes,
sleeping in lawn chairs, and have only two outfits to our name~ one for school and one for Sunday’s. But as I’ve discovered, ever so painfully at times, contentment doesn’t come easy.
Expectations of what you think you’re entitled to, and comparison of where it seems everyone else in your age bracket is at…
seems to always be peering over your shoulder, ready to rob any hint of contentment you might possess.So based upon that I’ll say, no matter how blessed I am..
there are still those “things” I can long for and desire.
Like a second bathroom,
or a dishwasher of my own…
maybe that trip to Disney World before my kids turn 21!But this is where my contentment has surprised me lately~
realizing that if I never get those things…
it’s okay.
I’m okay with that.
I used to think money was a main source of contention in my marriage~
and though finances do put a lot of extra stress on a couple, and we’ve been there…
God has shown me, especially in this last year that what was causing more contention in my marriage
had nothing to do with money, and so much more to do with my lack of gratefulness.It was just something that went off like a light bulb in my brain one time during a disagreement Shayne and I were having about…
oh, probably something to do with the envelope system. And ya know.. I want to just insert here that finances is a area of expectation that I think needs to be checked at the door when you get married. I hear so many single girls with their “list” of requirements for a man… and yeah, money is pretty crucial to beginning a life together, but it is not something you are always “guaranteed” of~ We don’t know what the future holds…
When I married Shayne I thought I was marrying a pastor.
My dad had been a pastor for some 25 years or so, and I thought Shayne’s life would be the same…
God’s plan was different.And that pastor I thought I’d married has also been a company consultant, estate planner, recruit manager, chick-fil-a worker, and business owner. Yet through all those changes God has reminded me again and again I married a man~ not a job, a set income, financial stability, or future security. And I think it’s important for our men to know that even when all those things aren’t there… we’re still WITH them – and so much more than just “physically with.” We can be with our men, but not. And I’m sure you know what I mean~
But since the light bulb flipped on all those months back I’ve purposed to try to develop the quality of gratefulness more sincerely in my life~
We’re selfish creatures at our core, or I know I am.. so having and showing gratefulness doesn’t always just naturally flow from me!
Sometimes it can come easily… but others, I find I need to be making an intentional effort.
Or atleast attach a sticky note to my forehead that says in big, bold letters – “BE GRATEFUL, GIRL.”Amazing that when I seek to be more grateful, I find my focus shifts..
things like extra bathrooms and dishwashers and vacations to hot locations are still desired…
but somehow their importance is lessened when seen through eyes that see all I have, and not what I don’t.
Shayne and I have had times in our lives of having well paying jobs~ of having abundance.
We’ve also had times of less… times where we’ve wondered where the next groceries would come from.Being self employed, as any of you self employed people out there know, the secret word is, “Cash Flow.”
And when it’s flowing good, that’s great!
But all it takes is one customer to not pay.. or raise a stink about something… or tell you they don’t have the money…
to cause that flow to come to a screeching halt!
Depending on the amount owed, the amount invested in other jobs, it might not effect us… and then again, it just might.As was the case at the beginning of the week… which I didn’t realize until after the fact.
Shayne told me last Sunday night he was sitting at his desk going over figures, planning for the week ahead…
Bills and such had been due, and paid.
So the money owed us from previous, finished work, was what he had been counting on for the materials he needed for the new job they were supposed to be starting the next day~
But when that money didn’t come through, well… it looked like he wouldn’t be working come Monday morning…
and who knew how many mornings after that?Feeling really helpless about it all, Shayne stopped and prayed for God to make a way.
Later while doing some paper work he came across something he had totally missed earlier in the week … cash rewards from one of his business credit cards!
I love how God times things..
had Shayne seen that when it first came in it wouldn’t have had nearly the impact it did at that precise moment!Then, the next morning a customer called switching his order to a less expensive product, which had already been purchased…
so when Shayne returned the unused material there was that unexpected excess given back~! And while there the guy said,
“Hey.. when one of your employees came in the other day I realized we had been over charging you for those special nails you’ve been ordering..”
The amount he reimbursed was more than enough for what the immediate need was for the new job supply cost!And so what looked bleak on Sunday night~ turned into a whole week of Shayne working {and very happily so} his little Canadian bum off.
Later when I heard how all this ended up playing out I kept having one thought going over in my head…
“Your Heavenly Father knows what you need…. even BEFORE you ask.”
And no. We don’t always have money come in so “miraculously…”
There have been times. I’m sure many of you can relate…
times of waiting… wanting to see God answer,
to see Him step in and save the day.
But, in the end~ He hasn’t.Atleast, according to us.
I remember my mom telling me once when just such a thing had happened..
when I had been so confident that we’d have a George Mueller kind of story come from something,
and none of it ended up going down like that….She told me that though I didn’t always feel it.. God was always working on my behalf.
“On my behalf….” that really stayed with me. He WANTS what’s best for me.
He hasn’t turned away to meet another need and somehow forgotten about mine –
He hasn’t weighed my good parts and bad parts and decided the bad is bigger so He’s not going to help…No. He never.never.never.never stops thinking about me and what is going on in my life!!!
And mom went on to say – - “It’s like those times in the middle of the night when it’s so dark…
you think morning isn’t going to come. It seems so forever away… the night is endless.
But regardless of how long it seems to you…. no matter how far away… truth is – - it IS coming!”God’s working in our lives is so much like that~ maybe not on our timetable..
but something is always going on in the heavens that we can’t see {or comprehend} with our human eye~
And He’s not only always coming. He’s already there!“When we’re trusting Christ most authentically, we’re not thinking about trusting. We’re looking at Christ.
We can’t trust and think about trusting at the same time. We’ll always be discouraged.
Stop contemplating the… “experience” and look to the Object.
Look to Jesus, and pray for eyes to see!” -John Piper
= = ~ = = ~ = = ~ = = ~ = =
a funny story about money from our date night::
I needed to pick up a few groceries before we headed home…
and I saw we were passing a Aldi’s.“Hey.. we should try that place out. I hear they have some good prices…”
“Oh yeah.. ” Shayne answered. “I used to shop there all the time when I lived in Chicago… I’d buy their frozen lasagna for 3 bucks a box and live on it for a week.”
: /
“Well, let’s go get some 3 dollar week long dinners then…”
As we headed in we noticed all the carts outside were locked together {apparently a new feature since Shayne’s Chicago days}…
Shayne went over and rattled a few, seeing if they were really chained up, or if it was only an illusion. It wasn’t.“Perhaps they’re getting ready to close soon… let’s look for a cart inside.”
When we walked in I saw several people checking out and their empty carts sitting in front of them…
“Oh, there’s some.. go get one of those….”Shayne walked over and asked the lady… “Are you done with your cart ma’am?”
She grabbed a hold of it as quick as if he’d just asked her if he could borrow her credit card…
“No, you can’t. I need it to get my groceries to my car!!”He turned to a guy leaving and said, “Do you know where you get the carts at?”
The guy stopped and looked at him with a confused expression…
“Outside.”
“Yes… Yes, I see that. But they’re chained together.”
The guys confused expression turned to annoyance…
“You have to pay a quarter, buddy.” {I actually don’t think he said buddy, but he looked like he could have}
“You pay for the carts?” Shayne repeated…
I don’t think the guy answered that.
Shayne came back and told me the situation…
Which seemed totally bizarre to me – {remember, I’m the one who freaked at the envelope system}“I’ve never heard of you having to PAY for a cart in all my life!!!”
Yes. All you Aldi shoppers – - NOW we know you get your quarter back, but we didn’t know that THEN!
But it didn’t matter.. neither of us had a quarter. : /We decided to pick up a few things anyway, since we were already there.
And just as my arms were filled to overflowing with things like Toaster Strudels {a.k.a.-Pop Tarts} and Honey Puffs {a.k.a. – Honey Combs}, Shayne had a new thought…“I bet they only take cash… “
“Ya think?”
So.. we did a quick breeze by the check out lanes trying to unsuspiciously look for the little friendly Visa/ Mastercard sticker.
Seeing none, we put our no-name bargain deal savings down and left.“Man! We don’t even make good poor people…” Shayne said as we walked past the cash only registers and chained together carts.
Then. We both busted out laughing and went to Wal-Mart~
where the carts are FREE!
= = ~ = = ~ = = ~ = = ~ = =
My point in all that I’ve shared is simply…
I know the economy is rough right now.
It’s effected many of us.And I’ve heard from some of you, and read on your blogs where your husband has lost his job, or you have.
You’re in a career change. Or seeking what’s the best direction for your family right now….
And I wanted to remind you.. as I was reminded this week~
God is Faithful.
He knows what’s going on in your life.
He’s not forgotten.
and trust me,
He’s doing something about it.Sometimes, the change we find in those small pockets of our life… has nothing whatsoever to do with money.
amber.
Comments (47)
Oh my, I so needed this post. Thank you, thank you!
Your Aldi’s story cracks me up ~ lots of money can be saved there ~ next time you have some cash, go try it out and save a bunch!
I keep a quarter in my car, just so I can shop at Aldi’s. Ours now takes debit cards, but I don’t have one, so I always take cash to shop there.
My husband has been in business for himself for many years. It takes a lot of faith, especially at first.
There are so many things I want to respond to in this post, but all I can think of to say is, “Thank you!” I am in the Contentment Classroom myself, although mine isn’t finances, but circumstances. I want to learn it so badly because I know my Father is indeed working on MY BEHALF!
God bless you!
thank you. thank you. thank you.
I cannot say it enough.
I needed to read that. Seriously.
Sometimes life is just plain ol’ difficult. And painful…oh so painful.
And I am not just talking about dollar signs.
This past week is one where I have cried myself to sleep every night. And I am not a crier. When I cry, I am normally good for the next six months.
Not sure why I am explaining all this….I guess I just want you to understand how you touched me. God used you in my life. Especially with the words of your mom:
“It’s like those times in the middle of the night when it’s so dark…
you think morning isn’t going to come. It seems so forever away… the night is endless.
But regardless of how long it seems to you…. no matter how far away… truth is – - it IS coming!”
So thank you. Keep on.
Love the Aldi story!
I have gone there and realized as I walking in that I had no cash…and walked back out. But I shop there every chance I get! Wonderful prices, and I love the fact that I don’t feel like I have to price-shop and see which brand is cheapest–they usually only have one brand! WAY less stress, and it takes less time, too! There are only a select few things (like coffee) that I am picky about and don’t buy there.
Also loved the story about the money turning up when you needed it. There have been several times that I have thought we were seriously in trouble, but after praying about it, I found some mistake–a deposit I hadn’t written in or a payment taken out twice–that made it all possible. I guess that doesn’t say much for my bookkeeping, but it is sure a sweet way for God to show His strength!
Right now, we’re sort of hoping for one of those little miracles to cover property taxes next week….
“all it takes is one customer to not pay.. or raise a stink about something… or tell you they don’t have the money…
to cause that flow to come to a screeching halt” — oh, yes, do we ever know – especially this time of year when work is less. BUT GOD. yep, He is amazing. Resting – that’s the key for me, can’t tell you how many times this week I told the kids, “guys, I”m not worried, I’m trusting Jesus.” and by saying it time and time again, it was for me, not just them. HOlding onto those words and making them my own and just takin in that peace that comes with knowing HE knows everything. everything all the time. down all the way to quarters and pennies.
what a wonderful thing to live in contentment. it truly is wonderful.
Great post, very entertaining.
From what I have learned it is very common for a couple to have one that saves and is cautious with money and the other more willing to spend. Hopefully it balances out. We had the same experience with our 1st visit to Aldis but soon caught on and found it a very good place to shop.
yep, you’re ‘right on the money’ with this one. i can attest first hand to the hard times of job loss and not knowing how there will be money for groceries, the mortage payment, the utilities bills, the hospital and doctor bills…and YET God provides for and cares for His own in some pretty amazing ways. The past 8 1/2 months of my husband being without a job have been v.e.r.y. HARD in more ways than one, but I’m more keenly aware now of the blessing and priviledge it is when one has a job….I can more easily understand those in similar shoes….and I know that God has reasons for and purposes behind and in the midst of trying times.
as always, a pleasure to read.
enjoy your weekend…are you all snowed in?
~Rachel
You are so right Amber! Thanks. Have a good rest of your weekend! =)
Great post!!!
i’m an Aldi shopper, had me smiling to myself about the carts. and ours takes debit
Praise God that HE knows our needs before we even do! And not just the financial ones we think we have…but the heart desires, the things HE even wants to teach us through it all! Great stories of HIS provision and how He’s teaching you contentment through it all.
Oh, and the envelope system we know well around here. Some people think it’s confining and just can’t work with those who live on a commission only/self-employment/own your own business payment (or non-payment) system. BUT, really, it’s more free-ing than confining and helpful and really we’ve saved a lot. God is good and faithful! And His love everlasting for us!
Man, I love that first picture of Kate!!!
Also, love this…… “Man! We don’t even make good poor people…” Shayne said as we walked past the cash only registers and chained together carts.
Absolutely LOVED this post. I couldn’t agree more about the gratefulness thing! Also, loved the John Piper quote and the story of Aldi was priceless! I don’t think I knew about the 25 cent cart thing when I went there the first time either! I am also on the journey of learning to do without things that I would like to have and learning contentment. I always enjoy reading your posts!
what a great post again Amber…we are selfemployed as well and I sure hear it with the ups and downs as well!
And the Aldis episode cracked me up!!! I love your posts!
Thank you Amber! This post resonated with me. You are so right God is so faithful and cares about our every need – whether it is manifested in the way we think it should be or not. Lovely photos with your post, too! Thanks for the encouragement.
We have “No Frills” and “PriceChoppers” here and we’ve been paying for our cart for years! We learn a lot about ourselves by how we handle our money. You will be very glad in the long run that Shayne is so mindful of the finances!
I’m another person with a husband who has seasonal work. The way you told the story of God supplying Shane with the money needed to start a new job is exactly what happens to us all the time. No huge checks in the mail (well, sometimes) but bits and pieces of what seems like nothing come together to make a really big something. God is much more creative than we could ever hope to be!
Another great post written directly to me.
“God is Faithful.
He knows what’s going on in your life.
He’s not forgotten.
and trust me,
He’s doing something about it.”
I needed this reminder. Thank you!
Amen here! I’m thankful my Heavenly Father knows what I need before I ask and He’s already there with the answer. Thanks for sharing from the heart.
Girl, the envelope system is awesome! It is the reason, second only to tithing, that Terry and I have been able to stay out of debt (except for house note) in spite of horrendous medical bills and other unexpected expenses. I don’t think I have bought any clothes except for a few maternity items since I was single, and our vehicles are worth less than 3 grand, but we have always been clothed, been warm, and had plenty to eat. Last month, we treated ourselves out to lunch at a restaurant (other than Cicis pizza for pregnancy cravings, and a b-day dinner for our brother-in-law) for the first time since we were married (we did not even eat out on our honeymoon). Like I said, we KNOW the envelope system, Ha ha! God is good, He always provides exactly what we NEED and beyond that too!
Hahaha, love it. Thanks for posting this. What a good point you bring up! Yeah, it’s never really about things, is it? Just what we think we should have. Miss you.
@DawneElla -
oh, yes.. i remember Price Choppers very well. i guess that was my first intro. to Aldi’s.
{though they didn’t charge for carts back then}
you’re right about how we handle money revealing so much about us.. it’s sobering.
Hey – Dave Ramsey and the envelope system. Names and titles I know all too well! Something I too was introduced to after marriage ~ that and the astranged word “budget”
) Really, did it even EXIST before I was married or is that just something that came about by someone from our era? LOL! God has used these two, to save our (my) hides! As well as the buy old cars and trade UP. We’ve found that to be successful too! I didn’t grow up in the home of a preacher – that’s for sure – but rather a successful business man that gave his ‘little girl’ (me) everything she wanted. He had the money and wasn’t afraid to spoil me with it! Which has made my ADULT life a true learning experience ~ I’m still learning. And about being grateful (thankful) – I’m learning to be more of that these days too! Your post ministered to me today in ways that not even a church sermon could reach, thank you! Blessings!
PS – I had the same EXACT learning experience with the Aldi carts myself – how funny!
LOVE the realness. and the way you write. we can all relate! and you minister to us all in so many areas of life! love/hate relationship with money? oh! how i understand that! you only realize how attached you are to money (and the things it can buy) when you don’t have it. i’ve been striving for contentment all my life. i’ve made great strides…..but, eternity will free me. <3 you!
This is so true! Contentment has absolutely nothing to do with how much or how little we have. I had a situation recently where I was expecting to get some things I’d been putting off until there was some extra money. Once bills were paid and groceries bought, there was not much left for the things I’d been planning to buy. I was acting like such a spoiled brat about it and then it hit me- God will provide those things when He wants me to have them. I realized we are so, so very blessed in that we have more than enough money each month to pay our bills on time, have plenty to eat, have money for things like ballet and baseball for our kids, etc. when there are so many people right now who don’t even have enough for groceries. And even after my ungrateful attitude, God provided some extra money and I was able to get some extra things. He promises to meet our needs, but He also likes to give us surprises sometimes!
Haha. Aldi. Thats the only place my mom shops these days (she does shop at other places but thats the main shop!) I got frustrated and determined I hated the store when they wouldn’t take my credit card the first time I went. I had a nasty attitude about it- especially since I had to barrow $$ from sis. Boo! Til I realized how much cheaper their prices were after having to do some shopping. Now, i just make sure I’ve got some cash with me (p.s. they take debit!).
Last summer when I was heading to do missions work, i needed X amount of dollars. A wedding I had done… a year before (photography) had passed, i had come to my senses that I wouldn’t see a dime from that. But just when I needed X to go serve.. that money came and it put me over. But God knew I’d need a little extra on the other end. Oh, he blows me away at how he provides in the little ways.
PS. Disney is overrated. everything is fake. there are only a few rides. everything costs 3times (errr..more) more than it should.
as i said. overrated
i rest my case.
thanks for the reality check!
Girl, you’re so dead on with the truth here! I love how the Lord has shown you He does take care of your needs and the “on my behalf” promise is so comforting! As a former MK/PK, my life was about scraping by on very little. As a new bride, I felt spoiled with 2 brand new pairs of jeans and several “tops” and new shoes; all purchased for me by my brother-in-law ‘cuz he knew hubby and I had no money! And that is why our new kitchen in this little old house is so very exciting to me! If the house burned down, I could live without again because it’s what I’m mostly used to. What would be hard and IS hard sometimes is that a sibling lives a much nicer, hoity toity lifestyle and I have “pockets” of thinking, “Why can’t iiiiiiiii have all that?” Then I come to my Christ sense and let it go. { :
This is a great post. Ah, yes, I round down, too. Isn’t it funny how we’re different from our hubbys. I’m so thankful he’s got a financial/budget type brain. Funny story when I was first married I had expectations that we would always be able to go away on weekend trips and enjoy the finer things. Oh, boy, I was so wrong. I was finishing up my degree and my hubby worked two jobs, I wonder how we survived on generic mac ‘n cheese
.
My hubby worked at Chick-fil-A too. It’s one of our favorite fast food places.
@foreveranoatneygirl -
we didn’t get nearly as much as they were calling for~ but when we got home from church today the driveway was pretty icy, making it impossible to get up. even Shayne’s truck trying to pull us up was sliding all over the place, so it seemed to take an extra long time. Emma had a little friend that had come home with us for the afternoon and after awhile she said, “Mrs. Amber.. I’m getting awfully bored in here. Could I please just get out and walk?” =) so funny coming from a 4 yr. old!
i hope it’s our last downfall of the year. hello spring? i know you’re under there. =)
As a missionary couple who live on faith (donations) I depend on Matthew 6:32! We are in a very tight spot right now, but having been in this same place before, and finding our God to be incredibly faithful, we expect Him to be the same again! With the economy the way it is in the U.S., many people are not able to give, and we also find the value of the dollar is less, which means we get less kroner for our bucks. We don’t have much, but we are SO BLESSED! God does meet every need, and it is exciting (and, at times, humbling) to see how He does it! Several times, we have been given food for the freezer. Once, a lady was praying, and God told her to give us a whole pig! WOW! That was A LOT of meat!
We were even able to bless some other people with pig parts! LOL! We find good deals at second hand stores, too. (I know you also check out those great places!) Yep, even when “all the envelopes” are empty, our God can still make a way. He is faithful and very creative.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!! I am a HUGE aldi shopper girl! Go back with a quarter (and your own plastic bags) that’s part of how they keep prices down….no free bags and no one having to be paid to collect carts….they have great prices on EVERYTHING!!! I can fill a ($.25) buggy to the BRIM and spend under $100 which is unheard of in other grocery stores…I don’t know about yours but ours also has insanely low prices on fresh fruits and veggies! And as far as the “off brand” stuff….I honestly haven’t had anything from there that isn’t good. Take your quarter next time
but definately give it another try it was one of the best money saving things I have found…and I am a grocery shopping crazy person!!!!
Thanks girl! I am not dealing with a money issue now, but just “Life”. This blog was an inspiration to me!
Thanks for sharing your heart. 
Dave Ramsey? I couldn’t do the envelope system.. It was like that cash burning a hole in my pocket! Still is! However, we worked around it and found a way to stick to our budget.
Money is so much easier with the two of us now. However, after 10 years it should be! 
But FPU was a wonderful blessing to us! I will admit though, doing two different budgets now that he is somewhere else and us here is a little tricky. 
~hugs~
Lanitha
No Way! How can you live without Aldi? I shop there all the time, and am so grateful for the things I can get there that brands don’t change. They really do have some great produce most of the time, and all the sourcream…and such I find to be more reasonable. Not that I by any means am a bargain pro, no coupons, or rebates at this time in my life and no envelopes either
Neither my husband or I are budget people, so we never have to fight about money 
. Really I think God has just given us a gift in that area, that I don’t worry about it and he doesn’t look over my shoulder all the time…I get caution speaches every once in awhile and I try not to shop too much, but sometimes I can’t help myself 
. Gratefulness is so key! I was just talking with Israel about how we can pass that on to our kids and of course like most everything else, we better practice it ourselves. Blessings, Jess
I so wish I had some of you gals around when I was learning to trust God through a change in our situation. My hubby went from a great paying engineering job with benefits to off and on consultant work back in the 90′s. We have never again seen those days of abundance. But God has his purposes, and I think he saved our boys from a lot because we were not so well off. Just the other day when I viewed the abundance of clothes in my closet (yet i had nothing “new” to wear) I thought it would be interesting to just wear those few pieces I had drip drying in the doorway for awhile, and be thankful for them!
I regret to say, some lessons I need to keep learning. Refocusing on and choosing to be content is one of them. Love your way of wording things and sharing Amber! Thanks.
I laughed at your shopping experience. Great you were there together to laugh at yourself! Too cute.
I loved when you wrote “Or at least attach a sticky note to my forehead that says in big, bold letters – “BE GRATEFUL, GIRL.” Really not a bad idea
The Aldi’s story cracked me up. I remember when we went one time and couldn’t find a quarter and it was so annoying and we left. But we do shop there a lot and does save us a lot.
Sorry about your Aldi experience. Love that store… just because it makes the little money that we have be stretched just a bit farther.
Luke 12 is a passage I read often… it’s something i tend to forget so soon and need to constantly be reminded that God’s care of us is the most satisfying of all.
Aldi’s quarter for a cart thing is something to get used to. Also note for your return trip that you have to provide your own bags. However, my local Aldi’s takes my check card. Mmmmhhh?!?
No matter how much God blesses us with His provision financially, I can’t help but feel that horrible twinge of jealousy when I know someone is taking their kids to Disney World….I too long to indulge in this treat someday!
WOW !
ps. My hushband buys all the basic things in three different stores every week for the past 33 years of our marriage: Aldi, EmTé and Albert Heijn….ALL the charts over here are chained and need a fifty cents piece or an euro or a stores coin that you get back putting the chart back in de chain. We know no different. Since two years Aldi over here also lets you pin the money with your bankcart, no credit carts.
But the moral of your post, wich I read with recgocnition, : WOW !
Watch the tiny little enveloppes too, Amber ! I sure have too or I easily overspent.
Contentment is always something to be learned – it doesn’t come to mankind naturally, and I’m not just talking about material things. And I think you are right – gratitude is the perfect antidote.
I made a huge mistake by letting Sarah see your last post and photos…
which set off tears and wails of, “It’s not fair! I know that little Emma has not wanted a puppy as long as I have…”
So. This would be a great follow up, don’t ya think?!!!
sigh.
There is so much here…as always!
not a shopping word!!!
Round Up? What do you mean by Round Up?
I should probably know ~ it sounds like a farming term,
I do, however, know all about Rounding Down.
Makes for even better bargains! snicker.
Shayne’s comment at Aldi’s, “”Man! We don’t even make good poor people…”
Too funny.
Discontentment is kinda sneaky.
Whether it’s about who I am or am not…what I have or have not…
It’s not the Big Things, ok maybe sometimes, but usually, for me,
discontentment’s first jab is almost quiet, something everyday, something “understandable”…
I try shoving things like ~ at least I don’t live in Haiti or whatever the current catastrophic event is…
~ I walked up hill to school both ways, no boots, blizzard conditions…
~ yada yada yada…
down my throat or my kid’s,
whoever needs a gratefulness fix at the moment
which may not be all bad, BUT it seems like a tylenol for a symptom sometimes
Instead of the deep down treatment of The Condition. The Root.
Your quote from John Piper…that’s it.
Looking at Him. My focus. My filter.
Trusting Him to “get me” when there is no way at the moment, looking at circumstances, to “get Him.”
Love the way your “bleak week” came together with Shayne working his Canadian something off.
And this…love this too…
”
“Sometimes, the change we find in those small pockets of our life… has nothing whatsoever to do with money.
<3
Very good waht you said! And give Aldis another try- with the extra money you round down you can enjoy a dinner out now and again.
There was so much I could relate to in this post…it is amazing how He teaches us contentment with what we have and how He provides for our needs. This last year of being in the USA has certainly been a faith walk, trusting He will provide for us in every possible way, even when everything looks dark, He always sees us through. I love the story of George Muller – it is a constant encouragement to me.
Love this “life” lesson on finances, the lack there of, and the abundance. At times, both can be a determent. When there’s an abundance, we tend to forget who gifted us. And when theres a lack, we tend to worry. Leaning on God at ALL times is the only answer. HE will provide exactly what we need, and fills us up in every way! Love your thoughts, Amber! Thanks for sharing
Blessings to you and your Family ~
I love reading your blog. The ALDI story cracks me up. I have went in there many a times only to have to leave d/t my lack of cash. I must say you will save money there–sometimes I wonder how healthy all the food is though?!
I really appreciated your post… I can totally relate. Contentment is something I struggle with even though I know I have been so extremely blessed. It is too easy to look around and compare. Thank you for the reminder to be GRATEFUL!
what an awesome post! beautifully written! and all the photos are lovely. i can’t believe how big your kiddos are getting.
hugs to you my friend!
The same thing happened to me and my mom. I mean, the SAME thing. We ended up going over to Wal-Mart and buying a cart full of stuff, cause well duh, the have free carts.