groceries – KARLA LEES

There have been two occasions where people specifically listened to God and acted upon it, where the result ended up with my family being fed.

When our children were quite small, circumstances left us tighter than usual for money with sick (a la chicken pox) children at home. With about $50 to our name, we didn’t know where our next week’s meals were going to come from. It was Christmas. We didn’t know what exactly to do, nor shared this fact wih anyone else.

But God knew, and prompted two couples we had briefly met at our last night, their first, with our small group in early September, to do something about our lack.

Imagine our surprise when we got the knock on the door and not only did we have a full turkey & all the sides Christmas dinner, but enough money for groceries for the next week!

We had barely enough time to register our need before God met it through obedient followers.

The week before last, hubby had a procedure which required him to take a few days off work (unpaid) and I too needed to adjust my schedule to drive him to several appointments. We had faith it would all work out, but no idea how it was going to.

Last week, all our needs were covered. I just realized yesterday that we wouldn’t have enough to cover our bills and groceries for next week. I briefly prayed and reminded God He said He would provide.

Tonight, we were handed a cheque from someone who anonymously donated the exact amount of our grocery bill each week!

Here is the clincher: In order for us to have received the cheque tonight, they needed to donate it 10 days ago.

God prompted listening hearts, who acted upon the impulse they heard.

Because of them, we are not going without next week.

Now I could have pulled out a credit card and made sure we ate. But God knows how much I want to be debt free wherever possible, and so answered me in such a way I knew He heard my specific prayers.

His people tuned in and acting upon His clear direction can change the world, one need, one life, one family at a time.

The next time God prompts you to do something for someone you don’t quite understand why?

Do it.

Exactly the way He leads you to.

You too may be the answer to someone’s prayer.

You too may be the way He is going to meet their need.

I used to be embarrassed about talking about the first story, but I realized that was the enemy trying to squelch the testimony of how God provided for us through the Body.

Maybe you too are like us and it wasn’t the fact that you blew your money, but an unexpected health concern, car or home repair which just kinda popped up without warning.

I realize that this is part of how the widow’s oil and flour didn’t run out.
Because God moved through His people (Elijah) to provide (the widow) for the need.

Jesus did the same with one basket of fish and loaves.

Miracles still happen today when God is able to move on obedient listeners to provide for the needs He has designed them to meet. They could be basic needs, such as food or clothing. Paying off a hydro or gas bill. Giving a gas card or bus pass. Buying a plane ticket for someone called to go. Praying for the sick. Babysitting for a single mom or pet sitting a family in crisis. An encouraging word or card.

Whatever it is, God can use you to make a miracle happen when we follow as He leads, and give as He directs.

The underlying why to all He does? His love for us.

When we act upon the prompts Holy Spirit gives us to lend a hand, He involves us in demonstrating that love to the receiver.

Food for thought, isn’t it?!

Need to spend less?
Want to have more to show for the money you are spending?

These are my comments based on the category suggestions from the article: Six Simple Ways to Curb Impulsive Buying, by Mary Hunt, Debt-Proof Living Newsletter, January 2014. I have helped several friends and coworkers to pay down debt and spend their cash wisely over the years.

(Image from http://www.femalefriendly.wordpress.com)

SHOP IN HEELS:
In my case, I am already in and out of the mall in an hour or less, so this would not work for me. I walk way too fast to wear heels at the mall! The writer suggests that you would get uncomfortable earlier, but that will only work if you are unused to wearing heels.

CASH ONLY:
Usually this works for me. I do give myself a credit card allowance weekly as a way of purchasing and getting points for movie passes. Since I pay my card off in dull every two weeks, this works for me. Groceries & gas are paid in cash, so once the money’s gone, we have to make do.

SHOW UP FULL:
Never shop hungry. Good advice. I try to go right after a meal so this doesn’t have me shopping hangry!

TIME RULE:
Set a time limit to make sure you really need the item. 1 hour, 24 hour, 1 week….this really helps you make sure the item is needed, and not a gut reaction to a crappy day!
As well, set a time limit for how long you will shop…
I would add this to:

SHOP WITH PURPOSE (my category)
Don’t go shopping just coz with credit or debit cards. Go to a coffee shop instead if you need to kill time. No purpose for being there, don’t be!

SHOP WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
People who are impulse shoppers or reckless with their money are not the best to take shopping with you. Kids can fall into this category ( I have one who is more impulsive than the other, so I carry cash when out with that one!) Shopping with someone with an unlimited budget can encourage keeping up with the Jones’, which doesn’t end well.

WHERE YOU SHOP
Online or on site can impact how much you spend. You know yourself, so decide which way works better for you and stick with it. Have an accountability partner hold you accountable if you need help.

SHOP WITH A LIST (my category)
This means you know what you are looking for, likely have a budget and will be more successful at avoiding impulse buys! No matter what it is, whether clothes, gifts or groceries, make a list. Check it twice. Stick to it, no matter what.

AVOID CROWDS (my category)
Do your homework. I avoid Black Mondays and shopping after Christmas until well into the New Year, because i am not comfortable in crowds. I don’t like the jostling and grabbing that occurs with avid sales shoppers. Competition for items doesn’t being our the best in people, and you may take an item you doing really need home just so that lady doesn’t get one. Sad reality, but i have seen it happen.

NEW VS SECOND HAND? (my category)
If you are on a tight budget, try finding the item you need (not undergarments or socks) second hand. I have organized a few clothing swaps to help my friends and I add a few new pieces to our wardrobe without spending a penny. Borrowing a fancy dress for an event is also a great way to save money. With food, this can be….

BRAND NAME vs STORE BRAND. There are a few things (laundry soap and toilet paper) where I buy the brand names, but most are generic store brands or on sale. This can help cut your grocery budget and save money when things are tight.

MEALS FROM HOME (my category)
I try to bring food from home 3/4 of my work days. As I work from home on the 5th day, I allow myself one day to eat Thai out at lunch (when its cheapest), and have a latte or tea twice a week. Otherwise, I bring my meals and snacks from home. This can add up to significant savings to your spending money. I find I portion control better when I prepare my own food.

There are many different resources you can use to help you get your spending in order. Dave Ramsey, Gail Vaz-Oxlade and financial planners can help you set your budget and goals. It won’t happen over night, but over time you will become used to bring more thrifty, and spending wisely will become your new norm.

The Bible says a great deal about being wise with your resources. Ask Him to guide your decisions about spending. When we work with a team, we are likely to stay the course.

Tag: groceries

food for thought