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This is the second post in my 31 Days of Living on Less Series. If you’d like to read all the posts in order, go to Day 1.
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In thinking about unemployment, and possibly being without a regular income for awhile, my first thoughts were of all the things we might have to do without.
And fear. I admit that I allowed fear to take hold during those first couple of days. But then I started realizing that this was not a good place to be. I can’t allow myself to stay there. Besides, it’s counterproductive.
I must focus on the good, and open my eyes to the positive aspects of our situation. So, I decided to take inventory of what we do have, rather than focusing on what we don’t have, or might have to do without.
How can I supply some of the needs of my family for free?
Well, for one thing, I have fabric. As other seamstresses know, there’s usually a fabric stash somewhere when you sew. And I have one. I’m thankful that I bought flannel for the kids’ Christmas pajama pants while it was on sale in January. So, there’s one Christmas gift I can make without spending money.
I also have soap making supplies. And I really need to make soap soon. I’ve been so busy that I’ve been putting it off, but we’re really almost out of soap from this big batch I made last year. If I make soap, I can supply our family’s need and also use some for gifts.
We often buy food in bulk, so I’m thankful that I have plenty of beans and rice. I also have some canned goods and some things (like chicken stock, that can be the basis for a nourishing soup or stew) in the freezer.
My goal for today is to take a thorough inventory of everything in the house–food, craft supplies, fabric, kids’ clothing needs, etc. As I’m taking inventory, I plan to jot down some notes: meal ideas using up what we already have, handmade gift ideas using our craft supplies, and possible items we could sell. This part of the challenge is fun!
Great idea Lee ann 🙂 Hi, I'm Anna, I'm from Queensland Australia. I'm 48 in Dec, homeschool 2 of our 4 children (our eldest two are working and studying). We love the Lord and I'm very happy to find your blog, it has been a great encouragement to me. May the Lord bless you and keep you 🙂
So glad to meet you, Anna! I'm so glad you stopped by and introduced yourself!
I really appreciate this special challenge. Learning about living a simple and frugal life has been my journey this year and whilst I hope and pray your husband does get a wonderful job, I'm thankful to find a lovely blog like yours to walk along with me through this learning curve. God bless you and keep you 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words, Anna!
Ah Joy, your attitude is so encouraging and refreshing. I love how you are not letting fear paralyze you, but you are taking initiative and thinking ahead. I'm praying for you and your family as you face this difficult situation. You are such an inspiration!
~Angela
Aww, that's sweet of you, Angela! Thank you so much for praying!
Looks like you're ahead of the game with some of your supplies. Your post reminded me of the Bible story of the women whose husband had died and creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves. She went to the prophet for help and he asked, "What do you have?" She only had a little oil, but it was multiplied so she sold it, paid her debts, and she and her sons could live on the rest. I hope you end up with a similar experience and what you do have gets multiplied to meet your needs.
I so much appreciate your comment, Bonita! And thank you so much for mentioning that Bible story–it's one of my favorites!
What a great attitude! Soap and sewn things make such good gifts and things to sell! You're also a talented blogger and photographer. As you pray for ways to stretch the funds, the Lord will show you. He has more than once given me oil like the Old Testament widow. It just doesn't run out! You're attitude is such a blessing!
Thank you for your kind words! I love that story of the widow's oil!
We've had some pretty lean seasons too. During one of the particularly hard (and fearful) times I also took inventory of all our food – and then made a list of all the meals I could make. In the beginning it seemed like we hardly had anything, but I came up with about 30 different meals I could make! That was so encouraging.
Do you have enough soap supplies that you could sell soap? This is how my friend does it on her blog. https://ewifeblogsagain.blogspot.com/search/label/Soap
Praying for a "fishes and loaves" story for you!!
Hugs from WA
Carol
Thanks for sharing your experience, Carol! I've considered selling soap many times. I'm not sure if I'll ever do it, but the thought continually presents itself. Thanks for sharing your friend's blog–I'll check it out. And thank you for praying!
I'm really sorry to hear about your husband's job loss. I am blessed by your spirit of not giving in to the fear but pulling up your boot straps. If those are photos of your pantry then all I can say is WOW-pretty impressive. I just found your blog today and look forward to reading more and learning more, especially about you.
A bit about me-I will be 53 in November, married and live right outside of Raleigh, NC. Dh and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary!!
Nice to meet you, Lee Ann! I look forward to getting to know you better!
Sometimes just taking inventory of what we already have shows us just how blessed we are! We are not facing unemployment but I'm looking forward to this series because we do desire my husband to work here at home and that would mean a huge pay cut. Love reading your blog.
You're so right, Holly, it helps me feel very grateful! My husband has been working from home for over 8 years, and it has been hard financially. Sadly, it looks like that season is ending for us. Thank you so much for your kind words!
You are so creative, I am sure you will come up with many useful ideas since it looks like you have a nice supply to work with. And I must say, your soap would make a lovely gift for anyone! 🙂 This is also where a well stocked pantry is a blessing!
Thank you, JES!
You are right! This is the fun part. You remind me of why I'm thankful for my stockpile, too.
Yes, I'm very thankful I've at least got some things to work with! 🙂