September 12, 2008
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Frugal Friday
Frugal living oftentimes reminds me of dieting. For me personally, there always comes that time when you go OFF THE DIET. Well, that's where I am right now! OFF my frugal diet!
Thus OUR MOVE!
My hubby and I were on a very STRICT DIET of pinching pennies over the past two years with very few times of going off our budget. THEN... the MOVE CAME! Of course.. there seemed to be a million and one things we THOUGHT we needed. I can't even count how many times I've been to Walmart over the past week and a half just to pick up one small item (but somehow more items seem to JUMP in my cart) that would make organizing easier or cleaning easier. Not to mention the few LARGE items we thought we couldn't live without.
Today, as I was back at Walmart, I suddenly realized I was on the 'binge' part of the frugal diet. That is the part where you've restricted yourself for so long that you decide to 'treat' yourself to 'just one goodie'. Suddenly, you feel as if you're on a roll and can't stop yourself.
Why does this seem to happen to some of us in this generation? Did it happen to women in previous generations? I love to learn from older women in their 70's,80's and 90's. Most of the women I know personally, who came out of the great depression, do not 'binge'. I've oftentimes wondered what the difference is between their thought patterns and mine. The only thing I can figure out is that they have come to that heart change where they have learned to be content with what they have. Or possibly they have reaped the consequences from 'binging' in the past and don't want to repeat the same problem. I also think they may be more 'future orientated'. They won't eat up their 'seed' today because they know they might need to 'harvest' it down the road. (or as the old saying goes... they are saving their pennies for a rainy day!)
I guess I'm not completely there yet but I pray that God will continue to work His will in my life. I truly need His grace to continue changing me in this area.
So, there is no frugal tip for today! Only a BIG CONFESSION!
So... back to tightening up that belt!
* Be sure to check out REAL frugal tips at Biblical Womanhood.
Comments (8)
You are right about the women that went through the depression. They do learn to be content with what they have. And to be content in their circumstances. They "make do." I am striving for that. God is teaching me many lessons about trusting Him and being content in my circumstances. Especially after watching Vickie handle her circumstances through Christ' strength. Thanks for the encouraging words today. Linda Jane
I think they do much better than we because they did not have the tv constantly telling them they need this or that. Not to mention our society as a whole. Everytime we turn around someone is telling us we can have this TODAY and further more...we deserve it.
I pray you are enjoying your new home and your cup runneth over with joy that so much is behind you. We havev been putting off moving for more than 10 years. We know at some point it will be in our future as our home is not designed for the elderly. So...at some point after living here for 20 years we will be required to move to a house on one floor where old people can shuttle around. Lol, but we're not quite that old yet. I know God will let us know when the right time has come. A part of it is we just have so many good memories in this home. It's not a big home by the standards of many but God knows where to find us!
Have a great day!
Oh Thank you for your posts. Today's and your last one too.
I have had to go off of my daily soda and the internal --it is not fair--fight begins:)
I was in Wal-mart yesterday too and.......
Hope the moving is going well!
i can relate to you in this matter! i find myself going to Wal-Mart (1/2 hour drive away) all too often and yes, things just jump into my cart too. i can always rationalize them until the Lord reminds me that i don't need them and if i did He would make sure i had them without my "bingeing".
As to the questions about women today and women in the past ~ i think that women haven"t, for the most part, much of a grasp on delayed gratification. Most of us grew up in home, while not affluent, could afford to give us what we wanted, most of the time. Our parents, who had gone through the Depression did not want to deprive us as they had been deprived. Now when we go on the frugal diet, we have a tough time of it. Anyway, that's my thoughts on t he subject.
It's an easy thing to do to go to a store like Walmart and get things one did not set out to buy.
I think our generation is very materialistic. My husband's grandmother was well known for saying, "Watch your nickles!" We inherited a glass tray that had the words, "Waste Not Want Not" on it. She made my fil start looking for a job the day after he came home from military service - it was clear she allowed no time off. However, she was extremely generous to the "hobos" that passed through. BTW, she and my husband's grandfather built TWO houses during the depression. I wish I could have gotten to know her better, but she left a great influence on my husband!
It is a struggle. They didn't have superstores like we have today with all the temtations. I have to say I have had a problem with having material things. The Lord really convicted me last yr. So now I am a lot more responsible for the things I buy. I don't even like to shop anymore. But when I do,I have to have a shopping list and stick with it. If I see something I want it goes on the want list and then I think about it. If I need it it goes on the shopping list. I limit my shopping to once a week or less. Shopping can easily be so addictive especially when the stores are all so close with so much stuff to offer us.
Prayers!
I avoid Wal-Mart like the plague. There are so many things I "want" but don't "need". Love you!