Stretching our modest income and saving every penny possible is at the tippy top of our priority list when managing and running our household as well as our homestead. We are always on the look-out for bargains that will benefit our family. Many of those money-saving opportunities are often found through networking and connections we have made throughout life. While the internet can be a valuable resource, real life interactions often have huge benefits too.
We always try to get the word out that we are gracious recipients of hand-me-downs or seconds. We don't require brand new or the best. Most of the time used or 'seconds' is just as good as anything we could buy new. We live in a culture that has forgotten the art of bartering and negotiating. We think the brand new store-bought, most expensive item is supreme, when in reality that's not always the case. Are there times to make quality investments? Absolutely, but all too often folks are quick to buy things they don't need and are in turn quick to purge. Finding nearly new items that you are in need of can quite frequently be found through communicating your needs with acquaintances online or in person.
The art of living debt free and on a limited budget begins with a complete new way of thinking regarding money. It is critical to reevaluate how, when, and where necessities are purchased. Of course one must first clearly define needs verses wants to truly pursue a simplified, back to basics, debt free lifestyle. I can assure you needs from the 'Word's' standpoint is hardly a need in the eyes of God. Seeking Christ and His wisdom regarding household and homestead expenditures should be at the core of our every-day lives. I'm often amazed how The Lord provides when I bring our needs to Him in earnest prayer. Sometimes He provides in miraculous provisions and other times it's in a readjustment of my thought process. Too many times when I think I need to purchase something The Lord shows me an item we already own can be used in lieu of what I wanted to buy.
Last year we had decided to reign in our homesteading efforts and to just do the bare minimum, which meant we donated a couple hundred canning jars. When Covid-19 struck and my husband realized he was losing his job we decided to ramp up our homesteading efforts again. I was nervous we were not going to have enough jars for our needs. I shared my concerns with The Lord and it was barely a few weeks later when someone we know offered us 200 of their narrow mouth jars they were purging. When we picked the jars up they told us they may even have some more jars to donate to us! I don't know why I am always surprised when God provides, because honestly He has NEVER let our family down. I guess that's why I am not remotely worried about what will happen in our family's future ~ God will never forsake His people, always providing for our every need above and beyond anything we could ever imagine.
The homesteading mindset is one of resourcefulness and contentment. Ultimately, learning to work with your hands and being content with what the Lord has given you. We're are a blessed nation and we have so many opportunities if we're just intentional to seek them out. Learning to look outside the box and engage with folks who are like-minded is the key to rebuilding communities filled with peace, love, and endless recourses. One connection at a time, we can be the positive change this World needs. I truly believe the Christian Homesteading community can be a valuable beacon of hope if only we accept the calling.
With Love & Hope,
Jennifer
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