Day 274

Today I am thankful that we found ourselves in a massive amount of debt not to long ago. Because if our story can change just one family tree I would be oh so very grateful. It is because of the cross that I can truly give thanks in all circumstances. NEVER GIVE UP, JUST START! THIS IS THE DAY! Thank you God for using our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Day 92

Having debt is a burden and weighs heavy on your heart and can take over your life. I know... I was there and we were drowning in it. It was all I could think about and ask my husband... cry about. At first I felt like we should deal with this on our own and felt foolish even praying. I did not even know what I was praying for. After all we dug our own hole and we were just living like everyone else, right?....paycheck to paycheck drowning in debt. But of course God knew. I had a lightbulb moment......my dependence on God is more than okay, it is wanted. I realized that EVERYTHING belonged to HIM and we were not honoring Him with our finances. The Lord did not come to save us and make us independent, perfect Christians. Yes he had forgiven me but I knew and know that I still need Him day in and out.
He is there everytime I come to Him, as many times as needed....And let me tell you I am a sinner and come many times.

When it is too much....Surrender it all....After all He is waiting to hear from you :)

"Again, here is what I tell you. Suppose two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for. My Father in heaven will do it for you. Where two or three people meet together in my name, I am there with them." Matthew 18: 19-20

I would be honored to pray for you. If you are struggling leave a comment or email. Lets pray for each other!

I will make a post with everyones name and blog link so we can pray for each other.

I believe in the power of prayer. I don't believe that your debt will magically disappear, but I do believe you will find peace and direction on how to knock it out.

Imagine what the world would look like if everyone honored God with their finances.

Day 34

Something I just thought of.......I have realized that that I am grateful that we found ourselves in a massive amount of debt just 2.5 years ago. I am grateful that we are now debt free and living like no one else today, so we can live and give like no one else tomorrow. I am grateful that my husband was laid off work. I am grateful that we will leave an inheritance for our children. You want to know why? Because if our story can change just one family tree I would be oh so very grateful. I love sharing our story with others, and right now it comes up frequently with Bryan being laid off from work. We get the "I'm so sorry statements." and "are you okay" all the time. Yes we are just fine! We are debt free, have 6 months saving and know that God will provide. If just one person can see light at the end of the tunnel through us I am oh so very grateful! NEVER GIVE UP, JUST START! THIS IS THE DAY! Thank you God for using our lives.

Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

Day 28

Why I love Sunday's.....Well obviously a day of worship and rest and Coupon Day!
The lovely model is holding my debt free way to organize coupons. I'm sure everyone can find a similar container in their kitchen.

Step 1 find container

Step 2 find some envelopes in your office.
The following are the labels for my envelopes

Produce~ Bread~ Biscuits/Cookie Dough~ Frozen~ Frozen Veggies~ Yogart~ Snacks/Bars~ Dry~ Dairy~ Chips/Popcorn/Nuts~ Candy~ Baking~ Cereal~ Beverages~Meat~ Canned~ Lightbulbs/Foil/Batteries~ Laundry~ Scent~ Cleaning~ Dish~ Medicine~ Vitamins~Paper Products~ First-Aid~ Femine Hygine~ Hair Care~ Razors~ Deodorant~ Dental~ Body Wash~ Face Care/Make-Up~ Lotion~ Dining

Step 3 Keep your scissors in your container and save some money!

"Whatever you do, do something. Even if it's something seemingly minuscule. Often, just taking a baby step in the right direction can propel you farther than you ever dreamed possible!" quote from MoneySavingMom

Day 26

First thing First......

If you would of asked me 2 1/2 years ago how much debt we were in. I would of said around $20,000. Boy was I wrong! Try $48,000!

Challenge:

This weekend sit down (with spouse if applies) and add up all your consumer debt. I bet you may be surprised. Let it make you mad and say: "Enough is enough..... Today is the day I will change my family tree!"

We are just a typical American family, who got mad enough and paid off $48,000 in a little over 18 months.

Today is the day! You can do it!

and then

Pull out your $5/1 IAMS kitty or puppy coupon (from the 3/1 P&G insert) because many Wal-Mart stores around the country have 4-lb. bags on sale for $5