Hello ~

I've been quiet this week, recovering from being sick. Ugh! (something that doesn't happen often if at all)

Well, this week a lot has happen.  I've mentally written several posts, but due to some other things needing to be done and my low energy levels, they didn't get written, typed or posted. LOL  Still, I will try to catch you all up on thats going on and what I am experiencing.  I am still reading the wonderful books I told you about and I have been spending time in the Word, something I dearly missed but just wasn't doing.

~ The Revelation ~

After reading someone else's blog on having to cut back and planning frugal meals, I began to realize that this was one way for me to realize my dream of owning my own homestead.  Not necessarily only cutting my expenses on food but in all areas as much as possible.  Beforing reading the post, I was working on our budget (another one of the mental posts ~ LOL) and I discovered that our family really had no choice but to cut back in order to make ends meet.  So, the ? now is where will we get the $$ to buy our homestead. 

Answer ~ from God of course.  You see in all this I must firmly place my trust in His sovernity and in His ability to provide for my family no matter what.  However, this does not exempt me from being a good steward over what He has placed in my care.  That means, I must take care of the home I currently live in as if it were my own; I must live below my means ~ no more spending just because; and I must view everything in the light of His Word.

Not very profound, I know, however, it is a turning point in my life.  This means I must focus on what He wants us to be doing in the here and now and the rest will take care of itself.  So, one day ~ maybe not tomorrow, or the next, or the day after that, or even next year, but in His timing my lovely homestead ~ the pic in the sidebar ~ will be a reality for me.  In the meantime, I am looking forward to sprucing up my current abode.  Any ideas and suggestions are most welcome.  I recently purchased 3 - 52 x 70 tablecloths for .99 a piece, that I will turn into curtains for my diningroom windows, by hand ~ my sewing machine is in storage so must do it the next best way.   We've lived here for 2yrs without curtains at those windows.

I will be searching for more frugal and simple living tips to make my life more pleasurable.  Oh, and just wait, I'll be posting soon about the lovely things I've learned from "Frugal Luxuries."  I'll share this ~ one of my frugal luxuries is Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate ~ simple pleasure, delicious.

*I am currently reading over the beginning pages of this book and I will post a couple of tips in the next post.  I haven't learned anything new, just some reminders of what has worked and to keep doing them.

Dining on a Dime: 1000 Money Saving Recipes and Tips by Tawra Jean Kellam, Jill Cooper (Spiral-bound)

I hope everyone is having a blessed week.  Talk w/you soon.