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A year of abundance

 This post by Sallie over at A Gracious Home got me thinking- which then got me praying . . . .
And I am thinking and praying that I too must see 2007 as a Year of Abundance and I too will be challenging myself to live more frugally (and we live mighty frugal here!) and mostly live by a motto I have always loved:
Use it up
Wear it out
Make it do
Or do without!
Sallie sums up what I want to do with this: "This saying is already a part of my life in many ways, but I know I can do a much better job. And I would also enjoy the feeling of being a good steward of using the things I already have in my home rather than bringing more home to add to the stash. I also want to focus on the spiritual and relational abundance I have and how that comes into play with the material abundance." This is my heart too. This is what I want to challenge myself with for 2007.
So I'm going to try and trim my grocery bill even lower. I'm going to try to purchase second hand before buying new and I'm going to challenge myself mightly not to buy new unless it is absolutely necessary (like underwear! LOL). I'm going to give freely of my abundance (such as outgrown clothes to a friend in need or our local free store). I want any redecorating/remodeling we do here at home to be as frugal as possible.
And I'm going to try to keep track of this Year of Abundance right here. Hopefully being help accountable will keep me on track!
Sallie has set up a link for the many individuals that want to join her in Celebrating A Year of Abundance.

Untitled Comment

4:05 PM, 2007-Jan-10 .. Posted by Lynne

First, thank you for the recipes!
This year of abudance is such a good idea. This may sound really simplistic, but I carry a sheet of notebook paper and write down EVERY PENNY I spend. Once a week or so, I transfer the expenditures to a budget sheet and put it into its category (household, groceries, etc.). There is something about writing down what I spend that motivates me to spend less. I also add up the totals in each category weekly to assure that I am on track to stay within my limit for that month.
This may sound compulsive, but just like your idea of making a meal plan, it is actually a stress reducer. It makes me feel more in control of my life. Doing this for several months also gives a good idea of how much you really need in an emergency reserve.
This Monday, my company reorganized and numerous people were laid off. The company my husband works for has had numerous layoffs over the years. Having a grasp of how much you really need each month and slowly building a reserve is just such a blessing. Spending less to build up that reserve doesn't feel like deprivation when you know as many people who have lost their jobs as we do.

Oh I agree!

5:31 PM, 2007-Jan-10 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Lynne-
I couldn't agree more! One of the "things I want to do" is be accountable "to the penny".
Thanks for the encouragement!
Amy W