Jay and I have been working to become debt-free for many years. At one time, for about a month, we actually were completely debt free (minus mortgage and car). It was a glorious 2 seconds and then, we went downhill back again. It doesn't take long for credit card debt to pile up. The washing machine breaks, the trim needs painting, rotting wood replaced, the car breaks down, your budget runs out before the week's necessities are bought....and so on. Every week, we strive to remain on budget and continue our very tiny baby steps out of debt. Most weeks, we feel like we are spinning our wheels as our progress is ever so slow, but it's just that.... progress! Jay and I take turns reminding and encouraging each other to celebrate the small steps and rejoice in small victories. It's the small the victories that add up to BIG differences!
Last year, we sold our previous home we had been renting out since we moved to North Richland Hills. We used a portion of the profits to make a big chunk in our debt payoff, some of the profits for various home improvements (that trim finally got painted outside), and we set aside a bit for 2 upcoming trips we knew were coming (still reliving that amazing Jamaican trip! And the family reunion in Missouri was one of the best yet!) Last night, Jay and I were going over our budget for the week and upcoming months, knowing school will soon be starting and all. It's back to our weekly tight reins, but I looked at Jay and said, "It sure feels good to have paid for the last two trips with cash." I can't remember the last time (not counting Jamaica), that we went on a trip and DIDN'T use the credit card! It feels good and is a taste of what is to come for us. We are far from being debt free, and we continually mess up. BUT, we will keep plugging on and forward. Every day is a new day to start over, to dust yourself off and move forward. Sometimes, it's 1 step forward, 2 steps back, but keep pursuing, because then it's 2 steps forward, 1 step back, and then it's 3 steps forward..... celebrate the small victories. Appreciate the moments of success, no matter how small.
And now, as we have stepped out in faith into the journey of adoption, it has been another test of our faith (okay, of MY faith) to trust the Lord and not the power of the credit card. There have been a few times here and there where we have used it to mail this, overnight that and such, but we.... no, I [emphasis on I] am really learning to not just grab that piece of plastic and swipe when it comes to paying for adoption expenses. Jay, on the other hand, stays mostly calm about the financial part of it. He amazes me. Once we decided to step out in faith on this journey, he has had a peace about the financial part of it, knowing the Lord will provide. Me? I inwardly panic at times wondering how we are going to pay the next amount due. But Jay, he is my anchor in all of this, knowing that the Lord is our Rock and our Provider. Loving another child, welcoming her into our home? That's the easy part of this journey! Trusting the Lord to provide financially so we don't go into further debt? That's the test of my faith....and it's just one of the ways the Lord will shine His glory in all of this. Just as we are parents who strive to provide good things for our children, the Lord is our Heavenly Father and He provides all that we need as His Children.
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
Matthew 7:11
Praising my Heavenly Father that HE is our Provider and He has nothing but good for our family!
Thanking Him for His mercies that are new every morning!
Life Goals....
One day, we will be debt free.
One day, we will be able to financially bless others who are adopting.
One day, we will take all 4 of our kids on a dream vacation to Disney Land/World (I don't care which, I've never been to either!) and we will pay cash for it.
Every day, we want to glorify the Lord in every aspect of our lives, including our finances.
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