Thursday, September 1, 2011

Money, Money, Money!

One should never say "never", but typically I never worry about money. I've been frugal and a saver most of my life; I know how to get a good bargain; some would call me cheap. I have four children so I've learned how to stretch a dollar and look good doing it. I believe in the word "SALE". When I work, I'm not one of those folks stressing about, 'When do we get paid?" Some times I forget when pay day is. Because of this attitude, I've been asked if I'm rich. I know money is the currency of life and we need it to get things done, but I never ranked it higher than other things in my life. While I understand the importance of money and having it, money does not consume me. I don't think I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about money (perhaps, I'm wrong).

So it is quite surprising to me, that within the last couple of months I'm really stressed out about money - particularly:

• Do I have enough?
• Can I afford this item?
• Why does it feel as if everything costs? Is nothing free anymore?

This stress can drive me crazy. Recently my laptop needed fixing and I took it in for repair. I was quite happy that it was under warranty, so I thought the repair would cost nothing. As it turns out, they're trying to blame me for the problems, citing physical damage and now all of a sudden the repair is estimated at $500.00 and counting. I've decided that I'm not repairing the laptop, but only after much angst about the cost, and questioning if these folks are for real. But my main concern in all of this, what guided my conversations with service techs - was the cost, and not the necessity of the laptop.

This mindset makes me angry and I don't like it. I guess this is why the Bible says be anxious for nothing; because I realized the more anxious I became the more unproductive my feelings - anger, restlessness, helplessness and finally lashing out at those around me.

Writing this and praying about my recent anxiety around money really started to give me clarity and peace.
My God promises to provide; He tells me not to worry; He takes care of the birds and the lilies - how much more me?

Do you worry about money?

I would suggest turning this area over to the Lord. In praying, may you find the wisdom to learn how to manage your resources.



7 comments:

  1. Excellent post! I must admit there are times I stress about it, but then I realize that God is a provider and that He owns a cattle on a thousand hills therefore what my father has I am considered the inheritor of it. Because I give my tithes and offerings faithfully, He will NEVER allow me to go lacking!! :)

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  2. It's easy not to worry about money when you have it. It doesn't even have to be a lot. When my income keeps my bills paid, I can save and even have a bit left over for fun I'm fine. But when the expenses look like they might exceed the income...well I worry. I think that's only natural. Cost dicates a lot of what I do and don't do in life and I can accept that as long as all my bills are covered and I get to spend money on some fun things within my budget too. Sorry to hear about your lap top.

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  3. I admit I have worried about money a lot in the past.I hate to say it, but I guess it was a trust issue with the Lord. When the bills come in and you don't have a lot, it's easy to become nervous. But I have worked a lot on this in the past and God has always provided. I believe if we are good stewards with what He gives us, He will provide all we need. He is so faithful!!! (I'm not a worrier anymore:)

    Thank you for coming by my place and leaving your sweet comment, it is so appreciated!

    Love and blessings to you~

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  4. God has always led us faithfully in finances,
    A delight to meet you today. i hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip my toes in God;s goodness.

    Be blessed bunches,
    Sarah

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  5. ladies, i'm glad this resonated with you.
    thanks for the comments and the encouragement in each of your perspectives.

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  6. Oh yes! I have worried about money....I confess. I think we have to be mindful that God will supply all of our needs, and if we get our wants too that is just icing on the cake. Stay prayerful!!

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  7. Sometimes I worry about money, mostly I don’t. Everything works out in the end. Growing up I always heard from my mother be mindful of what you spend or you'll be eating cat food as a senior citizen. Mom taught me to be frugal and how to shop a sale. (Thanks Mom) My parents were mindful of what they spent. That thought process was passed on. Now I tend to deprive myself of expensive things even if I can afford it, waiting for it to go on sale. Why pay more if I don't have to. I think generally, I’m not sure I want to generalize but here goes… generally materialistic people and those needing instant gratification tend to worry more about money. I get a natural high when I get things on sale, super sale. Knowing my pants were originally $125.00 and I paid $25.00 really gets me going.
    Thank God for wisdom.

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