Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tightening our Belts


So - to speak generally, things have gotten tight for us financially. Jason's last deal was in April. I'm not saying this to get sympathy. I'm not saying it to complain. I'm just stating facts and realizing that the market is not likely to get better any time soon. Jason's job is commission only and it's been slow to say the least. Am I worried? A bit. I am so thankful that we have savings and are out of debt. I always told Jason that I didn't care if we ate Mac n' cheese every night off a cardboard box (no - we're nowhere near that point). I would rather have him put his family above his work - even if it meant less pay. And I meant it. Now we embark on the adventure of creative cheap ways to eat, entertain ourselves, and exercise. I am a big fan of Little House on the Prairie. Call me a nerd, but yes. I've probably seen all the episodes - even the ones when they're older. I'm sorry, but you just don't find quality drama like that nowdays. The thing that I LOVE about it is that even though their family always seemed to have financial hardships, they were SO happy. Obviously, it is not real life, but truly I think there's a freedom in living simply and just being content and thankful for the things, the freedoms & more importantly the people we have in our lives.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say maybe we're not the only ones who are having to re-look at their financial situation and find some creative solutions. Jason had the radio on for an hour last night - talking about the nation's financial woes. The radio host basically stated that either way, we're going to have a depression on our hands. I had to eventually tell him to shut the thing off. There's a line between being informed and getting too much information - too much negativity. I think the media needs to be a bit more prudent in what it broadcasts to the public. When they say that people are starting to make a run on banks, what do you think is going to happen? Yeah - it's going to escalate the problem and cause a frenzy.
Personally, I think God is giving America another chance to be "compelled to be humble." I believe 9/11 was a previous instance - and we really seemed to be united, humble, and patriotic - for about 2 weeks.
Do I believe this financial crisis is a sign of the times? Absolutely.
Do I think it's going to get worse? Yes.
Do I believe we can pull out of it? Yes - with a LOT of change.
Do I think that we WILL use this as a wake-up call & change our ways (not just financially)? Probably not.

We're greatly anticipating general conference. Whether there's big news like enforcing the law of consecration again (OK - probably not, but you never know) or just reiterating what we've heard and maybe we're more humble to hear it, I am anxious to hear our prophet's words. Monday's FHE was on prophets. We sang ALL the verses of Follow the Prophet (there's 9 - Jason's idea). Here's the last one:

Now we have a world where people are confused.
If you don’t believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along our way,
If we heed the prophets-follow what they say

Speaking of conference, the following link will take you to a cute children's activity packet for conference:
P.S. Anyone know any really good food storage recipes?

6 comments:

Marta Nielsen said...

My cousins have a really great site called food storage made easy with lots of ideas, including recipes. I think there is a link to it on my blog.

Marianne said...

That's why I like you! I admire you're ability to stay optimistic in tough times - You're right, things will turn around. What a great opportunity this is for us all to scrutinize our spending habits and make some adjustments. It's times like this that makes us more grateful for times of plenty!
Hope you continue to hang in there!

Patricia Potts said...

Yes Heidi, I have a great book at our house by the frig. I try to use food storage once a week now to practice. I also have a goal to sprout once a week. It doesn't always work but I feel good when I do it. You have such a beautiful way of saying things.
Love,
mom/sis
patriciapotts.com

The Ballou's said...

I think Kirstin has recipes for food storage.

Josh said...

This is a great eye opener. I know Laura and I have been re-looking at the financial budget and thank goodness we are too out of debt. If I had to pay another $20 to a bill i would not be able to find it. I feel like we have drained our savings by over $1300 recently, especially trying to pay off the bills from the hospital (new baby). It is just crazy. Thank you for bringing this up, it makes me realize that i am not the only one out there that is feeling the same.

Get Hooked said...

I've heard so much about Little House on the Prairie, but I've actually never watched one episode. Funny!!! Times are getting a little scary. I was feeling pretty confident that Dave would continue to have a job, but about a month ago he came home and actually told me what's been going on at work, and that they laid off their first person. You just don't know what to expect.

Regarding entertainment, if you're ever up for a game night let us know. (Those are cheap and for the most part fun. You just can't let the anti-social hubby of mine bother you. It's not that he doesn't like being around people. It's just that he doesn't really have much to say.)