Friday, February 7, 2014

A Prayerful Break...

This blog has followed a journey the Lord started nearly 8 years ago when The Great Recession hit our nation and my family. We went through many years of loss but I hope it's been evident to those who have followed OUR STORY that we have been blessed daily and God has provided for us abundantly as our income decreased to nearly a fourth. This blog shared many of the lessons the Lord taught me on how to stretch my husband's disability check to meet our needs by living on less.

I've been sensing a nudging lately. Maybe it could even be described as a conviction ... to evaluate how and where I am spending my time. Is everything I do to the best of my ability for the glory of God? or for my glory? Do I really want to be known as a frugal, penny pinching woman or a woman who follows Christ who happens to use thriftiness as a means to a better end? Am I seeking to love God with ALL my mind and ALL my strength in my daily schedule? 

Therefore be careful how you walk, 
not as unwise men but as wise,  
making the most of your time, 
because the days are evil. 
Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV

The days are short. My life will not last forever. God has ordained how many breaths I have left. If today were my last day on this earth would I have regrets that I had not listened more intently to those convictions that were leading me towards a more God-focused life? 





Of course, I will never be perfect in how I choose my time but I am responsible for my choices and my actions and with all my heart I want to bring Him glory in all I choose to do. 

I love how John Piper unravels what it means to live for God's glory. You can read about it here.

I can't imagine I will stop writing completely. So I hope you will remember me in prayer as I seek His face in the coming days and months as His plan uncovers the next step in this marvelous journey called life. 

Please keep in touch... and stay tuned!


May we live (coram Deo) before the face of God!

 Georgene

22 comments:

  1. I will miss this. Hope you leave it all up as I think you have a great deal of very useful and thought provoking writing here.

    God Bless, mary

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    1. What a loss your silence would be! I can only pray that your time will bless others as your blog has blessed your readers.

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    2. Yes she does, Pokeberry Mary, and you, my dear, are a delight as well.

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  2. God bless you, Georgene. I have enjoyed reading your blog and learned a great deal. You have a heart for God and family.

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  3. What was promised us was a sufficiency of all good things. Your blog brings a joy to the search for that balance, and has surely blessed many in ways you can never know. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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  4. I understand exactly what you mean. I too don't want to be known as a penny pinching, frugal woman and get a sense of pride in that (hence my blog is much broader than that). There is balance in everything including how we choose to spend our time. I'm sure you will find the right balance as you consider what works for you in your walk.

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  5. Georgene, I am saddened to read that you are stepping back, but I completely understand why and I hope this time gives you the opportunity that you need to hear God's voice and follow his leading. Please know that you have greatly blessed me with your insight and helpful posts, and know that I will be praying for you during this time. May I ask that you pray for me also as I have some changes going on in my life. Thank you so much... and many blessings to you and your family!

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  6. I hear you! Priorities!
    Hugs and prayers,
    Carol

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  7. I can certainly relate, as I am praying about a change as well, one that would take most of my time each day. still not sure what God would have me do. Blessings to you and yours!

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  8. I only found you fairly recently, so am sorry you will be writing less. I shall check still, you will I'm sure let us know how the journey is doing. Blessings.
    Angela (Devon) UK

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  9. I stumbled onto your site this morning and spent the day reading your story. So strong! God has truly blessed you.
    My wife and share a similar story of loss and struggle.
    After many years of working in an industry, my wife was stricken with a still undiagnosed(14 yrs) disease. So we moved to the mountains and bought a small business to get away from the stress of the city. Long story short, we lost everything in the wildfires of 2007. Our savings, our home , our business. Returning to the city to a job decimated by the economy with no money we now live on 1/5 the income we previously made.(she not able to work, I at previous job). Had it not been for our faith we would surely not be able to cope.
    I'm not sure where in Calif. you are, but in So. Cal., life is not cheap. We will probably have to rent until we "retire" but have a motorhome to live in when that time comes. He will provide!
    God bless.

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  10. Georgene-
    Thank you for all you have done through this blog Your gentle voice has encouraged me in more ways than you know. I completely understand your reason for stepping back and although I am saddened, I would expect nothing less from such a God fearing woman. Know that a fellow sister in Iowa prays for you and your family! Take care and be well. Love, Jennifer

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  11. Georgene-you have been such an encouragement to me. I do believe you have a great ministry to so many of us. I have learned to do so many things to save money from you. I do not think of you as penny pinching. I think of your trials in life as a way of encouraging others and showing them your faith and God's provision and how wisely you have used it. Enjoy your break. Hope and Pray God will continue to use your wisdom for us out there in internet land.

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  12. I have so appreciated your blog! Thank you for allowing God to use you.

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  13. Wishing you all the best in the future ,maybe you will come back one day!

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  14. You have been an inspiration to me. With my husband retiring in a couple of months and much less income coming in, I know we will be able to thrive. Thanks for your blog and the time you have put into it. I understand your need to spend more time in areas God wants you to be in. I just know that this blog was blessed by Him!

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  15. I've not been blogging lately as well and am a little sad to see you not continue on but I completely understand! Life changes and so do our priorities. I do hope if you have time that you'll come and visit my new blog home.

    I'll still hope that you'll make occasional returns and update. :)

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  16. Georgene,
    You have truly blessed my life with your encouraging words and walk with the Lord. I know your steps are ordered by the Lord. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your testimony
    with so many people. Many people have similar stories to yours. I pray God will show you exacly how to spend your time. I always think of you as a proverbs 31 woman. I belive
    you have a special gift of encouraging others. I will be praying for you. Thank you for sharing your life with so many people.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  17. I have really enjoyed your Blog very much, and have found many helpful hints to use in my frugal life, thank you very much! And all the very best to you and Family, and hopefully you will do a post from time to time! Xx

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  18. Hi Georgene, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  19. Loved your blog! Don't know if you know these gardening tricks but thought I would share. Leave the bulb part of your green onions, put them in water and them plant them in a planter on your patio or in the ground. Then just cut the green part to use in additional recipes and they will keep on growing! Also, you can plant the bottom of the yellow onions and they will grow more onions (about the bottom 1/3), root side. You can grow your own seasonings and dry them to preserve them. Just hang upside down until dried out, crush, store in jars. Lots of ideas on gardening blogs for frugal living! Keep up the good work!

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  20. I don't think of you as "that frugal lady" blog,but as an amazing wealth of inspiration in ALL parts of my life,I wish you could know the comforts and inspiration you have brought me,thank you so very much.

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