Sigh....today, I made the 'executive' decision (as my daughter said) to quit buying Stevia to use for sweetening. It is just too expensive for our budget (which is tightening weekly, it seems)...so along with no stevia, I decided I cannot drink my coffee in the morning without sweetener, and can't use sugar (it aggravates my fibromyalgia), so we will be drinking hot tea with honey in the mornings. ($1.25 for honey and $1.95 for a big box of tea bags at Aldi's...very, frugal)
I know, why can' t I just drink my coffee without sweetener? Well...I think coffee is bitter and nasty without it. I do, however, have to have something hot in the mornings...and unfortunately, I need caffeine, too. LOL So, today, as I was going thru my freezers, fridge and pantry to see what I already had, and planning menus, I arrived at Aldi's with the intention of doing a very limited, frugal shopping trip.
I have to say, anyone wanting to save money and still eat healthy needs to find the nearest Aldi's!!! I know...it isn't organic, but the Lord knows I can't afford organic, and I trust Him for our health...so I am able to make healthy choices for our family by shopping there.
Also, since the cost of organic soaps is prohibitive as well, I've switched to good old Ivory soap! I use it to make laundry detergent, to bathe with and as hand soap.
One way that we've practiced creative frugality for years is to roast a whole chicken or a whole turkey and have many meals, many quarts of homemade broth...I even have a 23lb turkey defrosting now. (hubby thinks I'm crazy to make a whole turkey in August!)...but I can't wait!
I had a moment of feeling sorry for myself today when I decided not to buy stevia anymore...and planning meatless meals (while trying to balance protein), snacks for 4 children....and I just thought..."It's just too hard...I can't do this...I'll just go back to the way we lived before God convicted me to try to live more naturally and healthy"....oh, but it goes against everything I now know to be the way God wants us to live!!! But...after my 'pity party', I sat on the deck for a minute, prayed and just "listened"....and know that what He calls us to, He will equip us for...and my strength is not in my own efforts, but in His help and guidance....(deep breath)...ok, I CAN do this. But, only day by day....searching for His will and depending on His strength...for THAT particular day. I can do no less.
He also reminded me of His abundant provision for our family! Even recently, we were given bags of clothes from 2 different friends, whose children had outgrown them....in one was a winter coat, clothes and a warm bathrobe for Anna (which she needed), and in Ronnie's was again, a winter coat, flannel shirts and jeans..that fit! Again....God met all of our needs...He IS faithful to provide all that we need. We can trust Him.
So....when living "creatively frugal" is hard...and it will be hard sometimes, we can trust our heavenly Father to provide, guide and remind us of His love and provision for us...His promises are true! Praise God!!!! ~Sue~
Steaming in the pan with about 1 1/2 inches of water. (I put the lid on of course)
I had a wonderful surprise today! A special friend from church arrived at my doorstep with a belated birthday surprise for me. She reads the blog, and read how I gave up coffee and stevia because the stevia was just too expensive...so in my little goodie bag, she put a book on friendships, a bag of Starbucks morning blend....and a box of 'Truvia'!!! Stevia sweetener! I got tears in my eyes at her thoughtfulness and generosity....thank you, Viv!!! Can't wait to try it!