Frugal Living and Generosity..

Expenses........money.........income...........bills...........economy.........mortgage........aren't these the words we've been hearing a lot lately? In our house, we've been concentrating efforts to pay off bills, and put more into our savings. This has caused me to take a look at how we live, and what we can do to live more frugal. I've been on a lot of sites checking out coupons, how people save money, and what I can do to cut down on expenses. I've been clipping those coupons the past few months, and eating out less. Hubby has been taking his lunch to work, instead of eating fast food or subway. Being frugal doesn't always mean being cheap, either. I still buy my kids clothing and shoes that will last, but only when they're on sale. Recently, I've bypassed Dunkin Donuts on many occasions only to head home and make a pot of my own DD coffee. I used to just dash right in and buy a cup. But why? when I can make my own. Making crockpot meals and always eating the leftovers (whether you like it or not) is another way we're saving. Leftovers....and lots of them. Ok, you can tell me I'm crazy with this one, but I'm going to make my own laundry detergent. Yes, that's right...make it. It looks like it will only take an hour or two at the most, and it will cost me less than a dollar for a two gallon bucket....60 loads of laundry or more for under a dollar! Finding one of the ingredients will be my biggest challenge. Looks like I'll be ordering it, since I've checked or called every store in town. I'll let you know how it all turns out, and whether it really cleans the clothes or not. More on that later.

So how can we live frugally and also be generous? Everywhere I turn, people are losing their jobs or houses. Although it isn't our responsibility to provide for everyone's needs, I think it's appropriate at times to help a friend, and not expect anything in return, or meet a need when nobody else can. Keeping our eyes and ears open to a friend in need will not only bless them, but bless you.

Giving generously is a challenge at times, but most often it's what God calls us to do. This might mean inviting people over for dinner, buying a friend's coffee, giving extra cookies in your kids lunches to share with friends, or giving used clothing to families who need them, (rather than the second hand store for the tax writeoff). It also might mean giving of your time by watching someone's children, or helping with a project. Whether big or small, giving from the heart, without expecting anything in return, is giving generously. I think we can all do that, even during these tough times. Personally, being frugal has meant a lot of hard work, but the giving just takes an open heart towards others, and an opportunity.