Anita, once again you have pointed out a simple secret that those of us who know would love to see spread to those who don't. It sure seems difficult for some people to manage. I think it comes down to a matter of implicit trust. My bride and I are not quite to your milestone--we're coming up on 37 years--but ever since we comingled our funds so many years ago, neither of us has had a worry about the other frivolously overspending. I may check on the bank account and see $1.97 my lovely bride has spent on an e-book, but I have never had to worry that either of us would blow the money on a new motorcycle or an Alsatian puppy. Any large expenditures are carefully noodled out long before the funds are spent. We both grew up with frugal parents who really didn't much believe in credit cards or bank loans. When it was decided it was time for a new car, Mom labeled an envelope and stuck it in a little locked box. Each week she would put whatever monies were available into that envelope, and when there was enough, she and Dad would start shopping for a car--never a "new" one, but always new to us. Her folks were quite similar in their approach. It's a simple rule: if it's going to go down in value (like a car) always pay cash; and if it's going to appreciate (like a house) a loan is okay. If only the government could understand that concept...
yup! money is a subject not even discussed among loved ones, friends & family... yet, the STATE demands it knows everything about your private business. further, it demands much time doing its accounting without pay. at least we can take solace knowing our "money" is *sooo well spent*. 😳 of course, anyone who dives into the subject of the "income" tax discovers that it's illegal, immoral, and directly violates the individual Natural Rights our Creator has given us. perhaps this is an excellent reminder for all of us of what Jesus said about all worldly kingdoms — they are all under the rulership of the adversary. thankfully, we have help to cope with the wickedness in this present world from our Lord through prayer, as you said. 🙏🏼😎❤️♾️
If you'd not mentioned chickens, Anita, I'd have missed the lesson the black hen next door has to teach me. I'm doing four days of respite caregiving in a nearby town. The neighbor has a hen house with a small area of ground next door, and it's fully enclosed. There's one rooster. But the lone, black hen has figured out how to escape during the day and return to the safety of the coop at dusk. Surely, she cannot have forgotten there's a chicken hawk who comes calling. She's very brave. I think she speaks to me about "cheerful persistence" and "where there's a will there's a way" and "freedom is worth fighting for". She reminds me about the thrill of solo adventure and the joy of returning home to one's tribe where safety, comfort, and community feel so good.
Anita, once again you have pointed out a simple secret that those of us who know would love to see spread to those who don't. It sure seems difficult for some people to manage. I think it comes down to a matter of implicit trust. My bride and I are not quite to your milestone--we're coming up on 37 years--but ever since we comingled our funds so many years ago, neither of us has had a worry about the other frivolously overspending. I may check on the bank account and see $1.97 my lovely bride has spent on an e-book, but I have never had to worry that either of us would blow the money on a new motorcycle or an Alsatian puppy. Any large expenditures are carefully noodled out long before the funds are spent. We both grew up with frugal parents who really didn't much believe in credit cards or bank loans. When it was decided it was time for a new car, Mom labeled an envelope and stuck it in a little locked box. Each week she would put whatever monies were available into that envelope, and when there was enough, she and Dad would start shopping for a car--never a "new" one, but always new to us. Her folks were quite similar in their approach. It's a simple rule: if it's going to go down in value (like a car) always pay cash; and if it's going to appreciate (like a house) a loan is okay. If only the government could understand that concept...
yup! money is a subject not even discussed among loved ones, friends & family... yet, the STATE demands it knows everything about your private business. further, it demands much time doing its accounting without pay. at least we can take solace knowing our "money" is *sooo well spent*. 😳 of course, anyone who dives into the subject of the "income" tax discovers that it's illegal, immoral, and directly violates the individual Natural Rights our Creator has given us. perhaps this is an excellent reminder for all of us of what Jesus said about all worldly kingdoms — they are all under the rulership of the adversary. thankfully, we have help to cope with the wickedness in this present world from our Lord through prayer, as you said. 🙏🏼😎❤️♾️
If you'd not mentioned chickens, Anita, I'd have missed the lesson the black hen next door has to teach me. I'm doing four days of respite caregiving in a nearby town. The neighbor has a hen house with a small area of ground next door, and it's fully enclosed. There's one rooster. But the lone, black hen has figured out how to escape during the day and return to the safety of the coop at dusk. Surely, she cannot have forgotten there's a chicken hawk who comes calling. She's very brave. I think she speaks to me about "cheerful persistence" and "where there's a will there's a way" and "freedom is worth fighting for". She reminds me about the thrill of solo adventure and the joy of returning home to one's tribe where safety, comfort, and community feel so good.
"One of us has the “half full” outlook, the other struggles with anything other than what’s in the glass right now." I'm so glad it's not just us!
Wonderfully uplifting! A good reminder not to fret, and that with a bit of planning and discipline, things work out.