Comments on: I’ve Been Struggling

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:50:14 +0000

Perfection doesn’t exist! There is only better. Setbacks and derailments are not uncommon– the trick is to recognize it and fix it.

Hang in there!

By: CindyS

CindyS — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:48:58 +0000

One of my constant struggles is to stay focused on the things that are most important to me. Being frugal is a necessity and I generally have much more time than money but as I am considering getting a job, those priorities might change. I know that during times of stress, it is hard for me to stay focused on writing so my blog has suffered.

By: leonard

leonard — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:26:07 +0000

Hi, Lynnae,

Everyone has these times. Relax. These are the times of greatest learning through reflection. These are the times when you are most open to God’s voice.

Routines are very important. You cannot force change. But you can choose some areas of change (one at a time) and focus and pray and work to open your heart to that change. Reading books about that area and selcting a few simple new positive habits, and then doing them each day for two weeks often works wonders. Wholesale change always fails.

We have found that a simple “typical” daily schedule + a weekly goal setting session with the whole family, with everyone adding suggestions and taking on each other’s goals as our own, really helps. We do it every Sunday afternoon and give it 90 minutes.

At that time we also pick our favorite meals for the week (everyone gets one choice — the other meals are leftovers) and afterwards we shop if we don’t have things on hand. But we try to buy in bulk when things are on sale. We don’t clip coupons. We never eat out and always cook from scratch. My lovely mother-in-law (79 yrs old) produces a huge organic gardens and fishes! So the freezer is always full.

I got a great start on routine by reading Alan Lakein’s HOW TO GET CONTROL OF YOUR TIME AND YOUR LIFE about 25 years ago, and I still read it from time to time to keep me on target.

Hope this helps.

By: marci

marci — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:02:46 +0000

Simplify. Learn to say NO. Let Go, Let God.

All of us get off track now and then, and need to regroup.
Think of it more as a time to think about what is really important
to you, time to declutter your mind and life, time to get right
with God again. Kind of a “planning session” for the next part of your life :)

Starting your day off from the heart, with God and your family,
with a willingness to do only those priorities for the day that are in the best interests of you and your family…. that’s the best start to the day. And remember to thank Him during the day for all those little things that ‘go right’, that we take for granted… for the smiles on your family’s faces, for the light that turned green, for the penny in the parking lot…. Smile, simplify, and enjoy life more :)

Hang in there Sunshine :)
You’re doing great!

By: JonatsGonats

JonatsGonats — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:47:00 +0000

I am in the same boat as you are friend. Commitment to frugality is really a struggle to make takes some dedication and sacrifice. But you know it is the experience that puts us in a better position for the future.

What is important is we keep on loving God and our loved ones.

Cheers mate!

By: Amiyrah

Amiyrah — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:08:23 +0000

Wow, such a great post. Just know that you are not alone: I realized this a few weeks ago, and cut back as well. It resulted in one of my best posts ever on my blog. I hope you enjoy your valued time with the Lord and with yourself. You deserve it!

By: darlene

darlene — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:15:16 +0000

Lynnae, I so love to read your posts. Each day I sit down and enjoy my coffee reading yours and a few others blogs. I am a single mom and homeowner so I know what getting overwhelmed can be. When I started on the frugal path it also was a path of reconnection with myself and the Lord. The first thing that went (or came) was a recommitment to Sundays. I go to church and Sunday school, pick up the newspaper on my way home, make a nice dinner (for leftovers and repeats throughout the week) and take time to indulge in myself (and the day of laziness). During this time I can read the paper, clip coupons, watch tv with my daughter, etc. but it makes it all seem for leisure and I have returned to the 7th day of rest.

By: Lynnae

Lynnae — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:15:03 +0000

I’m honestly not beating myself up. I’m just publicly recognizing where I’ve gone wrong and committing to make the changes necessary to remedy the situation. I know I’m not perfect, and if God can forgive me, who am I not to forgive myself?

Thanks for all the support everyone!! You are all a huge encouragement! And as of this afternoon I have a great update to this story, but the post on that will have to wait until Wednesday. Stay tuned! I’m pretty amazed!

By: kath

kath — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:58:54 +0000

First of all, stop beating yourself up. We are not God, we are His children, therefore we are not meant to be perfect. God did not create us to be perfect. He created us to be excellent. There is a difference. Only God is perfect, we do our best and strive for excellence, which is the closest we can get to perfection. We are human, and we all slip up and we all sin, but good people are always striving to be better, and that’s what you are doing. Striving to be better. It sounds like you are also trying to please a lot of people who depend on you in varying degrees (including your blog readers – and we really do appreciate it). You are NOT lazy. Don’t let ANYONE tell you differently. You’ve had an overwhelming year. You’ve had to make major adjustments, you’ve had to deal with a lot of stress and changes. Add to that homeschooling and trying to keep up with a daily blog as well as all of your usual family responsibilities and it takes a toll.
So the first step is to forgive yourself. God already has forgiven any shortcomings you think you have because He knows you are struggling with them and you want to do better. So, let it go. It’s in the past and it’s over.
Starting your day with Him is a good second step. Ask Him to help you do your best, even if it’s not perfect, and to forgive you when you slip up.
Everything beyond that is baby steps. You’ll be back in fighting form in no time, but you have to give yourself a pass for now. If you need to blog a little less, don’t worry, we’ll be here for you.

By: jim

jim — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:51:41 +0000

lynnae;
everyone struggles with those things!we should do but don’t. but that doesn’t mean that we’re lazy! stress really has a lot to do in how we relate to God. . some time we get burdened with the things & problems of life! we forget the relationship we have with our creater! which should be #1. as the christan life demands. it’s God first then family, then otherthings. if we can put that in order then other things fall into place along the way. we all need to know when to say NO! the ability to say NO is important! more often than not we find ourselves doing something that someone else could or should be doing . when we do the NO thing then we can find more time to do what is needed. just because you know the answer it doesn’t mean you should take on the task. i think you have a very informational website & it is needed. but you need to get your relationship with the Lord corrected as it is the most importantof all. God understands & is willing to help. if you talk with him. i will keep you & your family in our prayers.