Operation: Clear. It. Out. (Week 4)

This is a guest post written by my friend Katie. If you’d like to check out the other posts in this series, click here.

We see the light! I can’t believe we actually did it! Feeling rejuvenated and accomplished. At the end we celebrate with a bottle of wine (gift card redemption) and buffalo wing pizza (gift card redemption). It was a nice break as you’ll see the home stretch is nothing but a reheat experience.

The point of this experiment was nothing extravagant. I really just wanted to use up our stock and save some money in the process. However, through it and especially toward the end I saw a glimpse of something more. There are many times throughout my life when I’ve indulged myself with a quick gratification. A meal out. A shopping spree. Spa treatments. And other, deeper secular “treasures” that we don’t need to get into. What I’ve noticed is – mostly in the past year – the only time this treat is as rewarding as I imagined is when I earned it. Walking across the stage to receive that diploma. I earned that. Living in a healthy, committed relationship with my husband. We earned that.

Budgeting and scraping to pay back our debt and build a foundation for our family. We are earning that. It’s built on sacrifice, hard work and A LOT of divine intervention. But it is our perseverance and devotion that keeps us moving forward.

Moving forward it’s easier to see how many of our goals are obtainable if we simply stay focused. There are still things we want : family vacations, a custom-built house…but most of all we want to raise our children in an environment where their worth is not determined by finances; where they will not here the excuse, “we can’t afford it;” and where they understand the importance of providing for themselves, their loved ones and in giving back to others. We live like no one else now so we can live like no else later. It is supposed to be challenging.

In all things bring glory to Him and His purpose for your family. Have the courage to push through the NOW that you’re in and to help one another do the same.

So whether you are looking to save a couple hundred dollars this month or in need of cleaning out the clutter, I encourage you to try your own version of Operation : Clear. It. Out. Smile, take a deep breath, plan and ask yourself “Are you all in?”

Week 4

Day 22 : Roasted Chicken. Whole and frozen. Made with a hashbrown casserole from the freezer and peas.

Day 23 : Potato Soup. Frozen leftover. Reheat and serve.

Day 24 : Leftovers. The roasted chicken makes a great salad.

Day 25 : Buffalo Chicken Chili. Frozen leftover. Reheat and serve.

Day 26 : Pasta with meatballs. Meatballs and sauce were frozen leftovers.

Day 27 : Meatless Friday = Cheese Quesadillas.

Day 28 : Leftovers.

 

Total spending for the month = $98.11

 

 

What do you all think? How has Katie’s experience inspired you to try something of your own? Let me know in the comments!