Expecting & Provided For

Yep, we're going to be parents! Sometime around December 2nd, we'll be welcoming our first Baby Butler into this world, and the timing couldn't be better. We actually found out on March 27th, about two hours before we found out that we'll be moving into a [basically] fully furnished duplex upon arrival when we get back to Idaho. I posted this on Facebook right after we found out about the duplex:

Feeling so incredibly blessed right now. 

Almost 7 weeks exactly until moving day, and God is working everything together! 

I'm just in awe. So excited for the last few pages of this chapter and the beginning of the next!

How awesome is God?! What a Provider. There was no way in the natural that we would have had the money to furnish a new place with a baby on the way, but God (two of the best words EVER) always makes a way! We do have to buy the furniture, but for everything we're getting at the price we're paying? You're too late to tell me that it's not God's favor.

It may not be considered polite to share everything that we're getting or the price we're getting it for, even though I really want to because - hello, God is AWESOME! - but let me just say it's an incredible deal. In the two and a half years we've been married, this will be some of the nicest furniture we'll have ever had. We're still in awe about the whole thing. Not just the great pieces of furniture and the price, but the fact that we'll have a fully furnished place to move into, and to bring our baby home to this winter.

Is that the provision of God or what?! He is so good, and He gets all the credit. He takes care of His children!

In all honesty, Brent and I don't really pray for finances or needs. We're not at all against it, and it's not that we haven't before or won't ever in the future. It's just that we choose to take God at His word. In Matthew 6, Jesus is very clear that we're not to worry about our needs - like food, clothing, and shelter - because God will take care of us, and so we needn't worry. We're simply asked to trust Him - to keep our eyes focused on Him and His Kingdom and to not worry. So...we keep our hearts focused on Him and we don't worry! And He comes through for us, always, because He's already met our needs anyway!

We are never in want, and we are never lacking. Even if money is tight, we know that He's got it. We do our best to make wise financial choices while seeking the Lord, we tithe and love to responsibly bless others, and we don't worry about the necessities like food or clothing or housing - we know God's got it! He's come through for us every time, without fail.

Yes, we do "our part" and God "does His" (if you want to word it that way), but at the same time, God's goodness and love towards us isn't based on anything we do. He loves us; we're His kids! What loving Father doesn't want to provide for His children? And besides, "our part" is ultimately just trusting Him and not worrying about things or trying to do it in our own strength - that's really all we do.

And the best part is, God doesn't play favorites! If you're thinking, "well yeah, but you're in Bible school. Of course God is going to do those things for you," or, "you always talk about God and you serve God and I barely even pray - He's not going to bless me until I do something for Him," or anything like that...STOP IT! That's a lie from the enemy. God is not a respecter of persons, and His love and care for us is not based on our works or our goodness. If He's going to provide for my household, He'll provide for yours, because what He does for one, He'll do for another! It may look different in how it comes, but it'll still be God's provision. He just wants you to trust Him!

If you're worrying right now about your needs not being met because in the natural it just doesn't seem possible or you don't see how you're going to make it, I encourage you to take Jesus at His word and give Him your worries, fears and anxieties. He cares for you, and He will meet ALL of your needs according to HIS riches...not yours.

So what do you need? Is it money to pay a bill this month, or to buy groceries or clothes, or to get gas? Do you need a job, or even just an interview? Are you worried about how you're going to make ends meet this month? How will you afford to fix the car in time? Where will you end up when that eviction goes through? Do you need furniture for your home - a bed for you or your child to sleep in? Do you need to get something fixed in your home? Maybe you need a car or a bike or some kind of transportation. Maybe you need a new tire, or a new stove or a new washer and dryer (because they're broken, not just because you want a new one, hehe). Do you need healing in your physical body or in your emotions? Don't limit God...He wants to provide for you!

Of course our physical needs come first, but God wants to meet our personal needs too. Is there something that may not be an actual need, but that you really "need" for just that little extra oomph this month? Maybe you'd really love (or need) to get your hair cut, or maybe getting your nails done is the one nice thing you do for yourself, but this month, you just don't think you'll be able to do it. Maybe you'd love an extra $10 in the budget to go out for coffee with your spouse or a friend, or to buy your child a birthday present. Maybe you're like me, and sometimes you really just "need" a new pen to write with or a new notebook to write in. Don't limit God...He wants to bless you!

I encourage you to stop worrying and to TRUST Him! If it's a physical need, trust Him to do what He said He would - let Him be your provision! If it's a personal need, you can ask God and watch Him come through for you even on the little things. And just like we're expecting a precious baby, trust God and EXPECT Him to show up in your life and meet your needs! He won't let you down.

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Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting ALL your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

 And my God shall supply ALL your needs according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-33

New Year, No Spending

(...well, at least for 60 days.)

It's 2014, and for Brent and I, that means we're starting the year out by doing a no-spend month (or a spending fast, as it's also called).

No, we're not trying to "stick it to the man" or anything like that. It's purely an attempt - a goal, really - to simplify and save. Last year we tried and failed. (I really wanted to buy the 4-pack of the stop-animation Christmas classics at Walmart.) But this year, it's a bit different. Last year, it was in November for one thing (appropriately deemed by us, "No-Spend November"), and it was a spur-of-the-moment decision and poorly planned, as seen in its lack of execution (and, I clearly wasn't very disciplined). This year, it's obviously kicking off our new year, and we've actually (kind of) planned for it this time. Not only that, but the goal is to do not one, but TWO months of non-spending.

As I mentioned, our purpose in doing this is to save money and simplify our life. I've wanted to live more simply for quite some time now, and have gone through various phases of said endeavor. To be honest, our life is already pretty simple, but we're still a product of our time and culture and there are just a few things we'd like to cut back on or cut out entirely.

We weren't big on the making of a bunch of new year resolutions or goals though we, like most, did make some. Really, it was cutting back on spending, saving as a result and...well...that's really about it for the time being. There are other goals we have, but if there's anything we've learned since living in Oklahoma, it's to sloooooow down and not take on too much at once.

Simplifying is a process, I've learned. Since July of last year, I've tried to jump on many-a-simple-living-bandwagon  too quickly, and got in over my head. Not to mention, simplified living can look different for different people, something I don't think I realized when I first began my journey towards simplicity.

For some, it's minimalism all across the board (which can creep me out a bit, not going to lie). For others, it's natural or chemical-free living. For some, it might be no or very little technology, not having a car, getting rid of social media or having a 100% DIY'd lifestyle. I tried the chemical-free lifestyle for a couple months in an attempt to live a more simplified life - I made my own cleaning products, got rid of all of my medicine, planned a patio garden and all that other natural-living Pinterest-y stuff. But it just wasn't for me, and because it wasn't for me, it honestly led to far more stress.

Simple living looks different for different people, but I think that the goal of simplicity for those who desire it is ultimately the same: freedom and contentment. Brent and I look at simplicity of lifestyle as a way to feel free to do what and go where God has called us to at His word, to be a greater blessing to others and to not get caught up in today's distorted "American Dream." And for us, the road to simplifying our lifestyle simply begins with finances.

So, here are our personal "No Spending" rules for the months of January and February 2014:

• ALWAYS TITHE. 
• (We can't afford not to!)
• ONLY spend money on NEEDS. 
• (Rent, bills, school payment, necessary groceries, gas, hygiene, necessary household items, and so forth. The only things here that are technically wants, but we're listing here are Netflix and makeup. Don't judge!)
• NO spending on any WANTS.
• (Going out to eat, entertainment, Starbucks, clothes, books, decor, junk food, and so forth. No extra stuff, basically.)

That's it, really. Pretty simple. The idea is to save everything that we don't need to spend so that we can pay off debt faster, have more money to give and of course, grow in the area of contentment.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6

Also, we have an exciting new adventure coming soon, and that will require some extra funds! But more on that later...

If this sounds like it might be up your alley, I encourage you to join us - it's not too late! (And remember: you can start a no-spending month at any time.) Have you ever completed a spending fast? What are some of your life-simplification tips or habits? How are those New Year goals coming along? (Don't give up!)

A Working Woman No More!

Today, I officially put in my two-week notice for my job. I've wanted to for a while now, but haven't felt a peace about it until recently. I couldn't be more excited! One reason is simply that I've been way over-booked. I'm volunteering three days a week after school, doing an internship on Saturdays, volunteering every other Wednesday and Sunday at church, and I'm going to two different schools. I also have an apartment that needs cleaning and a husband that I enjoy spending time with.

My schedule's just a teeny bit full, if you can imagine.

But another reason is that I'm ready to devote 100% of my time to focusing on school (which includes the internship and the volunteering) and being a housewife. I'm so thankful that my husband has a job that allows him to attend school, provides benefits, and one that's placed him in a position of leadership where he can grow and be stretched. I'm so proud of him, and so thankful that God is our ultimate Provider!

Also, Brent and I have been wanting to exercise our faith more in the area of finances, and looking at our budget, it was something where we knew we could manage without me working, but it would definitely make things a lot tighter. However, we knew that it was time to start making that transition for a number of reasons. First, as I said, we want to put our hands to work, but we also want to exercise our faith more. Second, we've been desiring a more simple lifestyle just in general. Third, I've been way too overly stressed about my overbooked schedule, and work was at the bottom pf my priority list. And last, while I'm not opposed to working another job in the future, right now I'd really love to just be a student, a volunteer and a homemaker. (Plus, I'd love to devote a bit more time to my writing, as well!) I went from being someone who was not very faithful at keeping jobs to someone who, with the Lord's help, has grown immensely in the area of faithfulness. He's done so much in me, and I'm thankful to be where I'm at. I know I still have so much to learn, but I am pleased to say that I have finally, finally passed this test. (Thank you, Jesus!) But now, this is the season I'm in, and I'm ready to embrace it!

Brent and I are believers in traditional roles. While neither of us are opposed to women working, we both feel that for us right now, even without any children (though we're hoping that changes soon), it's best if I'm at home. Western society's way of thinking has tried to creep in, of course, telling me that as an able-bodied, childless twentysomething, I ought to be working a job. The thing is though, I will still be working. I just won't be earning a paycheck. In addition to being a student, I volunteer and I intern - all of which is putting my hand to something, and all of which I can "do as unto the Lord" just as much as I can a paid position. Not to mention, my husband is fulfilling what he's to do Biblically, and that is to work a job. (Besides, even Brent who works hard for us, doesn't really work for a paycheck. God is our ultimate Provider! Brent works yes, as the Bible instructs him to, but he works to be a blessing, and to put his hand to something. In doing so, he gives God something to work with, so to speak. But God always provides for our needs, and He still blesses us with the desires of our hearts!)

Speaking of, it's also easy to feel like I'm not contributing or that I'm making my husband do all the work, but that's just a lie from the enemy who's trying to make me feel lousy! We each fulfill roles, and we're happy to do it. My husband works, and I take care of the house. It doesn't matter that we don't have kids yet - there's still a home that needs managed! We feel in our place this way, and right now, we prefer it this way. Brent and I are A-OK with being a one-income household, and we are also A-OK with me holding a job in addition to his if I wanted to. (In fact, I probably will hold another job in the future.) But right now, neither of us want me to work a job, and so right now, I'm not going to. And we're so very, very happy about it.

In conclusion, here's an awesome testimony of God blessing us, and reminding me that me that leaving my job is the right thing right now...Just today, I was feeling a bit nervous about the whole thing. Despite the fact that I'm super excited about this new season, it's a leap of faith all the same. As we went over our budget, we realized that of course, we'd have to cut some things out of our spending and so forth. One of the things that came to my mind was an upcoming outing with our church's young marrieds group. I knew we'd have the money to go this time around, but I also "knew" it might be the last one for a while. Then I was reminded by the Lord that I'm trying to exercise my faith muscles, and believe more strongly for Him to provide in the area of our finances. Awesomely enough, a couple hours later, the leader of our young married group (who had no idea I was quitting my job - no one really knew) messaged me and Brent on Facebook, telling us that someone had anonymously chosen to pay for our tickets to the upcoming event! I was so blessed and honored, that God would use something so seemingly insignificant as tickets to a pumpkin patch to show me that He's got everything under control.

God is so very, very good!