Everything is more expensive now -- that's no longer news. The question for us as families is: how will we respond in this moment? In this episode, we encourage your family to think of it as an opportunity -- yes, an opportunity -- to teach your kids -- and remind yourself -- that God is in control. He's not surprised in the least. This is a moment of "tightening the belt" for many families, including ours. But it's also a moment to lean into the LORD and be thankful for His goodness and provision.In this episode, we discuss:A story from London about how an interruption allowed people to find a better way and how this current interruption of inflation could be the same for our familiesPresenting our requests to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4)A look at Matthew 6 and things we can teach our kids about God's provision and how having less actually may help us to grow in our faithGod is our provider -- not just of material blessings but of all things we need: relationships, community, salvation, hope, love, wholeness, peace, joy and so many other wonderful things we could list.One of God's names if Jehovah Jireh, The LORD Our Provider.Learning to be content (Philippians 4)Learning to live with less and how we can learn a lot from those who grew up in the Great DepressionEngaging with community in your effortsThe value of having a budget and tracking expensesOur story of how budgeting actually helped to bring us together when we met (no joke!!)How budgeting allows stress-free spendingHelping your kids learn to live with less is a GIFTIdeas on how to save money or cut back on expensesusing the libraryshopping at consignment salesengaging in free activities -- hiking, parks, biking, tennis, board gamescutting back on streaming servicesasking for better pricing on things like insuranceSaving money on foodmeal planninglimiting eating outchoosing fresh foods that are still cheap (eggs, cottage cheese, vegetables)making your own food (bread, yogurt, granola, bone brother)limiting the number of times you go to the grocery storeInvolve your kids in the kitchen - they will probably just at the chanceThe greater our financial stewardship, the stronger our marriages and families will be, and the better equipped we will be to do what He's called us toScriptures referenced:Psalm 77Philippians 4:6-7; Philippians 4:12-13Matthew 6:25-45Genesis 22Genesis 30 (Jacob and Laban)Genesis 39-47 (Joseph)Exodus 16 (manna & quail) / Numbers 11 (quail)1 Kings 17 (Elijah and the widow at Zarephath)NehemiahDanielActs 2Deuteronomy 8Hebrews 10:24-25References & Resources:Overheard in an Orchard (by Elizabeth Cheney)The hymn Great Is Thy FaithfulnessThe hymn Praise to the LORD, The AlmightyFinancial Peace University (Dave Ramsey)Crown Financial MinistriesMusic:Intro: Life of a Traveler, by Black Rhomb (License #3565685)Outtro: Avocado Street, by Wes Hutchinson (Courtesy of YouTube Music)If this podcast been a blessing to you, please consider subscribing, leaving us a review and/or donating to our Patreon account. Thank you!
