Obviously it’s been a while since I’ve written on this blog, in fact it’s been a while since I’ve written anything anywhere. Anyway, I have a brand new blog here, check it out.

Just looked at my blog and realized it’s been a month since the last time I wrote. It’s been a busy, productive month. Some things going on in my life right now.

• diligently creating margin in my life and family
• getting house ready to sell
• stripped wallpaper in bathroom, repairing walls and painting
• loving my husband and kids
• working on a bazillion projects at work
• looking forward to michael’s mom coming to visit next week
• working with some of the most incredible interns, luv u guys
• checking out various options of where to live (in Wilmington)
• meeting with realtor
• got to clean my house
• started a second job
• meeting some of the most incredible people on the planet
• getting ready for double services starting Aug. 30

Ok, well I think that does it. Um, I think I’m forgetting something…

Those of you who’ve read my previous budgeting posts know that before the beginning of this year I budgeted for all of 2009. It was great, I was prepared for the year and felt good about the challenges ahead.

Recently we hit some speed bumps and roadblocks. Some of them are…We’ve received two very unwanted hikes on our auto insurance and home insurance premiums. My car is way too old, needs 4 new tires and sounds like it’s going to fall apart. My clothes dryer sounds like a donkey with a bad cold. I got very sick and had to go to Medac twice and received to big bills and two not so big bills (but they were bills none the less)… we have no health insurance.

Meanwhile I have dreams and desires for the summer. Ya know, like do some stuff with my kids and maybe take a vacation. I’d like to visit family and friends. Wanted to plant a garden, except dirt cost money. Amongst a few other things.

Ok, so all this could make me crazy if I let it, or I can look at this as an opportunity to learn from yet some more challenges. I choose the latter. So where do I go from here?

• First, I will need to redo the budget for the second half of the year. Oh, can’t wait until I dig into that. (I better make sure I have an ample supply of chocolate!)
• Second, I need to realize this will set us back a little on our time frame of getting out of debt. Too high of expectation can cause stress and produce a miserable attitude.
• Third, need to make a decision on whether this is the time to sell our house or not. Won’t help the other debt but will eliminate homeowners tax, one of our home insurance, maintenance and repairs. Renting might be a better option.
• Fourth, resist the temptation to eliminate fun from the budget. This past week, while our kids have been away, Michael and I have had a couple of date nights and spent much needed time together. Last week was a busy work week and we took the time and money to invest in one another, going out to eat rather than cooking and cleaning up. We also went to the movies and you all know it’s ridiculous how much a ticket costs, but it’s still fun to go.

The main reason I’m sharing this is to say if you find yourself in a similar boat, don’t give up. Use wisdom and what you’ve learned already to apply to your situation. That’s what I’m choosing to do. Oh how sweet it’s going to be when I get to say we’re debt free!

If you have not started a budget I will again recommend a book that helped Michael and I. It’s a great book, I WAS BROKE NOW I’M NOT and the author, Joseph Sangl, didn’t stop there. He has a mission to help as many people become debt free and financially free as possible. His website contains several tools and links. Why try to tackle this alone? Having the right tools makes all the difference.

Don’t give up!

Obviously my technical abilities are not the greatest. A couple of months ago I bought the upgrade for my blog, only problem is I have no clue about how to use it. I did figure out how to move my picture, but I am at a loss. So I’m up for any artist who would like to redesign my blog. Yes, this is a cry for help, but think of it as an opportunity! About a year ago someone offered to do this but I didn’t buy the upgrade and it never happened. I wish I did now.

So any adventurous artist willing to give me a facelift?

*Just in case you were wondering, this has nothing to do with my previous post

I have a desire. It’s not huge but I believe it’s something that would be good. The problem is that it will cost me. From some perspectives the cost would not compare to the gain, but it will still cost me a chunk of change. It’s not a huge deal, but for me it could really be a help.

I have to think and pray about it some more. One thing I have learned about desires like this is that if it’s within God’s plan and purpose for me, He will guide me and give me wisdom as I seek Him.

I get excited when I think about the possibility, but wisdom tells me to wait. I believe God will lead me, I trust Him to do so. No matter what, whether this desire happens or not, I know God’s desire is to bless me according to his purpose for me.