139- Determined to Live Within Our Means

January 3, 1985

My new values about materialism were tested at the Hart’s on New Year’s Eve and at Lynn and Danny’s on NY day. I found myself really admiring their homes and goods. But I confessed it to the Lord.

I felt the call so clearly yesterday to move to the area of town where our ministry would be more obvious and I will not have to feel that I have to compete with those who have more stuff than we do.  Other people don’t lord over me, that’s not the issue. It’s that we need to break from a standard of living that we cannot meet into a standard of living that is more suited to Dan’s paycheck. I feel prepared in the Spirit and ready. Moving from a house we cannot afford is mandatory.

Our prayer is for a house with: 1) adequate space for our family size and type–four active boys means we need space; 2) a big yard; 3) sidewalks; 4) laundry facilities;  5) ready to move into or very simply and cheaply converted to our needs.

February 17

We looked at mobile homes and I said I was willing, but they were tacky, cruddy, and in a bad neighborhood. I had to say I wasn’t! Besides: we cannot afford bad influences on the kids.

February 24

Agreed with Kelly G on the phone for a miracle place that was very acceptable. I FELT the Holy Spirit in her prayer.

March 2

Dan looked at Stead duplexes, there is always one available, somebody said. So that is where we’ll go unless God intervenes! Oh, Lord, not Stead—please!!!

I am laughing at my unavailability! I thought I was SO surrendered, but I really did have strong opinions about just what neighborhood we lived in!

March 27

God intervened! PRAISE HIS NAME In the newspaper Dan found: 128 La Rue. Newly painted, carpeted, large porch, full basement, 2 ½ bedrooms, utility room. $485!!

Lord, thank You. I asked for sidewalks and you gave us a sidewalk of cement on all four sides of the house so the boys can go round and round on their big wheels! The front porch is awesome and there are two very small patches of grass surrounded by a picket fence. You met us in our need. We are so relieved!

On my calendar I noted: Jan brought boxes and money! Dan met our new LaRue landlord and cinched the deal. JackieS invited us to dinner so we could pack up the kitchen and not have to cook. On moving day our friends showed up: Jim & Jeanette, Shaun, Paula, Glenn, Marty & Erin, John. We were blessed!