Grievig Italy

Wesley left for Italy on Monday. Surprisingly I am not as upset as I thought I would be, partly because I have already grieved over every scenario possible.

From the moment I found out Wesley would be going to Italy, I cried. I cried hard. Every. Day. I cried for the things that could happen to him (that probably wouldn’t). I cried for the places and people I wouldn’t see. I cried for the lack of control I had for his well-being (for some reason I felt I could make sure the pilot was as careful as he could be just by being a passenger. Hilarious, I know). I cried for the food I wouldn’t get to eat.

I grieved.

I grieved for a lost husband that I still could hold. I grieved for a little girl who wouldn’t know how great her father is. I grieved for the culture I wouldn’t see. I grieved for the people I wouldn’t get to hug (I love to hug and cuddle, and I hear Italy is the place to go if you love being close to people). I grieved for the History I wouldn’t see and feel with my hands. I grieved for ridiculous (some more than others) reasons.

I prayed.

I prayed Philippians 4 every day. I read Philippians 4 every day. I wanted that passage to be ingrained into my being. I wanted to only think about Jesus’ peace. I wanted only Jesus’ peace. I wanted Jesus’ strength. I needed Jesus’ strength.

When the time came to drop Wesley off at the airport I thought I would lose it. I thought I would need to pull over and cry because I wouldn’t be able to see the road. I thought I wouldn’t be able to breathe from snot bubbles bursting (this happens to you too!). I thought I wouldn’t be able to eat or enjoy anything this week.

I was wrong.

I was wrong about everything. Jesus sent His peace. I took all of my worries and prayed about them. It was (and still is) the most amazing feeling. When I dropped him off I was fine. Fine. Not one single tear dropped from my eyes. It was amazing. It was freeing. It was peace. It was Jesus.

 

^“6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:6-7, 13

 

 

Luxuries: The (almost) impossible one for me to give up

I read an article the other day about how to cut your grocery budget in half. The article caught my interest and got me thinking about food luxuries. I never thought about cheese, honey, or good coffee being luxuries! These were always in stock at my parent’s house growing up so I never thought twice about these items when creating a grocery budget for my small family of three.

*Side Note*

Growing up I never learned how to create a budget; my parents were always there to give me what I needed. I had a small part time job but when I was going to school they paid for everything. I was extremely blessed to have such great parents! But I had no sense of a budget or how to go by one, so when I got married and started my own family with our own budget, it was a rude awakening for me.

*End Side Note*

This morning as I was eating my biscuit smothered in honey, I started thinking about that article (and the fact that I am running low on honey-shucks!). I was thinking about how hard it would be to give up honey. I was thinking about how sad that little bear’s face will be when I don’t get him out of the cupboard as much. I was thinking about how much I love honey. I was thinking, “is this a product I can stuff into my grocery budget?”

Having a budget has made me more conscience about how I spend money. For instance, when we go out to eat and spend $20+, was that Chinese take-out really worth it (okay let’s get real- Chinese take-out is always worth it!)? In all seriousness, there has been a time or two (or twenty) that I could’ve used that $20+ plus to get a week’s worth of breakfast or lunch food.

 Not only do I love honey, but I am rather fond of cheese and not just block cheese, all kinds of cheeses! [According to the article] Cheeses are also luxury items when it comes to groceries, so we cut back from buying five different cheeses to two (Colby and mozzarella) and the savings are substantial! I can use those cheeses for the things I cook the most. I encourage you to take an inventory of your groceries and see if there are any ways you can save! (I wasn’t able to find the article so I could post it for you- sorry!)

So, after much consideration and staring at that cute honey bear face, I have made the decision that honey is a luxury that will no longer be a luxury but a staple in our pantry.