When I get excited about something, I believe it, live it, and love it passionately. You already know about my passions for God, family, country, and scrapbooking. But over the next few weeks, I want to share a few posts about a topic that I love and have spent many years learning about: the importance—and even JOYS—of provident living.
Some people think “provident” means frugal, economical, or thrifty. Those are basic definitions, but I believe to live providently means to live with foresight and planning—using today’s resources wisely so that we can have a comfortable, secure tomorrow. Who doesn’t want that?
I’ve tried to apply provident principles to my business and to my family life, and what a difference it has made! For example, you might be surprised to learn that even as a CEO of a successful company, I pack a home lunch to eat at the office, or that I love making freezer meals as part of my dinner plan. Or that for us, a “grand night out” is as simple as taking a drive up the canyon and striking up a meaningful conversation. Being frugal doesn’t mean living an existence of denial, either: these choices have helped us to eat healthier, save money, and even strengthen our relationships, all while having fun together. It’s meant a fuller life, not just a frugal life.
Sure, I love beautiful things and great experiences, too. But I’ve found true joy in buying only what I can pay for (a novel concept, right?), saving consistently, and preparing for the future. Besides, over the years, I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t just come in THINGS; happiness comes in CHOICE. By living providently, I am free to make choices without being a slave to my possessions or a credit card company. It’s so liberating!
Wonder how to make it work for you? I have some ideas that have worked for me, and I’d love to share them with you—keep reading in the next few weeks and pretty soon, we can all share a passion for providence!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Passionate about Provident Living!
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Jeanette, I can't tell you how proud I am to work for/with a woman who has the same financial sense that my husband and I have. Thank you! It makes me proud to be a part of CTMH.
ReplyDeleteLOVED this post. I am so with you on this and am grateful to be part of a debt-free company who values each of us as consultants and does everything it can to help us be successful financially. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou said it very well. I love your example of a grand night out. It's the simple things in life that give us the most joy. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lori
Thank you so much for sharing. I struggle with spending and buying things I really don't need. I really look forward to your next post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanette! I can't wait for you to share more! I'll be checking daily...
ReplyDeleteI have never heard the expression provident living but we do try to live frugally and within our means. We have some debt that we want to take care of and that means living even more frugally.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your further posts - you always give great inspiration and tips and do it in a fun and loving, care about us kind of way :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Wendy Taylor
Tucson, AZ
I will be checking in regularly (as I always do :) to learn your ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I agree. I can't wait to hear more. That is one reason i have been staying away from the jackpot june. For my family. For myself. In the past, past businesses have put me/us in debt. I am in CTMH to make money, while feeding my love for a hobby as well. It is sometimes hard to keep the two separated. When it is so easy to place an order and then again buy for myself my wants. I hope to see that CTMH is REAL on terms of a career vs. a hope that will never come. I sometimes think i can do it and other times wonder if it will add up to something positive for the family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and please do share.
I enjoyed a book study at church called "Enough. Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity" by Adam Hamilton. I keep my key card entitled "Contentment" on the window ledge over my kitchen sink. I am reminded often throughout my day of this prayer. Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don't need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity. It has helped me to use my extra CTMH stuff to help others. I am guilty of "hording" to many items for later. Now I just break out the good stuff and create a card for someone just to make them smile. Or I offer card classes at church for donations to our lunch program for hungry kids at Christmas break. They donate and get to use my materials for free. Love to see those kids faces when we have cooked the hot meals and they greet us at their door with a huge toothy grin. Simplicity/Generousity. Try it. My spirit rises as I have come to realize how many things I don't really need. Thanks Jeanette for the gentle nudges to live our best life and help others along the way. Live it "with your heart". Maureen
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jeanette. I love your blog, not only for the exciting stamping and scrapbooking ideas, but also for blogs like this that you share as well. I am inspired and blessed by your postings.
ReplyDeleteClick: ON
ReplyDeletecant wait to read what is to come.
Karen Parker
Stephenville, TX
Congratulations on your faboulous achievements. Lynn FIcken
ReplyDeleteCan't wait! I sure could use some ideas. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJeaneete
ReplyDeleteI loved your post about provident living and feel so priviledged to be a consultant for such a wonderful company. I look forward to your future posts. Cammi Waggoner
You said this so beautifully! I look forward to reading your future posts on this great subject. Because my husband and I feel the same way, we've been able to weather his 1 year of unemployment. While I sincerely hope and pray he finds work soon, our family will still be all right for several months yet. I'm so proud of us that we planned for the future so that we can weather this economic storm. I love being part of this company for so many reasons, just one of which is that it is lead by such a smart lady!
ReplyDeletePaige
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteWhen I first heard about Close to My Heart, I knew it was a special company. I am so blessed to be a part of your dream. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on living providently, you are so right: "....happiness doesn’t just come in THINGS; happiness comes in CHOICE. By living providently, I am free to make choices without being a slave to my possessions or a credit card company. It’s so liberating!"
I am so happy that this path was put in front of me.
Joanne Coleman
Panama City, FL
Oh I can't wait for future post. I agree with you about not having debt and that is what my husband and I both try to pratice. I am a HUGE planner for the future and can't wait to see what tips you have for us all. You certainly have helped me build a successful business with all your training and inspiration so I can't wait to see how you help me grow more in my family life.
ReplyDeleteMy husband calls me a "Frugalista!" I try to get as much use out of something as I can, and try to look for alternatives for what I need before going out and buying something new. I think you have really summed up what my goal is though. I've spent the last year or so trying to be as self-sufficient as I can be, and part of that is being consious of how I spend my energy and resources. I can honestly say I am happier now than I have ever been! I am so glad to know that there are others out there that have the same values and goals! Thanks for being such an excellent role model, Jeanette, not only in Business but in Life and Family as well!
ReplyDelete