Second Hand Rose

Listen. The mall ain't the only place you can go to get stylish. Try the second hand shop!! Yes, it's worth it. In amongst the raggy Tshirts, blah-zeh old chipped china and get-em-by-the-dozen porcelain figurines are usually a few good-quality pieces of clothing in classy colors and styles; some pretty pieces to add to your dinnerware and even a few useful items that make your home feel worthwhile. Your husband won't even mind.

If you found something absolutely adorable but isn't quite your size, consider this article:

$0.50

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Part 1

A frugal lifestyle is built upon a conviction that "stuff" is not what life is all about. It focuses instead on thanksgiving and contentment; on using your current resources for the blessing of others for the glory of God.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil 4:11-13)
Perhaps you just finished reading the Introduction to this article about Faith & Frugality. Looking around you with new eyes, a sudden thought hits you: "I don't need all this stuff! I've become a hoarder...a materialist...A COLLECTOR!! I WILL distance myself from bondage to things; slimline our home, our lifestyle, our way of doing life! I WILL! I WILL!!"
Whoa! Take a deep breath. Now let it out. Don't despair...you CAN be frugal too!
It's important to work out the details first with your family, or you'll put them into a panic. Fix a favorite meal that everyone will enjoy, and unveil your ideas for simplifying the family lifestyle.
Look over a few Bible verses about contentment, thanksgiving, and giving to the poor. Discuss how many people live in poverty in the US and around the world; and what you can do about it. This may engender interest and excitement, as they catch the vision of Biblical simplicity and frugality. Now...where to begin?
Look around your house. Do you have a second set of furniture up in the attic or garage? Maybe its hand-me-downs from Grandpa's house; or your "first furniture" from 20 years ago. Even if the upholstery of that couch or chair is a little outdated or faded, if its still in decent shape, it would be a blessing to a poor family. If all it needs is a good vacuuming, start making plans for a yard sale!
Check to see if all the pieces are there, then add board games and puzzles you no longer use. Can't stand that hideous painting your great-great-grandfather left to you? Donate it to the yard sale!
Text books from college, novels you're weary of, children's stories they don't read any more, and magazines like Ranger Rick and Birds and Blooms can be: put in the yard sale, placed in a hospital waiting room, sold on Amazon.com, gifted to the church or school library or donated to the public library's book sale.
The poor often look to yard sales for clothes. Collect all the out-grown, unwanted garments you and your family have, and, making sure they are clean and in good shape (not torn or stained), put them on a sheet on the ground and ask $0.50 for children's items and $1.00 for adults. They'll go FAST, and add change to your pocket, too!
Unchipped dishes and cups, mismatched silverware or cooking tools, iron cast skillets, Corning ware or Anchor casserole dishes, even pot lids that don't have a pot to match will often sell. Ask low prices and you'll probably sell more, faster.
We recommend a 2-day yard sale (Friday-Saturday), so if an interested shopper cannot make one day, they probably can the other. Any items left at the end of the sale or if you simply don't have the time and energy to do a yard sale can be offered to a local crisis pregnancy center, halfway house, group home for disabled adults, rescue missions or thrift store. Better yet, if you know a family in need, offer them "first dibs" (FREE) before the sale. Those are ways to truly help the needy!
Here's your beginning to being frugal for the Lord!

Faith and Frugality: They really DO go together!

by Tamra Lee

An Introduction

Frugality should not be thought of as a habit for misers, the impoverished, or those taking religious vows. Actually frugality is a Biblical idea: of using your natural talents and resources to stretch in beautiful (and delicious!) ways so that there is enough for others. So...let's roll up our sleeves and study how to be frugal for the Lord!
1 Timothy 6 is an excellent chapter to study regarding the Christian's use of money. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness...Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." (1 Tim 6:6-11,17-18)
Contrary to what prosperity preachers proclaim, God does not intend to make most of His children rich. Neither does He want impoverished widows and naive young people sending their mites to pimp preachers so they can wear $1000 suits and drive luxury cars, while their followers live off of food stamps! This heresy is built upon greed--the greed of the preachers who prey upon the ignorant, and the greed of the followers, who trust that if they send their $250, they'll reap 100-fold return and have thousands of dollars drop from the skies as their reward! God says in His Word that those who "will be rich" (in other words, they want to get rich) "fall into temptation and a snare." Wealth is not God's common way to bless His children; so that is the first principle to living frugally for the Lord.
The second principle is contentment. "Godliness with contentment is great gain." Are you content with what you have? Remember, the love of money is the root of all evil. Thanksgiving and contentment battle this deep sin.
Are you content? Here are a few things to consider before the Lord:
Look around your house. Do you have more furniture -- or more expensive furniture -- than you really need? Is your closet so crammed with clothes that you must box seasonal items up and store them in the attic or garage because there's no room in the house for them? Do you own so much "stuff" that you could open your own museum of life in the 21st century? Look at your children's rooms. How many children have their own room? How many pair of shoes does each child have? Do they have like-new outfits they won't wear simply because it "isn't the right brand"?
How about entertainment? Many people have not just one large screen TV--they have TV's in every room! Then there's dvd's and computer games. Some people own more movies and games than the local library or Video Rental shop!
Do you have credit cards? If so, how many? Are any of them "maxed out"?
Look in and around your garage. How many cars/trucks/vans do you own: 1 family vehicle, 1 per adult (16 and up), 1 per adult plus a couple of "junkers" in the yard?? Are there tools, boats, scooters, bikes...THINGS...that your family never uses any more--or more than you all really need?
How about your front/back porch? Is it so packed with "stuff" that you can hardly go in and out of the door? Do you rent a storage unit, or have a shed where you stuff more "stuff"?!
The home and its furnishings, gadgets, accessories, and accouterments tell a great deal about who lives there...what their priorities are...and if they are content.
In the name of our precious Saviour--who was homeless while ministering on the earth, and had no claim of earthly riches--prayerfully consider what you own! Spend a day praying and reading 1 Timothy 6 over several times; and then walk around your home, seeing it all through Jesus' eyes. Ask yourself before the Lord: do we really need all of this? Lord, what would You have us to do with it all?
In the next several articles, we'll discus how to live more frugally, with contentment and thanksgiving!

Part 2: Dress Cheap and Chic!

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Rom 12:1-3)
Modest clothing for men, women and children should be a normal expression of our dedication to Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul directs us in Romans 12 not to think as the world thinks, but be renewed in our minds...how we view things, our priorities, our preferences, etc. being cleansed daily with the Scriptures! Our bodies are a living sacrifice for Him to the world around us. They should be an example of the beauty and purity of Heaven.
A century ago followers of Jesus knew that it was improper to show off one's body by garments that fit too tight, or too low, or was falling off the hips. They wouldn't dream of putting on fabric so thin that you could see everything underneath. But in the 21st century modesty has been nearly forgotten. Too often "Christians" show their taste for the sensual and selfish. Many seem immediately ready to be offended at the mention of modesty, and that maybe there is more they should do to cover themselves in a humble, unpretentious way. Let our taste in clothes be directed by the living God--who made our bodies and knows how best to clothe us! After all, didn't He clothe Adam and Eve after they botched the attempt with a few limp fig leaves? (Consider Isa. 3; 1 Cor. 11:1-16; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)
In a day and age where many clothing items are "unisex" it can be difficult to find appropriate garments. Where do you find modest clothes without blowing your grocery budget?
If at all possible, purchase a simple-to-use beginner's sewing machine and then LEARN TO SEW! The Singer Heavy Duty 4411 and Jenome Magnolia are good places to start. The Singer Heavy Duty can be purchased new for under $150, and the Jenome Magnolia is available for under $300 for new models. You might inquire about refurbished machines from places like Overstock.com. Lessons on how to sew may come from your grandmother, a local seamstress or tailor, free classes at the public library, or even the Community College.
Fabric can be pricey, but check the sales at Joanne Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics, Wal-Mart and other locally owned fabric shops. Here's a trick for those on a very restricted budget: shop for like-new sheets and remnant fabrics from thrift stores! We've been able to purchase at least 5 yards of fabric for a total of $3.50. A twin sheet can make a dress or two blouses; a pair of drapes would make a classy skirt or jacket or a pair of men's slacks. A bright-colored pillow case can create two ladies' head covering scarves. They are often sold at thrift stores for $1.00...saving you at least $10 per scarf! A set of sheer curtains will create several head covering scarves of a thinner weight and dressier look. (Wal-Mart sheer curtains will cut the cost of each scarf -purchased new--by at least 50%.) Children's clothing takes far less fabric, so you can really see the savings in that! Sometimes you can purchase spools of thread and fabrics at discount stores...a King-size spool of thread for $0.50 (normally costing $5$20 each)! Home-made doesn't need to be frumpy! You can set the style that will impress the neighbors and encourage other Christians to look good, inexpensively.
Thrift stores in cities tend to have a wider variety of clothes in good shape, and are still far cheaper than department store prices. We've found blue jean jumpers for $10 ($50-$75 new), eye-appealing skirts for $3.50 and lovely, modest blouses from $3.50 to $8 each. Dockers for men can be found for $6 to $10 at a good thrift store (buy them new at JC Penney's for $50-$75); and men's button-down shirts range from $3.50 to $7.00. Thrift stores sometimes carry brand new underwear, socks, tights, pantyhose, sweaters...all at amazingly low prices. They are the sane way to dress your family in a day of spiraling costs and falling incomes.
What if you can't find your fit or price at a thrift store? Consider bartering with someone who sews. If you are a good cook, you could cater meals for them while they sew you a skirt or dress. Offer a service...if your husband is a plumber, he could fix their leaky pipe and his fee would equal an outfit for you! If you quilt, trade a quilt for some sewing. Do you do "desktop publishing"? Create business cards, flyers, advertisements, etc. for a local business that can help you get the clothing or fabric you need. Offer to paint offices, hotel rooms, or neighbor's bedrooms for quick income.
Also, check online! There are places like koshercasual.com and dressingforhisglory.com and sweetsaltclothing.com that allow you to be modest and attractive at a reasonable cost!
As you dedicate yourself to God's command to be modest, He will make a way for you to obey...and beautify your wardrobe in the mix!

Part 3: Faith & Frugality: Savour and Save!
(Or, how to eat more cheaply!)

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" (Matt 6:25-26)
Jesus knew that the struggle to maintain food and clothing was one of the most basic battles people face all over the world. This striving for survival began right after the Fall. God warned Adam that the ground was cursed because of his sin; and out of the sweat of his brow would he eat bread (Gen 3:17-19). Jesus assures us that our heavenly Father will provide for us as we seek first His kingdom and righteousness.
Let's consider ways to feed ourselves and our families in delicious but less expensive ways.
Cooking tools. Whether cooking for 2 or 12, a crock-pot is an essential tool! A 2.5 quart capacity slow cooker will feed 2-4 people, and may cost $12-$20. A 7 quart slow cooker can feed 8-10 people, and you may spend $30-$60. What can you use it for? Nearly everything! Put all your ingredients for your favorite spaghetti sauce in it in the morning, put it on LOW, and by evening you'll just need to cook your pasta to serve dinner! Place all the ingredients for homemade chicken soup in your crock-pot at lunchtime on HIGH and by evening a lovely pot of chicken soup will be ready to share with a sick family. Chili beans, hamburger, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, sugar and Mexican spices will simmer all day on LOW will make a fiesta your family will dive into! Prepare a meatloaf at breakfast, cook on HIGH and serve it for a good midday dinner. Or try a large roasting hen, beef pot roast or pulled pork (pork roast with BBQ sauce). The crock-pot makes a great meal "do-able" for everyone.
An inexpensive grill from Wal-Mart will let your husband feel like a BBQ King! Fresh vegetables cooked on kabob sticks will be ready as soon as the hamburgers, hot dogs or pork chops are. A pot on the side will fix those grilling beans. Why heat up the kitchen when you can grill?!
If you eat a lot of rice, Oster has a lovely 6-cup rice cooker and steamer that gets good reviews. Oster also has a well-liked food steamer that's good for small families.
Is your stove not working and you can't afford a new one? For one year we survived without a stove and oven comfortably. We used an electric skillet for pancakes, fried chicken, homemade pizza, fried tortillas and the meat for tacos, spaghetti sauce and pasta (separately), and other meals; a toaster oven for baking cookies, warming bread to go with soup, heating vegetables, and a crock-pot for soups, chili con carne, chicken, roasts, etc.
Save money on food. Coupons often are not worth the trouble, because the grocery stores that honor them tend to be the more costly places to shop. Here's a number of ideas to help you stretch your money and eat healthfully:
If you have an area in your yard, dig up a spot (or build a raised area) for a small family garden. Green beans can be grown in rows or on poles; and, if they have sufficient water and sunshine can grow enough beans to feed your family for an entire year--with enough to share! Tomatoes and Bell Peppers grow well in a small area, and are usually abundant in their harvest. Beets, carrots, even lettuces will grow in a small garden space. Then learn to can that summer harvest.
If you are an apartment dweller and have a back patio, you can grow quite a few herbs and vegetables and a berry bush or two in containers.
Get a license to fish and use it regularly. If you live where you can raise chickens, their free fertilizer would be good for the garden, and the eggs put food on the table. Go to the library and borrow a book on harvesting wild edible plants. Visit U-Pick farms and pick your own fruits and vegetables. Go to bread outlet stores; some even carry gluten-free products.
Farmer's markets are a wonderful place to purchase fresh local produce, home-baked breads and baked goods, and sometimes freshly caught fish, or locally butchered chicken and other meats. Small discount grocery stores like Sav-A-Lot, Aldi's and Grocery Outlet can keep low income families fed well. Prices on produce, meats, bread, etc. can be 40% off of the cost of Wal-Mart or any other "typical" grocery store. "Banana box" grocery stores (also called "Bent and Dent" or discount grocers) are some of the best places to shop! Their prices are often at 80% discount; and may include not only canned and boxed foods, but also fresh/frozen meats, frozen vegetables, dairy products, and fresh produce too. Many have high quality products, including coffees, gluten-free items, diabetic foods, etc.
For more ideas, look at:
http://theselfsufficientliving.com/vegetables-that-grow-well-in-a-container-or-pots/
http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can4_vegetable.html