Never Hoard; Always Prepare
A family saying that is a staple around our house is, “Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” One of our daughters texted me yesterday that she is feeling better about the craft supplies she has purchased in the past. They are coming in very handy for homeschool projects right now. I texted back: “Better to have it and not need it than . . . . you know the rest.”
Many days ago, I told Ray that I want my purchasing philosophy to be: “Never hoard; always prepare.” Finding the balance is easier said than done, I know, but still I believe it is a good principle.
I keep a five-year journal. It is a tiny little book with only about 3/4” by 3″ of lined space per day. Each page has five of those areas. I love looking back to see what I was doing on April 28 (or whatever day) one year ago. So far, I only have a one year record since I started it on the last day of 2018. It should be interesting as the years march on.
Last week I noticed that on April 23, 2019, I drove an hour away to pick up half of a beef for our freezer. Good move! Paying for that beef all at one time was a major financial hit last year, but that one decision back then has been a tremendous blessing to Ray and me for the last 43 days — but who’s counting?
I was pretty overwhelmed when I got that beef home (especially since we were leaving the next day for a homeschool convention in Cincinnati). How could I arrange it in my upright freezer so that I would know where everything was? This was my solution: dishpans from Dollar General®.
Those dishpans also keep varied shapes of frozen beef from falling out and breaking a toe! They work great for frozen leftovers and bags of fruit, etc.
I am thankful for that decision to prepare. Preparing is what you do every day. You are preparing precious people to go out and face whatever unknown challenges — and unknown blessings — they will meet in the future. Thank you for your faithfulness in doing that every day.
Ray and I are getting ready for the seven years of Daily Encouragement celebration tomorrow. I hope you can join us! You can sign up here.
Now the God of peace,
who brought up from the dead
the great Shepherd of the sheep
through the blood of the eternal covenant,
even Jesus our Lord,
equip you in every good thing to do His will,
working in us that which is pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21
I say the samething. My husband always makes fun of me for packing so much when we go on vacation and he’ll say why are you packing that or we don’t need that and my response is better to have it and not need it then, to need it and not have it. I have noticed it apparently has rubbed off on our daughter because when she packs going some where she does the samething and will say the samething. I reckon it’s not a bad trait or tradition too pass down or on. Lol.
Have a blessed day!
I so appreciate this post. I used to be a “clutter-clearer” but have been keeping more and more these days. Still, trying to go through clothing is a big struggle for me.