So, here I go, I’m jumping onto the blog band wagon! I’ve always enjoyed writing a little, but have never done a lot. However, I plan to give this all I’ve got. Life is rough and overwhelming. They say that the recession is over, but down here in the trenches, it sure doesn’t feel like it. We’ve been married for over 9 years now, for the first several years I kept thinking to myself, “just push through, don’t give up, surely things will be better in a couple more years.” Well, things have never gotten better, and a few times have gotten a lot worse. But by the grace of God, we have always had a roof over our heads and food on the table, whether that was accomplished by the generosity of family or food stamps from the government. Almost 5 years on SNAP benefits. Never thought that would happen. Many days I still feel that I’m in survival mood, but sometimes I feel hopeful for the future. I want this blog to be a record of never ending hope in this awful messy life as we look toward the future.

Sometimes I feel alone in the journey, but I’ve come to realize that there are far more people out there struggling just as much as us. Maybe you are still in the valley of depression, and see no ways of ever having a life beyond the constant struggle just to survive. Let’s pull each other up, link our arms, be the hands and arms of Jesus as we help each other to live life abundantly!

Having lived this life for nearly a decade, I’ve learned a few tricks to keeping my sanity intact, and the budget down low. I want to share what I’ve learned in hope that it can help others. Maybe you are also on SNAP, but have diet limitations, how is it possible to keep the food budget down, but not make yourself sick at the same time? Maybe you want to want to live life more naturally, but don’t see how you can possibly afford the high prices of natural products. How about making your children feel special on their birthday when you aren’t even sure you can afford a gift! These are a few of the things I’ve learned, and want to share with you!