You know me, I went searching for the word without and was fascinated to be reminded of the Israelites time in the desert away from their gastronomic favorites from 
Egypt. Deuteronomy 29: 5 and 6 says: I took you through the wilderness for forty years and through all that time the clothes on your backs didn’t wear out, the sandals on your feet didn’t wear out, and you lived well without bread and wine and beer, proving to you that I am in fact GOD, your God.
This portion of scripture was from my food blog which will end in just a few weeks. It was thought provoking to consider the Israelites doing without a favorite food for not 40 hours or 40 days but 40 years! As I was pondering that I thought about this columns new Living Without Credit resolution. Looking back at these verses, I’m reminded that the Israelites also went without new clothes or new shoes for 40 years! Wow.
Now I know my closets have too many clothes and shoes. Yep, I’m guiltily admitting I have a closet for clothes and a closet for shoes. It’s sad to find things in the closet I’ve never worn that I can certainly live without. I’m correcting that by putting at least 12 things a week on Ebay until that is greatly thinned out. I’m seeing what I can live without. I’m excited to see the results of my first week’s sales which end later tonight. I’ve also got more things ready to go up and then the next stack will wait until after Christmas.
Living Without also applies to visualizing others in greater need. My dear daughter reminded me of the times I’ve gone to Goodwill with little funds to fill a need and been thrilled to find exactly the right item. That thought helps me to look at each item and ask can I live without this.
It came to my attention that a neighbor needs a warm winter coat size large to extra large. I don’t have one of those but perhaps someone who lives nearby has one they can live without. If so, please contact me. I believe this type of action will also be an evidence as in the verses from Deuteronomy of God’s presence and providence. I love to see His hand at work, and to look back and see what God has done. Living without has never been so fun.
SPRING CLEANING! (If it ever gets to Wisconsin) always gives me a yearning, or needing to do a makeover to a room, a cupboard, a closet, or even for sure me. I’ve tried many temporary ones. Haven’t you? Perhaps you found what I did. The only makeover plan that will work – or last –…
Don’t Wait for the Big Moments in Life to Practice Praise Big Moments. How are they defined? Dazzle? Fireworks? Notoriety? Or sweet and tender times that aren’t necessarily Facebook material? What are your Big Moments in life? A friend who has since passed away lived most of the life I knew her believing she had…
Today, I’m sharing another caregiving perspective by friend, Cyn. I’ve been busy caring for a different extended family member and it did my heart good to review her perspective. I expect it will cheer your heart too. Caregiving – Takers, Doers and Givers by Cyn Rogalski Caring for the elderly is sometimes a never-ending, thankless job.…
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Stories of Faith in Action 
Cindy you are so right – God always does provide. Next to my desk is a sign “Look what God has done” that a dear friend made as a result of one of our conversations on this very subject.
And yes – the Lord DID provide that coat. Someone came to me at church last Sunday and handed me some coupons, store credits and gift cards, and I was able to bring the dear lady to the store and get her not just a coat, but coat, scarf and gloves! It is truly a blessing to watch God fill the need in His way and His time. Thanks for your prayers, for you were a part I’m sure.
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I, too, have learned some of the lesson of ‘Living Without’. I’ve found God always blesses when the need is for ministry though…if I see a coat that would fit someone like you mentioned, He provides the low price AND the wisdom to act on His behalf. May He continue to bless you in your ministry.
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