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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up:  Prayer in General  |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 17 2014 : 6:23:24 PM
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DH and I have had a rough couple years. And we're just starting to get back on our feet again. We spent last year homeless, so there's really not much that can freak me out anymore... but frustrate, yes. Honestly, we've pretty much got the problem figured out, but... I guess I need to vent a little, but I want prayers that nothing else goes wrong for awhile.
We've been in our 'new' home since late December. And today, the power got cut. It's freezing rain outside, we have no heat, and no way to cook a decent meal.
We're a low-income family, and supposedly there are resources for people like us who don't make enough cash to pay all their utilities. But when we realized we would be unable to pay the power bill, we called in advance (before the due date) to request information on the assistance, and to set up a payment arrangement in the meantime. We were told to call back upon receiving a shut off warning / notice. We've patiently awaited the notices, but we never received them.
Duke power claims they mailed these starting the 5th of March, so they've had plenty of time to reach us. I keep a THOROUGH finance notebook because of the debt we're in. I haven't even received the last couple of bill statements!
This is extremely frustrating because... we need a roof over our heads. But the costs to have a rental house with utilities is phenomenal. Especially when compared to living in a tent (which we did for a week and two days). Folks are better off building their own home, with solar panels and their own irrigating system!!
Fortunately, DH gets paid tomorrow, and our other billing companies were very gracious in allowing us to extend out for now... so as I said, it's practically fixed, I'm just frustrated. We're living on about $600 a month right now...
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.comi |
Edited by - LaLa on Mar 17 2014 6:25:46 PM |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
7581 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
7581 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2014 : 8:00:22 PM
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My prayers are with you Laura,
I do understand where you are coming from on living on a minute amount. It is not easy I have been able to get our utilties to work with me so have only had trouble one time recently. Keep after them and have them give you a copy of their past due bills so you can go get help. I wish you to the best and I will keep you in my prayers,
blessings
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2014 : 08:16:58 AM
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Oh my goodness! I will pray for you, too, Laura! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2014 : 10:54:20 AM
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Thank you all. Feeling a bit better today with the promise of getting the bill paid. At the moment, I'm just concerned that we'll get it paid and be told to expect it on tomorrow.
I spent a rather sleepless night last night in that Ryo and Gingy kept swapping sides of me to sleep on. Ryo's claws are quite long, and she uses them to say hello, please let me under covers!!
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13617 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13617 Posts |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2014 : 5:04:11 PM
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I'm afraid too many of us understand what you are going thru- keeping you in my prayers.
Sending lots of love and friendship your way!!
Lori
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2014 : 5:51:06 PM
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Laura - most definitely praying! Money is tight here, but definitely not that tight. Thank you for helping me keep things in perspective. Will definitely pray!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2014 : 12:07:58 AM
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The $290 bill, plus a $25 dollar restoration fee *insert hysterical laughter* has been paid out of DH's $460 check. We also got about $10 in gas, an $8 lunch (which was on discount), and our groceries for 2 weeks. We're practically penniless once again. But the power is on! We had such a rough time struggling with grocery needs vs monetary availability, I excused myself from the check-out lane, sat on a bench and stared blankly at nothing for 15 minutes.
We tried the food pantries when we first moved here... we quit trying them the day the Salvation Army gave us a paper bag filled with a variety of way-past-the-trash-date and incomplete meals. The sickening cherry on top was when a grimacing DH held up a once-upon-a-while-ago frozen package of now very bloody and leaking pig's feet. We were still in the parking lot of the Salvation Army. Did they seriously not have a freezer in the back somewhere for these?? We decided against returning the yuck. We were afraid they would simply swap it and give it to "a more grateful family"... I wasn't about to let that food potentially go to children...
Our families tend to make disparaging remarks about how we handle money. Apparently, we're wrong no matter what we do... though I think that to a degree, they're so frustrated for us that they got too caught up in the details to even attempt actually being there for us. It is what it is.
Someone mentioned things "being tight, but not that tight"... I want to say that we don't consider our situation any more or less special than anyone else's. We're all locked in some form of survival battle. We just need to learn to give each other a little more grace for the scars we have, and will add to in years to come. People have asked DH and I (just before we became truly homeless, and lived in our truck with 5 pets for 2 weeks) why we didn't seem scared. They said that our bravery made them fearful... they were intimidated by our lack of freak-out. I told them that we'd already been through enough to learn that we don't have the time to lose it...
Thank you for your kindness and prayers. They mean so very much.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com |
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nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
3075 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
3075 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2014 : 10:41:05 AM
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Laura,
I'm praying for you. You seem to be a very strong lady! I too have learned that not only is there not time to loose it, but it doesn't help anything. Someone told me once that if God brings you to it He'll bring you through it.
Hugs,
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2014 : 8:19:28 PM
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Dear LaLa, I am praying for you.
Farmgirl sister #3926
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2014 : 5:05:54 PM
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Thank you to Heather for the compliment and encouraging words. And another thanks to everyone for the prayers.
I called Duke power today, thinking they might be a little more receptive to hearing about my missing bill statement and notices now that the bill's been paid. I asked about the assistance for low-income families. The assistance offered "by Duke power" is in fact through other organizations, charities, and churches they refer people to. I've been to all but one of these organizations for assistance in the recent past. Most couldn't do anything to assist with the utility funds -- and it's really difficult to see the side of "maybe they can help this time" when there is a time-consuming process (requiring my husband's presence) to even qualify. It's an endless cycle... I believe God does give us the tools with which to get out of these situations, and that's why, when I can help it, I prefer not to use charitable organizations. In this case, I shouldn't have to, because I never received the notice I was told to look for in my mailbox.
Long story short, I asked the nice lady when I should make a payment arrangement should I ever be late on my bill again. She stated to call upon receipt of a shut off notice. I reiterated my concern over not receiving any notices, or my last billing statement via snail mail. She had the statement re-sent out, and said if I had not received them within 3-5 business days to call back, as that would mean there was a problem within the mail system. So, I'm waiting. If I don't get anything, I'm calling back...
I don't know whether to pray for the mail to arrive, or for the health and wellness of the poor soul that has the privilege of answering my next phone call.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
7581 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
7581 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2014 : 9:02:26 PM
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Well Laura,
I shall continue my prayers for you and hope the mail does what it needs to be doing for you,and that you are able to get back on track again.
Blessings
darlene
I have learned that to have a good friend is the purest of all God's gifts, for it is a love that has no exchange of payment.
by Frances Farmer
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
I trust in you Jesus... |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2014 : 09:42:26 AM
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Prayers are with you that things will get better soon, hopefully the warming weather of spring will help with at least heating costs.
I, too, admire your strength. Times can be hard but not enough to break your spirit. We are with you in prayers and encouragement.
It breaks my heart when I hear smug people, who have never really known a tough time, say things like. "If you help people it makes them dependent." No one I've ever met wants to depend on "charity" that is grudgingly and carelessly provided. None of us knows what may be down the road and an lot of people are one step away from what you are experiencing.
Stay strong together.
Susan
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2014 : 1:50:19 PM
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Oh Laura,
I am so sorry that you and your honey are dealing with this. It is a hard place to be. I am praying for the Lord to provide for all of your needs and then some. I understand not wanting to receive help from charity but it is there for whoever needs it.
A couple of ideas:
Have you considered applying for food stamps? Out here the Farmer's Markets accept them and usually the produce at the Farmer's Market is less expensive (and better) than store bought.
One of the local butchers in our area will give venison or elk to families in need. Alot of out of state hunter's end up leaving without their meat.
I try to purchase meat early in the morning on the first day of a new sale. The grocery stores often discount the meat and it is still good for using right away or for the freezer. I have purchased pork roast for .49 a pound, etc.
Do you have a way to garden? Even from pots? That could save alot of money. Or maybe if you know someone with a garden who will barter produce for working in the garden.
I found this blog that has so many great tips on saving money, recipes, etc. Maybe you can use some info from here or at least down the road. http://theprudenthomemaker.com/
Glean. When I see fruit trees or bushes that aren't being harvested I stop and ask if I could. It doesn't hurt. I usually reciprocate with pies or jams.
I also found this ministry in North Carolina. I don't know how close the location is to you but it may be worth checking out: http://oneharvest.com/
I wish that I knew how to help you but please know that you and your honey are being prayed for!
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 22 2014 : 12:26:52 PM
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Susan - I'm with you there. Our families only vaguely understand what has happened... they ask questions, but then don't want to listen. For the most part, they act like the entire issue was created by us. We freely admit that it took us some time as young newlyweds to learn how the world works, but it's not like we're shopping wastefully. It wasn't until moving to NC that someone said "oh we all go through that at some point... it's nothing to be embarassed about...". For the last year, I've been apologizing for getting scammed, screwed over, and for every little mistake we've made. Someone here gave me the chance to stop apologizing.
Sharon - We looked into food stamps, but we don't qualify for a couple reasons. The main reason being that we moved here in December, but we do not have NC residency yet. Plus, when we looked into it, we discovered that the government is cutting a lot of the benefits (such as food stamps) down a bit. There are many families here in NC with children who can no longer afford food even with food stamps.
There is a farmer's market down the road from us. So far, we have visited once, and it seemed quite nice. I want to purchase our produce there, but so far, DH hasn't really let me. I have also found some local farmers, but I've yet to figure out their hours / days they are open to customers.
I want to find a butcher (it's on my to-do-list) and I'm hoping someone nearby sells direct-from-cow non-processed milk for fairly cheap. It's the ONLY milk I can stand to drink without something in it.
We have started a garden. So far, we have two indoor greenhouses and have started our beets and catnip. The catnip will be for our cats, as well as being used in some of the pet toys in my shop. I also have basil started. We have tomatoes, cucumbers, and several others left to start.
Thank you for the ideas. Definitely putting them to use as we're able.
http://lalauland.tumblr.com
http://lalauland.etsy.com |
Edited by - LaLa on Mar 22 2014 12:28:23 PM |
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LaLa
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Laura
Hickory
North Carolina
USA
233 Posts |
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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up: Prayer in General |
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Prayer in General
