Write it Down

One of the best ways I've found to cope with feeling "poor" is what I call the Write it Down Technique.  

I don't know if this happens to you or not, but sometimes my thoughts go so fast that I get overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything, mostly things I think that we need.

For example, let's say I am moving through my house and as I see things that we need to update or have run out of, I start to compile a mental list.  Then I start to think of things that I want to do that cost money like start a garden, sign the kids up for archery at the park, and buy curriculum.  Oh, don't forget the Jeep needs tires and the kids need to see a dentist and the cat could use a vet visit!  Do the kids have any clothes that will fit this summer?

Now at this point, I have a jumbled mess in my head with confusing priorities.  And I start to feel poor because there is no way on earth we can pay for all of this.  Credit card debt is not an option, so I start to feel poor.  Poor me.

This way of thinking is not very helpful, nor is it true!  Thankfully, I've learned to calm myself down by simply writing it all down on paper.  Then, I mark each item as either a want, a wish, or a need and how important it is.

It is so freeing to see this list.  I pray over it for the next several months.  I watch it change.  I see things marked off because they've been provided for.  I see things marked off because they were not really needed.  All the while my mind is clear, a burden has been lifted.  My heart is fixed on the things I need to think on.  I see provision.  I have hope.  I am content because I know that my Father knows what I need before I even ask him. 

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.