Hello. I am asking for some help, we are in need of some information/advice. We are facing a seriously severe financial situation. I need all the tips and ideas for living as cheaply as possible. I shop at thrift stores and cook mostly from scratch. We are trying to sell everything that we can. We live in the country with 14 acres B there is no timber on it to sell- I had a forest ranger here last week, and it is not cleared and fenced for pasture. I crochet, cross stitch, sew some, knit some, make covered photo albums, do plastic canvas and bake bread, cookies, cakes and pies. I also need information on how to earn money from home. I am no good at doing the party plans B I have tried. I home school our boys 7 and 4, so I need to be with them. If we put the older one in school and paid a babysitter for the little guy and for gas, clothes (I have very few that I could wear for work) and the extra cost of school B even public B I would be in the hole. My husband works doing construction with his schedule changing constantly so I really canBt work around his schedule so that he can be with the boys. I tried a craft show this weekend but did not do well with crocheted dishcloths, decorated gift bags, grapevine wreaths, bob wire wreaths, house plants in old spice containers, decorated tin cans, plastic canvas picture frames. I do good work and I priced my things cheaply so that they would sell. Is there any place on the net to sell crafts and what are people looking for? So any help or suggestions with these would be appreciated. I have tried selling/trading on some of the list with little success. We live too far from town for babysitting and none of my neighbors are in need of a babysitter. I have worked doing office work with computers. I am good at bookkeeping, but no one wants to come this far out and we live between the biggest two cities in our state. I am willing to work really hard and our family will rally together to help our situation if we only knew on what to focus on. I am very confused. I am desperate for something that I can do that will work. I am worrying myself sick and I am not being the mother that I want/need to be. I really need ideas that have worked and information. Please donBt slam us for being in this situation. It has come about from both from being stupid and a medical crisis that nearly cost my husband his life. He is back to work and I do thank God that we still have him. I hope some day to be debt free and live mostly from our property. I have been a Countryside reader for about 3-4 years. I am trying to train myself and the boys to concentrate on being thankful for what we have and not worry so much about what we donBt have. I am trying to un-commercialize us.

I also need ideas for Christmas gifts for my boys. I making them each a quilt and have one gift for each of them. I need to know where to find things for them very cheap, or ideas on making things for them.

Thank you for your help and prayers I believe in Christ Lisa

-- Lisa (mommylisa_wv@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000

Answers

We too have ben there! Frist get every bill you owe lay them out and face them, write them down and add up the min. monthly payments,can you afford it? We could not ,no way,start w/ credit cards call the company and ask for a maneger, tell them flat out you can not afford the payments,they want their money but often will work w/ you to lower the monthly payments for a set amount of time.Call the bank holding your house loan, they do not want your house they would likely not get what is owed on it at auction,ours gave us 2 months no payments. Call all the other companies and tell them the same thing, they prefer to work w/ you then have to take you to court.If all else fails bankruptcey{sp} may be an idea.

How about a border? do you have an extra room? I do not know about crafts never did that,how about a job helping on a farm where you could take the kids w/ you?

Gifts,how about a great big tire swing made from a tractor tire? a tree fort?or how about a pair of rabbits so they could help w/ the food? This may not be the best idea since it will cost you money but how about a puppy from the pound?they have shots and are "fixed" call ahead and see if they have a cut off date for adoption around the holidays,hide it at a friends.Do you have friends or family w/ children older then yours that would have hand me downs? {toys,cloths or books?}. Do not be to proud to ask for help,most of us have been there or could be there in a blink of an eye!

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), October 31, 2000.

Lisa, When you say you are trying to sell everything you can, try not selling your personal possesions. Many people end up in a worst rut by doing that. Instead look at your skills and cash in on those (your crocheting and such is a great start). We also found ourselves in this type of situation 4 years ago when we got my wife out of the plant where we both worked. Her health was suffering from the high stress and our son was being raised by a paided sitter. After realizing that she was only bringing home about 50 to 75 cents an hour, we leaned our budjet down so that she was able to stay at home with our son. Countryside magazine and forum have been a great help. Look at what skills you have and try to build them into a "cottage industry". Run a vegetable stand. If you haven't already gotten one, contact Ken S., here on the forum about his free e-book on making a living in the country. Its a great start.

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

If you have a good driving record and a big sense if humor you might try driving a school bus. The situations differ in different parts of the country but often you can keep your bus at home (no gas for commuting), your clothing only needs to be neat and clean (jeans are fine), and many places allow you to bring your pre-school child with you on the route if you can provide a child-seat. Some places will even supply the seat for you. It's usually part-time work and you have time in the middle of the day, plus week-ends, holidays and summers off. Most places don't require you to do extra-curricular driving.

For gifts, one of the most fascinating things for kids of any age are wooden blocks. I have saved ends and pieces of 2x4's (sanded smooth of course) and those are the toys the kids go for every time. They can be painted to look like cars, trucks, buildings, anything.

-- Peg (wildwoodfarms@hushmail.com), October 31, 2000.

Handmade quilts are in great demand in much of the country if you do nice work. Make up a few examples and take them to the shops in your area that would likely have a market for such things. Look, and be professional about it. You can also make teddy bears, and other small sewn items for the people who might like your work but wouldn't by a big quilt. X mas is coming up, and people will be buying toys for their children and relatives. The best way that I have found though, is to spend as little money as possible.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), October 31, 2000.

My girlfriend was married to an idiot long before we met,, and therre was never enough money to pay bills, she would go around to churches,, charities,, and food banks. Would trade her time for food,, money for bills, etc.. Even let her tbring her kids along. A few hours work would get a light/gas, or somwething paid for that month. Now when we have a few extra bucks, we send then a check, with a note just saying thanks.

-- STAN (sopal@net-port.com), October 31, 2000.

Lisa, been there, done that as I'm sure most of us have at times. Believe me, you do a lot of learning through that kind of experience. You have been given some very good suggestions. Sounds like you have slashed your expenses to the bone. Eat lots of beans, waste nothing. Talk to your creditors as someone else suggested and when you get though this, and you will, you will never again want to owe anyone anything. As for Christmas, one year I made all my kids (4) toys and they loved them. They are grown now but still remember those homemade toys better than the later purchased ones. I made lots of stuffed animals, dolls and made them some clothes to wear. Good Will and Thrift stores are also a good place to purchase very cheap things for that "something special". Try bartering. Also you might be surprised what other people throw away! Check the trash and dumpsters. Go to a good neighborhood on trash day early and you will be surprised what you find. You might even find things you can sell! Have you ever tried selling on EBay? Quilts as someone else said are a good seller too. Make them from old scraps of fabric scavenged and sew on machine and tie them, they will sell! Remember your one asset that someone who works doesn't have is time. Use it wisely and you can make money off those who choose to use their time working at a job. Some day you will look back on this time with fond memories. Some of my happiest times were my poorest times (financially that is). You are in my prayers and keep up the faith, God will be with you.

-- bwilliams (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

If you have credit card debt call & ask for their lowest rate, but beware, it will only last for a few months then you have to call & ask again. Many times you can get medical bills written off especially if your income is low & you take a w-2 to a supervisor in the credit dept. If you sew & get the word out you may be surprised how many people would use that service. My friend sews & decorates cakes, her business spread by word of mouth, she can make a couple hundred on a wedding cake. She also learned how to make wedding veils, people will spend hundreds on those (don't know why) but the materials aren't that much in comparison & she found there's quite a bit of profit in them. She's also made unity candles, & done the flowers. So find something you love to do & maybe it will branch out like that. Try to get Ken's book, it's great.

-- Lenore (archambo@winco.net), October 31, 2000.

Hi Lisa, could you post perhaps where you are located and maybe some help could come in the way of all of us? You are the perfect example of "Where is all of these local churches who are supposed to be helping folks like you out, when we do away with government programs!!!"

Most school districts are begging for help, from custodian work to cafeteria work to teachers aids in the younger ages to help with reading. With the cafeteria and custodian jobs you get uniforms, and plus build your own retirement into teachers retirement for yourself, there insurance benefits are so much nicer also. I know this would mean putting the kids into school, but it is a much higher paying job than flipping burgers. Construction? What kind of construction and can you possibly turn it into a homebased business like we did? You make alot more money working for yourself than for others. And then perhaps if he is handy with wood, you can make painted shelves and things like that which make the most craft money. The problem with crafts is that so many folks do them, and you have to find a niche market in which to sell. Like friends of mine who make soap, crochet farm names on dollies that are then framed, and hand painted shirts for those of us who show. I sew scrubs, make the price attractive plus I can sew for those who can't by them off the rack, to short, to tall, to busty, to butty :) I also do alterations on all of the cheer, band and athletic uniforms at the school, also all the prom and party dresses. What about baking? If you are out in the boonies than alot of the health requirments would be overlooked like they are up here. Make birthday cakes and cookies for folks who don't bake. Put yourself up a sign at the schools, Wallmart ect. if you do end up trying to sell crafts or pies (the individual pies are a great market up here, and sell for 2 to 2.50$ each, pecan being more) make sure and be in the same place every week, so folks will get to know you and be repeat customers. How about offering to bake for a local mom and pop resturant, or seeing if a local small store will let you put your baked goods on their counter. Good luck with this.

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), October 31, 2000.

Lisa,

Most of us have been there. Looking back I think my worst problem in seeing viable solutions was not being able to think clearly. There was this constant feeling of "panic" and worry. I couldn't see the solutions, even if they were right in front of me. I couldn't bring myself to call a creditor or look for a job. I wanted to hide or run away. Once I had a clear plan (a reasonable one) then I could feel able to answer the phone and seek the good ways up and out of our situation.

Is there a level headed, non judgemental friend or family member who could sit down with you (and husband if he if cooperative). That person could look at all your expenses and income, your talents and help you find a way.

You said you are good at crafts. Try writing some articles and craft ideas for various magazines. Get the addresses from "The Writer's Market" at the library.

Market your crafts at high-end boutiques and gift shops in town. Go to the most expensive "country" gift shop and see what they have. Make a couple of things that would fit in at the store. Look at their prices and ask for about 40% of what it might sell for there. Wear something simple, yet country when you go. (your denim jumper and knitted sweater). Be confident! What is the worst they will say?

Amy

-- Amy Richards (tiggerwife@aol.com), October 31, 2000.

Go look around on eBay, see if anyone is selling simler crafts to yours, ask your self theese questions when looking. 1. Are they getting any bids? 2.How many $$ are they getting? 3.If they have counters check how many people are looking at their items. 4.What are their opening bids? Be sure to check out the completed auctions, it will show all items listed in the last 30 days, sold or not sold.

I have sold many items on eBay with good results. I buy many items at yard sales, flea markets and reguler auctions even thrift shops. I regulery make $10 - $20 on an item and many times a lot more than that.

You will get a lot better results if you put pictures of your items. PayPal is a good place join so you can accept credit cards, our sales have increased since we started using PayPal. We sell all our items with No Reserve an I belive this helps sales. Also join Honesty.com and you can get counters to track your sales.

Just thought I would share what has worked for me. If you have any questions E-Mail me and I wll do my best to help. Good Luck!!!

-- Mark (deadgoatman@webtv.net), October 31, 2000.

First of all calm down hon, you sound so desperate!! I know it's hard but I promise you it won't be the end of the world! We'll all pray for you, and you keep praying, it will all work out in the end, maybe not in your timeing but his. You've gotten some excellent advice so I won't even go there, I'm more concerned about your panic! When your in the midst of things it's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is there, keep in touch with those here you think you can relate to, or if you have questions about there answers, don't be shy, reach out like you did by posting. In Christ!

-- Carol in Tx (cwaldrop@peoplescom.net), October 31, 2000.

Lisa, download Ken's book. Look in the older threads for the free book offer. Maybe something there. One of the ladies at the hospital where I work does transcribes records at home. She makes decent money on the side w/ that. Maybe check into that as you have a computer already, I don't think it would take to much start up money.

Get in a good church if you aren't now. Prayer in #'s helps. I had a big medical bill problem myself one time. Lots and lots of alternatives for that. Do you have any access to cheap(free)legal advice? There may be a legal clinic in one of the 2 big towns you mentioned. Check it out.

Don't panic. Try to relax and focus on 1 thing at a time. How do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time. I see many prayer warriors at this forum and they will be lifting you all up. John

-- John in S. IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), October 31, 2000.

Lisa, you are obviously an intelligent woman, with a wonderful family, who is overwhelmed by a crisis, take a deep breath. There are some outstanding suggestions here, and I hope you take the time to read them-all. Many of the suggestions here might be the answer to your prayers. Perhaps you could print the answers you have recieved from all of your friends here at Countryside, and just contemplate one at a time. Christmas is another matter. I only broach this subject because you stated your belief in Christ. "Jesus is the reason for the season". Xmas has become the most discusting of holidays, so far and removed from the 'reason', that I wish it was called something else, like 'Santa Claus Day' My children -always- regardless of our finances, recieved 3 modest gifts for Xmas as a symbolic gesture to the birth of Christ, and the gifts he recieved from the 3 wise men. Is it too late to educate our young, or ourselves? As for your immediate need, I have never visted a church or temple that denied my request for help to feed or clothe my family. Good Luck to you, Lisa. You really can do this!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), October 31, 2000.

Along the lines that Vicki suggested, do you live near a college or university? My son is going to college and a woman who lives in that town makes birthday cakes for the students there. She gets the parents addresses and sends out letters so that you may order a surprize birthday cake delivered to your child at college. (Or Halloween, Easter...) Another idea, if you like to cook and bake how about a lunch and snack wagon with fresh homemade soup and sandwiches, homemade cookies, cinnamon rolls, and pies.

-- Tie A. (knot@endofrope.com), October 31, 2000.

I want to say a very heartfelt thank you for the wonderful responses that have been given. The Lord has been telling me for weeks to post my problem here on Countryside's forum. I have let my pride stand in the way. Yesterday morning I followed what he wanted me to do...and he sure has blessed me. I have felt an out pouring of kinship... Thanks to you all. I love Countryside people! I am going to print out all of these respones and go over and over them (like I do the magazines.) To begin with, I am going to try selling my crafts and baked goods through a web site(thanks to a wonderful offer to help design one.) I am also going to try e-bay. Please keep the ideas coming.

Thanks to all of you Lisa

-- Lisa (mommylisa_wv@yahoo.com), November 01, 2000.

Lisa, There was an article in Countryside one or two issues back on living comfortably on $8000 a year, this may be of some help. Also, a budget trick that I have started using is figuring in a extra 2% on our bills, that I put in savings "to pay ourselves first". Its not so much for savings, but instead to guarantee that we always keep our bills within our means. All that you have to do is keep you head and "look at it from outside the box". As we have all suggested, get Kens' free e-book, its' a real eye opener.

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), November 01, 2000.

I just wanted to add to the post above that mentioned driving a school bus. I homeschool my boys (9 and 6 yrs), and they come on the bus with me every day. It can be done! Additionally, you can often bring the kids with you on fieldtrips that you'll be driving - mine are often admitted free, with the rest of the kids. I wish you peace and God's Blessings.

Judi

-- Judi in CT (ddecaro@snet.net), November 01, 2000.

Lisa, back in the 1980's I owned a fabric store and did lots of crafts I would suggest getting ahold of some retail stores in your area and do alterations for them also cleaners pick up orders on tuesday and have them back by thursday etc. charge double for rush orders if you have to drive in and make a special trip I had several retail stores I worked for, as long as you can make the garment look like store bought youll have it made. I charged 10.00 for a hem 10.00 for jean zipper I got so I could put one in in 15 minutes and all it cost was my time. Print up a paper with a list of repairs and your phone # ask the merchant to put it on his office wall and refer customers it might take some time but you will get business also wedding shops. although weddings are highly emotional you have to be very good to accept them. The best business came from retailers who focused on teen girls they were constantly trying to put on garments that were too small and ripping seams one had to be cut out of a pair of jeans. This will work but you need to give good service and be available for appointments, these can usually be worked around your schedule. Another crafter suggestion is to make things and get a beauty shop to display them. The clientele is usually middle aged women who can afford a beauty shop they have grand children in my area I made a killing selling macinaw jackets in size 6 mos. to 6 years grandmas like things that look like dad also cute dresses you know the kind grandmas can buy and afford. Let the owner know that your in a fix they will converse with the client and tell your story, after sitting in the shop for a few hours they manage to justify a small extra purchase. people like to help out especially in the presence of the shop owner and a few of their peers it is by far the best place to sell crafts if you do good work and charge a reasonable price and make things people want or can give as gifts. aalso the high end gift shops country and primitives I sold stuff like this to a retailer who had heavy tourist traffic ( the beach) in fact a friend of mine ended up going into a antique and craft store business at the beach just because of my success. In high tourist gift shops I did five times the business that I did the gift shops in town and I was in the best one in our local town. You just have to offer what people want. This is getting long good luck and E mail me if you have any questions

-- ronda (thejohnsons@localaccess.com), November 01, 2000.

I believe in Christ too. Check out for Food Banks around your area. Usually they are run by churches. And Commodities, Goverment surplus for low income families. Hey, we pay for all this, you might as well use it if you need it. The Goverment buys vegitables and stuff from farmers and cans it and gives it away. I have used Food Banks for years. I try to volunteer to help unload and set up and all. It is usually about 25 cents a pound to buy, but if you don't have any money they should just give it to you. That is what they are there for. The people who pay and put in extra helps get it for the ones that can't pay. They usually have Food Banks once a week, and Gov. Commidities once a month, at the same place.

If you can find one, don't get any dented cans. But they have lots of cereal, snacks, tons of veggies, apple juice, orange juice, rice, all kinds of stuff. Just look at the expiration dates and be carefull. I usually get a big bannana box overflowing for $5.00. And you would love volunteering! And when you get back on your feet, you can put extra in there to help others who need it! If you can't find one around you, let me know and I will help search for one. Take care and keep posting.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), November 02, 2000.

You mentioned that your husband is involved in the construction business. One of my neighbors makes extra money from cleaning up construction sites after the work is done. She does mostly the inside, but occasionally the outside, if the weather is nice and there are enough "recyclables" out there to make it worth her while.. The work is not easy (think construction dust), but she is able to take her child along and station him in a playpen while she works all around him, and she can take breaks to visit with him whenever she wants. Perhaps your husband could check with his bosses for you to rustle up some of this kind of work.

-- Lori (klnprice@yahoo.com), November 02, 2000.

Lisa about your medical bills. We have the same problem. We were told to go to our local hospital and talk to them. It seems the hospital used government money to build the new addition. They agree to return the money to poor people to help pay their bills. It is called Burton- Hill act. instead of paying the government back. It is worth a try but also hospitals will work a payment plan for you. My sons enjoyed guns made from wood for Christmas.(rubber band guns) If your husband is a carpenter, how about wooden rocking horse. I have seen some pretty large ones. We also built our sons a barn shaped toybox. My husband just used scraps to build it and left over paint from other jobs. If you want you can e-mail me personally and talk. We have six kids, two girls and four boys. We will pray for you. Cindy

-- Cindy (dh40203@navix.net), November 03, 2000.

Cindy I am still lifting you up in prayer, and trying to come up with ideas for your situation, could you bake pies and cinnamon rolls for a resturant or make their soups. So many resturants need a pastry chef but are'nt large enough to support one, good homade rolls pies and soups are time consuming for small resturants they end up buying sub-standard pre made stuff. The only problem may be getting around health codes, just dont consider it a problem consider it a learning experience. mostly trust God Ronda

-- ronda (thejohnsons@localaccess.com), November 04, 2000.

Lisa, I have been in the position you are in now. I have homeschooled for 4 yrs now so I know what kinds of demands that puts on you. You seem to have down the old addage 'a penny saved is a penny earned'.....this is so true. As far as ways to earn money...as hard as it is to accept the crafts are a dead end....everyone makes crafts. Most people go to craft shows to get ideas for their projects....not to actualy buy anything. I made a living at trades days for a couple of years so I know what I am talking about. My husband and myself have been fortunate enough to work for ourselves most of the time. Your best bet is something in the service industry......like cleaning houses (minimum $8 an hr) or mowing yards (I averaged $20 hr for lawn and landscape)....in other words doing something that isn't necessarily everyones favorite thing..something that they would rather pay someone else to do. I have made extra money over the years as a professional seamstress doing bridal and custom made drapes....but I was trained by a professional. I never made good money at this just a bit extra. One thing we have learned is to have more than one thing going at a time. For example..when our yard business would dry up in the fall our trades day business would be getting really busy. Don't put all your eggs in one basket but don't spread yourself too thin either. Analyze all your skills (even stuff you really don't consider special skills) and find something you can do without additional training. Often times paying for training won't give you a good return on your investment. Ask friends what you are good at...you might be surprised at their answers.

-- Amanda S (aseley@townsqr.com), November 04, 2000.

Lisa..This may sound strange ..was your husband ever in the service? He can go to a service officer at any V>A> Hospital and they will put you in contact with people that can help get you food for the coming holidays and gifts for the kids Xmas.. VFW, American Legion, Am-vets, DAV..etc. Go to Social Services..see what they offer..Don't care what you think about Gov. you have a family to feed and by golly my tax money can help you and yours.. You have paid them in too, so reap the benefits..make that first phone call and then get on with it.. Forget the crafts..trying to sell them..you need help now! I surely know the panic you are feeling as a mother..Please let us know how you are doing .

-- Lynn Majkowski (Lynn (mscratch@clnet.net), November 05, 2000.

You do have a computer, correct? Check out the sites I have listed below. I earn/save hundreds of dollars every month. I receive cash, gifts and gift certificates for spending a couple hours each day on the computer. It doesn't cost anything but a little time (though I know that is often hard to find!). The biggest drawback is that it takes a little time before you really start seeing the results. The first site is full of information on how to save/make money and get LOTS of items free using the web.

www.MyCoupons.com (click on Shopping Boards) www.FreeRide.com (I earn $40 here every month!) www.eTour.com www.MileSource.com www.StartSampling.com

These are just a few. I will be glad to answer any questions anyone has. Let me know if I can help you, 'cause we're in a very similar boat.

-- Melody, AL (namedlynn@aol.com), November 06, 2000.

aaah, lack of wampum! its an epidemic with homesteaders. no, of course we won't slam you for poor finances!! first Christmas; try to make it as interisting & educational as possible for the kinder. a neat traditional english gift is a small wodden box contaning an orange, nuts & a small toy like a top. after they open it make a trip to the library & reaserch the traditon. also give your kids a list of what you would like from them. make it as homespun as possible. such as a request for a play about homesteading written & portrayed by themselves. churches are a very good source of charity! don't limit yourself to protestant though, try the eastern orthodox, greek, russian, georgian etc. my wife & i are orthodox & we know first hand that the orthodox place a heavy emphasis on doing as Christ commands. our church feeds the homeless once a month. our priest, father demitrios, often gives aid to those in need out of his own salary. with the petrol prices shooting skyward i would not reccomend doing anything requiring a long commute. spending money to make money is buorgoise propaganda! if you are close enough to even a small town you could go into service cleaning homes, small buisnesses etc. there would be a small outlay of money for supplies. don't forget windows!! crafts just don't pay anymore, unfortunatly. practical is the thing today. rubbish removal is a very good means to enhance one's income. just make certain you charge enough to make dump fees & petrol. its also a good way get paid for free firewood!! small scale snow rmoval is hard but you'ed be shocked at what a time-pressed or phisically challenged person will pay. also, my grandad always said, "there's always pearldiving", ie dishwashing! you could even try temp. agencies if it is viable. God bless you & protect you!!!! you are in our prayers.>>>brian & lisa

-- brian hull (masterjoner@webtv.net), November 06, 2000.

A lot of good advice here. I don't have much to add except a word of caution (for anyone who may read this). If you should happen to go to a church for help, and get turned down, please don't think too badly of them. There is a whole class of people who live by sponging on the churches (they don't care what denomination), so some churches have gotten more cautious about who they give to, and how they give. Our church will help those in need within the the church first (which is scriptural, by the way -- the Bible says to help brothers and sisters in Christ first). Then as we have the ability, we help other ministries and our neighbors, people we personally know. Strangers calling out of the blue may get referred elsewhere, but without a lot of counseling aren't likely to get financial help. This may sound hard-hearted, but was a decision arrived at with some difficulty after being sucked dry by leeches. A church we used to belong to, in Tok, Alaska, on the Alaska Highway, used to get all the hitchhikers and down and outers that came through town (and you'd be surprised at how many there were, considering the distances and climate involved) because ours was the only church in town visible from the road. If we gave them money, they would be heading straight for a bar, so we had an account at a business in town for motel rooms, gas, and food from their grocery store, to make sure that our funds weren't used on the wrong things. When someone asked for help, we just sent them over there, and the owner sent us the bill. However, by the time my family moved away, the concensus was that it might be better to keep our help for community residents. People who are traveling ought to be adequately prepared for the trip, not counting on begging from the churches in every town they pass through.

Lisa, this doesn't mean don't try the churches. There may be some who have funds available to help those in your situation. But if you have a church of your own, it would be a good idea to go to your pastor, and he can help you figure out how to get the help you need, rather than you trying to approach different churches yourself. He may be able to put you in touch with someone who could hire you, too. Pastors often have a lot of contacts in the community. And he can give you scriptural counsel that will help you get through this difficult time. I hope things get better for you soon.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), November 06, 2000.

Just had another thought -- could you possibly board people's pets while they are on vacation? Sounds like you are in the country -- you might need a fenced yard, but I would think that there would be people who would like to leave their beloved pet in a home situation rather than a kennel. You would need references and some experience.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), November 06, 2000.

I saw your plea for help for ideas, etc. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know what you are going through as I too am in the same boat. I lost my job almost a year ago now and am struggling also. My husband is self employed with his at home on the internet business but business has been slow. I have tried to find a job but we live in a remote area of Vermont on mountain on 38 acres and it is about 15 miles to the nearest big area of work. I can't seem to find work locally. I have 1 son who is 15 and xmas is so hard for me also. He is into the nintendo and cd players, etc now and everything is so expensive. He is a wonderful kid and understands but I still feel so bad not being able to get him much for xmas. I do make some money on the auctions, but ebay charges quite a bit for their fees and you have to have a debit or credit card to buy or sell. I had a debit card but had to give up my checking act because the fees were getting out of control, so I can't sell for awhile. I too do crafts, and love to cook. I'm making pillows and xmas ornaments for my relatives and friends. I tried to sell some on the computer but it is hard to sell handmade items on your own it seems. I have quite a bit of toys from my son cleaning his room lately and would gladly send them to you for free if you would like to email me your address. Their are matchbox cars, cartoon videos, misc small toys, etc. Please let me know if you would like me to send them to you. I know how important xmas is to little ones especially at the Santa age. You should also check into letting Social Services help you if possible. They can help you with food stamps, heat and presents for the little ones and other programs. God bless and hang in there, things will get better for both of us. Carla

-- Carla (hoycarla@hotmail.com), November 07, 2000.

Lisa, The last words in your messages are the ones that may get you through. Prayers and belief in christ.

You handy work sounds like it could be a money maker, Just make sure its priced right. To cheap and you dont make any money, to high and you dont sell anything. Work on the price a little. Put some ads in the paper offering your service. With the holidays comming, fresh baked items are in demand. You might have to go "into the big city" to sell but that often pays for the extra gas cost to transport. I am always looking for someone to do some sewing for me. Never can get pants the right size. My sewing skills are next to nothing and my wifes are not much better. We found a little old lady that takes in sewing to make a few extra dollars. She isnt the fastest but is by far the best in price and quality.

Dont forget asking your church for help. They may not beable to help with bills, but I am sure can help with the children.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), November 07, 2000.

#1. Breathe.

#2. Hug your family.

#3. Look at what you have.

#4. Never give up.

#5. There are lots of great ideas (although they will all consume time and energy) in the ideas given.

#6. My favorite ChristMass gift of all time was wooden blocks my mother cut and sanded for me when I was 8 or so. I'm 44 and have given them on to my son.

#7. Since you have access to the Web, try looking up Christian Financial Concepts. It's got some great budget guidelines and such.

#8. Stop believing that you got into this situation from being stupid. You got into this situation because you are alive. Everyone has troubles and trials. You'll make it because you will. Just makes you appreciate stuff more!

#9. Farmers may want your bookkeeping skills in exchange for food!

Smile!

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), November 07, 2000.