text: Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth: Doth $afely Trust in Her? ~ A True Story
  It all started 15 years ago when her clock broke. Being the new daughter-in-law in the family, I jumped at the chance to bond with my mother-in-law. I quickly informed her that we now have an excuse to go shopping! She looked up and said softly, "Oh, I'm just going to purchase a clock kit and repair it".
  A few months pass, the clock is fixed for a fraction of the price and now her microwave tray has been broken during a routine cleaning. Once again (the slow learner that I was), I offer my shopping services (for as a newlywed with no children, I was always on call)! However, when I saw her bring out the measuring tape I knew something weird was happening again…
  You see, we were on our way to the flea market that weekend in search of treasures and she thought she may find a replacement there. I suppressed a smile and proceeded to think, we would be heading over to Target once the day was done to purchase her a new microwave. But alas, the joke was on me as I witnessed a woman selling cast off parts in a corner booth! Lo and behold, there was the 15 inch, circular glass microwave tray there, and for fifty cents!
  These were my first introductions into "real" thriftiness. Young and presumably economical (I clipped coupons…), I still had a lot to learn!
  I began to realize that what was happening, was beyond budgeting. I saw that she loved her husband deeply and appreciated his hard work. She understood the difference between "cheap", good value and quality. Her husband knew that when she walked out of the door, she would be a blessing to their household. He had complete confidence in her management of the family income. There were no arguments about money for they were on the same team!
  I hope these incidents will encourage you to be creative when a need presents itself in your home. I realize that many of us do not have the time to go hunting down parts but online shopping such as EBAY and Amazon provide us with quick access to many goods. You will be surprised at what you can do if you put your mind to it.
  Consider it a homemaking challenge!
  We are always so quick to "replace" in this modern society when there are other useful "r" words such as "repair", "resourceful", "reuse", "recycle" and "repurpose". This way of living will yield many "rewards"…
  "...he confides to her the care of his household. He knows that she is true to all his interests – that she is prudent and wise, neither wasteful nor extravagant. It is one of the essential things in a true wife that her husband shall be able to leave in her hands the management of all domestic affairs, and know that they are safe."
  What thrifty things have you done in your household? I would love to hear them!
  Posted by JES at Monday, January 28, 2013
  Stacie January 28, 2013 at 2:53 PM
  This was great!! I am doing so much better at our family finances than where I was when my husband and I first got married. But I love what you say, that as a result of the love she had for her husband, she make an effort to spend $$ wisely. Such a nugget of wisdom!
  JES January 28, 2013 at 4:44 PM
  Thanks for sharing Stacie! And yes, I have learned a lot from my mother in law and other older women in my life. They are a treasure trove of help!
  magnoliasntea January 28, 2013 at 6:24 PM
  This is a wonderfully thought-provoking post!
  I'm so glad to have found your blog through Deep Roots at Home. Have a great evening!
  JES January 28, 2013 at 6:54 PM
  Stephanie January 28, 2013 at 8:25 PM
  I went over to Deep Roots At Home and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. It was a blessing and inspiration to me - thank you for sharing!
  JES January 29, 2013 at 2:54 AM
  Unknown January 29, 2013 at 7:01 AM
  Dear Jes, Isn't amazing how easy it is to buy instead of repairing it on owr own even when we are capable? Our society wants easy fix in any cost. What a treasure it is to have parents that thought us a treasure of hard work. Blessing to you and your mother-in-law. Thanks for sharing!
  JES January 30, 2013 at 5:45 AM
  Our society is teaching, the "easy way" though it is not always the best for our budgets. Good point!
  Nabila Grace February 3, 2013 at 11:44 PM
  I loved this story! I am so glad that I finally realized the beauty of being thrifty and or reusing. :) Thank you for sharing your story :)
  I'm interested in reading the rest of the your story, but I don't see it on Deep Roots at Home anymore. Thank you! I am so enjoying your website - I just came across it a couple weeks ago. :o)
  JES September 6, 2020 at 7:52 PM
  Thank you so much for pointing that out! I will remedy that this week! I am so glad you feel at home here ❤️
  Dawn September 19, 2020 at 2:54 AM
  Oh, thank you for adding the rest of the story!! My husband got a job offer today after over a year with no income, but the Lord has still provided abundantly during this time so I still have a lot to learn about what your mother-in-law taught you. I just finished tonight printing out all the printables and making the binders so I feel better equipped now to be a better steward of His resources. Thank you for all the effort you've put in over the years. I really have enjoyed going through your blog these past couple weeks! :o)