If I Were a Rich Man

Scripture of the Day:  "But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish." 2 Nephi 26:31 -The Book of Mormon

First I have to start by saying, I hope I'm rich someday!  Does that sound totally snobby?  As soon as I read this verse I was reminded of an experience I had long ago.

I was traveling a long distance with a friend and he told me that he wanted to be rich.  As soon as I heard him say that I thought he was a total jerk.  Thankfully, he quickly put me in my place.  I can't remember the exact verse he shared with me, but these will suffice:

"And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish." (Mosiah 4:16 -The Book of Mormon)

"...I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants." (Mosiah 4:26 -The Book of Mormon)

Doesn't seem so snobby to want to be rich does it?  After this friend helped me to realize why it might be helpful to have money, I've been of the same mindset.  I've always found great joy in serving others, but it wasn't till I served a full-time 18 month mission for my church that I realized what an impact I could have on others.  It's since been my dream to have money to do good.  I've imagined the many missions I would be able to go on with my sweetheart, the financial support we would provide to a young person who had a desire to serve a mission, but not the means, etc.

There's so much good that can come from having money.  It's all a matter of what we do with it. Are we laboring to build Zion, or for our own personal gain?

In the meantime while we are still poor college students, I take comfort in this:

"...I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give." (Mosiah 4:24 -The Book of Mormon)

What a great opportunity to expand our vision and find other means by which we can give until that day when we are able to give financially.

Did You Vote?

In October I got hooked up with a super easy and sweet paying J.O.B.  I wasn't looking, but when I heard about it I jumped all over it.  I got paid 10 bones an hour to sit and make calls to people asking them one simple guestion:  "In your opinion have President Obama's policies helped or hurt the economy?"  THAT'S IT!  It was a come-whenever-you-want job, which was perfect because I could go in when Mr Medic was home or when Grammy could come sit with the kids for a bit.  If I planned my day right and the planets aligned, I even got free lunch!  Aside from my very first call which abruptly ended with the gentleman yelling "go F&%# yourself" who could ask for a better source of extra income, especially so close to Christmas?!?

There are a couple things I learned from this experience:

• People are generally pretty nice, even when they are being bugged by someone they would rather not talk to
• Getting out of the house is a good thing...for everyone. 
• Satan is a crafty little devil

The last two I would like to expound on a bit, so bear with me.  

I've always wanted to be and believed in being a stay-at-home-mother.  I was not raised with a SAHM, but I know it's a good thing.  Having said that, "me time" is a must.  It comes in many different forms...craft group, book club, exercising, late night DQ runs, occasionally contributing to society, and using brain cells for somewhat intelligent conversations with adults instead of children.  All the different forms of "me time" help recharge my battery.  This job or "me time" was no different.  My kids missed me, and were excited when I came home, and I was ready to take on mommy duty again.  Great right?

Well, here comes the crafty little devil part.  The more I would go (I actually only did a total of 6 hrs) the more I craved my independence.  I found myself trying to figure out how I could get away more.  The money was awesome, so why not?  I longed for the days when I had no obligations to child or household responsibilities.   I started regretting the fact that I couldn't have a babysitter lined up for longer periods of time especially when they were offering great bonuses like time and a half.  If the job didn't have a set end date I might still be working and trying to find ways to be there more instead of where I really wanted to be, and should be.

Leave it to "the man" to make you feel "needed" somewhere other than where you should be!

You see, getting out of the house isn't bad, in fact it is good.  Unfortunately Satan grasps on to any bit of good twisting it ever so slightly and before you know it you're in too deep.  I do not mean to say that moms who work are doing something bad.  I'm simply saying that it's easy to lose sight of what you really want with harmless 'distrations'.  

I enjoyed the time to do something different, but I am also glad I could learn a lesson about keeping desires in sight and not getting distracted.  (I may even have to learn it again at some point, that just how I roll)

Cause I've Gotta Have Faith

Now that I've got that George Michael song stuck in your pretty little head...

Someone asked me the other day if Mr Medic and I applied for Medicaid for our boys.  At first I simply replied "No" but as she gave me what seemed to be a puzzled look I knew I had to say more.  You see, to this particular girl, Mr Medic and I are somewhat of an example.  We (more specifically Mr Medic) had an important leadership role over her and the guy who would eventually become her husband.  I could tell she wanted direction...that what I said would actually be considered.

The weird thing is, I felt very uncomfortable.  If you've read this post and its subsequent comments, you will understand my apprehension to share my opinion on the matter.  I found myself avoiding eye contact, like I was Cyclops from X-Men.  I fumbled on my words, and danced around the idea that, no Mr Medic and I do not take Medicaid because we feel that there are others that sincerely need it more than we do and we are able to meet our needs through hard work and lots of sacrifice.

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She responded that what I had said made sense, and didn't seem too put off....phew!  She went on to talk about her options with student insurance, which we also use.  She commented that they would be able to make it work, but not if they had to move across country.  With that I had to be on my way because of a fussy little babe.

It ended up being one of those moments where you replay it over and over thinking of what you could have said, but didn't.  I wondered why I had to feel so awkward telling her my opinion, which probably comes down to not wanting to offend.  But more importantly, now that I think about it, I'm kicking myself for not taking the opportunity to share something more than just my opinion.  Whatever I may feel about the Medicaid matter, I should have responded to her concern about making ends meet with a reminder about faith.

I have seen time and time again, my inability to see how things are ever going to work out.  As much as I would like to control most situations and solve problems on my own, I simply cannot comprehend all things.  This specific matter of bearing children on a student income is one of the most daunting ideas imaginable.  If I waste spend my time trying to figure out the logistics of it, we would never have children.

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From The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ we read:

..."I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

I had hope that as college students we would be able to provide for our needs, but I couldn't see how that could happen.  Only by faith have we been able to make it happen!  I whole heartily believe that with faith anything is possible.

Now one of the most basic ideas of faith suggests action in order to "prove" that we have faith.  Our first action was that we made a decision not to use Medicaid, not knowing beforehand how it would be possible.  Second, we educated ourselves on what our options were.  We familiarized ourselves with our insurance policies, and began to plan accordingly.  Then, we each did our best at working jobs, budgeting, and any other means of monetary preparation.  In each of our two sons births less than ideal circumstances occurred, causing for an increase in what we anticipated as our portion of cost.

Emergency c-section + not one, but TWO anesthesia bills + ...

Baby in the NICU for 5 days = EXPENSIVE!  

Again we had no clue how we were going to work this out, but we knew we did our part.  I set payment plans with those we owed, and continued to live frugally.  Within a matter of time, our faith has proved worthwhile.  After each child's birth, without fail Mr Medic has been given opportunity to work wildfires.  Its a time for him to work super hard and for me to experience being a single mother for a bit, all so that we can catch up on what we owe.  I consider this a true blessing from my Father in Heaven.  I know that He is aware of His children and will do for us what seems impossible...when we do our part.

I think we sell ourselves and God short sometimes.  We don't allow ourselves to prove what we are made of, that we can in fact do hard things, or allow God to show His great power.  Think about it, how often have each of us felt like there was no way possible that fill in the blank could work out, and simply moved forward with the only logical solution without even considering something that doesn't seem sensible?  God doesn't work logically.  He works by miracles, and I know without a doubt miracles happen all of the time.

In the Old Testament in the book of Malachi, Chapter 3 verse 10, it reads:

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of haven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

God wants us to test Him.  He wants us to try our faith, and see what comes of it.  I have never been let down.  Things may have not been easy or right on "my" schedule, but He has always taken care of us.

I am so grateful to have experiences that have taught me, not only the meaning of sacrifice and hard work, but that God truly does love me.

I'd love to have some guest posts on the topic, so...how about you?  Do you have any experiences with trying your faith and seeing Gods hand in your life?  Let me know if would like to share your story.  

A Tough Commitment to Keep

While I'm being open and honest, here is one of the many other things that has been on my mind while preparing for #2:

THE "GOLDEN" AGE OF ENTITLEMENT

My amazing mother was a single parent most of my childhood and still is. She worked her tail off for years trying to provide even the basic necessities for her three children - all to her mental and physical detriment. To this day her dedication and persistence amazes me.

As much as my mom continued to work, our needs were not met. And, like many single parents she sought government assistance. I grew up on food stamps and Medicaid and I didn't know any different. I know that my mother truly did her very most to provide, and did what was necessary to care for us.

Once I was engaged, those ever important conversations of morals, values, and ideals were laid on the table. I strongly recommend to those who are engaged, or any couple for that matter, to sit down together and talk about your opinions and beliefs about a variety of topics. You may think that you and your significant other are on the same page, but you may also be very surprised! Upon doing this myself, I was not surprised or concerned, per se, but was given a new perspective on the idea of self-reliance.

We were not faced with such pertinent self-reliant decisions until I was actually pregnant with Twodles. Now the norm for my area is this: get pregnant, drive a couple minutes to the department of health and welfare, apply for Medicaid, WIC, and usually food stamps. It's not even a question really. This way of thinking is what we have come to know as "The 'Golden' Age of Entitlement." I overheard a girl once having a phone conversation in between classes that went something like this: "I'm so excited you are pregnant...I'll take you to get signed up for Medicaid!" She didn't say anything like "Do you have health insurance?" or "Have you started a new budget to be able to pay for medical bills and a baby?"

Now here's where I share what I believe. I know it may be different from what you believe, but I remind you that these are MY THOUGHTS AND WORRIES.

Mr. Medic and I made the decision that if we wanted to have children, we were going to be responsible for the cost of bringing them into the world and providing their needs throughout their life. We also feel that it would not be honest to accept certain forms of government assistance when at least one of us is perfectly capable of working to provide for our needs.

I believe that government aid, a "saving grace," is intended for unique situations including: single parent homes like my mother's, those with immense unforeseen or catastrophic medical emergencies, and those who simply cannot make ends meet "after all [they] can do." (The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23)  For instance, a couple CHOOSES to have children. They should plan, save, and budget to be prepared for the financial burden. They cannot, however, plan for the enormous unforeseen medical expenses that a less-than-healthy newborn may easily acquire. I also believe that it is dishonest to hide income by "gifting" family members your savings in order to qualify for government aid. For that matter, any act that is done with the intent to deceive is wrong.

As stated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World :

First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days
 Saints at time of publishing of Proclamation.

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed." (bold added)

First, I want to point out that it says that circumstances may necessitate a shift in responsibilities. This means that my mom, who had to work my whole life, is not condemned for doing so. Next, it states that fathers are responsible to provide the necessities of life. Finally, extended families should lend support when needed.

From this statement, along with many others* given by Prophets and church leaders, we (as a couple) believe that it is ultimately our responsibility to take care of the needs of our children. Is this an easy task? HEAVEN'S NO!

Now here is my constant worry, the battle in my own head, while we prepare for #2...

It is so hard, that some days I just wish I could do what "everyone else" is doing and march my fanny down to the welfare office and sign up for any aid available. Then my worries would be gone! I know ALL my worries would not be gone, but imagine not having to stress about paying for medical bills, food, or most of your housing. That's a lot less worrying!

Do I REALLY want to be in debt once again from having another child, when we JUST got #1 paid off? And then to have to watch my husband work so hard to repay those debts, all while feeling like a single mother most of the time?

I begin to feel guilty for questioning our original commitment to be self-reliant. I have to fight back feelings of resentment towards others around me who "take the easier road," some who have no clue what it's like to try to stick with a commitment - a commitment that you wholeheartedly believe is God's will. I feel guilty that my husband is really the one with all the weight on his shoulders, and I'm the one complaining. I want to help him. I want to relieve that burden, and the only way that seems realistic is to do something that we chose not to do so long ago. How dare I want to turn back or give up now!

Some may feel that it is utterly impossible to have children or provide for a family while being a student on a small income, but we are living proof that IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE...dang hard...BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!

To really explain how we do it would be a novel. So in a nutshell, here's how:


Mr. Medic, bless him, I could cry just writing about his sacrifices...goes to bed so early that I put both "my boys" to bed at the same time, just so he can wake up almost every morning between 4 and 5 a.m. to study. This enables him to receive scholarships every semester he goes to school. Then while taking classes full-time, he spends most every other waking moment working any job he can. There have been semesters when he has held three jobs at one time. Sounds fun right? Most of the time not so much.  I will say that I cannot remember a single utterance about the situation being unfair coming from Mr. Medic's mouth.  I usually take care of that.

Tired Paramedic Daddy

" BYU-I Paramedic of the Year"

Hot Firefighter Husband

We also live on financial aid and the occasional student loan.  We choose a student loan over government assistance because we are held responsible to repay it.

The things that I personally do to help make ends meet:

1. Maintain a clean and organized home, as to provide a less stressful environment for my already over-stressed husband.

2. Keep a tight budget. (Man, that takes so much time and effort. Plus I'm not good at math!)

3. Couponing...it really can save you a lot of money!


When all is said and done I see this face...

and get to witness sweet moments like this...

Twodles and Daddy looking for a lost car

It makes everything so much more bearable and VERY worth all my struggles and moments of doubt!

DISCLAIMER:  I have many acquaintances and close friends who have chosen a different way, who probably don't feel the same as I do. AND THAT'S OKAY!  I just need a place to be honest. I need a place where my thoughts may be considered by others. I need a place where others can share their thoughts as well, and hopefully help me to be more sympathetic to those that have chosen to take "the easier road."

*applicable information begins around paragraph 21/22 and on.