Sorry folks, it appears the Bath & Body coupon that I had posted on my blog earlier is not working. I went to the original source and that is not working correctly either. If I hadn't checked the original source I would have to definitely chalk it up to my novice computer skills, however that does not appear the case. Sorry:(
Michelle
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
K-Mart Double Coupons !
K-mart does it again! Yay:) I stopped in yesterday and here are some of the great deals I have found. I used all coupons from recent flyer's. Unfortunately I don't have exact dates that the coupons were issued. Here goes:
2-3 oz. Vaseline total moisture @ 2.29 used (2) 1.25 cpn doubled item free ( Christmas gifts)
Glade Fabric & Air @ 3.50 used 1.50 cpn doubled paid .50
I love the pet odor eliminator scent it is by far the best!
12 oz Oust @3.50 used 1.50 cpn doubled paid .50
Tylenol rapid release gels@ 4.79 used 2.00 cpn doubled paid .79
They also have Durkee spices on sale for 1.00 They are the small ones but they had many to choose from so I stocked up for holiday baking.
Celestial Seasonings Tea Purchased 2 boxes of Christmas flavors (gifts) @2.50 each had (2 )1.00 cpns doubled paid 1.00 for both boxes
Maalox 12 oz bottle @ 4.99 2.00cpn doubled paid .99 ( I prefer to get these items for free or under .50 but we were out and hubby really needs this stuff after his midnight refrigerator raids!!)
Note: Pay close attention to your receipt. I found 2 errors yesterday that I had to report to Customer Service. They were very kind and gladly refunded me my money. However if you have a really large order you might consider splitting into 2 transactions so that you can keep an eye on your calculations. Also work the deals ahead of time so you know exactly what you are paying. I probably would have not picked up on the mistakes if I hadn't all ready known what I was going to pay. Happy shopping!!
Blessings, Michelle
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Blessed Nation
I have been reading about the settling of Plymouth Plantation. I have been fascinated by these books and I love this period in our Nation's history. Not only have I learned a great deal in regards to the historical events of this period, I have been humbled by the multitude of blessings God has bestowed upon our Country.
By the mercy of God I have never known one day of hunger. There has always been an abundance of food to choose from. I have always had shelter. Since my birth, I have not been without clothing.
After the first winter at Plymouth, 60 Men Women and Children remained. The reality of that first winter, was disease and death. The second year was as difficult as several more died of starvation. Many were children. As I read last evening, a Mother was of a sorrowful spirit as she wailed over the death of her smallest child. As she held the child and felt the life leave his little body, she was helpless as she handed the child over for burial. Probable cause, starvation. Yet at the time of this event she had yet another life growing within her womb. The God fearing people of Plymouth persevered and were determined to press on. Oh, that I would ever complain!
As I ponder the celebration of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful to a merciful God who has blessed this Nation beyond anything we could imagine, and this writer far more than she deserves. Perhaps He continues to bless because of the faithfulness and fortitude of our forefathers. With that thought, it makes me shiver to think what might be facing our children. Has this generation been faithful enough, for God to continue His blessing for future generations? If this Nation were to hinge on my prayers for it's healing, I would be found guilty.
While our Nation is not perfect and has many struggles, it remains the greatest Nation in the world. Would you join me in prayer for our Nation to turn from it's wicked ways, that God's people would humble themselves, and cry out for her healing? (2 Chronicles 7:14 ) It is only by Gods mercy and His grace that America has any hope.
It is easy to forget with all our modern day conveniences the very humble beginnings of this great Nation. It is often times through adversity that greatness is born. The first thanksgiving was truly a time of thanksgiving to God Almighty for the harvest that He brought forth. These 60 Men, Women and Children were filled with gratitude. My we all have hearts filled with gratitude this Thanksgiving, and give the Lord the reverence that is due Him!!!
"So they committed themselves to the will of God, and resolved to proceed." William Bradford, Governor of Plymouth Plantation
Blessings, Michelle
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I Apologize
Dear Fellow Blogger,
You may notice that I have removed the Christmas countdown icon at the top of my blog site. I just logged on to moderate a comment and an advertisement was in it's place. The advertisement was asking what type of alcohol drink I preferred. Let me answer a resounding NONE!
This blog is dedicated to bringing glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want any area of this blog to be displeasing to the Lord. If you have logged onto my blog recently and saw something being advertised that was offensive to you, I apologize. This blog is dedicated to sharing Christian ideals with fellow believers, and the Blessed hope of the Lord Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.
It is also dedicated to help women learn frugal ideas and skills, in turn helping them to reduce their family budgets. Perhaps sharing with them that if their hearts desire is to be a "Keeper of the Home", it is possible with hard work and God's grace, even if they are currently working full-time outside their home. Beyond that it has no other purpose. I am not blogging to make money or advertise something I did not approve of, or even better that Christ would not approve of. If you are looking for a blog that is Christ honoring, soul loving, Bible teaching, Devil Hating, than you have found the right place. Welcome. I hope you stop back.
Blessings, Michelle
You may notice that I have removed the Christmas countdown icon at the top of my blog site. I just logged on to moderate a comment and an advertisement was in it's place. The advertisement was asking what type of alcohol drink I preferred. Let me answer a resounding NONE!
This blog is dedicated to bringing glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want any area of this blog to be displeasing to the Lord. If you have logged onto my blog recently and saw something being advertised that was offensive to you, I apologize. This blog is dedicated to sharing Christian ideals with fellow believers, and the Blessed hope of the Lord Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.
It is also dedicated to help women learn frugal ideas and skills, in turn helping them to reduce their family budgets. Perhaps sharing with them that if their hearts desire is to be a "Keeper of the Home", it is possible with hard work and God's grace, even if they are currently working full-time outside their home. Beyond that it has no other purpose. I am not blogging to make money or advertise something I did not approve of, or even better that Christ would not approve of. If you are looking for a blog that is Christ honoring, soul loving, Bible teaching, Devil Hating, than you have found the right place. Welcome. I hope you stop back.
Blessings, Michelle
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
65 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!! YIPEEEEEE!
I know that I have had the Christmas countdown icon on my blog for quite some time, but folks have you noticed that it's ticking away? Christmas is truly just around the corner. In a previous post. actually way back in July, I gave some frugal tips on preparing for Christmas. How y'all doin?
Hopefully you have all started planning ahead. This year I have decided to make many homemade gifts. For some I will be making some type of bread( I am not sure yet) and giving away some of my homemade jams. Some will receive homemade pickles and some will receive a table runner. I have purchased the fabric for the table runners but I have yet to make them. November's project.
We are HUGE Christmas fans around here. We love celebrating, starting the night of Thanksgiving (After our guests leave we usually watch "It's a Wonderful Life') and we plot out our Black Friday excursion. We usually are on the road between 3-4 a.m. We have scored some great deals on this day. I am hoping this year that we will be finishing our shopping on black Friday. We are setting some extra money aside now to take advantage of all the great deals.
Hopefully you have set aside a few dollars each week from the savings you have been getting by using coupons for your groceries. If you haven't started, it's never to late. Start saving this week!! See if you can shave $5 off your grocery bill. Reduce paper products, reduce juice or cut it out all together and drink water with meals. Cook a meatless meal this week and you could even save $10 off your budget. Hopefully you are all on your way!
Make a list of all the people you wish to give a gift to. Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive. I have received coupons for meals and child care and I have loved these gifts. The coupons were from dear friends. Some were having financial difficulty that year and the fact that they remembered our family meant even more.
In my previous post, I wrote about the precious resource...time. Maybe this year there just isn't any extra money. Consider giving pockets of your time. Give a coupon for running errands to a busy Mom who has more money than time. Offer to babysit for friends that don't have family nearby. Maybe give their Christmas gift early and offer to watch their children so that they might go out and do some uninterrupted shopping! Put your thinking cap on and be creative. Also, pray and ask the Lord what might be a blessing to someone. He knows all our needs better than we do and He can use you to be a huge blessing in someones life. I have prayed many times for the Lord to lay on my heart who may have a need. He has clearly shown to me who He wants me to give some extra groceries or a bag of bounty from my couponing scores. Many times I have heard, I gave them something, "just when they needed it." I love serving My God!!!
I have many more frugal Christmas tips mulling around in my head. Stay tuned. Also I would love to hear all your frugal tips. I am always looking for new ideas:)
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Hopefully you have all started planning ahead. This year I have decided to make many homemade gifts. For some I will be making some type of bread( I am not sure yet) and giving away some of my homemade jams. Some will receive homemade pickles and some will receive a table runner. I have purchased the fabric for the table runners but I have yet to make them. November's project.
We are HUGE Christmas fans around here. We love celebrating, starting the night of Thanksgiving (After our guests leave we usually watch "It's a Wonderful Life') and we plot out our Black Friday excursion. We usually are on the road between 3-4 a.m. We have scored some great deals on this day. I am hoping this year that we will be finishing our shopping on black Friday. We are setting some extra money aside now to take advantage of all the great deals.
Hopefully you have set aside a few dollars each week from the savings you have been getting by using coupons for your groceries. If you haven't started, it's never to late. Start saving this week!! See if you can shave $5 off your grocery bill. Reduce paper products, reduce juice or cut it out all together and drink water with meals. Cook a meatless meal this week and you could even save $10 off your budget. Hopefully you are all on your way!
Make a list of all the people you wish to give a gift to. Remember, it doesn't have to be expensive. I have received coupons for meals and child care and I have loved these gifts. The coupons were from dear friends. Some were having financial difficulty that year and the fact that they remembered our family meant even more.
In my previous post, I wrote about the precious resource...time. Maybe this year there just isn't any extra money. Consider giving pockets of your time. Give a coupon for running errands to a busy Mom who has more money than time. Offer to babysit for friends that don't have family nearby. Maybe give their Christmas gift early and offer to watch their children so that they might go out and do some uninterrupted shopping! Put your thinking cap on and be creative. Also, pray and ask the Lord what might be a blessing to someone. He knows all our needs better than we do and He can use you to be a huge blessing in someones life. I have prayed many times for the Lord to lay on my heart who may have a need. He has clearly shown to me who He wants me to give some extra groceries or a bag of bounty from my couponing scores. Many times I have heard, I gave them something, "just when they needed it." I love serving My God!!!
I have many more frugal Christmas tips mulling around in my head. Stay tuned. Also I would love to hear all your frugal tips. I am always looking for new ideas:)
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Precious Resource-Time
O.K. O.K. O.K., I know it's been quite a while since my last post, but I have been really busy. To the few of you faithful, stop by everyday readers ( Miss Wanda) I am sorry. I am like all of you, a very busy Woman!!
With homeschooling, learning the new skill of canning and preserving food, (I've made bread and butter pickles and homemade jams. I've mastered peach, blueberry and raspberry!) serving my Husband and family, serving in our local New Testament Church in several ministries I might add and then raining as "The Coupon Queen", I don't have much time for blogging.
It's not that I don't have much to say, God has been blessing my family greatly in the area of scoring great coupon savings recently, I just can't seem to find the time to write it all down. I have even taken a few pictures to post of my great deals, but that takes time and a lot of it. Time is the one thing that we are all equal in. We all have been given 24 hours in each day. No more, No less. The key is in finding the balance of using our time wisely and productively. As for Me, I look to the Lord and His Word for the guidance in my life.
If I have spent all day cutting coupons, scoring great deals and then blogging about them, but have not met the needs of my family, I am out of balance. If I have saved a ton of money in multiple trips to CVS, Price Chopper and K-Mart for double coupons, but the board of Health has condemned my home, my priorities are out of balance. If I am so busy scouring the Internet for new deals, but can not take the time to encourage a friend in the Lord, then things are out of balance. I mention these things because some days I get out of balance. It is only when I am walking in the Spirit, seeking the Lord in the planning of my day and reading His Word Daily, that I am able to achieve balance in my life. If there be any balance in my life it is God's grace and mercy, of which I am so thankful for. I truly enjoy blogging, but not at the expense of the "better" things to use my time for. I 'm still around and will post when I can. I want to be frugal with one of the most precious resources God has given us and that is our time. I pray blessings for you all!! Michelle
With homeschooling, learning the new skill of canning and preserving food, (I've made bread and butter pickles and homemade jams. I've mastered peach, blueberry and raspberry!) serving my Husband and family, serving in our local New Testament Church in several ministries I might add and then raining as "The Coupon Queen", I don't have much time for blogging.
It's not that I don't have much to say, God has been blessing my family greatly in the area of scoring great coupon savings recently, I just can't seem to find the time to write it all down. I have even taken a few pictures to post of my great deals, but that takes time and a lot of it. Time is the one thing that we are all equal in. We all have been given 24 hours in each day. No more, No less. The key is in finding the balance of using our time wisely and productively. As for Me, I look to the Lord and His Word for the guidance in my life.
If I have spent all day cutting coupons, scoring great deals and then blogging about them, but have not met the needs of my family, I am out of balance. If I have saved a ton of money in multiple trips to CVS, Price Chopper and K-Mart for double coupons, but the board of Health has condemned my home, my priorities are out of balance. If I am so busy scouring the Internet for new deals, but can not take the time to encourage a friend in the Lord, then things are out of balance. I mention these things because some days I get out of balance. It is only when I am walking in the Spirit, seeking the Lord in the planning of my day and reading His Word Daily, that I am able to achieve balance in my life. If there be any balance in my life it is God's grace and mercy, of which I am so thankful for. I truly enjoy blogging, but not at the expense of the "better" things to use my time for. I 'm still around and will post when I can. I want to be frugal with one of the most precious resources God has given us and that is our time. I pray blessings for you all!! Michelle
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Our Frugal Vacation
Hello again. We had a wonderful vacation. We did not make it to all destinations, but we had a wonderful time just the same. Friends in our Church own a time share. This particular couple is retired and the Lord has used them to be a blessing to our family many times. Earlier in the year this dear couple approached us regarding a vacation in the Fall at their time share. We stayed near Jimminy Peak Ski resort in Hancock, Massachusetts. It was a beautiful facility with plenty to do and see.
My husband got to play golf for the first time (He got a 59, A great score for beginners!!) and my Son and I had fun resting and relaxing. We were there for 3 nights and 4 days. We traveled into Lennox, Mass and had a fun day of sightseeing and window shopping. We found a Yankee candle outlet in Pittsfield Mass and I was able to find a very nice gift for my Aunt who let me borrow her camera, for just a few dollars.
The room we stayed in was gorgeous and also had a fully equipped kitchen! We cooked all our meals in our rooms and we ate out one night which was free after coupons we had received for being guests at our friends time share. Our whole vacation, including our trip to Old Sturbridge Village, was just under $100.00!!!!!! That amount also includes giving our friends some money toward gas for the trip (They drove):)
The trip to Old Sturbridge Village was absolutely wonderful. I love this period of time and I found the entire village fascinating. The best part was it was Home School day and we all got in for $7/each versus the regular $20.00 admission fee. This is an outside village with lots of walking and many wonderful exhibits. The weather was wonderful (Pleasantly warm and sunny) and we packed our lunch and ate on the picnic grounds.
I have pictures to post soon, providing I figure out how to upload them to my computer.
Since we have arrived home we have been very busy. We are back full swing into our Home School schedule and I have been canning like a crazy woman!! I have made peach and raspberry jam! I purchased the peaches @ .58cents a pound and I picked the raspberries. They were a little more pricey, but both jams came out great and I have a great jump on my Christmas gift giving!!!
I would like to close by praising the Lord for His goodness to my family. He is so faithful and good to us. Far better than we deserve. I believe that our frugal vacation was a gift from the Lord. He has provided not only our needs but He goes exceedingly above what we could ask or think. I am so thankful to the Lord for His blessings and I am thankful for the relationship we have with the Lord Jesus Christ!!
To God Be the Glory, Michelle
P.S. Stay tuned in the next day or two for some fun pictures, Lord willing!
My husband got to play golf for the first time (He got a 59, A great score for beginners!!) and my Son and I had fun resting and relaxing. We were there for 3 nights and 4 days. We traveled into Lennox, Mass and had a fun day of sightseeing and window shopping. We found a Yankee candle outlet in Pittsfield Mass and I was able to find a very nice gift for my Aunt who let me borrow her camera, for just a few dollars.
The room we stayed in was gorgeous and also had a fully equipped kitchen! We cooked all our meals in our rooms and we ate out one night which was free after coupons we had received for being guests at our friends time share. Our whole vacation, including our trip to Old Sturbridge Village, was just under $100.00!!!!!! That amount also includes giving our friends some money toward gas for the trip (They drove):)
The trip to Old Sturbridge Village was absolutely wonderful. I love this period of time and I found the entire village fascinating. The best part was it was Home School day and we all got in for $7/each versus the regular $20.00 admission fee. This is an outside village with lots of walking and many wonderful exhibits. The weather was wonderful (Pleasantly warm and sunny) and we packed our lunch and ate on the picnic grounds.
I have pictures to post soon, providing I figure out how to upload them to my computer.
Since we have arrived home we have been very busy. We are back full swing into our Home School schedule and I have been canning like a crazy woman!! I have made peach and raspberry jam! I purchased the peaches @ .58cents a pound and I picked the raspberries. They were a little more pricey, but both jams came out great and I have a great jump on my Christmas gift giving!!!
I would like to close by praising the Lord for His goodness to my family. He is so faithful and good to us. Far better than we deserve. I believe that our frugal vacation was a gift from the Lord. He has provided not only our needs but He goes exceedingly above what we could ask or think. I am so thankful to the Lord for His blessings and I am thankful for the relationship we have with the Lord Jesus Christ!!
To God Be the Glory, Michelle
P.S. Stay tuned in the next day or two for some fun pictures, Lord willing!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Were Off Again
Good Morning Blog-sphere!! I pray all is well with you all. I know it's been a bit since I've posted. Forgive Me? Our Son had a birthday last week and we started homeschooling 9/2. It has been very busy here.
My family likes to take a homeschooling vacation each September. We try to go somewhere historical and fun. We've been to Washington, D.C., NY City, and Lancaster, Penn. At any rate were off again.
This time were starting out in Hancock, Mass. Then over to Sturbridge Village in Mass. Then were off to Gettysburg, Penn. Then final destination is to one of my favorite places, Lancaster, Penn.!!!!!!!
I've borrowed a digital camera from my Aunt(Thanks, Aunt Dee) and hopefully I will have lots of pictures for you all. At this point you may be thinking, I thought this lady was frugal? I can't wait to share with you how God opened some doors so that we could have this very cool vacation!
My boys just arrived home from getting cheap $10.00 hair cuts. (That is a good price in this neck of the woods, average haircut for boys and men $14-20) I tried cutting their hair once and my husband said "Never Again!!" Haircutting was not a particular talent the Lord bestowed upon me. It was pretty bad! Besides with all this picture taking my boys gotta look good.
I pray you all have a great week. We are having some spectacular Fall weather here in the Northeast. Have a blessed week! Michelle
My family likes to take a homeschooling vacation each September. We try to go somewhere historical and fun. We've been to Washington, D.C., NY City, and Lancaster, Penn. At any rate were off again.
This time were starting out in Hancock, Mass. Then over to Sturbridge Village in Mass. Then were off to Gettysburg, Penn. Then final destination is to one of my favorite places, Lancaster, Penn.!!!!!!!
I've borrowed a digital camera from my Aunt(Thanks, Aunt Dee) and hopefully I will have lots of pictures for you all. At this point you may be thinking, I thought this lady was frugal? I can't wait to share with you how God opened some doors so that we could have this very cool vacation!
My boys just arrived home from getting cheap $10.00 hair cuts. (That is a good price in this neck of the woods, average haircut for boys and men $14-20) I tried cutting their hair once and my husband said "Never Again!!" Haircutting was not a particular talent the Lord bestowed upon me. It was pretty bad! Besides with all this picture taking my boys gotta look good.
I pray you all have a great week. We are having some spectacular Fall weather here in the Northeast. Have a blessed week! Michelle
Friday, September 5, 2008
Congratulations to the Paine Family!
It's Frugal Friday over at http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ and Crystal has a great post on surviving during times of stress. First, Congratulations to Jesse and Crystal! We in the blog sphere are praying for you. I applaud Crystal for the decision to increase their food budget for this short season, to help her, and her family endure this season of "morning sickness".
As managers of our homes and families, it is so important that we set realistic goals for not only ourselves, but our families during difficult seasons of life. To think that your husband is going to come home 5 days a week and cook meals every night, after he works all day, is probably a little unrealistic. He's stressed, your stressed, the kiddos pick up on the stress and you have just concocted a wonderful recipe for disaster!!
However careful planning and budgeting will help alleviate some of the stress. When Crystal feels well enough she will resume her normal cook from scratch schedule and by being so diligent in their budget she has allowed this "wiggle" room for a short season. See the key is in planning and preparing. It is the Wise woman who builds her home.............
We cannot prevent the trials that come to us, but with Gods grace and mercy we can endure. Jesus said in John 10:10," I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." God love us and wants us to rest in Him. May we truly learn to rest in Him. Have a blessed day! Michelle
As managers of our homes and families, it is so important that we set realistic goals for not only ourselves, but our families during difficult seasons of life. To think that your husband is going to come home 5 days a week and cook meals every night, after he works all day, is probably a little unrealistic. He's stressed, your stressed, the kiddos pick up on the stress and you have just concocted a wonderful recipe for disaster!!
However careful planning and budgeting will help alleviate some of the stress. When Crystal feels well enough she will resume her normal cook from scratch schedule and by being so diligent in their budget she has allowed this "wiggle" room for a short season. See the key is in planning and preparing. It is the Wise woman who builds her home.............
We cannot prevent the trials that come to us, but with Gods grace and mercy we can endure. Jesus said in John 10:10," I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." God love us and wants us to rest in Him. May we truly learn to rest in Him. Have a blessed day! Michelle
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thank You Lord
I received this e-mail from a very good friend this morning. It sure did convict my heart, and I thought it to good to keep to myself. I pray this is a blessing to you all. Michelle
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN
This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen:
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. 'I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.
'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.'
'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the fear of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world..'
'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are envied by and more blessed than three billion people in the world.'
'If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare.'
'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'
Ok, what now? How can I start?
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept
'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message, and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it.'
If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!
Blessings with love ...
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN
This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen:
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. 'I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.
'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.'
'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the fear of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world..'
'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are envied by and more blessed than three billion people in the world.'
'If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare.'
'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'
Ok, what now? How can I start?
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept
'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message, and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it.'
If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!
Blessings with love ...
Making Your Own Vacuum Sealed Freezer Bags
It is Frugal Friday over at http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ and I have to share a great money saving tip for you today. Our home school group went Blueberry picking on Wed and I was preparing the berries for freezing. I am also making homemade blueberry jam for the first time later today. I will keep you posted how it all turns out! At any rate, I was reading that fruit freezes better in a vacuum sealed bag. I did have a coupon for the new Zip lock Vacuum Sealer but it had expired. Figures, they were on sale this week at Price Chopper.
I couldn't squeeze that into my grocery budget this week, and I had read, Are you ready for this...........
Stick a straw in the end of the bag, and suck the air out, bend the straw so as not to let more air in, and continue the process until all the air is removed! It worked like a charm:) and the cost was almost nonexistent. How much does 1 straw cost in a pack of 50? Less than I care to calculate. I was so excited that it worked. I got all the blueberries bagged and in my freezer and the vacuum seal didn't even cost me a dime. Praise the Lord!!
Have a blessed day Michelle
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I did it, I did it, I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I DID IT!!! I successfully posted a picture to my blog this afternoon. It took a fair amount of time but I did it!! Praise the Lord! Any who, I posted a picture of me and my honey from the couples retreat that we attended this past week. The picture was on our Church web site, so I was able to upload from there. For all you computer Gurus this is no big deal. But let me tell you it is a HUGE deal for little ole me!! I hope you enjoy the picture!! Michelle
P.S. The picture was taken at the top of Pinnacle Mtn. We had a bon fire up there on the last night of the retreat. It was great fun smooching with my sweetie under the stars!
P.S. The picture was taken at the top of Pinnacle Mtn. We had a bon fire up there on the last night of the retreat. It was great fun smooching with my sweetie under the stars!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Please Be Patient With Me!
Fellow readers, as I have shared with you many times,I am frugal. I live a frugal lifestyle and when I say that I am not kidding. Hence we don't own cell phones nor do we own a digital camera. I know many blogs post pictures,and I am in the process of learning to do that.
I am still learning this whole blogging thing but that takes lots of time., and while I love and pray for you all, my family and service to God are the major priorities in my life. I am learning and working on making this site more user friendly. Just be patient with me. Soon I hope to post some fun pictures from a friends camera.
I have asked for an inexpensive digital camera for Christmas. Knowing my wonderful Hubby he'll do what He can to get it for me! God sure is good.
I do have a question for you all, does anyone know how to link to a previous post on your own site? I've been reading the help tutorial through blogger, but still am a bit confused. If any one has some quick tips for me I sure would appreciate an e-mail. You can reach me at rnmwilkins@yahoo.com Thanks in advance for your help.I hope and pray all is going well for you all and frugality is becoming a reality in your lives!! Blessings, Michelle
I am still learning this whole blogging thing but that takes lots of time., and while I love and pray for you all, my family and service to God are the major priorities in my life. I am learning and working on making this site more user friendly. Just be patient with me. Soon I hope to post some fun pictures from a friends camera.
I have asked for an inexpensive digital camera for Christmas. Knowing my wonderful Hubby he'll do what He can to get it for me! God sure is good.
I do have a question for you all, does anyone know how to link to a previous post on your own site? I've been reading the help tutorial through blogger, but still am a bit confused. If any one has some quick tips for me I sure would appreciate an e-mail. You can reach me at rnmwilkins@yahoo.com Thanks in advance for your help.I hope and pray all is going well for you all and frugality is becoming a reality in your lives!! Blessings, Michelle
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I Am So Thankful For My Man!!!
We arrived home late yesterday afternoon from a 2 day couples retreat in the Helderberg mountains here in upstate NY. What a wonderful time we had with other believers from our Church.
We had great Biblical teaching from Bro. Jim Belisle and his wife, Linda. We had split sessions with specific training for Men and Ladies. Yes, God did make us different. In the marriage, we each have a specific role to fill. Despite what many of us have learned from the world and observing worldly marriages, God has a very definite plan for marriage. For those of us not raised in Christian homes, with strong examples of a Christian marriage to observe and follow, these teachings are invaluable.
I am thankful to my parents. Despite the many obstacles, they stayed together. They are both in Heaven now and I am so thankful each were saved before their deaths, but Christ was not the head of their marriage. However they were committed to each other and the marriage.
I am so thankful for the marriage the Lord has blessed me with. I am so very thankful for the Husband God provided me with. While my husband was not saved when we were married, God through His merciful grace saw fit to see him saved!! God spoke to my heart many times over the last few days on becoming all I can be as a wife to the wonderful husband God gave me. We live in such an egocentric, all me society that even in Christian homes that worldly philosophy can filter in if we are not careful. I have read Debi Pearls book, Created to be His Helpmeet and have found the teachings contained in that book, based on the Word of God, the most helpful book on a wife's role in marriage that I have ever read. I highly recommend it!!!!! Of course the exception is to the Bible. God's word gives a very clear plan on a Husband's and Wife's role in the relationship of marriage.
I have read the book through several times and refer to it often, as I sometimes get "Stinkin thinkin" in regards to my marriage. It is not my Husband's problem to fix, it is mine. When I have let worldly philosophy creep in, whether it be through magazines, friends, family etc. I get out of my God ordained role and start thinking wrong. I must keep my eyes and heart fixed on Christ. That's why as Christian wives it is so very important for us to "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
I love my husband with my whole heart and it is my prayer that God will always give me the grace to be the best wife I can be!! Michelle
We had great Biblical teaching from Bro. Jim Belisle and his wife, Linda. We had split sessions with specific training for Men and Ladies. Yes, God did make us different. In the marriage, we each have a specific role to fill. Despite what many of us have learned from the world and observing worldly marriages, God has a very definite plan for marriage. For those of us not raised in Christian homes, with strong examples of a Christian marriage to observe and follow, these teachings are invaluable.
I am thankful to my parents. Despite the many obstacles, they stayed together. They are both in Heaven now and I am so thankful each were saved before their deaths, but Christ was not the head of their marriage. However they were committed to each other and the marriage.
I am so thankful for the marriage the Lord has blessed me with. I am so very thankful for the Husband God provided me with. While my husband was not saved when we were married, God through His merciful grace saw fit to see him saved!! God spoke to my heart many times over the last few days on becoming all I can be as a wife to the wonderful husband God gave me. We live in such an egocentric, all me society that even in Christian homes that worldly philosophy can filter in if we are not careful. I have read Debi Pearls book, Created to be His Helpmeet and have found the teachings contained in that book, based on the Word of God, the most helpful book on a wife's role in marriage that I have ever read. I highly recommend it!!!!! Of course the exception is to the Bible. God's word gives a very clear plan on a Husband's and Wife's role in the relationship of marriage.
I have read the book through several times and refer to it often, as I sometimes get "Stinkin thinkin" in regards to my marriage. It is not my Husband's problem to fix, it is mine. When I have let worldly philosophy creep in, whether it be through magazines, friends, family etc. I get out of my God ordained role and start thinking wrong. I must keep my eyes and heart fixed on Christ. That's why as Christian wives it is so very important for us to "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
I love my husband with my whole heart and it is my prayer that God will always give me the grace to be the best wife I can be!! Michelle
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
We are settling In
Things are finally starting to get back to normal around here. This past weekend I blessed our house (Yep, I cleaned it) and splurged on a new fall scented candle! It was so cozy around here! Here in upstate NY we are having some cool temperatures and I have noticed many of the trees changing color. Hard to believe but Fall is coming soon. I love fall, really I do. I am just not sure if I am ready for it in August:)
The cooler temperatures have definitely started me thinking on planning out my Christmas gifts this year. I am going to be making table runners for friends and family so I need to get planning. JoAnn's Fabric has been having some great coupons deals and I plan on a shopping trip early next week to select some special Christmas fabric. Only 128 days until Christmas!
How ya all doing with my frugal tip of planning and preparing for Christmas in July. I hope you are all squirrelling away a little money here and there, and picking up gifts now for what you know is coming in December!! Plan, plan, plan!!!!!
I plan on making pickles next week (first time) and am excited about my first canning lesson. My grandmother canned everything but the kitchen sink. I have fond memories of my sister and I going down to the "root cellar" and picking the evening meal vegetable from rows and rows of canned jars that my grandmother worked so hard to prepare. I remember the big pot (pressure cooker) on the stove and her house being filled with wonderful aromas of something. My grandmother died when I was twelve so that memory is from sometime before then and it is very vivid in my mind till this day. I hope I make you proud gram.
We are gearing up for school and looking forward to our first home school trip, August 27th. We are going blueberry picking!! We are all wearing blue shirts and packing a picnic lunch. Our family picked a little earlier this year and the blueberries were as big as grapes. I am looking forward to a fruitful day of picking and plan on freezing the majority of what we pick!
I pray you are all doing well and look forward to continuing with the "Coming Home Series" in the next week. Have a blessed night! Michelle
The cooler temperatures have definitely started me thinking on planning out my Christmas gifts this year. I am going to be making table runners for friends and family so I need to get planning. JoAnn's Fabric has been having some great coupons deals and I plan on a shopping trip early next week to select some special Christmas fabric. Only 128 days until Christmas!
How ya all doing with my frugal tip of planning and preparing for Christmas in July. I hope you are all squirrelling away a little money here and there, and picking up gifts now for what you know is coming in December!! Plan, plan, plan!!!!!
I plan on making pickles next week (first time) and am excited about my first canning lesson. My grandmother canned everything but the kitchen sink. I have fond memories of my sister and I going down to the "root cellar" and picking the evening meal vegetable from rows and rows of canned jars that my grandmother worked so hard to prepare. I remember the big pot (pressure cooker) on the stove and her house being filled with wonderful aromas of something. My grandmother died when I was twelve so that memory is from sometime before then and it is very vivid in my mind till this day. I hope I make you proud gram.
We are gearing up for school and looking forward to our first home school trip, August 27th. We are going blueberry picking!! We are all wearing blue shirts and packing a picnic lunch. Our family picked a little earlier this year and the blueberries were as big as grapes. I am looking forward to a fruitful day of picking and plan on freezing the majority of what we pick!
I pray you are all doing well and look forward to continuing with the "Coming Home Series" in the next week. Have a blessed night! Michelle
Friday, August 15, 2008
Were Home
Hello out there!!! We arrived home late Friday evening from Teen camp! Praise the Lord for His safety and travel mercies. We had a great week at camp and heard some red hot preaching from Evangelist Kevin Walker.
There were over 300 teens that attended this week of camp and the facilities were busting at the seams. Our teens did very well, with many decisions made for the Lord. One of the Teens in our group won the Servants Heart Award and our son won an MVP award for football. We had several Teens in our group pass the Bible Quiz. All in all it was a fruitful week at camp.
However the Lord worked differently in my heart at camp this year. This is the fifth year that my Husband and I have attended camp as counselors. In the previous years of camp the Lord had used the preaching of His word to grow my own walk with Him. I grew in knowledge and understanding, and my cup truly was running over from the Spiritual blessings at camp.
This year the Lord burdened my heart. It was as if this year the Lord said it is time I use this time for you in a new way. I believe I wasn't spiritually ready for these burdens prior to this time. For God His way is perfect. I came home burdened in 3 specific areas.
1. I am more burdened for a lost and dying world. I have purposed to
become a better soul winner. He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30
2. I am more burdened for the Teens of our Country. We are losing Christian
Teens to the world in record numbers. I am specifically burdened for the Teens
in our Youth group.
3. I am more burdened to make intercession for our Teens and pray for them
daily and by specific need in their lives. The Teens in our youth group need our
prayers. That may be the most important thing I can do for them. 1 Timothy 2:1
There is a real adversary out there who is roaming about seeking whom he may devour.(1Peter5:7) Folks we are engaged in a real spiritual warfare for our Country's youth. (Ephesians6: 10-12) I realize that this post may be a tad bit heavy and not at all to do with frugal living, but I am first and foremost a Christian. My relationship with the Lord is the number one priority in my life. You might ask, what about your husband and child? If my relationship with the Lord is first and right, then all other relationships in my life will be o.k. Don't misunderstand me, they won't be perfect. They will be how the Lord has chosen them to be for me. I have had seasons in my life when my relationships were difficult. We as women carry many relationship roles, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, church member etc....... yet when I was having the most difficulty, I was also struggling with my walk with the Lord. I am so thankful His mercy is renewed every morning. Great is Thy Faithfulness!!!!!!!!
On a lighter note: I went grocery shopping yesterday (the first time in 3 weeks) and did awesome. My subtotal was $210.28, after advantage card and coupons(which are doubled up to $1)I paid $74.79!!! A total savings of $139.77 Actually a little more since I have a $5.00 rebate to send in for Pert shampoo. Praise the Lord!!
I am looking forward to regular blogging and some great frugal tips. Also stay tuned for some great fall recipes. I pray you are all having a fun, safe and frugal summer!!!! Michelle
There were over 300 teens that attended this week of camp and the facilities were busting at the seams. Our teens did very well, with many decisions made for the Lord. One of the Teens in our group won the Servants Heart Award and our son won an MVP award for football. We had several Teens in our group pass the Bible Quiz. All in all it was a fruitful week at camp.
However the Lord worked differently in my heart at camp this year. This is the fifth year that my Husband and I have attended camp as counselors. In the previous years of camp the Lord had used the preaching of His word to grow my own walk with Him. I grew in knowledge and understanding, and my cup truly was running over from the Spiritual blessings at camp.
This year the Lord burdened my heart. It was as if this year the Lord said it is time I use this time for you in a new way. I believe I wasn't spiritually ready for these burdens prior to this time. For God His way is perfect. I came home burdened in 3 specific areas.
1. I am more burdened for a lost and dying world. I have purposed to
become a better soul winner. He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30
2. I am more burdened for the Teens of our Country. We are losing Christian
Teens to the world in record numbers. I am specifically burdened for the Teens
in our Youth group.
3. I am more burdened to make intercession for our Teens and pray for them
daily and by specific need in their lives. The Teens in our youth group need our
prayers. That may be the most important thing I can do for them. 1 Timothy 2:1
There is a real adversary out there who is roaming about seeking whom he may devour.(1Peter5:7) Folks we are engaged in a real spiritual warfare for our Country's youth. (Ephesians6: 10-12) I realize that this post may be a tad bit heavy and not at all to do with frugal living, but I am first and foremost a Christian. My relationship with the Lord is the number one priority in my life. You might ask, what about your husband and child? If my relationship with the Lord is first and right, then all other relationships in my life will be o.k. Don't misunderstand me, they won't be perfect. They will be how the Lord has chosen them to be for me. I have had seasons in my life when my relationships were difficult. We as women carry many relationship roles, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, church member etc....... yet when I was having the most difficulty, I was also struggling with my walk with the Lord. I am so thankful His mercy is renewed every morning. Great is Thy Faithfulness!!!!!!!!
On a lighter note: I went grocery shopping yesterday (the first time in 3 weeks) and did awesome. My subtotal was $210.28, after advantage card and coupons(which are doubled up to $1)I paid $74.79!!! A total savings of $139.77 Actually a little more since I have a $5.00 rebate to send in for Pert shampoo. Praise the Lord!!
I am looking forward to regular blogging and some great frugal tips. Also stay tuned for some great fall recipes. I pray you are all having a fun, safe and frugal summer!!!! Michelle
Friday, August 1, 2008
Update
Many of you may have thought I had fallen off the face of the earth. Not so .......It has just been incredibly busy around here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those of you praying for our friends son Elijah, thank you. It has been almost 10 days, and Elijah has had no new seizure activity. Glory to God!!! I am grateful to all of you that may have lifted him to the throne of grace.
VBS was a great Spirit filled week! We had 99 children come thru our VBS this year, with many children coming to know Christ as their Saviour. We even had the parent of one of our children accept Christ as her personal Saviour. God truly blessed our efforts of this Vacation Bible School. Elijah's Dad was the director of VBS and he had to miss two days. Everybody pitched in, did their role and then some. Our son was the puppet this year and he did a great job. My husband was in many of the skits. It was a profitable week for the kingdom of heaven. I myself was saved at a VBS when I was 7. Never underestimate a child coming to know Christ as their Saviour.
Teen camp. Headed out to Butler, Penn. Monday August 4th. Pray for me!!! We are headed to camp with a group of 18 from our church. My husband and I have been praying that the Holy Spirit will do a great work this week in the youth of our Church. We have also been praying He will do a great work in us!!!! I am excited for camp and the opportunity to spend the week with the Teens that attend our Church. We have some of the greatest Teens in the world!
My Husbands birthday is today. I want to Praise the Lord and thank Him for the husband He gave to me. While he is not perfect (pretty close) He is absolutely perfect for me:)!!
As you can see my family serves in several ministries of our Church. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to serve as a family. I feel privileged to serve beside my Husband as God is working in his life and heart everyday. I feel privileged that God has so clearly shown me my role as help meet to my husband, though I fail him daily. At times life gets very busy and there are days I get weary and heavy burdened. Those are almost always the days I have not sought the Lord as I should have. God has never failed me, though daily I have failed him. I am thankful I have been saved to serve. I have been bought with a price and I am so thankful He is made perfect in my weakness.
I pray you are all having a great summer. I am looking forward to a new school year, (we have a freshman this year) and how the Lord will lead us in choosing our curriculum. After camp, I will be continuing on my "Coming Home Series". I am very excited to continue to share with you all how the Lord worked in our lives. It truly is, by His grace and for His glory!
Have a blessed week!! Michelle
For those of you praying for our friends son Elijah, thank you. It has been almost 10 days, and Elijah has had no new seizure activity. Glory to God!!! I am grateful to all of you that may have lifted him to the throne of grace.
VBS was a great Spirit filled week! We had 99 children come thru our VBS this year, with many children coming to know Christ as their Saviour. We even had the parent of one of our children accept Christ as her personal Saviour. God truly blessed our efforts of this Vacation Bible School. Elijah's Dad was the director of VBS and he had to miss two days. Everybody pitched in, did their role and then some. Our son was the puppet this year and he did a great job. My husband was in many of the skits. It was a profitable week for the kingdom of heaven. I myself was saved at a VBS when I was 7. Never underestimate a child coming to know Christ as their Saviour.
Teen camp. Headed out to Butler, Penn. Monday August 4th. Pray for me!!! We are headed to camp with a group of 18 from our church. My husband and I have been praying that the Holy Spirit will do a great work this week in the youth of our Church. We have also been praying He will do a great work in us!!!! I am excited for camp and the opportunity to spend the week with the Teens that attend our Church. We have some of the greatest Teens in the world!
My Husbands birthday is today. I want to Praise the Lord and thank Him for the husband He gave to me. While he is not perfect (pretty close) He is absolutely perfect for me:)!!
As you can see my family serves in several ministries of our Church. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to serve as a family. I feel privileged to serve beside my Husband as God is working in his life and heart everyday. I feel privileged that God has so clearly shown me my role as help meet to my husband, though I fail him daily. At times life gets very busy and there are days I get weary and heavy burdened. Those are almost always the days I have not sought the Lord as I should have. God has never failed me, though daily I have failed him. I am thankful I have been saved to serve. I have been bought with a price and I am so thankful He is made perfect in my weakness.
I pray you are all having a great summer. I am looking forward to a new school year, (we have a freshman this year) and how the Lord will lead us in choosing our curriculum. After camp, I will be continuing on my "Coming Home Series". I am very excited to continue to share with you all how the Lord worked in our lives. It truly is, by His grace and for His glory!
Have a blessed week!! Michelle
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Dear Friends,
I apologize for my delay in posting. As a newbie to the blog sphere, I want to uphold the etiquette of blogging, which would seem to me to be posting on a regular basis. I have only been blogging for a short time and have had to take a posting hiatus twice now.
However, this is a hobby. A way for me to share my thoughts and hearts with some folks who may feel the same as I do. But when life gets to busy, while in our home, hobbies are the first to go.
Some very dear friends of ours, have a son who is Autistic. It appears this past week that Elijah has developed a seizure disorder. He had his first episode after Wed night Bible study this past week. He was brought to the hospital and several tests were run. All tests were negative and the Dr.'s shared with his parents that this may have been an isolated incident and Elijah might not ever have another seizure again. Apparently that is not the case.
Yesterday on his way home from school (He attends a special program for children with Autism) he was found to be unresponsive on the school bus.He is still in the hospital tonight and the Dr.'s are still unclear as to what may be wrong. We have their other two children staying with us and are caring for the house and their pets. Oh and did I mention we are in the middle of VBS this week! Oh and did I mention we are leaving for Teen camp in approx 10 days!! Life..... it sure does get busy.
I would ask that you might pray for our bestest friends, Mike and Wanda. Please pray that the Lord will give them the peace that passeth all understanding. I am currently mulling around a post in my head on all the spiritual lessons Elijah has taught me. Stay tuned, I promise I will get more regular with this posting thing.
To the few readers I have acquired, I pray all is going well for you, and you are continuing to seek and learn of the frugal life style. I pray the Lord will continue to guide you in this process.
I am still praying for you! Michelle
I apologize for my delay in posting. As a newbie to the blog sphere, I want to uphold the etiquette of blogging, which would seem to me to be posting on a regular basis. I have only been blogging for a short time and have had to take a posting hiatus twice now.
However, this is a hobby. A way for me to share my thoughts and hearts with some folks who may feel the same as I do. But when life gets to busy, while in our home, hobbies are the first to go.
Some very dear friends of ours, have a son who is Autistic. It appears this past week that Elijah has developed a seizure disorder. He had his first episode after Wed night Bible study this past week. He was brought to the hospital and several tests were run. All tests were negative and the Dr.'s shared with his parents that this may have been an isolated incident and Elijah might not ever have another seizure again. Apparently that is not the case.
Yesterday on his way home from school (He attends a special program for children with Autism) he was found to be unresponsive on the school bus.He is still in the hospital tonight and the Dr.'s are still unclear as to what may be wrong. We have their other two children staying with us and are caring for the house and their pets. Oh and did I mention we are in the middle of VBS this week! Oh and did I mention we are leaving for Teen camp in approx 10 days!! Life..... it sure does get busy.
I would ask that you might pray for our bestest friends, Mike and Wanda. Please pray that the Lord will give them the peace that passeth all understanding. I am currently mulling around a post in my head on all the spiritual lessons Elijah has taught me. Stay tuned, I promise I will get more regular with this posting thing.
To the few readers I have acquired, I pray all is going well for you, and you are continuing to seek and learn of the frugal life style. I pray the Lord will continue to guide you in this process.
I am still praying for you! Michelle
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Coming Home Series/ Week 3
In the last post, I shared that we would be discussing more nuts and bolts this week of the actual reduction in my income. As I shared with you it was approx a 4 year process. The first thing we did, was change from full-time to part time status. That meant that we switched our health insurance to my husbands company. It was slightly more expensive for him to carry the health insurance, but we knew I would eventually be leaving my position, so we thought it best to change while I was still working part-time.
The second thing that changed for us was my life insurance. I was able to carry a large life insurance policy, for just pennies a month. However it was only in effect if I worked full-time. This is an area where faith had to step in. The Bible says "But without faith it is impossible to please him:" (Hebrews 11:6) I was without life insurance for about 2 years. We prayed and left it in the Lord's hands. We were learning that our provision comes from the Lord, not our jobs. God could have us change jobs or even lose our jobs, but our provision came from Him. When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God provided manna for them daily. Not weekly, not monthly. Not semi-annually. Daily. They didn't have a 401k, they didn't have a pension or money market fund, they didn't have American Express or MasterCard to meet their needs. They had the Lord and He met their needs daily. God has never failed to meet our daily needs. Just recently my husband was able to acquire life insurance for me through his company. It fits within our budget, and it would replace the small amount of money that I make, should the Lord call me home.
The third thing that changed is we started to live (our living expenses) on less than we made. This was the really tough one. We attempted to evaluate every area of our budget. We canceled our cell phones. (Average mo. savings$130-150) We reviewed our car insurance policy(made some changes, savings 200.00 year) We went down to one vehicle. We sold my husbands car which was paid off and that further reduced the cost of our car insurance. We stopped eating out (huge savings, I don't have exact totals but on average $50-75/mo -sometimes more).
You might be thinking those things seem drastic. They were, even to us. Remember in my first post I shared that I was seeking God desperately. Desperate people do desperate things. I wanted to be home with my family and I knew God would do His part, but we must do ours. It is just like the Salvation the Lord graciously gave me, God gave it to me but I had to do my part first, I had to ask. There were many more things that we evaluated and started to save on. Hair care, grocery budget etc.. What I really want to share in this post with you, is to start really investigating where your money goes. I made good money but I spent good money. Most of the purchases I made were desires and wants, not needs. I don't want you to think we live in a cardboard box. No the Lord provided us a beautiful home. We drive a nice vehicle. We wear nice clothes. But we have a different purpose and we do not in any way shape or form attempt to keep up with the "Joneses." See the "Joneses" are used by the master deceiver, he tricks you into being discontent, he places the thought that you don't have what others have and you deserve to.
My Husband and I are completely content that we have what God has seen fit to give us. He is better to us than we deserve. I am home because of God's grace and we chose to make some big changes.
I have many post ideas mulling around in my head. I can not begin to share, truly, what a privileged it is to be home. So many things, but mostly absolute peace and contentment. I will be sharing in a future post how much our marriage was strengthened, when my husband became the full-time bread winner!!
Until then, I pray I have been an encouragement to you. I am praying for you.
Have a blessed day! Michelle
The second thing that changed for us was my life insurance. I was able to carry a large life insurance policy, for just pennies a month. However it was only in effect if I worked full-time. This is an area where faith had to step in. The Bible says "But without faith it is impossible to please him:" (Hebrews 11:6) I was without life insurance for about 2 years. We prayed and left it in the Lord's hands. We were learning that our provision comes from the Lord, not our jobs. God could have us change jobs or even lose our jobs, but our provision came from Him. When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God provided manna for them daily. Not weekly, not monthly. Not semi-annually. Daily. They didn't have a 401k, they didn't have a pension or money market fund, they didn't have American Express or MasterCard to meet their needs. They had the Lord and He met their needs daily. God has never failed to meet our daily needs. Just recently my husband was able to acquire life insurance for me through his company. It fits within our budget, and it would replace the small amount of money that I make, should the Lord call me home.
The third thing that changed is we started to live (our living expenses) on less than we made. This was the really tough one. We attempted to evaluate every area of our budget. We canceled our cell phones. (Average mo. savings$130-150) We reviewed our car insurance policy(made some changes, savings 200.00 year) We went down to one vehicle. We sold my husbands car which was paid off and that further reduced the cost of our car insurance. We stopped eating out (huge savings, I don't have exact totals but on average $50-75/mo -sometimes more).
You might be thinking those things seem drastic. They were, even to us. Remember in my first post I shared that I was seeking God desperately. Desperate people do desperate things. I wanted to be home with my family and I knew God would do His part, but we must do ours. It is just like the Salvation the Lord graciously gave me, God gave it to me but I had to do my part first, I had to ask. There were many more things that we evaluated and started to save on. Hair care, grocery budget etc.. What I really want to share in this post with you, is to start really investigating where your money goes. I made good money but I spent good money. Most of the purchases I made were desires and wants, not needs. I don't want you to think we live in a cardboard box. No the Lord provided us a beautiful home. We drive a nice vehicle. We wear nice clothes. But we have a different purpose and we do not in any way shape or form attempt to keep up with the "Joneses." See the "Joneses" are used by the master deceiver, he tricks you into being discontent, he places the thought that you don't have what others have and you deserve to.
My Husband and I are completely content that we have what God has seen fit to give us. He is better to us than we deserve. I am home because of God's grace and we chose to make some big changes.
I have many post ideas mulling around in my head. I can not begin to share, truly, what a privileged it is to be home. So many things, but mostly absolute peace and contentment. I will be sharing in a future post how much our marriage was strengthened, when my husband became the full-time bread winner!!
Until then, I pray I have been an encouragement to you. I am praying for you.
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Today's Frugal Tip
Todays Frugal Tip is one of time mgmt. One of the most precious resources we have is time, and it is valuable. I am always looking for ways to streamline and be more efficient. As a critical care nurse I became a very efficient multi-tasker. In fact this is an area I often need to bring into subjection or I could multi-task myself to death!!!
My pet peeve is cleaning the bathrooms. I usually completely clean the bathrooms on Monday. I find after a busy weekend, the bathrooms are in desperate need of attention. So on Sunday night after everyone is done using the bathroom, I put bleach in the toilet, bathtub, and sink. I usually take the bath mat, turn it right side up and fill the tub with bleach and hot water, about half full. Same with the sink. While I am sleeping the bleach is doing its job (I love bleach!!!!!) and when I get up in the morning the bathroom is half cleaned!
I will definitely be posting about bleach in the future. I love the stuff. I have been known to be a little zealous in the past and almost asphyxiate myself, but all in all ,I still love the stuff. I am kinda a germ fanatic, and bleach kills them all!! I really was normal until I took microbiology in College. Yikes!!!! I learned more about microbes than I ever really needed to know. All my friends know how much I love bleach and you wanta know the beauty, the stuff is cheap! God is so good to me.
Have a blessed day! Michelle
My pet peeve is cleaning the bathrooms. I usually completely clean the bathrooms on Monday. I find after a busy weekend, the bathrooms are in desperate need of attention. So on Sunday night after everyone is done using the bathroom, I put bleach in the toilet, bathtub, and sink. I usually take the bath mat, turn it right side up and fill the tub with bleach and hot water, about half full. Same with the sink. While I am sleeping the bleach is doing its job (I love bleach!!!!!) and when I get up in the morning the bathroom is half cleaned!
I will definitely be posting about bleach in the future. I love the stuff. I have been known to be a little zealous in the past and almost asphyxiate myself, but all in all ,I still love the stuff. I am kinda a germ fanatic, and bleach kills them all!! I really was normal until I took microbiology in College. Yikes!!!! I learned more about microbes than I ever really needed to know. All my friends know how much I love bleach and you wanta know the beauty, the stuff is cheap! God is so good to me.
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Todays Frugal Tip
I love Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First and foremost it is the celebration of the birth of my Saviour!! I also love Christmas well... for everything else. To me there is something spectacular about the first snowfall. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the quiet evenings in front of our fireplace with my family, watching It's A Wonderful Life. (This past year my son, Trevor bought me the color version!!!!)
I love the special visits with family and friends. I love giving presents to people. O.K. your probably wondering if your reading a Hallmark card and where's the frugal tip. Drum roll please...................................... Start planning your Christmas in July! Yes I'm serious. First, there are some great sales around this time. www.Chrisitanbookdistributors.com is currently having their Christmas in July sale. They have some beautiful Christmas cards for $1.99/box. I will definitely be getting some of those. Secondly don't forget about garage sales. They are plentiful at this time of year in Upstate NY. You can find some wonderful unique Christmas gifts at garage sales. Just remember to start a list or find a location for your goods, so as not to forget them at Christmas. Also resist the urge to give them early. We have some very dear friends who are very generous to us. Our friend Mike will find some great gifts for my Hubby on Ebay, but He always gives them to Him before Christmas.
Thirdly, start planning to set aside some money now, for extra purchases you know you will make at Christmas time. $5.00-$10.00 a week, will make a nice nest egg at Christmas.
Above all remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Have a blessed Day! Michelle
First and foremost it is the celebration of the birth of my Saviour!! I also love Christmas well... for everything else. To me there is something spectacular about the first snowfall. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the quiet evenings in front of our fireplace with my family, watching It's A Wonderful Life. (This past year my son, Trevor bought me the color version!!!!)
I love the special visits with family and friends. I love giving presents to people. O.K. your probably wondering if your reading a Hallmark card and where's the frugal tip. Drum roll please...................................... Start planning your Christmas in July! Yes I'm serious. First, there are some great sales around this time. www.Chrisitanbookdistributors.com is currently having their Christmas in July sale. They have some beautiful Christmas cards for $1.99/box. I will definitely be getting some of those. Secondly don't forget about garage sales. They are plentiful at this time of year in Upstate NY. You can find some wonderful unique Christmas gifts at garage sales. Just remember to start a list or find a location for your goods, so as not to forget them at Christmas. Also resist the urge to give them early. We have some very dear friends who are very generous to us. Our friend Mike will find some great gifts for my Hubby on Ebay, but He always gives them to Him before Christmas.
Thirdly, start planning to set aside some money now, for extra purchases you know you will make at Christmas time. $5.00-$10.00 a week, will make a nice nest egg at Christmas.
Above all remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Have a blessed Day! Michelle
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Todays Frugal Tip
O.K. remember the watering down of the juice tip, while here it is........... I do the same thing with my fabric softener. I find fabric softener very concentrated and well not cheap. During the summer I use my clothes line and the clothes are quite stiff without it. During the winter I do use my dryer some and my drying rack, but we have a lot of static cling without the softener. So to make it last longer I did the same thing as with the juice. At first I took out just about 1/4 of the softener. Then I kept adjusting the amount. Now I dump out half into a bottle I saved and fill that with water as well as the remaining bottle with water. TaDa....... 2 bottles of fabric softener for the price of one. Bought with a coupon of course, on sale. Pennies per load. Praise the Lord!!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Coming Home Series/ Week 2
I hope you all had a great Fourth of July!!! My family sure did. My honey was home and was paid to spend the day with me!! I couldn't post without mentioning the greatness of the United States of America.
My grandfather was a Sgt in World War One and World War Two. He instilled patriotism in us from a very early age. My grandfather was asked to be the Grand Marshall in many local parades. I still remember how tears would well in his eyes as He watched the American Flag march by. One of the unique things about my grandfather was he survived the pandemic flu of 1918. He was in a hospital in Europe, at the age of 18, in a coma for nearly a week. That flu took the lives of millions of soldiers. I recently read that particular strain of flu killed over 20 billion people world wide. He survived a devastating pandemic flu, fought in 2 World Wars and lived well into his seventies. Yep my grandad was quite a man. Thank you gramp!
We live in the greatest country on earth!! It is because of the freedoms we posses that I sit here and write this story. To all you service men and women and their families, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOMS OF OUR HEARTS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!! We realize that freedom isn't free and we are grateful for your protection of this great land!
Onto our Series............week 2
As we talked in the first series, I was a full-time working mama, with a desire to be home. It is my belief that God placed that desire in my heart as that is what He created me to be. (Titus 2:5 ) Although I truly wanted to be home, our financial picture was grim to say the least. We had incur ed a fair amount of credit card debit (o.k. a large amt. of cc debit) and had made many poor financial decisions. While we did not take grand vacations every year, we did not own a boat, and neither of us enjoyed expensive hobbies, we made poor (daily living expenses) choices. Fast food- remember I was working 50+ hours a week. Convenience was the name of the game. Grocery bills (there was little time to cut coupons and shop) Two cars, we both needed to get to work. Clothing-well there was no time to consignment shop. I justified the credit card purchases at JC Pennys, Bonton etc., because I was working hard and well I deserved it. This is America. The land of opportunity. The Devil is still in the business of deceiving.
I had a case of stinkin thinkin. While I pondered in my heart about leaving my job, the situation looked impossible. Absolutely impossible. Then something life changing started happening for me. I started reading and studying the word of God. God clearly showed me through His word that "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke1 :37 KJV (Emphasis mine) I held onto the word nothing in that verse. Could God possibly work a miracle in our financial situation? Did God really care what happened in my life? Was a Mothers place really in the home ? I say a resounding AMEN to everyone of the aforementioned questions. God did care and in time (His time) He showed my husband and I the way. No money did not fall from the sky like manna. We did not come into a large inheritance. No we didn't find a bag of money on our doorstep. No God knew how weak we were. God knew if He gave us a pile of money, it would ruin us spiritually. Now I am not saying that if you have been blessed of the Lord financially that you are spiritually ruined. What I am saying is God knew "us." It would be through developing a deep spiritual walk with the Lord that He would reveal to us His will and plan for me to come home. I started seeking the Lord with a passion. God speaks to us through His word, we speak to Him through prayer. I started doing both desperately. The very first changes that we started making was literally feasting off the Word of God.
If you are desiring to return from the workforce and regain your role as homemaker, I promise that if you diligently seek the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind He will show you the way. It may not be in your time, but His. It may not be the way you plan, but the way He plans, all for the purpose of bringing Glory to His name.
It took aprrox. 4 years for me to leave my job. I still work during the summer as a perdiem employee. The Lord has allowed me to make a very good hourly wage. I do not hold a position. I receive no benefits from my employer. I am considered a casual or perdiem employee. Full-time homemaking is my number one priority after being a wife and mother. My husband and son are my home, not the dwelling we inhabitate. My son is almost 14 now and I work on the average of 2-3 shifts per month. Sometimes more in the summer if our schedule allows. There are some months I don't work at all. I make a small amt of money to help to continue to pay down that mountain of debt. Yes we are still paying that off, but we only have 3 more credit cards to go. (We started out with about 10) God has been so faithful to us!!
I won't tell you that it has been easy. I won't tell you that it has not been without sacrifice. I won't tell you that it has not been without temptation to abandon this lifestyle and live on the salary we previously made. However I will tell you it has been worth every trial and I would do it all again. I love being the Keeper of my Home and I have never been so completely full filled. It is my prayer that I have been an encouragement to you. I am praying for you. Blessings, Michelle
The next post will contain info on health insurance, life insurance and more nuts and bolts of the actual reduction of our income. Stay tuned.....
My grandfather was a Sgt in World War One and World War Two. He instilled patriotism in us from a very early age. My grandfather was asked to be the Grand Marshall in many local parades. I still remember how tears would well in his eyes as He watched the American Flag march by. One of the unique things about my grandfather was he survived the pandemic flu of 1918. He was in a hospital in Europe, at the age of 18, in a coma for nearly a week. That flu took the lives of millions of soldiers. I recently read that particular strain of flu killed over 20 billion people world wide. He survived a devastating pandemic flu, fought in 2 World Wars and lived well into his seventies. Yep my grandad was quite a man. Thank you gramp!
We live in the greatest country on earth!! It is because of the freedoms we posses that I sit here and write this story. To all you service men and women and their families, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOMS OF OUR HEARTS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!! We realize that freedom isn't free and we are grateful for your protection of this great land!
Onto our Series............week 2
As we talked in the first series, I was a full-time working mama, with a desire to be home. It is my belief that God placed that desire in my heart as that is what He created me to be. (Titus 2:5 ) Although I truly wanted to be home, our financial picture was grim to say the least. We had incur ed a fair amount of credit card debit (o.k. a large amt. of cc debit) and had made many poor financial decisions. While we did not take grand vacations every year, we did not own a boat, and neither of us enjoyed expensive hobbies, we made poor (daily living expenses) choices. Fast food- remember I was working 50+ hours a week. Convenience was the name of the game. Grocery bills (there was little time to cut coupons and shop) Two cars, we both needed to get to work. Clothing-well there was no time to consignment shop. I justified the credit card purchases at JC Pennys, Bonton etc., because I was working hard and well I deserved it. This is America. The land of opportunity. The Devil is still in the business of deceiving.
I had a case of stinkin thinkin. While I pondered in my heart about leaving my job, the situation looked impossible. Absolutely impossible. Then something life changing started happening for me. I started reading and studying the word of God. God clearly showed me through His word that "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke1 :37 KJV (Emphasis mine) I held onto the word nothing in that verse. Could God possibly work a miracle in our financial situation? Did God really care what happened in my life? Was a Mothers place really in the home ? I say a resounding AMEN to everyone of the aforementioned questions. God did care and in time (His time) He showed my husband and I the way. No money did not fall from the sky like manna. We did not come into a large inheritance. No we didn't find a bag of money on our doorstep. No God knew how weak we were. God knew if He gave us a pile of money, it would ruin us spiritually. Now I am not saying that if you have been blessed of the Lord financially that you are spiritually ruined. What I am saying is God knew "us." It would be through developing a deep spiritual walk with the Lord that He would reveal to us His will and plan for me to come home. I started seeking the Lord with a passion. God speaks to us through His word, we speak to Him through prayer. I started doing both desperately. The very first changes that we started making was literally feasting off the Word of God.
If you are desiring to return from the workforce and regain your role as homemaker, I promise that if you diligently seek the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind He will show you the way. It may not be in your time, but His. It may not be the way you plan, but the way He plans, all for the purpose of bringing Glory to His name.
It took aprrox. 4 years for me to leave my job. I still work during the summer as a perdiem employee. The Lord has allowed me to make a very good hourly wage. I do not hold a position. I receive no benefits from my employer. I am considered a casual or perdiem employee. Full-time homemaking is my number one priority after being a wife and mother. My husband and son are my home, not the dwelling we inhabitate. My son is almost 14 now and I work on the average of 2-3 shifts per month. Sometimes more in the summer if our schedule allows. There are some months I don't work at all. I make a small amt of money to help to continue to pay down that mountain of debt. Yes we are still paying that off, but we only have 3 more credit cards to go. (We started out with about 10) God has been so faithful to us!!
I won't tell you that it has been easy. I won't tell you that it has not been without sacrifice. I won't tell you that it has not been without temptation to abandon this lifestyle and live on the salary we previously made. However I will tell you it has been worth every trial and I would do it all again. I love being the Keeper of my Home and I have never been so completely full filled. It is my prayer that I have been an encouragement to you. I am praying for you. Blessings, Michelle
The next post will contain info on health insurance, life insurance and more nuts and bolts of the actual reduction of our income. Stay tuned.....
Thursday, July 10, 2008
One more Day
This is the last night my Pastors children will be staying with us. It has been a very busy week:)
Things are going great, but my energy ...........well it's just about gone. The addition of 2 children ages 5&7, a black lab and a gold fish( things didn't go so well with the goldfish "peaches " we are off to buy a new goldfish tomorrow) life has been a bit crazy at our house. I am eager to get back to posting and sharing my "Frugal tip of the day" with you all. I will confess, I am a creature of habit and I like, well love routine. I am really looking forward to getting back to "normal" around here.
I managed to get my grocery shopping done this week, but was shocked at how much the price of food has gone up. I am a major coupon Queen and have been couponing now for well over 10 years. There are some excellent Internet resources out there for beginners and my personal favorite is www.moneysavingmom.com I will be posting deals that I find specific to upstate NY, but why create the wheel when Crystal does such an excellent job. Even with coupons, lost leader sales, and a well prepared list, my bill was approx $15.00 more for the same food than it was a month ago. Folks, even people who aren't frugal by nature are going to have to jump on the wagon with the way prices are rising. I am so glad the Lord has guided me to this frugal lifestyle and given me a heart of contentment.
It is quiet here. The boys, my son, both dogs and my sweet hubby are all asleep. I am relishing in the quiet of it all, and thankful the Lord has used my family and I to be a blessing to our Preacher and His wife. Please stay tuned for the next post in the Coming Home series...... Until then, Have a blessed day! Michelle
Things are going great, but my energy ...........well it's just about gone. The addition of 2 children ages 5&7, a black lab and a gold fish( things didn't go so well with the goldfish "peaches " we are off to buy a new goldfish tomorrow) life has been a bit crazy at our house. I am eager to get back to posting and sharing my "Frugal tip of the day" with you all. I will confess, I am a creature of habit and I like, well love routine. I am really looking forward to getting back to "normal" around here.
I managed to get my grocery shopping done this week, but was shocked at how much the price of food has gone up. I am a major coupon Queen and have been couponing now for well over 10 years. There are some excellent Internet resources out there for beginners and my personal favorite is www.moneysavingmom.com I will be posting deals that I find specific to upstate NY, but why create the wheel when Crystal does such an excellent job. Even with coupons, lost leader sales, and a well prepared list, my bill was approx $15.00 more for the same food than it was a month ago. Folks, even people who aren't frugal by nature are going to have to jump on the wagon with the way prices are rising. I am so glad the Lord has guided me to this frugal lifestyle and given me a heart of contentment.
It is quiet here. The boys, my son, both dogs and my sweet hubby are all asleep. I am relishing in the quiet of it all, and thankful the Lord has used my family and I to be a blessing to our Preacher and His wife. Please stay tuned for the next post in the Coming Home series...... Until then, Have a blessed day! Michelle
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A Short Break
Dear Friends,
I know the second in the series " Coming Home" is due out tonight. As a new blogger it takes me a fair amount of time to post. I also, by the title of my blog, want to always post to the glory of God. With that said, for the next few days Our Pastors children, dog and goldfish are staying with us. Our Pastor and his wife have taken our Juniors to Bible camp. As you may guess, my schedule is full and I don't have time to blog. I promise though I will get the second post out very soon. It is started and I am so excited to continue with this series.
I pray you all had a wonderful Fourth of July!!
P.S. Here in Northern NY , the corn is knee high. My grandfather used to say corn has to be knee high by the fourth of July, for a good crop. Looks like we made it!!!!
Michelle
I know the second in the series " Coming Home" is due out tonight. As a new blogger it takes me a fair amount of time to post. I also, by the title of my blog, want to always post to the glory of God. With that said, for the next few days Our Pastors children, dog and goldfish are staying with us. Our Pastor and his wife have taken our Juniors to Bible camp. As you may guess, my schedule is full and I don't have time to blog. I promise though I will get the second post out very soon. It is started and I am so excited to continue with this series.
I pray you all had a wonderful Fourth of July!!
P.S. Here in Northern NY , the corn is knee high. My grandfather used to say corn has to be knee high by the fourth of July, for a good crop. Looks like we made it!!!!
Michelle
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Todays Frugal Tip
Cold Water Wash. I know this has been discussed at length in the blogsphere, and for some has not worked out so well. However for me, it has worked fine and saved my family a ton of money. The two things I do that I believe make a difference are; #1 I pretreat with a name brand spot remover. Shout or Spray-n-Wash. Those are the two I use the most. I always buy it when it is on sale, and of course with a coupon! I usually pay no more than .50-.75 cents a bottle. #2.I use a name brand laundry detergent. I have tried the lesser expensive brands and found that they do not work well for me in cold water washing. Now, you might be saying. brand name is to expensive. My reply, not so if bought on sale and with a coupon!! I have made a rule for myself that my limit to pay for laundry detergent is no more than $2.00/bottle. The brands that I use are; Whisk, All, & Cheer. I have found that Tide, even on sale and with a coupon is to pricey for me. I really do like Tide and have used it in the past. but at this point it is not in my budget? Today, I would love to hear from you all with any great cold water washing tips. As always, have a blessed day! Michelle
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Todays Frugal Tip
I absolutely love my Swifter. However the replacement pads are expensive, even with coupons. I have on occasion, splurged and gotten them on sale with a coupon. We have hard wood floors in our home and dust bunnies multiply like mice around here. So frugal tip #1. If you are using the swifter dust cloths, use one side and then when completely used, turn over and use the other side! I have easily gotten over 2 months use out of one cloth doing this. Frugal tip #2. If you are to frugal to buy them even on sale and with a coupon(which is where I am at now) use a rag. I use old wash cloths. They fit perfect. I use one side, shake off the little critters, turn it over and use the other side. When I have 2-3 to wash, I wash them and put them on my drying rack:)
Sometimes when I'm chasing those little bunnies under the bed, I will spray the rag with a little pledge and that works even better!!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
P.S. Stay tuned for week 2 in the Coming Home series!
Sometimes when I'm chasing those little bunnies under the bed, I will spray the rag with a little pledge and that works even better!!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
P.S. Stay tuned for week 2 in the Coming Home series!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Todays Frugal Tip
I happen to have a Son who loves juice. We drink water, but if there is juice in the fridge that's His first choice. So in an attempt to save money, I started watering down the juice. It has been well over a year now and He has never mentioned it one time. In fact I am sure He is unaware. (Lets hope He doesn't read this post)
At first I only replaced about 1/4 of the juice with water. Then I progressed from there. (sneaky of me wasn't it:) Now when I purchase juice which is usually 1-2 bottles every week, I place 1/2 of the bottle of juice in a pitcher and fill with water. Then I take the bottle which is half full of juice and fill that with water. So I have doubled the amount!
Also there are a lot of calories in most juices and this also reduces the amount of calories consumed. I almost always only purchase juice if I have a coupon. I have on a rare occasions purchased juice if it is an incredible deal. If there are no coupons, no juice. Since this is a favorite of my Son's I try and score great deals when I see them!
I shared this tip with my girlfriend Wanda, whose son is also an avid juice drinker. At first she was quite skeptical but I urged her to try it. She did and her son has never noticed a difference!Hopefully these kids don't start reading this blog or were busted!!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
At first I only replaced about 1/4 of the juice with water. Then I progressed from there. (sneaky of me wasn't it:) Now when I purchase juice which is usually 1-2 bottles every week, I place 1/2 of the bottle of juice in a pitcher and fill with water. Then I take the bottle which is half full of juice and fill that with water. So I have doubled the amount!
Also there are a lot of calories in most juices and this also reduces the amount of calories consumed. I almost always only purchase juice if I have a coupon. I have on a rare occasions purchased juice if it is an incredible deal. If there are no coupons, no juice. Since this is a favorite of my Son's I try and score great deals when I see them!
I shared this tip with my girlfriend Wanda, whose son is also an avid juice drinker. At first she was quite skeptical but I urged her to try it. She did and her son has never noticed a difference!Hopefully these kids don't start reading this blog or were busted!!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Monday, June 30, 2008
Todays Frugal Tip
If using an onion in a recipe that does not require the entire onion, completely chop the whole thing anyway. Use a freezer bag (I use the quart size . My favorite brand is the Ziploc Double Guard which I buy with a coupon and obtain for free or pennies) and place the extra in the bag. Place in your freezer.There is no waste and when you need some onion for a recipe, it's chopped and ready for you. This is an excellent way to save time and money. I can't tell you how many times in the past I would wrap the leftover contents of an onion only to have it smell my fridge and find it when it no longer resembled a........onion. Anybody been there? I also do the same with green and red peppers.
When I started my quest of frugal living, with a very specific means to an end (reducing the amount of income that I brought into our budget) I became very aware of waste. Remember to be patient with yourself as you learn these new skills. No, chopping an onion and placing the leftovers in the freezer isn't going to change your financial picture overnight, but a snowman isn't built with a snowfake either. The little changes you start to make will eventually begin to make a difference. I'm living proof!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
When I started my quest of frugal living, with a very specific means to an end (reducing the amount of income that I brought into our budget) I became very aware of waste. Remember to be patient with yourself as you learn these new skills. No, chopping an onion and placing the leftovers in the freezer isn't going to change your financial picture overnight, but a snowman isn't built with a snowfake either. The little changes you start to make will eventually begin to make a difference. I'm living proof!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Coming Home Series/Week 1
The intent of this blog site is to help ladies that are currently working full-time outside their home, that have a true desire to return to full time homemaking, learn frugal steps and skills to help them obtain their hearts desire to come home.
I was a full-time working mama just a few short years ago. I am a critical care RN, certified in Radiology Nursing. I worked in a very busy Angiography suite in a hospital in upstate NY. I was one of 3 full-time nurses that rotated every 3rd weekend of call, and many late nights. For those of you wondering what Angiography nursing is, in short, it is taking pictures of specific blood vessels(in the heart, brain, liver etc.) through an arterial access site using contrast dye. Some of these patients are very ill and I was involved in more life threatening situations than I care to remember. I made excellent money and was well respected in my profession. But God had different plans.
While I was challenged in my job intellectually and there was rarely a dull day, I was discontent in my heart. I hated leaving my son at day care everyday. I remember picking him up late one afternoon only to have my beeper go off as soon as I pulled into our driveway. I had already worked 50+ hours that week. My husband was allready home from work, so I kissed my son goodbye, sent him in the house and drove back to the hospital. (After being paged we had 20min. to report to the hospital.) I remember crying all the way. I knew in my heart that day, that something had to change.
Backup a couple of months. My husband and I started attending Church a few months prior. I had gotten saved as a young girl in Vacation Bible School. I had lived for the Lord thru my early teen years but had fallen away. (That's another post) However God never fell away from me! Praise the Lord!!!! (Hebrews 13:5)
My husband had gotten saved through the church we started attending and we both started growing in the Lord! Although we both wanted me to be home at that point, we were in no position financially to make that kind of move!! At this point in my story, I want to make a statement and say, You absolutely cannot have it all!!! You cannot have a full-time career , maintain your home, rear your children, and be the helpmeet to your husband that God created you to be. It can not be done. Something or someone is sacrificed. And it is my firm belief according to scripture that God never intended it that way. Keeping a home, rearing children and being a helpmeet, is a full-time job, and then some. Many days I am more physically and emotionally drained than when I was working 60 hours a week, but in a much different way.
When I mention the above job description (Proverbs 31 woman) I in no way mean the worlds standard of maintaining your home(Martha Stewart style), rearing perfect children, (P.S. There are none!!) homeschooling the next Nobel prize winner (help us) and looking like you left the salon every time your hubby walks through the door. No, I am referring to doing the best you can to maintain a clean well ordered home, raising your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and loving the man God gave you like no other woman can!! I in myself can do none of the above, however I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(Phil 4:13 )
Dear friend if you are reading this and you are where I was a few years ago , longing to be at home with your family, please don't loose heart. It absolutely can be done!! The way it happened for my family may not be how it works for your family. Perserverance and hard work pay off! God always rewards obedience and diligence. God changed the desire of my heart but it did not happen overnight. It took thought, planning, prayer (lots of prayer) and Gods grace. I went from full-time to partime then to perdiem. I will share the in and outs in the upcoming posts. Stay tuned for more of the story................. But please know that while I don't know you, I am praying for you and want to be an encouragement to you. Our Country and society are in a desperate time morally and spiritually. I believe the influence of the right type of Mothers with a heart for God and home can change the fate of a nation!! 1 chronicles 7:14
Have a blessed day!! Michelle
Todays Frugal Tip: Start monitoring your garbage. I know this sounds crazy, but in the early stages of my quest to become frugal, I noted that for a family of 3 we had an insane amount of garbage. I really started paying attention to what I was throwing away. I asked myself these questions: 1. Could it be recycled? 2.Was there any other use for this item? 3.Was itcompletely empty?
We live in a society where everything is disposable. I knew if I could decrease the amount of garbage we had, I probably would be saving money. I was exactly right. Do you know whats in your garbage?
I was a full-time working mama just a few short years ago. I am a critical care RN, certified in Radiology Nursing. I worked in a very busy Angiography suite in a hospital in upstate NY. I was one of 3 full-time nurses that rotated every 3rd weekend of call, and many late nights. For those of you wondering what Angiography nursing is, in short, it is taking pictures of specific blood vessels(in the heart, brain, liver etc.) through an arterial access site using contrast dye. Some of these patients are very ill and I was involved in more life threatening situations than I care to remember. I made excellent money and was well respected in my profession. But God had different plans.
While I was challenged in my job intellectually and there was rarely a dull day, I was discontent in my heart. I hated leaving my son at day care everyday. I remember picking him up late one afternoon only to have my beeper go off as soon as I pulled into our driveway. I had already worked 50+ hours that week. My husband was allready home from work, so I kissed my son goodbye, sent him in the house and drove back to the hospital. (After being paged we had 20min. to report to the hospital.) I remember crying all the way. I knew in my heart that day, that something had to change.
Backup a couple of months. My husband and I started attending Church a few months prior. I had gotten saved as a young girl in Vacation Bible School. I had lived for the Lord thru my early teen years but had fallen away. (That's another post) However God never fell away from me! Praise the Lord!!!! (Hebrews 13:5)
My husband had gotten saved through the church we started attending and we both started growing in the Lord! Although we both wanted me to be home at that point, we were in no position financially to make that kind of move!! At this point in my story, I want to make a statement and say, You absolutely cannot have it all!!! You cannot have a full-time career , maintain your home, rear your children, and be the helpmeet to your husband that God created you to be. It can not be done. Something or someone is sacrificed. And it is my firm belief according to scripture that God never intended it that way. Keeping a home, rearing children and being a helpmeet, is a full-time job, and then some. Many days I am more physically and emotionally drained than when I was working 60 hours a week, but in a much different way.
When I mention the above job description (Proverbs 31 woman) I in no way mean the worlds standard of maintaining your home(Martha Stewart style), rearing perfect children, (P.S. There are none!!) homeschooling the next Nobel prize winner (help us) and looking like you left the salon every time your hubby walks through the door. No, I am referring to doing the best you can to maintain a clean well ordered home, raising your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and loving the man God gave you like no other woman can!! I in myself can do none of the above, however I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(Phil 4:13 )
Dear friend if you are reading this and you are where I was a few years ago , longing to be at home with your family, please don't loose heart. It absolutely can be done!! The way it happened for my family may not be how it works for your family. Perserverance and hard work pay off! God always rewards obedience and diligence. God changed the desire of my heart but it did not happen overnight. It took thought, planning, prayer (lots of prayer) and Gods grace. I went from full-time to partime then to perdiem. I will share the in and outs in the upcoming posts. Stay tuned for more of the story................. But please know that while I don't know you, I am praying for you and want to be an encouragement to you. Our Country and society are in a desperate time morally and spiritually. I believe the influence of the right type of Mothers with a heart for God and home can change the fate of a nation!! 1 chronicles 7:14
Have a blessed day!! Michelle
Todays Frugal Tip: Start monitoring your garbage. I know this sounds crazy, but in the early stages of my quest to become frugal, I noted that for a family of 3 we had an insane amount of garbage. I really started paying attention to what I was throwing away. I asked myself these questions: 1. Could it be recycled? 2.Was there any other use for this item? 3.Was itcompletely empty?
We live in a society where everything is disposable. I knew if I could decrease the amount of garbage we had, I probably would be saving money. I was exactly right. Do you know whats in your garbage?
Friday, June 27, 2008
Coming Home Series
I will be starting a series entitled Coming Home, within the next week or two. I have started the series and am praying over how God would have me tell my story.
The intent of this site is to help women working full-time outside their homes, to learn frugal tips and skills to enable them to return to their positions of Keeper at Home. Through Gods grace and lots of reading and the learning of new frugal skills, I have come home full-time. I also have an absolutely wonderful husband who has allowed me the privilege to keep his home and rear our child. God was so merciful to give me such a wonderful hubby!
It is my desire to help any lady obtain her hearts desire of becoming a fulltime keeper at home. It is the worlds desire to say it can't be done, but it can and with Victory! If even one lady is encouraged it will be worth it. Let's take back our influence and claim our position as Keepers of Our Homes!!
Please stay tuned for the first posting of this weekly series. It is by His grace and for His glory that I share my story with you.
Have a blessed weekend!! Michelle
Please Note; Throughout this series I will be posting a Frugal Tip of the Day, with great money and time saving ideas!!
The intent of this site is to help women working full-time outside their homes, to learn frugal tips and skills to enable them to return to their positions of Keeper at Home. Through Gods grace and lots of reading and the learning of new frugal skills, I have come home full-time. I also have an absolutely wonderful husband who has allowed me the privilege to keep his home and rear our child. God was so merciful to give me such a wonderful hubby!
It is my desire to help any lady obtain her hearts desire of becoming a fulltime keeper at home. It is the worlds desire to say it can't be done, but it can and with Victory! If even one lady is encouraged it will be worth it. Let's take back our influence and claim our position as Keepers of Our Homes!!
Please stay tuned for the first posting of this weekly series. It is by His grace and for His glory that I share my story with you.
Have a blessed weekend!! Michelle
Please Note; Throughout this series I will be posting a Frugal Tip of the Day, with great money and time saving ideas!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Simplicity of Strawberry Picking
Here in upstate New York, it is an absolutely heavenly day! A picture perfect day to be picking strawberries. That is exactly what some friends and I did this morning. We were on our way for our weekly grocery shopping trip ( we travel 44 mi round trip for double coupons. You ask is it worth it? You betcha!) when we saw a strawberry sign. We threw caution to the wind and followed the trail. At the end........ rows and rows of God kissed strawberry patches!!!! The aroma smelled so sweet that my mouth was watering before I got out of the car.
Picking strawberries this morning reminded me of sweet childhood memories. A simpler time when folks took time to smell the roses (or strawberries). I had a heart of gratitude for the farmer and his family that have stuck with producing food from the earth. While the strawberries were slightly more expensive than what I have been paying at Aldi , I was grateful to be supporting our local farmers and the berries were so red and so sweet................... YUMMO!
I was also praising the Lord for the goodness of His bounty. He is so good to me. So much more than I deserve!! I am looking forward to putting on my apron and making homemade strawberry shortcake for my family. With real whipped cream!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Picking strawberries this morning reminded me of sweet childhood memories. A simpler time when folks took time to smell the roses (or strawberries). I had a heart of gratitude for the farmer and his family that have stuck with producing food from the earth. While the strawberries were slightly more expensive than what I have been paying at Aldi , I was grateful to be supporting our local farmers and the berries were so red and so sweet................... YUMMO!
I was also praising the Lord for the goodness of His bounty. He is so good to me. So much more than I deserve!! I am looking forward to putting on my apron and making homemade strawberry shortcake for my family. With real whipped cream!
Have a blessed day! Michelle
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
By His Grace and for His Glory
Hi. My name is Michelle and I live in Northern New York. I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all My heart and soul and mind. I love all things frugal. I have been reading blogs for quite some time and have finally decided to give this thing a whirl!
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