My study
Free summer fun
My study
I discovered this website when deciding to study Pslams a little more in depth. I must say, I could probably spend the whole year studying this book. But I have decided that I am going to keep pressing forward without pausing too long just yet. After I complete reading through the bible cover to cover, i am going to read it again, though in a different order. The seeds are sprinkling right now and by the next time through, they will have begun to take a small root.
I think most people turn to Psalms when they are in need of prayer. Pslams covers praising God, affirming his that Christ is the Messiah, and there is a Psalm for every human emotion. I recently discovered through a study we are doing called Celebration of Discipline, about HOW to meditate. I guess I really never understood what it was. One of the suggested methods was to meditate on a specific scripture. The first thing that popped into my mind was Psalms. So in studying, I realized what a great way to study it, by finding the emotions that suit you at the time and meditate on it. I love the concept. No, that is not the only way to meditate of course, but a method that I love.
Therefore the book of Psalms can be used as a hymnal, prayer book, to strengthen your faith in Christ, and a guide to teach us how to live more Christ-like.
Free summer fun
I have been on a quest to find some things for the summer that will enable us to have A LOT of fun without breaking the budget! I was reading a blog and came across this. Looks like fun!! I am an out and about kind of person but I run out of ideas and also I am impatient so when it comes to planning things like this, I fall very, very short! I don't want to reinvent the wheel, so thankfully people plan these things and put them out there for people like me!! You may also be interested in free bowling and more free bowling. These are two different places so click on both. Check out Money Saving Mom too with her gigantor list!
Keep posting your summer ideas! You can comment here, on facebook, or email me at christinasawyer@rocketmail.com. Be ready!! Summer is here!!!!!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Muddy Buddy, thrifty ideas for summer and my experience in Pslams!
IN THIS BLOG:
Muddy Buddy
Some thrifty summer ideas!
My experience in Psalms
MUDDY BUDDY!!
Last weekend, my very good friend Emily and I did a race as partners. Mike went with his friend as a partner and all 4 of us did it. It was an approximately 7 mile run/bike. You either ran 3 legs and biked 2 legs of a total of 5 or visa versa. In between each leg you had to do an obstacle of some kind. There were climbing walls, a balance beam, you had to crawl under a cargo net, and then the last one was a GINORMOUS mud pit!! Yes, we voluntarily crawled through a mud pit...see pictures for a good laugh! I did the 3 runs 2 bikes. Emily did the 3 bikes 2 runs. We had an absolute blast doing it and did an awesome job! We finished it in 1 hour exactly. Mike and his partner did a little better in finishing in 47 min with a minor "couldn't find the bike" mishap! At one point, I rode off on someone else's bike that ALSO had an orange bandanna on it and had to come back to find ours! What are the chances??? We felt very good when we were done and had truly accomplished something great! BONDED IN MUD! As her husband so eloquently put it!
Thrifty summer ideas...
I have been trying to compile ideas for some time now on things to do for the summer. In considering that our gas prices may be sky rocketing, the ideas are needing to be creative! I go to a group on Mondays called ipray and this was our topic of discussion this week. We talked about ideas for learning, games, day trips and other such ideas. I have also been toying with the idea of doing a cooking day where people can team up together and cook in bulk to freeze! We have a membership to the Orlando Science Center which also gets us into the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, so when we carpool, this becomes a pretty good little event. We also talked about getting an "after 2" pass to the water parks, or weekday only. Turning these trips into a little treasure hunt makes it a bit of a learning experience. I also will be doing a children's literature list with Madi and will do either audio books or read with her then do the movie! There are also several theaters that do dollar movies during the summer. I am so looking forward to this as I plan on part-time home school for the summer until our Washington DC trip. I will be covering Washington DC with her throughout the summer from Cantering the Country. If you have any ideas, please feel free to post here or on FACEBOOK!
My experience in Psalms...
Psalms stopped me dead in my tracks. I decided, thanks to my small group from church, to do an in depth study on Psalms. I have gone here to do this. I will not be doing Proverbs until I have finished this and I can see it may take a while. I will probably do the dame for Proverbs. In my discussions with people about reading through the bible, I can only say that I am barely scratching the surface. There is so much to this book of life that reading it through once hardly enables me to hold up a conversation though it is planting seeds. I know that however I decide to read it next time, I will have a better grasp than I do this time! I am also able to recall things right now that enable me to discuss. I am feeling like my initial endeavor to read through the bible has become more like a new addition to my life. I do love delving deeper, but I plan on doing this again after I am finished.
Moments...
-Emily and I finishing Muddy Buddy together accomplishing our goal of crossing the finish line laughing!! (Though I think we far surpassed our own expectations!)
-Visiting with my aunt and uncle from New Jersey after they came to suprise my parents for the anniversary party!
-My recent gain in the number of hours I sleep at night!! YEAH!
-Madison reading to Mackenzie at bedtime!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
What happens when you CAN'T use coupons? and an unwelcomed intruder!
I know!! It sounds absurd. But it is true. I shopped yesterday without coupons. I had no choice. It was out of necessity that I shopped. So why was I so unplanned, you ask? Let me tell you my story.
As I sat here at my desk, planning my shopping trip, getting ready to clip and print my happy savings, when I hear a rustling to my left in the girls' bathroom. Sure that it was Mackenzie who was playing in her room, I giggled that she sounded like a snake slithering. (That is not an embellishment. I actually thought that.) As I turned my head toward the bathroom, there, on the floor, racing behind the toilet and toward Madison's room, was an intruder. A Black Racer Snake somehow found its way into our house. We still don't know how and we don't WANT to know when!!!) I screamed so loud I was sure I busted out the neighbor's windows, ran into Mackenzie's room, only to find she was actually IN the bathroom with the snake, now screaming herself. I stood there staring at her, completely frozen. Finally, I grabbed her, ran to my unfolded laundry pile, (I always have one of those handy), grabbed clothes for Mackenzie, who had on only a diaper, Madison, who was now screaming AND dressed up like a pirate, a diaper bag (not fully sure if it even had diapers in it), and keys and ran out the front door screaming for my neighbor. He searched but found nothing, so the girls and I headed out for the day. I would not be returning until the snake was GONE!!
Needless to say, I had to shop without my beloved coupons. We went to Walmart. I can trust their prices without coupons and I did manage to find everything I needed at or below what I would have paid with coupons, making my total $54 which is about what I aim for each week. My bags were stocked including 2 gallons milk and 2 extra large Ocean Spray juices, a super large Gatorade as well as some fruits and snacks, cheeses, breakfast stuff, and a few other odds and ends. It was reassuring that in times of TRADGEDY!!! there is an answer! Whew!
Oh, and Mike managed to find the snake in about 5 minutes flat, proudly coming out the front door holding it out like a lion with his kill! Not twenty seconds after, our other friendly little visitor that lives in our train set had the nerve to pop his head out as if to say, "Na, na, na, na, na, na...you didn't catch me!" But not for lack of trying. All our neighbors and Mike went after him, but the booger is still there. Needless to say, anyone who comes into our home better SHUT THE DOOR!!!!
If I may add to my moments...
-Mike walking out the front door holding up a very...VERY angry intruder! So proud of my manly man!!!
As I sat here at my desk, planning my shopping trip, getting ready to clip and print my happy savings, when I hear a rustling to my left in the girls' bathroom. Sure that it was Mackenzie who was playing in her room, I giggled that she sounded like a snake slithering. (That is not an embellishment. I actually thought that.) As I turned my head toward the bathroom, there, on the floor, racing behind the toilet and toward Madison's room, was an intruder. A Black Racer Snake somehow found its way into our house. We still don't know how and we don't WANT to know when!!!) I screamed so loud I was sure I busted out the neighbor's windows, ran into Mackenzie's room, only to find she was actually IN the bathroom with the snake, now screaming herself. I stood there staring at her, completely frozen. Finally, I grabbed her, ran to my unfolded laundry pile, (I always have one of those handy), grabbed clothes for Mackenzie, who had on only a diaper, Madison, who was now screaming AND dressed up like a pirate, a diaper bag (not fully sure if it even had diapers in it), and keys and ran out the front door screaming for my neighbor. He searched but found nothing, so the girls and I headed out for the day. I would not be returning until the snake was GONE!!
Needless to say, I had to shop without my beloved coupons. We went to Walmart. I can trust their prices without coupons and I did manage to find everything I needed at or below what I would have paid with coupons, making my total $54 which is about what I aim for each week. My bags were stocked including 2 gallons milk and 2 extra large Ocean Spray juices, a super large Gatorade as well as some fruits and snacks, cheeses, breakfast stuff, and a few other odds and ends. It was reassuring that in times of TRADGEDY!!! there is an answer! Whew!
Oh, and Mike managed to find the snake in about 5 minutes flat, proudly coming out the front door holding it out like a lion with his kill! Not twenty seconds after, our other friendly little visitor that lives in our train set had the nerve to pop his head out as if to say, "Na, na, na, na, na, na...you didn't catch me!" But not for lack of trying. All our neighbors and Mike went after him, but the booger is still there. Needless to say, anyone who comes into our home better SHUT THE DOOR!!!!
If I may add to my moments...
-Mike walking out the front door holding up a very...VERY angry intruder! So proud of my manly man!!!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Reading through the biblle and living frugally!
In this blog:
Job
New shopping standards
Girl Scout camping trip
Writing
I have not put out a blog in a while as we have been swamped with activites. We were also camping for a weekend as you will read below. You can also keep up with me on facebook as I will post little bits I find here and there. Become a fan on there AND here! I love comments and messages and would love any input.
JOB
In case you haven't been keeping track of time, I have definitely surpassed my 90 day mark and have far from completed the bible. Though I believe it to be doable. I do not believe I specifically could have done it. So, I am just moving forward and have now come upon Job. This is a book I have both been dreading and looking forward too. I dreaded it because it is convicting to have had someone in history endure what he endured and remained faithful and righteous. I looked forward to it, because much like the virtuous woman in Proverbs, just when I think I am going to lose my mind and wonder how much more I can take, I look back on Job. I was finishing up Job as Mike's contract meeting with Disney came about. That is when we find out if his contract gets renewed for another year. If not, he loses his job. I found peace somehow, before he ever went into his meeting in whatever happened, it was out of our hands. We talked later and discovered, neither of us prayed that he would be renewed. We both prayed for whatever was to come and to give us strength to endure it. I thought about Job a lot. He lost everything. He was stripped of all that was wordly. His faith never ceased. He never let go of his faith in God and stood up to the people that argued with him about it. Our situation more than paled in comparison. We would endure. We would continue our faith. I can only pray that in the events that our future hold, I could continue to have that level of faith in God and know that we are in his hands and he knows what is coming before, during and after any life event.
New shopping standards
I have begun shooting for some new shopping standards. We have been working diligently to save our money over the last 2 years. We are beginning to see the fruits of our labors. I don't want to stop the roll of momentum. My new standards were set a few weeks back that I would be shopping from the $1 or less weekly deals on southern savers. Now, granted, there are several things that this is an impossibility for me. But I must say in the last few weeks, I have done a fairly good job at this. I have been utilizing Save-A-Lot for their canned goods and bananas at 3 lbs for $1 (have never beat that anywhere!). Their whole chickens are always .99/lb though Walmart is .98 and I have found them on sale at Publix for .78. If I can give you any tips, check Southern Savers and click the weekly top deals tab for $1 or less deals and use their work of pairing up the coupons with the deals. They show you printable and the ones from the paper. I have tried as hard as I can to make due with those deals and have really managed to keep a good stock up of dry goods.
Girl Scout Camping Trip
Mike and I went with Madison's girl scout troop on a weekend camping trip. I cannot tell you how proud I was of my family that weekend. My baby had to stay home with grandma and pop-pop. It was so hard to leave her, yet she did so awesome! She slept through the night and ate like a champ. She even performed her new walking skills all weekend! Madi was an amazing little camper. She hiked everday with her backpack and water. She camped in a bunkhouse with all the other girls in her troop. She even went canoeing with another girl by themselves!! Mike was the only dad there and we were proud of that. They were happy to have him there as well. The kids loved him and the counselors thought it was awesome that he was so involved. He is our troop's co-leader! Yeah Daddy! We had such a great time watching Madi being such a mature kid. She blows us away everyday with the things she can accomplish. She loves girl scouts and her troop has been a growing experience for us all!
Writing
I have been submitting my children's Christmas book to literary agencies. None of the agencies have wanted them yet but that is what I expected. They are a seasonal book and I am an inexperienced author. But, I will keep working at it. I also had a chance to work a little bit on my novel. It has been completed for some time now, but it needs a lot of reworking and editing. It also takes large chunks of time to do this. I do not get large chunks of time except to workout and that is really important to my health so I cannot give that up. However, I am working on my schedule daily and we are coming up on summer break and home-schooling goes part-time soI will have some time then. I want to get to the point where I can submit that as well. I hope by the end of the summer to have submitted it to at least one agency. I love that novel and it is truly my writing passion right now. It just takes time and I am being patient. I know it will happen when it is meant to.
Moments...
-Mackenzie p**pin' on the potty...MANY timees!! Hehe!! Getting potty trained and doing awesome!
-Madi hiking up the trail with her bandana and her backpack like a real camper!
-Mike singing girl scout songs with all the girls! (I am so sure he is going to love that I put that in here!)
-Madi diving over a pile of girls on the soccer field and jumping up with both thumbs in the air!
Job
New shopping standards
Girl Scout camping trip
Writing
I have not put out a blog in a while as we have been swamped with activites. We were also camping for a weekend as you will read below. You can also keep up with me on facebook as I will post little bits I find here and there. Become a fan on there AND here! I love comments and messages and would love any input.
JOB
In case you haven't been keeping track of time, I have definitely surpassed my 90 day mark and have far from completed the bible. Though I believe it to be doable. I do not believe I specifically could have done it. So, I am just moving forward and have now come upon Job. This is a book I have both been dreading and looking forward too. I dreaded it because it is convicting to have had someone in history endure what he endured and remained faithful and righteous. I looked forward to it, because much like the virtuous woman in Proverbs, just when I think I am going to lose my mind and wonder how much more I can take, I look back on Job. I was finishing up Job as Mike's contract meeting with Disney came about. That is when we find out if his contract gets renewed for another year. If not, he loses his job. I found peace somehow, before he ever went into his meeting in whatever happened, it was out of our hands. We talked later and discovered, neither of us prayed that he would be renewed. We both prayed for whatever was to come and to give us strength to endure it. I thought about Job a lot. He lost everything. He was stripped of all that was wordly. His faith never ceased. He never let go of his faith in God and stood up to the people that argued with him about it. Our situation more than paled in comparison. We would endure. We would continue our faith. I can only pray that in the events that our future hold, I could continue to have that level of faith in God and know that we are in his hands and he knows what is coming before, during and after any life event.
New shopping standards
I have begun shooting for some new shopping standards. We have been working diligently to save our money over the last 2 years. We are beginning to see the fruits of our labors. I don't want to stop the roll of momentum. My new standards were set a few weeks back that I would be shopping from the $1 or less weekly deals on southern savers. Now, granted, there are several things that this is an impossibility for me. But I must say in the last few weeks, I have done a fairly good job at this. I have been utilizing Save-A-Lot for their canned goods and bananas at 3 lbs for $1 (have never beat that anywhere!). Their whole chickens are always .99/lb though Walmart is .98 and I have found them on sale at Publix for .78. If I can give you any tips, check Southern Savers and click the weekly top deals tab for $1 or less deals and use their work of pairing up the coupons with the deals. They show you printable and the ones from the paper. I have tried as hard as I can to make due with those deals and have really managed to keep a good stock up of dry goods.
Girl Scout Camping Trip
Mike and I went with Madison's girl scout troop on a weekend camping trip. I cannot tell you how proud I was of my family that weekend. My baby had to stay home with grandma and pop-pop. It was so hard to leave her, yet she did so awesome! She slept through the night and ate like a champ. She even performed her new walking skills all weekend! Madi was an amazing little camper. She hiked everday with her backpack and water. She camped in a bunkhouse with all the other girls in her troop. She even went canoeing with another girl by themselves!! Mike was the only dad there and we were proud of that. They were happy to have him there as well. The kids loved him and the counselors thought it was awesome that he was so involved. He is our troop's co-leader! Yeah Daddy! We had such a great time watching Madi being such a mature kid. She blows us away everyday with the things she can accomplish. She loves girl scouts and her troop has been a growing experience for us all!
Writing
I have been submitting my children's Christmas book to literary agencies. None of the agencies have wanted them yet but that is what I expected. They are a seasonal book and I am an inexperienced author. But, I will keep working at it. I also had a chance to work a little bit on my novel. It has been completed for some time now, but it needs a lot of reworking and editing. It also takes large chunks of time to do this. I do not get large chunks of time except to workout and that is really important to my health so I cannot give that up. However, I am working on my schedule daily and we are coming up on summer break and home-schooling goes part-time soI will have some time then. I want to get to the point where I can submit that as well. I hope by the end of the summer to have submitted it to at least one agency. I love that novel and it is truly my writing passion right now. It just takes time and I am being patient. I know it will happen when it is meant to.
Moments...
-Mackenzie p**pin' on the potty...MANY timees!! Hehe!! Getting potty trained and doing awesome!
-Madi hiking up the trail with her bandana and her backpack like a real camper!
-Mike singing girl scout songs with all the girls! (I am so sure he is going to love that I put that in here!)
-Madi diving over a pile of girls on the soccer field and jumping up with both thumbs in the air!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Win a trip to Colorado!!
Go here and enter to win a free trip to Colorado!!! I am totally for a free trip!!! You can only enter once which makes it even better!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Reading through the bible, changing some shopping habits, and writing!
In this post:
Esther
Changing some shopping habits
Spring Break
Writing
ESTHER
A heroine. Plain and simple. King Ahasuerus chose Esther for his wife and queen, an orphaned Jewish child raised in Persia by Mordecai, her cousin. Mordecai had once saved his life but went unrewarded. He heard a plot to murder the king and she was able to warn him. He also promted her to tell the king of the plan to rid the Jewish race. She was scared. So she fasted for 3 days. We are going to be studying fasting in our small group throught the book Celbration of Discipline. It, again, proves her heoinism in that she turned to God to help her. In much the same way, Mordecai refused to bow to a prominant prince as he only would bow to God. This almost got him hung, however, the man who planned to hang him, was hung instead in the very same gallows he constructed for Mordecai, as he was part of the plot to kill the Jews. Oh, the irony! Thus Mordecai was saved and honored because he saved the king's life, the Jews were saved and Esther was the reason for it all. Could I have ever been that courageous? Does my discipline, concentration, or devotion run that deep? She is not just a hero to the Jews, but to us. A shining example and a leader in the bible. Another subtle hero.
Changing some shopping habits...
I have been shopping from Southernsavers.com for quite some time. I love their set up and their match ups. I also use Dealseekingmom.com and moneysavingmom.com. The part I like most about Southern Savers is on their home screen, they have a top weekly deals link that has a drop down menu. There you will find $1 or less deals. It was my plan this week to shop only from that menu, saving things like milk, meat and fresh veggies. I actually did better than I planned. I even managed to find fresh veggies that were less than $1/lb. The only things I bought that did not fall in this catergory were milk and some meats. (Though the meats were heavily marked down.) It is my plan to try this all month. I have a few recipes I want to make that will require buying some things I do not have, so we will see how it goes. I also have the plan to try have a freezer cooking day. Anyone want to participate? I do not plan on cooking for a month, as the blogs that I read do, but I will try for a week first and see how it goes. I am going to have my 6 year old homeschool daughter help too. She is becoming quite the little helper in the kitchen and I would like to take that to the next level!
Spring Break
We had so much fun this week on spring break. It gave me a good taste for the summer, though we homeschool part time through the summer until August, we will still get a good amount of time off! We went to the beach 2 times and had some fun outside, slip and slide time. We also took great advantage of our newly enlarged backyard. We went to a garden festival and did some planting in our own garden! We just really enjoyed the outside and had some great memories? Anyone care to share what you did this spring break?
Writing
My writing has become my nemesis as of late. I am trying to get an agent for my children's books, but have been having technical issues with submitting my books. I also have not had the gumption to sit down and work on my novel, which is complete but needs a lot of tweeks. The sad part is, it is truly the most loved piece of writing I have ever done. I want to be submitting that more than anything, but with little time to devote to such a long project, it has sadly been put aside. I need to earn about $20 extra a day to pay someone to watch my kids for a while so I can work on this project. It is a satifying and fulfilling book...if I do say so myself!!
Moments...
-Mackenzie took 4 steps on her own to me and Madison!!!
-I am so deep in the bible that it has attached itself to my moment to moment life...
-Easter service at church, it rained on stage. A rare moment that made me gasp...and then close my eyes and thank God for being there with me.
-The end of spring break meant I saw Mike for a whole day and almost a half! Life will resume normalcy for a while.
Reading, writing, growing, changing...everyday!! I feel like a newborn baby sometimes!
Esther
Changing some shopping habits
Spring Break
Writing
ESTHER
A heroine. Plain and simple. King Ahasuerus chose Esther for his wife and queen, an orphaned Jewish child raised in Persia by Mordecai, her cousin. Mordecai had once saved his life but went unrewarded. He heard a plot to murder the king and she was able to warn him. He also promted her to tell the king of the plan to rid the Jewish race. She was scared. So she fasted for 3 days. We are going to be studying fasting in our small group throught the book Celbration of Discipline. It, again, proves her heoinism in that she turned to God to help her. In much the same way, Mordecai refused to bow to a prominant prince as he only would bow to God. This almost got him hung, however, the man who planned to hang him, was hung instead in the very same gallows he constructed for Mordecai, as he was part of the plot to kill the Jews. Oh, the irony! Thus Mordecai was saved and honored because he saved the king's life, the Jews were saved and Esther was the reason for it all. Could I have ever been that courageous? Does my discipline, concentration, or devotion run that deep? She is not just a hero to the Jews, but to us. A shining example and a leader in the bible. Another subtle hero.
Changing some shopping habits...
I have been shopping from Southernsavers.com for quite some time. I love their set up and their match ups. I also use Dealseekingmom.com and moneysavingmom.com. The part I like most about Southern Savers is on their home screen, they have a top weekly deals link that has a drop down menu. There you will find $1 or less deals. It was my plan this week to shop only from that menu, saving things like milk, meat and fresh veggies. I actually did better than I planned. I even managed to find fresh veggies that were less than $1/lb. The only things I bought that did not fall in this catergory were milk and some meats. (Though the meats were heavily marked down.) It is my plan to try this all month. I have a few recipes I want to make that will require buying some things I do not have, so we will see how it goes. I also have the plan to try have a freezer cooking day. Anyone want to participate? I do not plan on cooking for a month, as the blogs that I read do, but I will try for a week first and see how it goes. I am going to have my 6 year old homeschool daughter help too. She is becoming quite the little helper in the kitchen and I would like to take that to the next level!
Spring Break
We had so much fun this week on spring break. It gave me a good taste for the summer, though we homeschool part time through the summer until August, we will still get a good amount of time off! We went to the beach 2 times and had some fun outside, slip and slide time. We also took great advantage of our newly enlarged backyard. We went to a garden festival and did some planting in our own garden! We just really enjoyed the outside and had some great memories? Anyone care to share what you did this spring break?
Writing
My writing has become my nemesis as of late. I am trying to get an agent for my children's books, but have been having technical issues with submitting my books. I also have not had the gumption to sit down and work on my novel, which is complete but needs a lot of tweeks. The sad part is, it is truly the most loved piece of writing I have ever done. I want to be submitting that more than anything, but with little time to devote to such a long project, it has sadly been put aside. I need to earn about $20 extra a day to pay someone to watch my kids for a while so I can work on this project. It is a satifying and fulfilling book...if I do say so myself!!
Moments...
-Mackenzie took 4 steps on her own to me and Madison!!!
-I am so deep in the bible that it has attached itself to my moment to moment life...
-Easter service at church, it rained on stage. A rare moment that made me gasp...and then close my eyes and thank God for being there with me.
-The end of spring break meant I saw Mike for a whole day and almost a half! Life will resume normalcy for a while.
Reading, writing, growing, changing...everyday!! I feel like a newborn baby sometimes!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Reading throught the bible...finishing Nehamiah. Most eye opening yet.
Last week at our church, there was a tag team sermon on glory moments. The Red Sox winning the world series of course was my favorite. There were several, including Tiger Woods. Glory moments are usually short lived and the respect that they gain at the moment can quickly fade away and in some cases, it can be reversed. Perhaps the best part of this entire book came when I read chapter 9. Here you will find the words lifted up to God when the Israelites confessed their sins. When we pray, we are supposed to glorify God. Think of all of the glory moments we see here on earth and how much attention they get. Think about how long you celebrate your team's victory or your promotion or raise at work. I do not spend a tenth that long glorifying the REASON I have those moments to celebrate. Therefore, when I read this entire section glorifying God and all he did for the Israelites and their recognition of him standing by them even when they cast him off for worshiping false idols, wanting a king even when he warned against it, and how he turned their enemies over to them, yet they still chose to ignore him, I was forced to whole-heartedly evaluate my glorification. I fail everyday. I have failed over and over and he still stands there waiting for me to come back. In the grand scheme, this is minor, yet he does it as if he has nothing better to do anyway. Doesn't he deserve more than that from me? He certainly did from them, yet the things that the Israelites did, going back to Moses, seem horrible and stupid, yet so similar to myself. Its not the fact that they did horrible things. We all do. Its the fact that it is all equal in his eyes and he will still be standing there waiting when you return.
I am going to read this passage way more often. The remaining parts of this book talk about the the agreement the people made. I am agreeing to glorify the one who deserves it and the one that will hold the glory forever. It will not fade. It will not be replaced by another's glory. The Israelites are just me. They are my life. Just in a bigger painting.
I am going to read this passage way more often. The remaining parts of this book talk about the the agreement the people made. I am agreeing to glorify the one who deserves it and the one that will hold the glory forever. It will not fade. It will not be replaced by another's glory. The Israelites are just me. They are my life. Just in a bigger painting.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Reading through the bible and Life as we know it!
Nehamiah
Publix and haphazard shopping
Spring Break
Nehemia
Nehemiah's prayer is so soulful in the beginning. In my small group just last time we met, we talked about praying from head to toe. This prayer was head to toe and back again. I often find my prayers rushed and incomplete. They should be satisfying and from deep inside, yet I am distracted and I do not fully communicate with God what is way down inside. In chapter 2 he is in front of the king. The king asks him what he wants and he prayed before he answered. I immediately thought of all the times I should have done that. That would have saved my foot in my mouth I am certain! He trusted that God would have his wishes granted by the king and they were. The wall of Jeruselum was rebuilt because he followed what God called him to do. Again, this was followed by opposition, but in that time (and this time for that matter), what wasn't!? He fought for the poor and stood up for the wrong that was being done to them. I love how when he received a message from Sanballet saying that it was understood that they were buiding the wall inpreparation for a fight, he says, "you are just making that up out of your head." Cracks me up! He just kept praying for strength and it was completed and the exiles returned. After everyone was settled, Ezra read the Book of Revelation to the people. They lamented as he read and but Nehamiah told them not to mourn or weep because it was a sacred day.
I will continue with Nehamiah next time.
Publix and haphazard shopping
I went to Publix this week. I spent $73 and save $65. Not the best trip but it was decent. I have been so busy lately that I have been a little careless and this will be proof to you of why efficiency will save you money. While my coupons and emails are organized, I am better able to access the things I need to find the deals. I have fallen several weeks behind in organizing my envelopes of coupons. I also have not printed from coupons.com as I should before they reset. (If you have no idea what that means, send me an email and I will explain.) I absolutely need to de-clutter my desk, my coupon box and my email inbox. This will be a project I accomplish one at a time. In the meantime, my shopping trips will be minimal so I do not spend money I do not need to spend. I have been doing awesome cooking and planning meals ahead and not wasting food. Meals are not pre-prepared and they take very little time to make because I plan! This saves money, so again, I point to being efficient! My mother gave me an amazing tip when she found London broil on sale for $1.99 and bought a bunch and got some ground up by the butcher right there in the store! Mom' s are amazing for tips like that! At least I am not calling her from my college apartment asking her if the chick is supposed to be pink when its done!
Please look here and fill up your inbox with a bunch of great freebies!
Life as we know it
Times are crazy right now, but it is all good crazy. I am still trying to find an agent. I am frustrated and need to figure some technical things out still. Homeschooling is amazing and Madi is so unbelievably smart. I am so proud of her. I am halfway through the Insanity 60 day workout program and it is exactly as it is titled. I love it and am looking toward the next program after this is over. Mike is still working 7 days a week and we are coming up on what we pray to be his contract RENEWAL and not contract end!!!! Mackenzie is completing the antibiotics she was prescribed for 21 days but is still messing with her ears. This could be bad...tubes seem to be in our future. But we are still hoping and praying they clear and we have a healthy, sleeping little girl. What a trooper. Madi starts soccer this Friday!!!
Here is to getting organized and de-cluttering so I can get back on track!
Publix and haphazard shopping
Spring Break
Nehemia
Nehemiah's prayer is so soulful in the beginning. In my small group just last time we met, we talked about praying from head to toe. This prayer was head to toe and back again. I often find my prayers rushed and incomplete. They should be satisfying and from deep inside, yet I am distracted and I do not fully communicate with God what is way down inside. In chapter 2 he is in front of the king. The king asks him what he wants and he prayed before he answered. I immediately thought of all the times I should have done that. That would have saved my foot in my mouth I am certain! He trusted that God would have his wishes granted by the king and they were. The wall of Jeruselum was rebuilt because he followed what God called him to do. Again, this was followed by opposition, but in that time (and this time for that matter), what wasn't!? He fought for the poor and stood up for the wrong that was being done to them. I love how when he received a message from Sanballet saying that it was understood that they were buiding the wall inpreparation for a fight, he says, "you are just making that up out of your head." Cracks me up! He just kept praying for strength and it was completed and the exiles returned. After everyone was settled, Ezra read the Book of Revelation to the people. They lamented as he read and but Nehamiah told them not to mourn or weep because it was a sacred day.
I will continue with Nehamiah next time.
Publix and haphazard shopping
I went to Publix this week. I spent $73 and save $65. Not the best trip but it was decent. I have been so busy lately that I have been a little careless and this will be proof to you of why efficiency will save you money. While my coupons and emails are organized, I am better able to access the things I need to find the deals. I have fallen several weeks behind in organizing my envelopes of coupons. I also have not printed from coupons.com as I should before they reset. (If you have no idea what that means, send me an email and I will explain.) I absolutely need to de-clutter my desk, my coupon box and my email inbox. This will be a project I accomplish one at a time. In the meantime, my shopping trips will be minimal so I do not spend money I do not need to spend. I have been doing awesome cooking and planning meals ahead and not wasting food. Meals are not pre-prepared and they take very little time to make because I plan! This saves money, so again, I point to being efficient! My mother gave me an amazing tip when she found London broil on sale for $1.99 and bought a bunch and got some ground up by the butcher right there in the store! Mom' s are amazing for tips like that! At least I am not calling her from my college apartment asking her if the chick is supposed to be pink when its done!
Please look here and fill up your inbox with a bunch of great freebies!
Life as we know it
Times are crazy right now, but it is all good crazy. I am still trying to find an agent. I am frustrated and need to figure some technical things out still. Homeschooling is amazing and Madi is so unbelievably smart. I am so proud of her. I am halfway through the Insanity 60 day workout program and it is exactly as it is titled. I love it and am looking toward the next program after this is over. Mike is still working 7 days a week and we are coming up on what we pray to be his contract RENEWAL and not contract end!!!! Mackenzie is completing the antibiotics she was prescribed for 21 days but is still messing with her ears. This could be bad...tubes seem to be in our future. But we are still hoping and praying they clear and we have a healthy, sleeping little girl. What a trooper. Madi starts soccer this Friday!!!
Here is to getting organized and de-cluttering so I can get back on track!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Ezra and my life is taking over!!!
In this blog:
PICTURES (We had a Paige day!! Some fun pictures of birthday weekend too!)
EZRA
HOMESCHOOLINGREADING/WRITING
LIFE
EZRA
The book of Ezra starts off with the Jews who were not following God's law and...SURPRISE! He allows them to be attacked. Central theme once again? I suspect so! There was the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple and finally it was completed anyway because Cyrus issued the building permit. They had building permit issues even then?
Ezra prays about intermarriage and because he knows what they have been subjected to with war, death, humiliation and captivity, were because of their unfaithfulness. His prayer in Ch 9:6-15 really stood out to me. It is a prayer worth reading a few times. What can we say to our forgiving father when we have failed him? Would he not be angry enough to desert? Yet he stays. He forgives. He loves.
I am far past this in my reading, but have to go back to refresh as I write! This is a challenge! I have had a little down time from my blog, but I am back at it now. I will keep you posted on my reading progress.
HOMESCHOOLING
I have begun bringing MAdi up to the local elementary school for specials classes everyday. This has proven to be a task as I have to get all of our schoolwork done before lunch and then off we go. The upside is she is getting subjects I don't really teach like PE and Art! I hate art! I can't draw to save my life. I can't duplicate PE because there is only one student. She also gets to take computer, science, Spanish, instruments and voice. School is really going well and our weeks are packed. Soccer starts next week along with girlscouts. We have our first girl scout camping trip coming up.
READING/WRITING
This blog is all about being balanced right? Reading and writing are passions of mine. I have begun a little program, which anyone who has a blog can start, called Book Sneeze. Here, they send you free books with the agreement that you will review it on your blog and one public forum like Amazon. Free books baby!!!
As for writing, I am still on the hunt for an agent. It is getting rather frustrating because I have made no progress. I truly believe in my books, but I have had some technical issues and may have hit a brick wall. My approach may have to change and this does not make me happy.
I am also trying to work some time into my schedule to begin work on my novel again. I have finished it but have been working a long time to get it tuned up and then will most likely need to work some more to fine tune. As it is now, though, with workouts and school to teach and naps to work around, some of this is proving to be taxing. I have to work things in and out as they become too much.
LIFE
Life is busy but we are strong, healthy and happy. We are abundant in love and health and I pray with all of my heart and soul that it will stay that way.
Moments are piled up but here is a snapshot...
-watching the new series LIFE with Madison.
-seeing Mackenzie putting things in and out of a small container (though she still doesn't walk).
-reading my bible in total silence. (It is usually not so silent and rather distracting!)
-deep conversation with an amazing friend.
-Madi's entire birthday weekend and a visit with an old friend and her little girl.
I need a pause button!
PICTURES (We had a Paige day!! Some fun pictures of birthday weekend too!)
EZRA
HOMESCHOOLINGREADING/WRITING
LIFE
EZRA
The book of Ezra starts off with the Jews who were not following God's law and...SURPRISE! He allows them to be attacked. Central theme once again? I suspect so! There was the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple and finally it was completed anyway because Cyrus issued the building permit. They had building permit issues even then?
Ezra prays about intermarriage and because he knows what they have been subjected to with war, death, humiliation and captivity, were because of their unfaithfulness. His prayer in Ch 9:6-15 really stood out to me. It is a prayer worth reading a few times. What can we say to our forgiving father when we have failed him? Would he not be angry enough to desert? Yet he stays. He forgives. He loves.
I am far past this in my reading, but have to go back to refresh as I write! This is a challenge! I have had a little down time from my blog, but I am back at it now. I will keep you posted on my reading progress.
HOMESCHOOLING
I have begun bringing MAdi up to the local elementary school for specials classes everyday. This has proven to be a task as I have to get all of our schoolwork done before lunch and then off we go. The upside is she is getting subjects I don't really teach like PE and Art! I hate art! I can't draw to save my life. I can't duplicate PE because there is only one student. She also gets to take computer, science, Spanish, instruments and voice. School is really going well and our weeks are packed. Soccer starts next week along with girlscouts. We have our first girl scout camping trip coming up.
READING/WRITING
This blog is all about being balanced right? Reading and writing are passions of mine. I have begun a little program, which anyone who has a blog can start, called Book Sneeze. Here, they send you free books with the agreement that you will review it on your blog and one public forum like Amazon. Free books baby!!!
As for writing, I am still on the hunt for an agent. It is getting rather frustrating because I have made no progress. I truly believe in my books, but I have had some technical issues and may have hit a brick wall. My approach may have to change and this does not make me happy.
I am also trying to work some time into my schedule to begin work on my novel again. I have finished it but have been working a long time to get it tuned up and then will most likely need to work some more to fine tune. As it is now, though, with workouts and school to teach and naps to work around, some of this is proving to be taxing. I have to work things in and out as they become too much.
LIFE
Life is busy but we are strong, healthy and happy. We are abundant in love and health and I pray with all of my heart and soul that it will stay that way.
Moments are piled up but here is a snapshot...
-watching the new series LIFE with Madison.
-seeing Mackenzie putting things in and out of a small container (though she still doesn't walk).
-reading my bible in total silence. (It is usually not so silent and rather distracting!)
-deep conversation with an amazing friend.
-Madi's entire birthday weekend and a visit with an old friend and her little girl.
I need a pause button!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Book Review of John Bunyan
Image via WikipediaHe truly struggled with his walk with Christ was on a bumpy road. He spent time in prison and for his beliefs. Despite wars and violent persecution, he became the author of one of the most famous pieces of English literature. He ravished any book he could get his hands on. His wife came to their marriage with 2 books as part of a dowry and were a pattern in his life as they would have a huge impact.
The book it a quick and easy read. It is a simple introduction to the life of the author of Pilgrim's Progress. I read it in several hours. The entire story is skimming the surface but it leaves me with the feeling that he felt he skirted the outlying areas of death, in the spiritual sense, itself. He pleads with his readers to see Jesus as a merciful savior. His intelligence was deep and intense and a basic staple in his life. The book piqued my interest in his biography and Pilgrim's Progress. I found myself thinking of Paul and comparing him. It seemed like it would make a good book for a high school term paper or essay. It was just enough to make me curious. It was clearly written with a strong spiritual message and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read or a very good summary.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
2 Chronicles
Image via WikipediaI am still baffled at the kings and their inability to see what we never get to see. God deliberately told them to do what he says and they deliberately did the opposite! I could recap the stories that I read, but I just want to point out a few things here as I feel like I am beginning to repeat myself a little. All too often, we cry out for help when we need it. They did too. Just like the Israelites coming out of Egypt, the kings cried out for help when things were not going so hot, yet they turned to their false idols and illegitamate ways as soon as things were smooth. I do not mean to belittle the details that you read throughout these books (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles) because I could retell you a lot of the stories, but I am finding a common theme. It is a historical and factual account with a common root. The truth for the kings of Judah is concurrent in everybody's life: obeying God and truly worshiping him brings blessings even if they are not to your specific satisfaction, (like, say, becoming rich), while the denouncing of God and resorting to false gods and idols will bring death. Not death in the 6 feet under sense, but death in the sense of spirituality. It also struck me that some of these kings started off so well and failed to finish off life spiritually. This shows the difficulty a ruler or equivalent, in our terms, faced in doing what is right. That turns my eyes to our own world leaders in wonderment of their ability to follow what is the moral path. It broke my heart as I read about the sad end of kings who started off so strong.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Target and Save a Lot
I just wanted to give you a quick rundown. I went to Target today after looking at http://www.totallytarget.com/ and left feeling like I had won the lottery! I would post pictures but I can't do that on the "coupon" computer so I will just tell you. I got 3 Johnson and Johson Soap Buddies, a trial size first aid kit, trial Hello Kitty Band Aids, Johnson's baby shampoo, and 2 pouches of Starkist Tuna all...wait for it...FREE!!!! PLUS, the coupons were worth more than the item cost and I got that money back (which normally doesn't happen) I also picked up a 4 pack of Activia for $.99, 2 1/2 lbs of chicken breast and some refrigerated lobster ravioli and spent a total of $8.99!!!!
I also went to Save a lot and got bananas (3 lbs for $1), apples were .99/lb, and Roma tomatoes were .89/lb. I also printed a few coupons for their canned goods from here. I got 8 cans of veggies for 3.00 total. I picked up a few other little things making my total 9.80!! Check out their website for anything that may strike you!
Happy shopping!
I also went to Save a lot and got bananas (3 lbs for $1), apples were .99/lb, and Roma tomatoes were .89/lb. I also printed a few coupons for their canned goods from here. I got 8 cans of veggies for 3.00 total. I picked up a few other little things making my total 9.80!! Check out their website for anything that may strike you!
Happy shopping!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
1 Chronicles, some trying times, and what I am thinking
I have been reading through the bible as you know. I am blogging behind where I am reading because there is a lot to write about and this may cause overwhelming amounts of info to come off of my fingertips! Therefore I am writing small tidbits. Today I want to share a few things. First, I am writing about 1 Chronicles. It starts off with some lineage, which, if I had more time (which I do not, if I want to keep my husband), I would LOVE to write up the lineage. It has been great, up until Kings, to keep track, basically, of who came from where. But I am officially lost trying to keep THAT up! So I am now just sucking up the information and thinking about how I can apply it.
I did find it funny that Jabez, who cam from the clan of Judah, was named Jabez by his mother because, get this, she gave birth to him in pain!! I found that a rather satirical little bit there in the middle of the lineage descriptions! Another funny little piece I picked up came from the gatekeepers. Have you ever had a job where you did cold calling for businesses? I have. In this job, the task was to get past the gatekeeper to the person you needed to actually speak to! It is described here in 1 Chronicles. There were 212 of them. Their job was to guard the gate to the house of the Lord. They had special posts and tasks. Funny that this term may have been coined right here in Chronicles! There is a lot of recap here with Saul taking his own life, which, I discovered 1 and 2 Samuel was actually not all on his own. He had a little help. But it is all due to his disobedience to God. After this is the retelling of David and his greatness as a king with great reward from God. I hear in this book the "plan". God's plan, not ours. We have the plan in our heads, don't we. I know, you have heard it all before. I am just pointing out that God makes it pretty clear that his plan is THE plan. Live it out and have yourself a slice of peace...
Mackenzie has had her fourth ear infection in 4 months so we will be heading to an ear nose and throat doctor to have him take a look and see what our options are and see what exactly is causing all of these infections. It is my prayer that it is teeth and that is the end, but after a 103.6 fever and a mild panic attack, I would like some answers.
I am looking into my future a little bit lately. I have been working on an agent for my books. I have run into some technical snags as well as some, lack of knowledge, shall we say? It is quite a world out there in publishing. I don't have lofty or unrealistic goals, I am just taking it slowly and I think I need some more momentum.
Last night, Madi made a museum of her bedroom so Mike could go in for his birthday and have a night to play in a museum! It was the most precious thing. We played and then watched, or more like fell asleep to, Night at the Museum! It was a beautiful night. Matt, our soon to be brother in-law, made us a delicious dinner and I made Black Forest Cake from scratch. It was kinda droopy and falling apart, but at least it wasn't raw!
All in all, it feel like change is coming...just don't know what change and where. Not my plan though is it?
I did find it funny that Jabez, who cam from the clan of Judah, was named Jabez by his mother because, get this, she gave birth to him in pain!! I found that a rather satirical little bit there in the middle of the lineage descriptions! Another funny little piece I picked up came from the gatekeepers. Have you ever had a job where you did cold calling for businesses? I have. In this job, the task was to get past the gatekeeper to the person you needed to actually speak to! It is described here in 1 Chronicles. There were 212 of them. Their job was to guard the gate to the house of the Lord. They had special posts and tasks. Funny that this term may have been coined right here in Chronicles! There is a lot of recap here with Saul taking his own life, which, I discovered 1 and 2 Samuel was actually not all on his own. He had a little help. But it is all due to his disobedience to God. After this is the retelling of David and his greatness as a king with great reward from God. I hear in this book the "plan". God's plan, not ours. We have the plan in our heads, don't we. I know, you have heard it all before. I am just pointing out that God makes it pretty clear that his plan is THE plan. Live it out and have yourself a slice of peace...
Mackenzie has had her fourth ear infection in 4 months so we will be heading to an ear nose and throat doctor to have him take a look and see what our options are and see what exactly is causing all of these infections. It is my prayer that it is teeth and that is the end, but after a 103.6 fever and a mild panic attack, I would like some answers.
I am looking into my future a little bit lately. I have been working on an agent for my books. I have run into some technical snags as well as some, lack of knowledge, shall we say? It is quite a world out there in publishing. I don't have lofty or unrealistic goals, I am just taking it slowly and I think I need some more momentum.
Last night, Madi made a museum of her bedroom so Mike could go in for his birthday and have a night to play in a museum! It was the most precious thing. We played and then watched, or more like fell asleep to, Night at the Museum! It was a beautiful night. Matt, our soon to be brother in-law, made us a delicious dinner and I made Black Forest Cake from scratch. It was kinda droopy and falling apart, but at least it wasn't raw!
All in all, it feel like change is coming...just don't know what change and where. Not my plan though is it?
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reading Through the Bible, Getting aLiterary Agent and Growing Pains
So what have I gotten from 2 Kings? That kings think they are above all that! What does a man have to do to get a nation's attention??? The prophets stood up and flat out told them what would be and what God was telling them to. Then HE HIMSELF followed through just in case they didn't want to believe him! That did not convince them to throw away the false idols and follow him.
Elisha took some strides. (I am partial to his name as one of my very close friends named her daughter Elisha). What a person to be named after. Elisha surpassed Elijah. That was not easy to do. For starters:
The Message...
So all in all, I think the message is pretty simple here. The messages were made as clear as clear could be. Following God is the message. He sends us messages. He puts it out there. Take the message and run with it. I pray the message doesn't get lost in the bad signals I get through my cell service. There are so many ways the devil makes his way in. The more we follow him, the worse it will get. BRING IT ON!!!
Elisha took some strides. (I am partial to his name as one of my very close friends named her daughter Elisha). What a person to be named after. Elisha surpassed Elijah. That was not easy to do. For starters:
- Elisha caused a dead child to live (2 Kings 4:8-37).
- Elisha made poisonous food safe (2 Kings 4:38-41).
- By God's power, Elisha cured Naaman. Naaman was the captain of a foreign army (2 Kings 5).
- Israel even won battles without a fight, because of Elisha (2 Kings 6:8-23).
Elisha was part of the prophesy that the evil rulers of Jezebel and Joram would die a horrible death when he appointed Jehu the King of Israel. He killed them Yet he STILL followed false gods. Other troubles ensued and it was an all around mess. Manneseh, who served terrible gods, was a cruel man, who killed innocent people. God was angry when he saw these evil actions. So, God decided to destroy the nation of Judah, too (2 Kings 21:1-18). Then, Josiah became king. Josiah was Manasseh's grandson. He was the greatest king they had. Josiah served God. Josiah loved God's law. Josiah encouraged the people to trust God. And Josiah repaired God's temple (the house of God).
So all in all, I think the message is pretty simple here. The messages were made as clear as clear could be. Following God is the message. He sends us messages. He puts it out there. Take the message and run with it. I pray the message doesn't get lost in the bad signals I get through my cell service. There are so many ways the devil makes his way in. The more we follow him, the worse it will get. BRING IT ON!!!
Life...
Life takes its ups and downs. I am in a lull right now. I am trying to get an agent for my books and I keep running into snags. I know it is going to be a process but I am creative not logistic. Though my best friend reminded me today that I can be logistic when I want to be...I just don't think this is that time. I want to see this through to fruition so on I plunge!
It has been a week of thoughts and reminiscing around here. We discovered recently that a friend of Mike's from many years ago lost his life in a very tragic way. It brings to light what is important in our lives. I was challenged by my best friend with what is it that will satisfy me. My family is what satisfies me. No matter how many days pop up that make me feel like I have lost my identity, or I wonder what it is I am doing, nothing is so bad that I would give up my core, my true center of my life. I have things that I love and that I want for myself, but I do not want to sacrifice my family for them. So amazing what a few loves of your life will do! 5 years ago, you would have never heard those words out of my mouth.
My moments recently feel so intrinsic. I love my moments and they are beyond rewarding. They always involve my family. I love them so much and they make me who I am.
-Madison crying because all she wants at night is to fall asleep on the couch with us.
-Sitting up very late at night talking with Mike. He makes my whole world make sense.
-Forgetting to turn the chili on high...I never said the moments needed to be the BRIGHTEST ones!
-Realizing, at least I have goals and projects that I am working on.
-My little baby wanting me to hold her so badly that she crawls between my feet and pulls on my legs.
I have so much right here in my little world. How could I ever have a moment that makes me feel less than blessed, loved, and well taken care of.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Publix Shopping Trip
I must say I have been very disappointed in meat and dairy lately, however, I made a great trip to Publix today. Just wanted to share. I have been at $50/wk for groceries, but I spent $61 today. $25 of it was meat!!! I actually bought a lot of food. I really could have done so much better. This meat thing is going to be the death of my great shopping trips!
This was 4.5 lbs of pot roast, 4 lbs of ground beef, 4 lbs chicken quarter (which were the only things that were a good deal at .59/lb. The rest was mostly $1-$2. 10 boxes of pasta, 6 cans of tomato sauce, 3 boxes of Cheerios, 4 boxes of Mac n Cheese, 2 boxes of Italian Ice, 1 box pancake mix, 3 boxes of uncrustables, 2 tubes of Pillsbury cinnamon buns, 1 tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls, 18 eggs, 4 peaches, 4 zuccinni, 1 pint strawberries, 1 package oreos, and 1 pint International Foods creamer.
I am pretty happy with this trip! This is what I call stocking up. I bought sale items, used coupons and lots of them. My cabinet is a bit messy. I am not so good in that area, but at the very least, we have food and we didn't break the bank to get it!
Let me finish up this post by saying, I am no "Money Saving Mom" as she could probably get all this for $1.95, but I feel good about it. I spent $61 on a bill that should have been $120! Yay!
Any good news shopping trips? I have heard from a friend of mine who made her first "Southern Savers" trip. Very proud! Please, tell me your news!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Reading through the Bible, a new frugal attempt, AND I need some advice
1 Kings 17 talks about the widow at Zarephath and her son. Elijah is told to go to her as she will take care of him. Not only does this woman have to have faith that AFTER feeding this strange man the little food she has left, there will be enough to feed her and her son and it will not be used up, but she also has to have faith that, when her son falls deathly ill, he is able to call out to the Lord to bring life back to him. I am sad to say, I do not think I have ever faced faith at this level and in the face of it, I do not know what I would feel or do! When our children are involved, how easy is it to come by faith? She asks if he showed up to remind her of her sin and kill her son. Our life group (small group) from church did a small video study which asked us about those times where we stood, throwing a temper tantrum to God, wondering why we got what we got or why he didn't give us what we wanted. When if we had hung on just a little while longer, we would see the answers. It was compared by someone in our group to the song "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks. He mentioned that they aren't really unanswered. They just aren't answered the how and when we wanted them to be. The ability to hang on to see what happens next is difficult when you are speaking of the ones you love. I would certainly put my own life above that of my child or my husband. The test of faith continues with the people of Israel at Mt Carmel. He challenged them in a massive way. Some might say "all-out"! 18:21 says "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him, but if Baal is God, follow him." He even taunts them when their god doesn't answer their sacrifice. The confidence he has to stand in front of a nation of people and say, "You idiots!" (In modern speak!) It reminds me of Paul, as we will read in coming weeks. I suppose I would expect them to pick up stones and start throwing them. They learn how right he is in the end. When he thinks himself too weak, God steps in and takes over.
Just a thought...We are challenged often. I am beginning to believe that the more we are challenged, the more of Christ is in us. If he didn't believe we could stand up for him, he wouldn't let us be put to the test. Take it as a compliment the more your faith is tested. (Or at least, that's what I believe!)
In other news...
Madi has been selling girl scout cookies and has so far come out at the top of her troop!!! Thank you to anyone who supported her! You are awesome friends. She studied all week, not knowing that tonight we are taking her to the conservatory to look at the planets, the moon and the stars. It is a date night for Mike, Madi and I thanks to some amazing friends, willing to take Mackenzie for the evening. Mattingly's...We love you!
We are praying that on Monday, Mackenzie gets checked out with clear ears so we do not have to even look into anything like tunes in her ears as they are starting to talk about that now. Not something we really want to do.
I also wanted to add, on another frugal living note...we found some other stuff to sell. I am getting a little braver. I went to a local thrift store and did a "fill a bag for a buck" thing of clothes. Then I took them home and listed them on ebay. You get 3 (I think) free listings in a month. I made a few bucks on that and an audio book we had. As I get a little better at it, that could be grocery money!
I also stumbled upon cash4books. You submit the ISBN# of books you want to sell. Seems like a lot of text (type) books. They tell you how much they would buy it from you for and then they give you the shipping label so you don't even pay for shipping. I have not had a chance to really go through my books but it is legit and I know people who have done it. It is super simple.
I also wanted to ask if anyone is getting any other good tips on buying meat. I have had a hard time lately with decently priced meat. I know Target marks their meat down as it gets close to the "sell by" date. Any other good ideas?? I think we are on the brink of exhausting our "meatless" nights.
POST PLEASE!!! your good ideas on saving money on meat. We don't ever plan on being vegetarian so that is not an option!
Any other great frugal things or money making ideas you have come across?
Just a thought...We are challenged often. I am beginning to believe that the more we are challenged, the more of Christ is in us. If he didn't believe we could stand up for him, he wouldn't let us be put to the test. Take it as a compliment the more your faith is tested. (Or at least, that's what I believe!)
In other news...
Madi has been selling girl scout cookies and has so far come out at the top of her troop!!! Thank you to anyone who supported her! You are awesome friends. She studied all week, not knowing that tonight we are taking her to the conservatory to look at the planets, the moon and the stars. It is a date night for Mike, Madi and I thanks to some amazing friends, willing to take Mackenzie for the evening. Mattingly's...We love you!
We are praying that on Monday, Mackenzie gets checked out with clear ears so we do not have to even look into anything like tunes in her ears as they are starting to talk about that now. Not something we really want to do.
I also wanted to add, on another frugal living note...we found some other stuff to sell. I am getting a little braver. I went to a local thrift store and did a "fill a bag for a buck" thing of clothes. Then I took them home and listed them on ebay. You get 3 (I think) free listings in a month. I made a few bucks on that and an audio book we had. As I get a little better at it, that could be grocery money!
I also stumbled upon cash4books. You submit the ISBN# of books you want to sell. Seems like a lot of text (type) books. They tell you how much they would buy it from you for and then they give you the shipping label so you don't even pay for shipping. I have not had a chance to really go through my books but it is legit and I know people who have done it. It is super simple.
I also wanted to ask if anyone is getting any other good tips on buying meat. I have had a hard time lately with decently priced meat. I know Target marks their meat down as it gets close to the "sell by" date. Any other good ideas?? I think we are on the brink of exhausting our "meatless" nights.
POST PLEASE!!! your good ideas on saving money on meat. We don't ever plan on being vegetarian so that is not an option!
Any other great frugal things or money making ideas you have come across?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Reading Through the Bible and Life Happens
I am sorry to have not written all week again, but Mackenzie is still sick with cold and ear infection and I got sick and got an infection in my eye! Not conducive to reading a bible and computer time has been out of necessity! That being said, I am getting very behind. I do not plan on actually catching up, but just continuing from where I am right now.
Check me out on Facebook. Become a fan! I want to get 100 fans by the end of March! I am getting there! Share and projects you are working on or thoughts by clicking on the discussions tab at the top of the page!
As for our coupons, shopping, and frugality, things have really been going well. As I have mentioned, we are following the Dave Ramsey Peace University. We are really seeing a huge difference in our spending patterns because we are actually watching where all of our money is going. Our unexpected expenses were not so unexpected and we go over it each week to make sure we keep ourselves in check. It is showing us where we need to work and where we can relax! I have become MORE bound and determined to get my grocery budget down. Here is what I have discovered: When you include buying food for birthday parties and guests that come by, you have to have planned better throughout the month so there are no last minute trips. I have also learned another really important fact about my personality. I will never...EVER be capable of going back to the way I used to shop. The rare occasions where I have to buy something at full price, it is PAINFUL!!!! I stood in the store with Mike, Madi, and Mackenzie the other day holding a block of $4.99 cheese, staring at all of the blocks of cheese. Mike asked what the heck I was doing. I was trying so hard to figure out how to make that block of cheese cheaper!!! Didn't work. I had to buy it. Had I done a little better planning or forethought, I would have found something to cook that didn't include cheese, but I was stuck. Lessons are still being learned. No matter how much money we have, I will always save money on groceries.
We are taking Madison to the observatory this weekend. She doesn't know it yet. We have been doing lap books on the moon and planets and stars so when we go, she can relate to what we see! Lap books are file folders with pockets, little books, special flaps and each one has a lesson related to the main topic! GREAT tool I learned from my good friend Christy! Check them out if you would like to do some fun lessons with your kids. You can gear them toward any age!
Mackenzie is really communicating well now though she still makes no attempt at walking. She knows where her eyes, nose, and mouth are and she loves her daddy and big sissy!
We are hoping to all be better this week and back to blogging about the bible. Hopefully you can all understand my setback and will stay with me as I get back on track!
Moments...(as usual, there are so many so I have selected a few)
-Madison and Mackenzie laughing at each other. They have become such sisters!
-Mackenzie all bundled up for cold weather.
Check me out on Facebook. Become a fan! I want to get 100 fans by the end of March! I am getting there! Share and projects you are working on or thoughts by clicking on the discussions tab at the top of the page!
As for our coupons, shopping, and frugality, things have really been going well. As I have mentioned, we are following the Dave Ramsey Peace University. We are really seeing a huge difference in our spending patterns because we are actually watching where all of our money is going. Our unexpected expenses were not so unexpected and we go over it each week to make sure we keep ourselves in check. It is showing us where we need to work and where we can relax! I have become MORE bound and determined to get my grocery budget down. Here is what I have discovered: When you include buying food for birthday parties and guests that come by, you have to have planned better throughout the month so there are no last minute trips. I have also learned another really important fact about my personality. I will never...EVER be capable of going back to the way I used to shop. The rare occasions where I have to buy something at full price, it is PAINFUL!!!! I stood in the store with Mike, Madi, and Mackenzie the other day holding a block of $4.99 cheese, staring at all of the blocks of cheese. Mike asked what the heck I was doing. I was trying so hard to figure out how to make that block of cheese cheaper!!! Didn't work. I had to buy it. Had I done a little better planning or forethought, I would have found something to cook that didn't include cheese, but I was stuck. Lessons are still being learned. No matter how much money we have, I will always save money on groceries.
We are taking Madison to the observatory this weekend. She doesn't know it yet. We have been doing lap books on the moon and planets and stars so when we go, she can relate to what we see! Lap books are file folders with pockets, little books, special flaps and each one has a lesson related to the main topic! GREAT tool I learned from my good friend Christy! Check them out if you would like to do some fun lessons with your kids. You can gear them toward any age!
Mackenzie is really communicating well now though she still makes no attempt at walking. She knows where her eyes, nose, and mouth are and she loves her daddy and big sissy!
We are hoping to all be better this week and back to blogging about the bible. Hopefully you can all understand my setback and will stay with me as I get back on track!
Moments...(as usual, there are so many so I have selected a few)
-Madison and Mackenzie laughing at each other. They have become such sisters!
-Mackenzie all bundled up for cold weather.
-Madison selling girl scout cookies!! I know a few of my good old friends remember those days all too well!
-Feeding the chickens in the freezing cold!
-Making a surprise relax night for Mike with Madi. She loves to help pamper and take care of him!
Sometimes digging a little deeper makes you more aware of the details. How deep do you want to dig?
I look forward to letting you know what I have been reading and hope you are willing to be patient while I get better!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Reading through the bible, budget ups and downs, fun family and friend times
I will start off by apologizing for my long interruption since 2 Samuel. I had intended to write this weekend, but Mackenzie got sick early Sunday morning with a high fever which led to the Dr. on Monday and a very clingy baby. She is on the mend of a double ear infection. AGAIN. We could be headed for tubes. That is 3 in 3 months.
Our budget from Dave Ramsey is in full swing. And when I say swing, I mean swing. We are adjusting and adapting all over the place. Not bad stuff, but I can see the high maintenance this is right here in the beginning. We should figure this out in the next few months.
I am now ready to blog about 1 Kings. David's son Solomon is now King after his brother Adonijah mistakenly assumes the throne. David sets is all right. One of his last conversations with before dying is to tell Solomon to rule with God's word. Solomon does just that. He seeks God's wisdom by asking him to (1 Kings 3:9) "give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
God acknowledges that he could have asked for riches or a long life, but he asks for the ability to tell right from wrong! Hmmmm, what would you ask for given an audience with God? I think I would have to think about that for a bit.
Solomon is faced with the ruling of the two prostitutes. They both had babies at the same time while living in the same house. One rolled over onto her baby and he died, so she stole the other baby. When that woman figured it out, they argued it in front of the king. He puts them to the test by saying he will cut the baby in half and discerns who is the real mother because she would sooner give up her baby than see him cut in half. I like to think anyone would make that same choice! I would say that was a wise ruling on the part of Solomon! God continued to give Solomon wisdom. He built a temple with the aid of the people of Tyre. He obeyed God's commands on its structure. I turn back to the temple from Exodus. The detail and how each tiny little splinter had a place is amazing to me. God's interior designer comes out again! It took 13 years! God told David that even though he wanted to build a temple, he was not the one to build it, but his son was. 8:22 gives Solomon's prayer of dedication. He truly had the desires of God in his heart. He even asks if he will really dwell on earth because even the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this temple. God visits Solomon again and promises as long as he fulfills God's commands, he will establish his royal throne over Israel forever. He makes it very clear that Israel will be cut off from the land he has given them if they so much as put one toe out of line.
The Queen of Sheba comes to Solomon to ask for his wisdom to which he has no shortage of answers for her. This makes me think of times I am asked questions about my beliefs when it feels like God is speaking for me. I ask him for the right words to come out and they do. God was with him, aiding him so he could wisely advise her.
But as time wore on, he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. I am thinking this is why we eventually got rid of the polygamy thing! These women led him astray. Not a good example of women in history. He turned his eyes to other gods and his heart was no longer fully devoted to God. The Lord became angry as Solomon did not follow his command to not honor other gods. He promises to rip the kingdom out of his son's hands and turn it over to another. To honor David, however, he will leave his son with one tribe. David's goodness shines long after his death. Rehoboam succeeded him as king. He chooses not to listen to his people and they rebel against him. (Hopefully some of our nation's leaders have read this part!)
Jeraboam now becomes king. So much of the message in Kings has to do with following God's s commands. The man of God from Judah who is misled by a man claiming to be a prophet and he ends up being mauled by a lion and left on the side of the rode. How many times have I been misled into behaving in a way that could get me "mauled by a lion"? Jeraboam's failure to yield to God and this led to the downfall and destruction of the earth.
More on Kings to come. Any thoughts?
Exodus 20:1-21 Truth. God spoke the 10 commandments. The truth of God's word is a solid a foundation as you can build. God's commandments make you as true a person as you can be. The bare-naked truth of God's scriptures leads to that thick foundation. What is your thought on God's truth. The truth that builds us as people and where it comes from.
Moments...
I have had lots of these lately. My family is so amazing and I am reminded each and every day about this.
-My favorite moment this week was all of us on the floor in the girls' bathroom while Mackenzie was on the potty. She was imitating Madi's screeching and buzzing her lips! We were rolling around with laughter!!!
-Mike had to have his car repaired this week and it was a BIG repair and for the first time in a few years, it was not a catastrophe!
-Being attacked by a sea gull TWICE when walking with the girls on the Boardwalk with an ice cream cone. Not funny then. Very funny now!!
-Waking with my baby in the wee hours of the morning to rock her and sooth her. The rubbed my face. It felt like she was saying, "I love you!"
-Madison crawling on the floor next to Mackenzie, who was crying a bit, and saying,"I understand, Mackenzie! No, I really do. Its ok! It will all be ok!" I cannot believe the beautiful young lady she is turning into.
-Our friend Ralfie...more like part of our family, coming to hang out with us. He come to watch football and have hamburgers and just be here!! He goes so out of his way to visit us and loves our girls!
Time is so valuable and I am really trying not to waste it, but I am also trying to learn the importance of down time!!! Mike let me take a nap yesterday and it was amazing!!!!
Our budget from Dave Ramsey is in full swing. And when I say swing, I mean swing. We are adjusting and adapting all over the place. Not bad stuff, but I can see the high maintenance this is right here in the beginning. We should figure this out in the next few months.
I am now ready to blog about 1 Kings. David's son Solomon is now King after his brother Adonijah mistakenly assumes the throne. David sets is all right. One of his last conversations with before dying is to tell Solomon to rule with God's word. Solomon does just that. He seeks God's wisdom by asking him to (1 Kings 3:9) "give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
God acknowledges that he could have asked for riches or a long life, but he asks for the ability to tell right from wrong! Hmmmm, what would you ask for given an audience with God? I think I would have to think about that for a bit.
Solomon is faced with the ruling of the two prostitutes. They both had babies at the same time while living in the same house. One rolled over onto her baby and he died, so she stole the other baby. When that woman figured it out, they argued it in front of the king. He puts them to the test by saying he will cut the baby in half and discerns who is the real mother because she would sooner give up her baby than see him cut in half. I like to think anyone would make that same choice! I would say that was a wise ruling on the part of Solomon! God continued to give Solomon wisdom. He built a temple with the aid of the people of Tyre. He obeyed God's commands on its structure. I turn back to the temple from Exodus. The detail and how each tiny little splinter had a place is amazing to me. God's interior designer comes out again! It took 13 years! God told David that even though he wanted to build a temple, he was not the one to build it, but his son was. 8:22 gives Solomon's prayer of dedication. He truly had the desires of God in his heart. He even asks if he will really dwell on earth because even the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this temple. God visits Solomon again and promises as long as he fulfills God's commands, he will establish his royal throne over Israel forever. He makes it very clear that Israel will be cut off from the land he has given them if they so much as put one toe out of line.
The Queen of Sheba comes to Solomon to ask for his wisdom to which he has no shortage of answers for her. This makes me think of times I am asked questions about my beliefs when it feels like God is speaking for me. I ask him for the right words to come out and they do. God was with him, aiding him so he could wisely advise her.
But as time wore on, he had 700 wives and 300 concubines. I am thinking this is why we eventually got rid of the polygamy thing! These women led him astray. Not a good example of women in history. He turned his eyes to other gods and his heart was no longer fully devoted to God. The Lord became angry as Solomon did not follow his command to not honor other gods. He promises to rip the kingdom out of his son's hands and turn it over to another. To honor David, however, he will leave his son with one tribe. David's goodness shines long after his death. Rehoboam succeeded him as king. He chooses not to listen to his people and they rebel against him. (Hopefully some of our nation's leaders have read this part!)
Jeraboam now becomes king. So much of the message in Kings has to do with following God's s commands. The man of God from Judah who is misled by a man claiming to be a prophet and he ends up being mauled by a lion and left on the side of the rode. How many times have I been misled into behaving in a way that could get me "mauled by a lion"? Jeraboam's failure to yield to God and this led to the downfall and destruction of the earth.
More on Kings to come. Any thoughts?
Exodus 20:1-21 Truth. God spoke the 10 commandments. The truth of God's word is a solid a foundation as you can build. God's commandments make you as true a person as you can be. The bare-naked truth of God's scriptures leads to that thick foundation. What is your thought on God's truth. The truth that builds us as people and where it comes from.
Moments...
I have had lots of these lately. My family is so amazing and I am reminded each and every day about this.
-My favorite moment this week was all of us on the floor in the girls' bathroom while Mackenzie was on the potty. She was imitating Madi's screeching and buzzing her lips! We were rolling around with laughter!!!
-Mike had to have his car repaired this week and it was a BIG repair and for the first time in a few years, it was not a catastrophe!
-Being attacked by a sea gull TWICE when walking with the girls on the Boardwalk with an ice cream cone. Not funny then. Very funny now!!
-Waking with my baby in the wee hours of the morning to rock her and sooth her. The rubbed my face. It felt like she was saying, "I love you!"
-Madison crawling on the floor next to Mackenzie, who was crying a bit, and saying,"I understand, Mackenzie! No, I really do. Its ok! It will all be ok!" I cannot believe the beautiful young lady she is turning into.
-Our friend Ralfie...more like part of our family, coming to hang out with us. He come to watch football and have hamburgers and just be here!! He goes so out of his way to visit us and loves our girls!
Time is so valuable and I am really trying not to waste it, but I am also trying to learn the importance of down time!!! Mike let me take a nap yesterday and it was amazing!!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Bible in 90 Days: David, and Facebook
I have made a new Facebook page relating to my posts here. Please feel free to head over there if you would like to engage in some questions or discussions. I will also post shopping deals and other information I get right there so become a fan.
I felt the need to go back a little bit into 2 Samuel to make note of David. I skimmed right over David and Jonathan's soulful relationship. I heard a sermon from our pastor on this last year and it was one of my favorites and then, I read it, and skipped making a point of it. The bond they shared is incomparable to most any relationship I have known, short of marriage! He was in between loving his father and David. Jonathan knew what his father was doing was wrong, but loved him anyway. He also loved David like a brother and warned him of his father's plot to kill him! This relationship remains evident all the way until the end when David mourns the loss of Jonathan so much, hears later he is still looking for one more tie to him, to bring in his crippled son, just to feel close to him. Jonathan was loyal, trustworthy, and honest to his death and David never took him for granted nor did he ever forget. I feel that loyalty and love for my children and my husband. I would do anything for them. Do you have relationships like that? Some people don't want to let anyone in that close.
I also wanted to point out another part of David that I did not mention. It applies to many of the other leaders, large and small. He battled evil. They all did. He battled disobedience, immorality, and weakness. I have skimmed stories sometimes that I have found throughout the bible and felt like I could never live up to someone like David, Moses, Abraham and many many others. But if you actually read about their live, like you read a story or watch a move, you will see the evidence of their humanness. They were beyond amazing, but they were not perfect. They overcame, they fought through, they sought God's guidance, and they prayed. They far surpassed any trial or tribulation I could come up with and lived to tell about it. I am well equipped and will not be asked to do something I cannot do. It should be my mantra. I need to pray for the wisdom that I am not alone in the things God places on my plate. Others before me have suffered unimaginable feats. I have the strength, its just the ability to unveil it when the time is right.
Purpose. Like identity, I think purpose changes. There are also multiple purposes. All God wanted was the people to obey him. He had delivered them and handed them a promise and all they had to do was obey him. What is your purpose? I feel multiple purposes and in some cases they overlap my identity and even my hope. I live right now for my family. My purpose is to be an example to my kids, to grow with my husband, to pay it forward through our money, our time and our resources. They are also my hopes and my identities. What are your thoughts on this?
I am into Kings, but still felt the need to talk more about David. I will catch up more soon.
Check out my facebook page so you can see my shopping deals too.
Here are some pictures of our recent trip to the science center, Madi and her friend Elisha, my desk that has FINALLY been uncovered from the coupon disaster, the girl scouts visit from the DARE officer, and my girls being themselves (Mackenzie likes to crawl inside of boxes and laundry baskets)!!!
I felt the need to go back a little bit into 2 Samuel to make note of David. I skimmed right over David and Jonathan's soulful relationship. I heard a sermon from our pastor on this last year and it was one of my favorites and then, I read it, and skipped making a point of it. The bond they shared is incomparable to most any relationship I have known, short of marriage! He was in between loving his father and David. Jonathan knew what his father was doing was wrong, but loved him anyway. He also loved David like a brother and warned him of his father's plot to kill him! This relationship remains evident all the way until the end when David mourns the loss of Jonathan so much, hears later he is still looking for one more tie to him, to bring in his crippled son, just to feel close to him. Jonathan was loyal, trustworthy, and honest to his death and David never took him for granted nor did he ever forget. I feel that loyalty and love for my children and my husband. I would do anything for them. Do you have relationships like that? Some people don't want to let anyone in that close.
I also wanted to point out another part of David that I did not mention. It applies to many of the other leaders, large and small. He battled evil. They all did. He battled disobedience, immorality, and weakness. I have skimmed stories sometimes that I have found throughout the bible and felt like I could never live up to someone like David, Moses, Abraham and many many others. But if you actually read about their live, like you read a story or watch a move, you will see the evidence of their humanness. They were beyond amazing, but they were not perfect. They overcame, they fought through, they sought God's guidance, and they prayed. They far surpassed any trial or tribulation I could come up with and lived to tell about it. I am well equipped and will not be asked to do something I cannot do. It should be my mantra. I need to pray for the wisdom that I am not alone in the things God places on my plate. Others before me have suffered unimaginable feats. I have the strength, its just the ability to unveil it when the time is right.
Purpose. Like identity, I think purpose changes. There are also multiple purposes. All God wanted was the people to obey him. He had delivered them and handed them a promise and all they had to do was obey him. What is your purpose? I feel multiple purposes and in some cases they overlap my identity and even my hope. I live right now for my family. My purpose is to be an example to my kids, to grow with my husband, to pay it forward through our money, our time and our resources. They are also my hopes and my identities. What are your thoughts on this?
I am into Kings, but still felt the need to talk more about David. I will catch up more soon.
Check out my facebook page so you can see my shopping deals too.
Here are some pictures of our recent trip to the science center, Madi and her friend Elisha, my desk that has FINALLY been uncovered from the coupon disaster, the girl scouts visit from the DARE officer, and my girls being themselves (Mackenzie likes to crawl inside of boxes and laundry baskets)!!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bible in 90 Days, Rainy Days, and IDENTITY
1 Samuel is full of embarassing stories and lessons well learned, shall we say. Hannah. A woman of complete and total faith is given a child after being tormented and teased by Penninah because she had given birth to children. She was ever faithful in turning her eyes to God and when it was time, HIS time, she had Samuel. I cannot imagine how overwhelming it must have been to be grace with a baby after all of her prayer and patience only to have to give him up immediately. Her faith in the greatness he was going to be must have been enough to pull her through. I think I may have died from grief alone. Samuel learned to hear God with the help of his mentor Eli. He even tells Samuel that he is going to carry out the things he spoke against his family. Eli was unable to control his kids! (WOW!! If God took a look in our homes and did to us what he did to Eli because our kids were out of control??? There is something to be said for adulthood these days!) And Samuel had to pass that message on to Eli! That's what I call the bearer of bad news!! That would be like telling your Dad that God was about to destroy his home becasue his older two sons slept with half the cheerleading squad.
Also in Samuel, the Philistines learn that the Ark carries with it plagues and sickness. Funny how they return it pretty quickly after that! Embarassing attempt on their part!! Then there is our ever stubborn children in Israel who are now demanding a king despite God saying all these terrible things that will happen. Saul learns that it is more important to follow the whole of God's will. Pressure around us has random effects on us everyday. The ideas of deicphering the voices we are hearing and following the right ones stood out most to me throughout this book. We see disobedience through the Israelites, Eli and his sons, Saul, Jonathan, and each time God points out the simplicity of doing what HE asks. We don't always hear the right voice.
David arises leaving Saul to feel some bitterness. Bitterness is something I have battled in my past. Here Saul had made all these accomplishments and then David comes along to battle this giant leader. They were praising him and there was even rumore of him becoming king. How do you deal with bitterness? I know I shut down. I have a hard time forgiving and moving past. The secondary item here is David's smallness in comparison to the mighty hero he was to be! David was an unlikely choice but with the spirit, he was a true superhero! Victory comes with the spirit.
Here is how I am thinking to apply this practically:
We may be asked to do things that seem un-accomplishable! (Is that a word??!!) But if we hear the voice, do as we are asked, have the faith to follow through, knowing God knoew what he is doing, in the end, we will emerge where he wanted us to be.
Samuel makes me think of General Hospital! There is so much drama. So many stories going on at one time!
We have had 2 rainy days in a row here. That means school all morning and then figuring out what to do with the girlies! Madi is definitely the harder one to keep busy. She loves to have me with her all the time. Therefore, being in the house all the time means reading lots of books, listening to music, adding school work without adding school work. (Try THAT one on for size!) It also means making food every 5 minutes. By the way, that is an exaggeration. (We learned that when we did a literature lesson.) I have tried having snacks pre-prepared and all, but I just can't keep up with my bottomless pit of a child. Needless to say, it wears me out more to stay home than to be gone all day!
I am oing to be making a quick run to the store for some perishables, but not spending more than $10.
Now, I am going to close today's entry with identity. What do you feel is your identity? How are you finding it? Has your identity changed over time? In Exodus 6:6-8 God is again promising to take the Isrealites out of slavery. That was all they knew. They knew that they existed to merely serve someone else! Freedom was foreign. What would they become? What would their identity be? I know my identity has changed several times over the years, however, it all was leading me to where I am now and where I will go in the future. Sometimes it seems like my identity is only discovered after the fact. Sounds like a multiple personality disorder. In all of the things I love, I am always involved in teaching, somehow. I definitely need to work harder at identifying and using these things.
So what is your identity? How do you use it? How do you find it? Thoughts?
Also in Samuel, the Philistines learn that the Ark carries with it plagues and sickness. Funny how they return it pretty quickly after that! Embarassing attempt on their part!! Then there is our ever stubborn children in Israel who are now demanding a king despite God saying all these terrible things that will happen. Saul learns that it is more important to follow the whole of God's will. Pressure around us has random effects on us everyday. The ideas of deicphering the voices we are hearing and following the right ones stood out most to me throughout this book. We see disobedience through the Israelites, Eli and his sons, Saul, Jonathan, and each time God points out the simplicity of doing what HE asks. We don't always hear the right voice.
David arises leaving Saul to feel some bitterness. Bitterness is something I have battled in my past. Here Saul had made all these accomplishments and then David comes along to battle this giant leader. They were praising him and there was even rumore of him becoming king. How do you deal with bitterness? I know I shut down. I have a hard time forgiving and moving past. The secondary item here is David's smallness in comparison to the mighty hero he was to be! David was an unlikely choice but with the spirit, he was a true superhero! Victory comes with the spirit.
Here is how I am thinking to apply this practically:
We may be asked to do things that seem un-accomplishable! (Is that a word??!!) But if we hear the voice, do as we are asked, have the faith to follow through, knowing God knoew what he is doing, in the end, we will emerge where he wanted us to be.
Samuel makes me think of General Hospital! There is so much drama. So many stories going on at one time!
We have had 2 rainy days in a row here. That means school all morning and then figuring out what to do with the girlies! Madi is definitely the harder one to keep busy. She loves to have me with her all the time. Therefore, being in the house all the time means reading lots of books, listening to music, adding school work without adding school work. (Try THAT one on for size!) It also means making food every 5 minutes. By the way, that is an exaggeration. (We learned that when we did a literature lesson.) I have tried having snacks pre-prepared and all, but I just can't keep up with my bottomless pit of a child. Needless to say, it wears me out more to stay home than to be gone all day!
I am oing to be making a quick run to the store for some perishables, but not spending more than $10.
Now, I am going to close today's entry with identity. What do you feel is your identity? How are you finding it? Has your identity changed over time? In Exodus 6:6-8 God is again promising to take the Isrealites out of slavery. That was all they knew. They knew that they existed to merely serve someone else! Freedom was foreign. What would they become? What would their identity be? I know my identity has changed several times over the years, however, it all was leading me to where I am now and where I will go in the future. Sometimes it seems like my identity is only discovered after the fact. Sounds like a multiple personality disorder. In all of the things I love, I am always involved in teaching, somehow. I definitely need to work harder at identifying and using these things.
So what is your identity? How do you use it? How do you find it? Thoughts?
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