Tag: Growing in Faith

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Joy in the Giving

Often when we think of Christian love and charity, we think big: mission trips, feeding centers, large sums of money.  We think of our local tithes and offerings.  We think of the parable of the Widow’s Mite.  I have found myself thinking of her a lot lately.  I think of how in her poverty, she gave all that she had.  I think of how her humble heart caught the eye of the Master.   I think of how He praised her.  I’ve been contemplating the principles of Godly Giving and whether or not I measure up to His expectations.

While studying I noticed that God expects us to be joyful as well as generous in our giving.  I also realized that giving all I have is not just about money.  God expects more of me than just my envelope in the offering plate.  While I am obedient in my finances, I’m not sure that my giving has honored Him the way that Widow’s Mite did.

I want to honor Him so badly- to catch His eye.  I want to make Him proud.  I want to give ALL.  What a lofty goal. So daunting, really.  Is it even attainable? Can I really give Him ALL?   As I shifted my focus from money, I saw so many other opportunities.

I can smile more, not just when I’m happy.  I can smile at the cashier when I’m held up in line because she’s changing the tape roll and taking forever.  I can smile at the driver who takes my turn at the stop sign.  I can smile at my son when he’s struggling to do a big boy job all by himself when I could do it so much faster. (I can even smile at these rowdy teenagers who are distracting me while I write this post utilizing free Wi Fi at McDonald’s. )

In my routine shopping, I can get a few “extras” for others. I can pick up some extra can goods at the grocery store for the local food bank.  I can pick up an extra pack of diapers & wipes for the women’s shelter.  I can take a book of stamps and some paper to the alcohol & drug treatment center.  I can take my old magazines to the nursing home.

I can make (and give Him) better choices.  When challenged I can choose mercy.  I can choose forgiveness.  I can choose patience.  I can choose kindness. I can listen patiently as if for the first time when my grandmother repeats the same story for the 100th time.  I can be sweet instead of sarcastic when my husband forgets that it’s date night and volunteers to work a later shift.  I can choose peace instead of arguing my point when a neighbor oversteps her bounds.

I’m learning that giving all I have is so much simpler than I thought.  It’s so much broader than I imagined.  If I choose a positive perspective about it, I can even have fun looking for opportunities to give more, to do more, to truly serve Him in my everyday life. I can give myself, my heart, my obedience as well as my money.

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A Proverbs Wife $$$ Tips & Links

I am super excited to have a guest interview today!  Saidah writes at AProverbsWife.com, where she shares her journey in modeling herself after Proverbs 31:10-31. She writes about how scripture molds her into being a better Christian, wife, and mother. You’re sure to be inspired by reading her blog. She also shares some really great coupons and bargains there. You can also find her chatting it up with her readers Facebook and Twitter.

How did you get started clipping coupons and participating in online surveys?

I began using coupons and taking surveys in 2008 as a means to stretch my husband’s income. Our budget was extremely tight and I decide to help my husband by being a better steward over our grocery budget. He was totally against me working outside of the home so, instead of trying to make money I decided to start helping us save money. Shortly after learning to use coupons I began investigating ways to make money from home. One of the ways that intrigued me was giving my opinion for compensation. I didn’t know if anyone could really make money taking surveys, but once I signed up for my first survey company, I was convinced that it was something I could do. I’d spend a little time each week taking surveys and then cash out at the end of each month.

How much time do you spend per week on the above? If you could put a dollar amount per hour that you spend, what would you estimate earning potential to be?

I don’t spend as much time taking surveys anymore because I have other streams of income that require my attention, but when I began I’d spend about 2-3 hours a week taking surveys. In this time I would earn anywhere from $150 – $200 a month. It’s not a whole lot, but it allowed me to help put the “budge” back into our budget. Now I make less. In February I made $50 taking surveys.

How do you balance your online activity with your other homemaking responsibilities?

My computer is on a great deal of the day from October – January, simply because there are so many amazing deals and I want my readers to be able to shop for Christmas a frugally as possible. I am a firm believer that with a little bit of planning Christmas gift can be paid for without breaking the budget. I know from experience that it can even be funded for FREE. The remaining months of the year, I pray a lot and talk with my husband about my schedule.

I never feel like I’m balancing well but I do have a schedule. I am a master schedule writer and chief life organizer (in my mind. However, I understand that no amount of scheduling will ever be perfect unless God creates it. This is why I pray regularly for direction and guidance about the way that I use my time, how I interact with my family and about my blog.



How do you find all those amazing deals?

I find many deals right in my inbox. I am partnered with some great affiliate companies and brands who send deals and offers to my inbox daily. I also have amazing blog friends and readers who forward deals to me as well. You’d be surprised to know that I find amazing coupons codes and FREE sample offers in magazines or while watching television. As a blogger who posts deals so often, I don’t look at everything the way most people do. I’m always looking for a deal. For instance, while watching a television ad, I heard about a new chicken sandwich variety, but at the end of the commercial I also heard, “Come on in and get a FREE sample”. When I find offline deals I usually make a note to confirm them and post the offer on my blog.

What advice would you give to newbies? 

To new bloggers I would say make the choice earlier on who you will worship. Blogging can be a popularity contest filled with many “in-crowds”. It can also be a field that can put you in a position to be idolized. This being the case, I advise choosing early on to honor God in everything you do. If you decide to monetize your blog never put money before your readers and if you do, be swift to apologize for any lapse in judgment.

What’s the most challenging part of your typical week?

The most challenging is balancing it all.

I love time with God.
I love time with my family.
I love homeschooling.
I love blogging.
I love homemaking.

These areas of my life threaten to overtake one another on a daily basis. That’s the most challenging part of my week. Keeping everything in it’s proper proportion.

What’s the most exciting part of your typical week?

It’s different every week. One week it could be learning that a company has decided to partner with me on a project. Another week it could be a surprise date night with my husband or a special quiet moment with the Lord. It varies and I’m easily excitable.

What excited me this week was my daughter scoring a 90% on her spelling test for the second straight week. This is huge because she is a delayed reader due to dyslexia. That’s what excited me this week.


What role does frugality play in your faith walk?

My family uses every opportunity to save so that we can give more away. We endeavor to be debt FREE because we know that God can’t use our finances as long as we are in debt. Our family goal is to live simply and pay off our mortgage so that we can be available for God’s use in the international missionary field.


What do you do for “down time” entertainment/ relaxation?
The ultimate downtime is reading the Bible and listening to Christian music. It is the one activity that leaves me rejuvenated and inspired. Other things I enjoy are spending time with my family and gardening. While I’m not that great in the garden, I just like being outdoors close to Gods creation. It humbles me to watch the growth cycle of the earth. Once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to deny the sovereignty and existence of God.


Website: AProverbsWife offers inspiration, frugal tips and great conversation for living life as today’s Proverbs 31 wives & women!

On Twitter: @proverbswife

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You Are So Beautiful!

Someone (besides me) needs to hear this today: you are so beautiful and so very loved! Jesus gave so much just to spend eternity with YOU. The song below just touched my heart so deeply!  

This song has touched many hearts, click here to see how it touched my friend Teri Johnson at Keeping it Personal. 

I hope you enjoy…

To watch the video click below:

Here are the lyrics from Metro Lyrics:
The days will come when you don’t have the strength 

When all you hear is you’re not worth anything 

Wondering if you ever could be loved 

And if they truly saw your heart they’d see too much 


You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are made so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 

You’re beautiful 


I’m praying that you have the heart to find 

Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight 

For all the lies you’ve held inside so long 

And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross 


You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are made so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 

You’re beautiful 


Before you ever took a breath 

Long before the world began 

Of all the wonders He possessed 

There was one more precious 

Of all the earth and skys above 

You’re the one He madly loves 

Enough to die 


You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

In His eyes 


You’re beautiful 

You were meant for so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You’re meant for so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/beautiful-lyrics-mercy-me.html ]o
Posted on by

You Are So Beautiful!

Someone (besides me) needs to hear this today: you are so beautiful and so very loved! Jesus gave so much just to spend eternity with YOU. The song below just touched my heart so deeply!  

This song has touched many hearts, click here to see how it touched my friend Teri Johnson at Keeping it Personal. 

I hope you enjoy…

To watch the video click below:

Here are the lyrics from Metro Lyrics:
The days will come when you don’t have the strength 

When all you hear is you’re not worth anything 

Wondering if you ever could be loved 

And if they truly saw your heart they’d see too much 


You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are made so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 

You’re beautiful 


I’m praying that you have the heart to find 

Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight 

For all the lies you’ve held inside so long 

And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross 


You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are made so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 

You’re beautiful 


Before you ever took a breath 

Long before the world began 

Of all the wonders He possessed 

There was one more precious 

Of all the earth and skys above 

You’re the one He madly loves 

Enough to die 


You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

In His eyes 


You’re beautiful 

You were meant for so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You’re meant for so much more than all of this 

You’re beautiful 

You’re beautiful 

You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/beautiful-lyrics-mercy-me.html ]o
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Shine by Salvador (Just Because I Love It)

I just love this group and this song!  That’s it…the whole post…just link & lyrics…nothing else. Enjoy! 


Click below to hear Shine by Salvador:





Lyrics, courtesy of Gospel Music Lyrics:

I woke up to another day

Another day to celebrate

Your beauty and your mystery

Is more than any eye can see

I’m not the man I was before

With you my life is so much more

Break the chains and open doors

To a world I can’t ignore


Chorus:

Lord let me shine

Shine like the moon

A reflection of you

All that I do

Lord let me be

A light for your truth

Light of the world

I want to be used

To shine for you


As simple as a passing smile

Or listening a little while

To someone that’s convinced that

They are in this all alone

Well, here’s my chance to share the news

To introduce the good that’s you

Here you go again,

You never cease to blow my mind


Chorus


You’re the love that we all need

You lift us up to our feet,

Hold the key to eternity

The King of Kings alive in me

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Shine by Salvador (Just Because I Love It)

I just love this group and this song!  That’s it…the whole post…just link & lyrics…nothing else. Enjoy! 


Click below to hear Shine by Salvador:





Lyrics, courtesy of Gospel Music Lyrics:

I woke up to another day

Another day to celebrate

Your beauty and your mystery

Is more than any eye can see

I’m not the man I was before

With you my life is so much more

Break the chains and open doors

To a world I can’t ignore


Chorus:

Lord let me shine

Shine like the moon

A reflection of you

All that I do

Lord let me be

A light for your truth

Light of the world

I want to be used

To shine for you


As simple as a passing smile

Or listening a little while

To someone that’s convinced that

They are in this all alone

Well, here’s my chance to share the news

To introduce the good that’s you

Here you go again,

You never cease to blow my mind


Chorus


You’re the love that we all need

You lift us up to our feet,

Hold the key to eternity

The King of Kings alive in me

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Guarding Our Heart

Recently my son and I were singing the “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…” song.  I’ve been pondering that little song ever since.  It’s a Sunday school classic- how many times have we heard it?  Sang it? Do we live it?

Proverbs 4:23 admonishes us to diligently keep our heart because what goes in ultimately comes back out. It’s so easy to forget the importance of guarding our heart.  We often get so caught up in the cares of this world that we neglect the truth of the Word (Mark 4:14-20).  We keep (or tend) our heart by guarding the gates that open to it: our eyes, our ears, and our tongue.  Much of what we see, hear, and speak negatively affect us probably more than we realize.  The negativity often manifests in our attitude which affects our emotions, our relationships, and our health- every aspect of our being.

We are cautioned not to be conformed to the norms of this world (Rom 12:2).  One of the biggest “norms” that is alarming to me is what we see in the media.  All sorts of terrible, ungodly things are depicted quite graphically on mainstream tv and radio. I’m often horrified by what bombards our family on a daily basis- especially in so-called family friendly entertainment.  Even commercials are getting more and more offensive… For example, “Mommy what does male enhancement mean?” or “Is Viagra a vitamin?” I mean really, between the news, crime shows, commercials, suggestive teen shows, and crude music lyrics the gates to our eyes and ears are being flooded by the very things God tells us to avoid  (1 John 2:15-17).

How many times have you caught yourself humming a tune you heard earlier on the radio or worrying about something you saw on the news?  Images can’t be un-seen.  Sounds can’t be un-heard.  They persist in your subconscious.  Oh how important it is to guard what comes in! While we can’t bury our heads in the sand, we can drastically limit what comes in our homes with a simple flick of the off button.

Another “norm” seems to be worry and anxiety.  Worry is such a dangerous habit that Jesus COMMANDED us not to do it (Matt 6:25-34 and Josh 1:9).  We cannot stand in faith and be anxious at the same time.  Fear and faith do not mix. Worry is so automatic that we have to re-train ourselves to trust in Him instead.  To counteract negativity, God advises us to meditate on His Word (Josh 1:8) . He encourages us to think about positive and happy things (Philp 4:8).

Singing that song reminded me to take seriously the things my family and I expose ourselves to. I am encouraged to be more mindful of what we’re seeing and hearing–and subsequently meditating on.

Bible Links courtesy BibleGateway.com.
Posted on by

Guarding Our Heart

Recently my son and I were singing the “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…” song.  I’ve been pondering that little song ever since.  It’s a Sunday school classic- how many times have we heard it?  Sang it? Do we live it?

Proverbs 4:23 admonishes us to diligently keep our heart because what goes in ultimately comes back out. It’s so easy to forget the importance of guarding our heart.  We often get so caught up in the cares of this world that we neglect the truth of the Word (Mark 4:14-20).  We keep (or tend) our heart by guarding the gates that open to it: our eyes, our ears, and our tongue.  Much of what we see, hear, and speak negatively affect us probably more than we realize.  The negativity often manifests in our attitude which affects our emotions, our relationships, and our health- every aspect of our being.

We are cautioned not to be conformed to the norms of this world (Rom 12:2).  One of the biggest “norms” that is alarming to me is what we see in the media.  All sorts of terrible, ungodly things are depicted quite graphically on mainstream tv and radio. I’m often horrified by what bombards our family on a daily basis- especially in so-called family friendly entertainment.  Even commercials are getting more and more offensive… For example, “Mommy what does male enhancement mean?” or “Is Viagra a vitamin?” I mean really, between the news, crime shows, commercials, suggestive teen shows, and crude music lyrics the gates to our eyes and ears are being flooded by the very things God tells us to avoid  (1 John 2:15-17).

How many times have you caught yourself humming a tune you heard earlier on the radio or worrying about something you saw on the news?  Images can’t be un-seen.  Sounds can’t be un-heard.  They persist in your subconscious.  Oh how important it is to guard what comes in! While we can’t bury our heads in the sand, we can drastically limit what comes in our homes with a simple flick of the off button.

Another “norm” seems to be worry and anxiety.  Worry is such a dangerous habit that Jesus COMMANDED us not to do it (Matt 6:25-34 and Josh 1:9).  We cannot stand in faith and be anxious at the same time.  Fear and faith do not mix. Worry is so automatic that we have to re-train ourselves to trust in Him instead.  To counteract negativity, God advises us to meditate on His Word (Josh 1:8) . He encourages us to think about positive and happy things (Philp 4:8).

Singing that song reminded me to take seriously the things my family and I expose ourselves to. I am encouraged to be more mindful of what we’re seeing and hearing–and subsequently meditating on.

Bible Links courtesy BibleGateway.com.
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Super Quick and Easy Life Hacks for a Happy New Year

Many people this time of year reflect upon the past year and look ahead with new goals, resolutions, or at the very least: wishes for improvement.  I have a confession. I don’t really make New Year resolutions.  Not that I’m perfect, I just get bogged down in the details…and the guilt when I don’t fulfill them.  Why set my self up for failure? (All though I have heard that writing them down and breaking them up into attainable steps works. Hey, wait- I already do some of that with housekeeping.  Keep reading. You’ll see.)  Sometimes I just take the easy way out.

Here are some of my “easy way out” strategies.  Some of them require just a tiny bit of effort on the front end.  Over time, they really save me BIG in time, effort, and money.  Some keep me healthy. Heck, some of them even make me look better!
  1. Post a grocery list on the refrigerator.  Not on the counter.  Not in your head.  Put it ON the fridge. Whether you use a dry erase board, a pre-printed list, or a plain ol’ piece of paper (that’s what I do), you can quickly post grocery items as you run out.  Train the kiddos and hubby to do it too. This really does help eliminate forgotten items and trips back to the store. Now, if you really want to save yourself in the long run, take the time to organize your pantry.  Don’t go all Martha Stewart, just put all the cans of tomato soup together. (No offense, Martha, its just that most of us don’t have have a staff to help and tons of money to spend on closet hardware.)  Group like items together.  At one quick glance you can see what you have and what you need to add to the grocery list.
  2. Speaking of your pantry, as you run out of items replace them with the healthier, less processed version when you’re at the store. One by one you’re feeding your family more nutritious meals. You’re not throwing food out either-wasting money.  It’s not so overwhelming this way.  Small steps can make good habits last longer.
  3. Keep a small notepad in your purse.  I use the notepad on my iPhone.  Train yourself to jot everything down.  This way you can keep track of errands you need to run, gifts you need to purchase, items you need to add to the grocery list, etc.  Not everybody is a list maker, I know, but it does eliminate that feeling of, “I know there was one more thing but I just can’t remember.”  This way you can save room in your brain for the really important stuff!
  4. If you have trouble finding time to spend with God, break it up into smaller, do-able chunks during the day.  See my post on How I Abide In Him for easy ideas.
  5. Trying to get your house in order (especially after Christmas guests, and kids home on school holiday) can seem impossible.  Focus on smaller tasks.  Spend just 10-15 minutes once or twice a day on the trouble spots and you’ll be organized in no time.  This is how I keep my housekeeping chores from getting away.
  6. If you’re having a hard time exercising, this one is for you!  At least three times a week, put on some great music, set the timer for 15 minutes, grab the kids and dance your buns off.  March, run, jump, dance- whatever- just go all out for 15 minutes.  Increase your time as your endurance builds.  What’s better than having fun with the kids and getting a good cardio workout too?
  7. Lay out your clothes (and the kids’) the night before.  You’ll be amazed at the time this saves in the morning. No more “what to wear?”  No more wasting precious time trying on things. No more fights with the kids.  I layout my clothes on Sunday night for the week ahead. No kidding, I do! Use an over-the-door hook or just put those outfits together in the first space of your closet rod.  
  8. Even if you’re a stay at home mom, you need to have at least one “go-to” outfit ready. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that says “I’m fabulous.” You’ll feel fabulous too running errands in something other than sweats. Jeans and a trendy top (those tattoo t-shirts hide stains) paired with cute low-heels and big earrings are a must. Don’t spend much. You can pull together a great, yet inexpensive outfit at most discount or dollar stores if you take the time to look. I’m serious about the big (preferably hoop) earrings.  My theory is that they draw attention away from the dark circles under my eyes. 
  9. Keep those dry trouble spots smooth with a stick moisturizer. (I’ve been using one made by Palmer’s but Santa left Heel-Tastic in my stocking. I like it too.)  You can find one in the health & beauty section EVERYWHERE.  Keep it by your bedside or by your toothbrush if you have trouble remembering (like me) to use it. I swipe my heels, knees and elbows in the morning and the evening.  It’s a five second spa treatment with no greasy hands!
  10. Just like the go-to outfit, I have a quick go-to makeup routine for the days I want to look put together but just don’t have the time.  Tinted moisturizer + Lip Crayon + Mascara = Instant (but super quick) GLAM.  Use a mocha or mauve lip crayon in the crease of your eyelids and blend with your fingertips.  With the residue from your fingertips, swipe along your cheek bones. If you use a waterproof mascara, you can use the crayon underneath your lower lashes for a soft liner affect.  Of course, don’t forget your lips! With only three products and your fingers you can be gorgeous in less than three minutes. Really- three minutes! 
These tips are so simple yet can revolutionize your day to day routine. I’d love to hear some of your short cuts and ideas!  Let me know if you try mine and how it goes. Why should getting organized, living healthy and looking great be expensive or hard?