Coupon Seekers

If you came to my blog to begin or enhance your coupon journey, start with these tips:
• Not a member of Swagbucks? Scroll to the bottom of my blog and sign up! Earn points for searches you would do on the internet anyway and more!
• Print your coupons here! Click the “Print Coupons HERE!” tab. Make sure to come back at the beginning of each month when the coupons are new again! Remember: it takes a few weeks to get going and the goal is always to SAVE more than you SPEND.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Amazing Baby Shower Gift Options!

I just took advantage of this great offer, maybe you will be able to do the same!

Just go to the Udder Covers website and select the nursing cover you would like for yourself or for someone you know that is expecting a baby.  Use the promotion code:  Family2010 when you checkout and you will pay only shipping!

These make great baby shower gifts and look like beautiful fabric choices.  I'll let you know how mine is as soon as I receive it!


 PLUS, when you checkout, look for a special additional promotion code for a huge discount on a baby sling from Sevenslings!

"Baby wearing" has become all the rage for new moms and these slings too look like beautiful fabric choices.  I've heard they run small, so make sure to check the sizing chart before you order.  Once again, you may be able to pay only shipping!

Another great baby shower gift!  I'll let you know how it is when I receive mine.

Happy shopping!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

When All of Life Surrounds You

The struggle seems too much
When all of life surrounds you
When there's no one here to talk to
More overwhelming than you knew

When the only one who knows
Has the same burden and the stress
Your heart feels so heavy
To even take a breath

God is the One who understands
He holds you through it all
His shoulders are so broad
But on Him you must call

He's strong enough to take it
But it must come from me
I must give it to Him freely
Or it can never be.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Lord, Just One Compliant Child, Please!

Today I am struggling with being a good parent.  I certainly don't feel like a good parent.  There isn't any obvious proof that I am a good parent.  Now, I'm not looking for an award for "World's Best Mom" or anything.  Just a little respect, some obedience.  I would completely feel like the best mom in the world if just one of my children was showing their full potential.  Excelling at something, anything.  Rather than being called at home by teachers, pulled aside at pick-up and completely embarassed by their behaviors.  Don't get me wrong, there are moments like this.  In the past.  How long ago was it?  I can't remember. 

Help me, Lord, to cherish the times when my children make me proud of them.  Help me tuck them away for these times when they frustrate me, embarass me, ignore me and disrespect me.  Help me to keep my patience during these times and always let them know that I love them.  No matter what.  Just as You love me.  No matter what.  Lord, help me to dwell on the wonderful times and not the negative.  Help me to raise responsible, respectful, productive members of society, who have a heart for You.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Cherokee Legend

Received this today and just had to share!

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian Youth's' rite of Passage?


His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him an leaves him - alone.  He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.  He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified.  He can hear all kinds of noises.  Wild beasts must surely be all around him.  Maybe even some human might do him harm.  The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.  It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.  Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us.  Sitting on the stump beside us.  When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

If you liked this story, pass it on.  If not, you took off your blindfold before dawn.

Moral of the story:

Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there. 

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, September 17, 2010

I'm on Etsy!

I've started making custom diaper wipe cases and I'm selling them on Etsy! There are many patterns and colors to choose from.  I can make travel size or full size, and can make other types of cases as well (i.e.: pencil cases or anything else!). Check them out here!



Cases are also available at Carousel Kids (or here) in St. Augustine!






ChristinaLynn }i{





Monday, August 23, 2010

Children

God gives us children for a time

To teach them how to love the Lord,

To train them in His righteous ways,

To follow and obey His Word. —Sper
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Have I Told You How Much I LOVE Publix?

I really do!  It is so refreshing to be able to go into the store and have a plan, use my coupons and come out with a cart FULL of groceries for less than $75 each and every week!

Today, I was able to purchase $215.51 worth of groceries for $73.61.  Can you believe that? 

My big savings this week was on some Listerene purchases.  I was able to get 2 bottles of Listerene, 1 Liter size, that also had a 16 oz bottle attached for $0.50 each!  Very amazing! 

Another great deal was the Lunchables.  I was able to purchase three of the sandwich ones (without drink) for $0.50 each

Glade plug in refills (twin packs) were also a great deal this week, I was able to purchase 2 twin packs for $1.99 each.  These are normally around $5.50 each, so great savings! 

And my last super deal was the Frito Lay classic variety pack.  This pack contains 22 bags of single-serve size chips in various flavors.  The regular price is about $9, but I was able to get them on sale, with a manufacturer and competitor coupon for only $4.49!  That's about $0.20 each bag!  Great for school lunches coming up!

So, if I pair a lunchable sandwich with a bag of chips and one of the Honest Kids juice pouches I got for FREE, I have a lunch for $0.70!  WOW!

All thanks for Frugal Fun and Fortune and I Heart Publix.  Matching up coupons to sale items is the way to go!  If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?

ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, August 13, 2010

Can You Really Get FREE Stuff?

Right now, through Sunday, check out our local Hagan Ace Hardware for FREE printer ink refills!!

Seriously!  I took my printer cartridge down to my Ace Hardware handed it over to them and a few hours later received a call that my cartridge was ready.  When I went to pick it up, they scanned it at the counter and said that was all, no payment needed! 

I believe this is something they've just started doing, so it is a promotion to make everyone aware that they are now doing it.

I've already tried out my refill and it works great!  I was amazed that they refill my ink cartridge, some of the other local stores do not.

YES!!!  You really can get FREE stuff!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I Just Won 9 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com

I Just Won 9 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com


Don't forget to sign up for Swag Bucks using the promo code BackToSchool to earn 70 swag bucks when you sign up!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Want the Good News or the Bad News First?

Let's start with the bad news so we have something to look forward to! 

Bad News:  I went over my grocery budget this week, but especially over for this half of the month!  By about $40.  Yikes!  In my mind, I can justify it because we used up most of our stock piles before vacation, then used some of our grocery budget last month towards "vacation eating out."  So, now we are building up our stock piles again.  That is probably the hardest part about couponing, building up your supplies. 

Good News:  I saved over $100 at Publix today!!  Mostly due to store sales, but I was able to accumulate over $30 in coupons.  Very good effort today!!

Tell me about your savings, leave a comment below!

ChristinaLynn }i{

I Just Won 14 Swag Bucks

I Just Won 14 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com

If you haven't signed up for Swag Bucks yet, do so now!! You can click my link at the bottom of this page. Swag Bucks can be used to purchase gift cards, all for just searching the internet like you're going to do anyway. Check it out!

Use code BackToSchool (case sensitive) for 70 swag bucks when you sign up!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Stuff

Not feeling the best lately.  No motivation.  Extremely tired. 

Also, not sure if I'll finish the 1950's Housewife Challenge blogs.  If you want to see the remaining posts, let me know.  Otherwise, I'll skip it and start posting again after school starts.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Saturday, July 31, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 23

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.


Luke 2:52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.  How are you seeing your husband grow through this challenge?  How much are you increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and your man?  It is amazing how small changes in our daily actions can have such an impact! 
 
Keep up the good work and share with us your experiences!
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, July 30, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 22

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Psalm 34:14b  ...seek peace, and pursue it.  I love this verse.  You hear all the time that people want "world peace," but what are they actually doing about it?  This verse specifically tells us to PURSUE PEACE!  That is an active means of accomplishing something, not just something we say that sounds good.  Are you pursuing peace today in your marriage?  I know I didn't this morning.  I woke up grumpy and achy and started snapping at everyone.  And everyone started snapping back at me.  I think the saying is true that the wife sets the tone in the family and I did not set a good tone this morning.  The last thing on my mind was to pursue peace.  It wasn't long before I had to put my physical feelings aside and apologize for my behavior.  Whether your husband brings peace into your home or not, ask God today to give you the "peace that passes all understanding" so that you may be a beacon in your home of tranquility and calm. 

Kinda reminds me of our last Home Economics tip on Day 17.     

ChristinaLynn }i{

Francis Chan

A video MUST SEE!



ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Another Exhausting Day, But...

School supply shopping is DONE!

Today's shopping included an exceptional lunch at Buca di Bepo with my wonderful husband, which is a rare treat, especially during the week.  Buca is offering a free lasagna with minimum purchase, I learned about it HERE

Then, I finished up my school supply shopping with a trip to OfficeMax where I purchased the following items:
  • 1 ream copy paper, 500 sheets
  • 6 poly cover, wide-rule, 5 subject 200-sheet notebooks
  • 3 Binders 1"
  • 2 backpacks
  • 3 gel pens 3pk
  • Sharpie black markers 12 ct
  • 1 XL capacity printer cartridge (not on sale, $30.99)
Total spent was $159.57, but with my MaxPerks rewards card, I will be getting a rebate gift card in September for $118.14, so a net total of $41.43!!  Basically, the price of the printer cartridge and tax!!

Pretty cool!

ChristinaLynn }i{

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 21

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Ephesians 6:4  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.  Nancy tells us here that children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship.  I often wonder what couples without children do with all of their free time!  And, what could they possibly have to fight over?  Today's verse presents an opportunity to praise your husband for how he treats your children.  Through discipline, support and encouragement, things he teaches them, even everyday speech.  Remembering also as Nancy states:  "Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up." 
 
Keep up the communication with your husband, remembering to pray for him daily and use words of encouragement.
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 20

OK, 20 days down!!!  How are you doing?

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

I hope you are having great discussions about your future, opening the communication and bridging the gaps!  That's what it is all about!
 
Titus 2:7a  In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works.  Some say that it takes 21 days to create a new habit [pattern of good works] and we are almost there!  We should be searching for new ways every day to encourage our husbands and to support them in a way that no one else can.
 
Keep up the pattern of good works as it shows Christ through you.
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

An Exhausting Day

Let the school supply shopping begin!  (Ugh, do we have to?)

I spent a great part of my day today determing where the best prices were and what store I actually wanted to spend time at to get some great deals.  I was able to make it to Staples and Walgreens today for supplies and Target for shoes.  Here are my tallies:
  • 2 Index Card cases
  • 2 Pencil cases
  • 3 Elmer's glue stick 2 pks
  • 2 Jumbo glue stick 2 pks
  • 2 Rulers
  • 30 pk Mechanical pencils
  • Sharpie fine point 2 pk
  • 2 Lunch bags - insulated
  • 3 Backpacks/totes
  • 3 Composition books
  • 5 folders - 2 pocket with clasps
  • 2 colored pencil 12 pks
  • 3 Filler paper 130 ct
  • 12 highlighters
  • 16 black pens
  • 2 reams 500 ct copy paper
  • 3 pairs 8" scissors
  • 6 rolls scotch tape
  • 2 pencil pouch kits complete with stapler, 50 staples, 8 "ruler, 5" scissors, glue stick, pencil sharpener & eraser
Total spent $81.55 with a rebate of $29.92 for a net total of $51.63!!  Then, at Target, I was able to grab 3 pairs of tennis shoes (and not the cheap kind!) for a total of 37.14!!  We're talkin' Converse and Swiss Gear, no generics!!  Top quality shoes for less than $12.50 a pair!

While it is a fine line between grabbing some sales now and waiting for the Sales Tax Holiday, I don't enjoy the pressure of doing it all in 3 days.  But, I probably will save most of the clothes shopping for then, unless something really good comes along!  I'll keep you posted!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 19

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

How are you doing with your husband's vision for the future?  Courtney made an excellent point HERE yesterday talking about when our vision and our husband's vision are different.  Check it out! 
 
Colossians 4:6a  Let your speech be always with grace...  1 Peter 4:8b  Love will cover a multitude of sins.  This ties specifically back to our main challenge where it speaks about how you speak about your husband to others.  Be careful even when asking for prayer for ourselves, our marriage, our husband from others.  This isn't an opportunity to "get away" with saying something negative about your husband. 

Keep up the good work, we are in the home stretch now and should be instilling some great new habits to strengthen our marriages and encourage our husbands!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, July 26, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 18

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

OK, well, we're a little off schedule now, but I think that it will actually help us end up more in sync.  I really hope you are reading this series and enjoying it.  I would love to hear from you!  How have you done with the main challenge (above)?  What about the weekly items? 
 
My husband and I did the priority list this past week and it was quite eye-opening!  First of all, it was very difficult for me to keep the list down to just five items, but my husband graciously assisted me in crossing a couple of things off the list.  While the list was very personal, so I won't share, it was an amazing experience and I look forward to reviewing it again with him in a few weeks to see how it stacks up!
 
This week's challenge from Courtney is to support his vision.  Ask your husband where he sees your family in one, five and ten years.  Share with us how you let your husband lead your family.
 
Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.  Some advice from Nancy today:  "If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do or say is seen from an eternal perspective.  We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement.  Determine today that your words will be sweet and helpful."  Nancy goes on to say that we should look at our husband's perspective and use this as an opportunity to praise him and pray for him.
 
We've had all of our Home Economics tips from our 1950's era textbook.  What did you think of them?  Have you been able to put any of them into practice?
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Florida Sales Tax Holiday

Start preparing now for Florida's Sales Tax Holiday! 

Florida will hold its sometimes annual Sales Tax Holiday August 13-15, 2010.  Sales tax will be exempt on clothing, shoes, bags, books & school supplies.  For a complete list of what is included and what is not, see here:  http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/pdf/tax_relief_poster.pdf .

Let's see how many great sales and coupons we can incorporate into this sales tax holiday and make for some really great deals!  Post yours here!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, July 23, 2010

R & R

Enjoying some much needed R & R with family, but will be back to posting again on Monday.  Enjoy your weekend!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 17

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband. 

Once again, derailing from the schedule :)

Ephesians 4:32  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  Here's an excerpt from Nancy Leigh DeMoss:  "It's time for some heart examination.  As you continue in this challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband?  Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband - by God's grace and in His power - you will not be able to encourage him?  Your own resentment will keep getting in the way.  Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes.  Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you."

Keep cooking those favorite dinners, desserts and making those drinks for your husbands!

Here's our last Home Economics tip of the day:  The Goal:  TO MAKE YOUR HOME A PLACE OF PEACE AND ORDER WHERE YOUR HUSBAND CAN RELAX IN BODY AND SPIRIT. 

Doesn't that sound wonderful?  I so wish for a home of peace and order, but I mostly pray for my husband to have a place to relax in body, mind and spirit.  Ahhh, sounds like a dream...

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 16

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband. 

Once again, I am deviating from the schedule to help things match up better.

Proverbs 17:22a  A merry heart does good...  Today is a day to have fun!  Look for your husband's playful side today, find ways to make him laugh and to bring him joy.  For my husband, this means watching those funny video shows.  Even in some of his most serious moods, this can lighten the moment and help him relieve stress.

How are your meals coming?  Share your recipes here!

Home Economics tip of the day:  Make the Evening His:  Never complain if he doesn't take you to dinner or to other entertainment.  Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his need to unwind and relax.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, July 19, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 15

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Genesis 2:18  And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."  In what ways are you a comparable helper to your husband?  God said here that it is not good for man to be alone, but our criticizing and nagging may make our husband wish to be alone.  Many women complain that their husbands don't communicate with them.  Actually men and women communicate so differently, that many times we don't recognize when they are communicating.  Make sure that you understand your husband's communication styles and look for subtle ways that he is communicating with you and praise him for those efforts.

Our challenge this week from Courtney is to make him a priority, your husband, that is.  "Ask him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are.  Be sure to serve him all three one night this week.  Bonus:  cook his favorite dishes all week long!"

Home Economics tip of the day:  Listen to Him:  You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.  Let him talk first.

This tip ties right into our verse above as well.  Allowing our husbands to talk first and not allowing ourselves to "rule" the conversation will give us many more opportunities to look for his communication styles and to understand him better.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Saturday, July 17, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 14

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

2 Peter 3:18  Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever.  Amen.  Today's lesson is two-fold, as many of them are.  First, make sure that you are growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ to put your spiritual life in perspective and make all of the other things in your life fall into place.  Second, look for ways that your husband is growing spiritually and encourage him in these areas.  Continue to pray for your husband, including his spiritual growth.

Home Economics tip of the day:  Make Him Comfortable:  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.  Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom.  Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.  Speak in a low, soothing voice.  Allow him to relax and unwind. 

Now, before you say, "When is my chance to relax and unwind?" let's remember the Home Economics tip from Day 9:  Prepare yourself. 

ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, July 16, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 13

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

I'm going to derail a bit from the schedule today to allow things to match up a little better.

Proverbs 20:7a  A righteous man walks in his integrity...  In today's world, it is hard to go even a day or two without hearing of some man who has been involved in something outside of his marriage vows or moral and ethical values.  Think of ways today how your husband is living a life of integrity and, if appropriate, share those examples with others.

If you have not written a post admiring your husband, please do so now!  Also, how is your list of priorities going?  You can see here on one of Courtney's blogs how her list went.  There was something she thought would be important to her husband, but was it? 

Home Economics tip of the day:  Some "Do Not's":  Don't greet him with problems and complaints.  Don't complain if he is late for dinner.  Count this as a minor problem compared to what he might have gone through that day.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, July 15, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 12

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Ephesians 4:2  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Sometimes it is necessary to look inside ourselves when things are not going right rather than looking for others to change.  Ask yourself:  "Am I more patient and gracious with strangers and guests than those who live in my home?"  Also ask yourself:  "Are my expectations unrealistic or unreasonable?"  If we are looking to God for all of our needs to be met, we will have a new perspective on how to respond to others. 
 
If you have written a post to admire your husband, please share it with me!  If you don't have a husband yet, feel free to post about your prayers for your future husband.  Also, feel free to use the comments section here to write your post if you do not have your own blog.
 
Our next assignment from Courtney this week is to make a list of 5 things you currently do and ask your husband to prioritize them for you, what is important to him.  Here are some examples:  home-cooked dinners, clean home, your church service, coupon clipping/money saving, your participation in his favorite activity, etc. 
 
Home Economics tip for the day:  Minimize All Noise:  At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise from the washer, dryer, or vacuum.  Encourage the children to be quiet.
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Today

I am behind in updating posts today, but will be bak on schedule soon.  Thank you for your patience!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 11

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Ephesians 5:22  Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  Now, I know that this is a touchy subject, but please keep an open mind.  Just as there is abundant freedom in the submitting to the will of God, there is abundant freedom in submitting to the will of your husband.  This doesn't mean always saying "yes" without a thought, but it does mean that you can have open dialogue with your husband about a decision, knowing and supporting his ultimate decision.  Communication is very important here.  It is important to have a calm conversation about whatever subject is in question, discussing the pros and cons as well as your opinion.  Your husband's decision is the final answer, just as God's will is the final answer.  You can allow his decision, no matter what the circumstances, knowing that your husband is the one who will be ultimately responsible for the decision.  If it turns out to be the right decision, your husband will be so lifted up in his ability to protect and provide for his family and you will be so proud of him!  Even if it turns out to be the wrong decision, you then submit to him again by respecting him, not saying, "I told you so," and helping him clean up the aftermath, in love, just as Christ does for us when we individually make the wrong decision.
 
In an effort to catch-up to Courtney on Women Living Well, we are going to have two assignments this week and will then go forward with one a week for the remainder of the challenge.  Today we will add:  "Admire your husband.  Write [a] post and then show it to him!  He will smile!"
 
Home Economics tip for today:  Prepare the Children:  If they are small, wash their hands and faces and comb their hair.  They are his little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. 
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, July 12, 2010

Why I Admire My Husband

I love my husband dearly!  He is a strong man with a very strong sense of who he is and what he stands for.  He is not scared to speak his mind and is still willing to listen to my difference of opinion.  Sometimes he even changes his mind because of what I have said to him! 

My husband works so very hard to provide for our family, this is truly his "love language."  No matter how frustrating or difficult things may be at time, he still picks himself up every morning and goes right back to work.  He is constantly striving for a better life for us and our children. 

Education is very important to my husband.  He is encouraging of my desire to complete my degree and is determined to make college a requirement for our children. 

He looks for ways to improve our financial circumstances today and throughout retirement.  He has a sense of pride for his family and a deep love and respect for his parents.  He has fond memories of his childhood and a determined desire to instill the same for our children.

He is a wonderful man that God has blessed me with and I thank God daily for him!

ChristinaLynn }i{

1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 10

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.


Song of Solomon 1:16a  You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words!  Today it is time to think about the characteristics, whether physical or other, that first attracted you to your husband.  Share those with your husband!
 
Remember to pray for your husband today and every day, asking him what you can specifically pray for each day.  Also, consider fasting and praying for him one day this week.
 
Today's Home Economics tip:  Clear Away the Clutter:  Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up children's books and toys, papers, etc.  Then run a dust cloth over the tables.  Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. 
 
I have been trying to do this lately, also incorporating the kids.  There's no reason why this couldn't be a great opportunity to teach them to respect their father by taking a few minutes before he arrives to make sure their personal belongings are put away and things are tidy for his daily home-coming. 
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Saturday, July 10, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 9

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

James 1:19b  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  The challenge from Nancy Leigh DeMoss today is this:  "See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him."  Now, this is not the same as when you are angry with him and only speak when asked a question and this is not the old-fashioned way of thinking, "only speak when spoke to."  This is being quick to listen and slow to speak.  Think of it as a way of taking a few steps back in order to take a few steps forward, a way of reconditioning yourself from speaking more to listening more.
 
We are continuing to remember our wedding day and vows as well as praying for our husband every day.  How are you doing?
 
Here's the next tip from the Home Economics textbook:  "Prepare Yourself:  Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives.  He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.  Be a little gay and a little more interesting.  His boring day may need a lift.  Greet him with a smile."  Now, you may think this contradicts with the last entry.  How can you have dinner ready when he walks in the door and rest for 15 minutes at the same time?  I guess the easy solution is to have dinner ready 15 minutes before he is due home, then rest, but you'll have to make sure dinner isn't over-cooking or drying out in the process.  And, as you'll see with some of the additional tips coming, there's more to be done during those last few minutes before your husband arrives.  The point here is that you need to look like a "sight for sore eyes" when he walks in the door.  I've even heard some say to freshen your make-up, comb your hair and freshen your perfume.  Make the effort and it will make a difference.  
 
Let me know how you do it! 
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, July 9, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 8

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Proverbs 20:6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find? Find ways to give encouraging praise to your husband for his faithfulness to you and to God. By finding ways to get rid of negativity and use more encouraging words, you will be amazed at how your marriage will change.

Continue to remember your wedding vows and the specialness of your wedding day. Also, remember to ask your husband how you can pray for him each day and consider fasting and praying one day this week.

Here's a tip from a 1950's Home Economics textbook: "Have Dinner Ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way to let him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned with his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home, and having a good meal ready is part of the warm welcome that is needed." There are many options out there today for meal planning and many that even tie into the great deals you'll find on your grocery shopping also. Here are a few to get you started:  
Good luck!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, July 8, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 7

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.  (Yes!  Every day!)

Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.  Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.  Proverbs 8:20-21  I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. 
 
Money can be a major source of many arguments in a marriage.  Find ways to encourage and help your husband in this area.  Ask first if he is open to your help in areas such as organization, stewardship, budgeting, making wise decisions about investing and purchases based on Biblical principles.  Make sure that you are following your husband's lead and direction to make decisions that would honor him and God. 
 
In an effort to catch up to Courtney's schedule on Women Living Well, we will add the task this week to ask your husband every morning how you can pray for him that day.  For a bonus, fast and pray for him one day this week.
 
Soon, we will add some daily practical things that were taught in a home economics textbook from the 1950's that taught girls how to prepare for married life.  Seriously, not sarcastically.  Just because technology has advanced beyond the 1950's doesn't mean that some things in life shouldn't still be simple and appreciated. 
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 6

The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.


How are you doing with the challenge?  Remember, if you have a moment, hour, or even day where you don't live up to the challenge, just pick yourself back up, ask for forgiveness and make the next moment, hour or day better!
 
A note to the men out there (I know there are some!), would love to hear from you!  Is your wife a 1950's Housewife?  How wonderful is it?  If you wife isn't a 1950's Housewife, how do you think this change would impact your marriage?  Let's hear it!
 
1 Corinthians 10:31b "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  Keep in mind today, and always that what you do is not to be done selfishly, but for God's glory.  Take a few moments today to think of your husband's creativity.  What gifts or special abilities does he have?  Look for ways today to praise your husband for his creativity.
 
How are you doing remembering your wedding day and your wedding vows?  Share them with us!
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, July 5, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 5

The challenge:  You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.  Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  While edification is a big word, it really just means to build up.  Use your words today to build your husband up, which is what the challenge is all about.  If you can do this to him, but in front of others, it makes even more of an impact.

Our task this week from Women Living Well with Courtney is to remember our wedding vows and review the sacredness of that day.  Even though there may have been some not-so-perfect moments, remember how excited you were to be marrying your husband.  Remember the love that brought you both to that point.  Feel free to share your memories here and post a picture if you'd like.  Here's mine:
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Saturday, July 3, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 4

The challenge:  You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.  Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

Ephesians 4:28 ...let him labor, working with his hands what is good...  Thank your husband today for the work he does to support you and your family.  Take the time to acknowledge how hard he works to provide and the skills necessary to perform the tasks. 

Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days.  Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.


ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, July 2, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 3

The challenge:  You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.  Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

I Corinthians 13:4  ...love suffers long, and is kind...  Philippians 4:19  And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Thank your husband today for his kindness and consideration.  "Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc.  Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart." - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days.  Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, July 1, 2010

1950's Housewife Challenge Day 2

The challenge:  You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.  Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.

If you struggled with the challenge yesterday, start fresh today!  It does take some practice, but you will get better at it every day if you are persistent.

Galatians 5:13b  ...serve one another in love.  Find some way that your husband is serving you or your family and praise him for his strength in serving others.  If possible, find some small token that will help him in this service.  For my husband, this might be as simple as extra super glue to help glue all of our kids broken toys.  He is so much better at this than I am and he enjoys doing it.

Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days.  Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

A 1950's Housewife

(Uh-hmmm, now that I have your attention!)

A segment from the Rachael Ray Show has inspired me to write the next series on this blog.  If you ever read my previous blog, you'll recall the series I did on Proverbs 31 and will see some similarities, but many differences and hopefully a new twist on some not-so-new information.

For some background, the Rachael Ray segment was related to the TV series Mad Men.  I have not seen the shows and really don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are set in the 1960's.  The couples on the Rachael Ray show claimed to be modern-day 1950's housewives and that it makes their life wonderful.  I'm not completely sure how their day-to-day lives differ from most stay-at-home moms, but we will look at one woman's blogs during this series as well as other resources including daily actions you can take to improve your home, marriage and relationships.

Courtney writes the blog I just mentioned, Women Living Well, and although I am starting late, I will begin where she began and incorporate my other resources with it.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

So, let's begin.  The first week is to let you all know that I am participating in this challenge.
Come Link Up to the Summer Marriage Challenge.  Click on the button to find the list of topics. 
I'm not sure how to put the You Tube video in, but you can visit Courtney's blog to see the video there.  If I can figure it out, I'll add it later.  

The next thing I am to do is to tell you about my dating days with my husband.  When he asked me out, I wasn't sure what to think or how to act.  I hadn't been on a date in several years.  We started out going to a Saturday night church service at the church he was attending, then had dinner and saw a movie.  We started all of our future dates with church, but dinner and a movie got expensive, so sometimes we would rent a movie instead.  One of my fondest memories is lying on the couch together watching a movie with the fireplace going (yes, in Florida!  Sometimes we would open the doors to let enough cold air in to keep the room from getting too hot!).  Nowadays, because of "baby weight" I don't think we would both fit lying on the couch together!  Maybe the couch has gotten smaller :)  

To make more of this challenge, I am incorporating the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge. For the next 30 days, you can't say anything negative about your husband...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband.  You must also say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.  Feel free to share!!

Day One:  Proverbs 31:11-12  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  Is there anything you can do today to instill confidence in your husband?  Are you bringing him good today and all the days of your life?  The challenge today asks that you thank your husband for choosing you and to start the day:  "Give him a 'wake up call' he'll never forget - a big 'I love you' and an 'I'm so glad I'm your wife!'"

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 8

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

This is our opportunity to make bold declarations of faith, to know that God answers our prayers.  As it says in Psalm 37:4, we know that God is able and willing to give us the desires of our heart because we have examined ourselves to be in His will and asked for His will to be done and we have delighted ourselves in Him.  We can then take a last opportunity to praise Him again for all He has done and all He is doing.

I hope that you all have enjoyed this study of The Lord's Prayer and how we can apply it to our daily prayer lives. 

ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, June 28, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 7

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...

This is another segment where we pray for God's help, but we also have to do our part.  We need to equip ourselves for the battle that we are going to face.  Yes, it's a battle.  We are asking God to lead us not into temptation, but also to deliver us from evil when we face temptation.  We will face temptations, one way or another and we have to have ourselves equipped to fight that temptation when it arises. 

This brings us to Ephesians 6:11-18.  Put on the whole armor of God.  The Bible says we should gird our loins with TRUTH and this refers to the most sensitive, delicate parts of our body and spirit to be protected with the truth.  Then, to put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is to protect your heart with what is right according to God's standard, not the world's.  Next, we are to READY our feet with the Gospel of peace.  This is to make sure we are ready to share the peace that God offers.  We should then have the shield of FAITH.  The stronger your faith, the easier it will be to defeat and protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy.  Then comes the helmet of SALVATION and the sword of the spirit, the BIBLE.  We must believe in and accept God's gift of salvation and hide His Word in our heart by memorizing Scriptures to be prepared for the battle.  Lastly, we learn that we must PRAY in the spirit, which is to pray according to God's will as we discussed in The Lord's Prayer - Part 4.

You can read more about another post on my previous blog about the armor of God here

ChristinaLynn }i{

Saturday, June 26, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 6

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors...

Now is the time to ask God for forgiveness and to forgive others.  After you have praised God for who He is, where He is and what He has done and is doing in your life, now is the time to ask for forgiveness.  Not only for yourself but also for others who have hurt and wronged you.

When we ask for forgiveness, God says our sins are as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).  That is such a refreshing thought!  That we are no longer a part of the sin we created and the sin is no longer a part of us.  When these sins are brought back to our minds, and the temptations are right in front of us to sin again, we have to remind ourselves that it is not God who is bringing them to mind, it is the enemy (who I will not honor with a name).  In our next segment, we will talk about how to defeat him.

We also have to be willing to forgive others.  This can sometimes be hard, but you will find a new kind of love and peace when you find the ability to forgive others.  Remembering that those times when the hurt and agony may be brought by God to help you learn to forgive, but it may be from the enemy to help you feel defeated and angry all over again.  Take this opportunity to release others for the hurt they have caused you and ask God to help you remember it no more.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, June 25, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 5

Give us this day our daily bread...

This one is near and dear to my heart because it correlates to the verse this blog is based on and is talking about God's provision for a prosperous life for us.  It also speaks back to the provision God made for the Israelites with His daily manna from heaven. 

God wants us to prosper, He wants to shower us with blessings.  We have to do our part by making sure we are in His will in our prayer lives, our church, habits, tithing and any other parts of our lives He would have us surrender to Him.

Pray for God to give you your daily bread, to provide for you today, to teach you to more fully trust in Him, and to show you areas of your life that you need to walk more with Him.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 4

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done...

Take this opportunity to pray for God's will to be done in your life; in the lives of your family and friends; your church leaders and members, future members and the unsaved your church is trying to reach; your local, state and national government, its political and spiritual leaders; and for the peace that will come to Jerusalem.

Remember that you should be looking for God's will to be done, not your own.  Many, many times, I have found that I did not get what I prayed for only to find out that what God had planned was far better than I could have ever imagined.  Likewise, there have been times I have gotten what I prayed for and realized God was telling me the whole time that it would never work out well.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 3

Hallowed be thy name...

Think on and use the names of Jesus and the names of God. 

Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, The Messiah, The Anointed One,  The Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel, The Word, The Lily of the Valley, The Ancient of Days, Jehovah, My Rock and My Fortress, The Rose of Sharon, Excellent, Rock of Ages, Redeemer, The Potter, The Great Physician, Master, Provider, King of the Jews...

There are so many more.  Just think of the name(s) of God that you need to call upon at that time.  Meditate on the meaning of that name and what it represents to you.  Praise God for who He is.  Praise Him for what He has done for you, your salvation, your health, wealth, well-being and any blessing He has given you.  Praise His name above all names.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Lord's Prayer - Part 2

Our Father who art in Heaven...

Just picture it, the 12 gates made of pearl, 12 layers of foundational stones inlaid with gems of sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and many more.  A golden city with a river as clear as crystal, the Tree of Life bearing crops, no need for sun or moon, because our glorious Lord and Savior gives us the light.  And His face will be in our minds and His name on our foreheads.

Get this mental picture every time you pray.  Picture what Heaven will be like.  Picture our Lord in all of His glory, as best as you can with our mortal eyes.  Know who you are talking to.  Make it personal, a real relationship with Him! 

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Lord's Prayer

Many of us have heard The Lord's Prayer and may even have it memorized (Matthew 6:9-13).  Have you ever really studied the words contained in the prayer?  What about the verses right before the prayer?  I'm going to take the next few posts to talk about the specifics and I welcome your comments! 

Adapted from the outline of Dr. Larry Lea, the teachings of Marcel Murray and personal study.


First, let's look at the verses right before The Lord's Prayer.  Jesus had only recently recruited some fishermen to follow Him, to make them fishers of men.  He was already being followed by multitudes of people because of his teaching, preaching and healing.  He went up into a mountain with His disciples to escape the crowds and spend some quality teaching time with His disciples.  We understand from Luke 11:1, that at some point during His praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray.  Then Jesus said to them in the very beginning of Matthew 6:9, "After this manner therefore pray ye:" (KJV).  The Living Bible says, "Pray along these lines:."  When we review these two statements, we can see that Jesus intention was not for us to recite the prayer exactly as He has said it, but instead, to use this prayer as a guide for how to pray.  Think about that as you read the prayer.

"Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen." 

Next, we will take the first portion of the prayer and talk specifically about how we can use it as a guide in our own prayer life.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Something to Think About

Estimated cost of raising a child born this year:   over $300,000

     Average lifetime income with a 2-year degree:  over $2,000,000

          Average cost of retirement:  over $1,000,000

                Eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior: 

PRICELESS!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Honest Scrap


My first ever blog award - The Honest Scrap Award!  Wow, I am completely humbled and really not sure what to say!  The good thing is, this award comes with instructions on how to proceed!  I'm not sure how I missed this when it came around back in April, but a wonderful woman with a great blog of her own granted this award to me and I will be passing it along.  Read here to see Mrs. Claus' original blog post.
Ok, 10 honest things about myself.  This may not be easy...
  1. I am a wife and mother (soon to be 5 children!).  I LOVE my kids so much even though they sometimes drive me NUTS!
  2. They call me a "Stay-at-home mom" but I am rarely ever home and never stay in one place!  I prefer the title:  Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.  (You just have to read this one!)
  3. My favorite color is purple - almost any shade of purple.
  4. I have lived within 40 miles of my birth home my entire life.  However, someday, I hope to live in the mountains.
  5. I once won a beauty pageant in my city by default.  I was the only one registered in my age group!  I went on to the state competition where there were 11 women and 10 winners - I was not one of them.  Although, I did win a trophy for Best Personality.
  6. I am trying desperately to live debt-free in Jesus name!
  7. I am a coupon fanatic!  I found out at the beginning of this year that I could get more groceries with less money by shopping at my local Publix rather than the big warehouse stores.  It just takes some planning to cut your grocery bill in half!
  8. One day, I hope to publish a book.  Right now, I am working on a cook book.  Feel free to send me your submissions!
  9. I am super thrilled at every new Facebook friend and every new follower on my blog!  It is so exciting to know that people are out there listening to what God puts on my heart to share.  There are many, many times where the words are not mine and only His and I can only pray that they touch someone, somewhere.
  10. I was blessed to have music as a huge part of my life growing up and I am saddened that my children are not exposed to as much musical enrichment as I was.  I really believe that God uses music to speak to us and to teach us things in ways we may not otherwise be able to learn.
Now, passing this on to 10 other bloggers:
  1. Life At 7000 Feet
  2. 3 Strand Romances
  3. Frugal Fun and Fortune
  4. Simple Saving Secrets
  5. Want What You Have
  6. My Cup Runneth Over
  7. A Day in the Life
  8. Carpool Queen
  9. Kim's Space
  10. The Fairhope Foodie
Run, don't walk to these fabulous blogs and find out what fun and exciting things they have to share with you today!  

ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, May 31, 2010

When I Say...

"When I say... 'I am a Christian, I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin.'
I'm whispering 'I was lost; now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say ... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow."


Carol Wimmer

 ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, May 28, 2010

What God Has Promised

God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives thro’;
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
God has not promised
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.
But God has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Summer is coming!

Preschool has ended, speech therapy has ended and the public school calendar is nearing its end as well.  It is long past time to have planned what to do with four kids for 10 weeks, so why haven't I?  Normally, by this time of year, I would have a detailed schedule of daily activities planned with alternate options for rainy days and a budget down to the penny.  So what happened?  Well, everything...life...so many things have taken priority. 

The biggest roadblock this year is that my creativity for summer activities has taken a back seat to my limited budget.  Last year, we were blessed to be able to fund our summer activities and our vacation without the use of credit cards.  Through some lack of self-control, we got ourselves into some debt since then and have determined that we are going to pay that off before we have any "luxury" expenses. 

So, I'm taking your suggestions for free and low-cost* activities to keep my kids busy this summer.  Just leave a comment here, feel free to include links.

*Let's say under $10 total or $2 per person
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

When You Want to Give, But...

While sitting in church on Sunday, reading the bulletin, I noticed two particular donation opportunities that weighed heavily on my heart.  Several thoughts went through my head.  If the economy were doing better.  If only money wasn't so tight right now.  If we were just debt-free, I would have the money to support these.  If I could just find some of those "freebies" I hear so much about on the coupon websites.  I had to fight back the tears.

There is a need, and yes, we could "make do" with a lot less - a lot of families in other countries have much less than we do.  God has blessed us to live in this country with the privileges and the technology to reach so many.  He expects us to use our resources for His glory.  If we hadn't allowed ourselves to get into debt in the first place, we would probably be able to help others more often.  We will be able to help others again very soon.  God never expects us to go into debt in order to help others.

I will have faith that if God's plan is 
for me to help these causes, 
He will provide the funds.

What do you do when you want to help or give to others on a very tight budget?


ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, May 24, 2010

What Can You Buy With $27 At Publix?

Quite a bit if you don't mind spending 30 minutes to an hour preparing and stick to the list!

Actually, it only cost me $19.34 OOP (out of pocket) due to $7 in ECB (extra care bucks) from CVS.  Twenty-two items for an average of $0.88 each!  And a total savings of 76%!!  Here's the run down:
  • Kleenex Cottonelle Toilet Paper - 12 roll pkg
  • 4 Oscar Meyer Beef Bologna
  • 2 Jose Ole Taquito
  • 2 Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats
  • 2 Kraft chunk cheese
  • 2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pasta
  • 2 pints grape tomatoes
  • 4 A-1 sauce
  • 2 Vigo yellow rice (rain check from last week)
  • 1/4 watermelon
The websites I use to make this possible:  http://www.frugalfunfortune.com and http://www.iheartpublix.com

Share your savings!!



ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Why?

Ever want to ask God, "Why?"

Whether because of a lost loved one, or an illness or injury you or a family member are facing, or maybe it's financial troubles.  In reality, it could be just about anything that we just don't understand.

I don't think He condemns us for asking or for feeling so helpless.  But maybe it is like Mary when the angel visited her to tell her she was going to have our Lord.  She asked, "How?" 

"How is this going to come to be?"  With a little bit of encouragement from the angel she realized that with God, all things are possible.  Our faith is being tested, made stronger. 

Lord, I need Your encouragement now.  I feel so helpless, so confused.  How am I going to get through this?  What is this going to do to me?  To my family?  Although, I know that I may not have these answers this side of Glory, help me to believe that You would not put anything in my path that isn't for my best for Your Kingdom.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Thursday, May 13, 2010

In Memory Of...

A special thank you to Joanne who wrote this beautiful obituary for our mother.  Although names and locations have been removed for privacy, I know that you can feel the love and loss.

Mom has peacefully left this Earthly world and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven freeing her from the pain and suffering she fought over the last year in a very brave, determined and almost regal fight.

Mom, born in New York, was the only child of loving parents and was the light of their lives. She brought light into someone else’s life at a very young age. At 15, she met a handsome 17 year old boy with beautiful wavy hair. They would marry some four years later and she waited for him while he was stationed in the Navy during the Korean War.

They welcomed a son and four years later, another son. Since the house was a little too quiet with only two boys, they decided to have three – and thirteen years after the first birth, came their last. Her (and his) greatest source of pride was and always has been her sons and as they grew, their families. Her house was always filled with unconditional love and awesome Mother Love. Even all these years later, all of her children have lived no more than minutes from her.

She worked part-time for a local community college all while her boys were growing up, so that she could still be there for them when they needed her. She and her husband provided an idyllic childhood for their boys – vacationing every summer, boating every weekend, neighborhood parties and barbecues. Family was always first and foremost with her.

She opened up her good heart to the women that her sons brought home to be their wives. And never liked the word “daughter-in-law”. It was always DAUGHTER. And she ALWAYS made her sons’ wives feel like her daughters and the “daughters” always felt like she was their “other” mother.

Nothing could make her face light up faster than a grandchild. Recently she found out that her youngest son and his wife were expecting their fifth blessing. She probably had a smile on her face for days with that news. One of her grandson’s visited his Nana on the day that she passed. He brought up a special lunch that he’d made for her. When she told us of his visit later that night, you could see the love and light in her face as she spoke of her second grandchild. She was like that with ALL her grandchildren.

This past March, our family got together to celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our parents. All the family was there. It was a beautiful day with lots of smiles and laughing and good memories and many, many hugs. All of us will be forever grateful for that day and for the love and life of Mom. We will always miss you and you will always be in our hearts and in our lives. And we know that although our family chain is now broken, one day, we will all be together and the link will rejoin. We love you Mom and Nana.
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

It's Me Again

Well, I have been so out of the loop lately.  I usually don't post very much personal/family information here, but I feel I owe you all an explanation as to my recent absence.

It has been quite a roller coaster ride these past few weeks.  Shortly before Easter, we found out we are expecting another child!  Our fifth!  And, it was quite a surprise.  We all know that God works in mysterious ways and the mysteries are still unfolding for us all.  Besides the usual morning sickness (which lasts all day!) and afternoon exhaustion, I was hospitalized for an overnight stay due to a severe migraine with complications.  Then, near the end of April, my dear sweet mother-in-law went home to be with Jesus.  Although she has been ill, we wanted so many more years with her and miss her terribly.  I will make a separate post with the beautiful obituary my sister (in-law) Joanne wrote.  Very touching.  Currently, I'm taking care of one of my little ones who has a fever.

That being said, our family would really appreciate all of your prayers as we go through these difficult times.

Although I missed several posts, Blogtipping, 10 on the 10th, etc for this month, I hope to get back on track now and keep up through the summer even with all of the kids home from school.  I don't expect to post too many more of my shopping trips unless there are just some awesome deals.  I think you all get the idea of how that works and there are so many great websites that you can go to for that information.  If you really like those posts, just let me know and I can determine if they are worth putting back into the rotation. 

I struggle regularly with schedules and keeping on task, so that is always a challenge for me.  Wish me luck!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Monday, April 12, 2010

Let's Roll!

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of hearing David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer, speak at my church.  You may remember Todd Beamer as the voice saying, "Let's Roll!" right before the cockpit was charged on the last plane high-jacked on 9/11.  Interestingly, David's question to us was, "What about 9/10?"

If it hadn't been for who Todd Beamer was on 9/10/01, we wouldn't have known him as a hero of 9/11/01.  We all remember where we were when we heard about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center buildings and the Pentagon, and even Shanksville, PA.  But how many of us remember what we were doing the day before?  Just the day before, Todd and his wife were returning from a trip to Italy that Todd had been awarded for his hard work with his company.  You may remember that Lisa was expecting their third baby.  Todd was fully expecting to fly to California for a company meeting and fly back that same evening to have breakfast on 9/12 with his wife and children.  What a difference a day can make.

But, if it hadn't been for David and Peggy Beamer having raised a God-fearing son, we may not even know the name of Todd Beamer today.  So, today I thank God not only for Todd and Lisa Beamer, but for David and Peggy Beamer and whomever led them to Christ, even though I don't know their names.  And I pray for the three children that Todd Beamer will meet again one day in Heaven.

It would be easy to ask:  "Why didn't God allow Todd to sleep in that day and miss his plane and still be here with his family since he was a Christian?"  Well, simply put, what do you think would have happened that day if Todd and the others who stormed the cockpit hadn't been there?  How many people would have lost their lives in quite possibly, our nation's capitol building?  How different would our nation look today?

I leave you with David's exhortations to us yesterday:
  • Do you need Jesus?
  • Do you know someone who needs Jesus?
  • Hug your loved ones today.
  • Pray for them today.
  • Don't let anyone steal your joy!
ChristinaLynn }i{

Friday, April 9, 2010

Me - MIA

I have been MIA for the last couple of weeks due to a number of reasons, but I hope to be back in touch very soon.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I Believe

I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. My Lord and my Savior.

I believe that God only wants what is best for me and sometimes that is not what I want or expect. I believe He gives me free will and yet is sovereignly always in control.

I believe that God's will is what is best for me and that through faith and trust in Him and obedience to Him everyday, I grow closer to Him and experience more of His grace and blessings.

I believe that God loves me unconditionally and that He paid the ultimate sacrifice through Jesus so that I might accept the gift of eternity with Him. I believe in His gift of the Holy Spirit to guide me through His will.

Do you believe?

ChristinaLynn }i{

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

CVS & Walgreen's Savings


Amazingly, I was able to purchase 2 milks, Colgate toothpast and Jelly Belly jelly beans today at CVS for only $4.79 on $16.08 worth of groceries for a savings of 70% and I walked away with another 4.99 in ECB's!!  The jelly beans were not that great of a deal, but the twins were with me and I always find myself getting them a treat.  Maybe I should start planning ahead for that!



Walgreen's was good this week also, but only if you know what you're looking for!  I was able to purchase three packages of Huggies diapers (27 ct), 2 pkgs of Oscar Meyer bacon and 2 pkgs of pumpkin seeds (my husband's favorite!) for $25.41.  These items without sales would have been $50.39, so there was a savings of 50%.  Plus, I walked out with $6 in RR that I then used on my Publix trip.  Not too bad!

All in all, my shopping today totaled $83.30 for $206.07 worth of items, a savings of 60% and I still have $4.99 to spend (probably on more milk!).  I went a little over my budget of $75, but I had a little left over from my shopping two weeks ago. 

I am continuously blessed by how God is teaching me to be more responsible with my finances.  Additionally, I will be attending a coupon workshop this weekend and hope to pick up even more tips and tricks of the trade.

Be blessed.
ChristinaLynn }i{

Publix is Great!


Today at Publix I spent $53.10 for $139.60 worth of groceries, for a savings of 62%!  Yeah!  Here's what I purchased
  • 16 Yoplait Yogurt
  • Brawny Paper Towels 8 roll
  • Kleenex Cottonelle toilet paper 12 roll
  • 4 Publix frozen Steam in Bag vegetables
  • 2 Hillshire Farms sliced lunchmeat
  • 5+ lbs Sirloin Tip Roast
  • 2 single roll Chips Ahoy
  • 4 boxes Mueller's pasta
  • Bananas
  • 2 Fast Fixin's Chicken Tenders
  • 2 Prego sauce
  • Publix chocolate syrup
  • Dove shampoo
  • Dove styling spray
  • 2 Oreo Cakesters
  • 2 Taco Bell dinners
  • 4 boxes Kellogg's cereal
  • 2 Lance snack cracker 8 pks
  • Pop tarts
 More to come from my CVS and Walgreen's trips.  Feel free to share your savings!

ChristinaLynn }i{