GUEST POST - "Grocery Trip: Under Budget!" by Heather Brown

Hi, all!

In times that we are all currently living in, any encouragement should suffice.  I love this information, provided by Heather Brown, and wanted to share, from the site:

 http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com

 

We are starting a new fall tradition at our place this week! I saw a FB friend post about it and thought it was such a great idea that we should steal it. Luckily, the hubs was on board so here’s the new tradish: fall soup week! Yes, that’s right, every night for dinner this week we’re having homemade soup! So, over the next few days we’ll be having Cheeseburger soup from eMeals, Spicy Corn Chowder (recipe to come soon!), Taco Soup and Low Fat Beef Stew! I absolutely <3 soup, so I’m pretty pumped for this new tradition.

Since we are making things based more on this new tradition than grocery store sales this week, I decided I should do the majority of our shopping for these ingredients at Walmart to save a little money. However, I still wanted to get a few ingredients for the soups that were on sale at Publix plus a few staples that I could’t pass up the low prices on.

This first shot is my Walmart trip. I got the necessities for soup ingredients, Dannon’s new Light ‘n Fit Greek vanilla yogurt which I had a $1/1 (printable from their website) coupon for, and some bananas. I spent $20.11 on this shopping trip.

Then, I ran in Publix and picked up these few items. All these items except for the diced tomatoes were on sale. I always get excited when they have Potato Inspirations on sale BOGO and couldn’t resist scooping up these little honey gold potatoes. There was a $.50/1 Muir Glen soup coupon out stacked with a sale that made this can of soup only $.67 for organic soup! Then I had a $.75/1 Dannon coupon I used so after all sales and coupons I saved $10.52 at Publix and spent $11.91.

So, after combining my Publix and Walmart totals I spent $32.02, well under my $50/week budget! How did you all do this week? Do you shop at 1 store each week or go to multiple stores to get the best deals?

S-M-I-L-E: FREE OF CHARGE!

"A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones!"
(Proverbs 17:22)

Happiness and Joy! 

What emotional expressions that can be quite noticeable, supplying a sense of positive influence, instead of lackluster temperament.

While doing your grocery shopping, or visiting a mall, glancing at mannequins in the window or floor on display, trying to get a glimpse of what the new fashion statement is for the season, do you ever notice the facial indications of others in the vicinity?   It is evident that so much has taken place in the scheme of things, that many people may not even give a second thought to how others are doing.  They just want to make sure that their wants and needs are met, regardless to how tumultuous everything appears around them, in the lives of others.

I have learned throughout my life, that how we project ourselves, can help others to cope with their otherwise gloomy day.   In spite of how the economy has become, or what the view insinuates, there is still hope.  People are dealing with severe struggles, probably more than ever before, so their thoughts are primarily consumed with what they should do to rectify their issues.  One thing that has never failed at working is the rendering of A SMILE.
Whenever we see someone, either while driving, walking, or sitting, and we notice that the expression on their face is perplexed, or sad, or just indifferent, just try throwing a smile their way, and see how their very countenance brightens.  And even though they still have to muster the strength to figure out what needs to be done for resolution, at least they begin to receive a sense of consolation and reliance.

I'm sure you are thinking, "A mere smile cannot pay bills, fill up my car with gasoline, or purchase food and shelter."  But, a smile can pull a person out of a dull state, allowing them to be lifted up in their spirit-man, realizing that there is still hope, and all is not lost. Besides, it has been said that it takes 43 muscles to frown, and 17 when changed into a grin.

Come on, everyone! Brighten someone's day, even people who look away from you when you pass them by, shining that light.  It costs you nothing to exchange; however, while extending, will spread more exuberance and jubilation, in the midst of so much pain, sadness or misery.   S-M-I-L-E!!!

Prayer, Anyone?

Have you experienced moments, where it seems as if everything that could happen, is happening in your life, and you feel as though you're unsure of what to do next?  Or, can you bear witness to the fact that you feel like you have reached an impasse, then uncertainty raises it's ugly head?  A day, during the month of April, has been designated for National Prayer.  Everyone in the county is asked to take time out to pray or make requests, have a meeting with God intimately.  As a result, you realize that what you are asking for, an answer shall be provided by the Lord, that everything will be placed in its proper perspective.

In retrospect, we should ALWAYS PRAY, and lift one another up, EVERY DAY of the year, or as God's Word admonishes, "Pray Without Ceasing," as well as "Prayer Changes Things!"  While we are making our requests known to God, He ALWAYS hears us.  I have learned that, throughout my life, most of the time there are 3 responses from God that become most consistent:  NO, YES, and WAIT!  When you think back on the prayers you have lifted up to God, are you able to say the same?  I'm sure that you can testify to how the answers are provided of Him, realizing that everything will be worked out in due season, and you are supplied with that blessed hope!

So much is taking place around us, everywhere we go, people we see or come in contact with, are perplexed.  What are we actually praying and asking for?  What are we wanting to happen?  Who do we want to uplift, or stand in the gap for?  The Word of God tells us, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, that:

If MY people, which are called by My Name, shall HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, SEEK MY FACE, TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN I will HEAR from Heaven, I will FORGIVE their SINS, AND will HEAL THEIR LAND!"

Also, we should know that, "if WE confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  What does that mean to you?  What do you get from that?  I personally have been asking God for some incredible things that I need Him to do in my life, but not just for me, but for everyone I know.  When we pray, we should keep in mind this parable:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess!"  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "GOD, be merciful to me, a sinner!"  I tell you, THIS man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts (elevates or glorifies) himself shall be abased (lowering in rank, office, prestige or esteem); and he that humbles (meekly or modestly) himself shall be exalted."

Prayer time is an experience that requires focus, determination, trusting and believing that whatever you are asking God for, SHALL BE brought to pass, because you KNOW HE IS Faithful, when everyone else is not.  We must be mindful that God is able to do whatever He said, and He never changes, in spite of what it looks like around us.  It is imperative that we realize who we are, and that we are nothing but dust;  however, when we go to God and present our requests to Him, with sincerity of heart, He WILL honor our petitions, especially when we have a real relationship with Him.

"It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms!"  (Psalm 18:32-34)

We should continue to seek and hold fast to who God is, as well as what He can do - anything but fail!  God provides, and makes us able to accomplish whatever necessary in our lives.  Now is the time to pray like never before.  In light of everything that is going on today, we must continue asking for distinct instructions, so we can remain victorious in our daily walk. 

Make a call to God, while you are driving your car, so that others will be mindful on the road.  Remember your neighbors next door, asking that God would bless them with whatever they may need, even though they may appear to be quiet-natured introverts.  The person you walk by in the supermarket, who resemble an overwrought character, may need a touch from the Lord, assisting them with realizing that all is not lost.  Even teenagers who possess very disrespectful qualities, for no reason, laughing at elders or challenged individuals, are absolutely in positions that only God can fix.
 

The time has come, while it is still day, to cry out to Our Heavenly Father, not just for us, but everyone, wherever they are, whatever they are.  Pray, church!  Amen?

WHAT DO WE REFLECT?

"As water reflects the face,

so one's life reflects the heart."(Proverbs 27:19)

Who, or more to the point, WHAT do you see when you gaze at yourself through the looking glass?

This is a writing I initially posted on my blog, dated March 9, 2009, and apparently, 3 years later, it appears we are still faced with various uncertainties, unlike any period that most of us have ever witnessed in our lives.  So many of us are accustomed to handling everything ourselves, obtaining 2 or 3 jobs to hold on that good ole' American Dream. However, the job market is continually deteriorating.  Supermarket prices have skyrocketed.  And let's not even talk about gasoline or living necessities.  This year has almost come to an end, with things being envisioned as somewhat bleak, and one contemplates what should be done, in order to survive those feelings of doubt and defeat.

I have always felt an amazing fondness for music with a message, as it assists with keeping me inspired, during some of the most melancholy moments of my journey.  A popular song, written and recorded in 1987, states profound points of view, that continue to enlighten and surpass what our indecision may be today.  One of the most prolific artists ever, the incomparable Michael Jackson, felt a strong urge, or shall I say, an "unction," that catapulted the hit "MAN IN THE MIRROR" into one of his most powerful signature works. Spiritually collaborating with songwriters Siedah Garrett and Glenn Ballard, it probably was not idealized to such a degree as it should have been, but continues to speak volumes, even now.

Remember the phrase that had been verbalized through our President, containing authority behind it?  If we ponder it, we will realize that CHANGE is imminent, and YES, WE CAN!  Is it possible that we can revise for the better, in our way of thinking?  Change the way we speak, from negative, to positive? What about behaving with more compassion, instead of coldness of heart?  And can we begin to allow LOVE to cover a multitude of indiscretions, instead of judging others, as if we have already arrived? 

And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you CHANGE and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" (Matthew 18:3)

You know, when two children are playing together, and there is a toy that just happens to be the favorite of both, one may become angry and want to be left alone, so he can have it to himself.  However, later on, they forget all about the toy, and return to having fun together.  In other words, can we stop harboring on things that took place yesterday, learn how to forgive, and treat everyone with a warm heart?  Can we learn that?  If little ones are trained to have an open, receptive heart, that same seed should grow and remain in us when we become older, where we can continue distributing caring to others.  There is no one who is perfect, no matter how attractive one is, or how much they have accumulated.  We have all sinned and come short of the Glory of God, but He remains merciful to us.  Let us learn how to be the same with others.

What do you see when you look in your mirror in the morning, while brushing your teeth, shaving, putting on makeup, or combing your hair?  If you look closely, you may see an unwanted hair strand on your chin, or a pimple on your forehead, and realize it must be removed, so that you can handle the day, putting your best foot forward.  As long as the hair or any festered imperfection remain, your preoccupied mind will only concentrate steadily on that issue, rather than how you should function, until you press forward by getting rid of the unnecessary.  The same thing should be said when it comes to how we are with others, and whether we need to become individually transformed, so that greater things can take place in us, resonating through us, and into others, giving them hope.   

Therefore, as God's Chosen People, Holy and dearly loved, CLOTHE YOURSELVES with Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience.  Bear with each other and Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you!  And over all these virtues PUT ON LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect unity!" (Colossians 3:12-14)

Change the image of the unsure, to the light of the blessed assurance.  Everyone will benefit from the way we speak, walk, and live!  Consider the following lyrics of the song, continue seeking the face of God's direction, and see what transpires.  In Him, there is no failure, so let us always be mindful of who we represent!  We must, and CAN still make it!  YES, WE CAN!

I'm Gonna Make A Change

For Once In My Life,
It's Gonna Feel Real Good, Gonna Make A Difference,

Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I Turn Up the Collar On 

My Favorite Winter Coat, 

This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind,
I See The Kids In The Street, With Not Enough To Eat,
Who Am I To Be Blind,

Pretending Not To See Their Needs;
A Summer's Disregard, A Broken Bottle Top,

And A One Man's Soul,
They Follow Each Other On The Wind Ya' Know,

'Cause They Got Nowhere To Go,
That's Why I Want You To Know...

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror,
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways,
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer,
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change!!!

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish Kind Of Love,

It's Time That I Realize,
That There Are Some With No Home, Not A Nickel To Loan,
Could It Be Really Me, Pretending That They're Not Alone?
A Willow Deeply Scarred, Somebody's Broken Heart,

And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of The Wind, Ya' See,

Cause They Got No Place To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With ME!

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A - CHANGE!!!!

Disabled and Living in the Real World: "I'm letting go..."

Guest Blogger:  Ms. Grace Brulotte


"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." 
(Philippians 4:11)

 Greetings, everyone!

Grace Brulotte

If we could all be mindful of how many reasons we have to be thankful, it would be a wonderful world!  I ran across a video featuring the young lady shown here, and was truly inspired by her story.  Sometimes we fail to realize just how blessed we are in our lives, with our huge paychecks, from our illustrious jobs with cushy position titles, driving our shiny vehicles, wearing outfits that cost as much as what a third-world country could live on, or gazing at our expensive pieces of furniture in a home we hardly have enough time to enjoy.  This young 16-year-old, Grace Brulotte, in spite of certain challenges, has such a compassionate will to serve and be a witness that God is able to do anything but fail, while allowing her to flow under His wings.  I was so blessed by her, that I couldn't help but want to share.  Below is one of the posts from her blog:  

http://disabledandlivingintherealworld.blogspot.com/

When we remain vigilant, with a spirit of positivity glowing on our face, nothing is too difficult for us to get through, with the help of the Lord!  Be inspired, my friends, to move forward, with GRACE and contentment, knowing things are not as bad in your life as you think! :)

I'm letting go...

Hey everyone! Just thought I'd post something before I go to bed...getting to bed a little earlier tonight! Not only have I been getting to bed earlier but I've been waking up earlier too! Trying to get myself back into the school routine! I have about a week and a half before I go back to school, I'm just trying to prepare myself! I had a bit of a tough year last year, it was almost too stressful for me. I felt as though I had a giant weight on my shoulders that would not go away no matter what I did. I don't want that happening this year, but you know what I realized? I had no relief from the stress because I was trying to do something about it. Instead of giving it over to God and letting him take care of it, I was trying to be super woman and do it myself! You know what that does? It puts even more stress on yourself! Sometimes I think I can take on the world and do everything myself, I can deal with the stress and the pain all by myself! Then what's God there for? All last year he was just waiting for me to give it over to Him, to take my hands off the wheel and say, "you drive". But I don't want to give Him full control, I'll  give Him control over some stuff, but not everything! Why do I do this? Because I want MY life to go exactly as I plan, because I think I know best! But in reality, God is the one that made me, so shouldn't He know what's best for me, His own creation? God has this perfect plan for me, He had it all planned out, but you see, I come in and because I think I know best or I let my emotions get in the way, I stray off that plan, that path. And what ends up happening? I get to walk the long way around, the hard, rocky, bumpy long way around. I didn't have to choose that way, God was showing me the right way, but I let MYSELF get in the way. I have no one to blame but myself. So instead of trying to be super woman this year, which CLEARLY didn't work out, I'm going to ask God, "what do you want me to do this year?" or, "God, I'm stressed about this, could you help me?". I'm not always going to do everything right, but at least by doing it that way, I know I'm off to a pretty good start! So I encourage you to ask God what HE wants to happen in your life. As the song says, you just gotta throw your hands up in the air and say, "JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL"! Trust me, in the long run, things will go better that way! You never know what will happen!