How I Did This Week (12/31-1/3)

BI-LO
Total: $11.06
Savings: $7.61
My Cost: $3.45
Percentage of Savings: 69%

FOOD LION
Total: $85.74
Savings: $70.88
My Cost: $14.86
Percentage of Savings: 83%

INGLES
Total: $45.26
Savings: $25.29
My Cost: $19.97
Percentage of Savings: 56%

TARGET
Total: $34.26
Savings: $19.70
My Cost: $14.56
Percentage of Savings: 58%

Smile.ly—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Smile.ly—Be Heard. Be Happy.

Just wanted to share another great way to get freebies and be the first to try new products. Click on the link and sign up. They don't spam you, and your first mission right now is to try out a 50ct bottle of gummy vitamins which my kids are super excited about. You can also link to the Proctor and Gamble brandsaver site from there and get some great samples of new cleaning products. Just thought I'd share!

How I Did This Week... Sorta

So things have been insane with Christmas break happening and Allen working constantly, so I haven't really done any regular grocery shopping.  I did an impromptu Publix trip today which was very profitable, and I may hit CVS later because I can shop there for free now with my ECBs... but other than that, I may do a little here a little there throughout the week when I can.  It's really neat though that there's nothing that I really have to have right now in order to make it through the week.  That's a huge blessing.

As a side note:  My apologies to anyone who read my last blog post.  I wasn't feeling well and really should learn to just wallow in misery on my own instead of indulging in a public tirade.  Sorry.

So here it is!

PUBLIX (12/27)
Total: $92.06
Savings: $71.01
My Cost: $21.05
Percentage of Savings: 77%

CVS (12/27)
Total: $43.20
Savings: $41.75 (plus $5 ECBs to spend next week)
My Cost: $1.45
Percentage of Savings: 97%

Why am I writing?

There's really no point to me writing.  I'm afraid to open my Bible just now, which is what I really want (and need) to do, because if I do, the 2 remaining children awake will surely need me for something mid-verse.  I am in desperate need of a deserted island right about now.  Or an evening away.  Or a 5 minute shower by myself... without someone banging on the door or fighting in the background.  SIGH.  I know I'm whining.  I started getting sick last week.  I knew it was coming.  But I had so much to do.  Maybe it is really stress-induced.  Which makes me even less inclined to go back to the doctor.  I'm tired.  In a way that I can't even describe.  100% drained.  I really want everybody to be happy and get along.  But I don't know how to make that happen.  And my moodiness and lack of energy isn't helping any.  We made Christmas crafts today and now the house is trashed.  The kids fought.  And I yelled.  And I know I said I hate Christmas more than once.  I suck.  I remember Christmas being magical.  Why can't I do that for my kids? It really seems unfair.  I just can't keep up and I end up screwing everything up for everybody.  With the rest of Christmas "break" looming over my head, I am completely overwhelmed and exhausted.  I hate that I feel that way.  I want to be so different than I am.  Argh.

How I Did This Week

This is a "so-far" post... I still have to go to Publix tomorrow, but wanted to get a start on my post and sum up how I did today!  Got some great deals, including some freebies using shoptxt (mailed me some coupons for free stuff at Food Lion), 2 bottles of ALL laundry detergent for $0.99 a piece, free batteries and some nearly free John Freida shampoo/conditioner... amongst lots of other super steals.  I am really really excited because I am getting closer and closer to the $50 per week spending limit I would like to ultimately achieve in the coming weeks... And I am saving a much larger percentage as well, thereby actually getting more groceries, with much much less money.  I am also excited that I now have remaining ECBs and RRs to start my week off at Walgreens and CVS next week... with a potential for shopping with little/no out of pocket expense!  This is what I've been working up to this past month and I am so happy to see it coming to fruit!  It's been totally worth some long hours and much effort.  The process is getting simpler and because I have a surplus now of necessities, I can shop only for the extra wonderful deals that end up being free or nearly free... I didn't think it could be done... All the glory to God for putting me on hold where I am in life, introducing the needed resources and giving me the patience and courage to try new things and stick with something!  Thanks!


FOOD LION:
Total: $29.44
Savings: $27.44
My Cost: $2.20
Percentage of Savings: 93%


BI-LO:
Total: $15.31
Savings: $12.23
My Cost: $3.08
Percentage of Savings: 80%


CVS: (notice~ I actually MADE $8 shopping at CVS today!)
Total: $28.41
Savings: $23.68 (plus $13 in ECBs to use on my next trip)
My Cost: $4.73  
Percentage of Savings: 83%


CVS: (2nd trip!)--I had to add this... gotta love free shopping trips!  : )
Total: $34.21
Savings: $33.41 (plus $13 in ECBs AGAIN!)
My Cost: $0.80 (tax)
Percentage of Savings: 98%




WALGREENS: (with my earnings, it's like spending $9 for over $40 in merchandise!)
Total: $42.04
Savings: $28.60 (plus $4 in RRs to use on my next trip)
My Cost: $13.44
Percentage of Savings: 68%


INGLES:
Total: $44.22
Savings: $20.60
My Cost: $23.62
Percentage of Savings: 47%


PUBLIX:
Total: $130.99
Savings: $84.44
My Cost: $46.55
Percentage of Savings: 64%


TOTALS: (updated, including Publix and 2nd "free trip" to CVS)
Total: $324.62
Savings: $230.40
My Cost: $94.42
Percentage of Savings: 71%

A Different Kind of Resolution.

So now is the time of year where we start feeling bad about all the money we're spending so frivolously on Christmas presents we don't need, all the cookies we're eating in honor of having "holiday spirit," the busyness and time-crunching acrobatics we're performing in order to make our own way... And so we swear to these things called "resolutions."  We resolve to get rich (stop spending frivolously), get skinny (quit eating cookies and get up off our butts), and prioritize (stop running around like chickens with our heads cut off).  It's all out of guilt.  And it fails every time.  I mean seriously... if I had succeeded at keeping these resolutions last year, would I be pledging to lose the same 10 pounds this year?  Would I be swearing I'm going to get up at the butt crack of dawn every day and read my Bible?  If I had succeeded at last year's resolutions, I could just sit back and take it easy (laughing at everyone else) because obviously if out of sheer will power, I was able to accomplish really anything at all, I must be perfect.


I want to challenge you to make a different kind of resolution.  A resolution to start your year depending on the favor of God to make it through til next year.  And not just make it through, but accomplish something for Him.  Make a difference.  Be used.


I have a favorite way of making this kind of resolution.  Maybe it won't be for you.  But perhaps after the initial reluctance and excuses fade... perhaps you could consider joining me.  


It's called a Daniel fast.  (read the story of Daniel.  it's... well... it's in Daniel.  In the Bible.)


Hear me out.  This is not about rules and strict adherence to some sort of impossible expectation.  Remember, it's about starting your year off depending on God, not yourself or your circumstances.  You can modify it how you like.  I have done it many different ways.  One year, in addition to eating only vegetables and fruit, I cut out coffee (BAD IDEA).  Another year, was just no animal products.  Alot of people will just include plant based, plain foods and no alcohol.  Talk to God about it.  Get a plan and then depend on Him to see you through.  And during that time, really seek His will.  Seek out opportunities to serve.  Try out some new directions.  Step outside your comfort zone.  Be brave.  Remember you're not doing anything on your own.  You're learning to live in His strength.


My suggestion: make a list of things you are seeking God's will on.  Each morning (or evening, whatever works for you) after you spend some time in your Bible and do your regular prayer or journaling or whatever you normally do... cover these topics with God.  You don't have to whine and fuss and be frantic.  You're laying everything down and giving it over to him.  By doing the fast, you're giving him control of these situations and waiting to see how he will handle them. 


It's 21 days.  I've read that a habit takes 21 days to secure.  So this is a good time frame to learn dependence and followership (no, I don't think that is an actual word, but that's ok).  We are so used to leading.  Sometimes it takes a deliberate act of the will to take that step back and acknowledge that No, I am not God and I'm not going to try to do His job.  I start on the 1st of January and go to the 21st.  But you could start on the 2nd if you have some huge family function to go to or whatever.  


What have you got to lose right?  I think the Daniel fast is one of the best disciplines for going deeper in your relationship with God... Why not give it a shot?


In a few days, I'll be posting a list of some of the things I'll be seeking God for this new year.  Maybe you will join me in some of them.  But be thinking about your own list in the coming days.  This is a resolution worth making!

E.T.A.  If you decide this is how you want to start your new year, let me know!  That way, I can be praying for you too, that God will use that time to speak to you loud and clear.  Thanks for reading.

2 Peter 1:

^5-9So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
 ^10-11So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Haven~ How You Can Help

I just got back from visiting The Haven Homeless Shelter's new home!  It is amazing... They can now house 35 people, 3 months at a time... They house them, feed them 3 meals a day and teach practical classes on job skills, life skills... everything from how to interview to grocery shopping on a budget.  There are some really wonderful people living and working there.  People who have a lot to offer our community.  And it is so exciting to get to be a small part of what is going on there, and the transformations that are being made.


For those of you from Hub City Church and elsewhere who so generously gave the Gift of Toys this last week... THANK YOU!  It was a huge gift and greatly appreciated.  How beautiful to give above NEED this time of year.  The kids at The Haven are going to be super blessed this Christmas.


Now as you know, The Haven has a new home, more rooms, and therefore more potential to give a home to families in Spartanburg without a place to call their own.  And just in time for the cold winter weather to set in.  HOWEVER in order to be able to do that, there are some needs that must be met quickly or some rooms will be open and available, but empty because of a few technicalities.  Here is a list of needs.  If you have any of these items and are not using them, or if you feel led and are able to purchase them used or new... Now is the time :-)  And again... If you don't have the time to shop, I would be happy to shop for you if you prefer to donate money.


HOUSEHOLD GOODS
*2 Dressers
*2 twin bed frames OR 1 queen frame (to put 2 twin mattresses on)
*1 set of bunk beds and mattresses
*Bookcases
*Shelving (they have linens stacked on the floor right now)
*Cabinets (this is for extra pantry use as there is less main floor storage at this house... The large Rubbermaid type cabinets would be excellent!)
*Clothes racks (they now have a storage building in the back where they accept donations, and would like to hang clothing donations on racks so the residents can more easily do their "shopping" there)


FOOD (while they will eventually be eligible for a food grant through the state, this is going to take some time and probably training to keep up with the paperwork, so they continue to need donations of food, especially perishables at the moment)
*Eggs
*Milk (5-7 gallons per day)
*Bread


Thanks for whatever you can do!  Spread the word.  Let's get The Haven through this winter as a community who cares about the people who are ultimately going to make Spartanburg a better place to live.


P.S.  I am so so excited!  I am getting my own class!  Like an actual calendar of topics on a rotating schedule!  You just can have no idea how pumped up about this I am... ALSO... I am getting a guitar student after Christmas... a PAYING one!  Woohoo!  


God is awesome.  I can't even begin to understand how He works.  I am just amazed and super grateful.

My New Job.

I almost cried at Publix today.  Yes, really.  And no I didn't get run down by a blue hair with a runaway shopping cart.  


I bought $200 worth of groceries for less than $60.


Do you realize that is a 75% savings?


They actually paid me to buy a few items.  


I almost cried.  


For years I have questioned and complained and fought and whined... I have asked God why he put me here with no purpose... If I screwed it all up (my intended purpose) by making all the wrong decisions... If the rest of my life is just one big consequence of my own willful choices... And at different times in my life I have tried SO HARD to be what I thought I was supposed to be... really only to be beat down and stepped on and disrespected because of it...  


The last year or so since we've been with Hub City Church, we've learned a lot.  A lot about a lot of things.  But mostly about how to live.  How to be a good friend.  How to grow our marriage.  How to seek Jesus.  


I can't write about it all-- and maybe this wont make any sense.  But one of the things that was a hard learn for us was "tithing."  I still don't like the word "tithe."  And I still could argue certain points.  But here's the thing.  We decided to listen, learn and act on what we heard awhile back regarding giving the first to God and recognizing all that we have as His.  We got serious about giving monetarily FIRST before anything else, even bills or groceries.  And in doing that we told God that we really wanted and needed His input into our financial situation because as far as we could tell, it was really a no-win situation.  Even without giving, there was not enough.


These next few years are going to be tough.  Allen going back to school and taking a pay cut to be able to do so... not an easy decision.  But I feel God's hand on us.  I know that we're with Him.  (I started to say He's with us... but that doesn't seem right somehow) 


I'm just very very grateful.  I'm thankful for his provision and purpose and opportunities to grow and learn.  I'm thankful for dreams of impossibility for the future because of what I'm learning... dreams for our family and for our church and for our community.  I'm actually thankful that I can be a little psycho- overboard with things... a little too passionate... I'm starting to see where God might be thinking of going with that.  I like my new job... Wife and Mom.  And even though I wish I had realized what I signed up for a bit sooner... I'm thankful for the enormous patience and grace that God has shown me.


I read this today and thought it was appropriate:


James 1:25But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

How I Did This Week-pending

Well this week has been a little helter skelter.  With Christmas coming, my spending has been somewhat erratic, working in a few things here and there with my groceries.  Plus this week I tackled Walgreens for the first time, so that was a bit of a learning experience as well, though a great pay-off.  I have yet to go to Publix, but I will try to update on Monday, as it is going to be a great trip this week!


A word about WALGREENS:
All those receipts and RRs and coupons can get a little overwhelming for someone like (as unorganized as) me... So, I do not actually have all of my receipts at the moment.  I'm just going to report on the basics and you'll get the idea.  The reason I spent the last of my RR's instead of rolling them to next week was that I had some items to buy that are not usually on my list (paper plates, aluminum foil, etc) and I hated to add that cost at the grocery and pay out of pocket.


I started out paying $25 for my order because they are running a promotion right now that gives you $5 RRs when you spend more than $25.  I had more than $25 in my cart and I knew I was going to get tons of RRs back, so it was worth it.  


So, I spent $25 and got $29 BACK IN RR's!
I spent $27 in my next transaction (paid with RR's) and got back $6 more RR's.
I went back in after my grocery shopping and picked up those extra items, spending the $8 RR's.


Now... technically that would be $60 worth of items for $25.
BUT.  You have to consider that I also used coupons, actually SAVING nearly $18 in my first purchase alone!


So in reality I probably walked out of there with about $100 worth of items for $25.  I don't think that's too bad.  My goal though is to keep the RR's rolling from one week to the next so that I have virtually no out of pocket (aside from tax).  I'm going to give myself a little time to get the hang of this!
75% savings!


BI-LO:
I just got a few things here... And I got a little mad when the lady ahead of me got the last of the Bounty (which would have been $.19 for me!) and I couldn't find the Wet Ones wipes that would have been FREE.  But I still did alright.


Before coupons or deals: $23.12
Savings: $16.30
My cost: $6.82
70% savings!


FOOD LION:
I really do not like Food Lion.  But I did get some good deals.  You really have to watch them though.  They miss coupons (their reader seems to not be very touchy) and they will not take coupons from competitors.  But I got some deals on things we needed (coffee, peanut butter, cheerios) and even got 2 FREE M5 razors (3 cartridges each) with overage!

E.T.A: I got home and opened one of the razors... and found a $3 off coupon for cartridges... which are also... yep, you guessed it!  On sale for $2.50 at Food Lion!  Going back this afternoon to get 2 free cartridge refill packs!


Before coupons or deals: $94
Savings: $68
My cost: $26
That's 72% savings!


INGLES:
Ok.  I sucked at Ingles apparently... I think it's because I bought wine, some chili and black bean fixings... stuff I had no coupons for and no sales.  I absolutely hate it when I spend $40 in one place now.  


Before coupons or deals: $57.86
Savings: $16.22
My cost: $41.64
28% savings... BLAH


TOTALS
Before coupons or deals: $274.98
Savings: $174.52
My cost: $99.46
63% Savings!-- THIS SHOULD BE EVEN BETTER AFTER I HIT PUBLIX MONDAY (to see how fruitful Publix was, check out my post My New Job.)

Do Unto Others

I had a very very good conversation yesterday with someone struggling with the whole community/interdependence aspect of Christianity.  This is an issue that I understand intensely.  It is so so difficult to trust people and let down defenses when, let's be real, you have to know that they are going to let you down, hurt you, reject you... at some point anyway.  That's life.  I mean if I'm really honest, I have to admit I have done that/will do that to my friends too.  We're people and we fail. 


BUT


If you choose to keep those walls up.  If you make the decision to not let others in.  If you determine to hold your gifts and talents and efforts close to you, and not reach out in Christian community to the rest of the body of Jesus... You're not just depriving yourself of the friendship you think you don't want anyway... You're not just "showing them" that you can do fine on your own and that you don't need anybody... There is a bigger issue here.


If you make the decision to live outside of Christian community, the world has no chance of seeing the full picture of who Jesus is.


Let me say that again in a different way.  


If you live your life in self-protection, you prevent The Church from fulfilling our most important mission.  


We are all familiar with the "golden rule": Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.


I think a lot of times, we are so completely obsessed with the "as you would have them do unto you" part, that we forget about the whole point of the scripture... The "do unto others" part.


Do you want to be accepted?  Accept others.
Do you want to be praised?  Encourage others.
Do you want to be shown tenderness?  Be affectionate to others.
Do you want to be respected?  Be respectful to others.


This is not rocket science folks.  And some of these are easier than others.  What happens when you get to things like:


Do you want people to be honest with you?
Do you want to be put first?
Do you appreciate generosity?
How about authenticity?


Yeah.  That's tough.  


I think the challenge here is this:  When you start feeling slighted or like something is unjust or that you're being treated unfairly (not doing unto you what you would like them to do unto you!)... Ask yourself "Am I treating them the way I want to be treated?"  Am I being the kind of friend I so desperately want and need in my own life?  Yes this is kind of Kindergarten Christianity... but don't we need to be reminded?  I know I do!

How I Did This Week

So I was a little disappointed when Food Lion wouldn't take one of my coupons, and another one I didn't look at correctly so couldn't use it.  But overall a very good week!  Here's the break-down:

Publix:
Total: $56.92
Savings: $40.74
My cost: $16.18

Food Lion:
Total: $30.01
Savings: $13.36
My cost: $16.65

Bi-Lo:
Total: $83.09
Savings: $41.69
My cost: $41.40

Ingles:
Total: $91.88
Savings: $51.35
My cost: $40.53

Total grocery worth: $261.90
My cost: $114.76

That's a total savings of $147.14 or 56%
Not too shabby : )

A great post.

Read this today and my heart broke.
  Failing Forward

We need to ask those questions constantly.
What is God asking you to do? What is he pressing on your heart to change? Will you do it? Will you go? Will you give?

Myers-Briggs, Bipolar Edition?

I was reading our pastor's blog today (jonathaneverette.com) and read an article he linked to about introverted leaders.  It's funny... I've always sort of thought myself an introvert, though those silly tests are one thing today and another tomorrow... Maybe I need the bipolar edition?  I like to do quiet things... reading, writing, etc... and I like to *think* about things at length and imagine things... BUT... I'm not a very quiet person.  I talk loudly when I get excited which is often.  I laugh loudly.  I like attention when I'm with people I'm comfortable with.  I love to have long conversations with people.  But I don't like crowds.  Big groups of people wear me out and I have horrible stage fright, though I love love love performing when all is said and done (I love the rush for me, and I really enjoy seeing people respond)  And I love to have one or two extra people in the house almost constantly.  It's not really the busyness though or the noise that is attractive to me.  I like connecting with people.  I like getting to know people better, and probably somewhat narcissistically want people to know me better too.  Hmm.  Perhaps I am a repressed extrovert?  Or an outgoing introvert?  Ha.  Oh well.  I guess I've always had a hard time fitting in!

One thing I have noticed though.  Over this last year or so.  I have become more concerned with loving people than with how I am perceived.  I think that's been a good thing.  I guess I need to be careful what/who I let define me.

On being stupid, but at peace.

Have you ever heard the phrase "kill you with kindness"?  The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defines the phrase this way:  to be too kind to someone, in a way that actually harms them.


Now I wouldn't say that reading the book of Romans is actually harming me... But it has been painful without a doubt.  It's not that I haven't read it before or anything... I've probably read it dozens of times over the years, but it's been longer than a year I think, and a lot has changed in a year.  I'm not sure if I've ever read Romans for more than theology... rules... which is hilarious if you actually read it, because the point is that God gave us this gift... this free gift of being set right in relationship with Him and being able to be part of what He's doing... and that there's no reason for us to think that all our striving and worrying and control could possibly free us up like that!  So to read Romans, looking for rules... is well... it's pretty stupid.  


So I read chapters 1-4 yesterday... after skipping out on my quiet time 6 DAYS IN A ROW, no less.  And I almost couldn't finish reading it.  I mean, I recently read a lot out of the gospels, you know where Jesus was actually tortured and killed for my sins... and of course that touched me, affected me... But I don't know... I guess it's that Romans really takes that and then explains what exactly was accomplished through that... how things are different now... I guess more of God's heart behind the whole story.  And it just really got to me.  


Here's one passage that I had to stop at...
Romans 3:28
What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

Gosh, I don't know how that one little verse can just set my head spinning like it does... I mean, seriously... I believe that... But I do not understand it.  I don't.  It's like on the one point, you have this unbelievably good, loving, tender, faithful, doting even... Father... who has given us such a gift... taken all the unrest out of life for us... for free.  But then at the same time, you have this... I don't know... mysterious, big, amazing, awe-inspiring, frightening even... Creator of the Universe.  I don't get it!

What's really super funny to me though, is that I actually feel this weird peace about not getting it.  I guess I've probably felt this way for awhile now... but I didn't realize it until I read these crazy words in Romans.

I ask "why?" a lot.  I do.  I actually ask lots of questions... not just "why?"  It drives me crazy when my kids do it, but I can't seem to help myself.  I just want to know!  I can't stand when something doesn't make sense to me... or worse, if someone is holding out on me (thereby knowing something I don't)--- drives me nuts!  I actually wrote in my journal yesterday "WHY???" in super huge print.  It doesn't make sense that He would do something like this for someone like me... who can just walk around ignoring Him for days on end, and then come crawling back like a blubbering idiot when I realize what I should have always known about Him... what He shows me of Himself every day?  I mean, what a doofus... seriously.

But I really think it's like when a friend gives you a present for no particular reason.  It's not your birthday.  It's not Christmas.  They don't owe you anything.  You're not getting the present because you did anything spectacular.  And you ask "Why?" (or at least I do!) And there's no answer... I think really the answer is that they just are who they are.  They're giving you the gift not because of what you've done or who you are... Their generosity comes out of who they are.

I really think that's what I got from reading these 4 chapters from Romans... There is no answer to the "Why?"  Well there is, but it's not satisfying in the way that it would be if the answer was because we are just wonderful people and we did something great to deserve this fabulous gift... There is this dependence... this trust... that comes out of knowing that this unfathomable gift was actually free... and the reason is just that the giver is who He is.  That is where the rest (peace) comes from.