"My tongue shall declare Your righteousness and your praise all day long."
-Psalm 35:28
Lord, Please keep my tongue from grumbling or complaining. I will choose to take my thoughts captive and proclaim your righteousness and praise instead so that you may be glorified. Amen.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saving Money Takes Time
I redid my menu/grocery list last night to incorporate two meatless meals per week (we decided on veggie pizza and breakfast for dinner). It did take some time, but I estimated that it would save us $8 per week! Boy, was it worth it!
We also have Adon's birthday party next weekend, for which we need to buy food. I rummaged through my pantry to use what we already have on hand and added to my list the rest of the items. While I was laying in bed last night trying to go to sleep, God began showing me other ways I could save His money. My dad is making chicken wings and ravioli for the party, so of course we need sauce to go with them. Instead of buying honey mustard and marinara sauce....I'm going to make my own! I found (what looks like) a good recipe for the honey mustard, which would require me to buy nothing! Looking for the recipe brought back some fond MoBap memories of mixing my own honey mustard in the cafeteria to go with fries or on one of Joe's famous chicken patties. :o) I also found a recipe for marinara sauce, which is bound to be cheaper than buying it pre-made (although I'll make sure it is cheaper before I buy the ingredients)! All I'd have to buy is some tomatoes and some onions.
I'm also going to comparison shop the veggies for our veggie tray between Aldi's (they have surprisingly good produce) and our local produce stand, to get the best price. I know all of this will take some extra time, but like I said...I'm on a mission to stick to our grocery budget.
You might be asking, "Why now? What's changed?" Well, through teaching our Crown Financial Ministries Sunday School class, Jer and I are learning/being reminded of things we haven't been practicing. This week's lession reminded us that God owns everything...including the money we thought was ours. If I were spending my Dad's money, I'd be sure to get him the best deal...so why should I be any different with my Heavenly Father's money? To get into the habit of asking before we buy ANYTHING, J and I are putting little notes on our credit/debit cards reminding us to ask God if what we're purchasing is something worthy of His money. We feel we've been good stewards for the most part, but we know we have a lot of room to improve.
I'll let you know about the success of the mision after I do my grocery shopping this week!
We also have Adon's birthday party next weekend, for which we need to buy food. I rummaged through my pantry to use what we already have on hand and added to my list the rest of the items. While I was laying in bed last night trying to go to sleep, God began showing me other ways I could save His money. My dad is making chicken wings and ravioli for the party, so of course we need sauce to go with them. Instead of buying honey mustard and marinara sauce....I'm going to make my own! I found (what looks like) a good recipe for the honey mustard, which would require me to buy nothing! Looking for the recipe brought back some fond MoBap memories of mixing my own honey mustard in the cafeteria to go with fries or on one of Joe's famous chicken patties. :o) I also found a recipe for marinara sauce, which is bound to be cheaper than buying it pre-made (although I'll make sure it is cheaper before I buy the ingredients)! All I'd have to buy is some tomatoes and some onions.
I'm also going to comparison shop the veggies for our veggie tray between Aldi's (they have surprisingly good produce) and our local produce stand, to get the best price. I know all of this will take some extra time, but like I said...I'm on a mission to stick to our grocery budget.
You might be asking, "Why now? What's changed?" Well, through teaching our Crown Financial Ministries Sunday School class, Jer and I are learning/being reminded of things we haven't been practicing. This week's lession reminded us that God owns everything...including the money we thought was ours. If I were spending my Dad's money, I'd be sure to get him the best deal...so why should I be any different with my Heavenly Father's money? To get into the habit of asking before we buy ANYTHING, J and I are putting little notes on our credit/debit cards reminding us to ask God if what we're purchasing is something worthy of His money. We feel we've been good stewards for the most part, but we know we have a lot of room to improve.
I'll let you know about the success of the mision after I do my grocery shopping this week!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
On a Mission...
I'm on a mission to stick to our grocery budget! Talk about a challenge! We only have $40 a week, but I'm determined to do it. I'm going to incorporate some ideas I found on www.moneysavingmom.com, like two meatless meals a week. Some of those meatless meals are:
- Veggie Pizza
- Breakfast (pancakes, waffles, or crepes & fruit)
- Baked Potatoes with broccoli & cheese on top w/ a side salad
- Sandwich Night (i.e. grilled cheese)
- Cheese Quesadillas
Friday, March 20, 2009
Modern American Dating
This is a great quote regarding today's dating. There's much to think about in these few short words and much to prepare for in the not-to-distant future! Let's be counter-culteral and keep our children pure!
By the way, Voddie Baucham, Jr. has an incredible vision for his family. We "met" them in a video produced by Vision Forum called "Return of the Daughters." You should definitely check it out...especially if you have daughters.
By the way, Voddie Baucham, Jr. has an incredible vision for his family. We "met" them in a video produced by Vision Forum called "Return of the Daughters." You should definitely check it out...especially if you have daughters.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I've been having lots of heartburn lately...I guess this baby will have lots of hair like Adon did. Speaking of hair, Adon's hair is so wild when he wakes up! He had a good chunk on the side of his head spiked this morning. It wouldn't lay flat, even after I brushed it...so we made the best of it and spiked the rest of his hair for church! You can see it in this video. Adon LOVES his books. He's got quite a few on the bookshelf that he's allowed to play with. Everyday, he'll pull some of his books off and sit and "read." Sometimes he reads out loud, and sometimes he just looks at the pictures and turns the pages. Toward the end of the video, you'll see Adon's new fascination!
He chases Jack around and just LOVES him! Sometimes, Jack will rub his nose on Adon's hand, which makes Adon scrunch up his nose and giggle. We're trying to teach Adon to be gentle with Jack and not bang on him...hopefully we'll have this figured out before the new baby comes!
Adon can say a few words now, though to most people they probably sound the same. He says Da Da, Jack (one of our cats), and dog, but they all sound like "da" each with its own emphasis. He still won't say Ma Ma. He's learning what a lion and a cow say. He thinks a cow says "nnnnn," and every once in a while he'll say "mmmm" for a cow...so I know he's getting closer to Ma Ma.
He chases Jack around and just LOVES him! Sometimes, Jack will rub his nose on Adon's hand, which makes Adon scrunch up his nose and giggle. We're trying to teach Adon to be gentle with Jack and not bang on him...hopefully we'll have this figured out before the new baby comes!
Adon can say a few words now, though to most people they probably sound the same. He says Da Da, Jack (one of our cats), and dog, but they all sound like "da" each with its own emphasis. He still won't say Ma Ma. He's learning what a lion and a cow say. He thinks a cow says "nnnnn," and every once in a while he'll say "mmmm" for a cow...so I know he's getting closer to Ma Ma.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Baby Update
All is well with little person #2. Today was a boring doctor's appointment. I suppose boring is a good thing, though!
Adon is on the brink of walking, we think. He's pulling himself up on the door frames and walking along the walls. He walks readily when he's holding onto your fingers, and has started to lunge from one piece of furniture to another...though without taking any steps!
Adon and I had a nice lunch at the Deli today. I had an ultimate meltdown (super amazing grilled cheese) and a cup of tomato bisque soup. I thought I'd better get my fill of grilled sandwiches and soup before it's too warm for them. Adon had a half of a (regular) grilled cheese and some melon and grapes. He finished off his lunch with a green sugar shamrock cookie from Grampy. Man, that kid loves his sweets!
Adon is on the brink of walking, we think. He's pulling himself up on the door frames and walking along the walls. He walks readily when he's holding onto your fingers, and has started to lunge from one piece of furniture to another...though without taking any steps!
Adon and I had a nice lunch at the Deli today. I had an ultimate meltdown (super amazing grilled cheese) and a cup of tomato bisque soup. I thought I'd better get my fill of grilled sandwiches and soup before it's too warm for them. Adon had a half of a (regular) grilled cheese and some melon and grapes. He finished off his lunch with a green sugar shamrock cookie from Grampy. Man, that kid loves his sweets!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Update on Jeremy's Job/School
Here is an update on Jeremy's job and school. Jeremy graduated from Paramedic school in December at the top of his class. Despite the national passing rate for a first attempt on the written test being only 50%, Jeremy passed the first time! He also passed the practical portion of his license exam in January. Jeremy then applied for and received his paramedic license from the State of Missouri. When he turned in his license at work, he received a modest raise in his pay. He's in the process of completing 80 hours of paramedic "ride-alongs" required by his employer and has put a bid on a full-time paramedic shift that will begin in April if he gets the shift.
After several weeks of attempting to reach the Mayor's office to discuss a sponsorship for the St. Louis Fire Academy (to begin in April), Jeremy finally made contact with his office today. Jeremy was informed that not only is the City of Florissant not hiring, but that they do not sponsor anyone for the Academy...this is contrary to what we were told back in the Fall. Needless to say, we are greatly disappointed and puzzled by what has transpired. The next Academy would start in September. However, without sponsorship, there is no way we can see how it's possible. We would need about $8,500 plus health insurance for Jeremy (required by the Academy) in order to pay the tuition and our bills while he is in the Academy (and without work). Also, there is a lottery to get into the Academy. So, basically, J's name would be put into a hat with everyone else who wants to go through the Academy. We know God will provide if that's the direction He has for us. After today's conversation with the Mayor's office, we are thinking, What now?
We know God is so faithful and good and gracious and merciful. We are so thankful to Him that Jeremy has a job and got a raise. We are so thankful for His constant provision and for health insurance for Adon and for me. He continually sustains us and He is our Hope! Please pray that God will give us wisdom and direction and speak clearly to us what His plan is for our family. Pray that He will open doors for us to get where He wants us. Pray that Jeremy would be encouraged through this time as he feels he is blindly leading our family. Until God speaks, we will wait on Him and trust Him.
After several weeks of attempting to reach the Mayor's office to discuss a sponsorship for the St. Louis Fire Academy (to begin in April), Jeremy finally made contact with his office today. Jeremy was informed that not only is the City of Florissant not hiring, but that they do not sponsor anyone for the Academy...this is contrary to what we were told back in the Fall. Needless to say, we are greatly disappointed and puzzled by what has transpired. The next Academy would start in September. However, without sponsorship, there is no way we can see how it's possible. We would need about $8,500 plus health insurance for Jeremy (required by the Academy) in order to pay the tuition and our bills while he is in the Academy (and without work). Also, there is a lottery to get into the Academy. So, basically, J's name would be put into a hat with everyone else who wants to go through the Academy. We know God will provide if that's the direction He has for us. After today's conversation with the Mayor's office, we are thinking, What now?
We know God is so faithful and good and gracious and merciful. We are so thankful to Him that Jeremy has a job and got a raise. We are so thankful for His constant provision and for health insurance for Adon and for me. He continually sustains us and He is our Hope! Please pray that God will give us wisdom and direction and speak clearly to us what His plan is for our family. Pray that He will open doors for us to get where He wants us. Pray that Jeremy would be encouraged through this time as he feels he is blindly leading our family. Until God speaks, we will wait on Him and trust Him.
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