Small Town Saver

Read my Other Blog

2009-06-14T10:28:00.003-05:00

I have taken a hiatus from this blog, which was mostly set up for our September Savings Challenge and October Bible Challenge, so new postings can be found at my UUHH...What? blog: "Utterly Useless, but Hopefully Humorous, words that make you go....what?" Come read my random thoughts about being pregnant, getting ready for a baby on a budget, and trying not to be out-slept by my lazy beagle.

SparkPeople Bootcamp

2009-01-03T19:36:00.004-06:00

New Year, New You

A new topic I may be mentioning in this blog is a new fitness/weight loss challenge I am doing with some coworkers. We are all throwing in $10 for the "activity minutes" and $10 for the "Percent weight loss" challenge and after 8 weeks, whoever wins each category gets the cash. I'm not really expecting to win either prize, but feel it will give me some much-needed motivation.

To keep on track, I'm going back to using my SparkPeople account. I HIGHLY recommend this FREE online community. After signing up for an account, you can set goals, track food and exercise, and it will chart your nutrients, calories burned, weight loss, etc. I had quite a bit of success using this last Jan-June, but then fell off the wagon (don't we all?). To jump start the contest, I joined a "New Year, New You Bootcamp" team. This challenge includes doing at least 30 minutes of cardio 5x/week plus the 10-minute strength video posted every single day. This should help me through the first four weeks along with volleyball and the fitness center after work. Trying to curb the chocolate cravings will continue to be my biggest struggle, especially after receiving my FAVORITE chocolate--peppermint bark Ghirardelli squares for Christmas. *sigh* They'll have to be my occasional treat/cheat.

It all starts tomorrow, so hopefully I will post some updates here.

Stories from Grandma

2008-12-02T20:55:00.002-06:00

I usually visit my maternal grandma in the nursing home on Monday nights before I play volleyball. Usually I hear the latest nursing home "news/gossip" and the aches and pains report, but this week my grandma told me about her history of jobs and I so appreciated hearing her experiences.

My grandma told me about a state spelling contest she won in high school. Seventy years later, she still remembers being on that stage and even the dress she wore. After high school, my grandma went to Mankato Commercial College to study Accounting. My grandpa was at Northwestern which was only a Junior College at the time, working his way through by sweeping the floors of Zwemer hall and playing on the basketball team. He often tells of how he'd go visit grandma in Mankato and although there were two movies theaters (one sold 3-cent tickets and one sold 5-cent tickets) he claims he never saw the inside of the 5-cent theater because they were so frugal. Grandma entered more contests in college, traveling to Minneapolis to compete in a typing test that she lost because she could only type 100 words a minute, and a calculation test that she won, adding 25 4-digit figures in a minute.

A job opening came up in Mankato at a Real Estate/Insurance firm, and even though she had 6 weeks to go in her Accounting courses, the college presented her the job. She was grateful for a good job that she didn't even have to apply for and said the two partners and their wives were so good to her. They took her to their lake cabin on weekends and gave her a nice set of real leather luggage when she got married. She lamented that she brought the luggage on a furlough trip one time and some soldiers used it as a card table, marring it with cigarette burns all the way around it. She still has this luggage, 60+ years later.

After being stationed in Boise, ID for a short time, my grandma moved to San Francisco when grandpa's Air Force unit was mobilized in WWII. She was the accountant for four doctors in a building downtown and had to ride the cable car to work. When she received a telegram stating that her husband was Missing In Action, she moved back to Iowa to be near family and wait to hear any news. She finally found out that grandpa's plane had been shot down and he had parachuted into enemy territory. While he was a Prisoner of War, she took a job in a packing plant in Sioux City, doing daily audits of the amount of meat they were processing. After her husband was liberated after 1 year and 1 day in POW camps, he came back home to Hull and began working the family trucking business with her dad. Once grandpa took over Vander Kooi Freight, grandma did the bookwork for their business. I remember playing in their office downstairs, typing gibberish on the old-fashioned typewriter while sitting at the big metal desk.

I cherish stories like these from my grandma and hope to record more about her 88 years of experiences.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T21:27:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving is coming up this week and it made me think about the little odd things that I am thankful for. I have set a goal to send 10 emails by the end of the month telling someone about something small they did that I am thankful for. If you feel inclined to join in, please go ahead and comment here.

Tonight I sent an email to Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Chico, CA. I went to services there when I was a student on exchange at Chico State. I am thankful for the presence they have at that University and in that Community. I never got involved in their programs, ministries, or even remember talking to a single person there, but I remember being so thankful that there was a church where I could go and worship the same God I had worshipped back in Iowa and feel like part of a family of Christ, even when I was so far away from my family and friends.

Other odd/small things I am thankful for:

The dents on my piano from the light that always tipped over. It makes me thankful for the piano lessons my parents sacrificed time and money for to give me a valuable gift.
The crack in my rear fender on my car. It reminds me that when I skidded on ice and into the ditch 4 years ago, this is the only injury I have to show for it.
The bread machine we got for a wedding gift (and the recipe book that came with it). You can't beat the smell of fresh baked bread and a hot slice of parmesan-pepper bread with egg and ham on it makes my commute so much better in the morning
Co-workers who aren't afraid to be silly and fun. Random turkey gobbles, pilgrim hats, holde-digging bets, and gingerbread houses make the 40 hours a week we spend together so much more bearable, oops, I meant enjoyable.

October 31: Revelation 13-22

2008-10-31T23:06:00.002-05:00

Praise God, I made it! The whole New Testament in one month...with 39 minutes to spare, it looks like. With a combination of listening to audio CD's, reading my own Bible, reading the study notes and doing research online, I was able to gain a better overall understanding of what the books of the New Testament are about while digging deeper into a few issues that I found thought-provoking.

I hope whatever track you chose for the month has blessed you and that the habit of spending time in God's word daily will not fade now that the month is over. I am very glad I stuck with this challenge, even when it would have been easier to quit, and I am thankful for those of you who stuck with me and encouraged me along the way.

Reading the New Testament has given me a greater appreciation for the true gift of Life that Jesus offers. I have become more aware of my own shortcomings and more thankful of God's forgiveness for the same. I learned about the life of the apostles, both while Jesus walked with them and after his resurrection, and admire the passion and dedication they had for growing the church. So many lessons to be learned...something new each day (for the rest of my life!)

It's been a month of learning and growth for me and the final challenge from the October Bible Challenge that I want to leave you with is the invitation of the Spirit found in the final chapter of the New Testament:

"Come! Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." ~Revelation 22: 17b

October 30: Revelation 1-11

2008-10-30T19:17:00.002-05:00

Revelation has always been a book that intimidated me. It seems so mysterious and hard to understand, but sometimes I think that it would be scarier if we DID understand everything it means. It's hard for many people to just accept that we aren't going to be able to figure out everything--we can't know exactly when Jesus will return, how the tribulation will affect the world, or what the end of time will actually be like.

Fortunately, there are truths found in Revelation that are not inaccessible or hidden in symbols or obscure language. We can clearly see God's holiness, his power, and that He will ultimately defeat evil. I think God purposely doesn't give us all the details about how everything will play out because He knows that with our human limitations, we would be completely overwhelmed by a full view of the supernatural realities. He protects us by "hiding" some things from us. I think this also encourages us to have faith in Him instead of trusting in what we know.

October 29: 1,2,3 John

2008-10-29T20:59:00.003-05:00

I'm sure you've all had that assignment in school where you have to look up your name and find out what it means. Depending on your sources, my name means "from the court", "courtly", "courteous", or "snub-nosed". (I'm sure you can pick out my least favorite meaning.)

A few years back I also read a book of baby names that listed a corresponding Bible verse for each name. The verse for Courtney was 1 John 4:16. That always stuck in my head because my birthday is 4/16! To further add to the coincidence, when I got a new license plate for my car five years ago, the 3 numbers randomly assigned were 416.

So, from today's reading, I'd like to share "my" verse with you.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." ~1 John 4:16

The rest of this paragraph is equally as meaningful to me:

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." ~1 John 4:17-20

October 28: James, 1-2 Peter

2008-10-28T21:38:00.003-05:00

I'm a calendar person. I have a very nice planner at work where I write down all the activities for the month, day by day. Along with choir practice, church suppers, and school activities I write down the mundane "events" too-- what days I will go to the fitness center, what day I'll go grocery shopping, when I need to clean or do laundry. If something comes up and derails my schedule, I sometimes get very upset. I realized this was becoming a problem when I would get upset if someone invited me out for supper and I felt like it was "ruining" my plans to work out or clean. I also like to look ahead to the coming months and record Christmas parties, weekend trips, and show choir competitions-months in advance. So, it struck a bit of a nerve as I read these verses today.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." ~James 4:13-15

I am definitely guilty of "boasting about tomorrow" which James warns against. I like to know the plan (if not create it) and stick to the plan and not let anything derail THE PLAN. But I need reminders that it is only MY plan, not God's. His plans are often very different.

I definitely need reminders that God is in control, that HIS plans trump mine, and I need to live for him today instead of spending today planning for tomorrow.

October 27: Hebrews

2008-10-27T22:57:00.003-05:00

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." ~Hebrews 13:8

We live in world that is constantly changing. As I see the headline today "Stock market hits 5-year low", I thought back on how much has changed in my life in the past five years.

In the past five years, I've graduated from college, moved twice, gotten married, had 2 different jobs, bought a house, got a dog, been blessed with a niece and a new brother-in-law, watched gas prices soar and then drop, watched my retirement fund grow and then drop, and the list goes on and on.

I can honestly say I am not the same person I was five years ago. In a lot of ways, that's probably a good thing, but the fact is that all of us change, for better or worse, everyday--maybe every hour! It's hard when our friends change, when our family changes, and when our circumstances change. Change is not easy! But amid all the chaos and challenges we face, isn't it a blessing to have one constant stronghold? Jesus Christ, who doesn't change. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I take great comfort in the fact that the same Savior who walked with the apostles also walked with my grandparents. The same Jesus who was there for me when I struggled as a teen is also there for me as an adult. He'll be there for me for the rest of my earthly life, and will be the object of my praise in my eternal life. The same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

October 26: 1,2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

2008-10-26T22:34:00.003-05:00

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."~1 Timothy 6:6-8

What is contentment? Paul used the term "contentment" that was popular with the Stoics of the time and gave it a Christian meaning. To the Stoics, contentment came from becoming self-sufficient, relying on oneself. Paul says that contentment is the feeling of finding sufficiency in Christ, relying on Him to take care of our needs. Contentment is a sign of godliness (relying on god) and contentment is a result of godliness (peace of mind).

I was once again reminded of the difference between needs and wants this week-both through some great discussions in our Small Group and from an unexpected vehicle repair expenses that come up this week which will affect our budget and spending for the next few months. I needed this reminder that I can and should be content with what Christ has provided-He is sufficient.

October 25: Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians

2008-10-26T15:23:00.003-05:00

Paul instructs Christians as to what their ethical theory should be in Philippians 2:3-3, " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

I was immediately reminded of the scene in A Beautiful Mind in which John Nash has a revelation about how if everyone does what is in their own interest (i.e. all the guys go for the blond at the bar), they will block each other, no one will get the blond and her friends will also be put off as being chosen second, so none of them will get any of the girls. He says that if they think of what is best of the group, they will each pick one of the other girls and no one would go for the blond. I'd always thought of his game theory as each man doing not only what was best for him, but also what was best for the group. In reality, if the game is at "Nash equilibrium", it means that each man, knowing the other players' strategies and knowing the others will stick to their strategies, has made the best possible decision and would not be benefited by moving laterally (to another strategy). However, this does NOT always end up with the ideal solution for the group. Once again proving that if people are only doing what is best for themselves, the overall optimal solution is not always reached. If you're interested in more of this, read this Math's Illustrated explanation of game theory, especially the part about the Prisoner's Dilemma.

I also thought of how other philosophers, most famously Ayn Rand, have proposed the exact opposite ethical theory from what Paul suggests. In her books Atlas Shrugged and The Virtue of Selfishness, this 20th Century intellectual proposes that the moral person should do what is in their own self-interest. People should determine for themselves what values their own life requires and to act in self-interest to make sure those values are achieved. She explains that self-interest involves seeing oneself as an end in oneself, and not acting as a servant or slave to the interest of others.

I don't see how it would be worth living out this life on earth if you truly thought you own life and happiness is your ultimate end--that this is all there is to strive for. When the goal of your life is BEYOND this life, Paul's instructions are clear and instructive.

Lord, help us to think not only of our own interests, but also the interests of others. Give us a Christ-like attitude and unity among brothers.

October 24: Galatians-Ephesians

2008-10-25T11:45:00.006-05:00

Living as Children of Light: Ephesians 4:17-5:14

The word "light" and "dark" have been used for thousands of years in many civilizations to symbolize "good" and "evil". I tend to think of what the light IS. The light is Truth. The Light is Jesus. The light is good. But I am starting to see that the dichotomy of light vs. dark/good vs. evil also involves what the light does. The light shines on darkness. The light exposes truth, the light reveals good/evil.

This was a concept the Galations could understand. I'm assuming they would have been familiar with ancient Greek/Roman mythology in which the Sun god, Helios (Sol to the Romans) was a god of light who was respected and honored as party of the Olympian gods. It is interesting that this god of light was also known as a heavenly spy from which it was difficult to keep something hidden. In a few popular myths, the god of the sun was asked to search for someone or was the first to discover something evil that was happening on earth. This affirms the concept of the light shining on the darkness and revealing good or evil.

In contrast to the "heavenly realm" of the Olympian gods, there were also the gods of the Underworld/earth who were their "dark and shadowy" counterparts. The Underworld was often associated with darkness. The earth was often where evil things happened.

I'm not saying Paul wanted the people to associate Jesus with Helios, but the concept of light vs. dark, good vs. evil was not a new concept in the ancient world and Paul used the associations people of the time had with light and dark to help them understand what it meant to live as Children of the Light--not only doing good but also seeing that Jesus (the Light) would reveal good and evil. He wants people to remember that Jesus sees all things-even those things not "visible" to others. He is the light and we are to be Children of the Light.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as
children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,
righteosness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do
with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful
even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the
light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. THis is
why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine
on you." ~Ephesians 5:8-14

October 23: 2 Corinthians 1-13

2008-10-23T22:13:00.002-05:00

The first Chapter of Pauls second epistle (letter) to the church in Corinth talks about God as Comforter. It would be harder to take this advice from Paul if he had not proven by his actions that he depended on God through all his suffering. Paul suffered greatly. In Chapter 11: 23 he boasts "I have worked much harder, been in prison ore frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again." Instead of lamenting how unfair this was and how poorly God treated him, he realizes that this happened so that he might learn not to rely on himself, but on God.

Being as self-dependent as I am, sometimes I feel like the clock is just ticking...waiting for God to send some sort of suffering my way so that I will learn to rely on him and not on myself. I think he's doing this in some small ways already by taking away my control over certain situations, but sometimes I wonder if it is only a matter of time before "the big one" hits and my reliance (or lack of) on God will be tested. I'm not sure I could pass the test.

October 22: 1 Corinthians 10-16

2008-10-22T22:52:00.005-05:00

"To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another
the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the
same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another
miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between
spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another
the interpretation of tongues." 1 Corinthians 8-10

Chapter 12 of Paul's letter to Corinth talks about Spiritual Gifts. This is only one of the places in the Bible where Paul provides a list of spiritual gifts (the others are Romans 12:3-8 and Ephesians. 4:11-12). Paul wanted people to recognize their spiritual gifts and use them to strengthen and build up the church.

Several Spiritual Gift Inventories have been developed to help today's Christians discover their own gifts. Here is one online version. Team Ministry also has a free online version for individual users. Crossroads Church has a printable PDF version that you could use if you want your Small Group to complete the questionnaire. Many others can be found by searching the internet for "Spiritual Gifts Inventory", etc.

The test that my Small Group took a year or two ago is called the "Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire". The instrument was developed by Dr. Richard F. Houts, a professor in the North American Baptist Theological Seminary, in 1976. It was then modified by C. Peter Wagner of the Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church Growth. It is found in Wagner's book, Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow.

The Wagner-Modified Houts Chart lists 27 different gifts, drawing from all three Bible passages. The result of my test?

My #1 gift is Giving, defined as "contributing your material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness."
My #2 gift is Leadership, which is the ability to "set goals in accordance with God's purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for the glory of God."
# 3 is a three-way-tie between Wisdom, Helps and Service
It's important to look at your top few gifts as your "Gift Mix"-not just your #1, because your top few results often interact and relate to each other.

Why is it important for us to learn and then develop our Spiritual Gifts? When you know your gift, you know where you can best be utilized in the work of the church. It helps you to say "yes" to the right opportunities and "no" to things that fit someone else's gifts better. You can purposefully and willingly use your talents to further the Kingdom.

Not sure how to develop and use your gift? I found an excellent resource developed by a Lutheran Synod in Wisconsin that will help you to Understand and Develop Your Spiritual Gift. It is also important that your gifts be confirmed by others-your pastor, friends and family-to really get a clear picture of where your talents lie and how they can be used.

Don't be shy...share your gifts!

October 21: 1 Corinthians 1-9

2008-10-21T22:41:00.007-05:00

Milk, seeds, buildings.

I like the word pictures Paul uses in 1 Corinthians Chapter 3. Similar to the parables Jesus told, these pictures helped the church in Corinth (and us) understand the meaning of his messages.

Milk

Paul says he gave the Corinthians "milk, not solid food" and called them "infants in Christ". Babies need to start with the basics first (milk or formula) and more complex foods are introduced later, once they can handle the milk. In the same way, Paul first provided the basic formula for following Christ, the Gospel, and only later encouraged the Corinthians to grow beyond this basic understanding. He wanted them to mature in their faith by learning how to use the spiritual gifts they have been given, but knew the correct order in which to teach them.

Seeds

Paul wants to make sure that God, not human messengers, receive the credit for the Good News. He says in 1 Cor. 3: 6-7 "I planted the sead, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." It is good to remember this for a two reasons.

First, we must always give God the Glory and Honor because He is the One who makes all things possible. Without him, nothing is possible.

Second, each of us are assigned certain tasks...some of us to plant, some of us to water. Verse 8 says "The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor." Therefore, we must fulfill our duty, but not get frustrated when we cannot be the planter, waterer, weeder, fertilizer, sun, rain, moon and stars. Sometimes it is only our job to plant and we have to know that the Master Gardener has others in line to complete the other tasks.

Buildings

Paul also compares the faith of the Corinthians (and that of all mankind) to a building. Verses 10-11 say "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he buils. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." I think this word picture was meant to teach the Corinthians three things.

Jesus is the foundation. Anything else will fall.
We should not depend on gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw. None of these will last. Just as a fire burnsaway all impurities in ore to get to the essence of the metal, the "fire" at the end of times will detroy all worldly things and only our core-our true essence of who we are in Christ- will matter.
God does not want his temple (his people) destroyed. At that time, the church was being destroyed by disputes and divisions among the Corinthians. Arrogant believers were scorning those they considered spiritually inferior, people were dividing over food and drink rules, and there was not a spirit of oneness. This is why Paul talks so much about unity and about the strong helping the weak instead of trying to convince the weak they are wrong (see previous post).

I'm glad Paul used word pictures that help us understand his letter to the church in Corinth. The timelessness of the Bible is amazing--that 2000 years later we can still relate to infants drinking milk before solid food, to planting and watering fields, and to building on strong foundations.

October 20: Romans 9-16

2008-10-21T22:08:00.002-05:00

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your m ind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." ~ Romans 14: 13

This chapter often refers to the "food rules" that many people were imposing on themselves. Paul is trying to explain to people that these food rules are not from God (he now declares that no food is unclean) but are self-imposed restrictions by man.

I would have expected Paul to preach passionately about making everyone "see the light" and telling us to correct everyone's behavior- to tell them that these rules are no longer necessary or that the FOOD itself was not sinful. Instead, Paul calls on the "strong"-those who realize that certain foods by themselves were not sinful and could now eat the foods in good conscience- to help the "weak"-those who were still bound to the laws and could not eat formerly "unclean" things in good conscience. The strong should help them not by telling them why their rules are not necessary, but to help them follow their rules.

Seems odd, but I'm starting to see the merit. If someone is convicted to avoid something (whether it be alcohol, tobacco, R-rated movies, or associations with certain groups), we should help them to live by their convictions, not try to convince them why these things are okay. We should not mock them or indulge boastfully in front of them, causing them to fall.

I can think of many examples from modern times. Some girls in my school growing up came from families in which the women wore skirts all the time and never cut their hair. Instead of testing their commitment or questioning them all the time about why they thought this was necessary, we could have supported them and stood up for them when they had to make difficult choices.

There are some people who have chosen to avoid all alcohol. Instead of preaching "even Jesus drank wine," we could be sensitive to their decision and not drink in front of them.

Instead of arguing with those who have strict rules about what is off-limits for their family on the Sabbath, we could make sure we do not ask them to help us move or paint or attend a sports practice, or do something else that will violate their beliefs.

My take-home lesson is to remember that this "public-school-proud" lady needs to respect other people's decisions to send their children to private school or home school.

The strong should help to build up the weak and not become a stumbling block.

October 19: Romans 1-8

2008-10-19T22:16:00.004-05:00

God speaks.

Just a few minutes ago I read a comment someone had posted a comment on my blog disagreeing with my post saying that "bullhorn" guy is not the most effective way to reach Christians. The comment did not contain any constructive criticism or counterpoints, just general insult, so I followed their link to figure out what they were disagreeing with. I read the first article posted, called "American Idol". I am linking to their site NOT because I encourage people to go there or follow their teaching at all, but so you know what I was up against.

There are sentences here or there that have some merit in reminding us to become true followers of Christ, but the idea that faith in Christ is not enough, that we must obey the law in order to gain salvation, that we can never feel safe in our grace, and mocks the fact that some Christians believe that Jesus dies for all their sins made me sick and sad. My comment posted in response basically said...if that's what it takes to be saved, then we are all lost. We can never measure up to that requirement and it is arrogant to think that God's grace and Jesus' blood was not enough to save us.

I was feeling inadequate in my response and my heart was in turmoil when I opened my Bible to the page I had earmarked this morning to write about tonight. Even now I am almost crying with awe and respect for God's leading. This is the passage I had marked this morning:

Romans 3:20-31 (New International Version)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
20""Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."
Righteousness Through Faith
21"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

Thank you, dear God, for showing me the answer and quenching my doubts with your Word. My words are inadequate to respond to such misleading, but Your Word is sufficient, as is Your Grace.

October 18

2008-10-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

No Post for this Date. The Bible Reading Plan has me reading through the New Testament in 30 Days. There are 31 days in October. Rather than trying to catch up by posting 2 in one day, I'm taking a free pass and moving on. This is a BIG step for me... I usually wallow in disappointment and anger at myself when I "cheat" a plan or screw it up and then ditch the plan altogether since I can't follow it perfectly (mostly applies to eating healthy and exercising) but I am deciding that instead of giving up, I am moving on.

October 17: Acts 22-28

2008-10-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

When Paul is telling the story of his conversion to King Agrippa, he quotes God as saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." ~ Acts 26:14b I've read many books and notes about the origins of common phrases and idioms, so I was curious about what "kick against the goads" meant.

The basic definition of "goad" is "something that pierces." It refers literally to animal claws or human instruments that have sharp points on them, or figuratively to something that torments or incites. It can also refer to "authority", so the phrase "to kick against the goads" could mean the same as "to buck authority".

The side notes in my Quest Study Bible explain that a "goad" was a stick tipped with pointed iron that was used to direct and guild livestock. Farmers used a goad to encourage a slow or wayward oxen to pick up the pace. If the oxen fought back and kicked the goad, it could injure itself. The phrase "to kick against the goads" became a common phrase that meant to challenge or resist authority. It was often true that the more the animal rebelled, the more injury it sustained. So it is often with us, the more we rebel against God's guidance, the more we suffer.

Saul had been "kicking against the goads" when he was persecuting Christian because he had been challenging God's authority. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament suggests that Paul used this phrase (and Luke included it in the account) because it was a Greek proverb that the Hellenist Agrippa would understand.

God may use sharp points or stings to guide us back to His plan when we go astray. We can either accept his guidance and follow his leading, or we can resist his authority, which will inevitably lead to more pain and suffering.

October 16: Acts 15-21

2008-10-16T21:51:00.004-05:00

"Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.' She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit. 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' At that moment the spirit left her." ~Acts 16:16-18

If the spirit was telling the truth, why did they cast it out? This shouting by a well-known fortune teller was sure to attract attention, but it probably wasn't exactly the attention they were looking for. Paul took action to drive out the demon because he did not want people thinking the demon was speaking for them or that they were in league with the evil spirit possessing this girl. Jesus did the same thing in Mark 1:25. In that case, a man possessed by an evil spirit also told the truth, crying out, "You are-the Holy One of God!" but Jesus silenced the spirit and drove him out.

The lesson is that the truth loses its effectiveness if it comes from the wrong source or is delivered in an inappropriate way. This is a lesson that some Christians today need to take to heart. Rob Bell, in his Nooma series of videos, has a name for one example of people who may be telling the truth, but are delivering it in an inappropriate way. He calls them "Bullhorn Guy". Watch a preview of the video here. (Local note: You can check these DVDs out from the Reformed Church of America office in Orange City).

You may have witnessed this scene: a crazy man standing on the street corners with a bullhorn, condemns everyone who passes by and spouts out scripture meant to instill fear and shame into the hearts of all who hear. What he is saying may be altogether true and based on scripture, but the way he is delivering it is inappropriate and ineffective. Many Christians do not want to associate themselves with people like this. In the same way, Paul did not want others to link the evil (and apparently vocal) spirit with him or His God.

It's the means, not the message, that he is silencing.

October 16: Acts 8-14

2008-10-15T22:23:00.005-05:00

Not terribly insightful, but something I learned tonight is sorting out the "Name Game" of some of the "characters" of Acts.

John/Mark: John was his Jewish name and Mark was his Greek name. Like many people of the time, he used one or the other, depending on who he was dealing with. The man Barnabas and Saul took with them in Acts 12:25 is the "Mark" who wrote the second book of the New Testament (not the "John" who wrote the fourth). This man was Baranabas' cousin and son of the Mary who hosted church meetings in Acts 12:12.

Saul/Paul: Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was his Graeco-Roman name. When he was persecuting Christians, his Jewish name is used. Some say this name meant "great one" in Hebrew, which accurately described his ego at the time. Following the mention of both names in Acts 13:9, he is called Paul through the rest of the book of Acts. He used his Greek name in his missions, maybe because he often talked of being God's missionary to the Gentiles, maybe because some say the name Paul infers "little humble one" in Greek and he chose to use the name that reflected his changed heart (or even his stature). I had always thought that his name changed during his conversion on the road to Damascus, that it was a direct quote from God, like when God said to Simon "you are Peter, an on this rock I will build my church" in Matthew 16:18. But I can find no such evidence that the conversion dictated the conversion from "Saul" to "Paul". It was a conversion of his heart, not his name, as far as I can tell.

Can anyone shed more light on this?

October 14: Acts 1-7

2008-10-14T21:54:00.008-05:00

Acts Chapter 2 gives an account of the Holy Spirit Coming at Pentecost. If the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire with the sound like the blowing of a violent wind at Pentecost, what did it look like before this? Did it exist? If it did exist before, what was the significance of it manifesting itself in this dramatic way at this time?

The Holy Spirit is mentioned dozens of times in the Old Testament. In fact, the second verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:2) says "...the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." The Holy Spirit was just as much a part of creating the universe as the other two members of the trinity.

David cried out in Psalm 51:11 "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me," implying that he currently had the Holy Spirit with him. Zechariah recorded in Zechariah 4:6 a vision in which an angel said '...Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit' says the Lord Almighty." How could the spirit give this prophet and priest power before it was sent at Pentecost?

The answer I have found is that The Holy Spirit has always existed, but it was restricted in the Old Testament to priests and various selected individuals for special purposes. It was provided for a certain period of time or to give someone strength to perform a certain task. At Pentecost, (10 days after Jesus ascended into heaven) God's spirit was now poured out on all believers. This availability of God's power to everyone, regardless of position or status, fulfilled the prophesy of Joel:

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." ~Joel 2:28-29

The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a significant turning point in the history of the early church because it gave everyone, young/old, sons/daughters, servants, and everyone regardless of status, equal access to God's power through the Holy Spirit. It also reassured Christ's followers that God was active and living in their world even though his Son was no longer walking the earth as a man. The Holy Spirit gave life to the church and Pentecost is often celebrated as the "Church's birthday".

The Holy Spirit was with the early Christians as they spread the gospel throughout the ancient world, and it is with us today as we spread the Good News to our own friends and neighbors.

October 13: John 14-21

2008-10-13T21:56:00.007-05:00

"Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman
governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the
Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover."
~John 18:28

Isn't it ironic that the Jews did not want to defile themselves by entering a Gentile dwelling (even a palace) because they had already "cleansed" themselves for the Passover feast? The cleansing process could last a long time, up to a week, depending on the defilement, and they didn't want to rish the hassle of going through the ceremonial cleansing again. Some Jewish historians think the part of Passover they were keeping themselves "clean" for was the Chagigah, which was a fellowship offering as defined in Leviticus 3:1-5 and 7:29-34. A fellowship offering's purpose was a voluntary act of worship; thanksgiving and fellowship and included a communal meal.

So, they were very concerned with following the Law of Moses which disallowed them from participating in the Passover feast if they were found unclean (Numbers 9:6), but were not that concerned about following the Laws that Moses gave them from God (The 10 Commandments). Violations of "Thou shalt not murder" and "Thou shalt not bear false witness"come to mind, although the argument could be made that they were also "misusing the Lord's name" by denying Him his rightful title, and also "putting other gods (false gods instead of the true God) before [God]".

They were also prepared to worship God with the coming fellowship offering, but at the same time, preparing to kill God's Son. They were prepared to give thanks to God for delivering their people from Egypt, but were killing the One who could (and would) deliver them from their sins.

It seems so silly, even laughable, at how concerned they were with keeping up the appearance of following God's Laws while plotting to kill His only Son. How often do we strive to keep up outward appearances, making ourselves seem to be "good" and "perfect" followers of the Law, while in secret our hearts and minds are filled with all kinds of sin--hatred, greed, lust, pride, and plots to do evil. We are no better than the Jews who plotted to kill Christ...we are also sinners in need of mercy and grace which only God provides.

October 12: John 8-13

2008-10-12T21:41:00.006-05:00

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ~John 13:34-35

When we think of love, we tend to think of it as a feeling, but Jesus uses it as a verb when he commands his disciples to love one another. What does love look like as a verb? Does it just mean doing things that make other people feel good?

God measures love by obedience, not by feelings.

"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands." ~1 John 5:2-3a

"Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.' " ~John 14:23-24

There's even a whole chapter in Deuteronomy 11 called "Love and Obey the Lord".

To love means to obey God.

I think this clears up some confusion when people read in the Bible that salvation comes to those who "obey God and keep his commands". Or, when in Hebrews 5:9, it says that Jesus "became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him". They think this points to having to do good works or live a perfect life in order to earn salvation. But if love=obedience, then when God says salvation comes to those who obey him, it means to those who love him and out of love, obey his commands. We are saved when we love God and accept Jesus as our personal savior. We obey to express our love.

October 11: John 1-7

2008-10-11T15:55:00.004-05:00

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." ~John 1:1

Meaning of "word" (logos) to Greeks: Word or Logos means "divine mind" or "divine reason". Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is credited with being first to use the word logos to refer to a rational divine intelligence. Greeks of the day would have recognized the use of "word" as universal divine reason or a thought that leads to an action or emotion.

Meaning of "word" (logos) to Jews: God's active and personal involvment in the world. Marvin Vincent says the word logos (λόγος) is a collecting or collection both of things in the mind, and of words by which they are expressed. It therefore signifies both the outward form by which the inward thought is expressed, and the inward thought itself.

So, what is the "word" that was with God and the the "word" that was God?

The "Word" was with God in that it was an internal thought/divine reason.

The "Word" was God in that Jesus was the outward form by which the inward thought was expressed, or the action that resulted from the divine reason, the revealing of God to man.

The word is Jesus Christ, who is the personal presence of God.

October 10: Luke 12-18

2008-10-11T09:35:00.006-05:00

Luke 22:7-23 gives Luke's account of The Last Supper. I've always heard that the disciples were gathering to share the "Passover" at this last supper before Jesus' death, but didn't understand the entire correlation between the Passover and The Last Supper. An account of the Passover is found in Exodus 12:1-17.

Here's how Jesus changed the Passover with the Lord's Supper:

The Jewish Feast of Passover celebrated how God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. The Last Supper reminds of of how God delivers his people from sin.
The sacrificial lamb appeased the angel of death and caused it to "passover" the Jewish houses when it was coming to kill the firstborn son of everyone in Egypt. The lamb was killed to take the place of the firstborn. Jesus's body was broken in judgment for our sin. He was killed to take the place of sinners like you and me.
Wine was drunk at Passover meals to signify the lamb's blood applied to the doorgrame. Wine was used at the last supper to signify Jesus's blood that was given for us.
The Passover represented God's former covenant with his people (the Israelites). The Last Supper represents God's new covenant wtih his people (all who believe in him).

October 9: Luke 12-18

2008-10-09T22:05:00.006-05:00

I finished listening to another message by Alice Shirey of Orchard Hill Church (scroll down to June 22 podcast) titled "Be You! Not What You Have". This message was about not comparing ourselves to others (what they have or how we perceive them to be) or trying to tear others down to boost ourselves up. Towards the end of the message, she reads Luke 18:9-14, the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector that Jesus told to teach a lesson to people who were confident in their own righteousness and who looked down on everybody.

In this parable, both a Pharisee and a tax collector went to the temple to pray. The self-righteous Pharisee prayed aloud about how thankful he was that he was not like other "bad" men, evildoers, adulterers, or tax collectors. He bragged about the good things he did. But the hated tax collector stood at a distance and didn't dare even look up to heaven as he said in anguish "God have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus said about the tax collector:

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ~Luke 18:14

If you find it hard to relate to the Pharisee and tax collector characters, watch the short "modern" version of this parable in this video.

You might be thinking right now "I'm glad I'm not like that first guy, the Pharisee", but you see, that's the whole point. Just thinking that way IS being like the Pharisee. We are not meant to compare ourselves to others, and really what is the point, since NONE of us measure up. It's like a dirty fork saying "I'm so glad I am not a dirty spoon. I do not have dried up chili on my surface and at least I did a great job spearing those broccoli flowerettes." The spoon recognizes it has been stained and is in need of rinsing clean. BOTH are dirty. BOTH need cleansing.

We all need to recognize that we can never impress God by comparing ourselves to others and we should not try to impress others either. We are all sinners, saved by grace. God calls us to humbly come before him to ask for forgiveness, not publically boast about how "less dirty" we are.

October 8: Luke 7-11

2008-10-08T23:00:00.008-05:00

"Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." Luke 8:20-21

Was Jesus rejecting his family and teaching us to do the same? No, He was making the point that if we have to choose between our family and the will of God, God comes first.

I once met a girl in college who revealed to us during a women's retreat that her entire family were non-believers. Out of all her relatives, she was the only Christian. Her family would make fun of her going to church and other Christian activities. She faced the very hard decision of choosing God's will, or choosing her family. Even though she tried her best to persuade them and still held out hope that they would believe, she had pretty much accepted that she was going to have to walk the journey of faith alone. The hardest part, she said, was answering them when they asked "How can you believe in a religion that says we, your family, are all going to go to Hell for not believing like you do?" What a testament to her strong faith that she was able to stand firm and hold fast to the truth. She was able to choose God's will over her family.

Thankfully, many of us do not face the "either/or" choice, but we do need to pay attention to Jesus' demonstration here that God's will comes FIRST, then family. Most of us would like to say we prioritize our lives in this way:

God
Family
Education
Work
Fantasy Football League (pick your pleasure)

But, to REALLY put God above family is hard. Our family "demands" are often what keep us from spending time in the Word, in prayer, or in quiet time with God. We may compromise on some of our beliefs to keep the peace in the household. We may even make the excuse that we don't go to church because Sunday is "family day". Jesus is our ultimate example, though, and we should strive to put God first...always.

Picture Challenge

2008-10-07T23:08:00.008-05:00

Quick pitstop on my "30 Days of Scripture"challenge. Mary at Owlhaven challenged people to open their picture file on their computer, select the 6th folder and the 6th picture and post it on their blog. Here is that picture from my home computer...

I took this is 2005 when I went out with DH to the Alton "pit" for some pond fishing. It was a beautiful day and I remember just enjoying our time together outdoors.

October 7: Luke 1-6

2008-10-07T22:08:00.006-05:00

Luke 6 begins with a section called "Lord of the Sabbath". First, the Parisees get angry with the disciples after they rub some heads of grain to eat, something deemed "work" on the Sabbath. Jesus told them how David ate the consecrated bread, which was also unlawful. Next, the Pharisees were watching closely to see if Jesus would heal someone on the Sabbath. Jesus healed the man's hand and declared himself "Lord of the Sabbath".

The point in these stories is to show that the underlying principles are more important than the petty rules humans invent. Dr. Ralph Wilson explains that the Pharisees' devotion to the Mosaic Law "led to such extremes that instead of obeying the Law itself, they ended up obeying a multitude-- literally thousands -- of tiny rules that were one step removed from the Law." They were so concerned with accidentally breaking the sacred law that they placed a "hedge" of detailed rules around it. In the midst of trying to live according to the "hedge" rules, they lost site of the central principles the rules were designed to protect.

Do we do this today? Are we like the Pharisees...so worried about the small (man-made) rules for "right living" that we lose sight of God's intentions for how we are to live? I do this...I'm quick to condemn people for sitting around drinking together and don't see the relationships they're building and help they're offering to friends they have met (and led to Christ) in that atmosphere. I've been quick to pass judgment on someone who was pregnant and unmarried instead of walking with them and rejoicing in the decision they've made to give a child life instead of ending their pregnancy. I've even thought the same thing as the Pharisees in the story when I hear about people shopping, eating out, and going to movies on Sunday--"How is that keeping the Sabbath?" --but I find myself skipping fellowship with other Christians, turning down family dinner invitations, and opting out of extended worship opportunities so I can hurry home to "get things done". Matthew 7 is a passage I need to revisit often.

The next time I find myself judging others for "breaking the rules", I will try to remember that the underlying principles are more important. God's laws are important, but only the "Lord of the Sabbath" has the authority to decide what honors God and what does not.

October 6: Mark 9-16

2008-10-06T22:23:00.005-05:00

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:14b- 15

What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a little child? I always understood it to mean that we should receive Jesus with wide-eyed wonder and child-like faith, but an additional note in my Bible caught my attention. The side note says, "Jesus doesn't call people to childish behavior but to childlike faith. The qualities of humility, trust, receptivity and a lack of self-sufficiency all characterize the person of faith."

I had never thought of "lack of self-sufficiency" as a positive thing. I've always been pretty set on attaining self-sufficiency. This need to be able to take care of myself has driven me academically (and now career-wise), financially (save, save, save and never count on Social "security"), and socially (sometimes I'd just rather deal with things alone than risk relying on others). I realize that my striving to take care of myself sometimes hinders my relationships with others and now I'm realizing it hinders my relationship with God.

Jesus says that we are to be like children. Children rely on their parents to meet their every need, act as their guide and role model, and love them unconditionally. How much more so should we rely on our Heavenly Father to do all these things for us? I will think of "faith like a child" in a whole new way!

October 5: Mark 1-8

2008-10-05T21:24:00.004-05:00

Mark 6:14-29 gives an account of the beheading of John the Baptist. (also found in Matthew 14: 1-12)

John had been put in prison because he rebuked Herod for his adulterous affair with his brother's wife, Herodias. Herodias wanted John killed. "But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled, yet he liked to listen to him." Herod was torn between his conscience, which prompted him to listen to John the Baptist, and his sin-the adulterous affair with Herodias. He wasn't willing to give up his affair, but was willing to listen to what John had to say. (Kind of like when we're willing to attend church or discuss "spiritual stuff", but aren't willing to repent from or give up our sins that keep us from embracing and living out the Truth.)

When Herodias's daughter danced for Herod and his important guests at a banquet, he was so pleased he swore an oath to give her anything she wanted. After consulting with her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. "The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her." Herod had John beheaded--the man he feared, enjoyed listening to, and who he thought was righteous and HOLY.

If it distressed him, why did Herod go ahead and have John the Baptist killed?

He was unwilling to give up his sin-the affair with the girl's mother.
He swore an oath and felt obligated to carry through.
He did not want to look bad in front of his dinner guests.

Why do we do things that we know in our hearts are wrong?

We are unwilling to give up our sin-the act either gives us earthly pleasure or helps us to gain some sort of advantage.
We feel obligated to do it (i.e. all of our friends gossipping about someone and we feel obligated to chime in)
We don't want to look bad in front of others. We might take another drink when we know we've had too many, we might bad-mouth our spouse when other people are talking down about their own, we might ostracize someone because our friends have decided they are not "cool". We may think peer-pressure is reserved for adolescents, but trust me, it happens among adults (and Christians) far too often.

The lessons we can learn?

Don't hang on to your sin--it separates you from God, clouds your judgment, and leads to more sin.
Don't keep an "obligation" that is wrong. (And while you're at it, don't swear oaths--see Matthew 5: 34-37 and James 5:12)
Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it means you stand alone.

October 4: Matthew 23-28

2008-10-04T15:51:00.004-05:00

The last part of Matthew covers the signs of the end of the age and the arrest, death, and resurrection of Christ. The passage that stuck, though, was Matthew 25: 35-46 when Jesus describes a conversation on judgment day between the King and those on his right or left.

In verses 34-40, the King invites into the kingdom those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirty, invited in the stranger, clothed the naked, looked after the sick, and visited the prisoner. But, in verses 41-46, he condemns to eternal punishment those who "did not do for one of the least of these".

I struggle with this concept because on its face, it seems to be saying that what we DO (our acts) determines whether we get eternal life or eternal fire. Several other readings have helped to explain why this is not what Jesus was saying

Are good works necessary for eternal life?
A side note in my Quest Study Bible answers that good deeds do not form or lead to or earn salvation. Eternal life results from what God does, not what we do. We are saved by God's grace, not by our works. But, God does intend that those who receive his grace will also do good works. We express our love for God by serving others, not to be saved, but because a heart that truly loves God will be filled with compassion for people.

Our works will never be enough
A teaching titled "Be You...Not what you do!" given by Alice Shirey at Orchard Hill Church on June 7 talked about how we can bring glory to God by just being who we were created to be--nothing more, but certainly nothing less. We were created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do, but if you're trying to DO enough to feel loved or approved by God, "you will be stuck on a treadmill with the off button forever out of reach".

The book of Galatians is all about explaining what it means to be saved by faith. Paul writes to them because they were facing the temptation to live the Christian life through their own efforts instead of by grace.

"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from
Christ: you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await
through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision {symbolizing living by human law}
has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through
love." Galatians 5:4-6

So DOING all these things Christ commanded us to do are a result of our love for Him and our gratitude for His saving grace, not the other way around.

October 3: Matthew 16-22

2008-10-03T22:37:00.007-05:00

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." --Matthew 16:19; 18:18

Before discussing this topic in Small Group recently, I really had no idea what "binding" and "loosing" meant. I learned that it is a rabbinical term, an authoritative declaration about what is permitted or forbidden.

bound= forbidden

loosed= allowed

In the book our Small Group just finished, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, the author explains how Rabbis studied, meditated, and taught the Scriptures and interpreted how the law should be applied to everyday lives. For example, the Bible says to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, but each Rabbi would interpret exactly what that looked like--was one allowed to walk a mile? ride a donkey? bake bread? attend a NASCAR race? (that is, Nazareth Arabs Steering Chariots And Running)... j/k

A Rabbi's set of interpretations of the Torah, or things he allowed or permitted were called his "yoke". Jews followed the yoke of the Rabbi they thought was interpreting the Scriptures the way God intended. The process of interpreting the Scriptures, or deciding what was allowed and forbidden was called "binding and loosing".

So, when Jesus gives the keys to the kingdom to his disciples and tells them whatever is bound on earth will be bound in heaven, He's telling them to make new interpretations of the Scriptures and giving them the authority to discuss, debate, and make decisions about how the Scriptures should be lived out in everyday life.

Stained Glass Window Image courtesy of: Sacred Heart Lancaster

October 2: Matthew 10-15

2008-10-02T18:42:00.007-05:00

Several familiar parables and stories are told in this part of Matthew, but the one that stuck out to me is the one that happened twice. In Matthew 14, Jesus feeds the five thousand with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish--all were fed and there were baskets leftover. Then in Matthew 15, Jesus was again preaching to a large crowd and the disciples asked "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?" Jesus then proceeded to perform another miracle, feeding the four thousand men with 7 loaves and a few fish.

Why did the disciples question how the people's needs were going to be met when Jesus had already shown them the miracle he could perform?

Why do we question how or if God will bring us through the situation we're facing when He has shown us over and over that he will take care of all our needs?

God has been so faithful in providing all our needs that it is silly for me to think He won't do it again and again. The exercise of remembering all the things He's done that only He could do, helps to ease my anxiety about the future.

My Short List:

God filled my need for a wonderful loving husband who supports and appreciates me and is fluent in my love language
God provided me and DH with jobs whenever and wherever we desired them. I trust him to lead us in our future career paths as well.
God provided me with a place to live in so many situations where it seemed hopeless-spring semester at UNI after a semester on exchange, fall semester my senior year when I needed a place I could leave in December, an apartment in OC that we could afford, and a house in Sibley that is exactly right for us. All of this fell into place by his grace.
He has come through time and time again with friends, resources, kind words, and peacefulness that were very much needed.

Praise God who meets all our needs (and gives us baskets full leftover). The disciples asked him for help and their seemingly impossible situation was solved. Let us do the same.

Image courtesy of http://breadsite.org

October 1: Matthew 1-9

2008-10-01T22:14:00.006-05:00

Matthew 6 was laid on my heart today. Ever feel like God wrote certain scriptures for you personally to give you instructions that are so applicable to your life at the time that it just about scares you? I like to imagine God folding his arms, leaning against a door jam (those pearly gates have to hang on something, right?) and smirking when that happens. Like a father smirks when he catches his son following and passing along advice that as a child couldn't fathom following. Like a teacher smirks when her student has tried every-which-way to do a task until they just read the instructions and realize out...duh, it was all spelled out for me if I just would have taken the time to read it.

God, my Father and Teacher told me today:

Give to the needy-but not to be honored by men.
Pray- you don't even do it in private as I've commanded, so don't be so smug you aren't caught praying on the streetcorners.
Fast- you don't even know the history/purpose/value of this practice.
Do not store up treasures on earth where moth and rust (and current financial markets) destroy. All that money you put into retirement savings didn't make you feel as secure as you thought it would.
You cannot serve both God and Money-you think about Money enough (and with a capital M). Time to spend some time thinking about God, your real master.
Do not worry-about food, drink clothes, or tomorrow.

I really feel like I need to be serious about this "30 Days of Scripture" and wasn't sure how to get in the right mindset. God spoke again through my friend from Small Group who emailed a group of people today inviting them to join him in fasting and prayer...tomorrow. He had also read The Sermon on the Mount recently as our church's "Read through the Bible in a Year" schedule coincided (coincidentally? don't think so) with the start of my own schedule. I had never really considered fasting before and did some research to find out the who, what, why, and how of this practice. I found this outline by Mark A. Copeland and this explanation by Arthur Walkington Pink helpful. I have decided to join this 24-hour fast in order to focus on prayer, meditation on the word, and listening to God's will for my life and to pray for the upcoming re-organization of our Small Groups. More thoughts on this tomorrow...

Announcing: October Bible Challenge

2008-10-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

This blog has sure helped to motivate me and keep me accountable in our September Savings Challenge and I hope it has been some help to you as well. Lately I've been thinking how consistently doing something for 30 days can help us change our attitudes, habits, and hopefully carry over throughout the year. I started thinking of what habits I'd like to develop and how I might be able to use this blog as a motivating factor. But, what should I focus on next?

The sermon I heard this morning at church was like a gift-wrapped in-your-face HERE YOU GO sign from God about what habit (or lack thereof) I need to tackle. The sermon was about spending time in God's Word. I started the "Read through the Bible in a Year Challenge" at our church, but got behind after a month or two and never picked it up again. For me, being able to focus on a shorter period of time-30 days-and being accountable to you all (the small number of people who read this blog) will help motivate me. So, I plan on choosing a 30-day "track" and blogging about the readings each day in October. Anyone else up for joining me?

Here are some plans you can print:

Zondervan-Bible Reading Plans:

A Purpose Driven Life:

Read through the entire New Testament in 30 days

Bibleplan.org will let you choose a plan and have the daily reading emailed to you.

Another option is to start (or continue where you left off) a year-long program or a daily devotional and just commit to doing it for the first 30 days of the plan. Hopefully that is long enough to form a habit so you can finish your larger goal. The idea is to get into God's Word every day for 30 days. Choose a plan that's right for your Christian journey and something that stretches you a bit, but won't discourage you. If it's 5 minutes a day for 30 days, that's great. Sometimes the small steps are the ones that stick with us the best.

I am going to be committing to the New Testament in 30 days plan. The reason I think this is possible is that my husband received The Listener's Bible, ESV, read by Max McLean on CDs as a gift last year. I spend 70-80 minutes each weekday commuting and currently listen to audio books from the library in the car. I also usually walk the dog for 30-45 minutes each day on the weekends and currently listen to books on my mp3 player. With a little planning, I could easily put these CDs on my mp3 to listen on the weekends too. My goal will be to listen to the daily plan, then get out my Bible at night to do some further study using the notes and references and finally blogging about a verse or idea that God used to speak to me that day.

In the few remaining days of September, I encourage you to pray about whether you want to participate in some sort of daily Bible reading plan in October. Leave me a comment if you want to share which plan you'll be using. Hopefully we can encourage and motivate each other!

September Savings Challenge Review

2008-09-30T23:59:00.000-05:00

The 30 Days are over and I feel a "wrap-up" of sorts is warranted. In general, the month was not as hard as I expected it to be. I rarely felt deprived and it didn't take that much more time or effort to live more frugally. Some good habits were formed, bad ones broken, and hopefully some of the tips and ideas I posted sparked some ideas in you and allowed you to save some money in September as well.

Here's a list of things I DID in September:

I packed many lunches -to work and for car trips
I baked my own bread (and bread pudding, cake, pie, apple crisp, oh how I should have stopped at bread)
We carpooled a few times
I rode my bike more often
I got free entertainment from the library and local HS events
I ran out of eggs and Orange Juice at the end of the month- the only "staples" that were depleted
I read the Owlhaven blog along with several other participating in the "30 Days of Nothing"
I used a few coupons and cut out a lot for future use
I did get sick of eating my free apples but will continue to try new recipes until they're gone
I held a 3-day garage sale (and shopped a few other garage sales, but only spent $5)
I saved $289.74 in grocery/toiletry money alone vs. my normal budget
I froze corn, applesauce, and chopped apples--none of which I've done before in my married life
I got my budget and checkbook up-to-date so I know where we stand in each account
I learned that giving is a blessing and that it is truly worth going without some things that I obviously didn't even miss that much in order to give to someone else.

Here's a list of things I DID NOT DO in September:

I did not go to the movies
I did not buy any concessions at sporting events (DH sprung for some popcorn on Day 30, bless his heart he was hungry!)
I did not go to Worthington, MN or Sioux Falls, SD (our local shopping destinations)
I did not go into any stores except Fareway (groceries) 3x and the 2nd hand store
I did not put anything on my credit card besides gas and $58.47 in groceries/toiletries
I did not eat my weekly 2 heads of fresh steamed broccoli (bought some today-it's Oct. 1!)
I did not use the automatic car wash-I used quarters for the hand-sprayer instead
I did not empty my freezer (above my fridge OR deep freeze), in fact it is full to the brim
I did not empty my pantry-the doors currently do not shut all the way
I did not go hungry, homeless, naked, cold, or un-entertained, which makes me one of the richest people on earth

So, what will I do now that the month is over?

First, I did buy almost $50 in groceries today--milk, eggs, OJ, fresh fruit and veges, deli ham, ice cream and lots of baking supplies that were on sale as I have many upcoming baking opportunities! But, I will be scrutinizing my grocery purchases through the end of the year and will try to continue working on my stockpile.

Second, I am gathering the money we saved with our other group members and friends in order to deposit it in a fund for the woman in our town going through cancer treatment. If you were following along with the challenge and have saved money for this cause and did NOT receive an email from me today explaining where to send the money, please email me at custombaked@gmail.com or leave a comment below with your email address and I'll send you the info.

Third, I am starting a new challenge called "30 Days of Scripture". Join the October Bible Challenge!

Blessings to all of you who participated and I hope you will share your comments on how the month went for you!

September 30 Savings

2008-09-30T20:50:00.004-05:00

It is the end of the month. We made it! I'll post a final review of the month soon, but tonight I'll put in my remaining grocery savings.

Investment: I spent a grand total of $60.26 on groceries/toiletries in the month of September. Everything else was from my large stock of freezer and pantry goods, a meal or two treated by our parents, shared meals with friends, and a limited number of necessary meals out for DH that come out of our entertainment budget, as always. I also already put $19.30 in the jar in grocery savings from free food, coupons, etc.

Instead of: My monthly budget for groceries/toiletries is $369, an amount I'm embarrassed to admit is for only 2 people-the food we eat and give away.

Savings: $289.34

Bonus: I was expecting my freezer and pantry inventory to be significantly reduced. I am low on a few baking supplies (by low I mean I do not have a SECOND bag of 3 kinds of flour, 3 kinds of sugar, butter and oatmeal.) The only thing I am out of is the weekly fresh purchases: milk, OJ, eggs, fresh fruits and veges.

We have plenty of food.

We did not suffer any hardship.

If the world food supply suddenly shut down, we could survive several more months.

We are blessed.

September 29 Savings

2008-09-30T13:05:00.006-05:00

Investment: Since they don't currently have people entering prices at iowastategasprices for our area, I paid attention to the gas prices on my drive and filled up my 12-gallon tank for $3.35 in Sibley at Shell

Instead of: Hull dropped their prices to $3.39 before Sibley went down, but I waited a few days for Sibley to drop below.

Savings: $0.04 x 12 gallons= $0.48

Bonus: I got the 5% rebate on my Shell card.

Update: GAAAH Two days later Sibley was at $3.25~oh well, when you're running on empty, you have to choose from the current options!

September 27 Savings

2008-09-28T21:19:00.006-05:00

Investment: Three times this week there were places I needed to go in town and since it was beautiful weather I was able to ride my bike instead of drive.

Instead of: Driving about 2 miles at the IRS-mileage rate of $0.505/mile

Savings: $1.01

Bonus: I got some exercise and enjoyed the weather.

September 27 Savings

2008-09-27T20:44:00.005-05:00

Saturday is usually my day to clean the house, do the laundry, walk the dog, and bake some goodies while DH is planning for next week's FB game with the other coaches. Today I also spent the morning at a Pampered Chef party and will be the first to admit I did spend a good chunk of money today! The justification (and there always is one, right) is that I got a few Christmas gifts for family and the things I bought for myself will come out of my show choir money left from last year. Never-the-less, feeling a little guilty, I consciously chose a lunch and dinner menu that would use up some freezer and pantry stockpiles and create enough leftovers to get us through the end of the month (tater-tot casserole and fruit for lunch and grilled BBQ chicken with seasoned potatoes for supper).

I also used some long-held ingredients to make Onion Bread, 2 loaves of Pumpkin Bread and 2 Crumb-top Apple Pies which supplemented our meals (and waistlines--I cannot bake something without eating some fresh out of the oven!) I froze one loaf of bread and one pie for the upcoming church auction. For my savings today, I accomplished a FIRST in my life as a wife:

Investment: Our lawn was in desperate need of mowing before a Small Group bonfire tomorrow night and DH was busy every night this week and all day today. So yours truly mowed the lawn for the FIRST time ever! This is a sad fact, but it is the one chore that DH is usually glad to do and it's never been necessary for me to pitch in here before. I have used a riding mower once or twice when growing up, but my grandpa always mowed our lawn and grove (and at 88-still does). But, I did it and even though the wheel patterns are not close to the Major League Baseball-esque designs my husband usually performs, the grass is significantly shorter and that's all that matters.

Instead of: Last year during FB season, we seriously considered hiring the kid down the street to do the mowing for us. Since I was able to help out today, we avoided paying someone else to do it.

Savings: $15

Bonus: It was a gorgeous day, I got a little bit of a workout (our push mower is not self-propelled), and walking a half-hour in my husband's shoes made me appreciate him taking care of this chore 99% of the time.

September 26 Savings

2008-09-27T12:25:00.004-05:00

I hit the Boyden town garage sales on my way home from work on Friday and found some books to give to my niece for her upcoming birthday. (Sorry to ruin the surprise, Megan!)

Investment: $1.25 for three books:

What's in the Garden? -a Peek-Through Pals book like the Bunny book she likes so much
It's Pumpkin Time -her b-day is at the end of October and I know my sister will be trying her hand at growing pumpkins again next year
Tikki Tikki Tembo-one of my childhood favorites and fun to read aloud

Instead of: The list price for the garden book is $5.95 and ordering the other two from Amazon would have cost $6.99 and $6.95 respectively

Savings: $19.89 list price - $1.25 garage sale price = $18.64

Bonus: My niece won't know the difference between new and used (they're in decent shape) and my sister and brother-in-law will have new books to read so they can take a break from The Cat in the Hat and You Are Special marathons!

September 25 Savings

2008-09-26T08:09:00.004-05:00

Investment: We attended the S-O Volleyball game free of charge using DH's activity passes (teachers can get activity passes for themselves and their spouses if they sign up to work a certain number of events-DH runs the scoreboard at Basketball games) and did not buy any concessions.

Instead of: Buying popcorn and pop

Savings: $1.75

Bonus: The Generals had a spectacular win over the Mustangs. Way to go, girls!

September 24 Budgeting Basics

2008-09-24T22:32:00.004-05:00

I couldn't get money off my mind today, so as soon as I got home from work, I started working on balancing the checkbook (which is *ahem* several months behind), writing in all those pesky ATM and Debit transactions we forget to write down, and then entering every transaction into Microsoft Money. Three and a half hours later, I had a clear picture of where we're at in every category. Fun? Hardly. But, worrying about it for 3.5 hours tonight allows me to reign in where we're spending too much (clothing and gas) and feel better about the categories that are doing fine and NOT have to worry about money for the next few months. It also showed me where I can transfer some of our checking account money to ING Orange Savings accounts to earn interest.

We didn't spend any money today and ended up eating grilled cheese together at 9:50pm when DH got home from class, but tonight I'll post a little history of my budgeting experiences. My sister has a more comprehensive list of ages/disciplines/methods, etc., so if you are interested in starting any of these with your kids, I could get you more information.

Age 4-5, my parents gave us 10 nickels each week that we had to place in cups. Five went in the "Savings" cups, 1 went into "Tithe" and 4 went into "Spending".
Age 6-9, we earned a little more money doing calf chores on the farm, but the same rules applied-50% in savings, 10% in tithe, 40% in spending. We also received an allowance in cash that we put into category envelopes in a recipe box: Summer Recreation, Book Bag, Gloves, Entertainment, Book Orders, etc. This taught us about saving, and that once the money is gone, it's gone, and you can't rob Peter to pay Paul. (Also, if you lose your gloves, you have to earn more money or use your "Fun" money to buy another pair.)
Age 10-18, I had a checking account (starting in 3rd grade) and posted every transaction into different accounts by writing it in the "Debit" or "Credit" columns of ledger paper. I did get an allowance but had to pay for my lunch ticket, piano lessons, clothes, and various other things. Any money we earned from riding beans or babysitting had the 50-10-40 rule, but as soon as I got a real part-time job when I was 16, I think it went to 10% savings, 10% tithe, 80% spending (in expense categories).
Age 18-21: I managed my money throughout college, including a Vanguard Money Market account and an ING Orange Savings Account. I did get some allowance and my parents gave me a set amount at the beginning of my freshman year that I was free to use however I wanted--for tuition, room & board, etc. This was money they saved by "paying" me for the farm chores I did as a kid and putting the wages straight into investments. It wasn't enough to cover 3.5 years of tuition and books but was still a huge help. I still paid for most of my college expenses with part-time and summer jobs, lived extremely cheap and had some of the money they gave me left when I graduated. I chose to take a small subsidized loan during one year of school when my intern summer job couldn't cover costs, but I invested the money from my parents and used it for a down payment on our house years later. Sometimes I feel like I missed out on a lot of fun college experiences by being so tight with my money (Spring break was usually spent going to the State basketball tournament with my family), but it was probably worth it in the end. College is also where I learned to manage a credit card and disciplined myself into paying the full amount every month so I could build up a good credit history.
Age 22-26: As life gets more complicated, so does money. Trying to figure out 401k's, Roth IRA's, insurance premiums, savings, investments, and ever-increasing expenses can be overwhelming. But, before even getting into investment and retirement options, my best advice is to MAKE A BUDGET! If you don't know where your money is going, take a month or two to save receipts or write down every transaction, assign categories, and tally up exactly how much you are spending on groceries, household bills, clothing, etc. You might be surprised to find out where there a huge expenses that are killing your budget (housing/cars/eating out) and where little expenses are nickel and diming you to death (coffee/fast food/Ace Hardware *ahem*). Here is a great article about how to build your first budget. Like I've mentioned before, I use Microsoft Money software that came with my Office package, but you can use Quicken or other software to keep track.

I will always be grateful for the wonderful lessons my parents taught me about managing money from an early age. Teaching (and modeling) money management is a priceless gift you can give your kids. Check out moneyinstructor for teaching materials you can use with your kids (or class). Hopefully this month will inspire you to make a budget and then stick to it!

September 23 Savings

2008-09-23T20:42:00.005-05:00

How much do you normally spend on your hair in a month? cut? color? highlights and lowlights? salon-quality styling products? I've done all of the above, but got out of the habit of cutting and coloring when I grew my hair long in the past few years. After I cut off 10"+ this summer to donate to Locks of Love, my inverted bob now needs more regular trims and styling products. But, I'm learning to make do with Aussie mousse and hairspray instead of Aquage and Kenra. This month I decided to refrain from buying any products for my hair or going to the salon. It's a weird in-between stage at this length, but it'll work for a few more weeks.

Another tip: Shop around for in-home salons or small-town storefronts and you'll spend a lot less than the city! If you're still spending a ton on salon visits, consider checking out local beauty schools. You can get cuts, colors, manicure, waxing for a lot less and there are instructors checking over the students' work the whole time. When my friend was going to Le Mars Beauty College, I always went there for highlights and cuts and it was a lot of fun!

Investment: I skipped my 6-week haircut scheduled for September and will go 12 weeks between trims.

Instead of: Paying for a shampoo, trim and style.

Savings: $12

Bonus: The extra length allows me to wear a ponytail if needed and I can try new styles in this growing-out stage.

September 22 Savings

2008-09-22T21:33:00.005-05:00

I knew that milk would be running low, so I stopped for *hopefully* the last groceries of the month. The total came to $12.41 for milk, bananas, grapes, pears, butter (it was on sale so I had to take advantage!), and 4 rolls of Pillsbury Buttermilk biscuits. The biscuits are for making broomstick pies over the bonfire that we're hosting next Sunday night for our last Small Group. Instructions: Form 2 refrigerator biscuits around the end of a broomstick. Hold over fire until the biscuit is cooked through and slides off the stick easily (it is hot-be careful). Then spray in some "I can't Believe It's Not Butter...spray" (make sure you say this in Fabio's voice) and shake in some cinnamon sugar. Then fill with vanilla pudding and top off with more cinnamon sugar. Tastes like a warm donut! YUM! I did manage to negotiate some savings out of the trip.

Investment: Generic brand biscuits were 2/79-cents. Pillsbury 4-packs were on sale of $1.5o (originally $1.99), but then I saw the coupon dispenser offering "75-cents off when you buy 3 refrigerated Pillsbury products". However, they do not sell Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits one roll at a time at this store (and the Grands or flaky large biscuits do NOT work for broomstick pies). I ended up convincing the cashier to break open the four pack of Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits and scan each of them separately so the coupon would register at least 3 products. Then, when they rang up for $.99 each individually, she found a manager who overrode the system to get back to the 4 for $1.50 sale price. So, I got to use the coupon and ended up paying only $0.75 for the 4 rolls.

Instead of: Paying $1.99 full price for the 4-pack of biscuits.

Savings: $1.24

Bonus: Name-brand biscuits actually DO work better for broomstick pies and now I'm excited for s'mores and pies and I can now use up all the supplies I have leftover from the summer s'mores season.

September 21 Review

2008-09-21T16:24:00.004-05:00

What's your excuse? We all have "excuses" for not saving or not spending our money wisely at all points in our lives, not just for this challenge. Let's take a look at some common pitfalls and how we can avoid them.

Forgetting about the little things. DH commented to me today that "it's hard to remember to not spend money." Like buying a pop from the vending machine or a breakfast sandwich from Pronto. I suggested maybe HE take over the blog duties to give him a little reminder each day, but I don't see that happening. :) We discussed that for us, having cash in our wallet allows us to forget and buy the little things. When I am out of cash, I won't buy the small things because I won't put it on the credit/debit card or write a check for it. I usually don't have cash anyway (it's in DH's wallet) but I have been avoiding the ATM so I don't have cash to spend. What helps you "remember"?
Not planning ahead. Instead of planning a menu around what I already have in the house, sometimes I think of what I want to make and then run to the store for some missing ingredient that is probably NOT on sale. If I'd plan a menu and plan my shopping around it, I'd fare better managing my time AND money. Sometimes planning ahead means thinking about the week's activities and remembering "I won't have time to cook something before choir on Wednesday, so I better have some leftovers or have a casserole from the freezer thawed that can bake while we're out" instead of grabbing some fast food.
Not having a budget. Many of you are successfully using the envelope system and I personally work off a Microsoft Money budget where I track all our expenses-cash, checking and credit card through our checking account. Having numbers in your head (or cash in your envelope) helps you think of the limits. For instance, my clothing/hair & beauty budget is $90/month for two of us. So, if I buy a $60 pair of shoes and a $30 shirt, I have nothing left the rest of the month (nor does my husband). It helps me think of the trade offs, like is it worth getting my hair professionally highlighted if it means going without new work clothes (no) or is it worth spending more than our monthly budget on a pair of running shoes that are made for my flat feet (yes-but that means no unnecessary shoes). Is there such a thing as "unnecessary shoes?" :)
Forgetting the value of a dollar. I've heard many people suggest figuring out how much take-home pay you make per hour. Then, when you see an expensive purse (or tackle box) or whatever, you can think "Is it worth working 6 hours for that item?" Or think of what else that money could buy. It's hard to spend $4.50 at Cold Stone for 1 serving when I know I can get a gallon pail for the same money and enjoy ice cream for weeks!
Spending everything you've got. The money that comes in your paycheck is not meant to be spent in the 2 weeks until your next paycheck. It is meant to allow you to buy the things you need now, give to those who need it more, AND save for your future needs (house, college, retirement, etc.) I find it very helpful to have some savings automatically withdrawn from my checking account through a 401k, Roth IRA, online savings account, etc. If you don't see it, you won't spend it, and you might not even miss it.
Forgetting the difference between "needs" and "wants". We all fall into the "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality now and then and sometimes we are in desperate need of a reality check. Check out the original "30 Days of Nothing" page that explains the goal of becoming more aware of how the rest of the world lives and how truly blessed we are. These figures are humbling. Next time I think my dishwasher is too loud I'll try to remember that millions of women spend several hours each day collecting water. Next time I think that my flat-screen TV is too small, I'll try to remember that 1.6 billion people (a quarter of the of the world population) do not have electricity. And next time I think we don't make enough money or deserve a raise, I'll try to remember that 80% of the world lives on less that $10/day.

As you may be able to tell, God has been convicting me this month, not just about saving for this particular cause, but really evaluating needs, wants, and the disparity of wealth/poverty in the world. I'm not saying that it is wrong to spend the money that God has given you and by no means do I mean to make anyone feel guilty. I just need a reminder myself that all we have is really His and we must be faithful stewards. I feel like He's been softening my heart and placing certain issues in my mind to make me aware of those who have less and that He will reveal a plan for how I'm meant to make a difference in the world and in our community. What has God laid on your heart this week?

September 20 Spending

2008-09-20T13:04:00.004-05:00

My no-spending resolve faded today as I spent $5.50 on items that are essentially non-essentials. This morning I brought the stuff that didn't sell at last weekend's garage sale to the 2nd-hand donation store down the street (and remembered to get a receipt for the tax write-off). Of course, I looked around afterwards and found some bargains I couldn't resist.

I bought:

$3.25 for 3 home-decor items I'm saving to eventually redecorate our guest room. (Including 2 Norman Rockwell copies that I'm collecting from garage sales/thrift shops as I see them)

$0.75 for 3 baskets. Our church's Harvest Auction is in a few weeks and I like to put the baked goods I donate into nice baskets--helps to get a higher bid, I think! Plus, they're hardly any more expensive than sturdy paper plates.

Plus...

Investment:

$1 for eight 2-prong pegs that fit in the peg board installed on the garage wall. (Might go back for more of these as needed.)

$0.50 for a bag containing a dozen metal skewers and at least 2 dozen wooden kabob sticks. I've always wanted to grill kabobs, but couldn't justify buying new skewers and the premade kabobs in the meat department are so expensive.

Instead of: The peg hooks cost $0.92 each online for a total of $7.36. The metal skewers would have cost $3.49/dozen and the wooden kabob sticks would have been $.57 alone (if bought in a quantity of 1000!)

Savings: $11.42 worth of peg hooks, skewers and kabob sticks minus the $1.50 I paid. Total: $9.92

Bonus: The garage peg wall can help us get more organized, and I can start browsing meat/vege kabob recipes, although cake/fruit/marshmallow kabobs are just as likely!

September 19 Savings

2008-09-20T12:53:00.005-05:00

Investment: DH's parents came for the game, but we decided to each eat at home before meeting up. My grilled ham and cheese on home-made bread, broccoli and milk probably cost around $1.50. DH's dad also generously paid $5 for me to get into the game since neither my husband nor I could find the passes that would have gotten me in for free.

Instead of: We talked about possibly going to Subway before the game, where I would have spent about $2.70, and I didn't have to fork over the $5 for the game.

Savings: $1.20 for supper and $5 for the ticket. Total $6.20

Bonus: A Homecoming WIN by the Generals! Yea!

September 18 Savings

2008-09-18T22:06:00.004-05:00

Another day without spending a dime. DH eats with the team on Thursdays (dinner is made by FB moms at different churches) and when I couldn't think of what to make at 7:30 tonight, I though to myself "What did I do in college when I did not feel like cooking and had very few ingredients?" Answer: I hauled out the snack-master, a contraption I inherited from my mom, for a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich pressed between the near-end of the store-bought wheat bread. I practically lived on these sandwiches in college! I clearly needed more bread, so I put the ingredients for a whole wheat loaf in the bread maker and set the delay timer so it will be hot and fresh at 6:00am tomorrow!

Investment: A bread maker is a wonderful invention that surprisingly many people own, but few actually use. Mine was a wedding gift, but instead of buying one new, I'd check with friends or family who may never use theirs, or check garage sales. My sister picked one up last weekend for only $5. I'm currently in the bread-making routine, have tried many recipes (including the Parmesan Pepper Bread mentioned earlier this week and DH's favorite Onion Bread), and hope to explore some more cost savings by buying my ingredients -especially yeast- in larger quantities so I can drive down the cost of homemade bread. For now, I estimate the cost of my ingredients at around $1.50/loaf for a plain 2lb. loaf.

Instead of: Buying bread at the grocery store. My old staple was 12-grain Amana bread for $2.19 at Hy-Vee (plus an extra stop at Hy-Vee since Fareway doesn't carry it.)

Savings: $.69

Bonus: Homemade bread tastes great, is more filling, and makes perfect open-face egg white and ham sandwiches for breakfast!

September 17 Savings

2008-09-17T20:57:00.003-05:00

What do you do when you have lots of apples and some leftover hot dog buns? Make a delicious Apple Bread Pudding! (I added more apples than it called for and cut the vanilla sauce recipe in half). WOW, this recipe is a keeper, served warm with the sauce! We'll see how it tastes cold (I'm sure I'll sneak some for breakfast tomorrow.) An important lesson I've learned from my dad is that many things (bread pudding, apple pie, brownies, and currently Apple Dapple Cake) taste much better when you eat them straight out of the pan with a fork while standing by the counter. For extra good flavor, make sure you are eating this for breakfast, preferably at 5:30a.m.

Investment: I used 3 more free apples and 3 hot dog buns (old getting-dry buns from the fridge make the perfect bread cubes for bread pudding)

Instead of: Buying apples at the store for $.99/lb and throwing out the hot dog buns

Savings: $1 for the free apples

Bonus: The house smelled wonderful when we rushed home from choir practice to pull the Apple Bread Pudding out of the oven and DH was happy it replaced the lingering cooked broccoli smell I created at 6:45 this morning.

September 16 Stretching

2008-09-17T06:53:00.009-05:00

You'll notice I didn't use "Savings" in the title for today. DH and I did not spend any money today and in our normal course of the day usually wouldn't have. But, the lesson brought to mind today was that with a little effort, I've been able to stretch supplies that I do have a little longer, putting off a replacement or substitute purchase, which adds up to savings in the long run. A few examples:

We used the very last drop of toothpaste in the tube by squeezing, smoothing, and otherwise coaxing the last bit, delaying opening a new tube. Here's how to squeeze toothpaste perfectly.
I scraped out the corners of my liquid powder foundation compact and used a sponge pad to apply. I normally throw them out and open a new one once the middle circle is gone.
We only had a thick, dry heel of the P armesan Pepper Bread loaf left, but I carefully sliced it in two, buttered one side, sprinkled with garlic powder and a little shredded cheese and broiled it to eat with leftover spaghetti tonight.
I have old hotdog buns in the fridge that I will make into bread pudding tomorrow.
I'm getting sick of leftover chili, so I froze some for later and will eat some over a baked potato for supper tomorrow.
Once the nozzle stops working on my pump hairspray, I tend to stash it in the back of the closet and eventually throw it out. Now, if I can't get it unclogged, I open the lid and pour it into the next bottle that has a working pump to use it up.
When I get to the crumby ends of a cereal box, I either put it in a small tupperware to mix in to yogurt or ice cream (Cinnamon Life Cereal makes a great mix-in and doesn't get so crumbly at the bottom of the box), or I pour part of the small crumbs and part of the next box into my bowl.

Do you have any ways you've learned to stretch the supplies you have on hand to delay or avoid another purchase? Share you ideas!

September 15 Savings

2008-09-15T22:41:00.005-05:00

After a long day at work, I stopped by my parents to pick a peck of apples (actually 2 pecks). I learned a peck is 10.5 lbs here. Then, I stopped by Fareway on the way home for $27.76 in groceries-milk, eggs, OJ, fresh fruit, and some essential toiletries. I debated getting the bulk TP because I didn't want to spend money on grocery/household items this month, but I couldn't justify getting the smaller pack with a higher price/roll. After spending an afternoon on spreadsheets figuring out purchase price/landed price/customer cost per unit/end user cost per unit for the candy products I market, I was very in tune to the cost per unit idea. Ahhh, the stockpiler/justifier in me will never die.

Tonight's activity was peeling and chopping apples to freeze for later use in pies, apple crisp, apple bread, etc. Tools of the trade: a Pampered Chef peeler (although I wish I had their new handle), a good paring knife, and an ULU knife I bought in Alaska that is perfect for slicing and dicing apples. Read "What the Heck is an ULU" by The Ulu Factory in Achorage (where I visited, but bought a cheaper knockoff version at the tourist shops).

Investment: Picking a 5-gallon bucket full of apples for free (and throwing the bruised ones in the bull pasture), then spending about 2 hours peeling, coring, and chopping 29 cups of apples. (I only did about 1/3 of the bucket.) I packed in 4-cup freezer bags so I can thaw the perfect amount for an apple crisp.

Instead of: Buying about 7 lbs. of apples at the grocery store, which would have cost $.99/lb. today.

Savings: $7

Bonus: My grandpa was happy I picked up the apples so he could mow under the apple tree and now I will be able to bake my favorite apple crisp recipe anytime this winter without a trip to the grocery store.

September 14 Review

2008-09-14T21:48:00.006-05:00

Another week of savings, and it's been going pretty well! This week we paid all our bills using online bill pay as usual (don't have to write as many checks or buy stamps), bought gas for both vehicles, DH paid for his lunch ticket at school for the next 2 months, and we spent $12 of the garage sale profits on tickets to the football game. Other than that, we did not spend any cash or put anything on the credit card. I bought zero groceries or other food this week, even though we hosted 10 other people for small group tonight! Because a few of you requested some recipes from tonight's supper, here is the link to the Chicken Taco Stew recipe from Spark Recipes. I left out the onion and added a can of pinto beans (rinse and drain all the beans and corn) and served it with tortilla chips and cheddar cheese. I make it a little different every time, depending on what I have on hand. Also, some of you requested the Red Velvet Cake recipe as well. And you who asked about Lemon cake, here's a link to the Cake Mix Doctor's Lemon Lover's White Chocolate Cake recipe that we'll have to try sometime. And for those of you with Oster's Bread Machine, the Cinnamon Raisin Sweet Bread was quite good, but I'd add more raisins next time.

The cash and "IOU's" in the jar are steadily growing. I will have to break down and get groceries tomorrow as we are running low on milk, fruit, and toilet paper, but we are still sitting great on meat, frozen veges, homemade bread and all the pantry/baking staples. I feel like I might be delaying some expenses instead of avoiding them (like signing up to bring cake to work in October instead of September), but it is helping to stretch the grocery budget this month. I'll continue working hard to find ways to save this week and would love to hear how the rest of you are doing! Post your comments!

September 13 Savings

2008-09-14T11:58:00.006-05:00

We did spend $12 tonight to attend the Northwestern vs. Morningside Football game, but made some choices to minimize the cost of our night out, plus DH gave up a lunch out with the other coaches at noon to contribute to the savings.

Investment: DH came home for a spaghetti lunch today, plus I packed turkey sandwiches, Chex mix, fruit, and dessert to eat on the way to Orange City.

Instead of: The other coaches went out for Pizza Ranch Buffet at noon, where DH usually joins them on Saturdays. Plus, we normally would have grabbed some subs from Subway to eat on the way to the game. Also, DH didn't buy the normal popcorn from the concession stand.

Savings: $8 pizza buffet and $7.50 for subs minus about the $5 cost for the food we ate instead, plus $1 popcorn. Total: $11.50

Bonus: I got to see my husband before 4:30 on Saturday, which made me happy, plus eating supper in the car saved time on the way to the game. We also didn't have to stand in the really long concession line for popcorn (and DH still got to eat some of his brother's popcorn).

September 12 Savings

2008-09-13T10:32:00.003-05:00

The garage sale is over! It was a lot of work, but we also had fun and it was pretty interesting too! We had lots of fun customers. They especially loved our half-off bag sale after 2:00 on Friday--give a person a bag and they'll just keep filling it! I didn't sell out of everything, but sold a good chunk of the junk! In all, we grossed $890 for 5 "families" and my take was $240. I was completely happy with the result considering my highest priced item was only $7 and we surprisingly sold lots of clothes! I probably won't need to have a sale for a while again and just need to finish up unpacking and donating what didn't sell.

Investment: Working the sale from noon-6:30 on Friday, then cleaning up, calculating, and counting money well into the evening.

Instead of: Making it to DH's Football game on time (But they won! Yea!)

Savings: I made $140 on Day 3. So, 10% would be the sale of not 1 but 2 Ace of Base: The Sign CDs for $1 each, 2 plates of Velveeta Fudge samples that I had brought for us to eat for $1 each to a Dordt guy-he was hungry and his friend bought the last bag of cookie dough balls, $2 for a pair of jeans to the mom of the girl who hosted the garage sale, $2 for a pie plate that had a "Baked with Love" raised imprint in the bottom, and 6 pictures frames for $1 each. Total: $14

Bonus: Sold lots of stuff, met interesting people, and feel like we gave some great deals and good merchandise to some people who really needed it.

September 11 Savings

2008-09-11T22:25:00.006-05:00

Investment: Another night manning the garage sale in Sioux Center.

Instead of: Going home to watch DH's JVFB game

Savings: I made another $50 tonight, so 10% would be equivalent to the $3 suitcase I used to bring clothes to the sale and ended up putting a price tag on, a $1 toilet brush and stand set that had never been opened or used :P , and the $1 profit off a dozen Monster Cookie Dough Balls. Total= $5

Bonus: The night went really fast and we had fun DJ-ing with all the CDs I had for sale. The crowd favorites were Ultimate Sports Jam, K-Ci and JoJo and Ace of Base: The Sign. Collectively, we have 3 The Sign CDs for sale, so let me know if you're interested!

September 10 Savings

2008-09-10T22:07:00.006-05:00

First off, Happy Birthday to my Dear Husband! Now, down to business...

I have to admit I am pretty tired tonight. Getting ready and baking for the garage sale has taken most of my energy. I couldn't decide what to "save" today since I didn't spend any money and packed my lunch for noon and night again today. I also set up the bread machine to make some Parmesan Pepper bread (my fav), but I don't think it saves any money over store bought, just tastes better. So, for my savings today, I'll pick a few random garage sale items that add up to about 10% of the day's sales.

Investment: Gathering unwanted items from home and from my parent's basement.

Instead of: Gathering dust or filling up the dumpster

Savings: I sold a pair of shoes that hurt my feet for $2, a "Doon Elevator, Doon, IA" thermos my dad got free for $1 (FIRST ITEM SOLD!). I also sold a Jars of Clay and DC Talk CD for $1 each to a mom who accidentally threw away her son's old CDs and is searching garage sales to replace them. Total: $5 (10% of the $47 I made today)

Bonus: I'm getting rid of tons of stuff and it's fun to do something with my co-workers outside of the office. Come to our sale if you live near Sioux Center! We're right behind the Family Table (go around the block) and are open again Thurs. 5:30-8 and Friday 9-6:30.

September 9 Savings

2008-09-09T23:29:00.004-05:00

Tonight I was leaving Sioux Center after helping set up for the garage sale and the truck needed gas. I pulled into the Coop where it was $3.49/gal and started filling up, only to remember that there was a Shell station on the way out of town (we get a 5% rebate on our Shell card). It would have been easier to just continue filling and be on my way, but I stopped the pump after 1 gallon, drove out to Shell, filled up there (for $3.45) and then continued on home. I also knew I'd be tempted to grab some fast food after an evening of hard work setting up, but had planned ahead and packed a sandwich, fruit, and cookie to eat on the way home instead.

Investment: $65.55 in gas minus 5% rebate ($62.27) and about $2 worth of a packed-lunch

Instead of: $66.31 in gas with no rebate and a $3 fast food meal

Savings: $4.04 gas and $1 food= $5.04

Bonus: My packed lunch was probably healthier than the fast food taco or burger I would have bought and the gas at Shell in Sioux Center was 4-cents cheaper than Sibley's.

September 8 Savings

2008-09-09T06:54:00.004-05:00

In the past year or so, I've gotten into the habit of taking home half of every restaurant meal. I order a regular meal, usually not anything too expensive, and then when my plate arrives, I divide it in half, then ask for a box to take home the half I didn't eat. The portions are usually much too large anyway, and I'm full after eating my half. It feels like you're getting a "free" restaurant meal later when you eat the leftovers.

Investment: DH's parents took us out to eat at El Azteca in Worthington (highly recommended) on Saturday night and I ordered my favorite Fajita Burrito, divided it in half and ate the leftovers for lunch today (Monday).

Instead of: Packing other food for lunch today.

Savings: About $4 (half the cost of my burrito)

Bonus: Monday's leftovers are much more exciting, and it prevents me from totally overeating by trying to finish my plate at restaurants.

September 7 Review

2008-09-07T22:20:00.003-05:00

I don't have any savings to report today as we usually do not spend any money on Sunday anyway. I do have a few reflections and lessons learned so far.

I have not had a real grasp on the cost of food and the cost of driving. I always stay within my budget, but the amount I assign those categories has been allowing me to pretty much do what I want. With prices heading up, I need to rethink these categories as we now are getting less food and gas for the same budget.

I tend to think of ALL grocery expenses as "necessary" unless they are prepackaged junk food. However, I have been buying much more than we can eat in the given week. I need to be more conscious of how many meals we are actually going to eat at home or pack to eat away and cook accordingly. I don't mind leftovers, but have to make sure I can eat it before it goes bad, and I must remember that DH eats lunch at school now!

I was also surprised and discouraged to actually calculate the cost of driving different places. The good thing is that it helps encourage me to carpool, make fewer trips, and shop locally or on my route home from work, but it also prevents me from doing things I really want to do. It costs me $11/day or $2,850/year in gas to commute to my job. This makes it hard to rationalize driving anywhere on the weekends. I do feel like the price of gas is preventing me from doing things I'd love to do, like meeting up with friends and family on the weekends or enjoying Sunday dinners at my parents' house. I hope prices go down soon!

I did not feel very deprived this week at all. We tend to stay very busy with work, church, and school activities and I had plenty to do getting ready for a garage sale I'm doing with some co-workers next week. I do not enjoy shopping and don't spend cash very readily the way it is, but I need to find ways to cut down our monthly bills/expenses, especially groceries and gas.

Let me know how your family is doing by leaving a comment! Did you learn anything about your spending habits this week? What were the biggest challenges you faced? What were some of the ways you saved money? I'd love to post more tips! Best wishes for another week of saving!

September 6 Savings

2008-09-06T20:50:00.003-05:00

Investment: DH carpooled with my bro-in-law to class today at BVU.

Instead of: Driving himself both this time and next time.

Savings: $13.28-half the cost of the gas for today b/c he'll return the favor later

Bonus: He had some good company on the ride and got some homework done while waiting to go home.

Homemade Birthday Cake

2008-09-06T15:56:00.007-05:00

Do you buy birthday cakes from the bakery/grocery store/professional baker? Why not trying your hand at a homemade cake? When I was growing up, my mom made it seem like a special privilege of each of us to pick out the mix and bake our OWN birthday cake (isn't she tricky?). The best part was mixing different colored frostings and decorating it anyway we wanted. I still like homemade cakes much better and I have more cake recipes I'd like to try than people to bake for!

One of my favorite cookbooks is "Chocolate from the Cake Mix Doctor". Ann Byrn takes ordinary box mixes and "doctors" them up to make beautiful and delicious layer, sheet, and pound cakes, as well as cookies, cheesecake, brownies, and even biscotti! Frosting recipes are also included. The best part is paging through the pictures and picking out something to try. I've had great results with dozens of the recipes found in her book and the step-by-step instructions make it easy! Her website also has great tips on saving money on your grocery bills. (We're having a Peanut Butter Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting tonight in celebration of DH's upcoming birthday.) Since I never actually buy cakes from the bakery, I'm not contributing the difference to the savings jar this time, but it's just another hint for anyone to try in an effort to have your cake (and save money too).

Investment: $.99 cake mix plus oil, eggs, and additional "doctoring" ingredients, many of which you'll have on hand

Instead of: Store-bought cakes, from $8-$15.

Savings: The difference between what you would have bought and what you made.

Bonus: Kids love helping (and licking the beaters), it creates fond memories, and your relatives at the birthday party will applaud your effort, even if it's less than perfect.

Helpful Hint: Before placing the layers of cake on the serving platter, I place three strips of waxed paper to form a circle. The cake is placed in the center and then frosted, so the waxed paper catches all the drips, smears and smudges. When you're done, pull out the three strips of waxed paper and you'll have a clean serving platter and a perfectly frosted cake!

September 5 Savings

2008-09-06T15:43:00.009-05:00

As the first home football game of the year arrived, and my less-than-stellar communication skills with DH left me without a free activity pass for the game, I was fully prepared to fork over the $4 (or is it $5?) to get into the football game. However my friend A (another coach's wife) pulled through and had 2 passes with her, so I didn't end up having to pay. Tonight my contribution is passing on this good fortune to the savings jar!

Investment: Meeting up with A before the game for the Athletic Boosters tailgate, which I was planning to do anyway.

Instead of: Paying for a $5 ticket

Savings: $5

Bonus: Now I will surely remember to get the pass for the other games!

September 4 Savings

2008-09-05T06:48:00.005-05:00

My weekly grocery shopping trip today was scaled back in a major way. For $18.30, I picked up some fruit that was on sale, 1 gallon of milk instead of 2, OJ, margarine, eggs, and oatmeal (the last 3 to make more cookies to sell at a garage sale later this month). I will be posting my monthly grocery savings at the end of the month, but I did make a few specific choices today.

Investment: I bought margarine for baking (2 lbs. @ $0.75) and a can of generic frozen orange juice ($1.19)

Instead of: Real butter (2 lbs. @ $2.19) and generic Orange Juice jug ($1.99)

Savings: $3.68

Bonus: It didn't take as long as usual to shop and put away the groceries!

September 3 Savings

2008-09-03T20:36:00.004-05:00

Investment: I packed my lunch today- Vegetable chicken salad sandwich, green beans and grapes. I'm guessing around $2 tops.

Instead of: Pizza Ranch buffet, about $8. I stopped in to see the family that had gathered at the Ranch for lunch today, but when they were ready to go, I went and ate the lunch I had packed.

Savings: $6

Bonus: I didn't feel miserable all afternoon from eating way too much pizza!

September 2 Savings

2008-09-02T20:27:00.003-05:00

Investment: Today I filled my Nalgene bottle with water from a Brita water filter pitcher in the fridge to take with me to work. I refilled it from the "water cooler" at work.

Instead of: Grabbing a Grape Powerade Zero out of the fridge. I decided to save it for another time so I don't buy any more this month.

Savings: $0.69 (They are 3/$2 at Fareway!)

Bonus: The ounces labeled on the side of the bottle help keep me on track to reach the goal of 64oz/day. Plus, no sodium!

Savings Jar

2008-09-01T21:50:00.004-05:00

To help "collect" your savings this month, I encourage you to make a Savings Jar. It can be a bucket, bowl, jar, or vase that you decorate or just set aside for this purpose. Getting your family's help in decorating the jar also helps reinforce the idea of why you will be saying "no" to some purchases and putting the money in the jar instead.

If you usually pay cash for your purchases, go ahead and put the extra change in the jar (just don't be tempted to fish it back out!) Since I have a semi-anal system of accounting where my checkbook contains many expense accounts that I track in Microsoft Money, it is easiest for me to write "IOU" notes by category (color-coded of course) and when my final check donation is written at the end of the month, I will take the appropriate amount out of each expense account. If I ever get the time (or interest from others), I'll write about my accounting system and how it helps me never have to worry about having enough to pay the bills! Have fun decorating and make sure you put the jar in a conspicuous place to help remind you everyday to make some savings choices!

September 1 Savings

2008-09-01T19:44:00.006-05:00

Get Ready...Get Set...GO! September kind of snuck up on me as I was away over the weekend, but today, Labor Day, is the official start to the September Savings Challenge. Are you ready? I am ready to learn as I go, blog honestly about the challenges and choices, and respond to your comments and suggestions. I hope the "ways to save" already posted will give you some ideas and that each family will think of more ways they can save money for a worthy cause by making some different choices. In each of my entries, I'll do a quick summary of the day's savings/choices and I encourage you to respond with your comments of your progress/roadblocks/lessons learned. Thanks for contributing!

Spending: I rode home from visiting my sister/niece with my mom today and made a pit stop at DQ. I spent $1.79 on an ice cream cone.

Instead of: I normally would have spent $3.09 on a blizzard and if I drove by myself this weekend, today's trip would have cost $30 in gas.

Sept. 1 Savings: $1.30 for the DQ choice, $30 for the free ride from mom (Thanks!). Total: $31.30

Bonus: I was also tempted to buy fast food for supper, but waited to get home to eat Pizza/Pasta Casserole and salad with DH.

An Apple a Day

2008-08-25T18:30:00.006-05:00

Fall is the perfect time to harvest some apples and make a few treats to put away for September. I am lucky enough to have parents with an apple tree that is ripe for the picking (or picking up off the ground before Arnie the woodchuck eats them all). If you have a tree, or know someone who does, it's a perfect way to get some fresh produce at a very low cost. I borrowed a food strainer that made it EASY to make homemade applesauce. Just wash, cut in quarters, cook in pot, run through strainer. (No peeling or coring). The seeds, peel and stem just come out the tumbler. I added a little sugar and cinnamon and love the homemade taste (and LOW cost).

Investment: Almost nothing for me since I got free apples. Ask around if anyone has a tree that they'd be willing to trade some produce for. May not be cost effective if you have to buy from the grocery store, but "pick your own" from the local orchard could be worth it.

Instead of: Buying applesauce in single-serve cups or jars

Savings: Buying in the jar cost about $0.30 per cup, and I made about 25 cups, so $7.50.

Bonus: Tastes great, freezes well, and can be used in recipes (freeze without sugar or cinnamon) or eaten plain. If you have access to a "free tree" you can also chop apples to use in recipes or wrap in newspaper and store in a cool place to save for eating whole. Be sure to check out my favorite Apple Scotch Crisp recipe.

Baby-sitting Exchange

2008-08-17T21:46:00.006-05:00

Although I haven't been blessed with kids yet, I know that baby-sitting can be a huge expense. If you aren't lucky enough to have grandparents or family close by that will watch your kids for free, consider exchanging baby-sitting with another family. Make the expectations clear (you take the kids one Saturday for a certain time period, they get the kids the next Saturday) and of course it's nice if your kids are about the same age and will play well together. Use the time away to do something fun with your spouse, such as playing a round of golf (if you already have a membership), hiking or biking at a nearby state park, or having a private dinner and DVD at home while your kids play at someone else's house.

If you really want to make this a way of life, consider starting a group on babysitterexchange.com, a free site where you and families you already know and trust can create a group and trade babysitting on a credit system. This would help keep everything fair and very organized!

Investment: Watching someone else's kids for an evening. Depending on their ages, having a friend over could help keep your own kid busy, or you can plan something fun that is better with more kids such as outdoor games and sports.

Instead of: Paying someone to watch your kids.

Savings: $5+ per hour? I may be out of touch with the going rate, so whatever you pay for your number/age of child(ren) and time of day. You can either put the money you would have paid a sitter into the September Savings Challenge, or you can just donate the money you would have spent on a more expensive date.

Bonus: A planned date night with your spouse that won't ruin your budget, plus an opportunity for your kids to play with others.

Tip: Since we don't have kids, we translate this to exchanging dog-sitting! When we go away for the weekend or on vacation, my sister and her husband keep our dog and we take care of theirs when they go away--both dogs have fun playing and no money has to exchange hands.

Sweatin' it Out(side)

2008-08-16T14:43:00.004-05:00

If you have been paying a monthly membership at a gym (and don't use it enough to make it worth the while!), consider taking September off to workout at home or outside instead. The weather's good for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, and playing games with your family or friends. You can workout at home using videos or DVDs. If you don't have any, borrow from a friend, or check out garage sales or second hand stores--I once got 6 videos for $1.50. Tip: See if your TV has Picture-in Picture that allows you to watch regular TV with a small screen of the workout video in the corner--makes familiar routines go so much faster!

There are also plenty of workouts you can download and follow at home. Check out Spark People for free videos that are easy to follow for a quick workout. If you really like the gym equipment, make sure you figure out if you're making your monthly membership worth it. If you only make it there once a week, you may be better off paying a daily fee instead of a month. Or, if you're gym membership is prepaid, your savings contribution can be bringing your own water bottle from home instead of buying bottled.

Investment: If you like the outdoors or have videos or a computer connection already, there's no need to spend money! Home equipment or videos can cost a bit, but find the cheapest way to get those (garage sales, friends, thrift store, or check Amazon or Ebay for info-mercial type exercise programs--never order directly off TV!)

Instead of: $30 gym membership (or whatever you're currently paying)

Savings: Membership and bottled water minus whatever you spend to set up your home workout.

Bonus: Mixing up your workout can help you get off a "plateau" and a fun workout is one you'll stick to! You can also workout when you want (in the grubby clothes you want) instead running on the gym's schedule. Plus, if you plan fun family outdoor activities, these can take the place of expensive movie/restaurant/shopping outings.

Coupons

2008-08-13T21:06:00.002-05:00

There are thousands of articles teaching you how to save money on groceries, but using coupons is an easy way to know exactly how much money you're saving. You probably receive the local grocery circulars in the mail so you can check what's on sale, but also check out the coupons that come with the Sunday paper. If you don't receive the paper, ask someone who does if you can use their coupons. A little time and effort spend on the internet can also yield coupons on your favorite products. If you want to make this a way of life, consider signing up here for a free resource for all kinds of coupon deals. Make sure you check if there are double or triple coupon days at your store! And remember, coupons can be found for all kinds of products, services, entertainment, online stores...just use that search engine!

Investment: Time for clipping coupons or searching and printing from the internet

Instead of: Paying full price for name-brand groceries and household items

Savings: Your grocery receipt will tell you exactly how much you saved, so you can put that money towards your September Savings Challenge.

Homemade Pizza

2008-08-10T17:20:00.006-05:00

Going out for pizza is frequent treat for many families (especially when it's one of the only restaurant option in small towns). Americans spend more that $22 billion on pizza last year and 93% of us eat it at least once a month! Consider starting a new tradition this September by trying out a new homemade pizza recipe every week instead of a trip to the local pizza joint. You may find something you like even better than the restaurants and the process can be fun and memorable!

Investment: This Frugal Mom recipe works out to about $2 per 12" pepperoni pizza, but you can make it faster using a pouch of "just add water" pizza crust or using leftovers from other meals to create unique topping options. If you're short on time, pick up a take-and-bake pizza from the grocery store-still cheaper than going out. Add $.23/person for a can of soda at home (or make a big pitcher of lemonade).

Instead of: Pizza Ranch (local chain) charges $11 for a medium 1-topping, and Pizza Hut is $10 with coupon. Add delivery charges or tips and you're set back at least $12-$14. Add a $2 drink per person if you usually eat at the restaurant.

Savings: $8-$12 per pizza plus $1.72 per drink

Bonus: Fun Family time and everyone can "order" what they want by putting their own toppings on their portion of the pie.

Meet Me at the Car Wash, Yeah

2008-08-10T17:03:00.003-05:00

It wouldn't be hard for me to go the whole month without washing my car, but I know that it's better to keep it clean than pay for it later, so here's how to save on keeping your car clean. If you're car is only in need of a good suds and rinse, try doing it in your driveway on a nice day. If you need some higher-power help, wash it yourself at the carwash instead of using the drive-through automatic. Also, most home vacuums have attachments that allow you to use the hose for the interior instead of feeding the meter on the vacuum at the car wash.

Investment: minimal when you wash at home with a soap and bucket (don't let the hose run), about $2.50 if you feed the quarters at the self-wash

Instead of: Around here, automatic drive-thrus cost $5 for basic and $8 for deluxe.

Savings: $2.50 for me (I usually opt for the $2.50 self-wash pressure washer to get the bugs off and wouldn't normally spring for the deluxe $8 drive-through on unsalted road months, plus I vacuum using the shop vac at home)

Bonus: The self-wash usually has a shorter line at the car wash plus you can get rid of the change in your purse and dresser drawers.

Conceding Concessions

2008-08-10T16:44:00.002-05:00

If you attend sporting events, do you figure in the cost of concessions in addition to the ticket price? The big hit in the wallet is obviously at professional sporting events-a hot dog and beer at a Minnesota Twins game is $8, but you can also bring it down to the local High School level. If you forego the popcorn, candy, nachos, slice of pizza, and 20 oz. bottle of pop for some or all of the sporting events you attend in a month, the savings can all go to the September Savings Challenge. Discuss with your kids before you leave that concessions aren't an option this time (or pick one thing instead of 3) and then stick to it!

Investment: plan to eat before you leave or pack some sandwiches and drinks for the drive to "away" games. Pack some mints or small snacks for the game if you're allowed to bring in your own food

Instead of: $2 per slice of pizza, $1.50 bottle of pop, $1 popcorn at local sporting events, much more at professional games

Savings: about $3 per game per person for me, but decide what you normally spend and the amount you're willing to cut back

Bonus: Eating a meal before you leave gives you healthier options and a more well-rounded diet. Deciding to follow this option as a family gives you a reason to say "no" to your kids when they're whining for candy even before kick-off.

Coffee Break

2008-08-10T16:01:00.003-05:00

I think every "save money" article I've ever read talks about giving up the "$3-a cup" coffee and brewing your own at home. There isn't a Starbucks within 50 miles of where I live, but I know there are plenty of people who stop by a gas station or drive-through on their way to work to pick up a cup. Try making "brew your own coffee" a daily, weekly, or even monthly goal for the September Savings Challenge. It only takes a few seconds to set it up (try the delay timer so it's ready when you wake up) and the extra change can go into your savings fund. Already make it at home? Go a step further and invest in a reusable coffee filter, find a creative use for leftover coffee and grounds, grind your own beans, or drink the free coffee at the office! Find something that fits your habits and check out more ways to save money while savoring your coffee.

Investment: Cost per cup at home: just over 3 cents. (Folgers-$6.49 for 34.5oz cannister that makes 240-279 cups, plus a coffee filter for every 2 servings ($1.25 for 100).

Instead of: $1 at local gas stations or fast food

Savings: $0.97 per cup

Bonus: Use a stainless steel travel mug and you won't be throwing away endless styrofoam cups. Plus, you always get the roast you prefer and can wake up to the smell of coffee brewing!

Observe the Speed Limit

2008-08-09T16:17:00.003-05:00

Your car uses fuel more efficiently when you drive the speed limit. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that every 5mph you drive over 60mph is like paying a $0.30 surcharge on every gallon of gasoline.

Investment: a little extra time: driving 60 instead of 65 will make a 60-mile trip less than 5 minutes longer

Instead of: driving over the speed limit does not allow your vehicle optimal fuel efficiency

Savings: $0.30/gallon, times the number of miles you drove at 60 instead of 65, divided by your vehicle's mpg

Bonus: It is safer to drive the speed limit, plus you are helping the environment by emitting less CO2.

Movie Night

2008-08-09T15:46:00.004-05:00

Instead of spending money on movie tickets, popcorn, and soda at the local theater, watch a DVD at home with your own snacks. Each time you make a conscious choice to go the cheaper route, contribute the savings to your September Savings Challenge Fund.

Investment: $0 for DVD from the library (or exchange with friends) or $3 for DVD rental, $0.83 for microwave popcorn bag and $.23 per can of soda.

Instead of: $5-$9 movie ticket and $3-$10 on popcorn and soda

Savings: Cost of a night out vs. a night in (for DH & me, $13.50-$1.29=$12.21)

Bonus: Besides being able to watch the movie of your choice on your own schedule (and in your pajamas) you're avoiding the unhealthy movie snacks. A large popcorn with butter at the theater can deliver as much as 1238 calories and 74g of fat. A 32oz. soda packs 256 calories. In contrast, splitting a bag of light butter microwave popcorn and drinking a diet soda or water delivers only 150 calories and 6.25 g fat. Your body and your wallet will thank you!

Freezer Inventory

2008-08-09T14:44:00.015-05:00

I'll admit, I'm a hoarder and a waster. I have things in my freezer I've forgotten existed or forgotten what magazine-inspired recipe I bought it for, but then couldn't find the recipe back. In an attempt to get ready to save a lot of grocery money in September (my goal is to spend 1/3 my normal budget), I thought a freezer inventory was in order.

BEFORE

A haphazard, precariously stacked collection of meat, fruit, onions, ice cream, and freezer-burned leftovers. Be careful when you open the door!

WHAT TO DO

Empty everything out, wipe out the freezer with hot water and soap, inventory and categorize the contents, throw away the unusables, then put back in an organized manner

AFTER

Top shelf: ice, meat, ice cream

Bottom shelf: desserts, cheese, potatoes, bread, chopped ingredients

Top of Door: Fruits

Bottom of Door: Vegetables

Now I know what I have so I don't buy duplicates and can start thinking about menus that will use the food that is already in my freezer.

Curious about what I found? Here's a complete inventory...

Desserts: 1 tub vanilla ice cream; 1 box Hi-Lite vanilla ice cream; 5 Mr. Freeze pops; 1 Bomb Pop (age 3+ yrs); 1 tup Cool whip; 1/2 mini Hershey bar; 1 fun-size 3 Musketeers (disappeared quickly!); 1 Butter Braid from the Band Boosters; 1 bag Rhodes cinnamon rolls, 2 store-bought double pie crust; 1 home-made pie crust; 1 can frozen lemonade

Bread: 1 mini french loaf, 1/2 pkg. Pita bread

Potatoes: 2 open bags diced hashbrowns; 1 open bag french fries

Fruits: 2 containers chopped rhubarb from garden; 1 container strawberries from MIL; 1 fruit cup; 1.25 bags raspberries; open bag strawberries, open bag blueberries (we were into smoothies for a while)

Vegetables: open bag peas, stir fry vegetables with Lo Mein; 5 various sized containers chopped onions; 1 container chopped olives, 1 container chopped green chiles (TIP: when I chop things like onions, I always do more than I need, then freeze in different portions for use in later recipes)

Cheese: 1 bag mozarella, 1 bag sharp cheddar

Meat: 1 dried beef sandwich, 5 pepper steaks (age 4+yrs-straight to trash); 4 bags panfish caught by DH; open box turkey sausage links, 1 pkg bacon, 1 lb. ground turkey, 2 open boxed breaded chicken patties (one from Aug. 2006); 1 pkg country-style rips, 1 lb. ground pork; 2 pkgs deli ham; open bag smokies; 1 pkg chicken breasts; 1 pkg hot dogs; 1 pkg brats from Dad; 1 pkg burgers from Dad; 8 burger patties I made, 1 container leftover taco meat

Non-food: 4 ice packs, 1 ice box, metal cappuccino mug; frozen mug

I think I'll wait to tackle the chest freezer in the basement another day!

Freezing Corn

2008-08-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

If you have a green thumb or have neighbors/ friends/ family with an abundant garden, learn how to freeze sweet corn so you can enjoy it in September and year-round.

Investment: Free if you get it from friends with an abundant crop, minimal cost if you grow it yourself, $3/dozen purchased from local farmers.

Instead of: Bags of frozen corn cost at least $1.39/lb. in stores. (A dozen ears of fresh sweet corn makes about 5 cups or 2.85lbs.)

Savings: $3.97 per dozen if you got it for free. If you bought it from a farmer's market, subtract the cost of the ears.

Bonus: Energy is saved by buying locally instead of buying frozen corn out-of-season that is likely trucked in from California, Florida, or Mexico, plus it tastes better and doesn't contain anything artificial!

September Savings Challenge

2008-08-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

My first post-a good time to explain what this is all about! Many of us hear about people in need of assistance and wonder "What can I do?" This Challenge is an attempt to help myself and others DO something by making small (or big) sacrifices to save money for a good cause. Our cause is a local family who has been struggling with finances while the mom is undergoing cancer treatments. I hope that others in NW Iowa will join us in raising money for this local family, but it is also designed to help ANYONE save up for a cause close to their own heart. It was designed after "30 Days of Nothing", an experiment in which people "fast" from spending for 30 days in September in order to become more aware of the great wealth-poverty gap in the world (and contribute the money saved to help the cause.) Although not as extreme, the September Savings Challenge also strives to reach beyond the tangible benefits. The Challenge should help us all become aware of the difference between "needs" and "wants", become more conscious about how/why/on what we spend our money, and develop some long-term habits that will help our budgets year-round!

The goal for this blog is to post many money-saving tips to help us all think about ways we can save in September, then support each other during the Challenge. I will post many tips and try to put a dollar amount on how much money it can save you. You can choose which ways you will participate in September. The challenge is to have every day of September covered by either a daily, weekly, or monthly challenge and then physically place the money saved into a special container. At the end of the month, donate the money in the container to our local cause (or the cause of your choice).

AUGUST GOALS - 3 P's:

1) Pray -Prayerfully consider if and how much you and/or your family are willing to participate.

2) People -Tell other people about the cause, and encourage them to join the Challenge or support your efforts in the Challenge. Saving is easier with the help of your family and friends!

3) Plan -Decide which money-saving tips you will do, then mark them on a calendar of September. Participate in many of our planning exercises (food inventory, menu-planning, garage sale preparation, etc.) and get psychologically ready to save!

The blog is a forum for sharing ideas, tips, comments, and encouragement, so get involved!