While I was walking earlier this week I spotted a familiar white pick-up cruising through our neighborhood. When I saw this truck for the very first time, I thought it was one of our neighbors. However after spotting it on several other occasions, I realized that the driver does not live in our neighborhood. He makes an appearance every Wednesday, though. Wednesday is trash day.
The driver of the truck comes through our neighborhood looking to find refuse, stuff that lacks value to its previous owner. He takes what might have been tossed into a landfill and salvages it for his own purposes.
Our God is like the man in the white pick-up. He sees us in our sin, destined for hell, and rescues us to be His forever. Although we may have been tossed out by others like yesterday's trash, in His eyes we are today's treasure.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Little by Little
Yesterday Morgan and I made a date to go clothes shopping for her. Because of how much she's grown in the past year and a half, she's needed to replace almost everything in her wardrobe except for t-shirts.
Purchasing a whole new wardrobe can be expensive. When I let my husband know of the need a few months back, he suggested that we budget a set amount of money each month to fund this need. Do I have the smartest husband on the planet or what?! By setting aside $30 each month for Morgan's clothes, we don't break the bank and we capture store sales that cycle around specific months or seasons. Below I have listed some tactics that I use when shopping for clothing.
Purchasing a whole new wardrobe can be expensive. When I let my husband know of the need a few months back, he suggested that we budget a set amount of money each month to fund this need. Do I have the smartest husband on the planet or what?! By setting aside $30 each month for Morgan's clothes, we don't break the bank and we capture store sales that cycle around specific months or seasons. Below I have listed some tactics that I use when shopping for clothing.
- Sign up for email notifications of one or two stores that you like and frequent. Kohl's emailed me a $5 coupon, mailed me 3-$10 coupons, and I get coupons emailed to me for 20% off any purchase. I have combined these for free merchandise! Only do this for one or two stores because the emails may come daily which can be annoying.
- Go to Salvation Army Family Store on Wednesdays. This is their 50% off day for clothing. Their prices are already low, but add an additional 50% off and you really save! Yesterday I got Morgan a pair of skinny jeans ($7.99), a pair of jean shorts ($2.99), and got myself a top ($3.99) all for only $7.50. The skinny jeans were brand new and both the jean shorts and the top looked brand new.
- If you have some time on your hands, you can shop in the "bin rooms" at the Goodwill--one is in Harrisburg on Cameron Street and one is in Lancaster on Lincoln Highway. All of the clothes are mesh-mashed into large bins so that you have to sort through them to see if anything suits your fancy. But you only pay 85 cents per item. Perfect for those who love the thrill of the hunt...and own a pair of comfortable shoes.
- Don't forget about Gabriel Brothers. This is my go-to store for great deals on new clothing. They regularly have clearance racks loaded with off-season clothing priced in the range of $1-$7. We found two tops for Morgan for $2 each--same shirt in two different colors that she can wear with practically anything. These are the kinds of deals for which Gabes is notorious.
- Ross Dress for Less is the place to find a nice dress at a decent price. I don't mind paying a little more here than what my frugal nature normally allows because it's worth it. Ross has excellent quality, selection, and style. Whenever I need to find a dress for an event or to freshen up my wardrobe, I make a bee-line to Ross. I also love the name :-)
- There is a Clarks shoe outlet in Hanover, PA about an hour drive from Harrisburg. Every May and September they have a sale during which some of their shoes are available for as little as $19.99. Believe you me it is worth the drive for comfortable, quality, stylish shoes. We went there last month and spent $35 dollars for 3 pairs of shoes and a pair of socks by using a coupon and a frequent shopping card reward. These are shoes that normally cost upwards of $60 each so it is quite the bargain.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Too Proud to Beg
Following my workout with a friend this afternoon, I decided to postpone lunch and a shower to run some quick errands right down the road. I had to go to the bank and then to the CVS both of which are within a one mile radius of our home.
After finishing up at the bank, I hopped into my car and put the key into the ignition to start the engine...well, at least that was my plan. My car had other plans. I could get the key into the ignition, but I couldn't get it to turn forward.
This same thing had happened to me in the past and I was never really sure why it happened. But I wasn't too worried because eventually the key would always turn and I would head on my merry way. So I tried a couple of times in a row like usual, but still could not get it to turn. I prayed, I praised God that at least I had a car and at least this predicament was only car trouble not sickness or marital issues. I called Ross and left him a message asking him to pray for me. I tried again, still nothing.
It was hot and my windows were in the up position. I decided to go for a walk thinking I would be cooler this way and it would give the car some time to straighten itself out. During my walk I saw two police officers in their cars sitting side-by-side at the adjoining convenience store. Then I saw two former members of my church riding turning into the convenience store their motorcycle. I waved hello and they waved back. I also found a penny and picked it up (see earlier post) I circled back to my vehicle after the walk and tried to start it up. Still stuck!
I thought about the two police officers. I didn't want to ask them for help for two reasons. 1) I thought that they may not know what to do and have me call AAA or 2) They may come over to the car only for it to start up and me to feel stupid. But nothing was working and it was very hot so I decided to walk up and talk to them. On the way over, a AAA truck pulled up to the gas pump. I was half way over to the policeman and thought again about what I should do. 'If I go to the AAA guy, he's probably going to tell me that I have to call in my request so that it's official. And he'll probably be all grouchy for me taking him away from what he's doing.' I slowed my steps in the direction of the officers, 'But the AAA guy knows all about vehicles and if is available he can best help me with my problem.' I did a 180 and started back towards the tow truck that I had passed.
"Excuse me," I timidly spoke, "I can't get my key to turn in the ignition. I do have triple A but I wasn't sure if I needed to call it in or if you can just help me."
"Sure, I can help. Where's your vehicle?"
I point out my vehicle still in the bank parking lot.
"I'll be right over."
For the sake of time and condensing this post I'll sum everything up to say that he served me with a great attitude, got my key to turn, and told me why it keeps happening to me. Now I know what to do when I have this problem in the future. It made me think about what my pastor preaches about so often--God sends help our way, but we don't like who He sends it through so instead we just make up our minds to suffer. God sent two policemen, two friends, and a AAA truck to help me with my car trouble...he also sent the trouble to reveal to me my sin of pride.
After finishing up at the bank, I hopped into my car and put the key into the ignition to start the engine...well, at least that was my plan. My car had other plans. I could get the key into the ignition, but I couldn't get it to turn forward.
This same thing had happened to me in the past and I was never really sure why it happened. But I wasn't too worried because eventually the key would always turn and I would head on my merry way. So I tried a couple of times in a row like usual, but still could not get it to turn. I prayed, I praised God that at least I had a car and at least this predicament was only car trouble not sickness or marital issues. I called Ross and left him a message asking him to pray for me. I tried again, still nothing.
It was hot and my windows were in the up position. I decided to go for a walk thinking I would be cooler this way and it would give the car some time to straighten itself out. During my walk I saw two police officers in their cars sitting side-by-side at the adjoining convenience store. Then I saw two former members of my church riding turning into the convenience store their motorcycle. I waved hello and they waved back. I also found a penny and picked it up (see earlier post) I circled back to my vehicle after the walk and tried to start it up. Still stuck!
I thought about the two police officers. I didn't want to ask them for help for two reasons. 1) I thought that they may not know what to do and have me call AAA or 2) They may come over to the car only for it to start up and me to feel stupid. But nothing was working and it was very hot so I decided to walk up and talk to them. On the way over, a AAA truck pulled up to the gas pump. I was half way over to the policeman and thought again about what I should do. 'If I go to the AAA guy, he's probably going to tell me that I have to call in my request so that it's official. And he'll probably be all grouchy for me taking him away from what he's doing.' I slowed my steps in the direction of the officers, 'But the AAA guy knows all about vehicles and if is available he can best help me with my problem.' I did a 180 and started back towards the tow truck that I had passed.
"Excuse me," I timidly spoke, "I can't get my key to turn in the ignition. I do have triple A but I wasn't sure if I needed to call it in or if you can just help me."
"Sure, I can help. Where's your vehicle?"
I point out my vehicle still in the bank parking lot.
"I'll be right over."
For the sake of time and condensing this post I'll sum everything up to say that he served me with a great attitude, got my key to turn, and told me why it keeps happening to me. Now I know what to do when I have this problem in the future. It made me think about what my pastor preaches about so often--God sends help our way, but we don't like who He sends it through so instead we just make up our minds to suffer. God sent two policemen, two friends, and a AAA truck to help me with my car trouble...he also sent the trouble to reveal to me my sin of pride.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Dusting Up on My Discipline
Today as I went about cleaning our bedroom, the gray fuzzy coating over top of our dresser drawers spelled it out pretty clearly. It was time for a dusting. I got the rag and dusting can out from under the kitchen sink and trudged back up the steps. This is my least favorite chore.
I shook the can, sprayed the rag and then put the can down on the dresser. The tinny sound that I heard when I placed it down confirmed what I thought to be true. I was almost out of spray.
The reason this is significant is because I have never had to buy dusting spray for over 13 years--the length of time that Ross and I have been married. When we first married my co-workers bought us a basket full of cleaning supplies that included about 6 institutional-sized bottles of Pledge. Combine this with the fact that I am not an avid duster and suffice it to say that we've been covered all these years.
I feel like dusting is one of those things that you can do regularly if you want to, but if you don't who's really going to know? Especially in my bedroom. But when I stop and think about it, my husband sees the bedroom. He would know. And not dusting shows him that I don't care about him, especially since he has allergies.
This thought reminded me of the discipline of reading God's word regularly. I often fool myself into thinking that I don't need His word everyday. If I still look good on the outside, who's really going to know that I'm dusty on the inside. The answer is that God knows. And not reading his word shows Him that I don't care about Him, especially since He wrote it for me.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. This scripture is in the Bible and speaks to what I have just written. I'll leave it to you to go get your Bible, dust it off, and find out where the verse is.
I shook the can, sprayed the rag and then put the can down on the dresser. The tinny sound that I heard when I placed it down confirmed what I thought to be true. I was almost out of spray.
The reason this is significant is because I have never had to buy dusting spray for over 13 years--the length of time that Ross and I have been married. When we first married my co-workers bought us a basket full of cleaning supplies that included about 6 institutional-sized bottles of Pledge. Combine this with the fact that I am not an avid duster and suffice it to say that we've been covered all these years.
I feel like dusting is one of those things that you can do regularly if you want to, but if you don't who's really going to know? Especially in my bedroom. But when I stop and think about it, my husband sees the bedroom. He would know. And not dusting shows him that I don't care about him, especially since he has allergies.
This thought reminded me of the discipline of reading God's word regularly. I often fool myself into thinking that I don't need His word everyday. If I still look good on the outside, who's really going to know that I'm dusty on the inside. The answer is that God knows. And not reading his word shows Him that I don't care about Him, especially since He wrote it for me.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. This scripture is in the Bible and speaks to what I have just written. I'll leave it to you to go get your Bible, dust it off, and find out where the verse is.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Freshening Up My Make-Up
Yesterday as I was under the hair dryer in the beauty salon, I saw the woman next to me freshening her make-up. After just having had her hair washed and blown dry, she needed to re-apply the make-up that had gone AWOL in the process of getting her hair done. In my chair I sat thinking, 'I don't understand why she wears make-up. She's already beautiful. Or is the make-up what makes her beautiful?' In the end I wasn't sure.
Today I was at a friend's home. She has been dealing with some family issues and I have the privilege of visiting with her once a month or so to give godly counsel on the issues that she faces each day. I say it is a privilege because I am only worthy to enter into such an intimate place in her life by the grace of God.
Before leaving her home, I prayed with her as is my usual custom before departing. She told me that she felt better since we got to talk and that she always feels more at peace after talking to me. Then she told me that I have a beauty about me without even wearing make-up. She told me that my beauty is my peace and that it shows. "We should sell it as a cream," she joked. "Twenty-five dollars for a jar sound good?"
As soon as I got back to my house I turned to 1 Peter 3:3,4 which reads,
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of a gentle and quiet spirit, which of great worth in God's sight.
It is humbling when people give such compliments. I think about how just moments earlier I lashed out at my son prior to putting him on the school bus. (By God's grace I apologized to him afterwards). So for my friend to tell me that she sees me wearing a disposition of peace makes me want to be better for Christ...to freshen up my make-up.
Today I was at a friend's home. She has been dealing with some family issues and I have the privilege of visiting with her once a month or so to give godly counsel on the issues that she faces each day. I say it is a privilege because I am only worthy to enter into such an intimate place in her life by the grace of God.
Before leaving her home, I prayed with her as is my usual custom before departing. She told me that she felt better since we got to talk and that she always feels more at peace after talking to me. Then she told me that I have a beauty about me without even wearing make-up. She told me that my beauty is my peace and that it shows. "We should sell it as a cream," she joked. "Twenty-five dollars for a jar sound good?"
As soon as I got back to my house I turned to 1 Peter 3:3,4 which reads,
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of a gentle and quiet spirit, which of great worth in God's sight.
It is humbling when people give such compliments. I think about how just moments earlier I lashed out at my son prior to putting him on the school bus. (By God's grace I apologized to him afterwards). So for my friend to tell me that she sees me wearing a disposition of peace makes me want to be better for Christ...to freshen up my make-up.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Conversation Starter
Our son is working on a project in his social studies class. It involves looking at a problem that might plague a modern day family and then outlining a solution to that problem. Guess what problem he picked. Credit card debt.
After showing me the initial stages of his project, I asked if I could give him some help by sharing the process that we went through to get out of consumer debt. He accepted, and I began to tell him our tale focusing on three important principals: setting up a budget, living below our means, and creating an emergency fund.
Little did I know all of the questions that this discussion would generate.
"How many credit cards did you have?"
"Why do we eat out just because we have a coupon when we could save more money and not eat out at all?"
"I heard you talking to a lady one time who said that she had nine credit cards at one time. Why does a person need so many credit cards?"
"What do you do when an unexpected expense comes up? Where does the money to pay it come from?"
I was pleasantly surprised by all of the thoughts that so quickly came to his mind. Needless to say I enjoyed answering all of these questions because I love to discuss managing finances. But more than this, I am happy to see that my son is thinking about matters that many people don't even consider until they reach adulthood.
After showing me the initial stages of his project, I asked if I could give him some help by sharing the process that we went through to get out of consumer debt. He accepted, and I began to tell him our tale focusing on three important principals: setting up a budget, living below our means, and creating an emergency fund.
Little did I know all of the questions that this discussion would generate.
"How many credit cards did you have?"
"Why do we eat out just because we have a coupon when we could save more money and not eat out at all?"
"I heard you talking to a lady one time who said that she had nine credit cards at one time. Why does a person need so many credit cards?"
"What do you do when an unexpected expense comes up? Where does the money to pay it come from?"
I was pleasantly surprised by all of the thoughts that so quickly came to his mind. Needless to say I enjoyed answering all of these questions because I love to discuss managing finances. But more than this, I am happy to see that my son is thinking about matters that many people don't even consider until they reach adulthood.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Do Nothing
Today is my birthday and I have a "me" day planned. It's all about me. I plan to go where I want and do what I like to do.
While I was getting myself ready to go walking this morning, I decided to bring along a scripture card. I always get ready in the dark so as not to disturb Ross. I also pick out my scripture card in the dark so that I won't know what verse I have until I read it outside while I'm walking. Here's what today's card read:
I was meant to read this today, on my birthday. The two words that spoke to me were "selfish" and "vain". Then I thought about how vain has two meanings: 1) A person who is all about themselves and 2) Fruitless, unsuccessful activity. Putting these two meanings together, God spoke to me that a person who only cares about themselves will not be successful. It is so important to Him that we help others along every day--even on our birthdays.
So today I am reminded to be vigilant for an opportunity to meet the need of another; to not be impatient in the checkout line but instead to start a conversation with those around me; to give a sincere and well-thought out greeting to the cashier at the drive through; and to engage in the art of doing "nothing".
While I was getting myself ready to go walking this morning, I decided to bring along a scripture card. I always get ready in the dark so as not to disturb Ross. I also pick out my scripture card in the dark so that I won't know what verse I have until I read it outside while I'm walking. Here's what today's card read:
I was meant to read this today, on my birthday. The two words that spoke to me were "selfish" and "vain". Then I thought about how vain has two meanings: 1) A person who is all about themselves and 2) Fruitless, unsuccessful activity. Putting these two meanings together, God spoke to me that a person who only cares about themselves will not be successful. It is so important to Him that we help others along every day--even on our birthdays.
So today I am reminded to be vigilant for an opportunity to meet the need of another; to not be impatient in the checkout line but instead to start a conversation with those around me; to give a sincere and well-thought out greeting to the cashier at the drive through; and to engage in the art of doing "nothing".
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