If you read my blog (I hope you do!) then you know that I like to be concise and sometimes keep things to a "Top 10" or a list. Well, tonight at around 8:30 I decided to go outside and pull some weeds. Everyone was in bed (including my sick hubby) and it was cool, quiet and light out. Perfect. But while I was working, I had such a clear vision of my beautiful garden and what keeps it growing - as a metaphor for my heart as well.
I have been learning so much these past few months about gardening, but it's been inspiring me spiritually as well. In John 15 Jesus tells us that God himself is a gardener and that we are his garden. So, it's very logical that the literal things that affect the health of an actual garden match up with the figurative things that affect my heart, God's garden. As I was pulling weeds I came up with the "Top 5" things that affect my garden:
1. Literal - MOISTURE As much as my garden and flowers love the direct sunlight, they will quickly wither and die in a few days without daily moisture.
Figurative - GOD'S WORD As much as I love God, I cannot follow him without his word in my daily life.
Isaiah 55 says:
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
The MOISTURE of water make my plants bud and flourish just as GOD'S WORD makes my heart bud and flourish.
2. Literal - WEEDS They grow quickly and will take over within weeks. They must be consistently pulled from the root so they won't choke the other plants and steal their resources.
Figurative - SIN I can't underestimate the power of my sinful nature. I must live a life of openness and take my sin seriously, removing from my heart at it's root. It's a daily battle.
Genesis 4 says: 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.
James 5 says: 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. I could also mention 1 John 1 and 2. These encourage me to "weed" my heart so that my sin never takes over.
3. Literal - SUNLIGHT In varying degrees plants need it to survive, especially the ones that bear fruit.
Figurative - PRAYER/INTIMACY WITH GOD We are all spiritual beings, created with a need to worship in order to survive.
John 15 says: 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
We literally WITHER without intimacy with Jesus. We BEAR MUCH FRUIT when we are near to him.
4. Literal - SOIL Rocks, nutrients, clay, sand, slope, fertilizer and drainage all affect how well a plant will do.
Figurative - FAITH Just like a plant cannot grow without soil, spirituality cannot grow without faith.
2 Peter 1 says: 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A nourished and fertilized faith is a productive one.
5. Literal - SENSITIVITY A good gardener knows the needs of his plants. I had a rose bush that was dying in my front yard. I moved it to another area and it thrived.
Figurative - SENSITIVITY The Spirit is always at work on God's behalf. It requires a connection to the Spirit to discern the will of God in our lives. Sensitivity also protects us from becoming religious and worshiping God out of habit or for men.
Jeremiah 29 says: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Just like I had better plans for the rosebush, God has the perfect plan for us if we seek him wholeheartedly.
As a side note, it's interesting that gardens are usually formed out of a beautiful variety of plants existing together and enhancing the qualities of each other. I believe God's plan is for a variety of people to exist together and worship him as one, helping one another here on earth until we all stand before God one day. Personally, my heart's survival depends on it.
Take care and may your garden grow beautiful things!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hebrews 11 Rewritten
What if Hebrews 11, instead of "by faith" everything said "by fear?"
I believe that fear is the polar opposite of faith. If we didn't have these heroes to turn to, where would we be? Let's check it out:
1 Now FEAR is NO confidence in what we hope for and NO assurance about what we do not see.
I believe that fear is the polar opposite of faith. If we didn't have these heroes to turn to, where would we be? Let's check it out:
1 Now FEAR is NO confidence in what we hope for and NO assurance about what we do not see.
7 By FEAR Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, KNEW HE SHOULD OBEY BUT THE CROWD INTIMIDATED HIM. HE AND HIS FAMILY DIED IN THE FLOOD AND THE WORLD ENDED.
8 By FEAR Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, IGNORED GOD, BECAUSE IT WAS TOO STRESSFUL TO NOT KNOW where he was going.
11 And by FEAR even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, FORFEITED THE OPPORTUNITY to bear children because she DID NOT considered him faithful who had made the promise.
23 By FEAR Moses’ parents DID NOT hide him FROM THE EGYPTIANS EVEN THOUGH they saw he was no ordinary child, and they WERE afraid of the king’s edict. MOSED DIED ALONG WITH ALL OF THE OTHER HEBREW CHILDREN. NO ONE CAME TO THE ISRAELITES' RESCUE.
BUT EVEN IF ANOTHER SAVIOR CAME, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WITHOUT FAITH?
29 By FEAR the people FAILED TO pass through the Red Sea as on dry land so, they were drowned.
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through FEAR FAILED TO conquer kingdoms, administer justice, and gain what was promised; who WERE DEVOURED BY the mouths of lions, 34 CONSUMED BY the flames, and DID NOT escape the edge of the sword; whose weakness was NEVER turned to strength; and who DID NOT become powerful in battle and route foreign armies. 35 Women DID NOT receive back their dead, raised to life again.
Jesus is our savior, no doubt, but had any one of these heroes of the faith decided not to be courageous and righteous and trade fear for faith, over and over the people of God would have perished and we would not be here. Most of them faced terrifying circumstances and terrible odds, but decided to believe and overcome. I am inspired! We never know the impact we will have in the big picture by choosing faith.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Catch it While It's Wet
The other day my toddler's mucky sticky lunch was somehow catapulted off the table and onto the wall and floor. It was a horrific sight and one I did not have time for. So, the mess sat there for a few hours until I could tackle it. By the time I got to it, the ick had become one with the surfaces and it was difficult to clean. I had to scrub and go over it multiple times before it was clean again.
Note to self: CATCH IT WHILE IT'S WET!
Isn't it true? The concept applies not only to walls and muck, but to pots, pans, paint, and especially RELATIONSHIPS. Can you relate to this scenario? You have an argument with your spouse over something that, deep down inside you know is your fault but your pride keeps you from admitting it. The longer you brood over it the more difficult it is to break that wall. Had you caught it right away and told the truth, it would have been over! Ridiculous! Exhausting and a waste of time.
Or, have you ever waited for someone to ask you for their forgiveness? It's misery. The longer time goes by, the crustier that muck becomes. Jesus has great advice that helps me, but admittedly is challenging at the same time. Matthew 5:25 says "settle matters quickly" because (to paraphrase) worse things will happen if you don't. Going back to the mess on the wall, had I waited longer I might have had to damage the paint or scratch up the floor to clean the mess. Well, damage can be done to relationships too. We've all heard stories of the chasms between people that never see resolve, and then one party dies. Or how about that 60-70% divorce rate here in America? Living in Israel for almost 2 years I was saddened daily by the hatred and lack of resolve between people that resulted in countless lives lost in the futility of it all. It was heartbreaking.
Another great scripture comes to mind as well, in Ephesians 5:26-27 it says "do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Catch a stain right away, save a shirt. Give that stain a "foothold" and the shirt is ruined. It makes sense in the physical realm as well as the emotional and spiritual realms. Just as I loathe cleaning crusty icky spills, I am troubled by emotional ones as well. I want to take care of my relationships and catch any messes while they're still wet. It's one of the most difficult things for my prideful heart, but the payoff is emotional peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers," Jesus says (Matthew 5).
Note to self: CATCH IT WHILE IT'S WET!
Isn't it true? The concept applies not only to walls and muck, but to pots, pans, paint, and especially RELATIONSHIPS. Can you relate to this scenario? You have an argument with your spouse over something that, deep down inside you know is your fault but your pride keeps you from admitting it. The longer you brood over it the more difficult it is to break that wall. Had you caught it right away and told the truth, it would have been over! Ridiculous! Exhausting and a waste of time.
Or, have you ever waited for someone to ask you for their forgiveness? It's misery. The longer time goes by, the crustier that muck becomes. Jesus has great advice that helps me, but admittedly is challenging at the same time. Matthew 5:25 says "settle matters quickly" because (to paraphrase) worse things will happen if you don't. Going back to the mess on the wall, had I waited longer I might have had to damage the paint or scratch up the floor to clean the mess. Well, damage can be done to relationships too. We've all heard stories of the chasms between people that never see resolve, and then one party dies. Or how about that 60-70% divorce rate here in America? Living in Israel for almost 2 years I was saddened daily by the hatred and lack of resolve between people that resulted in countless lives lost in the futility of it all. It was heartbreaking.
Another great scripture comes to mind as well, in Ephesians 5:26-27 it says "do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Catch a stain right away, save a shirt. Give that stain a "foothold" and the shirt is ruined. It makes sense in the physical realm as well as the emotional and spiritual realms. Just as I loathe cleaning crusty icky spills, I am troubled by emotional ones as well. I want to take care of my relationships and catch any messes while they're still wet. It's one of the most difficult things for my prideful heart, but the payoff is emotional peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers," Jesus says (Matthew 5).
Monday, June 20, 2011
Are you a mommy?
Just for smiles...
You know you're a mommy if:
1. A trip to the grocery store alone gets you all pumped up.
2. Exciting day = cleaning the whole house.
3. You regularly wear one of the following at all times on your shirt: vomit, saliva, urine, "abc" food, boogers or poop - but don't mind.
4. Your spouse can sleep through a tornado but a cough can wake you up.
5. You refer to your spouse as "Daddy".
6. You delight in what you once took for granted: long walks alone, reading, SILENCE
7. Your new idea of "sexy" is wearing something other than sweats.
8. The "s" word is taboo but you seem to say "poopie" all the time.
9. You have to say things like, "Please take your elbow out of his ear." or "No, boogers are not food."
10. Spontaneous "I love you"s make your soar to the moon.
11. You have prepared one of the following in the past week: mac n' cheese, chicken nuggets or pb&j
12. You have a short little person who looks suspiciously like you running around with your heart wrapped around his finger.
13. You're disgusted by things like farts, burps or drooling but if he is under 3 feet tall it's adorable.
14. Hand holding is a safety measure, not a romantic gesture.
15. Never before a morning person, you now jump out of bed at 5A.M. to respond to a cry.
If one or 15 of these apply to you, CONGRATULATIONS! you just might be a mommy!
Hope it made you laugh at least! Have a great week, and hang in there!
You know you're a mommy if:
1. A trip to the grocery store alone gets you all pumped up.
2. Exciting day = cleaning the whole house.
3. You regularly wear one of the following at all times on your shirt: vomit, saliva, urine, "abc" food, boogers or poop - but don't mind.
4. Your spouse can sleep through a tornado but a cough can wake you up.
5. You refer to your spouse as "Daddy".
6. You delight in what you once took for granted: long walks alone, reading, SILENCE
7. Your new idea of "sexy" is wearing something other than sweats.
8. The "s" word is taboo but you seem to say "poopie" all the time.
9. You have to say things like, "Please take your elbow out of his ear." or "No, boogers are not food."
10. Spontaneous "I love you"s make your soar to the moon.
11. You have prepared one of the following in the past week: mac n' cheese, chicken nuggets or pb&j
12. You have a short little person who looks suspiciously like you running around with your heart wrapped around his finger.
13. You're disgusted by things like farts, burps or drooling but if he is under 3 feet tall it's adorable.
14. Hand holding is a safety measure, not a romantic gesture.
15. Never before a morning person, you now jump out of bed at 5A.M. to respond to a cry.
If one or 15 of these apply to you, CONGRATULATIONS! you just might be a mommy!
Hope it made you laugh at least! Have a great week, and hang in there!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Abstinence Rocks!
Ok, so you're probably thinking, "Wow, this is a really personal issue. TMI, TMI." Of course those thoughts crossed my mind before I decided to write this blog, but I can't help it. I feel so strongly about it and it blessed me so much before I met my husband.
Yes, I will put it out there, ABSTINENCE ROCKS! Ok, when you're single that is. In marriage, I believe God wants us to enjoy a rich intimacy. We live in a world that is moving further and further away from family values, treasuring marriage, honoring virtue and just general morality. If you are young and are trying to decide which way to turn, I am speaking to you.
Here's the truth. I was a 35-year-old virgin when I married. My husband is 9 years younger than me but amazingly had also kept himself for marriage. Our first kiss was at the altar on our wedding day. It was incredible, not to mention the absolute excitement of our wedding night. I won't go into details, but it sizzled. So, are we just a couple of frigid prudes who spurn pleasure and bang our Bibles? No! We simply became true Christians at a young age and waited on God until he revealed "the one". It took much prayer, great friends, deep conviction and courage to keep ourselves for our mate. It took character to say no, trusting God even when almost all of my best friends were already happily married and had children. I clung to the promises in Psalm 37 that God would give me the desires of my heart if I delighted in him. I took comfort in the love he had for me, the love of a husband in Hosea 2. His word helped me to persevere those long years while I waited. I knew God would bless my sacrifice, and boy did he and more! We have a blessed life together and enjoy each other immensely as God intended.
Here are some blessings I have received from this important decision:
-No worries of disease or unplanned pregnancy
-Weeded out the insincere men from my life - I know my hubby married me for love, not sex
-Clear conscience before God, no fear of his discipline due to my disobedience
-Ability to stay focused because I wasn't becoming attached to men to whom I wasn't going to marry
-No baggage to bring into my marriage, no comparisons to others haunting me
-No insecurity in intimacy since we have nothing to hide or compare
-Childlike freedom in the bedroom and a childlike love between us
-Ability to give a wonderful gift to your spouse
-Wonderful trust between you and your mate
-True intimacy, where two people can connect not only in body, but in soul - the most satisfying kind
-The way purity keeps your heart soft and open towards others
I could go on and on. Intimacy goes deep, to the very soul and you can never erase it once it's been done. Like it or not it does affect your relationships and it is the source of so much destruction, insecurity and spiritual death. God loves us and knows what is best for us. He knows that his way is the best way in life and in the bedroom. Doubt me? Doubt God? Just read Song of Songs and you'll see what kind of God we serve. Jesus himself taught that following him is "life to the full" in John 10. I stand here before you and I challenge you to put these things to the test. You'll soon experience the amazing blessings of living life God's way. It never fails!
Yes, I will put it out there, ABSTINENCE ROCKS! Ok, when you're single that is. In marriage, I believe God wants us to enjoy a rich intimacy. We live in a world that is moving further and further away from family values, treasuring marriage, honoring virtue and just general morality. If you are young and are trying to decide which way to turn, I am speaking to you.
Here's the truth. I was a 35-year-old virgin when I married. My husband is 9 years younger than me but amazingly had also kept himself for marriage. Our first kiss was at the altar on our wedding day. It was incredible, not to mention the absolute excitement of our wedding night. I won't go into details, but it sizzled. So, are we just a couple of frigid prudes who spurn pleasure and bang our Bibles? No! We simply became true Christians at a young age and waited on God until he revealed "the one". It took much prayer, great friends, deep conviction and courage to keep ourselves for our mate. It took character to say no, trusting God even when almost all of my best friends were already happily married and had children. I clung to the promises in Psalm 37 that God would give me the desires of my heart if I delighted in him. I took comfort in the love he had for me, the love of a husband in Hosea 2. His word helped me to persevere those long years while I waited. I knew God would bless my sacrifice, and boy did he and more! We have a blessed life together and enjoy each other immensely as God intended.
Here are some blessings I have received from this important decision:
-No worries of disease or unplanned pregnancy
-Weeded out the insincere men from my life - I know my hubby married me for love, not sex
-Clear conscience before God, no fear of his discipline due to my disobedience
-Ability to stay focused because I wasn't becoming attached to men to whom I wasn't going to marry
-No baggage to bring into my marriage, no comparisons to others haunting me
-No insecurity in intimacy since we have nothing to hide or compare
-Childlike freedom in the bedroom and a childlike love between us
-Ability to give a wonderful gift to your spouse
-Wonderful trust between you and your mate
-True intimacy, where two people can connect not only in body, but in soul - the most satisfying kind
-The way purity keeps your heart soft and open towards others
I could go on and on. Intimacy goes deep, to the very soul and you can never erase it once it's been done. Like it or not it does affect your relationships and it is the source of so much destruction, insecurity and spiritual death. God loves us and knows what is best for us. He knows that his way is the best way in life and in the bedroom. Doubt me? Doubt God? Just read Song of Songs and you'll see what kind of God we serve. Jesus himself taught that following him is "life to the full" in John 10. I stand here before you and I challenge you to put these things to the test. You'll soon experience the amazing blessings of living life God's way. It never fails!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
How to Live Large on a Budget - Christian Edition
My hubby is amazing. He has provided me and my two young sons with such a rich life, and we only live on around $45,000 or so combined. Here are some of the highlights:
-We own a home.
-We own two vehicles (outright).
-We take vacations.
-We eat out regularly.
-We frequently embark on recreational activities.
-We are all clothed.
-We are all fed.
-We are generous with others.
-We give gifts and throw parties.
-We tithe to our church.
-We save.
Here are my top 10 tips on living large on a budget:
1. Faithfully tithe. LIVE LARGE PROMISE : GOD WILL BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY
God promises in Malachi 3 that he will throw open the floodgates of blessing if we simply give
to him first and do it faithfully. He is our first "bill" even when we don't know how we will
make it. We serve a faithful God who promises to take care of us if we seek him first
Matthew 6:33. I could go on and on about the miraculous ways God has provided large for us
because we put him first financially!
2. Be on a budget and regularly review your spending. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: STAY OUT
OF DEBT!
Boundaries are so good for me because I am a compulsive spender. Knowing my limits helps
me to make better decisions and to learn my "needs vs wants." It's easy to overspend
without even knowing it. My husband and I review what we spend each month so we know how we are doing on keeping to our budget. The accountability is great and it reminds me to be frugal and be a good steward of what God has given us.
3. Pay cash. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: GET WHAT YOU WANT WITHOUT THE GUILT
We don't have the latest cars or toys, but what we have we own (except our home, which we
are paying for). We would rather buy used and not have a payment, then be strapped to
credit payments. Paying for things outright means living withing your means.
4. Frequently stay organized. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: YOU HAVE MORE THAN YOU REALIZE
I am amazed at the things I find while organizing, doing laundry, putting things in their proper
place, etc. I know that large amounts of money can be wasted by buying things again that are
lost due to being cluttery or disorganized. Also, items can become destroyed or lost by not
taking care of them or putting them away.
5. Be generous. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!
2 Corinthians 9:11 says: You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on
every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. I love
that! If I have it in my heart to give to others or to the poor, I need not worry if I will have
enough for myself. God himself will provide. You can't outgive God. He finds ways to bless
us when we give to others.
6. Become a home cook (and learn to eat leftovers). LIVE LARGE PROMISE: MORE PLEASURE, GOOD HEALTH, GREAT FAMILY TIME
Most of our meals are eaten at home together and I am the chef of our restaurant (well...). I
try my best to use all the food we buy without letting it go to waste. We have a dining budget
for nights out, but mostly we eat here at home. It's been a fun challenge for me to learn to
cook good, healthy meals for the family, and my boys are growing up healthy and non-picky!
7. Learn a craft or creative skill. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: DEEP SATISFACTION, GROWING IN THOUGHTFULNESS, YOUR GIFT IS THE ONE THEY WON'T FORGET!
If you are a social person, then you probably are on the guest list of many weddings, showers
and birthday parties. Nothing is more budget friendly than a homemade gift or special piece
art. But it's not only budget friendly, it's timeless and unforgettable and it shows how much
time and thoughtfulness you put into your gifts. They are always appreciated if done well.
8. Don't be too good for Goodwill. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: HIDDEN TREASURES AWAIT FOR MERE PENNIES!
I could make a day out of going to thrift stores or yard sales. I am also a big fan of Craig's List.
We have literally saved thousands of dollars by utilizing these. Personally, I like an eclectic
look, but even if you love brand-new things, you'd be surprised at what you could find.
9. Be content with what you have. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: THERE'S A MANSION AWAITING ME IN HEAVEN! WHY WASTE TIME COMPLAINING?
The Bible teaches us to be content. It also teaches us to not covet (or desire) other people's
things. Those two principles help me to say "no" when I am lusting after a purchase that I
know I don't need. I have plenty. A week after I buy that thing I "must" have, I forget about
it anyway.
10. Be creative, or ask a creative friend. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: EVEN A DIAMOND STARTS OUT AS A LUMP OF COAL...
Paint, new hardware, new knobs, decorative touches, etc. can really make a difference.
Before you buy, "shop" your own home. Is there something at home you could make over?
Or, could you get by with a new lampshade? If you can't envision it, ask your artsy friend to
come help, we all have one!
There are so many ways to save, but these have been amazing for us! Thanks for reading and good luck! I would love to hear how you are doing it as well!
-We own a home.
-We own two vehicles (outright).
-We take vacations.
-We eat out regularly.
-We frequently embark on recreational activities.
-We are all clothed.
-We are all fed.
-We are generous with others.
-We give gifts and throw parties.
-We tithe to our church.
-We save.
Here are my top 10 tips on living large on a budget:
1. Faithfully tithe. LIVE LARGE PROMISE : GOD WILL BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY
God promises in Malachi 3 that he will throw open the floodgates of blessing if we simply give
to him first and do it faithfully. He is our first "bill" even when we don't know how we will
make it. We serve a faithful God who promises to take care of us if we seek him first
Matthew 6:33. I could go on and on about the miraculous ways God has provided large for us
because we put him first financially!
2. Be on a budget and regularly review your spending. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: STAY OUT
OF DEBT!
Boundaries are so good for me because I am a compulsive spender. Knowing my limits helps
me to make better decisions and to learn my "needs vs wants." It's easy to overspend
without even knowing it. My husband and I review what we spend each month so we know how we are doing on keeping to our budget. The accountability is great and it reminds me to be frugal and be a good steward of what God has given us.
3. Pay cash. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: GET WHAT YOU WANT WITHOUT THE GUILT
We don't have the latest cars or toys, but what we have we own (except our home, which we
are paying for). We would rather buy used and not have a payment, then be strapped to
credit payments. Paying for things outright means living withing your means.
4. Frequently stay organized. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: YOU HAVE MORE THAN YOU REALIZE
I am amazed at the things I find while organizing, doing laundry, putting things in their proper
place, etc. I know that large amounts of money can be wasted by buying things again that are
lost due to being cluttery or disorganized. Also, items can become destroyed or lost by not
taking care of them or putting them away.
5. Be generous. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!
2 Corinthians 9:11 says: You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on
every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. I love
that! If I have it in my heart to give to others or to the poor, I need not worry if I will have
enough for myself. God himself will provide. You can't outgive God. He finds ways to bless
us when we give to others.
6. Become a home cook (and learn to eat leftovers). LIVE LARGE PROMISE: MORE PLEASURE, GOOD HEALTH, GREAT FAMILY TIME
Most of our meals are eaten at home together and I am the chef of our restaurant (well...). I
try my best to use all the food we buy without letting it go to waste. We have a dining budget
for nights out, but mostly we eat here at home. It's been a fun challenge for me to learn to
cook good, healthy meals for the family, and my boys are growing up healthy and non-picky!
7. Learn a craft or creative skill. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: DEEP SATISFACTION, GROWING IN THOUGHTFULNESS, YOUR GIFT IS THE ONE THEY WON'T FORGET!
If you are a social person, then you probably are on the guest list of many weddings, showers
and birthday parties. Nothing is more budget friendly than a homemade gift or special piece
art. But it's not only budget friendly, it's timeless and unforgettable and it shows how much
time and thoughtfulness you put into your gifts. They are always appreciated if done well.
8. Don't be too good for Goodwill. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: HIDDEN TREASURES AWAIT FOR MERE PENNIES!
I could make a day out of going to thrift stores or yard sales. I am also a big fan of Craig's List.
We have literally saved thousands of dollars by utilizing these. Personally, I like an eclectic
look, but even if you love brand-new things, you'd be surprised at what you could find.
9. Be content with what you have. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: THERE'S A MANSION AWAITING ME IN HEAVEN! WHY WASTE TIME COMPLAINING?
The Bible teaches us to be content. It also teaches us to not covet (or desire) other people's
things. Those two principles help me to say "no" when I am lusting after a purchase that I
know I don't need. I have plenty. A week after I buy that thing I "must" have, I forget about
it anyway.
10. Be creative, or ask a creative friend. LIVE LARGE PROMISE: EVEN A DIAMOND STARTS OUT AS A LUMP OF COAL...
Paint, new hardware, new knobs, decorative touches, etc. can really make a difference.
Before you buy, "shop" your own home. Is there something at home you could make over?
Or, could you get by with a new lampshade? If you can't envision it, ask your artsy friend to
come help, we all have one!
There are so many ways to save, but these have been amazing for us! Thanks for reading and good luck! I would love to hear how you are doing it as well!
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