Some Motivation for Thought

Last week I bemoaned about being frugal, and some of you are with me.  It's hard to keep saving money when it seems like EVERYONE around you is spending it.  I came up with a few things that make a difference to me. 

• Recieving the mortgage statement when MORE money was going to principle than to interest.
• Student loans one and two GONE in one summer.
• Seeing the saving account grow little by little every month.
• Knowing that there will be hundreds of dollars a month to save and give and invest in just a few years.
• Trusting that being responsible with the material goods I have been entrusted with is acting in obediance to God.

What are some of the "little" things that keep you going strong on spending little?

Keeping On

Andy and I (or maybe just mostly me) have a lot of steep financial goals.  Even without these goals we are on a tight budget. My husband is a junior high teacher and my income is small to nonexistant.  I know in the long run I'll be glad, like when our house is paid off before I'm 35.  But right now it's hard. Seven years of sacrifice; I feel like Jacob waiting for Rachel.
I want to buy groceries without worrying about the cost of pasta or broccoli.
I want to buy new clothes.
I want to eat out.
I want everything.  I want whatever is easiest and "best".
But really, I don't.  And when I have it all, I am not happy. So how do I stay motivated?

I am not

I am not the most beautiful person
But I am pleasant to look at

I am not the best wife
But my husband adores me

I am not the most patient mom
But my children love me most

I am not an outstanding vocalist
But my Lord loves my praise

I am not a professional chef
But I feed my family and friends

I am not a seamstress
But my loved ones are clothed

I am notI am not

But He is

God is all. All I need. All I can ask or hope for.

 

Bible in 90 Days

In January began reading the Bible in 90 days with Mom's Toolbox.  I actually finished in 86 because it is just that great.  The Bible is truly the greatest story ever told!  The challenge started again this week and I am in the middle of Genesis, the original soap opera!  I noticed something new when I read today.  (I love learning new things!  That's the great thing about the Bible!)
Leah, the first wife of Jacob, was not the favorite of her husband.  That role belonged to her younger sister, Rachel.  Leah wanted to be loved.  She had several sons.  Smart and strong.  Leah would be a good mom, a good wife, and Jacob would love her.  Leah's focus and perspecive changed with the birth of each son.  The first son she named Reuben because "surely my husband will love me now."  When Simeon was born she said, "Because the Lord has heard that I am not loved, He gave me this one too."  Another attempt when Levi was born; "at last my husband will become attached to me." 
When Judah was born, Leah realized that her hope, confidence, and worth was never going to come from Jacob; only from the Lord.  Leah named her fourth son Judah.  It means praise.  She said, "this time I will praise the Lord."

Where does my hope, confidence, and worth come from?

Winner Purex Complete Crystals!

The WINNER is....








Shawna!

Congratulations!

What a Difference! {{Purex Giveaway!}}

My husband is a junior high teacher and coach.  Last week baseball began.  On Tuesday Andy came home and the minute he walked through the door I could smell him!  Ew.  The combination of sweat, dirt, and manure from the pasture next to the ball field is not my favorite scent.  Andy changed shirts and put on fresh deodorant before we ate supper and were off to basketball games.


The next day the kids and I met Andy at church after his practice and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw him.  He didn't stink.  He actually smelled nice.  Interesting.  After a minute I realized why- Purex Complete Crystals!  I used this new fabric softener on a couple of loads of laundry and apparently it made difference!


I don't usually use fabric softener for a number of reasons but Purex sent me a sample of their great new product and after reading about it, most of my reasons were obsolete! 

• I don't like to use fabric softener on the kids clothes because it lessens the flame retardants of their jammies.  Purex Complete Crystals does not because the PJs are not coated in oil, instead they are infused with freshness!
• The oil in fabric softener makes towels less absorbent, but this does not contain all those oils!  That means my towels can smell nice and dry things too!
• My workout clothes!  Exercise attire is expensive and fabric softener can mess it up, once again, Purex Complete Crystals does not!

I'm still not using it on my cloth diapers and I probably would not use this if I had a newborn.  The fragrance and color may irritate sensitive skin.  On that same note, I think that if you had sensitive skin Purex Complete Crystals, like other laundry products with additives, could bother you.

I like this stuff.  I think you will to and I want you to try it!  That's why I am giving away a coupon for a FREE bottle of the NEW Purex Complete Crystals.  To enter the giveaway leave a comment with your name letting me (and Purex) know what laundry issue you need a fix for!  This giveaway ends Sunday, March 13 at 11:59 pm!

I was provided with a complimentary bottle of Purex Complete Crystals to review as well as a coupon to give!  I was compensated in any other way and my opinions are my own!

Book Review: Masquerade

Masquerade by Nancy Moser was great book and what made it even better was the originality of the plot.  It was not a story I have read a dozen times.

Here's the gist:  Lottie's society family in 1180's England has status, but no money.  Before word of their financial status gets out her parents decide to marry her off to a wealthy American.  Lottie is not happy but develops a plan when her mother is unable to make the journey with her because of illness.

Lottie and her maid, Dora, decided to switch places.  Dora will marry the wealthy American and Lottie will make her own way equipped with a sufficient amount of money.  Of course all does not go according to plan.  The girls both have heartache and love as they make their way in a new world.

I didn't know how the book would end the entire time and enjoyed the ending.  I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars.  A side note: I love that Moser included fashion from the late 1800's.  A bit of 'real' history is always fun!

I receive this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not compensated in any other way.