Serving While Saving

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 8

2012-02-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

Mercy. "May my children always be merciful,just as their Father is merciful." [Luke 6:36]

Missed a day? No problem....do here to catch up.

Celebrating A Decade

2012-02-02T10:48:00.000-05:00

10 years ago today my love and I said "I do" and started our lives together as husband and wife. I can barely believe that 10 years have already passed us by but I am definitely looking forward to what the next 10 years bring. I am so thankful to have my husband to share life with. Life is definitely not always easy but having someone there by my side to share the good and the bad makes it a lot more bearable.

Thursday's Thrifty Tip - Best Soap Skum Killer EVER

2012-02-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

Credit

I have been cleaning a few houses here and there to earn some extra cash and have been in search of something to help clean the glass shower doors. I have tried numerous products and combinations of chemicals (which probably weren't all very healthy). When I found this recipe on Pinterest - I was leery but wanted to give it a shot since I had all of the ingredients at home.

Let me tell you - this is the most AWESOMELY amazing concoction EVER!!! I highly recommend it but will go ahead and tell you that it works best when the vinegar is still warm and I have found it isn't the kind of thing you can mix up and store -you have to mix what you need and use it right then - but even with that it is still awesome.

Here's the recipe -

Heat up some vinegar (I used a cup of vinegar and nuked it for 2 minutes). Then pour it in your spray bottle, add an equal amount of blue Dawn (the website comments were pretty specific about getting the blue kind), shake gently, and voila!

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 7

2012-02-01T14:27:00.000-05:00

Justice. "God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do." {Ps 11:7, Mic 6:8}

Missed a day? No problem...go here to catch up.

101 Valentine Ideas under $5

2012-02-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

Mud Pie Studio has an adorable list of 101 Valentine Ideas all for under $5. If you can't find something cute for your valentine here....well, I just don't know where else to send you ;)

A couple of my favorites:

Tic Tacs = Tic Tac Toe game

Matchbox Cars = Valentine, I “Wheelie” like you.

Silly Bands = Nothing “silly” about me wanting to be your Valentine!

Loose change = Will you be my Valentine? It makes “cents” to me!

Actually, I have so many favorites that I can't list them all. ;)

Weekly Deals 2.1.12

2012-02-01T09:16:00.000-05:00

I haven't had alot of extra time to search deals this week but here are a few that I found....

CVS
Buy (3) Hallmark cards get $3 ECB
Buy (3) $.99 cards = FREE after ECB

Harris Teeter
Kettle Brand Chips 9 oz, BOGO $1.84 each
Use $1 off Kettle Reduced Fat Potato Chips, 8 oz bag, RP 1/08 & 1/29 = $84¢

Furmano’s Tomates, Crushed, Diced or Puree, 28 oz, BOGO 99¢ each
Use $.50/2 Furmano’s Tomatoes, RP 1/29 =49¢

Cape Cod Potato Chips 8 oz, BOGO $1.89 each
Use $1 off Cape Cod Potato Chips, 7 oz +, SS 1/15 = 89¢

Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners 4 ct., BOGO $1.84
Use $1 off Reynolds slow cooker liners printable or SS 1/22 = 84¢

Solo Cups 50 ct., or Plates 15 ct BOGO $1.99 each
Use $.75/1 Solo cups, plates or bowls, SS 12/04 = 49¢

I'd love for you to share the deals you've found with me :0)

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 6

2012-01-31T14:25:00.000-05:00

Love for God's Word. "May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." {Ps 19:10}

Did you miss a day? No problem....go here to catch up.

Tuesday's Thoughtful Way to Serve Others - Matthews Help Center

2012-01-31T09:56:00.000-05:00

Who They Are:

The mission of the Matthews HELP Center is to care for those in our community
by providing programs and services that will meet life’s basic needs, and by
connecting those in need with resources that improve quality of life.

What They Do:

The Matthews HELP Center has been serving and caring for the people of Matthews and the surrounding communities since 1979. Click on the following services to learn more about what MHC provides:

How You Can Help:

Click here to view a list of their Urgent Needs

Matthews HELP Center offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to match the interest of anyone 15 years of age or older. Volunteers normally work one four-hour shift per week. Shifts are 9:00am to 12:30pm or 12:30pm to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, or 8:45am to 12pm on Saturday.

Below are some of the volunteer opportunities available to you. Click on each opportunity to learn more.

Contact Info:

Website http://www.matthewshelpcenter.org

Telephone:
(704) 847-8383

Location:119 N. Ames Street
Matthews, NC 28105

Mailing Address:
PO Box 91
Matthews, NC 28106

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

Each Tuesday we highlight an area ministry or organization that does the work of the Lord by helping the less fortunate. We understand that in today’s economy many of you are feeling a tightening around your finances so that is why we encourage you to seek the Lord and find ways to help others without necessarily giving a monetary donation. If you know of a ministry that you would like to see highlighted on Serving While Saving, please let us know by sending an email to servingwhilesaving at gmail dot com.

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 5

2012-01-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

Self Control. "Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all that they do." ( 1 Thess 5:6)

To read the rest of this series go here.

Menu Plan Monday 1.30.12

2012-01-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

So, how many times so far have you written 2011 instead of 2012?? It seems to take me a couple of weeks to get in the hang of the new date. Change....

This week we are enjoying....

Sweet Potato & Ham Burgers
Mini Meatloaves & Mashed Potatoes
Crock Pot Pizza
Italian Vegetable Soup (I omit the chicken because of an allergy)
Black Bean Veggie Enchiladas

What are you planning for the week?

You can check out other menus at Menu Plan Monday!

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 4

2012-01-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

Honesty & Integrity "May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection." [Ps 25:21]

To read the other posts in this series, go here.

Sunday Scripture Romans 12:21

2012-01-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:21

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 3

2012-01-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

Love. "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit that dwells in them." [Gal. 5:25, Eph.5:2]

If you missed the previous posts in this series, go here to catch up.

Savoring Life Saturday - Rejection

2012-01-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

Credit

Being rejected hurts. I've dealt with the side effects of rejection from a certain person for most of my life and these side effects have caused a ripple in most ALL of my relationships at one point or another- even my relationship with God.. I've never really understood why this person would reject me as most fathers automatically love their child. But, the reality is that he did/does.

I have forgiven him.....over and over and have been working with the Lord over many years to deal with the issues in my heart regarding this situation but the feelings and the pain from it has recently surfaced again. Without going into all the boring details - in the past I have always 'felt' rejected by this person but tried to convince myself that it was just my imagination and that maybe I am misreading the situation but recently - a turn of events took place and the door was completely shut in my face. I was blatantly rejected in a moment of complete vulnerability.....and it hurt more than all the other times before. That situation compiled with ALL the other times in my life that I was never acceptable to him - well, they snow balled into a big mess in my heart. A big 'ugly crying' mess.

Although my heart mourns what 'could have been'....I have learned several lessons over the past few weeks as I have taken this to God and have been wading through the mess.

1. Be thankful for what you DO have. Yes, it is sad that a daughter doesn't have a relationship with her birth father but you know what? I have a wonderful man that stepped into my life and has grown to be the best dad I could have ever asked for. I can't make my birth father love or want me but I can choose to be thankful for the man that CHOSE to be my dad. Now I have a choice - I can focus on what I don't have or what I do have.....I'm choosing the latter.

2. God loves me and I was CHOSEN to be His. Not too long after this situation re-surfaced, I started reading and studying Ephesians....I don't believe that was 'by chance'. The 1st chapter of Ephesians is amazing (I recommend you read it, slowly, verse by verse if you haven't already). It helped my heart to understand that I was chosen by God before he ever created the earth and that he has put a seal on me - I am HIS!! I belong to Him! The peace and love I felt by studying that chapter is indescribable ~ I'm really not doing it justice in this blog post....I wish I could stamp this post with my heart so you could see the difference this chapter made in my life.

I'm not writing today for pity, many of you have probably faced similar situations in your own lives at one point or another - maybe not with your father but with someone that was important to you. So, my prayer is that you will realize that you, my friend, were chosen before God ever created the earth and that you are HIS child and I pray that you can make a choice today to be thankful for what you do have and not to waste time focusing on what you don't have because you could be missing out on some great blessings just because your perspective is off.

May God wrap His loving arms around you today! He loves you, friend, and He longs for you to choose Him back!!

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 2

2012-01-27T14:16:00.000-05:00

Growth in grace. "I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" {2 Peter 3:18}

If you missed any of the previous days - go here to catch up.

Book Review: Rosebud Blooming

2012-01-27T12:23:00.001-05:00

Rosebud Blooming by Nancy Maggio is a wonderful read. I love poetry and intertwined with the author's real life stories she shares many of her poems that she wrote when she was going through different stages of her life. This book is inspiring on many levels and actually gave me the encouragement I needed to jot down my feelings. It is amazing how she shares 'real life' with her readers but yet it spoke volumes to me in my own life. I recommend this book to anyone - whether you are going through a life storm at the moment, just came out of one or want to have the encouragement stored in your heart for any that are to come in the future.

Book Description:

Life can be full of difficult seasons that test your faith. No matter how long or painful your journey might be, you can find encouragement and grace to continue on, growing from these difficult seasons. Instead of keeping the pain hidden, you will benefit by sharing the journey of this rosebud through that pain and growth, encouraging you with comfort and renewed faith. Come along with Nancy Maggio as she shares the sin and fear she lived with in search of God to rescue her. As she exposes her hurts, personal habits, and broken relationships, you will see first hand the healings. Through God’s abiding love, this rosebud is blooming.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Free Enfamil at Walmart

2012-01-27T09:40:00.001-05:00

It has been reported that the 8 oz. cans of Enfamil are priced at $4.77 at Walmart. Use your $5.00 off coupon (below) to get them for free and receive $0.23 back!

Enfamil Formula, 8 oz $4.77
Use $5.00/1 Enfamil printable
Final Price: Free, Plus $0.23 Moneymaker

Even if you don't have a baby in your household - you could still grab this deal and donate to your local crisis pregnancy center.

Friday Favorites 1.27.12

2012-01-27T08:57:00.001-05:00

Is anyone having as hard of a time with the reality that we are at the end of January already?!?!?

Photo Credit

I saw this picture (above) on Proverbs 31's facebook page this morning and I thought it was share worthy and so true - whatever we need ~ JESUS is the answer!!!

I've been trying to work on time management, as you know, and with that, I've been working on a chore chart for our household. We had one at one time but have gotten away from it but I feel like it is time to bring it back out. I am re-vamping what we did before because of our schedules and trying to not add more to my/our plates - we are going to have weekly schedules vs daily schedules (i think). I will share with you guys my finished project once it is complete. But, anyways, all of that to tell you about this wonderful post I read this week....it gives you weekly chores for your life which honestly to me - are more important than a week full of house chores. I would say it is better to have a tidy heart than a clean house!!

I pray that each of you have a blessed day and wonderful week full of God's glory!!

31 Biblical Virtues - Day 1

2012-01-26T14:14:00.000-05:00

Salvation: "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. " [Is.45:8, 2 Tim 2:10]

If you missed the original post and are curious what this is all about - go here to catch up.

Thursday's Thrifty Tip ~ Makeup

2012-01-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

Have you ever broken your pressed powder and been so frustrated because it doesn't really work anymore?!? I definitely have done this 100s of times and wish I would have know about this years ago. Honestly, think of the $$ I could have saved ;)

Here are the steps

Add a few small drops of rubbing alcohol into your broken powder makeup compact or casing.

After you add the alcohol to the broken powder you will notice it seep into the powder causing it to become soft.

Smudge the soft soaking powder around, making it into a paste-like substance and re-form it by smoothing it out with your finger.

You can then smooth the surface out with the bottom of a spoon if you choose to, but remember that it does not have to be perfect to work perfectly.

Let it dry overnight for best results.

Then you will have this.....

How awesome is that?!?

Thanks Katrina for the idea!

31 Biblical Virtues To Pray for Your Kids

2012-01-25T14:09:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that I've been getting up early these days to spend some quiet time with the Lord. The other day I stumbled across and old ragged piece of paper and knew that I needed to incorporate it into my quiet time with God. After reading over it and making this decision, I felt like it was something that I needed to share with all of you. So for the next 31 days, I will be sharing a prayer to pray for your child(ren) [and even if you don't have biological children-I'm sure there is a kid or two in your life that you could pray for - it is an eternal importance]. I'm gleaning these scriptures from a handout I received years ago by Bob Hostetler.

There is a great power in prayer especially when you pray scripture because God's word never returns void.

I hope that you partner with me as we dig closer to God and stand in the gap for our children.

"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 " Isaiah 55:11

Duke Energy Freebie

2012-01-25T14:02:00.001-05:00

Do you remember the Duke Energy Kit I told you about here? Well, mine came today. I'm really impressed about the awesome goodies that are included and can't wait to install them. I just hope that I don't mess anything up ;)

Weekly Deals 1.25.12

2012-01-25T09:09:00.002-05:00

I didn't find a lot of deals this week - have you found any good ones? Here is what I am after....

Harris Teeter

Frank’s Sauce 12 oz, at BOGO $1.64 each
Use $.75/1 Franks Redhot sauce, SS 1/22 = 14¢

Ragu Pasta Sauce, 24 oz at BOGO $1.09 each
Use $.50/1 Ragu pasta sauce, excl trial size, RP 1/29 =59¢

Martha White Muffin Mix, 7 oz, 79¢
Use $ -.55/1 Martha White muffin mix, RP 11/13= FREE

Nabisco SnackWell’s or 100 Calorie Snacks, 4.86 oz, $1.99
Use $3/3 Nabisco Honey Maid, Newtons, Ritz Crackerfuls, Teddy Grahams, Snack Well’s, Wheat Thins, 100 Cal and Triscuit, SS 1/08 (EXP 01/27) = 99¢ ea.

Bagel Bites, 7 oz, $2
Use $5/2 Heinz frozen snacks and appetizers, (Nancys, Delimex, TGI Fridays, Bagel Bites), SS 12/04 = FREE

Tuesday's Thoughtful Way to Serve Others - Union County Community Shelter

2012-01-24T13:06:00.001-05:00

Who They Are:

Founded in 1984, Union County Community Shelter's mission and purpose is to provide food and shelter to the hungry and homeless of Union County, North Carolina, and to provide programs to help the homeless achieve self-sufficiency

What They Do:

The Union County Community Shelter exists to provide reliable shelter support for adult men and women. They do this through the following services. Please click on them to learn more.

How You Can Help:

Financial Support

Tax Deductible Donations Appreciated Year Round
- Click here to learn more about contributing financial support, including making an online donation

Volunteer Support

Work in the Hope Pantry
Serve/Prepare Meals; Check In Meal Clients
Fundraising Volunteers
Office Support Volunteers
Professional/Maintenance/Repair Volunteers
Emergency Shelter Overnight Volunteers
Cleaning and Landscaping
Collecting of our Need List Items

In-Kind Support

We Need a Passenger Vehicle and New Truck
Food and Supplies
Hygiene Products

Contact Info:

Email Jewel Richey - Cafe Coordinator or Call Jewel @ (704) 289-5300

FREE Money for Transferred Presciptions at Harris Teeter

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

If you have any prescriptions to be filled or to transfer - this is a great deal for you....

For each new or transferred prescription, they will load a $20 credit onto your Vic card. This credit will be used on your next purchase of $20 or more. The maximum amount allowed is $200 (or 10 prescriptions). Click here for all the details of this program and how to do it.

This offer expires 4/3/12.