Grip of Grace

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Coupon Excitements and Woes

With the upcoming arrival of a new little baby in our family, with me not working much over the past 9 months, and with remodeling costs that went over budget.... we are recognizing our need to cut costs! So over the past week I have been collecting coupons, looking at flyers, going online and printing off more coupons. I even signed up for several emails that give you couponing tips.

Let me set this up by saying, my goal is not to be an extreme couponer.... my goal is to be a good steward of my time and our finances and save some money. With that being said - after a long morning of organizing all my coupons - I headed out to the stores to get my bargains.

I have mixed feelings about my experience today.... but I know that I am just learning and it will take time to collect coupons, to come up with a system, and to master the tricks of the trade. Anyway - with that being said - here are a few things that I learned today and in the past about couponing!

1. Couponing takes time! It takes several hours to collect and organize, but it took all afternoon to go to all the places that I needed to to get my deals. I had to plan out my route so that I wouldn't have cold items sitting in the hot car. I may be a little over sensitive to being on my feet since I am great with child, but I was exhausted when I got home, so much so that some of my groceries are still sitting on the table.

2. Sometimes you need to spend money to save money....today I saved a lot of money - in fact it was in the hundreds! I saved 1/3 of my costs today - to that I am very excited, but I spent a ton of money! And when you spend a moderate amount at five different stores it doesn't seem like as much - until you come home and add up your receipts - then you kinda get sick to your stomach.

3. Shopping more than once a month can possibly relieve some of that overspending. We haven't been home much so we haven't shopped for food - let's just say we were low! So not only did we have to go out and get the staples, we needed to stock our pantry!

4. Diapers are expensive! Even with coupons! We didn't get many diapers for our shower - in fact I only had one small bag of size one - so we needed to stock up - we spend 100.00 on diapers alone. I did find out that if we sign up for Amazon mom we can get discounted diapers with free shipping but we had some coupons and needed to stock up so we spent the money today - and we did get a lot of diapers - the cost was only 19 cents a diaper when we figured it out.

5. Don't cut coupons for things you don't normally use..... coupons make you feel like you are saving, however many coupons you have to buy three of the product just to get 50 cents off - it is not worth it - especially if you don't have the storage space, or you aren't sure you will like the product.

6. CVS - I saved a ton there today but since we are just starting the couponing journey I realized that I was going to have to spend a little to start collecting my extra care bucks - but now that I have a stash of that - it should be much less expensive.

Well - there you have it! Will I continue to coupon shop? Yes! I will just continue to work towards spending less and saving more. I do feel better now that we are stocked up a bit so I can be making some food and such to freeze for when the little one arrives.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Birthday Blessings

On this rainy July 8th day - I am finally sitting down to relax for a few minutes before the wedding rehearsal. It has been a busy day of working on camp things and doing a big mailing, not a lot of time to just relax and enjoy. Joel isn't feeling great so he is laying down - and as he did he was very apologetic that this birthday is not very exciting.... but I was quick to respond that my life is filled with blessings, despite the day's schedule. So this year I thought I would start a new tradition - Birthday Blessings. I will come up with a blessing for each year that I am old.... so here goes 36 Blessings!

1. I am blessed that I have a heavenly Father that loves me, forgives me, and cares for me.
2. I have an amazing Godly husband - Joel
3. I have a little girl growing inside of me - to which I am in awe of how God has and will continue to knit her together in my womb.
4. I am thankful for my parents, who took me and loved me as their own.
5. I am thankful for my siblings, and my sibling in laws who make life much more exciting.
6. I am thankful to be an Aunt to 13 awesome "kids" ranging from age 2 - 23 years old.
7. I am blessed to attend a church that loves the Lord, each other, and those around us.
8. I am thankful that I have been able to serve the in 3 foreign countries. (Hope to go back one day)
9. I am blessed to have been a part of so many teenagers lives over the last 15 years - I just pray that I have made an impact for the kingdom.
10. I am blessed to have a house with a beautiful addition - trusting that one day it will get done.
11. I am blessed that we will soon have a nursery (I am thinking positively! Since currently we have no walls)
12. I am thankful for great friends! Friends who despite the miles, you can pick up the phone and it seems like just yesterday.
13. I am thankful for Mission Meadows, Lakeside Christian Camp, and Krislund Camp - these camps were huge parts of growth in my life! I love camp!
14. I am thankful for Mini Vinnie - my car - it keeps chugging along - hoping to get at least 3 more years out of him - if I can still get in and out of him - my next car will need to be a little higher off the ground.
15. I am blessed to have a great dog - who loves people, gets a little excited, but is gentle and protective, can't wait to see how he cares for his little sister.
16. I am blessed that I live in the USA - despite the current economic and political situation we still have more than most and we need to be thankful for what we have.
17. I am thankful for music - it has been my escape at many points in my life, it allows me to enter into worship, it let's me relieve stress, and it brings me great joy!
18. I am thankful for Raspberry Ice Tea - it just makes me happy - I haven't had much during my pregnancy - less than glasses of it - but when I have it - it makes me happy!!!
19. Orange Blossom ice cream has been a blessing during the last 8 months! Can't wait until Cruiser's Cafe has it again!!! (hint hint!!!)
20. I am blessed to have talents - the ability to stand up in front of people and talk without getting nervous, the ability to listen and ask questions to help people find emotional healing.
21. I am blessed to have birth parents who chose life! And were willing to bless others when they knew they were unable to care for me.
22. I am blessed to have hope that despite having MS - God has used it and will continue to use it as part of my testimony of how he changed my life.
23. I am blessed that God continues to provide for us financially even when I am unable to work full time. Why do I worry or ever doubt?
24. I am blessed to have time to sit and reflect on my blessings today as I celebrate 36 years of life.
25. I am thankful for the beauty around me - especially the tiger lillies on the side of the road during the summer months!
26. I am blessed by my In Laws - they are so giving of their time and talents and always willing to help us out.
27. I am thankful for swimming pools and air conditioning on the hot days of summer.
28. I am thankful for our new LED flat screen TV that we got for free from our credit card points because it takes up much less room on our dresser.
29. Thankful that I have a brother who is an excavator so he can come and fix our back yard.
30. Thankful I have a sister who is a landscape architect so she can help me make that yard look nice, and maybe score me a discount!
31. I am blessed because I know that I will spend eternity with Jesus
32. I am blessed because I have a husband who makes me laugh!
33. I am blessed because I have a dishwasher - no joke it really is a blessing to me!
34. I am blessed because I have a beautiful kitchen now that is bigger than a closet - thanks Brian we love it!
35. I am blessed because I no longer have to climb my steep stairs to get a shower!
36. I am blessed because I have life! Abundant joy filled life!

Have you counted your blessings today? You should try this your next birthday!!!

Birthday Blessings

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

A humbling experience

This week I am speaking at the RMC Soccer camp. Most of my speaking is usually with middle school, high school and older.... however I do branch out every once in a while and speak to the elementary level students.

Well this week we are looking at different Bible people that were Champions of faith. As much as I try to have all my information accurate and straight from the word of God, I do make some errors from time to time. Last night was one of those times.

Let me set the scene by saying, I was tired (super tired) and hot and not fully with it - in fact I fell asleep as soon as I got home I was so tired! Anyway - I also have prego brain - you hear stories about women and they forget things while pregnant - I think that is also me!

Anyway - I was talking about Esther - a book of the bible that I feel that I am pretty up to speed on - now don't get me wrong I am not a biblical scholar, but I do my best to bring truth in my presentations. Well as I was sharing I mentioned that Mordecai was Esther's Uncle, and one of the students yelled out - he was her cousin - but I was sure that I had my info correct and insisted that he was her uncle, and told him to look it up.....well needless to say - I was wrong and he was right - after the talk I went to the car and there it was - Mordecai was Esther's uncle. I felt badly - for two reasons - number one - I gave incorrect facts to the students (which by the way I will correct tonight) but I also made it a point that I was correct and the student needed to check their facts. It is very humbling when you have to be corrected by an elementary student!

At least either way you look at it - we know that they were related, it was a harmless miss spoken fact for which I will make right tonight. Oh the joys of speaking! Hoping to get a nap today so I have a bit more energy tonight as well as have my brain a bit more alert so I can keep my facts straight.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Paper Towel Cake

I was just at a bridal shower this weekend, and I saw the coolest thing - a paper towel cake. As you can see in the picture - they put ribbons around the paper towels and attached some small kitchen utensils as well as some dish towels and to top it off - the centerpiece at was a floor mop - how clever!!! I just had to share this!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Barn Quilts

I think I am turning into my mother..... but in this case it is truly an honor. My mom is a quilter and she has such a gift with fabric, but recently she has taken that gift and used it with wood and has created this beautiful barn quilt for their barn.

If you have never seen a barn quilt before - they are beautiful! Some places you are even able to take a whole "Barn Quilt tour" I personally have never been on one however, my mom has lots of pictures. It is my hope that by next year (or two) we will have our very own barn quilt attached to the back of our little house as a backdrop for our garden.... but until then I will just enjoy being able to go home and visit my family and see my mom's beautiful creation! And lucky for them - they have another barn which means she is now working on her second barn quilt.

Monday, June 06, 2011

RMC Service at the River

We didn't have a camera to take pictures but my camera on my phone worked pretty well. This post, these pics, and everything was done on my phone. No computer needed! Check out this video I made on my phone with Animoto

Sunday, June 05, 2011

River Service

It is hard to believe that it has been two years that I have been attending RMC. How time flies! Today is one of my favorite days of the year on the church calendar.... the River Service. Despite all the rain and storms last night we were able to have our yearly service at the Hoffman lot on the Susquehanna river. It was a beautiful morning - just warm enough with the sun finally peaking through the clouds.

It is a come as you are picnic type service - though I like dressing up on Sundays as a sign of honoring God, I also love and respect that God wants us to come just as we are - and that we did - toting our lawn chairs and our picnic food we gathered at the river.

One of the reasons I love this service is - worshipping the Creator in his creation. I think too often in our busy lives we miss out on what God has for us because we are so busy running from place to place. God talks about "if we don't cry out the rocks will" today we had a chance to proclaim God without the confines of the church walls. Don't get me wrong I love our building and I am blessed that we have it however, I long to be in God's creation and to me it is there that I can fully worship!

Another reason I love this service is the fellowship.... our church members are talkers and this just allows everyone to mingle even longer. We didn't leave until close to 3pm and there were still many families playing games, talking and just celebrating down time with one another. I love it that we provide many opportunities for people from both services to get together!

I can't even begin to guess the numbers in attendance but it seemed like a lot - at least when it came to the length of the food line of which I didn't get in soon enough and was too tired to wait in, but there was at least a little mac and cheese by the end when everything else was gone.

Thank you Lord for your sunshine after the storm! Just as Paul spoke about in his sermon this morning you showed us that with your mighty hands this morning. We are blessed to be called your Children!!

Friday, June 03, 2011

Babymoon....to Williamsport!

I never heard of a babymoon until recently - basically it is like a honeymoon before the baby comes and you start your new life as parents. To be honest I thought there was no way we would be able to afford to go anywhere this summer due to me not being able to work very much and all the projects (such as the nursery) that we have going on at home.

Also due to the high risk factors in my pregnancy it has been suggested that we don't wonder too far from home. So last week Joel informed me that we would be taking a little trip (a babymoon) to Williamsport. Three nights away! I was shocked and to be honest a little surprised that he chose Williamsport, but thrilled.

We are having a great time! It has been so nice to relax and enjoy some time together. We have enjoyed lunch with the Sweetings at Haywoods on the River - talk about big sandwiches - I wish I would have taken a photo. Then we relaxed in the hotel pool which was nice and warm (but don't worry - wasn't too warm) Then off to Wing Night on the Hiawatha Paddleboat. Oh and not to forget - I also convinced my hubby to take me for ice cream at Bruester's.

What a great time we are having! Today we are off to Alabaster Coffee Company (which a friend owns) and then to shop for an outfit for our little girl to come home in from the hospital! To finish off the day we will to to First Friday which is a downtown late night shoppers and arts festival type thing. Oh and not to forget dinner at Franco's Lounge!

This little get away was just what I needed!! So thankful for a husband that loves me and cares for me - he is going to be an awesome dad!!!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Taraja Ministries Update

It is hard to believe that it has been almost two years since the idea for Taraja Ministries came about. I am so honored and blessed that God would chose to use me to share joy and encouragement with countless people over the past 2 years. I have been able to speak at one day events, conferences, retreats and camps.

Another aspect of ministry is the counseling portion. I have really enjoyed getting to know a variety of people through this avenue over the last two years. I am blessed to have an office that I am able to use to see clients. I would have to say that one of my favorite counseling times are those that Joel and I can do together for Pre-Marriage counseling. It is so fun to talk to with couples and help them become aware of some of the things they may face as they begin their life together.

Although I have had to change my ministry schedule quite a bit over the last couple months and the summer months to come because of the pregnancy I am so grateful that I can still do some of these smaller events and still see clients. I have also been able to do some writing for YouthMinistry.com which is a ministry of Group Publishing.

If you would like to hear more about Taraja Ministries or receive my monthly e-newsletter, go to tarajaministries.com I would covet your prayers and support over the next few months as I plan my schedule for the fall and spring as well as begin my new journey as a mother.

Friday, May 06, 2011

Our bundle of Joy!

I just wanted to give my faithful blog readers a head's up - if you were not aware I have a special blog called www.msbabyandme.blogspot.com - It contains postings and updates on my pregnancy journey. Saturday morning at 9am EST a post will be published revealing what we are having. If you are interested in following our journey or checking out what we are having be sure to go there tomorrow.

We have some friends and family that want it to be a surprise, so we are not posting it directly to facebook. Thanks for understanding and we hope you will check out my other blog!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #40

It is Day 40 - Which means it is Easter - a day to Celebrate!!! The tomb is empty and Jesus has conquered death. This day should be the greatest day of the year!!!! My the Lord of all Creation and the Lord that Resurrected from the Dead transform your heart and your mind this year to come!

Luke 24:1-12 (New International Version, ©2011)

Jesus Has Risen

¹ On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. ⁵ In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷ ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” ⁸ Then they remembered his words. ⁹ When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. ¹⁰ It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. ¹¹ But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. ¹² Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #39

It is hard to believe that Easter is tomorrow... but that is the truth! I hope you are able to spend some time with your family this holiday weekend, but more importantly I hope you are able to spend some time with your Savior this weekend as we celebrate His victory over the grave!

The scripture today comes from Isaiah 53:5

"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed"

Friday, April 22, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #38

It is Good Friday and this morning I had the priviledge of reading stories to kids during our churches Eggstravaganza - in the process of telling the stories - I was able to share about the greatest true story that happened 2000 years ago. I was first told it was Earth Day to which I said - no - but then was quickly corrected because today is in fact Earth Day - I am not smarter than a second grader after all. We did go on to talk about Good Friday and what that meant - it was a very meaningful time for the kids and for myself.

Luke 23:44-56 (New International Version, ©2011)

The Death of Jesus

⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵ for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”^[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last. ⁴⁷ The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” ⁴⁸ When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. ⁴⁹ But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

The Burial of Jesus

⁵⁰ Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, ⁵¹ who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. ⁵² Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. ⁵³ Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. ⁵⁴ It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. ⁵⁵ The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. ⁵⁶ Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #37

Instead of my typical scripture today I am posting the words to my favorite Easter Hymn - there is just something about this song that grips my heart - as you think about Jesus sacrifice this Good Friday - let your heart be filled with gratitude for his amazing gift to us - the only thing about that day that made it good, was what happened on Easter Sunday!

What Wondrous Love Is This
By: American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #36

It seemed that I should have picked this scripture on Sunday but alas I am a few days behind in my mind I guess. So consider this palm Sunday scripture even though it is Tuesday.

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.³¹ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” ³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
³⁴ They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
³⁷ When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
³⁸ “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[a]
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

His entry into Jerusalem though it was triumphant was the start of what would change all of our lives forever. Take some time this holy week to reflect on this thought.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #35

This is the day that the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in it. The sun is shining after a long hard rain, it is a reminder of God's faithfulness. We are headed to see my family today and we can't can't wait! My first long trip (okay not really too long - 3 hours) in four months.

The scripture this morning comes from:

Luke 4

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness

¹ Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. ³ The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”
⁵ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”
⁹ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. ¹⁰ For it is written:
   “‘He will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you carefully;
¹¹ they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
¹² Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
¹³ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Jesus spent forty days in the desert and fasted the whole time. At the end of his time there the bible says he was hungry - I would be starving! At the point of his physical weakness - he is tempted by Satan. Isn't that how it usually always works for us - when we are at our weakest that is when we are the most vulnerable. But Jesus through scripture was able to overcome the temptations. A powerful example to us as believers to know God's word so we will be ready to defend ourselves at our our point of greatest weakness.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #34

It another Psalm Saturday. Enjoy the words of celebration as we consider Jesus victory over the grave!

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
² Worship the LORD with gladness;
   come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the LORD is God.
   It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];
   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
   and his courts with praise;
   give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #33

Happy Friday! It's the weekend and today was a beautiful day! Thankful for the sunshine and a little time to go for a walk with the dog and just enjoy the beauty of God's creation!

The scripture for today come from

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

This was the verse of the day from biblegateway.com - which is a great resource for looking up scripture. Anyway I think it is an appropriate verse for today which is typically tax day - although this year they moved it to Monday. But so often I complain about having to pay taxes and bills and such. But the reality is that we are called as Christians to honor and respect the government and its taxes. Though I am not a fan I know there is a purpose and I have to pay them so I might as well pay them without complaining!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Forty Days of Lent - Day #32

Happy Rainy Wednesday everyone! Joel keeps reminding me that April showers bring May flowers - well I am ready for those flowers for sure!

Our scripture this morning comes from Lamentations.... maybe not a book you spend a lot of time reading but this scripture stuck out to me.

Lamentations 3:55-58

"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: Do not close your ears to my cry for relief. You came near when I called you and you said, "Do not fear. O Lord you took up my case; you redeemed my life."

Isn't it encouraging to know that when we are down and out (let's just say we are lamenting) that God hears our cries. But not only does he hear them, he does something about them, and redeems us in the process. I know there have been times where I felt as though I was crying out but God was not hearing my cry. Then I am reminded that he hears my cry, and cares for me - but it may not always be how I think he should - therefore it feels as though I am alone or he has abandoned me. He promises never to leave me nor forsake me! And my God is a God who fulfills his promises!!!!