Exercise Paid for Our Trip to the Lake

Several months ago, way back in February, Scott and I decided to save money from exercising. Every time that we exercised, we put a dollar into a jar. You can read about our original inspiration here. 

We had decided that we were going to go on a trip to the lake and pay for the trip with the exercise money. Here is a look at what our jar ended up looking like. I dug out the money and counted it up. Not enough for us to spend the night, but just enough to enjoy the day! 

Our very first road trip had been up to the lakes last year. Here is a picture of us on that day.

We tried to get a similar picture this year, but we were really fighting the sun. I think this is the best picture that we accomplished at the lighthouse. Scary double chin!

We ventured over to Put In Bay thanks to some ferry passes that we got at the fireman's festival last year. Here we are at the top of Perry's Monument. Seein' a little pink in this picture!

And we saw this on one of the roads. What fun! I would love to build a fire in this fire pit, curl up in one of these chairs, and read a good book! Relaxation...

We enjoyed knowing that our day was paid for by our hard work. At least most of those exercise sessions that we put a little bit into! 

Book Review: Peterson, Touching the Sky

My friend Cindy told me that she likes this book more than the first book in the series. I have been out of the fiction loop for a while, so I didn't know if I would agree with her. I definitely thought this was a more enjoyable read. 

Add a little suspense and mystery to the book and I am more of a fan!

There are two sisters Laura and Carissa are facing the end of the civil war. Carissa quickly falls in love and marries a man despite her sisters non approval. 

Laura meets a man and becomes involved in a plot that could eventually convict Carissa's husband guilty of a crime that would result in hanging.

This man that Laura meets, she falls in love with. But is trying to use her to get to her brother-in-law?

Will the family stay together or will this tear them apart? The farther you get into the book, the more intriguing the plot gets.

I am thankful that Bethany House allowed me to read and review this book. If you are interested in reviewing their books then check them out here. You do have to write a review on your blog and a retailer site. 

As always, if you are interested in borrowing my copy, let me know! 

A Man of Influence: Proverbs 31:23

Proverbs 31:23 "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."

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What a great opportunity we have to help our husbands to be know as great!

Susannah Spurgeon  (pictured above) provides us a wonderful example of making her husband known. Her husband Charles came home one night feeling like he had been gone from home too much. He came in to hear his wife upstairs praying for all of their children by name as she was putting them to sleep. He knew, at that point, that his children were well taken care of and that he could return to the work that God had called him to. 

Any man that is successful has a woman at home that is allowing him to be successful. I really like Proverbs 12:3 which says  ^"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." 

I think that a huge part of what makes a husband to be looked upon well is to have a wife who is always saying good things about her husband. Aren't these important things easier said than done...although, I still think my husband is perfect :)

How does Elizabeth George weigh in on this?

1. Praise him
2. Encourage him- these first two make me think about making sure that my husband knows that I appreciate him  and that those around him know that I appreciate him. 
3. Take care of your marriage
4. Take care of your family
5. Take care of your home
6. Take care of your finances- I really like the quote that goes something like, make your husband sad to leave you and happy to come home to you. If things aren't in order at home, then your husband is not going to want to come home. I need to be providing an atmosphere that my husband wants to come home to. I have learned that my husband likes the dishes to be done! 
7. Let him go- I don't like this one. I tend to be a time person and want my husband around. If he is doing the work of the Lord, I need to be willing to spare him for what God is calling him to do. 
8. Support his dreams- Find out what his dreams are and work on meeting them with him. This is something that I will be continuously working on. 
9. Realize that our behavior is a reflection on him- Just like a child's behavior is a reflection of parents, my behavior is a reflection of my husband. What kind of image am I reflecting on my husband?

Do you have any advice of things I can do as a wife to make my husband be more of a man of influence?

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:22- A Tapestry of Beauty

Proverbs 31:21- A Double Blessing

Proverbs 31:20- A Helping Hand

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Goals: Week of August 27th

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If only this could be my goals for the week! I would already have it done. I would also feel like I had accomplished nothing...that would not be cool!

This weeks goals:

1. Walk 10 miles
2. Be ready to sub each day
3. Get everything ready to teach my coupon class
4. Have the youth group activity
5. Figure out how to knit and finish at least half of a dishcloth
6. Finish skirt
7. Clean closet

Last weeks goals:

1. Walk 10 miles- I only made it about 3...
2. Clean porch- My husband did this for me!
3. Back up pictures- I put this off for weeks, to find out it took me maybe a half an hour...
4. Date day with my husband
5. Design blog header
6. Inventory of food
7. Clean the "exercise" room- looking better. Still need some work though!

Cardstore.com: Free Card!

I love these free cards!! 

Cardstore.com is giving away free cards with free shipping until Sunday. Use the code CCK2248 when checking out in order to get your free card.

Anyone that you think my need a little encouragement? The last card deal, my MIL sent a card to a shut-in at her church. Love this idea.

Who will you be sending your card to?

Thanks, MoneySavingMom!

$1.50 International Delights Coupon

$1.50 International Delights Coupon is available. Just log in or sign up in order to receive this coupon.

Great time to use a junk email and remember to print this coupon twice!

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Coupon Class: September 4th or 10th

Are you interested in learning how to cut down your grocery budget? Learning how to obtain, organize, and successfully use coupons? This is the class for you!

Where: Wayside Chapel. 

When:

Coupon Class on September 4th from 8am to 10am

Coupon Class on September 10th from 6pm to 8pm

Cost is $10

Bring a pen for notes.

Prizes will be given!

If neither of these dates work for you, feel free to contact me and we can set up another time that will work!

Proverbs 31:22- A Tapestry of Beauty

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Proverbs 31:22

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In this verse, we get the first look at the woman who is beautiful in God's eyes. 

The verse starts off by talking about her home and how she makes it look good. I never have claimed to be a big fan of the home decorating arena. Sometimes though it is the little things that matter. Getting rid of clutter. Cleaning the floors.

I like the example in this book about how Noah's wife made a home in an ark. Eve called a garden home. So no matter what you call a house, you can make it a home!

Then the Proverbs 31 woman went on to take care of herself. After she took care of her family and the home, she dressed herself in silk and purple. She knew that she was representing her husband and she wanted to represent him well. I know I have said this before, but this is something that I need to work on. Jeans and a t-shirt don't have to be my life! Stink!

I really like the beauty check that Elizabeth has this week

Check #1- Pretend you're a visitor.

Walk into your home like it is the first time that you have been there. What do you notice. What would you change? Such an eye opening experience.

Check #2- Plan several home improvements.

These don't have to be major or cost any money. Scrub stains on your floor. Pick up clutter. Organize a closet. The little things can make a huge difference!

Check #3- Pass it by your husband.

If you want to spend money on the house. Run it by your husband. If he says it needs to wait, patiently wait

Check #4- Put in some overtime.

Be willing to put in some extra work to make your house look great. Nothing good comes from being lazy. This one is something that I need to work on!

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:21- A Double Blessing

Proverbs 31:20- A Helping Hand

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

Goals: Week of 8/20

image from here

Not my best week of getting things done. My husband had some time off, and I greatly enjoyed getting to spend that time with him!

This Weeks Goals

1. Walk 10 miles
2. Clean porch
3. Back up pictures
4. Date day with my husband
5. Design blog header
6. Inventory of food
7. Clean the "exercise" room

Last Weeks Goals

1. Walk 10 miles- I made it about 7
2. Schedule coupons class and make flyer
3. Get things ready and go to farmer's market
4. Finish snapfish albums
5. Clean porch
6. Back up pictures
7. Get together address of schools I will sub at- might be good if I know where I am going!

Giveaway Winner!!

Thanks to all who entered my giveaway this last week. I did not expect all the people that entered, but am very thankful!

Ashlee S will soon have a supply of bic razors in her home. She responded that schick razors are here favorite. Time will tell if she will be convinces otherwise! Ashlee, I have sent you an email for your address! 

Congrats, Ashlee!!

A Double Blessing

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21

Who will be the first to guess what this verse was the inspiration for? 

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The Proverbs 31 lady is a prepared lady who looks forward to what her family needs for the winter and gets those things ready for them. She doesn't just do an ok job at what she makes them, but she makes them the best. 

Scarlet clothing. Ever think about how that would set her family apart? Also, the work that would go behind the color? Have you ever tried to dye something red? Think that pink is the color I get! She had to double dye these garments in order to get the right color. 

She was prepared for the future not matter what the future may hold. Am I preparing for the future? Am I providing the best for those around me so that they are prepared for the future. 

Elizabeth George's How-To's of Beauty:

1. Determine future needs- She suggests laying out a year calendar and plan on things that you need to do. Things around the house. Things for your family. Know what is coming up and don't let these issues be a surprise.
2. Prepare for emergencies- This became a little more real for me when we didn't have electricity for five days, thankfully it wasn't during the winter. Do you have the items that you will need based on the natural disasters that you might face in your area?
3. Care for clothing- Make sure that the clothes in the house are ready to be worn. I learned the other day how to iron pants...by my husband. Something I need to work on! Make sure your laundry is done and that the clothes that are in the house are ready to be worn.
4. Consider quality- The people in the Proverbs 31 woman's house didn't have a lot of clothes, but what they did have was quality. We don't really need a ton of clothes, but what we have needs to be take care of.
5. Consider comfort- This is where the title of a double blessing comes in. The families coats were warm and beautiful. No reason to be beautiful if you can't move in your clothes!
6. Consider beauty- She made sure that her families clothes were beautiful, but not over the top. This makes me think of how we should dress one step above those who are going to be at an event. This is a struggle for me sometimes as I love my jeans and t-shirt!

What do you need to work on to plan for the future of your family?

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:20- A Helping Hand

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

BSN complete!!

On Sunday, we had our families over for lunch just because we could, or so my husband thought. My husband has officially completed all the classwork for his bachelors in nursing...just waiting on that diploma! And so, because of this completion, we had a celebration!

I only got a few pictures from the day, but Scott got some gardening tools from his parents. Who would have thought that these tools would provide all the entertainment that the kids would need for the day!

My bro. He made my day. He said, I like that you left chunks of cream cheese in your dirt. I really like cream cheese. Why thanks! Glad I didn't get it completely mixed for you.

And the graduate. He had to take a fashion class to get his BSN. He randomly will say that he did something well because he took a fashion course. Silly guy!

Fashion class taught him a lot about that hat...

I am proud of him for his hard work in completing his BSN. He studied hard until the very end. Who gets like a 97 or 98 in your final college class? Scott! And it makes me very proud of him! I love you, Scott!

Toys "R" Us $5 off $5 Coupons

Toys "R" Us had some great coupons out. Head on over to their website to print out a $5 off any $5 purchase coupon.

You can also text 5ONUS to 78697 in order to receive another $5 off any $5 purchase coupon. 

You will probably have to do transactions to use both coupons. 

Here is to wishing we had a toys "R" Us or Babies "R" Us closer...

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Goals: Week of 8/13

image from here

I almost got everything done this last week. Can you tell that I have been putting off backing up my pictures?!!

This weeks goals:

1. Walk 10 miles
2. Schedule coupons class and make flyer
3. Get things ready and go to farmer's market
4. Finish snapfish albums
5. Clean porch
6. Back up pictures
7. Get together address of schools I will sub at- might be good if I know where I am going!

Last weeks goals:

1. Finish 2 growth charts
2. Run or walk 10 miles- I made it 7...
3. Plan the rest of the youth group activity
4. Back up pictures
5. Finish curtains
6. Have the families over for a meal- I don't know about them, but Scott and I had a great time. Celebrated Scott getting his BSN!
7. Finish filling out a North Central application

Bic Silky Touch Giveaway

I got a few packs of these free the other day at Walmart, and have decided to share a pack with a reader!

I would love for you to leave a comment about what your favorite razors are. Win extra entries by following the extra steps.

The winner must have a US address. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Helping Hand

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." 

Proverbs 31:20

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We have seen this far along how this lady is very industrious. She provides well for her family and for those in her household. It is almost like God is saying yes work and work hard, but sometimes you need to stop and take a look outside of your self and give to those around you who are hurting. 

I am going to jump straight to what Elizabeth lists this week for us to do. I think that these are good tips on ways that we can look outside of our home. 

How-to's of Beauty

1. Begin at home- She talks about a lady who frequently fed meals to hobos and also gave them the gospel of John. She was willing to show those inside of her home that giving to others was important. I can only imagine what kind of things her kids decided to do when they go on their own!
2. Give regularly to you home church- Find a ministry of your church that you can get involved in, either by doing or giving. If you are not able to find something inside your church that you can support, than think about what you can start up. Be a visionary.
3. Keep your ear to the ground- Many times those who are truly in need are not going to come directly to you asking you for what they need. Yes, people will come, but usually they are just looking for a free handout- I know this is a generalization. Listen for things that people say, or just find someone and decide that you are going to bless them. God lays things on people's hearts for a reason. 
4. Support a worthy organization or person- Find something outside of your church that you are passionate about. Scott has become interested in Medical Missions. I am able to get some stuff free with coupons that they can use. Great use for that stuff!
5. Pray about a personal project- Not sure how you can get involved. Pray. Can't give or go, pray about what God would have you to do. I am pretty sure if you are willing to do something for God, then He will give you something to do!
6. Err on the side of generosity- Be willing to give, even if it does not make sense to you. Give and give abundantly.
7. Live out love- What kind of love are those around you seeing in you? Make sure that God's love is flowing through you in such ways that others can see it. 

I would love to hear about some practical ways that you have either been able to help out others or that you have heard of people helping others. Leave these ideas in the comments. Maybe they will inspire the rest of us :)

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

$3.00 off Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist

Print this coupon for $3.00 off Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist, and you should be able to get it free at Walmart!

Thanks, MoneySavingMom!

Goals: Week of August 6th

image from here

Well, I didn't do as well this last week with my goals as I was hoping. So several of them are carrying over to this week :(

This Weeks Goals-

1. Finish 2 growth charts
2. Run or walk 10 miles
3. Plan the rest of the youth group activity
4. Back up pictures
5. Finish curtains
6. Have both families over for a meal
7. Finish filling out a North Central application

Last Weeks Goals-

1. Figure out next your group activity
2. Run or walk 10 miles- I did 3...
3. Finish wedding picture book
4. Back up my pictures on my computer
5. List items on eBay
6. Clean out freezer
7. Make curtains for the kitchen- good start, but had to wait on thread. Now to finish!

Cardstore: Free Greeting Card

Can I just say, that I love these card deals! I usually try to plan ahead and get birthday cards for people. I just hate to pay for a card that someone won't even read. These cards are personalized...and free!

Go to cardstore.com and choose a card. Once you are ready to check out, enter friend12 in the promo code section. You should not have to enter credit card info.

Make sure you get your card before Sunday!

Thanks, MoneySavingMom!

A Little Night Work

"She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle."

Proverbs 31:19

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Elizabeth George explains to us, that the Proverbs 31 woman takes the time in to evening to be profitable. The sun starts to go down for the night and what do we do? Do we turn in for the night or do we redeem that time?

The job that she chooses to do in the evenings does not take a whole lot of brain work, but does take time that is needed to perform her more creative tasks.

Part of me wants to rebel against this idea. We do need to sit down and relax at times and not be on the go all the time. At the same time, I think we do waste more of our time than we should. At least me personally...facebook, pinterest...

I like the idea that she has a file of things that she does at night, such as going through magazines, sifting through piles, paying bills. Things that she can do while enjoying time with the family, but at the same time being with them.

I want to learn how to knit in order to be able to occupy my hands without a lot of thought. Mainly, so that I might be able to stay awake while watching tv!

How-to's of Beauty

1. Evaluate your evenings- think about what you usually do in your evenings. What can you do to make them a little more God-honoring.
2. Plan your evening-  Plan for things that you can accomplish in the evenings. Have a plan, but don't forget to work it!
3. Prepare your evenings- Get out the supplies for what you need to work on. That way when you sit down, you have something to do and not just waste the time.
4. Use your evenings- You must actually get to work. No use in planning if you aren't going to do!
5. Use your mind in the evenings- The Proverbs 31 woman was probably dreaming about what she could do with her wool while she was making it. Allow yourself to dream!

I would love for you to plan out an evening and then come back and comment on something that you have gotten done! Redeem the time!

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure