Stay at Home Saturday: The Recipe for a Better Day

I have a confession to make: many times my devotions go to the back burner on Saturdays. Often, my husband and I have stayed up late the night before, we're tired from the week, and it's a lazy morning. Usually, if I do them at all, I do my devotions in the afternoon while the kids are napping. This isn't necessarily a terrible thing, but I read something this week that showed me a better way.

My mom gave me a lovely book a few weeks ago, called Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. It's a devotional book for every day of the year. It is written as if Jesus is speaking directly to you. I started late so I've been reading several at a time. Yesterday I read the one for January 12 and I'd like to share part of it with you:

Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it . . . You'd feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend time with me . . . I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way.

Are you a working mother who runs all of her errands on Saturday? Are you a woman who spends each Saturday trying to clean the house and grocery shop? Maybe you are a mom who spends each Saturday driving from one ball game to another birthday party. Or perhaps you're like me, who spends most Saturdays at home with family, doing the occasional grocery run and cleaning sprint around the house.

Wherever you find yourself this Saturday, can I encourage you to begin your day with the One who created it? He already knows what you'll face today and He has the map to guide you from morning till bedtime. He goes before you and walks beside you each step of the day. Let Him be your Companion and your travel guide.

Thrifty Thursday ~ Magazine with Coupons

All You is a magazine from the publishers of People. My Dad got me a subscription six months ago and I think it is a very practical magazine written for real women. The best part is the $70-$100 per month worth of coupons.

There are two ways to get this magazine:

1. Buy it from Walmart for $2.44 per issue ($29.28 per year).

2. Get a subscription.

The best option for a subscription is $10.77 for 12 issues.

1. Go to ebates and sign in/register.

2. Click on Magazines.com in the store drop down menu.

3. Search for All You Magazine on the Magazine.com website.

Going through ebates first will get you 21% cashback on your purchase from Magazines.com making the subscription cost $15.77. If you're new to ebates you will also get a $5 bonus.

Other Offers $15.00 for 12 issues

AllYou.com

Amazon.com

Wednesday In The Word

My mother used to say, "make the most of every opportunity." I am not sure she knew she was quoting scripture but if you look in Colossians chapter 4 you will see it right there.........."make the most of every opportunity."

Early in my life I squandered a lot of opportunities. I am not sure if it was lack of motivation or ignorance or both but as I have became older and grown in my relationship with the Lord. I desire to make the most of every opportunity.

Here is the whole verse:

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone Colossians 4:2-6

If we look at this verse we see clearly the key elements of making the most of every opportunity.

From the rooftop:

The first key is to pray about everything, be devoted to prayer

The second is to watch for opportunities

The third is to be thankful when opportunities come our way

The fourth is to show people God's love and to proclaim Jesus Christ to them

The fifth is to conduct ourselves with delightful conversation and as gracious people that know a gracious God

How many times do opportunities come across our path and we see them as burdens and miss a blessing in our life. Recently, I have been so struck by the videos of the chaplains from the Billy Graham Association and Samaritan's Purse making the most of the opportunity as they help so many in Haiti. Maybe someone is sick living next door to you, there is an opportunity. All the little people and the husband that may reside in your home are opportunities. Point is we don't have to look far to seize the opportunities that God wants us to make the most of. I am praying that we all respond to the daily opportunities that we are given.

I love you,

Glenda

Train Up Tuesday: Teaching Our Children to do "Good" Things

I’m currently in a weekly small group of women studying Beth Moore’s “Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman.” In our homework for this week, Beth referenced an article by Laura Fraser entitled “My So-Called Genius.” In it, Laura speaks of the many accolades she received as a child genius and the “forecasts” of what she’d become. She also speaks of how these predictions actually ended up hindering her and the success that she expected because “Perfectionists always lose.” In her words, “If your identity is wrapped in the magnificent things you’re destined to achieve - as a great writer, musician, scientist, politician, chef - the thought that you might produce something mediocre can be devastating.”

Beth Moore breaks it down for us by saying, “Couldn’t the craving to do something great keep us from doing something good?”

I’m so thankful for having come across this study at this time. For sometime now, I have wrestled with the notion that as Christians, we should be seeking to do something “GREAT” for God. And, as a result, I can testify in my own life that I haven’t “always been where I am.” Meaning, I’ve looked for the “next big thing” I’m supposed to do. But in the last couple of years, God has shown me that I’ve missed so much in overlooking the day-to-day kingdom work for the “change the world” variety of opportunities that I suppose I thought were just going to fall from the sky and in front of me.

Guess what. Good things require hard work, right now. Not just later when a huge opportunity presents itself (if it ever does).

This is something we have to instill in our little ones now. In this “instant fame” society we now live in, it won’t be an easy task. Even in church culture we are hearing so much about how the next generation can be “world changers” and rarely is that message paired with the “small kingdom work” that we spoke of last week.

I also know most of us are learning balance in what is and isn’t appropriate “praise” for our children. I don’t know about you, but I remember public programming children’s shows from when I was a kid telling me I could be ANYTHING I wanted to be. They failed to tell me the work that was involved. Furthermore, they failed to tell me that I could only successfully AND happily be only what God wanted and enabled me to be if I was obedient and diligent. It’s a very simple message, but I think that may be how we need to train our children - do the good things God wants us all to do.

So what about those great things that we desire for our children to accomplish in life? Well, to close, I again quote Beth Moore, “Every one of us who embraces the glory of God as our purpose will end up doing great things precisely because we do God-things. His holy had resting on the least act renders the ordinary extraordinary.”

Much love and encouragement,

Ashlie

Action verses Words

Ladies:

There are two scenarios in a marriage (ok there are more but for time sake let's pretend there are two!):
1) Wife verbally downloads information to her husband and husband tries to fix her problems. Wife does not want a fix just someone safe to listen to her.
2) Husband verbally downloads problems to wife and wife tries to fix them. Like the first scenario, husband just wants wife to listen.

In my house we often act out scene number 2. My husband works alone for most the day and comes home ready to share the thoughts he has been pondering throughout his day and just need to verbally download on me. Now, I am a woman of action and solutions. I hear a problem and I instantly start problem solving. I do have an analytical mind and love a good problem, so I often see the daily conflicts my husband faces as an "opportunity" to find a solution. After a night of talking through things I often file the information in the discard pile and wake up for the next days challenges. My husband on the other hand often process the information for days, weeks, months, years!! After ten years of marriage I have learned to listen, keep listening and let him continue to talk out his problem without offering up any solution until my advice is solicited. Even when my advice or opinion is solicited, I must chose my words wisely (often the fewer the better), keep my tone supportive(don't align with the opposing team) and NOT try and fix anything(let him be a man, I am not his mommy).

I share this to offer up support to all of us who are control freaks, peace makers, and problem solvers. God's word is rich with advice to us as wives and there are several verses that have spoken to me often from my heart as I began to act out in ways that were not the most loving and honoring of my husband.

The first example of timing and tone is with Queen Esther. If you read through Esther and look at chapter 5 and 7 you will see Esther has something very important she wanted to discuss with her husband, the king. She put together a great meal, invited him and a friend and let the night play out without hurrying into her request. Instead of bringing it up that night she decided to WAIT and have another dinner. Timing was everything. God still had to move in her husbands heart to prepare him in advance for the response he would give to her request. Since she was patient and prayerful, God honored her and an entire nation of people!

The last verse I share is one for those whose husband may not know the Lord or may be living a life disobedient to the Lord (which could be any of us at any moment!):

1 Peter 3:1-4 "In the same way, wives, be subject to your own husbands. Then, even if some are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without a word by the way you live, when they see your pure and reverent conduct. Let your beauty not be external – the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes – but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."

God is master of the universe and can handle all things just fine without us getting our two cents in. Most the time God wants us to listen to Him and watch Him work. I love 2 Chronicles 20:15 where the Lord tells King Jehoshaphat and the men of Judah, "Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of this huge army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s!" then it goes on to say in verse 17 "You will not fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand, and watch the Lord deliver you".

Ladies, stand and watch the Lord deliver you and your family today!

Crazy in love with my husband,
Annie

Stay at Home Saturday

Tried and True Tip
Got any old shower caddies laying around? Here are two ideas for putting them to good use:

I use this shower caddy as a toy and book corral in my car. It fits perfectly between the two car seats!

You can also position a divided caddy on the edge of a crib. When your baby awakens from a nap, she can pull toys out to play until you're ready to get her. Of course, this only works with babies tall enough to stand and reach into the bin!

Recipe

I got this recipe from my friend, Amy, and it makes enough for an army! It is easy and quick to make, and you can add a little nutritional value by using whole grain pasta and lower fat cheeses. You can assemble this in the morning (or even the night before) and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it. Just let it sit out 30 minutes beforehand to come closer to room temperature before you bake. When I make this we often eat it twice during the week. Cook once, eat twice!

Baked Ziti

2 jars pasta sauce
1 lb. ziti or penne
16 oz. ricotta cheese
1 lb. mozzarella cheese (I buy slices to save time, but you can certainly buy a block and grate it)
1 egg, beaten

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 13x9 pan.
2. Cook the pasta slightly al dente (it will cook more while baking).
3. Mix the egg and ricotta cheese together.
4. Pour a thin layer of sauce into the pan.
5. Add a layer of pasta.
6. Put the ricotta/egg in globs all over the pasta.
7. Add a layer of mozzarella.
8. Cover with a layer of sauce.
9. Repeat layers.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Love,
Amy

Train Up Tuesday: The “Small” Kingdom Work of Being a Mom

Last week I referred to the “small” Kingdom work of being home with our children (indeed, being a Mom). I received some feedback when I posted the link on Facebook appreciating the reminder of our “small” Kingdom work. This week, I’d like to encourage you by referencing a book I just finished reading - “Passionate Housewives Desperate for God,” by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald and one I read about a year and a half ago - “Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother,” by Carolyn Mahaney. I highly suggest both books for those of you seeking to be a biblical, godly wife and mom.

I want to encourage you today not because your work is trite and you need a self-esteem booster, but rather, I want you to really understand the value and importance of what you do.

I know as a mom, there are days when you wish you could be saturated in the Word or being heavily involved in an outside ministry (other than your home). There can be a danger in feeling that our family is getting in the way of actually serving in the Kingdom. When we feel that way, it is likely that we have lost the vision of seeing that serving our family indeed is worthy Kingdom work. Now, I’m not suggesting that your life should be an “us four and no more” situation. And I’m not saying that in our service to our children, that our home becomes child-centered.

However, in today’s culture, we have been “educated”, “enlightened”, and “liberated” to believe that real service happens only outside the home. And we all want to make a big change to impact the world now more than ever. So how can being a mom ministering at home make a real eternal impact for the Kingdom?

I’ve come to love the passage in Titus 2 relating to our roles as wives and mothers, but it wasn’t until I read Carolyn Mahaney’s book (“Feminine Appeal”) that I came to understand that all that Scripture wasn’t given just so that Christian families would have a more blessed or happy life together. The older women were commanded to teach the younger women how to be godly wives and mothers so “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (verse 5). Some translations say “so that the word is not reviled” or even “so that no one can speak evil of” or “criticize” God’s word. Wow! That means that what we do in our “small” kingdom affects how the world sees Christ (Christianity). Are you starting to see how big of a deal our job as wife and mother truly is?

Perhaps you are thinking, “yeah, but so much of what I do is tedious work...not real life-changing, anointed stuff.” It sure can feel that way. But, as Stacy McDonald says in “Passionate Housewives,” that is a wrong assumption because “the hands that bathe your baby at night are no less holy that the hands that serve you communion on Sunday.” The mundane daily tasks can be a holy act when we do them as “unto the Lord.” We are responsible for cultivating our children into God’s precious warriors and ambassadors. We are responsible for creating an environment of worship in our home. It doesn’t just stop with our immediate families, either. Our homes can provide outside ministry opportunities as we open them up and let them shine to an outside world as a city on a hill, as they were intended to be, by inviting people into the Kingdom (by way of our “small” kingdom). Each of us has been given special gifts that we can use in our homes not only to enhance our homes, but to enrich our families and train our children...which can lead to a heritage of having that Titus 2 testimony.

So don’t get discouraged, my sister, in the routine of your housework and mothering “duties” that seem to sometimes go unnoticed or as you ache to be on a “real mission field”. I close with this quote from “Passionate Housewives”:

“Jesus made himself of no reputation. He did not seek after degrees or recognition. He was content to stay in a tiny area and minister to a miniscule group of people whom the world viewed as insignificant. Kind of like a homemaker, under the authority of her loving husband, ministering to the children who need her.”

Be encouraged wives and mothers!

Much love,

Ashlie

Free-for-all Friday: The Mommy Pod

A couple of the women of Roof with a View have come together to create a website, The Mommy Pod, to help busy moms focus on their health while keeping their children and families top priority. The Mommy Pod also hopes to help make your career as a mother easier. We understand that at the end of most days, your "to do list" is completed by the skin of your teeth (if at all) and we want to give you easy to use online resources to help you stay on track and minimize the chaos in your life.

If you live in the Charlotte area, The Mommy Pod provides local moms with multiple offerings for personal trainers, menu planning, and food delivery. We have partnered with some local companies to give discounts on valuable services. For example, Harris Teeter has sponsored us by offering free curbside pick up with internet shopping, Dream Dinners is also creating a special menu and package especially for Mommy Podders and we have a personal trainer that will be doing the same.

Don't live in the Charlotte area? The Mommy Pod is still for you! There are excellent online tools that you will find very useful--a Food Tracker, Menu Planner, and a Fitness log are each available free of charge on our website. These will hold you accountable and keep you on track as you strive for a healthier you in 2010.

Personally, using The Mommy Pod services has helped me make amazing lifestyle changes. I am eating much healthier while setting goals and sticking with them. I also conquered my quest to run a half marathon 4 months after having my second son! I love having an increased energy level, and feeling more confident about what I am eating which has trickled down into my family as well.

Will you join The Mommy Pod in 2010?
www.themommypod.com

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive articles, healthy tips, and discounts!

Love,
Imogene

Thrifty Thursday ~Biweekly Mortgage Payments

Last week we received an invitation from our mortgage servicing company to make our payments biweekly. It intrigued me so I did some research and wanted to share it with you.

• How it works: You pay half of your mortgage every two weeks. This coincides evenly with many paycheck schedules.
• Why it works: By making 26 payments of half your mortgage you are in effect making 13 monthly payments instead of the customary 12.
• The benefits: You can pay off your mortgage six to eight years early! You can save a large amount of money in interest (I'm talking over $20,000).
• The fine print: Of the top five mortgage-servicing institutions, four charge enrollment fees that range from $295-$379. Plus, there is a levy charge on every transaction (my offer was $1.50 per payment).
• Is it for you? If you like the convenience of having the bank automatically draft a payment that coincides with your biweekly paycheck and don't mind the extra fees it may be for you. But, is there a better way to spend this money? Are you making the maximum contribution to your retirement? How long are you planning to stay in your house? Would paying off your mortgage early help you reach other financial goals?

The free alternative:

1. If you get a bonus or tax refund each year, add the equivalent of one extra payment to your mortgage. Be sure to tell the bank that the additional money goes toward the principal!
2. If you get paid biweekly, take half of your mortgage payment from each check and put it in a savings account. At the beginning of the month, write your mortgage check from that account. At least twice a year you'll be including the equivalent of an extra half-payment. Again, specify that the additional money goes against the principal.

We decided not to do the bi-weekly payments at this time because our house is on the market. What are your thoughts on this program?

Wednesday In The Word: From the Rooftop

It has almost been a year since this blog began and what an exciting and informative year it has been. I still think the name of this blog is appropriate for what it's purpose is. Our theme scripture:

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight, what is whispered in the ear proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:27

This verse captures what all the women on Roof With A View want to do. We all want to take our relationship with Jesus Christ into every thing we do and into our daily lives. What comes out of that, our strengths and our weaknesses, we want to share with you. Hopefully you have found lots of nuggets of truth as you have visited us each day.

Last Friday night I went to a video taping and I was amazed at what I saw. A man stood on top of a roof while shoppers and life frantically went on in the street below. The man gave a clear creative presentation on the love of God. There he was on top of a building surrounded by other buildings and as I watched I could see that people who lived in the surrounding buildings were opening their windows to hear what He was saying.

That is what our lives are to be about. We all are to figuratively stand on the rooftop and act out and speak about all the amazing things that God has done in our lives. We never know who is tuning their ear to hear but you can be assured that they are. We often are silent when we need to be actively proclaiming who we have known God to be in our lives.

I am praying for all of us that we stand on the rooftop and shout out what God has done in our lives!

Love,
Glenda

Train Up Tuesday: A Clean Sweep before It Gets Messy

I think part of New Year’s resolutions for most moms I know involves some form of organization, de-cluttering, or a clean sweep (even before “spring cleaning”). I know I’ve been thinking and acting on it a lot lately. All the stores have their nice organizing containers on sale in January; the idea of re-prioritizing through lists or goals for the year is fresh on our minds; and many of us are trying to find room in our homes for the new “stuff” we received for Christmas by purging what we have.

All of those are very worthy and necessary pursuits, for sure. After all, we’ve probably all experienced those times when a cluttered environment has led to a cluttered mind. Ugh! (or am I alone in that?!) However, I hope that we don’t miss the opportunity to de-clutter our calendars as well. That is something that I have had to take aggressive action towards in my own life (And this coming from a stay-at-home mom with children not involved in team activities and not of school age yet. Even I have those days or weeks when “stay-at-home” doesn’t seem like an appropriate title.)

Consider the holiday season we just celebrated. I thoroughly enjoyed so many moments, but can I be honest? I cringed a little at the thought of the hectic few days surrounding Christmas. Being here, there, everywhere. Going through gifts with the boys at so many places and knowing that they probably didn’t even realize what they had received. That’s when I “scheduled” a week at home to follow - doing nothing but enjoying time at home with the boys and their toys. I’m understanding how important it is to have those precious moments when I don’t know the answer to “what are we going to do next, Momma?”.

Even in the normal, routine days, we can be overburdened with scheduled events...even those that are meant to be for our good or the good of others. Over scheduled with Bible studies, mothers’ mornings out, and volunteer opportunities, we can often miss out on focusing on our “small” kingdom work of being at home with our children and savoring unscheduled moments. We seem to have bigger homes with more things and less time to enjoy being there with those we love the most.

I challenge you to look at your calendar...while it’s still January and somewhat “uncluttered”...and purpose to keep it pretty clean. Don’t neglect the necessary and worthy things you should and must do, but reevaluate what really is necessary and beneficial to your family and your children. Teach your children to scale back as well. Though they may want to be everywhere but home (especially as teenagers), I’m certain they will thank you later for those dear times spent at home connecting with you. Plus, it will teach them to prioritize before they have families of their own.

An uncluttered calendar reflects an uncluttered mind (at least, that’s how the quote should go).

Much love,

Ashlie

Cutting the cord

In recent days and over the course of my marriage I have had the opportunity to either unite with my husband or oppose his position on issues relating to my family. Backing up a bit... I grew up the oldest of two girls who were the best of friends and a mom who was very present in our lives. On the other hand my father was an introverted workaholic who was around only for fun and never took much interest in disciplining us or pouring wisdom into our lives. He was the good guy and my mom was the bad (so I thought). As children we form views of our parents based on a reality that is not mature or objective. We are seeking love, security and approval as children and we will mask according to our unmet needs. I love my family and they are very important to my life. So important, that for many years I had not cut the cord in my heart. It was as if I had left the boat my family was traveling on and jumped into another with my husband but still was holding on to the anchor connected to my parents boat. I could not set sail with Mike because the boat my new life was on was being dragged along with my parents.

There have many many frustrating arguments between Mike and I where he would bring up things he saw that may have not been healthy in my family but I took those personally and would get defensive and close my eyes to the truth of what he was saying. God has been faithful in providing me the opportunity to truly cut the cord and form a healthy bond to my husband. The first opportunity I took was two years ago when my dad cheated on my mom. That was a turning point that led me to turn to Mike and see what a great and wise man I had married. The second is a recent family feud where I have been given the chance to either stand by my husband or turn from him in order to side with my family. I was talking with my mom and out of mouth came words I never thought were possible, "Above all people I chose my husband." PRAISE and GLORY all to the father who has not given up on my stubborn will.

God is patient and loving. He can do anything and He does not see time as we do. If you are struggling in your marriage don't give up. It is never too late for change while you still have life on earth. The greatest prayer I ever learned from reading Stormie Omartians book The Power of a Praying wife was "Lord change me." I started praying that five years ago and God has been doing it ever since.

Looking at the Bible:
I challenge you to read through the Genesis 2 account of the creation of the man and woman and the union as one flesh. There is more biblical information than I have time or space to write so please follow this link, read through the passage and look at the notes with each verse.

Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Questions based on verse 24:
1) For what reason?
2) What does it mean to leave?
3) What does it mean to unite?
4) What does it mean to be one flesh?

All the answers are on net.bible.org

Learning to let go!
Annie

Stay-at-home Saturday

Did you know?

Permanent marker doesn't always have to be permanent. You can use nail polish remover to wipe away permanent marker from many surfaces! Try it on plastics and laminated materials to wipe your surfaces clean. I did it this week to re-label these plastic canisters:

A cool product:

I want tell you about a product that has made cooking a little easier (and fun!) for me the last few months. I make a lot of breakfasts that can be frozen ahead of time and pulled out for a quick breakfast. Muffins are a great example of this. Both my 3 year old and 1 year old love to eat muffins but I have to make them different varieties, as my 1 year old is currently on a non-dairy diet. I have always disliked muffin baking for one reason alone: the clean up. I do not like cleaning out the individual muffin cups! However, I recently discovered these awesome mini-muffin tins that make muffin baking a breeze!

The Wilton baking company now makes the coolest muffin tin I've ever seen - it is metal-safe, non-stick and dishwasher safe! It's called Wilton Indulgence Professional Bakeware 12-Cup Mini Muffin Pan. These pans are awesome. They are non-stick but they clean up in the dishwasher! I still spray mine with baking spray but it washes off every time. You can even use metal utensils on these, but I haven't found it necessary; the muffins lift right out.

Target sells a 24-cup version, but I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and got 2 12-cup tins instead. That way if I want to make a half recipe I can, and they are easier to fit in the dishwasher.

By the way, one of our favorite muffin recipes is Deceptively Delicious Chocolate Chip Muffins. It's found in Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook and they are sooo good. Making them mini-muffin-size just adds to the fun!

Love,

Amy

Thrifty Thursday~ Super Doubles

Harris Teeter is having Super Doubles 1/6 - 1/12!!! What does "super doubles" mean? Any coupon that is $1.98 or less will double!! This results in lots of FREE or GDA (good deal anyway) products. Since HT doubles coupons .99 or less every day of the year, the key to this super doubles week is to focus on coupons between $1.00-1.98. Click here to see Harris Teeters coupon policy.

Click here to see my first shopping trip when I spent $1.85 and I saved $56.90.

How to prepare for Super Doubles:

1. Organize coupons. Make sure you have everything cut and filed. I know this seems obvious, but if you try to skip this step everything else will be more difficult. Click here to see how I use my coupon box.
2. See what's on sale. The easiest way to do this is to go to Southern Savers and Hot Coupon World. They list the item on sale, the corresponding coupon, and the final price. They also list items that are not on sale but are a good deal anyway with coupons.
3. Print coupons. Use the links provided in the Southern Saver and HCW websites to print internet coupons. Remember to flip your paper over and hit the back button to print the same coupon twice. (I don't pull out my Sunday paper coupons prior to my trip. I found this was more work in the long run if the item was out of stock, priced higher than expected, or I just decided against it. This is a matter of personal preference.)
4. Make your list. Click here to access my grocery list by aisle document. I write the things from Southern Saver and HCW that I want to purchase. I include the anticipated price next to the item so I can see if it matches while I'm in the store. Because only 20 coupons per day will double I highlight the items I hope to get on my first shopping trip. Obviously, the free items tend to go first.
5. Shop! I go first thing Wednesday morning with my shopping list, internet printable coupons, coupon box, and reusable bags.

Let me know how you do!

Wednesday In The Word: Expectation

Happy New Year!

What are you expecting out of this year?

What are you expecting God to do in your life in 2010?

The second question is probably more important than the first. Just over the past few months, in the lives of people we love, events have happened that they were definitely not expecting~ even in the lives of the women that contribute here on Roof With A View. For example:

One lady is having twins...

One lady spent a large part of her Christmas holiday in Poland, away from her children, with her unexpectedly sick husband that ending up having surgery IN Poland...

One lady is in the process of adopting a child...

One has had a baby boy...

Another is pregnant with her first child...

One lady's spouse has lost his job...

One has suffered marital conflict...

One has learned that her mother has cancer...

There have been several miscarriages...

One (at least) has suffered from anxiety...

Life does not always go the way we expect or plan. What do we do when that happens? Granted, some of the unexpected is exciting news and brings great joy and some is just plain devastating and brings challenges that we never thought we would be facing. Sometimes it seems best to pray, plan the best you can and then cling to Jesus when we are faced with plans not materializing or changing all together.

I came across this verse that I think helps all of us when we are faced with the unexpected.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

The Psalmist wrote this passage when he was faced with many challenges in his life and his days were not going the way He expected.

From The Rooftop:

Our life is in God's hands.

He can be trusted.

His unexpected is better than our expected, even when it is so difficult.

Call out to Him in the morning before you get out of bed and ask Him to fill up your day His way.

Wait in expectation for what He will do.

Through all the joys and difficulties of life, let's pray for each other that we will expect God to act each day of our life. When what takes place is not on our schedule. take it as from Him.

I know it would encourage your sisters on the Roof to hear from you if you have experienced a change in your life because God changed what you had expected. Until then...

I love you,
Glenda

Train Up Tuesday: New Traditions for the New Year

Welcome to the first Train Up Tuesday for 2010! I hope you took time to reflect on the blessings and God's grace & mercy for 2009.

How many times have you written 2009 accidentally? ;-) Well, take down last year's calendars, note what is necessary (transfer birthdays and such), and consider a few inexpensive activities that you do using those calendars. Chasing Cheerios has a cute matching activity. Also check out Thrifty Fun for several tips.

Last week, I mentioned taking time to document your memories for last year. One idea was collecting items for a time capsule. What if you started 2010 with that in your mind? Perhaps each family member could have a small tin (an Altoid or mint tin) to fill with scraps, odds, and ends to place in a 2010 capsule in December. Then, you could look through it together to remember your favorite moments of 2010. Click "scrapbook" to see a cute idea made from an Altoid tin. Wouldn't one per month be cool?

Think of other ways that you can note progress, change, and developments in your children throughout the year. Last year, I had my then 3 1/2 year old draw in a blank book every month to track his artistic progress. It was amazing to see the changes in his art without my coercing. January is sweet and non-themed, the middle of the year you see more purposeful drawings, writings, scribbilngs, and in December, he closed out the year with a Christmas tree and nativity drawing (that you can actually recognize quite well).

Perhaps your children are into writing, building, photography, gardening, crafting, music, or something else entirely. Ponder different ways that you can keep track of their progress. Hey, this could be perfect for the time capsule or even as a gift to someone next Christmas! ;-)

So, now for a few unrelated questions: What do you want to read about on Train Up Tuesdays (TUT) in 2010? Where are you challenged as a parent? What inspires or encourages you in your role as "Mom"? What have been your favorite TUT posts?

Have a happy day,

Ashlie

Mahvelous Monday~Reminder & Do it Yourself wrapped in one :)

Happy Monday, Ya'll! How's your first day back to reality? I hear some groans but I might also detect a sound of spring in some of your steps!

Whichever way you are feeling, I wanted to share a great verse for a great start to the New Year. Our pastor talked about this verse yesterday and it would be a great one to apply to this Do It Yourself post. Remember...visual repetition is a great way to help plant the Lord's promises in your heart and mind (for your family, too)!

You will show me the path of life;
In your presence is fullness of joy;
At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
--Psalm 16:11

So, if you're having an aimless, uncertain, floundering type of day. Be encouraged that if you look to Him, He WILL show you the path of LIFE.

If you're feeling down in the doldrums, ho hum, heavy and burdened, try looking to Him, praising Him and laying that heaviness at His feet through prayer. In His presence IS fullness of JOY.

He WILL uphold you with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10) and at that right hand ARE pleasures forevermore!

Now, go get creative with this scripture (fonts, colors, pretty paper, etc.) and get to framing!

Love ya'll and God bless your day!
Hannah

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year Roof with a Viewers!! We hope that your celebration of Jesus' birth was blessed and surrounded by family and friends. For those that have been experiencing loss and hardship, I pray the Lord touched you in a special way as you reflected upon His birth and that you will feel his presence as we approach a new year and decade.



Are you a woman that likes to make resolutions? I'll be honest that I'm really not but I sure love to hear my friend's resolutions!

Well, if one of your resolutions happens to be better about saving money or to jump back on the coupon wagon, you are in luck! Word on the street is that tomorrow's Sunday paper is going to possibly be the best of the year. I heard a money saving guru on the radio saying she is even planning on buying TEN (so, THAT's where all those papers disappear)! Apparently, there will be FIVE (rather than the norm 2 or 3) inserts (3 SmartSource and 2 Red Plum). Click here for a list of ALL the coupons (they may vary by region). All the rage seems to be the 2.50 off Electrasol/Finish (doesn't take much to get us women excited)!

So....by all means, don't forget your paper tomorrow. Just remember to be considerate of the rest of us that might not make it to the store until after you and don't hog ALLLLL the papers off the stand! :)

Love ya'll!
Hannah