99 Days of Summer: Today I undertake part three of my pre-shopping
prep. Each of the steps has taken less than 1 hour and once I have done
the actual shopping I will not do it again until March. I will not
have to go to Wal-Mart in the middle of winter wearing snow boots and a
big coat, or load groceries in and out of my car in 20 degree weather,
or need to rush to
the store because a
blizzard is forecast. I will be snug in the warmth of my home with a
big pot of chili simmering, or a roast in the oven, enjoying a good
book. You too could spend your time this winter doing what you enjoy
instead of at Wal-Mart if you give my shopping tips a try. Even if you
set a goal to try one month now and then three months in September, you
could do another three months in November, before Thanksgiving, and be
set for the winter. Give it some serious consideration. Today I will
complete my inventory with canned and packaged goods, spices and baking
goods. Once the inventory is complete, I compare the number left to the
number purchased six months ago and I know what and how much to
purchase this trip. As I stated when I started Monday I have a
fall/winter method and a spring/summer method. For the fall/winter trip
I purchase all of my holiday needs, baking goods and special dishes for
holiday meals. Since I have already made out my Christmas gift list I
am able to purchase any ingredients I need for homemade food gifts. In
the winter we drink a lot of hot tea, so this is when I stock up. I do a
lot more baking in fall winter so my baking items are stocked during
this time as well. Nuts, baking chips, and flour all freeze well. So, I
usually have enough to last through the summer months. On this trip I
purchase the typical winter meds, cough syrup, tylenol, nose drops,
airborn, which eliminates those runs to the store when you are sick.
For the spring/summer trip I usually end up purchasing more toiletries
that also last through the year. I also stock up on sunscreen and other
summer needs at that time. Over the years I have made adjustments to
meet our individual needs and you will discover how best to do this as
well. Included in these trips are basic things we end up needing,
running in for that one little thing, and coming out with a cartful.
This is what wrecks our budgets. By rarely needing to "pick up that one
little thing," we stay very close to our goals. On the big trip I
determine if we need a new scrub brush in the kitchen, does the toilet
bowl brush need replacing, dish towels and clothes, how about a new oven
mitt. All the little things we need for running our homes. This trip
we will get a new window fan, low speed died and this is the perfect
time of year to replace it. I will also get a new scrub brush for the
kitchen sink and I need some new wash clothes for the Master bath. I
always get a package of T-shirts for Richard and I will pick up a pair
of black tights that I like to wear in the winter. Since school
supplies are on the shelves we will stock up on hand sanitizer and pens.
We will also check the summer clearance shelves since we still have
warm days ahead and for things for next summer. This is also a great
time to finish my Christmas shopping. As you can see, a little
forethought can save you a lot of time and money. So, now I will finish
up my list. Hope you are working on yours.
Word for Today, Compassion: It seems we have forgotten the real meaning
of this word. In our world we see sympathy and even empathy, but I am
not sure we see true compassion. Compassion carries kindness in it. It
also is an action, not just a feeling. If we have compassion for the
suffering of another we look for a way to help alleviate their
suffering. This may mean contributing to an organization
financially, it can be volunteering our time to an organization, it can
even be sitting with someone in their time of sorrow. Often we feel
helpless to know what to do to help, so we offer words and then move on.
But there is One who "knows our sorrows and is acquainted with grief."
We can bring the needs of our friends and loved ones to Him and He
knows how to help when we don't. Is someone you know walking through a
difficult time? Are you walking through a difficult time? Bring that
sorrow to the Father of Compassion. He can bring peace in the midst of
the trial and sorrow. "When Jesus went out He saw a great multitude,
and He was moved with compassion for them." "The Lord is very
compassionate and merciful." "His compassions fail not. They are new
every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
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