Tip of the Day 8/2/12

99 Days of Summer: Day 4 of my path to my semi-annual shopping trip. Hopefully you have been following my journey this week and been inspired to become more purposeful and frugal in your shopping habits. My tips are not about what is the right way or wrong way to live a Dee-Cluttered life, they are meant to inspire you to seek and try those things that will work best for your life, family, and home. For our family, 6 month shopping has been a key ingredient in keeping our budget and health in check. We have eliminated impulse shopping, because we are rarely just walking through a store. We eat at home most of the time because there is always something to cook that is appetizing. We have taken control of our health by being in control of what we put in our bodies. All of these factors contributed to our decision to shop this way. Today I will compare what I have on hand to what I purchased 6 months ago and this

will enable me to determine what I need to purchase this trip. I will go into the stores knowing exactly what I need. If something is on special that is not on the list I consider if I can substitute it for something else instead of automatically adding it to my purchases. This keeps me within my budget and adds variety. My list is easy to compose because it is in a data base that I just print out and highlight. It is divided into categories that match the way the product is divided in the store. Because I only shop at 2 stores, I know the layout and am not spending time searching for just a few things in numerous stores. Over the years I discovered the "savings" of looking at ads and going to various stores for the best deal was not a big enough savings to spend the time and energy. After price comparing we found the best places to shop for our needs. We start at Aldi's and buy everything we possibly can. They do not take coupons and only carry one brand of each item. They do have specials items and sometimes these are very beneficial. Because of the design of their store we are able to fill 2-3 carts in about 1 hour. I call it "no brainer shopping" since there is nothing to compare price wise. You either want what they have or you don't. We take this first load home, put away refrigerated and frozen items and place all the other bags by the pantry. We take a break for food. This is essential! Then head to my least favorite, but most cost effective, store, Wal-mart. I use coupons and we purchase everything else on our list. This part of the trip actually takes a little longer than the first portion because of price comparing. We then bring it all home and work together to put it all away. We do not buy produce at this time. Each weekend we go to our local market, with CASH in hand, and purchase our needs for the following week. Once we have put everything away we treat ourselves to a good dinner OUT. Tomorrow I will reveal the cost of this venture and show you the savings.

 

 

Word for Today, Outlived: There is a song we sang this past Sunday that has become the cry of my heart--When it's all finished and I've breathed my last, may my life be the song of Your love, that as Your witness I outlived my past, gave my heart for your body and blood. There is someone in my life that has brought accusations against me and not a day goes by that I pray if there is ANY truth to them, may I outlive them. In other words, may who I am today be so great a witness of God's love and work in my life that if the accusation is true, the people in my life would find it hard to believe. Living this way and having this desire does not negate the past, it promises the future. I can easily allow the words of my accuser to overwhelm me and rule my feelings. There are days when the words are actually crippling. This is what Satan would like to do in each of our lives, throw the past in our face and try to convince us we are not good enough for God's love and forgiveness. That Jesus death is not enough to cover what and who we were. But, we can outlive our past, not in our own strength, but by Him who is our strength. I am not the same person I was yesterday and I am certainly not the same person I was 10 or 15 or 20 years ago. May we all be willing to look at each person in our life as who they are today. We need to be aware if we are crippling someone by not letting go and forgiving and seeing them for the new creation they are in Christ. "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things." "They overcame...by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

Tip of the Day 8/1/12

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."

Tip of the Day 7/31/12

99 Days of Summer: Several of you have commented or sent me messages regarding my six month shopping plan. I hope that by walking you through the steps this week you will see it really is not difficult and can actually be a fun adventure. It is also a very realistic undertaking. I am not super woman, I have just developed a system that works really well and has literally saved us thousands of dollars over the past six years. Just like the woman that developed the 30 days of frozen meal plans which works for many people, I believe the system I have developed can work for many of you. Yes, it takes discipline, but it also takes desire. It is something I find very fun and rewarding. I know I am being a good steward of our finances and providing healthy and exciting meals for us. If you have looked at the pictures, or read the descriptions, of the meals I prepare, you know we eat very well. That is my purpose in those posts. I want you to be excited about preparing wonderful meals for your family. So, today is day two of my pre-shopping inventory. I will inventory all of my paper goods and cleaning supplies, as well as my freezer. As I inventory I am only counting unopened/unused items. I do not count the current tube of toothpaste or the open jar of Mayo in the fridge. The time I spend each day as I inventory is about 1 hour. I break it into several days because I have other things to do and don't want to spend all day on just the inventory. It is always fun discovering what I still have on hand and using up the last of items before I shop. This is also the way I clean up the shelves to prepare to add the new supply. I "rotate stock" so that the older items are used first. In case you are wondering, I do not live in a big house, I do not have a basement, and I do not have walk in closets or pantry. We live in a modest 3 bedroom ranch. I use the double sided closet in the family room for a pantry. Floor to ceiling shelves with can rotators store all of the canned and dry goods. I have a small pantry with 3 pull out shelves in the kitchen where I store baking goods. One upper cabinet holds spices and teas. We have a five foot tall upright freezer for meat and veges, the fridge freezer is used for frequently used items like ice cream, left overs, etc. We have 2 hanging cabinets and a set of shelves in the garage for paper goods and cleaning supplies. Toiletries are stored on two shelves in the linen closet. Hopefully, that picture will help you envision where you would be able to store items in your home. Remember, 6 month shopping is not for everyone, but I do believe everyone can benefit from a 1 or 3 month plan. Seriously consider the possibilities. Now I have some inventory to do.

Word for Today, More: As we closed out the day yesterday I was reading the latest updates on my Facebook from friends and saw where a young man, Nick, who we have known for many years, and his wife, Jessie, had their second child yesterday. They named him Joel. I also saw a posting of very close friends, Jodie, Perry, and Madison, who were in a bad car accident yesterday and narrowly escaped serious injury. My friend Erin posted a picture of herself out for an evening run, by doctors orders, with a heart monitor on, as they continue to determine the best course of action for her heart problem. My friend Linda will be having surgery tomorrow for an injury from the serious accident her family was in a few weeks ago. We were awakened early this morning to the sound of a huge storm rolling in off the Lake and were pummeled with hail and high winds for about 20 minutes. The grass is green again, but the plants are flattened. Richard is on his way, as I type this, to the bedside of a dying man, who he has been ministering to for a few weeks. Another friend, Jody, shared the sadness her family is going through as they watch their loved one, Norma, slip away into the shadow of Alzheimers. Because we have they ability to be connected with more people on a seconds notice, it seems there is always something MORE. It can be good, Joel's birth, frightening, the accidents, sad, the disease and death. So where do we turn in the midst of it all. This morning a portion of my Bible reading was the Book of Joel. If you have never read this wonderful little book in the Old Testament, take a few minutes to do so. It is only 3 chapters, but is filled with the hope and promise that God is aware of the MORE and He has a plan. He promises, "His grace is sufficient." He will "restore what the locusts have eaten." These are not just words on a page, they are the enduring promises of the Living God and there is so much MORE if you seek Him. "May the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory, by Jesus Christ, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

Tip of the Day 7/30/12

99 Days of Summer: As July comes to an end and we head into August, especially with the extremely hot and long summer this has been, our thoughts start turning toward fall. For many school will start in just a couple of weeks. I still feel this is WRONG! Summer vacation should be Memorial Day to Labor Day, and I will enjoy all 99 days of summer. Because I am a very organized person, I better be if I am going to run a business called Dee-Clutter, I like to have a basic plan of what my week will consist of. I am at home almost everyday, but contrary to popular myths, just because I no longer have children at home does not mean I watch TV or read all day. I truly believe in being a homemaker. To me this means getting back to the basics. When I made the choice to come back out of the full time work force it was with a two fold purpose, to make my home and teach others how to do the same. I did not like someone else cooking our meals (restaurants), doing my laundry (the dry cleaners), and cleaning my house ( I was ready to hire a house cleaning service). These are all things I wanted to be doing myself, but was too tired to do. Not everyone feels called to do these things and prefers a career, or is in a place in life where it is not realistic to be at home full time. We each have to find our place in this world. Over the past few months I have talked to many women who are desiring to get back to, or learn how to, take care of their own home. This week I would like to walk you through my process of shopping and saving maximum money and energy to keep our home running. About 6 years ago I read an article about a couple that decided to only shop once a year. They were able to get completely out of debt, except for their mortgage in that year. We decided to give their method a try starting with one month, then three months, and settled on six month increments. I have developed a system for fall/winter and spring/summer shopping. This week I will take you through my steps of preparing to do my fall/winter shopping. The date for our shopping is always determined by 3 paycheck months. Usually twice a year the calendar falls out that Richard has three paydays, instead of two. We use that third paycheck to shop. You will need to look closely at your personal budget to determine the best way to finance this method of shopping. One way is to shop for one month, set aside the money saved toward the next month, and continue until you reach the level you want to be at. One month shopping may work best for your family or six months might be the right thing. To start my process, today I will inventory all of our toiletries and personal care products. I have a master list I have put together, it is in my cookbook.   So, now I am ready to dig in. 

 Word for Today, Wisdom: When we hear this word it is easy to think it only applies to the major decisions in life, should I take that job, buy that house, marry this person, etc. But if we understood that wisdom is needed, and can be had, in every step of our life, we would have a much easier time. In the book of James, in the Bible, we are told, "if we lack wisdom, ask, and it will be given liberally." Some things in life we consider common sense, don't step in front of a moving car or walk on hot coals just because a self help guru tells you to. But I believe this is a form of wisdom. As we grow, we learn to discern right from wrong, good from bad, smart from dumb. If we are seeking to walk with our Creator in all ways then the discernment we have is wisdom from Him. The older I get the less I want to make choices on my own. I want, desire, and need my life to be guided by the wisdom that comes from above. Whether I am planning my menu for the week, preparing a Sunday School lesson or Bible study, or working with a client, I need wisdom beyond my ability in order to walk through life in peace. The wisdom I have for living life to the fullest did not come from text books, it comes from the One who gave me life. "Seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of the Father." "The wisdom that is from above." "Get wisdom! Get understanding."

Tip of the Day 7/27/12

99 Days of Summer: Now that the weekend is here I know many of your thoughts turn to shopping. Since we are celebrating Christmas in July this week, why not put some of that energy into Christmas shopping. There are awesome bargains to be had in end of the season sales. Think outside the box for your gift giving this year. Just because Christmas is in December it doesn't mean you have to give winter gifts. If you make your gifts check the clearance bins at your favorite craft stores as well. It may be 90 degrees now, but December will be here before you know it.

Word for Today, Family: Today is my grandson Seth's 14th birthday and my step-granddaughter Sarah's 8th birthday. We only have one month in the year, August, without a grandchild's birthday, but we have a daughter born in August. With 16 grandchildren, soon to be 17, and 2 greats, it is strange to have a month without a birthday for at least one. Along with all of these grandchildren, my daughters have also had 4 miscarriages between them. So, I have four more grandchildren I look forward to meeting some day. Coming from a small family I love having a large one now. The noise and energy when we get together is so fun and I love listening to the conversations, seeing the personalities of the kids as they grow, learning of their interests and hearing their dreams. Our family is not typical in many ways. Four of our daughters are adopted, one is Richard's daughter from a previous marriage, Seth is the birth son of a sister of a couple of our daughters, all of the girls have other siblings (only one boy among them), and yet it is the family God created. We are all different, yet we are one. I cannot imagine my life without each of them. Some circumstances are not what I desire, but I am learning, "all things work together for good." As we walk through this life God places people in our path that may surprise us, but if we get to know them we can learn from them. We are called to love unconditionally. Today I think about where or who Seth would be if Teresa had not taken him into her home. Where and who would my girls be? Where and who would I be without God welcoming me into His family? Family isn't always who we choose, it is who we choose to be to them. "Walk in love."

Tip of the Day 7/25/12

99 Days of Summer: One of everyone's favorite things about Christmas is the cookies. Every year I pull out my recipes and decide which ones I will bake. When the girls were still at home, we baked them all. Now that just Richard and I are here, I only bake a few kinds. It is hard to choose because we love them all. So summer is a great time to bake some I didn't make last December. So, today get out those recipes and choose a cookie to bake. A fun one for the kids would be the ones that look like melted snowmen. Perfect for Christmas in July.

Word for Today, The Road: As you know by now I am a big reader. One of the first poets I remember reading was Robert Frost and, like many of you, remember the line from The Road Not Taken, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by." One of our favorite activities is driving back roads we have never been down before. We never know what we will come across, but the beauty we encounter is worth it. As we take these roads we always stay on the roads that are marked, we do not venture off to gravel roads where we could get stuck or end up on private property. There is a wise way to travel and an unwise way. Yes, it is the road less traveled, and it can be bumpy and have pot holes, or become so narrow we don't know if we can make it through. It is tempting to give up and get back on the wide highway where traffic is moving quickly. But if we keep our eyes on the final destination, we will find beauty all along the way. On our path through life it is easy to want to get on the wide road with all the fun activities along the way. The narrow back road can appear boring and slow. But it is the path that is filled with beauty and leads to life. It is not always easy to stay on the narrow road, we are tempted by shortcuts or roads that look smoother. But, if we stay on that narrow path we will experience life to its fullest. "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death, ...choose life." "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

Tip of the Day 7/23/12

99 Days of Summer: I grew up in the Southern Baptist church. My parents met at Falls Creek, a huge Southern Baptist Camp in Oklahoma, I had perfect attendance in Sunday School the first year of my life. We were always there if the doors were open. I have wonderful memories and lasting friendships from growing up immersed in the atmosphere of the church. I am grateful that it did shape my way of life, my choices, and my perspectives. One of my favorite activities was on Wednesday nights. The denomination has a huge heart for missions and Wednesday nights were devoted to the programs for all age groups where we learned about missionaries. It greatly influenced me and gave me a desire to travel, which is one reason I became a travel agent. Making a move to Africa felt like the culmination of all the things I learned on Wednesday nights. Each July we had a special event called "Christmas in July." We gathered gifts to be shipped to missionaries so they would reach them in time for Christmas. With temperatures in the 90's again this week it seems like a good time to enjoy some Christmas in July to cool off. Let's start the week by planning our Christmas list. Include the kids in this. Decide if you will chose a family in need to gift this year, or a missionary, or Operation Christmas Child, etc. There are many worthwhile organizations to gift through. School supplies are on the shelves already and end of season sales can both bring some good bargains. Let's have a holly jolly week.

 Word for Today, Without Ceasing: We are told in the Bible to pray without ceasing. As we go through our busy days it doesn't seem like that is a reasonable thing to do. How can I pray all the time? The older I get the more I have come to realize that I can spend all of my days with my heart to speak to, and hear from, my Savior. He guides me through my day, showing me which steps to take, someone comes into my mind and I offer a quick plea or thank you for them, a decision needs to be made and I know what to do. All of these things are being in a spirit of prayer. I shared this concept with my kids in Sunday School a few weeks ago, explaining that even as I am driving I can be praying (and usually need to be), this was to explain that we can pray even when we can't kneel and close our eyes and bow our heads. Jesus wants to talk to us, and with us, all day, every day. I have a friend, Miss Cathy, who years ago said prayer to her is like calling up Jesus in the morning and leaving the phone off the hook all day. So, call Him up and put Him on speaker phone. Your plan has unlimited minutes. "Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers."