Top 10 things I always purchase with coupons 

These are things I never buy without pairing a coupon and a sale. They are easy to get at a reasonable price, sometimes even FREE. =) 

1. Cereal
2. Salad dressing
3. Pasta sauce
4. Fruit snacks
5. Juice
6. Condiments: BBQ sauce, mustard, relish
7. Campbells soup
8. Dish detergent
9. Toothpaste
10. Laundry detergent/fabric softener

Using coupons with a sale, I got these boxes of cereal for $1.25 each!

Additionally, these are things that we use in larger quantities than other groceries. The key is to get coupons for things you buy often! If you need help finding coupons for something, let me know!

Top 5 things I buy at Aldi

These are things that I either cannot find coupons for, or that I need more often than I can afford to stock up when they are on sale. 

1. Fresh Produce and Vegetables
2. Juice – sometimes juice is just over $1 at Aldi, which is a great price. 
3. Mexican food (tortillas, taco seasoning, nacho cheese)
4. Cereal Bars/Granola Bars
5. Soups for cooking (cream of mushroom, etc.)

If there is not an Aldi in your area, you may find that Sam’s, Costco or a place like SaveMore foods works well for your needs. Be careful though, sometimes things are much more expensive at “discount” stores. 

Top 5 things I can’t buy with coupons

Let’s face it – there are just some products for which you cannot find coupons! 

1. Meat 
2. Produce
3. Bread
4. Milk
5. Ice cream! *Disclaimer – you CAN find coupons for ice cream, but I rarely use them. I do choose the brand that is the best deal, but still… my need for ice cream supersedes my need to be thrifty.

Starry-eyed brides love every detail about their new husband.  His cute little ways of eating, the way he drinks his coffee in one swallow, the way he needs her to help him pick out his clothes, the pitiful way he pouts when she’s away – it’s all new and precious. 

Then life marches onto the scene – children come, trials pound on their front door, wrinkles are pressed into his forehead and her eyes, and the things that were once “precious” somehow become areas of irritation.  “Does he have to slurp his coffee?!”  “Can’t he do anything for himself, for heaven’s sake?”

The Lord brought to my mind just recently that He’s answered that prayer of increasing my love for my parson through what I’m calling our “Vision Trial.”  The Lord allowed seeing his physical weakness to tender my heart in compassion.  Who cares about those silly little issues when sight or blindness are the two options before you?  You don’t bother with worrying about the aging process moving in a little too quickly when you’re just thankful you have today to sit together and sip your coffee.

The enemy wants to destroy our marriages.  Pray and ask the Lord to help you to love your husband more and more each day.  If we ask anything according to His will, he promises to hear us!  This is a prayer He will certainly answer!

It’s time to brag:  What do you love about your husband?  I love that my husband has a tender heart.

From my parsonage windows,

I sat down with my notes from our recent ladies’ retreat so I could be reminded of the truths I heard.  Here are some of the highlights that I learned (and was convicted of) from Carol Trahan’s teaching…

• It’s absurd to give the God of heaven advice and not submission.

• Every sin grows in a spirit of discontentment.

• Through the greatest suffering the greatest love was shown.

• The things that come into my life are Divinely permitted or Divinely prepared.

• “Best” is anything that brings me to a greater dependence on Christ.

• A woman walking in pride is prey for the enemy.

• Dwell on Scripture until it changes you.

• You want to know the will of God?  Be a thankful woman.

• Motherhood brings out who we really are.

• When I saturate my mind with Truth there is peace.

• The answer to every struggle I face is, “I believe God.”

• Suffering and glory are two partners that travel together.

• When you see nothing happening, don’t lose hope.

• Love  like God’s love can be trusted.

This was teaching that can change a woman’s life and outlook!

For you ladies that attended the retreat, is there another thought that you’ve been dwelling on since the weekend?

With love,

Life is busy, isn’t it?  But in between the busyness is the need for food!  That doesn’t mean you need to go out.  A meal at home is so inviting, and many times more tasty, and more conducive to good fellowship!  Thinking, planning, and preparing ahead of time is the answer! 

The meal I had yesterday came after a busy retreat weekend at our church, but I’m so glad I didn’t wimp out and not have guests in my home, or I would have missed out on the blessing!

The week before, I made an apple pie and froze it, unbaked.  I also made a Frozen Waldorf Salad and made homemade rolls to put in the freezer.  Almost half of the meal was done early in the week and tucked safely into the deep freeze!  What a relief food in the freezer is at the end of a busy day or week!

Rosemary Pork Roast

Frozen Waldorf Salad

1 20 oz. Can crushed pineapple
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup celery
2 medium red apples, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Drain pineapple, reserve the juice.  Place juice in a saucepan with sugar, eggs and salt.  Cook stirring constantly over medium low heat until slightly thickened.  Remove from the heat, cool.  Stir in pineapple, celery, apples and pecans.  Fold in whipped cream.  Pour into a 9 inch square pan.  Cover and freeze until firm.  Let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cutting.

I failed to get a picture of our dessert of Apple Pie, but let me just tell you what I did.  I placed a piece of pie on the plate and a scoop of Pralines and cream Ice cream, then drizzled my homemade warm caramel sauce over all.  It takes apple pie to another level!  =)

Did you cook yesterday?  What did you serve?

The winners of my 1,000th post give away were:

Lynne Siglin and Debbie Duncan.  I have sent an email to both ladies.  Congratulations!

From my parsonage kitchen,

When was the last time you got out and had fellowship with a friend?  Women tend to be so busy with life that they seldom make time for fellowship that will encourage and strengthen them as a Christian woman.  We need each other. 

I love what Paul says in Philippians 3:17, 18 – Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.  This is a warning not to fellowship with the wrong people, as well as an encouragement to fellowship with the right people!  Paul is saying, “Walk with people like me and steer clear of someone who will take you down the wrong path!”  This is a reminder to me that we need the influence of strong believers in our lives. 

What a blessing it is to get together with another Christian woman, who loves God, loves His Word, and loves doing the things that will honor the Lord!  Can I encourage you to schedule time to get with a godly friend in the next week?  Share a cup of coffee and talk about what you’re reading in the Word. Share your burdens with one another.  Pray together.  It will refresh your heart and hers!

Tonight begins our ladies’ retreat at Boones Creek Bible Church!  I am so excited!  If you’re in the area, please join us.  If you click on the link to our church, you will find the details.

See you then!

Be refreshed,