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INTRODUCTION
============================== We learn in stages, a little today, a little tomorrow, so my posts are always 'under construction'... *Below are 'some' ways I have discovered God's Wisdom, Not from 'more' but saving from what I already have. Many times we beg God 4 more, but God says 'No'. There is a time 4 me 2 grow up, and He wants 2 teach His children Wisdom and Appreciation in the Luxuries we are blessed with, no matter how humble my posessions might be, Im still blessed bcoz there are always more people who have less than me. *As children, we never get too old 2b taught new insights... The older I get, the more God amazes me with 'Fresh New Anointing.' To You alone belongs all the Glory Lord! Thank You 4 what You graceously give 2 us. ... *When we become more faithful w/the little He has trusted 2 us, the more He can increase us. We cannot manage more until we graduate from one level 2 the next, Lessons taught in school. Step x Step...and each step a Miracle...
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*U dont always need more, rather more WISDOM in what u already possess....
Lesson from an Ant.. The Ant tho very small amongst his cousin the Grasshopper, he
needs no Boss. He gathers in Summer while the Grasshoppers play, when the grasshopper
is in need in Winter, the Ant is sufficient from what he 'stored' up (Prov ).
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Utility Bill Wisdom:
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01. Save extra in AUTUMN, 2 pay Winter's extra Fuel expense
02. Pay your Winter bill from Autumn's extra Credit.
03. Save exta in SPRING, 2 pay Summer's extra A/C expense
04. Pay your Summer from Spring's extra Credit.
Since the two major Utility costs come from the necessity of Gas and A/C comforts, it is wise 2 save 'Reserve Credits in the Seasons that are low. For many who pay across the board, that can be good 4 some, but for the rest having a good Plan is a life saver. While Spring and Autumn are less useage, this is the time 2 pay extra on the bills 2 'store' up 4 the high-cost Seasonal useage. Depending on your own Region where you live, and what part of the world you are in, this can help alot, and also give a Bonus of having 'good credit and not being late with the bills.'
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Big Monthly Bills:
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* Budgeting is an exciting thing once u do it in 'baby steps.' When u save on one bill or pay one off, add it 2 your bigger bills. You may not C an instant reward, but the interest u save will bring added provision 2 your finances.
* Pay a SMALL bill off 2 add that amount 2 a higher bill and pay it off rapidly, this also give you a great feeling of accomplishment.
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Spiritual Prosperity:
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* When we give our Tithes and Offerings we bring a smile 2 God's face by giving Him opportunity 2b happy we are a child He does not need 2 worry about. When we give our Tithe, it opens the DOOR of blessing 4 us as we never out-give or out-love Him.
* When we do a kindness or give something, we are investing in our life. If u give a neighbor some apples, that increases the food in your family, God causes u 2 find further sales which increase u. And u are loved 4 being a giver 2 others. Your SEEDS come back when u least expect it from your past seeds sown, bcoz they go into your future 4 when you will have need again.
* It is not only Money, but Time that brings us increase. It can be a Smile, a kindness or just investing in yourself by giving urself permission 2 reward your hard efforts of making your world a better place.
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Kitchen Wisdom- Part One:
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My FAV stores are the Dollar Store, Family Store, Coupon wisdom and Seasonal Store Sales; call it what you want, but point is that storing up extras found at reduced prices during low peak times, produces provision from what one has w/o the need 2 earn more.
*There are bad decisions in each arena and good ones. Not all coupons are wise spending 4 example, not all sales are sales at all. When we become aware 2 some basics, we find 'hidden treasures' from what we already possess in our Home. I cannot take any credit from what The Loving Holy Spirit has given me, but if it can open some eyes in helping someone, it is worth sharing. I love feedback and how others have found ways of saving and look forward 2 these good reports...*Making a list is not done overnight, but over a span of time as we make 'discoveries from what we purchase. Below are examples only..*What do I buy 4 my Kitchen, what are the things my family and I enjoy that I replace when it is gone?
* ALL Non-Perishables can be bought and stored 4 a length of time in case there arises any emergency.
* Dating our purchases helps us w/good Rotation. The stores call this: Shelf Life It takes only a few secs 2 date w/a marker b4 items are put away.
* What is my list of things I buy all the time? How much Shampoo do I need per Qtr, or Year? What about Toliet Paper, Rajors and Deodorant?
* Make your own private list from the items you purchase all the time.
* How often do I 'replace' items like Kitchen Towels? By buying one or two of needed items as old ones need replacing, it keeps impulse buying at bay when u are forced 2 replace those items. Keep the new ones put away in your Reserve place until the older ones are used. And dont throw out those old towels! I cut mine up for so many uses, right now it's even washing dishes and no longer buying them from the store, saving me 2.95. One time savings may not appear worth it, but over a span of year(s) it adds up. Also, as a quick gift 2 someone when an unexpected date came up, you would always have a wealth of reserve 2 provide from.
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Kitchen Wisdom- Part Two:
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The Y in YUMMY!......The exciting way 2 eat LEFTOVERS
Alot of us cook mega meals. For me I try 2 utilize the Crockpot as much as I can unless the meal is inappropriate. This makes meal making many times in a healthier was so we are also increasing our healing for ourselves as well as our family since we are mostly the cook at home.
* When u are cooking and have leftovers, esp from your FAV meals!, add an extra portion in your cooking time just 4 that. For Lunches instead of eating out all the time saves Extra Money as well as health 2u. Make it your favorites if u do not like alot of leftover choices.
* If your fav is stuffed bell peppers, make two pans instead of one, it takes the same amount of heating time in oven and you have a delicious leftover meal by freezing it today, but enjoying tomorrow. Your family members will never know that this Wisdom saved you money as well as 'U TIME.' As u cook ur meals, keep tabs in an email of what that meal was if someone really liked it, and give REF back 2 that meal when giving out the meals 2 family members. Exp: If the kids loved the mac/cheese and brownie, give them that stored back 4 school lunch, u would not give that 2 hubby, he would get his fav meatloaf sandwish and peach cobbler etc.
* Label AND Date Everything! I cannot say that enough. Buying containers and adding labels on top helps in Rotation of Your HOMEMADE leftover meals. Even tho NOONE but U knows they are leftovers bcoz they were cooked 'extra' the day that meal was prepared, it saves U time by keeping up w/when u cooked what by rotating your 'meals' in the freezer. Or u could put the hamburger items on the left, chicken items on right etc etc, but have a personal organized way of rotating your precious time it took u to prepare ahead.
* Gift Yourself. The one area as women we fail at so often is The Sabbath Law. God loves us as women 2 feel remembered, He wants us 2 Rest in Him as well and keep His Law on Saturdays/Sundays. By keeping up with cooking extras ahead, You have also now prepared your meals ahead for your Sundays, Days when u dont feel like cooking, meals to SOW as SEEDS of love 2 a sick relative or neighor, or when u just dont know what u want 2 cook on those off days. Either way, u are prepared, eating well AND loving yourself.
* Giving Back 2 God. By making lists of Wisdom, it helps u add years back 2 your life which pleases God as a Father bcoz He sees His little one growing up and Imitating Him by application of His Will/Ways. Share today a Wisdom Key u learned or have 2 teach. As u do it 2 someone else, u are giving back 2 God what He gave u.
* Did u know by buying frozen fruits and freezing them, u can make them go a long way by porportioned eating. Add a strawberry in a glass of water and indulge yourself or a loved one or guest; as u drink, the aroma intoxes the senses of a 'miracle' gift u created. A slice or orange, lime kiwi, or any fruit you have on hand will do.
Try dipping half of the fruit slice in melted chocolate and adding it to a pudding you beautifully arranged in a cup or wine glass for a frugal creation!
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More From Less:
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*Here is a list of discoveries that happened when famine hit, that became a way of life that saved 1000's of dollars Annualy.
* It is a fact that we eat 2 much meats and not enough of the good things our bodies need, so by taking just ONE chicken breast, you can make TWO meals. When u cut the meat in half, it 'swells' as it cooks increasing it's amount.
* Save Meat dollars when u BBQ by applying the 1/2 is more rule. Six chicken breasts become as 12 now. Half them thru the bones, as 1/2 Fillets or serve 1/2 top bones in and 1/2 fillet pieces from just your original pieces, since younger children do not eat as much as adults, this is a great way 2 provide the right portions 4 them.
* A Single roast can make 4 meals if cut and marinated, as the meat cooks it swells making it appear as if it magically increased, altho I really have seen God increase my original portions, I think He does this as a Smile 2 remind me how proud He is of the Wisdom I applied and the money I saved as a wise woman.
* When an unexpected guest arrives and the husband says honey, one more 4 dinner, look like a Chef by cooking the CUBE way. Cut your meant in cubes and stretch them as if it was originally planned. Simply remove the chicken leg bone and it looks like u planned it that way, or with Hamburgers, stick a hole in it's center so it does not shrink as much.
* ALWAYS add seasonings AFTER your meat has browned.
* Buying creative kitchen machines saves alot of time w/not using the convential oven on electric useage.
* When slicing your Potatoes, cut them length-wise, then length-wise again, this stretches one potatoe to two. This works well w/frying french fries or making scalloped potatoes. When u do not have enough potatoes, add a veggie making u look frugal and wise, like peas; adding a Splash of beautiful veggie color your meal.
* Dont buy sugared drinks that are not good 4 your family, 2 stretch those colas etc, make lemonaide from LIMES which are much cheaper than lemons and easier 4 the taste-buds.
* Buy buying glass custard cups, u can increase your meals by measured portions w/o wasting food that would go 2 waste. It also makes your meals beautiful by adding it ontop of the plate instead of the side. After a while u alsos lose weight as it becomes a way of life 2 naturally 'measure' out portions w/o even trying. A bag of veggies goes a long way when we wisely do this with containers. It makes mealtime colorful and there it's a way 2 reward yourself 4 applying such wonderful wisdom 2 your home, by buying urself some beautiful colorful dishwares u might find at some yard sale when there are only two of that style. Your family will think YOU took and extra step 2 loving them, esp when serving snacks. Your guests or family relatives will feel special when u do that so that u keep what they eat at your house in the portions u prepare rather than allowing them 2 help themselves. Nothing beats loving urself w/your FAV bowl or cup when u need a break.
* Take time 2 love yourself by grabbing a few cookies or slice of cake while studying the Word as u take a break thru stretching those cookies or deserts from homemade instead of store bought items.
* Make your own list from the things u love 'AS U DO' them so they do not become like something u now 'must' do adding 2 other responsibliities. After some time u will realize u are not only better organized, but healther and now u have SEEDS of Love 2 sow in anothers life.
* Instead of buying Holiday gifts, save things that can be recycled into 'new' items of beauty 4 gift giving. Everyone LOVES things that are 'home-made' that makes them feel special. One of something is still a wonderful thing 2 turn into a gift. Broke all your old cups? Dont buy new ones, just use the ONE for gift giving by adding something special inside the cup, a receipe, a pak of their fav tea and what about those old used magazines? Add a couple 2 and u have an instant gift! And your Recepient will not only feel ur love, but have a 'taste' of what YOU like as a clue.
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Bathroom Essentials:
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* Go 2 the personal room and look at your items, keep a notepaper on a clipboard just inside the cabinet door. Make notes of what need replacing when u open the 'last' item of something. This is ur clue 2 add it 2 the list if u have not stocked up. If u have reserves, rotation new 2 back and open a new one.
* Re-organize the bathroom Pantry by one shelf at a time, no need 2 make a day out of it, just every time u go into it 4 a reason, organize a thing or two. See what gets used the most and buy that item(s) on sell when u go out. Organize your Reserve items by Quarterly, Half a year or Annual. Shampoo/Conditioners and Soaps of all kinds have good shelf times. So u never run out of soap and have 2 spend money on that item when the store has priced it up.
* A great way 2 keeping up w/a First Aide kit as most families are caught unaware or have 2 pay store prices when things are not on sell that are needed on emergency spot. Keep essentials like Pepto, Bandaides and main things first, than add the higher items as spending allows.
* Include Beauty 2 your bathroom by not over-spending on a new thing by simply pinching off part of an ivy that u can grow in there, soon u will have a new plant 2 give as a gift or begin again from.
* Dont! throw away those tiny soap parts, simply add them 2 a beautiful sock or bag u crochet to lavish yourself or a family member by dropping them in the water 4 a wondeful bubblebath instead of buying expensive soaps, saving 100s of dollars Annualy.
