Hospitality in the Real World

If you weren't able to make it to the Treasures of the Heart & Home event last Friday, or if you just forgot to pick up a handout, here are a couple of the handouts that were given.

A Helping of Hospitality with a Smidgen of Space

From Ham Sandwiches to Cordon Blue: Taking Hospitality to the Next Level

Helpful Couponing Websites and Laundry Detergent Recipe

By Gina E.

This is a follow-up to yesterday's post about using coupons to save money on groceries.

Helpful Blogs:

• Money Saving Mom – Crystal Paine, believer, wife, mom of three, husband went through law school with NO DEBT. Paid cash for their home near the end of 2009. I love one of the things she said on her blog: couponing doesn’t need to take over your life and eat up your time!
  

  It’s imperative, in seeking to be better home economists, that we value our time as well as our money. It is easy to get so caught up in trying to pinch every penny, that we lose sight of the big picture. We can become so focused on trying to save money that we end up spending hours and hours and hours of time to save a mere few dollars.
  (from the post, “Why I Don’t Make Homemade Tortillas”)

  Also, check out her series: 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget.
  
• Common Sense With Money – Mercedes, wife, mom of three, originally from Honduras. This is a great blog to visit if you want to do the “Walgreen’s Game” (combine coupons + register rewards). She also has affiliated with other bloggers who match coupons with ads for the major grocery chains (the only one we have here is Kroger). She also does some Target and WalMart coupon/sale matching.
  
• The Krazy Coupon Lady - This is the coupon organization system I use now (binder with baseball card sleeves). She has a printable PDF for her organization system (in the right sidebar of her site, scroll down until you see “Free Downloads”). Eventually, I’ll reorganize this system to have my coupons in the order of the store where I do the bulk of my grocery shopping; but for now, this works. Also does coupon match-ups and “scenarios” to get the best deal(s).

Store/Manufacturer Websites:

• Kroger – Register your Kroger card, load coupons directly to the card (note: ecoupons do NOT double and cannot be combined with paper coupons), some special saving events where you can “play a game” for free grocery items (Deal of the Day currently going on); print paper coupons
• Procter & Gamble – Sign-up for coupon booklets (in addition to those that are in the paper), register for “freebies,” get samples
• Vocal Point – Procter & Gamble’s viral marketing site – “try and tells”; often receive samples and high value coupons
• Kraft First Taste – “Try and tells” from Kraft Foods – samples, coupons for free items or high value coupons
• Kashi – Also do “try and tells” some, high value coupons through the mail

Print Coupons at Home:
Note about printing coupons at home: all of the sites below require installing a plug-in to your computer. You will need to read over their privacy policy and decide if you want to do that or not. These plug-ins enable the ability for the manufacturer to set a limit for how many coupons you can print from a given computer (usually 2 per computer). You’ll also want to consider how much ink and paper you’re using by printing coupons at home.

• Target – has Target store coupons + manufacturer coupons (usually can’t tell which is which until you print them). Target store coupons CAN BE combined with manufacturer coupons for extra savings. Target also puts coupons on their site for Up&Up (store brand) products.
• Coupons.Com – great site for manufacturer coupons
• Smart Source – great site for manufacturer coupons
• Red Plum – great site for manufacturer coupons

Be aware: very few manufacturers use PDFs for coupons. If you receive an email attachment that is a PDF for a coupon, research it before you print and use it. A great resource is Coupon Information Center (the bar at top right called “counterfeit notifications” is the place to check). 3M Corporation is one of the few companies that does still use PDFs. Also, not all stores will accept internet coupons, and some have limits to what you can use.

A couple of other websites mentioning:

• The Grocery Game - Check with Karana for her email address to list her as the person who referred you if you decide to join.
• Hot Coupon World – This is a forum that discusses coupons and coupon deals. They also alert people about fraudulent coupons (as does the CIC listed above)

Laundry Detergent Recipe:
From the Duggar Family

4 cups HOT tap water
1 bar Fels-Naptha soap
1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ cup Borax
hot tap water

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with hot water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap is melted and dissolved. I add the soap in small amounts to keep it from lumping.

Fill a five-gallon bucket half-full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to the top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

The next day, it’s ready to use. Stir (I just stick my arm in) and fill a clean, used laundry soap bottle or other bottle with detergent mixture and water in a 1:1 ratio. (Yes, that 5-gallon bucket is the concentrate…you’ve basically got 10-gallons of laundry detergent.) Gently mix before each use (it will separate) – I just tip the bottle back and forth a couple of times. But, take my advice… make sure the lid to your bottle is screwed on well before you do that!

Optional: you can add essential oils to scent the detergent once the soap has cooled. Use 20-30 drops in a 5-gallon bucket. Be sure to use the oils made for soap.

Top-Load Machine: 5/8 cup per load (approximately 180 loads)
Front-Load Machine: ¼ cup per load (approximately 640 loads)

TipNut has compiled a great list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about homemade laundry detergent here. She addresses HE machines, washing diapers, sensitive skin, etc.

The Joy of Journaling

By Hannah S.

When you think of journaling, you may think of writing class or a diary from your younger days. But as I have renewed this discipline in my life, I have found such joy in recording and reflecting on the way God is working in my life.

I can hear the groans as many of you think of journaling as one more item to add to an already busy to-do list. But let me assure you the spiritual discipline of journaling has made my time with the Lord more effective.

First let me clear up some of the misconceptions that I had about journaling. It is often referred to as a spiritual discipline and thus I struggled if I did not journal every day. The burden of adding this to my quiet time was too much for me to handle. I found myself wrongly feeling guilty if I wasn’t making an entry every day. I do think this is a spiritual discipline, but it is not on the level of prayer, reading Scripture, or meditating on God’s word. My journal has actually become a tool that has helped me with these other disciplines, but it is not something that I do every day. There have been seasons of life that my entries are very few. Yet I am so thankful for those entries that capture a snapshot of what the Lord was teaching me.

Now let me move to the benefits of keeping a spiritual journal:

1. Journaling helps me meditate on Scripture.
I began to journal as a way to meditate on Scripture. I had found myself reading Scripture in the morning, and then by early afternoon having a hard time recalling what I had read. So I began to do my Scripture reading with my pen in hand ready to record and reflect on passages from God’s word. I can’t tell you what joy this has brought to my spiritual life! Not only was I thinking deeply about the passages that I was recording but I was also applying them to my own life and circumstances. I was truly meditating on God’s Word as I would make an entry in my journal. Sometimes I would write the passage in my own words. At other times I would record questions that I had about a certain passage. Other times I would use the words of Scripture to cry out to the Lord. There is something about writing and mulling over a passage that helps me to slow down and absorb the truth.

2. Journaling helps with self evaluation.
I found that as I have journaled about events and happenings in my life that I have begun to see patterns of sin that reappear in certain situations. Not only has this helped me to have a plan of resistance in times that I am particularly vulnerable, but it often reveals the idol that is at the root of my sin. As I have expressed my feelings in writing, I can often see the error in my thinking and more clearly see what sins need to be “put off” in my life. When I have taken emotions and thought about what is causing me to feel a certain way, it has helped me to see the root of sin in my life. Journaling has caused me to delve deeply into what my emotions are revealing about my thinking.

3. Journaling helps me control my tongue.
I know that this may sound odd, but hang with me and I will try to explain. The way that I often process information is by talking. As I am talking through my thoughts, I can often see a clearer picture of what needs to be done or what my response should be to a specific situation. This is not how everyone is wired, but I have found true in my life the old saying, “thoughts disentangle themselves when passed through the lips and across the fingertips.” The trouble with processing information in such a manner is that it can often lead to gossip. As I am working through things by talking, I am bringing in someone who is not part of the problem or part of the solution. There are many things and struggles in our lives that do not need to be shared with other people. We need to take these struggles straight to the Lord and not bring others in on the situation. Being able to write about these issues in my life has made my journal a great sounding board. It is a place where I can express what I am really thinking and then discern what is true and what is not. These entries most often turn into prayers of confession and a cry to the Lord to change my heart. Let your journal be the place that you “disentangle your thoughts” and flee from the sin of gossip!

4. Journaling leaves a spiritual heritage.
One of my favorite books is called Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. One of the reasons that I like this book is because over the pages you see the ups and downs of the main character’s Christian life. It is refreshing to see her weaknesses as well as the victories in her life. As I reflected over the years of this lady’s life I could see progress that brought me encouragement. I pray that someday when one of my daughters or grand children pick up one of my journals that they might be encouraged to see the real struggle of a believer who was battling sin in everyday life. I pray that they will identify with my weaknesses and have hope that God does transform us into His image. At times when progress seems slow, it has been a joy to look back and see how the Lord has grown me in my thinking. A journal gives you a tangible way to see growth in your life.

5. Journaling is a great way to reflect on the goodness of God in my life.
Not only do I record my struggles in my journal but also the blessings from the Lord. Aren’t we all so quick to forget how the Lord has provided for us? We are just like the Israelites as they grumbled their way through the desert. They were caught up in the moment and forgot what great things the Lord had done for them. By recording and reviewing the details of blessings in my life, it has reminded me of God’s goodness and faithfulness in my life. Like the people of the Old Testament set up monuments to the Lord to remember God’s great work in their lives, let your journal be a monument to the way the Lord has provided and cared for you.

I pray that these few thoughts will give you a renewed passion for the discipline of journaling. There is no right or wrong way to journal – make it your own. It is a tool to be used to assist you in your Christian walk, and I pray that you will find joy as you reflect on the goodness of God to mold you into His image.

Click here for a list of journal prompts to help you get started.

Galatians Done's and Do's

By Jennifer R.

Thabiti Anyabwile recently posted about a session he heard at a conference which summarized the entire book of Galatians. He listed the 29 gospel indicatives (things that are "done") and 13 gospel imperatives (things we are "to do") from the book of Galatians. Since Tim is preaching through this book and many are memorizing it, I thought this list would be helpful for us to review.


29 Indicatives

1. The gospel is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:1).



2. The gospel delivers us from the present evil age to the glory of Christ (Gal. 1:3-5).



3. There is only one gospel and to desert it is to be damned (Gal. 1:6-9).



4. The gospel is ours by divine revelation and not human imagination (Gal. 1:10-12).



5. The gospel is grounded in a gracious election (Gal. 1:15).



6. The gospel is constantly in danger of being lost and needs to be defended (Gal. 2:4-5).



7. The gospel that saves Gentiles is the same gospel that saves Jews (Gal. 2:7-9).



8. There are ethical imperatives that follow the gospel (Gal. 2:11) and no ethnic distinctions in the gospel (Gal. 2:12-14).



9. The gospel is good news that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the Law (Gal. 2:15-16).



10. Through the gospel, we are identified with Christ and His work on the cross (Gal. 2:20).



11. The love of Christ for sinners is made evident in the gospel (Gal. 2:20).



12. We receive the Holy Spirit by faith in the Gospel, the same Spirit who justifies and sanctifies (Gal. 3:2-5).



13. The gospel that saved Abraham in the past is the same gospel that saves us in the present (Gal. 3:7-9).



14. Relying on good works not only does not save but actually curses (Gal. 3:10-11).



15. The gospel is the good news that Christ has redeemed us from the curse as our penal substitute (Gal. 3:13-14).



16. The gospel is rooted in a covenantal promise that precedes the law (Gal. 3:17).



17. The law is good because it shows us our sin (Gal. 3:19, 21).



18. The law is good because it is our school teacher who leads us to Christ to be justified by faith (Gal. 3:25-26).



19. The gospel unites us to Christ where we’re all one in Him–soteriological not ecclesiological (Gal. 3:27-29).



20. The gospel is grounded in Trinitarian theology (Gal. 4:4-6).



21. Gospel redemption leads to adoption as a child of the Father (Gal. 4:7).



22. The gospel gives us a knowledge of God freeing us from rules (Gal. 4:8-11).



23. Faithful ministers will be passionate for the ministry of the gospel even if it results in anguish and a broken heart (Gal. 4:12-20).



24. Works-salvation leads to slavery, while Mt. Sinai leads to freedom (Gal. 4:21-31).



25. To pursue salvation by works obligates us to keep the entire law perfectly (Gal. 5:1-3).



26. To be justified by works is to fall away from justification by grace through faith (Gal. 5:4-6).



27. The gospel that saves us also sanctifies us (Gal. 5:7-8).



28. To preach a false gospel invites judgment and calls for the strongest condemnation from the faithful (Gal. 5:10-12).



29. The indicative of the gospel naturally leads to the imperatives of the gospel (Gal. 5:13-6:20), which opens onto the imperative section of the letter:
    

13 Imperatives

1. We will not indulge and pander to the flesh (Gal. 5:13, 16-21).



2. In love we will serve others (Gal. 5:13-14).



3. We will not brutalize one another in word or action (Gal. 5:15).



4. We will live in the Spirit whom we received when we believed (Gal. 5:22-26).



5. We will engage in spiritual restoration (Gal. 6:1-2).



6. We will be humble (Gal. 6:4-5).



7. We will serve and do our part in the body.



8. We will bless those who teach us (Gal. 6:6).



9. We should embrace reaping (Gal. 6:7-8).



10. We won’t grow weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9-10).



11. We will accept persecution for the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:11-13).



12. We will boast only in Christ and His cross (Gal. 6:14-15).



13. We will pursue peace, mercy, grace and Christ (Gal. 6:16-20).

Creative Gift Ideas, Part 4

In a recent Wise Women segment on Wednesday evenings, Candy S. presented a great list of creative gift ideas. There were so many, in fact, that we've split them up into several posts. You can see ideas for young children here, ideas for girls and boys here, and ideas for women and men here. Below is the fourth and final group of ideas. (Click on the images to go to the websites with more information.)

For the Home

• Disinfectant Wipes Cozy - Measure circumference of container and add 2 inches for overlap and seam allowance. Measure height of label that you’ll be covering and add 1 inch for seam allowance. Hem all edges and sew Velcro to short edges for closure. You can also check out this link for a Mod Podged version and ideas for reuse of the containers:
  
  
• Tile Coasters
  
  
• Altered Kitchen Towels
  
  Other ideas—use trims such as rick rack, freezer paper stenciling with fabric paint
  
• Napkins and Ribbon Napkin Rings
  
  
• Framed Calendar/Menu Board
  

For the General Public

• Thought Bubble Pictures - Trace or draw thought bubble shape onto plywood or MDF and cut out using jigsaw. Paint with black chalkboard paint.
  
• Picture Blocks
  
  
• Photo/Verse Stand
  
  
• Make Your Own Notepad - Photocopy design. Cut to size, Stack pages and cardboard backing evenly and weigh down or clip to keep pages steady. Paint top edge with Slick Paint and let dry completely. Add a magnet to back if desired.
  
• Comfort Packs
  
  
• Gift Card in a Snow Globe
  

Creative Gift Ideas, Part 3

In a recent Wise Women segment on Wednesday evenings, Candy S. presented a great list of creative gift ideas. There were so many, in fact, that we've split them up into several posts. Ideas for young children can be found here and ideas for girls and boys can be found here. Below is the third group of ideas. (Click on the images to go to the websites with more information.)

For the Ladies

• Jewelry Frames - other ideas…frame chicken wire, a piece of lace fabric, screen, radiator flashing
  
  
• Wooden Bead Necklace
  
  
• Ruffled Mug Cozy
  
  
• Apron/Tote in a Jar - Provide a pattern, material, and notions to complete the project. Place them all in a mason jar and tie a ribbon on top!
  
• Framed Pin Cushion
  
  
• Sewing Kit in a Jar
  
  
• Brooch/Shoe Clips & Earrings from Scrapbook Supplies

For the Biggest Boys

• BBQ apron and spices — could include tools
  
  
• Toolbox Gift Card Holder
  
  

Creative Gift Ideas, Part 2

In a recent Wise Women segment on Wednesday evenings, Candy S. presented a great list of creative gift ideas. There were so many, in fact, that we've split them up into several posts. The first group of ideas, for young children, can be found here. Below is the second group of ideas. (Click on the images to go to the websites with more information.)

Girly Gifts

• Friendship Bracelet Kits
  
  
• Headband/Necklace Tree
  
  
• Ribbon Belt/Bracelets
  
  
• Pen Pal Kit - Pretty stationary, stamps, nice pens stored in a pretty box
  
• Craft or Kitchen Toolbox - Provide a toolbox, sewing box, tote, etc and help to start a collection of tools for a craft or cooking. Follow each year/event with an addition to that collection.

Something for the Boys

• Fort Kit
  
  
• Invention Box - Suggestions to include (remember to choose items age-appropriate to your recipient): tapes (such as duct, electrical, colored), rope, cardboard, fishing line, Velcro, bulldog clips, rubber bands, socks, buttons, dowels, wooden pieces, paint
  
• Tool Box - Provide a toolbox and some simple starter tools and then add to that collection each year/event.
  
• Bleached T-shirts
  
  

Creative Gift Ideas, Part 1

In a recent Wise Women segment on Wednesday evenings, Candy S. presented a great list of creative gift ideas. There were so many, in fact, that we've split them up into several posts. Here is the first group of ideas, for young children. (Click on the images to go to the websites with more information.)

For the Littlest People

• Recorded Storybook - Give a favorite storybook and have a loved one record themselves reading the story.
  
  
• Animal Washcloths & Towels
  
  
  
• Simple Coloring Tote
  
  
  
• Wooden Matching Game
  
  
  
• 2 x 4 Car Blocks
  
  
  
• Animal Puzzle Blocks
  
  
  
• Story Blocks/Stones
  
  
  
• Simple Drawstring Bag
  
  
  
• I Spy Bag
  
  
  
• Mini Bowling Set - Paint “peg people” wooden shapes and ball; give in a drawstring storage bag
  
  
• Color Matching Set
  
  
  
• Peg People & Clothespin Dolls
  
  Just for fun… add a take-along play house:
  
  
• Month by Month Onesie Stickers