Anybody else up for the challenge?? No spending for 1 whole month other than any essentials? I have done this before and loved it. . . so, I am ready to jump on board again! :)

As many of you know, I am a BIG BIG supporter of helping out the needy- especially the homeless population. :) I am helping with a project this year called HELP PORTRAIT. I would Like to encourage you to learn more about this project, and to help out by giving back to the community.

AND for giving back and spreading the word, I am going to provide you the chance to WIN A FREE FAMILY SESSION with Creative Blessings Photography- valid from January to March 2012. This includes a CD with 15-20 images.

Here is how you can win:
1. Drop off gently used clothes or toys at my house or at REIMAGE CHURCH by DECEMBER 10th.

2. Drop off toiletry items to my house by December 8, 2011.

Comment on the blog AFTER you drop off your item.

Other entries include:

Blog or Post on FACEBOOK about this event and leave a comment back on the blog with a link to your post.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing by December 12, 2011 and notified via email.

Please provide your email address on each posting!

THANKS for helping out!!!

So, I am really in to couponing these days. . . Who doesn't like to save money?

I have a new rule- nothing is purchased without a coupon or at least at a good sale price. Hopefully, the two are combined. Even eating out lately has been with coupons. Yesterday I also made a Micheal's Run. I needed some White Chalk Pens. I had a 40% coupon for that item, I also needed 2 large spools of Christmas ribbon (to complete a wreath project to sale)- also on sale at 40% off, and found 3 ornaments to complete the wreath. With the discounts and two gift cards (that had small amounts left over on each) my total cost was under $7.00. Got to love a great deal!

I had a good run at Walgreens yesterday and I have had a few folks ask me how or what my savings were. It was not the best (I can never get down to free but have that as my new goal) but overall it was a pretty good one. I didn't do too bad at Rite Aid, but I was buying foundation there so my cost was a bit higher. . . but, I did walk out with 19.00 in register rewards for my next Rite Aid Shopping trip.

Here is the Walgreens Information:

Purchased:
4 (12) packs of Pepsi Products
2 Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergents
3 cans of Tomato Sauce
2 Contact Lens Solutions
1 12 pack Toilet Paper
2 jars Grape Jelly
1 Lotion
Cleaning Wipes

Paid: $22.00- Not so bad. . . but, I have done better. :)

I used Walgreens coupons along with product coupons for all the items, but the Laundry Detergent and Tomato Sauce (in store coupon only for that one). I missed a paper recently and that meant I didn't have a coupon for each of the laundry detergents.


Some of my basic tips for couponing are:
1. Get organized early on. I used a Target GC to buy baseball card holders, I had a binder, and then I printed out the Coupon Book Organizer from The Krazy Coupon Lady.

2. Buy papers. It does save money and provides you will some great coupons. Or, ask your friends/family for their coupons if they do not use them.

3. Print online coupons. My general rule is to only print those coupons I will actually use.

4. Utilize Websites, etc. that show you the deals BUT don't forget to actually look for them on your own. Often, I find a few deals that may have been missed. I love Money Saving Mom's site- she combines a lot of deals and postings to help get you started on saving.

5. Make a list from the sale papers and pull your coupons for those items ahead of time.

6. Bring your coupon book with you. You never know when you will find an item on clearance or a special sale.

7. Join a coupon group- let people know you are couponing! Recently, when I was buying my papers (2 of each), a man saw me in line and asked if I wanted his coupons because "you look like one of those extreme coupon ladies." His coupons (FREE to me) meant I was able to purchase another set of my favorite shampoo and Conditioner on sale and an additional $4.00 off. In all total, I bought 4 sets- on sale and $4.00 off each set with the coupons.

8. Stack coupons- Most stores will take a manufacter's coupon along with a store coupon for an item. Be sure to read the rules and know the store's guidelines. Often the clerks may not know the rules- especially if they are newer.

9. Make certain it is a product you will use. If you are not going to use it, the coupon savings isn't saving. I will clip coupons for diapers to donate to the local Preg. Center. One week, I paid $3.00 for a huge pack of diapers after a sale and coupons. It is nice to be able to give back a little bit.

10. Don't stress. If you don't get a certain deal for the week, it is ok. At first (and yes even some now) that really bothered me, but I have learned unless it is a really REALLY good deal, there will be another one along the way. Keep in mind, we are all busy and shopping for the week may not happen on Sunday or Monday. Some times they do run out of an item.

These are just a few tips, do you have any great tips to share?

Today we met with several local pastors and had the privilege to pray for them. This was in place of going to one of the children’s homes. Due to the weather, they had to cancel that activity. I honestly was heart broken, but deep down I know that we were meant to be with these pastors. We had breakfast and then met the pastors in our hotel dining room for coffee and discussions. However, it was quickly realized that we had to move to a safer place. The mayor of the town was also eating breakfast- they (along with several other tables) were listening to our conversation. This put them in grave danger. In this particular city (along with many more in India) if one wishes to change their religion they must go before the town and publically declare that no one has coerced them to changing religions. They must document their religious choice. It is my prayer that even though we moved the prayer meeting to another room, they do not experience harm from meeting with us. The pastors remained downstairs to eat and one at a time, they came up to one of our rooms- where we had gathered- to share their testimony.

For the first time, I honestly felt a bit on edge while in India. Am I concerned about my safety, yes; however, I am more concerned for those we met with. They have been beaten; locked up by villagers; stones thrown at them; motorcycles damaged (primary means of transportation); and gone through many other forms of persecution- all because they worship God.

So, tonight (or today depending on when I post this) take a minute to thank God that you have the freedom to worship the one true God. It is a freedom not to be taken lightly and one I fear we often do take for granted. Thank a soldier today as well.

Even though we arrived at 330am, there were people from CICM waiting to welcome us and to make certain we were taken care of as we traveled from the station to the mission. It is quite obvious that we are potential targets- Caucasians in general are not very common; however, a group with four white chicks probably stands out a little more. Even though our train was late (over 1 ½ hours late), someone was waiting at one of the stations to provide us with food- food that was prepared safely for us to eat.

We came through the gates (which have crosses on them) and upon our arrival to the CICM Children’s Home (different than the one we did not get to go to), there was a welcome banner with our team members’ names on it. Our rooms are very nice- I, again, have my own room and private bath. Being the lone single female on the trip has its advantages. 

On the train, San jay opened the door for me to watch the countryside go by It was so beautiful. I find myself wondering and wanting to shoot CLEAN IT UP. Trash is everywhere. What I must realize is that the people have lived like this a very long time and in a country without God they cannot see the same beauty in the world that I do. We went by rice field after field, the sun was starting to set, and all I can think about is how much God loves the people here. Yet, many of them do not know it.

Cows are a god here (just so you know I think our first meal in NY will involve BEEF- something even McDonald’s does not sell in India. They have chicken burgers.) yet they are just allowed to roam the streets with no care provided to them. They eat the garbage in the streets.

We are all gaining so much from this experience; we are not in one place very long, what difference does this make for the people? Our hosts told us that the people we meet are honored that we are not just sending money (although I believe people are meant to do that) but that we have taken the time out of our lives to come to visit them.

We have gained more than we have given, but we know that God had a reason for us to be here- He knew we were coming and He knows the needs of both the missionaries here as well as the people on our team.

We are preparing for a busy few days- touring CICM tomorrow along with a rest break in the afternoon. Then, we will be divided up to teach at the CICM schools and ultimately, will be able to see and help at the medical camp.

I have so much I wish to write, but this morning, I am in awe of God's protection. . . How often are we in situations that we know God is watching over us? How often are we in situations where the danger is not actually perceived but that God carefully orchestrates the situation to protect us? I think, as Christians, we are often in situations where God is protecting us and we may not even know of the danger.

Yesterday, during our car ride, the 3 vehicles had a certain order. I was in the vehicle that did not have a CICM staff member (a native person), but instead carried 5 from the team. Sonjay, the director of our trip, made certain the drivers knew we were to be the middle car- that was for our safety. Due to the rain, it made it a bit hard to always see up ahead so the drivers would stop to make certain the group had caught up. For the record, we have excellent drivers.

Our driver made a stop, apparently without permission. When the other drivers realized this, they came back to the site. I have never seen (and other that have known him longer agree) Sonjay so mad. Our driver was given a good scolding. I honestly, felt sorry for him, but that does put us in danger. We are in a situation where we don't know the language, there are many cultural customs we may not understand, and it is not a country where Christians are openly welcomed.

Later on last night, I was thinking about this situation. Isn't it amazing how God uses the people around us for our protection? Isn't it even more amazing how many times the danger may be ahead but God is always present?

I also thought about the wrath of God- Sonjay was very mad because the driver did not listen. How often does God get angry with me for not obeying, not listening? How often do we put our plans ahead of his? Yet, through HIS GRACE, I am able to be forgiven. I think Cliff said it best, we know what we need to do, we just get caught up in the planning. That is true. Our model needs to be God Use me where I am at and with the people I encounter.

Trusting him is the only way.

I had said I would not pay for internet for another day; however, we may have limited access in the next town (will be there for 2 days), so I decided to splurge. I also felt I really wanted to attempt to share the emotions from today.

We were able to share in the dedication of the church that Christ’s Church built. It was amazing. We were treated like royalty- people who have very little gave us all so much. And more importantly, we were able to share in worship together. When we arrived at the church, we were greeted by hundreds of people lining the street, throwing flowers, and singing praises. Tim cut the ribbon to open the doors and then we were taken in to see the dedication sign (picture posted). WOW! I think we were all overcome with emotion.

I think Marty said it best when he gave the communion meditation- We have different languages, different cultures but the same God who extends us grace. (I paraphrased a bit, but that is the gist). . . Isn’t that how Heaven is going to be?

We are going to be sitting around at a big feast- man, woman, child, American, Indian, European, Asian. . .

Too often, we are caught up in our service- we get stuck on tradition (must be a certain way because it has always been done that way) and the bottom line is this: God came for us all. No matter the style of music we select, or the way we sing (and I take the JOYFUL NOISE to a whole other meaning!), we are all the body of Christ.

I am listening to Aaron Shust a lot during this trip. . . He sings a song, “My hope is in you.” It is time for Christians around the world to get real- and primarily I am speaking to Americans (myself included in that group). This world is temporary. There is nothing- NOTHING- we are taking with us. He sings in this song, “My hope is in you all the day long. I won’t be shaken by drought or storm. The peace that passes understanding is my song. My hope is in you Lord. . . You are my refuge!”

India is still a country of persecution for Christians. These men and women are often rejected by family members, lose jobs, and are harmed by choosing to be a Christian. How many times do we say on Sunday morning, oh let’s just sleep in? How many times do we fail to realize what a freedom we have to be able to attend a worship service? We complain about the AC not working or what color carpet we are going to put in the building. Yet, the people we worshiped with today have gone for years without even a building. God has grown their church to 1000 members/attendees; they have two services each Sunday. Now, that sounds like a large number (and it is), but keep in mind how many people actually live in India. There are many more that need to be reached here.

Today, as we traveled a bit more out of the city, we saw even more poverty. At lunch today (we had pizza hut as the teens on the trip wanted that and honestly, we all wanted something a bit more American), we were again approached by many little children (some only 6 or 7 and carrying baby siblings) begging for money. They will steal from you as well, so you are instructed to keep walking and hold tight to your belongings. It breaks your heart. But, I know that God is still faithful. He loves them the same as he loves me and he died for them. Who is going to tell them about Christ?

India needs more people to come. They need more preachers. They need financial support. CICM is making a huge impact, and praise God for their presence here. Yet, more is needed. I would encourage you to pray for our team, but also pray for those that are here every day- in the front lines leading people to Christ.

We leave at 4am for our next destination- we have a flight around 545am and will then have the day of rest prior to meeting with another church- one of the earliest CICM churches. Thank you for your prayers!