My goal with this blog really is to help you save money or time so you can give it to the work of the Lord; however, I just HAD to share with you a nugget of truth (unrelated to saving money & time) from one of Adam's and my favorite pastors, Paul White in Poplar Bluff, MO. His sermons can be downloaded for free at pwmmedia.podbean.com.
Pastor Paul (White) was discussing the difference in the way the four gospels describe Jesus - as king, as servant, as human, and as God. Of course, the four gospels are simply snapshots of the life of Jesus, and it's interesting to read what each author thought worthy of putting in his written record.
Matthew writes of Jesus as king. He's presenting the good news (gospel) to a Jewish audience, and he explains who Jesus is by giving his genealogy through Jesus' worldly father Joseph all the way back to King Solomon (King David's son).
Mark writes of Jesus as servant. He gives no genealogy because no one cares about a servant's genealogy. Also, Jesus speaks the least in the gospel of Mark.
Luke writes of Jesus as human (but still deity). He gives Jesus' genealogy through Jesus' mother Mary all the way back to Nathan (King David's son and King Solomon's brother).
John writes of Jesus as God. He gives no genealogy. God needs no genealogy.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Practical Application: Wash Your Hair Less
How often do you wash your hair? I know different ethnicities require different hair treatments, so this is my own personal testimony as a white girl, but I have a feeling this extends to the entire human race.
You train your hair follicles to make oil based on need. When you wash your hair every day, you are telling the follicles to make more oil to coat your hair, which prevents it from breaking and splitting. You can train your hair follicles to make less oil by washing your hair less frequently. Any hairdresser will tell you that washing your hair every single day is one of the worst things you can do to your hair. If you're an everyday hair washer (or worse! AM and PM hair washer), try going to every other day and perhaps to every two or three days. Side note: this does not mean cut down on bathing - get yourself a shower cap or pour yourself a bath.
How does washing your hair less frequently qualify as sacrificial giving?
First, you will save a lot of money on shampoo & conditioner and probably your water & electricity bill, too.
Second, think of all the extra time you will have in your day without having to wash and dry every day. Do something great with that 30 minutes every other day! Squeeze in your daily walk, devote it to time spent in the Word, get a jump on the day's chores, etc.
Here's another idea, with the money you save on buying less product and using less water/electricity, do some research and find a modestly priced natural shampoo that will put fewer chemicals down the drain and keep carcinogens off your scalp that are linked to cancer and other diseases. Not to be a Chicken Little here, but your scalp is right next to your brain. Can't hurt to keep that noggin protected.
You train your hair follicles to make oil based on need. When you wash your hair every day, you are telling the follicles to make more oil to coat your hair, which prevents it from breaking and splitting. You can train your hair follicles to make less oil by washing your hair less frequently. Any hairdresser will tell you that washing your hair every single day is one of the worst things you can do to your hair. If you're an everyday hair washer (or worse! AM and PM hair washer), try going to every other day and perhaps to every two or three days. Side note: this does not mean cut down on bathing - get yourself a shower cap or pour yourself a bath.
How does washing your hair less frequently qualify as sacrificial giving?
First, you will save a lot of money on shampoo & conditioner and probably your water & electricity bill, too.
Second, think of all the extra time you will have in your day without having to wash and dry every day. Do something great with that 30 minutes every other day! Squeeze in your daily walk, devote it to time spent in the Word, get a jump on the day's chores, etc.
Here's another idea, with the money you save on buying less product and using less water/electricity, do some research and find a modestly priced natural shampoo that will put fewer chemicals down the drain and keep carcinogens off your scalp that are linked to cancer and other diseases. Not to be a Chicken Little here, but your scalp is right next to your brain. Can't hurt to keep that noggin protected.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Practical Application: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Save money on cleaning supplies by using white vinegar and baking soda instead of packaged cleaners. Vinegar is a disinfectant and baking soda is an abrasive. Put some vinegar and water in a spray bottle (add a teaspoon of baby wash, dish soap, or Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds for a surfactant - oil remover). Spray your kitchen sink, sprinkle some baking soda on top, run a scrubby brush over it, and rinse. Voila!
Hear me out! I know this is radical because we've all grown up with Ajax, Comet, Lysol, and Mr. Clean. But here are the cold, hard facts:
1. You are paying for the packaging. Next time you're at the store, price a gallon of vinegar and a box of baking soda vs. a spray bottle of 409. I speak the truth!
2. You don't need strong cleaners, just smart ones. Most packaged cleaners have some very harsh chemicals - to the point that most require plastic gloves (I don't know about you, but I never wore them when suggested). Your house doesn't need anything more than an abrasive (baking soda) for hard surfaces, a disinfectant (vinegar), and a tiny bit of surfactant (liquid soap).
3. A lot of packaged cleaners are vinegar or baking soda plus other ingredients. Check the labels for yourself.
4. Everything that goes down the drain leads to our water supply. And, everything you buy is a vote, in essence, for a company to make more of it.
I will concede that packaged cleaners can smell rosy while vinegar smells like ... vinegar. But, when vinegar dries, it smells like nothing. Also, there are some appliances in which you should use approved cleaners, like dishwashers and washing machines, for example. I would just like to see everyone out there think outside the box when it comes to home cleaners. A household can spend a lot of money on packaged cleaners that could be spent wisely elsewhere.
Here's a couple bonus tips:
You can use a vinegar-water solution in any carpet cleaner machine instead of carpet cleaning chemicals. Remember, vinegar has no odor when it dries.
A lot of folks out there make their own laundry detergent. Personally, we get a big gallon of Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. It's a concentrated, natural surfactant that doesn't irritate sensitive skin like most detergents. Somtimes I add baking soda for an extra kick on whites.
Vinegar can replace fabric softener. Personally, I like the smell of commercial fabric softener. I know I pay more for it, and I'm okay with that. But at least I know what I'm doing.
Baking soda is a good emergency toothpaste. We only use it in emergencies, though, because it tastes wretched!
You can wash your plastic shower curtain in your washing machine with a little bit of laundry detergent and a cup of vinegar. Sure beats trying to wipe it down.
For a drip coffee maker, once a month run through a pot full of water with 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar. It will clean and disinfect AND get rid of hard water deposits. Just be sure to run another cycle of just water after that before you make coffee.
Baking soda will smother a grease fire.
To clean fruits and veggies, sprinkle some baking soda in water. Soak and rinse the produce. Also works with combs and hairbrushes. (just not at the same time!)
The list goes on and on. Google "uses for baking soda" and "uses for vinegar". You will be amazed!
Hear me out! I know this is radical because we've all grown up with Ajax, Comet, Lysol, and Mr. Clean. But here are the cold, hard facts:
1. You are paying for the packaging. Next time you're at the store, price a gallon of vinegar and a box of baking soda vs. a spray bottle of 409. I speak the truth!
2. You don't need strong cleaners, just smart ones. Most packaged cleaners have some very harsh chemicals - to the point that most require plastic gloves (I don't know about you, but I never wore them when suggested). Your house doesn't need anything more than an abrasive (baking soda) for hard surfaces, a disinfectant (vinegar), and a tiny bit of surfactant (liquid soap).
3. A lot of packaged cleaners are vinegar or baking soda plus other ingredients. Check the labels for yourself.
4. Everything that goes down the drain leads to our water supply. And, everything you buy is a vote, in essence, for a company to make more of it.
I will concede that packaged cleaners can smell rosy while vinegar smells like ... vinegar. But, when vinegar dries, it smells like nothing. Also, there are some appliances in which you should use approved cleaners, like dishwashers and washing machines, for example. I would just like to see everyone out there think outside the box when it comes to home cleaners. A household can spend a lot of money on packaged cleaners that could be spent wisely elsewhere.
Here's a couple bonus tips:
You can use a vinegar-water solution in any carpet cleaner machine instead of carpet cleaning chemicals. Remember, vinegar has no odor when it dries.
A lot of folks out there make their own laundry detergent. Personally, we get a big gallon of Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. It's a concentrated, natural surfactant that doesn't irritate sensitive skin like most detergents. Somtimes I add baking soda for an extra kick on whites.
Vinegar can replace fabric softener. Personally, I like the smell of commercial fabric softener. I know I pay more for it, and I'm okay with that. But at least I know what I'm doing.
Baking soda is a good emergency toothpaste. We only use it in emergencies, though, because it tastes wretched!
You can wash your plastic shower curtain in your washing machine with a little bit of laundry detergent and a cup of vinegar. Sure beats trying to wipe it down.
For a drip coffee maker, once a month run through a pot full of water with 1/2 to 1 cup vinegar. It will clean and disinfect AND get rid of hard water deposits. Just be sure to run another cycle of just water after that before you make coffee.
Baking soda will smother a grease fire.
To clean fruits and veggies, sprinkle some baking soda in water. Soak and rinse the produce. Also works with combs and hairbrushes. (just not at the same time!)
The list goes on and on. Google "uses for baking soda" and "uses for vinegar". You will be amazed!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Practical Application: Recycling Toys
You know the 80/20 rule? Twenty percent of people do 80% of the work. A person wears 20% of the clothes in their closet 80% of the time. On and on it goes. You'll find that it applies to nearly every situation, including your children's toys.
If your child has 100 toys, it's likely that the same 20 trucks, books, and Lego sets are used every day while 80 other toys are scattered throughout your house unused but in plain sight. If you're like me, you're okay with your child preferring certain toys, but are completely baffled when your child goes to the church nursery and starts playing with a toy identical to one at home that gets no attention at all. It all clicked with me one day while watching our son Asher do this very thing.
Now that Christmas is upon us, I think this is a very helpful money-saving tip. There's always a rush to get kids new toys, but sometimes the old toys are in great shape and still age-appropriate.
When you decided to purchase new toys for your tots - because, let's face it, there's only so long a four-year-old will play with a baby ring stacker - shop first at a pre-owned store for children. A reputable place will have all the toys clean and looking new as well as have weeded out anything that has been recalled. Most toys sell for less than 50% what they cost new!
In the Springfield area, I love The Children's Orchard on Republic Road. They buy and sell lots of baby and toddler items. When one of my friends was finished having children, she sold all her baby stuff to the Children's Orchard and took in-store credit as opposed to cash (b/c they give more credit than cash for items) and I bought her $80 in-store credit card from her for $70. We both came out ahead.
If your child has 100 toys, it's likely that the same 20 trucks, books, and Lego sets are used every day while 80 other toys are scattered throughout your house unused but in plain sight. If you're like me, you're okay with your child preferring certain toys, but are completely baffled when your child goes to the church nursery and starts playing with a toy identical to one at home that gets no attention at all. It all clicked with me one day while watching our son Asher do this very thing.
Now that Christmas is upon us, I think this is a very helpful money-saving tip. There's always a rush to get kids new toys, but sometimes the old toys are in great shape and still age-appropriate.
Instead of getting rid of a toy because it is part of the 80% left untouched, consider packing it away for a month or two. Your kids will love their toys so much more if you only make a few of them available to them.Grab up 80% of your child's toys and put them out of sight - their closet, a latched toy chest, or the attic. Every month or so, cycle in "new" toys and put up others. Every month will be like Christmas morning! And, you have far fewer toys to pick up before vacuuming.
When you decided to purchase new toys for your tots - because, let's face it, there's only so long a four-year-old will play with a baby ring stacker - shop first at a pre-owned store for children. A reputable place will have all the toys clean and looking new as well as have weeded out anything that has been recalled. Most toys sell for less than 50% what they cost new!
In the Springfield area, I love The Children's Orchard on Republic Road. They buy and sell lots of baby and toddler items. When one of my friends was finished having children, she sold all her baby stuff to the Children's Orchard and took in-store credit as opposed to cash (b/c they give more credit than cash for items) and I bought her $80 in-store credit card from her for $70. We both came out ahead.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Practical Application: Maintain Your Baseline of Health
Maintaining good health is one of the top ways to save money. I don't think it's news to anyone that frequent doctor visits and medicine can rob your health savings account. Maintaining a "baseline of health" can save a lot of money and personal discomfort.
"Baseline of health" is a key phrase typically used by naturopathic doctors - it is the minimum effort you can give in order to be healthy as opposed to sick. Sometimes the difference between a year during which you suffer five sinus infections and a healthy year takes very little effort. A good mental picture is a horizontal line with "good health" written above and "poor health" written below. To save money, simply stay on top of the line!
The following are my tips to keep you above the baseline of health line:
1. Keep your immune system up with vitamin supplements. I recommend vitamins in capsule as opposed to tablet format. I believe they are digested better. Twin Lab is my favorite brand.
2. Keep your immune system up with complete meals. Anytime you eat - a meal or a snack - try to have protein & complex (whole grain, not sugar) carbs together. That combination will keep your digestion running smoothly and keep you from being hungry.
3. Keep your immune system up by limiting your simple carbs (aka sugar) intake. And, when you do eat sugary food, eat your protein and complex carb first. Sugar lowers your immune system. It also makes you hungry faster! You can still eat sugar, just don't have a donut for breakfast. Have one for dessert instead.
4. Keep your immune system up with good bacteria. Probiotics is a supplement you can take in pill form that helps your stomach grow good bacteria. Good bacteria helps you absorb nutrients in the food you eat. It also keeps away canker sores!
5. Protect your body by washing your hands with soap and water throughout the day. You don't have to go crazy with it. Just wash up sometimes after touching especially germ-y things like shopping carts, cell phones, computer keyboards/mouse, steering wheels, etc. The most germ-infested places are spots that hands touch frequently.
6. Keep your body hydrated with water or non-caffeinated drinks. 6-8 glasses a day is the goal, but for each caffeinated drink you have, add another glass on to your water intake.
7. Eat your vitamins - get your five-a-day fruits and vegetables. This one is HARD. A serving is probably smaller than you think, but it's still hard to get five servings each day. In our family, we drink V8 - even our two-year-old (we mix it with regular juice); otherwise, we would never make it. Side note: plenty of fruit and veggies and whole grains will take care of your fiber intake, too.
8. Move your body every day for at least 20 minutes. You don't have to run until you puke or train for the Iron Man. Just take a walk that slightly winds you. Sometimes it's fun to take an aerobics class or play sports, but if you don't enjoy those activities, there is still hope for you! Walking is the perfect activity. Just walk. Everyday.
9. Make friends and spend time with them. If you don't have a reason to regularly interact with your closest friends, create one. Start a book club or Bunko group that meets once a month. If you don't have any friends, find some. Meet your neighbors or join a group already meeting regularly - a church, a quilting group, a knitting circle, a MOPS group, etc. Even if it's hard for you to make friends, you'll love the ones you do find. I hope this goes without saying, but also spend time with your family. Set aside family time and treat it like an important appointment. Don't miss it. Don't take phone calls or check your Facebook in the middle of it. Look forward to it all week.
10. Love what you do for a living. If you hate where you are five days a week, your health will suffer. Find a job you can at least tolerate, or find a way to tolerate your current job. The best way to love your job is to recognize the purpose it serves to you, to your employer, and to the world. If you can't find any other purpose than paying the bills, you might be in the wrong job (but, hey, at least you have one!). There's nothing wrong with having a "day job" to the pay the bills so long as you are doing SOMETHING interesting in the evening. Find a purpose!
"Baseline of health" is a key phrase typically used by naturopathic doctors - it is the minimum effort you can give in order to be healthy as opposed to sick. Sometimes the difference between a year during which you suffer five sinus infections and a healthy year takes very little effort. A good mental picture is a horizontal line with "good health" written above and "poor health" written below. To save money, simply stay on top of the line!
The following are my tips to keep you above the baseline of health line:
1. Keep your immune system up with vitamin supplements. I recommend vitamins in capsule as opposed to tablet format. I believe they are digested better. Twin Lab is my favorite brand.
2. Keep your immune system up with complete meals. Anytime you eat - a meal or a snack - try to have protein & complex (whole grain, not sugar) carbs together. That combination will keep your digestion running smoothly and keep you from being hungry.
3. Keep your immune system up by limiting your simple carbs (aka sugar) intake. And, when you do eat sugary food, eat your protein and complex carb first. Sugar lowers your immune system. It also makes you hungry faster! You can still eat sugar, just don't have a donut for breakfast. Have one for dessert instead.
4. Keep your immune system up with good bacteria. Probiotics is a supplement you can take in pill form that helps your stomach grow good bacteria. Good bacteria helps you absorb nutrients in the food you eat. It also keeps away canker sores!
5. Protect your body by washing your hands with soap and water throughout the day. You don't have to go crazy with it. Just wash up sometimes after touching especially germ-y things like shopping carts, cell phones, computer keyboards/mouse, steering wheels, etc. The most germ-infested places are spots that hands touch frequently.
6. Keep your body hydrated with water or non-caffeinated drinks. 6-8 glasses a day is the goal, but for each caffeinated drink you have, add another glass on to your water intake.
7. Eat your vitamins - get your five-a-day fruits and vegetables. This one is HARD. A serving is probably smaller than you think, but it's still hard to get five servings each day. In our family, we drink V8 - even our two-year-old (we mix it with regular juice); otherwise, we would never make it. Side note: plenty of fruit and veggies and whole grains will take care of your fiber intake, too.
8. Move your body every day for at least 20 minutes. You don't have to run until you puke or train for the Iron Man. Just take a walk that slightly winds you. Sometimes it's fun to take an aerobics class or play sports, but if you don't enjoy those activities, there is still hope for you! Walking is the perfect activity. Just walk. Everyday.
9. Make friends and spend time with them. If you don't have a reason to regularly interact with your closest friends, create one. Start a book club or Bunko group that meets once a month. If you don't have any friends, find some. Meet your neighbors or join a group already meeting regularly - a church, a quilting group, a knitting circle, a MOPS group, etc. Even if it's hard for you to make friends, you'll love the ones you do find. I hope this goes without saying, but also spend time with your family. Set aside family time and treat it like an important appointment. Don't miss it. Don't take phone calls or check your Facebook in the middle of it. Look forward to it all week.
10. Love what you do for a living. If you hate where you are five days a week, your health will suffer. Find a job you can at least tolerate, or find a way to tolerate your current job. The best way to love your job is to recognize the purpose it serves to you, to your employer, and to the world. If you can't find any other purpose than paying the bills, you might be in the wrong job (but, hey, at least you have one!). There's nothing wrong with having a "day job" to the pay the bills so long as you are doing SOMETHING interesting in the evening. Find a purpose!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Practical Application: Forever Stamps
If you don't have to be a diva about your postage stamps, always buy Forever Stamps. As the price of postage goes up, which is likely to be happening again before you change your bedsheets, your Forever Stamps continue to work no matter what price you paid for them. They are completely unaffected by inflation and tax increases. Now, what other product can claim that?
Oh, and if you're an old-fashioned Christmas card sender (as opposed to photo cards), be sure to buy your Christmas 2010 cards in a couple weeks when they are on clearance. Personally, I LOVE photo cards because they save so much time and handwriting, but it's a luxury for which I spend a little extra for our close family and friends. I still wait for an online coupon, though!
Oh, and if you're an old-fashioned Christmas card sender (as opposed to photo cards), be sure to buy your Christmas 2010 cards in a couple weeks when they are on clearance. Personally, I LOVE photo cards because they save so much time and handwriting, but it's a luxury for which I spend a little extra for our close family and friends. I still wait for an online coupon, though!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Practical Application: Make the most of the gifts you give others
A lot of gift-giving expense involves gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, and postage. I have nothing against a beautiful gift display, but when you want to maximize the actual gift, the most economical thing to go is the outer layer. Here are a few ideas for reducing the overhead.
1. Reuse gift bags and bows. This way you always have some on hand and you spend far less on the outer layer.
2. Give money or a gift card in a card. It mails cheaply, and people of all age appreciate receiving the means to buy their own gift. Just make sure if it's a gift card that it is to a store your recipient really enjoys. Side note: kids LOVE cash! Well, not so much the cash as the trip to Target to spend the cash. Clear it with their parents first, but spending their own cash can teach a child a lot about economics. We give our nieces and nephews a dollar for each year in their birthday card. It's always a hit.
3. Save the drive and the stamp - call the store and ask to buy a gift card over the phone and have them mail it for you. It's not going to work with Wal-Mart, but it will work with your locally owned shops.
4. Agree to not give at Christmas. We have an agreement with our siblings who also have children not to give gifts to one another. Instead, we give gifts to the kids. Ocassionally, I make a small (as in, under $10) exception if it's something I really want them to have.
5. Don't go overboard on material gift-giving. Most people living above the poverty level don't NEED anything other than your time and attention and maybe some homemade cookies. If gift giving has gone overboard in your circle of family and friends, don't be ashamed to call it out. Lead the charge in giving less to people who don't need more. Discuss with your people ideas other than gift giving to express your generous heart. Ideas of this include finding a charity close to your heart and becoming a consistent monthly giver, organizing a time for you and your friends to work at a soup kitchen or other service charity, and choosing a charity that others wanting to give you a gift of any sort can donate to in your name.
1. Reuse gift bags and bows. This way you always have some on hand and you spend far less on the outer layer.
2. Give money or a gift card in a card. It mails cheaply, and people of all age appreciate receiving the means to buy their own gift. Just make sure if it's a gift card that it is to a store your recipient really enjoys. Side note: kids LOVE cash! Well, not so much the cash as the trip to Target to spend the cash. Clear it with their parents first, but spending their own cash can teach a child a lot about economics. We give our nieces and nephews a dollar for each year in their birthday card. It's always a hit.
3. Save the drive and the stamp - call the store and ask to buy a gift card over the phone and have them mail it for you. It's not going to work with Wal-Mart, but it will work with your locally owned shops.
4. Agree to not give at Christmas. We have an agreement with our siblings who also have children not to give gifts to one another. Instead, we give gifts to the kids. Ocassionally, I make a small (as in, under $10) exception if it's something I really want them to have.
5. Don't go overboard on material gift-giving. Most people living above the poverty level don't NEED anything other than your time and attention and maybe some homemade cookies. If gift giving has gone overboard in your circle of family and friends, don't be ashamed to call it out. Lead the charge in giving less to people who don't need more. Discuss with your people ideas other than gift giving to express your generous heart. Ideas of this include finding a charity close to your heart and becoming a consistent monthly giver, organizing a time for you and your friends to work at a soup kitchen or other service charity, and choosing a charity that others wanting to give you a gift of any sort can donate to in your name.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Using Your Gifts
One way to save a lot of time, money, and headache is to follow your passion and use your gifts rather than signing up to fill a need that has no relevance to your interests.
For example, as much as I LOVE being a mother, for some reason working in childcare situations is overwhelming to me. A friend of mine recently offered her home as a part-time daycare to earn extra money while staying home with her own young children. On the outset, that situation makes perfect sense for any mom wanting to stay home but still make money; however, that is exactly the type of stressful situation that would send me over the edge. Believe me. I tried something like it. I lasted about a week.
After trying a few different ways to help meet our family's need for extra income, I have settled on a job I have the talent and time to do, which is some at-home data entry. For some women (like my mom), data entry is a nightmare job, but for me it showcases my talent while filling a need for both our family and my employer.
Not to be confused with refusing to try something new, using your God-given gifts is sometimes a trial-and-error method. I encourage you all to explore the gifts with which God has blessed you and find a way to serve others.
There are so many needs in the world and so many different types of people. Let God use you for the purpose for which you were designed.
For example, as much as I LOVE being a mother, for some reason working in childcare situations is overwhelming to me. A friend of mine recently offered her home as a part-time daycare to earn extra money while staying home with her own young children. On the outset, that situation makes perfect sense for any mom wanting to stay home but still make money; however, that is exactly the type of stressful situation that would send me over the edge. Believe me. I tried something like it. I lasted about a week.
After trying a few different ways to help meet our family's need for extra income, I have settled on a job I have the talent and time to do, which is some at-home data entry. For some women (like my mom), data entry is a nightmare job, but for me it showcases my talent while filling a need for both our family and my employer.
Not to be confused with refusing to try something new, using your God-given gifts is sometimes a trial-and-error method. I encourage you all to explore the gifts with which God has blessed you and find a way to serve others.
There are so many needs in the world and so many different types of people. Let God use you for the purpose for which you were designed.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Practical Application: Organics and the Dirty Dozen
When you shop for fruits and vegetables, there's almost always a regular and an organic produce choice. In an ideal world, we'd all go for the organic stuff to save our bodies and our earth-friendly conscious. However, organic produce costs more! How do you know when to spring for the organic? Consult the "dirty dozen" and "clean 15" list.
The Dirty Dozen (foods to buy organic or grow in your own garden if you can):
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Sweet Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes - imported
11. Carrot
12. Pear
The Clean 15 (foods most safe to buy non-organic):
1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn - frozen
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas - frozen
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato
You can print a wallet-sized cheat sheet or download to your iPhone here at EWG's FoodNews website.
Remember, though, fruits and vegetables are good for your health even if you can't afford the organic versions. Not buying organic is no excuse to not eat produce. Conversely, blowing your grocery budget to buy organic produce is ill-advised.
The Dirty Dozen (foods to buy organic or grow in your own garden if you can):
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Sweet Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes - imported
11. Carrot
12. Pear
The Clean 15 (foods most safe to buy non-organic):
1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn - frozen
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas - frozen
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato
You can print a wallet-sized cheat sheet or download to your iPhone here at EWG's FoodNews website.
Remember, though, fruits and vegetables are good for your health even if you can't afford the organic versions. Not buying organic is no excuse to not eat produce. Conversely, blowing your grocery budget to buy organic produce is ill-advised.
Practical Application: Always check your receipt
Now that the groundwork has been laid on this blog, on with tips you can use!
This first one is BIG. Always, always, always check your receipt right after you checkout at the grocery (or any other) store. I'd say one in every 10 times I go through a checkout line, I find that I have either been charged twice for an item OR not given the price that the item was labeled.
It is important to do this right after you checkout. If you get all the way out to your car, you're not going to feel like going back in the store. Having the store correct its mistake is very easy at the customer service desk. Unless it's the day after Christmas, it won't take but a minute.
Side note: Treat your cashier with respect! No one is perfect, and it's more likely to be computer error (sensitive scanners or incorrect price programmed) than to be your cashier's fault. Besides, what does your cashier stand to gain by charging you twice for your laundry detergent?
This first one is BIG. Always, always, always check your receipt right after you checkout at the grocery (or any other) store. I'd say one in every 10 times I go through a checkout line, I find that I have either been charged twice for an item OR not given the price that the item was labeled.
It is important to do this right after you checkout. If you get all the way out to your car, you're not going to feel like going back in the store. Having the store correct its mistake is very easy at the customer service desk. Unless it's the day after Christmas, it won't take but a minute.
Side note: Treat your cashier with respect! No one is perfect, and it's more likely to be computer error (sensitive scanners or incorrect price programmed) than to be your cashier's fault. Besides, what does your cashier stand to gain by charging you twice for your laundry detergent?
Is wealth and sacrificial giving mutually exclusive?
As important as sacrificial giving is, it is not a sin to be wealthy. God gives each of us gifts and purpose. For some, God has given the gift of making lots of money - someone has to give large amounts to fund the great commission! But, it is important for all levels of income to give as well.
Consider the following from the Crown Financial web site:
The temptation to put your faith in your possessions is greater as your possessions increase; however, I believe all of us (even those with few possessions) must be on guard to keep our faith in the Lord - to live in God's economy rather than man's economy.
Consider the following from the Crown Financial web site:
In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and a man named Lazarus. The Bible does not teach that it is a sin to be wealthy, nor was the rich man condemned simply because he had much. The rich man was punished because he put his faith in his possessions, not in God. He is an example of someone living in Man’s Economy, where wealth, power, and possessions are the goals. He missed a great opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, to serve God, and to live in God’s Economy, where peace, joy, and eternal blessings are given. We can learn an important lesson about generosity from this story.
The temptation to put your faith in your possessions is greater as your possessions increase; however, I believe all of us (even those with few possessions) must be on guard to keep our faith in the Lord - to live in God's economy rather than man's economy.
What is sacrificial giving?
I define sacrificial giving as a change I can make in order to give more to others and less to myself. Not all sacrifice involves money, but money is a powerful resource as well as a tangible indicator of our own heart. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
When giving sacrificially, it is helpful to have a measurable goal. Instead of thinking of a lump sum (even if you intend to give one large gift), try to think in a monthly or weekly time frame. For example, if you want to set a goal of giving $600 each year to your church or favorite charity, focus on saving (or making an extra) $50 a month.
When giving sacrificially, it is helpful to have a measurable goal. Instead of thinking of a lump sum (even if you intend to give one large gift), try to think in a monthly or weekly time frame. For example, if you want to set a goal of giving $600 each year to your church or favorite charity, focus on saving (or making an extra) $50 a month.
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