What time is that, you might ask? TAX TIME! With all the great things I have donated to thrift stores this year, it sure added up. I also made sure to pay my tithing and that definitely helped out. I went and got my taxes filed and sent them off this past weekend. It felt really nice to have it all done.
With me having made much less in 2010, I sure was happy to see the amount on my tax return. I was actually in shock. I was scared I might owe since I didn't pay much in taxes. But with all these tax credits, I am happy to say I do not owe and will be receiving something back :) That is a huge relief off my shoulders. I definitely don't know much about taxes, but I was happy to pay the $75 to my CPA to get it all worked out and together. I have been going to this CPA for the past few years. I feel confident that he does my taxes.
Have you filed your taxes yet? Are you waiting til the last minute? If you received a tax return, what do you plan on doing with that money? Paying off bills? Saving? Purchasing a Big Ticket item?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Struggles of Faith
I posted before about being a full tithe payer. There was no way anyone could tell me that I shouldn't be paying my tithing. I had experienced first hand the wonderous bounties of the Lord when it didn't seem that I would be able to afford certain items. I was so thankful and in awe how it happened. It seemed like such a mystery. But I knew it was all in the Lord's hands.
The past few months I have been really struggling with paying my tithing. I haven't paid. I just decided that the Lord would have to understand. It is funny how when you pray expecting an answer, secretly you might not really want the answer. Yesterday I prayed deep and hard questioning whether tithing was the answer to many of my struggles and what He wanted me to be doing. It is funny how answers come, mostly from unexpected sources.
This morning as I turned on the tv, there was a Joyce Meyer Ministries infomercial on. I secretly like her preaching. Why? She is so straightforward and tells you how it is. I just love it. Her talk was on Wisdom this morning. I was really feeling it. I wish I couldn't feel that confident to talk in large crowds like she does. Joyce has this "oomph" about her and is contageous. It gets your blood pumping in the morning and excited about what she talks about.
Sure enough what subject was brought up in the middle of a this discussion on Wisdom? TITHING. She stated how the Lord has commanded we pay tithing and how now days people simply don't pay. They use excuses about us not having to honor that anymore because it was in the Old Testament. "You silly thing you. You're just trying to get out of giving!!" She said, "I don't believe in tithing either. I believe in going beyond that!!... We should be prepared to give unto EVERY good work... Bring all the tithe in the storehouse and see if I will not open the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing so great that you cannot contain it."
If that isn't an answer, what else is? hahaha I know I need to really buckle down and make sure I am paying my tithing more faithfully. I know that through the obedience of paying tithing, we will be blessed. I won't lie and say it is easy to willingly and happily pay. However, I know that all things are possible through Him.
The past few months I have been really struggling with paying my tithing. I haven't paid. I just decided that the Lord would have to understand. It is funny how when you pray expecting an answer, secretly you might not really want the answer. Yesterday I prayed deep and hard questioning whether tithing was the answer to many of my struggles and what He wanted me to be doing. It is funny how answers come, mostly from unexpected sources.
This morning as I turned on the tv, there was a Joyce Meyer Ministries infomercial on. I secretly like her preaching. Why? She is so straightforward and tells you how it is. I just love it. Her talk was on Wisdom this morning. I was really feeling it. I wish I couldn't feel that confident to talk in large crowds like she does. Joyce has this "oomph" about her and is contageous. It gets your blood pumping in the morning and excited about what she talks about.
Sure enough what subject was brought up in the middle of a this discussion on Wisdom? TITHING. She stated how the Lord has commanded we pay tithing and how now days people simply don't pay. They use excuses about us not having to honor that anymore because it was in the Old Testament. "You silly thing you. You're just trying to get out of giving!!" She said, "I don't believe in tithing either. I believe in going beyond that!!... We should be prepared to give unto EVERY good work... Bring all the tithe in the storehouse and see if I will not open the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing so great that you cannot contain it."
If that isn't an answer, what else is? hahaha I know I need to really buckle down and make sure I am paying my tithing more faithfully. I know that through the obedience of paying tithing, we will be blessed. I won't lie and say it is easy to willingly and happily pay. However, I know that all things are possible through Him.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Life as We Know It Giveaway
Go to Outnumbered 3 to 1's blog and you'll see that she has a copy of Life As We Know It up for giveaway. Have I mentioned how much I have been wanting to see this movie? I saw a commercial and have been wanting to see this since it hit theatres. Needless to say, I don't typically go to theatres due to the cost, but this very movie had me almost running to go see it.
"After a disastrous first date for caterer Holly (Katherine Heigl) and network sports director Messer (Josh Duhamel), all they have is common is a dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in this world, Holly and Messer must set their differences aside. Juggling careers and social calendars, they’ll have to find common ground while living under the same roof. Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, Hayes MacArthur and Jean Smart co-star in this tart and tender romantic comedy directed by Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters, Everwood). http://lifeasweknowitmovie.warnerbros.com/"
Like Outnumbered 3 to 1, Katherine Heigl is one of my favorite actresses. She seems so confident and fun. I love her personality on film. I really loved her when she played in Love Comes Softly, The Ugly Truth, and who could forget 27 Dresses? Those are my 3 favorites that she played in.
I highly suggest heading over to Outnumbered 3 to 1 and enter this giveaway. http://www.outnumbered3-1.com/2011/02/life-as-we-know-it-dvd-blu-ray-combo.html
Here is the sponsor http://www.wbshop.com/
"After a disastrous first date for caterer Holly (Katherine Heigl) and network sports director Messer (Josh Duhamel), all they have is common is a dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in this world, Holly and Messer must set their differences aside. Juggling careers and social calendars, they’ll have to find common ground while living under the same roof. Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, Hayes MacArthur and Jean Smart co-star in this tart and tender romantic comedy directed by Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters, Everwood). http://lifeasweknowitmovie.warnerbros.com/"
Like Outnumbered 3 to 1, Katherine Heigl is one of my favorite actresses. She seems so confident and fun. I love her personality on film. I really loved her when she played in Love Comes Softly, The Ugly Truth, and who could forget 27 Dresses? Those are my 3 favorites that she played in.
I highly suggest heading over to Outnumbered 3 to 1 and enter this giveaway. http://www.outnumbered3-1.com/2011/02/life-as-we-know-it-dvd-blu-ray-combo.html
Here is the sponsor http://www.wbshop.com/
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Unrest
With the current unrest in the middle east, I just heard a news report stating how food prices are going to be significantly increasing. According to the news report, Egypt is our largest wheat importer. Normally I don't concentrate and dwell on things that I can't change. However, with the thought of spending a lot more money on food in the near future, that kind of scares me. Our budget is already limited. I have tried the couponing thing and discovered that my offbrand and bargain shopping saved me a lot more than couponing, so that isn't the answer to for me. What do you plan on doing? Do you plan on purchasing food now to prepare for these increasing prices? Anyone scared?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It's Tuesday
This morning I woke up early again and GOT UP! :) I decided to finish mopping our tile in the Scrapbook Nook and the Living Room. Normally I wouldn't have been too satisfied and excited to touch it. This morning, however, was rather refreshing and serene. As I mopped and thought, it felt invigorating. I completely detest, with a passion I might add, cleaning. I can't stand it. But it has felt good to have tackled it head on.
Last night I ventured to a new dollar store on my way home from work. I must admit that I was in love!!! I don't typically go into dollar stores anymore. When the first came out, I was a fanatic. I would want to go to the dollar store to see what they had. It was exciting. You could get so many things for a dollar. How much better could life be? Then I came to the realization that a lot of the stuff was junk and cheapo. Some things, however, were worth going there to shop for. Unless I go for a specific item, I don't really go there just to browse.
I found myself excitedly walking through the aisles of this dollar store with eager anticipation. I found some awesome finds. However, I soon realized it wasn't a "dollar store" as you would think. It was soon discovered that this store was a "dollar AND UP" store. Instead of things being a dollar, they were about $1.39 plus tax for the cheaper items.
Still I was soon consumed with such excitement in finding some gorgeous flower, beaded and feathered hair things for my daughter in all different colors. I couldn't resist buying a few. They were so cute. I am so excited to put them in her hair on Sundays for church. When I showed them to her at home, her face completely lit up and she was smiling from ear to ear. I also decided, on a complete whim, to buy me a ring. It might seem to be some cheapo piece of crap to someone else, but I love it. It is silver. It was $1.29 plus tax. That $1.29 is worth the happiness I feel today. :)
What do you think? What are your favorite dollar stores? What are your favorite finds at dollar stores?
Last night I ventured to a new dollar store on my way home from work. I must admit that I was in love!!! I don't typically go into dollar stores anymore. When the first came out, I was a fanatic. I would want to go to the dollar store to see what they had. It was exciting. You could get so many things for a dollar. How much better could life be? Then I came to the realization that a lot of the stuff was junk and cheapo. Some things, however, were worth going there to shop for. Unless I go for a specific item, I don't really go there just to browse.
I found myself excitedly walking through the aisles of this dollar store with eager anticipation. I found some awesome finds. However, I soon realized it wasn't a "dollar store" as you would think. It was soon discovered that this store was a "dollar AND UP" store. Instead of things being a dollar, they were about $1.39 plus tax for the cheaper items.
Still I was soon consumed with such excitement in finding some gorgeous flower, beaded and feathered hair things for my daughter in all different colors. I couldn't resist buying a few. They were so cute. I am so excited to put them in her hair on Sundays for church. When I showed them to her at home, her face completely lit up and she was smiling from ear to ear. I also decided, on a complete whim, to buy me a ring. It might seem to be some cheapo piece of crap to someone else, but I love it. It is silver. It was $1.29 plus tax. That $1.29 is worth the happiness I feel today. :)
What do you think? What are your favorite dollar stores? What are your favorite finds at dollar stores?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A Refreshing Morning
This morning I actually woke up and GOT UP on time. Actually earlier than usual. Most mornings are spent rushing to get ready because I just couldn't manage to get up. Getting myself and two young ones ready when I didn't want to get out of bed, just doesn't make for a great morning. Trying to urge them to get up and get ready when they just want to stay in bed results in me raising my voice. I bang things. I yell. I scream. I turn lights on. I turn music or tv on really loudly. I do anything to get them up. Needless to say, not such a great way to start the day.
Today was different. I got up and got ready right away. I urged the kids to get up without yelling. No, they didn't want to get up right away, but they did get up. I ended up having half an hour left til we had to leave and we were all ready to go. I decided to do something I would NEVER choose to do. I chose to do dishes. Remember if you will, our dishwasher is broken. As a result, dishes are washed by hand. A cleaned the sink and got it ready for a load. I usually cringe at the thought of dishes. I actually enjoyed it, believe it or not. Don't ask me why, but it was a great feeling. All the dishes are out air drying.
As I drove away, I feeled so happy and calm. I am sure some of you are thinking I must be crazy today. hahaha But it really felt so incredible. I have three cookie sheets soaking and will tackle them when I am home. I also have a box of dishes in the garage that I am going to wash and most likely give away. We shall see what the evening brings.
Today was different. I got up and got ready right away. I urged the kids to get up without yelling. No, they didn't want to get up right away, but they did get up. I ended up having half an hour left til we had to leave and we were all ready to go. I decided to do something I would NEVER choose to do. I chose to do dishes. Remember if you will, our dishwasher is broken. As a result, dishes are washed by hand. A cleaned the sink and got it ready for a load. I usually cringe at the thought of dishes. I actually enjoyed it, believe it or not. Don't ask me why, but it was a great feeling. All the dishes are out air drying.
As I drove away, I feeled so happy and calm. I am sure some of you are thinking I must be crazy today. hahaha But it really felt so incredible. I have three cookie sheets soaking and will tackle them when I am home. I also have a box of dishes in the garage that I am going to wash and most likely give away. We shall see what the evening brings.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Movie Giveaway
One Momma Saving Money is having a giveaway! As most of you know, we love watching movies together. My kids and I curl up together with a thick, warm blanket and enjoy watching a good movie on the couch. I would love to win this. Check out her blog. http://onemommasavingmoney.blogspot.com/2011/01/family-movie-night-is-back-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FxcZwO+%28One+Momma+Saving+Money%29
I personally follow her blog and am always excited when she posts. Check her out. Good luck.
I personally follow her blog and am always excited when she posts. Check her out. Good luck.
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