As a new reader of Christian literature, I was very pleasantly surprised by Joanna Weaver’s eloquent explanation and discussion of John 11:1-12:12. Being only vaguely familiar with the story of Lazarus and unfamiliar with the author, I had no expectations when I began reading this book. Lazarus Awakening did awaken in me some self examination. Joanna’s personal accounts of her struggles with unworthiness, unforgiveness and selfishness helped remind me that I am not alone in my imperfection.
Joanna walks the reader though the story of Lazarus step by step. She explains the relevance of each character to our own Christian growth. She reminds us that God loves us regardless of our faults and all we have to do is accept his love.
Lazarus Awakening is a great read for established as well as new Christians. Joanna speaks to her readers like a friend. You can almost envision yourself sitting at her table and talking over coffee. The end of the book contains a 10 week bible study to further explore the scripture and reflect on its meaning. Also included is a very helpful list of resources for further reading and study.
After reading this book, I am anxious to read Joanna Weaver’s other books.
I received this book from the publisher to review and write an honest review.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Stretching the Dollar
When I decided to become a full-time homemaker, my husband and I knew we would have to learn to stretch our money further. We have always been a fairly frugal family, but on two incomes there was always a lot of room for little financial mishaps. We were able to enjoy vacations, full price groceries, home improvements (done by other people) and a variety of material things. Now that I am at home, we have had to learn to control spending urges and come up with new ways to save money. Here are a few of the things that have helped us to conserve our financial resources:
General Lifestyle
1. We are dedicated to paying off debt. Any extra money that we are able to save goes to paying off our debt.
2. We bought a house that we can afford. Previously, we had made the mistake of buying a home that required two incomes to support. Once we have paid down debt, we will have a reasonable house payment and hopefully no debt payments.
3. We drive paid for cars. Our cars are older and have been paid off. We are committed to never having a car payment again. Should a car die, we will save up cash and buy a car outright.
4. We do all home improvements that we can ourselves. My husband has learned basic plumbing, home repair and carpentry skills. I take care of the painting, yard work and general labor duties. My skills are limited in home repair. I have done some electrical with very spooky results.
5. We save for major home improvements. Currently, we are saving for a roof. We are also planning to have roof vents installed to assist with summer cooling bills.
Day to Day
1. I shop at Goodwill and yard sales. I buy our clothes, home decor and small appliances second hand. I generally do not buy any clothing that is over $4. Buying second hand saves money and benefits the environment.
2. I sew. I mend our clothes. Mending conserves money and reduces waste.
3. I make as many food items as I can from scratch. I make bread, pizza crust, granola bars, pancakes, waffles, jello, pudding, applesauce, etc.. . Buying foods like pudding, jello and applesauce in lunch containers is expensive and creates waste. Anything that you buy ready made that comes in some kind of packaging is typically going to be more expensive than making it at home. Also, all that packaging creates a lot of waste. My husband always notices packaging and has helped me a lot in taking notice of the packaging that I am buying.
4. We set our heat low and our air conditioner high. We generally set our heat at 60 degrees and we turn it off whenever we can tolerate the cold. We are planning to add more insulation to help with heating and cooling. In summer, we set our air conditioner at 78 degrees and turn it off whenever we can. Thanks goodness for fans and mini heaters!
5. Line dry. When the weather is nice, I line dry our clothes. In the warm months, I only use the line.
6. We grow our own food. We grow veggies and have planted fruit trees. I also buy fruits in bulk when they are in season and can them for later. I am hoping to expand my garden this year.
7. We run full loads of laundry and dishes.
8. We do not have cable television.
9. We use coupons and buy foods on sale. Each week, I buy the best grocery deals with coupons and buy the rest at Aldi. I also visit Trader Joes once a month for some of my special food items. I use coupon sites to help me find good deals. My favorite coupon site for groceries is Southern Savers. I am the only vegan in our house, so I plan two meals a day. One for them and one for me. I make a standard meat, starch and veggie dinner for my family. When they are done eating, I make food for myself. I generally plan their meals around whatever meats are on sale or in the freezer. For myself, I eat mostly veggies, beans and peanut butter. I have been able to keep our grocery budget pretty tight. My budget is $80 a week for groceries.
10. I go to the library. I love to read, but I do not buy books. I visit the library at least two times per week. I check out books and movies. It is great for the budget and also the environment.
11. We drink water.
12. We do not eat out very often.
13. We cut each other’s hair. My children have never had their hair cut by anyone except me. I cut the children and my husband’s hair. I have even asked my husband to trim my hair on a few occasions.
14. We camp. We love to go on vacation, but hotel rooms are expensive for us, so we have started camping more frequently.
This is a sampling of some of the things that we do to stay in our budget. Personally, I do not miss having extra money. The time I get to spend with my children and husband is so much more important to me. I love being a homemaker and strive to teach my children to be frugal with their financial resources as well as the Earth's resources.
General Lifestyle
1. We are dedicated to paying off debt. Any extra money that we are able to save goes to paying off our debt.
2. We bought a house that we can afford. Previously, we had made the mistake of buying a home that required two incomes to support. Once we have paid down debt, we will have a reasonable house payment and hopefully no debt payments.
3. We drive paid for cars. Our cars are older and have been paid off. We are committed to never having a car payment again. Should a car die, we will save up cash and buy a car outright.
4. We do all home improvements that we can ourselves. My husband has learned basic plumbing, home repair and carpentry skills. I take care of the painting, yard work and general labor duties. My skills are limited in home repair. I have done some electrical with very spooky results.
5. We save for major home improvements. Currently, we are saving for a roof. We are also planning to have roof vents installed to assist with summer cooling bills.
Day to Day
1. I shop at Goodwill and yard sales. I buy our clothes, home decor and small appliances second hand. I generally do not buy any clothing that is over $4. Buying second hand saves money and benefits the environment.
2. I sew. I mend our clothes. Mending conserves money and reduces waste.
3. I make as many food items as I can from scratch. I make bread, pizza crust, granola bars, pancakes, waffles, jello, pudding, applesauce, etc.. . Buying foods like pudding, jello and applesauce in lunch containers is expensive and creates waste. Anything that you buy ready made that comes in some kind of packaging is typically going to be more expensive than making it at home. Also, all that packaging creates a lot of waste. My husband always notices packaging and has helped me a lot in taking notice of the packaging that I am buying.
4. We set our heat low and our air conditioner high. We generally set our heat at 60 degrees and we turn it off whenever we can tolerate the cold. We are planning to add more insulation to help with heating and cooling. In summer, we set our air conditioner at 78 degrees and turn it off whenever we can. Thanks goodness for fans and mini heaters!
5. Line dry. When the weather is nice, I line dry our clothes. In the warm months, I only use the line.
6. We grow our own food. We grow veggies and have planted fruit trees. I also buy fruits in bulk when they are in season and can them for later. I am hoping to expand my garden this year.
7. We run full loads of laundry and dishes.
8. We do not have cable television.
9. We use coupons and buy foods on sale. Each week, I buy the best grocery deals with coupons and buy the rest at Aldi. I also visit Trader Joes once a month for some of my special food items. I use coupon sites to help me find good deals. My favorite coupon site for groceries is Southern Savers. I am the only vegan in our house, so I plan two meals a day. One for them and one for me. I make a standard meat, starch and veggie dinner for my family. When they are done eating, I make food for myself. I generally plan their meals around whatever meats are on sale or in the freezer. For myself, I eat mostly veggies, beans and peanut butter. I have been able to keep our grocery budget pretty tight. My budget is $80 a week for groceries.
10. I go to the library. I love to read, but I do not buy books. I visit the library at least two times per week. I check out books and movies. It is great for the budget and also the environment.
11. We drink water.
12. We do not eat out very often.
13. We cut each other’s hair. My children have never had their hair cut by anyone except me. I cut the children and my husband’s hair. I have even asked my husband to trim my hair on a few occasions.
14. We camp. We love to go on vacation, but hotel rooms are expensive for us, so we have started camping more frequently.
This is a sampling of some of the things that we do to stay in our budget. Personally, I do not miss having extra money. The time I get to spend with my children and husband is so much more important to me. I love being a homemaker and strive to teach my children to be frugal with their financial resources as well as the Earth's resources.
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