Frugal Mommie Fridays

So today I am going to talk about a way to save money that some people are totally against, but it really does work. That would be the wonderful art of shopping at Thrift Stores! Okay, okay this may gross some of you out, but just read a little further before making any judgments on this one.

I too was once very weary of the thrift store shopping thing. The thought of wearing someone elses clothing whom I didn’t know anything about, ugh! Then, one day I actually set foot into a thrift store and realized that there were so many more options than just clothing. If you go to a good thrift store you can find an abundance of items. We are talking decorative items for your home, accessories such as ties and belts, sewing material, small appliances, furniture and the list goes on and on.

After getting the hang of the thrift store shopping, I realized that most thrift stores have a discount day in which every single item at the store is discounted, sometimes as much as 50-75 percent off. The thrift store that I frequent has 50% off day every Monday. Therefore, the only day that you will usually catch me there is on a Monday. There are all kinds of treasures in a thrift store, you just have to be willing to set aside a decent block of time and get ready to dig through all the junk to find that gem you’ve been looking for.

Some of you may still be wary about the whole idea of thrift store shopping and it is definitely not for everyone. At least give it a try before making your final decision. It does consume a little extra shopping time, but for me it’s worth every penny of savings. We should all take a little time to plan ahead and get creative when it comes to spending our money. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

What’s In a Name

As I sat at my computer today to type out this blog entry I had to ask God for some inspiration. I had a moment of writers block in which I drew a total blank. Then the Lord said, “What’s in a name?” This hit me like a ton of bricks. I have been wanting to blog about the importance of properly naming our children for quite some time. I just hadn’t gotten around to it.

I get so bothered by the names that some people choose to give their children. I’m like, so did mommy not realize that her son or daughter would be stuck with this name for at least the first eighteen years of his or her life? People also don’t realize the importance of knowing the meaning of your child’s name. I once heard Pastor Creflo Dollar preaching about someone naming their child Diablo and then wondering why he was so misbehaved. The Spanish translation of Diablo is, “Devil.” Wow!

Some people tend to not believe in the power of words, but it’s real. As Christians we have to be careful of what we say and what we release into the atmosphere. There is power in our words and what we speak. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Do you know the meaning of your name or the names of your children? Well, my name means “Marvelous” in Swahili, “To Sing” in French and “God’s Grace” in Hebrew. One thing is for sure, I haven’t yet been blessed with the gift of song, but I guess mom had high hopes for me. My sons name is of Hebrew origin and it means, “Faith, devotion and whole hearted.” Hopefully one day he will be thankful for the thought that hubby and I put into his name. Before naming your next child, be sure to put some serious thought forth. There is so much more to a name that just a string of letters that a person is called by.

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Nobody Told Me

Today is a continuation of the “Nobody Told Me Series”. This series is comprised of blogs about things that we face as mothers that most of us were not forewarned about before venturing into the realm of parenthood. So today’s topic is, “Nobody told me that being a married mother would give me an even greater appreciation for single mothers.”

I had some quiet time a few days ago, which seems to come few and far between nowadays. In those moments I started to think about just how much I appreciate my husband and all of the ways that he has my back in this thing called life. He is my friend, my partner, my confidant, my lover and so much more. I also started to think about the fact that he is an amazing father. He is always there to pick up the slack and tie up the loose ends when it comes to this parenting thing.

In that moment I thought about how different life would be as a mother if he wasn’t around. What would I do on the days that I didn’t feel so well, or the days that I had overcommitted myself, or the days when I just needed some me time? Then I started to think about all of the single mothers out there that are doing it all alone. I can’t even begin to imagine how much of a physical, emotional and mental load that must be to carry.

For many years my mother was a single mom and she did it with a smile on her face. When I asked her how she did it, all she could say was, “By the grace of God.” I just want to take a few moments to give a special word of appreciation to all of the single mothers out there. You all know who you are, but know that you are not in this alone. When the going gets tough, don’t hesitate to call on God and your loved ones. It truly takes a village to raise a child and Lord knows we have a lot of work to do in that department.

As mothers, most of us are doing the best that we can. Parenting is not an easy feat and we should seek God and help from others when we need it. We are striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman and we must remember that our rewards will be great here on earth and even greater in heaven. As stated in the last passage of Proverbs 31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Nobody Told Me

Today is a continuation of the “Nobody Told Me Series”. This series is comprised of blogs about things that we face as mothers that most of us were not forewarned about before venturing into the realm of parenthood. So today’s topic is, “Nobody told me that my mom would be right about everything.”

During my childhood and teen years it seemed as though my mom wanted to give me advice about everything. I grew so tired of hearing her tell me that she was trying to help me and in some way save me from going through the things that she had gone through. I wanted to experience life for myself instead of having someone tell me how to experience it. Of course this led to many bumps and bruises along the bumpy road of growing up.

Over the past few years my perspective on this has totally changed. I actually should have listened to my mother more, but rest assured I definitely seek out her counsel now. When it comes to raising children of my own, she is usually one of the first people that I call for advice. Much to my advantage, she usually has a 99% success rate on the guidance that she gives.

It saddens me when I think about mothers that don’t or didn’t have their moms around to offer up good advice while raising their children. One of my friends and her husband have 6 children (yikes!) and she has done it without having readily available advice from her deceased mother, although, she has something even greater, The Holy Spirit.

I know that the Lord will lead and guide us through everything that we face in life. I just can’t imagine doing anything without mom’s counsel readily available for me whenever I need it. I think we should all take a few moments out of our busy schedules to call our mothers and tell them just how much we love and appreciate them.

As mothers, most of us are doing the best that we can. Parenting is not an easy feat and we should seek God and wise counsel from our own mothers when we need a little extra help. We are striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman and we must remember that our rewards will be great here on earth and even greater in heaven. As stated in the last passage of Proverbs 31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Frugal Mommie Fridays

This morning I realized that I needed to start compiling my grocery shopping list for next week. Considering that I am all about eating a healthy diet, I do half of our grocery shopping at the local outdoor farmers market and the other half at the grocery store. I always plan ahead when it comes to shopping so that the budget doesn’t burst as a result of unplanned shopping trips.

One thing that really helps save money with grocery shopping is purchasing items that are on sale. I would say about 75 percent of the groceries that I purchase at the grocery store are sale items. There are a few things that are staples in our home that I usually have to purchase regardless of the cost, although, I try to stock up on these items when they are on sale.

You will find that most major grocery stores have a weekly circular that you can get in your newspaper, online or at the store. If you take time to go through the circular and make your grocery list based on what’s on sale, you can save a lot of money. Doing so does require some basic meal planning in advance, but after you get used to shopping this way it becomes second nature.

I will offer an example of meal planning in advance with the sale items in mind. When I looked at the sale items for this week I saw that pasta and pasta sauce are on sale. So that tells me that some type of Italian pasta meal will be in our future. I would simply need to purchase some ground turkey to complete the meal. I could make spaghetti, baked ziti or lasagna based on my findings.

Some of you may feel that planning in advance like this is too time consuming. It does consume some time, but for me it’s worth every penny of savings. We should all take a little time to plan ahead when it comes to spending our money. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).

Keep me posted on how much money you save on your next shopping trip. Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

A Different Perspective

I was chatting with my mother over the weekend and I received a much needed dose of reality. As far back as I can remember I have been obsessive compulsive about meeting all of my self-made goals. I have always had this innate sense to strive for perfection at almost any cost. Due to this self imposed perfectionism, I haven’t allowed myself much room for deviation from my tunnel vision living.

Most recently, I have been in a crazy mode of sacrifice to meet debt elimination guidelines via the Dave Ramsey Program. Because of this sacrifice I haven’t really taken time to enjoy life. I don’t take time to hang out with my friends anymore because I don’t want to spend money frivolously. I haven’t gone to get my hair or nails done in quite a while or even pampered myself via a much needed massage. Hubby and I hardly ever go out because I don’t want to risk spending any money that has been earmarked for Operation Debt Elimination.

While talking to my mother on this past Saturday she laid it all on the line, no feelings spared. She told me that I am living in the prime of my life locked inside of my home focusing on only business, ministry and family while neglecting to live life to the fullest. She feels that it is good to have this kind of drive and focus and that family, ministry and business are important, but so is enjoying life in the process. She sees my determination as a good thing, but thinks that there simply has to be a balance in my life.

My husband and neighbor have been telling me the same thing for quite some time now. I respect all of their opinions, but I just haven’t wanted to do things any other way. I feel that once all of the unsecured debt is paid off next year, I can live and enjoy life a little more then. Mom wanted me to understand that tomorrow is not promised and that enjoying life a little while extending the goal is okay too. I know she has my best interest at heart and that she wants to see me enjoying the prime of my life instead of living under this veil of frugality and outright cheapness.

I feel that there is definitely an inner battle when it comes to this issue and I am seeking God and His Word for wisdom and understanding so that I know how to proceed regarding this matter. “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.” (Proverbs 4:5). I know that there has to be balance in everything and that too much of anything is not good, but what’s a girl to do?

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Frugal Mommie Fridays

Today I must tell you all about my recent Craigslist purchase. I have talked about ways to save money via Craigslist purchases in the past. For those of you that are not familiar with www.craigslist.com, it’s a website that allows people to buy and sell used goods at discounted prices.

Well, earlier this week I was in the market for a baby monitor. I really wanted to get another video monitor for business purposes, but of course the audio-only monitor was cheaper, so I went that route. I called the seller to find out if the monitor that she had posted was still available and it was. I was so excited when I found out that I could get the monitor that same day. We arranged a public meeting location during daytime hours (very important with Craigslist purchases). We met about 45 minutes later and the deal was done.

I couldn’t wait to put this monitor to use. A few hours later I plugged it in and there was nothing but static. I read the directions and attempted to troubleshoot the problem. After wasting about 30 minutes of my day on this thing, I gave up. I immediately called the seller back and left a non-descript message for her to call me. We have been playing phone tag every since Tuesday and I don’t know what to do. I really want to get my $15 back so it can go towards the purchase of a video monitor.

I will definitely have my power converter ready in my car when the next deal goes down. I have learned a very valuable lesson when it comes to electronic purchases via Craigslist; always test before buying. I haven’t had any problems with previous electronic purchases and if I don’t get my money back, it was only fifteen bucks. I can definitely count this as a lesson learned. Just remember to always plan ahead when it comes to spending your money. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).

I would love to get your feedback regarding this matter. Should I keep calling the seller and attempt to return the product in exchange for my money or should I just let it go? Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Nobody Told Me

Today is a continuation of the “Nobody Told Me Series”. This series is comprised of blogs about things that we face as mothers that most of us were not forewarned about before venturing into the realm of parenthood.

So today’s topic is, “Nobody told me that you could love an individual in such an unconditional and unwavering way.” When I was pregnant awaiting the arrival of my son I had no idea what was to come. I knew that I loved my unborn child, but it wasn’t like the love that I grew to have for him after his birth. You always hear people referring to, a mothers’ love, although, it’s hard to understand this type of love unless you are a mother. There is a special bond that forms over the first few months of your child’s life. It’s like you just want to hug and kiss them as much as possibly you can. You realize that you will actually give your life to protect your little one and his/her well-being.

Words can’t even begin to express the feeling that a mother has for her child. It’s like a supernatural power that no one or nothing can replace or come between. It’s a power that allows you to still function after months of sleepless nights. It’s a power that allows you to wipe poopy bottoms and clean up the stinkiest throw up. It’s a power that causes you to pray without ceasing when your child is sick or in trouble. It’s a power that makes you want to be the best mother that you can be. It’s a power that can only originate from the love of God.

I wish there were a way to bottle up this love, drink a little of it every day and exhibit that love to everyone. It’s not always easy to get along with everyone but we can definitely love them in a way that is pleasing unto God. Let’s make an effort to love each person that we come in contact with and display agape love in every situation. As mothers, we know that we have the capacity to love this way. So be like Nike and Just Do It!

We are also striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman and doing the best that we can, to be the best women that we can be. Our rewards will be great here on earth and even greater in heaven. As stated in the last passage of Proverbs 31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Frugal Mommie Friday

Today I would like to venture into the realm of coupons. As most of us know coupons can definitely add up at the check out line and save us a lot of money. However, many people don’t realize that there are numerous ways to utilize the use of coupons. Coupons can be doubled and sometimes tripled in value. If you want to find out if your local grocery store doubles or triples coupons, simply ask.

Many of us get the Sunday paper just for the coupons inside. However, you may not realize that there are lots of websites available with free coupons to print out. Some of these websites are, http://www.mycoupons.com, http://www.coupons.com, and http://www.grocerycoupons.com, just to name a few. If you are interested in finding more of these websites go to a search engine such as Yahoo or Google and type “coupons” in the search box.

If you have products that you purchase frequently, you can call the manufacturer direct and tell their reps just how much you use and love their products and ask if they have any coupons available. In addition, you can also go to the manufacturers’ website to print out coupons or sign up to receive specials and discounts.

We are all doing our best to work within our designated budgets. It’s not always easy, but we have to work with what we have. I know that some of these things may be time consuming, but a little bit of time could potentially save you a lot of money. It’s an opportunity cost kind of thing. Take a little extra time before your next shopping trip to collect some coupons for use. Just remember to always plan ahead when it comes to spending your money. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).

Keep me posted on how much money you save on your next shopping trip by leaving a comment at the end of one of the posts on savedmom.com. Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Nobody Told Me

Today is a continuation of the “Nobody Told Me Series”. This series is comprised of blogs about things that we face as mothers that most of us were not forewarned about before venturing into the realm of parenthood.

So today’s topic is, “Nobody told me that my evenings would feel like a race to the finish line!” My husband and I were just talking the other night about how our evenings are so consumed with our son that we hardly ever seem to have time for each other anymore. We go through the evenings as if it were a race to the finish line and when we get there we are usually pooped!

For most parents an evening with the kids is comprised of dinner prep, homework, meal time, bath time, brushing teeth, getting clothes out for the next day and the bed time routine. After having a full day, the evening seems to be so full of one consuming task after another. Before having children I didn’t understand why my friends with kids hardly ever had time to chat on the phone in the evenings, but now I totally get it. However, we must remember that we can’t get so caught in the routine that we don’t take time for us and/or our marriages. I also had to realize that if a night goes by here or there with a not so well thought out meal or no bath that it’s okay. Life will go on and we will all survive.

We are also striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman. Just remember that none of us are perfect and we all doing the best that we can to be the best mothers that we can be. Our rewards will be great here on earth and even greater in heaven. As stated in the last passage of Proverbs 31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Frugal Mommie Friday’s

I will pick up where we left off on last Friday and give you all an update on the status of the two major purchases. I did purchase the computer this week, but decided to delay the freezer purchase. After the budget talk on Sunday with hubby, we realized that we needed to delay the purchase of either the computer or the freezer. After much thought the decision was made to delay the freezer purchase. With the help of our wonderful neighbor and friend, my husband and I decided to purchase an E-Machine computer bundle online at a great price.

There was just one missing piece to the puzzle; the bundle came with everything except a monitor. So we did a little more research and found a monitor on the same website for $99.99. Unfortunately, this would push us over our $300 budget for a computer, so yet another decision had to be made. After much thought we came to the realization that if we could somehow avoid paying shipping on the monitor purchase, we could squeeze the complete package into the budget. Well, the website that we were purchasing the computer bundle from offered free shipping on orders of $100 or more and less than 25 pounds. There was just one problem; adding the monitor to the bundle would bring us over the 25 pound weight limit and purchasing the monitor separate would keep us under the $100 minimum purchase amount!

So what’s a girl to do? How about me and my bright ideas led to a frantic search on the website for an item under $10 to add to the monitor purchase in an attempt to avoid shipping costs. Well, there I sat at my computer with the bundle purchase in one window on the computer and an item for $7.99 that I found on the website in another window. I hit the “Complete Purchase” button in the bundle window and low and behold after checkout my order summary included the item that cost $7.99! How did this happen? How can I make it go away? This was supposed to go along with the monitor purchase so that I could avoid paying S & H and now it was in with the bundle order! What a blunder on my behalf!

I immediately called the company to have this item removed. While on the phone with the representative I was told that because these items shipped from a different location it may not be removed from the order before shipping out. He said we would just have to wait and see. Of course, when UPS rang my bell yesterday they had two boxes instead one and to make a long story short I may have to come out of pocket to ship it back!

The moral of this Frugal Mommie story is… Bargain hunting is great, but please know when to draw the line in the sand! I’m thinking about just looking on Craigslist for a computer monitor instead. Due to budgetary constraints the monitor purchase is postponed until further notice. Side note to purchasing items on Craigslist: ALWAYS HAGGLE. I normally shave 10-50 percent off of the original price after speaking to the seller. I will discuss haggling in further detail in a future posting. Just remember to always plan ahead when it comes to spending your money. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. I would LOVE for you to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Frugal Mommie Friday’s

First off I want to take a few moments to say thanks to all of you who have left comments or sent emails regarding the “changes” in my blog style/format. It’s so refreshing to know that you all are enjoying what you’re reading. Please keep all comments coming, weather it be constructive criticism or positive feedback. There is a “Comments” link below each post on the blog site (www.savedmom.com).

So we are switching up our Friday mix and sharing ways for mommies to save money. I’m sure we all could use a little money saving advice from time to time. Well, I am currently in the market for a deep freezer and a new computer and I am hoping to find a good deal this Fourth of July weekend. As most of you know I am taking it back to the olden days by getting seasonal fruits and veggies from the local farmers markets and my garden then freezing them for consumption during the winter months. Therefore, it’s definitely time for a back up freezer for food storage. I also recently found out that I have to get a new computer ASAP. So that means it is time to bite the bullet and make two major purchases over the next few weeks.

I am all about saving money and finding a good deal so the first place I looked was Craigslist (www.craigslist.com). For those of you that have not yet ventured into the world of Craigslist, get ready! You can find people in your local area selling just about anything that you can imagine, yes, anything! Please be forewarned that there are certain precautions that you need to take when purchasing goods from these random people. It’s always a good rule of thumb to meet during the day in a public place or a police station parking lot to make the exchange. Safety first! Craigslist is also a good place to get rid of items that you no longer have any use for (in decent condition, of course).

I started thinking about it and I realized that buying these items second hand may not be such a good idea. Yeah, I will save money today, but what will the quality or life expectancy of these used items be? When making appliance/electronic purchases on items that need to last for a while, Craigslist might not be the best route. So, now I’ve been looking online in the 4th of July ads.

Shopping during holiday sales is a sure way to save money. After you find a good price that you feel somewhat comfortable with, take it a step further and see if you can find a coupon for that particular store. Online coupons are the best. Just go to a search engine like Google or Yahoo and type in what you are looking for. For example you could simply type “Sears Coupons” into the search engine and watch what happens. You’ll be surprised at all of the coupons that are readily available online.

At this point I am knee deep in my freezer/computer search. I will be sure to let you all know how it turns out. Just remember to always plan ahead when it comes to spending your money. “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Nobody Told Me

I have been inspired to start a “Nobody Told Me Series”. The “Nobody Told Me Series” will be comprised of blogs about things that we face as mothers that nobody told me or warned me about. I will write on these topics as I feel led.

So today’s topic is, “Nobody told me that being a mom meant washing clothes would become an almost everyday task!” I can remember during my life before children (L.B.C.) I only had to wash clothes about once every two weeks and now I feel as though I wash clothes once every two days!

Sometimes I feel as though I should have a quarter machine attached to me because I feel like I am running a Laundromat. Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying as complaining because I thank God that I have an able body to do laundry, clothes to launder, running water and laundry powder. It’s just that nobody ever told me that laundry would be a frequent task on the list of things to do once embarking upon motherhood.

I often wonder if it’s even worth it to fold the clothes and put them away considering that they will just be dirty and ready for the laundering cycle to start all over again in a matter of days. I used to watch HGTV (Home and Garden Television) and wonder why these women were so concerned with having nice large laundry rooms. I just didn’t know that this is because mothers spend 1/8 of their adult lives doing laundry (this is not true statistical data, just a wild guess)! So the next time that you are on your seventh load of laundry in a given week, know that you are not alone. We’re all living out our mommie mission one day at a time.

We are also striving to be that Proverbs 31 woman. Just remember that none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes, but our rewards will be great both here on earth and in heaven. As stated in the last passage of Proverbs 31 “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31).

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Word Wednesday

Today is officially “Word Wednesday” otherwise known as “Hump Day.” We’ve made it half way through yet another week on the wonderful, exciting and bumpy road of motherhood. Therefore, some of us are looking for some encouraging words to make it through the rest of the week with Joy and Peace. At night before my son goes to bed, in addition to reading bible stories, I read him a passage out of Prayers That Avail Much, First Blessings for Your Child by Germaine Copeland. Mommies we have to keep our children prayed up and constantly put Gods Word in their hearts.

Sunday’s passage read, “I pray that all the words of your mouth will be righteous, upright and in right standing with God.” We all are quite familiar with the old adage, “Kids say that darndest things.” Although, we must understand that kids usually mimic what they see and hear. If we aren’t doing our part to ensure that our children hear the right things, they will be more likely to say the wrong things. Of course we can’t monitor everything that goes in and out, but we can lay the right foundation and make sure they understand what’s right and what’s wrong. Then we need to correct them when they allow inappropriate things to come out of their mouths.

As adults we also have to watch what we allow to come out of our mouths. At times I hear people say things like; “My head is killing me,” “You make me sick,” and “I’m catching a cold.” We must realize just how much power the tongue has and guard the things that we say. The word tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21).

During our quest for speaking what it righteous, we can meditate on Proverbs 8:7-8, “My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.” As we make an effort to watch what we say doing so will help our children learn to say right things as well.

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Feature Friday

Happy Friday to all! As I prepared for my weekend, I realized that I will be attending three graduations between today and tomorrow. I’m sure most of you all know someone that will be graduating this year as well. So this Feature Friday I would like to feature all of our graduates and wish them many blessings and much favor as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives.

Graduation is a major milestone for many and those of us that have lived long enough to have gained wisdom should be willing to pass a few jewels along to these young men and women. The Word explains, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,” (Proverbs 3:13).

As one graduates and prepares to enter the next phase of life, there are a few important topics that need to be discussed. Of course, their spiritual well being should be at the top of the list. Let’s take this opportunity to minister to these young individuals. I sure wish someone would have ministered the Gospel to me during that major life transition. Now, we don’t have to be super “deep” about it, but simply planting a small seed can go a long way.

One of the other important topics of discussion after graduation should be proper financial management. Now, most of you all know that I am an advocate of the Dave Ramsey way of teaching financial principles and wealth building. So, I feel that Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey would be a great book to give graduates as gifts. The books are currently being offered on the website (www.daveramsey.com) at the discounted price of $10! To ensure that they actually read this book, you could offer a $50 gift upon completion of a well put together book report.

These are just my personal thoughts regarding this topic. I know that I would have had a greater jump start on life if someone simply ministered to my spirit and my finances upon graduation; just a little food for thought. Now, let’s go out and show some love to our future leaders of America!

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Word Wednesday

Today is officially “Word Wednesday” otherwise known as “Hump Day.” We’ve made it half way through yet another week on the wonderful, exciting and bumpy road of motherhood. Therefore, some of us are looking for some encouraging words to make it through the rest of the week with Joy and Peace. At night before my son goes to bed, in addition to reading bible stories, I read him a passage out of Prayers That Avail Much, First Blessings for Your Child by Germaine Copeland. Mommies we have to keep our children prayed up and constantly put Gods Word in their hearts.

Yesterday’s passage read, “May the Lord impart to you a desire to do good to those who deserve it when it is in your power to act.” As Christian parents it is important that we teach our children to do good unto others. The Word tells us, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27). This holds true not only for our children, but for us as well. How many times have you seen someone in need that you could help, but you just didn’t feel like doing so? Sometimes we have to put our carnal nature aside and have a willingness to help our fellow brothers and sisters even when we don’t want to. Our children must too understand that when they are in a position to help their fellow brethren that they should do so.

In my study, I read past Proverbs 3:27 to the next verse, “Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you. (Proverbs 3:28). After reading this verse I realized that I have been guilty of doing just what the Word says not to do. It is time for us to make the necessary efforts to do good to those who deserve it when it is in our power to act. Let’s stop making excuses and truly live out the living Word of God!

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Word Wednesday

Today is officially “Word Wednesday” otherwise known as “Hump Day.” We’ve made it half way through yet another week on the wonderful, exciting and bumpy road of motherhood. Therefore, some of us are looking for some encouraging words to make it through the rest of the week with Joy and Peace. At night before my son goes to bed, in addition to reading bible stories, I read him a passage out of Prayers That Avail Much, First Blessings for Your Child by Germaine Copeland. Mommies we have to keep our children prayed up and constantly put Gods Word in their hearts.

Sunday’s passage read, “I bless you with a desire for insight so that you may raise your voice for understanding, seek for wisdom as silver and search for skillful and godly wisdom as for hidden treasures.” After reading this passage and the biblical reference in several times, I gained a deeper understanding of this passage. The biblical reference comes from Proverbs 2:3-6, “and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

For many years Christians have gone to their friends, family and love ones for advice about a situation that they were facing, instead of seeking insight from the Lord. God left His living Word so that we may attain the knowledge and wisdom to handle anything that may come our way. What a joy it would be for our children to receive understanding of this principle at a young age. Just imagine how much differently you would have handled situations throughout the years if you had clear understanding of this precept early on.

It’s funny that even after knowing that we should seek wisdom and knowledge from God; some of us still choose to search for it from others. Doesn’t it just make sense to first seek council from the one that knows your beginning, your end and everything in between? So the next time you are faced with something that you need guidance on, search for insight from God first and watch what happens.

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

I Learned From You

Happy Monday to each and everyone of you! Today I stumbled upon a short and sweet mother’s poem. Enjoy, and take some time to let your mother know just how much she means to you…

I Learned From You

I learned about love from you,
Watching your caring ways.
I learned about joy from you
In fun-filled yesterdays.
From you I learned forgiving
Of faults both big and small.
I learned what I know about living
From you, as you gave life your all.
The example you set is still with me
I'd never want any other.
I'm thankful for all that you taught me,
And I'm blessed to call you "Mother."
By Joanna Fuchs



"Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:" (Proverbs 31:28). Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Word Wednesday

Today is officially “Word Wednesday” otherwise known as “Hump Day.” We’ve made it half way through yet another week on the wonderful, exciting and bumpy road of motherhood. Therefore, some of us are looking for some encouraging words to make it through the rest of the week with Joy and Peace. At night before my son goes to bed, in addition to reading bible stories, I read him a passage out of Prayers That Avail Much, First Blessings for Your Child by Germaine Copeland. Mommies we have to keep our children prayed up and constantly put Gods Word in their hearts.

Yesterday’s passage read, “Sweet child, lie down in peace tonight, knowing that the heart of our leader is in the Lord’s hand. To do what is right is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. There is a time for war and a time for peace.” After reading this passage I started to wonder, “How many of us actually pray for our President and other leaders on a consistent basis?” Our leaders really do need our prayer. They are faced with so many challenges from day to day. They have to sit down and make the hard decisions for us and our country.

At the end of the day they are mere men and women with imperfections and flaws. They need divine guidance as they make the hard decisions. Although you may not agree with who is in office or the decisions that they have made in the past, they still need us lifting them up in prayer. They need prayer for wisdom, protection, and divine guidance. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” (Proverbs 11:14).

The passage above also stated, “To do what is right is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” We can also pray that our leader’s do what is right on the front end so that our country doesn’t have to make the sacrifices later, on the back end.

These prayers are not just for our politicians, but for our pastors and others in leadership positions as well. As we make an effort to pray for those in leadership we can teach our children to do the same. We can teach them to pray for their teachers and pastors. Just remember we must be the change that we want to see and prayer really does change things!

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.

Word Wednesday

Today is officially “Word Wednesday” otherwise known as “Hump Day.” We’ve made it half way through yet another week on the wonderful, exciting and bumpy road of motherhood. Therefore, some of us are looking for some encouraging words to make it through the rest of the week with Joy and Peace. At night before my son goes to bed, in addition to reading bible stories, I read him a passage out of Prayers That Avail Much, First Blessings for Your Child by Germaine Copeland. Mommies we have to keep our children prayed up and constantly put Gods Word in their hearts.

Yesterday’s passage read, “The Lord has examined you. He knows all about you. He knows when you sit down and when you get up. He knows your thoughts before you think them. He knows where you will go and where you will lie down. He knows thoroughly everything you will do. May He keep you under the protection of His wings.” This passage led me through a series of thoughts pertaining to our personality traits including both our strengths and weaknesses. I can remember times past where I thought to myself, “Why did God make me this way? Why am I so emotional? Why am I so anal retentive? Why do I have so many flaws?”

Then one day I had this great epiphany that our strengths and weaknesses are a part of who we are and God made us this way for a reason. He knew us before he formed us in our mothers womb and everything within us has purpose. “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,” (Ephesians 1:11).

As stated before, I am very emotional, but this trait allows me to empathize and sympathize with others very well and helps me show compassion to others in their times of need. We often think of our “weaknesses” as something negative, but if we search ourselves and pray for understanding, God can show us how these traits can be used to help others. “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,” (Proverbs 3:13). So the next time that you or your child exhibits a trait that you would consider to be negative, seek understanding and find a way to use that trait in a positive way.

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to info@savedmom.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M.