...my baby is sick.
again.
if you think of it--please pray for my little e-boy
(who is struggling with an asthmatic response to a virus or rsv or some-such-ness.)
i can't put into words how much i would appreciate it.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
An Open Letter
Dear Naptime And Super Pretzel,
I love you both so much.
I honestly can't tell at the moment which of you I love more.
((Super Pretzel with your super salty warm pretzelness and
naptime with your cozy comfy blanket-y sleepiness))
I'm just so glad that you're both a part of my life.
Love,
Shelly
I love you both so much.
I honestly can't tell at the moment which of you I love more.
((Super Pretzel with your super salty warm pretzelness and
naptime with your cozy comfy blanket-y sleepiness))
I'm just so glad that you're both a part of my life.
Love,
Shelly
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Apparently *It's* Contagious
Amelie says, "Mommy I just want to color a picture of a bunch of deals and tell everyone about them. Isn't that a great idea?!"
Also, when standing in line at Walgreens behind a lady with some coupons she exclaimed with a huge smile on her face, "DADDY! She's making deals!"
She's a kid after my own heart!
A. Mazing.
My bloggy friend Julie posted this on her blog and I had to follow suit! It's pretty stinkin' cool!
Monday, March 8, 2010
This And That
*I'm loving this springy weather--Bring. It. !!!
*We went for our first family walk of the year tonight--only now Amelie is big enough to follow us on her bike--it's a huge milestone!
*Ezra had his first haircut today--most of his faux-hawk baby hair had fallen out and there were just a few odd sprigs left that I evened up with the rest of his *hair* He looks handsome =-) He's such a funny little guy--I"m so thankful that he's continued to be on a schedule (for at least two months now) and that he can belly laugh--so. much. love.
*E-boy is getting soooooo big! I'm back to the eternal dilemma of--what clothes do you buy boys that are cute? He doesn't have any warm weather stuff--I'm going to have to check out Target and H&M to see what's good.
*Maeve and Amelie both came down with ear infections over the weekend. It was a little horrible--they are both doing much better now though and I'm praying that E-boy doesn't catch their cold!!
*Do you ever feel like no matter how many people are around that you can still be lonely?That no matter how hard you work to keep up with the house there is always something undone? It's the human condition I suppose. I'm so thankful for the flood of blessings in my life but feel a little lost and overwhelmed at times. Just bein' real here.
*I really love coupons. Have you started saving yet? I hope a few of you have caught the coupon clipping bug--seriously, it's changed my life. It's so fun for me--and such a huge blessing to save so much with so little effort. And if you haven't caught the coupon bug--don't worry--I still love you. It took me a while to come around too =) Jesus died for us all--the couponers and the non so who am I to judge. HA!
*Amelie just said to me, "God just gave me a miracle idea! Let's eat cupcakes!" Who am I to argue with that?! tee hee!
*Maeve also just said, "Growwwwwwllllllll."
Amen. Goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow friends!
*We went for our first family walk of the year tonight--only now Amelie is big enough to follow us on her bike--it's a huge milestone!
*Ezra had his first haircut today--most of his faux-hawk baby hair had fallen out and there were just a few odd sprigs left that I evened up with the rest of his *hair* He looks handsome =-) He's such a funny little guy--I"m so thankful that he's continued to be on a schedule (for at least two months now) and that he can belly laugh--so. much. love.
*E-boy is getting soooooo big! I'm back to the eternal dilemma of--what clothes do you buy boys that are cute? He doesn't have any warm weather stuff--I'm going to have to check out Target and H&M to see what's good.
*Maeve and Amelie both came down with ear infections over the weekend. It was a little horrible--they are both doing much better now though and I'm praying that E-boy doesn't catch their cold!!
*Do you ever feel like no matter how many people are around that you can still be lonely?That no matter how hard you work to keep up with the house there is always something undone? It's the human condition I suppose. I'm so thankful for the flood of blessings in my life but feel a little lost and overwhelmed at times. Just bein' real here.
*I really love coupons. Have you started saving yet? I hope a few of you have caught the coupon clipping bug--seriously, it's changed my life. It's so fun for me--and such a huge blessing to save so much with so little effort. And if you haven't caught the coupon bug--don't worry--I still love you. It took me a while to come around too =) Jesus died for us all--the couponers and the non so who am I to judge. HA!
*Amelie just said to me, "God just gave me a miracle idea! Let's eat cupcakes!" Who am I to argue with that?! tee hee!
*Maeve also just said, "Growwwwwwllllllll."
Amen. Goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow friends!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
My Favorite
My husband's music team participated in the International Competition of High School Acappella and were absolutely phenomenal. My husband arranged this song-
-he. is. amazing.
His kids are too--check them out!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
A Good *Mail* Day
I love a good mail day! Don't you?
I've had a few good mail days lately (Fridays are always good b/c I get my favorite magazines--yes--sometimes it IS the little things =).
But today--today was special.
(As if the extra blessing of warmth and SUNSHINE outside wasn't enough!!)
I recieved a letter from a very dear, elderly great-aunt. I regularly correspond with her send her pictures and updates. Honestly--I've only met her a few times in my life--but she filled my childhood with the most loving correspondence that I've stuck to writing her. She is the most dear woman--recovering still from a broken heart after the loss of her husband of 50+ years and going through health, memory problems of her own. I wept as she apologized for her memory loss and inability to send cards like she used to. She has been such a blessing in my life--I pray that I can bless others the same way. She closed her letter with a call for prayer-((oh Lord, please give Aunt Ellen peace and joy and keep her so tightly wrapped in your loving arms that she can't help but feel them. Amen.))
I recieved a letter from a very dear, elderly great-aunt. I regularly correspond with her send her pictures and updates. Honestly--I've only met her a few times in my life--but she filled my childhood with the most loving correspondence that I've stuck to writing her. She is the most dear woman--recovering still from a broken heart after the loss of her husband of 50+ years and going through health, memory problems of her own. I wept as she apologized for her memory loss and inability to send cards like she used to. She has been such a blessing in my life--I pray that I can bless others the same way. She closed her letter with a call for prayer-((oh Lord, please give Aunt Ellen peace and joy and keep her so tightly wrapped in your loving arms that she can't help but feel them. Amen.))
I know--that was a *hard* one--but it's the REAL emotions in life that are the most valuable--don't you think? The hard times especially teach us so much. Anyways...speaking of blessings--on the bottom of my mail pile was an unexpected box! I was excited to open it and inside I found:
The most beautiful handmade blanket for Ezra! You see, I graduated with a girl from Cedarville (well, I guess we're more like women now than girls now =)), who makes beautiful baby blankets for sale. I won a blanket through a giveaway on her facebook page a while back and related to her that Maeve had taken over that blanket. So she sent one for Ezra. What a sweet and unexpectedly delightful surprise! Thank you Naomi for being so kind and sweet--my heart feels so full right now! Thank you! Want to see her beautiful blankets? Check out her website here!
And, I know I don't say it enough--but thank you to ALL of you for being so kind and for taking a few moments to read my blurbs. I've give ya'll a great big hug if I could.
Happy Saturday!
Friday, March 5, 2010
You Know You're Tired When...*
*your daughter asks you to put socks on her feet before bed and you put gloves on them! (and don't realize she's got glove-feet until after her nap, after dinner and hours later =))
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hallelujah!
Psalm 103: 8-14
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him for he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust.
Streamlining; Introducing: *South Jersey Shopper*
In an effort to keep my deal-excitement from COMPLETELY TAKING OVER ALL ASPECTS OF MY LIFE...ahem...I've created a separate blog for all of my *finds*!
It will feature actual transactions you can accomplish, with links to coupons etc for getting a good deals at: Shop Rite, Acme, CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. I don't plan on listing all of the deals available at each store-rather what I personally will do to save money. Transactions that work for me and how to take $5 to each drug store and walk out with tons o stuff. I hope it's helpful to you and that way--if you're not interested at ALL in my couponing you won't have to be subjected to it =) tee hee! Thanks for reading and click on over to read my first shoppy-post on saving and MAKING money at Acme this week! =)
Jumping Bean
I recently got out the old Jumperoo for Ezra to start using and Maeve was fascinated! She kept telling me that she was *the baby* and that she could go in there. And, much to her delight, I let her try it out. And although she "fit" I think she really ought to wear knee-pads next time =)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Accomplishing Something
I feel so *accomplished* lately.
Shopping used to make me feel defeated and discouraged--my husband and I don't have much money to work with--our budget is very very tight. God has always provided for us but at times I've felt powerless--like I was spending $130 a week between groceries/target to get the things we needed. Our cupboards would be full for 4 days and every single Tuesday--the week wouldn't be halfway over--I would look in my cupboards and they would be bare.
It was beyond discouraging to spend so much of our money and to feel like we weren't getting anything!
Enter the coupons
and our cupboards are more full then they have ever been and I'm spending HALF as much money.
That's why I can't stop talking about coupons--it really has changed our lives! Yes, it's a bit more work but I feel like the ball is back in my court. I'm in charge and the stores have to play by my rules!
I've been rolling this catalina deal at Acme this week--buy $20 worth of general mills products rec. $7 off your next trip. Well, the first time I did it I gathered up my coupons and got boxes and boxes of cereal, fruit snacks, brownies, potatos and spent $15 for about $40 pre/sale, $20 on sale worth of stuff. I got my $7 back and did another trip--this time for $7 I rec. the same amount of stuff and I got $10 back for my next trip (they are running a deal where you get $3 back if you buy 4 boxes of fruit snacks which also qualify for the $7 catalina.) I'm planning on doing the deal one more time because my girls will ONLY eat plain cheerios or lucky charms (both of which are part of the deal) and it's always good to have fruit snacks and brownie mix in the house =) So I'll be paying $4 for $20 of stuff and getting another $10 back!!! I also did a Rite Aid run--and got $25 of stuff for $6 with $1 coming back to me in rebate!
All this for $14, with $11 back!
***HOT DEAL*** (For Old Navy/Gap Card Holders)
Want $10 free dollars to Old Navy?
Just go online, order something for ten dollars and enter the code THANKYOU. You do have to pay shipping (unless you're cool like me and have a Gap Silver Card muahahahah). They wouldn't let me get a totally free order so I had to put in a $1 pair of socks for E-boy but I got a totally free shirt for myself! Woot!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Hello Lover....
I can't wait to get better acquainted with you...
Chocolate chocolate chip muffins tomorrow.....
Happy birthday to me from the Brownhouses! Woot!
That beautiful mixer makes my ugly kitchen countertops look even uglier! (Not complaining about the countertops--I'm sooo thankful that they are mine even if they need to be updated =)
That beautiful mixer makes my ugly kitchen countertops look even uglier! (Not complaining about the countertops--I'm sooo thankful that they are mine even if they need to be updated =)
(What a lucky girl am I! So thankful for all of our loving, generous parents! I don't know what we would do without you all! You fill our life and hearts with joy!)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Anatomy Of A Deal
I've had more than a few inquiries into how I figure out the deals I've been getting so I thought I'd write a short post about what exactly I do. So....here goes =)
1. As the weekend approaches I start looking at money saving sites (they get circulars and coupon releases sooner so they will match up coupons to deals and stores before the rest of us even get our flyers). These are my favorite sites:
www.moneysavingmom.com
www.dealseekingmom.com
www.momsneedtoknow.com
www.livingrichwithcoupons.com
www.bargainbriana.com
(some of these sites are regional--it's best to go to bargain briana (dot) com and look at her frugal map--click on your state and local savings blogs will pop up).
2. I take a look at what each store will have on sale and see whose sale items best fit the things I need. These sites also have links to printable internet coupons which are free, and if your computer will actually print them, will save you a lot of time and money. The websites are great--they'll always tell you what you can get totally for free at any store and will give you a heads up if there are certain deals that will make you money.
3. Each store has a different coupon policy--it's best to familiarize yourself with them (they are right on their websites or explained on the deal websites above) b/c there are many cashiers who have no idea what their stores' policy actually is!
4. I have been buying the newspaper each week for the coupons--it has def. paid for itself! We are going to subscribe to the Sunday Paper to save money. My Mom is sending me coupons from NY too (their coupons are better than ours for some reason!)
5. Here's a rundown of how I figured out my most recent trip to CVS:
A. I needed printer ink--it was on sale AND there was an offer for $10 bucks back for purchase. So I bought it at CVS and decided to use my bucks back for some items I needed/sale items. It was about $5 more expensive here than I would have paid at target or staples but I could invest the bucks back into grocery items I needed.
B. My second trip:I started out with a coupon for $5 off of $25 (it printed on my last CVS transaction receipt). So I sat with the flyer and plotted how to spend $25--I needed paper towels (on sale for $5.00 with a coupon to print out online), I saw their dryer sheets were BOGO and there was a good coupon online so I put those on the list and printed the coupons (CVS will accept coupons towards items that are free-um, THANK YOU CVS =), Now, I didn't NEED dryer sheets but since they were cheap I worked them into my deal. I also got a body wash which was on "sale" for $5--which is a ton of money but there was a coupon online and I got $4 back for buying it so it works out to "free." I look at it as an investment in my next trip. I also "invested" in a shick quattro razor--it was $9 but I had a coupon for $4 off and got $3 back for buying it. There was also a rebate in the Sunday Paper for $11.99 refund for the razor making this a "money maker." last but not least, I bought a candy bar to make sure I spent enough and also b/c it looked delicious =)
Rundown of purchase:
paper towels 5.00
dryer sheets BOBO 4.50
body wash 5.00
razor 9.00
delicious dark chocolate candy bar 1.50
= $25 plus tax
-$5 off of $25 purchase
-$1.00 on paper towels
-$2.00 on dryer sheets
-$1.00 on body wash
-$4.00 on razor
-$10 extra bucks back (from printer ink purchase)
= $2.00, with $7 bucks back ($3 for razor, $4 for body wash), and mail away receipt for $11.99 rebate
I highly recommend CVS--they have THE BEST coupon policy and are the most user friendly as far as getting money back, making money and doing multiple transactions.
Confused yet? Sorry--it's kind of something you have to do for yourself a few times to get the hang of. It's worth the trial and error AND it DOES get easier with practice. I promise.
6. I'll include one more transaction to see if this "helps"
Walgreens: I probably wouldn't have gone here but I "needed" pepsi and it was on sale! I worked out a few deal scenarios but ended up doing the one that would cost me the least (sometimes I "invest" in a deal b/c I can use my extra register rewards bucks for next week's transaction).
I did 2 transactions here:
1. I saw that pads were $2.99 and if you bought three they gave you $5 back. I had coupons for these. I also had a BOGO coupon for Nivea lip balm that was on sale. I got aluminum foil (on sale) and I think that was it.
2.99 x 3 for the pads
3.99 x 2 for the lip balm
1.50 for the aluminum foil
-3.99 for the lip balm coupon
-3.00 for the pads coupon
-6.00 (store coupon for the lip balm which was on sale for .99)
-1.00 (store coupon for the aluminum foil)
=4.50 with $5 back for buying the pads
2.This left me with $5 extra bucks for transaction 2:
I wanted pepsi, saw coupons online that I could combine with Walgreens store coupons to get free toothbrushes, batteries (store coupon plus manufacturers coupon), and then I needed a "filler" item. Filler items at Walgreens are inexpensive items that you buy when you have MORE coupons than items in a transaction. I was only buying 4 things but had 1 register reward, 2 battery coupons, 2 toothbrush coupons so I needed to buy 2 cheap things so that my ratio of coupons to items was equal. Enter more pads--at 50 cents a piece they were cheaper than candy bars. I had a coupon for those too--with a limit of three so I picked up three so now I had: pepsi, batteries (2 coupons), 2 toothbrushes (2 coupons), 3 pads (1 coupon), 1 register reward. 6 items, 6 "coupons"
Transaction:
$3.66 pepsi
$2.50 batteries (they were on sale with store coupon for $2.50--orig. like $5)
$2.00 toothbrushes (on sale with store coupon for 1.00--orig. 1.79)
$3.00 pads
-5 register rewards from first purchase
-1.00 battery coupon
-2.00 toothbrush coupons
-1.50 pads coupon
= $1.67ish before tax
so for a grand total of $6 I rec. $40 pre-sale of items. And all b/c I wanted to get pepsi which was on sale there =)
Walgreens tips--stack manufacturer coupons WITH store coupons for double savings, look for things you need that come with bucks back and treat those bucks AS coupons. Remember you need an equal number of items to coupons for a deal to work.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope this helps a little. I know it's daunting--you don't need to go "all out" for the deals! Even just clipping coupons to use at the grocery store for things you need is a savings! Every penny really does matter. If you want to save BIG it's GOING to take effort, time and trial and error. It's not easy and doesn't happen over night but as with ANY new skill it can be acquired and does get easier with time and practice. Find out what works for you! Any questions--shoot me a message. =)
Also--this works for me b/c we have 3 CVS, 2 Rite Aids and 2 Walgreens in a ONE MILE RADIUS. There are even more if you extend out to two miles. That's the magic of south jersey! shopping on every corner!
The end. Time for a nap and a bite of that delicious nearly free candy bar. =)
1. As the weekend approaches I start looking at money saving sites (they get circulars and coupon releases sooner so they will match up coupons to deals and stores before the rest of us even get our flyers). These are my favorite sites:
www.moneysavingmom.com
www.dealseekingmom.com
www.momsneedtoknow.com
www.livingrichwithcoupons.com
www.bargainbriana.com
(some of these sites are regional--it's best to go to bargain briana (dot) com and look at her frugal map--click on your state and local savings blogs will pop up).
2. I take a look at what each store will have on sale and see whose sale items best fit the things I need. These sites also have links to printable internet coupons which are free, and if your computer will actually print them, will save you a lot of time and money. The websites are great--they'll always tell you what you can get totally for free at any store and will give you a heads up if there are certain deals that will make you money.
3. Each store has a different coupon policy--it's best to familiarize yourself with them (they are right on their websites or explained on the deal websites above) b/c there are many cashiers who have no idea what their stores' policy actually is!
4. I have been buying the newspaper each week for the coupons--it has def. paid for itself! We are going to subscribe to the Sunday Paper to save money. My Mom is sending me coupons from NY too (their coupons are better than ours for some reason!)
5. Here's a rundown of how I figured out my most recent trip to CVS:
A. I needed printer ink--it was on sale AND there was an offer for $10 bucks back for purchase. So I bought it at CVS and decided to use my bucks back for some items I needed/sale items. It was about $5 more expensive here than I would have paid at target or staples but I could invest the bucks back into grocery items I needed.
B. My second trip:I started out with a coupon for $5 off of $25 (it printed on my last CVS transaction receipt). So I sat with the flyer and plotted how to spend $25--I needed paper towels (on sale for $5.00 with a coupon to print out online), I saw their dryer sheets were BOGO and there was a good coupon online so I put those on the list and printed the coupons (CVS will accept coupons towards items that are free-um, THANK YOU CVS =), Now, I didn't NEED dryer sheets but since they were cheap I worked them into my deal. I also got a body wash which was on "sale" for $5--which is a ton of money but there was a coupon online and I got $4 back for buying it so it works out to "free." I look at it as an investment in my next trip. I also "invested" in a shick quattro razor--it was $9 but I had a coupon for $4 off and got $3 back for buying it. There was also a rebate in the Sunday Paper for $11.99 refund for the razor making this a "money maker." last but not least, I bought a candy bar to make sure I spent enough and also b/c it looked delicious =)
Rundown of purchase:
paper towels 5.00
dryer sheets BOBO 4.50
body wash 5.00
razor 9.00
delicious dark chocolate candy bar 1.50
= $25 plus tax
-$5 off of $25 purchase
-$1.00 on paper towels
-$2.00 on dryer sheets
-$1.00 on body wash
-$4.00 on razor
-$10 extra bucks back (from printer ink purchase)
= $2.00, with $7 bucks back ($3 for razor, $4 for body wash), and mail away receipt for $11.99 rebate
I highly recommend CVS--they have THE BEST coupon policy and are the most user friendly as far as getting money back, making money and doing multiple transactions.
Confused yet? Sorry--it's kind of something you have to do for yourself a few times to get the hang of. It's worth the trial and error AND it DOES get easier with practice. I promise.
6. I'll include one more transaction to see if this "helps"
Walgreens: I probably wouldn't have gone here but I "needed" pepsi and it was on sale! I worked out a few deal scenarios but ended up doing the one that would cost me the least (sometimes I "invest" in a deal b/c I can use my extra register rewards bucks for next week's transaction).
I did 2 transactions here:
1. I saw that pads were $2.99 and if you bought three they gave you $5 back. I had coupons for these. I also had a BOGO coupon for Nivea lip balm that was on sale. I got aluminum foil (on sale) and I think that was it.
2.99 x 3 for the pads
3.99 x 2 for the lip balm
1.50 for the aluminum foil
-3.99 for the lip balm coupon
-3.00 for the pads coupon
-6.00 (store coupon for the lip balm which was on sale for .99)
-1.00 (store coupon for the aluminum foil)
=4.50 with $5 back for buying the pads
2.This left me with $5 extra bucks for transaction 2:
I wanted pepsi, saw coupons online that I could combine with Walgreens store coupons to get free toothbrushes, batteries (store coupon plus manufacturers coupon), and then I needed a "filler" item. Filler items at Walgreens are inexpensive items that you buy when you have MORE coupons than items in a transaction. I was only buying 4 things but had 1 register reward, 2 battery coupons, 2 toothbrush coupons so I needed to buy 2 cheap things so that my ratio of coupons to items was equal. Enter more pads--at 50 cents a piece they were cheaper than candy bars. I had a coupon for those too--with a limit of three so I picked up three so now I had: pepsi, batteries (2 coupons), 2 toothbrushes (2 coupons), 3 pads (1 coupon), 1 register reward. 6 items, 6 "coupons"
Transaction:
$3.66 pepsi
$2.50 batteries (they were on sale with store coupon for $2.50--orig. like $5)
$2.00 toothbrushes (on sale with store coupon for 1.00--orig. 1.79)
$3.00 pads
-5 register rewards from first purchase
-1.00 battery coupon
-2.00 toothbrush coupons
-1.50 pads coupon
= $1.67ish before tax
so for a grand total of $6 I rec. $40 pre-sale of items. And all b/c I wanted to get pepsi which was on sale there =)
Walgreens tips--stack manufacturer coupons WITH store coupons for double savings, look for things you need that come with bucks back and treat those bucks AS coupons. Remember you need an equal number of items to coupons for a deal to work.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope this helps a little. I know it's daunting--you don't need to go "all out" for the deals! Even just clipping coupons to use at the grocery store for things you need is a savings! Every penny really does matter. If you want to save BIG it's GOING to take effort, time and trial and error. It's not easy and doesn't happen over night but as with ANY new skill it can be acquired and does get easier with time and practice. Find out what works for you! Any questions--shoot me a message. =)
Also--this works for me b/c we have 3 CVS, 2 Rite Aids and 2 Walgreens in a ONE MILE RADIUS. There are even more if you extend out to two miles. That's the magic of south jersey! shopping on every corner!
The end. Time for a nap and a bite of that delicious nearly free candy bar. =)
The ***BEST*** Deal Ever!!!
So...I was sooo excited about my paid shopping trip yesterday--I was literally bouncing and chirping with delight! I felt productive and happy and excited and wanted to tell
the entire stinkin' world how to save a buck.
And then it hit me.
I have the *secret* to the best deal--the BEST FREE deal ever and I haven't shared it much lately with anyone at all and that makes me sad.
So, my friends, family and bloggy-readers--do you want to know the BEST freebie I have EVER gotten!? The best part about this deal is that it's ALWAYS available--it's never going to expire and it's good forever!!
So, here it is--the best deal I have ever gotten!
You see, I was born a human and a sinner--I fail every day at a hundred little things. I lose my temper, I'm prideful, I'm mean and snippy--I'm wasteful and I gossip. I'm full of wrong things. But God, the Creator of the Universe cares about me even in my sorry state! He sent His Son many years ago to be born, to live a perfect life, to teach and to heal and to help. Jesus was born so that He could save me/us from my/our sins. He was tortured and abused for me and for you. Died on the cross and rose again on the third day. He defeated death so that we could have hope. He died so that we might live life free from hurt and sickness and death in Heaven with Him.
It's so wonderful I can hardly breathe.
He died so that I could have hope, joy and peace in this life.
It's a deal so great and amazing it doesn't make sense to me.
It's so much better than clipping coupons and making money at CVS and I couldn't go another second without sharing it again with all of you. A while back I wrote an in-depth look at how you can be SURE you have eternal life with Him.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In an earlier blog I stated that I had some questions about how we can be sure we are going to Heaven. I can't believe I felt that it was so complicated when it is really SIMPLE to be assured of eternal life in Heaven with God.The Simple Plan For The Heavenbound (Wo)Man
All you need to do to get to heaven is (drumrolll please...........)
****Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.****
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (Jesus) that whoever believes in Him should not perish (in hell) but should have eternal life (in heaven).
Going to heaven has NOTHING to do with how you live your life on earth. It has NOTHING to do with how many good or bad things you do while you're here. The ONLY thing you need to do in your whole life to go to heaven is to JUST BELIEVE in the saving work of Jesus on the cross.
Isn't that pretty freakin' amazing?
Jesus' death on the cross was ENOUGH to save us. We can't do anything to earn salvation. Nothing! Just believing is enough.
(Another verse to assure of this fact: 1 John 5:13 "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ")
And yes, I do believe it is important to live a life that is respectable, that follows the guidelines set forth in the Bible and I do believe that people who believe in Christ will be rewarded for the things they've done in their lives to honor Him.
However, I *KNOW* that it isn't what I do in life, how kind I am, how loving or loyal or supportive or caring I am that will get me to Heaven. It is my belief in Jesus, His work on the cross and in His Father who sent Him for our benefit.
I'm so glad the He did all the work. His death saved me from the punishment my sinful soul deserves. What a miracle! What a blessing! What peace of mind I can have!
Want to read more about the assurance of salvation we can find in the Bible? I found this website helpful...
***To wrap it all up***
1. believe in Jesus (that He is the Son of God, was sent to earth to be born of a virgin, lived, taught, performed miracles and eventually died on the cross and suffered the punishment for our sin and was raised the 3rd day and lives in Heaven)
2. belief in Jesus leads to asking forgiveness for sin
3. true repentance from sin leads to a desire to live in a way that pleases Him
4. living in a way that pleases Him is a testament to others of what He has done for us.
Any other questions? Email me or comment...I love a good discussion about Jesus.
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--> You CAN be 100% sure that you'll end up in Heaven someday--see if you fit the bill--and if you don't send me a message at michellerose630(at)yahoo(dot)com and I'd love to talk to you about what I believe. It's 100% free--it's the gift of Salvation, the gift that keeps on giving hope and life and peace. God bless you all!
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