Guest Post: Feelin' Fruity!

I don’t know about you, but I seem to learn things best when teaching them to others.  Somehow the principles and facts dig in just a little deeper when I’m trying to convince someone else of their importance!  In fact, there just might be a proverb somewhere in some culture to that affect.  Seems familiar, anyway…

Well, recently, I was asked, coerced, roped into, or otherwise forced into teaching a series of Sunday School lessons to the youngsters of our church.  (Well, that might not be EXACTLY the way it happened, but it makes for a better story that way.)  That being the case, I sorta suggested that the Fruits of the Spirit would be something interesting to study with the children, so it was all set.

I’m no expert with kids, but I do have four of my own, so I went at developing this study with their lives, needs, and struggles in mind.  But what I didn’t count on was how strongly it would affect me.  Wow.  How long has it been since you took a good hard look at that classic list of Godly character traits?  Yeah, it had probably been about that long for me, too.  It seems kinda easy for me to dismiss some of those familiar passages and think I’ve “been there and done that” already.  But I’ve had some “Aha!” moments along the way and I thought I might share some of those with you.

Galatians 5:22-23 says,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.”
 

Gulp.  Uh, wow.  Okay, if we take these one at a time, they are large loaves of bread, but put them all together and we’ve got an entire bakery!!!!  How can we get a handle around what each of these character traits means…to us…today?  The word Christian means Christ-like.  Could it be that this is that “Christ-likeness” in a nutshell? 

How can we show true self-less love to someone in our circle of influence today?  Is this limited to the people we like?  Joy is that POP of cheerful “flavor” in the middle of any situation!  “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:18). So, how can we show true joy – a “Pollyanna” pop of sunshine instead of an “Eeyore” mumbly-grumbliness?   

We are clearly commanded in Scripture to be Christ’s ambassadors of peace  - and live in peaceful harmony with ALL men, “as much as lieth in you” (Romans 12:18).  Are our homes known as peaceful havens where troubled souls can be encouraged and refreshed?

And then there is longsuffering or patience… patience might mean waiting peacefully, calmly, and restfully on God’s timing, direction, and revelation of His will for our lives.  It may mean granting the grace of a sweet attitude to someone who gets in the way of us getting something “important” accomplished. Are we as patient with those around us as God is with us? Remember this? Our Guidebook for life tells us that “a SOFT answer turneth away WRATH” (Proverbs 15:1). Just as gentleness works wonders with helping abuse victims recover, it can also bring about miraculous changes in difficult relationship situations!!!

There is an amazing definition for this next fruit of the Spirit that I just HAVE to share!  It’s just bursting with implication and yet so easy to remember…"Goodness does.”  Or here’s another one…”Goodness is holiness put into practice and results from knowing God…”  Beth Moore says, “Goodness is character energized…Spend yourself!  Pour into others.”  So dare I say to you, dear readers, “Be good”?  :)

For this fruit of the Spirit, I used the word “faithfulness” or the idea of “keeping the faith.”  Just as Almighty God is faithful to fulfill each and every promise He has made, we who are striving to be “Christ-like” should be faithful in areas of responsibility with which we have been entrusted.  Can WE be counted on to “be there” for others when they need us?  Can GOD count on us to be faithful Him?

Now we come to the last two…hmmm…well, since I haven’t had taught these particular lessons yet, I guess I’ll have to get back to you with what I learn!  (Smiley)  Or better yet, what are some of YOUR thoughts on meekness and self-control? 

God bless you all as you face your mountains and trials, as you complete your tasks, and as you learn to love Jesus more deeply than ever before!  Go be FRUITY!!!  

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Shawna Wright is a mom of four (ages 4-15) and wife of one magnificent example of all of the fruits of the Spirit.  She lives in Gardner, Kansas, where she homeschools, keeps house, and cares for her husband Michael as he faces a battle with cancer.  Once in a while she fits in working with the children at her church, entertaining friends and family, and dreaming about her hobbies!  She is a recipient of much of God’s grace, blessing, and patience and is (on most days) looking forward to what God has in mind for her family next!










How to Save Money on New Kids' Clothes

I realize that children's clothing (Baby ones especially) are not worn that long and when they are worn they will more than likely get stained with spit up, grass, mustard etc.  So why buy new clothes when they are just going to get ruined the first time they are worn, right?  Well, it is a well-known fact that parents generally buy their children's clothing at thrift stores or yard sales for this very reason.  There is nothing wrong with that, however, I still enjoy getting brand new clothes for my daughter occasionally.  If I can get brand new for the same price (or cheaper!) than what I can buy used, then why not just get new?!  I know, you're thinking, "dream on!".  But it IS possible!

Just recently, I bought my daughter skirts for $1.99 and $3.99 at well-known, name brand stores.  I will pay that usually at thrift stores or yard sales for used stuff!  These were clothing items that will last a long time and still be nice in the future for any other girls God may see fit to bless us with.

How can you do this? Simple.  A lot of stores offer a free Rewards program.  You know, they give you a card to scan each time you make a purchase in their store.  This also puts you onto their email and mailing list through which they will send you upcoming sales and coupons.  I have found this to be extremely valuable!

Another way to save big on new clothes is to wait until certain times of the year (Holidays, End-of-Season, Back-to-School Etc) and buy ahead!  I know, it's hard to think past the next minutes sometimes but... this is a good way to get things at a fraction of the cost, so it's worth it!

I have also found some amazing deals at Outlet stores!  To be honest, I used to think Outlets were over-rated (and maybe some are).  But if you watch you can get some good deals at some big name brand stores! Again, your best opportunity would be around those special occasion days.

Hopefully this will help you as you shop for those little people in your life that seem to grow another foot every time you turn your back! ;0)  It has worked for me, I hope it works for you!

Link Up: Parenting

I always find it amazing that training children is more about training us than it is them. Here are some links from our contributor team with practical advice, but more links with a check on our own behavior and attitude towards our children:

•  Lessons from Mommyhood
• Age Appropriate Chores for Kids Printable
• Dear In A Minute Mom
• Motherhood Klout
• Learning to Delight in Your Children 
• My "Mom Goal": To Choose the Right Major
• The Freedom to Be Us
• Motherhood is a Huge Time Zapper!
• Why I Don't Want to Be a Fighter in the Mommy Wars

Enjoy your children today!

In Times Like These

"Another Middle East War on the Horizon" Huffington Post

"NOAA Drought Outlook: Little Relief Ahead" The Weather Channel

"Obama cheers on LGBT movement"  CNN

"Global Pressure on Parental Rights Mounting"  HSLDA

"At least 12 dead, 59 injured in Colorado theater shooting during 'Dark Knight Rises'" Fox News

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I'm scared. Sometimes, I'm terrified. Our world seems to be crumbling around us and everything is going crazy. Have you ever heard of so many natural disasters? Has there ever been more widespread violence? Have you noticed how hatred of Christians is growing? Those who dare to stand for biblical values are trashed and slandered. Questions are plentiful; answers are few. Man's reasoning is the order of the day, and it seems to win over God's Word in far too many situations, with disastrous results. What are we to do in these troubling times? How do we cope? Where do we turn for comfort? When answers don't come easily, who do we turn to? What do we believe? These events don't take God by surprise. He warned us of times like these, and He's given us His Word, His promises to cling to. 

 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

"Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God,

 believe also in me." John 14:1

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: 

not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let no your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

 Psalm 61:2

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." 

Psalm 56:3

 "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:27-29

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Some people accuse us Christians as being cowardly, of hiding behind false beliefs and burying our heads in the sand. I'll be the first to admit that I'm afraid. But that doesn't make me a coward. It just means that I know the limits of my own abilities and strength, and the unlimited power and strength of my Father. I admit that I'm hiding; but I'm not hiding behind false beliefs. I'm hiding in the Creator of the Universe, The Truth, The Rock of Ages, my "High Tower", my "Refuge" (Samuel 22:3). I'm not burying my head in the sand. I'm burying myself  in God's promises, His Word,  holding fast to the comfort He offers; trusting in His wisdom when I have none of my own. Yes, I admit it, and I'm not one bit ashamed to do so. 

If you feel like I do, if you're fighting fear, take hold of these promises. If you have questions, ask Him, trust in what He says. And always, look up...be ready...He's coming soon!

In Times Like These
(Ruth Caye Jones)


In times like these, you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock


This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock


In times like these you need the Bible
In times like these oh be not idle
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock


This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One
This Rock is Jesus, the only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock


In times like these, I have a Savior
In times like these, I have an anchor
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock


This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid rock

Gabby Moms Review and Free Kindle Book for You!

Remember when I reviewed this book last fall? O.K., maybe not. As you know, I do reviews for Eternal Encouragement through their Gabby Moms program. I have enjoyed all their products so far.

This is an exciting time for Lorrie; the wife, mother and mentor behind Eternal Encouragement and their products. She has just released her first Kindle book! It is the same basic content I reviewed before but enhanced a bit. Here's the new cover and the link to it on Amazon:

This book is written in Lorrie's trademark, encouraging style. No condemnation. Only practical ways you can improve with the help of the Lord. If you read my original review, you will see that I got more help from it than I thought I would!

Now some great news! You can get the Kindle version of this book for free on July 24th! For one day, it will be available for a free download onto your Kindle. No Kindle? Don't worry, you can still get yours. Just check out how to get Kindle downloads on your smartphone, tablet or computer here.

As if that's not enough fun, Lorrie is also throwing a party that day! A Facebook party, that is. If you pop onto Facebook, sometime between 2 and 10 P.M. on Tuesday, July 24th (Can you moms say nap time or bedtime?), you can join to be involved in all the discussion and news about the book. Here's the link with the details!

I hope all you moms take advantage of this life-changing parenting book. Our kids deserve our sweet and loving words. Actually, our husbands do, too. But that's another post!

Link Up: Marriage (Not for the Faint of Heart!)

Warning: This post is intended for adult, married women. If you are a young lady living at home, please check with your parents before reading and following the links in this post.

Today's link up will be a little bit different. I have something that's been burdening my heart lately regarding marriage. I've put off saying anything about it because, well, it's a delicate subject and so many bloggers have already dealt with it so well. This is the post where Jennifer ventures into the "taboo" subject among married women. Yep....that one.

This isn't a subject we like to read about as Christian women. We like to just get the "fun" things that pertain to our life practically and make us feel happy. However, I know that these kind of things that seem to have "popped up out of nowhere" have actually been hidden in hearts and homes for a long time in order for them to be so popular now. Feel free to skip these links if you must, but know that Satan is out to destroy our marriages in whatever way he can. I feel I need to be faithful to the small group of women who read here.

 We have long expected our husbands to abstain from pornography. We are warned to keep filters on our computers and be accountable. We take extra care to avoid the magazine aisle when he is with us, and we avoid allowing certain catalogs into our house to protect him and our marriage. We dress modestly and expect him to look away when someone else doesn't. This is good.

Why, then, am I receiving invitations in my home school moms group to a book club on the latest women porn wrapped in the binding of a novel? And why are my church-going Facebook friends getting groups of women together to view the latest male stripper movie?

Before sharing some heart-felt thoughts of other Christian bloggers who are taking a stand against this trend, I want to share two messages with you:


1. The Bible teaches that marriage is created by God as one man plus one woman ONLY for life.  That means that no other man or woman should be in the marriage relationship EVEN if they are fashioned out of fantasy or viewed on a screen.

2. We must safeguard our marriages as diligently as we want our husbands to do so. If need be, set up accountability and blocks on your Kindle, smartphone and your own computer. If certain friends are pressuring you to get involved in the latest novel or movie porn, you may need to make a statement or end the friendship. Yes, it's that serious!

Now, if you wonder what in the world I'm talking about, here are some great links for you today:
I'm Not Reading Fifty Shades of Grey
Why I'm Not Reading Fifty Shades of Grey
Why 50 Shades of Grey Can Harm Your Marriage 
*She includes some great links in her post, although I haven't personally read all of them.
Magic Mike Who?

If you want to join a book club, this might be a better one:
The Husband Project

Another general marriage link:
Our Marriages Are Worth Fighting For

Whew! That's over. I hope you take it to heart, because that sure wasn't easy.

With Much Love and Blessings,

Don't Step in the Dirt!

I carefully sweep the corners, under the table, and even that spot under the chair that seems to gather more dust than the exposed areas. I start to gather it into one messy pile when a spontaneous game of tag erupts. "Don't step in the dirt!" I call to two oblivious boys and their little tag-along. It scatters as they do, rushing to the basement in pursuit of the one not "It".

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I sigh and start my sweeping again. As I stand in the doorway, she comes in thoughtfully. "Hey, Mom? Can I ask you something?" I bite my lip and bite back the unformed words as I nod, helplessly watching as she tracks through my freshly regathered pile.

When I'm finally satisfied that all are off in other rooms, my brooms pulls at the crumbs of a busy family and what is left behind from their eating, playing and creating. Intent on that hard-to-reach corner, I don't hear my husband come up behind me. "Honey, I'm home!" I turn to see him in the doorway, work weary. I smile and go to meet him, and we stand together in the mess as we embrace.

How often have I carefully swept up my little grievances and my pain? I put it into neat little piles, and ask everyone to please step around it. To understand the effort I have put forth in gathering it. Life is messy, but at least controlled. Or so I think.

So many trample through it and scatter it. It's almost impossible for them to avoid it. After all, it stands in the way. I place it between myself and those that love me most. Sometimes you just have to step in the dirt to reach out.

I'm back to sweeping the kitchen. This time dishes have been washed, and the remains of the meal seem to have all made it to the floor. We've sipped and tasted and left behind the rest, and it has settled to crumbs and debris around my feet.

As I once again gather piles, I'm aware of someone entering the kitchen. "Don't step in the dirt!" I say, a little too forcefully. No answer. I turn to see his sweet smile. "I won't, Mommy! I'm here to help you." He eagerly steps forward with dustpan in hand and stoops to the floor.

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We gather it all, every bit. Then, he carefully lifts the trash can lid, and it settles down once again. Gone. "Now the floor is all clean, Mommy! Let's play!" I smile and put away my broom and dustpan. No longer guarding my piles. It's time for play!

Time for joy.

Frugal Friday: Saving Money on Family Activities

Jessica did a great job of telling us how to save when we're away from home. However, some of us would like to have a little fun with our families more than just a week-long vacation once a year. In fact, for our family of 4 children under 10; we often skip the longer trip altogether and opt for shorter ones closer to home. Here are a few ways to save money in your own home state:

Eating Out
While eating really shouldn't be considered a recreational activity, for moms who like to get out of doing the dishes and cooking once in a while, it can be very recreational. Depending on where you go, it can be fun for the whole family to have a change of scenery and try new foods.

One great strategy is to find a restaurant where kids eat free. Here is a great site that lists 101 of them! Some restaurants will still let you use coupons for Mom and Dad on top of the free kids' meals. Be sure to check their policy before you go. There are sometimes buy one entree, get one free coupons which would allow your whole family to eat for the price of one meal! Even the $4 or $5 off two entrees in the coupon insert of the paper is a savings.

Some restaurants are having happy hour now (no, not those ones!) where there are half-price drinks or cheaper prices from 2-4 or 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. We recently ate cheaper at a pizza buffet during happy hour than we could have eaten at McDonald's.

Teaching your kids to drink water with lemon while eating out can be a substantial savings. Unfortunately, this doesn't work well for us, because eating out seems like a treat and everyone wants a "special" drink. (My kids drink a lot of water at home.)

Some grocery store chains offer gas rewards for purchasing groceries and gift cards at their store. If you know you are going out to eat at a particular place, purchase a gift card for that restaurant ahead of time and get a little kickback at the gas pump later.

When you are saving money on eating out, please remember to tip on the full price amount. Your server does the same amount of work whether you pay $50 or $5 for the meal. 


Museums, Zoos and Amusement Parks
We recently wanted to visit a science museum with our kids a few hours away from our home. When I checked the price online of admission for our family of 6, I was shocked! As nice as the museum might be, it simply wasn't worth the cost. Instead, I bought a membership at our local science museum for $25 less than our daily admission would have been. We got into the pricey museum free (its yearly membership was $90!), and we can enjoy our local museums whenever we want as well as find free ones when we travel.

This same thing goes for zoo and amusement park memberships. If you only go once a year to these places, you might not want a membership. However, a membership usually pays for itself by the second or third use if you have children.

If a membership isn't an option, many zoos and museums have free or half-price days a few times a year. Military,senior, homeschooler and even ministerial discounts are also available at many places. It never hurts to ask.

Library
We love books around our house and visit the library weekly, coming home with 2 or 3 bags of books. However, our area libraries provide more than reading entertainment. During the summer reading programs, libraries create interest by inviting entertainers. We have seen a magic show, an exotic animal show, a puppet show, a balloon animal show and a bubble blowing show all at our local library for free! Our library also gives out prizes and free fast food meal coupons for reading books.

Parks
You might be amazed at what is in or near your town that you never knew existed. We have made a tradition of hiking the trails in our Metro Parks system. Many counties have state parks and nature trails with lovely scenery. Take a picnic lunch and you have a great family activity for free!

The traditional kind of parks with a playground in your area may surprise you as well. I really didn't know about all the parks available for my children until I did an online search for my city's top parks and talked to friends from different surrounding communities than my own. One local park has a nature center next to it with animals the kids can pet, and a few others employ staff that bring out special large toys, plan activities and play with the children.

While you are out in nature, you may just want to try geocaching. This is a fun treasure hunt for the whole family to enjoy, and it's absolutely free!


What other activities does your family enjoy?

Links: Christian Womanhood and Ministry

Ministry at Home:

• The Successful Woman
• Feminism: Have You Bought the Lie?
• Becoming a Woman of Influence
• Homemade People

Ministry at Church:

• Bible Science Experiment
• Free Children's Ministry Lessons
• Bulletin Board Ideas
• Women's Ministry Ideas

When I Cry, He Hears

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His Holy Hill. Selah

Psalm 3:4

Do you ever feel like nobody cares about what you are going through?  We all face hard times in life, but when it is YOU facing those difficult moments, it is easy to feel as if you are the only one who has ever faced that problem before.  When we are in those valleys, we tend to think that nobody cares or sees what we are facing.  However, isn't it a comfort to know that we serve a God in Heaven who not only KNOWS what were going through, but can help us through it!  He never promised that our lives would be easy if we followed Him, but He did promise to "never leave us, or forsake us".

He hears us when we pour out our hearts to Him.  He wants His children to bring their burdens and concerns to Him.  Just in the next chapter of Psalms (4:3) it says, "...the Lord will hear when I call unto Him." What a huge promise from a mighty God!  It reminds me of the song the children sing, "Bigger than all my problems; bigger than anything! God is bigger than any mountain that I can or cannot see".  We serve an amazing God who is MORE than able for our little needs!  Let's take our burdens to Him and leave them at His feet today, trusting that He will see us through!

Joanna

How We: Save Money on Family Vacations

Vacation! Just the word conjures up feelings of excitement, images of frothy waves rushing ashore, mouth-watering cravings for crunchy-sweet funnel cakes, sounds of laughter and children's squeals, and the scent of 

sunscreen, salty ocean air, or fresh mountain breezes.  

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Or maybe the word "vacation" brings feelings of stress, images of evaporating money, cravings for a fat wallet, sounds of the cash register's cha-ching!, and the scent of gasoline. Taking a family on a vacation can be pricey and nerve-wracking, to say the least. Today's economy certainly doesn't help. Does that mean we have to forego having a fun time away with our kiddos? Nope! But, it will take some planning, research, and string-pulling to make it happen. Here are a few tips that I've either used myself or about which I've heard positive reports. 

Gotta Get There First

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I don't know about you, but the first concerns that come to mind at our house when we talk about going anywhere are...you guessed it...gas and hotel/cabin prices. I've looked up a few sites that might help with finding cheap gas:

• GasBuddy.com (They have an app, too. You'll find it on their website or at Amazon: GasBuddy app)
• Automotive.com
• mapquest.com (This one looked especially helpful.)

Also, don't forget about the gas perks offered by grocery chains. It's a great way to save money on gas! 

A Place to Land

In my opinion, the place you stay can make or break your vacation. But maybe that's just me. We've saved money on a motel before without doing it as cautiously as we should have...and we were miserable. The room was filthy. So, when trying to save a few bucks on a motel room or cabin, do it carefully and consider what's important to you! 

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It takes hours of research to find a good deal on a great room. (Well, it does for me. Please don't laugh, and, if you have pointers on how to do it in just a few minutes, please don't tell me...yet.) I hope these tips will make that time frame a little shorter for you. 

You've heard of sites like Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, and Hotwire.com. I've used some of theses sites, but usually only to help me find motels and to read reviews. You can find good rates in this way, but I always recommend calling the hotel directly, just to be sure you have the best rate. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that, no matter what the site says, you do not have to separate your family into two rooms, unless, of course, you have so many children that they really won't fit into one room. We have four children and they can still sleep like puppies; piled any old place. We've been told by some hotels (when calling the main reservation number) that we would need to get two rooms, but we've never done it. We either called the hotel directly and found out that that wasn't, in fact, a requirement, or we've used a different hotel. 

Review the Reviews

As I mentioned before, the sites listed above are great for reviews. Don't trust photos of hotels or even the name of a well-known chain to ensure a nice, clean room or good service. Do trust the reviews of actual customers, if the majority agrees and if the review has been posted recently. It's a let down to arrive at your destination and discover that your room is dirty and the service is poor. 

Boarding Your Pet

Our Shorkie, Snickers :)

We have a tiny, four-pound Shorkie. We love that little dog, but it's a little difficult to figure out what we should do with him when we go on a trip. Do we take him, or board him near home? If we take him, do we board him near the hotel, or haul him around with us? The best choice, usually, seems to be to take him with us and board him, at least during the day, near where we're vacationing. That way we don't stress about him, but we don't have to deal with dragging the poor little thing around all day. Here are a few sites where you can find listings of Pet-Sitters/Boarders. 

• All Dog Boarding (Not sure why the name, but I don't think it's only for dogs.)
• ASPCA 

DruryHotels.com

A Personal Plug, If I May

I'd like to put a plug in here for a hotel where we stayed once; Drury Inn. The room was one of the nicest we've seen, the service was amazing, the amenities were better than most, and the price was very reasonable. One of the biggest pluses for us was the fact that they were pet-friendly and didn't charge extra for our dog. We'd love to stay at these hotels wherever we go, but, I guess we just haven't gone to the right places. :)

Admission Fees

So, you're there, you've got a place to stay, now what? Admission prices can deplete a family budget in no time flat. There are ways to bring down the cost, however. 

Of course, being a member of a club like AAA makes it easy to get discounts at many places, but you can get some discounts without being a member of a club. 

• Student discounts
• Homeschool discounts
• Group Discounts
• Minister's Discounts
• Military Discounts

If you are a college student, or have school-age children, you may be eligible for discounts at quite a few museums, parks, etc. Many are even free! The same goes for homeschoolers. It never hurts to ask! You just might be surprised who offers these discounts, and how deep those discounts are! 

Ripleys.com

Case in point: We stopped by Gatlinburg on our way home from a campmeeting once. I knew that Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offered a sizable discount to homeschoolers, but I knew they required paperwork before they'd give that discount. Since we hadn't planned on this little mini-vacation I didn't have the paperwork with me, but I thought I'd take my chances and ask. Couldn't hurt. I explained the situation to the man at the ticket counter and, after just a few moments of consideration, he said (rather apologetically, I thought) "How does half-off sound?" How does it SOUND? It sounded fantastic! Our family of five (I think we only had three children at the time) got in for around $35! Now beat that! I was very, very grateful. That was several years ago, but you can be sure that the next time we plan to visit Ripley's Aquarium, I'll have the necessary documents/cards in hand and I'll ask about getting that discount again!  

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If you have several children and are traveling with other family members or friends, you may qualify for a group discount. I've never done this, but I don't know why it wouldn't work. It's worth checking into. 

If there is a member of the family who is in the ministry, you may get a discount at certain hotels and cabin rental agencies. These discounts aren't as plentiful as the others, but they're around. You just have to ask. 

If you're a member of the military, you should be aware of the many, well-deserved Military Discounts available to you. 

Tips on eating out frugally will be addressed on the blog at a later date, so I'll just add this: 

• Decide if you want to cook while you're on vacation, eat out, or a combination of the two. Plan and buy accordingly.
• If you're eating out, you may want to make sure that the prices don't skyrocket at dinnertime. Once, when we went to one of our favorite restaurants in Pigeon Forge, we arrived just a few minutes after the price change and the difference was ridiculous! We knew better the next time, I can assure you.
• Don't forget the coupons! Retail Me Not is a great, safe site where you'll find coupons to meet your needs. 

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Go Local

If you simply can't swing an "away" vacation, it might still be possible to have a staycation, or to spend one night at a local hotel. Take some snacks, movies, and games, and enjoy the togetherness of family.Plan visits to local museums, zoos, and historical landmarks. You might be surprised at the fun stuff located in your own backyard! 

Go Off-Season

One of our favorite traditions is to head to the beach in December or January. We load up with games, snacks, and movies, rent an ocean-front suite, and have a blast. The cost of a deluxe suite, in the off-season, can be as low as the cost of a regular hotel room. 

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If at all possible, unless you particularly enjoy crowds and price-hikes, it's always best to visit tourist areas in the off-season. You'll be amazed at the difference in cost, and you'll find your vacation far quieter and more relaxing. Do be aware, however, that all of the attractions may not be open. 

Ready, Set, Go!

Well, this post got rather long-ish! But I do hope it's helpful to you as you plan your next vacation.

Have a fun, safe, and happy summer!

Independence Day Link-Up

I realize that not all of our readers are from the United States. However, for those of you who are, we are linking up to some creative patriotic ideas today in honor of America's birthday.

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Decorating:

 

Patriotic DIY napkin rings  

Patriotic bandana tablecloth

Patriotic hat place cards  

Food:

Patriotic Dipped Strawberries  

Patriotic taco salad

 

Fun for Kids:

 

Fireworks in a Jar 

American Flag Shirt Tutorial 

 

Now get a head start for next year:

 

8 Simple Steps to Planning a 4th of July Party

Reader Question: Can Christians Live However They Want?

This was the question discussed in a recent group of people...Christian people. The general consensus was no, Christians cannot live however they want.

That got me to thinking about my last 19 years as a Christian. Have I really spent those years not living the way I wanted? What have I been missing?

While I understand that temptation and the pull of the human flesh are real, I think this question suggests that Christians have to live by a code that goes against all that they want to do. I think this is simply false. The Bible says that Christ's commandments are not difficult for us. We love to do His will because we love Him!

So, I believe that Christians can do whatever they want because a genuine Christian will only want to do the perfect will of God. When he is tempted away from that will, his love for his Savior will be stronger than the temptation because of a carefully preserved relationship with Him.

What do you think?