December 25, 2024

At Home with GCH: Meal Planning Week 3

January 17, 2013 by

 

Shopping Tips & Coupons

One of the first things I do when it comes to Menu Planning is check my local grocery ads.  I have two grocery stores here in my hometown, and two Walmart stores within 15 miles of where I live.  I also have two other grocery stores I shop that are about 30 miles from where I live.  Which store I shop at depends on which store has the best deals.

At first, when I started shopping this way, I thought it was nuts to drive 30 miles out of the way to buy just a few items on sale.  But let me say this first.  I don’t drive out of my way unless it is a REALLY good sale!  Why do I do it this way?  One reason is because I am married to a penny-pincher husband.  I say that with much love!! 🙂 He will shop for weeks on end before he will purchase something.  He has turned me into a penny-pincher, too!  But, I also recognize that my time is valuable, too!  So if I’m only going to save 15-cents on one item, I refuse to drive 30 miles out of my way to save just 15-cents!  To do that, makes no sense at all.  So it has to be one really good sale before I will drive out of my way.

When I grocery shop, I will always shop the outer edge of the grocery store first.  That is where you will find the best foods for you and your family; vegetables, fruits, grains, and etc.  The inside aisles of the grocery stores are more for canned goods, and processed foods.

I have learned over the years that most times it makes more sense to cook from scratch.  It is definitely healthier for you and your family.  Processed foods were created to help you save time in the kitchen, yes.  But, when you really truly look at it, processed foods are not good for you, if you truly knew what was being used in those foods!  So, another tip I can give you is to cook from scratch when possible!  Make the time to cook this way, to offer healthier meals for your family.  Most times, cooking from scratch doesn’t take any longer than cooking from a box of processed food!  You will love it because you know you are taking good care of your family!

Another tip when grocery shopping is to look at the price per unit.  You will be amazed at how much money you can save if you compare unit prices!!  This is something I learned from my husband.  I used to be the one that would go in the grocery store, and just grab and run.  I was always in a hurry!  I just wanted to get in and out of the store, get home, get it cooked, and get it on the table.  I was not price-conscious in any way!  But, after I learned how to do this, and began to see just how much money I was saving by doing this, I don’t shop any other way now!

The next tip I will share is the benefit of using coupons.  Coupons can save you tons of money, and you don’t have to be a Coupon Queen to make that happen!

I am the first to admit that I am not a Coupon Queen.  I find them time consuming, and I always seem to forget them when I head to the store!  BUT, what I mean by this statement is that I am not a Coupon Queen like you see on the reality shows!  I just do not have the time to put into couponing like these ladies do.  But, I DO use coupons.

When I clip coupons, I only clip ones that I know I will use.  I don’t stockpile grocery items in my garage or in closets in my home!  I use the coupons for food, or items that I know I will use within the next couple of weeks.

There is a lot to learn about using coupons.  Much of it can be found on the Internet if you do a search for Coupon 101.

Here are some tips that I have learned along the way:

  • Where do I find coupons?
    • Magazines
    • Newspapers
    • Internet
    • Coupons Groups on Facebook
    • Friends/Family
    • Direct from Manufacturer
    • Weekly Grocery Store ads
    • Tear pads located in the stores
    • Peel-off’s located on the product
    • Free Samples from manufacturer
  • Keeping your coupons organized
    • 3-ring binder with baseball card holders (Wal-mart, etc)
    • Coupon caddy (Dollar store)
    • Some women use what is called a Couponizer (www.couponizer.com)
  •  Categories to include in your Coupon-holder
  • Baby
  • Bakery (I put all breads, rolls, etc here)
  • Baking
  • Canned/Boxed Items
  • Beverages
  • Condiments
  • Meat/Produce
  • Dairy /Refrigerated
  • Frozen
  • Household (things such as batteries, light bulbs, etc)
  • Laundry / Cleaning Products / Dishwashing
  • Medicine
  • Paper/Plastic (includes disposable dinnerware to toilet tissue)
  • Hair Care
  • Oral Care
  • Soap/Body Wash
  • Personal Care (Shampoo, Deodorant, Beauty, Feminine Care)
  • Snacks
  • Retail Outlets
  • How to Use Your Coupons: (Again, there is so much to learn about coupons.  I am just going to cover the basics here, today.)
    • One Per Rule – Means the coupon can be used by one customer only.  You are a customer; your husband is a customer; your daughter is a customer.  J  So remember, if you need more than one of an item, ring it up as individual customers!
    • Per Transaction:  Means the coupon can only be used for that transaction, for that shopping trip.  You are restricted by the number of times you can use that particular coupon in that shopping trip.
    • BOGO:  Buy One – Get One FREE.  Buy one item at regular cost get a second item of the same price, free.  Most manufacturers will put a limit on how many items can be purchased.
    • Expiration Dates:  You must redeem coupons by midnight by a certain date before it is no longer valid.

 

Next, I want to take you through the steps of using a Shopping List.

A shopping list is a must if you want to save money with Meal Planning!  There is no way around this!  A list is your lifesaver when shopping.  Never leave home without it!

How many times have you gone to the grocery store to buy a gallon of milk, only to come home with over $100 in groceries?!?!  It used to happen to me all the time!  Why?  Because I didn’t plan ahead!  My lack of planning cost me extra money every time I go to the store without a list!  So the BEST advice I can give you is to never ever shop without a list and to STICK TO YOUR LIST!

As we learned last week, we must first plan out our meals; checking food pantry and freezer to see what you have on hand first.  This is a definite must before going grocery shopping.  I used to always go to the grocery store, without my list, and pick up things that I just knew I was out of, only to find that I had that exact item on hand once I arrived home!  Grrrr!!  More money that I did not need to spend on that trip!

God calls us to be good stewards of what He has provided for us, and each time we shop without planning ahead, we are disobeying God’s command to be good stewards of His provisions.

So here is my first rule:  ALWAYS SHOP WITH A LIST & STICK TO THE LIST!

First check your pantry and freezer.  Next plan your meals for the month, and then break it down to a weekly menu.  Then decide what groceries you need to prepare the meals on your Menu Planner for that week.  What you don’t have on hand is what will go on your list.

I have some favorite grocery lists that I have found on the Internet.  I would like to share those links with you, so you can choose which one works best for you.  These sites offer FREE printables.  Remember, just a simple piece of notebook paper will work, too!

This will give you a good start.  You can find more by doing an Internet search.

I will conclude this week’s blog here.  Just remember …. TIME IS MONEY!  Make time to save money!  Plan ahead to save money!  Use coupons to save money!  Never shop without a list!

Next week, we will talk about food preparation.  I will share some tips for preparing your meals ahead of time to save time, and money!  I hope you are enjoying this series, so far!  If you have questions, please feel free to post them below.  I will be happy to answer them myself, or find the answer for you!

Until next week,

Christi

A Virtuous Woman plans ahead before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

If you would like to send Christi a personal email in regards to this blog, please email her at: Christi@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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GCH:decaf – A Special Prayer

January 17, 2013 by

GCH_decaf

I wanted to take a moment today to say how thrilled I have been to meet some of the GCH:decaf girls that have been introduced this month, here on our blog!  God is doing some amazing things in the lives of these awesome women!

I pray over all of the girls in GCH:decaf, each day, and ask the Lord to bless them.  I also pray that He will guide them, and give them wisdom.  That He will protect them from the schemes of the enemy.  That He will keep them from temptation.  These young lives are so very important to Him, and to us.

We’ve been introduced to some amazing young women over these last couple of weeks, and I just want to reach out today and pray over each one of them.

Robin with her Soccer career.  Mary Ruth and her education.  Carlia and Trinicia and the love they have for each other as sisters.  Channa and her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.  Michaela and her continued walk with the Lord.  Diamond and her desire to hear God’s voice.  Amber and her continued relationship with Christ.  Zinni and her move to the USA soon!  Rebekkah and the continued wisdom God is giving her about dating.  Tristan and the ability to just be herself.  Miss Vicky and the amazing family God has given her!

_________

Lord, I lift up each one of these young ladies and I ask that You guide them, and direct their paths.  Protect them Lord, from the worldly temptations that could lead them astray.  Give them wisdom Lord, when dealing with life issues, and continue to keep them strong in their walk with You.  I ask Lord that You protect these girls, and lead them in the direction You want them to go.  Your Words in Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that You have plans for them, to give them hope and a future.  I pray for these plans to come to fruition in their lives, Lord.  Lord, Your way is perfect, and I pray that You will keep these girls on the path that You have designed for them.

I pray Lord that You will give them strength to deny temptations of this world.  Help them to be strong when faced with peer pressure.  Help them to say no to things that You do not want for them, Lord.  Help them to recognize Satan’s tricks before it’s too late.

Give them peace and comfort when they need it, Lord.  Give them endurance and persistence, and help them remember Lord that they can do all things through YOU who strengthens them.

Lord, we love these girls so very much, and we pray for nothing more than Your perfect will to be done in their lives.  In Your precious Name, AMEN.

Girls, may God bless you and keep you; make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  May He lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.  We love you!  Thank you for sharing your lives with us!

Blessings,

Christi Wilson, Founder of Girlfriends Coffee Hour

_________

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Proverbs 9:9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

Isaiah 43:4a Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee.

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

John 16:33 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. 

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD sees] not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Psalm 139:14-16 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knows right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

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Crazy Love: Week 2 / Chapter 2 – “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” (Brooke’s Story)

January 17, 2013 by

“You see, I’ll be one of those people who live to be history makers at a young age.”

— Brooke Bronkowski —

___________________________

I will be honest with you. When I read through this section of the chapter, at first I felt a sense of hopelessness. How does someone so young inspire so many? How does someone so young preach the gospel to her peers, hand out Bibles, and share the love of Christ without fear? And, how does someone so young, who could have done so much more, die at such a young age?

At her funeral service, at least 200 students came forward and accepted Christ. 200 students. God used the life of a willing servant, who happened to be just 14 years old, to transform hundreds of lives while she was alive as well as through her passing.

What am I doing to have an impact? What could I ever do that would have that great of an impact? If I take a good, long, hard look in the mirror, can I truly say that I am a willing servant?

(Stay with me here. . . I know we are digging through a lot of deep stuff in this study!)

God has divinely placed each and every one of us where He wants us to be. You are uniquely female for a reason. You are in your family unit, married to a certain person (or single), raising particular children, all for a purpose. You are in your job not by chance, but because God willed you to be there. If we believe that the Lord is ruler of all; that He orchestrates all things and directs our every step, then we know the following to be true—our daily interactions with store clerks, salespeople, neighbors, and family are placed in our path for a reason. Not one thing is by chance. Every moment of our lives comes from above.

I am sure that each of us has experienced a divine appointment with someone in this world. It could have been a stranger (did someone pay your toll? hold the door? smile at you for no reason?) or someone who we know well (a spiritual mentor, a family member, or friend). God places people in our lives at certain times to serve a need that we have. He shows His love and faithfulness to us in this way.

On the flip-side…have you ever thought about God divinely using you in someone else’s life to help them meet a need that the Lord knows that they have? It could be as simple as a friendly smile or holding a door. It could be more-–buying coffee or lunch for the person in the drive-thru behind you or starting a conversation. Are you actively looking for these moments? Do you go through your day seeking God and waiting for Him to speak to your heart?

The differences we make in this life do not have to be extravagant. We are all wired differently to serve a specific purpose for our Lord. Just because you do not hand out Bibles or share the gospel with everyone you meet does not mean you are not of worth or of value to God. We are difference-makers by actively seeking our Lord, listening to what He says, and looking for opportunities to do His Will in this earthly world. God wants a willing servant. When He has your heart, He will direct your steps. And all of our steps are different.

So, although at first I felt a sense of hopelessness and condemnation reading the author’s words in this section, because that is what Satan wanted me to feel…now I know that God is using me in the way He knows He can. He used Brooke in the way He knew would work in HER life, based on her divinely created personality and attributes. And He will use YOU, too…as long as you listen and let Him. Brooke’s story is amazing…but so is yours.  Amen?

LET’S PRAY:

Father, as we reflect on the life of young Brooke, let us not lose heart for what we are not doing; yet, let us look forward to what we can still do while we are here. Help us to lay the past down and to forgive ourselves for any missed opportunities. Continue to work in and through us as we go about our daily lives, showing us who we can serve and how we can serve them. Let us become willing servants for You, oh Lord. In Jesus name, we pray–Amen!

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

Leave a comment and answer this question: How can we live differently knowing that the next interaction we have with someone, even a stranger, is one that is divinely orchestrated by the Lord?

 

Would you like to read a bit more about Brooke? I found a link to this news article discussing her accident where her friends talked about her deep faith. An incredible young girl.

If you are interested in joining this amazing online Bible study for Crazy Love, click HERE to sign up.

Once you are registered, you will receive an email with further details.

If you would like to email a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog, please email her at: Jennifer@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

 

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

At Home with GCH: Cooking and Caring for Cast Iron

January 16, 2013 by

Cast Iron

 

I must admit that I until I met my husband, I never used cast iron; nor did I like it!  It was heavy, awkward, and everything I cooked in it was burnt to a crisp!  It was hard for me to clean afterward, too.  I’m definitely no expert in cooking with, or cleaning cast iron, but I have learned a few things over the years from my husband, who I call the Cast Iron Guru! 🙂

After a few lessons in the proper way to cook in and care for cast iron, I have to say today that it’s one of my favorite pieces of cookware!  So I would like to share some tips about cast iron that I have learned along the way!  You can find many other tips on the Internet, but these tips are just a few that I practice in my own kitchen.

  •  Cast iron needs to be seasoned before you used it.  The best way to season cast iron is with canola oil, and then bake it in a warm oven—around 300 degrees, for 2 hours.  Put the cast iron cookware in the oven and let it heat up – with the oven.  To season, you will rub canola oil all over the pan, both inside and out.  Place it upside down on a cookie sheet, and place in the oven.  Once you remove it from the oven, wipe the inside of the pan out once again, using paper towels.  BE CAREFUL! It will be HOT once it comes out of the oven!  A properly seasoned cast iron will develop a non-stick surface, and make cooking in cast iron so much more enjoyable!
  • To remove light rust from cast iron, rub a combination of salt and oil over the areas of rust until the rust is gone.  Once the rust is removed, you will need to re-season your cast iron.  If the rust is pretty set in and deep into the cast iron, you will want to begin by scraping the rust off with a stiff wire brush.  Scrape off all of the loose rust— anything that will come off of the pan.  (You can also use a cordless drill with a wire brush attachment to remove the rust if it is really bad!)  Next, put your cast iron in another container that will allow the cast iron to fit flat in the bottom of the container.  Cover it with a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar.  Make sure you cover your mouth and nose when doing this step, or do this step outside.  The vinegar will help remove the rust the rest of the way.  Then you will season the cast iron as you directed above. (Some people suggest you use an oven cleaner for a deeply rusted cast iron.  I DO NOT recommend using harsh chemicals on cast iron. All natural products are the only way to go, in my opinion!)
  •  When cleaning cast iron, never use soap, an SOS pad, or stainless steel.  Always use a strong-bristle brush and water.  As soon as cast iron is cleaned, put the skillet on the stove burner, and heat it up in order to evaporate the moisture.  As soon as the water has evaporated, once again, rub the inside of the cast iron with canola oil to season.
  • Never try to cool your cast iron by putting it in cold water; doing so could cause the cast iron to crack!
  • Never cook any acidic ingredients, like tomatoes or tomato sauce, in cast iron.  It can damage the seasoned surface, and cause a metallic taste in your food.
  • Never start cooking with cast iron on a high-heat.  Start with low heat, and gradually increase as needed. If you are going to bake with cast iron, use an older piece of cast iron cookware, and keep the newer cast iron for frying and sautéing.
  • Sometimes cast iron will get a gunky, sticky feel to it.  The best way to remove this gunky, sticky mess is to put the cast iron cookware on the stove,; adding a couple of quarts of water.  Bring to a boil.  Wash in hot water, using a strong nylon brush.  Once you have washed the cast iron, you will heat it up again on the stove until the moisture has evaporated.  Remove from the stove and with a thick glove on, season with canola oil, once again.

Cast iron can be great cookware to cook with.  It does take some extra special care, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to use any other kind of cookware; take good care of it and it will stick around for years!  My father actually still has the cast iron skillet that his mother used to cook with.  It’s 60+ years old!!  It’s thinned down over the years, but he’s still able to cook with it!!

So, don’t be afraid to try cast iron.  It’s not only a great piece of cookware; it’s a great workout tool, too, because of its weight!! LOL

Now that your cast iron is all seasoned and nice and clean, it’s time to make a batch of cornbread in it!! 🙂  I LOVE Cornbread made in my cast iron skillet!  I just use a box of Jiffy Cornbread mix.  Mix milk and eggs into the cornbread mix, and pour it into the cast iron skillet, and follow directions on the package for baking!  Oh Yummmm….

Enjoy!

Christi Wilson

If you are interested in sending Christi a private email, you may email her at: Christi@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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Crazy Love – Week 2 / Chapter 2: “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” Reading Assignment

January 13, 2013 by

1Cor10_31

We made it through week one! And what a week it was! There is so much to dig through in this book! This week’s chapter will really get your wheels turning and make you think about how you are spending the time you have on this Earth. So, let’s get right to it!

 

Chapter 2: “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” Reading Assignment

Monday: Chapter 2 “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” pgs. 39-40 (Megan)

Tuesday: Chapter 2 “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” pgs. 40-45 (Justified Stress) (Martha)

Wednesday: Chapter 2 “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” pgs. 45-47 (Thank God We Are Weak/Are You Ready) (Donna)

Thursday: Chapter 2 “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” pgs. 47-51 (Brooke’s story through end of chapter) (Jennifer)

Friday: Chapter 2 “You Might Not Finish This Chapter” Weekly Review and Chapter 2 Study Video from YouTube (Megan)

LET’S PRAY:
Lord, we come before You this Lord’s Day and ask that You prepare our hearts and our minds as we read the next chapter in our study. Convict us where we need convicting; teach us where we need teaching; guide us where we need guiding. Father, show us how to live our lives here on Earth to the fullest, following your lead, and doing Your will. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!

If you are interested in joining this amazing online Bible study for Crazy Love, click HERE to sign up.

Once you are registered, you will receive an email with further details.

If you would like to email a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog, please email her at: Jennifer@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

 

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Meal Planning 101 – Week 2 – Meal Planning Binder & Menu Planners

January 11, 2013 by

 

Hello!  Welcome to Week 2 of Meal Planning 101!  I’m glad you decided to come back and learn more about being successful in Meal Planning!  Meal Planning takes some effort, and that effort takes some organization.  Once you have a “system” in place, it’s just a matter of input from that point on!  So this week I want to talk about creating a Meal Planning Binder and Menu Planners.  This binder will help get you and keep you organized in your meal planning efforts.

My Meal Planning Binder is something that I look at least a couple of times a day!  I know… I get little nuts about it… but I am always looking for new recipes to add to my binder.  I love to try new recipes!  I have discovered some amazing meals by experimenting with my own created recipes, along with ones that I have been given by family, friends, and those I find right here by our “GCH:What’s on Your Plate?” page, and Pinterest.

Instead of giving you directions on how to make my own binder, I’m going to reference a couple of Pinterest links that will give you all kinds of binder ideas!  It’s really up to YOU how you want your binder to look and feel.

For my own binder, I include sections that include my Menu Planner for the Month, and for the Week, along with a Grocery list, Pantry/Freezer List, and a Recipes section.  I also keep a zippered pencil holder (like they use in school) to keep all my coupons in.  Personally, I am not a big coupon person!  I like them, but I do not go crazy with them!  I pick out a few that I know I will use, for products that I know we love and use on a regular basis!  You may be different than I am.  I have seen women who have coupon binders that are in 3-inch 3-ring binders, and it’s loaded with baseball card protector sheets that hold their coupons.  Way more effort than I want to put into my grocery shopping!  We’ll talk about this further in a later blog!

But before I forget, here are the Pinterest links to the Menu Planner binders: 

http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Meal+Planner+Binders

http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Menu+Planning+binders

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Now, let’s start with the first things that will be placed inside your binder:  Monthly Menu, Weekly Menu, Freezer / Pantry List, Grocery List, and of course, your coupons.  But for now, let’s talk about your Menu Planner.

In looking through tons and tons of Pinterest links for the perfect Menu Planner, I stumbled across one located at: www.amybayliss.com.  She offers customizable Menu Planners such as the one below.  I love this because I can type this up on my computer and make it look nice and neat!  I can change it anytime I want, and create new meals each month.  Sometimes, I leave certain meals on the menu planner because they are some of our favorites!  So this is really a convenient planner for me to us.  You may choose the planner that allows you to write in the meals for the month, or the week.  Again, it’s just a personal preference.  There is no right or wrong way to do this!  It’s all about doing it, and then finding the system that works for YOU!

Monthly Menu Planner

This exact form was found on: http://amybayliss.com/2011/08/planners-goals-calendars-church-and-ministry-sections-part-2/.   I just used the “Calendar” download.  You can change the name of the month, so you have a new form to use each month.  Amy’s site offers a lot of awesome free printables!

In my meal planning, I always start by making a list of what I have in my pantry and freezer.  That way I know what I have on hand, and what I will need to purchase.

My next step is to make a list of all of the meals that we love.  Each week, I also include a “Leftovers” night and I add this to my Menu Planner!  I hate to see food go to waste!  Nothing gripes me more than to have to throw something away just because I didn’t add it into a new meal!  So I plan at least one night a week for leftovers!  Some people don’t like leftovers…again, personal preference!

We also plan for at least two nights a month for going to a restaurant.  This might include our Date Night meal, or a meal out with friends; whichever one it happens to be, it gets put on my Menu Planner.  So what that means is that I have to plan ahead for these nights.  My husband has the craziest work schedule where he works 3 days on, and 3 days off.  So we never have a normal weekend like most couples do!  We take our weekends as we can get them!  So I take his work calendar and sit down and choose one night a month for our Date Night, and leave room for at least one more night for eating with friends.  Again…put it on your Menu Planner!!

Once I have my list of groceries on hand from my pantry and freezer, and I have written down all of my favorite meals, I start making my menu for the month!  My freezer, pantry, and favorite meals lists can just be updated as I go!  This is the first time-consuming activity that you will have, but once it’s done, it’s pretty easy to maintain!  We’re getting you closer to Menu Planning success!   Trust me, once you make your binder and a monthly menu, it will make your life so much easier for the remainder of the month!  No more planning for another 30 days!

After you have completed your Monthly Menu, your next step is to break down the Monthly menu into a Weekly menu.  Here is where you will see just seven days of menus.  Write out a Weekly menu for every week on our Monthly menu.  Once you do it, it’s done for the month, and for each week; then it’s just a matter of grabbing the next weeks form to see what’s on the menu.  You can even just use a simple piece of notebook paper to do this, if you wish.  You really don’t need any special forms, etc.  You’ll be glad you took the time at the beginning of the month to do this!  Trust me!

For Meal Planner forms, do a search on Pinterest for “free weekly meal planner printables”; there are many of them out there.  I use a lot of Amy’s forms from her site because they are customizable!  I just love the way she has formatted them, and makes it so easy for me to input my own information!  Again, you will want to search for forms that are going to work for YOU!  If they don’t work for YOU, you won’t keep up with it!  So find something that works for you and one that you enjoy working with!

Now that we have our meals planned for the month and week, it’s time to put together our Shopping List.  We’ll discuss our Shopping List and coupons next week.  You will store all of this inside your Menu Planning Binder, in the proper sections.

I hope you are enjoying this series.  If you want, please share a link to the Menu Planner that you use!  You never know if someone else will find your Menu Planner convenient for them, as well!

See you next week!

Christi

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A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8)

If you were interested in checking out any of our online Bible studies, click HERE. Once we receive your registration, we will email you with further details.

If you would like to send a private message to Christi in regards to this blog, please email her at: Christi@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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Crazy Love: Week 1 / Chapter 1: “Stop Praying” – Before the Throne (pgs. 34-38)

January 10, 2013 by

This week we have looked at creation from the expansive galaxies to the smallest creatures. We have examined the eternal attributes of God. But, have you ever spent time thinking about what it must be like to BE with God in Heaven; to actually BE in His presence; to SEE Him? If you have not taken the time to read Revelation 4 and Isaiah 6, click this link and read it now.

What image comes to your mind of what it must be like to be in the actual physical presence of God? As Isaiah said, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty” (Isaiah 6:5). What a powerful statement! As sinful humans, we aren’t worthy to be in God’s presence. We just aren’t. God is perfect and holy. But, He loves us so very much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to make a way for us to be with Him in Heaven one day. What response do we have other than bowing down in worship to our King?

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,
To receive glory and honor and power,
For you created all things,
And by your will they were created
And have their being.” (Revelation 4:11, emphasis mine)

God created every single galaxy, placed each star; he created every creature that roams the earth… including you and me. He could have created anything, but it is by His Will that we are here. He wanted us. He wants us still. And even though we are human and cannot seem to get out of God’s way most of the time, He still loves us without conditions and without expectations. His only desire is that we acknowledge Him, accept Him, and love Him with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind, and all of our strength. He wants to be part of our lives; to walk this rocky road of life with us. He wants our heart. And not just a piece of it – He wants the whole thing.

Will you give Him your whole heart and trust in his enduring faithfulness to see you through?

I leave you with one of the most incredible worship songs ever – Revelation Song by Kari Jobe. Spend some time worshiping the King of Kings today. Imagine that you are John standing in the Throne room, experiencing what he experienced. Put yourself right there. Think of it each time you begin your prayer or devotional time. It’s quite a picture, isn’t it?!

LET’S PRAY:
Father, you are deserving of our enduring love, praise, and worship. You create and sustain all things. It is by YOUR WILL that all life was created, Lord, and we can do nothing but bow to you in thankfulness for who you are and what you do for us each and every day. Help us to see You in all things and to see beyond our current circumstances to the abundant life that you have for us in Christ. And it is in His precious and holy name that we pray, Amen!

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
I have the “Living Crazy Love” study guide to go along with this book and I’d like to pose the question that is in the guide because it goes so well with today’s blog post. What do you think would come out of your mouth the moment you first saw God? What would be the first words you would say?

If you are interested in joining this amazing online Bible study for Crazy Love, click HERE to sign up. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with further details.

If you would like to email a private message to Donna in regards to this blog, please email her at: Jennifer@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

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Crazy Love: Week 1 Reading Assignment

January 6, 2013 by

Hi there friends! Are you as excited as I am to journey through this Crazy Love study?! The time is finally here!

This book was very difficult to section off into daily reading assignments. So if you have any questions about what to read and when, please leave a comment or email me at Jennifer@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

On tap for today is reading the Foreword written by Chris Tomlin and the Preface written by our author, Francis Chan. There are so many convicting things just in these few pages. I practically highlighted every word! I thought about sharing some passages here with you, but I want you to read it for yourself first and soak in every word. Read through the foreword and preface a couple of times. Let it marinate. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and speak to you. Be open and willing to change; to think differently. This book very well could change your life.

So, without further ado, here is the rest of our week one reading assignment!

WEEK ONE

Sunday, January 6th: Foreword/Preface/Chapter 1 Reading Assignment (Jennifer)

Monday, January 7th: Chapter 1 “Stop Praying” pgs. 25-26 (Megan)

Tuesday, January 8th: Chapter 1 “Stop Praying” pgs. 27-28 (Martha)

Wednesday, January 9th: Chapter 1 “Stop Praying” pgs. 29-34 (end at Before the Throne) (Donna)

Thursday, January 10th: Chapter 1 “Stop Praying” pgs. 34-38 (start at Before the Throne) (Jennifer)

Friday, January 11th: Chapter 1 “Stop Praying” Weekly Review and Chapter 1 Study Video from YouTube (Megan)

Let’s pray: Father we bow before you, hearts and minds open and alive in hopeful expectation for what You have for us in this study. Please reveal to us each, individually, the crazy, powerful, immense love that You have for us. Help us to release our doubts and fears to You and receive this love that You so freely give. Show us how to live boldly for You and allow You to do amazing things in and through us. We are at your feet, Lord. In Jesus holy and precious name we pray, Amen!

Your Assignment: Tell us one part of the Foreword or Preface that tugged at your heart. It can be one line, one paragraph, or more. I’d love to know what the Lord brought to  your heart as your read these pages. Once you comment here, head on over to our Facebook group and let’s talk some more!

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At Home with GCH – Meal Planning 101 – Week 1

January 6, 2013 by

Hello, and Welcome to Meal Planning 101!

When I first began Meal Planning, I had no idea how much this new technique in my life would make such a huge impact!  Meal Planning is now part of my every week routine!

For some people, when they think of meal planning, they thing it is too time consuming.  What they don’t realize is just how simple, and cost effective, meal planning is!  When meal planning is incorporated into your home routine, you will see yourself with more time, and money, on your hands!  Meal Planning is so worth every step!

In this new GCH series, we’ll cover the reasons why meal planning is so important; building a menu planner binder; finding recipes that your family loves; coupons; and more!  I will also be sharing some free printables that I have found online that I use in my own home!!  I will share some other websites that offer some amazing tips, as well!  I’m no expert in this field.  I can only share what I have learned along the way.  That’s why I don’t mind sharing other websites with you to help you learn even more about menu planning!  It really is something that we all need to incorporate into our routines!

Let’s start this new series today by going over the reasons of why meal planning is so important:

Top 5 reasons why Meal Planning is a must in your home:

  1. Menu Planning saves you time!

Who doesn’t need more time each day?  As busy moms who are running from here to there taking kids to school, activities, church functions, and more, we need to make sure that we manage our time to the best of our ability!  Menu Planning can help you manage your time more wisely in the kitchen!  We will show you how in the upcoming weeks of this series.

  1. Menu Planning saves you money!

Who doesn’t love more money in our pocketbooks!  How many times have you made dash to the grocery store for a loaf of bread and gallon of milk, and came home with over $100 in groceries you had not planned on spending?  Menu planning can help not only save money, but it can also help you stick to a budget better!  We will also cover some tips on using coupons with your grocery shopping! We will show you how in the upcoming weeks of this series!

  1. Menu Planning cuts back on waste!

Menu planning helps you buy just what you need, leaving less room for more leftovers that end up getting thrown out at the end of the week!  Again, we will show you how this cuts back on waste, as we continue with this series in the upcoming weeks.

  1. Menu Planning helps your family eat healthier!

This is a big one!  Menu Planning helps you stick with healthier meals by not being so stressed out at the end of a work day, there is no time to cook, and you end up heading out fast food!  Menu planning helps you keep healthier meals on the table!  We’ll show you how in the upcoming weeks of this series!

  1. Menu Planning adds more variety to your meals!

How many times have you heard “Not meatloaf AGAIN, Mom”?  Tired of cooking the same old thing over and over again?  Taking the time to plan your meals adds more variety to your meals, and leaves less room for boredom!  We’ll show you how in the upcoming weeks of this series!

So, are you ready to start learning how to plan your meals, save money, save time, and use coupons to get healthier meals at home?  I am very excited to share this series with you!  If you would like to share some of your own tips along the way, I would be happy to read them!  Be sure to share them in the comments section below!  The more we can help each other save time, money, and eat healthier, the better!!

Until next week,

Christi

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“Life’s Healing Choices” Coming Soon to Girlfriends Coffee Hour

January 2, 2013 by

LifesHealingChoices

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