M.O.M.S: August 2010

We've all heard the parable of talents in Matthew 25: 14-27.
As a young girl in the Missionettes (Stars), it was ingrained in me to be a good steward.

Susanna Idea: To be faithful stewards of time, money and talent.
- Scripture: Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

The hope that one day I will hear those words from the Lord in verse 23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'.

Little did I know this parable would be the answer to a prayer (a lot of crying & pleading as well) as a stay-at-home mom with twins during difficult economic times.
To make a long story short, I was presented by my in-laws with a challenge to COUPON and stockpile!!!! I say challenge because I had to overcome all the stereotypes that came with using coupons and all the millions excuses I had.
But I can now testify that this has been truly a blessing.
I believe sometimes the Lord immediately meets your needs and sends manna from heaven but he also teaches you how to fish.
Not only has using coupons blessed my family but it has also allowed me to bless others. Yes, I've been blessed to the point that I give stuff away!

I've decided to feature CVS today since I just got back from my weekly visit and took these pictures. Since seeing is believing.............
Today's transaction I purchased:
TG Lee Milk
Purex 3 in 1
Right Guard (2)
Crest toothpaste (2)
Emerald Pecans (2)
Papermate Pens (2 packages)
Bumble Bee Tuna

I paid $3.47 out of pocket (oop) and Received $8.00 Extra Bucks to another purchase!!

I combined:
Manufacturer coupons
CVS coupon ($5 off a $20 purchase, an online coupon when i signed up to receive their emails)
Extra Bucks coupons
Green Bag Tag

Let me also add that I get the majority of my information from these websites.
I heart CVS & Hip to Save
Not only do they explain how to organize your coupons but they also supply you the weekly list of savings.

Irregardless of your current situation, there are MANY ways to save money. Especially as wives and mothers who wear many hats, we want to be better stewards of our time & money. You just need to take the time and put forth the effort to try it. I've been doing this for a year now and I basically use coupons for EVERYTHING clothes, food, toiletries, etc. What better way to spend your time and money.

Not only did the Lord teach me how to take the little I had and multiply it, it also relieved A LOT of stress and gave me a love for grocery shopping (I used to HATE it) & also gave me a sense of accomplishment. I can't believe that with the tight budget we have I am still able to bless others, not to mention, the giant smile on my husbands face:)

I hope this post not only peaks your interest to try something different but also puts a burden in your heart to use God's money wisely.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7 (AMP)

God Bless
Alessandra
(Sandy)