Printable Cash Envelopes!

Free Download for printable Cash Envelopes from todaysnest.com!!

Todaysnest.com - Click here for your free download! This site also gives you some great tips! Check it out!! I'm all about FREE!!

I"m a huge Dave Ramsey fam.  My husband and I have taken the Financial Peace University series through the church and have learned so much about what God says about money. This cirriculum came with cash envelopes, however, they have lived a short life due to wear and tear (which is a good sign right?) I was thrilled to see this free download! I hope you enjoy! 

As Dave says, "You have live like no one else, to live like no one else."

Peace Puppies

1. Avoid "Stuffitis" - The worship of 'stuff'

2. Plant Seeds - Give $ to worthy causes

3. Develop Your Own  "Power to Purchase"

4. Find Where you are Natually Gifted - enjoy your work and work hard

5. Live Substantially Below Your Income

6.  Sacrifice Now - so you can have peace later

7. You Can Always Spend More than You Make

8. The Borrower IS a servant to the Lender; so BEWARE!

9. Check Your Credit Report at Lease Once Every Two Years

10. Handle Credit Report Corrections Yourself

11. Realize That the Best Way for Delinquent Debt to Be Paid is for You, Not Collectors, to Control Your Financial Destiny

12. You Must Save Money (Power of compound interest)

13. Use the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" Rule of Investing

14. Only People Who Life Dog Food Don't Save for Retirement

15. Always Save with Pretax Dollars - its the best deal Gov't Gives you!

*Taken from Dave Ramsey's Book: Financial Peace Revisited.



First Day of School!

Today marks our first day of our 9th year of home schooling! I can hardly believe that we have been plugging away for this long! We now have a high schooler, middle schooler, and one in her last year of elementary. Its been a fun and amazing ride watching them learn and grow.

My prayer for this school year is all about wisdom. Academic wisdom and success are always a blessing, however, true wisdom rests in knowledge of those things that cannot be found in just any textbook.  There is just no greater calling than training your own children to be godly men and women.

Meredith loves having a desk of her own!

Mason as thrilled as he is gonna get!

Madelyn has out done herself on desk decor for someone not excited about school. hmmm. :)

Highlights from today's devotion from Wisdom Hunters:

Wisdom is Learned

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair.” Proverbs 1:1-3

There is a definite educational element to wisdom. It does not happen in a spiritual vacuum or without intellectual effort. Those who excel in becoming wise learn how to educate themselves in the ways of wisdom. They read the Bible and other writings that define wisdom, with a filter of faith in God. There are wise sayings outside of Holy Writ, but beyond the context of Christ, wisdom drifts into a cheap imitation in worldly wisdom.

Therefore, for wisdom to be the most meaningful it must incubate and grow in a teachable and humble heart. A seed of corn does not germinate on the surface of hard soil—in a similar ecosystem, seeds of wisdom bring life and insight to a heart moistened by heaven’s righteous rain. Lifetime learners understand the need to always gain wisdom. Moses, upon a foundation of faith, was educated in wisdom in preparation to become one of God’s chosen leaders.

“Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22).

However, it’s from an unselfish motivation and a humble attitude that the Lord’s wisdom is able to transform a life. Wisdom is not for personal gain, but for the propagation of Almighty God’s agenda. A once wise man becomes a fool, when he uses divine insight for individual advantage, instead of the good of the group.

Educators in wisdom are all around—pray for your Pastor to sit at the feet of Jesus in prayer, so his mind might be molded by the Holy Spirit’s insights and instruction. Look for wisdom from faithful saints who penned timeless words, while they worked through their suffering and triumphs, as disciples of Jesus. Wisdom comes from Ph.D.’s, village preachers and everyone in between. Wisdom abounds where the wise are found. Remember—the less you talk—the more wisdom you gain, as you listen to learn.

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).

So, be a student of your Savior Jesus’ wisdom and you will never lack for knowledge. Wisdom is what attracts your children and grandchildren to want to be with you. The wise age well—like a robust wine—while fools flounder in insecure ignorance. Wise Christians are continually educated in wisdom, so that they can prayerfully educate others.

“His [Christ’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known” (Ephesians 3:10a).
 

A Very Special Reunion

The Starmer Family vacation - Gunnison National Forest: We have established so many wonderful memories in CO once again!  God was so gracious in his timing to allow my knight to be able to be with us for part of our week long vacation in the majestic mountains!  Honey, I pray for you every day.  Here is a small portion of one of my devotions on the trip home.  When I read it, I thought of you and hope it is a blessing to your heart. Know you are dearly loved by all of us here but more so by your great Father! This is a trying time, but we have and will make it through! I love you!

"Love Always Perserveres"

1Corinthians 13:7

Love always perserveres. It does not give up. This is why the love commitment of husbands and wives is "till death do us part." This is the assurance that accompanies love, for it is loyal in the face of hard times. Love becomes better instead of bitter when experiencing the raw deal.  God's grace and love provide you the lasting ability for extraordinary love. Indeed, if your heavenly Father didn't personally love you, you love would be lethargic.  It would be sluggish in its application to others if you were not daily loved by the Lord.  You can't be an unconditional lover if you don't receive the unconditional love of Jesus.  Therefore, love always perseveres in the pricess of being loved and expanding love.

Chipolte Meatballs

CHIPOLTE MEATBALLS

Yes, I seriously have a thing for meatballs (and Mexican)! I have not tried this recipe yet but it is on my list! Ever since the kids and I ate at the famous Chelino's in OK last week (sorry honey!), I've been thinking about what new healthy Mexican dish I could try.  (I'm sure you guessed this restaraunt is not very healthy!!) I may even save this one for when my man gets home. :) 

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 lb. 94% ground turkey (any ground meat will do)
• 1/4 c almond meal
• 4 T bacon fat or butter (not melted)
• 2 eggs
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 t + 2 t oregano
• 1 c chicken stock
• 15 oz. diced tomatoes
• S & P

Guacamole Ingredients

• 2 avocados
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 t chili garlic sauce
• S & P

Method

Preheat the oven to broil.
Place the ground turkey in a large bowl. In the large bowl of your food processor combine the eggs, almond meal, bacon fat or butter, 1 t oregano, 1 chipotle pepper and some S & P. Process until smooth and add to the turkey. Mix with your hands until combined. The mixture will be wet, don’t fret. Form the mixture into balls and place in an oven safe dish. Broil until browned, about 10 minutes.
While the meatballs are browning, add the diced tomatoes, 2 chipotle peppers, chicken stock and 2 t oregano to the same bowl of your food processor and pulse until smooth. Once the meatballs have browned, turn to oven to Bake at 450°F. Add the sauce to your oven safe dish and continue to bake until the sauce has thickened a bit, about 15 more minutes.
Now for the guacamole, place all the ingredients into the smallest bowl of your food processor. Pulse until it’s the consistency you like.

Thank you Health Bent!

4th of July

"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts."
Psalm 119:45

Sending all of our love and many prayers to my best friend and others who are serving overseas. Thank you for providing and protecting us!! And for that very special man in my life....sweet 16. :)

Happy Father's Day...miles away

Sometimes it takes a child-like faith to remind us how God wants us to respond in the best and worst of times. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities as parents and spouses leaving us in a spiritual fog when we lose focus on Christ's sufficiency to bring us through. However, it is my prayer for you, my sweet husband, that even in your absence you are still successfully leading our family in every way. We love you and miss you. Happy Father's Day to the most precious man, husband, and father.

"And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

"Dirty Dozen" - Go Organic!

The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has just released the top 12 "Dirty Dozen" list of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticides. EEWWWW!! Washing prior to consumption still does NOT reduce pesicide levels to a 'safe' level. You need to go ALL organic when eating the following:

"Dirty Dozen"

Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines (imported)
Grapes (imported)
Sweet bell peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries (domestic)
Lettuce
Kale/collard greens

Thankfully, the report also gives us the “clean fifteen” – those with the lowest levels of pesticides. Due to budgeting, going all organic can be rather costly. So, if you have to, buy these non-organic.

"Clean Fifteen"

Onions
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Avocado
Asparagus
Sweet peas
Mangoes
Eggplants
Cantaloupe (domestic)
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruit
Mushrooms

The EWG points out that if consumers simply chose their daily recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables from the least contaminated list over five from the dirty dozen, they would reduce the amount of pesticides ingested by 92% – without having to shell out extra money for organics.


Thank you to "Putting the Kingdom First" Blog for this info!