Pictures with my new computer

I got a new computer! A netbook that started out as a Dell and has been converted to a Mac. Okay. It's not really new. In April, I told you that John had a new Mac Netbook. We were planning to get me a pink one. But I told him I really didn't need to spend twice as much money for a pink one. So John got a bigger one--but still at Netbook--and I got the one from April. It has a webcam. So my blogging is going to change! I have this cool program called Photobooth that is very easy to take pictures. Today I took pictures of the kids. Here are a few of them.

Albertsons Coupons

Okay...I got another big haul. (Not nearly as big as the serious coupon ladies, but not bad.) Albertsons was doing their price point sale with an extra $5 off every 10 items on the sale. Unfortunately I didn't count correctly and ended up 2 items short for the fifth $5 off.

But I spent $42 and saved $107!

I got:

11 4-packs of Activia Yogurt (50 cents each!)

1 Betty Crocker Frosting tub

9 cans of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

1 bag Santina's chips

1 large tub Country Crock with Calcium

1 2-pack of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

1 Albertson's Ketchup (we buy it by the gallon, but we needed a new 'fridge bottle)

2 cans Rosarita Refried beans

2 bags TJ Farms Hash Browns

2 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mixes

2 Oscar Mayer hot dogs

1 French's Worchester Sauce (50 cents!)

2 Oscar Mayer Bologna

2 Totino's Pizza Rolls

4 cans Blue Diamond Almonds

2 cans Hunts Spaghetti Sauce

2 boxes Triscuit

2 boxes Ritz

2 boxes Quaker Granola Bars

Great Deal Savings $62.23

Promotional ($5 off 10) $20.00

MFG Coupons $22.00

Store Coupons $ 3.00

Total Saved $107.23

Total Spent $ 42.00

100 Days 'til 40

My 40th birthday is getting closer. 100 days to be exact. And I have some big things planned for my 40th birthday. I've already started lining up some sponsors for a

HUGE BIRTHDAY BASH.

Some of the sponsors are RUVAcards, PakNaks, The GoodCheer Company, and Bra Barrette.

Watch for more sponsor announcements. And if you would like to become a sponsor, just drop me a line at juliesweeps at hotmail.com.

I'll be creating a button to share on blogs soon. Be sure to follow my blog to hear about all the details!

if your kid eats this book.....Review and Giveaway

Have you ever had a child fall from a great height? Do you know the number to poison control? Have you had to decide if an insect bite was serious? Have you ever wished you had an emergency room physician on speed dial? Now you can. Sort of! Lara Zibner, MD is a former assistant professor of pediatric emergency medicine, and she shares her wisdom and experience in her new book: (gotta love the title!) if your kids eats this book, everything will still be okay: How to Know if Your Child's Injury or Illness Is Really an Emergency.

Ironically, the day after I received my review copy in the mail, my daughter came in from the back yard screaming that something poked her. At first I saw a red scratch, so I just gave her a hug and sent her away. But she still protested. So I looked closer. In just minutes, she started developing welts. As Daddy checked her out, I grabbed the book. (Where I learned that "whatever creature gets your kid, realize that most children will do just fine and have nothing other than a red, swollen, itchy bite for a while. Ninety-nine percent of the time it honestly doesn't matter what it was that bit your kid." There is a 911! alert box that describes things to watch for: swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, becoming unconscious; or other signs of significant allergic reaction. Then it's time to call for help.

My only complaint about the book: Where was it for the first 11 years of my life as a mom?!!?

Dr. Zibner's basic rules are:

• A crying child has an airway and is conscious.
• When "everything hurts", probably nothing is really broken.
• Babies and toddlers don't fake pain.
• Never trust a toddler. (Who knows what they ate/stuck up their nose/fed the baby?)
• Always trust your gut.

From the publisher:

As an Emergency Room pediatrician, Dr. Lara Zibners has seen it all. She's cared for a portion of the 25 million children in the U.S. who are taken to the ER each year-and she knows that more than 50% of these visits may be unnecessary. IF YOUR KID EATS THIS BOOK, EVERYTHING WILL STILL BE OKAY shows parents when they may need to take action, and when they might be able to just go back to bed and call their doctor in the morning. With sections such as "In the Diaper" and "His Noggin and the Nervous System," Dr. Zibners covers every part of the body and offers sound advice (for example, did you know that oil is the best remedy for dissolving superglue between body parts?), all while maintaining a lively and often hilarious tone. To the question, "What if she chokes on her vomit?" Zibners answers, "A healthy child will not choke on her own vomit, unless she is drunk or high on Grandma's sleeping pills."

Finally, no more frantic late-night searches through the "why to buy," "how to diaper," or "what to feed him" sections found in other childcare books to find out if little Franny needs to go to the ER. This book focuses on the truly important questions, like how to keep her from electrocuting herself in the first place. Not every child has a pediatrician with specialized emergency room experience living in her home. But this book just might be the next best thing.

Lara Zibners, MD, is a former Assistant Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Currently, she divides her professional time between New York and London.

Want to win a copy (5 winners!)?

To enter, post a comment telling about a time you had to decide if you needed to go run to the ER. (If you don't have a story to share, post something besides just "enter me".)

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

* Add my button to your blog

* Follow me on twitter

* Twitter about this giveaway

* Follow my blog

* Subscribe to my blog

Contest ends Monday July 15th.

Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one.

Limited to US and Canada (no PO Boxes please).

New World Kids Review

I have to admit....I was a little hesitant when I first heard the title of this book. I was thinking "new world order" and other "new age" types of things.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  The idea of a "new world" refers to the way our world is changing.  Text messaging, GPS, and satellite phones were not around when I was growing up.  Who knows what kind of technology will exist when my kids grow up?  We need to prepare them to think differently.  Our schools continue to teach things the way they always have. But we need to teach them to think creatively.

As a former teacher (elementary) and current developmental specialist (birth to 3) I was impressed with the ideas presented.  After explaining the creativity map, the authors introduce the Sensory Alphabet.  Then each element of the Sensory Alphabet (color, line, shape, sound, texture, light, movement, space, and rhythm) is explained throughly.  My favorite part was at the end of each element introduction was a list of "Investigations to do on your own" (for the parent) and a list of "Investigations to do with your child".  This is followed by quotes on the theme.

I found some great ideas of things to try with my kids.  After reading the first few chapters, I started saying "yes" to my kids more often.  One night, we painted with pudding.  Chocolate and vanilla (colored with various sprinkles) made great finger paints!  (See pictures below).
I would highly recommend this book (or the companion one for teachers) to any parent who wants to help her child succeed in this ever changing world.

From the website:
Built on decades of applied research, "New World Kids: The Parents' Guide to Creative Thinking" (Foundry Media, 2009, 978-0-615-19060-0, $14.95), is a handbook for developing young minds to learn and grow in a future requiring visual literacy and innovative skills. Marcus and Monday demystify the often misunderstood territory of creativity, offering parents everyday activities to help kids discover their individual creative abilities.

Just as the traditional alphabet is used to teach reading and writing, the Sensory Alphabet-line, color, texture, movements, sounds, rhythm, space, light and shape-is the foundation of creative literacy and the basis of our sensory connection to the world. The Sensory Alphabet enhances a child's ability to understand, symbolize and communicate ideas, which are all crucial skills in our digital media world of pictures, icons, sound and video.

New World Kids covers topics such as:
" The Sensory Alphabet: Nine essential elements for creative literacy
" How to mentor children through the creative process
" How to raise innovative kids for the 21st century
" How to help kids find their creativity, passion at an early age
" How to design your home as a space for ideas
" Incorporating media and play into the learning process

Marcus and Monday were co-founders of the Learning About Learning Educational Foundation, a Texas-based institution that conducted applied research in creativity, individuality, media and play. Visit NewWorldKids.com for more information.

Smart Mamas Green Guide Review and Giveaway

Smart Mama's Green Guide by Jennifer Taggart of The Smart Mama blog gives parents and easy to read guide to reduce our children's toxic chemical exposure. The book is nicely laid out with areas of the home clustered together: kitchen; food; nursery; playroom and bathroom. She also covers topics of the risks of chemical exposure; lead issues; cleaning products and pesticides. Each chapter has subtopics in bold so it is easy to skim and find the areas of concern. There are also "smart mama tips" and easy to read charts sprinkled in. The book ends with an index, so this can easily be used as a reference book. Want to know about copper pipes? Check out page 57. Vitamins? Page 77. ADHD and lead exposure? Page 53.

This book brought up a lot of issues I had not considered. I am not usually one to be too concerned with toxic chemical exposure, but I definitely see that that needs to change. This is a great tool to help me start making small changes to protect my kids. "Simple steps" are liberally spread throughout the book to give us a starting off point.

Parents often feel overwhelmed and defenseless against a never-ending recall list of toys and baby products. Deciphering unpronounceable chemicals they encounter every day can be daunting if not impossible. With environmental exposures being closely linked to 70 percent of birth defects, new parents faced with the overwhelming responsibility for their babies' health frequently turn to organic products. But they quickly find they don't have the time to practice a completely green or natural lifestyle.

THE SMART MAMA'S GREEN GUIDE delivers the information busy parents want and the tools to make informed, individual choices without the demand to go all-out green. Packed with practical tips on eliminating or reducing the hidden dangers of toxic chemicals that lurk everywhere, this book will empower readers to control what comes into their homes and make informed decisions instead of relying on government regulation of harmful chemicals.

Want to win a copy (5 winners!)?

To enter, post a comment with a concern, question or tip about toxic chemical exposure.

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

* Add my button to your blog

* Follow me on twitter

* Twitter about this giveaway

* Follow my blog

* Subscribe to my blog

Contest ends Monday July 15th.

Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one.

Limited to US and Canada (no PO Boxes please).

Attacked!

Short story:

I was stung by a scorpion at least 3--and possibly 5--times on Saturday night!

Back story:

We've been in New Mexico for almost 6 years now, and the sight of a scorpion still creeps me out every time. I was the first in our family to "meet" a scorpion: tail to toe. A few months after we arrived, I was sitting at my computer when I felt a pin prick on the side of my foot. I thought I had found a tack. I looked down and saw a scorpion and started screaming. I woke the whole house. I was sure I was going to die!

We later learned the NM scorpions sting, but are not deadly. Over the past 5 years, we've seen dozens of scorpions, and we've had a few stings. Papaw was stung on the arm while napping on his bed. My sister-in-law found one in a basket of clean laundry. John woke up screaming one night after a scorpion danced on his leg (stinging several times in the process). We aren't sure how many times he got stung. Amazingly, none of the kids have been stung!

Current story:

And then it was my turn again. I was sitting on the bed at 3 a.m. Yes. I was awake at 3 a.m. John and I were having a "discussion". I was wearing one of John's t-shirts. Mid-sentence, I felt a prick on the front of my neck--right in the middle. I screamed and jumped as I felt another prick on my upper right arm. Again I jumped and the next stick was on my chest.

Along the way, I started screaming, "SCORPION!" and then I ripped off my shirt. John immediately grabbed me and dragged me into the kitchen to dose me up with Benedryl. (I grabbed a towel to cover up with on the way out!)

We returned to the room to find the critter. Fortunately, it was still curled up in my shirt. But with our new pillowtop bed, John wasn't able to smash it. He had to catch it. With nothing else in sight, he dumped out a dish of cookies on my desk and used the container.

When we stopped to look, I had 1 bite on my neck, and 1 or 2 bites each on my upper arm and chest. A couple of them swelled pretty bad, but all the signs were gone by morning. When I finally calmed down enough to lay down, I felt something on my leg. Sure it was phantom feelings, I shook my leg--and found a Japanese beetle crawling on me! It didn't bite, but it freaked me out.

Eek!

Happy Father's Day

After so many years waiting to be a Daddy, John is such an incredible Daddy. He is patient and kind. He uses lots of great voices when reads stories. He loves to watch movies with the kids--whether it's a princess movie, a cartoon, or an action adventure. I often come home and find the TV on cartoons--with no kids in sight. He is never afraid to answer their tough questions. He loves to cuddle and hug. The kids know they can come to Daddy for a backrub or a kiss anytime.

Last night the kids made cards for Daddy and Papaw. We started with markers but Munchie asked for glitter. Let's just say Mom was shiny when we finished!

Onward Christian Soldier

On payday (which includes allowance day) Munchie showed Daddy the armor set and told him the same thing he told me: The Full Armor of God. Daddy was so impressed he kicked in the $3 Munchie was short Here he is in full armor.

Name Dropper?

Random Question

Are you a name dropper? No, I don't mean boastfully mentioning the names of people who you have met once. Do you use names when you talk to people? I've noticed lately that I am not a name caller. I use names in greetings, but that is about it.  Some people use names frequently during conversations.  It always makes me feel kind of good to hear my name in a conversation.  I really need to make a point of inserting someone's name during the conversation.

Start A Christian Review Blog eBook Review and Giveaway

Courtney Chowning from FaithApproved has put together a 15 page ebook called Start a Christian Review Blog.   The ebook with explain:

Basic Blog Terminology How to setup your blog Tips for selecting a blog name and tag line Tips for selecting a blog theme and layout Tips for choosing what products you want to review How to get products to review How to write great reviews Tips on how to host a product giveaway Tips for promoting giveaways Sites to check out for further reading and help

Courtney does a great job of laying out the basics. The ebook is set up nicely and is easy to read.  She explains the terms used (blog, platform, web host and domain name) and the steps necessary to start and maintain a Christian Review Blog. Courtney gives ideas of where to find the products to review (from starting with the products in our house, to joining a network, to contacting the company directly).  Courtney then explains who to write a review and how to promote it.  Additional resources and a check list are included.

My thoughts:

Where was this book a year ago!?  It would have been so helpful when I was interested in getting started last year.  The information is well formatted and easy to follow. After a couple of years of entering lots of sweepstakes (winning a few), I settled on blog sweeps about 2 years ago. After entering (and winning) quite a few, I started wondering how people got started getting free stuff to review and giveaway.  I asked a few people, but nobody gave me much advice.  I have learned as I've gone, and now I do quite a few reviews (sometimes too many!)  But it was a slow process.  I posted my first review in November after joining MomSelect (a network for Mom bloggers).  That month, I got the courage to e-mail an author and ask to review her book Kissing and Cooking. I was surprised when she agreed to send me a copy.

Start a Christian Review Blog would be a great resource for anyone interesting in getting started writing a review blog.

 Click here to view more details The price is $9.95 and comes with 3 bonus documents (blogging ideas, tech tools, and contest listing sites.)

Would you like to win a copy?

To enter, post a comment with a product you would love to do a review on.

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

    * Add my button to your blog

    * Follow me on twitter

    * Twitter about this giveaway

    * Follow my blog

    * Subscribe to my blog

Contest ends Thursday June 25th.

Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one.

Since this is a download, it is open worldwide.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Review and Giveaway

If you haven't heard of Chicken Soup for the Soul, where exactly have you been the last 15 years? Chicken Soup for the Soul began with a single volume in 1993. Now there are more than 200 titles that have been translated into 40 different languages. They have sold more 112 million books. Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to develop new ways to reach the public including movies, DVDs, online resources and other partnerships.

The newest offering from Chicken Soup for the Soul is a series directed at teenagers and young adults. There are 4 titles: Teens Talk Middle School; Teens Talk High School; Teens Talk Getting Into College; and Campus Chronicles. Each book tells a series of stories. The stories cover topics like "Happy to be me"; "Dating, Crushes and Just Friends"; "Consequences" and "That was Embarrassing" (from the High School book). Some topics are fun; others are serious.

When my son (who goes to middle school in August) gets home from camp, we are going to start reading the stories together. I want to read the stories together in case there are things that we need to discuss. It could be things he has been dealing with or asking him how he would have dealt with the situation.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Middle School

101 Stories of Life, Love, and Learning for Younger Teens

Almost everyone hated middle school. It’s a very tough time for adolescents. This “support group in a book” is specifically geared to younger teens -- the ones still worrying about puberty, cliques, discovering the opposite sex, and figuring out who they are. Meant for middle school students ages eleven to fourteen, stories cover regrets and lessons learned, love and “like,” popularity, friendship, tough issues such as divorce, illness, and death, failure and rising above it, embarrassing moments, bullying, and finding something you’re passionate about. The stories provide emotional support, humor, and inspiration for the young teens making their way through the tumultuous middle school years.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk High School

101 Stories of Life, Love, and Learning for Older Teens

This book focuses on issues specific to high school age kids, ages fourteen to eighteen. Teens in high school have mainly moved past worrying about puberty and cliques, so stories in this book cover topics of interest to older teens such as sports and clubs, religion and faith, driving, curfews, growing up, self-image and self-acceptance, dating and sex, family relationships, friends, divorce, illness, death, pregnancy, drinking, failure, and preparing for life after high school. High school students will find comfort and inspiration in the words of this book, referring to it through all four years of their high school experience, like a portable support group.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Getting In... to College

101 True Stories from Kids Who Have Lived Through It

These days, colleges are deluged with applications, and the application process has become something traumatic that students and parents experience together. This book isn’t about how to get into college -- it’s about providing emotional, not tactical, support. The stories in this book are written by kids who have been there and want to pass on their words of support to the kids about to go through the whole ordeal. Story topics include parental and peer pressure, the stress of grades and standardized tests, applications and interviews, recruiting, disappointments, and successes. Parents and students alike will findGetting In... to College a great source of inspiration.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Campus Chronicles

101 Real College Stories from Real College Students

College life can be fun, stressful, exciting, and educational in more ways than one. Campus Chronicles is a book for any current or prospective college student who wants to know what really goes on in the dorms and in the classroom. Story topics range from the academic, like studying abroad and picking majors, to partying and life choices. Read about other college students’ spring breaks, personal growth, relationships with family and significant others, Greek life, transferring schools, money woes, and alternative paths. Campus Chronicles is about growing up, making choices, learning lessons, and making the best of your last years as a student.

Would you like to win a copy? I will be giving away one copy of each title.

To enter:

Leave a comment with your best advice for students.

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each):

* Add my button to your blog

* Follow me on twitter

* Twitter about this giveaway

* Follow my blog

* Subscribe to my blog

Contest ends Thursday June 25th.

Please make sure your profile is public or include your e-mail address in your comment. If I can't easily find my winner, I'll have to pick another one.

Limited to US addresses only.

The Great Coupon Collection

As I mentioned in my last post, I've become quite fascinated with coupons lately, but my Sunday paper doesn't have coupons. I've found a lot of internet printable ones (A Full Cup is a great resource!) And I've received a few in the mail directly from companies. But I need more! I just bought several bundles from eBay. (Technically, the coupons are free. I paid for their time, etc.)

My questions for you.....Do you use coupons? Do you stockpile? Or are you too busy for coupons? Do you have coupons laying around that you'll never use? Why don't you send them to me? I'll put them to good use. If I can't use them, I'll share them with someone who can. (I promise, I won't sell them on eBay!)

If you are interested, send me an e-mail at juliesweeps at hotmail.com and I'll give you my address.

And....if anyone takes me up on my challenge....I'll randomly pick a contributor and send a prize. Hey, if I got a lot of response, I might pick two! It will be something from my "recently reviewed" collection!

Coupons could get addicting!

Tonight at Target I took advantage of some clearance items; some store coupons; and some manufacturer's coupons. Here is what I got:
1 Miracle Whip (free after $1 Target q & $1 man Q)
1 Kraft Mayo (same as above)
1 A1 ($.99 after $2 man Q)
1 Extra gum ($.13 after man Q)
4 Easy Mac (2@ $.74; 2 free b1g1)
1 Snicker (free w/ man Q)
2 Large bags Chex Mix (paid $2.20 for both: clearance $2.10--$1 off 2 Target Q & 2 $.50 man Qs)
3 cans Planters Whole cashews (originally $5.19. Clearance $2.58. $1 Man Q for each).

Total OOP: $8.00
Coupons: $13.99
Clearance sale: $9.63
Total savings: $23.62

This could get so addicting! I don't get SUnday coupon inserts. All of my coupons were either printable, bought from eBay, or received in the mail.

New Wedding Ring

I finally replaced my wedding ring! Almost 5 years ago--while pregnant with Munchie--I puit my wedding ring on my keychain. My keys disappeared and they never turned up. Over the past few years I've used a variety of simple rings from various places. All have tarnished.

I don't care about diamonds. They are so expensive for a piece of rock So we decided to look at cubic zirconias. We found AlmostDiamonds and my rings arrived today. They are beautiful! It feels great to look married again.

More Reviews

The Bra Barrett. Sound intriguing? Check it out here.


Classy Nail Files are made from tempered glass and have hand-painted designs. Check them out here.



Exposure is a great novel addressing fears that overwhelm us. Read more here.

When Love Blooms is a historical romance that reminds me of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series.

20 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth is a great way to introduce kids to the ideas of protecting our environment. Read about it here.


Time for Felt offers a great selection of activities that don't require batteries! Read about it here.

The Face of Faith tells of a woman's dramatic story of a true makeover. Read here.


FaithLeaps was designed to help women discover whether they are being called to take a leap of faith into ministry. Read more here.

Don't Give In! God Wants You to Win!

When I picked up Don't Give In...God Wants You to Win! I expected a light, fun read. Boy was I surprised! The book is actually a deep look at spiritual warfare and learning how to fight the battle. Don't worry! Thelma includes humor to keep things from becoming too heavy. Thelma gives a lot of great information. One thing I really liked is that she included whole Scripture passages (sometimes in more than one translation) in the text of the book. I know that when I read I book, I usually don't take the time open my Bible and read the passage at the time. I always plan to get back to it, but rarely do. Having the text in the book, made it certain that I would read it. I am going to be going back through this book again---much more slowly this time!

This book is about spiritual warfare, demons, the Holy Spirit, and some pretty heavy-duty areas. Why write on this topic?

In this day and age when all around us seems to failing like our economic system, the government, relationships, health, self-worth, business and workplace situations, the church, wayward children, divorce and so much more, it is imperative that people have something sturdy and reliable to hold on to. Everyday we are fighting some kind of battle small, great or tremendous. When we don’t know how to fight against the disappoint, heartache, confusion, depression, and all the emotional and spiritual fall out from these issues, we become desperate, violent, vicious and vile. John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy us. But, Jesus has come to give us life and that life more abundantly than the feelings of no hope. This book teaches about the only hope we have and how to use that hope physically, emotionally and spiritually with a guarantee that we are winners when we do.

You’ve been known as the BEE lady, but it seems you’re evolving into more than that? Where do you see your ministry heading in the future?

God has so many surprises for me that my heart is overflowing. I have a teaching and preaching anointing that has made my ministry one of integrity and worth. God is doing great things in my life and reinventing some vital things that will be seen by everybody in a few weeks. He has guaranteed me that the international travel I’ve done over the past thirty years, the seeds I’ve sown over my lifetime, the barriers and tough times I’ve overcome are about to pay off in many different ways. He has put Christian people in my life that have and are changing the course of my life in great and wonderful ways. I will be taking a group to Israel next November, on other Ready to Win tours throughout the world, working with World Vision in their child sponsorship program, presenting mini Ready To Win Conferences throughout the world, and whatever else the Lord assigns me to do.

Thelma, this book was released at a perfect time. So many people are struggling just to survive. They’ve lost jobs, money, health, marriages, and more. Many just want to give up! What can we do if we are in those situations to prepare for victory in the battle of life?

When you’re in a battle these are the things that must be done in order to win:

• Put on the helmet of salvation to cover your thought life.
• Put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard your heart against devil and sin.
• Put on the girdle of Truth so that you will be able to understand what real truth is and be able to use the Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God – the Bible) in every situation as Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil in the mountain.
• Put on the shoes that have prepared you with the preparation of peace so you can march and stay fit as you tell other people about the goodness and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Hold up the shield of faith believing that God will keep every Promise He made for our good.
• Pray for each other and for ourselves by asking God for what we need, seeking His perfect will in all we do and knocking continually until we know God has answered our prayers. We must realize that God does not answer all our prayers the way we want Him to but whatever way He answers them, they are for our good and for His glory.
• Praise God with thanksgiving for all He has done and will do for us. The worship of God brings us into an atmosphere of being able to fight the good fight of faith and WIN.

Most of us are familiar with the list of spiritual weapons available for us to use as listed in Ephesians 6. You have a way to remember these that might be more relevant to today’s woman – as a mom, wife, business woman, etc. Will you share these five things with us that you do daily when you’re getting “dressed” in the morning?

In 1980 Thelma became the first black woman in the South to organize her own international speaking and consulting corporation. Her natural talent for public speaking and storytelling attracted the attention of the Women of Faith Tour, and in 1996 she became the first black core speaker for the organization. She has authored several books, including God Is Not Through With Me Yet, an inspiring examination of her own life experiences in which she encourages readers to “sing in the closets of their lives.” She serves as the president of The Daughters of Zion Leadership Mentoring Program, an organization she founded in 2000 (another first for a black woman). Through this ministry, “Mama T,” as she is affectionately called, has mentored over 100 spiritual daughters, received an honorary doctorate degree and was ordained into the Christian Ministry on December 16, 2008, from St. Thomas Christian College and Theological Seminary and the Association of Christian Churches in Jacksonville, Florida. She was also was named Extraordinary Woman of the Year 2008 by Mrs. Julie Clinton, Host of the Extraordinary Women Conferences an affiliate of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Thelma has been married to George Wells, her best friend, supporter, and encourager, for over 45 years. The couple lives in Dallas, Texas, and has three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Virtual Lemonade Stand

Visit my Virtual Lemonade Stand and make your own!

Kelly Ripa, one of our favorite celebrity moms, is teaming up with Electrolux to kick off a virtual lemonade stand campaign to help support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, a cause close to Kelly and to women everywhere. This summer, exclusively at electroluxappliances.com, you can design and open your own virtual lemonade stands and even pick the flavors of lemonade you want to feature. For every lemonade stand opened at www.electroluxappliances.com, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. In addition, you can help the cause even more by selling virtual glasses of lemonade to your friends and family; 100 percent of the proceeds will go to OCRF. And to help spread the word, Electrolux is giving away an elegant new French Door Refrigerator with Perfect Temp™ Drawer .

Coupons Again!

Tonight's take at Wal-Mart...
4 Kraft Easy Mac Bowls
4 Velveeta & Shells Bowls
1 Kraft BBQ Sauce
2 Kraft salad dressings
1 Toasted Ritz
1 Ritz Bits
2 Glade air freshners
1 package Oscar Mayer Cheese dogs
1 YoPlus 4 pack
2 Dannon Activia 4 pack
2 DanActive drinkable 4 packs
1 Kashi Go Lean Waffles
2 Philadelphia cream cheese tubs
1 Purex Complete refill pack

Grand total: $17.50
Coupon savings: $27.86

By the way....some of the extras from my last shopping trip were donated to our local food pantry.