Manic Monday: Mad Skillz

That's right, I used a "z" instead of an "s" on skillz.  I'm bad like that.  As I get closer to commencement this weekend I keep thinking about growing up and the little milestones that mark our transitions into different stages of life.  One milestone is definitely when you learn to drive.  This kid is getting an early start and he definitely has better skillz than I do. (sorry the quality of the video isn't that great)

FREE Nook Book for Book Club

If you were interested in doing the Christian Fiction Book Club I talked about, then the book we're reading for May 21 can be found FREE for the Nook.  It may not be free for long, but whether or not you want to do the book club, go ahead and grab the book if you have a Nook or Nook app.  I've started reading it and it's WAY different from what I normally read, but in a good way.  I don't want to give too much away so go ahead and check it out.
And if you do want to do the book club, we'll meet up on Julie's blog, My Only Vice, on Saturday, May 21 to discuss.  So even if you don't have a blog feel free to join in.  I think it'll be fun.

(I found out about the free book from Joy at Edgy Inspirational Romance who found out about it from Gina at Hott Books)

Review: Beth Moore's David

I just recently finished the bible study by Beth Moore, David: 90 Days with A Heart Like His. 90 days is a long time, so if you're possibly interested in doing this bible study, here's what I thought of it before you invest.

Overall, this was a very good bible study.  Each day has a scripture passage (either from 1,2 Samuel or Psalms) and one particular verse that's pulled out to reflect on.  There are 2 or 3 personal questions to consider.  Most of these challenged me greatly.  Some were very hard to think about (like "How easily does a vengeful spirit creep in on you?")  They really got me thinking.  She then goes through a short devo bringing out main points of the passage and tying in other passages of scripture.  She does a great job of utilizing outside resources and really digging in to the verses.  She then prays through scripture, often times bringing in the New Testament. God loves when we pray scripture back to Him.

One of the things I didn't like as much about this bible study was that the 90 days seemed a bit stretched.  There were a couple of days where I felt like I didn't get as much out of it because the connection between the scripture and the devo was a little thin.  I don't think she made things up or anything.  They were spiritual truths, just maybe not ones you could get from that particular passage.  I also wish the New Testament had been tied in more.  The very last day was about Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy of a Davidic King that will sit on the throne forever.  I felt like more could/should have been done with this.  But remember, she does tie in a lot of the New Testament in the prayers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this bible study and I learned a lot about myself and my relationship with God.  I've re-evaluated how I interact with those around me and with my Father.  I pray that what I've learned bears visible fruit in my life.  I recommend this bible study to anyone.  Guys may not get some of the application, but for the most part it's pretty gender neutral.  Give it a try because it really will invoke a change in heart.

Oh, and if you're in the area and you want to borrow this from me you can.  I don't write in my books because I want others to be able to use them without all my random thoughts strewn about.  That's what my journal is for ;)

Kacie Woodmansee is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Deals on Handmade Products (FREE $5 Credit)

I know, two posts in one day, but I wanted to share this.  If you're into Etsy or other sites that sell handmade items, you should check out Heartsy. 

They have daily deals on handmade items like jewelry, accessories, etc where you can get them for around 60% off.  Plus, if you sign up now you can automatically get $5 in your account to use on your next purchase.  They've got some really cute stuff so go check it out!

Also, if you like Etsy, you should check out my friend Ashley's website.  She often showcases some of her favorite Etsy items plus the awesome stuff that she makes!

Some of the links in this post are referral links meaning I get $5 credit if you sign up with Heartsy and buy something.  Just so you know.

How the Woodmansees (mostly Kacie) Budget

I was recently talking to a friend who is graduating and getting a big person job.  He had to create a budget for the first time.  He said the most frustrating thing is seeing exactly how small the amount of money is going in each spot.  I’ve been budgeting for almost 2-1/2 years now (so as a single and an old married lady), and it has helped me significantly to make sure we have enough money to pay all the bills (and that’s quite interesting when both of us are in college).  I just thought I’d share what I’ve learned in case it can help you.

1. What are your priorities?  Go ahead and list these out if you like.  If you track where your money goes every month you’ll know what means the most to you (usually).  It’s okay to spend money on eating out if that’s important to you.  Spending time with college folks means eating out so we make sure we set aside money to do that.  Just make sure your priorities are in order, and you’re not spending needlessly.

2. Don’t forget those yearly expenses.  We try to hold out a little each month for yearly expenses like renter’s insurance (which you should have by the way), safety deposit fees, etc.  One that snuck up on us, but is now in our budget is personal property tax.  We could just try and pay it with our yearly tax return, but it’s better for us to pay it a little at a time and save up the return to help cover expenses over the summer when things are really tight.

3. Start with an Excel spreadsheet.  Write down all the important categories of things you can spend money on: groceries, gas, food, etc.  These can be as specific or as general as you desire.  We have an “entertainment” budget, but we don’t divide it up further than that.  So, movies, sporting events, date night stuff, etc go in there.  Put how much money you think you’ll spend in each of these categories, and of course, make sure it adds up to how much money you’ll be bringing in.

4. Don’t forget to tithe.  We try to follow 2 Corinthians 9:7 as our example.

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” NASB

 I’ve occasionally thought of how much money we would have for other stuff if we didn’t tithe, but it’s really not worth it to us.  We also try to give to individuals for personal needs or mission trips on top of what we tithe.  You have to figure out for yourself what God is calling you to give.  Just remember, it’s all His to begin with anyway.

5. Use cash.  We haven’t been doing this as well recently, but for some of our expenses we get out the amount of cash we have in our budget and only use that.  It hurts a little bit more to actually have to hand over the money as opposed to just swiping a card.  You’ll be less likely to overspend.  Some of the things we use cash for are groceries, eating out, entertainment, clothes, etc.

6. Sign up for an online money management program.  We use mint.com.  It’s a secure site where you can enter your banking information and every time you deposit or withdraw money from your account it keeps track of it.  It also lets you enter in your budgets and assign a category for each time you spend money (or multiple categories).  This has been beyond helpful so we don’t have to do it all in Excel or by hand.

7. Control your budget, don’t let it control you.  Stay on top of your budget and try to stick to it.  But if it gets to the point where it’s causing you stress then re-evaluate.  Use your best judgment about using money from one category for another (obviously don’t use rent money to go to the movies).  A budget is to help you, not make you go crazy or get in a fight with a loved one.  If you handle the money for your family (whether 2 or 10) make sure you talk about it with them.  Don’t just get upset when they don’t stick to the budget they didn’t know they were in danger of going over (voice of experience here).

I hope this was helpful for you, whether you’re a poor, single college student, just starting a family, or have kids grown and gone.  It’s never too early to start a budget, even if it’s just a very simple one.  It will help you get in the practice for when you actually have a decent amount of money to put in each column so we can be good stewards with what God gave us.

Manic Monday: Do You Smell Like A Monster

Before we get to our video, an update on a few things.  I just finished my Beth Moore study on David: David: 90 Days with A Heart Like His (Personal Reflections Series).  I'm probably going to be writing more on this later.  I'm going through a very short devo for the next couple of weeks and then I'm looking to try out one of Kay Arthur's inductive studies: Walking in Power, Love, and Discipline: 1 And 2 Timothy and Titus (The New Inductive Study Series).  If any girls are interested in doing this with me and meeting once a week I'd love to do a group study.  I think it's 13 weeks or so which would take us through the summer.  Please let me know.  You can get a used copy on Amazon for $4 shipped.

And now our Manic Monday video.  This is for all you who, like me, enjoy those hilarious Old Spice commercials.  Have a great Monday and take some time to relax!

Kacie Woodmansee is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Example for Suffering

It's that time again.  I've got a new verse to memorize.  Continuing on from last week we have Hebrews 12:3

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (NASB)

So, what do I take from this?  Jesus is our example for suffering.  So the question begs to be asked: what kind of example did he set?  I've mentioned these verses before, but the answer can be found in 1 Peter 2:21-23

"²¹For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, ²²WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; ²³and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (NASB)

So, what does this mean?  First off, Jesus had no sin.  Now, we can't live lives without sin here on earth, but we strive to repent from sin and "it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." (1 Peter 3:17 - NASB)  

Also, Christ did not revile or utter threats to those who were persecuting Him.  Not only this, but He prayed for those who were persecuting Him while on the cross.  We are to "love [our] enemies and pray for those who persecute [us]" (Matthew 5:44 - NASB)

Lastly, He entrusted Himself to God as the Righteous Judge.  We see this applying to ourselves later in 1 Peter 4 when it says "therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."  We trust in God for our salvation, which is far greater than the suffering we'll experience here on earth.

Because Christ suffered, we should take encouragement from that.  Christ knows what you're going through because He's been there and then some.  We will all suffer, but how do you react to it?  We all like talking to others who have gone through the same thing we have.  It feels good to not be alone.  How much better should we feel telling our worries to the Creator who has suffered and made it through.  It's a good reminder for me when things aren't going as well as I would like.  I hope it encourages you.