Good Steward

OK...this is really about how much moolah I saved today at Publix and Kroger...it's my latest obsession.  First I went to Publix, got $68.45 of groceries for $25.26, and then I went to Kroger and got $12.95 of groceries for $1.  YAY!  My newest strategy is cellfire, shortcuts, and Kroger ecoupons.  You can load their coupons onto your Kroger card AND use paper coupons in person at the store.  So, I got 2 bags of ChexMix, 3 Brownie Warm Delight Bowls, and 3 Powerades for $1.  They were having one of those buy 8 of these, get $4 off, so that is exactly what I got...8 of those things.  I found out that our Publix does take EarthFare coupons, so that's next on my to-do list of strategies.  It will be very nice to get produce in addition to all the processed cheapies I've been getting.  Oh yeah...and there is a $5 rebate on 5 Kellogg's items I bought at Publix today!  So I need to get that mailed off before I forget...

All this being said...I am trying to be a good steward with my money, my time, and my energy.  I know it's August, but I've thinking about Operation Christmas Child and how my frugal obsession could help those less fortunate.  So, I checked online to see what you can, and cannot, put in a box.  Luckily toothpaste is OK, 'cause I've got gobs of free toothpaste!  Not sure if I'll do a box, or just collect a bunch of stuff to be distributed as needed with other boxes at church.  That's probably the better option...I may not have enough of a variety to do a box.  Oh, let the fun begin...I'm always seeing stuff that's a bargain that I have no need for, but SOMEBODY can use, surely.  I already drive my mailman crazy with all the free samples arriving every few days.  (Some of which I have passed on to neighbors, relatives and friends because I have had no use for some of them.)  I'm thinking now of some free coloring books I DIDN'T sign up for, but next time I see them, I know exactly what I'll do!

Acts 20:35 (The Message)


33-35"I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"

Acts 20:35 (New International Version)
35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "