What is wisdom?

These Bible verses are precious to us as Christians.

Proverbs 8:11-21  "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.  I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy,and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom:  I am understanding; I have strength.  By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.  Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.  My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.  I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:  That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures."

Using cash in a new way!

We have used cash for several years to keep better track of our money.  This is highly recommended if you owe anyone for anything.  Our bank has a points credit card and the return is very good.  We thought about it for a long time as we had changed to cash.  We did, however, come up with a plan that would do both things.  After I figured out how much we spend on gas, groceries, utilities and insurance, I took that amount at the beginning of the month and transferred it into the companion savings account for our checking.  When the credit card bill comes due, I transfer the amount from savings to checking and pay it.  I am still keeping the money within the month that we receive it, but am also receiving the gift cards.  We've used this system for the last two years, and have been greatly blessed.

Levelized billing for Utilities +

Our local energy company posted this in their monthly newsletter:  "Customers can spread natural gas costs more evenly throughout the year by choosing Average Monthly Billing or Budget Plan (Minnesota).  These levelized billing programs offer more predictable monthly payments..."  I have done this for years - paying the same amount year around - to keep our budget on track.  They adjust once a year and you will either get a credit, or they will bill you the difference and they change the monthly amount necessary for level pay next year.  It usually fluctuates just a few dollars.  I highly recommend doing this with as many of your utilities and insurances as they allow.  It keeps expenses on an even keel.

Easy cleaning of baked on food

By accident, I found the way to easily remove baked on food on a baking dish.  I had put the pan in the refrigerator overnight so I could clean it in the morning.  Surprisingly, the food scraped right off.  The moisture had dissolved the crust.  Sure beats scrubbing!

Leg Cramps - OUCH!

Leg Cramps - After years of horrible night leg cramps, I found a way to get rid of them fast. Even though the pain is so intense, take your other foot and push on the heel of the cramping leg to force it straight.  When you release it, you will find the pain gone.  Also, when you can, do a leg stretch by putting the cramping leg behind you and press the heel down.  It will hurt, but the pressure will stretch the cramped muscle free.

Christmas 2014

Not a wrong date!  Fast forward to next year's Christmas shopping. If this year causes you to ruin January and February, you might need a different plan for next year.  Add up your spending this Christmas, add taxes if you own your home, and add the things that you would like to do next year.  The figure might be a little staggering, but there is an answer.  Take the total amount and divide by 12.  That is the amount each month you need to sock away in a savings account (not invest).  It's like eating an elephant - one bite at a time.  You'll be glad you did next December. 

AAHHHH! FRESH HERBS

Have you ever bought fresh herbs because you needed a small amount then have them go bad before you can use them all?  My solution:  Wash the herb and get it as dry as possible.  Chop finely, use what you need and put the rest in a freezer baggie.  LABEL IT for another day.  (I use them all the time.  Right now, in my refrigerator freezer, I have cilantro, parsley, basil, also chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and red pepper.  You can take advantage of sales.  Labeling is most important because when they are frozen, some of them look alike.)