July 2015

Short & Sweet

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

All trouble will eventually come to an end. Hang on until it does.

Short & Sweet: Look Out and Reach Out

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Today's Short & Sweet is a little different. Normally, I'd just share a picture and quote and be done, but when this video came popping up in my Facebook feed, I knew it needed to be shared here.

I think this video illustrates a very real truth. From time to time, we all need some help. That's just how life is. That's how we were designed. We are designed to need other people. Even the most self reliant, introverted person needs help. They just seek out one or two friends. Other's desire to be surrounded by many people. Both are fine. Both work. But both need relationships and help to succeed.

What's more, we have to recognize when we're needed. It's so important to look out and to reach out...to keep our head up and looking for opportunities to serve our friends, our family, and our community.

Recently, I finished J.K. Rowling The Casual Vacancy. I have to tell you, this book moved me. There is a lot of language in the book--more than I would usually read--but I was so moved by the story. I don't want to give the book away, but in the story a child dies as a result of a completely avoidable tragic accident. On his way to certain calamity, the young child passes three adults all of which could have saved the child's life if only they had been paid closer attention. Instead they were focused on their own circumstances. Unfortunately, far too ofter we're focused on our own circumstances too.

Today, can I challenge you to help someone. Look around you, I'm certain you will find a person in your sphere of influence who needs help. What if you're the only one who even notices?

How to Save Money Without Even Trying

Thursday, July 9, 2015

I'm certain you've heard of it. You may have even downloaded the app only to delete it after being overwhelmed. Well, I've got news for you. Install it again, or for the first time, because you're about to save a bunch of money.

I saw the ad in my Facebook side bar many times. I even downloaded it and then deleted it, that was until about 3 weeks ago when I downloaded, opened, and starting using the Ibotta app.

I just a little over 3 weeks I have made back $45.15 in rebates for items that I already purchase on a monthly basis. This money saving app will change the way you shop and here's what's better: It's simple. Super simple, in fact.

So what is Ibotta anyway?

Ibotta is an IOS and Android app that helps you save money purchasing household items, buying groceries, and even eating out. After you download the app, open up the app and start looking at the rebates you can make back just by purchasing the item. There are usually one or two tasks that you have to complete, but seriously, it's easy. Purchase the item and then verify your purchases by following the prompts and scanning your receipt. It's really that simple.

If that's not enough, you can gain bonuses! The more you save, the more individuals you add to your team, the more you purchase of some items, the higher your chance of making a bonus.

So why am I on the Ibotta kick? Well, I like saving money especially when it's this simple. And you can save money too. Want to join my team? I'd love to have you. Just follow any of the links in this post and it will take you to sign up or download option. The sooner you start using the app to sooner you start saving money. Before you know it you will have earned $45 too.