Three Things Coupons Have Taught Me About God's Economy

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Everybody wants to save more money at the grocery store. Like losing weight, keeping a clean home, or being organized, however, "wanting to" doesn't make it happen. You have to work at it. Going from "wanting to" to "working at it" all depends on how desperate you are to make a change--a change because
you realize the benefits are not just for yourself, but for your family.
Changing things in our lives is never easy. Transformation beckons us to go against the flow of our deeply-entrenched habits. Not only are we swimming upstream to conquer doing things the way we always have, we are going against the current of a culture that is losing its work ethic to a lack of focus, a tendency to procrastinate, and the notion that somebody else will do it. Y'all, that's not going to happen.

During my almost two years of learning how to save money at the grocery store, I have discovered Biblical principles and learned more about the character and ministry of God. Yes, I'm serious--through couponing I've grown closer to the Lord. Isn't that amazing? I love that He is so willing to teach us His principles through everyday life. Here are just a few things that He's revealed to me:

Patience is learned through waiting. Waiting until something goes on sale often means waiting for a favorite dish to be prepared. I don't like to wait. Who does? But waiting is something the Lord is really good at. He is slow to anger (Psalm 145:8) and His patience affords us the time we need to come to Him for salvation (2Peter 3:15). If I'm not patient enough to wait on something to go on sale, then how patient will I be waiting for something I've asked of the Lord?

Generosity is always doable. A lot of times we think living on a budget means we can't be givers. When I follow the match-ups at Kelly's site, Faithful Provisions, it's easy for me to stock up my church's food pantry with great deals that often don't cost me anything but time (truly, the most difficult of our resources to give). When folks are on a tight budget, giving is on hiatus. People tend to think they are having a hard enough time trying to take care of themselves and make ends meet. God's economy is so much different from ours, isn't it? God says that the generous man will be prosperous (Proverbs 11:24-25). We can never "outgive" God.

Opportunities for ministry are everywhere. At one grocery store I go to, there is a certain cashier who always moans when he sees me. (Not really all that good for my self-esteem, LOL) "I hate coupons!" he always mutters under his breath. While it would be my tendency to take that personally and just avoid this man altogether, I decided to ask him what the problem was and why he hated coupons. Long story short, he hates them because they are inconvenient. It means more work for him, and he doesn't like to have to thumb through my stack and scan them because they often stick together and, well, he is just easily irritated. :)

But I get it. And I always have a lot of coupons. So now, when I go through his line, I take the time to re-order my coupons so that I don't have two of the same size/type in a row. For example, I'll stack a newspaper coupon and then one I printed off so that they don't stick together. This makes them easier to flip through, and I think it's what I would want someone to do for me (Matthew 7:12). He still hates them, LOL, but I've gotten to know him a little now, and I always ask about his wife and family. He's even shared some prayer concerns with me.

What would happen today if you decided to change your thinking and open up your mind by looking at something with a God-perspective? It doesn't have to be coupons. It could be the neighbor who is driving you crazy, the kid who keeps arguing, or the closet that is begging to be cleaned out. God uses everyday life to teach us how to live: in Him, through Him, and for Him.


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Stock Up on Health at the Grocery Store

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Ever since my foray into couponing back in May of 2009, I've enjoyed blogging about saving money at the grocery store. But did you know that you can save your health, and your family's health, while you're there? It's all about what you put into the cart. Like all of life, the choices you make often carry long-term effects. And as moms, we're not just making individual, personal choices when we're food shopping. We're making decisions that affect our families. Join me now as I talk with my friend Arlene Pellicane, author of the new book, 31 Days to a Younger You: No Surgery, No Diets, No Kidding for some tips on smart grocery shopping!

Mom Seriously (MS): I talk about grocery shopping (and couponing) frequently on my blog--after all, it is where most moms spend a couple of hours each week! In your new book, you write, "One battle for your body's health is won at the grocery store." What do you mean by that, and why is it so important for moms, as the main grocery shoppers in the home, to be diligent in this area?

Arlene: That’s a great question! The battle is: “Will I put this bag of Oreos in my shopping cart? After all, they are on sale!” Once the food goes in the cart, it is inevitable that it will go on our hips! If we can be the gatekeeper at the grocery store, our families will have healthier options at home. When you are hungry, you just go for what looks best / is the easiest to eat. Will that food be grapes or Doritos? The decision is really made at the grocery store: What did you buy?


Arlene and husband James
Kids (L-R): Ethan, Noelle, Lucy 

MS: As the mom of a picky eater, I know that one hindrance that many moms face is in getting their kids to eat right. Is that a problem at your house, with your three little ones?

Arlene: I wish I could say my kids love to eat vegetables but they don’t. When they see a solitary pea on their plate, you would think I just asked them to eat a plate of dog food! We’ve found a few snacks that are a step in the right direction:

• Carrot and celery sticks
• Edamame soybeans
• Hummus and whole wheat pita bread
• Apple slices
• Frozen grapes or bananas
• Whole wheat pretzels

MS: Arlene, what about drinking right? Lots of moms are heavily dependent on sugary coffee, sweet tea, and sodas in their daily routines. Any tricks for getting more water in?

Arlene: In the new book, I’ve written a chapter about water called, “Drink and Grow Rich.” Water is so wonderful because it’s so healthy and FREE. When you go out, make sure you carry water bottles with you in the car--for you and the kids. That way you’re ready with something when you’re thirsty. Instead of stopping for a coke, your thirst will be quenched. Keep a glass of water on your desk and drink while you’re doing emails or working.

MS: I've found, too, that getting water in the very first thing in the morning, when I'm having my quiet time, also sets the tone for the day. So, what do you think is the biggest obstacle that moms must overcome when it comes to eating (and drinking) right? What's keeping us from getting serious about it, for ourselves and our children?

Arlene: I would have to say unhealthy self-talk. What do I mean by that? Too many moms believe, “I can’t really lose weight. Even if I eat right, I’ll just slip back to my old ways, so what’s the use of trying?” If we don’t believe we can do it, we won’t.

MS: And the great thing for us to remember as Christians is that we can put this concern straight into the arms of the Lord. He cares about our health, and He cares about our families. Where we are weak, He is strong! When it comes to making the right choices for good health, remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!

Readers, my friend Arlene loves speaking to women at moms groups, seminars, and retreats.  Arlene lives in Southern California with her husband James and their three children, Ethan, Noelle, and Lucy. Connect with Arlene at her website and blog.

Posts in this series:
31 Days to a Younger Me? Where Do I Sign Up?
Stock Up on Health at the Grocery Store
Instilling a Positive Body Image in Your Daughter

Don't miss any great parenting info: Subscribe to my daily email newsletter! Click HERE.