Go, grab a cup of coffee! I feel led to share my testimony.
It was at age 7 that God started teaching me about giving and helping others with money. My GA (Girl’s In Action) leader told us a story about missionaries that needed financial help. I returned the next meeting and insisted that my leader take my entire piggy bank to help the missionaries. (I still have a trophy for GA of the year, first grade.) During Middle School, I fell in love with a green Saturn that my dad was given to drive for the weekend from work. My parents could not afford it so I prayed that God would give my dad that Saturn. The next week his company ended up giving him that car. Why is that story so important? Years later, that same car (and angels) saved my dad’s life during a wreck where he jumped a fence post and flipped three times. My parents taught me that God always heard the prayers of a child. At the same time, I learned that God could do huge things when we pray.
In school I loved math and felt called to become a math teacher. As soon as I had my first child, I decided to stay at home with him. I tutored out of my home and started using coupons. The math part of couponing made a lot of sense to me and I felt that it was a fun game to get groceries for free! I’ll never forget the first time my Albertsons grocery store had a triple coupons special and I came home with $230 in groceries for $34. My husband was amazed and God showed me that being a good steward was a gift He had given me.
I began to teach other moms how to use coupons and found great joy in helping others save money. I realized that helping other moms was something I really wanted to do, so I started a website, The Bargain Shopper Lady - a nickname I had been given from a few good friends. A friend of mine who works at our local Today Newspaper asked me to write a few articles for them. I was thrilled and wrote two articles. She included my email address and website and told readers to email me if they liked what they read. I was so blessed and encouraged by their replies. I then felt led to write an online coupon class that is currently being tested by a group of test moms.
I attended a Joy of Connecting Network meeting and a young lady sitting next to me said, “You need to make your web site a blog. Blogs are the new thing to reach out to moms!” Leaving the meeting with the great advise of a wise new friend, my blog came into being.
I have been very encouraged by my friends- my first bargain fan and friend, Amanda and one of my very close friends Lizla. In the beginning, they were the only people who posted on my blog! I was so thrilled have two comments, that I kept on writing! As I wrote, you began sharing through comments, instances when you saved money and it truely blessed my heart! Thanks for all your encouragement ladies!
Here is why this amazing contest ~
is divine intervention, ya’ll!
I taught a coupon class last night and to prepare for it, I printed out my online class. I was sharing with my mom before I left that I had so much more to share beyond the online class to help other moms become a good steward. I wanted to open a way for other moms, so they can save money and possibly stay at home with their children, if that is their hearts desire but cannot financially do so. I told my mom yesterday that I felt led to continue working on my book. The book shares with moms ways God has taught me about being a good steward by using coupons, being frugal and mystery shopping! I know God can use what He has taught me to make the stay at home dream possible for other moms.
I currently have an outline and thirty typed pages that are written for my book. I have saved one seventh of the money to publish a book so far. After taking a Crown Financial Class, I know God wants me to save the money I need to publish my book and any workshops I will attend first, instead of borrowing it. That is why this conference scholarship would bless my socks off! I would need it in order to get to go!
It would thrill my heart if I won this contest and I pray that the right person wins! So what are you waiting for? God may want you to enter! Head on over to Lysa TerKeurst’s blog to check out this contest yourself! You could learn how to speak, write, blog, lead or influence others for Christ with the wonderful ladies at The Proverbs 31 Ministries.
29 Jan 08
Oh, BSL, I just LOVE you. I will be praying that you get to go. I have a feeling your Esther moment is coming soon. Thanks for sharing your testimony.
Have you written anywhere about mystery shopping? I would love to know more about that. I’ve signed up with one company, but all the shops so far have been too far away to be worthwhile.
29 Jan 08
How You bless me Elaine! I have not posted anything yet about mystery shopping. It is the icing on the cake, but I promise I will write about it soon! I would recommend starting out with www.shopnchek.com .
30 Jan 08
I love shopping with coupons, especially as the prices keep going up! I’m just visiting all the people who entered the contest but I plan on coming back when I have more time. Have a great day!
30 Jan 08
You have blessed me since I found your blog! Last night I had one of those great moments when I went to CVS and the lady told me I needed to do something because they could not ‘pay’ me to take the items….I had brought the total down so far with coupons I had to throw in some candy bars! I was so excited! My 3rd try and this is what happened! I turned around and all these little old ladies were behind me and one sweet lady said, “Honey, do ya want me to take your picture?” She went on to tell me she was a Coupon Freak!
I share this little story to let you know your site has really helped my mentality to get busy and find those bargains! I also want to go to this conference so badly but do not feel this wlll be my year. I pray that you will be given the opportunity! I know I want your book!!!
Blessings,
Vickie@PursuingSimplicity
30 Jan 08
That’s really exciting! I have been so encouraged by your blog and have shared it with TONS of friends/family. My husband and I have gone through Crown and teach stewarding principles at our church, conferences, etc. It truly is a passion for us to see God’s people free to really live- not bound to “stuff”. Your blog has made it a fun way to still get some great “stuff” and not have to spend a lot to do so. I pray that through this people will really see the opportunity we have to be wise stewards and be free to go/do all that God has called us to do. I APPLAUD you for saving the $$ first to pay for your book rather than borrowing. Could any of us give to help make that happen? I’m sure I could take a little of my newly saved CVS/grocery money and invest it in something that could truly change lives!
Let us know! Until then, I’ll be praying God opens those doors of the contest for you…
30 Jan 08
Good luck with the contest!
I have always been interested in mystery shopping. The website you reccommended asks for a SSN. I just want to make sure that this is completely normal and safe?
Thanks!
30 Jan 08
Vickie, That is awesome to hear about your savings at CVS! I bet those older ladies were thrilled for you!
Ashley, I am at a loss for words with your sweet comments. Thank you!
Jill, It’s very wise to be cautious about giving out your SSN. Yes, it is very safe with Shopnchek. You do have to give your SSN to almost all the companies you apply to for tax purposes.
30 Jan 08
I will pray for you as you are an answer to my prayer. I too want to stay at home with my children and hope to that soon. Your tips and bargains are truly helping me fulfill my desire. May your desires be fulfilled too.
30 Jan 08
Lori, you are awesome. I LOVED reading this testimony and my faith was built up from it. I pray you will win this scholarship in Jesus’ name! I can’t wait to see what the Lord is going to do with your book.
30 Jan 08
What a great testimony….I hope your dreams will be fulfilled.
30 Jan 08
How inspiring! You truly have a gift and God is blessing you over and over for using it for His glory! Know that I’m praying for you and remember that regardless of what happens, you are seeking God’s will and will therefore find it. He has something special lined up for you!
30 Jan 08
Its like you are speaking directly to me. I have been praying for months for God to provide a way for me to stay home with my son. I am still waiting on an answer to that prayer but I hope that by showing my husband I can be a good steward of our money that it will encourage him to believe that we can afford for me to stay home.
30 Jan 08
Lori, you are such a great example and encouragement to ME to try to be the best steward I can be. Thank you for all you do! I hope you win the scholarship! The P31 women are so, so incredible. I’ll pray for you! You’ll have to share the green Saturn story in more detail sometime… sounds like a great testimony to God’s goodness, childlike faith, and answered prayers right there!
30 Jan 08
Thanks for sharing your testimony Lori! You’ve been a blessing to me!
Your bargains helped us bless other too this holiday season, as we were on a tight budget!
30 Jan 08
What an amazing testimony - not just what he has called you to , but also that you know your calling. I am only 26 and am still struggling to know exactly what the Lord would have me to. Know that you are a blessing and inspiration to us all! I look forward to reading your book!!!!!
31 Jan 08
I hope you do well!
I just heard about this deal that will be happening to Auntie Anne stores nationwide! They will be hosting a Free Pretzel day (well, from 10am-4pm) that will take place this Saturday, February 2nd. I think it’s absolutely wonderful. Please post this for everyone!
http://www.auntieannes.com/auntieannes.aspx?pID=97
31 Jan 08
Well, I am so grateful for your blog (and your testimony)!! I would LOVE to take a class from you to learn about better coupon shopping. If you wrote a book, I would be first on the list to buy it! I’ll add you to my prayer list
31 Jan 08
What an amazing testimony! I am so excited about the day your book is published. I am a stay-at-home mom currently but my
husband and I would love to find ways to save money. Neither of us is a the steward we should be. Thank you for keeping this blog it is an encouragement. And I get so excited when I find something here that I can use! Keep it coming!!
31 Jan 08
What a unique ministry you have. It’s definitely one that I need to take advantage of. I will be back to your site!
02 Feb 08
What a great story! You remind me of a friend of mine who is vey generous!
God repaid her many times over for what she gave. Once she bought a car at
a garage sale for a whole dollar! It actually ran quite well for several years!
God bless,
Elaine B.
13 Feb 08
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