Raspberry Smiles

I’m going to come up with a list of ways we can save money this year. 

1. Look into refinancing our house.  The extra money could be invested in something with a better return *hopefully* than real estate.
2. Grocery shop frugally.  My current coupon high is $48.  I’m not willing to go to multiple stores, but I need to do more stocking up when things are on sale.
3. Unplug unused small electricals.
4. Rain buckets- I’ve been wanting them for years.
5. Use my garden space better, and grow from seed this winter.
6. Think “Do I need it or want it?” for new purchases.

One of the things I like best about my husband Rob is his generosity.  I wasn’t exactly thrilled when he gave$40 to Wipikidia, but generally it’s one of his better qualities.  I have a habit of giving with my time rather than my money, but since having kids I’ve really had to cut back to 1 major project.  It makes me a bit sad because there is such a need in our community, and that is where I like to see all our time and/or money be directed. 

Today I took 2 huge boxes of toys to the Fire Station.  It felt great on so many levels.  First of all, the selfish in me loves the decreased clutter in the basement playroom.  The boys didn’t play with those toys anyways, they just dumped them on the floor, rode their motorcycles through them, and I was the one to pick them up.  Second, the toys we chose to give were mostly like new because they never got played with, so I know it will be easy to give them a “spit and polish” and wrap them up.   Third, also a personal level, some of the toys were baby toys and sentimental to me, but my boys are into trucks and blocks, so the toys were just a waste of space. 

My current big project is our church’s youth group.  This is fun and easy as 7th and 8th grade is my fave age. I love how youth are “their real self” one-on-one, but when group think sets in, they need a little direction.  I like to challenge them to be their great selves in a group and not go with the flow.  

I like to choose projects that have an impact on people’s lives.  Food fills the belly for a day, but teaching youth good life skills can change a life.  Being with middle schoolers fills me with energy, but makes me so glad I’m an adult.  My goal this year is to encourage service within the youthgroup.  But first, I’m working on a lock-in, ’cause that’s what they want. Yikes!

Sometimes I do feel overwhelmed by the need.  There are calls from help at work, church, and close to the family.  Rob and I have spent a bit of time talking about how we can help meet those needs, and it’s been fun to stragetize.  We don’t have as much money at the Gates’, but wouldn’t it be fun if we did have our own foundation and could really make a difference in Racine.

What do you do to give back for all the blessings you recieve?  And how does that bless you in return?