Friday Thoughts

We figured out what the denial from Social Security was – only a denial for SSI, which is temporary support while they process your claim.  I can see that benefit being denied.  We’ve had yet MORE paperwork to fill out on the disability process.

Our Disciple bible study talked about wonder last night.  There are now five of us taking the class.  We read parts of Genesis, Job, and a lot of Psalms this week.  A good portion of our discussion was around free-will vs. pre-determination, observation of the Sabbath, and our relationship to God.  I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the conversations, and to feel like I have something to contribute.  We had quite the chuckle as a group over Job telling God to “… gird your loins like a man…”  I am moved by some of my personal reflections, about being both a speck of dust but also God’s amazing creation in his likeness.  I was not totally prepared for this week’s lesson and briefly pondered not going last night.  I decided that nothing had changed from my original thought that I needed to make time for this class, and that I would go, prepared or not.  I can say that I got more out of this week than last, so that supports my instinct to go no matter what.  Next week’s lesson has the keyword “sin”.

I’m back on my “part time job” of being a frugal deal hunter.  I’ve been rolling register rewards like everyone else at Walgreens, stocking up on cold medicine and oral hygiene stuff.  I had two pretty great moments in the past two weeks.  For the first one, I got a loaf of bread, Food Lion’s On-the-go-Bistro Mac & Cheese, FL Crisp Crunch cereal, and a 2 liter of Mountain Dew… for a total of $0.03 out-of-pocket.  I used several free item coupons to make that happen.  The 2 liter was a filler to keep them from owing me.  Tuesday’s success involved a gift card I won by attending our United Way presentation at work.  It was a $10 Papa John’s card.  I combined that with a B1G1F coupon out of my 2009 Entertainment Book, and got two large one topping pizzas for $2.81, including tax!   I’m also restocking air fresheners, Gatorade, and deodorants.  I need to catch a toilet paper deal, so if anyone knows of one…  The Entertainment book has been very helpful so far; I already used the “get a $25 gift card…” one for CVS, and mentioned trading some of my sporting goods stores c/o to someone who wasn’t going to use her CVS one.  I brought my book to fellowship last night.  She didn’t bring me the one in her book (she says that will be next week), but brought me a $25 g.c. mailer from CVS.  Free $$!  I read blogs like Crystal’s, and others, when they talk about knowing the Lord will provide.  I can honestly say as I’ve started the Disciple class, and tried to center myself on doing the right thing now, and worry about tomorrow tomorrow, I am seeing HIM provide for my needs.  Wachovia has started an enhanced prescription drug benefit program for diabetics, which will take many of our Rx co-pays down, some to $0, for diabetes related medication.

Speaking of HIM, I received a ray of sunshine in my mailbox last week in the form of a letter from Upendo.  She is doing well.  I know now she has an older brother, and she attends church every Sunday afternoon.  I had started to worry a little bit about the letters slowing down, but this one was dated 7/30, so I think simply it’s taking longer for letters to come and go.  This letter responded to one I wrote in May.  She still has letters from 6/20, 7/7, 7/10, 8/4, 8/29, and 9/17 to receive.    I am still waiting for my first response from Birri.   My very first letter to her was on 7/14.   I’ve written three more times to her.  I found a deal for free photo printing that I will take advantage of to print some photos to send to both girls.   Some of the postings on Compassion’s blog talk about a pecking order for the children in the centers – kids who gets letters AND photos are viewed as more lucky/blessed.