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Darlene Schacht

Darlene Schacht

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5 Ways To Experience Patience Today

Meet Darlene Schacht:

I'm an Evangelical Christian whose number one priority is to serve Jesus Christ in every area of my life.

My husband Michael and I live in Manitoba Canada. Married 25 years, we have four children (three still at home), a bird and two pugs who are everyone's babies,  especially mine! Our lives are basically surrounded with three things: our faith, music and everything books.

I’m an award winning and New York Times best-selling author who is nothing without the grace of God. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Ways To Experience Patience Today

The year was 1989. It was our second year of marriage, and we set up house on the eleventh floor of a twelve story apartment building. 
 
I remember being second from the top. The man who lived above us liked to bang the life out of his balcony railing, while kicking and screaming at the top his lungs. 
 
It was therapy, we were told. He needed an outlet to vent his frustration and the balcony was the closest thing he had to an open field. 
 
It didn't bother us so much as it humored us. And since he only vented while the sun was up we weren't losing any sleep. 
 
We were however losing sleep over a completely different matter. 
 
The rock band Guns N' Roses released a hit song that year called "Patience." I was never a Guns N' Roses fan, but I came to like the song. The gentle ballad starts out with Axl Rose whistling the tune accompanied by three acoustic guitars. 
 
"Shed a tear cause I'm missing you, I'm still alright to smile... all we need is just a little patience." 
 
It was catchy. Every one at work was whistling the tune and every kid with a guitar was picking out the melody--including our next door neighbors. 
 
Technically they weren't next door. They lived across the hall from us and from what I could tell, our bathroom vents were somehow connected. I'd often hear them playing guitar while I was curling my hair or brushing my teeth. From the sounds of it, they only knew one song, which they played over and over again.
 
Being a musician, you'd think my husband would enjoy it. But he didn't. Like water wearing down a rock, the constant strum of their guitar and the boom, boom, boom from their stereo got under his skin. 
 
I remember lying in bed at night sound asleep. Michael would sit up and say, "What's that sound?"

I couldn't hear anything at all, but apparently he could hear music and it was driving him crazy. So crazy that we finally moved out.

 
Isn't it ironic that "patience" is the very thing that got under his skin? 
 
That's how life is though isn't it? When something is troubling us we want it resolved as soon as possible. The trying of our patience is one of the most difficult things for us to endure, but it builds character in those who are exercised by it. 
 
In Romans chapter five, Paul writes,
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. - Romans 5: 2-4

Guitars playing at two in the morning--that's nothing really. But serious tribulations, the kind that rip through your home, leaving you discouraged and dismayed call for incredible patience was we cling to the Lord for a sense of peace.

This level of patience doesn't come easy, but it is a virtue that we can exercise day in and day out. There's a constant call to patience in every one of our lives.
It can be anything from the way we present ourselves in rush hour traffic to the way we handle our emotions when we disagree with our husband. A kind word goes a long way in diffusing an argument. Sometimes we feel like our opinion needs to be expressed right then and there regardless of his emotions, but having a little patience and waiting for an opportune time to bring up the discussion again might be a wiser decision.
Are we holding our temper? Are we biting our tongue? Are we looking at life with a glass half full of grace?

Practicing the little things prepare us for the bigger things in life.
Let's look at five ways to exercise patience today:
1. Ride the burn. We all want instant gratification, and when we don't get it we feel the burn. I don't know if you're anything like me, but I can feel a physical reaction when I'm exercising patience and it's uncomfortable. Say for example I'm angry at a friend and I desperately want to vent my frustration. My heart races and my head spins. Kind of like when I can't have the extra calories I want.
It's like an internal temper tantrum. But what it really comes down to is that my spirit is at war with my flesh. Ride it out and it will go away. Once you're thinking clearly, you can respond wisely.
2. Pray without ceasing. Prayer is not a last resort--it's the first and most important destination of any journey that we take. Some people only go to God when they're desperate, other's are desperate to seek Him every day.
Never under-estimate the power that He holds to not only change a situation, but to create an outcome that's beyond anything you could imagine for yourself.
3. Grab a pen and paper. Pull out a journal and start writing down some of the scriptures on patience. Look them up online or in a concordance and see where God is speaking to you.
4. Remind yourself that you're developing character. This one is key, and the reason why is because your attitude will not be dependent on the attitude of another. Don't mirror the impatient actions of those around you. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Consider the patience and persistence that He had and strive to be like Him alone.
5. Ask yourself how you can glorify God. Sometimes you might have a split second to ask this question, but the more you get used to asking it, the more it will come naturally to you. Ask yourself how you can glorify God in this situation and remind yourself that this life is not about you. That's a difficult one to remember, but when we consider that everything we do is for the glory of God, attitudes change.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. - James 1:2-4

We're continuing our series on The Virtuous Life of a Christ-Centered Wife. Today is part two in the discussion on the virtue of patience. See the table of contents at the end of this article. 

The schedule for this series Week 1: Introduction Week 2 - Purity Pt. 1 Week 2 - Purity Pt. 2 Week 3 - Self Control Pt. 1 Week 3 - Self Control Pt. 2 Week 4 - Love Pt. 1 Week 4 - Love Pt. 2 Week 5 - Diligence Pt. 1 Week 5 - Diligence Pt. 2 Week 6 - Patience Pt. 1 Week 6 - Patience Pt. 2

You are loved by an almighty God,
 

Senior Citizens Discounts

This information was passed along to us; we thought this would be interesting information to post on our website, since we all love a good deal!

In order to receive the Senior Citizen discounts listed below, you have to mention the discount prior to paying.

If you find that some of these locations do not offer the discount any longer, or if you come across a vendor that should be added to the list, please go the “Contact US” Tab on the homepage of the website.  Send us an email, for a vendor to be added or removed. Happy Shopping& Saving! ~ From the staff at Sallycares.com


RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gaetti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)

McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)

Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)

Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods. (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations.
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)

Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).


MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off haircuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)