Today's task is to look for ways to save as a family!

"He that is inclined to Mercy shall be blessed; for of his bread he hath given the poor." Proverbs 22:9

During these tough times, we have had to look over our finances as many families have had to do.  We have found a few ways to save that might help you.  In today's task, I encourage you to look at finances as a way to team building experience.  Invite family members to sit down and consider what can be changed, given up or modified to save a few dollars:

* Shop for groceries at a discount grocery store.  Save-a-lot, Pricerite, Aldi's can cut your grocery bill in half.

* Review your cell phone plans and apply for any discounts.  I received a discount because of my employer that I didn't know I qualified for.

* Ask to have late fees removed from credit card bills.  Most companies will do it without question if it is the first late fee charged to you.  Others are willing to reduce or remove the fees if you explain why the bill was late.  A phone call can save you $ 25-35.00.

* Review where the money is going.  Make a budget, keeep a log.  We do this on vacation and as a result we can count on what our costs will be each year (almost to the penny).  Many people are unaware that those 4 trips for milk are actually costing them a fortune because they impulse buy when they get to the store.  I have found that I save money by running into the more expensive local store for milk, as they do not have as many attractive displays and I only buy the milk I came for.  Keeping track helps you see exactly where the money is going.

* Give help to the needy.  When we are generous to others, the good Lord sees and is generous to us.  We have always found that when we give away from our want, God always provides what we needs.  God bless you.

Am I the only one who secretly enjoys when the weather is too bad to go anywhere or when the kids are sick, so we are forced to cancel everything and stay home?

How many times does God provide a relief for one situation by something that looks bad at first glance? A tragedy that brings a community together or a diagnosis of a serious illness that causes a spiritual conversion? God does, in fact, work all for good for those who trust him.

So enjoy your next unexpected pajama day. See it for the gift it is! God bless.

I'm so tired this evening and several long days stretch in front of me. Article deadlines, kids' activities, my job as an RCIA Coordinator (Sunday is the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming), my other job (subbing at a Catholic School on Monday)... Well, you get it.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and I wish I could take a time out. In those moments I need to remember to just be still, let God rule over my time, my day and even my energy. He will make it all work out. I just need to be obedient and put one foot in front of the other.

I will find myself in the middle of next week and most of the things that are stressing me at this moment will be behind me. Then, I need to stop again, and thank God. God bless.

One of the hardest challenges I have faced, as a parent, is watching my child go into a dangerous situation. Whether they are traveling through a snow storm, on lockdown at school due to a threat or facing brain surgery, my hurt lurches as I consider what could happen.

I can tell you though, that having them survive danger and then having to witness them revisiting that same danger, well that is the worst of all. I experienced this type of fear when our (foster) son was on leave from deployment in Afghanistan. The sigh of relief we breathed when he arrived safely home was replaced quickly by fear as we waited for him to board the plane that would take him back into harm's way.

This time, we knew what going through deployment was like (for us and for him). We felt that we had been blessed by the first half of deployment ending safely... would we be blessed again the second half? It was a frightening, no longer abstract, prospect. Thankfully, we were blessed again and he has since finished his time in the army.

I find myself, once again, faced with this type of fear. Another one of my sons had struggled with a loss of faith and some terrible issues in his life. I prayed like St. Monica, with tears, for six years. He then had a tremendous reversion and I felt my heart would burst with joy and relief. Lately, I have witnessed that faith and those good choices lagging again.

I fear for his life and his soul. It was with a heavy heart that I went to Mass this morning. Then, God gave me this promise in the first reading...
There is no fear in love,
but perfect love drives out fear
because fear has to do with punishment,
and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. 1JN 4:18

"Perfect love drives out fear." God IS perfect love. The fear referred to is of punishment, in this case it is my fear of my son's punishment and God drives out fear!! I will continue to pray and fast for my son, but I MUST trust in God's mercy. I have seen it in action so many times and I must trust in it, in Him and in the foundation of faith we instilled in our children. So that I may once again witness my son's safe return! God bless.

Today I made a big mistake. I wasn't careful enough with a conversation and a confidence could have been betrayed.

That's not, however, the important part of the story. You see, I decided years ago that I would make a dramatic change in my life. I would face my mistakes, sins and fears. It is very hard to do and I need grace to follow through.

So, today I prayed my Rosary and morning offering, went to Mass and asked for the grace from God to admit my error.

I called the necessary people, admitted my bad judgement and apologized. It was painful. The person most affected was very gracious and instantly made me feel at ease. God has such mercy and I witnessed a reflection of it in that person.

If we are willing to face our wrongs and work through them we CAN change. God can change our hearts, we must change our actions. Can't wait to go to Confession on Saturday! God bless!

My new column is up at Amazingcatechists.com. My Special Needs Child Sanctifies Me!!

http://amazingcatechists.com/2015/01/how-my-special-needs-child-has-sanctified-a-me/

http://catholicmom.com/2015/01/03/changing-the-landscape-for-the-new-year/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Catho