Simplicity

When we came to CT, Brian had a slight pay increase, but due to the cost of living here in CT, it was more like a pay deduction. So, not only did his pay go down, but he is also not allowed to moonlight, nor does he have time for it. I'm not writing this to complain, but rather explain the current situation we are in. I am reminded daily how fortunate we are that Brian has a job and that this "pay cut" is only temporary.

In the last few months, I have begun to realize what God is trying to teach us. When you are comfortably poor, you appreciate what you do have so much more! It takes a lot of work for me to figure out what is on sale each week so that I can keep our grocery bill to a minimum. It has almost become fun because it is a challenge for me to see how much I can save by buying things on sale and cutting coupons. By saving those dollars, we are still able to give to our church and charities. Living on a budget teaches us self discipline and self control. It teaches us the difference between wants and needs. Christ calls us to live for Him and to live a life of simplicity. I actually cherish our restricted budget because it helps me to focus on what is more important, my relationship with Christ and the Holy Mother.

In times of need, I turn to Christ for help and rely on the Holy Mother taking my prayers to Jesus. The last three months have been terribly difficult as I try to redefine who I am as a mother of three children instead of two, my relationship with Brian is strained because of all the hours he is working (we don't have enough time for each other), we are living in Limbo with no family nearby, and trying to help the boys adjust and grow into responsible children. If not for my relationship with Christ and knowing that I can put everything in His hands, I would be a mess right now. So, today I am thankful for these struggles, this cross I bear, if it means that it draws me nearer to our Lord. I pray that you will bear your cross, lift your worries to the Lord and rejoice in His name! Live a simple life and live it for Christ.

• The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. —Psalm 23:1 DRB

• Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there also will your heart be. —Matthew 6:19-21

• Do not love the world or the things in the world. —1 John 2:15

• Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. —1 Corinthians 2:12

• What else have I in heaven but You? Apart from you I want nothing on earth. —Psalm 73: 24-25

• Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” —Matthew 19:21

• What profit does a man show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process? —Mark 8:36

• Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth. —Colossians 3:2

• Avoid greed in all its forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life. —Luke 12:15