Hi, Friends!

News of some great new opportunities for us to keep in touch!

First, my Everyday Inspired blogcast. Spend a few minutes with me everyday and we’ll find God’s inspiration in our lives! I believe God is always inviting us to notice the blessings around us. When we do, marvelous things happen. Subscribe to the blogcast and listen live everyday, or download it later.

Second, come settle into The Shack with me and author Wm. Paul Young, July 8-9, 2011. Paul Young visits the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, and we’ve put together a wonderful, one-night retreat to reflect on his book. I’ll be hosting/facilitating the retreat. Register here.

So, whaddaya say? Let’s live everyday inspired!

Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas is on sale now at a special 2-for-$20 price! That’s over 20% off the regular price. Order your signed copies today and get started on these timely, brief daily devotions when the holidays officially kick off on Thanksgiving Day. The books are great hostess gifts, too!

Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas is on sale now at a special 2-for-$20 price! That’s over 20% off the regular price. Order your copies today and get started on these timely, brief daily devotions when the holidays officially kick off on Thanksgiving Day. The books are great hostess gifts, too!

Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas is on sale now at a special 2-for-$20 price! That’s over 20% off the regular price. Order your copies today and get started on these timely, brief daily devotions when the holidays officially kick off on Thanksgiving Day. The books are great hostess gifts, too!

Michael Gott sings of this special night on his Christmas CD.  The song is entitled, Christmas in the Trenches.  Both the music and the movie are fitting reflections this time of year as we are mindful of all those who serve our country in the military. 

Coming soon!  A fabulous companion to the Prepare Your Heart book! 

http://organizedchristmas.com/rudolph-club

While you’re there, check out the neat resources for Christmas planning, $$$ saving, and more!

The eXtension Foundation, an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States, offers advice for families that is both practical and personal.  “Studies have found that many families do not adjust their lifestyle for about six months after their income is reduced,” reports eXtension.  “That six months of ignoring the situation can bring disaster. When you take charge of your financial situation immediately, you are making a positive contribution to your family’s well-being now and in the future.”  Some suggestions:

•  Make a list of the family’s most important expenses while you have less income. (This means things you must have or do.)
• Make a family spending plan to determine where your money will go. Develop a family budget you can use to cope with your income situation.
• Decide where you will spend your money. Stick to your spending plan. With less income, each spending decision is critical.

Cutting back on spending doesn’t mean cutting back on the fun.  In fact, having less money to spend on entertainment creates more opportunities for quality time with those you love.  During the holidays, many moms were secretly grateful for the excuse to simplify because it made family time more meaningful.  Here are eXtention’s ideas to carry that spirit into the New Year:

Take advantage of local public resources:

• Spend time together at the park or local community festival.
• Go for hikes or bike rides.
• Go for a family picnic.
• Go swimming at the local pool, lake, ocean, or springs.
• Take advantage of free programs offered by the library, museums, and community bands or orchestras, or other free community events.
• Check out books, music, and videos for free from the library.

Find cheaper entertainment at home:

• Have a family game night.
• Rent or borrow movies, pop some popcorn, and have a family movie night at home.
• Bake or cook together as a family.
• Read stories to one another.
• Go on evening walks together.

Help your children learn new skills and ideas:

• Teach children how to garden.
• Teach children craft skills you enjoy and spend time doing these together.
• Teach children about issues that are important, such as politics, news, the environment, or others. Are there opportunities in the community to volunteer as a family for a cause you all believe in?

(Visit http://www.extension.org/ online for more resources and ideas on coping in tough economic times.)

Above all, it’s important to look for the possibilities in the situation and not focus solely on what we’re doing without.  The way parents respond to economic challenges sets an important example for children that will help them in the future.   Make the best of the situation and be grateful for the people and the material goods in your life!