Group of Clergy Helping Separated Immigrant Families

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A large group of clergy men and women, representing Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities, are traveling to Texas to help separated immigrant families. 10 of these good folks are rabbis, with all 4 of the Jewish movements represented. 

The purpose of their trip is to observe, assist, and peacefully protest this terrible situation that involves over 2,000 children. Since the policy of breaking up families at the border has been recently changed, I’m hopeful things will turn around for the better.

We have a huge immigration problem, that’s for sure, but we must take a compassionate approach to fixing it. It is a felony to enter the country illegally and we can’t continue to have such chaos; however, we also need to provide safe haven when appropriate to refugees and others who are truly in fear for their lives. 

Everyone that enters illegally is entitled to a hearing. That is only fair. Some detainees languish for years before the court can even see them. There are numerous cases of children being abused and assaulted as they wait, without any adult to care for them. Allowing children to stay with a relative in a family detention center is a much safer and more humane option and the cost is no greater. I would also like to see more care being provided for the disabled and special needs individuals. 

Those of us who are lucky enough to be born American citizens should never take that privilege for granted. Our ancestors struggled so we could have a better life. All of my great grandparents and one of my grandmothers was an immigrant. My family has been here since the early 1900’s and I am so grateful every single day.

I can certainly understand why other people are willing to risk their lives and their children’s lives to get here. I try to put myself in their shoes and consider how they’re feeling before condemning them. America is the best place on earth; a lot want to be here. Can we take everyone? Unfortunately, no, but we do have room for legal immigrants, especially ones who can benefit the country with their skills. (Obviously, there must be a vetting process to keep out criminals and terrorists, but there is nothing wrong with bringing in good families.) 

There is no quick fix to illegal immigration. Pretending it will magically go away is foolish. We can enforce the law without being cruel. We must take a biblical approach, focused on the God-given humanity of every person, rather than a hard-hearted one of extreme punishment and separation.

Can You Afford To Stay Home with Your Kids?

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Most American families have both parents working in 2018. While some mothers truly enjoy working at a meaningful career, there are many women who don’t want to work outside the home—especially if they have a newborn or toddler—and do it only because of finances.

While the cost of living is higher than it used to be, many families can survive with only parent being employed, provided they are willing to budget carefully, reduce unnecessary expenses, and embrace simplicity.

Some folks may not be aware that there is actually a cost to working. If you’re paying for daycare, you have to make over 25K annually just to break even! Yes, most employees make more than that, but they compromise their time by doing so and kids are only young once. 

So what can you do if you want to quit your job, but you don’t have/make a lot of money?

Erin Odom shares her first-hand experience with this complicated situation in her new book You Can Stay Home With Your Kids. Erin is a mom of 3 girls and 1 boy. She and her husband originally wanted a shared career in ministry, but it didn’t happen, forcing them to move to another state where her husband took a low-paying job as a high school teacher in North Carolina. (When I say low, I mean low—probably 20K less than first-year teachers here in New England are paid! I was truly shocked at how little they earn.)

Once she was home all-day, every day, she researched any possible way to live on a bare-bones budget—using cloth diapers, cooking meals from scratch, buying only from thrift stores, becoming a one-car family, and downsizing to a small apartment with two bedrooms.

Because I’ve been into the frugal lifestyle for over a decade, none of her tips were new to me; however, they are excellent tips for someone just starting out, especially newly married and first-time moms. Erin divides her book into eight sections that are easy to understand and covers many topics related to family life. It’s not an in-depth masterpiece like my favorite budgeting book from America’s Cheapest Family, but it’s a good, quick read. 

My only complaint about her book is the size itself! It’s a pocket hardcover, half the size of a standard book. Anyone who suffers from eye strain like I do will find the size of the text challenging. Obviously, the publisher had a hard time expanding 100 tips into 200 pages, so just be aware of what you’re getting. I received a copy for free to review, but if I was buying, I’d have to do a Kindle version. 

Super Savings Saturday – 6/23/18

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Welcome to another edition of Super Savings Saturday.

Word of the week: Chaotic. Isn’t it amazing that when you want to sell your home, everything starts to break? We dealt with a shattered window (accident), destroyed mailbox (vandalism), and found 2 dead rodents in the garage (so creepy and gross). 

I did manage to find some good cheapies and freebies, though, which added a bit of fun to an otherwise annoying week.  

Shaw’s:

Their digital coupon program, formerly called MyMixx, has been replaced with Just For U. The transition was a bit rocky—none of my coupons came off, but they did push it through without complaint. There were lots of $0.99 deals that I wanted, all of this stuff pictured and much more. It’s being heavily promoted and I think the new app will be more popular. 

Foxy strawberries, sale price $0.99.

Lay’s original chips, sale price $0.99. 

Poland Spring 24-pack water, sale price $0.99.

Kraft BBQ sauce, sale price $0.99.

4 Ken’s Simply Salad dressing, sale price $1.88. I used 4 $0.75 manufacturer’s coupons, doubled. Total: $1.52.

3 Everyday Essentials frozen broccoli, sale price $0.88. Total: $2.64. 

Rite Aid:

4 mouthwash, store brand. Sale price $2.00. Total: $8.00 plus $8.00 Bonus Cash. (I rolled my points so there was no cost out of pocket and we’re stocked on mouthwash for months.)

Walgreens:

I wanted to buy brown sugar that was supposed to be only $0.29 a box after store coupon. Of course, they had none on the shelf, but I did get a rain check for later. I’m going to use it for homemade foot scrub rather than eating, so the wait isn’t a problem. 

 

Have you found any deals lately?

10 Grilling Safety Tips That Will Prevent Accidents

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There is nothing like eating a juicy burger fresh off the grill on a summer evening. This time of year, my family loves to grill whenever we get the chance. Not only is the food delicious, but we get to enjoy the outdoors while being social. 

Unfortunately, what should be a fun activity can result in tragedy—think burns, upset stomachs, house fires, etc. Here are 10 grilling safety tips that will help you avoid unnecessary accidents:

1. Clean your grill and trays often 

I don’t know anyone who would re-use a pan without washing it first, yet so many people don’t wash their grill with each use! Very unsanitary. 

2. Don’t use indoors

Another tip that would seem like common sense, but it’s surprising how many actually try grilling inside their home—usually with bad results. This also includes grilling inside the garage.

3. A stable surface is a must

Ever see someone try to grill on a step or raised platform? Yeah, not pretty… Only grill on flat areas.

4. Keep your grill separate

A grill’s flame can quickly spread to the house itself, a deck, shrubs, a hanging branch, etc. Try to maintain a 5-10 foot radius as a precaution.

5. Safely ignite

Light barbecues with a long match or mechanical lighter. Don’t wear loose clothing, either. Cooking on a very windy day can also contribute to disaster, so be mindful of weather conditions.

6. Keep decorations away from grill

I actually know someone who was cooking on 4th of July and had a flag accidently set on fire by a grill. Dish cloths are another one that’s often overlooked.  

7. Avoid food poisoning 

Cross-contamination is a serious problem. Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and uncooked meat. I never re-use a marinade after cooking, but if you insist, it must be boiled before serving.

8. Starter fluid needs to be properly stored

If used, do it carefully and always keep away from children and heat sources. Don’t leave it beside the grill indefinitely. It’s a chemical, after all.

9. Don’t leave unattended

Sad but true: A hot surface with potentially shooting flames is a magnet for tiny fingers and wagging tails. Keep a watchful eye when in use. 

10. Check for leaks with Propane 

Turn grill off immediately if you smell gas. If the smell continues, move all people and pets away from the grill and call 911. This is nothing to play around with. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is always smart, just in case.

 

Do you have any more tips for safe grilling?