Author: Jessica Grono

God knows us more than we know ourselves. He loves us more than anyone. I wish I could allow myself to feel the same. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way we want, but then, you suddenly see a glimpse of His plan. Perhaps not everything will make sense, but at least you see a better understanding. My career distracts me from understanding my purpose. Being a teacher has been my goal forever. I teach in different ways, but I want a permanent position. For some reason, it seems as if God doesn’t want me to be hired permanently. Or, for…

Routines keep my world going smoothly. People often say to me, “You are so organized!” While I’m positive that there is some truth in that I’m organized, I also believe it has to do with having a disability. Relying on others involves routines to keep the household and my basic needs going. If you have a significant disability, like cerebral palsy, personal care assistance is sometimes needed. The time allowed for personal care is not unlimited. People work different time slots. Routines ensure that needs are taken care of before time ends. Therefore, a certain amount of organization is involved…

Parenting isn’t easy if you’re a decent parent. In fact, parenthood is the hardest occupation that exists. I know if you’re not a parent, you probably think, “How hard can it be?” I know I had a ton of misconceptions before I became a mother. Then, you add a spouse into the mix and truly learn how difficult parenting can be with different approaches. Being a good mom has been a goal since I was five years old. Have I made parenting mistakes? Several. I wish I could go back and fix them, but that’s impossible. I keep trying everyday…

Snow is a definite enemy to a wheelchair. I have a heavy Permobil motorized wheelchair, and I admit that it’s the best wheelchair I’ve had for bad weather. I used to be terrible driving in snow but going to college in a snow belt taught me real quick. What do you do on a snow day? As a mom and a teacher, I do value my off days. Here are my ideas. Some are activities I actually do while others are what I would like to do with help. Snow day activities

After dinner, I could have three chocolate chip cookies. Three is a fun number. Think back to when you had your first baby. In an Instant your family became three. God is three persons in one. What can you do with this magic number? Choose three people to love today. Give them your prayers and attention. God does this with millions of people a day. I challenge you to try this with only three people today and see how it helps. I bet your prayers will not only help the people you’re praying for, but also yourself. Thinking about others…

Thankfulness never goes out of style. Why are you thankful this year? Even if you have had the most unpleasant year of your life, I’m positive that you can find something to be thankful to have. I’m going to share my list for this year with all of you. Keep in mind as I list mine, they are in no particular order. When you make your gratitude list, you can order them or not. I feel thankfulness because this year I’m having my sister’s family and both of my parents over to our house. We haven’t had everyone in years.…

Rosary has gotten me through so many difficult situations. I know that people who are not Catholic usually do not pray the Rosary. However, praying the Rosary is available to everyone. Mary is the mother of Jesus! We can go to her for everything and anything. Talking to Mary isn’t worshipping her like we only do for God. Praying for her intercession is fine. Asking Mary or a saint to pray for you is the same as asking a friend to pray for you or some situations. Saying the Rosary daily will help give you comfort and protection. Through technology,…

Worship and prayer are two wonderful blessings Jesus gave us. By attending church or Mass, we give praise to God. Prayer is a conversation with God at any time and any place. As Catholics or Christians we have many prayers and they are important too. Just don’t get caught up in worrying if you don’t remember each word of a prayer. Worship comes in several ways. Going to church is essential and an easy opportunity to worship. Singing words if praise and giving thanks are worship. Penance and confession of sins shows God you are serious about His Word. I…

Sins are something that is unavoidable. While I say unavoidable, I mean no human being is perfect, but we can strive to avoid sin. Let’s look at the Commandment of keeping Sunday Holy. How many of us do not go to church or Mass because of every excuse imaginable? Churches are everywhere and they would welcome you with open arms. No matter your age or lifestyle, you can keep Sunday Holy by simply spending one hour by going to church. Sins are avoidable with effort. No sins are private because God knows and sees everything.  Some of us believe “oh,…

Forgiveness is such a wonderful thing to do and accept. Sometimes it is not easy to forgive someone, especially when someone hurts us deeply. Often we think the person does not deserve our forgive so we hold onto the pain. The truth is that holding onto the pain or grudge hurts you as much as it hurts them. Sometimes holding the pain will destroy the happiness and joy that is available to you. God forgives probably every millisecond of each day thousands of people. Think about that – God’s forgiveness is shared each second we breathe. Yet some of us…