By Guest: Penny Zeller The word encourage in Webster’s Dictionary is defined as to inspire with courage or confidence; to promote, foster. So, how can we, as parents, encourage our children? Below are seven suggestions… 1. Encourage their character. “A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions.” (quote taken fromhttp://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-character.html). As parents, are we helping our children to develop good character? Are we encouraging them to make good choices? Our kids will be, and are faced, with multiple decisions each day. Helping them to understand why good choices are important and equipping them with the knowledge …
Teen Mom? Here’s a Couple Tips For You
How do you balance tests, friends and a growing belly? With shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and MTV’s Teen Mom, teens are desensitized to the realities of sex. I know I was. It seemed like everyone around me was doing it. And I LOVED my boyfriend, so why not? Nothing prepared me for the realities of motherhood. I would ask my mom questions about the pregnancy and birth but what about afterwards? Most books I’ve seen on the market deal with the emotions and the details during pregnancy. To me the pregnancy was the easiest part, it was after that …
A Holiday-Ready Heart
Maybe November and December are your two favorite months of the year. Perhaps preparing for, living through, and cleaning up after the holidays don’t phase you in the least. You may have your Christmas shopping all done, your cards ready to mail, and your menus completely planned. If these are true for you, then The PURSE-onality Challenge “A Holiday-Ready Heart” is not designed for you. (But please join us anyhow and give us your best advice!) However, if you… dread dragging out the holiday decorations… wonder how what should be “the best of times” often ends up …
And the Winners Are…
Okay, sweet moms, we are announcing the winners of Shane Barkley’s, Dad Cents today! And the winners are… Chrissy Sanders Elisabeth Elliott A big CONGRATULATIONS to you both! You’ll both be receiving an email this weekend with instructions on how you can receive your book! And a big THANK YOU to Shane Barkley for contributing 2 books to giveaway to these two blessed moms!
Time To Breathe
When the walls are closing in, what do you do? What a week. I was so tired! The days seem to be getting longer even though they were really getting shorter. The kids were not getting along. It seemed like no one would do their school work without being told a gazillion times. Breathe. My 18 year old daughter informed she had to babysit all day for someone so I wouldn’t have her around to help. Breathe I forgot the wet clothes were still in the washer and the dishwasher still had dirty dishes in it because I forgot to start …
Because Money Matters and Our Kids Need to Know
The whine rose above the din of all the shoppers around us. My cheeks flushed red and I bent low to the little person who made such a sound. “No, we cannot buy a toy today. We do not have money for that,” I said barely above a whisper. She crinkled her forehead in concern and spoke in confident loud tones, “You mean we don’t have any money mommy?” Talking to kids about money and finances is a difficult thing. I know I want my children to understand the value of a dollar and hard work. I know I don’t …
Child with No Promise
The winner of Parenting from the Overflow by Teri Lynne Underwood are: Christine DeSanti and Katy Carris “Child with no promise,” was scribbled atop the orphanage file. Born in Eastern Europe. Unwanted. Abandoned. Downs Syndrome. Locked unnoticed behind a remote orphanage gate with no hope of release. Meanwhile, a content family of four was flourishing on the other side of the world. Their sole desire was to serve the Lord in anyway possible. Then, El Roi, our mighty God Who Sees, the Father to the fatherless, who places the lonely in families; His mighty plan of redemption began to unfold…. Vashti …
Parenting from the Overflow
Today, we’re so excited to have our guest, Teri Lynne Underwood, share about her book Parenting from the Overflow with you sweet moms! Teri Lynne is a dear friend of The M.O.M. Initiative and her book has now made available in print and on Kindle as well as a PDF. Teri Lynne has a beautiful heart for God and for moms and if you’re not familiar with her already, we know you’re going to love her as much as we do! Teri Lynne is giving away 2 PDF copies of her books to two blessed winners that will be announced in …
Still We Battle & The Monday M.O.M. Initiative Link Up
My children begin each homeschool day with Bible study. A lesson earlier this week focused on Joshua 10:6-15. The moral of the kids’ lesson was that God can do anything He wants, with or without the help of men, that His power is limitless, and that He is able to do all things. Now, the story was geared toward elementary aged children, and that message is indeed what the story illustrates. However, I, as a more mature Christian, saw something a little startling when I looked deeper into the message. To recap this passage, in the days of Joshua, five …
You Are Not Alone: The Chocolate Kiss Awards
When my children were very small I had this nasty habit of withdrawing into myself when things really got tough. I was convinced I was alone in my struggles – my inner voice telling me just what a terrible mom I was (a.k.a. my “inner ‘You Stink’ voice.” I am alone when my almost-four-year-old is wetting his pants. On purpose. I am alone as I daily carry a screaming child across the preschool parking lot in front of hundreds of other calm, well-behaved and quiet children and their parents. I am alone when my kids are prancing around the …