Totally New Moms

One Day Better

2010-06-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

One Day Better

I am a coach. I have coached softball, volleyball, basketball, and running. But I love running. Nothing makes me happier than challenging my runners to do their best and then watching them improve. I spend quite a bit of time and energy encouraging them to think about what kind of people they are not just what kind of athletes they are. There is a big sign in our high school's weight room that reads: Excellence is a choice you make every day. Boy that is so true! Today, are you choosing excellence? Is your walk with Christ real and vibrant? Is it excellent? In your personal life, are you making good choices? In your work life, are you giving your best? Are you a good example to others? Are you giving 100%? Or are you saving something? Today, when you step foot out of your bed, represent yourself well. But more importantly, represent your SAVIOR well. What do you want Jesus to think of you? Do you want him to be proud of you? Or are you fine with settling for mediocrity? My prayer for you is that you choose to be one day better. God knows us, every single thing about us: the good, the bad, and the ugly. He knows we can't do everything he commands or expects, at first. Little by little he transforms us, it's a process. God's ways are hard! He expects a lot. So here's your challenge for today:

BE ONE DAY BETTER

--one day better at loving others

--one day better as a friend

--one day better as worker

--one day better in your attitude

--one day better in using your gifts

--one day better as a witness to Christ's love and power

--one day better at obeying

--one day better at trusting God

--one day better at believing God's Word

--one day better at loving your Lord

BE ONE DAY BETTER.

You can’t be better at everything all at once. But you CAN choose excellence. You can choose to be one day better. Can’t we all get better today? Just one day better.

Romans 12:1-8 (NIV)

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Peter 1:16 (NIV)

Be holy because I am holy.

God is my night light

2009-11-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

I was reading some Bible story to my four-year old last week. I can't remember for the life of me what the story was. His comment to me about the story is what I remember. We were talking about being afraid, alone, or in the dark, things like that. I reassured him that God was always with him, even when Mom and Dad weren't. He couldn't grasp how God could be with him in his room at night. Then he had an aha! moment. He said, "I get it. God's my night light!" I wish there was something funny or clever or more to the story but that's it. But I have thought about that non-stop since he said it. Isn't that true? God is our night light! He isn't like our night light, he IS our night light. When we are scared, he is our light. When we are unsure, he is our light. When we are living in this insanely sinful world, he is our light. When we need guidance, he is our light. When we can't see, he is our light. Oh to see God like a preschooler.

Psalm 139:11-12

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Be lifted!

Grieving the "old" you

2009-03-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

In the last week I've had several moms talk to me about a common concern among women: losing their identity when they became moms. It can be rather traumatizing to be pregnant one day and have a baby the next. When you leave the hospital you arrive home with another person! From the get go your needs are put on the back burner. Since you have better coping skills than your infant your needs can wait. Unless we are careful we put those needs on hold indefinitely. Somewhere in the early years it's easy to lose ourselves in all that we must do for our babies. That loss can bring about periods of grief.

After my first child was born I did most of the things I loved but I did quit running. Why? I have no idea. She is now ten and I'm finally running again. I'm in training for my first half marathon. My kids aren't suffering because I'm running. If anything I've noticed that they are excited to see their mommy so happy about doing something she loves. They are rooting for me, they know the date of my race, what town it's in, and how far the race is, etc. For me, doing the thing I love best is actually making me a better mom.

When my kids were tiny babies I don't think I would've had the energy to run like I am now. But I do regret quitting altogether. There are numerous benefits to exercising post partum. It's good for our bodies and minds. I regret that I was sedentary for a few years. The science alludes me but I do know that exercising helps you have more energy and sleep better, it also improves your overall feeling of well being.

What do you miss about the "old" you? What did you used to spend time doing that now you've let go? What hobby do you miss? If you have a little baby, this season will quickly pass. I strongly suggest you keep up your hobbies or interests. Sure, you'll need to spend less time and energy on your favorite activities for now but keeping involved in them will do wonders for you. It's inevitable that you will spend some time grieving the "old" you...your body, your lifestyle, your activities, your interests, your pastimes. But don't let go of all of it, please don't. It's what makes you YOU. Yes, you are a mom now. But you are still you, too.

Be lifted!

Joel 2:25
I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.

Treasured possession

2009-03-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the very first time you held your baby? To be honest, the first time I held my first child it kinda freaked me out! I'd been in labor a LONG time and I was ready to sleep for an even longer time. So when they cleaned her up and put her in my arms I had no idea what I was supposed to do. It's as if I finally understood the whole pregnancy thing but I never understood that I would hold a real person. Isn't that weird? But it's true. But I remember holding her and treasuring her. I was in awe of her face immediately. I longed to hear her peeps and squeaks. When she would jerk around with her arms and legs I giggled. I would rub her hair over and over. I counted and measured her fingers. I enjoyed changing her diapers so I could rub her sweet belly. There was nothing I didn't enjoy about her. Sure, the crying was annoying and the sleepless nights made me a crazy person. But the baby, she was precious. I treasured her.

Somehow over the course of ten years some of that has dissipated. That breaks my heart! But to be honest, stubbornness and disobedience have taken a toll. Talking back and fussing have made it hard for me to continue being in awe of my kiddos. It's hard for me as an imperfect mother to not let their problems affect how I feel about them. Yes, I love them always always. But some days I don't like them as much as I would like to. I have made a concerted effort lately to look at all of my children and try to remember what it was like to treasure everything about them. I've come to the sad realization that I will never be able to look at them exactly like I did when they were hours old. But the best part of that is that I can actually look at them with deeper affection because I've known them and loved them for so long. I have more things to love about them than just their fingers, toes, and squeaks. With life experience I've grown to admire certain qualities, adore their quirks, and treasure the gifts and talents God has blessed them with. I grin at their humor, smile at their creativity, and sigh at their competitive natures. God has blessed me with time with them which has led to a much deeper gratitude for them. Yes, I wish I could rock them all and just watch them sleep. But time marches on.

If you still have a baby, don't let go of them! People will tell you to put them in their cribs. I'm telling you, I don't still rock my older kids and wish I could! That time flies by. Hold on tight. And as they age you will learn how to hold them in brand new ways.

And to top it off, God treasures them even more than you do! Let that sink in...

Be lifted!

Deuteronomy 7:6b
The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

Transitions

2009-03-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Transitions are a natural part of life...especially as a new mom! My 4 year old will be entering kindergarten this year, my "baby" is two and talkative, and I'm expecting a new baby again in the fall! Nowadays, I'm easily irritated and pooped out every 2 hours or so. Do you remember those days in your pregnancy? If so, please tell me about them so I don't feel so lame. :)

I'm taking on some new projects (speaking at women's retreat, teaching Losing Weight After Baby classes) and as a result, I'm going to take a hiatus from blogging with Totally New Moms. I'll miss checking in with you on Fridays. I hope the blog has been a blessing to you. I will continue to blog regularly on my Losing Weight After Baby blog, so please feel free to come over for a visit whenever you like!

May the God of all comfort and strength bless you in EVERY SEASON of your life as a mom!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Eccl. 3:1

With love,

Sorry!

2009-03-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

I've just gotten home from my trip to speak at a church near Nashville, TN. I'm frankly so tired that I could cry and I've not yet eaten dinner. I'm so sorry but I can't write today. I'll write something special next week! Please forgive me.

As the spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.

2 Corinthians 3:18b

One Super Mom I Met

2009-03-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

Pictured here is Chelle Stafford from this month's issue of Women's Health Magazine. She was featured as a weight loss success story.

Weight before: 178
Weight after: 123

I was so excited for her because Chelle and I went to high school together! Through the magazine, we reconnected and I interviewed this mother of 3 about her amazing weight loss journey. She was such an inspirational guest on my Losing Weight After Baby podcast. Hope you'll be able to listen. The show is titled "How One Mom Lost 50 Pounds."
After several children and miscarriages, Chelle found herself over eating, depressed and hitting the drive thru up to 3 times a day. Her turning point came preparing for a New Years Eve party and crying in the dressing room because none of the clothes fit. That's when she decided to get a personal trainer. When she first started with the trainer, she would have to psych herself up into going to the gym, and then she'd be sitting in the parking lot, not wanting to get out of the car. It took her 2 years to take that baby weight off, but she did it! As you listen to the interview, you'll be able to relate to her struggles and victories. It doesn't matter where you start, but how you finish! Finish strong moms, you can do it!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Praying for your children

2009-03-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here are 31 biblical virtues or characteristics you can pray for your kids. You could print this out and place it by your calendar. This is a simple way to pray in a specific way each day of the month for your child (and for yourself). If your child is older, these would be great memory verses, too!

Pray for... Bible reference

1. Salvation Romans 10:9--If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

2. Growth Luke 2:52--Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.

Hebrews 6:1--Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.

3. Faith Hebrews 11:6--Without faith it is impossible to please God.

4. Purity I Timothy 5:22--...keep yourself pure.

5. Honesty 1 Corinthians 13:6--Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

6. Gratitude 1 Thessalonians 5:18--Give thanks in all circumstances...

7. Humility 1 Peter 5:5--...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

8. Trusting God Proverbs 3:5--Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

9. Obedience Numbers 15:40--Remember to obey all my commands.

10. Self-control Titus 2:11-12--For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

11. Self-esteem Ephesians 2:10--For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us in advance to do.

12. Encouragement 1 Thessalonians 5:11--Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

13. Confidence Proverbs 3:26--The LORD will be your confidence.

14. Kindness 1 Thessalonians 5:15--Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

15. Gentleness Philippians 4:5--Let your gentleness be evident to all...

16. Identity Galatians 3:29--If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

17. Perseverance Philippians 3:13-14--Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

18. Prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17--Pray continually.

19. Compassion Zechariah 7:9--Show mercy and compassion to one another.

20. Generosity 2 Corinthians 9:7--God loves a cheerful giver.

21. Peace-loving 1 Corinthans 7:15--God has called us to live in peace.

22. Respect 1 Peter 2:17--Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

23. Hope Hebrews 6:19--We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

24. Joy 1 Thessalonians 5:16--Be joyful always.

25. Boldness 2 Timothy 1:7--For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

26. Service 1 Peter 4:10--Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others...

27. Love Hebrews 10:24--Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

28. Holiness 1 Peter 1:16--Be holy because I am holy.

29. Witnessing Proverbs 11:30--The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

30. Good example 1 Timothy 4:12--Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

31. Readiness Colossians 4:5--Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.

I challenge you to pray over these things in the upcoming month. Be lifted! And lift your children up in prayer.

Need to Shed Some Valentine's Pounds?

2009-02-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

Holidays are so much fun but can be problematic for the waistline! First there's Christmas to recover from. Then there are Valentine's Day chocolates. I received a box of Pireuline cookies (they're like long wafers filled with vanilla creme) from a friend. Unfortunately, my friend didn't know how much I liked those and how I could basically polish off a whole bag in one day. There are 2 (big) bags that come in a box. I prayed for self control after the fact, and I should've prayed before!

If you're trying to shed a few pounds, here are a few tips that have worked for me:

1. Before having a snack when you're hungry, drink a glass of water.

2. Cut up a few veggies (celery, red pepper, baby carrots, etc) so when you get a snack attack, those are very convenient to reach for.

3. Brush your teeth at 7:00 pm when you're home and don't eat after that.

For daily motivation and accountability, get my course TODAY, Losing Weight After Baby: 31 Days to a New You and begin your breakthrough month on March 1st!

"Behold I will do a new thing..." Isaiah 43:18

How high is your frustration level?

2009-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

Before kids...

I never had a temper.

I had a long fuse.

I was extra patient.

I was kind to everyone.

I wasn't easily rattled.

I was organized and clean.

I was efficient.

I never got frustrated.

Okay, I'm full of it. But seriously, since giving birth, some of this stuff has gone out the window. With each child I seem to go further downhill. I DO have a temper. I now have a short fuse. I lack patience. I'm not kind to my children sometimes. Between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. I'm rattled, boy am I rattled. I'm organized for the most part but only clean here and there. I'm still efficient. I'm generally frustrated. I have many faults and many buttons that can be pushed. How did giving birth generate all this in me? Yeah, I agree, I'm sure it was there all along...

I have to keep these things in check. How do I do that? I exercise, I read, I try to get some quiet time away, I read my Bible, I call a friend, I watch a dumb show, I pray. Most days are good but some days are hard. And the hard days seem to last for an eternity. I think we have a happy home for the most part. My kids fight and they fight hard. But we all love hard too. It's hard to have a home full of emotional and intense people! We all have to keep our faults and frustrations in check.

So how high is your frustration level? Is mothering hard today? Is this season of childhood wearing you out? What refreshes you? Seek it out! Does it help you to talk it out? Call a friend. Does it help you to go run six miles? Then go run seven! Ask God to give you all that you need to face today. He will help you get through today.

Be lifted!

...when I was silent and still...my anguish increased.

Psalm 39:2

SMILE!

2009-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love this picture from the San Diego Zoo. The trainer and pony were walking by and on cue, the trainer clicked her clicker, and the pony smiled wide!

Somedays, we may feel like we misplaced our clicker. No matter what we do, we don't feel like smiling. I like what brilliant talk show host Dennis Prager says about the subject of mood.

"Act happy no matter what your mood and you will feel happier. Act loving
and you will feel more loving. With regard to virtually anything in life
that is good for us, if we wait until we are in the mood to do it, we will wait
too long."

So regardless of how you feel today, smile! My daughter has been coughing for the last week and saying "Mommy hold me" and "TISSUE!" But I'm smiling...

"The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." Psalm 18:28

What are you doing right?

2009-02-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

As a mom I beat myself up constantly about all the things I'm doing wrong. I daily judge my mothering skills based on how perfect and wonderful my kids are. Unfortunately since I'm imperfect and so are my kids, this system doesn't work very well. I repeatedly feel like a failure. My strong-willed child makes me angry and frustrated. My overly emotional child causes me to think, "Grow up!" when that is not something I want to rush. My youngest is needy as ever and wears me out physically at times. There are little things about motherhood that shorten my fuse. I feel impatient and irritable more often than I'd like. I want to be one of those moms who loves every phase of childhood, each and every quirk and behavior. But that's just not been my experience. A fair amount of motherhood has been trial and error and negative reflection. I tend to look at the behaviors of my kids and blame myself for everything that's wrong. For example, I have one child who tends to lie. Nine times out of ten this child will lie. I have beat myself up for years and prayed about this sin in her life a hundred times. I just keep telling her the truth...that God expects her to tell and love the truth. I could write a book about all the things I feel like I'm no good at as a mother. When my children were tiny I would get frustrated because they didn't enjoy my lullabies or smile when I rocked them. I have spent years trying to figure out how they tick. I have often wondered if I needed a degree in child psychology to get through this life with children.

Today I want to pause on purpose to reflect on what I'm doing right. I guess it's how I'm wired but I tend to be hard on myself and only look at what I might be messing up. But what about the good things? I challenge you to do the same. What are you doing right? Make a list, write it down. What are you proud of as a mother? How are you pleasing God with how you're raising your children? How do you use your words to bless others? Are you a blessing to your family? Are you building others up? Are you an encouragement to your spouse and kids? Do you read your Bible for your kids? Do you spend time playing with them? Do you let them break the eggs when you bake cookies? Are you teaching them responsibilities around the house? Are you teaching them to value friendship and love? Are you serving others? Do you bring laughter and joy to your home? Are you taking the time to play silly games? Do you listen to your kids hurts, really listen? Are you praying with your kids? Are you praying for your kids and spouse? Is your faith something you talk about? Are you teaching your kids about God's love and his word? Surely you are doing at least one of these things or something like them.

Reflect right now on what you're doing right. God will bless you for trying to please him. Don't worry about the details and the day to day mess ups. God knows your heart. Keep him your priority and love your family with all your heart. He will cover up your mess ups and fill your home with love, just ask him! Focus on the positive this week, please. I'm going to!

Be lifted!

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Hear, O Israel; The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

What do you want on Valentine's Day? Flowers or chocolate?

Well, I like both! My sweet husband bought me these red roses. Believe it or not, he bought them wholesale and then arranged them himself! I know, I'm lucky! He did awesome!

In terms of chocolate, I tend to eat too many pieces at once. Last weekend, we received a package about 24 truffles from some visiting friends. I could down them all in a few days if left unattended! So I decided to wrap about half of them and give them away to my children's teachers at church. That saved me a trip to the store to buy something, plus extra unneeded calories for me! My article "Chocolate, Friend or Foe" will give you some other ideas of what to do with all that chocolate if you're trying to lose weight.

I hope you'll enjoy the added festivities of Valentine's Day, yet remember it's not the flowers or chocolates that take center stage. It's the love of God! Jesus loves you and your family so much. You are the apple of His eye!

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

The Importance of Support

2009-02-11T05:14:00.000-08:00

I've spoken at some MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups this school year and I've noticed something: they are all there because they want and need support. This season of life is demanding and exhausting and downright overwhelming. I've seen hundreds of moms at these meetings and they are desperate to connect with other moms. They are looking for a listening ear. They need a hug from a friend. They want a break from nursing and changing diapers. They want to laugh. They are looking for a word from God.

If you have babies or preschoolers, it is vital that you connect with other moms on a regular basis. At the very least it gives you perspective on things. Life doesn't seem so hard when you share it's details with a friend. When we experience life together it is much richer! I find it encouraging simply to be around others who are experiencing what I am; it makes my life seem more normal, too. Do you need that? I do!

When it comes to motherhood I often think I have it so hard, as if no one else has ever had strong willed kids! I met a lady about four years ago who has a strong-willed child. This mom is about ten years older than me so I listened to everything she had to say because she'd been there already. She knew how to pray for me and my situation and she wasn't critical. It's been such a blessing to have a more seasoned mother give me some much needed affirmation and support.

I challenge you to find moms who are in the same exact boat as you. If you have a newborn, find a mom with a newborn. Share your difficulties and fears. If you have twins or triplets, connect with a multiples group in your area. I encourage you to find a mom who is further down the road of parenthood than you, too. You will be amazed and what she has to offer you. God created us to be in relationship with others. But they won't always knock on your door. Go and find those friends. Mom, you need support!

Be lifted!

Proverbs 11:25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Peppy Pizza Please!

2009-02-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

If you've got kids chances are you're having a hard time getting them to eat their vegetables. Unless you're like my 4 year old cousin who eats all the carrots, broccoli and cauliflower FIRST in her lunch bag!

My kids on the other hand, eat one teeny bit of carrot and think they have done something heroic. But they have gotten a little better about their veggies and there's a DVD that has helped. Although we don't watch a lot of TV, we can heartily recommend any Boz the Bear videos. They are God honoring and provide a great role model for kids.

Case in point: the DVD titled "Thank You God for Bananas, Bubbles and Busy Bodies." In this DVD about healthy living, Boz the Bear goes grocery shopping in the produce section and makes a "peppy pizza" which is topped with veggies.

Since watching that, we have named a pizza topped with spinach "peppy pizza" and both my kids eat it up and even request it. We buy ours at Trader Joe's, it's a flat pizza covered in spinach. Phew, finally a veggie that's eaten with joy!

"For the open pastures are springing up, and the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength." Joel 2:22

Exercise!

2009-02-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

As a brand new mom, or as a seasoned mother, it is vital that we exercise. I could go on all day about the health benefits of exercise. But I want to focus on one thing only: your mental health.

Ever have days when you could scream? Do you ever feel like you change 25 diapers, do six loads of laundry, and can't remember the last time you used the bathroom? Some days motherhood is overwhelming. In the beginning, the physical demands are enormous. We feed, bathe, clean, change, rock, nurse, feed, change...it's downright exhausting. I get tired just thinking about it. Throw in the lack of sleep and added weight...it's tough. I hear people say all the time, "I'm just too tired to exercise." I promise you that if you exercise you will have MORE energy. I promise. You can't control much in the early years of motherhood. Taking care of babies is never-ending. But you can take steps to control your health, your mental health. Exercising gives you a break, it clears your head. It feels good to move. Find something you love to do and find someone to exercise with. Walk, skate, do yoga, run, jump rope, swim. Find something. If you have a parter or a group to exercise with, you will be more likely to keep it up. You will feel better mentally and emotionally. This surely makes for a better mommy!

I challenge you to start exercising to improve your mental health!

Be lifted!

Philippians 4:13

I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.

Pack It Up!

2009-01-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

We are headed out for a few hours today including lunchtime, so it's time to pack it up!

We're too frugal to buy fast food or go to a restaurant (that's probably the main reason) and of course, it's much healthier to skip the drive thru. So whenever I know the kids and I will be out over lunch, we brown bag it.

So what's in that typical lunch bag?

Turkey sandwiches

Apple slices

Strawberry fruit bar

Bag of popcorn

String cheese

Water (not boxed juice)

I know, it's not too exotic or exciting, but it's healthier than eating out and since I have the food with me, I don't have to have any "my children are so hungry they are about to explode" episodes when I'm out! And you're not gaining weight in the process since here you are trying the lose that baby weight in the first place.

Popping microwave popcorn is the best because that's a treat for my kids. We can split the bag between the 3 of us, plus popcorn isn't very caloric and is a pretty good snack item. Oh yes, and it's cheap!

So next time you're out during lunchtime, take a few minutes and pack it up!

What are some of your favorite lunch time items to pack? Help us get out of our ruts and suggest some more easy take-and-go items!

Enjoying their games

2009-01-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Our children are small for a very short time. Do you ever find yourself dismissing them because you have things you need to get done? Just today my daughter asked me to play with her Littlest Pet Shops. I am not good at playing make believe with dogs, cats, and ferrets but I did it anyway. How often does my daughter ask me to play these days? Now that I have a ten-year-old child I'm clinging to her childhood games. I'm trying to enjoy (not endure) some activities that she likes. I want to spend time with her. I want her to feel valued and loved. The teen years are coming fast and I want us to have a solid relationship before those stormy years appear.

My six-year-old and three-year-old enjoy completely different games. One is into playing with Star Wars characters and playing Candyland. The other is into shooting basketball and racing cars. I find myself wanting to play these things just so I can be a part of their fun. I don't want to be the mom who only talks to my kids about chores and discipline. I want them to have wonderful childhood memories of a mom who put down the dirty dishes and played with them. When they move out of our house, I will have all the time in the world to do the dishes. And I'll cry my eyes out.

Enjoy your children. Spend time with them. Your to-do list can most likely wait.

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise and call her blessed...

I want that to happen in my life! I want my kids to call me blessed. I'm still waiting for that day but if it ever happens, it will be a grand day! I want God to be pleased with my parenting. Spending time with them, enjoying the time He's given me with them is a gift I can give my children. It's one big way I can add value to their precious lives.

Be lifted!

Slow Down!

2009-01-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

I was rattling off a list and my husband said, "You are talking so fast!"

Can you relate? I had to laugh and ask him, "I am?"

Sometimes, I just need to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n.

-Slow down and enjoy emailing a friend.

-Slow down and read a chapter of the Bible without hurrying.

-Slow down at the dinner table (this is great for losing weight too. Eat slower. You'll enjoy the tastes of the food without mindlessly stuffing yourself)

-Slow down when driving (yup, I got a ticket and am headed to traffic school next month!)

Savoring life probably doesn't look like someone running around from one thing to the next. Now I'm not advocating sitting around, moving slowly like a slug on a log. No mom could excel in this way! I'm talking about leaving some margins in your day to sit and listen to your kids, stretch for one minute if you're tired, pray without rushing, etc.

You might be moving at mach speed on the outside doing laundry and starting dinner but internally, you're at peace. You're not flustered or rushing.

What's a way you could slow down today? Is this doable as a mom?

"So he who waits on his master will be honored." Prov. 27:18

Prayers of babes

2009-01-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

My three-year-old is into praying. He is grateful to God for things I don't think of. My ten-year-old tends to get irritated when the little one prays too long. She can have the attitude that God doesn't care about "goofy" things like toys and other things a little boy might pray about. I am a firm believer that God is grinning when my little guy prays. Nothing is too long or tedious for God...not when it comes to gratitude! Here's an example of what I'm describing:

"Thank you God for my bed. Thank you God for my Star Wars plate. Thank you for sister, for brother, for Mom, and Dad. Thank you for Grandma Mary. Thank you for Grandpa Ike. Thank you for the grandma that gives us cookies. Thank you for my Star Wars book. Thank you for Lego Batman. Thank you for our new characters on Lego Batman. Thank you for fruit snacks. Thank you for my pillow. Thank you for our basketballs. Bless our bodies. Amen."

This is fairly typical these days. Some days are funnier some days are more serious. Most prayers are actually longer. Recently he added a new one:

"Thank you God for God. And thank you for the other God. I can't think of his name, but the other God..."

I had to prompt him but he was talking about JESUS! How sweet! How often do we thank God for himself? How often do we distinguish between Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit when we are saying thanks? I don't typically thank God for these things. I am learning to thank God for everything, fruit snacks included! And my ten-year-old is learning that God is pleased when we say "thank you." It's not just about saying the prayers, it's about our grateful hearts and attitudes.

I encourage you to write down the prayers that come out the mouths of your babes. Years from now you can be blessed all over again.

Be lifted!

Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Subtract Sugar, Add Veggies

2009-01-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday at church, our Sunday school class did a table topic. We were all asked, "What's one thing you'd like to add in your life in 2009 and what's one thing you'd like to subtract?"

My husband's answer works well for all of us moms. He said, "It's very simple. I want to subtract sugar and add vegetables." Actually he made a joke and flipped it around at first. The dream diet would be to add more sugar and subtract vegetables but that diet doesn't exist!

He's noticed that when he eats sugar, he loves it for the moment, but then his mood tanks. Have you been there?

So my sweet husband has resolved to be healthier in 2009. And I have to be honest. I'm glad he's made the resolution to skip sugar for a few weeks because it's helping me reign in my desire for chocolate! He's fasting from treats like cookies, desserts, ice cream, etc but he'll still have some syrup with his pancakes, jam on his bread, etc. So you don't have to be completely radical, but just by saying no to desserts, you can eliminate a lot of junk food from your diet.

Do you need to subtract some sugar and add some veggies into your life? I've been serving my kids more veggies in the New Year (more = 3 bits of broccoli so know we're taking baby steps) and I'm thrilled to report they are doing it! The rule is if they don't eat the few bites of vegetables, they won't get more of whatever they do like in the meal (usually bread or pasta).

Subtract sugar, add veggies!

"The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish." Prov 10:3

Turn on the Lights

2009-01-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

I ran across a video yesterday that my friend Tara had posted. Wade Bowen wrote this song after his wife struggled with postpartum depression. He performed this song at a Postpartum Support International event in November.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM_CtGsT2Tg

(I can't figure out how to just paste it here!! It's Wade Bowen, Turn on the Lights in case this address doesn't work quite right...sorry I'm a computer idiot.)

If you are struggling with postpartum depression now or have in the past you will relate well to this. Even if you struggle with regular clinical depression not related to giving birth you will understand these sentiments. When we are in the middle of the darkness and fog of depression it is excruciating to ask for help. If you are hurting there are so many safe places to ask for help, to share your hurts. If it's not your spouse maybe it's your mom. Perhaps it's a girlfriend or a neighbor or a doctor or a pastor. It doesn't matter who you reach out to, please just do it. You can e-mail me any time! I would love it if you would call me, too. But most of all, MOST OF ALL, reach out to your Healer. God is always with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Even darkness is light to him. He loves you and wants you to be well and whole so you can enjoy your baby and every moment of motherhood.

Psalm 139:11-12

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Be lifted!

Keep Moving!

2009-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week, I took my 2 and 4 year old for their routine yearly doctors examination. Even though we had watched the Berenstein Bears go to the doctor, my kids still didn't like getting their shots - and that's definitely an understatement!

One thing my doctor reminded me of was the importance of daily hard exercise - she suggested one hour per day.

So right after the appointment, we headed for the playground and ran around together too. Phew, I felt better for doing what the doctor ordered and realized I need to take my kids out more!

I noticed one family whose children were riding bikes but they were sitting in the minivan. What a shame I thought! They could have been exercising right along side of their kids and making a better memory together.

I know many moms stress out about fitting exercise into their schedule. How about making exercise a habit for you and your growing kids? When they run, you run too! You'll stay healthier as you keep moving with your energetic kids!

"Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength." Psalm 8:2

Life is Fragile

2009-01-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

My heart is heavy today as I write. I sent a Christmas card to an old friend and received a letter back from her husband a few days ago. He wrote to tell me that my friend died from cancer on December 15. The Christmas letter I sent to encourage her? Well she got it nine days too late. I can't imagine how many times her dear husband had to open a card addressed to them or to her. Ugh! Anyway, the finality of her life on earth was so weird. She has been sick for about five years so she's been ready for this. It still came as a total shock to me. I ache for her husband and two children. Their daughter and my daughter went to preschool together; I have such fond memories of those simple, playful days. She fought accepting Christ until the very end. One of my dear friends says that she did accept Christ and was even baptized! I don't know all the details of that situation but I pray she's in heaven, resting in Him.

All this makes me think, why wait? Why wait to start living life to the fullest? Life is fragile. Our time here is short. Our time with our children is short. Look at your baby. I doubt he/ she is much of a baby any more. I can barely remember my kids as babies and it wasn't that long ago! My middle child loved to rock. I would just stare at him for hours while he napped, clinging to that time. Now it's over and he's at school all day! Our time here on earth is so short, so precious. It will end and it will happen quicker than we can imagine.

Maybe you need to pray about accepting Christ's gift. Maybe you need to pray with your kids about them accepting Christ's gift. Eternal life is coming one way or another. It almost tortures me thinking about how much time we DON'T have here; why wait? Why postpone making the most important decision of our lives? Why postpone fully living for Him? Why postpone teaching our kids the truth about God and His word?

Today I challenge you to stop postponing. Wherever you are in your walk with Him, wherever you are in training yourself and your children...I challenge you to take it to the next level in 2009. Life is fragile. This may very well be your last year. What will you choose to do with it?

Be challenged!

Be lifted!

John 10:10

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Reflections at New Years

2009-01-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year moms! It's the beginning of a new year, fresh with hope and anticipation. I was listening to one of my favorite radio programs this week, Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. He encouraged us to list 10 significant things God had done in 2008. To keep that list handy, to use it to remember God's goodness. I think this is a great habit.

I love talking with my husband about our highlights of 2008. A vacation with my parents and the kids in Maui. Releasing my audio course, Losing Weight After Baby: 31 Days to a New You. Watching our kids grow in God's grace (ages 4 and 2). Traveling to Yosemite National Park with my husband's parents. Speaking to MOPS groups.

The highlights involve low-lights too. A miscarriage in the fall. Marriage trouble for friends. But in those challenges, God's power to save is magnified.

Have you made a list of highlights for 2008? Take a few minutes to do so and you'll be armed with a spirit of thanksgiving and praise in the New Year!

"You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word." Psalm 119:65

After Christmas Shopping Tips

2008-12-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

December 26th...the day to work off the turkey and gravy by hitting the mall with a vengeance! I have fond memories growing up of taking money I had been given at Christmas and going to buy new clothes at the after Christmas sales.

Are you headed for the mall today? Or maybe Target or Wal-mart?

Here are a few tips to help make your shopping a little healthier:

1. Bring a bottle of water with you. You want to stay hydrated and that will also help you feel fuller and keep you from buying a soda or coffee while you're out.

2. Put a protein bar in your purse or another satisfying snack. You'll probably get hungry while you're out and you don't want to be standing in front of Cinnabon when that hunger hits!

3. Walk, walk, walk! If the weather permits, park far away from the store so you have to get a few extra steps in.

4. If you have to wait in a long line to check out, don't just stand still. Go up on your tiptoes a few times, and tap your toes while you wait in line.

May the remembrance of yesterday's activities warm your heart today and know that God has wonderful plans for you today and in the New Year!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts on Christmas

2008-12-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

I received a gift book a few years ago that I love re-reading every Christmas season. It's a little book full of scripture and thoughts on Christmas. These are things I'm reading to my children this year. Here are a few gems:

Infinite, and an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Heir of all things, yet the carpenter's son.

-Charles Spurgeon

On Christmas Day two thousand years ago, the birth of a tiny baby in an obscure village in the Middle East was God's supreme triumph of good over evil.

-Chuck Colson

Christmas is about a baby, born in a stable, who changed the world forever.

-John Maxwell

The Son of God does not want to be seen and found in heaven. Therefore He descended from heaven to this earth and came to us in our flesh.

-Martin Luther

Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both.

-Phillips Brooks

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself.

-Charles Dickens

Matthew 18:11

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Luke 2:9-14

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I shall bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Be lifted! Merry Christmas!

When You've Eaten One Too Many...

2008-12-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday morning, I had cookies and cake at church. Monday night I had cheesecake at a Christmas party. Wednesday night, there was the cake at a baby shower. And tonight, there will be dessert at my extended family's Christmas party. And of course in between all these merry events, there's all sorts of snacking going on!

Does this sound familiar to you?

It's easy to have "one too many" to eat through December! So here are a few things you can do starting today to keep the scale from moving in the wrong direction:

1. Keep a food journal until Christmas. Record all you eat and drink each day. The shock and awe you experience by realizing what's being consumed may be enough to stop you - ha!

2. Fit in exercise. Try doing an exercise DVD at home for 20-30 minutes.

3. Don't buy anything else yummy for your own home. You'll have plenty of opportunity to have treats at upcoming parties and get togethers.

4. Drink water and tea; skip the egg nog and Christmas coffees at Starbucks.

Remember what it says in Proverbs 25:28: "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

Practice self-control and you'll have a merrier Christmas without the regrets of overeating (too much!). Hope you have a great weekend preparing for Christmas day!

Roller skating with the family

2008-12-18T04:39:00.000-08:00

I went rollerskating last night with the family. My little boy's Cub Scout troop rented out a rink. We had a hoot! There were so many good things about our night out. I got to hang out with my ten year old daughter and it was fun. Sometimes we struggle to have fun together. I got to skate with my six year old too. He was so frustrated because he couldn't skate. He hadn't gone fifty feet and he wanted to give up. I let him cry and freak out for a while and then I sat him down and we had talk. I explained that trying new things can be really hard and even more scary. I went on to tell him that if he never tried he would never get to enjoy it. He finally gave in and tried. As I left him alone to try he excelled! He had so much fun by the end of the night, he was asking when we were coming back. Another fun part of the night was watching my three year old on the sidelines with Daddy. They hung out all night. They played video games and watched everyone skate. He loved when I would go by and give him a high five or kiss him on the nose. Dad hung out with the dads and seemed to enjoy that too. I can't remember the last time we all had so much fun. We will be doing that again!

We get so busy with the mundane things of life, our activities and the requirements of life. Find something fun and do it with your family. It will refresh you and make your kids smile. And they'll have wonderful memories too! Don't forget the camera either. My husband got a great shot of our little boy and his best Cub Scout friend. It was nice to see him smiling and all of his tears gone. I would have cried if I fell three hundred times, too.

Did I mention the best part of the night? We won three stuffed animals from the claw machine!! Who ever wins anything out of that game?? We never have. Our kids had a blast and had a souvenir, too! What a way to cheer us all up in the middle of some nasty weather. We've been cooped up with illness, too. We needed a night of fun.

Bottom line? Have fun with your kids. The best gift you can give them is your time.

Be lifted!

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine...

How You Can Lose Weight in the New Year

2008-12-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce the start of my new audio course called, Losing Weight After Baby: 31 Days to a New You!

I've been developing this material for the past 2 years, researching and journaling about what works for moms who want to lose that baby weight and keep it off.

Here's how it works:

1. You decide you want to have a breakthrough month. You haven't seen the scale moving in the right direction and you want that to change. You want to be healthier and have more energy.

2. You sign up for my 31 day audio course. Every day for one month, you'll receive a 5 minute audio message from me directly to your inbox to motivate you, inform you and then call you to action. The daily action steps are totally doable and will produce life change.

3. Your clothes will fit looser and you'll be on your way to achieving your weight goals!

Give yourself the gift of health this Christmas and please sign up. Your husband and children will thank you because we as moms have so much influence over the health of our kids. The audio course will sell for $29.95, but I have a Christmas special right now for $19.95 in December so don't let that pass you by! That's way less than a cup of coffee (it's less than 65 cents a day!).

Get ready for a NEW YOU in the NEW YEAR!

"Behold I am doing a new thing..." Isaiah 43:18

By the book

2008-12-11T04:26:00.001-08:00

I remember when my daughter was first born. I had no idea what I was doing and had zero experience with babies of any age. I was never much of a babysitter either! So what did I do? I bought the books with all the information I could ever need. I assumed if it was in a book then it had to be right and it had to be exactly what my daughter needed. What to Expect the First Year was my favorite. It was simple and easy to follow. But then my daughter started deviating here and there from what the book said was normal. I was confused! Was my child wrong? Was the book wrong? Wasn't there a proven formula for all this motherhood/ childhood stuff? I honestly had a rude awakening. As I had two more kids I rarely looked at the book. I would check out rashes and symptoms to see if we needed to go to the doctor but that was about it. The first time around the books were really nice, reminded me that I was doing things correctly and that my daughter was okay. But these wonderful books were limited. God makes us all different! We grow at different rates, we change and progress at different times. One baby's rash is another baby's crisis. I had to learn to trust my instincts. I also learned that the only book that is always right is the Bible! Concerning my children I have consulted the Bible over and over and over again and it always applies to me and my kids. There aren't parts of it that I skip because they don't pertain to us. So here's some advice. Read the baby books, there is a ton of good information in there. But don't be surprised when your baby isn't doing exactly what the book says he/ she should be doing at that particular age. On the other hand, as you are consulting your Bible for guidance and asking God how to raise them...don't be surprised when you learn that your child is a sinner by nature. That one shocked me too, never saw it coming. Sure, buy the books, read the books, consult with them. But if you have to go by the book, make it God's word.

Be lifted!

Psalm 119:9-11

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Sorry for the late post...I had a horrible migraine yesterday. It's lingering today...

THE SANTA FACTOR: WHAT WILL YOU TEACH YOUR CHILD?

2008-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have a bone to pick with Santa Claus. The guy has some nerve pushing his way into a holiday that is supposed to be about the birth of Christ. How did this jolly old elf become indelibly linked with such a holy celebration? It is hard to be too angry with an old man who delights in giving, but what is the deal with his rewards and punishment system? After all, I have seen plenty of “naughty” children doing quite well for themselves on Christmas Day while some “nice” children barely get anything. Since I was a little girl, I have had questions about this mysterious man, and this year, I plan on finding some answers.

Fact or Fiction? The legend of Santa Claus is largely attributed to Saint Nicolas, a kindhearted Christian bishop who lived in the fourth century. Legend credits him with many miracles as well as the personal characteristic of selfless generosity. “It appears there was a Nicholas of Myrna, although at one time even Rome questioned his existence,” says John Hoh, author of Santa Claus: Is He for Your Child? (Xlibris Corporation, 2001). “The only historical reference to a Nicholas of Myrna was at the Council of Nicea.”
Hoh explains that many of the legends about St. Nicholas do not agree. As he was researching for his book, his intent was to delve into a study of the original Nicholas to show the giving nature and evangelical spirit of the historical man. “Unfortunately,” he concedes, “where Scripture is consistent with details, Nicholas’s legends are not.”

Many Christian parents struggle with Santa Claus. How do you answer your child when she asks, “Is Santa Claus real?” Richard Patterson, Jr, author of Parenting: Loving Our Children with God’s Love (Intervarsity Press, 2006), says “By the time our son was 5, he noticed that there were Santas on every corner, and he began asking questions. ‘Which one is the real Santa, Daddy?’ That’s when it’s helpful to ask questions right back.” Peterson recommends asking gentle questions that prod a young child’s ability to reason. He suggests open-ended questions, such as, “What do you think? A real person cannot be in two different places at the same time, can he?” This allows you to acknowledge Santa as make-believe and redirect the conversation toward the real celebration – Christ.

Naughty or Nice No matter how desperately you try to have a Christ-centered Christmas, it is tempting to use Santa for some parenting back-up during the stressful days of hustle and bustle. My friend Renee’s eyes twinkled merrily as she watched her 4-year-old scamper off to play. “This has been the best Christmas ever,” she said happily. “I struggle with Harrison all year long, but at Christmastime he turns into a perfect little angel.” Renee and her husband, Bob, had encouraged an elaborate Santa fantasy for their young son, even going so far as to make reindeer hoof prints around their backyard. When I asked them what they were going to do when Harrison found out the truth, Bob just shrugged. “All I know is this is working,” he said. “When we remind him that Santa won’t bring him any presents if he acts up, he does exactly what we tell him to.”

Patterson believes this type of parenting is unwise at best. “It’s a shortcut that avoids the better (and most difficult) approach of motivating children to do the right thing because it’s the right thing,” he explains. “That’s a parent’s goal. Children are to obey because it’s the right thing, because it pleases God and pleases Mom and Dad. That should be the motivation.”

John Hoh agrees and reminds parents that Santa is only a temporary fix for discipline problems. “It’s only effective for one month – maybe two if you use the threat that Santa will return in January to retrieve the gifts.” Eventually, everyone finds out the truth about Santa Claus. A child who has been hoodwinked into good behavior will have no reason to comply with his parents when the jog is up. “Trust is broken,” acknowledges Hoh. “In fact even before the truth comes out, a child can be disillusioned.” Focusing on a child’s outward behavior without tending to the motives of his heart will not solve discipline issues.

A Works-Oriented Myth It seems odd that Santa, a legalistic, works-oriented, earn-your-keep type of guy, is able to steal the spotlight from a Savior who offers full and free forgiveness to all sinners, not just the good boys and girls. “Our children are really trying to be good,” says Hoh. “And if they feel they are failing, they either become guilt-ridden or they act up even more.”

Why waste your breath explaining Santa’s philosophy when you could be sowing seeds of grace in your child’s heart? Remember the true meaning of Christmas: “For God so loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The core of the Christmas message is that you received what you could never earn and what you did not deserve. “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift” (Ephesians 2:8). It is the best gift of Christmas.

Emphasize Christ Whatever age your child is, the best approach for the Christmas season is to emphasize the birth of the Savior. Patterson offers the following tips for keeping the focus on Christ. “Ignore Santa and major in Jesus,” he advises. He advises parents to deal with the Santa factor only when necessary and then as little as possible. Instead celebrate Jesus together in as many ways as possible through church, traditions, devotions, giving, and mission projects.

This article first appeared in ParentLife magazine, December 2007.

Celebrate Where You've Been

2008-12-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

You can't help but smile when you see this picture.

This is my own Pillsbury dough boy posing as Santa, taken around Christmas 2004. Now my little Santa is 4 years old! How time flies!

When I think back about my babies and those precious first Christmases together, my heart is full, and the pressing needs of the day don't seem quite so pressing.

So today, I want you to remember your baby. Maybe this is your first Christmas together with baby (or third or fourth...). Take time to reminesce about where God has brought you already. Capture these sweet Christmas moments in your heart (and on your cameras!).

I received a baby shower invitation this week for a mom who had her original shower cancelled because the baby came early. He arrived early with complications, but now months later, he's a healthy baby boy. God is good. Don't forget to think about His goodness in your life. Every baby is a miracle.

You can even be thankful for that post-baby body, even with all it's jiggles and wiggles! The baby fat will come off!

"Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke
2:19

2008-12-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

This time of year we are inundated with ads on television and in newspapers. Every single thing in every single ad is something they want us to believe we NEED to have to be happy. I haven't bought many trendy toys for my kids but the ones I have...well they've never kept their interest and I felt suckered. We've made it a priority in our house to completely downplay the whole notion of "I've gotta have this and that..." Ads for adults are just as bad. Surely we'd be happy if we had all the latest fashions and gadgets. I understand gift giving and I think it's fun and can be rewarding and meaningful. But accumulating things as a tradition of Christmas is not something we want to pass on to our kids. I am making every effort to have the tv off more than normal and to toss the ads before my kids even see them. Seems like we can't want things we don't even know exist! At bedtime we are reading various Christmas books and inundating them with the true message of Christmas: Christ came to earth to be with us and to save us! That's something I want my kids to WANT for Christmas--Jesus! The world around us has been going nuts for years and years; the commercialization of Christmas can make you depressed like Charlie Brown. I think I'm going to design my own ads for Christmas and post them around the house. Maybe the kids can make some to share with our neighbors. We need to be advertising Jesus and his wonderful gift.

Be lifted!

Isaiah 7:14

...The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Turkey Trot

2008-11-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

How was your Thanksgiving? Hope you had a wonderful time with your family and friends!

My family started the day in an unusual way. We entered Father Joe's Turkey Trot...a 5K walk/run to benefit the homeless in San Diego. More than 6000 people came out in the rain! I will admit we cut 2 big corners of the race to shorten the loop. That's what you do when you have 2 kids in a covered stroller in the rain who are saying, "We want out!"

Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun. See from the picture, we were first to cross the finish line. Actually, we took that picture before the race - ha! It's a good thing too because the rain was coming down so hard during the race.

Since all of us are probably eating more than we need to this Thanksgiving weekend, take time for your own turkey trot. Walk around the block with your family. Pop in an exercise DVD today and workout for 30 minutes. Do something extra to combat those extra pumpkin pie calories. And have fun in the process!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures
forever." Psalm 136:1

Gratitude

2008-11-26T20:10:00.001-08:00

Believe me I know there are some tough things to teach our kids. I think gratitude is one of the toughest things for them to grasp. We've had a small table tent on our table for the last month that we got at a local restaurant, it explains gratitude in terms children can supposedly understand. I think it's vital that we have our children say "thank you" and all that. But the longer I live the more I believe that kids learn gratitude from our attitudes, words, and actions. Sure, we should keep on keeping on with the, "Honey, say thank you." But it's so much bigger than that. God wants us to be thankful in our hearts WAY more than he wants us to just say the words. He wants us to be so grateful for him and all he's done for us that it actually changes the course of our lives. He wants us to live for him instead of ourselves. Now that's gratitude! Will our kids ever "get" it? Yes. It may not be for twenty years but they will get it. Think about it...when were you genuinely grateful for the blessings God has given you in your life? It probably wasn't when you were three. These things take time. I'm grateful that God has given us time to learn these things and to teach them to our little ones. Keep on keeping on. And keep on saying out loud how grateful you are for God's love. It will rub off. Just listen to their prayers...I bet you hear some gratitude in one form or another. Leave the heart stuff to God, he's big enough to soften and change their hearts.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell God what you're thankful for. Tell your kids too. I suggest you keep a record each year at Thanksgiving of how God's blessed you. Write it down so you won't forget. And when times get hard you can look back at God's kindness and faithfulness.

Be lifted!

Sue

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Your Greatest Investment

2008-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

The economy has tanked.
The stock market has dropped.
The American budget has bombed!

But there is one investment that will never cease to reap a reward of ten-, twenty-, and even a hundred-fold: P R A Y E R.

Praying consistently for your children, about everything, is the greatest investment you can make as a parent. Over the years, I've prayed about everything from potty-training to pitching practice, from friendships to fractions, from bloody noses to broken hearts, and I can tell you, honestly, I don't regret a single moment that I've spent in prayer. In God's economy, prayer is an eternal investment that pays off daily, quarterly, yearly--continuously!

What can you do for your kids? Pray for them.

How do you begin? There are lots of ways:

Bless them as they play.
Whisper over them as they eat snacks.
Pray over their clothes when you're folding and ironing.
Murmur prayers for their health as you work in the kitchen.
Plead for their purity as you bathe them.
Sing your prayers as lullabyes at bedtime.

Ask God to remind you to pray. That's one prayer He loves to answer! Ask Him for clarity of thought and for clear focus to keep you tuned in to His desires for your kids' lives, so that you pray with His perfect purpose and plan in mind.

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in
my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious
Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know
him better. (Ephesians 1:16-17)

Have Fun Mom!

2008-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm biased. This is my little girl and I think her smile could light up 1,000 Christmas trees! This was taken yesterday at SeaWorld where she rode Elmo's Flying Fish for the first time and loved it!

Yes, I am super fortunate to live in San Diego where I can go to SeaWorld often and where the weather permits outdoor activities most of the year. But wherever you live and whatever is nearby to do, I want to encourage you to get out with your baby and husband this weekend.

Take a walk. Visit a new park. Check out the museum you've been thinking about. Look through the event calendar in your area for upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas special activities.

If at all possible, don't stay cooped up in the house - get out there and be active. You're mind, body and spirit will be glad you did!

"Now Mary arose in those days..." Luke 1:39

Encourage one another

2008-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have some tough kids. I have two that are volatile in an aggresive, crying, yelling, freaking out kind of way. I have another one who just cries at the drop of a hat lately. I feel like all I ever do is correct the behavior of Thing One and Thing Three and console Thing Two. Kids are emotional little creatures! Sometimes I find myself getting sucked into the drama. I want to scream myself and holler, "Just quit yelling and crying everybody!" I cannot fathom where they got so much emotion... I have to remind myself quite often that they need my encouragement, not for me to join in their emotion-fest. It is our jobs as moms to encourage our children, to build them up. Yes, there is a time for correction and consolation and everything in between. But at the heart of all we say and do, are we encouraging? Think of one thing each day this week that you can do and say (yes do both things!!) to each of your children to build them up. Maybe it's a note in a lunch box. Maybe it's a special prayer of blessing at bedtime. Maybe it's a lullaby as you rock your newborn. Maybe it's a steady hand as your baby works on walking. Maybe it's just a change of tone from sour to sweet. Ask God to show you how you can encourage your children. You might just change the bickering, fighting, screaming, and crying once and for all. I doubt it could happen overnight, I've lived long enough to know better, but positive words create a positive environment. And a positive environment will be a fertile place to teach your kids about God's love as well as your own!

1 Thesselonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Be lifted!

Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer

2008-11-14T06:30:00.000-08:00

I appreciated the care Sue took in posting on Wednesday about her frustrations. I'm sure many of you could relate to one or more of her concerns and challenges.

Meditating on Scripture and praying are 2 very important things we can do for our spiritual and physical health. With two little kids and lots to do, I have found one resource very helpful to guide my prayers. It's called The Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer by Lisa Whelchel. I highly recommend it! For each day, it has a prayer prompt for:

1. Praise
2. For Yourself
3. For Your Husband
4. For Your Children
5. For Personal Influences
6. Reaching Beyond

She provides Scriptures to pray so you know you're praying about God's will. I've found it helpful to "maximize" my prayer time. Ten minutes with this journal in hand is time well spent with God.

So if you're frustrated with your job or losing weight this week, why don't you take your needs to God in prayer right now? And maybe pick up Lisa Whelchel's book for yourself.

"I will sing of the loving kindness of the Lord forever. To all
generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth." Psalm 89:1

God's Power

2008-11-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days that I have so much to say that I don't know where to start, where it will go, or where we'll end up together! Let's assume that if you are reading Totally New Moms that you are in a season of change and/ or stress, somehow concerning childbearing or child-rearing. You might also be reading this if you're pregnant for the first, second, third, or umpteenth time. You might have recently miscarried and only some of us can begin to understand the depth of your pain. And others of you are childless and want to be child-full and my heart breaks for you. Others of you still are just reading this today because you ran across it or because I directed you to it personally. I figure if you're reading anything on the Internet these days, you are hopeful that it will be thought provoking and helpful at the very least....there's so much junk out there to read, isn't there?

I realize we're here to read about motherhood but let's just talk about only you for today. What is hard about this season for you, as a woman? Is it unmet expectations? Are you disappointed in your mothering skills? Do you feel unfulfilled at work? Do you long to be back in the workplace? Are you missing your family? Do you feel all alone? Do you feel unattractive? Are you struggling with your weight or your horrible eating habits? Do you feel inadequate? Is your husband not doing his part in the family? Are you in a time of transition? Are you grieving something? Are you questioning things about your faith? Are you struggling emotionally? Are you hurting financially? Do you need a better support system? Are you malnourished from not reading your Bible? Are you longing to feel God's presence but you aren't? Are your kids driving you nuts? Are you driving your kids nuts? Do you have an especially rebellious child? Are you butting heads with your daughter or mother or mother-in-law? I could go on and on. Something in your world probably isn't perfect today.

Do you ever feel just downright weary from it all? I do. In fact, I do today. Life over the last few months has been horribly hard for me. One of my favorite people that I'm closer to than almost anyone died in June, ten days after we moved out of state. I am without a support system in my new town. I have no church home. My husband has a wonderful new job where everyone loves him and wants to do tons of social activities with him. He is gone a lot and works what seems to be a lot of hours. My three year old is a basket case because we don't have neighborhood friends for him yet. I am chomping at the bit to write my next book but we don't have the office furniture put together yet and I can't locate all my great notes that I took in May-July. I had a root canal last week and I've had a cold for about ten days. There. Now you know why today, in particular, I feel overwhelmed and somewhat pitiful. Depression is a place I've been and a sadly familiar place. Somehow it has crept back into my life, little by little, day by day, tear by tear. And I'm ready for it to be gone. So where do I look? My help comes from the maker of heaven and earth!

Someone sent me an e-mail today and asked some wonderful questions. I can't look them up directly from this page so I'll try to paraphrase. Basically she asked, "How do you feel God's power at work in your life and experience change through that?" I know that isn't a good paraphrase but that's the gist of it. I am not a theologian; I'm simply a woman who loves God's word. I am going to be totally honest, I don't feel God's power every day, sometimes not every week, and certainly not in every season of life. I only know what His precious word says.

Jeremiah 29:12-14
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD.

Please read that over and over and over again until it sinks in. I am living proof that if you seek him you will find him. It's not always easy or simple. Sometimes he wants us to work hard to find him. But let me tell you, he's not hiding. God's power is there for us. His presence in our lives is all the power we'll ever need. How about this good stuff:

Ephesians 3:16-19
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure and the fullness of God.

No matter what thing you are going through right now as a mom, wife, sister, teacher, worker, all of it, any of it. God's power is there for you. And in that power is the abundant life he wants for us.

John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

I don't know about you but I sure don't have to overcome the whole darn world. Talk to him, he would love to give you some more strength for this season. Some compassion, some caring, some peace, some love. Believe me, he wants good things for you!!!

So how do you feel God's spirit working in you and changing you? Wow that's tough to really explain. How do I know? I know because when HE brings power to my life I'm unafraid of things that usually terrify me. I have confidence in him and because of him. He brings fruit out of my life that is against my sinful nature. Things like patience and long-suffering and gentleness. Those are things that I can't do with my own power. Does that make sense? Keep seeking him, you will find him ladies. And when you do, wow, are you going to be an awesome woman, mom, wife, sister, daughter, and everything else on your list!

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work WITHIN US, to him be glory...

Be lifted!

Now Here's a Contest!

2008-11-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves a contest! Contests involve great prizes and who doesn't want to win something? Well guess what? You can start your own contest for losing weight and put a little fun into your diet and exercise plan.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I were trying to get my parents to do a contest with us to eat healthier and exercise more in preparation for the glut of yummy treats we'll be enjoying over the holidays. They were not interested.

But this week, my mom came up with a great contest. Basically, the person who earns the most points by Thanksgiving wins $100. How do you earn points?

-10 points each day you exercise for 30 minutes or more
-10 points each day you skip sweets
-10 points each day you don't eat past 6:30 p.m.

Believe it or not, this really works! It's fun to do it as a family. This little contest has stopped me from eating that Halloween candy or it's pushed me to exercise.

So if you want to lose some weight or just get healthier as a family, you can try a contest like this. Modify it to suit your needs and pick a prize that would be motivating. Then let the competitive juices flow!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize..." Phil. 4:14

Examples

2008-11-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

Today is not a good day for me to post. I had a root canal two days ago, I have a sore throat that could make me cry, and a sleepless night that ended in tears. My mind and heart have been heavy concerning one subject: examples. Yes, we are examples to our kids. But let me tell you, there are hundreds of examples that your kids are exposed to during their childhood. Teachers, preachers, vacation Bible school workers, coaches, piano instructors, doctors, dentists, clerks, bank tellers, trash collectors, presidents, the list is endless. No matter how significant or insignificant each of these people seem, they all have an impact on you and your children. The messages that children received directly or indirectly does affect how they see the world and themselves. It helps to form their thinking as well as the development of their values system. In our imperfect world it is imperative that we are great examples for our kids. It is terribly important that we expose them to loving adults outside the family unit as well. Kids need to hear it from us and from others that they are valued and valuable. I believe that will make it all the more believable to them that God in heaven loves them, too.

My son has a shirt that says, "Yep, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so." I want that to be fresh on my son's heart every day. I constantly ask my kids, "Who loves you?" They rattle off the list, "Mom, Dad, Grandma, the dog, brother, sister, God, Jesus, Grandpa..." Remind your kids daily of who loves them. These are powerful examples in your children's lives. Strong human role models are precious. But understanding God's attributes and holiness are crucial to developing faith in children. Don't lose sight of the little things. Jesus and his words are the best examples of all.

1 John 3:18-19
...let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.

Are You All There?

2008-11-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

We are a generation that has learned to multi-task. From simple tasks, such as folding clothes while gabbing on the phone, to dangerous ones, like texting while driving, most of us are do-ers, and we feel compelled to be busy.

However, when it comes to parenting, children need our undivided attention. They are watching us, and they derive much of how they feel about themselves by gauging how we feel about them through our actions.

This past summer, I saw a first: a dad was sitting on the bleachers with his laptop open while his son played baseball. He wasn't all there, was he? Glued to a screen, he may have physically been present as his son pitched four innings of a great game, but he wasn't THERE.

While it's easy to fault a parent who so obviously had his attention divided, we do it in small ways everyday. Sitting at a computer while nodding obliviously to a child who is chattering away, or chatting on the phone with a friend while sitting down to lunch with your three-year-old--you might be there, but you're not all there.

Give your child all of you today. Look in her eyes when she talks. Enjoy a snack together, with no interruptions. Take a walk and look at the beautiful autumn leaves--leaving your cell phone at home. Be all there for your child today!

Brush Your Way to Weight Loss!

2008-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my 4 year old and I had a treat after dinner - leftover ice cream cake from a birthday. After eating it, he said, "I'm going to brush my teeth!" because I've conditioned him to think that brushing always comes after eating something sweet. Before you think I'm a super healthy mom, know this: I came to this conclusion after my then 3 year old had cavities at his first dental visit!

So I decided to brush my teeth too...that was at about 6:30 p.m. Many times I have a snack after the kids go to bed and I'm working on my computer. But since I had brushed my teeth early, I skipped the snack.

Guess what? A simple thing like brushing your teeth and flossing after dinner will keep you from hitting the pantry late at night. How's that for a diet tip: brush your teeth! Easy enough!

"I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to
others, I myself should become disqualified." I Corinthians 9:27

What day is it?

2008-10-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Obviously I don't know what day it is or what week it is for that matter. I think I missed a post, maybe two. I hope I can be forgiven. My life is upside down. Ten days ago we got the keys to our new house in Greenwood, Indiana. We rushed around like crazy people, moving things from our little apartment to our house. We did that for about five days. Then we took the kids on last Wednesday to Minnesota to empty out our house. Sunday night we arrived by van and U-Haul with almost all of our things. We were pretty upset that it didn't all fit. So yesterday we unloaded the U-Haul and began the tedious work of putting things where they go. Things never fit the same in a new kitchen! I was so happy to see my Minnesota friends and mortified to leave them. I went so far as to tell some of my friends that I just didn't want to make any new friends. I'm happy with the ones I've got! I've tried to make friends in Indiana but it's not working so well yet. Don't people think I'm as charming and funny as I think I am? Lately I've been retreating a bit because it's exhausting trying to get people to like you. But as I drove 10 1/2 hours back to Indiana something dawned on me--even though I don't have new friends here I know that I can't live in isolation. I am a people person to the core and this move has been especially hard. I'm lonely. I miss my friends. I miss my church. I miss my wonderful neighbors. I miss my YMCA. I miss having something or someone familiar. I feel pretty pitiful about now! I want to walk into a room and people say, "Hey new person, we're so happy you're here. Please be our friend! Please hang out with us. Please get to know us. We can't wait to get to know you." Okay, this may seem silly and a little out there but I specifically prayed for such an event to take place! I've been praying for months that God would bring some people my way. This prayer was different though. I really laid it out there for God. I told him I needed something uplifting in the form of people in my life. I can't keep clinging to relationships in Minnesota. Though they will remain my dearest friends, the relationships have to change. I will only see them a couple times a year at best and I've got to figure out how to live life here and now. So I pleaded with God to help me find some friends THIS week. So here goes... Today I spoke at a MOPS group, not even 48 hours after I prayed this prayer, and I felt like I was at home. People were kind and friendly, not to mention inviting. I honestly think they are taking applications for new people to join! (Not everyone is doing that you know...I can't even get my resume on file at some places...) So let me tell you! God is big. He can answer prayer. He does! What is the desire of my heart? I want to find a place where I belong and where I can serve Him with people who love Him like I do. I found some people today!!! There they were right in my face! I got invited to come to their church service, Sunday School class, and even out to dinner with the ladies?? God answers us and wants to give us the desires of our hearts when we're following Him! He created us to want fellowship with each other so of course He will provide the people. Praise God for such a blessing!

So what does this have to do with motherhood? For me, a lot. I have spent the last several months working very hard to get my kids' lives in order. I have worked to find them fun things to do and friends to play with after school. Their world is upside down too. Now they are in a new school and starting over. I feel exhausted physically and emotionally. I need some girlfriend support. I need to find someone to just chat with and process all this change with. I am a better mom overall when I have friends in my life. Just ask my kids! I am a social creature and I feel like I've been slowly dying. For you other social creatures out there you know what I mean. Just after two hours at a MOPS meeting I feel energized and ready to give more of myself to my kids and to my unpacking fiasco.

So again, sorry for missing a post or two. I haven't had the Internet or my make-up bag, not even sure I have clothes for tomorrow. I have about 35 boxes to unpack yet and every bone in my body hurts. But I met some people today! Woo hoo!!

Praising God for lifting me up again and again,

Psalm 107:28-29

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

I DO REMEMBER!

2008-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

I got a chance to keep my young nephew and niece over the weekend, and it was a great dose of "remember when" for me! When you aren't used to having younger ones around, you really don't think about all the time and energy that must go into that stage of parenting. My teens and 'tween have brought me to a relatively easy place in parenting! Yes, I mean it! When we were vacationing recently, I just kept watching them and thinking to myself how very blessed I am to have such great kids with whom I long to spend time!

Let me just encourage you young moms today that every thing you do counts! You are investing in your children, and there is no better place to deposit your time, love, patience, and energy. The years when they are little and so dependent on you are really rough. How do you respond? Embrace those years! They are fleeting! But how you deal with your kids will count as they grow. Are you praying for them? Are you teaching them God's Word? And are you in God's Word yourself? Are you focusing on being a living example to them of the character and integrity you want them to possess? And are you pointing them to Jesus--praising Him, clinging to Him, putting your hope and trust in Him?

Take heart today, knowing that everything you do COUNTS! These are not years to just "get through." These are years to press in, giving your kids everything you've got, and trusting God to give you all of Him!

Always Ready!

2008-10-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well my 20th high school reunion was last week and I had a great time! It was fun to see old friends and think about days gone by. The big surprise was that a few of our teachers were there also. They looked just the same!

My female classmates were all in good health and everyone looked fantastic!

I havea feeling a few classmates didn't come because they are not happy with the way they look. It's totally understandable because all of us who have had children know the difference a baby can make in our bodies! The extra pounds can easily accumulate over the years, leaving us to wonder what happened to the body we had in our early 20s.

My encouragement to you this week is this: Live in such a way that you're always ready to attend your high school reunion. Eat and exercise regularly to keep your body in good health so that you won't have to go on a radical crash diet before a big event like a 20th reunion. But more importantly, live close to Jesus. Love your family, be faithful in your work, enjoy your life so that when you look back at your life 20 years from now, you won't have any regrets.

"For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

SEVEN "UPS" TO RAISE KIDS WHO REMAIN IN CHURCH

2008-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

**Hey Everybody! I've been traveling over the past week with my family! I hope you enjoy this article of mine today, originally posted on Baptist Press a couple of years ago!**

SEVEN "UPS" TO RAISE KIDS WHO REMAIN IN CHURCH

A recent statistic reported by the Southern Baptist Convention reveals that 88 percent of children who are raised in evangelical homes leave the church at the age of 18 and never return. What kind of example are we setting as parents when it comes to raising, or erecting, pillars of the church? By remembering the seven "ups" for erecting a pillar of the church, you can make sure your children are standing on the firm foundation of your own godly lifestyle:

Cough it UP: Give freely of your time, talents and resources. Eddie Poole is the associate pastor at Canopy Roads Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Fla. Currently, the church is meeting in a local school. "My son Matthew and I always leave at 7 a.m. on Sunday mornings to set up the school for church. Part of our routine is to stop at a convenience store for doughnuts. This past week, he only ate two of them. After church we packed up the sound system, and that's when we saw the five leftover doughnuts that I had given him that morning. I ate two and he ate the other three. Then he looked over at me and said, 'You owe me two doughnuts.' I responded, 'Let me get this straight. I buy you seven doughnuts, eat two, and then I owe you two more? I don't think you get it.' He started laughing. He said, 'I get it. I owe you five doughnuts.' Then I was able to talk to him about how God gives us everything that we have and asks for 10 percent back. We must look pretty silly to say no when he gave it to us to begin with."

Keep in mind that it's okay to establish boundaries as the Lord leads you. Children need to see that their parents are generous givers, but they don't need to see parents who lack priorities and wind up giving so much of themselves that there is nothing left to give their families.

Cheer UP: Are you an encouraging member of your church body? Are you sensitive to the needs of those around you? Think of the pleasure you receive from a (gasp!) handwritten note or an unexpected phone call. By keeping a supply of note cards and stamps on hand, you could easily send at least two notes a week to shut-ins or people who just need a lift. That kind of ministry easily rubs off on your children.

"Children are people pleasers," says Anna Alba, preschool associate in the Kids' Ministry at First Baptist Church in Euless, Texas. "They love to be involved in bringing joy to someone. You let them do what they love -- coloring, cutting, pasting, decorating -- and teach them about loving one another at the same time. It brings honor and glory to God and a little sunshine to someone who needs it."

Clam UP: When you're tempted to dissect the delivery of the Sunday sermon on the way home in the car, gripe about the new church budget or complain about a proposed building project, just be quiet. Your children are always listening. Do they hear you running the church and its operations down? Or do they hear a tone of thankfulness and respect in your conversation? Enough said.

Lift UP your hands and be an enthusiastic worshiper. Train your children by your actions in church. Bill Salmon, minister of music and senior adults at Parkway Baptist Church in Goodlettsville, Tenn., says, "I like enthusiasm in worship. I appreciate the teaching I received when I was very young. My mother had a big booming alto voice and what she lacked in quality she made up for with volume. As a 12-year-old, I remember feeling embarrassed when all the kids around our pew would turn and stare at my mom and roll their eyes. I remember getting home from church one Sunday night and saying, 'Momma, why do you have to sing so loud? People are staring at you.' I'll never forget her reply. She said, 'I'm not singing for them, I'm singing to the Lord, and he expects me to give it all I've got.'

Stick UP for your pastor. As a pastor's kid, I know how important this is, and so does Salmon. "My dad preached from the time I was about 4 years old until he died," he explains. "I saw some really bad character come out of some 'church' people and saw them do and say things that Christians should never do or say. Despite that, my folks had a deep love for people and ministry and a tenacious sense of calling." When he was called into the ministry himself, it was his parents' reaction to the offending parties that set the example for Salmon.

Warm UP to your pastor and other members of your church staff, along with their families, by having them in your home to share a meal. "I wanted to have my pastor over to my house so that my kids would know he was accessible to them, that he was their friend," explains Dianne, a homeschooling mother of three. "I was able to accomplish that for them, but in another way for myself. I began to see my pastor as a person whose family was a lot like mine and who needed my friendship and my prayers, too."

You're UP! "My wife Marla and I try to make serving God such a part of our lives that we don't think about it," Poole says. "Our kids don't think about it either. It just comes natural, and they do it too without thinking much."

As a parent, the home team is really counting on you. When you're up, don't let them down. By setting an example, you're erecting your pillars on a foundation of stone.

Camping and High School Reunions

2008-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by telling you I survived our first camping trip last weekend! As you can see here, my daughter thought it was fun! The only two creatures that bothered us was a turkey that ran past us at night (it scared us half to death! We'll get him at Thanksgiving!) and a cricket in our room that did not let us sleep. But this is what camping is about right? We all hiked and had a great time. So camping and hiking are great ways to lose weight after baby. Except the town we were near is famous for apple pie and it is apple season...

Well, tomorrow I will be going to my 20th high school reunion. Phew...am I old enough to do this??? Actually, it makes me feel very happy because as I look back on two decades, I am floored by God's goodness. Of course my greatest life stories have come from meeting my husband James and having 2 fantastic children.

Going to high school reunions, or any reunions, usually means - "it's time to go on a diet!" We all want to shed some pounds to look our best when we see our friends. And why not use a reunion or some kind of get-together as motivation to lose weight? We need all the help we can get to eat sensibly and exercise more vigorously. So go ahead; use that reunion or maybe the holidays coming up as an incentive to slim down and look your best going in 2009!

The Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty
are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96:5-6

October 31

2008-10-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Am I in a mood to pick a fight? Am I trying to cause controversy? Not by any stretch. I just want to get you thinking because this is something I've given a lot of prayer and thought to. I've lived in several different states and cities. Every place we've lived Halloween has meant something a little different to people. In Texas it was all about the candy and parties. Kids were bussed into our neighborhood to get more candy. Christian families took their kiddos trick or treating and it was widely accepted. Where I lived in Minneapolis, it wasn't so widely accepted in Christian circles. Lots of people I knew only went to harvest parties and did not trick or treat. Some people would only allow their kids to dress up like Bible characters. But Anoka, MN is the Halloween capital of the world and it was absolute pandemonium. I have a buddy that I ran a 5K with in Anoka last year. Nearly 2000 people dressed up in fun costumes and ran 3.1 miles to kick off the two hour parade. I was a pretty cute Napoleon Dynamite! Why do I share all this? We all see the world differently. Regardless of how people are living around you, how do you treat October 31st? What are you teaching your kids about it? It's healthy to examine the reasons you do celebrate or don't celebrate Halloween.

1. Do you decorate? Why or why not?

2. Do you want your kids to dress up? Why or why not?

3. Are your actions/attitudes pleasing to God?

Even if you have babies at home and no older kids, this will eventually be an issue you'll have to deal with. Maybe you're at a place where you aren't sure what you think about all of it. I've been there so I understand.

I prayed about whether or not I should share this...if you're interested in what we do at our house...If you don't want to know then skip this part!! We do dress up and go trick or treating. There, I said it. We also hand out treats. But we don't decorate and we don't make a big deal out of it. We do talk to our kids about how Satan can use anything to try to get his way or try to get a hold of us. Our kids know the basics of the origins of Halloween and that some horrible things have happened on Halloween. We don't wear gruesome costumes and I do talk about how terror and gore are not pleasing to God. But, yes, as offensive as it may to be to some, we are going to dress up in fun costumes: a sheriff, a basketball player, and Dash from the Incredibles. And if I can't find something else, I just might run in Anoka on October 25th dressed as Napoleon again.

But let me tell you from experience, you've got to be prepared to answer questions. Be prepared to explain why you what you do. Number one: What are you celebrating on October 31? For us it's just an easy way to score some Milky Ways and meet people in our community. People in Minnesota didn't talk much to their neighbors. We met 90% of our neighbors on our first Halloween! Number two: What are you celebrating in your every day life? Your salvation? Money, prestige, and stuff? Love, life, and the pursuit of happiness? Freedom in Christ? Love, joy, peace, patience, and long suffering? I believe that God is very interested in our answers.

This particular Halloween I'm celebrating the fact that we can all have different opinions on this issue and still be united in Christ. And the fact that my youngest will still share his goodies with me...

Be lifted!

Romans 15:5

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Jesus Christ.

Camping...Here We Come!

2008-10-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

One great way to lose weight after baby is by going camping and hiking, but I have to admit, I'm not much of a camper. My very first camping trip was with my husband right after we're married. Let's just say the trip began in tears and continued in tears when I had to go the bathroom in the middle of the night and my sweet groom wouldn't wake up to walk with me outside our tent.

Fast forward the tape almost 10 years and I guess I'm ready to try again - ha! This time, we will be in a cabin (upgrade!) but we'll have kids (more challenges!). No running water but at least we'll have shelter. I'll let you know next week how it goes. Hopefully minimal tears will be shed by myself, my 4 year old or 22 month old!

So remember, if you're losing weight, don't be afraid of new adventures. Try hiking, or biking, or go to a rock wall gym. Something totally out of your comfort zone might be a great date night with your husband. If you don't like your new adventure, you should be able to get a lot of laughs out of it anyway!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22

Pleasant surprise

2008-10-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

I read in my devotional book today something really special I'd like to share. Christa Kinde, from Adventurous Prayer wrote this:

"Usually, when we pray, we know exactly what we want God to do. We've given our situation much thought, we've checked out the pros and cons, considered our options, and we've decided how God should work...Things don't always work out the way we think they should. That's because God has something better in mind."

I've got to be brutally honest...we've been going apey in our apartment lately. Let me tell you, there are lots of good things to learn from living in an apartment with three kids after being in a house for so long. We've been so anxious to get a house and a YARD again. We want so desperately to go home and get our things: our beds, the kitchen table, our couch, our dog. I believe God is all about teaching us long-suffering. I know he wants us to squirm and get uncomfortable so we can be more full of gratitude. I've been asking God to just work out all the details of the sale of our house in Minnesota so we could move and get settled in a new house and neighborhood. Guess what? That's not what God had in mind. It's a long story but we're moving and we haven't sold our house!!! We're going to rent a house until we sell our other one and then we can buy our new house. The house has been vacant for a year so they are thrilled to rent it to us til we can close. Guess what? I never even knew that was an option! God has blessed us with a wonderful surprise. And next week my ACTIVE children will have a back yard to play in and a neighborhood full of sidewalks to ride their bikes and scooters on. And I think he's going to answer my prayers, too. We want and need some new friends. I have a suspicion that they are on the horizon.

God is good and full of pleasant surprises for you! Be lifted!

Sue

Psalm 17:8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.

PLAN TO WIN!

2008-10-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

What does your week look like?

I'm a planner. I find if I don't plan, I can be easily overwhelmed by the demands of our busy schedules. For example, this month, my boys will be having basketball practices four times a week. Add church activities to the mix, and you realize we have just entered a very busy season--not fall, not autumn, but Basketball Season! This is a time every year when I am required to plan more than ever. It means that in order to insure my family's comfort and convenience, I am often required to do what is uncomfortable and inconvenient!

For instance, I started tonight's dinner yesterday afternoon! I put chicken in the crock pot, and then, when we arrived home from church last night, I put together tonight's casserole. This morning I know that dinner is in the fridge and it will be easy to heat and serve. Keeping up with the laundry demands of two adolescent boys playing ball every evening means I'm also getting creative with when I'm running my washer and dryer! Remember, those appliances can only make life easier when you use them!

Being a mom is the greatest job ever! But like any job, it requires diligence, creativity, organization, and effort. New moms often feel battle fatigue from all the new demands. I'm wondering: Do you have a mentor mom in your life? Do you have someone who can help you out with your new job? Ask God today for a person from whom you can learn some of the how-to and hands-on aspects of motherhood! And then be watching--look around! Expect Him to send you the help you need!

Under His direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each
part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole
body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16

Children...Our Best Loan from God

2008-10-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your kind comments about my miscarriage this week. Psalm 139:14 has given me so much peace, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." God is the author of life and we can trust Him with our children.

Our church has a moms group on Wednesday nights and this past Wednesday, one mom was sharing how her friend had a 5 year old with cancer. That dear family is racing against time, making memories with their beloved son while they can. My friend said that it's made her treasure her time with her son so much more. She ended by saying that children are on loan to us from God.

Isn't it true that God has given us the greatest gift on loan? Our children (born and unborn) are His, lovingly made by Him and created for a purpose. I take great comfort in enjoying my son and daughter whenever I think of the baby I didn't get to hold. But someday I will!

Unfortunately, my body isn't quite feeling normal yet. The doctors say that makes sense since my body still has pregnancy hormones floating around. So I'm still in need of that afternoon nap and sometimes feel like Eeyore with a dark cloud over me. But GOD will make a way!

BTW, I have my 20 year high school reunion coming in 2 weeks. Of course it's so sad that I'm not pregnant for it; plus I gained 5 pounds in the 8 weeks I was pregnant. I'm the Losing Weight After Baby lady (my website) so I'm working (somewhat) frantically to get these extra pounds off. I say somewhat because my cravings for chocolate sometimes overpower me! I'll keep you posted if I get back to my original weight before the reunion...I'm getting close.

So when you look at that sweet baby today, even if you're sleep deprived and 20 pounds overweight as a result, say "thank you God" for that bundle of joy, on loan to you for this glorious season!

Young examples

2008-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I were recently reading her Bible. She has an Adventure Bible that has some really interesting features. We were reading 1 Timothy 4:12 and she didn't understand a word of it. Here's the verse:

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

Kids are funny creatures. I get such a kick out of how they see the world. She had the funniest ideas about what these things mean. I broke it down for her one line at a time, with a little help from the notes in her Bible. The writers included a box at the bottom of the page to explain this verse to kids. Apparently this is universally tough to grasp for young ones. They suggested young people make a Pledge Poster naming ways they can be Christian examples:

I will be an example.
In speech, I will not gossip or swear.
In life, I will do what pleases God.
In love, I will care about others.
In faith, I will pray and trust God.
In purity, I will choose what is right.

We used this template and came up with even more ideas. We expanded on the original ideas, too. What exactly pleases God? How do we trust God? What is right and what is wrong? How do you know for sure? How can we NOT gossip? It sparked a great conversation that I hope to return to. I challenge you to do this with your kiddos and post is somewhere so you can go back to it over and over again. My daughter felt like a million bucks thinking there was something she could be doing to please God and be an example to others.

Be lifted!

Praise Him for Who He Is

2008-09-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

It's a brand new week! Let's just take a few minutes today to praise the Lord. No matter what is going on in your life today, are you willing to praise God for Who He is? When all is said and done, life rests on the fact that He is God Almighty. He has provided a way for us to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Today may be a horrible day for you. You may be grieving. You may be confused. You may have a spirit of dread that hangs over you because the dawning of this day means you have to complete a task you don't want to do. It could be work. It could be your marriage. Whatever is going on for you today, do you think that you could just stop and say, "I praise you, Lord God, for Who You are."

It's challenging. But the times in my life when I've chosen to do just this have given me a new perspective, a new energy, and a new optimism to press on.

With love,

Miscarriage and Grace

2008-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my daughter Noelle, taken at the hospital almost 2 years ago now. As my husband likes to say, "Women love babies!"

Well, a few weeks ago I posted happily about my pregnancy and starting all over again with baby, and today I'm sorry to have to blog about my miscarriage. But I do so in hopes that it will bring some comfort to all of us who have experienced this loss.

I almost titled this post, "The End of Life...or the Beginning?" because although I've said goodbye to the baby in my womb, that little one's life is just beginning in the arms of God and what a wonderful adventure he or she is having!

When I went for my ultrasound a few days ago, the doctor was sorry to tell me that I had miscarried. Things have moved very quickly this week for which I am actually grateful. Yesterday I was in surgery for a D & C. Mary Birch Hospital...the same place I had my first and third child. The same place I said goodbye to my second child (who I lost at 26 weeks in the womb), and now the same place to say goodbye to my fourth. But believe it or not, going in the hospital for this purpose was not sad. It was a time of grace for me and my husband. God has so comforted us in the fact that He numbers our days and authors our lives. He had a purpose in my pregnancy and knows best about our family. I have been lifted up and supported by the hugs and prayers from my family and my church family.

When I look at my children, I thank God for these healthy babies! At the hospital, I heard the cries of newborns, and while part of me wished for that myself, the other part was so grateful that I have 2 treasures at home.

On days when you feel tired, look at that baby, your treasure, and remember what a blessing he or she is. How precious is the love of our Heavenly Father to allow us to be moms!

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14

Jesus Loves Me

2008-09-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

I just realized yesterday that I've made yet another mistake as a parent. Something horrible has happened to my brain. Somehow having three children has done my brain in. I have forgotten to teach my son a very important song. I was watching a fun You Tube video with my little guy yesterday. It was a two year old girl, sitting in her car seat, singing Jesus Loves Me. My three-year-old got such a kick out of it because she kept messing up the words on the home video. But he knew what the song was and wanted to watch it a dozen times. He grinned at me and said, "I know that song from church." That's a great thing but I felt ashamed because he didn't know that song from Mom. He knows Jeremy Camp, Bethany Dillon, Christine Dente, Casting Crowns, David Crowder...but I don't know if I've ever sang that song with him, for him, or to him. I felt sick! So now we're gonna sing that song! What an important truth for our little ones. Jesus loves me! Praise God for that.

Be lifted!

Psalm 40:3

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

THE TOP SHELF

2008-09-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

Have you heard about the gas shortage in Nashville? It has been an interesting week here in Music City! However, it got me thinking about being prepared, and I thought of a great tip to share.

I really don't like running out of something, and as you can imagine, my husband doesn't either! So when I was a new mom and learning how to operate as a "home manager," I created a Top Shelf in our bathroom linen closet. I wanted to have an "extra" of everything, so that we never ran out. After all, who wants to run out of toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, or razors? So I began buying two of everything, as my budget would allow, until my Top Shelf was fully stocked.

When I make out my grocery list, I just check the Top Shelf to see what needs to be replaced. If it's not on the shelf, then I know that we will soon be out. By keeping the Top Shelf up to speed, no one is ever out of anything he/she needs! This goes a long way in keeping mornings stress-free--for everybody!

This philosophy has expanded to a cabinet in my laundry room where light bulbs and batteries are stored, as well as a hard-to-reach cabinet in my kitchen where I keep my husband's favorite snack foods, my daughter's favorite breakfast bars, and the black beans and rice mix that we cannot seem to function without for more than three days at a time!

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread
of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

Miss America, Diabetes and You

2008-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, I graduated from Regent University in 1998 sitting right next to Miss America! At the time, she was a fellow communication student, Nicole Johnson. But a few months later, she would become Miss America!

Nicole was in my hometown this week, speaking at the American Academy of Family Physicians conference about living with diabetes. Here she is pictured with my kids. I thought it would be fun for my kids to say they've been pictured with Miss America! How cool is that?

So here we are, 10 years later, sitting at dinner together. As the reigning Miss America, she traveled to 3-4 different cities every week and it was terribly lonely to be on the road. Now she still travels extensively, speaking about diabetes issues.

I admire her passion and determination to live to the fullest, even with Type 1 diabetes. She is constantly monitoring her blood sugar and caring for her body in ways that most people don't ever have to think of. In the future, I'll be interviewing Nicole about diabetes and pregnancy, because she did have a healthy baby girl 2 1/2 years ago, even though it wasn't recommended medically for her to ever have children.

Diabetes is a terrible disease and one you want to avoid if at all possible. It's been known as the silent killer. Nicole is so grateful that with advances in medicine, she has been able to live productively these past 15 years with diabetes. Cases of Type 2 diabetes (not the kind Nicole has) are preventable with healthy eating and exercise. So take care not to become overweight. You and your kids will be glad you did!

"I will redeem them from death." Hosea 13:14

Make the call

2008-09-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

While it's fresh on my mind and heavy on my heart today I want to talk to you about some serious issues. I am quite sure there are three types of people concerning postpartum depression: those of you who think it's nonsense (that was me twenty years ago), those of you who have friends or family who have gone through it but you haven't, and those of you who have suffered it's nastiness. I've discovered that most women suffer in silence and never seek help. Eventually most cases of PPD will run their course over time, like 12-18 months. Why on earth wouldn't you want the best quality of life while your baby is brand new? I urge you to get help or get help for your friends/ family. Make the call. Start with who you feel comfortable with. If you find yourself surrounded by people who don't believe PPD, surround yourself with those who know better. It's a real, treatable disease. Find someone you trust to help you get started on the healing process. Maybe it's your pediatrician, obstetrician, family practice doctor. Call your pastor, he'll have resources, too. Call someone professional. They are qualified to help you and point you in the direction of more help if you need it. If any of these symptoms resonate with you, please make the call.

*sleepless

*crying A LOT

*feeling inadequate/ overwhelmed

*fear of being alone with the baby

*poor eating habits

*lack of interest in usual activities

*lack of interest in friends

*lack of interest in sex

*hopeless

*suicidal thinking

*intrusive/ disturbing thoughts

*obsessive-compulsive behaviors

*poor concentration/ memory

*feeling numb

*withdrawn

*thinking about hurting your baby

If you are feeling any of these things for more than a couple weeks, please call someone for help. There is help and someone will take you seriously. Advocate for your health; most likely, no one else will. If you won't do it for yourself, consider doing it for your family. After you've called a professional, please call on the true Healer. Tell your heavenly Father that you are hurting. He is the best refuge available to you.

Be lifted-

Psalm 36:7

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

EASY IS OKAY!

2008-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite discoveries as a mom has been the crock pot! Today I have fresh carrots, potatoes, and a roast cooking in mine! I usually coat the bottom with a little olive oil, and then layer the veggies, with the meat on top. My roast is sprinkled with garlic powder and then I threw in a can of cream of mushroom soup. You don't have to do cream of mushroom soup, of course (Back-pedaling as I am now wondering what Arlene will think about that!). My mom cooked hers in apple juice! :)

It is hard to get everything right and get it all done when you are a new mom with little ones underfoot. The days that I can get supper accounted for and in the crock pot are days when there is a bit of a bounce to my step!

Here are some really easy things to do with chicken.

Start with boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (a less expensive option would be thighs--they're just as good. Be sure to take the skin off!)

Mexican chicken. Add a jar of your favorite salsa.
Italian chicken. Add a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Orange chicken. Combine orange marmelade, BBQ sauce, and a dash of soy sauce. (Sorry I don't have exact measurements here, but I really don't think you can go wrong. If you like it sweeter, go heavy on the marmelade. If you like it more BBQ-y, do equal parts.)

Cook on Lo for 8 hours or Med for 4-6.

I'm all for doing things as easy as possible. What good is a good meal if you are exhausted and cranky when it is time to sit down and eat it?

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
(Proverbs 21:19)

Attack of the Fudge Marshmellows!

2008-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was shopping in the 99 cent store with my kids and when I walked down the cookie aisle, the fudge marshmellow cookies ambushed me! Before I knew it, I had thrown the bag in the cart. When I got home, I put the kids down for their naps and tore open my bag of cookies.

First one. Then two. Before the afternoon was over, I had eaten 6! With that one cheat, I had eaten 480 calories - yipes! But of course, I'm pregnant so I'm allowed such indulgences, right?

Well, probably yes and no. Yes, pregnant ladies can be pampered, but I know for a fact that my growing baby doesn't need the nutrients of fudge or marshmellow!

You know as well as I do...those cookies didn't ambush me. When I was in the car on the way to the 99 cent store, I was already thinking about one item I could buy to satisfy my craving for sweets. After all, it's just a dollar! The choices we make with our food our often pre-meditated. So I guess I need to meditate on more strawberries and salads for the sake of my growing baby.
What are you thinking about snacking on today? Make a conscious decision to buy healthy foods before you step into the grocery store to avoid being ambushed!

"You will show me the path of life." Psalm 16:11

100 Huntley Street!!

2008-09-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to share with you my interview on 100 Huntley Street from Toronto! This was from Friday, Sept. 5th. And yes, I'm finally ready to start blogging on here about my experience with postpartum depression...

Be lifted!

www.crossroads.ca/broadcas/program.php

HOW DO WE LOOK?

2008-09-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

Sooo--how do we look? We love our new design and hope you do to! But what if you don't? Well, we'll survive, of course!

But have you ever imagined how desperately your children need your approval? For little ones, we are the standard. If Mom likes it, it must be good. If Mom doesn't like it, it must not be good. Does your child know today that she has your complete approval?

WORDS. Use your words today to affirm your child. Shore her up with words that encourage and uplift. Try these: I love you! You growing big and strong! Jesus loves you! God made you so very special! I'm glad God sent you to our family! I'm so proud to be your mom!

LOOKS. How do you look at your child? Do your eyes and your expressions convey your love? Let them! Sometimes we moms get so busy we don't stop to enjoy just looking at our kids, just enjoying their age and funny, adorable things they do! They notice when we give them our looks of love!

AFFECTION. Some moms may find they come up short in this department. It's not that you don't love your child, it's just that you weren't brought up to be affectionate. Ask God to help you be liberal in your open displays of love for your child! Hugs, kisses, cuddles--these are moments both you and your child will cherish! Your lavish affection for your child will do some unseen work in his heart and mind: It gives him security and peace.

What are some ways you express your approval for your child?

I'm Going to be a New Mom Again!

2008-09-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

That's my daughter and she's going to be a big sister! Her big brother (4 years old) wants TWINS, a boy and a girl. I have reminded him gently that we don't have twins in our family so it's very unlikely. So I sincerely hope the Lord doesn't perform a miracle to answer his prayers! HA!

So I'm happy to join Totally New Moms in a totally new way. I will be having a baby next year and will be right there with you. I see the doctor next week, so I'll keep you posted. Projected due date is tax time: April 15th.

My husband and I are thrilled about having another baby. God is so good. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was so happy and then a moment later, I was panicked! How will I write and do my podcast and hopefully publish a book in the future with a new baby? How will I start homeschooling next year with a new baby? How will I...you get the picture! But you know, it's not about "how will I..." but about "how will God..." What He delivers, He provides for!

"Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a
reward." Psalm 127:3

-Arlene

Listening skills

2008-09-03T05:25:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend we had family come visit for our son's third birthday. We went to Chuck E. Cheese, out for ice cream and karaoke (seriously, coolest place in town), and to the park. It was a fun-filled weekend for a toddler. I was struggling, through all the excitement, to get my son to obey me. It was time to use the potty chair and he was too engrossed in his new toys to come with me. I told him I was frustrated because he wasn't listening and obeying me. He said to me, "But Mommy, I listened good last week!" Oh how I laughed!

Don't we do the same thing in our lives? We're inconsistent with our kids--admit it sometimes you are! We can be inconsistent in our relationships--with God and people. Okay, is it just me? We can be inconsistent in taking care of ourselves. The list could go on awhile for some of us. I struggle with consistency!! My prayer for myself is to be more consistent so my kids will be more consistent. I want to listen good this week to God! And next week and so on. I want to listen and obey. For there's no other way...oh, that's another hymn, but you get the point. When God speaks, we better be ready to listen and obey.

Are there any areas of your life in which you listened good last week? Are you too engrossed in your new toys to hear Him? I know I have been before. What else is keeping you from listening? Ask God to give you listening ears and an obedient heart. He'll give them to you! Then ask him to help your little ones to obey you because that pleases God. He'll give you patience and help your little ones in the process.

Be lifted!

Sue

Deuteronomy 5:27

Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.

Ephesians 6:1

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2008-09-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

Ready, Set, Goal!

2008-08-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Every August, I have the pleasure of attending a personal growth conference called Mastermind Summit. It's geared for real estate professionals and their families (my husband is a realtor). At past Masterminds, I've heard highly successful people like Neil Armstrong, Zig Ziglar, Bill Cosby and Jack Canfield, just to name a few.

A huge part of Mastermind is writing goals for the next year. You actually write down your goals in five areas of life during the conference: spiritual, family, financial, business and personal.

After I had my first baby, I wrote down the goal of being at my pre-pregnancy weight by the next year's Mastermind. And guess what? I reached that goal and have done it again twice since. Why have I been successful in losing my baby weight?

I owe a lot of my success to goal writing. And by goal writing, I mean setting doable, specific goals with a deadline.

Have you written a goal regarding your ideal weight? How much do you want to lose and by when? You will get more of what you measure. If you set a specific goal for yourself, you will be leap years ahead of other moms. I'm a huge fan of goal writing and I hope you will benefit from setting doable goals too! Ready...set...goal!

"Being confident of this, He who has begun a good work in you will compelte it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1:6

-Arlene

Big bottoms

2008-08-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Kids are all the same when it comes to one thing, they speak the plain ole truth. Kids will blurt out things that embarrass us, humiliate us; sometimes they say things that crack us up. Some of my most embarrassing moments have been in the hands of my children, rather they've come out of my children's mouths. For instance, when my youngest was about ten days old, my older son told the young clerk at Target, "My brother eats my mom's nipples." Talk about an awkward moment. Well, yesterday my youngest son humiliated me without an audience to hear him. He patted me on the rear end and said, "You've got a biiiiig bottom!" Now I don't want to get into Arlene's territory too much but this was quite a downer for me. I know my son is two. I know I'm a grown-up. But boy, that was a smack in the face, er, rear. I have kept 12 of my baby weight pounds off for 18 months but now I'm working on the last five. I have two more pounds to go and I will be pleased as punch with myself when they are gone. The funny thing is my son is right. I do have a big rear end. When I lose the last two pounds I will still have a big rear. If I lose five more and get to my high school weight, I'll still have a big one. Bottom line? Yes, the pun was intended... I have worked hard to get here and that is good for me and my family. I am modeling a healthy, active lifestyle for my kids. And I hope and pray that I'm modeling having a healthy view of my body for my daughter. I don't have a gorgeous body like all the women in the magazines. But I can be proud of the work I am doing. I can be thankful to God for the way he made me instead of wanting to be something I'm not. And I can be grateful to God that he has given me the desire to take care of myself. With a family history like mine--full of diabetes and heart problems--I need to be proactive. I want to be healthy so I can enjoy a lot of years with my kiddos. So what motivates you to be healthy?

Here's to living healthy! Even if some of us still have big bottoms... I'm glad God didn't make us all the same shape, what a boring world that would be!

Be lifted!

Sue

1 Corinthians 4:7

What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?

Work at Home Idea Factory!

2008-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'll never forget how my friend Sondra cried upon leaving her baby boy for the first time. She was a nurse and had opted to take two twelve-hour night shifts on the weekends in order to stay at home with her son during the week. She and her husband were at our house for a Sunday school Christmas party, and Sondra was leaving early from the party to go start her shift at the hospital. She nursed Ty and laid him on my son's bed, sleeping soundly, as she gathered her things and tearfully said good-bye to her husband.

A few months later, Sondra realized that she didn't want to continue working at all. She was missing valuable family time by being away all weekend, and her own internal clock was in a state of dismal dysfunction as she tried to be on night duty all weekend and day duty during the week at home.

This family chose to live modestly on Sondra's husband's income. They put aside their plans to build their dream house, and Sondra came home.

It's hard to make it on one income, no joke. But what if you could work from home? Check out the idea factory below, and see if anything clicks with you!

Home-Based Business Idea Factory

Crafts. Offer a product you can make and sell from home. Expand your business by participating in weekend craft fairs.

Music lessons. Do you have expertise in a musical instrument? Put up an ad in your church, grocery store, and local newspaper for students.

Day care. If you enjoy working with children, many moms have found an ideal solution for staying home with their kids by providing day care for a few other children. Consider after-school care as well for older children in your neighborhood.

Teaching/tutoring. If you have teaching skills and knowledge in a particular subject, consider offering tutoring in the afternoons or even day classes for homeschoolers. Terry Hall, a high school science teacher in Tallahassee, FL, supplemented her family's income by teaching a weekly biology course to the home schooled high schoolers in her area.

Media productions. This can include everything from establishing a photo studio in your home, to filming weddings, to designing websites and newsletters. If this is your forte, your services are in demand!

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. . . (Ecclesiastes
9:10a)

~Rebecca

It's Never Too Late to Exercise

2008-08-22T07:24:00.001-07:00

Last week, I did a Losing Weight After Baby podcast with one of my favorite people in the world...MY MOM!

My mom has been my cheerleader all of my life. If you were to meet her, you would probably say something like, "Wow, is she that happy all the time?" She is the most joyful person I have ever known.

I guess you could say her primary way to burn calories for most of her life was through laughing. But now things have changed! For the last 4 years, she's been coming with me to spin class, twice a week, faithfully! This is quite a miracle because for the first 55 years of her life, she has not exercised at all!

So you see moms, it's never too late to make exercise a priority. My mom has set aside 2 hours each week for exercise and it's been a huge benefit. She feels healthier and knows her heart is getting stronger. And the older we get, the more important this becomes.

Don't worry about your past. Think of my mom. If she can start exercising after 55 years of doing nothing, you can start too!

"Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things
which are ahead, I press toward the goal..." Phil. 3:13-14

-Arlene

Who loves ya baby?

2008-08-20T10:35:00.001-07:00

I never actually watched Kojak growing up but my older brother did. He used to quote a line from the show to me ALL the time, "Who loves ya baby?" For some reason that has stuck with me my whole life. Now I ask my kids, almost daily, "Who loves you?" It's not quite as catchy but it has the same meaning! They recite the list, "Mom, Dad, brother, sister, Grandma, God." I've asked them that question so many times I couldn't even guess at a number. Okay, at least 1000 times per kid. I want them to know who loves them and I want them to say it out loud so I know they know it. I want them thinking about it A LOT.

Yesterday, my two year old took this little game to a new level. He'd been carrying around his bright orange Gideon New Testament all afternoon when I asked him, "Who loves you?" He showed me his Bible and said, "It says in my Bible, 'God loves Bennett.' " That little guy made my day, my month, possibly my year. He's getting it! What Mommy tells him from the Bible is true and he can have full confidence in it. He knows who loves him! Praise God for precious moments like these.

Ask your child who loves them. The answers are sometimes hilarious. But do they know? Do they know, know, know who loves them? Ask.

Be lifted!

Sue

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY!

2008-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was recently sitting with some friends at an outdoor music venue. In Nashville, these events are plentiful, and the park-like settings are a special draw for parents of young children, offering them the chance to hear great music and enjoy giving their kids the freedom to play at the same time. One little boy, around 12-14 months old, took great interest in my circle of friends, probably because we were talking about how cute he was, and also because he saw that we were eating chips and other snacks that looked good to him! Within a few seconds, this child (who was not a bit shy!) was wandering away from his mom and coming to wave, babble, and smile at us. Every time he toddled over, however, his mom would follow, swoop him up, and take him back to his "area." The third time he came over, I noticed the little shirt he had on. It read: "My Parents are Exhausted." LOL! I got a good laugh out of that, but the truth is, if you are doing it right (parenting, that is!) you will be exhausted!

That little boy's mom was doing it right. Every time her son toddled "out of bounds," she followed and retrieved! She had the same reaction each time. She was consistent, diligently teaching him to stay within the boundaries she had set for him. Was she tired? You bet! But once she got through to him where he was to stay, and once my friends and I understood what she was trying to do (We quit smiling at the little cutie and put the snacks away!), she was able to enjoy the concert with a little one playing contentedly--exactly where she had told him to.

Thinking about this, it occurred to me that God parents me with great consistency. His love never fails. His grace is sufficient. His mercy endures forever. It is His consistency that shapes my behavior. I learn how to act like, function as, and be a Christian according to His consistency.

When it comes to parenting, the character of God reveals that consistency is key!

God’s consistency leads me to trust Him. It opens up His character to me. I know that He will keep His Word, He will do what He says. I don’t have to wonder if He is going to come through for me. I know He will because He is consistent.

God’s consistency gives me security. As His child, I know He won’t let me get away with sin. The wages of sin is death. He disciplines those He loves. I know my place as one of His own because He cares enough to discipline me.

God’s consistency allows me to focus on Him and brings me into a state of contentment. Like my little friend, I’m often distracted by worldly enticements when I should be listening to my Father and living on the portion He has provided for me.

. . .have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. (Hebrews 5-11, The Message)

God is really good at being consistent! That’s Who He is! As a parent, I find that my consistency with my kids is most threatened when I am more focused on my own needs above their needs. How about you? Are you consistent? Where/when do you struggle most?

~Rebecca

Lesson from Spin Class

2008-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

I go to a spin class once a week at the gym. It takes a miracle to get to the 5:45 class (I call it the 6:00 class and even that's optimistic) so I usually make it to the 8:00 class. I've seen many instructors and I like most of them. Except the one I had yesterday. She was a few minutes late and took a lot of time setting up her microphone and adjusting the levels of her stereo. Like 15 minutes. And she would just yell out things for us to do. "Stand up." "Third position." But she wasn't sweating with us and I didn't feel very motivated. Then to add to all this, she walks up and down our rows of bikes, inspecting our form. She doesn't make any comments. Who knows what she's looking for? She's not even breaking a sweat!

I'm sure if I met her otherwise I would think she was wonderful. But in my mind, she stinks as a spin instructor. Why? She doesn't get down in the trenches with us. She didn't inspire us. She was laid back, distant and tardy.

What, you may be wondering, does this have to do with mothering? You know, our kids want to see us act on the things we say we believe. We can't just show up and say, "Read your Bible." "Pray." "Go to church." "Love your neighbor." Our kids need to watch us doing these things. I've got to be involved with my kids, grabbing each teachable moment I can. I want to experience life with them, not as a distant voice just telling them what to do. But as someone living alongside them, inspiring them to grow strong in their faith.

I was driving home from the gym and I was convicted. Maybe you want to join me in this prayer: Lord, help me to live out your commandments and instruct my children in your ways. Help me to inspire them to live for you. Amen.

Teach me O Lord to follow your decrees, then I will keep them to the end. Psalm
119:33

-Arlene

Is that COOKED bread?

2008-08-13T05:37:00.000-07:00

My kids started school on Monday, (I'm not joking!) a full month before they would've started at their former school. Both of my children are relatively sensitive to what others say to them. My son, in particular, misunderstands a lot of things that are said to him. Sometimes he thinks people are trying to be mean when they simply say, "Hello." I've worked pretty hard to get him to think about what people are saying and evaluate if they are being mean or if they just don't understand what they are saying is hurtful. There is a difference! He's starting to get that in his first grade mind.

As he shared all the details of his first day, he told me of a little boy at lunch who was mean to him. My gut reaction was to believe him, that this twirp was indeed mean. As my son was eating his sandwich, the boy asked, "Is that COOKED bread?" with a snotty tone. I asked my son how he answered him and he said he just kept quiet. He was sobbing by this point in his storytelling. I explained that a couple things were probably going on. 1. The boy didn't know that all sandwich bread is cooked. 2. He was jealous that you have a cool sandwich container that might look like something leftovers would be in, thus the cooked comment. My son thought those made lots of sense but insisted that the boy was mean.

I can't see that scenario has changed a whole lot in my adult life. Sometimes people don't understand or don't want to understand and they just want to be mean. We went on to discuss that people's hearts are sad or lonely and they say things out of their mouths as a result. It's taken me almost 40 years to get that it's not personal. I feel bad for people who are hurting and have to hurt others to cope. What can we do in response? Just like I told my first grader: be nice even when you don't want to be, pray for mean people, ask God to make lunch a pleasant experience next time. We can do that as adults, too...I'm sure of it.

If they haven't already, your kids will encounter mean people at school. What will you say to them?

Romans 12:18

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Be lifted!

Sue

YOU HAVE AN ENEMY

2008-08-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

When Baby Boot Camp was first released (eight years ago next month!), I was in the trenches of promoting it: doing book signings, building my very first website, interviewing on local TV and radio shows, and WHAM! I got my first negative e-mail. And it was a doozy! A lady had written to slam me for something that someone else had said on my website (which she had attributed to me) and then she proceeded to rip me to shreds with her words. Ouch, ouch, ouch! I was in the depths of despair for the next few days, repeating the words of her email in my mind. I knew they weren't true. I knew it was her opinion. I knew that she was even mixed up with what she had to say. I knew she hadn't read my book! But the words she hurled at me brought doubt and confusion to the new calling God had placed on my life.

A few days later, I was at a bookstore where the young manager, Jayson, had purchased 100 copies of my book. (That's unreal, let me tell you. He didn't even have permission from his supervisor to do it. He just did it, put them on an endcap, and sold every single one of them within a few months.) I told him about that email, and he said, "Praise the Lord!"

"What?" I said, completely confused.

"Hey," he explained, "don't you know you have an enemy? The Bible tells us to consider it pure joy when trials come our way. This email means that the enemy considers you a worthy opponent. You're messing with him! So be glad about it!"

That puts a different spin on things, wouldn't you say?

Now consider the life of a new mom.

You're tired.
You can't think straight.
You've got hips and rolls and bulges that you never had before.
Your house is a wreck.

This Mom Thing is a lot harder than you expected, huh? What if you took a moment right now to praise God for the chaos your baby has inspired? What if you just stopped and sang a worship song to put things in perspective? The enemy flees when we worship God in spite of our circumstances! You'll send him packing in no time when you stop and thank God for:

Being tired (How many women long to rock a baby through a sleepless night?)
Having baby on the brain (This is called bonding!)
The hips and rolls and bulges (Arlene will help you get those off, but for now, they are battle scars that you earned for sacrificing your figure in order to bring life into this world!)
A wrecked house (You have more important things to do than clean your house!)

After listening to Jayson's take on my situation, I began to thank God for that email. I praised Him for allowing me to bring a message of hope and renewal to new moms. I asked Him to help me develop a thick skin when people shared their views with me. I thanked Him for the opposition because that meant I was actually getting somewhere! In the same way, when you stop and remember you have an enemy who longs to sabotage your family from its infancy, be sure you stop and remember you have a Savior who offers you victory! Because of Him, you are undefeated, Mom! Live like the winner you are!

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4, The Message)

~Rebecca

Blue!

2008-08-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter is 20 months old and of course to me, the smartest little girl on the planet! Except when it comes to colors. Everything is blue!

"What color is this?" I ask, holding up a yellow duck.

"Boo," she answers.

"What about this?" I ask, holding a green cup.

Yep. You guessed it. "Boo."

Well, the day will come when she'll learn purple, orange, brown, and maybe even mauve. But for now she's stuck on blue.

You know, as moms, we can get stuck in a rut as well.

"What's for dinner?"

"Pasta."

The next day...

"What's for dinner?"

"Pasta."

You get the picture. Being busy makes it hard to be creative sometimes. But I want to encourage you to find healthy foods you like and enjoy a variety of meals. Not every meal has to be "boo."

"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God." Psalm 52:8

-Arlene

Date night with THE KIDS

2008-08-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

I've read dozens and dozens of parenting books but somehow we've never tried one thing, one little thing that is about to change our lives. My kids have been reading on this Sylvan Learning Center website (bookadventure.org) for three years now. This summer their goal was to read enough books to earn a date night with either Mom or Dad. My son chose Dad and my daughter chose Mom. They each got to go out for about three hours with just one of us. We are blown away by what that one on one time meant to them. We've decided to get serious about this and put future dates on the calendar NOW. It was a great time of bonding without competing for attention. We have a fairly demanding toddler so this was good for the big kids to be free of that for a while. I cannot recommend this enough. If you've never tried this with your kids, give it a shot. I know I've read about that and I thought it would be a hassle. We let the idea go and never pursued it. I'm now kicking myself for not doing this for the last decade. We are now going to have random, scheduled date nights with all three of our kids. We're getting out the calendars tomorrow night at dinner. I can't wait to see how God's going to bless our efforts, time, and relationships.

Be lifted!

Sue

1 Corinthians 2:9

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

No More Whining (part two!)

2008-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

I have had a great Monday, spending it with one of my best friends, Ginger Plowman. Ginger was in town today doing a spot on her newest parenting resource, "No More Whining." If you would like to hear Ginger explain the reasons why kids whine and what parents can do about it, just click HERE. This link will take you to NewsChannel5 (Nashville), and you'll see a video box. The name of Ginger's clip is "Strategies to End Children's Whining." Take a look! It's just a couple of minutes, and Ginger maps out her three-step plan for parents. It's really easy and do-able! Like the rest of parenting, the key is consistency!

"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

~Rebecca

I Just Wanted Jeans!

2008-08-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you were frustrated with your post-baby wardrobe?

I remember after having Noelle, I wanted to wear non-maternity jeans so badly, but I didn't have any that fit. I was so frustrated! But instead of marching out to the outlet mall to buy a pair of new jeans, I just waited. Having nothing to wear actually works as a motivation to lose weight!

So here's an easy tip for you if you want to shed some pregnancy pounds: Have a pair of goal jeans handy. Not super skinny jeans. Jeans that are one size smaller than you are right now. Keep them where you can see them. Pick one day of the week when you will try these jeans on. Make it your goal to zip them up one day. Even if it takes several weeks, don't give up!

When I put on my jeans and they actually fit, it was a wonderful feeling. You can accomplish your goals if you put your mind to it. There are even many things you can learn spiritually from meeting a physical goal like losing weight. Traits like perseverance, self-control, patience, and the list goes on.

I'm rooting for you! Keep your goal jeans handy and be sure to come back and leave a comment when they fit!

"Love is patient..." I Cor. 13:4

-Arlene

Teaching kids about grief

2008-07-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to begin to explain my grief to my kids. I'm traveling today to Ft. Collins, CO for my Aunt Carolyn's funeral. Every once in a while a burst of tears will come out of nowhere. I've heard my kids repeatedly ask, "Why's Mom crying?" Their daddy doesn't know what to say and I'm not sure I do either. I can hardly come to terms with my own grief, let alone explain why it hurts so bad to my small children. The biggest pain of all is that I have no idea if my aunt was saved. I do not know with certainty that she is in heaven. She would let me tell her about my relationship with God and she enjoyed scriptures that I shared with her. But I have no idea if she accepted Jesus's gift of eternal life. She never would talk about it. She had a still born child and I think six miscarriages. Sure, I'd like to believe she's with her babies...but I just don't know. And that hurts way worse than her just being gone.

Little by little I explain things to my children about my grief. I don't think they understand a word I share so I try to keep it brief. One of my dearest friends shared a great quote from Billy Graham, "Our grief is not a sign of weak faith, but of great love." That's something my kids seem to comprehend. It's not that Jesus isn't with me or I'm not asking for his comfort-he is indeed with me and he's the only person I can always turn to. He is our help in time of need. He is our rock, comforter, shelter, strong tower. He hears us when we cry. And that's what I'm teaching my kiddos today.

Be lifted.

Sue

Psalm 34:17

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

Sick of the Kids?

2008-07-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

It was an innocent question, however, for me, it was loaded with memories. During a conversation that occurred in our Bible study group at church last night, a man asked, "Hasn't every mom said she is sick of her kids?"

Some moms nodded affirmatively. But not me. I have never said those words, and I never will. I get sick of the weather. I get sick of the way my team is playing ball (although, not lately!). I get sick of various things in life. But I will never say that I am sick of my kids. You see, I made a promise over sixteen years ago--I promised myself, the child in my womb, and any children to come that I would never say those words. Here's why.

When I was pregnant with Danya, I was doing full-time office work. Most of the women I worked with had very little control over what they said, and they were very negative about their homes, husbands, and children. One young woman in particular arrived nearly every morning enthusing over how glad she was to be back at work. "I'm sick of those kids!" she would exclaim as she then detailed how awful the evening or weekend had been, taking care of two toddlers who drove her crazy. Spending time with her babies was horrible, to hear her talk. She was always glad to leave them with the sitter and come to work where no one hassled her.

One Monday morning, she didn't arrive at work. Everyone knew where she was. We had all seen it on the news over the weekend. After begging her husband to get her out of the house on Saturday night, they had left the two little ones with a sitter. The sitter, who had been watching a horror movie marathon for the past day and a half, stabbed one of the children to death.

Okay, I know this is not a normal blog post. But this is a true story that really happened, and when it did, I made a few decisions. I decided then and there that children and life and the hope I live with every day is not something to be taken lightly. I realized the truth of what the Bible teaches about how words hold the power of life and death. And I made a promise that I would never ever say that I was sick of my kids, but that I would cherish every moment I had with them, because you never know.

I certainly don't think about this story every day. In fact, I haven't thought about it for years. But perhaps God is speaking to someone today about the power of words. Maybe this post is a wake-up call for you.

Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

~Rebecca

Calorie Counts on Your Cell Phone?

2008-07-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I'm not much of a cell phone user. I basically use my cell phone to say "I'm running a little late" or to have handy for roadside emergencies. But I know lots of moms who need their cell phones for everything like chatting with girlfriends, texting and taking pictures.

Well, I just read that you can use your cell phone to count calories too!

Let's say you're at a restaurant for lunch and you're wondering what you should order. How many calories are in those raviolis anyway? Now you can check on your cell phone with a new free service called Nutrition on the Go from http://www.diet.com/mobile/. This service has a library of 1700 restaurants and 36,000 plus menu items.

Here's what you do:

Put your phone in text message mode. Type in the restaurant name and menu item. Be as specific as possible. Send that info to DIET1 (34381). In a flash, you receive a text message with the information.

You can try it on the website before you go to lunch to see if the restaurant is listed in their database. I just punched in orange chicken from Panda Express. 500 calories. 27 g fat. 42 g carbs. 23 g protein.

Ah, yet another use for your cell phone! Happy eating!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

-Arlene

Bee sting

2008-07-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today started out like an ordinary day. Then some extraordinary things crept in. I dropped my daughter off at church to go to overnight camp for three nights. This is her first camp experience and we're all really excited for her to try it out. But all of the sudden I felt horrible sending her out into the unknown. I second-guessed my decision to send her to camp. I asked myself, "Is she too little?" So we drove off and I decided not to cry. Why would I cry?

Then I dropped my middle child off at church day camp. Then my youngest and I went to "The Bee Movie." Every Wednesday you can see an old movie, in the morning, for $1. Not bad entertainment for a buck. Unfortunately, I had my cell phone off during the movie. My middle child got stung by a bee (kind of ironic) while we were at the movie. He was crying, writhing in pain, waiting for Mom to come get him. He was scared and pretty much freaking out--he got stung on the ear for crying out loud. We got the message when the movie was over and sped away to church to pick him up. Turns out that he found great comfort in the fact that someone had left me a message and I was on my way. He said he knew all along we were at the movie and he knew we would come get him right after it was over. He wasn't scared at all once the swelling went down by 75%.

I experienced this weird sting in my gut when I let my oldest go to camp. My middle child got a horrible sting in his ear. It's been sort of an emotional day. I'm still grieving a recent loss and it continues to sting in my heart. What's important is that our kids know we will be there for them when life (or bees) sting them. And that our Father is there for all of us, no matter how significant or insignificant the sting. I was reminded today that my kids truly are comforted by me. Just one hug and kiss brought my son so much relief. And letting my daughter leave for camp (after a hug and kiss) brought her much relief. Sometimes we hold our kids close and sometimes we have to let them go and grow. I am simply thankful that the Father is collectively holding us tightly, ready to provide us with comfort!

Isaiah 49:16

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Be lifted!

Sue

All You Have to do is Ask

2008-07-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

Hey Everybody,

We just returned from a great weekend in Chattanooga, TN, at the annual CSTHEA conference. Although I am there to teach, God never fails to teach me something in the process! This year, I was most affected by a young dad and his two small sons.

He was browsing the booths with both the boys in tow so their mom could have some time on her own. (What a great guy!) As he approached my table, his boys couldn't help but notice the candy on it! They began tugging on their daddy, who replied with, "All you have to do is ask."

Well, I never really thought of myself as being scary to children, LOL, but both these little guys seemed to cower at the prospect of having to ask me for the candy! Now, I have the candy out for people to freely grab some, but I'm on the dad's side, so I'm going to wait for them to ask me.

Finally, one of them got up his nerve. With an adorable smile, he asked for the candy and got some. Pretty easy, huh? But his brother, hiding behind Dad's legs, just managed to look worried and afraid. I'm sure he was shy, and that was contributing to his hesitancy, but hey, his brother had asked, received, and was now enjoying the candy! And nothing scary had happened to him!

The dad repeated, "All you have to do is ask." But the little boy wouldn't, and they trudged on down the convention hall.

I turned to my husband and said, "We have not because we ask not." And that is as simple as it is. God tells us to ask. We can come boldly, like one of the brothers did, or we can hesitate, doubt, and trudge away with nothing, like the other.

What do you need today? All you have to do is ask.

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:16)

~Rebecca

But I Don't Feel Like Going to the Gym!

2008-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am by no means a morning person. If it was up to me, I would roll out of bed at the crack of 8 am and treasure every last minute of sleep. But last month, my husband and I joined a gym close to our home. My goal is to get there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning before the kids wake up to exercise.

This Wednesday when the alarm rang, I wanted so badly to turn it off and say "Forget it!" and go right back to bed. Who needs to workout when one can sleep? But then I thought about how I would regret the decision. Before the workout, I never want to go. But after the workout, I always feel re-energized and ready for my day.

My husband's old boss gave me a helpful tip. When you're lying in bed, having that conversation with yourself about how you don't want to wake up, just get up and go to the bathroom. Once you're in the bathroom, you'll be more awake and more able to make that decision to wake up. So when lying in bed just think, "I just have get myself to the bathroom." Baby steps right?

Even when you don't feel like going to the gym or exercising at home, think "mind over matter." Take a baby step to start and you'll be glad you did!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13-Arlene

Just watching

2008-07-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

First, let me tell you that I am doing this at our YMCA because my internet has been down for over a day. Oh the joys of apartment living. Unfortunately, I don't have my Bible here so I'll have to add a verse later.

Yesterday we took the kids to the Y to swim. This may not sound that exciting but for my kids it's a treat and a half. We have lived way up north for quite some time. Living back in the land of sunshine and heat has been wonderful. My kids aren't turning blue from the wind and chilliness; instead they are quite content to swim for hours. We haven't been this tan for years either. It feels like we're on another planet.

My husband took the older kids to the "big" pool and the baby and I played at the "little" pool. We were in twelve inch deep water and my son was blissful. He kept begging me to swim with him. I tried to explain to him that I couldn't really swim in the shallow water. He wasn't buying it. So I kicked my feet and splashed--that placated him for a few minutes. Then he started correcting me, explaining that I wasn't swimming, I was merely pretending. Although he was right I couldn't find any words to explain my problem. A two-year-old is hard to get through to sometimes! I took a deep breath and tried another approach. I shared with him that oftentimes I enjoy just watching him and not doing anything else. He smiled like it was Christmas morning. He loved the idea that I enjoyed watching him and spending all my energy on that activity alone. I didn't have to swim after all and it was refreshing to share my heart with him. I got a kick out of watching him swim and flop and splash. He even attempted going under water for the first, second, and millionth time. And who got to witness these wonderful things? Me!

Thank God for the precious moments in which we get to just sit back and watch our kids try new things. How blessed are those fleeting moments.

Surprise!

2008-07-14T04:13:00.000-07:00

My friend Jodi just gave birth to her firstborn son--exactly a month before her due date! Thank God, Baby Jack is healthy and strong, and Jodi's doing fine, too. God's timing is always perfect, after all, and I'm thankful that a month early to us is still right on time to Him.

Like Jodi, most new moms learn quickly that flexibility is foundational to parenting! Whether things don't go the way you'd like them to (or the way you expected them to) in the delivery room, during your hospital stay, or after you get home, you must learn to roll with the punches. Easy? No. Crucial? Yes.

When my friend Tammie had her baby, she confided to me that there were times she wished he was still in her womb. Despite many months of longing to hold him in her arms, Tammie had discovered that inside her womb was really the safest place for him to be! Once in the world, things quickly spiraled out of her perceived range of control. She had to leave him with a caregiver while she went to work, rather than his being with her, in her womb, all day. She had to feed him and let his own digestive system handle the processing needs, rather than those needs being taken care of in her womb. She had to listen to his cries and figure out what he needed.

Isn't it great to know that as moms we can rely on the Lord for our parenting needs? Just as surely as He saw into the depths of a dark womb and supervised the making of a human being, He will continue to be by your side, seeing into the depths of your need and giving you the strength and flexibility required for parenting! Nothing is a surprise to Him.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

~Rebecca

New York City, Here We Come!

2008-07-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

We recently traveled coast to coast to visit my husband's family. To our shock, our connecting flight from Newark NJ to Virginia had been cancelled. The next flight would not be until the next day. Because we needed to get to a family reunion, we decided to rent a car and drive 8 hours to our destination. It was a travel day to be remembered but not repeated!

The upside of all this was that we had the chance to spend the day in Manhattan on the way home. My husband grew up on Long Island and New York is one of his favorite cities in the world. We would have never planned a vacation to the Big Apple with 2 young kids, but we had a blast!

A funny thing happened in Chinatown. We were so tired from walking and just stumbled into a restaurant without paying much attention. We ordered sesame chicken and noodles. When the chicken arrived, it looked strange. Turns out we had chosen a VEGETARIAN restaurant and the mock chicken was really tofu! The waitress was so polite to us and when we left the restaurant, we read the big sign above the door "VEGETARIAN CHINESE RESTAURANT." I don't know how we missed it.

But here's the funny thing: we all ate the tofu, even my kids, and they even liked it! So you can get creative with your foods as you're trying to lose weight and maybe even look for a vegetarian restaurant on purpose!

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." Psalm 37:23

-Arlene

Haircuts

2008-07-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last week, my daughter asked, "Daddy, can I get my hair cut?" His gut reaction was no and then he said he'd think about it. He completely wanted to say, "No way!"

For my husband, long hair is a beautiful thing. He hates it that I have short hair now. I've tried to grow it out for him but it looks goofy and I don't like it long any more. Some women approaching 40 look beautiful with long hair; I don't think people like me can pull it off. My hair dresser in Minneapolis said time and time again, women who are done having children decide to grow out their hair and hold on to their youth. I don't know if that's the case, many of you have always had long hair. I digress...

The kids are with Grandma in Kansas City this week. Our daughter called my husband at work yesterday and asked, "Daddy, can I get my hair cut?" He said that was fine. Then she called me later in the day to confirm that it was okay. I think it's great that she's cutting it. She's not one to take care of her hair. Oftentimes she looks like she doesn't have a mother, if you were judging solely on her hair. It's always knotted and rough looking. It's extremely thick and tangled up something awful. So a hair chopping sounds great!

What can you apply to our hair situation? Some things in child rearing REALLY matter, others don't. You and your husband have to decide what really matters and stick to your guns on those things. It's tough for my husband to let her cut her hair but he knows it isn't an important issue. Heart things are much more important. Who she is and how she acts are what we care about. Haircuts seem inconsequential when you look at it. But if she wanted a mohawk I guess we'd have to have a family meeting...

What's important to you? What do you want to spend your energy on, teaching your kids? I'd like to believe that whatever is important to you will be instilled in them forever. The good and the bad...no pressure, Mom. But I think it's true--what we spend doing with our kids and what we teach them--it impacts who they are and who they become.

Be lifted!

Sue

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

God's Best Work

2008-07-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love light! Whether it's sunlight or artificial light, I want plenty of it during the day or even at night if I am working or reading. We open all the curtains and blinds first thing in the morning to get the day started. It's energizing! Besides that, I want to be able to see what I'm cooking or cleaning or studying. If I have to work under a dim light, I can't see what I'm doing. Inevitably, I end up with a sloppy job, whether that means that I've missed some spots on a floor I'm trying to enhance with wax or on a face I'm trying to "enhance" with makeup!

Have you noticed, however, that God seems to do his very best work without the benefit of light? For instance, babies are built within the unlit walls of their mothers' wombs. Who except God could form the spectacular structure of the human body in the dark?

Unlike a surgeon who sutures and clamps in a brightly lit operating room, surrounded by a helpful team of other medical personnel, our God works needing neither electricity nor assistants. We busy ourselves with ultrasounds and amniocentesis tests trying to figure out just what is going on in the womb. God has allowed for those medical miracles to give us a glimpse of his handiwork. But perhaps in some ways our mothers were better off -- they had to rely on their faith rather than a technician to see them through their pregnancies.

The desire for knowledge and information seems deeply ingrained in our humanness. After all, before the invention of sonograms there were plenty of tried and true methods used to determine the gender of an unborn child. It's just part of our nature as people to want to know everything about tomorrow today, whether it concerns a baby, the weather forecast or the stock market.

But there are some things that we are kept from knowing, sometimes temporarily and sometimes permanently. When I was little, we used to sing a song in church that said, "We will understand it better by and by." The song went on to explain that there are certain circumstances and situations in our lives that defy any kind of logical explanation. We won't understand until we get to heaven.

Imagine for a moment how the disciples must have felt when the Roman soldiers arrested Jesus on trumped up charges, led him away and later crucified him. They had no comprehension of what was going on. In spite of all the time that Jesus had spent with them, preparing them for the events that he knew were going to take place, they expected things to go much differently. For the disciples, those days between Christ's death and resurrection were a time of great darkness and, I'm sure, much soul-searching as well. They didn't understand that in the darkness of the tomb, God was doing his best work!

Often we find ourselves in dark places, sad and disappointed. Could it be possible that these are the times that God is doing his best work in us? I believe that, for the disciples, what three years of living with Jesus failed to accomplish, three days of living without him certainly achieved. Three days in the dark. Three days of not understanding why. Three days of fear, actually, outright terror. Three days of "what if?" It must have seemed like a lifetime.

It may be that way with you today -- an illness or tragedy, a broken relationship or an abandoned dream may be causing you to stumble along in the darkness of God's workshop. I want you to know that eventually, morning will come. And when the light of day shines on the work of God's hands, there is no blemish found. It is perfect, finished without fault. You see, whatever God does is his best work. Trust him.

Even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You. (Psalm 139:12)

~Rebecca

2002 c Rebecca Ingram Powell. This article first appeared on Baptist Press. I hope it ministers to you today!

Happy July 4th Weekend!

2008-07-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America! What a wonderful weekend to celebrate! And since it’s a birthday party, that means there will be CAKE! Well, you might not see a literal birthday cake, but chances are, you’ll be at a picnic or event where dessert will be served in grand style.

Last Sunday, we had our church picnic and it was a blast. What was on the menu? Cheeseburgers with grilled onions, baked beans, chips, and ice cream. If you’re trying to lose weight, and you find yourself at a picnic like this, here’s my advice: enjoy everything you want but in moderation. Love cheeseburgers like me? Just eat half slowly, or eat it without the bun and use lettuce instead. Have a few chips and a few bites of ice cream with your spouse instead of having a full portion of each. Make healthy substitutions when you can, and enjoy your favorite things in moderation.

At the picnic, my mom sang karaoke (which NEVER happens), my toddler ran in a relay race and my husband poured buckets of water on his friends when the water balloon fight got creative. We laughed and laughed. Get active, run around t
his week, and enjoy yourself!

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. Psalm 136:1

Arlene

Where does your security lie?

2008-07-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

This has been a tough week for me and I cannot avoid that as I write. I wanted so badly to come up with something cute or happy or anything fun. But my heart is heavy and I can't fake it. My precious Aunt Carolyn died on Sunday. I could write about her for hours. She was much more than an aunt to me, she was like my mother. She was my biggest cheerleader and encourager. No one on this planet has ever showed me love and acceptance as she did. The world without her in it makes no sense to me whatsoever. I loved her husband (my Uncle Yank) and her mother (Gram) like crazy, too. They are all gone now. The three of them made such a great security blanket of comfort, encouragement, and love for me. Now with Carolyn gone I don't know which end is up. I feel sick and sad and downright horrible.

Now don't get me wrong. Please don't send me Scriptures explaining who God is to us in times of trouble. I get all that. Believe me, God's been hearing from me. I know who he is and who I am because of him. But let me tell you, there are people in this world that really matter. They have an impact on who you truly are. They are so much a part of me that I feel like part of me is gone. And that pain is real. No, God doesn't change. He is our rock and comforter. He is our strong tower, our help in time of need. But that doesn't mean we don't cry our eyes out. It just means we have someone who will listen! He never disappoints. He is an ever-present shoulder to cry on.

Here's the good part. Even with these wonderful people gone I still feel love and security. Where does that come from? Jesus of course. I'm in excruciating pain but Jesus is still there. Even when the world seems chaotic and your life seems upside down, Jesus doesn't go anywhere. Are you teaching your kids that? It's easy to read them Bible stories and have devotions, etc. It's fun to teach kids about Jesus. But when life is hard kids see what it is that we turn to. Do we turn to people? Do we turn to ourselves? Do we crawl in our beds? When stuff is really hard and you want to cry til Jesus returns, where do you turn? Do your kids see you turn to Jesus? Do they see you turn to chocolate or soap operas or any escape possible? I'm asking this because I'm right in the middle of it, reflecting as I go.

I pray as life's hard parts come that God is who you turn to. You and your children will reap eternal benefits and much peace as a result. Can I ask you to pray for me as I process this monumental loss? I do know that God is the great I Am. That's what I'm holding onto this day.

Be lifted-

Sue

Proverbs 14:26

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

Just Say No

2008-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

My daughter returned home from babysitting for some friends last night with this report: "Emily likes saying, 'No.' She likes it a lot!"

Little ones are great at saying No. So what happens to us big girls--us moms--that we seem to forget how?

Sometimes we say yes with good reason. Someone asks us to do something that we feel led to do, or that we know won't be too difficult, so sure, why not? But then it snowballs, and suddenly, we feel like we are standing at the end of the buffet line with a full plate and wondering, "How will I ever take care of all this?"

Priorities.

How does a mom get her priorities in order? I think it starts with a vision for what you want for your children. In my book, Baby Boot Camp, I shared my vision for my kids. I came before the Lord when they were little bitty and asked Him to show me what my vision for my children should be. Here it is, in part:

"My vision for my children is that they become mature Christians: leading godly lives, holding the Bible as the standard by which all else is measured, capable of offering wise counsel to others, and totally accountable to God for their whole conduct and every thought..."

Whenever I was asked to do something, I went back to my vision to see how it matched up. Try writing your own vision for what you want to accomplish as a mom, and then when you are asked to take on something new, whether in ministry, at work, or in your community, ask yourself:

Will this take time away from what I am trying to do as a mom?
Will this add to the benefits I want for my family?
Are my children at ages where this is do-able, or is this something I need to put off for a few years?
Is my energy best spent in this capacity?
Can someone else do this better? Am I being asked because I am the right person for the job or because I am a warm body for the job?
Is God calling me to this?
Is this really going to be all that difficult and time-consuming?
Am I bringing a spirit of dread to this endeavor if I say "yes"?
What is my motivation if I say "yes"? If I say "no"?

Sometimes, the choice is not necessarily between what is good and what is bad, but what is good and what is best.

Think about it.

If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over
themselves; But when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed.
(Proverbs 29:18, The Message)

~Rebecca

Oh No...It's Swimsuit Season!

2008-06-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, summertime is in full swing and there's one thing that strikes terror in the new mom...the thought of putting on a bathing suit, in public! Talk about a prayer request - ha ha! So moms, here are 3 tips to make the most of swimsuit season:

1. Choose a bathing suit that is most flattering to your figure. This may be your maternity swimsuit. Use a cover up when you're not in the pool. A sarong wrap that ties around your waist and covers up that post-baby belly works great.

2. Don't focus on the way your body looks. Focus on having fun with your friends and family! Remember that almost every woman in the pool or on the beach feels conscious about her body too!

3. Set a goal for yourself to get back into your pre-baby bathing suit. Why not use that pesky bathing suit as incentive? It may take several months, but make it your goal to put your old bathing suit on next season. Here's a video tip I made about this and you can see me in my old bathing suit (after some hard work of course!).

So are you ready moms? Put on that bathing suit, smile, and let the good times roll! If you're not happy with the way your body looks, use it as motivation to lose weight! Bathing suits aren't nearly as serious as what Joseph endured in the Bible, but remember what he said? "What you meant for evil, God meant for good!" (Gen. 50:20). Bathing suits may seem evil at the moment, but God can use them for good - to motivate to shed pounds and get healthier this summer!

So here's your chance to vent...how do you feel about getting into that bathing suit?

Summertime blues

2008-06-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, you read correctly. I've got the summertime blues. I've got a few friends who would confess to having the same problem, the rest would never admit it! I have three kiddos and now we're finally all together for this wonderful season of summer. So why are they driving me insane??!! I think it takes awhile to adjust to not having much on the schedule. No lessons, no school, not much in the way of sports--we have a lot of down time right now. It isn't helping that we just moved seven days ago to a new town. We have no one to play at the park with or go swimming with. My daughter could really use an invitation to something, anything. And I'm not the most creative mom, I must confess. I think kids should be happy playing with their toys and going to the park here and there. I enjoy trying all the new fun places. But my kids would prefer that every day was like a trip to Disneyland. We need to have a bunch planned or my kids fuss and fight. Why on earth is that? What monsters have I created along the way? Truth is we're all homesick, we miss our Minnesota routine and friends. Sure, they'd be bored there too, but we'd have friends to take away some of those natural blues. Now it all just seems worse. Between the two-year-old wanting to play with our neighbors (who aren't our neighbors any more), the six-year-old missing buddies and soccer, and the nine-year old missing everything and everyone in the world...we're a pretty sad lot. But one day at a time we will meet people, we already have. We have a play date set for next Monday! Praise God for the little things. Right now that play date seems like a huge thing. We've also been invited to lunch next Sunday after church. I think God knows how to handle our summertime blues as well as our moving blues. I've got to trust him fully and teach my kids to do the same. Some days I feel like I just want to go "home" but I know we're in the right place and God will provide. And before I know it my big kids will be back in school and I will miss them all over again.

Psalm 31:7

I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

Making the most of summer,

Sue

BIDING YOUR TIME

2008-06-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

I've just returned from a wonderful weekend in Concord, NC, at the Proverbs 31 Ministries' She Speaks! Conference. My daughter Danya and I were blessed be a part of the Next Generation track for teen girls at the conference. I spoke and Danya led worship for 37 of the most beautiful young ladies--girls who definitely bring hope to their generation!

I also got to speak personally to many of the women attending the conference, and one young mom in particular told me that she felt to overwhelmed by her duties as a wife and mother, and yet she feels the cry of her heart is to minister to other women. What to do? I think she is in a season of "biding her time."

The enemy, Satan, will do everything he can to distract us moms from our top priorities:
1. Relationship with our Lord
2. Relationship with our husbands
3. Relationship with our kids

Don't walk over one mission field in your haste to get to the next. Your season will come, and you will see that God has a plan for everything He wants you to do. You'll get to do it all, just not all at the same time! Keep those priorities in order, and keep your focus on Christ!

~Rebecca

The Delights of Tea

2008-06-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be speaking at a Women's Summer Tea at our church. The flyer for the tea says in a very pretty font:
Flavorful teas, seasonal fruit, finger sandwiches, and delightful sweets will be served.
Believe it or not, there's actually something to be learned about losing weight from a tea menu:

Tea is a great drink when you're trying to lose weight, especially green tea. Keep in mind I'm not referring to sweet iced tea with a ton of sugar!
Seasonal fruit is a wonderful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while eating nutritiously. Watermelon is a great example of a summer power food that's super healthy.
Finger sandwiches are small. If you eat small portions (instead of super sizing everything), you will lose weight.
Delightful sweets...well, these won't help you lose weight but they will bring a smile to your face. Just remember to eat in moderation. Don't have dessert everyday.

When you're at a tea, the servings are small. You're kind of forced to eat slowly because if you scarf down your sandwich in one bite, you won't have anything else to eat! This is a great secret for losing baby weight: when you eat things you enjoy, eat very slowly and savor each bite!

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

-Arlene