Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Bright Future
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Bright Future: "'When I look into the future, it's so bright it burns my eyes.' Oprah Winfrey"
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: God Has Big Plans
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: God Has Big Plans: "What God intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine."
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Choose To Do Great Things
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Choose To Do Great Things: "Unless you choose to do great things with it, it makes no difference how much you are rewarded, or how much power you have."
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Evolution
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Evolution: "'The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.' Oprah Winfrey"
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Think Like A Queen
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Think Like A Queen: "Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness."
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Fear vs. Power
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Fear vs. Power: "'The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free.' Oprah Winfrey"
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Change Your Attitude
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Change Your Attitude: "The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude."
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Positive Influences
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Positive Influences: "Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Integrity
Inspirational Quotes For Parents: Integrity: "'Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.' Oprah Winfrey"
Whats Important
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - Family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.
'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Written by someone who has a great understanding of life......
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - Family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.
'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Written by someone who has a great understanding of life......
For All Moms
We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually
mentions that she and her husband are thinking of
"starting a family."
"We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do
you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping
my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more
sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous
vacations...."
But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my
daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want
her to know what she will never learn in childbirth
classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds
of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a
mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw
that she will forever be vulnerable.
I consider warning her that she will never again
read a newspaper without asking "What if that had
been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house
fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of
starving children, she will wonder if anything could
be worse than watching your child die.
I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish
suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she
is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the
primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop
a souffle or her best crystal without a moment's
hesitation.
I feel I should warn her that no matter how many
years she has invested in her career, she will be
professionally derailed by motherhood.
She might arrange for childcare, but one day she
will be going into an important business meeting and
she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will
have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep
from running home, just to make sure her baby is all
right.
I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions
will no longer be routine. That a five year old
boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the
women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma.
That right there, in the midst of clattering trays
and screaming children, issues of independence and
gender identity will be weighed against the prospect
that a child molester may be lurking in that
restroom.
However decisive she may be at the office, she will
second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure
her that eventually she will shed the pounds of
pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about
herself. That her life, now so important, will be of
less value to her once she has a child. That she
would give it up in a moment to save her offspring,
but will also begin to hope for more years -- not to
accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child
accomplish theirs.
I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny
stretch marks will become badges of honor. My
daughter's relationship with her husband will
change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she
could understand how much more you can love a man
who is careful to powder the baby or who never
hesitates to play with his child. I think she should
know that she will fall in love with him again for
reasons she would now find very unromantic.
I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will
feel with women throughout history who have tried to
stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I hope she will understand why I can think
rationally about most issues, but become temporarily
insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to
my children's future.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration
of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to
capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is
touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the
first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so
real, it actually hurts.
My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that
tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret
it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table,
squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer
for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal
women who stumble their way into this most wonderful
of callings. This blessed gift from God . . . that
of being a Mother.
Please share this with a Mom that you know or a
future Mom, or a Mom at heart.
mentions that she and her husband are thinking of
"starting a family."
"We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do
you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping
my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more
sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous
vacations...."
But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my
daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want
her to know what she will never learn in childbirth
classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds
of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a
mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw
that she will forever be vulnerable.
I consider warning her that she will never again
read a newspaper without asking "What if that had
been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house
fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of
starving children, she will wonder if anything could
be worse than watching your child die.
I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish
suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she
is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the
primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop
a souffle or her best crystal without a moment's
hesitation.
I feel I should warn her that no matter how many
years she has invested in her career, she will be
professionally derailed by motherhood.
She might arrange for childcare, but one day she
will be going into an important business meeting and
she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will
have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep
from running home, just to make sure her baby is all
right.
I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions
will no longer be routine. That a five year old
boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the
women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma.
That right there, in the midst of clattering trays
and screaming children, issues of independence and
gender identity will be weighed against the prospect
that a child molester may be lurking in that
restroom.
However decisive she may be at the office, she will
second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure
her that eventually she will shed the pounds of
pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about
herself. That her life, now so important, will be of
less value to her once she has a child. That she
would give it up in a moment to save her offspring,
but will also begin to hope for more years -- not to
accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child
accomplish theirs.
I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny
stretch marks will become badges of honor. My
daughter's relationship with her husband will
change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she
could understand how much more you can love a man
who is careful to powder the baby or who never
hesitates to play with his child. I think she should
know that she will fall in love with him again for
reasons she would now find very unromantic.
I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will
feel with women throughout history who have tried to
stop war, prejudice and drunk driving.
I hope she will understand why I can think
rationally about most issues, but become temporarily
insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to
my children's future.
I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration
of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to
capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is
touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the
first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so
real, it actually hurts.
My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that
tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret
it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table,
squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer
for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal
women who stumble their way into this most wonderful
of callings. This blessed gift from God . . . that
of being a Mother.
Please share this with a Mom that you know or a
future Mom, or a Mom at heart.
"Thanks, Joyce!"
Really, I Am Going To Keep My New Years Resolution...
I know, I know.... Who still makes New Years Resolutions and actually takes them seriously?
Well, in my attempt, no, "journey" is a better term... In my journey to find and maintain my recently distant, pre-parenthood sanity, I have made a firm commitment to develop and succeed in my New Years Resolutions...
This is a big deal... This is the first time, ever, that I have made a decision to develop a New Years Resolution and seriously commit to it. In the past, I simply made goals for myself and tried to keep them. This year, I want to try something a bit different. Its a new year and I'm a new person. Out with the old and in with the new. I'm excited and looking forward to my better self in 2011...
So, here we go:
1. Organize- I'm usually not the one to give excuses, however, my excuse is... I am a single mother to a 5 year old "wild child" while, simultaneously, running a business. Most would not say that my job is simple, in fact, I think that my job would make many people snap and take comfort in a fetal position in the corner of a room. Nevertheless, due to my crazy schedule and endless demands, some things have become a bit unorganized (to say the least). I have developed this sort of, "organized chaos", if you will. For a while, the organized chaos, worked for me. It was a time saver because I didn't always put things in its place and I was able to keep up with the approx vicinity of most things. As of recent, I am realizing that my life is becoming more chaotic than organized.
This year I vow to develop a schedule that works for me. I vow to take time to organize my life and throw away unnecessary stuff (mental junk included).
2. Be More Attentive- I truly enjoy every moment that I spend with my son. He is definitely my number one priority and I have always made sure that, when he calls, "MOMMY!!!" (which is often), I'm right there responding, "WHAT DO YOU WANT!!!"... The issue that I have been running into is that my mind runs 100 miles an hour and although I'm spending physical time with my son, my attention is somewhere completely different. I'm often times focused on other things such as the article that I need to finish writing, what I need to add to the grocery list, returning a clients call, etc...
This year I vow to be mentally present when I'm suppose to.
3. Invest More- Its been a tough transition with me going through a divorce. I have had to rebuild and reinvent myself, again. Often times, transitions such as mine can leave a person in financial ruins. Although, I have been blessed to have the strength within me to pick myself up and began to rebuild, my divorce left me in a "longer than expected" financial hardship.
This year I vow to work my butt of to contribute 25 % more in our investments. My goal is to rebuild what was lost during the my divorce.
4. Take Care Of Myself- Pre-parenthood... I was very conscious of my diet, exercise and my mental health... In general, just very conscious of my overall well being. Post -parenthood, I have slacked off a bit. I have been more concerned about being a good mother and less concerned about how I treat my mind and body. Now, I know that treating myself "good" is a part of being a good mother and that our children learn through the behavior that we model. We are, after all, their first teachers...
This year I vow to take better care of myself by eating healthier food, exercising regularly, meditating, praying and smiling more often.
Well, in my attempt, no, "journey" is a better term... In my journey to find and maintain my recently distant, pre-parenthood sanity, I have made a firm commitment to develop and succeed in my New Years Resolutions...
This is a big deal... This is the first time, ever, that I have made a decision to develop a New Years Resolution and seriously commit to it. In the past, I simply made goals for myself and tried to keep them. This year, I want to try something a bit different. Its a new year and I'm a new person. Out with the old and in with the new. I'm excited and looking forward to my better self in 2011...
So, here we go:
1. Organize- I'm usually not the one to give excuses, however, my excuse is... I am a single mother to a 5 year old "wild child" while, simultaneously, running a business. Most would not say that my job is simple, in fact, I think that my job would make many people snap and take comfort in a fetal position in the corner of a room. Nevertheless, due to my crazy schedule and endless demands, some things have become a bit unorganized (to say the least). I have developed this sort of, "organized chaos", if you will. For a while, the organized chaos, worked for me. It was a time saver because I didn't always put things in its place and I was able to keep up with the approx vicinity of most things. As of recent, I am realizing that my life is becoming more chaotic than organized.
This year I vow to develop a schedule that works for me. I vow to take time to organize my life and throw away unnecessary stuff (mental junk included).
2. Be More Attentive- I truly enjoy every moment that I spend with my son. He is definitely my number one priority and I have always made sure that, when he calls, "MOMMY!!!" (which is often), I'm right there responding, "WHAT DO YOU WANT!!!"... The issue that I have been running into is that my mind runs 100 miles an hour and although I'm spending physical time with my son, my attention is somewhere completely different. I'm often times focused on other things such as the article that I need to finish writing, what I need to add to the grocery list, returning a clients call, etc...
This year I vow to be mentally present when I'm suppose to.
3. Invest More- Its been a tough transition with me going through a divorce. I have had to rebuild and reinvent myself, again. Often times, transitions such as mine can leave a person in financial ruins. Although, I have been blessed to have the strength within me to pick myself up and began to rebuild, my divorce left me in a "longer than expected" financial hardship.
This year I vow to work my butt of to contribute 25 % more in our investments. My goal is to rebuild what was lost during the my divorce.
4. Take Care Of Myself- Pre-parenthood... I was very conscious of my diet, exercise and my mental health... In general, just very conscious of my overall well being. Post -parenthood, I have slacked off a bit. I have been more concerned about being a good mother and less concerned about how I treat my mind and body. Now, I know that treating myself "good" is a part of being a good mother and that our children learn through the behavior that we model. We are, after all, their first teachers...
This year I vow to take better care of myself by eating healthier food, exercising regularly, meditating, praying and smiling more often.
Children Keep Us In Check
"Children keep us in check. Their laughter prevents our hearts from hardening. Their dreams ensure we never lose our drive to make ours a better world. They are the greatest disciplinarians known to mankind."
Queen Rania of Jordan, Hello Magazine
Plants Seeds Of Love With Kisses
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
-Robert Louis Stevenson
-Robert Louis Stevenson
Who In The Heck Is Santa Claus?
Who in the heck is Santa Claus and why is he the one that gets all of the credit? I'm one of those "new age" mommies. I have long discussions with my 5 year old son, I let him know that his opinion is always valid, but, of course, not as valid as mine. I believe that a lie is a lie and it is a written law that it can not happen in our house, or, there will be a "time out". So, given the fact that I have made this rule, law, how can I in good conscious teach my son about this overweight bearded Santa Claus person that lives in the North Pole with his elves and reindeer? I understand that the concept is meant to add a magical element to the holiday, but what about just sticking to the truth? How much more magical can you get than Christ being born...
For years, I have always told my son the real reason that we celebrate Christmas and that Santa Claus was like a cartoon character, he's not real... I have not been able to muster up the audacity to create a story about how Santa Claus does his gift giving thing in a few hours and how his reindeer fly through the air landing on the rooftop of each house so that Santa can slide down the chimney with gifts for the family. That's a pretty big story to explain to a 5-year old.
Given all of my hard work with "keeping it real" with my son, he has the nerve to not believe me, but instead believe that Santa is real. When did he start developing such strong opinions that are different than his mommy's... He even requested that I write Santa a letter telling him how well he did in school and asked for me to bake cookies and leave them on the fireplace for Santa. Why am I responsible for doing all of this additional work for an idea that does not exist, but on the other hand, how can I say no... My baby has been sucked into this popularized Santa Claus concept and by default, I'm being pulled into crazy land, and by my own flesh and blood. Is this a normal part of parenthood or should I stick to my guns and demand that he know the truth?
Below I have listed some good reads:
For years, I have always told my son the real reason that we celebrate Christmas and that Santa Claus was like a cartoon character, he's not real... I have not been able to muster up the audacity to create a story about how Santa Claus does his gift giving thing in a few hours and how his reindeer fly through the air landing on the rooftop of each house so that Santa can slide down the chimney with gifts for the family. That's a pretty big story to explain to a 5-year old.
Given all of my hard work with "keeping it real" with my son, he has the nerve to not believe me, but instead believe that Santa is real. When did he start developing such strong opinions that are different than his mommy's... He even requested that I write Santa a letter telling him how well he did in school and asked for me to bake cookies and leave them on the fireplace for Santa. Why am I responsible for doing all of this additional work for an idea that does not exist, but on the other hand, how can I say no... My baby has been sucked into this popularized Santa Claus concept and by default, I'm being pulled into crazy land, and by my own flesh and blood. Is this a normal part of parenthood or should I stick to my guns and demand that he know the truth?
Below I have listed some good reads:
Pray About It
"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden." Corrie Ten Boom
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6
Divorcing & Single Parents Finding Happiness
Divorcing and single parents that are dealing with trials during this holiday season, ponder this...
Wake up every morning and know for a fact that it was going to be a beautiful day. Happiness is a choice and when it is chosen, it is infectious to all of those around you. It is helpful to write yourself a few affirmations and sit it next to the bed so that it is the first thing you see when you wake up. Below, I have listed a few of my personal affirmations:
Most people who want a relationship believe that an unhappy and mediocre relationship is better than no relationship at all, this simply is not true. The potential for a wonderful relationship always exist. Find happiness and never settle for less.
Wake up every morning and know for a fact that it was going to be a beautiful day. Happiness is a choice and when it is chosen, it is infectious to all of those around you. It is helpful to write yourself a few affirmations and sit it next to the bed so that it is the first thing you see when you wake up. Below, I have listed a few of my personal affirmations:
- Today, I'm going to commit to My greatness
- Today, I'm going to smile often
- Today, I'm going to enjoy the rainy weather
- Today, I'm going to forgive
- Today, I'm going to be happy
Most people who want a relationship believe that an unhappy and mediocre relationship is better than no relationship at all, this simply is not true. The potential for a wonderful relationship always exist. Find happiness and never settle for less.
Thank God For The Shoulders Of Giants
“I can see for miles because I have stood on shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton
This is what we do for our chidren... And although, it may sometimes feel that our efforts are not appreciated, it wont matter when we see our children grow their wings.
This is what we do for our chidren... And although, it may sometimes feel that our efforts are not appreciated, it wont matter when we see our children grow their wings.
The Birthday Girl Is 80 Years Young
My grandmother recently turned 80 years young and was given a surprise party by her family and friends. I was responsible for speaking on behalf of the grandchildren and wanted to share an excerpt of the speech with my readers... It shows the importance of grandparents and how they affect generations.
I am speaking on behalf of the grandchildren about our personal experiences with Mama Dot and how she has shaped who we are today…
I have to admit that I had a little bit of a difficult time putting everything into words because Mama Dot doesn’t just play a role in our lives, she is one of our angels. And to define her place in our lives through words is next to impossible.
However, in my attempt, I decided to contact the other grandchildren to also get their input and one of the things that we discussed was how Mama Dot has a gift of making each of her grandchildren feel as though we were the “most special person in the world”:
I remember spending time and having conversations with Mama Dot and she would always look at me and say, “you are so smart”… and she said it so often that I felt like it had to be true, I believed her, and for a great deal of my childhood, I truly thought that I was a “child genius.”
Also, I remember that I never quite understood Mama Dot’s sleeping patterns. When I was young, I would always stay the night and when I woke up in the morning, at about 7 or 8, Mama Dot would have already gone to the grocery store, went to the church, came home cleaned the entire house, cooked breakfast, washed the dishes and had breakfast waiting for me on the stove covered with surrand wrap.
Later in life, I discovered that individually, she made us all feel as though we were the most special people in the world.
Jozlyn remembers coming to visit and how every single time Mama Dot made sure that she made Jozlyn feel at home by accommodated her crazy eating habits and making sure that she always had cans of green beans &corn, chicken nuggets (white meat only) and French fries.
Even though Jozlyn wasn’t born here, she still has the same bond with Mama Dot.
Monica is the oldest grandchild. She remembers getting all of the attention, (until all of us came along.)
Monica said that when she was a little girl, she would stay in the “green house” with Mama Dot while Papa Earnest went to work and Mama Dot would cook their favorite dish (cornish hen and brussel sprouts) they would then go shopping at Mama Dots favorite department stores (Steins and Rosenblums) because that’s who sold the “good shoes”.
Monica said that she was so attached to Mama Dot that she got a whopping every Sunday because she would throw tantrums because she wanted to sit next to mama dot at the piano bench.
Debra says that when she felt that she didn’t have anyone to talk to, she would always go to Mama Dot and they would pray away the problem.
Debra also remembers when she would go and sing solos at different churches and events and that Mama Dot went with her to every one because she was the only one that Debra felt could play for her. Mama Dot never failed to be there. She also made sure that Debra wasn’t just singing the songs, she made sure that she understood what she was singing and explained the meaning.
When I talked to Tamera, she simply told me that Mama Dot was someone that she is always able to talk to… that she loves her like a mom… that she is like an angel… and that she is heaven sent…
Brandy remembers Mama Dot teaching her different solos to sings in church and Mama Dot would do that by singing them herself to show the range (BRANDY says Mama Dot couldn’t sing, but she would try her darnest because she was determined to teach Brandy the correct way to sing the song).
Kim remembers how much she appreciated when Mama Dot helped her make a gingerbread house for her 4H project. Mama Dot was patient and made sure that Kim did all of the details perfectly and because of all of their hard work, Kim went home with the First Place Trophy.
Brian says that Mama Dot has influenced him in more ways than she may know. She taught him the importance of going to church, because, he said, she made us go every single Sunday.
Brain also said that Mama Dot made all of us feel as though we were her favorite.
When I asked Rodrick about his experiences with Mama Dot, he said that “she taught him the standard by which he gages other people, and that the world would be a better place if more people were like his Mama Dot.
And now, as adults, because you lifted us so high, we feel as though we are worthy of everything and that we can accomplish anything. And we all want to thank you from the bottom of our heart. You are our angel and we are blessed to have you as our grandmother.
HAPPY 80th Birthday!!!
Hello Peace, Welcome Back...
There was a time when I felt like my life was turned upside down. I had so many obstacles coming in my direction at one time: divorce, single parent to a toddler, increased bills and less money, bankrupt business, loss of a close friendship... Wow, that takes energy just thinking about it and when all of this came crashing at me at once, I completely lost balance and damn near my sanity.
These life experiences have taught me that we all have to go through obstacles in life, but the effects of them is based on how we react to them and if we can maintain a life balance. If we loose our balance and faith, its almost impossible to have a positive outcome. As parents, we don't have the option of a negative outcome and what happens to us, also happens to our children.
A few things that I had to implement into my life to regain my balance and avoid the insanity route were:
Below, I have included a few books that helped me find my way during my journey:
These life experiences have taught me that we all have to go through obstacles in life, but the effects of them is based on how we react to them and if we can maintain a life balance. If we loose our balance and faith, its almost impossible to have a positive outcome. As parents, we don't have the option of a negative outcome and what happens to us, also happens to our children.
A few things that I had to implement into my life to regain my balance and avoid the insanity route were:
- Prayer- I simply talk to God everyday to maintain a close relationship. I would have definitely went the insanity route without it.
- Meditation-It is mandatory that I have at least 30-minutes each day of quiet time for meditation. (It is an enforced rule in my house that my son dare not break, although he hates it). I usually do "guided meditation" because it forces me to relax, clear my mind and listen. I would suggest this type for those that are new to the meditative experience. I can honestly say that meditation has changed my thought process, my mood shifts, my parenting skills and my general outlook on life. It is the main tool (besides prayer) that I use to help clear my mind of the garbage and help me to focus on what is important. It helps me find balance... I have found that when I have a clear mind and vision, I can conquer almost anything and life challenges are just that, life experiences that must be conquered in order to succeed.
- Reading- I am a huge reader. I love all kinds of books and will sometimes read up to 5 at a time. I want to indulge the mood that I'm in, so, usually 1 of those 5 books will do it. When I need a lift, I will read something inspirational or spiritual. If I need a laugh, I will read something with humor...It helps me to clear my mind and release the days tension.
- Exercise- I, sooo, don't like to exercise, but fortunately, I force myself... for one, to maintain my girlish figure, second, it makes me feel good. If I start exercising when I'm in a bad mood, by the time I get off of the tread mill, I'm a completely different person. A happier person.
- Play- I have a very energetic 5 year old boy that enjoys playing with Monster Jam monster trucks and Super Mario Bros on Wii, just to name a couple. When we play together, nothing else matters and any stress that I had before is gone when I see the happiness in his face.
Below, I have included a few books that helped me find my way during my journey:
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