This will really bless you!
You may need to pause the music at the bottom of the page!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER
By Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting
'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
By Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting
'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A Merry Heart ~Cheryl
Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?''
The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'
The child thought about this for a moment then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'
The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'
The child thought about this for a moment then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'
Friday, July 18, 2008
Family Matters ~ Cheryl
I have taken some excerpts from an article from Kids Health that gives 9 steps to more effective parenting & have added my own thoughts, which I will share the last three today. Hopefully these will help us to tackle our child raising responsibilities & enjoy our children even more. The last 2 weeks we talked about steps 1-6.
#1.Nuture your child’s self esteem.
#2. Catch your child being good.
#3. Set limits & be consistent with your discipline.
#4. Make time for your children.
#5. Make communication a priority.
#6. Be a good role model.
#7. Be flexible & willing to adjust. If you find you are frequently feeling “let down” by your child’s behavior, it may be because you are having unrealistic expectations of them. Be sure you are not expecting more than they are physically or mentally capable of giving.
Also, as your child changes, you will gradually have to change your parenting style. Chances are, what works for your child now, won’t work in a year or two.
#8. Show that your love is unconditional. As a parent, you are responsible for correcting and guiding your child. But, the way you express your correction will make all the difference in how the child receives it. Avoid blaming, criticizing, or fault finding, which undermines self -esteem, and can lead to resentment. Be sure that your expectations are clear, but that they know they are loved even when they make mistakes.
#9. Be aware of your own needs and limitations as a parent. Face it! None of us are perfect parents. We all have strengths and weaknesses. You do not have to have all the answers in order to be considered a good parent. Be willing to admit that. A lot of parents don’t understand that one of the best things they can do for their children is to do things that make you happy as a person and as a couple. Focusing on your own needs at times does not make you selfish. If we are miserable people, we will likely be miserable parents. So take time to care about your own well being.
#1.Nuture your child’s self esteem.
#2. Catch your child being good.
#3. Set limits & be consistent with your discipline.
#4. Make time for your children.
#5. Make communication a priority.
#6. Be a good role model.
#7. Be flexible & willing to adjust. If you find you are frequently feeling “let down” by your child’s behavior, it may be because you are having unrealistic expectations of them. Be sure you are not expecting more than they are physically or mentally capable of giving.
Also, as your child changes, you will gradually have to change your parenting style. Chances are, what works for your child now, won’t work in a year or two.
#8. Show that your love is unconditional. As a parent, you are responsible for correcting and guiding your child. But, the way you express your correction will make all the difference in how the child receives it. Avoid blaming, criticizing, or fault finding, which undermines self -esteem, and can lead to resentment. Be sure that your expectations are clear, but that they know they are loved even when they make mistakes.
#9. Be aware of your own needs and limitations as a parent. Face it! None of us are perfect parents. We all have strengths and weaknesses. You do not have to have all the answers in order to be considered a good parent. Be willing to admit that. A lot of parents don’t understand that one of the best things they can do for their children is to do things that make you happy as a person and as a couple. Focusing on your own needs at times does not make you selfish. If we are miserable people, we will likely be miserable parents. So take time to care about your own well being.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Attitude is Everything....~Janet
'ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING'
Wonderful story.....
Eleven people were hanging on a rope under a
helicopter, ten men and one woman. The rope was not
strong enough to carry them all, so they decided
that one had to leave, because otherwise they were
all going to fall. They weren't able to name that
person, until the woman gave a very touching speech.
She said that she would voluntarily let go of the
rope, because, as a woman, she was used to giving up
everything for her husband and kids or for men in
general, and was used to always making sacrifices
with little in return.
As soon as she finished her speech,
all the men started clapping.
Wonderful story.....
Eleven people were hanging on a rope under a
helicopter, ten men and one woman. The rope was not
strong enough to carry them all, so they decided
that one had to leave, because otherwise they were
all going to fall. They weren't able to name that
person, until the woman gave a very touching speech.
She said that she would voluntarily let go of the
rope, because, as a woman, she was used to giving up
everything for her husband and kids or for men in
general, and was used to always making sacrifices
with little in return.
As soon as she finished her speech,
all the men started clapping.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Family Matters ~ Cheryl
I have taken some excerpts from an article from Kids Health that gives 9 steps to more effective parenting & have added my own thoughts, which I will share over several weeks. Hopefully these will help us to tackle our child raising responsibilities & enjoy our children even more. Last week we talked about steps 1-3.
#1.Nuture your child’s self esteem.
#2. Catch your child being good.
#3. Set limits & be consistent with your discipline.
This week I will share steps 4 - 6.
#4. Make time for your children. This is certainly a difficult thing with everyone being so busy, but it is also a very important thing. It will so be worth the effort to take time to do little things with your children. Just taking the time to have a conversation & really listening to what they are saying will mean a lot to them. Family activities give children a feeling of security. Look for ways to connect with your child. Just popping popcorn , having a meal, playing a game, or going for a walk will make great memories for them. Remember that as they get older there will be even less time with them, so use those windows of opportunity while you can. Time is attention and everyone needs attention!
#5. Make communication a priority. Take time to explain things on their level of understanding. Make expectations clear & be sure they understand the consequences of their choices & actions. Don’t ignore little problems, tackle the mole hills before they become mountains. Take time to communicate your beliefs & values to them while they are young.
#6. Be a good role model. Be constantly aware that you are being observed by your children!! Model the traits you want to see in your child: respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, love & tolerance. Exhibit unselfish behavior. Express thanks and offer compliments. Remember children are more likely to do what you do, than do what you say!
#1.Nuture your child’s self esteem.
#2. Catch your child being good.
#3. Set limits & be consistent with your discipline.
This week I will share steps 4 - 6.
#4. Make time for your children. This is certainly a difficult thing with everyone being so busy, but it is also a very important thing. It will so be worth the effort to take time to do little things with your children. Just taking the time to have a conversation & really listening to what they are saying will mean a lot to them. Family activities give children a feeling of security. Look for ways to connect with your child. Just popping popcorn , having a meal, playing a game, or going for a walk will make great memories for them. Remember that as they get older there will be even less time with them, so use those windows of opportunity while you can. Time is attention and everyone needs attention!
#5. Make communication a priority. Take time to explain things on their level of understanding. Make expectations clear & be sure they understand the consequences of their choices & actions. Don’t ignore little problems, tackle the mole hills before they become mountains. Take time to communicate your beliefs & values to them while they are young.
#6. Be a good role model. Be constantly aware that you are being observed by your children!! Model the traits you want to see in your child: respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, love & tolerance. Exhibit unselfish behavior. Express thanks and offer compliments. Remember children are more likely to do what you do, than do what you say!
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