Merry Christmas from the MOMs at The MOM Initiative

  I LOVE watching the movie Elf!  It’s one of those movies that has given our family an arsenal of cute quotes to draw from at random.  Quotes like, “Smiling is my favorite!”     And, “There’s room for everyone on the Nice List.”   And I love when Buddy discovers that Santa is coming to the store and shouts, “Santa’s coming! I KNOW him!”   More importantly that a cheesy, cute fairly tell, is the stunning truth that JESUS IS COMING…and I REALLY KNOW HIM!  How about you? Because the truth is, there is no Santa. Not anymore. Yes…I know …

Share

9 Ways to Raise a Rebellious Kid

Fact: Kids love to push the limits.  Fact: Rebellion is a human condition.  Yet there are things we do as parents that encourage the growth and intensity of a rebellious heart. Here are 9  ways to fan the flames of rebellion. Expect perfection: Performance based parenting focuses on the outside observables  rather than internal  notables. Notice outcomes but focus on developing your child’s character. Rather than only commentating on appearance or performance, “You look so beautiful” say, “Thanks for helping your sister today. You have such a kind heart.”  Punish for every infraction: Instead start saying what you want. When the child messes up, retrain. Next move to a natural consequence, …

Share
How to Help Your Child Think About GIVING at Christmas more than GETTING - Lindsey Bell on The Mom Initiative

How to Help Your Kids Think More about GIVING at Christmas Than GETTING

I’d love to tell you that my children think more about GIVING at Christmas than they do about GETTING. I’d love to tell you that we spend just as much time serving others as we do shopping for ourselves.  Unfortunately, if you look at my checking account, credit card statement, or simply watch my family throughout the month, you’ll know that’s not the case.  My seven-year-old has a wish list that is literally two pages long (and growing)! When he added yet another item to his list yesterday, I realized we might need to change our focus.  My guess is, you might …

Share

The 5 Do’s and Don’ts for Black Friday

  I LOVE Black Friday. Kind of weird for a woman who really hates to shop, I know. I used to hate it! Absolutely hate it! But one day it occurred to me that 99% of the Black Friday shoppers were people who were willing to get up at wee hours to get a gift for someone they loved. I realize The MOM Initiative is a ministry to moms and this is where I’m supposed to give you all those wise warnings about NOT getting caught up in all the hullabaloo and materialistic madness that begins when the Black Friday …

Share

How to Teach Gratitude to Our Children

Some things I vowed I’d never say to my children. Like this one. “Don’t waste those waffles, girls. Did you know there are kids starving in Africa??” “What?” My younger daughter, age four at the time, looked up at me and crinkled her nose. “In Africa. And all sort of other places around the world. Even here in our own country! Not all kids get to eat as much as you do.” “But I don’t want waffles! I wanted cereal!” My seven-year-old whined. “Too bad. Eat the waffles. Some children are lucky if they get a bowl of rice—and that’s …

Share

9 Ways to Create a Rebellious Heart in Your Child

Being an uber-controlling parent may give us the illusion that our children are towing the line, but what it actually does is create a rebellious heart in our kids. Here are 9 sure fire ways to create a rebellious heart in your kid: 9 sure fire ways to create a rebellious heart in your kid @themominitiativ @loriwildenberg Click To Tweet 1. Expect perfection: Performance based parenting focuses on the outside notables rather than internal observables. Notice outcomes but focus on developing your child’s character. Rather than only commentating on appearance or performance,”You look so beautiful” say, “Thanks for helping your …

Share

Parenting Through the Knots and Stitches

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, “ declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than earth, so are my ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Do you crochet, or do you know anyone who can? I mean, really REALLY crochet, not the one line of cockeyed links that I create that wouldn’t even pass as a friendship bracelet. I recently tried to take up crocheting…again… and, again, found that I seem to be crochet-challenged. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the skill, knowledge, and time it takes to …

Share

Understanding the Gospel

“Mom, what does it mean to be saved?” asked Peter as his family left the crowded church building. His mom gazed back into his questioning eyes with her own uncertainty. All at once she realized how unprepared she was to answer this seemingly simple question about the gospel.  What does it mean to be saved from our own sin?  How can we understand our need for a Savior and the wonderful news of the gospel in order to teach our children and grandchildren? “One cannot become a Christian without understanding and embracing the basic message of the gospel.” –Dr. Mike Fabarez Today …

Share

Prayer Help For Busy Moms

1 Timothy 2:1 “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men…” Over and over again prayer is mentioned in the Bible as a crucial part of the Christian life. Paul in writing to his spiritual son, Timothy, reminded him of the necessity of prayer. He did not just suggest that he pray, he urged him to do so. If we are to pray earnestly for all men, then certainly we are to spend much time in prayer for our own children. But how does a busy mom find …

Share

A Mother’s Persistent Prayer

Desperation can lead to unusual actions. Many were the days that I locked myself in the bathroom or closet after a crazy day just to have a few much needed minutes of peace and quiet. Other times, I unashamedly made a special trip to our town’s grocery store to grab a bag of spicy gumdrops thinking they would relieve the mom-stress I was dealing with. (That doesn’t work, by the way!) But, nothing leads me to more frantic and determined action than seeing one of my children in deep trouble. I’ve had my moments of sheer panic for my children. …

Share