Playdough

May 18, 2013 By Tara Dovenbarger

Out of playdough? No problem! Here is an easy, fun recipe the kids can help with! Make sure to keep this one handy!

1-cup salt, 2-cups flour, 2-cups water,

1/4-cup vegetable oil, 1-tablespoon cream of tartar

Place ingredients in pan, add your favorite food coloring, stir over low heat until dough is not sticky, looks and feels like playdough. Enjoy playing with your kids!

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand.

Enjoy your weekend!

Tara Dovenbarger, come visit on facebook

come

Filed Under: Education, Recipes, Resources, Tara Dovenbarger, Uncategorized Tagged With: Children, Motherhood, Parenting, playdough, recipe, Summertime Fun 2 Comments

Are You a YES Mom or a NO Mom? 6 Tips to Help You Find Out

May 17, 2013 By themomin

When my sons were young, I caught myself doing it over and over again. Saying NO without really thinking about what they were asking.

NO just seemed to slip from my lips before I thought it through.

I knew I needed to listen, think and then respond, but I just kept saying NO.

I had become a NO Mom.

Giving a knee-jerk NO to whatever they asked for was definitely not on the “Good Mom” list and I knew it was time to carefully consider my comebacks to their questions.

It’s not that NO is always a bad thing. It’s definitely a necessary part of parenting well.

“NO, you can’t eat another candy bar.”

“NO, you can’t take the television apart so you can see how it works.” (That really was a question my son asked!)

“NO, you can’t stay over night at your friend’s house when his parents aren’t home.“

But some NO’s are definitely a NO-NO.

NO’s like…

“NO, Momma doesn’t have time.”

“NO, we can’t go out and play.”

“NO, you can’t help momma cook, I’m in a hurry.”

NO Mom meant Grumpy Mom, Stick-in-the-Mud Mom, Uninterested Mom, Uncaring Mom.

That’s not the kind of mom I wanted to be.

So I became one NO Mom who was bound to turn over a new leaf.

Things started to change around the Shott house and momma began to think before she spoke. For years, I was determined to parent with a purpose and to carefully consider what my kids were asking, so I could say what I meant, mean what I said, and have good reason for it.

But somewhere along the way the pendulum started swinging the opposite way. Perhaps it’s because the teen years have a way of changing everything. Or maybe because it was easier to say YES. But I caught myself saying YES far too often.

I had to rethink what I had learned oh-so-many years before and begin implementing some of those early parenting principles and decided that I was going to become a YES Mom who said NO when necessary.

Life is hard and parenting isn’t easy and a mother’s role is ever-evolving. Mommas can find themselves feeling weary, worn out and overwhelmed and YES may be easier to say than NO because there is no conflict – no battle – no consequences to follow up with…just YES.

But YES isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, YES also has the power to bring fun into the life of your family. Yes often means you’re engaged with your kids and involved in their lives.

“YES, Mommy will play with you!”

“YES, we can go to the beach!”

“YES, we can make a birdhouse together!”

Saying YES and NO prayerfully, carefully and wisely is the key to parenting on purpose.

So, how do you know if you’re a YES Mom or a No Mom?

1. You know you’re a NO Mom when you say NO before even thinking about what your child asked.

2. You know you’re a NO Mom when your children tell you that you never have any fun with them or never let them do anything.

3. You know you’re a NO Mom when you think you can make them become wise adults by just doing what you say.

4. You know you’re a YES Mom when you’re willing to play in the rain, make a tent in your living room and make Mickey Mouse pancakes with your kids.

5. You know you’re a YES Mom when you want your children to learn to not just do what you say, but think things through for themselves.

6. You know you’re a YES Mom when you’re willing to explain why you have to say NO so your children can understand that your purpose for saying NO is because you love them and is for their good.

Parenting can be very messy. There are no pat answers to every situation. But a momma can’t go wrong when she determines to be a YES Mom who says NO when it’s necessary and is willing to help her children understand why.

So, how about you? Are you a YES Mom or a NO Mom? Have you caught yourself saying NO without really considering why? Do you say YES too much because you don’t want to deal with the conflict of NO?

Filed Under: MOM Stuff, Stephanie Shott, Uncategorized Tagged With: Moms, No Mom, Parenting, Parenting with a Purpose, Successful Parenting, The M.O.M. Initiative, Yes Mom 6 Comments

A Letter to My Child

May 13, 2013 By Gina Smith

Dear child of mine who happens to be a teenager,

I know that you and I can get on each other’s nerves. But I want you to know that I love you and that God is showing me so much about Himself, and about myself, just by you being here. I am a better person having known you and I want you to know I am so thankful that God has put you in my life. I know that sometimes It doesn’t seem as though I am thankful. But I am. Please forgive me for not expressing that often enough.

Sometimes you can be hard to live with. You are moody. You are irritable. You question EVERYTHING. You don’t always want to listen. You think that the things I say are kind of stupid at times. You question God. You question and question…and challenge and challenge. You raise your voice. You say foolish things. You can be disrespectful. Yes. It can be hard some days.

People call this “normal teenage behavior” but I know what it really is…

The truth is….God has been showing me the truth about MYSELF. As I walk with you through these years I am seeing that I really am not that much different that you are. And because of that, I need to be much more grace filled and understanding of you.

I have failed at that on many days. Please forgive me.

Here’s what I see. I can be hard to live with as well. There are days when I am moody and irritable. I question things too. I question God. I ask why. I challenge Him in my own way. I don’t always want to listen. I can be very rebellious. It may not be in the same areas that you battle, or look the same way as it does in your life, but it’s there in my heart.

There are days I raise my voice. To you. To your father. I do it too.

I say foolish things too. I can be disrespectful. I can be impatient.

You see? You and I really are a lot alike. The sin you battle. The questions. The feeling of wanting independence…of wanting to do your own thing…of wanting to challenge…I am still facing the same battles.

I will face these battles until I die and so will you.

I am praying that God would remind me that it’s not always a bad thing for you to challenge or have questions! The fact that you have questions shows that you are GROWING, THINKING…and that God is at work in you, and I need to REJOICE IN THAT!

When I respond poorly to your questions it is usually motivated by fear or pride. Please forgive me. I want to do what I can to work WITH you. Walk WITH you. I am praying for God to help me understand you and show you grace. You are my child. We are a part of the body of Christ. Because of that I am called to live with you and help you… we are walking this road together.

We are so much alike. I am on your side. I am for you.

I pray that I can grow in these areas and set an example for you to follow as you make your own way in your walk with God. I pray that you will experience Him in a deeper way for yourself as He shows Himself to you. I look forward to the day when we can look back and see how we both have grown!

I Love you,

Your mom and fellow stumbling sister in Christ.

Gina Smith

___________________________________________________________________

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Filed Under: Gina Smith, MOM Stuff, Uncategorized Tagged With: Being a mom, Letter to My Child, Moms are Mentors, Parenting, The M.O.M. Initiative, The MOM Initiative 4 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day ~ AND, We Are Introducing Our New Custom Made Jewelry Line, “Jewels Around Mom’s Heart”

May 12, 2013 By themomin

Before I share with you some exciting news from The M.O.M. Initiative I wanted to let you know that…..

You are treasured, sweet moms and we are honored to do life with you! SO…THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all you do to mold the heart of the next generation! YOU are making a difference every day…even when no one else sees it and you feel like you’re ready to collapse under the weight of the mounds of laundry, piles of dishes and relentless tugs at your heart!

SO…for fun, I thought I’d share this super cute and funny video to add a little laughter to your day. I LOVE this video…well…except the throwing the baby doll part, but it’s still worth watching!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

NOW FOR OUR NEWS….

THE NEWS:

The M.O.M. Initiative is a ministry dedicated to taking Titus 2 to the streets and reaching the moms of this generations so we can reach the heart of the next generation. We are super excited to share with you that we are opening The M.O.M. Store with a beautiful line of custom made jewelry called, Jewels Around Mom’s Heart, and we will be adding other items in the future.

THE JEWELRY:

Because a mom is always a mom and her love for her kids is undaunted, we wanted to share something that would reflect the heart of a mother. No matter how old your children are, you’re still their mom and you will always love them like no one else. The custom designed and custom made line of jewelry has a signature MOM heart on every piece and you have the option to add birthstone color jewels for each child or the color(s) of your choice.

When you visit our store and click on the link, it will take you to Krafty Max’s website. We have contracted with a professional jeweler who creates quality jewelry that comes with a guarantee and she will handle all the orders as well as the shipping through her online store at Artfire Studios.

THE REASON:

The M.O.M. Initiative exists to help make the body of Christ intentionally missional about mentoring and to bridge the gap between a young mom’s need for a mentor and the church’s need for resources and support. Our desire from the beginning has to be a self-sustaining ministry and we are asking for your help.

The proceeds from all items sold in The M.O.M. Store will not only help us with ministry expenses, printing, outreaches, conferences and other areas of need, but a portion of all proceeds will go to help victims of sex trafficking as well as to help young moms in local shelters.

VISIT OUR STORE:

Our website has a page where you can find the MOM goodies from The M.O.M. Initiative . Click here to visit The M.O.M. Store.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE PIECES: (Oh…and I am SO NOT into jewelry, but I do love these!)

THE BEAUTIFUL M.O.M. BEADED BRACELET!

Jewels Around Mom’s Heart Custom Line by Krafty Max Originals
This image © KraftyMax 2013

I’m sure it’s pretty obvious why this is my FAVE, but I wish you could see it in person! It’s absolutely beautiful and perfect for every mom! And notice the MOM heart at the end of the bracelet… Yeah…that’s where you add the jewels of your choice!

I also LOVE the CELL PHONE CHARM! My hubby and I have the same phone, so now I can tell them apart…AND my phone is cute now with its custom made Jewels Around Mom’s Heart!

AND…you can unclasp it from the cell phone pin and attach it to your child’s DIAPER BAG, or the zipper on your PURSE or BIBLE COVER. LOVE IT!

And I LOVE this custom made JEWELS AROUND MOM’S HEART NECKLACE!

I wore a similar one to church and got lots of compliments and lots of moms asking where they could get one! It also has the signature MOM HEART where you clasp it in the back and it dangles down the back of your neck. It really is pretty. Just sayin’!

So, that’s the exciting news for us at The M.O.M. Initiative! We know you ladies will be getting your jewelry somewhere…we hope you will help support The M.O.M. Initiative as well as helping us provide funds to help sex trafficking victims and young moms in local shelters by choosing to get your custom made MOM jewelry here.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Jewelry, Jewels Around Mom's Heart, Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals, The M.O.M. Store 1 Comment

Why You Should Start Planning Your Daughter’s Wedding Now and Not Let Her Buy That Candy Bar

May 11, 2013 By Erin Bishop

Yes, you read that right. I think you and your daughter should start planning her wedding as soon as she understands what a wedding and marriage is.

My 15-year-old daughter has been talking to me for years about the kind of wedding she wants. She even has a Pinterest board filled with ideas. The girl’s got good taste.

It used to annoy me when she would interrupt me what felt like every five minutes to show me a wedding dress on the Internet. I thought about it and decided I’d rather have her dream about her future wedding than sit in a corner worried whether or not some guy likes her.

Think about it. A girls wedding is one of the highest points in her life. She dreams about it. She wonders what her dress will look like and how she will wear her hair. She dreams of all the eyes watching her as she elegantly floats down the aisle on her daddy’s arm. She imagines the look on her grooms face when he first sees her, his beautiful bride.

Then, there is the reception. My girl wants a big outdoor tent for dinner and dancing with lots of candles and white twinkle lights. There will be a band, delicious food, a stunning cake and guests will throw sprinkles at her and her man as they leave, instead of rice. It will be her special dream come true night.

I want my daughter, and yours, to be so in love with and protective of the plans God has for her life that the cheap imitations the world offers would pale in comparison. I want our girls to be so secure and sure of God’s plan that they don’t say yes to the first boy who shows an interest in them. That they would trust that the right guy will come along in God’s timing.

In contrast…

Have you ever taken your kids to the store with you and they’re hungry and their own money is burning a hole in their pocket? It almost never fails. My daughter will ask me if she can buy herself a soda or a candy bar with her money. And it always happens at the weirdest places like the fabric store, where candy bars and sodas couldn’t possibly be any more expensive. Who pays over a dollar for a regular sized candy bar? I digress.

The conversations usually go something like this:

“I thought you were saving your money for that shirt at the mall,” I ask.

“Oh yeah. I changed my mind about it ” or “Yeah, but I’m hungry”. Rarely does she agree with me and ends up buying that treat anyway. Most often, though, she ends up wishing she had saved her money for that shirt after all.

The same principle is true with boy girl relationships. Their friends have boyfriends, the girls at the mall have boyfriends, she sees a boy at school give his girlfriend roses and she longs for that attention and affection. It’s completely normal to want what we don’t have, and to want to fit in. We were designed to crave masculine attention.

But. If we empower and encourage our daughters to hold their hands open wide to receive the bounty of blessings God is just waiting to give her, (because you don’t have to chase after God; He’s waiting for you to ask) I daresay she will spend the rest of her life repeating prayers of gratitude to the Lord for that bounty of blessings in the man she waited for. God wants to lavish our kids with His love and gift them with His perfect plan for marriage.

This is how we’re doing it in our home. What about you?

Does your daughter dream of her wedding? Did you dream of yours?

I’d love to share a Whatever Girls resource with you. “The Importance of the Father Daughter Relationship”, something to keep in mind and close to your heart. Especially if you’re raising a daughter.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Parenting, raising teens, Weddings 1 Comment

See the BOID!

May 8, 2013 By Debbie Taylor Williams

“My sister was carrying my daughter, Kim, down the hall of a hospital. Little Kim was looking back and saying, “See the boid!” (bird – she couldn’t yet say her Rs). Gail turned to see what bird could possibly be in the hospital, and there stood three nuns. Kim thought they were penguins.”* My friend, Sandra Chapman, shared this story in the “Laugh Out Loud” section of The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.

IT’S GOOD TO LAUGH, DON’T YOU THINK?

I remember the day when my children, Taylor and Lauren, were little and the milk spilled for the upteenth time. I finally decided to laugh. Not cry. Not scream. Not get mad. Instead, realize that accidents were going to happen when you’re raising little ones.

But sometimes a mom can feel like a BASKET CASE!

What drives you almost INSANE?

Are there some things we CAN DO to have a MORE SANE home and family life? Yes! As a matter of fact, I listed 75 pointers in The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.

Which might help you?

75 7 POINTERS for a SANE FAMILY** You don’t have time to read all 75 right now.

1. Be in the moment with the one you’re with.

If you’ve set aside 15 minutes to play with the kids, then make it play time. Put your phone in your purse and don’t text, call, or answer it.

2. Laugh together.

Telling old stories keeps them alive in your mind and your child’s mind. “Do you remember when you were three and you asked me how God got dinosaurs to heaven?”

3. Pray immediately, not later.

If Carson is worried he won’t make the soccer team, instead of saying, “We’ll pray you do,” pray that moment. “Carson, I know you want to make the team, and you’re so good! Let’s pray that if it is God’s will, that you will. Heavenly Father, thank You for making Carson with feet and legs that can run and with a good strong body that can play soccer. We pray that if it is Your will for Him to make the team that He will. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Now, Carson, go out and do your best. We’ll trust God with what happens. I love you.”

4. Listen to Christian music.

Studies prove that music has a powerful effect on us. When you or your kids are down or they’re trying your nerves, play Christian music. It’s good for your soul and your kids.

5. Say, “Good morning!” and greet each family member with a smile in the mornings.

It sets the tone and mood for the day. Trust me on this.

6. Read at least one verse from your Bible every morning.

“I gotta have it!” we say about our coffee. “Caffeine gets me through the day,” we explain. Sure, it may physically get you through the day. But what about emotionally? A great addiction is a verse a day. It WILL impact you and affect whether or not you are sane and raise sane kids.

7. Last but not least. Say, “I love you,” in the morning when you hug little ones and often throughout the day.

Say, “I love you” to that tween and teen and let them hear you say it to others. God is LOVE. If we want our children to grow in God and be loving adults, we must pray for God to fill us with His love. We must speak loving words. We must articulate our love.

I guess I really gave you 8 POINTERS. The last is really the first. Before you get out of bed, if you want to be sane and more than sane and raise sane kids, PRAY for God to FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT. You can’t do the mommy thing well nor God’s way without CHRIST INFUSING YOUR MIND, EMOTIONS, & SPIRIT.

HAPPY SANE MOTHER’S DAY!

”The fruit of the SPIRIT is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, GENTLENESS, FAITHFULNESS, SELF-CONTROL,” Galatians 5:22-23.

Love, Debbie

The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Flawed World

**75 POINTERS for a SANE FAMILY, pages 215-217.

DEBBIE TAYLOR WILLIAMS, Spreading the Word and Love of God.

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The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World: How to Raise Faithful Kids in a Flawed World, Available on KINDLE.

Filed Under: Childhood, Debbie Taylor Williams, Kid's Stuff, M.O.M. Devos, MOM Stuff, MOMs at Heart, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christian Music, Laughter in the home, Love, Mother's Day, Prayer, Sane Family Leave a Comment

Do You Laugh With Your Kids? & the Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle ($640 Value for Only $29.97)

May 2, 2013 By Joanne Kraft

Samuel, my ten-year-old, came into the kitchen and held out his hand. “Look Mom, I’m double-jointed!” He went on to make motions and wave his fingers around my face in comical ways.

I tried hard to keep a straight face, while visions of Spock and Captain Kirk danced in my head.

“So, what exactly does that mean, son?”

Looking up at me, he stared straight in my eyes and said in all seriousness. “It means that no one can ever break my fingers.”

After he left the kitchen, I busted a gut.

Now, there’s a difference between laughing at your kids and laughing with them. But, in order to laugh with them you must begin to see the humor in every day moments.

Our almost nineteen year old son was getting ready for a job interview, yesterday. I reminded him, “Son, don’t forget to use your ma’am’s and sir’s.”

He looked surprised, “Thanks Mom. I was going to use my dawg’s and homies’.”

Kids who laugh become adults who can Laugh

I grew up in a family of hopeless comedians. My husband is a really funny guy, too. Laughter is heard in our home every day. I know it’s not very funny to say we’re funny…but we’re funny. Our family is not without the heartaches of the world. We’ve been dealt a few painful blows. Still, laughter is a God given gift that we’ve leaned on to help heal the hurts.

When you raise your children to seek humor in their daily routine,

you raise adults who can laugh even when life is hard.

Laughter in Your Home?

What about your home? Do you laugh with your children? Do your children hear you laughing with your husband? Here’s a few ways to encourage laughter in your family, no matter what your comedic skill.

Watch a movie/TV together. Our family loves to rent a DVD and laugh out loud. Some of our favorites? Finding Nemo. Summer Rental. Scrooged. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Princess Bride. Favorite funny TV shows? Duck Dynasty and Drake & Josh.

Watch home videos. At least once a year I’ll bring out some home movies. The kids think it’s hysterical watching each other when they were small.

Get a joke book. The library is full of funny books and joke books for any age. Some of the funniest are the ones written for children. When Samuel brought home 101 Jokes and shared a few with us. The punch lines were so pathetically horrible we couldn’t help but crack up.

Look silly every once in awhile. Make faces, dance around the kitchen, talk in a funny voice when you read a bedtime story. Our family recently moved from California to Tennessee. There have been days I announce, “Everywhere we go we’re talking with a southern twang.” The kids crack up listening to their father and I try to pull that one off!

Laughter and joy go hand in hand. Maybe that’s why God included the verse in Nehemiah; The joy of the Lord is our strength? Where Christ reigns in our life joy isn’t far off.

Remember, God gave us our children as a gift. Children bring incredible joy into our lives. It’s a fair trade off when we can bring a little laughter into theirs.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 ESV

By, Joanne Kraft

____________________________________________________________________

The M.O.M. Initiative is a ministry devoted to taking Titus 2 to the streets and making mentoring intentionally missional…and as a way of help to support this ministry, The M.O.M. Initiative is offering an affiliate link that provides you with a great group of resources at a very low cost. SEE THE LIST BELOW to check out what you get for only $29.97! (A $640 Value)

*A portion of all proceeds earned from any sales will go to helping sex trafficking victims through Courage Worldwide and to helping young moms through local women’s shelters.

CLICK the BUY NOW button below to purchase this amazing group of resources!

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Each of The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

Filed Under: Joanne Kraft, MOM Stuff, Uncategorized Tagged With: Children and laughter, Joanne Kraft, Laughter in the home, Parenting, parenting advice, The M.O.M. Initiative 3 Comments

What your mission trip is missing & The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle ($640 Value for $29.97)

May 1, 2013 By Julie Sanders

This time of year many women prepare for short term missions trips. They get shots, plan testimonies, pray together, pack suitcases, and learn about culture. But one of the greatest potential impacts of a missions team experience often gets overlooked: mentoring on mission.

In addition to trying unfamiliar food and bathroom facilities, members of cross-cultural teams are stretched physically and spiritually. Whether it happens on village paths or city pavement, mission trips are good ground for growth.

Last year I led a team of four women and four teenage girls to Northern Thailand for a ministry trip. Preparing the team for the culture, pace, climate, and purpose of our trip was crucial, but just that was a limited focus. Especially when teams combine varied ages, part of ministry is mentoring. Each woman was assigned a teen girl as a mentee; they met monthly for preparation, accountability, prayer, and bonding. Even though some moms & daughters were on the team, the mentoring relationships built into our teens and strengthened our team. Once on the field, the relationships set us up for more effective ministry cross-culturally.

Instead of limiting our focus to national co-workers and their target groups, use a wider angle lens to include the younger members of the team. By serving with youth, we plant global understanding in the hearts of the next generation, and we pave the way for future leaders. God may use our influence in cross-cultural settings to steer the life of a younger woman.

Be passionate about the culture to go to reach, but also be passionate about reaching younger members of your team. “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1) How can you mentor younger women on mission teams?

Mentoring happens on mission when:

You invite her participation
You get to know younger team members
You look for and nurture her gifts
You speak words of encouragement
You pray with her on the go, as you serve
Before the trip – You ask good questions, listen to her thoughts, affirm her contributions
After the trip – You ask good questions, listen to her thoughts, affirm her contributions

A new culture, fast pace, different language, and changes in plans may leave them feeling overwhelmed. Teens may be insecure and unsure of how they can help. The opportunity to serve cross-culturally will stir their hearts and, perhaps, their dreams about their future.

Your greatest ministry may be in the life of a younger team member from your own hometown.

And if you aren’t on a team yourself, how about sending a card, chatting over coffee, or texting to encourage that teen who’s widening her world and stepping out in faith? You can have a mission mentoring ministry right from your home.

Missions and mentoring cross over at a beautiful intersection when women look for ways to build into younger team members. Your heart to “mother others” has the potential to bear fruit in far away places and right at home.

____________________________________________________________________

*A portion of all proceeds earned from any sales will go to helping sex trafficking victims through Courage Worldwide and to helping young moms through local women’s shelters.

CLICK the BUY NOW button below to purchase this amazing group of resources!

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Each of The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

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PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

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All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 25th, 2013 (3 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

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Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available.However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

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Filed Under: Adoption & Fostering, Blended Families, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

How To Find A Mentor & The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle ($640 Value for $29.97)

April 30, 2013 By Gina Smith

Over the years I have received letters, and have heard young women express, that they have a hard time finding older women who will take the time to spend time/mentor them. I understand where these women are coming from. For years I was in that very situation. I longed for someone to take on that role and found that many older women were too busy or didn’t understand their role biblically.

As I look back, I can see how God provided mentors for me in different ways. It wasn’t always in the way I would have liked, but I can see how He did meet my need in unique ways. I would have loved to have gotten together on a regular basis with an older woman, but that has only happened once in my life–when I was in

college. After that, there was not really available in that way.

If you find yourself in a similar place, here are some things that you can do:

1. Pray for God to provide someone for you. It was God’s idea for older women to teach the younger women.

2. Ask for Him to help you see or hear the lessons He has for you as you are around older women. A friend of mine used to say, “You can learn something from everyone you are with. You can learn what you WANT to be like, or what you DON’T WANT to be like!” I have found that to be true.

For example: One woman wrote me and shared about an older woman who was willing to mentor her, but she was hesitant to meet with her because she had observed that she seemed to gossip a lot.

What has she learned from her?

She has learned that others are always watching you!

She has learned that she doesn’t want to be characterized as being a gossip!

She has learned that the older woman WAS willing to mentor. She was the only one who stepped up. Even if she may not be the one, she was willing!

But what is the truth?

We are all capable of being involved in gossip. The scripture tells us it is impossible to tame the tongue! (James 3) It is in your own heart to gossip. It is in all of our hearts. But you don’t want to be characterized as being one. Pray for the woman who is seen as a gossip, that she would see her sin. Pray that you would not fall into the same sin.

The fact that the older woman was willing says a lot about her heart. I would be careful not to label her only as a gossip…but as a woman who was also willing to take the time to mentor!

Look for lessons in those you are around. You might hear a woman talk to her husband a certain way. A lesson. You might observe a mom with her child. A lesson. Just observe. But try not to be too hard on people. We are all sinners in process of growing. We are all in need of Grace. If you see a sinful trait, pray for them and then look for evidence of God’s grace in their lives as well. Ask God if you might be the one to point out the area of sin in the other person’s life. Maybe they are blind to it. God may use you in their lives!

If you spend time with other couples, going to their homes for dinner or inviting them over, observe them. Learn. Ask good questions. Just this morning we went out with a couple from church and one of the questions they asked us was, “What is the greatest challenge that you are facing in your lives right now” It started a great discussion. Learn from other’s answers.

3. Read books written by older, godly women. God has used several older women/authors to mentor me! I have collected every book written by Elisabeth Elliot. I read everything I could get my hands on by her! I consider her to be one of my mentors, even though we have never met. Then, I bought as many books as I could by Amy Carmichael, because she was someone that Elisabeth Elliot read and considered to be a mentor.

I would lean towards reading books that are written by women who are older. Who have lived life. I know that younger women are learning and have much to share, but often what we share when we are younger can be information that is still “theory” in our lives. A woman who has lived life can share information that she has lived out for years, and the years often tend to sift out the information that isn’t really that vital.

I think mentoring can take on different “looks”. Observing. Reading. Spending time asking questions.

4. Invite some older couples over to your house for dinner or coffee. Show them that you value them. Honestly, as I have gotten older, it is hard to know sometimes if younger people even want me around. Sometimes I will hold back because of that. In my experience there are times when young people can send the message that they don’t need help, don’t want help, feel they have all the answers, or that I am clueless. It might help if you let them know, by reaching out, that you want to get to know and hear from older people.

If you have them in your home, you might be able to start up good conversations and ask specific questions. Ask them about their kids, or what they are reading for their quiet time…anything to get them to share and know that you are interested. You could even come right out and say, “I am young and have some questions, would you mind if I asked you something?” They may be shocked to know you even want their input!

Even now, I love seeking out people who are older than me and asking questions. It is so helpful. My pastors wife is one that I love to observe. She has too much on her plate for me to meet with her one on one, but she is always available. If I have a question, I e-mail her. If she can’t get together with me for coffee, she will either call me or e-mail me back. And she ALWAYS follows up with me and prays with me when I see her.

I have learned even more from her by observing her. First, she serves her husband and daughter. That is her priority. Then, she is very involved in serving her 3 grown children and their spouses and her grandchildren. On top of that she is a pastors wife. So she is busy serving and loving the people of the church.

I love to watch her move from one person to another as she checks in with them and prays with them. But I also have learned a lot when she has said, “I will have to get back with you in a few days. I am serving my family who has the flu….” She has shown me BY EXAMPLE what MY priority should be! I never feel put off. I only feel challenged to follow her example.

I understand the desire to have someone invest in you as a younger woman. It is a good desire. Keep praying for that. Then look for different ways God is meeting that need. You might be surprised what you find.

HAVE YOU BEEN SURPRISED BY THE MENTORS GOD HAS PLACED IN YOUR LIFE? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MENTOR NOW?

____________________________________________________________________

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All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 25th, 2013 (3 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available.However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a small portion of each sale. Thank you for investing in this ministry by purchasing The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle through The M.O.M. Initiative!

Filed Under: Articles, Ideas & Resources, Gina Smith, MOM Stuff, Uncategorized Tagged With: Discipleship, Gina Smith, Mentor, Mentoring, Titus 2 1 Comment

5 Reasons Why Kids Act Differently When Momma Is Around

April 29, 2013 By themomin

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

There she was over in the corner talking to some friends when I brought her children into the room.

I had been watching them all day so she could help her hubby with some work around the house. But it was time to take them home.

I loved spending time with her kids. They were funny, cute and occasionally a bit mischievous in the sweetest kind of way. At least most of the time.

But the minute they were within a stones throw from their momma, the drama would begin and the noise level became unbearable. Tugging, yelling, fighting, kicking, complaining and whining.

Oh…and did I mention whining? (Yeah…it was that bad!)

But what didn’t make sense was that those sweet little angelic kids had been with me for the past five hours and I almost thought I saw halos hovering above their heads…they were that good!

And then, like something from Ironman, they mutated into something so different, they were almost unrecognizable ~ even un-human.

How is that possible?

Have your kids ever done that?

Yeah…mine have too.

So, why do our kids act differently when momma is around?

1. BECAUSE WE LOVE THEM ~ AND THEY KNOW IT… Kids who know their momma loves them are prone to pounce on the ground, lay prostrate at their momma’s feet and begin wailing like a wounded bird for no apparent reason other than the fact that we will pick them up in our arms, tuck their heads sweetly on our shoulder and console them with the reassuring love that only a momma can give. Whether they are 2 or 10, they long for those momma hugs and that momma love.

2. BECAUSE THEY TRUST THEIR MOMMA~ Kids know that no matter who may come and go in their life, and no matter who may let them down, they can always trust their momma to be there for them. They’re not looking for perfect parents, they just know that no one else will be there for them like their momma will. Mommas are a safe place for kids to be who they are at their weakest and strongest moments and they know their mom won’t love them any less. They trust their moms.

3. BECAUSE MOMS ARE MUSHY ~ So, we might as well go ahead and admit it…if our kids need a gentle word or a loving hug, they know that momma is the one to run to. Moms are mushy and whether kids just want attention, they’re going through something or they’re a young teen having a hormonal meltdown moment, they know their momma’s heart will hurt with theirs because moms are mushy.

4. BECAUSE THEY NEED US ~ When their little hearts are hurting, they don’t feel well, they’re tired, hungry or they just want some butterfly kisses and a momma hug, they need their mommas. Sometimes, they just miss their momma and haven’t developed a better way to express their feelings other than to tug at your pant leg and act as if their world has just ended. Like no other place on earth, a momma’s arms are where children feel security, comfort, contentment and love. They don’t only want their momma. They need their momma.

5. BECAUSE THEY CAN ~ Let’s face it, sometimes, we moms can become too mushy, too distracted, too disconnected or too disinterested to notice what is going on with our kids. It happens all the time. Kids try pushing every possible button momma has in order to get their way. And life often keeps us so preoccupied that our kids become desperate for our attention. So they either try to manipulate momma to get their way or to get their attention. To them, any attention is worth it. Even if it’s bad.

When our kids behave differently with us, there’s a reason, and it’s not always a bad one. It may simply be because we love them and they know it. Or because they trust us. Or because we are mushy moms. Or because they need us. Or maybe it is because they are trying to get our attention and they know that if they misbehave, they can.

WHAT ABOUT YOU, SWEET MOMS? DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANY REASONS WHY YOUR CHILDREN MIGHT ACT DIFFERENTLY WITH YOU THAN WITH OTHERS? HOW CAN YOU ASSURE THEM OF YOUR LOVE AND HELP THEM DEVELOP BETTER WAYS TO EXPRESS THEIR EMOTIONS?

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Filed Under: Behavior, MOM Stuff, Stephanie Shott, Uncategorized Tagged With: Misbehaving, Mother's Love, Parenting, Stephanie Shott, The M.O.M. Initiative, Whining, Why Children Whine 2 Comments

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand.

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Spiritual Growth

Marriage & Romance

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Working from Home & Blogging

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PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

The fine print:

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a small portion of each sale. Thank you for investing in this ministry by purchasing The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle through The M.O.M. Initiative!

What’s Included in the Sale?

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

Educational Children’s Resources

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Pregnancy & Baby Care

Holidays & Special Events

Spiritual Growth

Marriage & Romance

Motherhood

Health & Fitness

Beauty

Working from Home & Blogging

Ecourses

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

The fine print:

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a small portion of each sale. Thank you for investing in this ministry by purchasing The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle through The M.O.M. Initiative!

So, why do our kids act differently when momma is around?

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