Service
Growth-What I’m Learning about My Purpose
Each of us is born with a unique life purpose. For some of us, our purpose in life is obvious and clear. Some of us are born with a set of talents and through persistent practice, we develop our talents into skills and it may help lead us to our purpose. Yet for others, myself included, it isn’t easy to identify your purpose. We are told to find something you like and pursue it with a passion. I like a…
“Roads in the Desert”
I don’t like asking for help. I have a couple of theories on this. The first is easier to digest: we Southerners are raised in such politeness that we are always willing to offer help and generally reluctant to accept it. There’s a charm, an old-fashioned chivalry in that belief. My second theory, though, is strikingly less noble: I am either too proud to ask for help or too fearful that I will ask too much–or worse, that I will…
Time To Think
Most of us are not intentionally mean spirited or hateful. We don’t look for opportunities to hurt others nor do we teach our children to do so. But I would have to argue that merely teaching them to NOT be hurtful IS NOT enough! We must show them what it looks like to BE loving, grace-filled and kind. My youngest revealed this truth to me when she decided not to share her toys with her cousin. When I spoke with…
Celebrating Advent
Would you like your children to be a little more giving and a lot less focused on getting? Why not start a tradition of celebrating Advent. Advent is about the expectant coming of our Savior and the Joy of celebrating the Hope he brings to the world. Check out this video and try a few of the suggestions below for a change to the customary christmas celebrations. Display an Advent wreath with 3 purple and 1 pink candle. Progressively light…
Thanks Giving
It’s Thanks giving. When we say these words we usually put them together and it becomes synonymous with “I have eaten too much”. I hope that it also means family gatherings where you’re intentionally giving to others, and making lasting memories and family traditions. And I hope it means laughter- tons of laughter!!! This is my favorite time of the year. I love getting together with my siblings and extended family (from both sides of our family). I’m smiling now as I type,…
Are you living out loud?
Living Out Loud? There are so many things that shout for our attention and devotion: our jobs, our kids, our spouses, our hobbies—the demands and distractions of life. To which we respond “If only I had an exciting job, a loving spouse, good children, vibrant health or money for more things – life would be great.” But in reality, we know that isn’t true. So why do we frustrate ourselves by re-visiting these thoughts over and over? I believe it’s…
Let’s Volunteer!
When we make service work a normal part of our lives we not only teach our children strong core values, we demonstrate these values in action. Resolve to make a difference in your community this year. The benefits are enormous. Volunteering teaches even toddlers and preschoolers about compassion, empathy, tolerance, gratitude, and community responsibility. And children who volunteer are more likely to continue doing so as adults. Volunteer ideas for you and the kids Regularly visit a “grandfriend” at a…