New Easter Clothes

For the past few weeks I have seen commercials advertising Easter/Spring dress clothes for children.  Many people I know have been raving about how they need to get their children a new Easter outfit.  I think it is great that parents love the joy and excitement of Easter and dressing their children in new garments.  Maybe it symbolizes welcoming in a new season of Spring or for Christians, it could symbolize when Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the dead shedding the grave clothes and was newly robed in Gods glory.  Regardless of the reason for new Easter garments, I opted to do something different this year.

I told Aunna and Lillian that we were going to wear some pretty dresses that we have in our closet. I opted to do this for two reasons. One,  I want to teach them while they are young that the true meaning of Easter has NOTHING to do with fancy dresses and shiny suits.  We will be picking out one dress and giving it away to another little girl who may not have a new dress for Easter.  No, I am not preaching that you do this nor am I doing this to appear deep and spiritual because Lord knows I have my own issues, I am simply doing this this year so my 4 year old will remember this one selfless act and hopefully carry it with her every year that Easter comes around.

The second reason is so that my children can learn the value of a dollar.  I explained to Aunna that the money we would have spent on a new dress, we can use $5.00 of that to get her some new arts and crafts supplies.  $5 is still cheaper than a $25 dress.

What do you do or did you do with your children to instill the spirit of giving and selflessness?

Be Blessed,
Angela

Does Your School Age Child Have Spring Fever?

 
Having been an Educator for many, many years, I know this time of year can literally go to a school goers head.  The days are getting longer, the weather is slowly but surely getting warmer and spring break is here! Besides that, your child may be feeling the monotony of school and know the reality that in a few months summer will erupt.  To prevent what I call, "Educational Spring Fever," during the days they are out for Easter/Spring break, encourage them to still set aside at least 30 minutes a day to do some form of reading.  If your child is younger and is learning their multiplication tables, this is a great time to do daily times table drills.  Even if the child may not have any spelling words to review, I strongly suggest you go online and find some grade level spelling words and have the child study them.  The key is not to allow their brains to take a break.

I do think it is important for you and your child to enjoy break and relax and catch up on some sleep, but learning can be fun and should not be neglected even though school is not in session.  There are so many other things you and your children can incorporate into their break besides marathon television viewing such as:

1. Exercise outdoors as a family
2. Clean certain sections of the house
3. Visit museums
4. Volunteer somewhere
5. Play board games
6. Communicate with one another. (Turn all media outlets OFF)
7. Eat at least one meal together as a family
8. Take a nap
9. Buy a news paper and read the comics (not online)
10. Laugh

The bottom line, use this break as a time to do somethings you have been wanting and/or needing to do.  Laugh, communicate, and encourage some daily educational time.

Be Blessed and Happy Resurrection Day!
Angela

Burn Baby Burn!

 When I was in my teens and twenties, I was fearless, strong minded, not easily swayed and saw myself in a positive light when it came to my abilities as a woman, leader, and overall person. I had a fire about myself that I admired then and when looking back today, I still pop my collar for having.  However, as time went by, life got more challenging and many of my hopes and dreams became hopeless in my mind.  I feel like I allowed life to punk me out in many ways.  The "fire" I use to have about life, injustice and standing up for what was right, seems to burn at a very low temperature.  Now at 41 almost 42 years old  in four weeks, I look back and see where I allowed life and others opinions to soften me.  Not all my softening has been bad because God has done a great work in me where I am quicker to listen and slower to speak my mind and a bit more patient and understanding.  Godly wisdom has replaced some of the areas where youth and lack of experience can create disorder. 

I have always been a leader and held many leadership roles during my teens, 20's and adult life.  Being a leader has taught me how peoples opinions can impact you both negatively and positively.  When I was 23 years old, a lady told me that I needed to "tone down my presence!"  I thought what?  Later I found out it was not my "presence" that bothered her, it was the fact the others did not notice her "presence."   Fear of what others will think, disappointing those I love and making repeated mistakes plague me today.

HOWEVER, recently God has been showing me that He made me and YOU great and that He want us to be great and reign in the areas he has given us lordship over.  IT IS OK TO BE GREAT!  "God’s thoughts towards you are that of peace and not of evil. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11" (excert from The Total Man). 

When I watch films of Michael Jordan playing basketball, it sends chills through me because he is performing at his ultimate ability and greatness.  Watching Michael Jackson perform on stage pulled you in because he too was operating at his ultimate greatness in his gift.   Are you doing the same?  As women and mothers, we owe it to God first, then ourselves and then our mates and children to KNOW that God made us great and that we MUST operate at our individual level of greatness! 

I like to think that my tall, larger statue matches my large presence and purpose!  

Don't hide your fire. Let it BURN BABY BURN!

Mommies, Get Your Groove Back!

 
When you hear "Get Your Groove Back" you may be thinking about the movie Waiting to Exhale, but on the contrary.  I am talking about finding time to move and groove your body for some time of exercise.  As a mother, we seem to put everyone and everything before ourselves.  Our health is paramount because if we are not here for our families, what was it all worth.  Please get your mammograms, pelvic exams, physicals, etc.  When you set up dental and eye appointment for the family, include yourself.  Being active is not just about ridding yourself of unnecessary  weight, but about being healthy.

You may be saying, "I do not have time to go to the gym"  and if that is indeed true, than you can find at least 15-20 minutes to cut on some music and dance around the house.  My 4 year old LOVES it when we do this.  She and I both love Latin music so we blast the stereo and get to grooving.  The other day I was sitting in the nail salon getting a much needed pedicure (I had not had one in over a year!!) and found myself noticing so many women taking time to get impeccable nails, but I could not help but to wonder how many take the same time to move their bodies at least three days a week for at least 30 minutes.  Funny how people can find time to do things they want to do.  I love my nails and feet to look pretty, but if I had to choose, and due to financial reasons I have had to numerous time, I would opt to invest in my health.  If I die due to illnesses brought on by obesity and a sedentary life style, having pretty nails will not profit me at all.

Moms, lets just get moving and grooving again.  Some of you LOVED to dance and move prior to having children.  This does not have to change! You are still fabulous and fun.

Blessings,
Angela