Happy New Me in 2023

Recently our Youth Pastor gave an awesome sermon at our church. He reminded the congregation, at any age, we ALL have a purpose. It was such a powerful message for me. Throughout my life I've always had goals; graduating from high school, going to college, having a media career, falling in love.  However, after having children, my life was all about them. Somehow over time, I kind of lost myself. The only thing I focused on was helping my children achieve their dreams and making sure they had the physical and financial resources they needed. I don't blame my children. The onus is really on me for forgetting who I was and putting my dreams on hold. Anybody else feeling that way?

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm your; plans to give you a future and a hope".

If you are 25, 47, 63 or 90, don't lose hope. Keep making plans. No, matter your season in life, you still have value. It's never too late to go back to college, write that book, start that business. Remind yourself, everyday, you have a lot to give!

What's Your Vision?

Have you ever designed a Vision Board? It's a creative way to write your goals, your dreams; what you want to achieve in your life.

 

You use a blank piece of paper, about the size of a small poster.  First, think what you want to accomplish: lose weight, travel to an exotic destination; get your college degree. Then cut out pictures from a magazine that mirror those goals or use your artistic skills. Paste those pictures onto the poster board and use some colorful markers to describe what you want to do.

Habakkuk 2:3 (Living Bible Version) says, But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the Vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!

You are not too old or too young to share your vision.  Now put that Vision Board in a place for all to see, so your family and friends can keep you on track. So...What's your Vision?

EVERYTHING You Need

After watching this year's Super Bowl commercials, I thought, "If I'd only written some of those goofy messages I'd be rolling in dough!"  Maybe I won't write the next TV commercial that will make millions of dollars, but the latest devotional I've written: Mommy Matters: Why every little prayer makes a BIG difference, could bless millions of Moms! Everyone has a gift. Are you using your talents to the fullest?

1 Peter 4:10 says, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace.

Too often we compare ourselves to others by envying their abilities. All the while we may have an idea to get a promotion at work, a vision to begin a business, patience to mentor a child.  Believe in yourself.  God has blessed you with EVERYTHING you need.

Member of Your Family

I grew up with the most adorable black poodles.  We first got Lady as a puppy, she was gorgeous and so smart. After she had a litter of puppies we kept one of her daughters; we named her Penny. These poodles slept in our beds, they traveled with us, they had special diets, sat in the grocery cart when we went shopping and they went to the groomer every month; coming home with painted toe nails and a bow in their hair. They were the true definition of Fur Babies. I loved them so very much. Even though they passed away many years ago, it still makes me sad that they aren't here anymore. Now we have a male, cream colored poodle named Chase. We love him too.

Dogs may not be for everyone. But according to the American Kennel Club, there are science-based benefits to having a dog. Dogs make us feel less alone, are good for the heart and they help us with our stress.  Maybe that's why animal shelters have had so many customers during the pandemic. 

Genesis 1:25 says, And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Pets can be a blessing for your heart and for your health as long as you make the right fit. Visit your local animal shelter to find the newest member of your family.

Better Than It Appears

Have you ever had an eye floater? It's like having spots in your vision. When you try to look at that floater directly, it seems to get further away from your view.

Life can be like that too. You can see that new job, loving relationship or rewarding opportunity in the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to get a better look, it goes out of focus.

Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Keep reaching for that goal, that dream no matter what it may look like. Stay positive and stay strong. Because your vision may be better than it appears.

A New Foundation

When I was a little girl, as my family celebrated New Year's Eve, I remember my parents saying, "Time really flies!" As a child, it felt as if the time from the first day of school in September to Christmas took forever! Now that I'm older, I understand what my parents meant. The years are quickly passing. That's why it's crucial to plan and build the foundation for your life every year.

2 Timothy 2:19 (a) says, God's firm foundation stands.

Make sure your new year has a:

1. Fitness Foundation:  Set realistic goals and find the best way to make healthy choices. Go to the gym or get a fitness app on your cell phone and workout at home.

2. Financial Foundation: Be a good steward of your money. Speak to a financial planner for professional help.

3. Future Foundation: You're never too young or too old to plan for your future. What are your hopes and dreams? Share your desires with a family member or a trusted friend to keep our vision on track.

For more inspiring messages like this one, get my latest Christian Devotional: Mommy Matters: Why every little prayer makes a BIG difference! Available for purchase on Amazon.

Make Parenting Fun Again

Hey Moms, are you feeling overwhelmed during this Coronavirus Pandemic? We’re Mommy, Wife, Teacher and Coworker. Some days it can make you want to scream. In fact, go ahead, let it out!

Being in the middle of a pandemic while the children are home all day long can become a perfect storm for conflict. But since it looks like we’ll be here for a while, let’s find ways to enjoy the togetherness.

Psalms 127:3 says, Children are a gift from God.

So take a break from homework and virtual meetings to bake some chocolate chip cookies or make some crafts out of construction paper. Let’s make parenting fun again.

I Survived!

Have you ever experienced a "Why God" moment? It may be a medical challenge; a financial struggle; a relationship that is on the decline. In those moments, it may be hard to think about the future. But now that it's over and you've made it through that situation, it feels like nothing short of a miracle!

Singer Gloria Gaynor's Grammy winning song "I Survived" is not a gospel song, but it could be the anthem someone needs to hear to make it to the next level in their life.

Matthew 24:13 says, But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

As the world experiences the Covid 19 crisis, Praise God now, knowing you WILL say "I Survived"!

Keep Moving Forward

Walt Disney was an American animation pioneer. Disney was also a film producer, voice actor and entrepreneur. And of course, he was the master mind who helped design Disneyland.

Disney was known for the encouraging words, “Keep Moving Forward”. But that was just a portion of his quote. The entire message was: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.

One scripture that mirrors Disney’s message is Job 17:9 which says, “The righteous keep moving forward and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.

We all have a purpose. Don’t let anything take you off your path, even the detour of a Pandemic.  We’ll get through this crisis, if we Keep Moving Forward.

Getting Started in 2020

Happy 2020!
It's so hard to believe that we're not only beginning a New Year but a New Decade; Wow! I remember New Years eve 2000 when so many fatalistic people were predicting the end of the world; ridiculous. The New Year is when most of us get ready for a fresh start. So if you want to be more physically or fiscally fit, here are some useful tips I suggest for success!
Set Your Goal:  Put some serious thought into what you want to achieve this year and make it realistic. You will not lose 20 pounds in a week, but you can do it over time. Stay positive as you work toward your goal.
Gather your Support: Most folks are more successful when they have a support system. Tell family and friends what you want to accomplish and ask them to help you stay on track.
Get Started: Procrastination is a terrible thing. The "I'll begin sometime" attitude can derail our plans. Not next week or next month, get started now. Don't delay; start today!
Keep the faith, stay focused and have a fun New Year!

Less Stress for the Holidays

I love the Holidays! It may be the 4th of July, Thanksgiving; Christmas is my favorite. Any excuse to celebrate brings me joy!  But sometimes trying to plan the "perfect" event can be stressful.  Being in such a hurry can lesson the happy.  But although we may be in a rush, we should still find ways to relax. As Christmas and New Year's Eve are quickly approaching, I want to share my personal  helpful tips with advice from BabyCenter.com too so you and your family will lesson the stress and really enjoy the holiday season.

Scale Back:  Unless you have a lot of household help, it can be difficult attempting the perfect Martha Stewart ambiance. I mean, who really needs a wreath made with fresh cranberries? Simple decorations can still be festive.

Simplify Gift Giving: Since my family is growing and our budgets are shrinking, we decided to draw names this year; literally picking names out of a hat. We're not spending a lot of money, but agree spending time with each other is more important.

Collaborate on Festivities:  Ask holiday guests to contribute to the party. Let them bring hors d'oeuvres or dessert to your holiday event so you won't be responsible with all the cooking.

See the Holidays Through the Eyes of a Child:  Singing Christmas Carols as a family can bring more delight than a fancy toy. Most children want your presence instead of a present anyway.

Give Yourself a Break: It may be difficult to find time for yourself, however, try. If you relax, your children, family and guests will be relaxed too.

Enjoy the Holidays!

The Best You!

Hi Moms:
Gospel artist, Tamela Mann is an amazing singer. She is truly anointed and blesses us everytime. If I had her beautiful voice, I'd sing all day long! But I don't. Singing isn't my gift.  Ask me to write a news article, present a workshop or do public speaking, I enjoy that and I'm good at it.
I can't be mad at Tamela for her gift of singing and you can't envy my communication skills. Because you have talents too.  Don't compete trying to do things that really aren't your talents. Use your gifts to make a positive impact on the world. You can't be Every woman, but you can be the best you!

A Message from the Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time! 

Losing a Legend

Hi Moms:

It was so sad to hear Rock Legend Prince died suddenly. I remember his posters being in almost every girl’s dorm room in college. And when a group of us went to see Purple Rain, we were hooked forever! What a talent. And yes he was fine! He  was not only an amazing performer, but a gifted businessman. I’m not sure why he chose the color purple as his trademark, but I do know in biblical times purple was the color worn by those of royal birth or high-level officials.

I can’t speak about Prince’s beliefs, but he was a child of God. And when I think that I’ll never see him perform again or hear amazing music that he never recorded, it brings Purple Tears.

Watch Your Words

Hi Moms:
When I was a little girl, I had a friend we called Negative Nelly.  That wasn't her given name, but because she was always so negative, she had earned it.  It could have been raining donuts with sprinkles, diamonds or designer handbags, this girl would find a way to bring you down. Do you have anyone in your life like that or are you the groups Negative Nelly?
Have faith and know it's never too late to change your pessimistic ways. Let's start today.
If you are in a conversation with friends and you feel a negative word is about to pop out, do this simple exercise:  close your mouth. At first, you may have to physically put your hands on your mouth to hold in those negative words. Work your way up to where you'll only need a finger over your mouth to keep  the word  in. Eventually, you'll have the pure will  power to hold them in. And after a while, you'll begin to contribute positive words to the conversation.  What will your friends and family members think?  Give it a try, because no one likes a Negative Nelly.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton  - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

All Teachers Make an Impact

Hi Moms:
My children have been blessed with some amazing teachers.  I hope you've had some positive experiences too.  But the most important teacher is your child's first teacher. And their first teacher is you!  How Moms handle family challenges;  how we deal with conflict and success; how we advocate and stand up for our child.  We make a permanent impact in the lives of our children everyday.  Think how your Mom affected your life.
A Scripture says, "Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching".
Be a good example for your children with your words and your actions, because you are their First Teacher.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at at Time!

Happy MLK Day!

Hi Moms:
As we honor Rev. Dr. Martin  Luther King, Jr. today, let's not only remember him for his incredible speech. Find books to share with our children, so they'll know more about the life of his amazing man. And as we discuss his dream today, let's design our dream for a lifetime! #MLKDay

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Enjoy Your Life!

Hi Moms:
Back in the day I remember the song, Girls Just Want to Have Fun!  In the music video, quirky entertainer Cyndi Lauper belts out the catchy tune, joined by energetic girls, dancing and bopping to the beat!  Girls of all shapes, sizes and shades are enjoying themselves; young and silly and sassy.
Sounds like many of us before children. But now many of us have forgotten that carefree attitude.
That doesn't mean we live without purpose or direction, but when was the last time you had fun; laughing so hard until you cried?  Too often Moms forget that life should be fun too; not just busy and boring.  God wants us to have a good life.
So turn off the cell phone and turn on the CD; dance around the room with your husband and kids or just party by yourself!  You deserve a silly moment too, cause - Moms Still Need to Have Fun!

N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at A Time!

For Auld Langs Syne?

Hi Moms:
As we begin a Blessed New Year, for many of us, it's time for a fresh start:  Starting that diet (again), learning a new skill, beginning a new career.  As we make new plans, let's also think about the old things we've left behind, like old relationships from year's gone by. Every year I promise to reconnect with my childhood friends and reminisce about the  "good old days".  There have been times when I've finally found an old phone number, reached out to that friend, and sadly discovered it's too late, and that friend has passed away. So I encourage you in 2016 to seek those friends, playmates, even family members who you haven't spoken too in a long time, for Auld Langs Syne.

                                                 N. Michelle Sutton, The Mentor 4 Moms

                                               Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Planning Ahead

Hi Moms:

Many of us know how to earn money and spend money, but we have challenges saving money! So if you struggle with money management, get advice from a professional. A financial planner can educate you on ways to budget as you build your families nest egg.  So learn to share, spend and save your money. It could make your financial future a lot brighter.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Truly Appreciated

Hi Moms:
All  of us have days where we don't know our value. No one said thanks when you served breakfast. Your boss didn't praise you for your outstanding presentation. Your children didn't help wash the dishes after dinner.  But Proverbs 31:29 says: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Your value isn't measured day to day; your value is forever!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!