Making Music

I really enjoy the holiday season!  Although it's just the beginning of November, I'm so excited to hear some local radio stations are already playing Christmas music. Just love this time of year, because music is such an important part. And sharing music with our children is very important too.

During the holidays, it's common to attend our child's concerts at church or school. But when the season ends, how do we keep the music playing?

According to a 2016 study by the University of Southern California's Brain and Creativity Institute, musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills.

Psalm 104:33 says, "I will sing to the Lord as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."

Whether it's listening to music on your phone, singing in the choir; or playing an instrument, music can bring value to a child's body, mind and spirit. Find your rhythm and enjoy music all year through.

Five Minutes, Please

While packing away some of our daughters' childhood books to send to our Grand-daughter, I came across one of my favorites, Five Minutes' Peace by Jill Murphy.  The theme was about a Mother and her three small children who wouldn't leave her alone.  All she wanted was five minutes for a little "me time". When I first read the book to my then young children, I laughed out loud because it struck a chord in my life. Like many Moms, we just want a few minutes to rest and relax alone. It doesn't mean we don't love our husband or children.  We  only want a chance to recharge. Taking care of ourselves isn't being selfish; it's essential.

Isaiah 40:29 says, He gives power to the tired and worn out and strength to the weak.

So I encourage all Moms to find ways to get your Mommy-free moments. Make the time, because You are worth it.

Faith Over Fear

After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, with a degree in Communications, my first job was working for CNN (Cable News Network) in Atlanta, Georgia.  The most exciting job I've ever had! Hearing about news all over the world every single day. For me, it was the ultimate way to begin my media career. I loved it. I still consider myself to be a "News Junkie" today.

Unfortunately, for some family members, hearing the daily news is the absolute last thing they want to do.  Wars, Crime, Celebrity Gossip. Most days it's just too much for them to take in. And I understand. Many of us may struggle to stay positive by hearing stories that appear to be hopeless.

How do you balance your life, hold onto your faith and not let the negative news of the day get you down? 

Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Think about what our ancestors had to endure; looking at their lives during slaving, Jim Crow, fighting for Civil Rights. If they hadn't held onto hope, we wouldn't be here today.  The news may change, but our trust in God should not. Let's hold on to our Faith over fear.

Time to Shine

 To all of the 2022 graduates, including our youngest daughter Faith who graduated from Denison University, Congratulations! You've done the work, you've passed the tests, you've crossed the finish line! You've made it!  And your family and friends are so proud of your accomplishments.

When I graduated from college, a hundred years ago, it was such an exciting time. Although I would clearly miss my daily college routine; the campus, my friends and professors, I was also excited for the next chapter in my life. But change can be challenging. Many graduates, be it from High School or College, may not have a clear direction of what they'd like to do next.  Some may falsely believe, because of their age, they have nothing to contribute to the world. 

1 Timothy 4:12 says, Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

If you don't know which way to go, pray, get advice from a career counselor, speak with a family member or friend whose advice you trust.

Get ready for your next chapter. It's time to shine!

Happy Mother's Day

To all the Moms who wake up each morning, ready to balance family, work, church and community in their corner of the world. Over worked, under paid. Putting others first while your needs are last on the list. We Love You, We Appreciate You and We Honor You. Thank you!

Here's what Proverbs 31:25-31 (Living Bible translation) says about a Mother:  She is clothed with strength and dignity;  she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

                             Have a Happy Mother's Day!

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.