Happy New You!

Sometimes when I strike up a conversation with a lady while we're waiting in the grocery store checkout line,  I'll ask her, "So what do you do?" Most of the time she'll respond by saying, "Oh, I'm just a Mom." What are you talking about? No one is "Just a Mom"!  Moms are Influencers.  Think how your Mom influenced your life. Moms are Educators. What are you teaching your children? And Moms are Advocates. No one speaks up and supports their children like a Mom. So if you are one of those ladies who has labeled herself as, "Just a Mom", Stop it! Please change your words. Beginning in 2024 see yourself for who you really are. You have the most powerful job in the world! Know your value. You are raising the next generation of leaders. You have Power, You have Pride, You Are Awesome!

Music Matters

During this special season, many people are playing the music of the holiday. However, as far back as I can remember, music has always been a very important part of my life. My parents played music in our home all the time. They would also take me to concerts and musicals. I was a member of the choir in my school and at my church. In elementary school I learned to play the flute. Even today, I enjoy different types of music. And music can affect my mood. During this Christmas season when I hear Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song" on the radio, it brings back fond memories from my childhood.  And I'll admit, I have followed that same pattern with my children. I began playing music to them while they were in the womb. I have exposed them to all types of music; from Mozart to MJ. And I'm not doing it because of tradition, but because of the benefits music can bring. A study from St. John's University and Iona College says that music aids in memory development and retrieval as early as three months of age. So if you start playing music to your infant today, it could have a positive effect on their motor skills and creative thinking in the future! There is some type of music for everyone to enjoy. Find your melody and add music to your child's life year-round.

Fill In The Blank

Have you ever said, "One day, I'm going to...Fill In The Blank? It may be writing a book; getting your college degree; running a marathon. I have. Even at my age I still have hopes and dreams.  And people of any age should have a Fill In The Blank idea. You don't have to be a teenager or in your early 20's to make plans for your future. And no matter your age, time isn't standing still. In fact, most days, it seems time is going by very fast! Even though we all have the same 24 hours in a day, some people use their time wisely, while others seem to waste every minute.

What is your Fill In The Blank? Do you want to learn a new language; travel to an exotic destination, lose ten pounds? Yea, me too!

Start planning! The clock is ticking! It's never too late to complete your Fill In The Blank!

Never Too Late To Dream

"I'm too old...No one in my family...It's too late for me to try..." Fill in the blank. We've heard these messages before. Too often we can find hope in others, but give up on ourselves too quickly. How many times have we let fear stop us from pursing our dreams? Unfortunately women tend to do this more often then men. So we must learn to shut down the negative words we hear from others and especially the negative words we hear in our head. Release the lies and know our truth: Women are Wise, Women are Wonderful and Women are Worthy! Find positive affirmations and post them around the house and in your work cubicle, surround yourself with uplifting people; friends and family who support your vision and take time to pray about the future; planning what you want to achieve in your life. And when no one else will support you, you must encourage yourself. Joshua 1:9 (Living Bible) says, "Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". It's never too late to dream!

What is Your Legacy?

If your parents are still alive, you are so blessed! Sadly my parents passed away several years ago: Mom in 2005 and Daddy in 2009. I miss them every day; yet, they still live on through me, my siblings, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My parents left special memories for our family.

Ephesians 6:1-2 reads, "Children,obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor your father and your mother..." Although my parents may not be with me physically, I still want to honor their legacy every day by:

1. Living a life that will make them and God proud.

2. Keeping my word as my bond.

3. Giving service to the family, the church and the community.

We have a responsibility to leave an endearing and enduring legacy for the next generation. How will you honor yours?

A Little Motherly Advice- Finale

Thanks for returning to see how the story ends! Enjoy reading the conclusion of my blog - A Little Motherly Advice in EMPOWERMENT Magazine at the following link:

https://issuu.com/1stchurchempowerment/docs/empowerment_-_summer_2023_1bb9a6fb929531?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

A Little Motherly Advice - Part 1

 If you were asked to describe a “typical” Mother what would she look like? Is she Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show; a busy working Mom who manages her career, husband and children with ease? Or maybe a single Mom like Nikki in The Parkers TV show, who is still looking for her Boo. What about one of those TV Moms from the 1950’s who did all of her housework wearing pearls and high heels? Hopefully the one thing we can agree on is there really isn’t a typical Mom.

When I became a first-time Mom more than 20 years ago, I was overjoyed yet overwhelmed. Motherhood has been a true eye-opening experience. And I still need help even today. Although my role as Mom has gone through many seasons, there have been 5 constant principles I depend on. I call them the 5 P’s of Parenting. Here are a few suggestions that could help you through your parenting journey.

Come back next week for Part 2 of "A Little Motherly Advice"! See you then💗