Support the Next Generation

This past Halloween I got a little sad. Not because my children have outgrown their Trick or Treat season and now pass out the candy instead of receiving it. I was sad because of the number of houses in our neighborhood who don't even participate in the Halloween tradition. Very few homes follow what was a common occurrence during my childhood; standing next to the lighted jack-o-lantern on the front porch passing out candy to kids dressed as a princess or a super hero. But I've noticed that sense of apathy isn't limited to Halloween. So many people seem to have this lackluster feeling; not wanting to get involved in anything.

I'm a firm believer that when we show lack of concern for issues or activities that involve our children, it's the beginning of a downward spiral for our community. We stop going to our child's sport's events, don't attend parent/teacher conferences.  When we stop focusing on the needs of our children, they miss the connections and support they need to keep moving forward.

Find your way to support our next generation. Our children really are the future.

A lot to Give

A recent conversation with a Seasoned Sister left me surprised and sad. I've given the title "Seasoned Sister" to the women of a certain age who are usually labeled as Senior Citizens. These Grandmothers, Retirees, Pillars in the Community who are now in their Golden Years.  What made me sad after my conversation with this beautiful gray haired woman was she seemed totally down and depressed. She didn't feel she had anything to contribute and her knowledge and experience were not valued. That, in my mind, couldn't be further from the truth. There's a Scripture, Titus 2 that shares the importance of older women helping our young women; being a mentor to encourage our younger generation. These Seasoned Sisters have value, giving guidance and direction through there words and wisdom.
If you are a Seasoned Sister or if you know one, Be Encouraged! You Still have A lot to Give!

Know Your Neighbors

I often think back to a time when people really knew their neighbors. Growing up, I lived between the Garrisons and the Jacksons; the Redd family lived across the street. Everyone knew each other and looked out for one another. It wasn't perfect, but it seemed to be a much simpler time.

This is an except from my latest devotional: 

Mommy's Monday Meditations: Praising God Morning, Noon and Night! 

Please purchase the book on Amazon.

Mighty Mentors

The secret of successful Motherhood is getting help. You really can't do it alone.  As a new Mom, I remember how I didn't seem to know anything about taking care of a baby! Thanks to my Mother and the other Moms that came to help me, I survived. They all served as my Mentors.

No matter your profession or your task, you need a Mentor.  If you haven't done something before, how will you learn? Moms must welcome advice from those seasoned Mothers who have walked in their shoes. It could be an author with great books on parenting. It might be a Mom in your community who is patient and trusting. Your Mentor could be a family member or a close friend whose testimony you know so well. 

Because they have dealt with the struggles you are experiencing, they can give you advice and tell you when you are right and when you are wrong. An effective Mentor should also encourage you to keep moving forward and to never give up!

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!