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💗

Chillin' in the Summertime

Summertime seems to be when many families spend quality time together. Although we may live in the same home, there always seems to be something that gets in the way of hanging out; late meetings, school homework, planning projects in our community.

So let's take the time to enjoy the summer together! Disconnect from the world and reconnect as a family. Here are a few suggestions:

• Find a shady spot in the park or your backyard to read to your baby or preschooler. Even older children will enjoy reading out loud. No matter the age, children will love hearing your voice as you share a special book, make up a funny story or tell them about your summertime adventures when you were their age.
• Save on the electric bill and turn off the TV. Instead of watching your children play video games, dust off some board games  and teach them how to play checkers or get out the UNO cards. 
• Leave the hot kitchen and have dinner under the stars. Enjoy roasting hot dogs and making s'mores on the fire pit. Cool off with some popsicles.

Find ways for your family to chill this summer!

Respect the Water

Everyone needs water. We wash with it; cook with it. Some drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. And during the summer months, many of us are at the pool or on the beach splashing in it. Unfortunately the increase in summer water fun can turn tragic.  According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) more than 4000 accidental drownings happen each year. And sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4 years.

So how can your family still enjoy the water parks and not become a statistic? Here are some tips from the American Red Cross:

• Make sure everyone in the family learns to swim well;
• Swim in a designated area supervised by lifeguards;
• Always swim with a buddy; and,
• Never leave a young child unattended near water.

As you enjoy family time this summer, have fun, stay safe and respect the water.