tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14887761983220045992024-03-20T04:53:50.868-07:00A Moment for MomsEquipping & Encouraging Moms with Teachable MOMentsSarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-1579424068981461072014-01-07T11:07:00.000-08:002014-01-07T11:20:24.720-08:00"I Can Do It Myself!!!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My two main goals for this year are:<br />
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1.<strong><u> Live Simplified</u></strong> - Seeking God's guidance to help me to focus on what He wants me to be and do and nothing more. <br />
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I know the reason for most of my worries and overwhelmed feelings is because I took on burdens last year that my Heavenly Father never asked me to carry.<br />
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2. <u><strong>Live Spirit-filled by God's Grace</strong></u> - I've been trying to do everything in my own strength and wisdom. I was even trying to be Spirit-filled in my own strength - bad idea!<br />
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My Father is FAITHFUL to help me do what He asks me to do. When I strive to do things in my own way and my own strength, I can picture God waiting patiently for me to look up and ask for help and guidance. Just like I watch (not so patiently) as my frustrated toddler tries to do even small tasks she is incapable of such as tie her shoes. God loves us the same whether we are wearing velcro or if we get help with tasks we can't do. Why do we continue to struggle on our own?<br />
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What do you want to do or be in 2014? How are you going to seek God's strength and direction?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-33074910334883235792013-02-04T09:40:00.000-08:002013-02-04T09:45:06.777-08:00I Just Have to Teach ONE Thing! - FREE February DownloadAs parents, we are going to make mistakes.<br />
I get overwhelmed when I think about all the things that I need to teach my kids before they head out into the mean world.<br />
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I have to remind myself, that I am not in this alone. My Heavenly Father's burden is light (Matthew 11:30). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KpPcTz_oz7ZcZ2IeD2ADpgU_p2M_osDrOiEqHcFn4eSqeJDaZXVakaA29KL6VfctQyFOwQn4lEaNxg7J22bMOi_0-yWGvRBy5ZMRFO5We6ASopQtXvjFl0dogoEeuPGympKxsYQO-5zQ/s1600/cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KpPcTz_oz7ZcZ2IeD2ADpgU_p2M_osDrOiEqHcFn4eSqeJDaZXVakaA29KL6VfctQyFOwQn4lEaNxg7J22bMOi_0-yWGvRBy5ZMRFO5We6ASopQtXvjFl0dogoEeuPGympKxsYQO-5zQ/s1600/cookie.jpg" /></a><br />
All Christ asks me to do is seek Him for strength and direction as I teach my kids the Two Greatest Commandments - to Love God and Love Others. (Matthew 22:37-40) "..on these two commandments rest all the Law and the Prophets."<br />
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So, really there is only ONE thing that I need to teach my kids - LOVE<br />
One of the best and easiest ways to teach our kids to love others, is to LOVE them. <br />
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Dr. James Dobson encourages me with these words, "A relationship that is characterized by genuine LOVE and affection is likely to be a healthy one, even though some parental mistakes and errors are inevitable."<br />
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So, this Valentine's Day, go love your family well!<br />
Find more great ideas for teaching love by getting my <a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/" target="_blank">FREE DOWNLOAD on LOVE at TheCharacterMom.com .</a>Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-18533953099089755532013-01-21T11:30:00.001-08:002013-01-21T11:47:19.657-08:00I'm Out of Thyme! - Over-scheduled and Overwhelmed<br />
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I was making the best and easiest Chicken Pot Pie recipe for dinner, <span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span>but I couldn't find the fanciest of the six simple ingredients (recipe below). </div>
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As I said to myself, "Oh no, I am out of <b>thyme</b>!" I realized that this was true not just literally, but also metaphorically. <b>Lately, I was constantly out of TIME.</b></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">I was overscheduled and overwhelmed. Something was going to have to give.</span></div>
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As moms, it is sometimes hard to figure out what has made our lives become unbalanced. You may have to do some serious soul searching, ask your children, or even make a time journal.</div>
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However, I had no trouble figuring out what part of my life was causing the problems. </div>
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Was I spending too much time making meals from scratch, instead of convenience foods like the recipe above? (My friends and family are all laughing) No, this pot pie is honestly one of the fanciest dinners I make. </div>
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My family did not even notice when I just left the <b>thyme</b> out of this pot pie, but when I didn't have real <b>TIME</b> for my family, it could not go unnoticed. My girls were continually clear about where they thought I spent too much time, "Awwwwwww, Mom, are you on the computer again?"</div>
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There are many great and good things to spend your time doing. Helping moms teach their kids character is a great and even Biblical. However, this does not mean that God wants me to do it right now - especially if it takes time away from my main priorities. </div>
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So in light of this revelation, this year, I am cutting way back on my blogging and business. Hopefully the free monthly downloads on my site will give you all you need to continue to grow character in your family. To get the very few "Teachable MOMents" that I continue to write delivered right to your e-mail, subscribe by clicking on the cute frame at the top of my website <a href="http://thecharactermom.com/">TheCharacterMom.com.</a></div>
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In the meantime, continue to use simple life object lessons to teach your kids character. For example, as you make this pot pie with the ingredient THYME, talk about time management. If we use the wrong amount of time on wrong things, our life won't turn out right. Too much thyme in this pie, or any thyme in a cherry pie would make them both turn out bad. This recipe makes two. One to eat, and perfect for all-in-one meal to take to a needy family or new mom – a great use of your time.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe </b></span></div>
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Mix below ingredients and spoon into thawed deep-dish store-bought pie crusts (Makes two pies):</div>
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1 can Great Value Bacon and Potato Soup (or 2 small cream of potato)</div>
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2 cups of cooked diced chicken (I usually use canned chicken)</div>
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1 can (15 oz) of mixed veggies drained (like Veg-All)</div>
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½ cup of milk <span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span> Pepper to taste</div>
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½ teaspoon THYME (optional) </div>
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Cook in pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool at least 5 minutes before serving. </div>
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What areas in your life need better time management? Is there some area that God is leading you to get rid of or scale way back?</div>
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Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-34409347779632171962012-12-30T20:49:00.002-08:002012-12-30T20:49:40.643-08:00U R FORGIVEN, start FRESH, B FAITHFUL - FREE Download<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnL6XFFdw5Vcf9lYOqz6_XlKC7qbObfSvX7eD7IcA0E1XcvTu7fxelJaDHpm2Bux0RIWpObuLmzOUG15zYde6x7iTIXsXa-tRiGgkKh2d4PvpkxNpGILwnNZyf9lce2hfhPlafU7kRkJE/s1600/faithfulness+download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnL6XFFdw5Vcf9lYOqz6_XlKC7qbObfSvX7eD7IcA0E1XcvTu7fxelJaDHpm2Bux0RIWpObuLmzOUG15zYde6x7iTIXsXa-tRiGgkKh2d4PvpkxNpGILwnNZyf9lce2hfhPlafU7kRkJE/s320/faithfulness+download.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go to <a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/" target="_blank">TheCharacterMom.com</a><br /> to get FREE 3 page Download</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy New Year!<br />
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I love New Years because it is a wonderful time to start FRESH.<br />
It doesn't matter how bad we messed up in 2012. That is all behind us now. <br />
Tell God (and whoever else you need to) you are sorry, and you are ready to do better.<br />
God is FAITHFUL to FORGIVE us!<br />
It is now time for the new you that is FAITHFUL in all things. You can do all things through Christ!<br />
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"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. <br />
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" - II Corinthians 5:17<br />
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This month's character focus is on FAITHFULNESS.<br />
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Go to <a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/">TheCharacterMom.com</a> to get your FREE 3 page download packed full of family traditions, stories, snacks, Scriptures, activities, and more.Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-52558707829268141082012-12-19T12:26:00.001-08:002012-12-19T12:26:53.999-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pHua0m9is8Ktcdie0u-FkfVrNIFbV6Skb5nSsqd_x6ljGxluQWQ7Tbl7fwRY_hGrCUcm4nnae3CkEPfs51aSqZPKGRw8wuKnYmnYqQyhCGg7IsOwLfWIN9EPSzZfO4n5i8pwQRgnJI05/s1600/photo+(32).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pHua0m9is8Ktcdie0u-FkfVrNIFbV6Skb5nSsqd_x6ljGxluQWQ7Tbl7fwRY_hGrCUcm4nnae3CkEPfs51aSqZPKGRw8wuKnYmnYqQyhCGg7IsOwLfWIN9EPSzZfO4n5i8pwQRgnJI05/s320/photo+(32).JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas from the Character Mom and family!</div>
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I am taking a break from the computer to celebrate this wonderful season with my family.</div>
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Let me encourage you to do the same and to remember to<br /> keep Christ in Christmas as you celebrate!</div>
<br />Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-18969118777196264252012-12-03T19:06:00.003-08:002012-12-03T19:10:16.704-08:00Our Favorite Christmas Tradition! - FREE advent activity calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKKSWNSzypOVY8RTXogU3fvSllPhLSVSpWhtUTXHxwdV9cH2rgf9bF1QcYXBmXRpLn_r1NqaufUnuUDubG6w199LbHrKCnQ77XJDjSWlJB2BeVWr9LIMndFC0cV-UFS3uDLpMKR9-u-um/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKKSWNSzypOVY8RTXogU3fvSllPhLSVSpWhtUTXHxwdV9cH2rgf9bF1QcYXBmXRpLn_r1NqaufUnuUDubG6w199LbHrKCnQ77XJDjSWlJB2BeVWr9LIMndFC0cV-UFS3uDLpMKR9-u-um/s320/photo+(31).JPG" width="239" /></a>Christmas can be overwhelming! Don't go crazy trying to do every activity under the sun with your kids. Just pick a few of your favorites and make them memorable.</div>
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The best traditions are fun, simple, purposeful and can be enjoyed by kids of all ages year after year.<br />
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My kid's favorite is the Advent Box because daily they get to open a little door that reveals a tiny surprise!<br />
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(It's not too late to start, you may find advent boxes on sale at this time of year:))<br />
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I love it because it helps me to remember to do something simple daily to prepare my children and my own heart to be loving, kind, and generous during the Christmas season.<br />
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My sister makes her Advent Box super simple by just putting candy (Ande's mints are my favorite) in every box and using that moment to talk about the wonders of Christmas.<br />
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Since this is the main tradition we have, I have tried to make our Advent Box a little more purposeful by filling each box with an item that leads us to an activity or object that teaches us more about the reason for the season - Christ!<br />
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All I did was look for tiny Christmas objects that I already had or were easy to purchase (check out oriental trading) such as magnets, felt crafts, tiny ornaments, or printable cutouts off Pinterest. Then thought about what we can learn from these objects.<br />
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For example:<br />
1. Stars/Candle - Daniel 12:3 - Shine for Jesus! Go star gazing.<br />
2. Coin - Acts 20:35 - Is Christmas all about money? It is more blessed to give than to receive.<br />
3. Bells - Psalm 95: 2 - Make a joyful noise with music and praise! Play musical chairs.<br />
4. Angel - Luke 2:14 - Messenger of God. Make an angel craft.<br />
5. Wisemen (and any or all of their gifts) - Matt. 2:1-12 - Wisemen still seek Him. Scavenger Hunt.<br />
6. Heart - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world...<br />
7. Cross - John 3:16 - What does the cross have to do with Christmas?<br />
8. Candy Cane - Luke 2:8 - What can we learn from Shepherds? Pretend play shepherd and sheep.<br />
9. Tiny Present - John 10:10 &11 - What is the best gift anyone has ever gotten?<br />
10. Tiny manger or basket - Luke 2:1-20 - Place baby doll in empty basket or manger that has been under the tree since beginning of December.<br />
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You get the idea. I think you can take it from here. Get creative. Make it personal with photos of your family or homemade items by your kids. Let the kids come up with things to put in the boxes, or see the free advent calendar below for more ideas.<br />
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Get a free advent calendar from ThrivingFamily.com <a href="http://www.thrivingfamily.com/free/advent.aspx">http://www.thrivingfamily.com/free/advent.aspx</a><br />
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What is one of your family's favorite Christmas traditions?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-62664230698826130542012-11-20T15:45:00.000-08:002012-11-25T13:52:07.418-08:00$100 to Your Charity of Choice - Encouraging Character<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWNF8mIEbWqtXOQmaASJkxLLb-F9ynDi-w6HsfxHgpF_R3xk0Xgr31fY9hPXXuxOcnBMwkd97I5oFoNYY1rg1lP3F0grwHrXIZ9Ed30cXgixWmtUqbhMP5EUxx-iHiNv1jIVS248C8e0y/s1600/backpack+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWNF8mIEbWqtXOQmaASJkxLLb-F9ynDi-w6HsfxHgpF_R3xk0Xgr31fY9hPXXuxOcnBMwkd97I5oFoNYY1rg1lP3F0grwHrXIZ9Ed30cXgixWmtUqbhMP5EUxx-iHiNv1jIVS248C8e0y/s1600/backpack+girl.jpg" /></a>We have so very much to be thankful for and to give to others. Sometimes during the holidays we get too busy with our own families to reach out to others, or sometimes we just can't think of a good family-friendly place to help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YbA0tDvYxOFdOiIaLwJpGC_rc7fgWTy0nbiZZqf_lAoB8bkXgjMC8qEhDtBeWPIRsmpnnFvUKnGj36cgGK0scf4e_IpB9_n_FeUbw7ZU9ahNc3ZPzsIHLnjFXsuvMjGD0JYLKaGIg3qH/s1600/kingdom+kids.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YbA0tDvYxOFdOiIaLwJpGC_rc7fgWTy0nbiZZqf_lAoB8bkXgjMC8qEhDtBeWPIRsmpnnFvUKnGj36cgGK0scf4e_IpB9_n_FeUbw7ZU9ahNc3ZPzsIHLnjFXsuvMjGD0JYLKaGIg3qH/s200/kingdom+kids.png" width="198" /></a>This season, I would like to offer you a little incentive to share your ideas of how you get your family involved in showing God's love and generosity during the holidays. <br />
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<strong>I am going to mail a $100 check to someone made out to their favorite charity! It could be you!</strong><br />
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All you have to do for your chance to win is:<br />
1. Go to the comment section on my website <a href="http://thecharactermom.com/" target="_blank">(TheCharacterMom.com)</a> within the next two weeks.<br />
2. Post a picture of your child or the charity that your family likes to help with or give to.<br />
3. Write a brief comment explaining why or how you like to help this charity.<br />
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Deadline for posting is Wednesday, Dec. 4.<br />
I will announce the winner on Monday, Dec. 10th!<br />
(You will have until the following Monday to claim your prize.)<br />
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I have posted the first one to give you an example. Watch a <a href="http://www.harvestevangelistic.org/video/kkchristmas2009.html" target="_blank">short video about the Kingdom Kids Christmas</a> where my family and I have already given to this year.<br />
Thanks for sharing about how you like to share God's love in a practical way during the holidays!Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-7300265632764162962012-11-18T21:18:00.000-08:002012-11-19T06:32:20.650-08:00Give Thanks in ALL Things? Really? - Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<strong><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBP5NccYvA12LlD8my8Uxttqvc7wfVkY4aaRiNsGRXTnBX8sNfBzLuIkfVBa4fjTnNH40fiz_fqVNyNnl5sQ1-34dHr4vr7YnaBpJcnDg8N9JoSoqymKEiBRNFtMZYH5oANCJ7CLixbZ3/s1600/pollyanna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" /></strong></div>
<strong>Are we really supposed to be thankful in ALL things? Seriously?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
God's Word says,<br />
<strong><em>"Give thanks IN</em><em> ALL circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - I Thessalonians 5:18</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
So does this mean when we go around the table at Thanksgiving, instead of saying we are thankful for our family, friends, food, health, etc.; We should say, "This year I am thankful for natural disasters, orphans in Africa, and suicide bombers?" <br />
<br />
Since Thanksgiving is coming up, this week I was feeling guilty for not feeling very grateful for ALL things including lice, throw-up, and seizures. Then I realized that God's will for me was just to have a grateful heart IN all circumstances not FOR all circumstances.<br />
<br />
Last Thanksgiving, I remember being surprised when my sister, Mandy, said she was thankful for her eyesight. This was an odd answer since it was not a typical Thanksgiving answer, and since Mandy had recently lost her peripheral vision. <br />
<br />
Here, Mandy was perfectly demonstrating how to, "Give Thanks in ALL circumstances." <br />
1. She was trusting in Christ that He had a purpose in this new difficulty she was facing. <br />
2. Also, instead of focusing on the negative that she had lost sight,<br />
she found a new appreciation and gratefulness for the sight that she still had left. <br />
She has always reminded me a little bit of Polly Anna <br />
(- finding the good in bad situations and a little bit of a goody-two-shoes:))<br />
<br />
A few weeks after Thanksgiving last year, Mandy gave birth to her seventh child, and we found out that Mandy's eyesight problems were caused by a tumor behind her eye, which led to brain surgery in January, which led to a damaging stroke and almost death, which led to a very difficult year for us here on "The Compound".<br />
<br />
However, looking back, for every extreme difficulty, I can see:<br />
1. not only God's hand of Providence (He is in perfect control with a purpose for all things), but also<br />
2. an opportunity for a renewed thankfulness for many blessings that we sometimes take for granted. <br />
<br />
<strong>When overwhelmed with daily difficulties, <br /> it is hard to find ways to truly be thankful IN ALL circumstances. </strong><br />
If you are having trouble, try:<br />
<br />
1. <u> Prayer,</u> <br />
<strong><em>"Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your request be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4: 6 & 7.</em></strong> <br />
<br />
2. <u>Playing "The Glad Game" - Putting a Positive Spin on your Problems.</u> <br />
Help your kids practice the essential skill of being thankful IN ALL things by using Pollyanna and her "Glad Game". I was pleasantly surprised at how good my kids were at finding something good at just about any situation I could throw at them. (You can watch the whole 1960 classic on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=gJQSQA2bwgU" target="_blank">YouTube</a> to learn more about the Glad Game.)<br />
<br />
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Try to surprise your family and friends by being GLAD about something different or difficult at your Thanksgiving table. Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-14590528935579741962012-11-14T08:47:00.002-08:002012-11-14T08:47:44.142-08:003 Easy Steps, Once a Month - We Choose Virtues ReviewI was extremely delighted to stumble upon the <strong><u>We Choose Virtues</u></strong> resources on Pinterest. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoBHcRh_KY_Ag6o01jtp1Bi7PmjoE6vNOeaTaRaq0hTtJIbwVkBM0QRTo1V3HoEcT3jo5X6cy8TPEByuE42AaTRVHyUb6DQSNqmHv7DBIwIip93iSRsbYMqaYraFLaSHIKmal3DCnnR24/s1600/chuck_dropshadow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoBHcRh_KY_Ag6o01jtp1Bi7PmjoE6vNOeaTaRaq0hTtJIbwVkBM0QRTo1V3HoEcT3jo5X6cy8TPEByuE42AaTRVHyUb6DQSNqmHv7DBIwIip93iSRsbYMqaYraFLaSHIKmal3DCnnR24/s1600/chuck_dropshadow.png" /></a></div>
The creator of We Choose Virtues, Heather McMillan, not only provides beautifully designed professional quality resources to teach your kids character; but she is a kindred soul who organizes her Pinterest boards by character quality just like me (- making it easy to find topical resources.) Follow her on Pinterest at <a href="http://pinterest.com/WeChooseVirtues/">http://pinterest.com/WeChooseVirtues/</a>.<br />
<br />
My favorite We Choose Virtues resources, is the <u>Virtues Kid's Kit</u> or the <u>Parenting Flashcards ($30.00).</u> They make it easy for my kids to learn and remember specific character qualities using memorable catch phrases and an adorable cartoon character complete with rhyming names, short story, Bible verses, coloring book, and more to illustrate each quality.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhHEEaavgSfxfVdDRnbINQur_nwuJoVyizR11IOVf9eVegoTHJCtC-ZZ7i0vuIEvHEyRm8xqHjozDUHl97VV0qdCY1zjIDKtgj3v4ymk7kd5Tsh-6Y4FlPQcZHqVlKy000lhyXtvRxNIr/s1600/virtue+kid.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhHEEaavgSfxfVdDRnbINQur_nwuJoVyizR11IOVf9eVegoTHJCtC-ZZ7i0vuIEvHEyRm8xqHjozDUHl97VV0qdCY1zjIDKtgj3v4ymk7kd5Tsh-6Y4FlPQcZHqVlKy000lhyXtvRxNIr/s1600/virtue+kid.png" /></a><br />
Heather recommends a more wholistic approach to using her resources daily. However, since I am so easily overwhelmed, I find it more realistic for me to use her great resources to teach one quality a month in <strong><u>3 easy steps</u></strong>. Each month:<br />
<br />
1. <u><strong>Resource from We Choose Virtues -</strong> Hang up the Focus Flashcard on the Fridge</u> -As I hang it up, I read the cute short story on the back that introduces the cartoon character to your kids. If you have the kid's kit, have your child color the character as well.<br />
<br />
2. <strong><u>Reward</u></strong> - Offer some kind of incentive for when you catch your kids displaying this focus quality - a sticker (sold at We Choose Virtues), marble in a jar for big prize at the end of the month, etc.<br />
<br />
3.<strong><u> Reinforce</u></strong> - Use my FREE holiday downloads, to compliment this resource with fun and simple games, activities, crafts, holiday traditions, etc. that also teach the same focus quality. Find these at (<a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/">http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/</a> ). (Heather does offer a few teaching ideas on the back of her Parenting Flashcards, but hers seem to be more learning focused while I try to make mine more fun, family-friendly, and holiday tradition focused. I of course, am naturally more partial to my own ideas. Try them both and see which ones work best for your family.)<br />
<br />
Don't worry if $30.00 is too pricey for you. Check out We Choose Virtues <a href="http://www.wechoosevirtues.com/shop/virtue-kids-kit" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wechoosevirtues" target="_blank">facebook page</a> for regular deals and giveaways from Heather and other bloggers!Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-91790569665943731422012-11-12T09:28:00.001-08:002012-11-12T09:28:17.904-08:00FREE Adventures in Odyssey Episodes! - A Weapon for a Veteran Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnYt9gdHduJUAjjUOf8C3_Zi1daMElawKdoNOU4Zn0I_nNkzPyYtds0vrLNwM_5zKxDv1q39K0FBA9Vl-t91XPlDI99C_3jdbklEtV87C5SocHEF-Wlj-M3__aBbJBQmvFepXL3-I61We/s1600/Adventures+in+Odyssey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnYt9gdHduJUAjjUOf8C3_Zi1daMElawKdoNOU4Zn0I_nNkzPyYtds0vrLNwM_5zKxDv1q39K0FBA9Vl-t91XPlDI99C_3jdbklEtV87C5SocHEF-Wlj-M3__aBbJBQmvFepXL3-I61We/s1600/Adventures+in+Odyssey.jpg" /></a>Happy Veteran's Day!</div>
<br />
To become a veteran mom, one weapon that will help bring peace to chaotic car rides is one of my all time favorite resources - Adventures in Odyssey from Focus on the Family!<br />
<br />
These entertaining episodes of stories on CD will not only give you the gift of quiet car rides (I know you are skeptical but it is true.), but they are also packed full of lessons about:<br />
Christian character, <br />how to show God's love in practical ways, <br />Christian World View,<br />true historical events, and more.<br />
<br />
To celebrate Veteran's Day, listen to this <strong>FREE</strong> Adventures in Odyssey episode at <a href="http://whitsendblog.org/category/free-episodes/">Whitsend.org</a>. In this episode, fictional character Jimmy Barclay becomes a veteran in several different wars while he believes he is in the "Imagination Station" invented by Mr. Whitacker. The Imagination Station is a place where kids can pretend to experience time travel. Really, Jimmy was experiencing something incredibly different. You will have to listen to find out what. (The idea behind this episode was even purchased as a spec for the famous show The Twilight Zone!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rPGlbsNmYnzEX7cZeN8y0KD1cmxi_-7jNj9pRlpKPCHu1DQ39ofS_3CLfXc9RbGfhjy-VnjIWhJvbsMb7WuLr6wGOTM5Rui-VLmc1R3ooRkgjOAOXCHspFjX4AxJJH7Im94ssdLxIdoA/s1600/truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rPGlbsNmYnzEX7cZeN8y0KD1cmxi_-7jNj9pRlpKPCHu1DQ39ofS_3CLfXc9RbGfhjy-VnjIWhJvbsMb7WuLr6wGOTM5Rui-VLmc1R3ooRkgjOAOXCHspFjX4AxJJH7Im94ssdLxIdoA/s1600/truth.jpg" /></a></div>
Also, to get ready for <strong><u>Thanksgiving</u></strong>, order the Adventures in Odyssey album "The Truth Chronicles", This 4 CD set has eleven stories on the Power of God's Truth including the true stories of the Pilgrims called the "Stepping Stones". You can buy the complete set from me for $24.99 (just e-mail me at <a href="mailto:TheCharacterMom@gmail.com">TheCharacterMom@gmail.com</a> ) or download just the two episode about the Pilgrims straight from <a href="http://www.whitsend.org/albums/the-truth-chronicles/ttc-06-stepping-stones-1-of-2.aspx" target="_blank">Whitsend.org</a> for $2.00 each.<br />
<br />
<strong>To get a MULTITUDE of MORE FREE episodes, go to <a href="http://faio.org/">faio.org</a>!</strong> <br />
<br />
Do you know any great freebee sites like this one?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-46191185290885384512012-11-05T12:42:00.002-08:002012-11-05T13:12:45.458-08:00Vote Your Values - Teachable MOMent #9<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCYWZ75PBxfunK4MiomiMlTjc4j3rYYGidL0sbWRo8Pgw2b2fz-kUZmQqwxCVeQoKAFblF4FKbge80N8nmDFYw8xYO5xfIRo-vWFbhyphenhyphenjyptUQDNf7k10mDqgRcj4iu2moSCqSj-woM3pi/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCYWZ75PBxfunK4MiomiMlTjc4j3rYYGidL0sbWRo8Pgw2b2fz-kUZmQqwxCVeQoKAFblF4FKbge80N8nmDFYw8xYO5xfIRo-vWFbhyphenhyphenjyptUQDNf7k10mDqgRcj4iu2moSCqSj-woM3pi/s320/photo+(30).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff Notes on the Candidates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Freedom of Religion, Family, Sanctity of Human Life.... the list goes on and on. There are so many lessons you can teach your kids during this election. <br />
Just because our kids are too young to vote, does not mean they are too young to learn about the importance of voting and the issues different candidates represent.<br />
<br />
People are talking about it everywhere, some schools are even having mock elections. Your kids probably have questions. <br />
<br />
Go to this link to print of this Cliff Notes chart from Family Research Council that shows where both Romney and Obama stand on important issues. <a href="http://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF11L04.pdf">http://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF11L04.pdf</a><span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Go to <a href="http://www.citizenlinkvoter.com/" target="_blank">http://www.citizenlinkvoter.com</a> for more info.<br />
<br />
Look over this printout with your kid, and ask them which President they would vote for according to their values.<br />
<br />
Pray that mighty men and women of God go out and vote their values tomorrow!Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-39228249576813298932012-11-02T12:28:00.002-07:002012-11-02T21:49:49.586-07:00Get Ready to Be Grateful - Free Thankfulness Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_ay3OnoV4CLBNaC_IjnGkvbrGeHYMhUg3v56HY6C8vR56BMD_TeV2C5NWZWsgH96gxUVxRA8XvkK-4Z_beygj1SSPeIqQaSK17FJi3yycZDGtqSVowmgulhjZHT-lsp1iUMEzPHhY21N/s1600/thankfulness+download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_ay3OnoV4CLBNaC_IjnGkvbrGeHYMhUg3v56HY6C8vR56BMD_TeV2C5NWZWsgH96gxUVxRA8XvkK-4Z_beygj1SSPeIqQaSK17FJi3yycZDGtqSVowmgulhjZHT-lsp1iUMEzPHhY21N/s320/thankfulness+download.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
My monthly fun and simple download is finally ready!<br />
<a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/">http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/</a> to print & view<br />
<br />
Get Ready to be Grateful!<br />
<br />
Get my monthly download and weekly encouragements the second I publish right in your inbox, by sending me your e-mail address or following me at my real website. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Just click on the cute little frame at the top of the page at TheCharacterMom.com.</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
Your friend and fellow character mom, Sarah <br />
<a href="mailto:thecharactermom@gmail.com">thecharactermom@gmail.com</a>Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-28645949877317152862012-10-27T19:42:00.005-07:002012-10-27T19:53:33.899-07:00Stretching the Truth - Character MOMent #8<span style="color: #009900;">"When you stretch the
truth, watch out for the snapback." ~Bill
Copeland</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdy6AAHxJiAXPy0UBTgo9ge_Qdtwfy5E-OQCYdvcEGAj9XpYzbNTxNKVDKqhsagf3Uy0WId1MsxbKRkvkVXp6fklDTHdE102Grvefa_7ZjpLFDwJXIq-Cuzqr43OnrGc6um3JJDfbA-bJ/s1600/photo+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdy6AAHxJiAXPy0UBTgo9ge_Qdtwfy5E-OQCYdvcEGAj9XpYzbNTxNKVDKqhsagf3Uy0WId1MsxbKRkvkVXp6fklDTHdE102Grvefa_7ZjpLFDwJXIq-Cuzqr43OnrGc6um3JJDfbA-bJ/s320/photo+(29).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<u>Teachable MOMent #8</u> - Write the word TRUTH on a wide rubber band, and your child put it on as a bracelet. Ask them, "What happens when you stretch 'the TRUTH'?" To find out, have them slightly pull on their bracelet enough for it to snapback.<br />
<br />
Stretching the truth causes pain and problems. Satan, The Father of Lies, is extra active at this time of year trying to convince us to ignore the dangers of "stretching the truth" through little "white lies" and "half truths". Have your kids give you examples of each of these. <br />
<br />
A half truth is a whole lie. What should we do if we are not sure if something is completely true or not? Check the source.<br />
<br />
The Scriptures are our source for absolute truth. Before the invention of the printing press and multiple translations of the Bible, the common man was not as blessed as we are with easy access to God's Word. Therefore, there was some confusion in the church about what God expected from believers. The church had started "stretching the truth". They said such things as,<br />
<br />
Truth - You need to ask God to forgive you of sin. (Rm 3:23)<br />
Stretching Truth - You have to pay "indulgences" (money to the church)<br />
in order to gain forgiveness for you or your family's sin. (Acts 10:43)<br />
<br />
After studying the Scriptures, Martin Luther found 95 things like this that the church was doing that stretched the TRUTH of God's Word! So on October 31st, 1517, Luther posted 95 Theses on the door of his church for all to see -beginning the Reformation! <br />
<br />
This took extreme faith and courage! <br />
Encourage your kids not to stretch the TRUTH, <br />
but instead stand up for absolute TRUTH the way Luther did<br />
and to have a Happy Reformation Day on Wednesday!<br />
<br />
How are you going to watch out for half truths and white lies this week?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-87698425635714526412012-10-21T21:33:00.000-07:002012-10-21T21:51:08.791-07:00Do you get the Monday "Blahs"? Truth or Dare #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like to pretend I have it all together most of the time, but here is the Truth:<br />
<br />
I am not sure if it is my hormones, my season of life, or just plain Satan; but lately I have been overtaken by <strong>"THE BLAHS"</strong> way to often. <br />
<br />
"The Blahs" is when you feel down, but don't have a super great reason to feel down except just the drudgery of daily life.<br />
<br />
You can make a choice. Usually, "The Blahs"<br /> <br />
1. ) Get worse if you sit around and mope or worry about your sad feelings or whatever you think is making you feel sad - like all that you have to get done but will "never" be able to accomplish, or<br />
2.) Can easily be solved by taking simply positive actions such as:<br />
a. Doing something you enjoy - for example: playing with your children.<br />
b. Making a to-do list and doing a few things on your list.<br />
c. Talking to someone about your feelings.<br />
d. Thinking positive.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u_1CjeoTi2Vc_DRN0gNIonp6ltrhwDwPiyCRH6P9p-uKOk9XKSvt43EJv4WhDUe94jCAlvPp5xgsCmCRhdbmrJTOQ4S9WGAA2rszKpXijL0Q_YqB6SNMHw_NCvXwHKfNCWr2sLkfXril/s1600/think.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u_1CjeoTi2Vc_DRN0gNIonp6ltrhwDwPiyCRH6P9p-uKOk9XKSvt43EJv4WhDUe94jCAlvPp5xgsCmCRhdbmrJTOQ4S9WGAA2rszKpXijL0Q_YqB6SNMHw_NCvXwHKfNCWr2sLkfXril/s1600/think.jpg" /></a><br />
e. Expressing gratitude.<br />
f. Praying.<br />
<br />
"Rejoice in the Lord always... Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things... Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."<br />
- Phillipians 4: 4-9<br />
<br />
Are you going to choose #1 or #2 today?<br />
What simple actions do you find helpful for overcoming "the blahs"?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-86547157193335393792012-10-15T12:21:00.000-07:002012-10-15T12:21:16.605-07:00What to Wear for Halloween?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYivJ55Dy5luXAINFHBPuLP5SJksJaiENz39yxakuLQjOZnuaPdaa1tJNNAW8dbtAR0PRha9a-2t3d-v2pmDQcUIuYUJjbFShkTpSz6kR1zygrzUKJiGp1sOHPMhcbVPCFCuZCVaj2bcPO/s1600/Wizard_of_Oz_Dorothy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYivJ55Dy5luXAINFHBPuLP5SJksJaiENz39yxakuLQjOZnuaPdaa1tJNNAW8dbtAR0PRha9a-2t3d-v2pmDQcUIuYUJjbFShkTpSz6kR1zygrzUKJiGp1sOHPMhcbVPCFCuZCVaj2bcPO/s320/Wizard_of_Oz_Dorothy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorothy is surprised and upset just like me!</td></tr>
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It upsets me that it is okay for public school teachers to teach my impressionable children about witches and other scary evil things at Halloween when prayer, God, and definitely Jesus have been banned!!!!! This is very upsetting but not too surprising. <br />
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Here is something that <strong>is</strong> surprising and even more upsetting to me:<br />
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Growing up all things associated with Halloween was banned and despised, so I am not quite that strict. I love to dress-up, and we let our kids dress up for their class Halloween parties at school (although we do tell them that we are celebrating Reformation Day instead of Halloween). I think you can have fun without the fright during this season.<br />
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However, I don't understand how real believers in Jesus Christ can embrace the witches and goblins and evil things associated with Halloween - even dressing their children as witches and other innapropriate evil creatures - when the Bible is clear about the seriousness of sin - especially of witchcraft!<br />
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Galatians 5:19-21 says, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft..... I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." <br />
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Growing up in a secular society desensitizes our kids to the seriousness of sin. <strong>Christian Moms and teachers, let me encourage you to please stand strong and do not let your children be even more desensitized against sin <u>and encourage other moms to do the same</u>.</strong><br />
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<strong><u>Be discerning.</u></strong> My mom had a great rule for dress-up: "Don't dress up like anything that you should not be in real life." <br />
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Witches are not cute little girls in pointy hats. They are real people who practice magic using the power of the devil! Is this what you want your kid to pretend to be? How about a mass murderer? How about a psychopath? <br />
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Come on guys, this is not rocket science. A rocket scientist would be a great costume!<br />
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Do you have any other great costume ideas? Maybe a super hero or a great story book character? I would loooooove to see your pictures.<br />
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Do you have any ideas for having fun without the fright this fall?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-3672182314836261642012-10-07T15:11:00.000-07:002012-10-07T15:14:42.582-07:00Moldy Moment - Teachable MOMent #7<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5ZEJjgfbppehy4LTZb2Ti5Y8tx2Dy9L9MIaHFLsqO-ABul1cZDtEWtsCl-d2QbCECkSkPeMT5XeSeFvO-xwIr-xtTgM5KlBfeZAqLHQ6gJqq9Hdx6owgQ4kUhp43sh7tY2iPQo0LLpg9/s1600/luke+mold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5ZEJjgfbppehy4LTZb2Ti5Y8tx2Dy9L9MIaHFLsqO-ABul1cZDtEWtsCl-d2QbCECkSkPeMT5XeSeFvO-xwIr-xtTgM5KlBfeZAqLHQ6gJqq9Hdx6owgQ4kUhp43sh7tY2iPQo0LLpg9/s320/luke+mold.jpg" width="146" /></a>Read and Share this "Simple
MOMent" about MOLD!</div>
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The <strong>mold</strong> is growing in my shower,
as I am writing this. The next time you are feeling down while
cleaning your shower or that unidentifiable <strong>moldy</strong> leftover container, remind
yourself that as a mom, God has created you for one of the most
important jobs there is – MOLDING young lives. </div>
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Put down your scrub brush for a few minutes, and do some
fun MOLDING with your children. Get out the playdo, clay, jello, or make
popsicles in fun shapes and talk about how God has made us
individually wonderful and unique.</div>
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</div>
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<strong>?</strong> - Ask your kids how and if they think God continues to mold us daily (for example, through God's Word, parents, role models, circumstances, etc.) </div>
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Philippians chapter one tells about how God is not
finished with us yet. Verse 6 says, "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCV8CAMo1GK8vQvUqHgcq3IqCI9lAXNVPaxQAsHnFR6RDWywnTupe-1DjMj9E26xQdx8cniPUm4zgKn0-3MPlhV_fg-1rTBEb2hw3LKkfzQx-IaMWF73S7Ovu96ixwe9fTpW9HTFw2ouy/s1600/colored+playdo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCV8CAMo1GK8vQvUqHgcq3IqCI9lAXNVPaxQAsHnFR6RDWywnTupe-1DjMj9E26xQdx8cniPUm4zgKn0-3MPlhV_fg-1rTBEb2hw3LKkfzQx-IaMWF73S7Ovu96ixwe9fTpW9HTFw2ouy/s1600/colored+playdo.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong>?</strong> - Ask your kids and yourself, "How are you going
to respond to God's <strong>molding</strong>?<br />
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Moms, how are you responding to God's call to <strong>mold</strong> young lives? I hope it is not with the same attitude you have for that leftovers container? Make sure you are seeking God's strength and direction to <u>purposefully and positively</u> MOLD your youngsters while they are still wet cement. As time goes by, the tougher the <strong>molding</strong> becomes.</div>
Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-15928906097067720822012-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:002012-10-05T11:48:44.592-07:00Turn up the Music - Teachable MOMent #6/God's Girlz #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/ftgPJyG5_L4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ftgPJyG5_L4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ftgPJyG5_L4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Music influences and speaks loudly to our children. Talk to your kids about the music they like. No matter what you are listening to, there is almost always something that you can teach from the lyrics of songs - what to do or what not to do. Remember to take advantage of that car time, or turn up the music and dance as you are cleaning up the house.<br />
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Peers are going to flood your youth with inappropriate music. Give your kids an arsonal of fun appropriate music to help them combat the world. <br />
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For Young Kids - When you are still picking the music out for your kids, it is easy.<br />
I play Cedarmont Kids, Seeds Family Worship, Steve Green, WOW, Character Builders, etc.<br />
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For Older Kids - As they get older, it is harder to find appropriate music with appropriate messages that your kids enjoy especially if you are musically challenged like myself. I had to enlist a good friend to recommend some good albums, and make us a mix CD including some great Christian artists like TobyMac as well a some party classics like YMCA and the Chicken Dance. <br />
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Attached is my girl's new favorite song - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftgPJyG5_L4" target="_blank">God's Girl by Jamie Grace.</a><br />
I would love to hear about who your kid's favorite Christian music artist is.Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-61327015551618150292012-10-02T10:51:00.002-07:002012-10-02T11:04:12.909-07:00October Download - Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokx2ZGmH6vGyumPvCjZH03HziwuwlLFpFgD_rHO-30AMMp0bYeL7WczwJnbzlXnTNZaIWGwHtjfwQcfPqdNMcIbV00x-f21iY91LbRqf0sVSJ5mTzxAwVQrmyzeLYawuqoRzv2G7wSOVW/s1600/truthfulness+download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokx2ZGmH6vGyumPvCjZH03HziwuwlLFpFgD_rHO-30AMMp0bYeL7WczwJnbzlXnTNZaIWGwHtjfwQcfPqdNMcIbV00x-f21iY91LbRqf0sVSJ5mTzxAwVQrmyzeLYawuqoRzv2G7wSOVW/s320/truthfulness+download.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/">http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/</a></td></tr>
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Happy October to You! <br />
To go along with this month's festivities we are going to focus on Truth!<br />
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I have so much to say and share about the importance of teaching our kids truthfulness especially with Halloween coming up and the public schools trying to keep the truth of Christ out.<br />
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Enjoy this free 3 page download Entitled "Truthful Fall Festivities" packed full of fun family activities, until I have time to share more.<br />
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I would love to hear any of your great ideas about teaching truth in the meantime as well.<br />
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Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-38680439201993875182012-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:002012-09-27T12:24:11.005-07:00Clothe Yourself With... - God's Girl #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS0bPEMe2Qj2j1dy9qlM8b9Zv6so7Rr0ibmOyo5QDV_Qj1CMxPndhuuC9XiX4aicVPoIqb3K4dwEpIEj83aAb2tZiYZb-cJN27VZfUufFu6PR-scHyO6P6TbarZxmTw5jB3MbCX4dhehr/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS0bPEMe2Qj2j1dy9qlM8b9Zv6so7Rr0ibmOyo5QDV_Qj1CMxPndhuuC9XiX4aicVPoIqb3K4dwEpIEj83aAb2tZiYZb-cJN27VZfUufFu6PR-scHyO6P6TbarZxmTw5jB3MbCX4dhehr/s320/photo+(28).JPG" width="239" /></a>You are God's Girl!</div>
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My daughters and I are attending a special "God's Girl" event that I organized tomorrow night. I will tell you more about that and how it goes later, but I wanted to encourage you with this verse today!<br /><br />Colossians 3 tells us that we are chosen, holy (set aside for God's service or sacrificially pure), and dearly loved by God!<br />
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Verse 12 reads, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."<br />
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Read the rest of this encouraging chapter about how we are to act as God's Girls. <br />
Print this sketch I drew called "Clothe yourself with..." from my downloads page on my website at <a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/">http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/</a> and share it with your daughter or hang it in your closet! Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-7581247635715404142012-09-23T14:59:00.000-07:002012-09-23T14:59:16.577-07:00The Wisest Words on Friendship - Wise Friends #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivArDc9A9tCMXOCQdMUBlkHHDAa7REdHn4qR13rJka6a0cyFXUVxin9_w4_e7RJbHwm0Fl63P8APuX4Iu1Us-Q49H1Mb0NsX1Gjd8JWyipwImfensG0LWfTV01R_tX7Qe-8-JTkpCiU3jE/s1600/friendship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivArDc9A9tCMXOCQdMUBlkHHDAa7REdHn4qR13rJka6a0cyFXUVxin9_w4_e7RJbHwm0Fl63P8APuX4Iu1Us-Q49H1Mb0NsX1Gjd8JWyipwImfensG0LWfTV01R_tX7Qe-8-JTkpCiU3jE/s1600/friendship.jpg" /></a>We are on a countdown. </div>
Last week we talked about (#3 )Purposefully Planning Playdates and Parties to help our kids choose friends wisely.<br />
<strong>#2 on my list is... </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Teaching your kids what the Bible says about friendship is one of the best ways to help them choose friends wisely. </strong><br />
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Below I have listed a few of my favorite friendship verses for your convenience. <br />
*<u> I Samuel 18: 1-3;20:17/II Samuel 1:23</u> - The example of David and Jonathan<br />
* <u>Proverbs 13: 20</u> -" Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise."<br />
* <u>Proverbs 17: 17</u> - "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."<br />
<u>* Proverbs 18:24</u> - "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."<br />
* <u>Proverbs 27: 6-10</u> - "Faithful are the wounds of a friend...the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel..."<br />
*<u> Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - </u>"Two are better than one...for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to pick him up....and though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken."<br />
* <u>John 15: 13-15</u> - "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends..."<br />
* <u>Philippians 2:19-23-</u> Timothy's example of genuine concern for the welfare of others over himself<br />
* <u>James 4:4</u> - "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."<br />
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Are you looking for some simple and creative ways to explain or teach a few of these Scriptures to your kids, check out <strong>Teachable MOMent #5 - Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!</strong><br />
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I would love to hear your great ideas about ways to help our kids choose friends wisely or how to hide these verses in our kids hearts!Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-61024066279054666942012-09-21T15:35:00.000-07:002012-09-23T13:13:23.351-07:00Purposeful Playdates to Parties - Wise Friends #2"The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are." ― C.S. Lewis<br />
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My last post ("Don't Hang out with the Kool-aid Drinkers " was about how it is easier to encourage your child to hang out with wise friends than it is for your child to make wise choices while surrounded by negative peers.<br />
So I thought it would be helpful now, to share three ways to help your child choose wise friends.<br />
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My<strong> #3</strong> way for helping your kids choose wise friends is - <strong><u>Purposefully Plan Playdates and Parties!</u></strong><br />
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You are your child's agent. You plan their calendar and schedule - who they will and will not see for appointments. Be purposeful about planning playdates, sleepovers, family dinners, etc. with the type of children that you want your child to be influenced by. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5K-5mMbE4LlqeTYjNie_Tw3c5Xj0r9hwGfIpPcBofFdK6piJ26PY6xVJXq5PeZJZ44xpQ9QiuZoBLSxU4g9osAoaZ6lBDyWb3dyH-4kpbzrt61xwaou92ZneUyz8BYXIzN7CNSiAD0Pb/s1600/playdate+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5K-5mMbE4LlqeTYjNie_Tw3c5Xj0r9hwGfIpPcBofFdK6piJ26PY6xVJXq5PeZJZ44xpQ9QiuZoBLSxU4g9osAoaZ6lBDyWb3dyH-4kpbzrt61xwaou92ZneUyz8BYXIzN7CNSiAD0Pb/s320/playdate+shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Start now! The older your kid gets, the less and less influence you will have in this area. Do what you can at each stage in your childs life to encourage the right friendships. For example:<br />
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-When your child is young this may mean building bonds with families who have the same belief system you do,<br />
-Then you start scheduling playdates,<br />
- Then you go to events where you know the kids you like will be<br />
- Then you invite kids from church over for campouts or sleepovers<br />
- Then you host parties at your home<br />
- Then you take hand picked groups of kids on outings, etc. etc.<br />
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You get the idea. Your kids will inevitably make friends with some kids you don't like. But the idea here is to say yes less to them hanging out with these friends, and pack their calendar with events where the kids you like will be.<br />
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Use your expert Party Planning skills to help your child pick some great friends! Don't waste any time! Invite a great family over for dinner this weekend! Have fun!Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-82366772211147248292012-09-17T08:17:00.000-07:002012-09-23T13:14:01.391-07:00Don't hang out with the Kool-aid Drinkers! - Wise Friends #1/ Teachable MOMent #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii15xP87061m1dXVrUGt5CqqOBW8wOJ0dMrTsNKac5gUyYa1Uo9u75pM8toQQscwN5ogj8E-wGuFBLCgeVoKcSkCYOcz8X1BwLSZuMTluYeOjAtHsQU7Ts1Oq6-AfvivaJ0kKjuHCRKmW/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii15xP87061m1dXVrUGt5CqqOBW8wOJ0dMrTsNKac5gUyYa1Uo9u75pM8toQQscwN5ogj8E-wGuFBLCgeVoKcSkCYOcz8X1BwLSZuMTluYeOjAtHsQU7Ts1Oq6-AfvivaJ0kKjuHCRKmW/s320/photo+(24).JPG" width="239" /></a> Most of us were just toddlers when the cult leader Jim Jones convinced 913 of his 1100 followers to commit group suicide by drinking poison kool-aid. Yet, we still have heard the saying, "Don't drink the kool-aid!"</div>
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Our kids probably haven't heard this, and most of them are too young to even get what this saying means. However, it is at this young age that they are going to start building friendships that are going to impact their life choices now and in the future. Get involved with helping your child choose good friends.<br />
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Only 17% of the people at what is commonly referred to as the Jonestown Massacre mentioned above did not drink the kool-aid. That was some serious peer pressure!<strong> I would like to suggest that it may be easier to teach your kids not to hang out with the kool-aid drinkers than it is to teach them to have the strength and decision making skills to "not drink the kool-aid" when 83% of the people they are around are drinking the kool-aid.</strong><br />
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Proverbs 13:20 teaches us, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." <br />
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Our kids are old enough to understand the principle that if you hang out with someone long enough, they will start to rub off on you. Use kool-aid or any sugar free drink mix (Wal-mart's version of Crystal Light's Raspberry Ice is my favorite yummy and very staining drink.) to illustrate this. It stains everything. We took this picture to left on Sunday night and they still had a subtle mustache on their way to school on Monday.<br />
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Sometimes the things our friends convince us to do have silly, temporary affects like our lips, tongue, and red mustache. Unfortunately, some consequences of unwise decisions have more permanent consequences such as your favorite shirt will never look the same, your teeth will become cavity-filled down a sugar-filled drink everyday, or as serious as the kool-aid drinkers at the Jamestown Massacre.<br />
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Do whatever you can to help your kids build relationships with positive peers who are "non-kool-aid drinkers." Do you have any ideas about how we can help our kids make friends with positive peers?Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-63404077742211295502012-09-10T15:58:00.000-07:002012-09-10T15:58:39.420-07:00Soccer Goals - Teachable MOMent #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAObHCXyyLbgtqRDzep6HaPyqCdcRcxCU1qQVf4JYJok6F9EUBKV75f7OadAHGUwlGcU-hk94tCanImuLhN5AItjg6yT4yGNc7IyRIrh7T3F_ISJ47hDQhrrtZqqt9Je0fHsp5KYh_cGD/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAObHCXyyLbgtqRDzep6HaPyqCdcRcxCU1qQVf4JYJok6F9EUBKV75f7OadAHGUwlGcU-hk94tCanImuLhN5AItjg6yT4yGNc7IyRIrh7T3F_ISJ47hDQhrrtZqqt9Je0fHsp5KYh_cGD/s320/100.JPG" width="320" /></a>Soccer season is officially kicked off!</div><br />
You can learn an abundance of lessons from sports such as as endurance, perseverance, patience, sportsmanship, patience, dealing with dissappointment, etc.. Ask your kids what they can learn from soccer.<br />
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The soccer lesson that may stick in your kids head the best is probably from Philippians 3:14. Write this out on a note card for your kid to keep in their soccer bag or in the car. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: lime;">"I press on toward the GOAL to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward." - Phil. 3:14</span></u></strong><br />
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1. <u>What are goals?</u> Ask your kids what they think this verse means.<br />
If we are going to get anywhere in life, it helps to have GOALS!<br />
What is our GOAL in soccer? How do we get there?<br />
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</div>2.<u> Share life goals</u> - Let everyone share what some of their LIFE goals may be? For example, my daughter Jolie would probably say her goals are, "Be on America's Funniest Home Videos, go to Disney World, learn to play the guitar, or be an artist when she grows up."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FM4c50FUvC80RnwiIjOq-0oODZuTY0iXt2JJfbTwDDSq3eyV18pRmed68bocwG74XtxDd7ikZn-TN4WvZVW5IdJbvvpkMHdJ4IujymWM9hTLbUQMfk0vWaoD8xLqlAlTYjg6KN7rISxV/s1600/smart+goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FM4c50FUvC80RnwiIjOq-0oODZuTY0iXt2JJfbTwDDSq3eyV18pRmed68bocwG74XtxDd7ikZn-TN4WvZVW5IdJbvvpkMHdJ4IujymWM9hTLbUQMfk0vWaoD8xLqlAlTYjg6KN7rISxV/s1600/smart+goals.jpg" /></a></div>3. <u>How do we achieve goals?</u> Look at the SMART chart to the right.<br />
Talk about ways they can get closer to the goals they listed above.<br />
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4. <u>Apply to the Christian life</u> - What should our GOAL as Christians be? (Be more like Christ.) What kind of things can we do to get us closer or farther away from our GOAL of being more like Christ? What is our prize in soccer? What is our prize as Christians?<br />
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While you are on the sidelines Mom, are you pointing others to the right GOAL of being more Christ-like? What kind of goals can you set for yourself in this area?<br />
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Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-23571821473547116532012-09-09T09:59:00.000-07:002012-09-09T09:59:31.253-07:00I Don't Feel Fun Anymore - Kindness Finale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-kz61RmUus_VOE_QNEZH_miLnZC-zUcK0lOffW3OEQkJcNaqXIu58Zj0RmEYLIPSClThO89uWI0KKSz_4qyvg6kwtQWPn_dtvTXbxLAZOmpyS-BI0CD1aFCAwz2T5NfHCUCPpcpD0oC9/s1600/brain+jello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-kz61RmUus_VOE_QNEZH_miLnZC-zUcK0lOffW3OEQkJcNaqXIu58Zj0RmEYLIPSClThO89uWI0KKSz_4qyvg6kwtQWPn_dtvTXbxLAZOmpyS-BI0CD1aFCAwz2T5NfHCUCPpcpD0oC9/s1600/brain+jello.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">God knows that kindness is important and that we struggle with it. That is why it made his top lists:</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">-Top 7 list of what older women should teach young women (see verses below)<br />
-Top 9 list of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22&23)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">-Top 8 list in II Peter 1: 4-8 of qualities needed to keep us from being ineffective in our witness and walk with Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Titus 2:4-5 says, <span style="color: #009900;">"Then they (the older women) may encourage the young women to: <br />
1. love their husbands,<br />
2. to love their children,<br />
3. to be sensible, <br />
4. pure,</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #009900;">5. workers at home, <br />
6. to be <u>KIND</u></span></span></span><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">,<br />
7. being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored."</span> <br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.34in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.34in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You are probably familiar with this passage of Scripture in Titus. Before we get married and have kids, we never think we are ever going to have trouble being kind or loving to our families. However, that is not reality. Carolyn Mahaney in her superb book <u>Feminine Appeal</u> says,</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.34in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #009900; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">"</span></span><span style="color: #009900; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic;">Along with the many delights of marriage and motherhood comes a myriad of temptations to <u>unkindness</u> that we often do not anticipate." </span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.34in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.34in;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: 14pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;">I know I sometimes wonder what happened to that fun-loving girl with the infectious laughter and love for her husband sparkling in her eyes. Do you give <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">kind service with a smile</span> like this silly photo above, or <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">help with a huffy attitude</span> like I have been doing lately? It is easy to let the daily worries of life weigh down your heart and walk with God. When I try to do everything in my own strength, I usually forget to be that tiny word--KIND--that has a big impact on my family.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This month, I am striving to seek God's power and wisdom to overcome my unkind feelings. Stay tuned to hear about how we are going to overcome our weighed down hearts with God's wisdom and wise choices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you have any words of wisdom for me?</span></div>Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488776198322004599.post-37957000626229458562012-09-02T21:14:00.000-07:002012-09-02T21:14:53.809-07:00Working Toward Wisdom - Happy Labor Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eRqNZqmCmTHiXgu-ENsMXEtL2Y5_eR6kPHGMkuJ4Vm3_xuQRimETvOOfn1p4C_6YCUpHeAuFCdj0nI3j99OEvMbej_RE6FyxOQ5ttolHnNA6NXcb2ak995Ou89XiS4KE5MCn5unLOd3R/s1600/wisdom+download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eRqNZqmCmTHiXgu-ENsMXEtL2Y5_eR6kPHGMkuJ4Vm3_xuQRimETvOOfn1p4C_6YCUpHeAuFCdj0nI3j99OEvMbej_RE6FyxOQ5ttolHnNA6NXcb2ak995Ou89XiS4KE5MCn5unLOd3R/s320/wisdom+download.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>Hello Friends!<br />
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I hope you enjoy this free three page download packed full of fun and simple ways to teach your kids wisdom on Labor Day and throughout the year. <br />
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<a href="http://thecharactermom.com/downloads/">Click here</a> to go to my free downloads page at TheCharacterMom.com and then click on Working Toward Wisdom.<br />
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I would love to hear any ideas you have about teaching wisdom.<br />
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Sarah Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02778729062892992306noreply@blogger.com0