Learning from the Little Things

The sound of a small person thumping and rolling down the stairs is a terrible one.

A few minutes ago I help my precious 2-year-old and thanked God for her cries. She was bumped around a bit, but really okay.

But it made me wonder: How many moms are holding a precious child in their arms who can no longer cry? Whether having succumbed to disease, cut short by starvation, or brutally killed because of persecution or other evil, how many mothers will weep over a baby today?

I am so grateful for every moment with my children, even the frustrating ones.

And I also wonder: What can I do to make a difference to those other mothers around the world? What little thing would I have to give up to donate a few meals? What time in prayer could I sacrifice for safety? In what ways can I help promote the spread of the gospel of Christ Jesus, the only true source of hope and peace?

Thank you, God, for protecting my child from serious harm and using such a small thing to draw me closer to Your will.

http://www.gfa.org/

http://www.compassion.com/

http://www.watoto.com/

Christmas gift ideas for People hard to buy for

Sorry for the long title, but I had a hard time trimming it down. Like I sometimes have a hard time finding presents for certain people. These people shall remain nameless because it doesn't matter who they are, and I believe we all have those people in our lives. The ones who buy whatever they want, or don't want much, or plain don't give you a clue what they might want or need.

Over the years I've had to become more and more creative, especially when on a tight budget. One of the things I do for family members (especially grandparents) is create photo albums. I asked for a scrapbook program several years ago for my birthday and use it to make inexpensive gifts. I know there are a ton of websites to do online albums, but I can never get a price without signing up. Also, because we have four albums to produce (3 sets of grandparents and 1 great-grandparent) it's a whole lot cheaper for me to buy the paper and ink and print out the same album four times. Best I can estimate it, it costs me about the same for 4 as I'd be spending online for one. Could be wrong, but it works for me.

Other great ideas can be found a websites like Wal-mart photo and Walgreen's. They have great, inexpensive gift ideas that grandparents, aunts, and uncles love. Pictures on coffee mugs, travel mugs, puzzles, mouse pads, and ornaments. Some items you can even do annually with updated pictures. Others (like a throw blanket) are probably a one time thing, but still great ideas.

This year, I diverted from the photo gifts and started looking for perishables. These are good because they get used up and aren't one more thing to find a place for. There are gift baskets and towers from $20 up - something for all budgets. And something for all tastebuds. at 1-800-flowers I found great options. They have baskets with fruit, candy, sauces, chocolate covered fruit, and mixed baskets. It's a great idea for the hard-to-by-for person(s) on your list.

So, if you haven't finished shopping and don't want to brave the frigid temps outside, let you fingers do the shopping and have it shipped strait to who it's for. Only 7 days of online shopping left!

Helpful Tools for Christmas

I almost wish I hadn't already done my Christmas cards. Or that I had some other great Christmas craft to do. I might just come up with one.

I'm working on photo albums for the grandparents and didn't want to use any of the graphics that came with my scrapbook program. (You know, after you've used the same program for half a dozen years or so, they get old.) So, I had a brainstorm - google Christmas fine art images. And I found a fantastic website that has loads of free Christmas clip art - good quality and variety. And you know me, if I find something worth sharing, I simply have to share it!

So, if you're in need of some Christmas clip art or are looking for gift ideas, head over to christmasgifts.com and check it out.

Website for You

I came across another great website last week. I'm always up for educational and fun, and with my 7-year-olds newfound desire to be on the computer, I searched out something new for her. What we found was www.coolmath-games.com. I even got on and quizzed myself on the game where you have to name the states. I didn't do to badly, but next time I'll have to try the hard level instead of easy. :)

I highly recommend this sight for those who have computer-kids. (But always remember, limited time is best, even when the games are educational. Nothing can replace creative and active play!)

New ADHD Study

I've long been a studier of ADD/ADHD. As a counselor I researched and taught educational classes on ADD/ADHD. One question I asked was, "How come we see so much of it today?" Did everyone really miss it before? Is there something about our culture that makes it stand out more or causes more of it? Is there anything parents can really do to help children cope with it?

The answers to these questions are simple,yet complex. Before I tackle any of them, I will share that even as an educated, employed, successful adult, I tested moderate for ADD. I could tell when I took the test, however, that I would have answered many of the questions very differently when I was younger and would probably have been flagged had I ever been tested. But I give credit to my mom for creating a very structered environment growing up where I was held to certain standards and consequenced when I didn't meet those standards. That strictness drove me crazy as a child, but I can see now it was teaching me the skills I needed to get my inability to attend to one thing at a time (unless I happened to become obsessed with something) under control. I learned how to sit for a long period of time (not still, no I still cannot do that, but to take notes, make notes, or otherwise occupy my body so that it will not jump out of it's seat.)

I also believe that we restrict children's ability to have great amounts of physical activity. Thirty minutes in a seven hour period is no where near enough time for physical activity for young children. While I believe they also need to learn discipline of a structured learning environment, children are full of energy. Even average, non ADD/ADHD children. But, we have them sitting in school for 6 hours, on the bus for 1-1&1/2 hours, and then give them 2-3 hours of homework. Add in a few structured activities, and there's not much free time left. (This is one great benefit I get from homeschooling.)

In addition, there are many environmental things that contribute to the increase. It has been suggested often that our American diet heavy in fats, preservatives, and sugar is a major contributor. One new study backs this up. As I look into being healthier and am learning more about whole/natural food eating, I find more and more articles such as this one.

I'm sharing it because I believe that knowledge is important in making healthy decisions. This is only one way we can learn more that may possibly help us as women and moms.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-foods-linked-to-adhd.html?page=2

Great Deal at AMF

had a good time at the AMF bowling alley this morning - two moms, 7 kids! (I couldn't have done it without you, Leigh Anne!) kids get 2 games free all summer long. go to: www.kidsbowlfree.com to register.

Sharing a Give-Away

Wanted to share a great website and give-away opportunity. Hannah Keeley is giving away a copy of "Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake up, Take Charge, and Overcome Financial Fears Forever" by Jean Chatzky. All you have to do to enter is go to Hannah's website, register and leave a comment.

In the meantime, one of the best things to do to save money is to become organized. Don't think it makes a difference? How many times have you bought something because you couldn't find the one you already know you have at home? How many times do you pay twice as much because you didn't plan ahead and catch it on sale or use a coupon before it expired. How many times have you had to pay a late fee because you forgot to pay a bill on time?

The more organized you are, the more money you will save.

Great Web Site

Oswald Chambers is one of the most Christ-like evangelist of the twentieth centurty. His book: My Utmost for His Highest is one of the most renowned in the world. This man is inspirational, as he directs you to look to God, seek His will, and live a life of radical, loving obedience. I got the book, but was so moved by the daily devotionals, was not able to read through it in the 2 months I had it from the library. I have found that is online, with each day's devotional updated and available for that day. It is now one of my home pages. I highly recommend it as the one supplement to reading the Bible every day, if you only have time for one.

Here's the link: http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

Just for an example, here is part of today's reading: "The reason many of us stop praying and become hard toward God is that we only have an emotional interest in prayer. It sounds good to say that we pray, and we read books on prayer which tell us that prayer is beneficial— that our minds are quieted and our souls are uplifted when we pray. But Isaiah implied in this verse that God is amazed at such thoughts about prayer.
Worship and intercession must go together; one is impossible without the other. Intercession means raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying (see Philippians 2:5 )."

We were talking about worship, prayer, and praise today in Bible study. It's amazing how God brought this together for me today. He is good. He is worthy. He is love. May your days be filled with Him.

Angel Food

Have you heard about Angel Food Ministries? It's a great program sweeping the nation. You are able to order food in advance for less than half the price. I've missed a couple months, but the first time we ordered, my husband said about a month later, "Is this still food from that thing?" Yes, yes it was! For $30 you get approximately $65 worth of food. We figured that you get about $30 worth of meat, and the starches, fruits, and veggies you get with it are bonus. Don't think because it's inexpensive that it's not good - the steaks we got were the best we'd had in a long time. We've probably paid $20 just to get steaks that good.

The best part about Angel Food, is that anyone can participate. "There are no restrictions, conditions or forms to fill out to purchase Angel Food. The food relief program is open to one and all. Anyone may purchase an unlimited number of boxes of Angel Food by placing an order with a local Angel Food host site." All you do is order before the monthly deadline and pick up your box(s) on the designated date. Can't make it on the delivery date? Work out with someone to pick it up for you. It's totally worth it!

April's deadline (for VA and several other states, see their website - www.angelfoodministries.com for other localities) is the 13th. You pick up the food on the 17th. This month's menu is:

1.5 lbs NY Strip Steak
1.5 lbs Pork Chops
28 oz. Salisbury Steak & gravy entree
1 lb ground beef
1.5 lbs fully cooked breaded chicken breast chunks
1 lb smoked turkey & pork sausage
1 lb frozen carrots
1 lb frozen corn
1 lb fresh cut green beans
1 lb rice
1 lb pasta
25 oz marinara
3 lbs potatoes
dozen eggs (always)
32 oz. 2 % milk (always)
dessert item (always)

Where else can you get all that for $30? It's a great deal, even to only supplement your grocery bill. Know someone in need? It's an inexpensive way to help someone else out with needed groceries.

So, check out their site (find a local site at: https://www.angelfoodministries.com/hosts.asp), order a box, or two, order a box for someone else, and/or find out more about getting a local host site near you!