April Showers

READY… “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” ~ Helen Keller

AIM… Ugh! “Rain, rain, go away. Come again, another day!” When we sing that simple preschool song, the rain listens; it comes again another day…tomorrow!! Yes, we’re all a little tired of the rain. However, it’s normal for April weather and is going to be part of our forecast here in Ohio for the next 8 to 10 days. What if you lived in Seattle, Washington where it rains most of the days of the year? I imagine you might get used to it. Nah, not me! So what’s a person to do about it? You look for the silver lining in those rain clouds.

My children and I were discussing all the rain lately because they have only had one spring soccer practice in the past three weeks. Instead of being depressed about our situation, we started noticing all the good things that are happening because of the rain. The grass in our yard is now greener, the leaves are opening on the trees and the flowers are starting to bloom in beautiful colors at our neighbor’s house. Even though they desperately want to be outside, the rain has allowed us to spend time with each other indoors enjoying family movie nights or playing board games together. We know that the rain will eventually go away and we’ll get to enjoy the sunshine and resume our outside activities again very soon.

Does the rain have you feeling down in the dumps? Are you experiencing some personal rain in your life? Every cloud has a silver lining and if you focus on the bright side of things, usually you can at least alter your thinking and change your attitude. Sometimes all it takes is to start looking at our situations from a different perspective in order to recharge our batteries and get a fresh approach. Truly, even if the rain does go away…it always comes back another day. However, next time we’ll be ready!

FIRE! April showers bring May flowers. What positive rewards will you receive after your rain goes away? Focus on eliminating the negative storm clouds this week and see that sunbeam shine on those new opportunities.

Be Excellent!
Lori

The Minority

READY8 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NLT

AIM8 Ever feel like you’re in the minority? That the decisions you’re making in life to be a person of integrity, to keep your kids and your family on the path of truth make you feel like you’re the only one standing up for what’s right in this world?

Do not feel alone. Jesus was a minority too. When he preached the truth about God’s love, hope and healing, he was believed by some and doubted by many. When he faced the unfair trials and was wrongly accused, he stood firm and never wavered from his mission. When he was hung on a cross between two thieves, he STILL asked God to forgive the people around him because he knew he was right and they just didn’t understand.

Friends, as you make decisions in your lives that affect you, your children and your family - stand firm. Do not waver from the path of integrity and truth. Even though people around you may not understand what you’re doing or why you’re choosing the things you choose, you can rest assured that YOU are choosing what’s right and God is well-pleased with your decisions. Really, in the end, nothing else matters.

FIRE! Embrace the path of righteousness this week. Be consciously aware of your choices and decisions. Understand that the decisions you make are your decisions and you are free to choose to be a person of integrity in all you do. Be thankful to Jesus that you may live in freedom from all condemnation...if you choose.

Be Excellent!
Lori

Uninspired

READY8 “Quotes are nothing but inspiration for the uninspired.” ~ Richard Kemph

AIM8 Today, I must admit, I am rather uninspired. It’s rare for me to feel this way because I look at everything in life as a source of inspiration. Perhaps it was the icky weather yesterday, or my mile-long list of things to do that is blocking my muse. Either way, I’m struggling to bring my words to life for you this week. In light of this impasse, I have decided to share a source of inspiration that I received from a friend. It’s loaded with great quotes about life and seizing the day kind of stuff. Take a moment to read it. Perhaps we’ll both be inspired to do something amazing. (Caution: There are a few strongly worded quotes in the list.)

http://www.fromupnorth.com/2010/12/inspiration-gallery-173-various-quotations/

FIRE!8 This week, find a favorite picture, a sentimental knick knack or an item that has special meaning to you and put it in a place of prominence where you will see it regularly. Hopefully, this small change will motivate you every time you see a source of your inspiration. However, sometimes those days we lack inspiration might just be God’s gift to us. He is giving us a day to just be lazy!

Be Excellent!
Lori

Victories In Mothering

READY8“I looked on child-rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring it.” ~ Rose Kennedy AIM8 Being a mom is rewarding, but it is a tough job too. Getting paid in hugs and kisses some days just isn’t the salary you expected. Even our best intentions can be completely twisted and turned around in an instant. Are you good at going with the flow and rolling with the punches? Better buckle up and get ready! If you haven’t experienced the thrill of the adventure yet, you’re in for a wild ride! :) Because being a mom requires so much of our treasured time, our talents and personal space often get pushed into the Twilight Zone. If you have felt like you’re stuck in another dimension, you are NOT alone. Many of us moms are stuck in that same dimension of chaos! So, how do we check ourselves back into reality? For starters, we need to stop focusing on all the WRONGS we are doing and start recognizing all the RIGHTS. Negative self-talk does so much damage to our well-being and our self confidence. God created you in His image to be loved and to give love away. Let’s start speaking truth into our lives and regain that inborn God-confidence He designed just for us. If you need some help discovering your victories as a mom, here are some great ways to rethink your day to day actions and conversations with yourself: You are using your body to…grow a miracle; feed and nurture your infants; snuggle with and comfort your older children. You are using your hands to… play fun games; teach and educate with puzzles; bathe and dress your children, offer hugs of approval and applause for major accomplishments. You are using your creativity and talents to…make healthy and interesting meals for your family; bring home additional money to contribute to the budget; entertain your children when you’re stuck in the house for a snowy or rainy day. You are using your brain to…outwit toddler temper tantrums; encourage successful potty training transitions; find ways to instill good morals and values in the minds of your children and encourage and support life-changing decisions. You are using your personality to…find humor in everyday events; meet new moms and form meaningful friendships; continue to attract your spouse to the woman he has loved since you dated. You are using your heart to…boldly LOVE like you’ve never loved before…yes, it’s possible. You are using your spirit to…invite God’s presence, plan, purpose and protection over yourself, your marriage and your children’s lives. Galatians 6:9 says “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” Mom-friends, don’t lose yourself in the negativity of the Twilight Zone. Lift yourself up by reminding yourself of all the VICTORIOUS things you are accomplishing every single day. Down the road, you WILL reap a harvest of blessings as you witness the successes of your children and all their accomplishments. And what a huge victory dance you will do that day! FIRE!8 Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and grab a photo album or scrapbook. Enjoy a quiet walk down memory lane reminiscing about your children. For a moment, forget the piles of laundry that need washed and folded and remind yourself what a GREAT job you are doing as a mom. Yay, you! Be Excellent! Lori