Wanna Be a Great Mom? Check out Jennifer Grant's new book, Momumental.

In a world of parenting blogs, books and pinterst posts that fuel my aspirations to be a supermom, Jennifer Grant’s new book, Monumental, gives readers permission for me to be an everday mom that loves her kids in a crazy, messy and loud home.

Jennifer is a great storyteller – she uses her mom memories to remind other moms about the mission and journey of motherhood.

Don’t read it if you’re looking for a how-to parenting book.  But if you’re looking for a mom who understands your trials and triumphs, and wants to hang out together, then pick up this book.  IT’s full of conversations I could imagine with best friends on a hike, beside a fireplace, or tucked on a porch swing. 

You will laugh and cry.  Remember and aspire.  You will be encouraged. 

This book is good for moms with kids in diapers or prom dresses – any mom who needs a dose of encouragement for the difficult (yet delightful) adventure of motherhood.

I received the book in this post compliments of Worthy Publishing via Handlebar Marketing for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Wanna win a copy of this book?  Leave a comment below, and I’ll randomly select a winner on May 14, 2012.

31 Days of Prayers for our Children

I love this resource that I found on pinterest.  It's a collection of 31 simple prayers and Bible verses for families.  You can keep it on your computer, or they've formatted it into a little book that you can print to keep in your family's common areas. 

Lent 2012 - 40 Days of Beautiful Reflections

The Lenten season starts Wednesday 2/22/12.  Instead of giving something up for Lent, you might consider a commtiment to find quiet space each day to reflect on God's goodness, mightiness and love.  Check out this 40-day reading that my talented friend Emily Huff has written.  Each day has 2 pages of quotes and scriptures.  It's only $5 to get your own paperback copy to keep at your bedside or near your favorite chair.  Here's the intro to the book:

This collection of quotes that I have gathered over the last year is called “FORTY3”
because it is the third one of these that I have compiled and it is meant to be read over
a period of 40 days. These quotes are from some of the books, websites or blogs I have
been reading this year, and they reflect some of the truths that I want to sink deeper
into my heart. As one friend put it, these are like literary “speed bumps” that I hope
will help me slow down each day.

Eugene Peterson writes, “forty is a stock biblical word that has hope at its core. Forty
days is a period of testing the reality of one’s life—examining it for truth and for
authenticity. The forty days in Noah’s ark was used to cleanse centuries of moral
pollution. The forty years in the wilderness was used to train the Israelites to live by
faith in the promises of God. The forty days of Jesus’ temptation was used to explore
his calling and test his commitment. The forty days of Jesus’ appearances after his
death was used to verify his resurrection and characterize the new life of God’s
kingdom. In each case, the number forty works eschatologically: The last day, the
fortieth day, shapes the content of the preceding thirty-nine days. Each of the thirtynine
days experiences eschatological pressure- the days become a womb, pregnant
with new beginnings. If the span of forty days does its proper work, life begins in a
new way. (Conversations; The Message with its Translator, page 1416-1417)

As I shared in the last two compilations:
The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise
number, not just a long period of time…. A 40-something time period, whether days,
months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but
not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal. Thankfully,
God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the
way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed
directly, but in the case of "40" and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can
be certain of its importance and significance. (from Wikianswers.com)

One other reason that I wanted to call this collection “40” is because Psalm 40 speaks
to me in this season of life for many reasons. U2 has put it to music in their classic
song:
40
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me right out of the pit,
out of my miry clay.
I will sing a new song,
How long to sing this song?
He set my feet upon a rock,
and made my footsteps heard.
Many will see,
Many will see and fear.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?

So whatever season you are in, may these words bring you restoration, revival and
renewal. May God’s love be more real to you as you soak these words up over the
next 40 days. As the picture on the cover says, may this be a time in which you make
space to be listening for hope.

Establishing a Family Service Night - from Passionate Homemaking

Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking just wrote a post on establishing a family service night.  You'll love her simple and inspiring ideas that even your little tykes can help with!

Can a 4-year old write family rules?

My friend Kevin and his 4.5 year old daughter Caroline created their own set of family rules.

1. Always tell the truth
2. Do what your parents and people responsible for your care ask
3. Don't talk to strangers, but it's OK to say "hello" to everyone
4. Be nice to Jack
5. Keep practicing at your activities to get better
6. Have fun, try hard and help your teammates
7. No stinky tooties!
8. You get what you get and you don't pitch a fit
9. You need to try new things at least once
10. Always be polite

They numbered them, and memorized them together (they both have amazing memories!).  So if they are struggling with a hard day at soccer practice, Kevin can whisper to Caroline, "Think about #6, and she'll remember to try hard, do her best and help her teammates.

I love that they wrote the rules together!  I love that there's a simplicity and a silliness with the rules.  And I love their quest to be a family of character.  You can already see the impact their purposeful choices have had on her character, and she's growing into a beautiful young girl!

What are your family rules?  How did you create your rules?  How could you engage your children in crafting rules?

Book Review: "The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister"

I just had the delight of reading The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister by Linda Ravin Lodding, and illustrated by Suzanne Beaky.  It’s a beautiful picture book with bright, bold illustrations and clever text.  It addresses the issue of over commitment in a head-on fashion, but it’s comical tone makes for a great character-building book.  I giggled aloud when I read the character’s names to my 5-year old daughter – Clay Lumpkin teaches a sculpting class, Pearl Stitchem teaches knitting, and my favorite was thte karate instructor Grand Master Hi Ya.

Like so many parents I know, Ernestine Buckmeister’s parents have her best interests in mind when they fill her calendar full of fun, engaging and active after school fun – helping her live life to the fullest.  But Ernestine’s one silent wish is to just stay home to play.  She longs to jump on the trampoline, giddy-up like a cowboy and bounce a ball.  The only problem is that her schedule allows no time for such frolicking.

One day Ernestine bucks the calendar, to pursue her own day of fun.  She and her nanny have the best day ever, wandering through the park imagining shapes in the clouds, building forts and making daisy crowns.  When her parents finally catch up with her, Ernestine respectfully and bravely admits her desire to slow down and have time to be a kid without following the calendar.   She helps the whole family discover how to make every moment count by discovering life without regimenting every minute of life.

This book is packed full of character lessons around goal-setting, communication, integrity, social skills, time management, planning, decision-making, and family relationships.  It’s a great tool for teachers, counselors, librarians and parents.

Your child might also enjoy some of the activities that Lodding has developed to accompany the story:
Ernestine coloring page
Help Ernestine Get to the Park Maze
Ernestine Word Search

Preview the entire book here.

Learn more about the book, illustrator and author here.

Buy the book here.

Enjoy reading, and I hope you are able to take time to ponder how YOU can live life to the fullest.

Blessings,

Repost: The Joy of Prayer Walks

I love Lindsey's post titled Basking in Beauty – the Joy of Prayer Walks from Passionate Homemaking.
She's right about the importance of mom's getting away to exercise and pray!  And she's smart about the way she has creatively solved the challenge of finding a time to do both things at once.

10 Minutes Together: Points for Life

Between full-time jobs and running a household, sometimes the best we can do as parents is to squeeze in ten minutes of quality time with our kids! These quick-and-easy “Ten Minutes Together” lessons are designed to help parents and kids on-the-go make the most of their busy lives together.

 10 Minutes Together: Points for Life: A budgeting and planning game that will get kids excited about their future!

(This is an activity that Susan Ragsdale and Ann Saylor wrote for ParentFurther.org.  They have a zillion tools and ideas for parents, so take time to visit their site!)

10 Minutes Together: Tracking Your Savings Goals

Life Lessons for Busy Parents

Between full-time jobs and running a household, sometimes the best we can do as parents is to squeeze in ten minutes of quality time with our kids! These quick-and-easy “Ten Minutes Together” lessons are designed to help parents and kids on-the-go make the most of their busy lives together.

10 Minutes Together: Tracking Your Savings Goals : A quick lesson in goal setting, tracking, and celebrating!

(This is an activity that Susan Ragsdale and Ann Saylor wrote for ParentFurther.org.  They have a zillion tools and ideas for parents, so take time to visit their site!)

"Be intentional as you raise your children. Treat them like a garden - planting, watering and weeding."
Sally Clarkson

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again, by Diane Loomans

"If I had my child to raise over again, I'd fingerpaint more and point the finger less. I'd do less correcting and more connecting. I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I would care to know less and know to care more. I'd take more hikes and fly more kites. I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play. I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I'd do more hugging and less tugging. I would be firm less often, and affirm much more. I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later. I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love."

- Diane Loomans

Raising Kids With A Heart for the World

Lindsay from Passionate Homemaking continually inspires me.  I really like this article she wrote on Raising Kids With A Heart for the World.  It's full of creative, simple, yet intentional ways to help our children learn, respect and love other cultures.

A Letter to My Children About Marriage

Check out this encouraging and inspiring letter from Generation Cedar: 

A Letter to My Children About Marriage

Nun's Twenty Third Psalm

I first stumbled upon this poem a decade ago. When I'm in the busy seasons of life, I like to ponder these thoughts because the message balances my soul, and gives me a spirit of tranquility that transcends to the core of my being. I definitely still struggle, but I know where I want my heart to be...

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind.
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in the balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours, for
I shall walk in the place of my Lord and dwell in His House forever.

written by the nuns at All Saints Convent in Maryland

Prayer for My Child's Independence by M.W. Edelman

Lord help me not to do for my children what they can do for themselves
Help me not to give them what they can earn for themselves
Help me not to tell them what they can look up for themselves.
Help me to help my children stand on their own two feet and to grow into responsible, disciplined adults.

by Marion Wright Edelman

 
 
So what does that mean practically?

• Letting them fail sometimes, then supporting them as they get back up
• Giving them chores and responsibilities according to their developmental levels
• Taking extra time when teaching, in order to ASK questions instead of GIVING answers
• Turning their questions around, to ask, "What do YOU think?"
• Having high expectations for their behavior
• Believing that they are able to accomplish what they set out to do.

What does her prayer mean for you and your children?

When God Wants an Important Thing Done in this World

“When God wants an important thing done in this world or a wrong righted, He goes about it in a very singular way. He doesn’t release thunderbolts or stir up earthquakes. God simply has a tiny baby born, perhaps of a very humble home, perhaps of a very humble mother. And God puts the idea or purpose into the mother’s heart. And she puts it in the baby’s mind, and then – God waits. The great events of this world are not battles and elections and earthquakes and thunderbolts. The great events are babies, for each child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with humanity, but is still expecting goodwill to become incarnate in each human life.”

Edmond McDonald

This quote is a great reminder to me when I'm in the middle of struggles with the personalities and passions of my children.  God designed them just the way they are!

Yes, they have sin natures, and it's my job to humbly point them towards God's ways as I shape their character. 

But sometimes I get frustrated just because they're different than me, and they get in my way.  Whether they're being too messy, or their collection of lego planes has overtaken an entire room, or they play the drums at the volume of thunder.  God has plans for those unique personalities and passions, and I need to let them experiment and grow.  And I can't wait to see how God uses these kiddos in our family.  It will be fun to watch!

Unplugging to Rest

These reflections on the importance of Sabbath rest are from my brother-in-law.  I thought you might also appreciate them:

Dear Church Family,



I am currently on our family summer vacation at the beach, and I am wondering why I sometimes struggle to really enjoy vacation and unplug. Working without stopping has become our hallmark as Americans. We are among the most “productive” workers in the world. We don’t leave our post. We just work.


For others, the constant drive is social networking. We stay connected at all hours. I think that sometimes it is fear that fuels our “connectedness.” Maybe we think we’re more valuable as people and workers because we don’t unplug. Everyone can count on us to be there. If we weren’t there, everything would most certainly fall apart, or so we think. I believe our “productivity” costs us a lot in terms of our health, our lives, our families and our worship. From my viewpoint, we are a people who desperately need periods of time to unplug.


Genesis tells us that God rested on the seventh day. God didn’t need rest—we need rest. He provided an example for us. For many of us, taking time off takes faith. We need to trust that the company will go on without us. We will remain valued. People’s needs will be met. Others will answer the call. At the core, it is faith that God is sufficient and can take care of all of my needs.


When I stop and unplug, I find myself enjoying God and my family more. I am more thankful for the little things that He provides, things that I have been too busy to notice. God knows that we need to slow down and experience life. God gave us five senses to enjoy Him and what He has created for us. When I stop long enough to take it all in, I have a deeper gratitude for all of those things. I thank God and worship Him.


Hunter Murray
Elder

Loving Them Big in Small Ways

I got teary-eyed reading Generation Cedar's simple idea that says "I love you" so loudly to your children.  What small thing can you do today to tell your child that you love him?

You are an Investor - pt5

INVEST: to surround (a place) with military forces or works so as to prevent approach or escape; besiege. (dictionary.com)

How are you investing your family? Your heart? Your home? Your marriage?
Do you guard these important things with prayer?
Do you live steadfastly for truth?
Are you letting your guard down in any of these areas?
Are you truly living in the armor of God?

You are an Investor - pt4

INVEST: to infuse or belong to, as a quality or characteristic: Goodness invests his every action. (dictionary.com)

What invests your actions? What do people see when they look at your life?
What invests your speech? What do people hear when they listen to you?
What invests your heart? Are you filling your heart with godly things, so that HE overflows from your heart?
What invests your priorities? What do your choices and priorities say about what’s important to you?