Tag: positive mom

The Month of Mom

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Motherhood – it’s the toughest job you’ve ever loved! Through both the joys and the hardships, your words, actions, and example speak volumes into the lives of those you love. In this springtime of the year, I want to encourage you to think about the seeds you are planting into the soft and fertile soil of your children’s minds and hearts.

Whether you are a mom, grandmom, aunt, or teacher, here are some tips to help you think about making a positive impact for generations to come.

Speak Words of Truth – In a world full of misinformation, our young people are hungry for what is real and true. Wisdom from the Bible offers a firm foundation to feed the mind and spirit. We can choose deliberate times throughout our week to teach our kids spiritual truths from God’s word and plant seeds of hope, faith, and peace in their hearts.  Children’s devotionals and Bibles offer great resources for intentionally building an understanding of God’s love.

Use Teachable Moments – Opportunities to teach, train, and discipline occur spontaneously throughout each day, but we have to be looking for them. Disappointments or frustrations can become opportunities to ask God for peace and direction. A beautiful day, a trip to the zoo, a walk on the beach, a view of the stars – all offer joyful ways to point to the Creator of all things. Let’s grab these moments to gently point upward and invite our kids to see something bigger than themselves.

Remember the Power of Your Example – Our kids learn best, not from the words that come from our mouths but from the life lessons they observe in our actions. Our example shouts loudly and teaches our kids how to act and how to live. What positive principles does your life teach? Is it kindness, hope, and trust in God? Or is it anger, resentment, and constant frustration? It’s good to ponder what we are portraying.

As you can see, we have a powerful influence. Let’s be intentional about relaying positive messages and life lessons to the young ones in our lives. I am convinced that the only way I can be a good example and speak words of wisdom is to seek the Lord’s help each day. Every morning, I pray for His Spirit to flow through me in order to love those around me with grace and sincerity.

Keep looking up and leaning on Him as you speak into the next generation through your words and actions.

 Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

For more positive encouragement check out Karol’s book, The Power of a Positive Mom

The Power of a Smile

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It may seem simplistic, but a confident and sincere smile is an important part of the equation when it comes to communication. A smile speaks a thousand words. It says:

“I’m glad to meet you.”

“You are important.”

 “I care about you and am listening to you.”

“I believe in what I am presenting to you.”

“I feel confident about my product.”

A smile welcomes others and makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. It speaks confidence, openness and understanding. Savvy salespeople know that a smile, even when they are talking on the phone, can be perceived by the listener and changes the tone of the conversation. Now you may be thinking; but I don’t feel like smiling. I’m not saying you should wear a fake smile – everyone can see through that. Be honest and real with how you feel, but think of a smile as a gift to other people – it’s not about you. When we smile, the serotonin level (the happy hormone) in our brain is elevated. So, smiling can actually make us happier people! When you smile, you are not only building up others, you are also benefiting yourself as well.

When my dad, was a young insurance agent in Bloomington, Illinois, his office was in the downtown square near the city courthouse. On days when dad didn’t have a lunch appointment, he chose to walk the city square, not only to get exercise and a little sunshine, but also to practice the art of smiling. He smiled at everyone he encountered and soon smiling became a natural habit. Interestingly, I learned the habit of smiling from my dad. While I was at Baylor University, many people seemed to comment on my sunny disposition. In fact, that is one of the traits that attracted my husband, Curt, as he saw my consistently upbeat demeanor on campus each day. Give the gift of your smile to uplift others – you never know what doors it may open.

This blog is an excerpt from my new book, Positive Connectivity. Click here to order your copy.

Encouragement for Moms

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Ever felt a out of your comfort zone? As moms and grandmoms, there are times when we can feel a little overwhelmed. For the next few weeks I want to provide a few inspiring devotionals for moms, as you serve in the hardest job you ever loved. Here’s a Mother’s Day devotional from the book of Esther.

 “Appearances can be deceptive. The fact that we cannot see what God is doing does not mean that he is doing nothing.” 

Sinclair Ferguson

Key Scripture Esther 4:13 – 16: ‘Don’t think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when all other Jews are killed. 

If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What’s more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?” 

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:  “God and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me.  Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  My maids and I will do the same.  And then though it is against the law; I will go in to see the king.  If I must die, I am willing to die.”

Devotional: God placed Esther in a place of honor; a long way from her humble beginnings as a young Jewish girl.  She held the title of queen, living in a Persian palace.  Little did she know that God had an even bigger plan for her life.  After a decree to destroy the Jews was unwittingly signed by the king, she had to step out of her comfort zone and into unknown territory.  One thing was for sure, she knew she must depend on God.  As she began her walk of faith, she asked for her people to fast and pray.  She didn’t rely on the comfort of her position, but rather the comfort of God’s sovereignty.

It would be nice if we could live in a comfy, safe situation with all of our ducks neatly in a row.  Unfortunately that’s not always how life plays out.  It may be a stretching experience like being asked to serve in a leadership capacity or it could be a stretching experience due to injury or tragedy.  Whatever takes us out of our comfort zone, takes us to the throne of grace. We can learn a lesson from Esther:  Trust in God’s sovereignty, pray for His help, and make a wise plan of action.

Prayer for Moms:

Sovereign Lord, praise you that you have plans that are far bigger than I can see.  I trust you and know that you are working in ways that are beyond me.  Thank you that no matter what I go through, you are with me.  No matter where I am, you are there.  In the nice, comfy times and in the stretching, scary times I know you will never leave me.  Please grant me strength and wisdom for the path you want me to take.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

“God’s ways are behind the scenes, but he moves all the scenes which he is behind.” – John Nelson Darby

This devotional is from my book, “The Power of a Positive Mom Devotional and Journal.”

Blessings with a Purpose

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I will make you into a great nation,
   and I will bless you. Genesis 12:2

God not only blesses us, but he blesses us for a purpose.  He blesses us so we will be a blessing.  The word bless means, “to benefit.”  It implies abundantly or greatly. In the Bible we are reminded that God blessed Abraham abundantly by building a great nation through his seed.  He made Abraham’s name great.

God’s blessings are different toward each one of us. Sometimes our blessings may come through the most difficult of trials. The purest gold comes through the most intense heat, and the most beautiful gems are formed through immense pressure. Other blessings may be in the rich joy of family members or friends in our lives.

Everyone can look at unique ways God has blessed their lives. The question is, “Are we focusing on the blessings God has given us or on the frustrations?” Let’s thank God each day for the wonderful ways He blesses us, and then let’s be diligent to use our blessings to bless the world around us.

How does God want to use your gifts and talents to benefit others today?

Calming Ideas for Frazzled Moms

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Will school start in person or online? Will you be homeschooling or going back to work or juggling the two? As a mom, you may feel at wit’s end right now with so many unanswered questions. Today’s blog offers you a few points of encouragement as you juggle your continually shifting responsibilities.

When you feel overwhelmed, remember the Stop Method

Step away from the source of frustration

Take several deep, relaxing breaths

Objectively think about how to wisely handle the situation (reengage your brain)

Pray for God’s help, strength & direction

Creating a Peace-filled Environment

  • Develop simple daily routines (Example: breakfast, reading time, play time, lunch, naptime, craft time, tv time, dinner, Bible stories, bath bed)
  • Start each day with Gratitude (thank the Lord for 3 things)
  • Play with your kids instead of working against them  – laugh, enjoy, create, sing, color, build a fort, have fun!
  • Watch shows and movies together
  • Play peaceful music – having the tv on all the time creates stress
  • Limit screen time for you and your kids –studies show  frustration/anger is elevated when parents are focused on their phone more than their kids.
  • Get outdoors into God’s wonderful creation, go for family walks
  • Have naptime every day for you and your kids – we all need a break
  • Read books, pray and sing silly songs together

Take care of yourself personally – Set aside a little time now and then to stay connected with positive friends through calls or texts. Again, guard against constantly being on your phones as it will only add more stress to your life. If you need a break, see if a family member can help watch the kids while you take a break.