Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Organize Stuffed Animals

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NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Organize Stuffed Animals

I am not sure how the stuffed animal situation is in your home, but in ours the ratio of stuffed animals v/s human occupants is 100 to one. ROFLMBO! I have managed to get rid of some … er … more like a couple over the years. However, when you have daughters that can literally recite each of their names, and tell you when, where and how they got them right down to the outfit they had on, keeping a lot of stuffed animals is inevitable!

So…I have managed to compromise with my little darlings. I bought a small hammock and installed it kitty corner in an upper corner near the ceiling of their room and tossed most of the little buggers up there. It is up high and out of the way. They are all NEATLY on display, but not taking up a bunch of needed space. It also prevents the bed from being a stuffed animal shrine, that makes it impossible for a God loving Mother to make and stay sane! Whew!

I should post pics…Maybe another day…LOL

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Don’t Allow Your Kids to Fall Prey to Bullies

Bullies used to be big kids, with big mouths, that had a loud bark, but no bite. Unfortunately, bullies aren’t just barking they are biting. Violence between children is alarming and dangerous. Bullying has become more than name calling and a push against the lockers, some bullies use physical violence, weapons, verbal abuse, and even sexual abuse to intimidate others. The repercussions children suffer from bullying can be severe and long lasting. With the new school year looming parents should take the time to discuss with their children what to do if they encounter a bully. As parents we also need to take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue before it escalates.

Before school begins I suggest having a family meeting for an overall discussion of the rules for the new school year. Discussions on expectations, homework, bedtime, etc. will get everyone on the same page. During the discussion bring up the subject of bullying. Many children are reluctant to bring up issues that they may find embarrassing. Ask them if they have had any problems during the past year or over the summer with any other children. Stress the seriousness of any type of violence or harassment and let them know that they can come to you. If they are in school and feel threatened tell them to go directly to a school authority

Your children still may not admit they are being bullied. Kids have their pride and they may feel that they can handle the situation. As parents it is up to us to be aware and proactive.

Ways to try to stop bullies in their tracks

1. Observe Your Children - Usually if a child is being threatened or if they are the victim of violence it is going to take an emotional and physical toll on them. Observe their behavior. Are they easily agitated? Do they seem sad, scared, or angry? Are they crying or withdrawn? Use your mother’s intuition, if something seems wrong there probably is. If there is a change in their attitude, if their grades dropped, or they don’t want to go to school, the problem may lie at the school. Be aware of any bruises, or if they are losing weight or gaining a lot of weight, all of these may be signs. Don’t turn a blind eye.

2. Talk Openly with Your Kids - If you want an answer from your children ask them. Find a place where they feel safe and comfortable and ask if they are having problems with anyone at school. It is important that you convey to them that they can trust you and you will do your best to resolve the issue.

3. Talk to Other Parents – One of the best resources we have as parents are each other. If your child is having a problem with a classmate most likely other kids are having the same issue. I am not saying to phone every single parent in the neighborhood, but make an effort to get to know other parents and keep an open dialogue with them, become one another’s eyes. Parents are wonderful sources of support to one another. If other children are having the same problem on school grounds with a bully it puts more pressure on the school to resolve the issue when parents band together.

4. Hold the School Accountable – We send our children to school to receive an education. We assume that they are in a safe place and while they are there it is the school’s responsibility to protect them. If you discover your child is being bullied, run don’t walk to the principal’s office. Discuss the issue, and do not leave until you know that a corrective action is going to take place. You may even want to request a meeting with the parent’s of the other child. They may not even be aware of their child’s behavior. Let the school and parents know that you take the matter seriously and will go through the proper channels to protect your child.

5. Pray with Your Kids - We try to keep our kids safe, but we can’t be around them twenty-four hours a day. Only God can protect them every minute of every day. Starting at a young age, make it a habit to pray with your child before the school day. Ask God to guide and protect them. Teach your children to have faith in the Lord and to pray about all things. Lastly, pray for the child who is misbehaving, you never know what is at the root of behavioral issues. Ask God to guide them through whatever it is that is making them become abusive toward others. Talk to your child about forgiving the bully so that they are not harboring feelings of anger and resentment

Kids will be kids and childhood arguments and teasing will inevitably occur. However, when bullies cross the line, send a message that it will not be tolerated. By taking a stand for your child, you may be saving many others from the damaging aftermath of a school bully. When your kids see you immediately taking action, they will realize that violence is never acceptable and should never be taken lightly. Help your child’s school year s be a pleasurable and safe experience by taking precautions, talking openly with your kids, being a proactive parent, and of course always praying.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Love Unconditionally

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and he who loves his fellowmen is born of God and is coming progressively to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. He who does not love has not become acquainted with God does not and never did know Him, for God is love.
- 1 John 4:7-8 (Amplified)

What stood out for me here is that there are no conditions to this love. It does not say to Love “if.” It simply says to Love. We are supposed to love everyone. However, today, we are going to focus on loving our husband.

This is a VERY clear Scripture. If we are truly walking with the Lord in obedience we have no other option except to love our husbands…UNconditionally.

Notice how it does not say that this is an easy task. LOL! We all know that it is not.

This Scripture also goes against everything that this world stands for. This world operates in a very selfish manner. There is no room in marriage for love, forgiveness, and acceptance. In today’s world divorce is the norm. If your needs are being met, get a divorce…it just wasn’t meant to be. If your mate messes up, get a divorce…it was good while it lasted.

I KNOW that God NEVER intended for us to divorce. Do not misunderstand, I am sure there are times when you have no other option. I am certain though that MOST marriages that have ended in divorce are because one or both partners chose NOT to love UNconditionally. However, this lesson is not about that.

Listen to what Jesus tells the Pharisees in Matthew 19:4-8

He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate).

They said to Him, Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of divorce and thus to dismiss and repudiate a wife?

He said to them, Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts Moses permitted you to dismiss and repudiate and divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been so ordained.

The last part of this verse is the most interesting; Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts

Hmmm…

Do you think if we loved UNconditionally that we would be able to “harden our hearts?” No. Love is VERY powerful. We would be compelled to forgive and remain.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily,

It is not conceited, arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening.

Love never fails

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, I would like to thank You for my husband. Thank You for every trial, tear, laugh, good times and bad. Thank You for ALL that comes with being married. Lord, I ask that You help me to learn how to love the way You love. Help me to love and forgive UNcondtionally. Help me to see my husband the way you do. Help me to walk in Love so well that when people see me they do not really see me, they see YOU. I love You, Daddy and I want nothing more than to please You in all I do and say. Thank You for loving me and forgiving me UNconditionally. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Your Homework

Memorize: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and he who loves his fellowmen is born of God and is coming progressively to know and understand God. He who does not love has not become acquainted with God does not and never did know Him, for God is love. - 1 John 4:7-8

Dig Deeper:

1. Look up James 1:2-4 and do an in depth study on it.
2. Look up Love, Loved, Loving in the Bible. Find the Scriptures that pertain to you and your situation. memorize as many as you can!
3. Make real efforts to let things go and be a wive who loves UNconditionally. When you fail, get down on your knees, repent, then get up and keep trying. This world needs…NEEDS to see marriage work. They need to SEE love walked out before them. It is the ONLY way we will ever reach them…when WE walk in LOVE and shine for Jesus!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Unstuff the Stuffies

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Unstuff the Stuffies

This is a quick tip I discovered after a shower a few years ago. When you get a cold that really stuffs up your nose, take a hot shower. When you get out, immediately give your nose a good blow (not too hard…lol) and you will be surprised how much mucus comes out. If I have a bad cold, I may take three or more showers a day. LOL. Oh, and just standing in the bathroom while the shower is running does not work.

If you have little children a long hot bath can work too, However, a shower seems to be the most successful method for our family. The little ones can stand in there for a few minutes and let the warm water run down over them. Make it fun if you need to!

Doing this before bed really helps me have a better nights sleep as well.

Note: this does not cure the stuffy nose. It only offers me relief and maybe it will for you too. Oh, and ALWAYS supervise kids and water.

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Dinner Parties Fun and Simple

Throwing a dinner party for friends is one of my absolute favorite things to do during any time of the year. However summer is a perfect time to gather with your loved ones, relax, and have good conversation. In these tough economic times, people are finding ways to entertain without breaking the bank. Having a dinner party is an inexpensive way to spend quality time with your friends. I’ve thrown quite a few dinner parties and I’ve learned that dinner parties did not have to be stressful, on the contrary they should be fun and relaxed. Here are a few suggestions on creating a fun party for you and your guests.

Save the Date

When I was single, I thought nothing of throwing an impromptu party. Most of my friends had the luxury of a free schedule like mine. As more of us had children and got married, family responsibilities kicked in and those last minute parties didn’t run as seamlessly as before. Plan your party at least 1 week in advance. For a larger scale party give yourself 2 weeks.

As soon as you decide on the date, call your guests and invite them. Give them plenty of time to plan ahead. If you want to be creative, send them an Evite they are free and fun! Or send them an invite on pretty stationary. Indicate if this is an adult only party or if children are welcome. I suggest calling them a few days before to confirm that they will be attending.

Create a Budget

A dinner party can be an inexpensive way to entertain, remember this when you are planning your budget. Set aside a specific amount of money for the food, small guest gifts, flowers, drinks, etc. Stick within your budget and try not to overspend.

The Menu

Everyone loves good food. You don’t have to serve a five course meal to have a delicious menu. First, check the sales at the grocery store, you may find some great bargains on fish or meat. I suggest starting with an appetizer before dinner. When your guests arrive give them something to nibble on while they are chatting. try French bread with bruschetta and an assortment of olives.

Dinner should be simple yet tasty. Check with your guests for allergies or food aversions. Make a main course that is nutritious, but simple. Also make a meal that is your specialty, save trying something new for your family, you will be more confident. I suggest serving the main dish with two sides, and a fresh salad or a summer soup. Try a grilled salmon with baby red potatoes, and asparagus and a pea soup.

Everyone looks forward to dessert. Make dessert rich but light. For example, vanilla ice cream topped with raspberries and a few sprigs of mint or move the party outside and make S’mores. Serve some coffee or tea and enjoy the sweet treats!

Preparing the House

My rule of thumb is don’t go crazy and don’t overwhelm yourself when preparing your house for the party.

1. A day or two before the party clean the areas of the house you will be entertaining in. Choose the dishes and glassware you plan on using. You may even want to do a trial run and try the table settings to see if it looks good.
2. Placing flowers in the house or on the table to give an automatic cozy feeling. Try sunflowers they are great for summer dinner parties!
3. Think about how formal or informal you want the party to be. Do you want place cards? If you do think of creative ways to place them on the table, maybe cut them out and tape or glue them to a piece of chocolate with a nice little ribbon.
4. Candles are an inexpensive way to add class to your dining experience, try non-scented white tea lights.
5. Clean the bathroom and have plenty of toilet paper available. Have nice scented soap for your guests to use, hand towels, and a few lit candles.
6. Decide on the music, and put a few CDs automatic replay a day in advance.
7. If you have a backyard, there is nothing better than a dinner party outside. A few tikki lamps, some colorful dishes, and everyone can enjoy dinner under the summer sky.

Gifts for Guests

Giving a gift to your guests is totally optional and personal. The gift could be a small candle in gift bag, a tiny box with a piece of good chocolate, or a small scented soap. Place a little note inside of appreciation for their friendship and thank them for coming. It adds an extra special touch that your friends will enjoy.

Relax and Have Fun

Take time during the day of your dinner party for yourself. Take a nice long shower, wear something comfortable, and try not to stress out. Remember that the idea of having your guests over is to spend quality time with them. Remember the story of Mary and Martha, in the bible. Martha was so caught up in the preparation that she forgot what really pleased Jesus. Mary on the other hand listened to Jesus and washed his feet, and glorified him. Who got the most out of their encounter with Jesus? Mary because she paid attention to what mattered most. Take time to share a good meal, have meaningful conversation and create wonderful lasting memories.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Weeds Never Take a Vacation

So far this spring and summer, I have not picked weeds from the garden or fertilized my grass. I made a feeble attempt to plant grass seed by throwing it on the ground and hoping it takes root. I’ve just been too busy. I have a baby and three other children to tend to, I am sure you understand. After caring for them and making sure my husband has clean laundry and dinner on the table, I am tired. When I finally do get a minute I decide it’s “me” time and I pick up a book, do a scrapbook page, take a bath, check Facebook or sit and watch TV. I deserve that much, don’t I? After all, it is summer and I worked hard all year homeschooling my kids. School teachers get summer breaks and I know I am in need of a vacation. So, there’s my justification and I’m sticking to it! Uh…Right?

Today I walked in my backyard and saw what only slightly resembled a garden. As I made my way back to the garden I stepped on patches of bare lawn with grass seed only sprinkled on top. I was sad to see promising baby tomato and pepper plants stunted in growth and dry surrounded by weeds almost as tall as the plants. How did this happen? I only just planted this garden! I mean it was only…..only…well…I suppose it had been two months since I last laid eyes on it. I hung my head in shame and walked back to the house with the sound of dry grass crinkling beneath my feet. The thought struck me, “when did I last water this lawn?”

As moms we all get busy and we all need a bit of time for ourselves. Is there a mom out there that cannot understand the exhaustion that hits you like a wave at the end of the day? After seeing my garden, I realized that my heart is a spiritual garden and I wondered if that too was a testament to neglect, selfishness and given over to flesh. Our spiritual garden is also in need of daily tending and weed picking. Weeds start out so small hardly noticeable until one day they take deep root and over take the garden. Weeds can choke a fruitful plant and cause it to only produce withered useless leaves. Seeds that fall on dry unfertilized soil never grow but stay on the surface. It gives the appearance that an attempt is being made and lies to us and tells us that was enough.

We cannot allow the world to interrupt the daily weed picking in our hearts. We must remain vigilant because weeds never go on vacation but find the strength to flourish while our hearts are on vacation. This summer do not forget to water and tend to your spiritual garden amidst the demands of the world and your desire to enjoy “me” time. Yes, have some “me” time on me! However, let’s not forget to spend time with our Father God, or His Word so the weeds do not overtake our thoughts and hearts.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Eagle Eye – Movie Review

Movie Title: Eagle Eye
Rating: PG-13
Director: D.J. Caruso
Staring: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Billy Bob Thornton and Michael Chiklis.
Category: Action

Moms of Faith Rating: 6 out of 10

Intro: Eagle Eye is a fast paced, action packed edge of your seat movie ride.

Review: I want to be very careful not to give too much information for this movie. I do not want to ruin it for you! So, I will leave out details other than what really matter as far as the moral aspects of movie and parenting issues.

There is no negative religious aspects and no skin (other than a look at leading ladies back while putting sweater on over bra) or sex.

Unfortunately, their is a ton of violence and bad language. The violence was not good for little viewers, but what you would expect for this type of film. However, the language was a real spoiler for me. I  mean over 20 “S” words alone!

Conclusion: Over all, if you can get past the language…which I really struggle with…Eagle Eye is a film that most husbands will want to see, and most likely just as many wives who will enjoy watching it. Just make sure the little ones are in bed and the older ones get a good language discussion. Or, better yet, install curse free on TV!

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Be Frugal with your Phone

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Be Frugal with your Phone

Money is tight these days and we should be doing everything we can to save money. One thing we have done is with the phones. We had three cell phones and a land line. Honestly, we do not need that many phones. LOL. We weighed the reasons to keep three cells v/s one land line and felst having the cells were more inmportant. So, instead of keeping a land line when we have three other phones to be reached by, we turned off the land line. It is cheaper to have three cell phones we can take everywhere than a land line. It saves us $30 a month…That is $360 a year…and extra car payment and less finance charges being paid!

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Teaching Your Children the Value of Money

I have to admit I was never one to save for a rainy day. I believed that money was meant to be spent. My motto was you can’t take it with you so enjoy it while you are here. I always had a job since I was a teenager, but I wasn’t taught to save money. My parents were generous and made up for any money I was lacking. As I matured and became a mother having a 401k, along with savings accounts, and paying my bills before the due date became as normal for me as cream in my coffee. Being diligent about my finances has no doubt paid off. Teaching our children at a young age the importance of saving and using their money responsibly is one of the best lessons we can pass on to them.

Children learn about the dollar at a very early age. When we go to the coffee shop my 3 ½ year old understands that I have to pay for the brownie. She actually asks to pay for it by handing my debit card or cash to the clerk. If you ask her what do you do with a credit card at the end of the month, she will tell you, “pay it back.” Now 3 ½ may seem a little young for kids to start thinking about money, and age appropriateness is something each parent has to determine, but I say the earlier the better.

Ideas for Teaching Your Children the Value of Money

Earn Money

It is important for kids to realize that money really does not grow on trees. There is nothing wrong with them earning an allowance. Teaching them that they are not entitled to money, but that it should be earned will teach them to value a dollar. They will be less likely to use their allowance foolishly if they are working to earn it. Give them chores around the house and have a set allowance amount that you decide to pay them. Set the date that you pay them just as though they are receiving a paycheck. If they do not do the chores then they do not receive the allowance, or there are deductions and further consequences based on the rules of your home.

If they use all of their allowance before the next one, don’t give in and give them more money. This teaches them a good lesson on how to use their money wisely. I assure you they will think twice about spending all of their money at once.

Save Money

Most kids want to spend their money, and if they earn it, well they should be able to spend it, but not without first saving a portion of their allowance and other money they get throughout the year. First, take them to the bank and open up a savings and checking account for them. Familiarize them with how the accounts work.

Second, depending on their allowance, decide on a percentage that they are to save each month, . Even if it is 3-5% it makes a difference. If they are old enough let them make the deposits themselves. Explain how their money compounds in a savings account. Depending on your finances you may want to do a match for whatever amount they put into their savings. For example, if they deposit $5.00 you deposit another $5.00. This is a great way to reward your child for saving money and contributing to their nest egg.

You make the decision on whether the money they get for holidays or birthdays are theirs to spend as they choose or if you want them to put a portion in their savings. Once they see how much they accumulate in savings they may be willing to put money in from special occasions without being told.

Educate them on the Importance of Paying Bills On Time

I doubt if your children have to worry about paying bills. However, teach your children about paying bills in a timely manner. Let them see you being responsible by paying your bills on time. It they are old enough to understand, explain the concept of interest rates, principal, and late fees. Also, talk about the consequences of not paying your bills. Tell them about that dreaded three digit number the credit score and how having a good credit score will effect them in the future.

Look for the Deals

Inform them of the beauty of a bargain. If they want to spend their money on a movie, why not encourage them to go to the matinee. If they simply must have that CD why not help them search online for it at a lower price. Teach them how to be a smart shopper so that their hard earned dollars go further.

Giving

Teaching our children to give not only pleases the Lord, but teaches them the spirit of giving. Find an organization that your family is interested and donate as a group. As Christians we are taught to tithe. Most likely, your child is going to earn a small amount of money, however, allow them to see you obeying God’s Word and they will follow suite. They also need to learn to give beyond their tithes and to give of their time as well.

We live in an unstable economy, and who knows if it will improve by the time our children are adults. Help prepare them financially. Instill in them that money should be saved and spent wisely. Money can be a blessing if they learn how to use it responsibly. Of course there are those times when it is okay to splurge and I am not saying that they should never treat themselves, there are always exceptions. Most likely you are already preparing for their future by contributing to an education fund, or other type of savings account. You will most likely not ask them to buy school clothes or essentials. But give them the basic ABC’s of money so that they are preparing for a fruitful financial future.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

(Content added and edited by Lara Velez, Moms of Faith)

New Advertising Section

As many of you may new, we recently remodeled. Well, if took me a few months to catch up and FINALLY get our advertising section up. It is all new and filled with easy to understand options to fit any budget.

We have home page, main site, community, newsletter and all inclusive ad options available.

Click Here to browse our new ad section!

God Bless!!

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