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Spend Quality Christmas Time With Your Family

November 30, 2009 By Chere Williams 2 Comments

The day after Thanksgiving I woke up full of excitement and it wasn’t because of all the Black Friday sales. The Christmas season has officially kicked off! I am probably just as excited as my daughter to drag out the decorations and fill every inch of our home with Christmas cheer. Kids love the holiday with all of the fun activities, gifts, and treats. Christmas is a wonderful time to create family traditions and make long lasting memories for everyone to enjoy. There are a number of activities you can do to make the holiday memorable.

Ideas for Spending Quality Time with Family this Christmas

Yearly Christmas Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a fun way to record memories of your family’s Christmas each year. Buy an inexpensive photo album or scrapbook and get the whole family together to decorate the cover. Over the Christmas holiday collect the pictures of family and friends, snowball fights, school pageants, and tree decorating and arrange them in the scrapbook with captions capturing the moment. If you attend any performances collect the stubs and thrown them in there too. A great day to complete the scrapbook is on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day so that you can reflect upon all the fun of the season.

Bake Cookies and Pastries

No matter how young or old we are there is nothing better than the smell of warm cookies baking in the oven. Get your aprons on and let the baking begin. If you have extended family in close proximity invite them over and begin a baking tradition. Bake an extra batch of cookies and give them to the neighbors or give your children’s classmates a treat and bake enough for their class.

Watch the Classics

I know Christmas has arrived when I take out Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The oldies will always be the best classics to cozy up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your family to watch Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and It’s a Wonderful Life. I suggest buying some movies that are about the birth of Jesus Christ. Movies about the day our Savior is born should become classics just as much as Frosty is in our homes.

Gift of Giving

Christmas is truly a time of reflection on the life of Jesus Christ. It is a wonderful time to encourage the gift of giving in your children. With so many people suffering because of the economic climate, now is a good time to as any to give to those in need. If you are able, adopt a family for Christmas and provide gifts and food for them for the holiday. If your wallet doesn’t allow it then just contribute a toy to the many charitable organizations that are collecting gifts for children. Have your children choose the toys for the kids, or visit a nursing home and sing some carols or give an elderly person a gift.

Secret Santa is a fun way to get your family involved in the spirit of giving. Choose a family and leave a present at their door in the evening, send a little note saying that it is from the secret Santa. It can be a small token of appreciation for a friend, neighbor, or person in need. Teaching our children to have a servant’s heart is one of the best Christmas gifts we can give them.

Take a Stroll Around the Neighborhood

Quality time together can be as simple as taking a walk after dinner with the family around the neighborhood. During this time of year the lights on the homes and the decorations are beautiful. If it is too cold outside jump in the car and bring a thermos of hot chocolate and a batch of cookies and ride around town enjoying the sights.

Attend Christmas Events

Check the local events in your area for fun filled family activities. In my area almost every weekend there is a performance or a kid’s holiday activity happening. If you don’t live too far from a major city, like I do in Washington, DC take the time to enjoy all of the events taking place. Sleigh rides, cutting down the tree, ice skating, the Nutcracker, and watching light up night together are great ways to have fun and spend quality time together.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year to celebrate the life of Christ and make lasting memories with our family. Teaching our children that Christmas is not about gifts, but about togetherness and the reflection of the birth of Christ teaches them the true meaning of Christmas. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping for the presents and decorations, but it is important to not allow the superficial things to take away from quality time we spend with family and friends. Most importantly spend time in church, in fellowship, and in prayer with your children so that your family honors our Father and his Son.

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Columns, Family Activities, Holiday Helpers Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A little kitty taught me: Devotional on facing trials

November 25, 2009 By Richele McFarlin Leave a Comment

My daughter was so excited to inform me that a stray cat had come to call.   This ball of black and white fur sought shelter from the rain on the comfort of our porch.  Just as I was about to swoon I hear the pounding of my dog’s paws running down the steps.  My dog darted toward the door and pounced with a barking fury.  The cat arched her small back and hissed looking directly into my dog’s eyes.  I’m not sure if I was more afraid for the cat or  my dog.  Thankfully the screen door still remained between them.  We restrained the dog.  Feeling sad for the scared but brave kitty, we gathered up some snacks to feed her.  Well, that did it!  She now thinks our porch is a restaurant.

I was reminded of scripture while observing this cat’s reactions to the world around her.  I wondered if I had the sense of this little cat to seek shelter during storms, face trials head on, all while seeking daily bread.

  • Come in out of the rain. When the storm hits I sometimes make the mistake of braving it navigating my way through on my own.  We think that we need a show of strength and power to drive the storm away.  There are times to retreat to God’s shelter to spend time in His presence to regroup.  Allow the Lord to reveal Himself as your strong tower and rest in Him so you can revitalize.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61

  • Stand up in the face of fear. After you revitalize and seek the Lord’s guidance now is your time to stand up and face the trial head on.  Have faith and remember who you belong to are and what He is capable of achieving.  We cannot doubt ourselves with the Lord behind us.  Let’s review from Proverbs 29:25 what scripture says about fear and the Lord:

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

  • Seek your daily bread.  Our spiritual food comes from the Word of God.  If we allow our spirit to starve we will be too weak to fight a trial.  The Lord sets food out daily, hoping, His stray kittens come and partake in the feast.  We should hunger for this nourishment.   Let’s reflect on Psalm 34:17:

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Lord has provided us with all we need to fight trials and come out not only victorious but stronger.  Let’s seek His protection,  face our fears through Him and be nourished by His Word and we can face any trial.    

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: In the Word, Inspirational, Richele's View Tagged With: , ,

Dinner Cooperative, A New Trend?

November 23, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

I was never a big fan of pot luck parties. One of my great joys is throwing dinner parties. I enjoy pouring the love I have for my friends and family into a home cooked meal accompanied by good conversation and lots of hugs afterward. I want them to visit my home without worrying about a dish to bring. Since joining a lunch cooperative at my new job the idea of a potluck is starting to grow on me. Basically, a lunch cooperative is similar to a potluck. Basically, you form a group, decide on recipes that everyone will enjoy that are nutritious, and choose the day of the week that you will cook for the group. Depending on the group size you will bring lunch approximately once a week or with a large group once every other week.

Being eager to participate and put my best foot forward at my new job, when asked if I wanted to sign up I jumped at the opportunity. I have to admit at first it was a bit intimidating cooking for a group of five people, and I started to fret about the time commitment. Then I realized that there were some benefits to this program. First, four out of five days I do not have to bring my lunch which means I actually save some money and time. Second, with everyone preparing different recipes it brings variety to lunchtime. Third, it is nice to have a group that has the same goal, to eat healthy and support good habits. It got me thinking that this could be a good idea to implement at home.

A dinner cooperative would work the same way. Most likely it would not be every night of the week, but maybe once a week or once every other week. How nice would it be to provide dinner for friends or have dinner provided for your family? Once you find a family that wants to participate, trade recipes, find out any food allergies, and set the cooking schedule and decide whose home dinner will be served.

You may want to try the dinner cooperative on a trial basis. It may not be for everyone, but it is an alternative way to help cuts costs, especially if you have a larger group of people participating. Dinner can be made in advanced and dropped off or you can spend the evening together. With the economy on the decline, families are open to trying a number of different ideas to cut costs. After a long day at work knowing you are coming home to a precooked meal definitely makes room for more family time and a relaxed evening.

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Articles and Such, Blog, Columns, Cooking Tips, Recipes, Time Savers Tagged With: , ,

Faith and Business 101: The Nitty Gritty – Part 2

November 20, 2009 By MariLee Parrish 3 Comments

<- Click Here to Read Part 1

Social Networking is huge for Moms in business. My entire business is based online, mostly with moms I have never met! However, I started networking with other moms on social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Cafemom and Twittermoms and that has made a tremendous difference in my business. Not only did these women become colleagues, customers, and advisers….they became friends! Let’s talk about how this works today!

First of all, Facebook and Twitter are not just for teenagers and college students. These online social sites are great places to connect with potential customers and increase your business. I could spend months showing you the ins and outs of each of these sites (and we may in the future) but for this week let’s just focus on the basics. There are 5 social networking sites that are important to join and become good at if you’d like your Mom Business to grow.

Think you don’t have time for all of this? I firmly believe that you don’t have time NOT to do this if you want your business to succeed! Almost all of my sales have been from clients I have met on the following social sites:

1. Facebook. I have made the most connections, sales…and friends from Facebook. If you have no idea where to start with Facebook, go to www.youtube.com and search for Facebook training 101. This will show you, step-by-step, how to set up your account and how to get started on Facebook. Start adding friends, joining groups that apply to you and making conversations with people. If you have a Mom Business, you need to set up a fan page. You can also search for directions on how to do this online. I have experienced much success from Facebook networking and I believe it is your #1 resource for connecting with potential clients and mentors. Start here and then add the others as you master each.

2. Twitter. Twitter is also a fantastic tool to make connections, share your blog giveaways, promote your business, and keep up with friends. It’s important to establish relationships on twitter, as well, instead of just always tweeting about what you’re doing. Respond to other tweets. Care about what other people have to say. Share scripture and ask for prayer requests. Promote your business in between being personable.

3. CaféMom. Cafemom is a great place to connect with other moms. You can join groups just like you can on Facebook. Some of the groups are specifically Christian Moms groups and many of the groups are established primarily for other moms to promote and share about their business. I get a ton of traffic to my website from CafeMom. Make sure you really develop your profile with links to your website and information about yourself that other moms will want to know.

4. Twittermoms is a fun group for….you guessed it: Mom’s who tweet on Twitter! There are also Christian Moms groups here, and this is a good place to find quality people to follow and network with on twitter.

There are many other social networking and ning sites out there including this one: Moms of Faith. Another favorite is Moms United In Business (MUIB). If you do a google search for Christian networking sites, you’ll find plenty of places for you to connect with other Christian moms.

IMPORTANT: please remember to be yourself online (go back and read my previous post called Be Real and Be Upfront!). You do not always want to be promoting something. Be human. Talk about yourself, your life and your relationship with God. This is how you build real, long-lasting connections with people and potential clients online.

In closing, I feel the need to remind you that I have learned the hard way that no amount of networking or advertising is going to help you out if you are not doing what God wants you to be doing! If you want His blessing….seek out what He would have you do. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Faith and Business 101, WAHMS Tagged With: , ,

The Proposal – Movie Review

November 19, 2009 By Faith_Mom 2 Comments

Movie Title: The Proposal
Rating: PG-13
Director: Anne Fletcher
Staring: Sandra Bullock; Ryan Reynolds; Mary Steenburgen; Craig T. Nelson and Betty White
Category: Romantic Comedy

Moms of Faith Rating: 3 out of 10

Intro: A very disappointing romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock.

Review: Normally, I love Sandra Bullock’s films. However, this one was not a winner for me. Sure, there were a couple good parts…like when her character got a conscience and it was humorous at times. Unfortunately, it missed the mark in so many other areas…

On the negative side: There was a lot of weird spiritual references, symbolism and chanting done by the grandmother (Betty White). I it found uncomfortable as a Christian. I am not into watching weird ritualistic stuff. It really put a damper on the whole movie for me. Especially since it was not just a one time thing or even a brief reference. It was throughout the film.

There were several not PG-13ish sexual scenes in the film that were tasteless. One particularly dumb scene was when Margaret and Andrew bump into each other naked and fall on the floor still wrapped up together. It was just so unrealistic and dumb. Plus, it showed WAY too much skin.

Another sexually explicit scene would be when Margaret gets taken to a local male strip club. The stripper is not all that appealing as far as looks…which I am guessing was supposed to make it funny. However, he was dressed in very tiny underwear and gyrating. His male part was all up in the viewers face and I found it crude and just plain tasteless.

I do not like to give too much away in my reviews, so I will leave it at that. These were the “main” parts of the film that helped make it a major flop for me.

Conclusion: Sadly, The Proposal is not a movie I would put on my shelf. The humor was over done and predictable. The plot was dumb and it was all just a bunch of worldly fluff done very poorly. I think it went WAY beyond the PG-13 mark and was extremely disappointing to this Mom of Faith.

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Movies Tagged With: , ,

Wonderful Family Devotional

November 18, 2009 By Richele McFarlin Leave a Comment

I recently assigned a wonderful book to my kids to read for homeschool. I was so excited to receive this book as a review copy from Bethany House Publishers, especially since it was already on my homeschool reading list. Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson, the authors of Trailblazer Books, is part church history, part devotional, and part character study. This book can be used with various age groups and double as a family devotional. The book is geared for children aged six to twelve, however, with guidance you can engage a younger child. An older child could benefit by using this as an outline for further in depth study into one or more of the featured Christians in the book. However, the text would be too simple for a child above the age of 12 to read on his own. If you have have a vast array of age groups this book is best used as a family devotional.

Hero Tales, compiles the lives of Christian heroes from William Tyndale to Harriet Tubman to Dwight L. Moody. The stories are inspirational and teach valuable character traits which glorify God. Each hero is presented by a brief biography and followed by three true stories each focusing on a particular character trait. At the end of each true story there is a verse linking the trait Biblically and three study and discussion questions.

For example the book includes Martin Luther as one of the heroes featured. Martin Luther’s life is briefly outlined for background. Following the short biography, the child will focus on vision, courage and joy in each of the stories on Martin Luther.

These heroes will inspire and teach Godly character. Along the way, your child will begin to learn an overview of church history. You can read this book daily or you can take the time to focus on each hero or a character trait you want to instill in your child. I am using this book with my 11, 9, and 4 year old. I will be assigning my 11 year old to choose a person from the book to write a biography. My 9 year old will focus on writing a few short paragraphs on a character trait that he can begin to implement in his life. My 4 year old, will begin to memorize short verses on the character traits studied. As a family, we will use the questions to open up lines of communication and instill values.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to bring church history, devotional time, and character study to their elementary aged children.

*Book provided by Bethany House Publishers.

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Books, God Time, Homeschooling, Inspirational, Richele's View Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesdays Mommy Tip: Thanksgiving Traditions

November 17, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

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…

Thanksgiving Traditions

Traditions are what helps keep a family together and connected. It helps build strong bonds and children feel fulfilled and a part of something great. Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to begin building your own family traditions.

A few Thanksgiving Family Tradition Ideas:

Thankful – go around the table and have each member express what they are most thankful for each year.

Crafty – a few days or weekend before Thanksgiving, have a craft day. Each member of the family makes a special themed craft. It can be hats, place cards, whatever. Then on Thanksgiving, you place them or wear them if the case may be.

Bake - the family that bakes together stays together! LOL! Seriously, bake some cookies and then bring them to a local shelter as a family.

I hope these simple ideas get your creative juices flowing so you can create your own family traditions! :)

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Family Activities, Mom Tips, Parenting, Seasonal Topics Tagged With: , , ,

Thanksgiving Projects for Kids

November 16, 2009 By Chere Williams Leave a Comment

This Thanksgiving, I believe that families are really counting their blessings and thanking God for what they have and looking less at what they don’t have. I have always loved Thanksgiving because of the simplicity of the holiday. It is great to take a day to celebrate being thankful for friends, family, our home, and just our lives in general. It is a great time of the year to give back and show others how much they are appreciated. I am a big advocate of teaching children to be grateful and appreciative of their blessings. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to engage in children in projects that remind them of all they have to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Projects for Your Children

Write Cards of Appreciation- Have your children write a list of all the people in their life that they are thankful for, this can be siblings, teachers, family, friends, etc. Give them stationary blank note cards and have them write a short note expressing their gratitude and appreciation for this person. Then they can hand deliver them before the Thanksgiving vacation begins or during the holiday.

Volunteer at a Food Bank or Shelter- We are quickly reminded of our blessings when we are face to face with people who do not have shelter and food. Volunteering at a food bank or shelter is a great project for the whole family to participate in. Raid your closets for extra cans of food that you can spare and bring them to food banks, many of whom are practically begging for donations. Then spend an afternoon at a shelter serving food to the residents.

Visit a Nursing Home- Call a local nursing home for their volunteer and visitation policies. Take your children to spend time with the elderly at a nursing home who have no family visiting them. Unfortunately, our older people are so often overlooked and neglected. They truly are a blessing to younger people who can learn so much from them.

Organize a Small Fundraiser- There are a number of churches and shelters who need donations. Have your kids take inventory of their belongings and anything that no longer fits, have them pack it up and bring it to a shelter or church. Encourage them to get their friends involved and have mini fundraiser.

Participate in a Mini Marathon- During Thanksgiving there are a ton of mini marathons that kids can participate in to raise money for a local or national charity. Check in your area for dates and eligibility and enroll in a mini marathon for a good cause.

Bake Some Goodies- Kids love to bake, why not let them whip up a few batches of cookies and give them to teachers or some of the neighbors in the spirit of Thanksgiving. After baking the cookies they can wrap them in cellophane and tie them with a simple pretty ribbon to deliver them in.

There are a ton of Thanksgiving projects your kids can participate in. Get creative and encourage them to show their appreciation for the people in their lives. God wants us to have a servant’s heart and this is a great way to instill that characteristic in your children at an early age.

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Columns, Holiday Helpers, Parenting, Seasonal Topics Tagged With: , , , ,

Faith and Business 101: The Nitty Gritty – Part 1

November 13, 2009 By MariLee Parrish 1 Comment

For the Next 3 Weeks, I’m going to write a series of posts to give you some step-by-step examples about how to make your Mom Business work. I know that some of you have full time jobs outside of the home, but you will find some helpful tidbits of information in these posts as well. Then in December, we’ll focus on increasing sales for the holidays and we’ll also talk about planning ahead so that you can have an enjoyable Christmas with your family (and make sure your focus is centered on Christ, most importantly!).

Here’s what to expect in this series:

Part 1: Introduction and Basics
Part 2: Social Networking
Part 3: Advertising: Paid & Free

These are the foundations that make my Mom Business work and I will show you how I use them!

The Basics

Step 1: Develop Your Business. If you need help running or starting your small business, a great resource to use is the U.S. Small Business Administration at www.sba.gov. This has some fantastic tools to use from start to finish!

Step 2: Build a Website. If you are not using the web as part of your business strategy, you are missing out! Some great, user-friendly sites to get started with are www.weebly.com (for HTML) and www.wix.com (for Flash). Both of these sites offer free web sites and hosting. You can upgrade for a very low price per month if you plan to sell anything on your site, or if you’d like to use your own domain name.

Step 3: Create a Blog. Your website should be your permanent, professional site. Your blog is where you can interact with your customers, host giveaways and share more about yourself and what you do. In my opinion, Blogger is more user-friendly for the beginner. WordPress is a great tool, but it tends to be a bit more advanced and confusing for the beginner. If you’d like to see the kind of content I use on my blog, visit www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com

Step 4: Start Promoting. This is what we’ll discuss in the next 2 weeks. How to promote your business and bring in sales through Social Networking, and paid—and unpaid—advertising!

As we delve further into “The Nitty Gritty” in the next few weeks, I urge you to take all of your thoughts and plans to the Lord. Make sure that you are committing your plans and ideas to Him and that you are doing what He would have you do. Then….ask for His blessing!

I’ll leave you with this:

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Faith and Business 101, WAHMS Tagged With: , ,

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip: Burn Extra Calories

November 10, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

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…

Burn Extra Calories

With the holidays coming, I thought it would be a perfect time to share what I have been doing…

I have been diligently focusing on weighloss and fitness over the past couple of months. I have dieted on and off throughout the years, however, I never had the results I really wanted. Until now. What am I doing differently? I am focusing on all the different ways I can burn more calories and take less inss. I just got off the scale to discover that I have lost another two pounds. YEAH! I am not at 12 pounds lost. A couple of the things I am doing to burn extra calories are…

Walking: I am not just walking. I am pushing a stroller with a child in it. She is 5 and old enough to walk. However, I let her walk and run for half of our hr walk, then she get pooped and in the stroller while Mommy burns butter. I am also wearing ankle weights for maximum calorie burning. The ankle weights are great for the stroll AND speed walk portion of our daily walk. Yes, daily. I try to walk as much as possible.

Eat Less and More Often. Sounds like an oxymoron. LOL. It’s true though. I have been eating less portions. Lower fat, sugar and bad carbs. I have also gone from eating once or twice a day to 5 times. It has helped speed up my metabolism.

I am feeling better, sleeping better and looking better every day.

Note: Most of what I am learning can be found at my new website, Fat Be Gone Club. I also wrote an ebook filled with great tips and ideas to prepare, motivate and help with any weighloss program. It’s called; So, You Want to Be Thin. A GREAT resource for under ten bucks.

Well, I hope these tips help you as they have helped me. Happy Butter Burning!

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





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.


Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.


Filed Under: Blog, Fitness, Mom Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,
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