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Faith and Business 101: Who’s Advising You?

January 29, 2010 By MariLee Parrish 1 Comment

As you all know, I love John Maxwell! His books about leadership are filled with truths from years of experience. I’m currently reading his daily devotional called “Leadership Promises for Every Day.” One of my favorite excerpts is entitled “Your Advisers Will Make or Break You.” He quotes Proverbs 11: 14 “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” NKJV

The reading is all about how every leader should make sure that his or her closest friends add value to their life and organization. Why? Because the close company you keep will either “make or break you.”

Who are you keeping close company with? Does this person (or people) influence you in positive ways? Is this person encouraging? Do you leave this person feeling better about yourself, your life and your business? Does this person speak the truth in love? (All friends speak… some friends speak the truth…but it is rare to find a friend that actually speaks the truth in love! Seek out this kind of person. Be this kind of friend!)

I urge you to pray about your friends and your accountability partners. Allow God to bring people into your life who build you up and walk alongside you as you strive to become all that God wants for you to be as a woman, a wife, a mom and a business woman.

When deciding whom to bring alongside you in your business ventures, John Maxwell suggests that you choose the following types of people:

Creative People
Loyal People
People who share your vision
Wise and intelligent people
People with complementary gifts
People with influence
People of faith
People of integrity

Take some time and think about the people who are surrounding you. Who is God leading you to spend less time with? Who is God leading you to get to know better? Who can you invite into your business endeavors?

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: , ,

Teaching Your Children Through Your Shortcomings

January 25, 2010 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

Last year, I wrote an article about instilling Christ –like behavior in children. Parents are responsible for instilling morals, values, and manners in our children and as Christian parents we have the awesome duty of teaching them Biblical principles and how to be Christ like. Whether you have a toddler, an adolescent, or a teenager they are observing and imitating our attitudes and behavior. It is imperative that we are conscious of our own actions. We can teach them the commandments, attend church and Sunday school, while reading the bible to them nightly, but if we aren’t exhibiting behavior that reflects a true Christian lifestyle it won’t be effective.

I’m a single mother so I am the handy woman of the house. If there is a toy or piece of furniture that needs assembled I am the gal to do it. Actually, this has been an enlightening experience for me. I have discovered how capable I am. It has boosted my confidence in esteem in a way I would have never guessed. On the flip side of the enlightening experience is the frustration I sometimes encounter doing it all alone. For the most part I can’t complain because God is always fulfilling my needs, he is my true partner. But, like every road we travel I have hit some potholes!

A month ago I bought a small shelving unit for my basement to store excess canned goods. It seemed simple enough to assemble, but was I wrong! It started one evening on my bedroom floor, parts of the shelves separated neatly, tools ready(after all I was a seasoned assembler), and Anya closely watching my every move. When it came time to snap the poles and shelves in place, I couldn’t do it. They wouldn’t snap and kept falling apart. I was getting angrier by the minute. I was frustrated and it was showing. Finally, after two hours and no progress I was ready to throw the whole thing in the trash. When the pole fell on my toe that was it! I was literally yelling at the shelf. I know it was immature and not such a bright idea especially since Anya was in the room. I put the shelving unit in the closet and decided for my emotional health to leave it alone.

About two weeks later, Anya was in her room playing with her Strawberry Shortcake House, a darling toy with parts that can be challenging for a little one to manipulate. All of a sudden I heard a thud when I looked in the room she had thrown the Strawberry parts, knocked down the house, and was yelling at the toy. I was horrified because I was immediately brought back to that dreadful day when I failed to put the shelves together. I made an impact and not a good one. It was time for mommy to fess up that she behaved badly. I sat her down and asked her if she remembered the incident with the shelves and she did. I explained that how I acted was not a good way to behave. I told her that God wants us to be patient, and wants us to take care of the things he blesses us with. I also told her that my yelling didn’t change or accomplish anything. The only thing yelling did was made me feel angry, and God doesn’t want us to feel that way. I said the only way to accomplish anything was to have patience and keep trying.

After a long talk and explanation of why she shouldn’t behave as I did, my daughter taught me a lesson. She said, “Mommy do you think you can help me?” I paused as I realized that although I was able to sustain my household, juggle multiple responsibilities, work, and take care of my daughter sometimes I needed help. I needed to push pride aside and ask for help when I needed it. Who said I had to do everything? No one, but me. We sat on the floor of her bedroom as a team and we arranged the furniture in Strawberry’s house together. That day I reflected on my behavior and my own shortcomings as a child of Christ and my Christian responsibilities as a parent.

Sometimes the most effective way we can teach our children is through our own faults. But, we have to be humble enough to admit our mistakes and our struggles to them and ourselves. Our children should know that life is not perfect, we’re all sinners, and we all make mistakes, but more importantly we should teach them that through honesty and the true desire to strive to live in accordance to God’s will we can do better.

I thank God that I witnessed her behavior and was able to turn it into a learning experience for her and me. The long term consequences of my actions could have been disastrous to her growth as a Christian. Christ-like behavior takes discipline and obedience and the walk isn’t always easy but it is rewarding if we stay on course. If we fall we get back up and keep persevering. After playing we said a prayer and asked God to give us the gift of patience. I told Anya that whenever she is having trouble with something to pray. If I see her getting upset, I stop what we’re doing and say a prayer with her. I want to instill in her that anger doesn’t resolve issues only your dependence on God does. God knows we are far from perfect, but he knows the desires of our heart and if that is in line with God than you are on the right track. The shelf is still in the closet, but it is a reminder that I am not alone, I am not wonder woman, but I am a child of Christ who needs him and others in my life to guide and teach me so I can be an example for my daughter.

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, Parenting Tagged With: , , ,

Faith and Business 101: Facebook Fan Pages for Business

January 22, 2010 By MariLee Parrish Leave a Comment

I hope you and your family enjoyed your family council meeting! We did, and every year I learn something new about my husband as our goals and dreams change.

This week I’d like to talk about Facebook Fan pages and how important they are for your business.

First of all, if you do not have a Facebook account you need to get one. I have been tracking Facebook for some time now, and more of my clients and sales come from Facebook than anywhere else. Twitter is a close second, but Facebook has been most successful for me.

We’ve talked about Facebook in the past, but very little about fan pages. Is a fan page better for business than a group? Yes. Groups should be for interactive discussions, and getting to know other people with common interests. Fan pages are where you should be promoting your business. Also: fan pages show up in Google searches! Groups do not!

A fan page can be your one stop shop for promoting your business! You can easily link your fan page to your twitter account so that you can post something on your fan page and it will automatically post to your twitter account! No need to do double duty. Here’s the link to do that: http://www.facebook.com/twitter/

Make sure your website links are visible on your fan page and try to make at least one fan page post a day. “But how do I get fans?” you ask. You have to promote your fan page. First, use the buttons on the top left hand side of you fan page to “suggest to friends.”

Then you’ll want to blog about your fan page and host giveways on your blog.

Here is an example: http://wahmblog.info/2010/01/05/new-years-celebration/

Facebook recently changed the rules about fan pages. You are not allowed to host giveaways on your fan page anymore. If you violate this, you run the risk of having your account disabled without warning. However, you can host a giveaway on your blog or website and link to it from your fan page.

More Facebook Info:

I have received many questions asking about privacy and becoming friends with people you really don’t know.

Here’s what I’ve done:

My husband and I share a Facebook account where all of our family and out-of-town friends can see photos and videos of us and our son. We keep that account solely for personal use and the privacy settings are set on all of our pictures and videos so that only our family can see them. Then I have another account that is in my name only that I use for business and connecting with colleague friends. I don’t post too many photos or a lot of personal info about my family for safety reasons. I get many friend requests and even though I usually only friend other women and moms, I have a young family and I’m home alone most of the day…it’s just better safe than sorry. Having said all that, I think it’s much better and safer just to create a fan page!

Keep the fan page for business and your profile for personal use.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 4:6

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: , ,

Did God Forget My Personal Force Field?

January 19, 2010 By Richele McFarlin 3 Comments

Sometimes I sit and wonder if  my standard issue personal force field, that comes with salvation,  needs to be sent back up for repair.  Or worse yet, the angels neglected to give me one.  How is your personal force field working?  Does it need a tune up?

Of course, there is no standard issue personal force field that comes with salvation.  I will admit when I first found Christ, I truly believed that somehow trials would cease to exist.  As I matured I realized that quite simply life goes on as usual.  The sun still goes up and comes down, my bills are still delivered, illness still occurs, and my car still gets a flat, even in the face of my secure eternal soul.  What is not the “usual” is my heart, my joy, and my security in Christ.   My surroundings may still be of old but my mind is renewed.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

An obstacle for many Christians is the concept of suffering after accepting Christ.  This is not confined to the newly saved but often occurs in even the most mature Christian.  Intellectually, we know that we will not be without trials in our lives.  However, when the most heartbreaking of trials knocks on a Christian’s door feelings of disappointment or anger toward God are common.  We wonder how a loving God who promises blessings and joy can allow such heartbreak to enter our lives.  Trials do not mean that God loves us less nor that we should loose joy in the hope that is Christ.  Suffering is not only unavoidable in this sinful world  but to be expected.

Beloved, do not be surprised as the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. 1Peter 4:12

Be encouraged that God did provide a personal force field…the blood of Christ.  This force field allows trials to shape you and bring glory to God’s name and mercifully never allows anything you cannot handle.

I am reminded of a song by Natalie Grant called Held.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
to us who have died to live,
it’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
and you survive.
This is what it is to be loved,
and to know that the promise was
when everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrows.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

Allow the Lord to hold you during trials instead of expending energy being angry or disappointed.  God has not forgotten His promises to you and He will not abandon you but show you His love more vividly during trying times.

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: Faith, In the Word, Richele's View Tagged With: , , ,

Get Financially Organized in 2010

January 18, 2010 By Chere Williams Leave a Comment

One lesson the economy has taught us is the importance of keeping our finances in top shape. It is easy to forget to pay the cable bill when it is hidden under a stack of junk mail on the kitchen counter. A good credit rating is an increasingly important factor in today’s financial world. Those three little numbers carry weight when you are considering applying for a loan, mortgage, or credit card. As a single mom I am extremely conscious of my finances and credit score. Recently, I was blessed with a car that I desperately needed and thankfully because of my credit score I was able to purchase a car with a doable monthly payment on a single mother’s salary. Early on in my journey in single motherhood I realized the importance of being financially organized. This year take control of your finances by getting organized with a few of these helpful hints.

Tips to Become Financially Organized

Create A Space for Your Mail

Junk mail can cause havoc in your mailbox. There are countless pieces of mail that you will discard throughout the year. Usually junk mail ends up in a pile on the kitchen counter. Put a stop to this bad habit and create a designated space for your mail. It can be as simple as a basket, or mail bins that hang on the wall. The mail bins are great, because you can separate the mail into its different compartments. When you are consciously placing your mail in a designated area you are more likely to pay attention to deadlines and due dates.

Open Your Mail

This may seem obvious, but how often do you find pieces of unopened mail lying around? Open your mail the day it comes in or no later than the next day. Unopened mail leads to late payments and unnecessary stress.

Formulate a Financial Spreadsheet

If you want to take control of your finances you have to know your finances. Formulating a financial spreadsheet allows you to keep track of when a bill is due, the amount due, the minimum amount due and the balances. There is financial software available that has all the bells and whistles, but if you want to save a few bucks create your own spreadsheet. A spreadsheet is only helpful to you if you are diligent about taking the time to record your finances and update the spreadsheet on a regular basis. Getting your finances on paper gives you a clear idea of the direction you need to go in to meet your financial goals.

Create File Folders

The accordion folders are best for organizing bills that come via mail. You can cheaply purchase these folders, label them by sections, for example, electric, gas, charitable donations, school expenses, mortgage, student loans, etc. You may want a separate folder for income tax filing and returns. If you do most of your finances online create Word folders that can house your e-bills. Financial organization is important whether you do your billing online or via mail. This is a great way to gage how much you spend each year on utilities and to create financial family goals like lowering the electric or water bill. Find a place in your home that your files will be accessible and safe such as a home office or even a closet in your bedroom.

Organization is key to keeping your finances under control. By opening your mail, organizing it, and keeping financial records you’ll be on top of your game. Why pay a $35 late fee because your electric bill was buried under the pizza flyer? Take that $35.00 and put it into a savings account. God wants us to use our money wisely and be financially responsible. When your finances are running smoothly your household will run smoothly as well. Make 2010 a fiscally sound year for your family!

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, Finances, Organization Tagged With: , , , ,

Faith and Business 101: Family Council

January 15, 2010 By MariLee Parrish 1 Comment

It’s January 15, 2010….can you believe it? Halfway through January already. The new year is off and running! This week my hubs and I have a “Family Council Meeting” planned. We make this a priority at the beginning of every year. We go over everything from finances to exercise to summer vacations…and everything in between. I encourage you to do the same thing for your family and for your business. This is a special and fun time that both my husband and I look forward to! We plan our favorite meal and dessert for that evening, we get out our special notebook containing our goals and dreams from the previous year, and we get everything out on the table.

For your own family, I suggest letting everyone know ahead of time that they will be included in the discussion. Have a list of questions ready to ask each other. A list is important because it helps even the most introverted person express his or her desires and goals in life Everyone gets a say at family council! Even your 3 year old will have something to contribute. This is a time to evaluate where you are as a family. Ask questions like: are we spending enough time together as a family? Are we eating dinner together enough throughout the week? What is important to each child? Etc.

Talk about what each family member was thankful for this past year, their disappointments, things you can do better and goals for the next year. Plan some activities for your entire family to do in the coming months. This also helps keep spirits lifted and gives the family something to look forward to after Christmas.

After the kids are in bed, continue this conversation with your husband.

Here are the set of questions we use:

Questions Husbands Should Ask Their Wives

1. What could I do to make you feel more loved?
2. What could I do to make you feel more respected?
3. What could I do to make you feel more understood?
4. What could I do to make you feel more secure?
5. What can I do to make you feel more confident in our future direction?
6. What attribute would you like me to develop?
7. What attribute would you like me to help you develop?
8. What achievement in my life would bring you the greatest joy?
9. What would indicate to you that I really desire to be more Christ-like?
10. What mutual goal would you like to see us accomplish?

Questions Wives Should Ask Their Husbands

1. Do you feel I properly understand the goals that God has placed in your heart? How can I help you achieve them?
2. What are some things I can do regularly to show you just how satisfied I am with you as my husband and the leader of our home?
3. Is there anything I am doing or failing to do that seems to send a signal that I do not honor you or your leadership in our home?
4. Is there anything I can change to make our home a place where you feel more satisfied and comfortable?
5. Are there any big dreams in your heart that you have been hesitant to share with me? How can I help you fulfill them?
6. How do you feel we can begin communicating better than we already are?
7. Do you feel that there is anything keeping either one or both of us from God’s best in our lives? What should be my part in freeing us from those restraints?
8. Are we where you wanted us to be at this stage of life? How can I help you make that possible within God’s guidelines?
9. How do you envision our future together? What can we do together to achieve that goal?
10. What can I do to show you how much I need and trust you?

Taken from www.marriagenet.org

What does this have to do with your business? Well, I firmly believe that if your marriage and/or family is in trouble, you cannot effectively run any type of business. When you have a healthy family life, you have more energy to dedicate to your business. Put your faith and your family first! Then start working on your business goals.

“Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior.” Titus 2: 2-6 MSG

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: , ,

Faith and Business 101: Dream. Purge. Get to Work!

January 8, 2010 By MariLee Parrish Leave a Comment

Hi Mom Friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas and that you’ve been dreaming about the New Year!

It’s time to get to work!

If you haven’t written out your goals and dreams for your business, stop right now and do it. Believe me when I tell you that you will feel like you are never accomplishing anything if you do not have your vision written down on paper.

Over the holidays, I went through every single element of my business and I purged, purged, purged. I matched every aspect against my dream and I got rid of (or I’m in the process of getting rid of) everything that doesn’t line up with my vision and purpose. Do you know what I found? A bunch of busy work that wasn’t getting me anywhere!

My former boss and mentor used to encourage me to “work smarter, not harder” and I have really taken that to heart. I want to encourage you to do the same. What can you purge in your daily activities that really isn’t helping you achieve your dreams? Yes, we may be talking about getting rid of some good things. But it is for the best, I assure you. I realized I was wasting a lot of time doing good—but completely unnecessary— things! Pray about this and ask the Lord for His leading and His wisdom. Make sure you are purging the right things. Get a second opinion for a trusted friend or accountability partner.

Dream. Purge. Get to work with tasks that are in line with your vision—and God’s vision—for your business.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5: 15-17

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: , ,

Creating Family New Year Resolutions

January 4, 2010 By Chere Williams 4 Comments

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years! This year I rang in 2010 with my whole family, a true blessing since we live in different states. My parents and brother were able to come for Christmas and I went to their house to spend the week after Christmas. It was wonderful to visit family and friends and truly celebrate the season with those I love. It was with bitter sweet sadness that I returned home, but the memories will last far beyond the holiday.

While home, I was quickly reminded of the importance of family togetherness to the well being of our soul. This time of the year resolutions are made to diet, save money, or stop bad habits which are all well intentioned resolutions. I decided to make some resolutions that pertain to my family. Strong families have direction, goals, and aspirations that they share together. For 2010 why not gather the family together and make some resolutions that you wish to accomplish as a family unit? The resolutions don’t have to be on a grand scale, they should be simple and attainable.

Ideas for family resolutions for the New Year

Spend More Time Together

Quality family time is underrated. Children crave attention and time from their parents, and we crave the same from them. Unfortunately, life often gets in the way and family time gets neglected. Make a resolution to spend more time together. The first step is to be realistic, we are all busy and even our kids are busy so it is important to look at everyone’s schedule and choose at least one day a week for family night. If you find that you can’t fit at least one or two days of family time in, it is time to shift your priorities around. Time is the best gift you can give one another as a family.

Share a New Hobby Together

You are never too young or too old to learn. Sharing a new hobby together is a great way to spend time with one another while having fun and trying something new. Collaborate on a list of hobbies that everyone would like to try and then choose a month for each hobby. You might want to try something new each month or every other month. Get creative with your list! Some examples are studying a new language together, quilting, rollerblading, or gardening. If one hobby holds more interest to you than to your husband split up the hobbies. For example, you and your son may want to learn rollerblading and your husband and your daughter may take on gardening, then make the next month a hobby the whole family wants to participate in.

Spiritual Goals

The family that prays together stays together. One of our goals as Christian parents should be strengthening our family spiritually. Making spiritual goals not only strengthens your family bond, but also strengthens their walk as Christians. Make it a resolution to have family bible study once a week, keep a blessings journal, or volunteer more at church. Try creating a family prayer time, when the entire family prays and worships God together. In today’s world it is so important that we instill in our children biblical principles and values. This is a resolution that can’t afford to be broken if we want to stay faithful followers of Christ.

Home Improvements

Some of the most precious moments are those created in the comfort of your own home. Kids love to decorate and be part of creating the place called home. Schedule a family meeting and discuss improvements that everyone would like to implement in the house. It doesn’t have to be a $50,000 kitchen renovation, it can be as simple as redesigning the family room. Pick a room and give it a new design that suits the needs of each family member. Try moving the furniture around, painting the walls, adding art, anything that is simple, cheap, and requires the involvement of whole family will work.

Fitness Goals

Fitness goals are probably one of the most common New Year resolutions of all times. Unfortunately, within about four weeks they are usually forgotten. However, everyone desires a healthy family and one of the best ways to attain a fitness goal is to partner up with someone. This year make a pact with your family to eat healthy, exercise, and stay fit. Teach your children to worship their temple by giving it the fuel it needs. Make a resolution to walk at least twice a week after dinner, take a bike ride, join a dance class, pick healthy recipes, or sign up for a marathon! There are so many fun ways to stay healthy and do it as a family!

Be Green Together

Our environment has taken a beaten and it is up to us to take care of it. This year make an effort to conserve more, use recyclable bags, and make a conscious effort to keep our world healthy. Work together as a family to learn more about how to keep our earth clean and what you can to contribute. Organize a neighborhood cleanup, don’t drive as much, and find ways to be green. This is a great lesson for your children that can make a positive impact in the future.

The New Year is a time to look forward and get excited about the year ahead. It is great to have individual resolutions, but making resolutions as a family is a wonderful way to create stronger bonds and work as a team toward a common goal. Family time is quality time whether you’re painting a wall or sitting around the dinner table. The point is to cherish one another and to learn and grow together while involving God every step of the way. Make 2010 the year that your family keeps their resolutions!

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, Seasonal Topics Tagged With: , , , , ,

New Year For Homeschool Moms to Find Balance

January 1, 2010 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

It is a new year and new opportunity for Homeschool Moms to find balance . These tips can help you.

Some families handle day-to-day life by creating detailed charts or schedules for each family member. They know what time breakfast is, how long to plan for each homeschool subject, what time they’ll eat lunch every day, how much free time they have, and when they’ll eat dinner.

Not everyone can live that way. Some of us like to live life by the seat of our pants. We don’t plan elaborate schedules but prefer to take life as it comes. Sometimes we may keep a calendar so they know about important appointments or events, but that’s as close as they get to a schedule. For us, living life one day at a time is about experiencing life as it happens rather than depending upon a piece of paper to dictate when they do things.

Does this mean that one method of balancing daily life is better than the other? Of course not! Part of the benefit of homeschooling is learning what works best for your own family. This may take time and some trial and error, but you will soon find yourself falling into a routine of sorts that is best for you.

Create an area in your home where you have access to good books and music. Having good resources around gives your child someplace to turn when they want to learn something. And the benefit is if they are interested on their own, they’re learning without realizing it. This method is often referred to as delight-driven or “unschooling.” It enables children to learn what interests them and allows Mom to be able to concentrate on taking care of the home rather than sitting with the child while they learn. Of course, even homeschooling moms know it’s important to be available when their child needs help, but they don’t feel obligated to remain right there with them.

Use real life events to help your child learn. If you’re cooking dinner, have your homeschooled child help you determine how much milk is needed if the recipe calls for one-third cup of something but you’re tripling the recipe. When you plan a trip to the grocery store, have your child write out the list of items needed. Then, while you’re walking through the store, have them help you determine which box potatoes is cheaper based on the cost and number of ounces are in the box. Both of these activities teach your child how math is important for daily life.

Get your children to help you with household duties. They can learn how to cook, sort clothing, do laundry, and stack dishes in a dishwasher. Not only will they be learning skills which will be helpful for their future, it will also make your job easier; you can also count the time they’re learning those skills as home economics – whether they’re boys or girls.

There are many things to can do to balance your daily life as a homeschool mom. Don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself. Let your husband work with your children on some of the subjects you feel uncomfortable teaching. Have your children help you with household duties. After some time you will be able to find what works best for your family so your life is more or less balanced.





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: Homeschooling Tagged With:

Faith and Business 101: Pursuing the Dream

January 1, 2010 By MariLee Parrish Leave a Comment

Happy New Year! I hope you have taken a much-needed and well-deserved break this past week! I hope you have recommitted your life, your plans and your business to your Heavenly Father. I assure you that without His blessing, you will just be spinning your wheels as you get back to work. It will truly be all for nothing, if He is not in it!

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11

Have you been dreaming? I hope so! Let’s start putting our dreams into action.

First, answer these questions:

  • What is your dream for your business?
  • Can you write it out clearly?
  • Where do you see your business in 20 years?
  • What do you want to accomplish?

Second, begin writing out details:

  • What needs to happen for your dream to start becoming reality?
  • What do you need to do today, next month, this year, next year?
  • What is your monthly and yearly budget?

In an article I read recently by John Maxwell (yes, him again!), he says this: “It sounds overly simple, but a primary reason why most people don’t get what they want is that they don’t know what they want. They haven’t defined their dream in clear and compelling detail.”

I have my own dream written out on paper, in vivid detail. I can close my eyes and SEE my dream! I have written out exactly what it’s going to take me to get there and I measure all of my activities and business pursuits against this dream. I consciously “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Is this new opportunity going to further my God-given dream or pull my focus away from it? I say no to good things all the time, so that I can “say YES to the best!” I want everything I choose to do, to be in line with what God wants me to do in my business. I pray, I respond and I move towards the goal.

I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13-14

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, Seasonal Topics, WAHMS Tagged With: , , , ,