I love The Message translation for Psalm 51:7:

“Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!”

I grew up reading the NIV version of the Bible, and sometimes I just love reading another version to get a fresh view of a verse I’ve read a thousand times. God always teaches me something new when I do this.

The past few weeks for me have been busy. Very Very Busy! It’s time for a breath of fresh air in my life and in my business. I’m looking for a new way to look at things. I’m asking God to multiply the work I’ve done and to help me “clean house” a little. I want to be able to enjoy what I do… and do things efficiently.

Last week I had to go through the very unpleasant task of changing my business name. I was honestly quite upset about it at first, but it really turned out to be a “God-Thing.” Sometimes change is good. Very Good! It took me a lot of work and extra hours, but it has paid off abundantly. Let me just tell you that I was very resistant to this change! I had to completely “re-brand” my business on everything from my website to the magnets on my car! It took tons of time…and money, too! But I really felt like God was driving this change. I could sense His presence as I went to work on getting everything in order. I listened. And God blessed.

What needs a breath of fresh air in your own life or business? What is going on with you right now that you are resisting or really not looking forward to?

Your Faith & Business Assignment for the week: Take some time away from your problems and refresh yourself. Even if its just a couple of hours. Read a new translation of your favorite scriptures. Treat yourself to a good cup of coffee and read a book at a coffee house. Find a recipe online for a “detox bath” and immerse yourself into a refreshing bath. Get your focus off of your problems and you can come back refreshed and able to look at things with a new perspective.

Ask God to breathe wind into your sails! He truly can turn something awful into something wonderful.

Until Next Time…

MariLee

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

Motherhood is the biggest blessing in my life. I never imagined that having a child would give me so much joy! Although motherhood gives me great joy I would be lying if I said there weren’t times I wasn’t stressed. As a single mother I’ve learned that it is important to distress from parenting. Since I don’t have a partner living in my household my responsibilities are doubled. Now that I’ve adjusted to my lifestyle I find it imperative to take care of myself just as well as I take care of my daughter. Too often mothers neglect themselves and end up feeling depleted, exhausted, and unhealthy. Below are a few suggestions on keeping a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

Exercise

Exercise is an integral to our well being. If we don’t exercise our health will suffer, if our health suffers, our family suffers. Keep yourself on track by exercising a few days a week. Previously, I wrote an article about creating a home gym, an inexpensive way to stay fit without draining your bank account. Try exercising when you are stressed you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel after a good run or workout. My tips for exercising:

• Take a brisk walk during lunch or after dinner.
• Squat while doing the dishes, this is great for your thighs.
• Lift arm weights while watching television and be pleasantly surprised at how quick they become sculpted.
• Try activities such as gardening, biking or swimming.

Eat Well

I can’t tell you how often I get tempted to order a pizza after a long day at work, but I always feel better when I don’t. Eating well gives you energy and keeps your body in good shape. When you cook at home you’ll most likely eat healthier. Stay away from junk food that lowers your energy level and keeps you feeling sluggish. When you are stressed the worst thing to do is overload on food of no nutritional value. Here are my tips for eating well:

• Buy fresh fruit and vegetables and put them in baggies so they are ready to snack on at work or while running errands.
• Invest in a slow cooker and let a nutritious meal cook itself during the day. Coming home to a cooked meal gives you free time in the evening to decompress.
• Plan your meals for the week. You will be less likely to order that pizza.
• Take your vitamins!

Take a Time Out

Life can beat you up! When the kids are misbehaving, work is overwhelming, and everything seems out of control one of the best things you can do is take a time out. Diffuse the situation by walking away and spending time breathing and relaxing. Don’t be ashamed to tell your kids, “Mommy needs a time out.” It is better to walk away than lash out in anger. Here are some suggestions for getting away from it all:

• Take a drive or sit in the car and listen to music.
• Go to the coffee shop and grab a latte or browse in a bookstore.
• Find a quiet room and slowly breathe in and out for 5-10 minutes.

Find a Hobby

When we become mothers our life doesn’t stop. We should continue to grow as an individual and nurture our creative interests. Find something you like to do and do it. Don’t lose yourself so completely in motherhood that you have no interests of our own except your children. I have been guilty of this, but I’ve discovered that I am a better mother when I am fueling my creative fire. Here are some ideas:

• Check out classes in your city that are inexpensive and convenient.
• Convince a friend to try something new with you, for example take an art class together.

Take Time for Beauty

If you look good you feel good. Take time to pamper yourself you deserve it! When Anya is with her father one night a week I take time to fill up a bubble bath, give myself a facial, and do body maintenance. I feel great afterward! You don’t have to run around in sweat pants every day, pulling yourself together gives you confidence and it is a great mood booster. Here are some inexpensive beauty ideas:

• Relax in bubble bath, light candles listen to music or just close your eyes and relax.
• Give yourself an inexpensive pedicure/manicure at home if you can’t afford a spa. All you need is a basin, some oils, nail clippers, a filer, moisturizing lotion, nail polish, foot scrubber, and a pair of comfy spa socks.
• Get your hair cut, your eyebrows waxed, and buy a new dress if you really want to indulge.

Nurture Your Spirit

When you are stressed the biggest stress reliever is turning to God. When you feel unappreciated and like the world is working against you, it is time to pray. As a single mom God has truly been my partner on this journey. Whenever I feel like I am heading toward dangerous water I turn to my father. Read the Bible and spiritual literature to enrich your spirit. Without God we can’t be effective mothers or women so always turn to God in good and bad times. Boost your spiritual life by:

• Keeping inspirational bible verses in your desk at work.
• Praying daily and keep a prayer journal.
• Creating a prayer hot line with your friends.

We all have days when it all seems too much. The key is learning how to respond to stress. Figure out what puts you at ease. Whatever makes you feel better as long as it isn’t destructive I encourage you to do it. Moms aren’t machines. We must take care of our physical, spiritual, and mental well being if we plan on being healthy and productive mothers. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family.

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

This week I just wanted to write out some simple things that help me greatly in my business and in my faith. I’m hoping these tips will do the same for you!

1. Make a to-do list before going to bed each night. Write out everything you need to do for your business on one side of the paper and everything you need to do for your family on the other.
2. Take 10 minutes and write out your menu for the next week. Believe me when I tell you how much time & money this will save you! I love looking at my menu posted on the refrigerator each day and knowing exactly what we’re having for lunch/dinner and that all the ingredients are bought and ready to go. This saves me time that I can spend on my business and/or with my family.
3. Before you start checking off your to-do tasks the next morning, commit your work to the Lord and ask Him to bless your efforts.
4. Visit Heartlight.org and have a scripture e-mailed to you each morning. I love to see this special little Word from God show up in my e-mail each morning. It stays in my inbox all day and I can meditate on this verse throughout the day.
5. Create a “Power Hour” each day where you completely limit distractions. If you have young children, do this during nap time (or “rest time” as we call it at my house). Turn your phones off and set the timer for 60 minutes. Now see how many tasks you can complete in that 60 minute time frame. You’ll be amazed at how this turns into a “race against the clock!” It provides just enough momentum for me to work hard, work fast, and work well!

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Until Next Time…

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

My first edition of a new column I will be writing here; Lara’s Point of View…what better way to start than with a birthday post??

This Friday (03/05/10) will be my birthday…which one? Well, let’s not worry about details…LOL! Anyway, I have done a lot of reflecting and at the end of 2009 was mostly depressed at the place I am in life.

Ungrateful? No.

Unsatisfied? Maybe.

Ready for Change? YES!

I have spent far too much time wishing, hoping and wanting in my life. I feel like it is now a season of doing and accepting. That is a very hard place to come to for someone like me. I have really struggled with this. I am by no means even completely in agreement with what must be. LOL! However, I DO know without any doubt that I MUST accept the life I have been given and where I am at in this journey. If I do not do this then not only will I lose my mind, I will also leave my children with a poor legacy, and I will be unable to reach the women and Mothers of this world in the way God has intended.

You see, my whole life has been one big “why me” fest. I have been angry about all the horrible things that happened to me and I have been unable to really move forward in some areas of my life because of this. I have shared my testimony from time to time and will share a little now…

Since I was about born my life has been in turmoil. I suffered years of molestation that started in toddler-hood and went on through my pre-teens…I was molested by a step sister up until age 6 and by my step brother as a preteen. I was also molested by various strangers…some of which I blocked out up until my 20’s.

I also grew up with an alcoholic father and a Mother who was unable to be a proper Mother and moved us around way too often. I was homeless many times as a child and lived in the car, missions and anywhere my Mother could finagle.  My entire childhood was spent not really knowing where my next bed would be, and never really building lasting friendships. There was a lot of pain and abuse. I was also tormented at school. I just never had an escape.

Puberty was even more fun. I was molested by a step brother, lost my virginity to rape, was still in poverty, lived with several strange people, lived in a children’s home for a bit, then met Rob, my husband.

We had a turbulent relationship from the beginning. There were parties, drugs, and lots of alcohol. I soon became addicted to drugs. Then came an unplanned pregnancy when I was 18. Of course, I kept the baby…I immediately stopped all drugs, alcohol, and even caffeine!

Had the baby…now my wonderful, beautiful, funny, strong, and fabulous teenage daughter.

We did not marry right away. When she was about 14 months, I started to watch Christian TV. You see, I went to church on and off as a kid and asked Jesus into my heart when I was 8. I always knew Jesus loved me…but I never really knew more than that. So, I wanted more than TV now…Rob and I started to go to church. We got married after 5 years together.

Things went good for a bit…then we began to have problems and eventually stopped going to church and separated. During our separation Rob had a relationship with another woman and was doing hard core drugs with her on a daily basis. I was hanging out with a bad crowd and doing drugs frequently as well…all along wanting to have a happy life.

Somehow, we got back together after a year and a half apart.

We continued to do drugs. The woman he was involved with continued to call him for two years on and off….which did NOT do good for our marriage. We did drugs together now…again. We had a LOT to deal with. We wanted to break free. However, we had such a friendly dealer…he would front us our drugs each week and we would get further and further behind. We racked up credit card bills and wasted all our money on drugs.

After MUCH struggle, we eventually broke free…and things were good for a while…We started going to church and had our happy little church faces on. I was never really me…

Then, I suffered a miscarriage. I was devastated. A terrible sadness overcame me and I had to stifle it because as many would say; “at least you did not know…’it’….” Hmmm… no one really understands how a miscarriage feels unless they have been through it. No, I did not meet the child, however, it was a living being inside of me and loved for almost 4 months. I did what all good Christians do though and put on my praise the Lord and glory be His name face….

Eventually the face got too hard to keep up and I wanted to dig deeper with my Daddy God. As I did this, I lost most of my Christian friends…I literally became friendless for several years and just poured myself into Moms of Faith.

About 2 years ago, and another precious daughter in my life, God began to bring friendships back again…friends that accepted me as me. Loved the honest outspoken me. Loved my bubbly personality and wanted to know ME! I was thrilled…for a little while…

Then, around summer of 2009 I became sad again…I began to see all that I did not have and all that I missed out on in life as a child and as an adult. I began to dwell…and dwell and dwell. It got to the point where I was literally fed up with being a Christian at all.

Why Me??

It became my theme song. I was consumed with what ifs and whys.

It got so bad I withdrew and began to get angry with God and the life He chose for me. After a few months of this, I managed to pull myself back up and get back in church and try again…

That was in January…here we are in March. Did I have a revelation? Not really. I just came to my “aha” moment. Obviously my childhood sucked…however, there are MANY who have been through worse and still are going through worse times than I am. Please do not think I want or even need your pity. I am making a point here. You see, I “thought” I had come to terms with my life and past. I “thought” I was over all the pain and hurts of the past.

I thought wrong.

The reality is, life stinks sometimes…even a lot of the time. My life was no picnic and my marriage may never be what I dreamed and I may never get my own home or to travel or forget the pain of yesteryear’s. However, I CAN choose to live in this moment. I have JUST now discovered that all I am is who I was meant to be and all that I have endured has brought me to this moment. A moment in time that I can embrace and live with passion…not looking back but pressing on to the goal and the prize of an eternity with Jesus.

Have I completely gotten this into my thick skull? Er…no…BUT…I DO believe that every day God helps me get a little bit closer to believing it and to believing I am chosen and not just a step child in the Kingdom of God. I DO believe that ONE DAY I WILL truly embrace what He is trying to teach me.

I want to close this post by saying THANK YOU to my Daddy God for allowing me to be a Mother to two of the most precious daughters on earth and that I am ABLE to be to them what was never given to me! THAT is the best birthday present of all!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

I am welcoming spring with open arms! After a long winter my body is craving sunshine and spring breezes. Spring is a season for renewal and rejuvenation both for your body and home. Spring cleaning is both therapeutic and rewarding. Cleaning out the clutter and sweeping out the old while ushering in the new is good for the whole family, it is unbelievably cleansing.

Spring cleaning can be simple, below are some tips to keep in mind as you begin.

Have a Goal
Think about what you want to accomplish. Maybe it isn’t cleaning the entire house from top to bottom. You may want to focus on the one area in your house that has been a thorn in your side for the past three years. Focusing on a goal for your home helps you target exactly what you want to attain and keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

Create a List
Never underestimate the power of a list. Lists are a great way to stay organized, while keeping your goals and to do list on task. If you plan on cleaning all the rooms in your house make a list for each room. Write down what you want to accomplish in each room, be specific, and keep track of your progress. If your kids are spring cleaning their room, give them a list this will eliminate misunderstanding and they’ll know exactly what you expect of them and you can track their progress.

Have the Supplies Ready
Before you sweep up those cobwebs make sure you have all the cleaning supplies, storage boxes, and any other resources you need. Nothing throws you off your cleaning groove more than running out of window cleaner or paper towels. Create a separate list of all the supplies you need and purchase them in advance. Save money by going to the dollar store for sponges or paper towels.

Create Reasonable Expectations
Life is busy! Moms are running in a million different directions so don’t place too much pressure on yourself. If you expect to thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom in two days and you have three children, a dog, and other obligations most likely it isn’t going to happen. Think about your daily responsibilities and fit it in where it fits. Set your expectations to meet your lifestyle. Don’t neglect to set expectations because then nothing will get done, but be realistic.

Think Outside the Box
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be exclusive to cleaning. It can include rearranging the furniture, changing the color of a room, or adding new pieces to a once dreary nook in the house. Spring conjures up a sense of renewal so while a thorough cleaning is a great detox for your home so is switching it up and adding something new! Also with all the tragedies occurring around the world donating home goods or clothes is a wonderful way to help out those in need. Check with local and international charities to find out donation procedures.

Don’t Do it Alone
The beauty of a family is that you aren’t alone. Too often moms take on the role of superwoman which only makes them frustrated, overworked, and exhausted. Involve your family from the youngest to the oldest and make it a family project. Kids want to be included and should be. You are part of a unit so make sure you work together as a team. Assign each family member a chore and hold them to it!

Don’t Give Up
It is easy to become overwhelmed, but don’t give up. Keep going and stick to your original goal. If you procrastinate the task only becomes bigger the next year and the stuff keeps on accumulating making the next time you decide to return to it worse. Once you finish you’ll feel relieved, uncluttered, and you’ll love the results.

Open the windows, put a fresh vase of flowers on the table, plant some seedlings and enjoy the spring time! Make spring cleaning satisfying and manageable. Take time to smell the roses while clearing out the old to make room for a new season!

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

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