Hello Ladies!
We hope you are enjoying the break....As we are on this break and the summer days are long, please remember that YOU are enough to your kids and family.
We saw this online and had to share...Enjoy!
http://barrentobeautiful.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/am-i-enough/
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Family Memorials
We had the pleasure of hearing a touching talk by Julie Adamo on the importance of family memorials. Memorials are used to remember, or tell the story again.
The Lord set up memorials for us to use as models. Deuteronomy 4:9 says "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons".
Joshua 4:6-7 is the first memorial in the bible..."Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever."…
It is important to tell stories of God's goodness to the next generations.
Use notebooks to keep family memories. When God intervenes in your world, remember it so you can pass it on.
Don't limit God. The purpose of memorials is to tell the story again, which makes kids remember God's work in their lives.
A few ideas: Family devotions led by Dad. Pray with kids. Help them look for God during the day. Couch time--show kids that Mom is Dad's priority.
If you get to your kids when they're young, when they are teenagers, they will be a blessing.
Let's try to start some new family memorials at home, ladies! I know we will be happy we did!
The Lord set up memorials for us to use as models. Deuteronomy 4:9 says "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons".
Joshua 4:6-7 is the first memorial in the bible..."Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever."…
It is important to tell stories of God's goodness to the next generations.
Use notebooks to keep family memories. When God intervenes in your world, remember it so you can pass it on.
Don't limit God. The purpose of memorials is to tell the story again, which makes kids remember God's work in their lives.
A few ideas: Family devotions led by Dad. Pray with kids. Help them look for God during the day. Couch time--show kids that Mom is Dad's priority.
If you get to your kids when they're young, when they are teenagers, they will be a blessing.
Let's try to start some new family memorials at home, ladies! I know we will be happy we did!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Knowing Who We Are & Who We Are Not
We were so fortunate to have our very own Johanna Oddo speak to us about womanhood and mothering!
We are challenged to find what God equipped us for. Remember that you are the best mom for your children, and that He knows His plan for your marriage and family.
It benefits us to surround ourselves with moms not like ourselves...Gain from them, and your kids will benefit from them too.
Know things about yourself. Allow growing. And stretch. God will put us in those scenarios!
Don't define yourself by what you can and can't do---That limits God.
Show your love of God in your own unique ways!
God made us how he wanted us to be...Be OK with that, breaking the bondage of pressure to be somebody else.
On Mothering: Stay consistent and follow through!
Don't forget you are now parenting your future 21 year old. Communicate clear boundaries. Boundaries are good for proper development and foster high self esteem.
Remember: If they don't respect you at home, it won't happen at Target!
Kids need to know they can trust you. Delayed gratification is a good thing for them to learn.
Be confident in your parenting style and it will be easier to be consistent.
Take time to communicate with them where they're at. Treat each child as an individual.
Teach them how to solve their problems. Don't always rescue and remove. Teach to forgive.
Teach that it's OK to have emotions but it's not OK to get out of control.
Never make them feel ashamed for their questions. They will wrestle with God questions.
Match your lifestyle with your words.
Talk about their spouse.
No one will parent your child better than you and motherhood is high calling...let's not forget this, ladies!
Johanna can be reached at johanna@thebridgersm.com
We are challenged to find what God equipped us for. Remember that you are the best mom for your children, and that He knows His plan for your marriage and family.
It benefits us to surround ourselves with moms not like ourselves...Gain from them, and your kids will benefit from them too.
Know things about yourself. Allow growing. And stretch. God will put us in those scenarios!
Don't define yourself by what you can and can't do---That limits God.
Show your love of God in your own unique ways!
God made us how he wanted us to be...Be OK with that, breaking the bondage of pressure to be somebody else.
On Mothering: Stay consistent and follow through!
Don't forget you are now parenting your future 21 year old. Communicate clear boundaries. Boundaries are good for proper development and foster high self esteem.
Remember: If they don't respect you at home, it won't happen at Target!
Kids need to know they can trust you. Delayed gratification is a good thing for them to learn.
Be confident in your parenting style and it will be easier to be consistent.
Take time to communicate with them where they're at. Treat each child as an individual.
Teach them how to solve their problems. Don't always rescue and remove. Teach to forgive.
Teach that it's OK to have emotions but it's not OK to get out of control.
Never make them feel ashamed for their questions. They will wrestle with God questions.
Match your lifestyle with your words.
Talk about their spouse.
No one will parent your child better than you and motherhood is high calling...let's not forget this, ladies!
Johanna can be reached at johanna@thebridgersm.com
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Focus Organizing
Vanessa came to speak with us about organizing our homes.
She gave us a four step process and said the most important thing is to set boundaries!!
Step 1: Assess the space (MESS)
She gave us a four step process and said the most important thing is to set boundaries!!
Step 1: Assess the space (MESS)
- M - is it a mechanical issue? perhaps a broken drawer? is the space blocked by furniture?
- E - emotional... not everything has to be sentimental, friends.
- S - situational. Did you just have a new baby? Did you just move in to your house (6 years ago for me)?
- S - system. You don't have the proper system in place to be successful
Step 2: Plan
What is your priority?
How much time do you have?
Vanessa gives herself anywhere between 4-8 hours for a closet, while an office can take 16-24 hours.
Step 3: Implement (LEASE)
What is your priority?
How much time do you have?
Vanessa gives herself anywhere between 4-8 hours for a closet, while an office can take 16-24 hours.
Step 3: Implement (LEASE)
- L - put like things with like things
- E - eliminate. donate things or throw them away
- A - assign things a home. find a place for everything!
- S - go shopping! Yay!! (for organizing materials)
- E - equalize. Once the system is in place, you have to maintain it daily.
Step 4: Evaluate
Is it working for you?
Thank you Vanessa, for coming to help us out! I know that my house could definitely use a makeover. Spring cleaning needs to happen year round up in here.
You can reach Vanessa at (949) 285-6517 or info@focusorganizing.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Becoming A Strong Mom
Each of us has moments in our life that make us feel strong. Stephanie Dunnan advises us to focus on those strengths and deny the weaknesses, and don't let others define our strong moments for us.
Using the SIGN method, we can assess where we feel strong and channel those strengths into feeling better about ourselves on a regular basis. We should answer yes to these questions most days of each week, and if you don't yet, keep working at it...it's a process!
S--Do you feel successful at what you are choosing to do at any given time?
I--Do you instinctively look forward to something in your day or week?
G--Are you doing anything that you feel you are growing in?
N--Are your needs fulfilled? How often do you get to do things that make you feel energized?
Put all of your activities into a Love it or Loathe it list to help you STOP...
S--Stop doing things that you don't like or feel strong doing
T--Team up with another person, reaching out to find a mutually beneficial relationship
O--Offer up your time to your strengths
P--Perceive our weaknesses through our strengths (ie, Listen to your favorite music while doing your not-so-favorite things)
We need to refocus our time, accept and nurture our strengths, not the ones others think we have.
Let's remember that we get to praise God more when we get out of weak moments and celebrate strong ones!
Stephanie based her talk on the book "Find your strongest life" by Marcus Buckingham, and you can learn more about the author at www.stronglifetest.com, in addition to taking a quiz that will tell you your strengths. Have fun with it and GET STRONG TODAY!
Using the SIGN method, we can assess where we feel strong and channel those strengths into feeling better about ourselves on a regular basis. We should answer yes to these questions most days of each week, and if you don't yet, keep working at it...it's a process!
S--Do you feel successful at what you are choosing to do at any given time?
I--Do you instinctively look forward to something in your day or week?
G--Are you doing anything that you feel you are growing in?
N--Are your needs fulfilled? How often do you get to do things that make you feel energized?
Put all of your activities into a Love it or Loathe it list to help you STOP...
S--Stop doing things that you don't like or feel strong doing
T--Team up with another person, reaching out to find a mutually beneficial relationship
O--Offer up your time to your strengths
P--Perceive our weaknesses through our strengths (ie, Listen to your favorite music while doing your not-so-favorite things)
We need to refocus our time, accept and nurture our strengths, not the ones others think we have.
Let's remember that we get to praise God more when we get out of weak moments and celebrate strong ones!
Stephanie based her talk on the book "Find your strongest life" by Marcus Buckingham, and you can learn more about the author at www.stronglifetest.com, in addition to taking a quiz that will tell you your strengths. Have fun with it and GET STRONG TODAY!
Monday, March 3, 2014
All My Friends Have Issues!
We were so delighted to have Amanda Anderson speak to us regarding friendships. She gave us some great tips on how to have, and be a friend.
Friendships are scary but they're also where we can find refined safety.
We need safe and sane friends! Safe friends are honest, willing to admit their faults, able to give and take from the relationship and are interested in personal growth.
To have safe friends, we need to BE safe friends.
1 Peter 4:8 says "Above all, love eachother deeply for love covers over a multitude of sins"
To have lasting friendships with flawed women, stop trying to figure out whose issues are worse. We must not compete with our friends. She advises us to not go into relationships wondering if you are the broken one or the fixer. Competitiveness can kill friendships and comparison will be make them sick. See each other as teachers and encouragers, instead.
Proverbs 27:17 tells us "As iron sharpens iron, so one man (or woman) sharpens another."
Pretending you have it all together makes others feel that they are falling apart...so let's get real with eachother, ladies! And we can't forget that sometimes our issues are not our personality flaws and fears but our circumstances. "Misfortune shows those who are not really friends" -Aristotle
And, please, don't compare your insides to another's outsides. Remember, intimacy is based on vulnerability and when we are vulnerable, our friendships grow deeper.
Holding a friend's hand sometimes mean that you will be held back as you hold them up, but hang in there....it's worth it! Remember also that God wants these connections for us, and Satan does not.
We all need a network of girlfriends....that's just one more reason to be thankful for M2M bringing all of us together!
You can contact Amanda at belovedcreations@att.net and her blog can be found at www.scrapsofsoul.blogspot.com
Go and be a friend to someone today!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Marriage Growers (part 2)
Last week we had the privilege of having Leslie Eichler from Marriage Growers International come to speak to us.
Her biggest point was that feeling understood and accepted leads to closeness and affection, which leads to more strength in marriage.
She showed us a tool that I personally can't wait to use. It's called the Start, Stop, Continue exercise. In brief, it allows each person to list things that they would like their significant other to start, stop, and continue and opens up a conversation to discuss things that are important to each person without seeming negative or threatening.
I can't wait to use this tool with not only my Husband, but my kids! I'm excited to really listen to what each child feels is important.
For more information on their ministry, you can see Pastor Ken and Leslie Eichler at www.marriagegrowers.com and you can read Leslie's blog at www.godfamilychickens.com.
Let's start opening up hopeful communication with the people that we love!
Her biggest point was that feeling understood and accepted leads to closeness and affection, which leads to more strength in marriage.
She showed us a tool that I personally can't wait to use. It's called the Start, Stop, Continue exercise. In brief, it allows each person to list things that they would like their significant other to start, stop, and continue and opens up a conversation to discuss things that are important to each person without seeming negative or threatening.
I can't wait to use this tool with not only my Husband, but my kids! I'm excited to really listen to what each child feels is important.
For more information on their ministry, you can see Pastor Ken and Leslie Eichler at www.marriagegrowers.com and you can read Leslie's blog at www.godfamilychickens.com.
Let's start opening up hopeful communication with the people that we love!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Pastor Ken on Marriage
We were so blessed to have Pastor Ken Eichler of Marriage Growers International stop by to give us some amazing insight on marriage and our men!
He said that intimacy (not always in the romantic way :) ) is at the root of all successful marriages and also the lack of intimacy is a leading indicator for divorce.
Pastor Ken's definition of intimacy is: A close and affectionate relationship that reaches deeper regions of the heart, resulting in feeling understood and accepted.
We need to view our hearts as holding the treasure of intimacy and do whatever we can to help our husbands reach that treasure...we need to create a pathway for him. We must be aware of the obstacles that are blocking him. These obstacles can be issues from our family of origin, past hurtful words or experiences, and fears or pressures. Be aware of them and communicate about them!
Along those lines, here are some important points to remember:
Remember, we do not need to draw on our own strength...God will give us the strength, wisdom and patience needed to have happy, effective, and long-lasting marriages.
Proverbs 18:21-- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
To contact Ken, email him at Ken@marriagegrowers.com
He said that intimacy (not always in the romantic way :) ) is at the root of all successful marriages and also the lack of intimacy is a leading indicator for divorce.
Pastor Ken's definition of intimacy is: A close and affectionate relationship that reaches deeper regions of the heart, resulting in feeling understood and accepted.
We need to view our hearts as holding the treasure of intimacy and do whatever we can to help our husbands reach that treasure...we need to create a pathway for him. We must be aware of the obstacles that are blocking him. These obstacles can be issues from our family of origin, past hurtful words or experiences, and fears or pressures. Be aware of them and communicate about them!
Along those lines, here are some important points to remember:
- Men are more relationally underdeveloped
- How close we feel to one another predicts marital happiness and success
- Another predictor of divorce is the way we communicate with our spouses, which is an indicator of relational closeness
- We need to be strategic in our interactions with our husbands
- Avoid placing blame or assigning motives to his actions
- It is never right to do what's wrong...if you do, it's YOUR sin, even if HE did it first!
- Forgive as you've been forgiven!
- Talk to your husband with the assumption that he knows nothing :)
Remember, we do not need to draw on our own strength...God will give us the strength, wisdom and patience needed to have happy, effective, and long-lasting marriages.
Proverbs 18:21-- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
To contact Ken, email him at Ken@marriagegrowers.com
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Mom2Mom is on Pinterest!
One of my favorite things about Mom2Mom is the food. I'm not going to lie. When I'm at home, I'm lucky to scarf down an egg or two in between getting the kids to school, cleaning up the kitchen, and making sure my littles don't injure themselves or each other. Not to mention the fact that as soon as we become parents our plates seem to turn communal. Am I right?
I love being able to show up and eat super yummy food (that I didn't have to prepare) while enjoying adult conversation and not being interrupted by tiny hands or upward gazing eyes, as adorable as they might be.
So I thought that I would link to a couple of dishes that are super easy and super yummy, in case you were having a hard time finding something when it's your turn to bring food.
And then I thought, "Hey! It would be super cool if Mom2Mom had a Pinterest account so I could just go on there and see if they had any ideas or favorites from previous weeks to make." So I made our own Pinterest account (with co-leader approval, of course).
So, if you find a recipe that you love, let one of us know, and we'll happily add it to the appropriate Pinterest board. Of course, you don't have to share, and we'll just be in love with you when it's your turn to bring food, and that's okay too.
At our first meeting, Kristen Valenti brought a super yummy hash brown casserole for a hot dish. She gave me the link, so I pinned it!! Super easy!
Find us on Pinterest ... username... Mom2Mom (super original, I know)
http://www.pinterest.com/mom2momt/
I love being able to show up and eat super yummy food (that I didn't have to prepare) while enjoying adult conversation and not being interrupted by tiny hands or upward gazing eyes, as adorable as they might be.
So I thought that I would link to a couple of dishes that are super easy and super yummy, in case you were having a hard time finding something when it's your turn to bring food.
And then I thought, "Hey! It would be super cool if Mom2Mom had a Pinterest account so I could just go on there and see if they had any ideas or favorites from previous weeks to make." So I made our own Pinterest account (with co-leader approval, of course).
So, if you find a recipe that you love, let one of us know, and we'll happily add it to the appropriate Pinterest board. Of course, you don't have to share, and we'll just be in love with you when it's your turn to bring food, and that's okay too.
At our first meeting, Kristen Valenti brought a super yummy hash brown casserole for a hot dish. She gave me the link, so I pinned it!! Super easy!
Find us on Pinterest ... username... Mom2Mom (super original, I know)
http://www.pinterest.com/mom2momt/
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Heavenly Bodies
Hi ladies!
Last week at Mom2Mom we had Roderick Benford, a personal trainer, (and our very own Emily Benford's husband) came to talk to us about setting goals and getting in shape.
He talked first about how important it is to set both short term and long term goals in order to be successful. A short term goal would be something like drinking water during the day or doing 25 squats. Committing to working out three to four times a week or losing X amount of pounds would be a long term goal. He stressed the importance of asking yourself "How badly do you want this?"
Roderick emphasized that our diets should consist of 60% carbohydrates, 20% fats, and 20% protein. Yay! Carbs!!
He also recommended finding someone to hold you accountable during your journey. This could be as simple as posting a status on Facebook, or as in depth as finding a walking buddy to join you daily. Any way you look at it, you are not alone!! Ask for help!
As far as working out is concerned, he said that it is fairly easy to start your own routine with three simple exercises that don't require any equipment. By combining push ups, sit ups, and squats you can get a great workout at home. Stability, flexibility and core strength are keys to a well rounded workout, so if you could add in resistance bands, or a balance ball that's even better. And just a reminder, spot training doesn't work (don't get mad). The only thing that will tone your muscles is burning the fat, so that we can actually see them. (Cardio is the best for fat burning)
Last week at Mom2Mom we had Roderick Benford, a personal trainer, (and our very own Emily Benford's husband) came to talk to us about setting goals and getting in shape.
He talked first about how important it is to set both short term and long term goals in order to be successful. A short term goal would be something like drinking water during the day or doing 25 squats. Committing to working out three to four times a week or losing X amount of pounds would be a long term goal. He stressed the importance of asking yourself "How badly do you want this?"
Roderick emphasized that our diets should consist of 60% carbohydrates, 20% fats, and 20% protein. Yay! Carbs!!
He also recommended finding someone to hold you accountable during your journey. This could be as simple as posting a status on Facebook, or as in depth as finding a walking buddy to join you daily. Any way you look at it, you are not alone!! Ask for help!
As far as working out is concerned, he said that it is fairly easy to start your own routine with three simple exercises that don't require any equipment. By combining push ups, sit ups, and squats you can get a great workout at home. Stability, flexibility and core strength are keys to a well rounded workout, so if you could add in resistance bands, or a balance ball that's even better. And just a reminder, spot training doesn't work (don't get mad). The only thing that will tone your muscles is burning the fat, so that we can actually see them. (Cardio is the best for fat burning)
 |
| Don't let the baby stop you from getting your squats in! |
 |
| Naomi demonstrating her rad core strength on the Bosu ball. |
 |
| Push ups for everyone! Knees, toes, it doesn't matter, just do them! |
 |
| Sandy showing us a proper lunge. |
 |
| Squats. Booty out. Like you're sitting in a chair. |
Some of Roderick's "favorite" items to stock a home gym include:
- medicine ball
- resistance bands
- TRX
- Bosu ball
- Dumbbells
(A good rule of thumb when you're buying anything weighted is that it should cost around $1 per pound. Most of these items are available at Target or Wal Mart, or even Play it Again Sports or Big 5 Sporting goods.) (And just as a side note, my husband made our own TRX using supplies from a hardware supply store for a fraction of the cost. Here is an example of a tutorial to make your own for only $13.)
If you have any questions or would like to train with Roderick, he can be reached at:
or
rcbenford1@yahoo.com
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