From My Sister in Law

Real Resolutions for Moms
By Karen Ehman

“… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13b-14 (ESV)

Devotion:
It’s that time when many of us are making New Year’s resolutions, so how about some resolutions for mothers? Here are mine:

I will put my Bible before the television, the radio, the telephone, and even before good Christian books, for my children will know my priorities by the way they see me spend my free time.

I will make my prayer requests known before God and my children, enlisting their help in the process and informing them of the outcome, for by letting them help when I petition our Lord will they learn of a living God who still answers prayer.

When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life’s every problem.

I will erase the words “luck” and “lucky” from my vocabulary and will instead by my speech point my children toward the One who orchestrates every detail of our lives and brings all good things to pass, for by this my children will learn of an omniscient God.

When bad things happen, I’ll neither grumble nor complain, but will instead help my children see that in the scope of our lives even the bad times are allowed for a reason, for by this my children will learn quiet trust in their Maker.

When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is still easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short.

When my children have witnessed something ugly in me - unkind words, an angry temper, “harmless” gossip, biting sarcasm or even my infamous “mommy pout” when things don’t go my way - I will confess it as sin before them seeking their forgiveness, for by this my children will develop the much needed habit of wiping their spiritual slate clean before God and man.

I will teach my children the importance of cleanliness and order while at the same time remain sensitive to the fact that a skinned knee or hurt feeling is more crucial than a spotless floor or uncluttered counter, for by this my children will learn to value people above things.

I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with each afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the “least of these.”

I will make our home a haven of rest and retreat from the outside world and a welcomed place for my children’s friends, for with each impromptu backyard soccer game, each video viewed on a rainy day, each cup of hot cocoa or chocolate chip cookie, my children will have opportunity to practice the art of Christian hospitality thereby learning to share all God has given them.

I will by my actions and my speech let my children see a mom love their dad, for by this will my children sense family stability at a time when marriages all around them are crumbling.

I will not require of my children obedience, honesty, patience or kindness without first being willing to submit to the same rules whether in speed limit, in miscounted change from the grocery store or when answering a toddler for the fourteenth time, for by this my children will see a mother who is also learning and not a perfect parent to whom they’ll never measure up.

In all things will I remember that more is caught than is taught.

There are little eyes upon you, mom. You are the first Bible your children will ever read.

Wise

Cleaning your house while your children are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. (Phyllis Diller)

A New Year Challenge

A new year is upon us all and I hope this year is one that is full of joy, health and happiness for you. I don't know about you but after the holidays I have found all my pants fitting a lot more snug than they used to. And I have found myself pouting about my expanding figure while munching down cheesecake way to often.

So when I heard about the Arbonne Figure 8 Challenge I was intrigued. I have put feelers out to everyone I know to see who's with me? My goal is to lose 12 lbs before the end of February. I am looking for 10 people to join my "team".

Starting TODAY you can go to www.gofigure8.com and register for the Figure 8 Week Weight Loss Challenge. There are prizes for individuals and teams.

I am joining the weight loss challenge and incorporating Arbonne's newest weight loss products to my diet to help me get there. If we have at least 10 people interested we can make a team and go full speed ahead on this challenge. You have until the end of January to register, but the sooner you register the better our chances of winning! Let me know if you are interested and we can form a team. I will have a prize for the winning member on my team.


Arbonne's products are healthy and safe and encourage a change in lifestyle not just a quick weight loss gimmick. I already have tried the Protein Shakes and Fiber shakes and have been very impressed with the taste. I have also personally tried the Detox tea as well as the Chocolate Mint chew which taste delicious, just like candy with no "diet" chalky taste.

But now they have some great new products that you can see at www.kristincain.myarbonne.com. Which include a fizzing water tablet to boost metabolism and a water relief treatment serum. I can't wait to get my hands on them!

To a happy and THINNER New Year!!

Googly Eyes

Over the last few months I have had my hands full. I've been pretty stressed out and found myself getting a little depressed. What is the cure for that?

A new puppy. LOL!

Meet Linus. Our newest member. He is a 3 month old Boston Terrier. Because if you are going to have a little dog...it better be so ugly it is cute. And he is. He has crazy googly eyes that stick out on the sides of his head. If we didn't have a fish named Steve he would be Steve Buschemi the second.

Some people are deliriously happy about it!

Some are not....

But all in all, there are laughs and giggles and pee pee puddles all around the house. What a great Christmas present!