Weeding out Misconceptions about Marijuana
Hey Moms,
Thought you might be interested in reading this article from Empowering Parents about how to talk to your kids regarding marijuana. Very good article with some other good links attached to it.
The Big Tiny
I found this article to be interesting, given MOMentous Health’s first core principle is simplicity. What do you think? http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26019810?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u485&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery1 I love Dee Williams’ idea of giving a bag of “stuff” away for each day of Lent, totaling 40 bags of unneededness. And I also thought that I, as well as most Americans, could not do as the author suggested of making a list of all our possessions. That would be way too complicated and time-consuming. Totally defeats simplicity. As a side note though, Dee fit hers on one page. See for yourself. It’s scanned as part of the article. Not suggesting we simplify that much. But humm, there is something inviting about the thought.
Love and Laugh
Haven’t blogged for a few days, so I wanted to add this post: a piece of a daily devotion from God Calling. Not the same as Jesus Calling. This one was written by two anonymous women who journaled what they truly believed God was speaking into them. I don’t know their names, but I like them. They published a raw, spontaneous, unpredictable devotional without recognition which is why it speaks to me. A. J. Russell gets credit for getting it published for them. I actually mention this devotion in MOMentous Health (due out hopefully by May).
Anyway . . . Humor is one of my core principles. Perhaps the principle most difficult for me right now. But, my two anonymous lady friends encourage humor by saying, “Love and Laughter form the plough that prepares the ground for the seed. Remember this. If the ground is hard, seed will not grow there.”
Love and Laughter prepares the seed. Not Works. Or Service. Or Perfection. Or even Perseverance. But Love and Laughter. Now that right there, is a super high calling for two words.
And it was Laughter, that actually found its way into my shopping cart last night. My teenage son and I went to Wal-Mart because we couldn’t think of anything better to do and were enlightened by a world we rarely visit. Did you know you can buy almost three boxes of Cheerios for the price of one box at Publix? I actually like where I shop though. People talk to me at Publix and help me find things. That, as they say, is priceless. Anyway, Wal-Mart had a $5 movie bin that was fun to dig through. I found, and actually purchased, Patch Adams. I haven’t seen it, but it’s based on a true story, starring Robin Williams, a truly great comedian. I hope it’s as good as I’m expecting as I purposely spent $5 for a little laughter. That was last night. And then this morning, I read from my anonymous friends, “Love and Laughter form the plough that prepares the ground for the seed.”
I look forward to loving and laughing today. Won’t you join me?
Under the Weather
I’ve mentioned the weather a couple times in my past posts, so I thought I’d continue this morning by saying, I’m under the weather. “The weather” being once again beautiful in Central Florida, but I finally and unfortunately caught what has been going around, and as much as I would like to enjoy being outside today, I instead took a nap after meeting with my PMS group in the park earlier. I only bring this up because this week’s PMS principle is perseverance. (That’s a lot of “Ps”). Anyway, I figured I’d kick off the week by actually applying what I would be preaching this week. So . . . onward ladies. Have a great week and I’ll see you Thursday, no matter the weather.
Perseverance continues forward when she would rather quit. She journeys through life arm-in-arm with encouragement and accountability––facing inevitable struggles with strength and determination. Like a perennial plant, Perseverance faces each day with unrelenting vigor.
The Death of Girl Scout Cookies
It’s that time of year again. Time to purchase Girl Scout cookies. You know the ones. Thin mints. Caramel delights. And peanut butter sandwiches. Ohhh. Those little devils rank up there with America’s baseball and apple pie. Who can resist, right?
“I don’t make eye contact with them,” Darlene said. Them, being the cute, little, hard-core green-badged over-achieving salesgirls. Aka, Girl Scouts.
Don’t get me wrong, the moms in my PMS group love Girl Scouts. In fact, my mom actually started Girl Scouts in Edgerton, MO, and kick started my juvenile cookie sales career. I get it. There’s something about selling the most cookies that sets you apart from all other “ordinary” Girl Scouts. You are it. The cookie champion. Sure to succeed in life forever after.
“I can’t stop with one thin mint,” Michelle added. “I have to eat the whole sleeve!”
Sharon quickly agreed.
We hadn’t even started our workout yet, and we were hung up on Girl Scout cookies. Hating them because despite our efforts at exercising, they were holding us back.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Which was a good thing, considering we’re focusing on the core principle of Humor. I struggled with that one this week. I had a tough week. Laughing wasn’t part of my daily grunge. In a lame attempt to actually incorporate humor into my week, I watched a Tim Hawkins video. It kind of worked. For two minutes maybe.
But the Girl Scout discussion? Well, I’m laughing as I type this. And yes, we did finally get our work out in. And when I got home, I couldn’t help but grab for . . . you guessed it . . . Girl Scout cookies. Not just one. Or two. Or even three. But, the whole sleeve. Or was it the whole box?
Oh well, I’ll do better next week.
On my honor.
Humor, rejoicing in goodness
This week’s PMS principle is Humor, rejoicing in goodness.
Humor knows that life without laughter would be like an ashen rainbow. She views her days through whimsical eyes, rejoicing in goodness, when it would be easier to drown in sorrow or frustration. Humor is a master at breathing long, slow breaths, and is able to find fulfillment in any situation.
Week Two of PMS: a selfless walk/jog/run
It was a beautiful day for a walk/jog/run. In the 70s. Tuesdays we moms focus on us. Our kids. Our families. A teenage daughter in physical therapy after a rear-end collision, out of athletics this season. Discouraged. Frustrated. Others uncertain about jobs. The unknown. Unsettled. Needing and asking for peace. One mom understanding, but in a different context. Like there’s no guarantee with employment, there’s no guarantee with kids either. Lots of unknowns there, resulting in some past rough weeks. Didn’t feel up to PMS because of it, but decided that was even more reason to be part of it. Glad she didn’t stay home sheltered in her despair. Another mom healing from surgery, wanting to focus on her and not her kids or husband today. “If that’s not selfish,” she adds. I heard it 3 times this morning. “It” being the word selfish. A word we moms forever wrestle. Since when is taking care of ourselves being selfish? Are we less important than anyone else in our families? When we’re healthy, our families benefit. Right? Will we ever conquer the selfish cycle? A lady bug appears. Out of season we’re told. But she’s there, reminding a mother of her beloved deceased uncle for reasons she and her aunt cling to. His spirit is welcomed. We like lady bugs. And speaking of ladies, thank you ladies for sharing your time and presence this morning. I pray we all have a positive week regardless of seasons and cycles and circumstance.
MOMentous Health, (selflessly) shaping a better world, one mom at a time.
There’s nothing simple about simplicity.
Like the calmness of gently rolling waves, Simplicity understands that less can indeed be more. She values the serenity that fewer activities and possessions can provide. She purposely sheds herself of mental and physical clutter so she can experience a lighter and more freeing life.
Breathe
One more thought for today. In PMS, we talked about the importance of breathing, not just during our training, but throughout our days. A simple thing, but often hard to remember. Breathing helps us stay centered and less tense. One of my favorite songs is Breathe by Ryan Star. Take a listen and remember . . . breathe.
Great Day for PMS
I love Florida. The Sunshine State. And it was just that, sunny and beautiful, for our first day of PMS––physical, mental, spiritual training, that is. For the next seven weeks, a group of moms will gather to walk, jog, talk, and pray through life.
Together.
Each week we will explore one of MOMentous Health‘s seven core principles, beginning with Simplicity, followed by Humor, Authenticity, Perseverance, Intentionality, Nourishment, and Grace. I look forward to our mornings.
Today, I asked what the word, motherhood, conjures up for everyone.
“Most difficult job I’ve ever had. Even more difficult than cleaning toilets at Holiday Inn when I was 16,” I shared. And it’s true. As much as I love my boys, parenting is hard.
Another mom shared, “I thought that if you walked with God and really tried to live a life honoring to Him, you would reap the fruits of your labor. But I realize now, that everything is not within my control.”
Ahhhh. Wisdom indeed.
Other things that came up: cooking, baking, good smells, hugs and comfort. Changing. Busy. Multiple hats. Role model. And lifetime commitment.
Yes indeed. There is no such thing as divorcing our kids. We mothers are in it for the long haul.
Motherhood.
What comes to your mind?
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