... . Mom's Tip #017: Be a good sport. Mom's Tip #018: Be a good friend. Mom's Tip #019: Smile when your mother-in-law gives you advice. Mom's Tip #020: ALL mothers are working mothers. Mom's Tip #021: Ultimatums don't work. Mom's Tip #022: Bribes ... For Moms-365 Tips Mom's Tip #001: Cut off the crusts. Mom's Tip #002: Make real cocoa. Mom's Tip #003: Hang their drawings on the fridge. Mom's Tip #004: Say the clay ashtray is what you always wanted. Mom's Tip #005: Sing silly songs ... . Mom's Tip #105: Not everyone can win the Pillsbury Bake-Off. Mom's Tip #106: Iodine really DOES sting. Mom's Tip #107: Mother's Day comes but once a year-milk it. Mom's Tip #108: Adjust allowances for cost of living. Mom's Tip #109: Cookie dough is ...

... stay up just a little bit longer. Lock up the good china. Tickle. Be a good sport. Be a good friend. Smile when your mother-in-law gives you advice. ALL mothers are working mothers. Ultimatums don't work. Bribes work. Hysteria will get you nowhere. Their first summer at camp is murder ... 365 Tips For Mom's Hints for Mom's... Cut off the crusts. Make real cocoa. Hang their drawings on the fridge. Say the clay ashtray is what you always wanted. Sing silly songs. Make goofy faces. Let them take off the training wheels. Remind the Tooth Fairy about inflation. ... our time were bed wetters. Let someone else break the news about Santa Claus. Not everyone can win the Pillsbury Bake-Off. Iodine really DOES sting. Mother's Day comes but once a year -milk it. Adjust allowances for cost of living. Cookie dough is better than cookies. Don't let the kids forget Father's Day ...

... see rewards, on a daily basis that outshines all of these tangible rewards. The sight of a baby or toddler sleeping peacefully, safe and warm. The tiny fistful of dandelions handed as a bouquet of beautiful flowers to a special Mommy. Peanut butter and jelly kisses, the crayon drawing, the words" I did it myself !" and the pride glowing in that shining face. The smell of a child after a bath. The words," I love you Mommy ... myself insignificant on many days. I think about the days when I don't get a shower. Or the days when I need to run to the store, trying to corral an active toddler, wearing blue jean shorts and my" Mom's Barn Mom's Rules" t-shirt, and I run into an old friend who is just getting off work. There she stands in her neatly pressed skirt and blouse, full make-up, freshly cut hair. those days I definitely feel" poor ...

... laundry later, I now wonder if there are other mothers like me-mothers too busy wiping peanut butter and jelly off little faces and kissing owies to maintain the practice of what the less encumbered call quiet time. I'm thinking of mommies who can't remember how it feels to sit when the sun is shining, who can't count on five minutes in the shower without the world falling apart. Are there mommies whose prayer closets are buckets and scrub brushes, sewing baskets, garden ... for a prayer to soothe away a bad dream, baby Jonathan calling for his lullaby tape, Zachary's wet bed. And how could I forget being startled at three a.m. to find Sophia at my bedside, waiting politely for her mommy to open her eyes? I guess she wanted quality time." Count it all joy ," I mutter as I sit up and-not wanting to break my meager momentum-lunge for the laundry room. The slick linoleum under my ...

... closer to the food, I noticed most people were getting food from one silver pot. Curious, I lifted the silver lid to find navy beans and memories of home. Surrounding the pan were little bowls of sweet onion (my mom's favorite ), homemade tomato relish (like my Granny made ), and wedges of cornbread (just like my mom had showed me how to make for my first 4-H project) But as I glanced down in that big pan, there was only ... more that they were just fine. As a new bride, I was having trouble with my husband's choice of words. Fine can mean so many things. Like fine to eat or fine if you are not comparing it to my mother's. His vague statement did little to reassure this new bride if the potatoes were worth eating. But as my husband honked the car horn, I knew that was my signal that we must be on our way. So with sweating hands ...

... importance of a healthy spiritual dimension to their lives. One man tells about a time when his wife suffered from a headache. She took medication and lay down, but nothing seemed to help. Her six-year-old daughter was concerned about her Mommy's health, so the ailing woman asked her if she would like to pray for her. Little Leia said that she would. Leia put her hand on her mother's head and prayed the only prayer she knew:" Lord, thank you ... this food" I imagine that the words she uses are not important. In fact, I don't know if any words are really adequate to express our deepest spiritual desires. Moreover, what seems most crucial is not so much how" good" we are at praying, but that we simply pause regularly to nurture the souls. Prayer is a dose of spiritual medication that, taken daily, can enhance all of life. Leonardo da Vinci spent countless hours ruminating upon things ...

... of that I've got bills that there's just no way I can cover! And I alone am now responsible for raising my son. Add to that the fact that I've been abandoned by my daughter (who had" sided" with Mommy in this terrible affair)." Well, God, I'm here to tell you that I just can't take it anymore! I'm asking You, I'm begging You. PLEASE. step in and carry the load for just a little while ... . But I digress... It was a particularly devastating time in my life. I had left my own home to live in an apartment with my then 10-year-old son (who would just have been in the way of his Mother's new-found life-style )! Every day I mourned my fate, having lost my wife, my family, and my home! I was more financially strapped than I'd ever imagined possible. I had to pay the mortgage on the home my wife and ...

... Mothers Do It All This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying," It's okay honey, Mommy's here" Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted. This is for all them mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse. ... . For all of us..... Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them everyday that we love them. And pray and never stop being a mom. Happy Mother's Day and Thanks [Author Unknown-from 'Buffalos Chips ' (buffalos-g-jokes.yahoogroups.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Just Obey God When Moses went up to the Sinai to receive the oral explanation of God's laws, he was quite confused with the commandment" Do not boil a calf in it's mother's milk" Moses (Perplexed ): I don't quite understand this line about boiling a calf in it's mothers milk. What does it mean? God: It means, don't boil a calf in it's mother's milk. Moses thinks for a while and replies: Oh I get it, it means that we shouldn't eat meat products and dairy products on the same plate. God: No, it means don't boil a calf in it's mother's milk. Moses: Oh, I get it. We should have a separate set of dishes for dairy and meat products. God: No, it means don't boil a calf in it's mother's milk. Moses: Oh, I see. It means we should wait an appropriate amount of time after eating flesh before we can ...

... puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other"" Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs"" Love is when someone hurts you. And you get so mad but you don't yell at them because you know it would hurt their feelings"" Love is what makes you smile when you're tired"" Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK"" Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen"" When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you're scared they won't love you anymore. But then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more"" Love is when you tell a guy you ...

... of my two boys (I have a 6-month-old boy also) to bed and went into the living room, and was waiting for my husband who had gone to the store. I was feeling lonely and I just started crying my eyes out. Then I heard the bedroom door opening and I saw David walking towards me. I immediately wiped my tears and smiled at him. He knew something was wrong as he walked up to me and said," Mommy are you alright? Are you afraid of something ?" I said," yes honey mommy is a little afraid" Immediately he took my right hand and placed it on my heart and said," Jesus is with you mommy, He is always with you, don ’ t be afraid, He will take care of you mommy, and I will take care of you too" When I heard him tears of joy just flooded my face. I hugged him, and ...

... ‘ tention (attention )," as she put it. Her interruptions were childish ones. Her need, however, was significant to her mom! Even the most patient moms reach their limits during supper so it was suggested that our daughter go play in the yard till supper was ready." That ’ s a great idea ," she said, as she flew out the door. Of course, it wasn't long 'till she bounced in with a handful of wilting buttercups for mommy to put in water. A few minutes later, in she flew again. This time she was stuttering with excitement. She had forgotten to tell mommy about the huge, scary bee she had seen on the flowers. Ten minutes later, just as we were getting ready to eat, in she bounced again.This time she held up her crayon drawing.It was done in the" Early Preschool Impressionistic" motif-you know." Wow! That ’ s beautiful, what do ...

... Mean Mom's We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less. We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of ...

... Forgiven. Forever!" For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" Psalms 103: 11-12 I was staring at the computer screen when I heard my favorite little voice say," Mommy ?" I turned to look at my sweet daughter and she said," I sorry I lock you out of the bathroom last night" She was referring to an incident a few days earlier in which she had gotten angry with me and locked me out of the bedroom. After the appropriate discipline and discussion, we had hugged and made up. So, why was she asking for forgiveness again? I looked at her and told her," Honey, it is okay. You know not to lock Mommy out of the room now. You don't have to keep saying you ...

... even written an article which will be published in a book about anxiety and another that has reached many who are in the same boat as me. Through my openness, I have reached others and that is a gift from God. However, I still suffer from anxiety attacks occasionally and sometimes, they hit me right out of the blue. I get completely 'blind sided. Example: The other night my fiancι and I went to dinner. It was the night before Mother's Day. I know I had a lot on my mind. I was feeling rather depressed that I was not a mother and I know it was eating away at me. Ironically, my book, which is about my miscarriage and my journey towards recovery, is doing very well. Rather bittersweet. But, I feared it was the closest I'd ever come to being a mother and like a cancer, it ate away at me to the point where I was very volatile ...

... satisfying and financially rewarding career-to stay at home with your babies. It takes a 'gentle strength ' to make yet another meal out of ground beef because it was on sale. It takes a 'gentle strength ' to not lose your cool when your baby has colic, or your toddler is having a tantrum, or your school age child has been called to the principal's office. It takes a 'gentle strength ' to be all things to all people, wife, mommy, daughter, PTA chairman, neighbor, and any of a thousand other titles we take upon ourselves. It takes a 'gentle strength ' to administer discipline to a child when your heart wants to hug them. It takes a 'gentle strength ' to leave a wailing toddler with a babysitter to go on a date with your husband. It takes a 'gentle strength ' to say no to a teenager who wants to do something because their friends are doing it-when you really ...

... The Most Important Body Part My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body and through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger I thought sound was very important to us as humans so I said my ears mommy. She said" No, many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon" Several years passed before she asked me again. Since my last attempt I contemplated a correct answer. So I told her" Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes" She looked at me and told me that I was learning fast but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind. Stumped again I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years she asked me a couple more times and always the same answer" No. But you ...

... type of home found there. He had expected to find a wealthy suburb with pretentious buildings. This woman supported a full-time missionary! It was therefore to be assumed that she was a lady of means. Had he made a mistake? He read again the address, and carefully checked both the name of the street and the number of the house. There had been no mistake; this was the place. He knocked at the door, and was greeted by a motherly old lady who beamed at him and said," Welcome, Mr. Merriweather. I knew you were in the district and I have been waiting for you to call. Come in" The missionary explained how he got her address, and even while he was speaking to the lady his eyes were examining the room. The furniture was spotlessly clean, and yet it could hardly be described as expensive. This was the abode of an ordinary working woman who might be struggling ...

... my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say," Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy" When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children !!" Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things" I wish ...

... She doesn't take things as easily as I do ," he said to the nurse. By this time, the new mother was settled in the recovery room and ready to meet her new baby. The nurse went along with the dad to lend some support in case this inexperienced mother became upset about her baby's large ears. The infant was swaddled in a receiving blanket with his head covered for the short trip through the chilly air-conditioned corridor. The baby was placed in his mother's arms, who eased the blanket back so that she could gaze upon her child for the first time. She took one look at her baby's face and looked to her husband and gasped," Oh, Honey! Look! He has your ears !" No problem with Mom. She married those ears .and she loves the man to whom they are attached. The poet Khalil Gibran said," Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart" ...

... care. I thought of my twice-a-year cleanings, and gold crowns. His rugged face exceeded his years I thought. I was sure there were no daily handfuls of vitamins in his routine, nor routine doctor visits, nor medication for common colds or flu. As I briefly glanced into his gentle eyes, I caught a glimpse of a tender heart, even with all that life seems to have been to him. And I thought of his mother. This was some mother's son -her bouncing baby boy that she conceived and carried and birthed. Where was she now, I wondered. Does she know what has become of her precious son? Is she alive and does she know that he is alive, or care? I thought of my own son, still in his youth, and his sweet, tender spirit. How could I live without him? Without knowing where he was and that he was well?" God bless you" he ...

... " What ?" Mom asked." Let's run through the rain !" she repeated." No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit ," Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated her statement." Mom. Let's run through the rain"" We'll get soaked if we do ," Mom said." No we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning ," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm." This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet ?"" Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said," If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything !" The entire crowd stopped dead silent, the sound of the rain was nearly deafening. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and ...

... day cards ?" She smiled and said," You're right, your brother has definitely been a father to you. Go ahead pick out a card" So I did, and on Father's Day my mother and I sat my brother down and gave him the card. As he read it, I saw the tears forming in his eye's. I felt a lump in my throat, as he threw his arms around me and my mother. I heard the crackling in mom's voice as she said," Son, your father is proud of you, seeing that he raised a good man, and that you do your best to fill his shoes. We love you, and thank you" Addendum-Philemon 1: 7" Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people" [Author unknown-Submitted by Kent Ragsdale, and Cindy] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net ...

... these Psalms from a first person perspective, driving home the point that these are not just community truths, they are personal realities as well." The Lord is MY shepherd. he leads ME. even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. .your rod and your staff comfort ME"" Your hand will guide ME, your right hand will hold Me fast. you created MY inmost being; you knit Me together in MY mother's womb. Search ME, O God, and know MY heart" These incredibly honest and personal words from Psalms 23 and 139 are just a small taste of what the Psalms offer us. This God-approved songbook allows us to personally worship. The Psalms remind us that God wants our relationship with him to be personal, genuine, and honest as we reverently approach him in faith. We are not just part of a herd or a flock, but we are known to God ...

... 160, 140, You never have to grow up. You get to finger paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, catch lightning bugs and never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to keep reading the adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons, going to Disney movies and wishing on stars. You get to frame rainbows, hearts and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day and cards with backward letters for Father's Day. For $160, 140, there's no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off the bike, removing a sliver, filling the wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless. You get a front row seat to history ...

... up their minds on their own, so maybe she should ask" Daddy" (her stepfather) to help her pick the perfect mate. With a smile on my face and a hint of laughter in my voice, I explained to her that if she relied on Daddy to choose her husband, she would most likely stay single since no one would ever be good enough for his baby. She sat silently for a few moments, and then she said," Mommy, do you think YOU could help me choose when I'm old enough ?" As I was struggling to frame a reply, she suddenly sat upright in her chair and stated," Oh. never mind. I forgot. It took you two tries !" Slightly mortified and very humbled, I saw the truth behind the humor. Yes, it had taken me" two tries ," but I had grown as a person through my mistakes and had moved on to become a much ...

... . They remind us of our dads. They don't mind accompanying a woman to a party even though she looks like a movie star and they look like the chauffeur. Their near-endless appetite for discussing the ins and outs of work and money-ours as well as theirs. Their genuine ardor for tinkering with toilets, changing oil and assembling gas grills-jobs any intelligent woman can do but would be nuts to volunteer for. They never care what their horoscope, their mother-in-law, nor the neighbors say. They rarely lie about their age, their weight, or their clothing size. How awestruck they are in the face of a homemade cookie. How great their hands look holding ours. Their face is a treasure to behold when they give us a present they picked out. Their ignorance is usually amusing. They give great hugs, (and always melt our hearts when a sweet" I love you honey ," is added) Though they often ...

... with a child sitting on his shoulders? When was the last time you heard the mournful sound of a cricket, the breeze whispering through dense pine, the sound of new life? When was the last time you felt the warmth of a child's hug, the feel of a tear as it was rubbed gently from the face of one you love, the indescribable joy of holding the hand of one whom God has joined together? When was the last time you tasted Mom's best recipe, salt water on a carefree day at the beach, a snowflake? When was the last time you had a puppy lick your face, a cat purr in total affection, a child that thought dog biscuits were cookies? When was the last time you gave a hug for no reason, said a kind word to a stranger, intentionally blessed your daughter? When was the last time you made snow angels, threw snowballs, had rosy red cheeks? When ...

... , have high blood pressure or even high cholesterol. Not that we should never be angry. It is a normal part of life. We all get" worked up ,"" overheated" or just plain" hopping mad" at times. Those closest to us know it best. (Just ask my kids !) One little boy said about his mother:" When she starts to act real weird, you have to look scared and serious. Don't giggle. When mommies are mad, they get madder when you giggle" The good news is that simply getting angry does not seem to be the problem. Well-directed anger can be a helpful emotion. But STAYING angry is dangerous-to our health and to our relationships. Here are four simple steps that can help move us out of the danger zone when we feel as if our hostility is running the show. Control it. Uncontrolled anger will take over. Talk it out. Don't keep ...

... love that came in the envelope that day, from her" Unseen Angel" On Christmas morning, as the kids opened their gifts, she could tell that she had chosen" just the right" gifts with the" Unseen Angel's" gift. Her gift though, was seeing her children smile! Later that morning, their dad arrived to pick the children up. The older of the two children hugged her mom the tightest. She knew that it would be her mother's first holiday without them. Looking back, and seeing her mom standing in the doorway, waving good-bye and blowing them a kiss almost broke her heart. The old house was oh-so-quiet without the kids. Shortly after lunch, the telephone rang. It was a special friend, who had remembered her on this holiday, just calling to say," I love you" Another unexpected gift that helped to make the day more bearable. When the kids arrived home, they unpacked ...

... The Bassinet When my Mom and my cousin had a baby shower for me, my Mom's gift was a hand woven wicker baby bassinet. It was beautiful. It became one of my most treasured possessions. All three of my children used it, and I had planned that my grandchildren would use it as well. Maybe it would become an heirloom in our family for generations to come. My cousin, Cynthia, who was one of my best friends, became pregnant when both of our youngest were pre-teen age. She borrowed the bassinet for her baby. As the years passed we grew further apart. I had always planned to go and get that bassinet, but we just never found the time to make that 60 mile trip. When her" baby" was 8 years old, we were finally going to get that bassinet. I called my cousin to tell her that we would be coming but she was not home. I called ...

... of her hand and over her shoulder. She spun around and grabbed at the card, nearly knocking her daughter over. By the time she picked up the card from the ground and turned back around to cross the street, the shuttle bus had whizzed by her. She never even knew what almost happened. To this day two things continue to perplex me about this event. Where did that one spurt of wind come from to blow the card out of that young mother's hand? There had not been a whisper of wind at lunch or during our long walk back up the mall. Secondly, if Scott had been able to get his words out, the young mother might have looked up at us as they continued to walk into the bus. It was the wind that made her turn back to the card-in the one direction that saved her life and that of her daughter. The passing bus did not create the wind. On ...

... an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter," But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go" You and I can identify with ...

... , and don't feel guilty, keep in touch with the source of your comfort Jesus Christ, and accept the daily comforts in the special moments with your children. Blessed are SAHMs who mourn the loss of past things for they shall be blessed to know that they followed God's will for their lives! About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... for me and would be right here when I woke up after the operation. The next morning the nurses gave me something to sleep before surgery and the last thing I remembered before going under was seeing my Mom ’ s smiling face. That is until I suddenly woke up to find myself surrounded by strange adults wearing masks. I had come to just before the operation was to begin. My young heart was filled with terror and I sat straight up and screamed" Mommy !" as loud as my painful throat possibly could. The next thing I remembered was seeing my Mom ’ s loving smile again in the recovery room. She held my hand, whispered words of comfort, and brought me a bowl of ice cream. Even though my throat still hurt I wasn ’ t scared anymore. I felt loved and everything seemed right with the world again. That is what faith feels like to me. It is feeling loved, cared for, ...

... Father's Love Letter My Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139: 1 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matt 10: 29-31 For you were made in my image. Gen 1: 27 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jer 1: 4 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1: 11 And I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139: 13 You are not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139: 16 I determined when you would be born and where you would live. Acts 17: 26 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jer 31: 3 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8: 41-44 I am not distant and angry but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4: 16 And it is my desire to lavish ...

... Fathers ' Day FATHERS ' DAY HISTORY Sonora Dodd, of Washington, first had the idea of a" father's day" She thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Sonora wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. After Sonora became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June ...

... " .and just thought we'd visit a while. But that's okay! I'll just trot across the street and call on Granny Grady"" Don't bother ," he said." Gran's not home; I know. I just called to remind her of our date to go dancing tonight. She may be at the beauty shop. She mentioned at breakfast (at which house ?) that she had an appointment for a tint job". So I went home and called my Mother's cousin (age 83 ); she was in the hospital. working in the gift shop. I called my aunt (age 74 ); she was on vacation in China.. I called my husband's uncle (age 79). I forgot;. he was on his honeymoon.. I still dread old age, now more than ever. I just don't think I'm up to it. [Author Unknown-from 'andychaps_the-funnies ' (Andychap @aol.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net ...

... to make a fort from blankets may not seem important at the time, but that simple act might just carry your child through a tough time in the future. You might not think it significant, but she might remember your love for her and your willingness to follow God's will for the day. About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... decision to follow God's will for our lives, and we will encounter tough times because of it. But, God is gracious, we know that He gives us daily the little joys that sustain us in our` career ' choice, and that ultimately, He will welcome us into His kingdom. About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... are alone out there. But, we know that our ultimate reward is the satisfaction of following His will for our lives, and our children's lives-and being with Him eternally in heaven. Take heart SAHMs-there is one who understands, loves and looks after you. Seek His face. About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... participating in what is right with our children." No more buts !" is a clarion call for joy. It's also a challenge, the opportunity fresh before us every day to put our attention on what is good and promising about our children, and to believe with all our hearts that they will eventually be able to see the same in us and the people with whom they will ultimately live, work and serve. And if I ever forget, I have my mother's note to remind me. [Author Unknown-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Inspiretoday @topica.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... . Teaching a child about God and hearing that sweet little voice sing" Jesus loves me" Never underestimate what you do as a SAHM. You have made a decision that you will never regret, and if you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of God's mercy each and every day! About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... you are my offspring. Acts 17: 28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1: 4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1: 11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139: 15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17: 26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139: 14 I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139: 13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71: 6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8: 41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4: 16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you simply because you are my child and I am your father. 1 John3: 1 I offer you more than your earthly ...

... Living Treasures I have sunlight on my shoulders with bright blue skies ahead, And bluebirds sang a song for me while I was still in bed. There's a hint of spice and cinnamon brought by the morning breeze, And there's a touch of red and gold appearing in the trees. Days are growing shorter now and nights can bring a chill. The squirrels are hiding acorns in the woods beside the mill. Mom's making apple cider and filling mason jars. September nights have been so clear you can see a million stars! It's harvest time upon the earth, a time for giving thanks, For these, the living treasures, we never find in banks. God showers us with blessings sometimes great, sometimes small. And for these, the living treasures, we praise Him for them all! [by: Clay Harrison-from 'Aiken Drum ' (Aiken @AikensLaughs.com)] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... promise of eternal salvation, we have His peace. Then, we see the world through His eyes; we see our children and our husbands, through His eyes. We want the best for them; we want them to know His peace. We have truly become sons & daughters of God. About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... to care. This is for all the mothers who freeze their you know what on metal bleachers instead of watching from cars, so that when their kids ask," Did you see my goal ?" they can say," Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world" This is for every mother who ever sat up all night with a sick toddler in her arms, wiping the child at both ends, while saying," It's okay honey, Mommy's here" This is for all the mothers of the victims of our nation's school shootings, and the mothers of the murderers. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely. It's for all the mothers who run carpools and bake cookies and sew Halloween costumes. AND, it's for all the mothers who DON'T. What makes a good mother anyway? Is ...

... my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say," Hi God !!! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy" When I see a mud puddle, I step around it. I see muddy shoes and clothes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to be taught? No wonder God loves the little children !!! [Author Unknown-from Denial] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... of crocus open their purple heads to the heavens in joyful thankfulness. It's just another day. My small daughter bursts into the room, her giggle ringing through the house as she hugs my neck tightly. Her small hand fits into mine as she pulls me to the kitchen to show me the card she has made. A stick figure with curly brown hair waves from the paper and beneath it, written in purple crayon are the words," I love you, Mommy" It's just another day as I stand quietly and watch a handicapped child. He struggles to get his special walker over the curb, but it won't budge. A well-meaning teacher offers assistance, but he brushes her away. With determination, he conquers the curb and is off to laugh and play with his friends. I weep inside for his handicap, but I am inspired by his courage. And I smile as I watch the children play, totally accepting their friend ...

... Night ," she remembered the accident for the thousandth time. The Wincing Memory! She had been cooking things on the back burners for years. But there it was, sitting right out in front, the water almost boiling for oatmeal. The phone rang in the living room. It was another one of those" phone offers" At the very moment she returned the phone to the table, Kenny screamed in the kitchen, the galvanizing cry of pain that frosts a mother's veins. She winced again at the memory of it and brushed aside a warm tear slipping down her cheek. Six weeks they had waited for this day to come." We'll be able to take the bandages off the week before Christmas, the doctor had said. The door to the examination room swept open, and Dr. Harris came in." Good morning, Mrs. Ellis ," he said brightly." How are you today ?"" Fine, thank you ...

... diaper. Then Jeffie's Grandpa entered the room; Jeffie's little face lit up when he saw his Grandpa! He immediately reached out his little arms in supplication and said" Out Pa Pa out" What is a Grandpa to do? How can someone resist that? So Grandpa went over to the playpen, he bent over. He reached down to lift his little buddy from captivity and distress... Just then" Law and Order" walked into the room. Momma said" Jeffie, you stay right there! I'm punishing you because you have been naughty! Dad, leave Jeffie alone !" What is a Grandpa to do? Grandpa backs off and is thinking," I can't just pick up a book and read it with Jeffie here. He would think I was uncaring and distant. I can't leave the room because he would feel like I have abandoned him" What is a Grandpa to do? But you know what? Love ...

... does not agree with his beliefs. Being a SAHM is hectic and fraught with surprises. We must seek God first in our day in order to be the best SAHM we can be. His will called us to the task, His strength-if we seek it-can carry us through. About the author: Cheryl is a SAHM to her three year old daughter. She worked as a nursing home administrator for 8 years before her promotion to 'Stay At Home Mommy ' She loves being a homebody, sewing, needle arts, scrap-booking and raising her daughter. Cheryl believes that SAHMs don't get enough support or encouragement in this day of two income families. [by Cheryl Novak, Copyright 2000] Inspirational Messages SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade teacher wrote," Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners. He is a joy to be around ," His second grade teacher wrote," Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle" His third grade teacher wrote," His mother's death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken" Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote," Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class" By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her ...