Appreciation · Mother's Day · Motherhood

Celebrating Other Moms On Mother’s Day

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Gifts a

Now that we’re into the month of May, we have lots of different kinds of activities on our calendars.  One of those special days is Mother’s Day.  We all naturally think of our own mom and what we can do for her to let her know she’s appreciated and loved, which is wonderful, but I wanted to encourage you to also think of other women you could encourage on this day dedicated to mothers.

Single expectant moms – My small group at church has recently gotten involved with a Continue reading “Celebrating Other Moms On Mother’s Day” →

Foster Granparents · Foster Parenting · Uncategorized

A Foster Grandparent’s Heart Laid Bare

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Jemimah Puddle duck a.jpg

The conversation starts out simply, asking questions that women are prone to ask –

Are your children married?

Yes.

Do you have grandchildren?

Yes! Two grandsons that my daughter and son-in-law are fostering to adopt.

Oh.

The last, “Oh” echos in the room like a shout in a canyon, and is spoken with a disappointed tone, as if to say,

Oh, I’m sorry you don’t have REAL grandchildren.

Continue reading “A Foster Grandparent’s Heart Laid Bare” →

My Kitchen Table – Settings & Sustenance
Dinner · home · Home making · Lightened Up Recipe · Meal planning · refreshment at home · Tablescapes

My Kitchen Table – Settings & Sustenance

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We all have to eat.  But what we fix and how we serve it can make a huge  difference in how much enjoyment we give ourselves and those with whom we share the meal. I can remember growing up that my mom always made the table and the food a special part of each day.  I don’t go overboard on a regular day, but I try to make the food and the table inviting.  Today’s post is just a little glimpse into how I set the table and what meals we’ve been enjoying recently.

Al Fresco Dining – Once the weather turns warm, we eat outside as often as possible!  One morning recently I took breakfast outside to the front porch where the sun was shining and ate sitting in a rocking chair.  That’s even better than Cracker Barrel! Continue reading “My Kitchen Table – Settings & Sustenance” →

accessories · outfits · spring

Accessorize It!

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Got a minute – literally?  Here’s a very short video showing how easy it is to be casual but still look like you’ve put some thought into what you’re wearing.  It’s a point I’ve brought up before – it’s all about adding accessories.  It doesn’t even have to be much.  If you’re wearing a plain tee shirt, adding a necklace that has a bright pop of color can bump up that outfit from just

“Ho-hum”

to

“That looks nice!!”

casual outfit a.jpg

Here are a few more examples with the name of the game being…ACCESSORIZE. 

I’d encourage you to find a few necklaces you love with pops of color.  Just walk into a store with a good variety and whatever you find that you love, buy it!!  You will have lots to wear with it!

Refresh your casual outfits with some fun pieces!

Denise

Uncategorized

The Who, What and When of Encouragement

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Yesterday a friend posted a memory on Facebook that included me.  It was from a couple years ago when I spoke at a ladies’ retreat. I had a band of women from my church who attended with me. They knew I felt inadequate to do this task.  So they sat in the front.  They smiled, nodded and prayed.  They were such a blessing to me all weekend. Some of them wrote me cards.  Some brought me thoughtful gifts, some stopped and prayed with me.  But no matter, each one touched my heart so deeply and encouraged me at a time when I really needed it!

Who – We all need encouragement from time to time.  It could be a difficult trial, a sad situation, a sickness, a loss, an overwhelming family matter or just gloomy weather that puts us each in need of the sunshine that others can bring!  Who have you noticed lately that is going through something difficult?  They could be your target for encouragement.

What – It’s easy to feel at a loss as to what to say or do when we desire to be a blessing to someone in need, but it isn’t necessary to do something huge; it’s often the little things that matter the most!  Think small.  Think practical.

  • Share God’s Word.  Read them Scripture that is encouraging.  This is so profitable!
  • Give a small gift –
    • Candy bar
    • chewing gum
    • bookmark
    • small wooden sign
    • a picture of a memory
    • a CD
    • a $10 gift card for ice cream
    • a small bouquet of flowers
  • Make a phone call or visit
  • Send a snail mail card and note
  • Write a text with a fun emoji
  • Give a loving touch – a hand on the shoulder or arm.
  • Prepare a meal or even part of a meal –
    • Breakfast foods – Yogurt and fruit and muffins, Coffee
    • Fresh fruits
    • Homemade cookies or breads
  • Extend an invitation to come to your home or to go out and do something together

When – Obey as soon as the Lord nudges you.  Don’t make excuses or put it off.  Be prompt in your encouragement.  Tomorrow’s opportunity may never come; do it today.

I’m so thankful for dear friends who saw my need and responded.  It gave me strength to do what God had called me to do, just as Aaron and Hur helped Moses. (Exodus 17:12)

Whose arms do you need to lift up? God will show you what to do.  Then do it right away.