Top 3 Pick-me-Ups 1/7/13

Why "pick-me-ups"? As a Mom, I find that I need a word of encouragement, a new way of looking at a problem, or a new idea to try every once in a while. I'm glad to share with you 3 of the websites or blog posts that have helped me in some way---I hope it will be a blessing for you, too! Keep an eye out for these each Monday :-)

1. 5 Reasons to Read Picture Books to Your Kids @ Jump Into a Book
Reminds me of why being read aloud to was magical to me as a kid... I want to pass that on to my own kids!

2. Mommy's Toolbox--Things to Consider When Turning the Corner in Your Homeschooling. @ Large Family Mothering. This sound advice comes from Sherri, a homeschooling mother of 15. This part of her post that helped me today:

"Don't live in the future, but allow His plans to unfold before you. If you submit to His perfect will, live to please Him and teach your children to do the same, you will be amazed at how He will be able to work even the worst of things together for your good." (Romans 8:28)

3. On Self Discipline @ The Power of Moms, Linda Eyre talks about ways we can fit more discipline into our lives and a fun game to teach our children this value. Also, at Living Waters by LeAnn, she posted about 2013 Being a New Year of Hope.

Linda's article, above, and LeAnn's blog post were both helpful for me as it has bolstered my confidence to choose to become more disciplined and to find hope in a new beginning, a new year. The spirit of God helped me understand something about myself, that I was getting lax in my own personal Gospel studies, resulting in me becoming more easily discouraged by circumstances and media and that a personal goal would help with that.

I have decided to join the "one word" movement I have seen in a few places on the Internet this year. I chose preparation as my watch-word. I have been thinking about Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins. The 5 wise virgins were able to attend the wedding feast ("enter into the Lord's rest") because they were prepared.

I decided that I want to feel ready for that day when Christ will come again. I also feel that this would result in a blessing of peace in the meantime for both me and my family. So, I am making a concerted effort to prepare myself spiritually this year. I have made the goal of reading several books about the Gospel and it feels great to stretch my mind and strengthen my heart and spirit! I've already almost finished one. I love starting from a small, meaningful point and then see it spread and flourish into something better than I could have imagined.


Here's to a New Year in 2013 !