How do you encourage relationship with your children?

Journaling was particularly useful for several of my children. Especially the ones that were not strong verbal communicators. I gave each of my young ones a blank book so they could write to me and I could write back. The understanding was that spelling and punctuation and grammar did not matter.

“Just write what you want, when you want, and put it next to my bed,” I suggested. “I’ll write back and put the book next to your bed.”

There were periods when we wrote back and forth every day. There were times when the books lay forgotten on nightstands, collecting dust. Then one day, I would find a journal once more on my nightstand and open it to a page where a child had renewed a conversation, poured out their heart on paper in a way they could not do verbally, or had jotted down an observation. There might be a question. A rant. Often there was a quickly penned “I love you Mama.”

Just as often, those journals were a pleasant diversion where we conversed about holiday plans, Christmas lists, whispered hopes, and daring dreams.

Several of my children began journaling with each other. The invitation of a blank book encouraged fresh communication, deepening relationships between siblings.

Excerpted from Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After by PeggySue Wells (Kregel).      http://amzn.to/IUZZlh

 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4)

Each of my children is beautifully unique. Hannah dressed for prom in a lovely up-do, fine make-up, fairy tale gown, and Tony Lama cowboy boots. It is perfectly, distinctly her. Celebrating Mother’s Day, I rejoice that my children love the Lord. I pray they will be fearless in being authentically themselves and live life full blast, full out.

What characteristics, likes and dislikes frame the genuine you?

My book, Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After: Moving from Hopeless to Hopeful for the Newly Divorced Mom is available in paperback and on kindle.

http://amzn.to/IUZZlh

Single moms can be effective parents. Single moms can raise successful children. We can provide nurturing environments for our children to grow into healthy adults, confident that they are loved and full of grand potential. And we can use all the help we can get.

Packed with hope, helps, inspiration, and enCOURAGEment, Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After is written for the 17 million single moms and their 20 million children who make up today’s single-parent households. Get a copy today – one for yourself and one for a friend.

http://amzn.to/IUZZlh

Take Action!
Equality Now has just issued Women’s Action 42.1 calling on the U.S. government to implement a government-wide zero tolerance policy on the demand for commercial sex that fuels sex trafficking. Recent media reports exposed U.S. Secret Service agents, military members, and government employees on official business buying sex in countries, including Colombia and Brazil, which the U.S. government itself has identified as sex trafficking and sex tourism destinations. Such conduct highlights persistent patterns of commercial sexual exploitation and denigration of girls and women by U.S. security and civilian sector employees and contractors.

Take action here:  http://bit.ly/K0jUTE

Read the riveting true story of an upscale Detroit teenage girl caught in human trafficking in the book I wrote with Theresa Flores titled The Slave Across the Street. Order your copy today!        http://amzn.to/KjQfHX

Listening skills involves learning a new definition of LOVER

Listening is an action. It is a gift we give. We feel esteemed and respected when we feel heard. This is the definition of good listening from my wise counselor, Dr. Joe Martin.

L = Listening attentively. The effective listener is fully conscious of the other person who is talking. It is the ability to give full personal attention to the matter at hand.  It involves positive regard for the person who is speaking.  Listening involves focusing on the words (7%), tone of voice (33%) and the body language (60%) of the speaker making certain you really hear what is being said.  This involves paying attention, watching alertly, to be present and ready to assist the other person if needed. Thus in the field of Psychology we often refer to effective listening as attending to the other person. Continue Reading…

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29 

I’ve gained and lost 350 pounds. That’s 50 pounds with each pregnancy; yes more than the recommended amount but I’m an overachiever. This is substantial material for an eager tabloid reporter seeking a weighty story and ample weight-loss tips.

When my son’s battle buddy began hanging out at our home, he asked, “Do you have chocolate every day?” Continue Reading…

Charleston Tea Plantation is the only tea plantation in North America. No kidding.

Situated on a timeless island just outside charming Charleston, the plantation is home to a big green combine adapted to harvest the fresh tea leaves by giving the rows of plants a military buzz cut. While most tea plantations require some 500 workers to pick the desired new leaves by hand, American ingenuity allows this plantation to function with about five workers.

The leaves are grown, harvested, and processed all on site. The Charleston Tea Plantation offers a delightful tour of the southern grounds for visitors as well as samples of their signature tea. Served hot or cold. Sweet or unsweet.

A favorite author is Estee Wells. She has a unique and fresh voice. Catch her short insights monthly in On Course magazine.

http://bit.ly/IXLy0c

There are simple principles for life lived full blast, full out.

1) Trust God

2) Love unconditionally

3) Be generous

4) Practice honesty

5) Look for the best in others

6) Every challenge is an opportunity