tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24691620327327650532024-03-04T20:57:30.120-08:00Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's GuideEditor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-38124354033439203922016-01-16T17:30:00.000-08:002016-01-16T17:30:05.544-08:00Changes...and Farewell to the "Nebraska Family Times"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear Nebraska Family Times readers, sponsors and
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The last few months have been full of changes for me! In
August I began a full-time nursing job, for Angels Care Home Health company in
Columbus. I love my job! It’s different every single day and has taught me to
be flexible—many days my carefully planned schedule to see my patients changes…by
the time I see my first patient! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over Thanksgiving weekend I moved to the house my
future-husband and I were buying…on December 5<sup>th</sup> we got married and
I became stepmom to Danielle and Ryan and Cassy (Danielle, 27, lives in Omaha…Ryan
is 12 and Cassy is 16 and they live with us full-time)…and on December 7<sup>th</sup>
Sam, Cassy and Ryan moved into our home too! On January 4<sup>th</sup> we
signed a big pile of papers and became homeowners! <o:p></o:p></div>
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During these last few months I’ve sometimes felt overwhelmed
with my new responsibilities as an employee, then wife and stepmom and
homeowner. I’d been considering the option of selling the “Nebraska Family Times”
for several months, and one afternoon I got a strong urge to e-mail Becky
Uehling. Becky had written for the NFT, has a background in journalism and had
expressed an interested over the years in taking over the “Nebraska Family Times”
or becoming a co-owner, and in considering all of my options I decided to see
if she was still interested. She replied almost immediately! I could almost
feel her excitement through the computer—my message had arrived on the very day
that changes in her life made it the perfect time to take over the NFT! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Things have moved very quickly since then, and Becky is now
working on the February issue of the NFT. I’m in the process of getting her all
of the lists I’ve made and kept over the years and sharing all of my hints for
publishing the NFT, and I’ll be answering her questions and helping her in
every way I can, for as long as she would like me to! Becky and I met several
weeks ago and I could immediately sense her passion for publishing a Christian
newspaper that will inspire Nebraska readers! I know she’s going to do a great
job as editor and publisher of the NFT, and she’ll have the time and expertise
to do many things I haven’t had the time to do, in spreading the paper
state-wide. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a bittersweet time for me; I published the NFT for a
little more than 8 years. Doing so was a mission from God and I grew stronger
in my faith through doing it, as well as meeting and working with many
wonderful people! I’m so thankful for everyone who has been a part of the paper.
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In the past year I’ve been amazed many times at how, with
God’s hand, things have come together for us—from Sam and I meeting again and
building our relationship, to my getting my new job, to us getting approved for
a home loan and putting together a wedding in barely a month and the perfect
timing in my decision to sell the paper and Becky being ready to take over. <br />
<br />And we were reminded of His amazing timing once again this week, when Sam and I
unexpectedly became foster parents to three siblings age 8, 10, and 12, whose
parents cannot care for them at this time. I’m so thankful that the NFT will
continue…and we can concentrate on our new mission, our growing family! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I pray that the NFT will continue to grow and be a blessing
to readers! Please welcome Becky as the new Editor and Publisher, and THANK YOU
all for being a part of the NFT. God’s blessings to you all! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-40532721230455281152015-06-27T11:32:00.002-07:002015-06-27T11:32:40.915-07:00"Raising Godly Girls" book review <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>A great resource for moms of girls of any age!</i></span></span></h3>
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<i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so happy to announced the release of "Raising Godly Girls" by my good friend Deb Burma! </span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">If God has blessed you with the gift of a daughter (or daughters), He has entrusted you with both a huge task and a sometimes overwhelming privilege. In <i>Raising Godly Girls, </i>author Deb Burma comprehensively covers the wide range of issues related to faith and related to “the world”, that raising a daughter involves. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Raising Godly Girls</i> stands out among parenting books as a resource that moms can begin using at any time--when their girls are toddlers or almost all grown up--and refer back to again and again. As well as encouraging readers to incorporate faith into every aspect of the lives of their “princesses of the King” <i>Raising Godly Girls</i> directly addresses tricky, sensitive and uncomfortable topics that girls of all ages face today, including the pressure to dress and act sexually, body image and developing good character. <i>Raising Godly Girls </i>also recognizes the vital need for girls to have faith and the Lord infused in every aspect of their lives, through prayer, Bible study, devotions, and worship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">While Deb offers a wide variety of “real life” suggestions for facing the “real world” problems of today (she realizes that each family is unique), she always guides us back to the best parenting book—the Bible. Through specific verses and narratives from Scripture, Deb shows us what the Lord desires of us as examples for our girls (and everyone around us) and how He desires them to act—“in the world but not of the world”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">For example, Deb shares how devotion time in their own home changed throughout the years as the kids (one princess, Courtney, who was integral in the development of this book, and two princes, her brothers) grew and schedules became busier. Deb also encourages moms who are new Christians, or perhaps have recently renewed their commitment to their faith, that it’s not “too late” to incorporate faith in their kids’ lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Raising Godly Girls</i> is written in Deb Burma’s unique conversational style, filled with personal stories and anecdotes, and packed with scripture and encouragement on every page. She shares scenarios that all readers can relate to— like the hectic shopping trip with energetic toddlers after which she forgot to drive through the pick-up lane to pick up her groceries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">After presenting an issue specific to raising our girls, every chapter wraps up with three sections that show readers how apply the information in that chapter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Word of Grace</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> reassures us that our mistakes and sins, and the sins of our daughters—of long ago or of that very day--are forgiven through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Show and Tell</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> provides leads us to look inside ourselves to evaluate our own actions and motivations and gives concrete examples, from Deb and her daughter, Courtney, on whose experiences growing up Deb drew from extensively, for moms to show and tell her daughter the truths of that chapter. </span></span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>To read more by Deb Burma, and to see where she will be speaking, go to her website <a href="http://www.debburma.blogspot.com/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fragrant Offerings</a>. To order "Raising Godly Girls" go to www.cph.org. </i></span></span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-49210078773725793762015-04-23T13:48:00.000-07:002015-04-23T13:50:10.626-07:00A to Z Blogging Challenge...it's Throwback Thursday and "T is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">T is for…Temptation</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">By Shelly Burke, Editor, <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a></span></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">(This post was first posted two years ago, on April 23, 2013. I hope it is a blessing to you today as well!)</i></b></div>
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<i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">(The posts for the A to Z Blogging Challenge will focus on teaching kids lessons from selected Bible verses. Adapt your teaching to the age of the kids you’re talking with.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><span style="color: #002060;">No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. </span></i><span style="color: #002060;">1 Corinthians 10:13<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><span style="color: #002060;">Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you man not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.” </span></i><span style="color: #002060;">Matthew 26:41<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Ask your children what they’re tempted by and ask them if they think Jesus was tempted by the same things. Remind them that He was made man when He was born here on earth, and was tempted as we are. Of course He didn’t have computers or TV to tempt him, but what are those temptations, really? The temptation to watch too much TV can be a temptation to disobey parents or not put God first. The temptation to cheat is also disobeying. The temptation to have sex with a boy- or girlfriend is disobeying the commands against sexual immorality and adultery. Discuss more temptations and how those temptations are “common to man” and have been for many years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">God is with us <i>at all times; </i>He knows when we’re faced with temptations. It is not a sin to be tempted; even Jesus was tempted. Temptations occur throughout our lives, every day, every hour. That is part of sin being a part of our world. Our spirit—our conscience—is willing to follow all of God’s commands because we want to please Him and our parents too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">But our flesh—the part of ourselves that says, <i>“I want to {whatever it is we are tempted by} and I want to do it now!”</i>--is weak. It is difficult to say “no” when a bunch of friends are bullying another child, or want you to join them in drinking alcohol or cheating on a test or skipping school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Read the account of Jesus’ temptation by the devil, in Matthew 4 or Luke 4. What did Jesus use when the devil tempted Him? He used the Word of God—the Bible—when He said <i>“It is written.” </i>You can use God’s Word, too, when you are tempted, to answer friends who tempt you and so you know what you should do in those situations (another reason it’s important to know what the Bible says).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">God knows we will be tempted, but Paul (who wrote Corinthians) also gives a promise: <b><i><span style="color: #002060;">“…with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” </span></i></b>What is a way of escape? How can you avoid giving in to temptation? Here are several suggestions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"><span style="color: orange; font-weight: bold;"> </span> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray with your kids, and for them, that they will avoid temptation and if caught up in a situation, make good choices and get out of the situation.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">Simply leave the location where the temptation is taking place. It might not be easy (because of what friends could say) but it removes you from the temptation.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">Arrange a signal with parents; if you text them they’ll call and “demand” you come home immediately—or pick you up from the location.</span></li>
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</span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5;"><b>Role play with your kids, playing the part of other kids tempting them. Help them to come up with responses like the following.</b></span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: #333333;"><i><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Jesus was kind to everyone and He wants us to be, too.”</i></li>
<li style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 21.7350006103516px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“It’s not nice to make fun of anyone.”</i></li>
<li style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Cheating is dishonest and I’m not going to risk getting caught and flunking the class.</i></li>
<li style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“The risks of premarital sex are too great and God says we are not to do it so I’m not having sex until I get married.”</i></li>
<li style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“We are not old enough to drink alcohol. I’m not going to break the law. If we’re caught we’ll get kicked off the team.”</i></li>
<li style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“I respect my parent’s rules and I’m not going to sneak out.”</i></li>
<li><i style="line-height: 14px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">“If my parents find out they’ll ground me for a year!” </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5; text-indent: -0.25in;">(We assured our kids that if they misbehaved this would certainly be their consequence!)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5;">Give your kids the reassurance that they</span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5;"> </span><i style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5;">have </i><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.5;">the tools they need to resist temptation; God provides a way of escape. Encourage them to practice so they’ll be ready when faced with temptation.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #002060;">Lord, when I am tempted, please show me the way out, and give me the courage to take it. Amen. </span></i></b></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-67478113708438802102015-04-22T16:24:00.001-07:002015-04-22T16:25:20.506-07:00A to Z Blogging..."P is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"...Prepare for Sick Days"</b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>From "Lifehacks for Christain Moms"</b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Editor, <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhyphenhyphenVbeg4WKPaOI2Fy2vD737goNNIFWHT74p2lI1hTgtur4uJ0Qbvk-l108g3xz54cN2CjzrlANpomz3UABqNSOVjx_i6h7558QHiBfdDMX7ISP4MhKa3sjKghfEPOIjXeDb9QIeAqzdC7/s1600/P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhyphenhyphenVbeg4WKPaOI2Fy2vD737goNNIFWHT74p2lI1hTgtur4uJ0Qbvk-l108g3xz54cN2CjzrlANpomz3UABqNSOVjx_i6h7558QHiBfdDMX7ISP4MhKa3sjKghfEPOIjXeDb9QIeAqzdC7/s1600/P.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s inevitable—someone in your home will become sick, probably at a most inopportune time. Being prepared for sick days—whether the sick person is a child, your spouse, or yourself—will make enduring them much easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a list of “sick day supplies” to always have on hand:</b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Medications, in age-appropriate form, to treat:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fever</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pain</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Nausea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jhH-UGk125KZ2jsTcXGQa27K5jzmic_QHjlPL91HR7Z-8oJ152ddsV090G-wpqZB7dXzEJoDMysqGEbjmgCxX5wMyL62lyaAVcNgGxLMXb80P0JQ0sK8v5OxXucBcs8nqx38Kv3cLn9C/s1600/prep+for+sick+days+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jhH-UGk125KZ2jsTcXGQa27K5jzmic_QHjlPL91HR7Z-8oJ152ddsV090G-wpqZB7dXzEJoDMysqGEbjmgCxX5wMyL62lyaAVcNgGxLMXb80P0JQ0sK8v5OxXucBcs8nqx38Kv3cLn9C/s1600/prep+for+sick+days+3.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Diarrhea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Congestion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cough</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be sure to have an appropriate measuring device on hand</b>; a teaspoon or tablespoon from the silverware drawer is not accurate! Use the dropper or cup that came with the medication, or ask your pharmacy for an accurate measuring spoon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Be aware</span></b> <b>that some medications are combination medications</b>—they contain more than one medication. Read the label carefully to avoid giving too much of any medication. For example, many cold medications also contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you give the cold medicine and acetaminophen, you might be giving too much acetaminophen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make it a habit to check the expiration date of your medications several times a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>More Hints for Preparing for Sick Days</b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Additional items to have on hand:</span></i></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Electrolyte replacement fluid for infants (check with your doctor as to when you should use this)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Juice/soda to sooth upset tummies and replace fluids lost through vomiting/diarrhea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Thermometer and probe covers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Humidifier and distilled water</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnnn8vi4dCytTHuQu0YoXr4WKAZJdMw0-MKelDG2HwYjGEr3yFNx6hIOCIjdAToU8_FObFiobL4QGdfxL2eL26zOyRePIJ-eym9_okLXDeDXLO77hsGdgk7OkpFMbaqrO_rSXyF3rdJ8C/s1600/prep+for+sick+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnnn8vi4dCytTHuQu0YoXr4WKAZJdMw0-MKelDG2HwYjGEr3yFNx6hIOCIjdAToU8_FObFiobL4QGdfxL2eL26zOyRePIJ-eym9_okLXDeDXLO77hsGdgk7OkpFMbaqrO_rSXyF3rdJ8C/s1600/prep+for+sick+days.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tissues and toilet paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Petroleum jelly to soothe sore noses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Diaper creme to soothe baby bottoms made sore from diarrhea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Your family’s preferred comfort foods; soup, crackers, popsicles, jello, applesauce, pudding, juice, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Activities to keep the kids occupied when they’re on the road to health but bored, or when you are sick and need to keep them occupied. When they’re on sale, purchase (and hide!) a supply of coloring books and new colors or markers, DVDs, simple craft projects, card games, art supplies, etc. Keep hidden until needed!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Other ways to be prepared:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ask your doctor or nurse for guidelines as to when certain medications should be given; for example, how high should your child’s fever be before you give medication? When should you call the doctor about a fever/vomiting/diarrhea, etc?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If anyone in your family has a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes, his or her medication needs may change with illness. Talk with your doctor about this before illness strikes, and call while the person is sick if you have any questions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Never let your supply of diapers, wipes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc. run critically low; you don’t want to have to shop for these items with a sick child or when you yourself are sick!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Keep several heat-and-eat meals in the freezer, and one-step preparation meals in the cupboard at all times. These will come in handy when you're too sick or too tired from taking care of other sick ones, to cook.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>When the Sick Days Are Over...</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Disinfect all surfaces with wipes or Lysol spray. Follow the directions on the container. Remember phones (cell phones and the handset of land lines), remotes, doorknobs, the refrigerator and freezer handle, even steering wheel and door handles in vehicles. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bring out new toothbrushes for anyone who was sick (if the sick one(s) required antibiotics, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVbcvnBRVTKD7PeWIP22NUhnps5zeFitm957Mf5-ajd3s3FlRQ18E-rGJT5UjM-2VMrtFn9fww3TUpXZFx3UOF5NNZvL7qgIG7M-o9KW5-O_UV8jAnKPLqoMYylaQjxynQxvLqCIPA_l/s1600/prep+for+sick+days+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVbcvnBRVTKD7PeWIP22NUhnps5zeFitm957Mf5-ajd3s3FlRQ18E-rGJT5UjM-2VMrtFn9fww3TUpXZFx3UOF5NNZvL7qgIG7M-o9KW5-O_UV8jAnKPLqoMYylaQjxynQxvLqCIPA_l/s1600/prep+for+sick+days+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I have NEVER been this happy when cleaning...<br />
maybe she's just relieved that everyone<br />
feels better!)</td></tr>
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consider throwing away the old toothbrush after 24-48 hours on antibiotics and another new one when the antibiotics are completed). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wash all the bedding of the family members who have been sick. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Throw out any unused antibiotics. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Consider recording the illness and medications used, especially if a doctor visit was required, in a baby book or other health record. </span></li>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What sick day supplies do you have on hand at all times?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #002060; font-size: large;">“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: large;">(She is prepared for the future.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #002060; font-size: large;">Proverbs 31:25</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, coming soon! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">Nebraska Family Times</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">, </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">with the theme, “Words Matter.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-65562251853209423472015-04-20T18:01:00.000-07:002015-04-20T18:03:37.590-07:00A to Z Blogging "O is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"...Organizing Your Days"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Having a plan for your days can seem...well, boring. But it can also bring a sense of calmness to your life, knowing when you will do laundry, plan meals, shop, cook and even take some time to relax. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some moms, purposely or as a result of a lack of planning, don't even attempt to establish a daily routine. But without some sort of routine, or at least a general plan for the day or week, life can be chaos--constantly scrambling to find clean underwear, last minute trips to the store or resorting to fast food for supper, or just getting out the door in the morning. An unexpected event--a visitor or illness or last-minute event--can throw the day or week into even more chaos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no one "right" way to organize your days. Collect ideas from books, magazines, friends, and tweak them to make them </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">work for you and your family. The important part is to establish some sort of plan for "normal" days or weeks, as well as a contingency plan for those days that are filled with the unexpected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Following are some of my favorite tips. I've gathered them throughout years and from various sources. Use them, tweak them to make them your own, or ignore them all and make your own! There are no "rules" to organize your days; figure out what works for you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Benefits to Planning Your Day</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You'll feel more in control of your life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You'll accomplish your priorities--"home" priorities as well as "fun", "kid," and "just for mom" priorities.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You'll feel a sense of accomplishment at completing the important things.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You'll get more done when you know the basic things you'll be doing every day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You'll be better able to cope with an unexpected event or crisis. </span></li>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Hints as You Organize Your Days</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It might take several months to come up with a schedule that is ideal for your family, and the schedule will continue to evolve and change over time as the activities of your family change. DO NOT GIVE UP! The benefits of having organized days far outweigh the effort it takes to do that organization.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Try different calendars and techniques. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Gather hints from a variety of sources--Pinterest, magazines, books, friends, etc. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You do not have to use every single method in a book, article, or website. It's ok to use hints from a variety of sources. </span></li>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Steps to Making a Daily Schedule </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Begin with a calendar--wall, desk, paper, electronic--find something that works for YOU. (I have three calendars; a wall calendar, one with a monthly calendar and checklists for every <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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day--{it's my very favorite calendar and I got it from <a href="http://www.plannerpads.com/" target="_blank">Planner Pads</a>}, and a calendar with large squares and just the months in it {on this calendar I record things like days I walk, my weight, etc.} Admittedly, I'm a little compulsive about my calendars, but they keep me on track! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Start by filling in the things that have to be done on a certain day and time--appointments, Bible Study, classes, work schedule. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Depending on their age, add kid's and your husband's commitments (I used to color code everyone's activities and use a different color for family activities) like practices, pre-school, etc. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Next, list the routine activities for the week--laundry, cooking, paperwork and bills, cleaning. Remember to include time for devotions, working out, hobbies, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Analyze your personal energy cycle and preferences; do you prefer to get up early or stay up late to complete tasks? How much "mommy quiet time" do you need every day? Do you prefer to work for a larger block of time or take frequent breaks? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now schedule the tasks according to what you've just outlined. Some people schedule hour by hour; others list "morning" and "afternoon" tasks, others make a list of things to do during the day and do them as the mood hits. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Try the schedule for a week or two and then revise it as necessary. You'll continue to revise it as you find new ways to do things, as tasks change and as your kids grow. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don't plan too much for one day. One or two major tasks, like <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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laundry or cooking, are enough. You will become discouraged if you plan too much and aren't able to accomplish and there will inevitably be something that takes longer than it should, or an added "must do" to the day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Plan both "quick and easy" and more time and energy consuming tasks for the day. It's easy to fit small tasks like "schedule dentist appointment" or "write thank-you card" between larger tasks and even if your day is filled with interruptions you'll have the satisfaction of getting a few things done.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Plan down time. Take a break or two during the day and, if you find yourself working well past bedtime every night, or miss out on time with your kids, plan a time to be done with "home management" at a certain time, even if not everything is crossed off of your list. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you make monthly goals (for exercise, Bible reading, etc.,) consider listing them on your calendar so you are reminded of them frequently.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">List reminders on your calendar. My sister's birthday is May 1st, and she lives in Canada, so I have a reminder to send her card tomorrow. I've also made a list of graduations I'm invited to; I will shop for all of the cards and gifts at one time. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations! Just by reading this post you're on your way to more organized days. Commit to making a schedule and following it for at least a month, then tweak as necessary; for example, you might decide to try grocery shopping every two weeks instead of every week. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">Nebraska Family Times</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-46312268899967125502015-04-18T18:00:00.003-07:002015-04-18T18:00:59.747-07:00A to Z Blogging "N is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">...Never Run Out!"</b></span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">From <i>"Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</i></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">(Catching up...so reposting this from a couple of years ago.)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><i style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"> </i><span style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">It happened again as I was preparing homemade pizza for Saturday supper. I was out of tomato sauce. As I searched the grocery story for that crucial ingredient my cart magically filled…and 45 minutes and $45 later I was back home wondering how “just one thing” had taken so long and cost so much.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">As well as being inconvenient (my sister had to go to three all-night gas stations when she ran out of children’s cold medicine in the middle of the night) and expensive (the medicine she found was VERY overpriced) running out of anything can be very frustrating.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Through trial and error I found a way to “never run out” again. I hope the tips will help you too.</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;">Make a meal list.</span></b> List about 20 meals that you like to cook and your family likes to eat. List all of the ingredients needed to prepare each meal. </span></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: navy; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Make Master Shopping Lists</span></b> </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b>Master Grocery List</b>. Include all of the items for your favorite meals, plus staples like margarine, canned </span><br />
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products, and other things your family uses on a regular basis. List everything you use on a regular basis as well as what you use occasionally. Print out several copies of the list and post it on your refrigerator. Ask your family to circle an item if they use the last one (I circle peanut butter, vegetable oil, etc. when I open the last container in the cupboard).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b>Discount Store List</b>. List pet food, paper items like paper towels, toilet paper and tissues, cleaning items (including dish and laundry soap), over-the-counter medications your family uses regularly, office supplies, and so on. Again, print out a list and post it in a central area.</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;">Prepare for shopping trips.</span></b> Before you shop, check the lists for items you’re low on. Also check your pantry, laundry room, etc. for items you’ll run out of before your next shopping trip. By shopping for items proactively, before you’re all the way out, you won’t have to buy items when you’re completely out, in a panic, and will pay way more than necessary. </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b>Before you grocery shop</b>, plan meals for the next week or so and check to make sure you have all of the ingredients on hand. (I didn’t realize how quick and easy it is to plan meals ahead…and it makes the days and weeks run so much easier!) On your master list, circle the items you’re out of.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b>When you have just two or three</b> containers of frequently used items left (in our house that includes catsup and BBQ sauce) or open the last of a less-frequently used item (like lemon juice), circle it on your list and mark it with an “*”. That means you don’t need it immediately but will soon; but several if the item happens to be on sale. If you have a coupon for a circled item, put a “C” by it so you don’t forget to use the coupon.</span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial;">The shopping trip.</span></b> Your goal is to gradually build up a stock supply of items your family frequently uses—<i>when they are on sale</i>. For example, when BBQ sauce is on sale I buy 10-12 bottles—enough to last until the next time it’s on sale. Even if your budget only allows you to purchase 1-2 extras, do so! You’ll gradually build up your supply and eventually only have to buy those things when they’re on sale. And if you’re just starting to buy ahead, consider buying two of everything, even if it’s not on sale. An extra jar of mayonnaise or can of soup in your cupboard can still save you a last-minute trip to the store. </span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be discerning</b></span>; don’t buy a dozen bottles of a new brand of taco sauce; what if your family doesn’t like it? It’s also not saving money or making good use of your finances if you buy a large amount of perishable items and end up throwing them out because they’re spoiled.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What about things that</b></span> usually don’t go on sale, like over-the-counter medications and soap? You’ll still save money by buying several of these things as your budget allows, because you won’t have to make a trip to the store for “just one thing.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: navy;">“In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”</span></i></b><i> </i>Proverbs 13:23</span><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">What tips do you use so you <i>never run out? </i>Share them in the comments.</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">with the theme, “Words Matter.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-69451469988474003292015-04-18T17:41:00.001-07:002015-04-18T17:47:24.866-07:00A to Z Blogging "M is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Morning Blues—and how to Beat Them!</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From <i>Lifehacks for Christian Moms</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Mornings can be hectic—whether you have kids at home or are just getting yourself ready for the day. Here are some tips to take the “blues” out of the morning.</span></div>
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<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><o:p style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;"> </o:p><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="color: blue;">Start the morning on a positive note with the Lord’s words</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;">: </span></span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;">“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His </span><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 22.5399990081787px;">compassion</span><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;"> never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” </span></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;">(Lamentations 3:22-23) and </span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;">“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!” </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4;"> Psalm 118:24).</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>It’s hard to start the morning</b></span> facing a sink full of dirty dishes or overflowing garbage can. Every evening take a few minutes (it takes less time than you think!) to clear off the counter and start the dishwasher and take out the trash if needed. Pick up dirty towels in the bathroom and toys and shoes and books scattered around the house. This is not deep cleaning but a quick pick-up so you don’t have to face chaos and clutter in the morning.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Plan breakfast the night before</span></b> and have a back-up in mind in case the bread is green or last bit of milk is spilled in the morning. It’s OK to eat supper for breakfast, too! Cody’s favorite supper/breakfast was meatballs and </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXeYh_t-US5ON3hRbRRCqxJ-fRKlIVt64AVFR2yYtzPeSBGBqzX-vY_CrTzqpJ6Q-DWJ1mYom68ferej-RlL_uXOpCUwdLATdTc5ajKgM5s1X-0so03EnvEgKTUXVyBZSN8Q_UQjXy2Yh/s1600/morning+blues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXeYh_t-US5ON3hRbRRCqxJ-fRKlIVt64AVFR2yYtzPeSBGBqzX-vY_CrTzqpJ6Q-DWJ1mYom68ferej-RlL_uXOpCUwdLATdTc5ajKgM5s1X-0so03EnvEgKTUXVyBZSN8Q_UQjXy2Yh/s1600/morning+blues.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">mashed potatoes. String cheese and baby carrots are another alternative. Have breakfast bars on hand in case breakfast has to be eaten on the way to work or school.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Before bed, choose clothes </b></span>for the morning; lay them all out, including underwear and shoes. If it’s the first cold spell of the fall also hunt down gloves and hats.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Gather </span></b>your purse, library books, backpacks, and everything else that needs to leave the house with you. If something needs to stay refrigerated until the last minute, put a sticky-not reminder on the door or your purse.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Make a checklist</span></b> for your kids (and maybe yourself) of morning “to-do’s”. This will also teach your kids accountability and time management.</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4899997711182px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Make it a priority to start the day on a positive note. </b></span>Grit your teeth through spilled milk or lost library books. Send your family off with a smile; the time to discuss changes in the morning routine is not when you’re in a hurry, but when you have time to discuss it calmly.</span></li>
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<i>This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download <span style="font-size: 13.3333330154419px;">soon</span>. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">Nebraska Family Times</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-50164699835714754362015-04-13T18:21:00.001-07:002015-04-13T18:22:02.347-07:00A to Z Blogging "K is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Keeping It Honest (and Trying to Keep My Eyes Open)!" and "Kids...Bringing God into their Lives"</span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">From the series "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, keeping it honest (and trying to keep my eyes open)...I am TIRED! On Monday and Wednesday every week I get up about 4:15 AM to get to my job at an outpatient surgery center (we do mostly cataract surgeries). I LOVE my job, the people I work with, and our patients! On Mondays I take people to and from the Operating Room and am part of the team caring for them in the OR. On Wednesdays I work in Pre-Op, getting people ready for surgery. Our center is very fast-paced--the days just fly by! And I learn something new every single day. Today was no exception! It was a good day. But it was also a long day, and an early day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After work I came home and blogged on my other blog (<a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a>), visited a friend, and </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">walked with a friend. I made an unplanned trip to the grocery store when I realized that if I was to continue in my good habit of eating a salad every day, I needed more salad stuff. And now I'm home...and tired. (And a little embarrassed...I didn't realize how smushed down and at the same time sticking up in fully places my hair was, after being under a surgery cap for 10 1/2 hours...and I was seen by a LOT of people in public!) And I still get to do the most important thing of the day, spending some time in Bible study and prayer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today, I'm going to re-post a post from last year's challenge (with a slightly different title). I hope you will enjoy it if you missed it last year, and if you saw it last year I hope it will give you some new ideas...or at least that you'll have enjoyed reading a little about my day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God's blessings to all of my readers! </span><br />
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Kids--Bringing God into Their Lives</h3>
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(Also in the A to Z Challenge, <a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-to-z-blogging-challenge-c-is-for_3.html" target="_blank">hints for taking your children to church</a> and <a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-to-z-blogging-e-is-for.html" target="_blank">making God part of your life every day</a>. </div>
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To instill a love of God in your child, God must be a part of your life every day—at home, at school, wherever you go and whatever you’re doing. Here are a few tips to make God an integral part of your life every day.</div>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">When you read to your child,</span></b> include Bible narratives. When your child is old enough to read, provide Bible stories; give tweens and teens Christian fiction to read.<i>(Caution: read the books first, to be sure they are really “Christian” books.)</i> Consider subscribing to faith-based magazines; again, preview them first to be sure they give the message you want your kids to read.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Give each child a Bible of their own;</span></b> consider a study Bible so they can learn even more from the study notes. Give them highlighters so they can mark in their Bibles too, and encourage them to write down what they’ve learned and questions that come up as they read.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Have Bible-study/devotion time as a family.</b></span> Teach what you learned in Bible study, or read and discuss passages from the Bible. Many Bible study and devotion books are also available.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Write Bible verses </span></b>on note cards and post them around the house. Encourage your kids to do the same so they memorize verses or are reminded of God during a tough time.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Pray for your kids…</span></b>and with your kids. Ask them what they would like you to pray for, for them. Pray that they will desire to have God in their lives and follow Him. Encourage them to start a prayer journal, recording their requests and God’s answers.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Set a good example</span></b> of showing Christ’s love wherever you go. Be polite even if the checker is rude. Return change when too much is given. Give to charity as you feel led. If you lose your temper with another driver, apologize, explain why what you did was wrong, and ask God’s forgiveness out loud.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Bring God into situations in your child’s life.</span></b> When she talks about a new child at school, encourage her to talk to him and explain how Jesus was kind to everyone. If a teen at her high school gets pregnant, talk about the consequences of not obeying God’s laws and the impact on the rest of that teen’s life. You can also use this as an opportunity to talk about choosing life, and God’s forgiveness. </li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>It’s normal for teens to ask questions </b></span>about faith and your religious denomination. Allow them to ask these questions (I think God is glad when we think about Him and His Word and ask questions!). Discuss them as a family; find the answers if you can, or ask your pastor or priest. Even if kids are questioning their faith, make attending church a rule.</li>
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<b>How do you make God a part of your kids’ everyday lives? Please leave your comment below! </b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #002060;">“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #002060;">Proverbs 22:6</span></b></div>
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<i>This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">Nebraska Family Times</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” Today's post: "K is for...Kids Behaving Badly".<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-2686476428733365712015-04-11T10:49:00.002-07:002015-04-11T10:51:14.845-07:00A to Z Blogging "J is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"...Just Say "NO"!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmq-ofjNNsKygSpfRT2Dpey00b4phhXxi2Y30MSIf9yXhh7f40NrBhOMD6SQviX8b4uP23L48uCtZnKYgW9jHyAxiKYKpJZTpW-pDccBRLc-y1WzovRtc9yuBJWXHarg2MvKJLqMSmk1P/s1600/J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmq-ofjNNsKygSpfRT2Dpey00b4phhXxi2Y30MSIf9yXhh7f40NrBhOMD6SQviX8b4uP23L48uCtZnKYgW9jHyAxiKYKpJZTpW-pDccBRLc-y1WzovRtc9yuBJWXHarg2MvKJLqMSmk1P/s1600/J.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">From <i>"Mommy, can I have juice?" </i>to <i>"Where are my socks?" "Do you have just a moment to hear about our amazing new product?" "Can you teach Sunday School tomorrow?" "Will you take Dad to the doctor?" "Please bring my lunch to school--I forgot it!" "Will you be a sponsor on the field trip?" "Can you donate to our worthy cause?" "We're looking for donations for our fundraiser" "I'd love for you to join our group!" </i>and ending your day with, <i>"One more drink of water mommy?" </i>and, <i>"Honey, will you rub my back?" </i>you probably receive dozens, if not close to a hundred, requests every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It may be tempting to say "YES" to every request, but you'll quickly realize that doing so may lead to feelings of dread, being overwhelmed, and exhaustion. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What should you consider in deciding whether to say "no"? </span></b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">All of the details--how much time is involved, if it will cost money (and if so, how much) how many meetings or get-togethers are required, exactly what your job involves, etc. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How would this commitment fit in with your other commitments? If it is something that has many benefits, you might decide to fit it in. If not, you might choose to spend your time on other things.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Would saying "YES" to the request get you any closer to your <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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other goals, or take away time you could spend pursuing your other goals? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If it's a personal favor (like giving a loan, washing a teenager's clothes, doing an errand, trading hours with someone who forgot about another commitment), will saying "yes" truly help the person asking, or allow them to avoid responsibility and/or consequences?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Have you enjoyed doing this sort of thing in the past?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Would you learn a new skill, or use a skill that you have and enjoy using?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Prayerfully consider the request, and open your heart to God's direction. He might urge you in a direction that you'd rather not go, but listen to Him anyway.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Don't automatically say "NO", even if the request is outside of your comfort range. As Christians we are to be open to helping others, especially those who don't have anyone else to help. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How will you say if you say "yes"? Relieved? Excited? Full of dread? Overwhelmed?</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What to say when you need time to think about the request:</span></b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">"I need to check my calendar before I make a commitment."</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">"My husband and I have an agreement that we will not commit to anything before talking with each other."</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">"I'll have to see if I can find a babysitter for that night." </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">"That is a big commitment and I need to pray and think about it before I make a decision. I will let you know next Tuesday." </span></i></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Principles of saying "NO":</span></b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">It's ok to say no for any reason...or for no reason. God says "NO" to many of our requests when He knows they are not right for us. If you are confident in your reasons to turn down a request, you have no reason to feel guilty about it. Although you might give a reason to close friends or family members, you don't "owe" anyone an explanation. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">No one can "make" you feel guilty about saying "NO". If you <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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are confident in your reasoning, you have no reason to feel guilty; it is <i>your choice</i> to feel guilty. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The person asking might wait silently after you've said no, hoping that you'll give an explanation or change your mind and say "YES." Or she might be bold enough to challenge your answer and demand to know why you said "NO." Don't be intimidated or bullied. Calmly repeat your answer as needed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Don't cave into the pressure of giving an answer immediately. If someone continues to pressure you, simply say, <i>"If I have to make a decision right now, my answer has to be "NO"."</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to say "NO":</span></b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Thank you for thinking of me, but I just cannot take on that responsibility right now." </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-size: large;">"That just won't fit in with my schedule right now; we are making family activities a priority this year." </span></i></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I'm sorry, I already have plans." </i>(Even if they are plans for a quiet day at home.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I know I helped last year, but I just can't this year."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I can't help with the fundraiser this year, but put me down for next year"! </i>(Only say this if you mean it; you will get called next year!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"That is not one of my skills or interests, but I could help by..."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Honey, you need to learn to do your own laundry. I will show you how!"</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Have you ever regretted not saying "NO"? How do you turn down requests?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i><b>Watch for "Y is for...When to Say "YES"!" on the second to last day of the A to Z Blogging Challenge!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>--------------------------------------------------</b></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-63994966960799509392015-04-11T09:26:00.005-07:002015-04-11T09:44:30.966-07:00A to Z Blogging "I is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"...In-Laws and Extended Family Members...Setting Boundaries"</b></span><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the <i>Nebraska Family Times </i>newspaper</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMYk3hSrCVR4jfPSkEzQU8BxcC0OZK5nIDi9wshCmIic8rlW-lkKrxDB8l4PQY1nLewIzQ6edCZX2DBVZLoWg5j9Y5l06iTbIwtvGucDA0tlI_UTpcTZ6JDwortAWY2RlDZdI0vjF6nli/s1600/I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMYk3hSrCVR4jfPSkEzQU8BxcC0OZK5nIDi9wshCmIic8rlW-lkKrxDB8l4PQY1nLewIzQ6edCZX2DBVZLoWg5j9Y5l06iTbIwtvGucDA0tlI_UTpcTZ6JDwortAWY2RlDZdI0vjF6nli/s1600/I.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In-law issues have been a part of life almost since God created humans--and they sinned. In Genesis 29, Jacob's prospective father-in-law made him work for seven years to earn his daughter for a bride--and then tricked him into marrying the wrong daughter! Jacob, however, loved Rachel so much that he worked for another seven years to earn her. In Genesis 25, Rebekah helped her favorite twin son, Jacob, trick his father out of his brother Esau's birthright. The Old Testament is full of examples of lies, manipulation and deceit among family members. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Extended family members can be a blessing or...not a blessing! On the good side, you have a history of shared joyful and sad events, you share the burdens of "dirty little secrets" and help each other through hard times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, extended family members can have a significant negative effect on your family. Some do not respect limits or seem to enjoy embarrassing others, or manipulating or expecting you to conform to their idea of what is "right". Some relatives criticize, manipulate and interfere so much that to protect your immediate family, drastic measures are necessary. If you are troubled by family dynamics but aren't sure if or how they're affecting you or your family, speak to your pastor or a Christian counselor. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Setting boundaries is just one way of dealing with difficult family <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEqxQUELQDjgvqbAbNXOmCF9byeZOphV_pk0Lk4hFsQ77mX5LDPkqNt41hu0abnI5ji_6wMac9uOCozOzPszrl3hVagMHWDIE9uTtPk1XPuLC140UK2hwOY-Xh7rMvVDKEKpgX2BT7oMk/s1600/in+law+boundaries+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEqxQUELQDjgvqbAbNXOmCF9byeZOphV_pk0Lk4hFsQ77mX5LDPkqNt41hu0abnI5ji_6wMac9uOCozOzPszrl3hVagMHWDIE9uTtPk1XPuLC140UK2hwOY-Xh7rMvVDKEKpgX2BT7oMk/s1600/in+law+boundaries+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from Google Images)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
members. Setting boundaries means clearly establishing the terms of your relationship and interactions, shows your independence as a family and sets limits on the behaviors that you will and will not tolerate. When you've made your beliefs and expectations clear, no one has any false or unrealistic expectations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boundaries: </b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">will be different for each family. Some parents don't mind if their kids stay up waaaayyyy past their bedtime, and have donuts for breakfast when they're with their favorite aunt; others may not want their kids to adhere to a strict bedtime and have a balanced breakfast. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">may change as circumstances and issues change throughout the years. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">can be easy to set; safety issues, like using a car seat or seatbelt, should be non-negotiable and not open to discussion. Others may be unique to your family. Few boundaries are "right" or "wrong" but if they are "right" for your family, it's ok to insist on them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">should be agreed upon by husband and wife; showing a united front is vital to protecting your family from manipulative or bullying family members.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">will probably elicit protests and arguments from the people for whom you're setting the boundaries. Don't argue or give in; repeat what you've said and stick to your boundaries. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To set boundaries: </span></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Consider how often you see the person (or people) that cause stress. It might not be worth conflict to insist that once-a-year visitors don't bring candy to the kids, while stricter limits might have to be set with someone who is a frequent visitor. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Consider the seriousness of the issue. My son's grandfather talked for weeks about how he was going to give our weeks-old son a taste of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. While I wouldn't have chosen to give him any solid foods when he was that young, I realized that a small bit wasn't going to hurt him. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Consider the person who needs the boundaries. Some people <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmBH3yKt-TZ56jtz1nyCOAvGG2lnUHDOjCbLho0q-ozFBtVPS6BlmyZk6C__BFJF77Ys2rHTuBs8NFapOrQMW07ODhyphenhyphenMJWbS8OKAorXDb6DioLpSbtQZMERhmttznIyqodsDBz3nLdVQ1/s1600/inlaw+boundaries+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmBH3yKt-TZ56jtz1nyCOAvGG2lnUHDOjCbLho0q-ozFBtVPS6BlmyZk6C__BFJF77Ys2rHTuBs8NFapOrQMW07ODhyphenhyphenMJWbS8OKAorXDb6DioLpSbtQZMERhmttznIyqodsDBz3nLdVQ1/s1600/inlaw+boundaries+9.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from Google Images)</td></tr>
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understand exceptions to the rule (like an occasional late night) while other people, given an inch, will take 10,000 miles. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Discuss the boundaries with your spouse and, if age appropriate, your kids. Define the consequences if the relative breaks the boundaries and determine who will talk with the person about the boundaries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some boundaries might be "private"--known only to you and your husband, like an agreement that neither of you will commit to going to a holiday gathering without talking with the other, or that you will pick the kids up at grandpa's house by 4 PM because he routinely gives them a bowl of ice cream at 4:30 and ruins their appetite for supper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Remember that you might have to remind people several times of the new boundaries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Prayerfully ask the Lord to guide your words and your attitude. Remember the wise words of Solomon, <i>"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs anger." </i>(Proverbs 15:1). With difficult family members it's often tempting to speak harshly or critically, which will not get your point across and will probably lead to another argument. Plan your words and speak objectively and firmly and unemotionally. Don't get caught up in an argument; you have the right and responsibility to protect your family physically and emotionally. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If a family relationship is destructive and it seems nothing you try helps, consider talking with your pastor or a Christian counselor, with that person (or people) if they are willing. </span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What to say when setting boundaries:</span></b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The kids are too young to understand the danger of guns. It's not safe for them to be anywhere if the guns are not locked up. We cannot allow the kids to be at your home until the guns are under lock and key."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"We usually don't let the kids eat doughnuts for breakfast but it's ok if they do for a treat, when they stay over at your house. But please also give them a glass of milk or a banana or some yogurt so it's not all sugar!"</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"You're distracted when you drive and you drive too fast. It's not safe to ride with you. You are always welcome to ride with <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Google Images)</td></tr>
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us but we will not be riding with you." </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"No, we don't allow smoking in our home, but you can go out back and smoke." </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Please call before you come and visit to be sure that we don't have other plans", </i>or,<i> "You don't have to call ahead to visit; just please don't come before 9 AM or at nap time, 2-3PM." </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Be kind and considerate when possible; <i>"I would like to host holiday meals at my house from now on; you've done it for many years and deserve a break! Will you continue to bring your famous dinner rolls?" </i>is much more likely to result in change than, <i>"It's always hours later than planned when we eat and it grosses us out when the dog eats from your fork, right at the table."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Taking the Lord's name in vain offends me. Please don't do it anymore! If you continue to, we will ask you to leave." </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"We have all been hurt by the negative and critical remarks you make about our jobs, weight, or the people we've married. We want you to attend family get-togethers, so please, don't be critical at the next reunion. If you are, you won't be invited to them any more." </i></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA1DYZNMQM0aELfTAXpP1lGrSlg_n1-ftC-gPNF1f9XCURi905dgPq0sLY7pDAYyVSLj4sO8QsUBtpl_K3CFjN8pRtsTjqbclb-YkJp7MH1yb0wYecVcZJJWDMcG7WFNNAxt2JW7xnxv3/s1600/in+law+boundaries+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA1DYZNMQM0aELfTAXpP1lGrSlg_n1-ftC-gPNF1f9XCURi905dgPq0sLY7pDAYyVSLj4sO8QsUBtpl_K3CFjN8pRtsTjqbclb-YkJp7MH1yb0wYecVcZJJWDMcG7WFNNAxt2JW7xnxv3/s1600/in+law+boundaries+7.jpg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="160" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Enforcing boundaries can be difficult if you feel intimidated by others, but if you're doing what is best for your family, you're doing the right thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Have you had to set boundaries with extended family members? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>How did you do it? What are your hints for doing so?</i></b></span></div>
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</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” On Tuesday ("L" Day) the post will be "Limiting or Cutting Contact with Family Members". </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-69142241117869232552015-04-09T01:00:00.000-07:002015-04-09T11:11:58.840-07:00A to Z Blogging..."H is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"...Husband Having a Bad Day and how to Support Him" </b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</b></span></i><br />
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the <i>"Nebraska Family Times" </i>newspaper<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You might be able to tell from the moment he walks in the door from his slumped shoulders and subdued <i>"Hello." </i>Or perhaps it will come out later, when you're talking about your day. Or maybe he won't talk about it at all until you specifically ask what's wrong. Eventually, though, through subtle clues or his outright declaration, you'll discover that your husband is having a bad day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How can you help his mood?</b></span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Know your husband</b>. He might prefer to be alone for a little while to decompress from work, or he might want to sit with you quietly. Perhaps he'll want to talk about every detail, or maybe he won't want to talk about it at all. If you're not sure what will help, ask him. <i>"Honey, I can tell you had a bad day. Do you want to tell me about it now or do you want to talk about something else? Would you like a hug or would you rather go out in your workshop for a little while?" </i>Invite him to talk about it later, if he wants to. Respect his way of dealing with a bad day and know it's not personal if he prefers to spend a little time alone, and/or not talk about the problem.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you know he's had a stressful day</b>, consider making his favorite meal or picking up his favorite kind of ice cream during the day. Give him a backrub. Remind him of his accomplishments. Encourage your kids to give him a big hug when he comes home. Offer to pray for him (ask him what he'd like you to pray for specifically) or with him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If he is dealing with long-term stress</b> (due to problems at <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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work, conflicts with extended family members, financial issues, etc.) your support is very important. Work "behind the scenes" to make your home a haven for him. Give him a funny card. Make his favorite meals. Give him a funny card or write him a from-the-heart letter. Leave little notes where he'll find them throughout the day. Assure him of your support and love and commitment. Pray for him and tell him you are doing so. Plan a fun night out ("kidnap" him if necessary). Ask him frequently if he wants to talk about the problem, but don't insist on doing so; he might need a break. This does not mean to cater to your husband to the exclusion of your own needs, but showing him your love and support as his lifetime partner.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Share encouraging Bible verses. </b>Read the verses to him or write them out and leave them where he'll see him. A few suggestions: <i>"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." </i>Joshua 1:9. <i>"Jesus said...'I have said these things to you that you may have peace, In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world." </i>(John 16:33). <i>"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." </i>Philippians 4:7. <i>"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." </i>Isaiah 41:10. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If your husband shows signs of depression</b> (weight loss or gain, a dramatic change in eating or sleeping habits, loss of interest in usual activities, etc., or he says <i>"I feel so depressed/down/sad", </i>suggest he talk with a pastor or counselor. Assure him that it's not a weakness to be depressed or seek help; a few appointments can make a huge difference. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pray for him daily, </b>whether he is having a bad day or difficult time or not. Pray for God to give him wisdom, protect his heart, to guide him to make good decisions, and that he will feel God's leading and presence and peace. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>How do you help your husband through a bad day? If you </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>are a husband, what is the most important thing </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> your wife can do to help you through a bad day?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>---------------------------------------------------</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">This post is an
excerpt from the book </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: blue;">“Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">by Shelly Burke. </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. </span></b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com</span></i></a></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><b>,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” </b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-89873307438149378442015-04-08T01:00:00.000-07:002015-04-08T02:59:52.868-07:00A to Z Blogging..."G" is for...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">...Guilt </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</span></i><br />
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the <i>"Nebraska Family Times" </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mommy guilt. All the moms I know, including myself, have suffered from mommy guilt at one time or another (usually many times...sometimes many times daily). Moms have the ability to conjure up guilt about almost anything--what the kids ate today...and what they didn't eat. What they said, or what they didn't say, and how they said it...or didn't say it. If they hid in the bathroom (or closet) for just a few minutes of "alone time". The books the kids read...or the fact that they only read the cereal box. Did you save every single piece of artwork? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moms of older kids experience guilt too! Did we teach them enough...or did we expect too much? Was every birthday and holiday Pintrest-worthy? Will not enrolling them in Advanced Haiku Writing or Baby Babbling classes hurt their chances of getting into college? Do all of the meals you cook contain at least one serving from each food group, no sugar, no processed foods, and at least one child's favorite food? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The "experts" can be more "expert" at inducing more guilt, not relieving it OR even helping us be better moms. Our kids are supposed to "eat more vegetables" and "watch less TV" (I think the recommendations now are less than 8 seconds of TV a day). We're supposed to "plan stimulating activities" and "teach them to live in the real world...but not too quickly". Are you a "mean mom"? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the least, guilty feelings give us an uncomfortable twinge or the </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">nagging feeling that you "should" be doing more or something else. At their worst, feelings of guilt can cause undue anxiety and even the inability to make a decisions due to fear of making the wrong one. As these guilt-inducers build up you might feel as David did when he wrote, <i>"My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear." </i>(Psalm 38:4)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How can you deal with these usually unproductive feelings of guilt?</span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">First, determine whether you're feeling "good" guilt--the kind that is an appropriate action to something inappropriate you did--maybe blaming a child for something you later find he didn't do. "Good" guilt can motivate you to change your behavior for the better. For example, if you can't remember the last time your kids played outside (putting in a DVD is easier) or you can't remember the last time you actually sat down and talked to your teenager (it's easier not to deal with the moodiness and sullenness), or the last time you went to church was...well, you can't even remember (due to any number of excuses), the guilty feelings are a sign that something in your life should change.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you are feeling guilty for something you were in the wrong for, ask God for forgiveness and remember that when you are truly repentant, He always forgives, through His grace and the death of His Son. Ephesians 1:7 reassures us that <i>"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us." </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Guilty feelings are not all bad--they are a reminder not to repeat the action. Acknowledge your guilt, rethink your priorities, and make goals and plans for changes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Remember that some potentially guilt-producing feelings are beyond your control. You can't protect your child from every single owie or not-so-nice remark a classmate makes. Sometimes a family is broken by divorce due to another person's choices. Do the best you can to protect your child from injury, comfort him when his feelings are hurt, and deal with feelings about unavoidable events. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">One thing I've realized as my kids got to be older teenagers and are now into their early 20's is that <i>they </i>are responsible for the choices them make, good and bad. I can offer advice and prayers, but <i>they </i>are going to make their own choices--and when they make the not-so-good decisions, it is <i>not </i>a reflection on me and not a reason to feel guilt. Of course I will continue to pray for them and offer advice (if it's an important issue, I gently offer advice even when I'm not asked--and then back off!), but I need not feel guilty for their decisions and choices.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ask yourself if your guilt is a result of unrealistic expectations. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you expect your house to be perfectly clean every day, or decide that every meal will be homemade, delicious and adhere to the recommended daily allowance of all vitamins and minerals, as well as appeal to all family members, you are probably expecting too much of yourself. Look at your life objectively and see if you are expecting too much of yourself. Pray for God to guide you and show you what you should be doing. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What are your hints for dealing with guilt? </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">----------------------------</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">The Nebraska Family Times</span></i></a></b></span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>,
with the theme, “Words Matter.” </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-63944321404911227422015-04-07T08:19:00.000-07:002015-04-07T08:19:04.436-07:00A to Z Blogging...F is for...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">...Fifty-Five things that take Only Five Minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From <i>"Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</i></span><br />
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>"Nebraska Family Times"</i><br />
<i><br /></i><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKJc3KRY9BZypFJWUUbNFY6FHxggAPi9CQF_jR6HwEUopLJFCvazpBKEh-4UHmZbKEbIjSC0sktFmZweYGgxFH9Kd94dfO5AjmWKI2mJipwhmlr0lLYkbqu4yxx2SKJOzMVyj65hn_94V/s1600/F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKJc3KRY9BZypFJWUUbNFY6FHxggAPi9CQF_jR6HwEUopLJFCvazpBKEh-4UHmZbKEbIjSC0sktFmZweYGgxFH9Kd94dfO5AjmWKI2mJipwhmlr0lLYkbqu4yxx2SKJOzMVyj65hn_94V/s1600/F.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Your toddlers are totally engrossed in the last few minutes of their favorite TV show. Or you're waiting for your kids to find their library books and backpacks so you can take them to school. Or your husband is finishing a phone call before you leave for an evening out. Or you're all ready to go but your walking partner isn't due for a few minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rather than check Facebook or wander around aimlessly thinking <i>"I should be doing something", </i>put that time to use! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in just five minutes. <i>(Disclaimer: None of the photographs are from my home...but they inspire me and I hope they inspire you too!)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In your bedroom:</b></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Organize one dresser drawer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Straighten your shoes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sort the stuff on your bedside table.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Give your husband a long hug and big kiss.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the kitchen:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Clear out the dishwasher.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Discard the oldest, most unidentifiable, and/or scariest leftovers from the refrigerator. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go through the cupboards and make your grocery list.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqxStzncpI4laMHexJvvQnxReQuNH19F4U7ER4FUGt0O-Rfuta_QNPegqWg9ZGgAq4RkLSPLlWJYc3dXf5_RUXZCNmJWCBwl1UVuMX9vg0IeZ94TSe863xY37UGjmtCMJpsteOZtfp5LF/s1600/fifty+five+things+refrigerator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqxStzncpI4laMHexJvvQnxReQuNH19F4U7ER4FUGt0O-Rfuta_QNPegqWg9ZGgAq4RkLSPLlWJYc3dXf5_RUXZCNmJWCBwl1UVuMX9vg0IeZ94TSe863xY37UGjmtCMJpsteOZtfp5LF/s1600/fifty+five+things+refrigerator.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Google Images...although I've had all<br />of these things in my refrigerator...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Start your meal plan for next week. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Straighten one cupboard or drawer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you're waiting while cooking, brown an extra pound of hamburger, or chop an extra onion to prepare for a meal later in the week.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the bathroom:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fold a load of towels.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Toss your old toothbrushes and get out new ones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Clean off the counter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Clean the mirror. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Chock your supply of toilet paper, soap and other "bathroom" items and add them to your list if necessary.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the car:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sort through the glove compartment. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNau3FyHnj0Md4Ej1yB4ZVkCu4lecSy3Vwg2WsQVta0ag7PzPX-Lwi9ChHXkIeQ3MkXQk6zzBS37GDm12YNAt5ScGDdnfWR_bRuGF2xwt91whjv-yzLgPTiSs3jMPDLmz9Eq-qFb7dXJPZ/s1600/fifty+five+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNau3FyHnj0Md4Ej1yB4ZVkCu4lecSy3Vwg2WsQVta0ag7PzPX-Lwi9ChHXkIeQ3MkXQk6zzBS37GDm12YNAt5ScGDdnfWR_bRuGF2xwt91whjv-yzLgPTiSs3jMPDLmz9Eq-qFb7dXJPZ/s1600/fifty+five+things.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Google Images...not my<br />glove compartment!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Close your eyes and daydream.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Read a magazine article.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">File your fingernails.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do an isometric exercise, like tensing and relaxing your abs or biceps. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pick up all the sippy cups, tissues, animal crackers, water bottles, and scraps of paper in the back seat.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>While you're talking on the phone:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Set the table. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sort laundry.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lotion your legs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Iron.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sit with your feet up. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIJg_M8MI7jnIstYNtGBD8iGDJsSkg5EToZM6lbHVTAbpMOqsisQesldnGwCfEL2TU8GBnt35IwfB6UPBAuMOPmvnIKk8gDVgpG9H75HKjRPJ_YzP180rzvdrl5Ff1PwusNg4bkl78yAA/s1600/fifty+five+things+organized+cupboard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIJg_M8MI7jnIstYNtGBD8iGDJsSkg5EToZM6lbHVTAbpMOqsisQesldnGwCfEL2TU8GBnt35IwfB6UPBAuMOPmvnIKk8gDVgpG9H75HKjRPJ_YzP180rzvdrl5Ff1PwusNg4bkl78yAA/s1600/fifty+five+things+organized+cupboard.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Images...but I wish my cupboards<br />looked like this!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Before bed:</b></span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Get out the clothes you'll wear tomorrow. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Put dishes in the dishwasher.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wipe down the counters and cupboard doors.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Get the first load of clothes ready to wash.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Talk, really talk, to your husband.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Read a short devotion or a chapter of Proverbs.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the living room:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Straighten the DVDs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Turn over and fluff the couch cushions.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsyxfdZytsZ1lMOCQVfUuQ3mxwZHx_wKbbyC7v7-1XC1nOy8KlFQK0aX99TCYcfpVkbgyfhLmazeCdKU_tJzuRp-Ezx5iHRvj0GzzYGUhBxb8hR4c14WqavwkEaocUp0vOKeWqb1vG7RV/s1600/Fifty+Five+things+DVD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsyxfdZytsZ1lMOCQVfUuQ3mxwZHx_wKbbyC7v7-1XC1nOy8KlFQK0aX99TCYcfpVkbgyfhLmazeCdKU_tJzuRp-Ezx5iHRvj0GzzYGUhBxb8hR4c14WqavwkEaocUp0vOKeWqb1vG7RV/s1600/Fifty+Five+things+DVD.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Water the plants.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pick up everything off the floor so it's easier to vacuum.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Play a game of Chinese Checkers. </span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>At your desk:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Write a thank-you card or encouraging note, or get a birthday card ready to send. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Look at your birthday and anniversary list for the next few months and check your supply of cards. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jot down ideas for your next project. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Check your supply of stamps, paper clips, pens, envelopes, etc. </span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Throughout the house (or a few rooms):</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Empty all the wastebaskets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pick up all the stray coats, shoes, socks, etc. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UU1nxt1YNn-RwrwvCvZtxLEReavkasXQmkXUC0ln4FM2pAcDd5vsFKrkBNDu6p2H0gRy6boxbbYkSKkADES1n0aQj2XMoIn919fvISP-jkKgSZWZ8sCXKVVwE0reOsX3eC76ycx_2Ssj/s1600/fifty+five+things+kitchen+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UU1nxt1YNn-RwrwvCvZtxLEReavkasXQmkXUC0ln4FM2pAcDd5vsFKrkBNDu6p2H0gRy6boxbbYkSKkADES1n0aQj2XMoIn919fvISP-jkKgSZWZ8sCXKVVwE0reOsX3eC76ycx_2Ssj/s1600/fifty+five+things+kitchen+drawer.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Google Images...this inspires me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Collect all of the glasses, soda cans and dishes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Spray air freshener in every room. Have a tickle fight!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Call a friend to say <i>"I am thinking of and praying for you!"</i></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>For your health:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jump rope. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Learn to take your pulse.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Walk around the block, or up and down the steps in your home. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Stretch.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Eat a piece of fruit.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>With the kids:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ask them about their day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Say a prayer together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Play tag.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Hug! </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i><b>What is your favorite thing to do in just five minutes?</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></i></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a></b></span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>,
with the theme, </b></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Words Matter.”</b></span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i></div>
Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-51640776375153539192015-04-03T18:00:00.001-07:002015-04-06T16:33:07.488-07:00A to Z Blogging "E is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">...Every Day...Making God Part Of </span><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">From the series "Lifehacks for Christian Moms" </span></b></i><br />
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, <i>Nebraska Family Times</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLraZ5HB_QHTPH7NMmMLAoQ9lOvjBw9G2hlhcQ4x3Oj1JFQxIik8tU2_l8mqsA1T8SWsK6BHpGbrQQ8YC6G-m433gwdleIj75nMki9e2GioYNCs-ipmi0uWLztOjjvuQ26Tc-q_-kvfpS/s1600/E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLraZ5HB_QHTPH7NMmMLAoQ9lOvjBw9G2hlhcQ4x3Oj1JFQxIik8tU2_l8mqsA1T8SWsK6BHpGbrQQ8YC6G-m433gwdleIj75nMki9e2GioYNCs-ipmi0uWLztOjjvuQ26Tc-q_-kvfpS/s1600/E.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Developing a relationship with God is much more than just attending church and saying a prayer before meals or at bedtime. The prophet Isaiah promises, </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">"The Lord will keep in perfect peace all those...whose thoughts turn often to the Lord." </i><span style="font-size: large;">(Isaiah 26:3) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your thoughts turned to the Lord by:</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Volunteering</b> at church. Join the choir. Teach Sunday School. Organize a fund-raiser. Help with Vacation Bible School. Help decorate for Christmas. Give rides to church to shut-ins. Deliver meals on Wheels. There are opportunities that fit anyone's schedule and skills! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Joining </b>a church group. MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), ladies organizations, Bible Study, altar guild. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spending</b> time in personal Bible Study and devotions. Ask the Lord to make you desire to spend time with Him. Check out different versions of the Bible and find one that you enjoy <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYjH3tzZ2B1s5pSDu-tWgQ2E1Tp4J7UrB4OXEFWOe-g4Wcf9XGq9nNm1ykJ2SQpnFLAf_HCF-8F-HmDt5Rf_o1gEb7PpR2S9fBbMyLO_cd3j7vCnYSScnpren9cn07ngx4lH6nPApg1LV/s1600/Every+day+God+in+life+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYjH3tzZ2B1s5pSDu-tWgQ2E1Tp4J7UrB4OXEFWOe-g4Wcf9XGq9nNm1ykJ2SQpnFLAf_HCF-8F-HmDt5Rf_o1gEb7PpR2S9fBbMyLO_cd3j7vCnYSScnpren9cn07ngx4lH6nPApg1LV/s1600/Every+day+God+in+life+2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(From Google Images)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
reading (ask your pastor what recommendations he or she recommends.) Ask your pastor or friends for recommendations for devotion or Bible study books; be discerning as many very popular speakers and authors may contradict the beliefs of your denomination. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Listening</b> to Christian music. We've all had ear worms--when the words of a song are "stuck" on repeat in your head. Wouldn't you rather have positive words going through your mind? You'll be surprised at how much more positive your attitude is when you listen to positive music. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Starting</b> your day by saying, <i>"This is the day that the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it!"</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beginning</b> your day with at least a few minutes of prayer. I always ask God to protect my kids and loved ones, and to work through me to bless others. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Starting</b> a Gratitude Journal. List five things God has blessed you with every day. Consider making this a family project; family members can share blessings at the supper table. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Being</b> conscious about God's hand in your life every day; in a beautiful sunrise, protection from a traffic accident, a regular job, food on the table, a working vehicle, modern appliances, loving family, the ability to worship freely...count your blessings! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Making</b> a point of saying you are <i>"blessed" </i>rather than <i>"lucky". </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ending </b>the day in prayer and thanksgiving. Think back to all of the ways God has blessed you. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing</b> out your favorite Bible verses and post them around your house--on your bathroom mirror, computer, refrigerator, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ7U7pU9NHYRO8_rrWongUDtL8m4e92Tx3_0UQ2_OiyT3kd7bYIklz17sAbbQ08G2_UevTs_GiAzpYPhMVYBf0V1HZIVXyAPnyI8L-numP9j7mtmqlPoqdEPMF0zgPR3tdEMVt9hASvpx/s1600/Everyday+God+in+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ7U7pU9NHYRO8_rrWongUDtL8m4e92Tx3_0UQ2_OiyT3kd7bYIklz17sAbbQ08G2_UevTs_GiAzpYPhMVYBf0V1HZIVXyAPnyI8L-numP9j7mtmqlPoqdEPMF0zgPR3tdEMVt9hASvpx/s1600/Everyday+God+in+life.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Google Images)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
even on the dashboard of your vehicle. A few suggestions: <i>"Rejoice always...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." </i>(1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) <i>"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". </i>(Ephesians 5:19-20). </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>How do you make God an integral part of your day?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">--------------------------------------</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">“Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a>,
with the theme, </b></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Words Matter.” </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
</div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-19832963863565233312015-04-03T14:42:00.000-07:002015-04-04T13:42:40.933-07:00A to Z Blogging Challenge "D is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">...Decisions; Making Good Ones</span></b><br />
<i>From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"</i><br />
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Editor, <i>Nebraska Family Times</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKmsRNC6ZXoNRm0CMlIfeg4gpbEM2jLmPIB7as76PGsCrAV52CgwZv_1oHaFaxkd379hytt0CzDgByAyamzVOHYqOXj6CXe1ZoijvHYKEF1pnlbfNij9FDHKyZp2JoUoC0y6zu5YAXK4l/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKmsRNC6ZXoNRm0CMlIfeg4gpbEM2jLmPIB7as76PGsCrAV52CgwZv_1oHaFaxkd379hytt0CzDgByAyamzVOHYqOXj6CXe1ZoijvHYKEF1pnlbfNij9FDHKyZp2JoUoC0y6zu5YAXK4l/s1600/D.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Moms face a multitude of decisions every day; some are minor (short sleeves or long sleeves?) and some are major (how should I teach my kids about sex?). There are many "experts", in the form of TV shows, friends, family, acquaintances, and sometimes strangers, specialists, books, magazines, radio talk shows...and there are as many opinions as there are experts on breast vs. bottle feeding, choosing a doctor, potty training, when to start school (private, parochial, public or homeschool?), whether or not kids need a cell phone (flip phone, regular or smart phone?) and when, how much TV is allowed, at what age dating is allowed, after-high-school plans (military, college or work?), and so on and so on and so on. With the multitude of advice, much of it based on distinctly non-Christian worldly values, it's no wonder it can be difficult to make decisions! </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are some steps that will help you in almost any decision you'll face. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Gather information.</b> You'll probably make your decisions based on several factors. Consider the Bible and your faith, your personal opinion and your spouse's, and what has worked for you in the past. Refer to one or two (preferably Christian) parenting books, talk with friends who share your values and pray about the situation. Don't forget to listen to your maternal instinct. After you've gathered the information you need, you can decide what's best for you and your family. <i><b>Remember: </b>very few decisions are absolutely right or wrong. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Carry out your decision.</b> Once you and your spouse have made a decision, carry it out. Your kids <i>not </i>reverse a decision based on what your kids say, what your kids' friends say, what your kids' friends parents say, what your parents say, or what another "expert" says. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoyLC60JjSE8cQmyDGmprWHFzZXWGol_T2APTmPI9uILgJRPhEKQWC4ypmPuBHSR_hXbnBWXLhMZFw9PqZB6BwYBrEaBM9IZHnzDrSAAz8pH24oiwlz2vD2xcEOARbprM9PTxF39FqOl0/s1600/decisions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoyLC60JjSE8cQmyDGmprWHFzZXWGol_T2APTmPI9uILgJRPhEKQWC4ypmPuBHSR_hXbnBWXLhMZFw9PqZB6BwYBrEaBM9IZHnzDrSAAz8pH24oiwlz2vD2xcEOARbprM9PTxF39FqOl0/s1600/decisions.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">probably won't like all of your decisions, but expect them to abide by those decisions. Stick to your decision unless you have a good reason to change it; do </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Re-evaluating your decision.</b> If the new rule/routine isn't working after you've given it an honest effort, you decide it's the wrong decision for your family, or a respected expert expert recommends a different solution or way of dealing with a problem, you might consider changing your decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few more things to consider (or not consider): </span></b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What "everyone else" says.</b> If anyone questions or criticizes your decision, simply say, "<i>This is what works for our family," </i>or <i>"This is what we've decided to do" , </i>or, <i>"Everyone has their own solution, and we're confident about this one." </i>Don't get caught up in a debate; you don't have to justify your decisions. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have confidence in yourself.</b> One of the most important things you can do for your kids is to have the confidence to assure their safety and teach them to be productive members of society, regardless of pressures from your kids, other kids, other kids' parents, or your fears that <i>"the kids will be mad." </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Practice enforcing your decisions when your kids are little. </b>When they're young, you can back up your decisions with action, carrying a child away from a situation in which he's misbehaving, for example, or not driving them to a friend's house if you don't want your child to spend time in a dysfunctional environment. As they grow, your children will realize that you do mean what you say; while that is no guarantee that they'll always be happy with your decisions, they'll be more likely to respect what your decisions are. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-------------------------------------</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif";"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I’m also blogging
the A to Z Challenge at </span></b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif";"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a>, with the theme, "Words Matter". </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-16644503977446137292015-04-03T09:03:00.000-07:002015-04-03T09:12:40.710-07:00A to Z Blogging Challenge "C is for..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>...Church...Taking Your Kids</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher <span style="color: blue;"><i>Nebraska Family Times</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQVwvPOA_KvUIwT39wwukzR4paxGQA_OqnortNhznuAQ46-4eaK6LUX05cLa0FUda9-WGfbN-D-uYtT8yg15suKm7o8PCciBDTw8omNY91IHYl_9JYszgCncsbaT_y19vdFGMw9sV_B8Q/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQVwvPOA_KvUIwT39wwukzR4paxGQA_OqnortNhznuAQ46-4eaK6LUX05cLa0FUda9-WGfbN-D-uYtT8yg15suKm7o8PCciBDTw8omNY91IHYl_9JYszgCncsbaT_y19vdFGMw9sV_B8Q/s1600/C.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our primary job as parents is to help them to know God. Jesus clearly wants children to hear His word; in Matthew 19:14 He tells His disciples, <i>"Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." </i>His love for children is further evident when He says, <i>"Truly I say unto you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven...whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the primary ways to introduce children to faith is by taking them to church. Make a commitment to take your children to church every week, beginning when they are babies. When they grow up seeing you make worship and going to church a priority, the routine and importance of regular worship will be ingrained in their lives. Taking kids to church is not easy; when they're young the struggle may be getting them to sit still and behave appropriately. As kids get older, church competes with other activities and sometimes a negative attitude towards attending church. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Try these "real life" tips when you attend church with your children. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>When they are babies and toddlers: </b></span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">come prepared with quiet toys and snacks, to be used when your child is no longer interested in sitting quietly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">fold their hands into yours and cue him to close his eyes during<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0lbPXuh-qGtx3cc8uTw0g7bVV7dtlraqNptLnHeExN-m91FJ3RCaR3RAopYWkW78Z0f5rkJBcvIZMOZchMKpwKArpaYA4QaoyAmXtSSSYYpqk8R7nvXYZhZVs7SV8wOVtqJ4nVwDFUU-/s1600/Church+and+kids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0lbPXuh-qGtx3cc8uTw0g7bVV7dtlraqNptLnHeExN-m91FJ3RCaR3RAopYWkW78Z0f5rkJBcvIZMOZchMKpwKArpaYA4QaoyAmXtSSSYYpqk8R7nvXYZhZVs7SV8wOVtqJ4nVwDFUU-/s1600/Church+and+kids2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
prayer; when praying out loud do so so your child can hear your words.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">take your child out if he is crying or babbling loud enough to disturb others. When your child is old enough to understand "it's time to be quiet", attach a consequence to having to leave church because of misbehavior. (When my kids were little, we routinely drove through the Mc Donald's drive through for a happy meal after church. If we had to take them out during the service we drove BY McDonald's, very slowly so they could see what they were missing.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>As your kids get older: </b></span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Explain what is happening during the service. <i>"Listen to the choir praising God." "Now the reader is reading from the Bible. What is he saying about God?" "Now the pastor is telling us how God wants us to live."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Make "church rules" clear. These might include, <i>"Only whisper during church." "Let mommy listen to the pastor while you read your book." "Stand when everyone else stands."</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some parents sit in the back of the church where the noise of kids doesn't seem so disruptive; others find their kids pay attention better when they sit in the front, where the kids can see the activity of lighting candles, people talking and moving around and so on. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As children get older, expect them to need fewer distractions (like books, toys and snacks) and to pay attention and participate and follow along with Bible readings. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Talk about church during the week. Refer to the pastor's sermon, re-read the Bible readings, or play a CD of some of the songs that were sung. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tips for teens: </b></span></div>
</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, school, sports and other activities take place on Sundays in many towns, and staying up late the night before may lead to struggles in getting a child to church on Sunday morning. While every family has to make its own decisions regarding priorities, please remember that a relationship with God is the most important relation anyone will have. Many churches offer Saturday, Sunday or Monday evening services, which might fit better in a busy schedule. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My parents had a rule that no matter how late we were out the night before, we went to church the next morning. After prom one year I slept for about an hour between the post-prom breakfast and church. I was more than ready for a nap that afternoon...and the lesson my parents instilled about the importance of church has stayed with me even more than 30 years later. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While attending worship is a priority, kids should also be developing a day-to-day relationship with the Lord, spending time in devotions (preferably family devotions), prayer and Bible study every day. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T-H7xTJFvjA66x4KOyVVzkhgpoAT6fsWci1f1GlrRDAorq3Eu9DGLtMphE9zK1TmK3HiEVRfAI1F-v4UoyAqLkPTyz7YKFPiTEqYPmIyldF0ccftKhzScFee4ZzjnAkfWG2rM6i55D6Y/s1600/Church+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T-H7xTJFvjA66x4KOyVVzkhgpoAT6fsWci1f1GlrRDAorq3Eu9DGLtMphE9zK1TmK3HiEVRfAI1F-v4UoyAqLkPTyz7YKFPiTEqYPmIyldF0ccftKhzScFee4ZzjnAkfWG2rM6i55D6Y/s1600/Church+and+kids.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While taking kids to church will probably seem like more trouble that it's worth some weeks (or months!). Rest assured, even when you question what your kids get out of church (or even what YOU get out of church!) your actions are having an impact. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What's your best hint for taking kids to church? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Special message for those whose kids are grown:</b> Make it a point to compliment parents who bring their kids to church. To these parents, every eye is on them and judging when their kids' actions are anything less than perfect. Reassure them that you're happy to see their kids in church and that they are making a difference. They will appreciate your words! </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Special message to those who are bothered by the noise and activity of kids in church: </b>In most churches there is an area in which parents with young kids sit, and an area in which kids usually don't sit. Choose to sit where there aren't kids. Please refrain from making any critical comments to parents whose kids are active or even loud; these parents are doing one of their most important jobs in bringing their kids to church. If you are disturbed by noise or activity, talk with an elder or the pastor, not the parents. This is not meant to sound harsh, but it is very important. I know several parents who were very hurt by comments from others, about their kids. Remember what Jesus said: </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">"Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."</span></b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">----------------------------------------------------</span></b></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is an
excerpt from the book </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">“Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to
Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This post is part
of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1<sup>st</sup>. </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">----------------------------------------------------</span></b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm also blogging at <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a>, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">where the theme is "Words Matter." Click to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">read more! </span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-9103053838786556712015-04-02T02:00:00.000-07:002015-04-02T07:26:06.248-07:00A to Z Blogging Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>B is for...Bad Days...How to Survive (and maybe even make it a good day!)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the <i>Nebraska Family Times </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Having a bad day once in awhile is inevitable. Some days are bad from the start, and some days start out promising and go downhill from there. A bad day can be the result of a fight with your spouse, fighting kids, bills, illness, a low bank balance, waking up late...the possibilities are endless--and sometimes there is no discernible reason--it's just one of those days. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Here are some suggestions for getting through a bad day. </span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you feel your day going downhill</b>, try to stop the slide. Begin with God. One of the verses that comes to my mind when I'm consciously trying to make the day better is <i>"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" </i>(Psalm 118:24). When I begin to make a list of my blessings, and the list just keeps getting longer and longer, I'm often lifted out of my bad mood.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Take a shower,</b> dress at least neatly (despite what might be your desire to wear your grubbiest, most comfortable clothes), put a smile on your face, and make a point of being nice to everyone. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Turn on some of your favorite music</b>. Dance if you're so <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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inspired--even if somebody else is watching!--exercise releases "feel good" hormones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Go outside and get some fresh air</b>--even if it's cold, snowing, or raining. The change of scenery may translate into a change of mood. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Sometimes, however, these "feel good" tips will just make you feel worse.</span></b> No matter what, it's going to be a bad day. When this is the case, resolve yourself to having the best, bad day, that you can. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>First</b>, get rid of any guilt. It's ok to have an "off" day once in awhile, as long as you don't do anything immoral or illegal...(it IS ok to do something fattening on a bad day). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Next,</b> pick something quick and simple from your to-do list and just do it. Wash a load of towels (they're the easiest to fold), water the plants, clean out a junk drawer (you'll throw lots of junk away!). If you don't have anything quick on your list, choose something simple and write it down so you'll have the satisfaction of crossing it off. Then, forget your to-do list for the rest of the day. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then</b>, indulge in doing things you usually don't take the time to do; call a friend and talk for an hour. Have a Pinterest marathon. Read that stack of magazines that's been on your bedside table for months. Take a nap. Take a long bath. Take a long walk. Eat chocolate...for breakfast. Window shop--in real life or via computer--for a few hours. Scrapbook. Don't cook; ask your husband to bring home supper or order pizza. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Finally</b>, spend time with your kids, doing things you're usually too busy to--spend the whole afternoon at the park. Get ice cream. Cuddle while watching movies. Play your favorite games. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually your bad day will be over--hopefully it will have improved! But if not, at least it's over. Before you go to sleep, think about the things you did to nurture yourself. Resolve to do them more often. Pray for a better tomorrow, and ask God to make you aware of the time you need to spend taking care of yourself. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">In "Lifehacks for Christian Moms", available as a download in May, you'll also find tips for dealing with your husband when he's having a bad day, and your kids when they are having a bad day. If you'd like to be notified of new posts, sign up in the sidebar to the right of this post. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I'm also doing the A to Z Challenge at <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com./" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a> where the theme is "Words Matter." </span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-72030566058282471462015-04-01T02:36:00.000-07:002015-04-01T02:36:14.926-07:00A to Z Blogging Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A is for...All About "Home is Where the Mom Is" </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Shelly Burke, RN, Author and Publisher of the <i>"Nebraska Family Times"</i></span><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a mom is my favorite role in life. My kids are now grown (Cody is 23 and lives in the Kansas City area and Morgan is 21 and is going to college in Colorado) and I find joy in the memories of their growing-up years AND I love knowing and seeing and still being "mom" to them as adults (in fact, I'm putting Easter baskets together for them!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another role that I love is that of "author". I've wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl, and you </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth5RXK-Oxv81HN0mZNxEPTnseARK0FesL2TZ17RuEK7vJGAAC1-BV0WAjcM6GEdUCvWHb1Y7IgRHJzkORbJjNQZIgvHcbc5cXcuc6Tk4sEtctC2rVZJ4lZbGT4y6Lh70YvJz5ziwhD1Rl/s1600/Home+is+Where+the+Mom+Is001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth5RXK-Oxv81HN0mZNxEPTnseARK0FesL2TZ17RuEK7vJGAAC1-BV0WAjcM6GEdUCvWHb1Y7IgRHJzkORbJjNQZIgvHcbc5cXcuc6Tk4sEtctC2rVZJ4lZbGT4y6Lh70YvJz5ziwhD1Rl/s1600/Home+is+Where+the+Mom+Is001.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">can click below to read about the experiences and years that brought "Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home" into being. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read <a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2011/08/why-i-wrote-home-is-where-mom-is.html" target="_blank">"Why I Wrote "Home is Where the Mom Is""</a> . </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read <a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2011/08/giving-birth-to-book.html" target="_blank">"Giving Birth to a Book".</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read all about <a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2015/03/blogging-to-z-challenge-theme-reveal.html" target="_blank">my theme for the A to Z Challenge--Lifehacks for Christian Moms. </a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow's Post is titled "Bad Day--How to Survive (and Maybe even make it a Good Day!)" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And click "Follow by Email" in the right hand column, under the Blogging A to Z sunflower graphic to receive all of my posts in the A to Z Blogging Challenge! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'm also doing the Blogging A to Z Challenge at</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times </a>. Click to check it out!</i></span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-58053675413576030882015-03-23T17:56:00.000-07:002015-03-23T17:56:14.996-07:00Blogging A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will be taking part in the Blogging From A to Z Challenge, beginning April 1st! I'll be blogging every day (except Sundays). On April 1st the topic will start with the letter "A", the post on April 2nd will begin with the "B" and so on. </span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNluOg5S5-3YEqtBDK9fZDioeh5CmQOc2k8xaNXCnzRev1cwFUNLb9aeqo71zjKpCCL3KY-viVWZjft5d99HhGR9GkNe4knQZW0jhZSS8-xRhOHjvZZrxLE3sWldd7k0nDuj6MEm50SO80/s1600/homemom_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNluOg5S5-3YEqtBDK9fZDioeh5CmQOc2k8xaNXCnzRev1cwFUNLb9aeqo71zjKpCCL3KY-viVWZjft5d99HhGR9GkNe4knQZW0jhZSS8-xRhOHjvZZrxLE3sWldd7k0nDuj6MEm50SO80/s1600/homemom_thumb.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">This year my theme will be "Lifehacks for Christian Moms". One definition for "lifehack" is: </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 15.6000003814697px;">The lifehacks that I'll be sharing include: Beat the Morning Blues, Getting Through a Bad Day, Setting Goals, Prepare for Sick Days, Life Skills to Teach Your Kids, and many more! Many of the posts will be based on my book "Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide for Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home. Throughout April I'll also be revising <span style="color: blue;">"Home is Where the Mom Is"</span> and making it downloadable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 15.6000003814697px;">If you'd like to receive all of the Lifehacks for Christian Moms, sign up on the right side of this page, under "Follow by Email. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 15.6000003814697px;">The month will be filled with great tips and hints for every mom, and there will be giveaways and free downloads too! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 15.6000003814697px;">I'm also doing the A to Z Blogging Challenge at <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a>. </span></span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-44091251093107607452015-02-07T15:02:00.001-08:002015-02-07T15:02:25.183-08:00"Trust in the Lord" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Scripture Memory Challenge </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">By Shelly Burke, Editor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The verse we’ve chosen for the February Scripture Memory Challenge is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">“<i>Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;"><b>Proverbs 3:5-6</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">In this verse God has given us a command, and a promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The command begins, <i>“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” </i>I am thankful that I do not have to <i>“lean on my own understanding</i>”; so many times I desire something and only realize later that receiving it would not have been in the best interests of me or those around me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">In our own understanding we have just a miniscule snapshot of God’s plan. We are unable to see, in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">our own understanding, what is in our future or the future of those around us. God however, is omniscient, all knowing. He knows how the events of yesterday, today and tomorrow will fit together for His good. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">One of my favorite Bible narratives is that of the Old Testament Joseph (found in Genesis 37 and 39-46). In his own understanding Joseph probably could not comprehend why God would allow his brothers to sell him into slavery. But the Bible tells us that Joseph trusted in the Lord and remained faithful to Him through years of captivity; Joseph eventually became the highest ranking official in Egypt and from this position he was able to save his family and many others from starvation during a seven year famine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Likewise, in our own understanding, we might not be able to comprehend the death of a loved one, the breakup of a marriage, financial hardships, children who stray, or a severe illness or disease. We might not comprehend His purpose this side of heaven, but this is when we <i>“trust in the Lord” </i>and remember His promise of Romans 8:28, which says, <i>“for those who love God all things work together for good…” </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">The next part of this passage commands, <i>“in all your ways acknowledge Him”. </i>My study Bible defines “acknowledge” as <i>“Apply what you have learned from the Lord in everything you do.”</i>How? First, thank Him for His blessings and all He has done for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">Then seek His will through prayer and Bible study. Listen for His still small voice. Study His word. Attend church and Bible class. Apply what you have learned in everything you do—work, play, relationships, finances, parenting—and incorporate Him into every part of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">And then the promise: <i>“And He will make straight your paths.” </i>This is very reassuring to me; some days I’m filled with “what if’s” and questions and doubts about the path I’m on in my life. I can’t see the future to know how the decisions I make today will impact my future, and sometimes I’m afraid to make decisions for fear they’ll be the “wrong” ones. I haven’t bowled in many years but when I read God’s promise in this verse, I pictured a bowling alley with the bumpers (long inflated tubes) in the gutters. Bumpers are often used when kids are bowling as they prevent the bowling balls from going in the gutter, instead bouncing them back onto the “straight path”, the middle of the bowling alley. When I trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him, He will keep my path straight, “bouncing” me back on the right path when I threaten to go into the “gutter.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: medium;">To receive your FREE Scripture Memory Verse Cards, mail your request, with your name and address ($6 suggested donation to cover postage costs) to Nebraska Family Times, 209 27th St. Apt. #13, Columbus, NE 68601).</span></i></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-50397692362548359602015-01-26T17:12:00.000-08:002015-01-26T17:12:15.415-08:00"Home is Where the Mom Is" New Look and "Blogging From A to Z Challenge" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Writing and publishing <i style="color: red;">"Home is Where the Mom Is" </i>is one of the most satisfying accomplishments in my life (so far!) besides giving birth to and raising my wonderful children. I'd always dreamed of being an author and holding a copy of the book in my hands is the third most thrilling moment in my life; holding Cody for the first time on Nov. 18, 1991 and Morgan for the first time on Dec. 28th, 1993 are THE MOST thrilling moments of course! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Click on these links to read <a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2011/08/why-i-wrote-home-is-where-mom-is.html" target="_blank">Why I Wrote "Home is Where the Mom Is"</a> and </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><a href="http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/2011/08/giving-birth-to-book.html" target="_blank">"Giving Birth to a Book"</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">But it's time for a change! When I wrote <i style="color: red;">"Home is where the Mom Is" </i>Cody and Morgan were just in grade school! Now Cody has graduated from COLLEGE! (I know, I can hardly believe it myself!) Morgan is a junior at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">It's time to update <i style="color: red;">"Home is Where the Mom Is" </i>and make it more reader friendly--especially more busy-mom-reader-friendly. I've had a lot of "mom experiences" since I wrote <i style="color: red;">"Home is Where the Mom Is" </i>and I've talked with so many moms about their experiences in mothering, and I want to share what I've learned. Being a parent is not an easy task at this time in the world, especially a Christian mom raising kids with faith. However, doing this is the most important job moms will ever have. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Being a mom is still the best experience in my life and I'm so thankful for the blessing of my kids! And I am passionate about encouraging moms in their calling of raising kids. I will never, ever regret the time I spent with my kids, and I want to encourage other moms to enjoy and cherish every moment of their time with their kids, too, and share a few of the things I (and my mom friends) have learned along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">As I update <i style="color: red;">"Home is Where the Mom Is," </i>the format of the book will change to make it easier to read in the brief moments moms have between their tasks of the day. I plan to write most of it in the form of "life-hacks"; here's what Google says about a "Life Hack"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: blue;">a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Much of the revised, improved <span style="color: red;"><i>"Home is Where the Mom Is" </i></span>,</span> will be in the form of lists of bullet points that will give readers easy-to-use, "real life" tips and hints to care for themselves as moms, and manage their family, and their home. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">And that's where the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a> comes in. During the month of April I will be posting excerpts from the updated and revised <span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">"Home is Where the Mom Is; Lifehacks for Christian Moms." </span>I'll be posting a new hack every day, Monday through Saturday, with the entry for each day beginning with the next letter of the alphabet; April first will be "A", April 2nd will be "B", and so on. During April you'll get to sample 26 of the more than 100 lifehacks in <i style="color: red;">"Home is Where the Mom Is; Lifehacks for Christian Moms" </i>and on May 1st the entire book will be available for download! Sign up in the right-hand column of this blog to receive e-mail updates of every post! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">And if you'd like more encouragement, click over to <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska Family Times</a> , the monthly regional newspaper of which I'm the editor and publisher. Our mission at the <span style="color: blue;"><i>"Nebraska Family Times" </i></span> is "to inspire, encourage and motivate readers in their Christian walk." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">I pray that in all of my work with my book, newspaper, blogs and Facebook pages, I touch the hearts of readers, encourage them, and show them God's love and peace. I look forward to hearing from you! </span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-23269085761231193102015-01-26T15:48:00.000-08:002015-01-26T15:48:16.938-08:00Scripture Memory Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As the editor and publisher of the <i style="color: blue;">"Nebraska Family Times" </i>I invite you to participate in our Scripture Memory Challenge!<br />
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Read the details below--and be sure to e-mail or call and request your FREE verse cards!<br />
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-67906183808538744222015-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:002015-01-26T15:43:13.370-08:00Nebraska Family Times Verse of the Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Along with being the author of the book <i><span style="color: red;">"Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Yourself, Your Family, and Your Home,"</span></i> I'm also the editor and publisher of the <i><span style="color: blue;">"Nebraska Family Times"</span></i> monthly regional newspaper, with the mission "to inspire, encourage and motivate readers on their Christian walk." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To encourage you on your Christian walk in 2015, we are encouraging readers to memorize Bible verses. At the end of this post read how you can receive three FREE verse cards of our verse of the year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">NFT Verse of the Year 2015</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By Shelly Burke, Editor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have chosen Romans 12:2 as the <i>Nebraska Family Times</i> verse of the year. You’ll find a graphic of this verse every month on the Editor’s Letter page, starting next month; I encourage you to cut it out and hang it where you’ll see it frequently. This verse is also the verse for the Scripture Memory Challenge for January. Receive your FREE verse card; see details at the end of this post. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><b><i>what is acceptable and perfect.</i></b><i> </i>Romans 12:2</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are constantly encouraged to <i>conform to this world,</i> by what we see, what we hear, what we read—by everything around us. Sins of the world—what is acceptable and even encouraged in the world—can gradually, without us even realizing it, change our viewpoint until we have conformed to the world, rather than what the Lord commands and expects of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How can we be transformed and renew our mind?</b></span> First we must <i>discern what is the will of God. </i>To do this, go directly to the source—His Word, the Bible. Despite being written several thousand years ago, the Bible provides us with the basic principles to make God-pleasing decisions in any situation. The best way to know His will is to read and study His Word. As you read, study and memorize, the instructions and directions and principles will move from your head…to your heart. You’ll automatically know what is the right thing to do in every situation in your day to day life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are some other things you can do to <i>renew your mind?</i></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Worship.</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> As you gather with others in God’s house, you’ll learn more about Him in the company and with the support of fellow believers.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When you communicate with the Lord regularly, you will become more attuned to hearing His voice, knowing what He expects, and you will feel His leading.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Memorize His Word. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Several articles in this issue of the </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Nebraska Family Times </i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">emphasize the importance of doing so.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To receive three FREE verse of the year cards (why three? See the Scripture Memory Challenge post) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">e-mail your name and mailing address to shelly@shellyburke.net. </span></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-88616146193044961282014-07-24T12:30:00.000-07:002014-07-24T12:30:03.236-07:00A to Z Blogging T -- Making a To-Don't List <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To-Don’t List, How to Make </span></b></div>
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Making a “to do” list is something most of us do on a
regular basis. It’s a way to keep track of the regular and out-of-the-ordinary
tasks we intend to accomplish on any given day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But what do you do with your “to-do” list when the
unexpected happens? (I’ve heard the question, <i>“Do you know how to make God laugh?” </i>and the answer, <i>“Tell him you’ve got a plan.”) </i>Sometimes
God has something in mind for our day besides our plan! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether you wake up with the worst summer cold you’ve had in
years, or your kids wake you up in the middle of the night vomiting, or a
friend needs you to take her to the doctor, or the electricity is off all day
or your neighbor has to take her husband to the hospital and needs you to watch
her kids…well, the things on your “to-do” list are just not going to happen!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When a crisis hits, instead of stressing yourself out trying
to complete your “to-do” list, it’s time to make a “to-<i>don’t” </i>list. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A “to-don’t” list
consists of the tasks you do not need to do that day. </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<li><o:p> </o:p>Put “grocery
shopping,” on your “to-don’t” list by asking your husband to bring home take
out for supper.</li>
<li>“Cook supper”
is a “to-don’t” when you have a frozen casserole you can take out of the
freezer.</li>
<li>“Pay bills” can
be put off when you plan to at least write them out a week <i>before </i>they are due.</li>
<li>Vacuuming,
dusting, and cleaning out the closet can be put on the “to-don’t” list very
easily (I sometimes do that even when I’m not sick!).</li>
<li>Obviously
meetings and other “out of the house” appointments will probably not get done;
just be sure to call the appropriate person to let them know of your change in
plans.</li>
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<i>If you are the
type of person who just cannot go through a day without a list (sheepishly
raising my hand), the tasks on your “to-do” list should be: Sleep. Take vitamins. Cuddle with kids. Help
my neighbor. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being able to cross things off your “to-do”
list requires planning ahead. </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<li>Plan to pay
your bills—or at least write them out and put them in the envelope with a stamp—a
few days ahead of when they’re due, so you don’t have to fit that in on a
hectic day to avoid a service charge.</li>
<li>Shop ahead and
be sure to have the basics on hand. Depending on your family situation, it
might be vital to have diapers and wipes on hand. Or if your family seems to
catch every bug going through, have over-the-counter medications and comfort
foods on hand. If a neighbor is in poor health and often calls you to take her
to the doctor or hospital, make a mental note of a few things you can stick in
your purse, to do while waiting (for example, keep greeting cards in your purse
so you can write out birthday and anniversary cards for the month ahead, or your
current knitting project or magazines you haven’t gotten to read yet).</li>
<li>When you cook,
ask yourself if you can easily double or triple the recipe, freezing the extras
for a day when you’re under the weather and don’t feel like cooking, or to
share with a sick neighbor.</li>
<li>Take inventory
of your pantry. Do you have the ingredients to make at least a few basic
recipes, in case a crisis of some kind prevents you from going to the grocery
store? Do you have some comfort foods, like canned soup or pudding mix, ready
to make?</li>
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A “to-do” list is vital to keep us focused most days…but a “to-don’t”
list can be just as vital on days when “real life” steps in.</div>
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Have you ever made a “to-don’t” list? What would be on it? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at <a href="http://www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com/">www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com</a>.
Check it out! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2469162032732765053.post-16151926889746684032014-07-24T11:35:00.000-07:002014-07-24T11:37:52.188-07:00A to Z Blogging S <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Songs, My Favorite
Christian </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I love listening to Christian music (80’s music is my second
choice!)! The positive and inspiring lyrics make me feel, well, positive and
inspired! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are a few of my favorite Christian songs and links to
them on YouTube. I pray that you will find comfort, hope and encouragement in them, as I do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiC0CPbPEfNqZuK1dNHeYoBvQI7-oReVuAZHW1oWOTVZG_RNugM7Bk_GNTH-Eaq9Zi3buK2AjhYIUsxkeugyhOYcY_qbIva_aIC9MNU0OcnCUfE9BzFjsGNeM36IlqSyoRCWmN9UV1HIR/s1600/Amazing+Grace.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiC0CPbPEfNqZuK1dNHeYoBvQI7-oReVuAZHW1oWOTVZG_RNugM7Bk_GNTH-Eaq9Zi3buK2AjhYIUsxkeugyhOYcY_qbIva_aIC9MNU0OcnCUfE9BzFjsGNeM36IlqSyoRCWmN9UV1HIR/s1600/Amazing+Grace.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin</b></span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This song reminds me of my grandparents; both had many physical ailments before they died. I miss them, but have joy in knowing that their "chains are gone." </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfsXHqzTEPw" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"He Never Sleeps" by Don Moen</b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I like to listen to this song when I'm overwhelmed by life...it reminds me that God is <i>always </i>watching, and that He never gets tired of hearing from me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk8horRi3_E" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Still" by Hillsong</b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The beautiful words and music of this song never fail to calm me when I'm in the midst of life's storms--literal and figurative storms. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttKnLwwHlig" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Hurricane" by Natalie Grant</b></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I feel like my life is a hurricane, these lyrics remind me that I'm not alone--God is right here with me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecV1NHmELuA" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">"Write Your Story" by Francesca Battistelli</span></b></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Even when we don't know where life is taking us, we can be confident that the Lord is with us when we invite Him to write His story on our hearts. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_82188652"><br /></a></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9g92kCQfHcwgbpknpkZ6iVC4mOzcfsLIRJA8LDt0cXY7beXkPFin6UEq6vV8IWHnpmsoCjfgqafbB0G86iuL_aIH-tpdj7KMLGo6hA-2YtwZGofLkJnes62cQ1R-2bUPmL3Wxz2m6qmf/s1600/Piano+guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9g92kCQfHcwgbpknpkZ6iVC4mOzcfsLIRJA8LDt0cXY7beXkPFin6UEq6vV8IWHnpmsoCjfgqafbB0G86iuL_aIH-tpdj7KMLGo6hA-2YtwZGofLkJnes62cQ1R-2bUPmL3Wxz2m6qmf/s1600/Piano+guys.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV5_xj_yuhs" target="_blank">And for fun, here's a classic like you've never seen it--Pachelbel's Canon in D by The Piano Guys </a></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRxreEIOqVw" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And one more, for everyone who loved the 80's</b></span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite Christian song? Please share it in the comments section! </span></b></div>
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Editor and Publisher Shelly Burkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13549811506536666763noreply@blogger.com0