Wild Week! And Your Chance to Win a Gift Basket Extended!

Yes, I know it's not the day for "W" yet...

Please accept my sincere apologies at falling behind on the "A to Z Challenge"! On Sunday I was invited to go with a friend to a little town in western Nebraska; she gave her "Chocolate" talk there. After, as she was talking with people who attended, we started hearing that the Interstate was closed...because of snow! We did NOT expect that but after checking with family and friends realized that we'd be spending the night in North Platte (where there was no snow, by the way...). After a trip to WalMart for pajamas and a few other necessities, we treated ourselves to a nice supper out and talked until almost 2 AM, discussing everything from our kids to the theology of heaven to our future writing plans and goals to the kind of toothpaste we used...

Needless to say I didn't get any blogging done that day or Monday...we left mid-morning to come home and within 5 or 6 miles saw the first semi jack-knifed in the median. We saw numerous other cars and semis on their sides or completely overturned as we made our way home. We were very thankful to get home safely!

The rest of my week was spent putting the May issue of the "Nebraska Family Times" together (for more about the "Nebraska Family Times" go to "Nebraska Family Times" ; if you'd like a FREE copy of the June issue e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net with your mailing address), working, going to church, welcoming Morgan, my daughter, home, seeing the movie "Heaven is for Real", planning and shopping for Easter dinner...and basically, well, not blogging.

I have my posts planned out and WILL catch up within the next few days.

To make it up to my readers I will be giving away 4 gift baskets instead of just one (see this post ) and have decided to extend it until Easter Monday; everyone who comments between now and then will be in the drawing for one of the gift baskets.

May God bless you and your family this Easter!

"He is risen!"

"He is risen indeed!"

"Alleluia!" 

How to say "NO!"

(adapted from “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home.”)

It’s tempting to say “yes” to any request you get—after all, you want to make people happy, help out when you can, and do good deeds. But sometimes, for your own good, you have to say “NO.” Unfortunately it’s not an easy task, especially when you’re turning down a request to do a “good” thing, like teach Sunday School, buy your child the latest fun toy, or head up yet another project.

Here are a few tips for evaluating requests: 

• Make it a habit to say “I have to check with my spouse/look at my calendar/see if I can find a babysitter” whenever someone asks you to do something. This gives you time to decide if you should do the task or not.
• Find out all of the details—date, time, time required to complete the task, and so on—before you decide whether or not to say “yes.” You might be surprised to find the task is minor and will fit into your schedule—but you might find a seemingly quick task will require much of your time.
• Will saying “yes” ultimately help, or hinder the situation? For example, if your child asks for help with his homework, does he truly need help or is it just easier to ask you? Are you being asked to work overtime to fill in for someone who is sick, or is the organization chronically understaffed?
• Prayerfully consider the request and open your heart to God’s direction. He might urge you in a new direction…or He might prompt you to say “no”.

Principles to saying “NO”:

• First, have it set in your mind that your “no” answer is the best one for you and your family, and that you will not change your mind.
• You do not have to give a reason for your answer. Of course if it’s a close friend or family member you might want to explain, but in some cases your explanation will just lead to the other person arguing with you about your reasons, trying to talk you into saying “yes.”
• The person who is asking might wait silently after you’ve given your “no”, hoping you’ll offer more information or change your mind and say “yes” if she waits long enough. Outwait her. If she is bold enough to question you or try to change your mind, simply repeat your answer, as many times as necessary. Don’t be intimidated. You gave the request thought before you answered; remember how you’ll feel if you’re bullied into doing something you don’t want to do.

How to say “NO”:

• “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
• “It just won’t work for me and my family.”
• “If I do that it won’t help you in the long run.”
• "Doing that for you will just keep you from learning..."
• “I have other plans” (even if it’s a plan to take a nap or work on a project at home)
• “I know I helped last year, but I just can’t this year.”
• “That’s not one of my skills or interests, but I would like to help by…”
• “I can’t help you with this fund raiser but I would be willing to help next year.” (Do not say this unless you are really willing to help next year; you WILL be asked!)

 Sign up in the sidebar on the right side of this page to receive these posts by e-mail; 

the post for the letter “Y” will be titled, “When to Say YES!”

(I'm also blogging at Nebraska Family Times. Today's post 

is based on Hebrews 4:16 and titled "Near".)

Kids, Bringing God into their Lives

(adapted from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is;  A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home”)

Our main job as parents is to make our children, children of God. Jesus clearly treasured children; in Matthew 18 He tells His disciples, “Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me, but 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.” Matthew 18:5-6

Here are some suggestions for bring God into your children’s lives.

Take them to church. This is one of the most fundamental things you can do to make God an integral part of their lives, but arguably one of the most difficult as well. Here are a few tips, from moms who have been there.

• Make going to church a regular routine from the time your children are babies.
• Explain, as age appropriate, what is going on during church.
• Some parents find kids listen and pay attention better if they’re sitting toward the front of church, where they have a clear view of the pastor or priest and can better see what is going on. Other parents prefer to sit near the back, where they can easily “escape” if their kids are acting up.
• Be conscious of any noise your kids might be making. While it’s important for kids to remain in church if at all possible, if they’re disturbing those around you, clearly the kids are not paying attention and others aren’t getting anything out of church either. Consider taking your kids out if they’re disrupting the service; to make sure this doesn’t become a habit, impose a consequence later.
• Take quiet snacks and activities to occupy small children. Consider taking faith-based books, coloring or activity books so that kids are still learning about God even if they’re not paying close attention to the service.
• Consider asking older kids to take “sermon notes” or write down questions or observations about the service to discuss later. Doing so might encourage them to pay attention.
• Be very discerning about missing services for school or sports activities. You are sending a message when these things take precedence over church. Check for services on Saturday evening, or investigate churches in the town to which you will be traveling, if appropriate.

Advice for those who don’t have small children in church with them:

• Remember how you felt when you had young kids in church, and remember the importance of kids being in church. If their noise disturbs you, sit in the area of church where the kids aren't.
• Encourage moms and dads who bring their kids, with a smile and a word of encouragement after the service.
• I recently bought a few Bible activity books that were on clearance; I plan to put them in my church and give them to kids (if their parents ok it) if they’re restless. Could you do something like that?
• In our church, activity bags are available. Parents can grab them before church, their kids keep occupied with what’s inside during church and they’re returned after church. Would this be an option in your church?
• If a mom or dad have a particularly difficult time during a church service, make a point of talking with them after church and telling them how much you appreciate them bringing their kids to church. I will never forget something that happened years ago in our church; during a baptism, the older sibling (who was about 3 years old) escaped her grandma’s grip and ran to the front where her parents and baby sister were. The toddler ran around the altar area and made a fuss. The mother was clearly embarrassed. After church, in the narthex, the lady was talking about how bad she felt about what had happened. An elderly lady went up to her and said very clearly, “We LOVE the sound and activity of children in this church!” I've never forgotten the mom’s expression of relief and gratitude at hearing that.

 (This post will be continued on “O” Day, “Other Ways to Bring God into Your Kids’ Lives”)

(I’m also blogging at Nebraska Family Times. Today’s post is titled “Knowledge”.)

Just Five Minutes? Here are 25 Things You Can Accomplish

(adapted from Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home)

You're waiting for your kids to gather their homework and find their shoes. Or your husband is just finishing a phone call before you leave for an evening out. Or your kids are engrossed in the last few minutes of Dora the Explorer. Or your coffee is heating in the microwave. You probably have the niggling thought, "I should be doing something...but what?" 

Here are a few things you can accomplish when you just have a few minutes--you'll be surprised!

In your bedroom: 

• Organize one dresser drawer.
  
• Sort the stuff on your bedside table. 
• Give your spouse a long hug and kiss.
• Sort the laundry.

In the kitchen:

• Clear out the dishwasher.
• Discard the scary leftovers from the refrigerator.
• Take inventory of the cupboards and start a grocery list.
• Straighten one cupboard.

In the living room:

• Straighten the DVDs
• Pick everything up off the floor so you can quickly vacuum later (or make your kids do it!)
• Give your spouse a back rub. 
• Give your kids a hug and talk to them--no looking at the phone allowed!--about their day.

At your desk: 

• Write a thank-you note or note of encouragement, or write a note in a birthday card.
• Clear e-mails.
• Sort through and file a few papers.

In the car:

• Read a magazine article
• Gather all the empty water bottles, miscellaneous scraps of paper, sippy cups, etc., etc., etc. 
• Take a few breaths and just relax!

For your health:

• Do a few stretches.
• Find your exercise DVDs and choose one to do today or tomorrow.
• Walk to the corner and back.

For your spirit:

• Read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the date; today read Proverbs 11. 
• Pray.
• Update your prayer list. Or start a prayer list!
• Close your eyes and ask the Lord to speak to you. Listen. 

Make your own list of things you can do in 5 minutes. What will you do the next time you have five minutes to fill? 

I'm also blogging at Nebraska Family Times. Don't

forget to comment on a post today or tomorrow so you're entered to 

win this gift package! 

I Can Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens Me

By Shelly Burke

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

~I~ I am the one who has to take responsibility for the things I need to do—no one else can.

~Can Do~   Can. Not “might” or “possibly could” or “can do the easy things” but can take the actions necessary. I might not like it, I might not want to do it, but I can do, with God’s help.

~All Things~ Not “some things” or “most things” or “the easy things;” not just “fun things” or “pretty things” but all things—the ugly things, the things that I never imagined I’d have to do, the sad things, the unfair things—all things that I need to do.

~Through Him~ Not by myself, but through Him, with His help—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We—God and I—will do it together. He will be with me every single second. 

~Who Strengthens~ I don’t have to feel strong; I don’t have to be strong. He will do the strengthening that allows and enables me to do what I need to do.

~Me~ He strengthens me when I need it. He cares enough to help me do what I need to do, when I need to do it.

Thank You, Lord, that You care enough about me and what I’m going through to give me the strength to do what I need to do. Thank You that I am not alone in anything I need to do. Amen.

What are you asking the Lord to strengthen you to do today? 

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I'm also blogging at Nebraska Family Times. 

Today's post is based on John 14:6, and gives us the ONLY way to eternal

life with the Lord. 

Health, Small Steps to Improving Yours

If you pay the least bit of attention to the “news” or current magazines, you've realized that health advice abounds, and is different almost every time you turn on the TV or read a newspaper or magazine headline or article. It can be overwhelming to even think about improving your health, especially if your exercise and eating habits aren't the best to begin with!

Whether you’re just considering thinking about maybe taking some steps to improve your health, or already  have pretty good health habits, here are some things you can do to bump it up to the next level. 

Here are a few are simple, proven tips that you can start to use immediately. Choose one—or all!—to begin doing today. Your body and your mind will thank you!

•  Decrease your intake of soda, coffee, or sweets by just one serving/day.
• Drink an extra glass of water every day.
• Eat one more serving of fruits or vegetables every day. If you regularly eat plenty of fruits and veggies try one new fruit or vegetable this month.
• Exercise—even a 10 minute walk around the block or a few stretches are beneficial. If you exercise regularly, challenge yourself to add a few minutes of exercise or try a new DVD or routine.
• If you haven’t seen a doctor for a few years, make an appointment today! If you are a woman between the ages of 40 and 76, check out Every Woman Matters You may qualify for free screening tests, including mammogram and Pap smear.
• If you have a habit that has a negative effect on your health, consider changing it just slightly. If you smoke, challenge yourself to smoke one less cigarette a day. If you eat several servings of junk food every day, limit yourself to just one snack a day. If you frequently eat out, consider going one week without eating out at all (your wallet will thank you too!). Make your servings just a little bit smaller.

 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

What is YOUR favorite health tip?

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I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times.

 Today’s post is titled “Hope” and based on Romans 15:13

***Remember--comment on any post between now and Saturday

evening and you'll be eligible to win this  gift basket!***  

10 Great Things to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say

No matter what the situation or circumstance, one or more of these statements are the ‘right’ thing to say. 

• “I’m so sorry!”
• “You are in my thoughts and prayers.”
• “What can I do for you?”
• “It’s OK to cry/scream/laugh.”
• “It’s OK to be mad/sad/upset/confused.”
• “There are many people who love and support you.”
• “This is a terrible time for you, but I know you can do what you have to do.”
• “I am here any time you want to talk/e-mail/cry.”
• “I am your friend and I will support you and be here for you no matter what!”
• NOTHING--just give a hug or sit quietly and listen. 

“Do not be anxious about…what you ought to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12

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I'm also blogging at Nebraska Family Times. Click to 

read the post "Gifts", based on 1 Peter 4:10