Weight loss

 

The photo on the left is me about a year and four months ago at a whopping 230lbs!  No, I am not pregnant...baby Beckles is in the photo with me at a antiques sale. The latter is me in the 160's club!  If you have never heard of the trim healthy mama way of eating, let me introduce it to you! CLICK HERE! My husband bought the book for me because I was discouraged about my weight.  I would gain 40 - 60 pounds with each pregnancy (3) and I would work hard for about a year just to loose all but about 10 pounds before I became pregnant again.  We would like to have as large a family as the Lord allows...I'm  thinking 8 to 10 kiddos...but I just can't imagine what would have happened to me at the aforementioned rate of weight gain. I am SO thankful for this knew knowledge about food and health.  Should you choose to try it, Remember to keep it simple!!!  We have a VERY limited budget. (My husband is the pastor of a small church and works part-time at Wal-Mart to make ends meet.) I mention our budget because there are a lot of things recommended, but not necessary to follow this eating plan. I follow the principles taught by Serene and Pearl and add the "extra" or "special" things as I am able.  Thank you Lord (and Serene and Pearl... and their families who sacrificed time with them for our benefit!)  for helping me to get control of my weight!!!

Until Next Time,
 

Pant-Skirt Transformation

It is often SO hard to find good skirts for my girls to wear that I finally decided to learn to make these.  Let me tell you...I am Very glad I did!  The whole process takes me (very important) about two hours to do.  I am not a perfectionist or a professional...but I get is done!!!  If I can do it, you can too.
A photo journal of my crafting project...

From this...

to this!

 

 

 

 

I needed to add elastic in the waist so I took out the elastic from the old and faded yellow skirt pictured above and added it to this one.

 

 

Cut excess, then cut seam in the front up to the zipper.

 

.

Repeated the necessary steps for the front then hemmed it up.

Added decorative stitch on hem.

I still have more to do...but I am excited to do them!
 

 Continue reading at your own risk.

Some of you may be thinking...why bother.  Well, in our family we have decided that I and my girls will only wear skirts.  I decided to stop wearing pants when I was 12 years old.  One day after I arrived back home from a youth conference I threw all my pants away. I don't remember anyone preaching specifically on this topic, but I noticed it was in the handbook for the permitted dress code...so I thought that was how Christians ladies were supposed to dress. My mom thought I was CRAZY!  I only had two dresses and a skirt at the time, but the Lord provided and she had to permit it since she wasn't home when I dumped them in the dumpster...on trash day. A few weeks later I won a contest in Sunday School and my teacher took me shopping for another Sunday dress (Thanks Mrs. Whittington!).  Also, one of my public school teachers (Thanks, Mrs. Brown!) gave me two other dresses to wear. When the next school semester rolled around Mama took me shopping for more skirts and dresses.

What do I think now and why am I forcing this on my daughters?

Because it's feminine and it is one of the easiest ways for us as ladies (young and old) to identify with Christ.  Believe me, it's not always the easiest route.  One of my daughters is very alert to fashion. " In fact I have had to "up my game". We have had many discussions about this and she is only five - so I am sure we will be having more "discussions".
 One day I put on a new and more fashionable dress and she said to me, "Wow Mama, you look like Sister ... " I thanked her and decided to do better at showing her that just because I wear only dresses and skirts, doesn't mean I can't look pretty and up to date. Also, I try to tell her that when people see a young lady in a dress out in public they automatically associate her with church, religion, and/or Christ. Whether the girl is a Christian or not ...it's true.  What we wear may speak louder that what we say.    

(I'm not meaning for this to be a sermon...but rather a testimony...my testimony.)
Whether this is your practice or not, I hope this post is a blessing.

Until Next Time,

My Teacher- the elephant

 My teacher…the Elephant

The other day when I was reading a book about amazing animals to the girls, the animal of the day was the elephant. My Grandmother was a lover of elephants.  I have no idea why, but I know that she did.  In 1998 I was privileged to take a missions trip to Ivory Coast, West Africa and I brought back  “elephant gifts” for her.  Unfortunately I didn’t realize it was illegal to bring back ivory so I proudly and  unwisely listed my family of ivory elephants on the customs report on the plane. Of course they were confiscated -  but, I had forgotten about an Ivory plaque of elephants that I also bought so I didn’t list them on my custom’s report sheet and they were not confiscated.  My Grandma LOVED her gift. 

Since that time I have learned more about elephants and grown to appreciate them as well.

From our friend the elephant I have learned the following:

1.       It takes a village…not really; (P.S.  I have heard friends recite that quote; but do you know exactly what that refers to.  I will give you a hint- it was made famous by Hillary Clinton) but sometimes we do need a little help.  When in a tribe of elephants two mothers bare calves (baby elephants) around the same time they partner together to raise them.

2.       Our children can help us with their siblings.  When an elephant reaches the age of four or five it begins to help take care of the younger calf while the mother elephant is getting food, etc.  One thing that my girls LOVE to do is to get into the crib with DeSean and play with him while I cook dinner. Also, Aaliyah is responsible for getting diapers for her brother and Cassidy is responsible for throwing them away. When I do either of these things they get upset with me and feel like I cheated them out of their jobs!

3.       Elephant trunks are strong enough to pick up tree trunks and heavy branches; but they are also used to gently rub, and pet their little darlings.  What a beautiful picture of motherhood!  Sometimes we have to be strong and tough, and other times gentle and kind.

4.       Baby elephants get spankings when they step out of line!   Nough said!

 

Now that I have shared this elephant knowledge with you, you might think of me the next time you see and elephant at the zoo or circus…and that’s ok I guess; but I do hope a prettier and slimmer animal causes my children and grandchildren to remember me! On second thought, maybe the next post will be about a tigeress, or gazelle or something.

Until next time,

Teaching Stewardship

Teaching Stewardship

I was at a book sale at the library last year and I picked up a little book about teaching children about banking and finances.  I also have and cherish Dave Ramsey’s little book entitled “priceless” which someone gave to me while I was in college.  (I wish I had studied it then!!!) We decided to start giving the children a small amount of money every Saturday.  Aaliyah and Cassidy both have two jars.  They colored pictures to put on the jars and then we taped the picture to the jar.  One has the word “Save” and the other reads, “Give”.  I divide the money up into change if necessary and they put %10 in the special pocket of their purse for church on Sunday as their tithe.  They put another %10 percent in their giving jar, %10 in their saving jar and the rest they can put in their purse to spend.  Cassidy does not yet understand or care anything about this process at present; but Aaliyah is learning well. 

When we leave the house she makes sure she has her purse just in case we go to the store.  (I stopped reminding her after about two weeks. If she forgets her purse she does not get to buy anything).

I remember the first time she had to give her tithe.   We used to give her money to put in the missions jar at church every week.  If for some reason we would forget or be too busy (me at the piano and dad at the pulpit) someone always gave them change to put in the missions jar. 

The first week she had money from her allowance plus Grandma sent her money because she lost two teeth.  Offering time came and she hesitated to go forward and give; then she began to cry.  Not the silent tears; but the big huge crocodile tears.  She said, “Will Jesus give me my money back?”.  We told her that God always gives us back more than we give to Him.  She gave it; but was a little hesitant.  Two days later she went with her dad to invite people to church and a man off the street walked up to her and gave her $10!  Talk about God giving back to you!  She has never had a problem giving to Jesus since. She has since asked me if it was ok if she gave Jesus dollars  instead of just change. Last week she put a couple of dollars in her purse to give to Jesus above her tithe. 

I also remember the first unwise purchase she made.  We were at the store and there was one of those “toy drop” machines outside.  She was determined to play it so that she could win one of the toys.  It looked so easy.  I warned her that playing the game might be a foolish way instead of a wise way to spend her money (I used those words exactly.  I believe it is important to use Bible words with our children).  She just had to play…so I let her.  It took $1, then $2, then $3 – she is her mother’s daughter, therefore she knew she could win if she just kept trying (LOL). By dollar number three she was crying and her father said enough was enough. 

Here we are about two months later.  She has passed many “toy drop machines” and has NEVER asked to play again.  I try to remind her about her experience as we watch other foolish children spend their parent’s money in those machines.  By the way…We have yet to see one win.

I am so proud of the little ones God has given us!

Until next time,

Ten Minute Challenge!

10 Things I can do in 10 minutes!

1. The girls hair - 10 minutes each!

2. Tidy my home.  Often if it's been a busy day - my home reflects that...so I will set the timer to alarm when my husband is scheduled to get off work.  When it sounds I give each of the girls a job, re-start the timer for 10 minutes and I start a 10 minute cleaning blitz.  This way when Daddy gets home the house looks somewhat peaceful.

3. A workout.  I love the knock-out body kickboxing version from the 10 minute solutions workout series. See their website HERE.

4. Make a smoothie.  Often I do this directly after my workouts.

 

trimhealthymama.com website

5.  Clean my bathroom.  It doesn't take long for this room especially to become a mess.

6.  Fold a load of laundry.

7.  Read a book with the kids.

8.  Call or write a note to a friend.  I am horrible when it comes to keeping in touch.  This is my new challenge for myself.  It really has helped, except in yesterday's case...I called three friends and no one was home.

9. Walk my dog.  Exercise for her and a breath of fresh air for me.

 

 

10.  Blog!  Fun, Fun, Fun.  Write a post and read a couple from others' blogs.

Couldn't resist...This is an old photo of me and Aaliyah that Raymond took.

Until next time,

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you all and your loved ones are doing well.  I am enjoying my Valentine's day. 

How do you like my photo for the back cover of my book?  I had about 15 to choose from and this I thought made me look "approachable" and happy.  I had intended to straighten my hair then curl it; but I am glad I didn't because it was extremely windy and cold that day so I am sure I would have looked a mess! 
Hubby and kiddos are doing well.  So thankful for the family God has given me.  Raymond and I were talking the other night about important choices that we have made in the past that we are glad about.  Both of us concluded that it seems that some of the small ones have turned out to be the most important. 




My challenge for you today is to make good small choices!  They make a big impact on your life in the long run!

KHATS (14) - STUDY

My little Cassidy and Aaliyah the Sunday before Christmas.

Cassidy is very serious about her music!

I never in a million years would have pictured myself as a wife and mother, especially not a great wife and mother.   Then one day I found myself married with two precious little girls .  What do I do?  Do I just expect my natural instincts to help me along? Do I follow the examples of the women in my family before me?  Do I subscribe to Parenting magazinse and use them like a Bible?...
When I first became a mom someone sent me a free years subscription to Parents and Babytalk magazines.  I was so excited...in the beginning.  As I read, I realized how much awful advice was being dished out as fact based on what Dr. such and such found in his/her research.  Most of the mom's they interview in such magazines are celebrities who don't even raise the one or two children they have.  I also noticed that they only interviewed mothers with small children. 

As mothers, we cannot expect being a good mom to just "come naturally" to us. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul encourages us to - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

If you want to be a great mother, study.  Study women who have gone on before you and experienced a measure of success with their children.  Remember that from some you may learn what not to do.  I know women who spend years studying to be a great nurse, lawyer, doctor, business woman, etc; but they leave rearing their children to someone else or "do their best and hope and pray" for the everything to turn out ok.  My encouragement to you today is to Study to be the best wife and or mother that you can be. Having a great home where your spouse and children are nurtured and cared for in a way that honors God is the best, and most fulfilling, job you can have!  Invest  your time well.


Until next time,

KHATS 13 - Don't Scorn

My next challenge to you mothers in to never scorn or criticize anyone your child should respect...This may include, but is not limited to their sorry, good-for-nothing daddy, your pastor, police, or anyone in authority.  You may think the marked out words; but never speak them.  They will find out the truth about the deadbeats in their lives all too soon.  Let  Pray that God will do a work in their hearts and lives so that when the truth comes to the light they will accept it gracefully and desire better for themselves and their future family. 

I guess my mom's way of obeying this principle was to never speak of my dad.  I have encountered him only two or three times in my life.  (He has since passed away.)  I know very little about him; but the little I do know is not very favorable.  When I met my husband one of the things I looked for in him when I met him was if he would be a good father or not.  My husband is very good with kids.  I love that about him. 

In the case of this challenge the old saying works..."If you can't say anything nice; don't say anything at all."  In my experience when you criticize someone a person loves and respects, it makes that person loose respect for you - their opinion of the other party is rarely changed. 

Proverbs 18:21


Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Until next time,

KHATS (4)

Be overprotective!!!   I am not saying protect your children from life...I am saying protect your children from unnecessary harm.  One young lady told me that she allowed her young children to stay at a friends house for almost a week because she needed a break from them.  Red flags went up in my mind and I got a very uncomfortable feeling in my chest!  I ask her if she would trust this same friend with her gold rings or money and she said, "NO!".  Then why on earth would you trust them with your children! You don't know your friends as well as you think you do.  You especially don't know who is coming in and out of their homes.  There are too many evil people in the world that will take any opportunity to harm your child.  We don't allow our children to spend the night at anyones house ( with one exception).  We don't allow teenagers, especially boys, to babysit our children.  My "me" time is nap time.  If you work during the day; make your children go to bed early so that the evenings will be your "me" time.  Children of single parents become easy targets for child preditors.  Let me repeat that...Children of single parents become easy targets for child preditors.  Be on guard.  Better to be called overprotective and your children be safe and nurtured, than to have wounded children and regrets. 

Two quotes that I love are:

1. "Do not sacrifice your childrens' safety on the alter of social politenesses." - Mike Pearl
2. "Separate what you feel from what is best for the child and do the latter."  - Kermitta Overland

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.   Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.- Provervs 31:27,18

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.  - Luke 17:2
Some interesting reading on this subject
here (...More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way...),
here (...80% of all child molestation cases involve someone the child knows...), and
here (...The FBI receives more than 2,000 missing child reports every day. That means 2,000 yesterday, 2,000 today and 2,000 tomorrow...)

Until Next time,

KHATS 3

Learn to love to read!  Not just read; but research and study.  Unfortunately you can't believe everything you are told; but you can research just about everything you are told.  My general rule of thumb is that whatever someone tells me (doctor, dentist, child psychologist or therapist, teacher, etc.) I want it confirmed by at least two or three sources.  One important topic I would encourage you to research is your family's health.  I have recently began learning about home remedies and growing herbs and the benefit of eating healthy. I must tell you that I am enjoying myself!  A few of the things I am reading now are:




I highly recommend this book!!!  I am now on chapter nine and I have learned SO much.





subscribe to this magazine here.




Subscribe to this magazine here.

As always is the case, I cannot say that I support every single thing any of these books/magazines support; but they have been a great blessing and encouragement to our family.

  Until next time,

KHATS(2)

My second tip to you single mothers out there is to KEEP SWEET!  Every conversation I have on the phone with my mother-in-law ends with her challenging me to keep sweet.   {Instead of saying, "Bye." she says "Keep Sweet!".}  I have often wondered why she has felt the need to tell me to keep sweet.  I mean, my husband tells me that I am so sweet I would melt in the rain!  {Ha-ha-ha!  I don't believe everything he says. LOL} On days when your husband (or boss, or whomever) gives you a to do list a mile long, but one child - who you just fed an hour ago- is crying and saying, "EAT, EAT!"; and the other child has said, "Mama, Mama." about fifty times in the last five minutes...it can be a challenge.  I will offer you two tips to help you in your effort to keep sweet.

1. Whisper when you feel the need to yell.  When Aaliyah notices that I am whispering the situation immediately becomes serious to her.  She sits up straighter and listens harder.  This has REALLY helped me in my effort to have my children remember me as a happy mother instead of an angry one.
2. Outlaw certain words from your home.  Two illegal words in our home are shut-up and stupid.  Anytime Aaliyah hears anyone say either of these words she says, "Ooooh, don't say that.  That is not nice!"

I hope these tips help you on your journey of motherhood!

Proverbs 31:26
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Until next time,

KEEP SWEET!

KHATS

KAHTS

Titus 2:4,5
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


So what exactly is KAHTS?  Keeper at Home Tips for Singles.   I have a burden for single mothers. My mother was a single mother. My grandmother was an orphan and became a single mother. My sister is a single mother. Both my aunts are single mothers. They each have daughters who are now single moms. Many of the people I grew up with were raised by single mothers. (You probably get the picture by now.) I am not a single mom; but there are certain things that I have observed and learned that may help single moms.

Some of you reading this may not be a single mom. If you think this information could be a help to someone you know, please SHARE. Many of the things I plan to share will also apply to married as well as single moms.

Some of you reading this may be single mothers; perhaps by choice, perhaps not. My mother’s childhood was stolen from her by my father. I praise God often that she did not CHOOSE to abort me as so many women who were put in her situation have chosen. Maybe your husband experienced an untimely death and you now find yourself rearing your children alone. Maybe you made some poor choices earlier in life and now you have one or more beautiful children that you are bringing up by yourself as a result. Please know that in the Bible children are always spoken of as a blessing! Do your best with what you have and leave the rest up to God. I hope these little tips and lessons will be a blessing to you and enable you to be the best mom you can be.


Luke 18:15-17

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalm 127:4
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Proverbs 31:28a
Her children arise up, and call her blessed;...

KHATS (1)

Get yourself a good umbrella!

My first piece of advice would be for you to get yourself a good umbrella. No I don’t mean that thing you keep in your car in case it rains! I mean a COVERING. A man in your life who will become a father figure for your children.  In choosing your COVERING I would advise you to choose wisely. This covering will provide you and your children with some authority, stability, and wisdom for your journey as a single parent.

Purpose for your Umbrella:
1. Someone you go to for advice when you have a big decision to make (ie buying a car or home, changing jobs, moving.)
2. Someone to serve as a role model for your sons.
3. Someone with whom you can exercise submission.
4. Someone you can go to for help when you feel your emotions are clouding your mind especially in the case of a Mister right (or Wrong) entering the picture.

It is often hard for women who have been raised by women to easily submit to their husbands, or any man for that matter. This will not only be practice for you; but an example for your sons and daughters. I would like to take this opportunity to say it is very important that you chose someone whom you will obey even if you disagree with him about something. Often as married women we don’t agree or see eye to eye with our husbands on every subject matter or decision; but if we desire the best for our families we will submit to our husbands as the Bible commands. I find in my married life that 9 times out of 10 my husband is right about whatever we disagreed about. There is always that one time; but I believe that the Lord will take care of that and work it out for good if I do right. I chose to call this an umbrella because of what my former pastor's wife taught me.  She said that when we obey our husbands, even when we disagree, it is like we are stepping under an umbrella in a rain storm.  The Lord will bless and protect us from the storm.  I know one young lady who is single who has chosen as her umbrella a  man who is a deacon from another church near her home.  He is a godly, older man with a wife who has become like a mother to her.

Until next time,