Can Mommies Have fun Too?? – Part Two

If you missed the first post here about whether or not Mommies can have fun, (or if we should just resign ourselves to a stressed out and chaotic life b/c we have kids,) read here!  : )  Basically, I talked about how since having kids, through trial and error, I’ve finally struck a nice balance between devoted mommy as well as an individual who has fun, friends, travels, romance, and her own life.  It didn’t come easily though – for the first few years of my kids life, I was super busy.  I worked from home for the most part so I was still with them a lot, but I do feel as though the quality aspect of the time spent with them could have been better and more focused.  For example, if I’m loading the dishwasher while watching youtube videos, my kids may be in the room, but I don’t really consider it spending quality time with them.  Now, I try to spend quality time with my kids doing fun things or just hanging out, while also allowing myself on the other hand to have free time apart from them, time with friends, and time with my sweetie to rejuvenate.

So in this post, I really wanted to share a few ways that I make sure to have fun as an individual/mom/friend/wife/working-woman while still being an involved, hands on and devoted parent who is invested in my children.  Some tips are basic, some are funny, and some are more serious, but they have all worked for me.  So here they are:

1. Check out minimalism – my favorite sites on this are The Minimalists, Becoming Minimalist, and Courtney Carver’s site.  About a year ago, I got rid of everything that I didn’t use or love – that included all clothes I hadn’t worn in a year or didn’t love, house figurines and decorations that needed dusting, all toys that didn’t fit into the few toy boxes that my kids have, and even plates, and silverware – everything literally was on the chopping block to be given away. I literally took like 20 – 30 bags to the Salvation Army, (which also serves as a tax break.)  🙂  I wanted clear counters and uncluttered walls – I wanted to be able to think straight without having a bunch of junk laying around that was stealing my peace and taking up my time to keep up.  The less stuff you have, the less you have to clean and upkeep.  The less dishes you have, the less you have to wash them.  The less clothes you have, the less laundry you have to do.  (I also got rid of most of my kids clothes too except for maybe six of each type of clothes – shorts, jeans, pants, dresses, short sleeves, and long sleeves.)  Basically, if you complain about having to clean it, upkeep it, etc., then get rid of it – problem solved.  : )

(I sold or donated these toys that my children had outgrown – this was probably less than one percent of what I got rid of.)

2.  Turn the TV off.  I stopped watching TV a while back, and while every now and then I turn it on, for the most part, I never watch it, (except for when friends come over and I have it on then.)  Since I made a choice to stop watching TV two years ago, I started three businesses, decluttered my house, increased my income, have had more time for family and friends, have done lots of interesting and fun outings that I wouldn’t have done if I’d been sitting on the couch, and have been more satisfied overall because I’m not comparing my home to HGTV homes and my life to rich reality TV women.  🙂  Dont’ get me wrong – I LOVE youtube documentaries and shows that actually teach me something like CNBC business shows, and I’ll watch them sometimes after the kids to go sleep for fun.  But apart from that, my TV stays off.  I challenge you to turn the TV off for a month and see how much your life changes for the better, and how much more time you have to devote to friends and family.

3. If you have young kids, keep all toys in organized boxes and bins.  I say this not because I want my home to look like Pinterest, (I could honestly care less about home decorations and have no decorating skills whatsoever, lol,) but because by limiting the amount of toys my kids have, it eliminates clutter and allows me to think straight.  Also, because everything has its own box, ex: lego box, puppet box, crayon bag, dress up bin, they know how to clean up even from around age three.  I say “clean up,” and I have trained them to put everything back in the proper place, so they can do it themselves.  Don’t get me wrong – I am not a dictator, sometimes I help them clean. 🙂  But the important thing is that they can do it without my help if I’m tired or simply don’t feel like helping on any given day!lol…

4. Nap time or room time.  My kids have to sleep or play quietly for three hours each day.  When friends ask me how I “get my kids to nap,” I simply smile and reply, “it’s not a choice.”  🙂  My kids have to stay in their rooms for three hours and play quietly or nap.

During that time, I catch up on my 60-150 online college students emails/questions/grading; I blog, answer and write emails, update my facebook/instagram, make my to-do list, get some cleaning done, organize, relax and eat lunch, watch interesting youtube videos, or take a nap myself if its the weekend.  (I don’t do all of these at once; I choose which I want to do.)  🙂

5. Always allow yourself to do things “tomorrow” instead of “yesterday.”  Sometimes I’ll hear the generalization that here on the East Coast, we tend to rush and feel guilty that we should have done things “yesterday,” whereas on the West Coast they relax and do it tomorrow, and don’t feel the least bit guilty.  I’m not sure if that’s true since I’ve never been to the West Coast, but it really brings up an idea that changed my life.  I used to push through to get all ten things done on my to do list in one day, even if it meant having no lunch break, staying up till midnight, forgoing a nap, and ending up stressed.  Recently, I’ve learned that if it doesn’t have to be done, it’s OK to push it back till tomorrow, (or the next day or the next day,) and be totally happy with that decision.  🙂  So long as it’s not something that turns into procrastination or never getting around to, I’ll allow myself a few days of grace.

6. Schedule lots of me time.  I find pockets during the day and week to have free and fun time.  I find teenage homeschool girls who work in the church nursery, Sunday school teacher friends, certified teacher friends who have free nights and weekends, or other mommy friends that I know and trust to babysit the kids, and get them to babysit.  Or, I’ll swap sitting with friends for free, or have one of my babysitters watch my kids in exchange for food or home-made beauty products.  (Come on mamas – we have to get creative!!)  🙂  I always keep a running list four to ten sitters that I know and trust at all times, so anytime that I need a break, I can make sure that my children are well taken care of while I go to the bookstore and read over coffee, get lunch with friends, spend the day with my sweetie, take a long nap, or take the weekend off to visit a college friend.  I personally believe that time alone or away with friends or my spouse energizes, renews, and makes me a better mom.  I’m not sure where moms got the idea that devoting every second to our kids, never doing anything for ourselves, and being a “mommy martyr” to our own demise somehow makes us better moms.

In my own life, it’s been the opposite.  Taking time away to refresh has allowed me to come back rejuvenated and ready to be a better and more involved mom and wife.  I’ll also try and schedule a beauty treatment every two weeks – even if its just a $5 polish change at the nail salon or a warm bath at 9 p.m. after the kids are in bed, treat yourself.  If mom is tired, stressed, stretched thin, and lethargic, it will eventually take a toll.  Moms – we deserve fun time, to be well rested, and to look good!  Do some Zumba at night to stay in shape, paint your nails, send your kids to bed early so Mommy and Daddy can have a romantic night alone – do whatever it takes to invest in yourself.  🙂

I’ll stop for now, and maybe I’ll even do a Part Three!  (After six points, I think people get tired and want to be done reading, so this seems like a good place to stop.)  🙂  I’ll end by saying that my kids mean everything to me – this is why I believe that it’s important for me to develop myself as a whole person instead of dedicating my entire existence to them.  And please don’t get me wrong – I spend lots of time with my children taking them to lessons, reading to them, taking them on trips, to classes, museums, activities, etc, but I also believe that I’m happier when I too likewise have alone time, or time with my sweetie and friends.  I want my daughter to know that when she’s married with kids, she should also take time for herself.  I want both of my kids to know that Mommy and Daddy deserve alone time and fun, (just like they get to have fun, take classes, see their preschool friends, take trips, etc.)  I want my kiddos to know that it’s important for everyone in the family to be well-rested and fulfilled, not just the children.  I want them to think of the well-being of others, and not just their own – I started teaching my kiddos empathy and to think about their situation as compared to those people who have less than them since they were pretty much babies.  Anytime they seem to take on a tone that the world revolves around them, I remind them of children who don’t have toys, who don’t have food, whose parents abuse them, who are child slaves, or who  have to work instead of go to preschool and swim lessons.  I want them to be conscious even from toddlers that everyone in the family matters and should be fulfilled.  Some may wonder if kids can even understand those concepts, but I believe they can – my own kids often remind me to be kinder with my words so that I don’t hurt those around me.  Kids are only limited in understanding if we allow them to be.  🙂  Also, if you are still reading even after all my ramblings, lol, one book that resonated with me when it comes to parenting is the somewhat controversial (at least among American mommy circles) book called “Bringing up Bebe” – while I don’t agree with all the parts, (namely some of the sections on early childhood education,) I found upon reading the book that I have the almost exact same parenting style as the author, and am likewise a (for the most part)  🙂  happy, calm, and relaxed mom like she found herself becoming.

All that to say that Mommies can have fun.  It is totally, 100 % possible.  It may just involve a mindset shift, careful planning, and implementing a few more things into your life that you weren’t previously doing.  How about you?  How will you be a great mom while still having fun and growing as an individual?  🙂

Blessings,

Lauren

Lauren is a wife, mother, Jesus-lover, Blogger, certified Life Coach, Professor, the owner of a Spanish Immersion Christian preschool, and the owner of Lauren’s Lathers, an organic beauty company, (making her own home-made Soaps, Scrubs, Shea Butters, and more!)  She is excited to soon be starting her Master Esthetics Program to eventually open a spa for women that will offer a variety of Spa Treatments for the whole woman – (Microderm, facials, waxing, makeup, massage, spray tans, etc.) along with Life Coaching.  She loves Zumba, Pilates, soaking worship, dreaming and manifesting, the beach, chocolate, berry smoothies, travel, and spending time with her friends, family and children.  Her life’s mission  is to be happy, to help others, and to spread God’s love, as well as to be an Author, Motivational speaker, Consultant and Coach – her first book will be available soon, and she will soon be re-launching her Coaching Business, specializing in Business Start up Coaching and Parenting Coaching, so keep an eye out!  : )

What I’ve Been up To…

I just realized that I hadn’t blogged in four months, so I wanted to check in about what I’ve been up to.  🙂

This morning someone picked up a Lauren’s Lathers gift for a speaking engagement – I hope that the speaker enjoys their Lavender Shea Butter.

Then the kiddos and I headed to swim lessons, and they did really well.  They are both now swimming the length of the pool with a noodle wrapped around them – I am so proud of them!

Then we came home, went to the park, and walked a mile around the neighborhood in the stroller.  Today was the neighborhood yard sale, so it was nice to see everyone outside and chatting, and to get to say “hi” to some of the neighbors.  We got to catch up with our next door neighbor and her grandchildren.

I also am glad that it’s hot outside now, so I am trying to convince my husband to open the pool a week early!lol..

So what’s new with me?  The preschool has grown and we are now switching to full time only in the fall – that is so exciting since we just opened a year ago.  🙂  The Lauren’s Lathers organic beauty business is growing too, and I’ll be doing lots of vendor shows this summer.  We’ll also be taking a few vacations this summer too, which I’m super excited about.

That’s it – I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Blessings,

Lauren

Lauren is a wife, mother, Jesus-lover, the owner of a Spanish Immersion Christian preschool, and the owner of Lauren’s Lathers, an organic beauty company, (making her own home-made Soaps, Scrubs, Shea Butters, and more!)  She loves Zumba, Pilates, the beach, chocolate, berry smoothies, travel, and spending time with her friends, family and children.  Her life’s mission is to be happy, to help others, and to spread God’s love, as well as to be an Author, Motivational speaker, Consultant and Coach – her first book will be available soon!

What if my gift is too small?

Image courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

With social media, TV, and Facebook, we often see amazing stories of people who are breaking Olympic records, traveling to other countries helping sex-trafficked women and children, and winning all kinds of awards.  Sometimes we are happy for them.  Other times it can make us feel as though we should be doing more.

But we should never compare our gifts to others.  Recently a friend told me about a trip she was taking across the world to help abused women.  I could have been jealous, wishing that I too could travel internationally and make a difference.  But I know that for me, I am making a difference right at home. 🙂

 

Right now, my mission is to make a difference right here in my city by loving my children and the children who come to my preschool.

Right now, my mission is to love my husband and friends, and be an example to others that marriage still works.  🙂

Let’s never compare ourselves to others and think that the gifts we can share with others are “too small.”  Not at all. 🙂 Our gifts are just different.  Some gifts may bring fame and fortune, and other gifts may not, but that doesn’t make one better than the other.

Be happy with the gifts that you can share with others.  What is a gift that you can share with others today? : )

 

 

Lauren is a wife, mother, preschool teacher, tutor and lover of all things natural, even making and selling her own organic beauty products.  She loves Zumba, the beach, coffee, chocolate, berry smoothies, travel, and being silly with her friends, family and children.  Her life’s mission is to be happy, to help others, and to spread God’s love.

 

Dear Mama of Babies…

Here is a picture of me when my “babies” looked more like babies.  🙂

Although my “babies” are now 2.5 and four, I can still remember those sleepless nights, and lately I’ve had so many moms ask me if it “gets any easier,” (almost as if they’re asking in hopes for reassurance.)  🙂  So this note is written with lots of love for mamas of babies, or maybe just for those who are curious!lol…  🙂

 

Dear Mama of Babies,

When you became pregnant, you imagined your sweet cuddly baby, and how you would wrap your little one in all of those soft blankets, and hold them in your arms.

You still do all of those things, 🙂 but add to that spit up, poopy diapers, waking up every three hours at night to breastfeed or pump, and having someone who needs you 24/7.

And if you have older kids, it is even harder – you have older ones who want your attention, plus a little one who is crying, and you might not even know why.

Mommy, know that one day that baby will grow legs and start walking.  🙂  He will use the bathroom on his own, sleep through the night, and drink juice from a sippy cup.  Soon there will be no more bottles.  There will be lots more sleep.  There will be time in the morning to put on foundation, blush, eye shadow, and even eye liner too…but you will still probably wear a “mom ponytail” just b/c it’s easier.  🙂

And if you’re feeling bad b/c you once had a career and you wonder if you still have “a brain,” 🙂 realize that you only get to have a baby once.  Enjoy it!  You have the rest of your life to continue your career as Biochemist.  🙂  And while some Moms are Biochemists and also have babies, don’t feel bad b/c you’re not doing both – to each her own.

I was back to teaching online a day after my babies were born, and worked part time two mornings each week just two weeks later while my mom watched the babies, and it worked out great for me – but don’t feel bad if you’re not working, and don’t believe that lie that you’re not “productive” just b/c you don’t have a job outside of the home – God has a different plan for every woman, and motherhood is a high calling. 🙂

No more comparisons.  No more wishing this time away.  Yes; it is a tiring time, but one day your babies will be toddlers, and you’ll wonder where the time went.

Hang in there mama! 🙂

Blessings,

Lauren

 

Lauren is a Christ loving mama of two who enjoys being a wife, a mother, a friend, and a Jesus follower! She enjoys ministering to women of all ages, and inspiring others to live out their purposes for the Lord. Her hobbies include blogging, speaking, making and selling all-natural soaps and beauty products, cooking healthy foods, and doing Zumba. Along with homeschooling her children by day, Lauren also does SAT/ACT, Writing, and Spanish tutoring by night, and enjoys working with students while sipping hot coffee at Starbucks. She also enjoys traveling, the beach, being a minimalist, laughing, spending time with friends, finding more ways to be more frugal, and having movie nights with her husband.

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” my page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch my videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLholmes79

Looking for all-natural Shea butter soaps?  Check out my Lauren’s Lather’s page here!

Is your child in need of SAT/ACT prep, or help in Spanish class?  Contact me today!

Looking for a Spanish Immersion Christian Preschool Program for your child?  I’d love it if they joined us! 🙂

 

Adventures in Homeschooling

As some of you recently know, the kiddies and I just started homeschooling, and we absolutely love it!

Because the babies are so little, I am mostly doing learn through play, but we also have some basics that we do every day: letters, numbers, penmanship, Bible, reading, practical life activities, Spanish, and Montessori inspired lessons and stations.

OK – that was a little more than basics, 🙂 but for a former teacher, I can’t help it – I love learning and I love teaching my kids to love to learn too!

Here are a few pictures from today – keep in mind that it snowed last night, so that made homeschooling even more fun – we got to learn while cozied up under blankets, and the kiddies were excited, knowing that they would get to play in the snow once school was done! 🙂

Here is a picture of Gabriel doing a lesson on patterns and colors with glass rocks.

Here is a picture of Zoe playing with letters and numbers.

Although I am not a “puzzle person,” lol, I am learning to enjoy it for the kids sake! 🙂

We started early today, so we finished around 10 a.m. – enough time to watch some fun educational videos that reinforced our Spanish, (Dora!!,) 🙂 and Sesame Street videos that reinforced our numbers and letters.  We also did some singing and dancing with maracas that I brought back from missions trips to Mexico.  Also, Gabriel dressed up like a ninja, but he declined any photo ops!lol…

I’d say it’s been a fun day so far!

How about you?   Do you homeschool?  How do you teach your kiddies?

Blessings,

Lauren

Lauren is a friend, wife, homeschooling mama of two, blogger, in-home babysitter, and freelance Spanish and SAT tutor who loves fruit smoothies, reading the word, teaching Spanish to her kiddies, (and other people’s too, for that matter!,) 🙂  doing Zumba, listening to soaking worship, and laughing and being silly with friends and family.

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” my page below.

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And watch my videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLholmes79

In need of Spanish Tutoring?  Visit my website here!

Is your child in need of SAT/ACT prep?  I’d love to help – jump on over to my website here!

Looking for a fun premarital/post-marital prep course?  Visit here!

In need of a speaker for an upcoming women’s conference?  I’d love to help – click here for more info!

Interested in advertising your business on this blog?  Contact me here!

When You Feel like you’re not good enough

Here is a picture of my kids riding their bikes in the backyard – and yes, you can see the homemade safety patio gate made from lawn chairs, a toy roof, and the grill!lol…just trying to keep my babies safe! 🙂

Often, I wonder if I’m doing everything I can to be a good mom.  In whatever stage of life we’re in, career person, mother, father, student, or wherever we are, we often have a nagging sense that we could be doing more, or doing a better job.

As a mom, I read all of the mommy blogs, but lately, I’ve had to step back.  I have had to realize that God has equipped me to be the best mom that I can be.  Yes; I can read and study on how to do better, how to best educate my kids, what activities to do with them, and all of the parenting techniques that I can find in the  books, but nothing is better than just being a person who loves God and has His peace surrounding you.  🙂

That’s what my kids will really benefit from – a mama who is totally and 100% focused on loving and pleasing God – let’s face it…the peace, joy, and love that radiates from someone who has been in the presence of our Lord is just amazing, and everyone can feel it and enjoy it! 🙂

Whatever stage you’re in, set your eyes on things above.  Nothing else matters but God.  If you lose your house, you can still have God.  Material things come and go, but a loving relationship with your heavenly Father, and the peace that it brings, will stand the test of fire and time! 🙂

Blessings,

Lauren

Lauren is a friend, wife, homeschooling mama of two, blogger, and freelance Spanish tutor who loves fruit smoothies, reading the word, teaching Spanish to her kiddies, (and other people’s too, for that matter!,) 🙂 doing Zumba, listening to soaking worship, and laughing and being silly with friends and family.

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” my page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch my videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLholmes79

If you or your kids need private Spanish lessons, tutoring, homework help, or just want to practice speaking, click below!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Spanish-for-Kids.html

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Spanish-Tutoring.html

It’s been a while – what we have been up to!

I just realized that it has been a few weeks since my last blog, and here’s why: I just started a new job, the kids are getting ready for preschool, and I’ve been getting the house clean!lol…that last one may be an everyday occurrence for some of you, but tidying up doesn’t come naturally for me, so it’s something that I have been working on. 🙂

We have also been visiting the park more, (especially since it’s right across the street,) 🙂 and I started a new moms group that has some of it’s meetings at night, so I can work and still be a part of it. …So there have been lots of changes, but they are all so much fun!

I’m also excited about the next women’s conference we’ll be having. So many women feel like they’re “just” a mom, or “just” a call center worker, or “just” someone’s wife”… so many of us feel defined by our jobs, the house we live in, if we have kids or not, or who we’re married to. But God says that we are His daughters, and that we’re fearfully and wonderfully made! He says that we are created in His image, and that makes us so much more than just how we look, who our friends are, or the size of our house.

I am in the process of getting the date and location for our next event, and I already have some great speakers lined up. I’m excited to see what the Lord does!

Blessings,

Lauren

If you’re in the Hampton Roads area, I would love it if you joined us for our next “Bride of Christ Brunch and Women’s Conference” – food, fun, & fellowship – date to be announced soon!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Women-s-Ministry-Events.html

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” my fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch my videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLholmes79

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

Do you choose money over family?

Recently someone hinted at me that if I wanted to make more money, I would need to work more.

I don’t think this person was bad…they just had different priorities from me.

God has a different plan for each of us.  Some work in an office, some work from home, some work in the house taking care of their kids, and some work on the missions field in India! 🙂

And I hope that one day we can all get to the place where we understand that just because someone takes a different path from us, it doesn’t make them wrong, (or us better!)

In regards to the person who thought I should be working more hours to make more money, maybe for them, it is a priority to live in a million dollar home.

For me, I would rather have my nice 2700 square foot home, (which is more than enough space for my family and I,) 🙂 and not have to work 16 hour days and never see my children just to keep up a mortgage.

Yes; some people must work 16 hours just to keep their heads above water, so I am not judging them at all.

But for me, I have the choice, and I’m fine with what I have. I’m not going to work more and be away from my kids just so I can have a nicer car.  I don’t just want to see my kids before they go to bed, or when they’re already asleep for the night.

So for me, I choose to forego the money and have that sweet time with my little ones, cuddling, watching “Cars,” and eating Crunch Berries after dinner.  🙂

Remember – it doesn’t matter what other people have to say about your choices; it matters what God thinks!

Blessings,

Lauren

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or to “like” our fan page below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Life/378787838834868

And watch our videos here if you like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0aocrSbtQ&feature=youtu.be

https://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

*** Do you have dreams that you have yet to accomplish?  Do you know what needs to be done, but you can’t figure out why you’re not doing it?  For years, this was me.  I would love to partner along side of you, and help you to come up with a plan to achieve your goals and dreams!   Let’s connect today!

http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com

Love pretty jewelry? ME TOO!! Check out my Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry page – our jewelry is cute, professional, fun, and has that BLING factor that we all love!

http://www.tracilynnjewelry.net/laurenholmes

Looking for a fun program that teaches your kids Spanish through art, music, dance and fun interactive games?  Check out our “Spanish for Kids” classes here!   http://www.successcoachingandtutoring.com/Spanish-for-Kids.html

If you live in the Hampton Roads area and have a business or ministry, I would strongly encourage you to connect with the Shepherd’s Guide at a free lunch and learn, where you will find out how to grow your business, and be seen before thousands!   Partnering with them has grown my ministry and brought me some great contacts. 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Lunch-is-On-Us-.html?soid=1103058265404&aid=fBTWPuApYU0

The Proverbs 31 Woman did NOT watch TV

Of course, I am NOT against TV!  🙂  My major was film and media studies, so that would be nearly impossible!lol…I watch my favorite shows online, and I am a TOTAL movie buff!

But all of that being said, come January, I purposed that this would be new year.  I wanted to be closer to God and to hear His voice more clearly.  I asked Him to show me ways, (or areas that I could cut back in,) to have more time to spend praying and meditating.

Well, He told me all right. 🙂  I didn’t realize it, but I had on the TV ALL the time, even if for just background noise.

I had on HGTV so much that you’d think I was one of the “Property Brothers” based on my helpful commentary though out the show!haha…

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com

Hear me please; there is nothing wrong with TV!  This is just one of the areas that God showed ME that I needed to cut back in to hear more clearly.

Now that it’s almost March, I am AMAZED at what the Lord has helped me to get done so far this year. 🙂

And I know that one of the reasons is that the hours I spent in front of the TV, (often unknowingly,) ;/ I’m now playing with my kids and their friends, spending time with my husband, working out, and working on my business plans.

Another revelation came from watching a video from ‘Women Living Well’ where Courtney mentions that “the Proverbs 31 woman didn’t watch TV.”  They didn’t have TV in Bible times, so she didn’t watch it.  Nope.  She was too busy running her businesses, preparing meals for her family, being a good friend, wife, and sister, and doing the other awesome things that God had for her! 🙂

Courtney said that we are never to compare ourselves to the Proverbs 31 woman and feel inadequate, because she did these things over the span of a lifetime.  It is meant to motivate us to get all that we can accomplished during our short time here.

Life is but a breath.  Turn off the TV, (or whatever it is that distracts you from accomplishing your purpose,) and get things done for God.  Yes; relaxing is good, but constant distraction is not!

For more on how to be the Proverbs 31 woman, visit womenlivingwell.org and go through Courtney’s Proverbs 31 video study series – it is AWESOME!!

http://womenlivingwell.org/free-proverbs-31-ebook/http://womenlivingwell.org/free-proverbs-31-ebook/

Blessings! 🙂

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https://lholmes79.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/check-out-my-cool-videos-collection-at-lockerz/3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oRdKMth_eE

***Want to become a better wife, or to prepare for marriage, (regardless of whether you’re single, engaged, dating, or divorced?) Get signed up for my “Brides in Training” class – I’m enrolling now, and it’s for EVERY woman regardless of martial status – for more info, leave a message in the contact section of my website below! It’s a fun and interactive class that can be taken in person, via skype, online, or over the phone. Wisdom, fun, and lots of laughs are guaranteed!

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Testimonial:

“I feel so blessed to have gone through “Brides in Training” coaching with Lauren.  There were so many aspects of marriage that I just had not considered before our session.”

Marquita L., after completing a “Brides in Training” coaching session

It’s not the size of your home, it’s how comfortable your guests feel!

Here is a picture of my son and Zumba partner, ready to do some late night Zumba with me in our cozy family room.  🙂

Lately I’ve been following an awesome series about making a home a haven:  http://womenlivingwell.org/2012/11/making-your-home-a-haven-week-1/

In the blog, Courtney talks about how it’s not the size of your home or what you have that matters, but how you make your guests feel.

She suggests lighting candles, baking yummy smelling goodies, and playing soft worship or Christmas music to give your home that “cozy” feel.  🙂

A few nights ago, my old friend and her boyfriend visited us.  I made sure not to argue w/my husband before they arrived, (people can always feel the mood of the house even if we try to “fake it,”lol,) and in general, I’m trying to create a more positive tone in my house by working on being more loving and agreeable.  🙂

I had my Christmas spice yankee candle burning and my banana bread ready for them, but that’s 0nly part of the hospitality…

Image courtesy of google images

I think that my guests also felt the love that my family had for one another.  Even though my hubby and I aren’t newlyweds anymore, we were excited as we told them our love story, (and showed them pictures,) and we listened to their love story too.

Our kids played with them and gave them plenty of hugs, even offering them half eaten french fries!lol…(people often tell me that my kids are so happy, and that b/c babies faces don’t lie, they can tell that they come from a peaceful and happy home…)  🙂

While the world is often cold and unfeeling, I want people to feel God’s love when they enter my home.   (Our family is by no means perfect, but we do our best to let God’s light shine, and not to be so “over-spiritual” that people feel they have to act “godly” or “spiritual” around us!lol…)  I want everyone to feel comfortable in my house no matter what their background.

In less than three weeks, we will have sold our home, and we will either be in a new home, or be renting a 750 sq. foot home.

While I want my new home to look like this…

Image courtesy of google images

I have made peace that God is in control, and if we end up in a rental that looks more like this for awhile, then that’s OK too!

Image courtesy of google images

I’ll be honest – I’m hoping we’ll be in a new, spacious home to celebrate the holidays in, but even if we have to rent a small, plain home, I have still promised God that I will make even the small rental space His haven; a place where my family can be cozy and at peace.  And if I keep things in perspective, there are people out there who wish they could live in warm, 750 square foot home instead of on the streets!

It’s not the size of the home that matters; it’s the love that’s inside!

Blessings!

The book is due out in the Fall of 2012.

If you like this post, feel free to follow my blog or “like” my fan page below.

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I’ve lost 15 pounds (and still losing) with exercise and an awesome wellness supplement called Visi – read my testimony here and msg. me for more info! http://teamvisi.com/laurenholmes/Bio.html