One Friend

Children Learn What They Live #12

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH APPROVAL,
THEY LEARN TO LIKE THEMSELVES.

Even when we don't state our feelings explicitly, our children are experts at knowing what we approve of as well as what we don't. We might need to become more generous and less critical if we truly want them to flourish.

By the way we express our approval, we can influence what our children come to value and like about themselves. In this way, we contribute both to their developing identities and to their emerging morality.

Our approving remarks – "Go ahead," "Stay with it," "You’re doing great!" – send a reassuring message and encourage children to continue with their efforts.

We need to support our children's developing self-esteem so they can like themselves on their own terms. This will help them hold firm to what they know is right when outside pressures challenge them.

If our children grow up to be responsible human beings who make their decisions conscientiously and in good faiths, we should be pleased, regardless of whether or not we agree with every specific decision they make.

We need to be on the alert when a child seems to be constantly seeking approval. What he might really need is love and affection.

When older children ask for our approval about a choice they're making, they're letting us know they respect us and have confidence in our judgment. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue.

We make it easier for our children to gain our approval when we have realistic expectations of them, when we are firm but flexible, and when we create with them a family setting in which their contributions are respected.

The child who is anxiously seeking your approval may really need more special time together – time to be closer to you.

As our children mature, they will develop their own standards and values, and they may not always be the same as ours. Part of letting them grow up is accepting that sometimes they will act independently of our approval.

Our approval encourages our children to feel good about themselves, both for what they do and for who they are.

Given a supportive and nurturing environment, our children are free to bloom into their own best selves and grow up with the knowledge that they are loved and valued for their own special qualities.

Ultimately we want our children to develop the inner strength to do what's right, independent of their friends' – and even our – approval.

Life is easier and more fun in families where approval and acceptance are the norm. We all feel better about ourselves in this kind of atmosphere.

Television and movies offer us many opportunities to let our children know what kinds of behavior we disapprove of and to open up discussions about possible alternative behaviors.

The more we include our children in negotiating family rules, the better they will accept our disapproval when they misbehave. Asking their opinion about how to enforce the rules can lead to much better cooperation.

As parents, we need to be able to give our approval freely and easily. This will provide our children with a model for their own marriages.

Our children want and need our approval – don't withhold it for fear of spoiling them. Instead, give your approval generously, even when it's for something little, like remembering to clear their place from the table or to hold the door for someone.

A positive sense of self will play an important role throughout our children's lifetime, influencing their marriages and their relationships with their children.

Children Learn What They Live #11

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH ACCEPTANCE,
THEY LEARN TO LOVE.

We want our children to strive toward goals and achievements – but not to feel they have to work for the fundamental right to be accepted and loved by us.

Accepting your child's inner being is part of loving her unconditionally. This doesn't mean we have to accept everything our children do. We can, and should, still set limits.

The way Mom and Dad treat each other and show how they care for one another can provide a powerful model of acceptance and love in family life.

Love is the soil in which our children grow, the sunlight that determines their direction, and the water that nourishes their growth.

The ability to give and to receive love is a measure of our own health and well-being – it is contagious.

Children who are surrounded with the warmth, caring, acceptance, and love they need learn how to love themselves and others.

Children learn the most basic message about love – that they are wanted and accepted – in their families.

When we respect and support one another in our marriage and in our family, treating each other with warmth and affection, we give our children a model for how to build and sustain a happy life.

We want our children to feel loved, no matter what. They need to know they don't need to do or be anything special to earn our love.

The need to be touched is perhaps one of the most fundamental, universal, and powerful needs in our lives – as important for the newborn baby as it is for his grandparents.

To be accepted by others, your child has to learn to fit in, follow the rules, and be accepting and friendly. He can learn all that in the family first, and it’s your responsibility to make sure that he does.

While children need to be told they are loved, they also need to be assured through hugs, kisses, gentle pats, and snuggling that the words we speak are real.

The example parents give their children through their everyday interactions with each other becomes a template – for better or for worse – for the relationships they will have when they marry.

It may be impossible for us to fully express all the love we feel in our hearts for our children. But do try – your children need to hear these words, over and over again.

Even when you reject his behavior, make sure you accept the child. You can make this distinction very clear to him by saying, for example, "Hitting is not okay, even when you’re very angry. Let’s find another way to solve this problem."

All kids need hugs, pats, squeezes, and kisses. For the very young, these expressions of our love make it real for them.

Your acceptance and love will give you child the certainty and confidence she needs as she enters the larger world, beyond the family.

We want to fill our children up with enough love to sustain them throughout their lives.

Children who are secure about being accepted and loved have the inner strength they need to pursue their goals and to extend themselves to others.

Children Learn What They Live #10

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH PRAISE,
THEY LEARN APPRECIATION.

If they learn to appreciate themselves even from a very young age, our children will have an internal source of emotional support and nourishment that is always available to them.

We can model behavior that strikes a balance between kindness and frankness, honesty and diplomacy, by showing our children through our own actions how to negotiate the delicate but important social interactions we encounter in our daily lives.

When we praise our children, we also provide them with a model for how to notice and express their appreciation of others, and of the world around them.

There will always be times when we will be disappointed in our children, or they will be disappointed in themselves. An extra hug can let our kids know that we are always on their side, no matter what.

We need to remember that it's not our aspirations for our children that will determine their lives, but their own goals and dreams for themselves.

Heartfelt praise is a reward in itself. To feel appreciated is to feel very special. Every child needs to feel this way.

Some children need more praise than others, and there are times when all children will need more attention and nurturing. Our physical closeness and the sharing of feelings can offer the comfort and reassurance children need to get through difficult times.

While walking around your neighborhood, help your child learn to appreciate the beauty of nature by pointing out the various colors, shapes, and smells that enrich our experience of the world.

When we appreciate and praise our children, we show them how to appreciate and celebrate the world around them.

As our children become emotionally mature, we want them to learn how to look within themselves for some of the support and encouragement they need as they grow toward independence.

Praise creates a warm glow on your child's face – and in her heart, as well.

We can feel free to give our praise generously. Praise is invaluable when it comes to bolstering a child's emerging sense of self.

If a child seems to be especially hungry for praise, she may be needing reassurance that she is loved.

In order to offer our children meaningful praise, we must first notice and be aware of when they are doing their best. We can also praise them when they choose to refrain from unacceptable behaviors, especially when we know it's hard for them to do so.

The more specific we can be in our praise, the more our children will learn what behaviors or qualities we value in them. This is more helpful than just telling them how wonderful they are.

Appreciation is the core of love. Don't underestimate its importance!

Praise is a form of celebration. Celebrate your child, your family!

Think of praise as another way of expressing your love. Make sure that the praise you offer is meaningful. "I like the colors you chose" means more than "What a beautiful picture!"

We can always find something to appreciate about our children, even at the end of a really tough day. And those are the days when doing so is most important.

Children Learn What They Live #9

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH TOLERANCE,
THEY LEARN PATIENCE.

There will always be moments when we lose our patience with our children. But we can recover, regain our composure, apologize, and forgive ourselves.

By finding-and holding on to-the serenity that we need to be patient with our children, we can create a home in which the daily struggles of life may be challenging, but are not overwhelming.

Growing up in a family that teaches tolerance for different ways of doing things and different opinions prepares children to enter a world full of new ideas with greater openness and acceptance.

A tolerant attitude is usually a more relaxed one. Children thrive when they are allowed, and even encouraged, to be patient with their own mistakes and the 'goofs' of others.

When we take the time to listen to our children, patiently and carefully, we are teaching them how to be tolerant and helping them become a more understanding person.

We may need to apologize to our children - sometimes even several times a day - for being impatient with them. Fortunately, children are forgiving, especially with parents whose hearts are in the right place, and who are trying to do their best.

Our children will learn how to be tolerant of others by living in a family where differences are accepted and respected.

The lessons in tolerance that you model to your children will reach beyond your home – into the neighborhood, throughout the community, and out into the world.

When we allow plenty of time for our children to complete a task, rather than rushing them, we are demonstrating patience.

Being tolerant with your children doesn't mean seeing how much aggravation you can take. You have a right – indeed, an obligation – to set limits.

Saying "be patient" to your child isn't quite enough. As parents, we need to show them how to do so. When they're very young, we can help by distracting or entertaining them. When they're older, we can teach them to take deep breaths to calm themselves.

Ideally, tolerance means more than just "putting up with." It means accepting others and treating them with patience and kindness. This is what our children need from us.

Vague expressions of time – "in a little while," "in a few minutes," "soon" – are difficult for a small child to understand. Try making a connection between the amount of time a child must wait and concrete events in a real world – "when Baby wakes up," "after lunch," or "when the big hand is on the 12."

Don't get impatient with yourself when you're feeling impatient. That's a double whammy! Let it go and relax. You’re doing the best you can.

Don't leave things for the last minute and get caught in a rush. A certain amount of planning ahead makes maintaining a patient attitude much easier.

Enjoying each season of the year teaches young children about the passage of time and the stages of life, and it instills the idea that change is a natural part of life.

It's up to each of us, as parents, to become aware of our own prejudices so we don't teach them to our children. If we demonstrate tolerance toward others, the generations to come will have a better chance of living together in harmony and peace.

Most of us live with far too much tension and stress in our lives. We'll do better as parents if we're more patient with ourselves.

As parents, we need to be aware of how much we are pushing ourselves. Remember, we are teaching our children how to live by our example. Try listening to your own inner voice, and if you're being too hard on yourself, lighten up.

Children Learn What They Live #8

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH ENCOURAGEMENT,
THEY LEARN CONFIDENCE.

The root meaning of the word encouragement is "to give heart." When we encourage our children, we give them courage – from our hearts to theirs.

When we see our children manifesting a quality we admire – whether it's generosity, kindness, sensitivity, determination, or some other positive trait – we ought to let them know that we notice and appreciate it.

It's important to recognize and praise our children for the small steps they take toward achieving their goals – as well as for the end results.

Help your children find ways to pursue their dreams. We want them to be able to use the power of their dreams to inspire them throughout their lives.

It's important to support our children in what they want to accomplish in their lives, respecting their autonomy and honoring their right to make their own choices. This starts at a very early age, with small things, and often requires exceptional patience and understanding.

We need to maintain our confidence in our children, especially during difficult times – and most especially when they lose confidence in themselves.

Encouragement is like a blessing. It makes kids feel good inside.

Encouragement lets your children know you are on their side. That's important!

Encouragement helps children keep going when things get tough. Every small success builds their self-confidence.

All children make mistakes. They need encouragement to find the courage to start over and give it another try. When you make a mistake, don't hesitate to say, "Whoops! I got this wrong and have to do it another way."

As long as your kids are heading in the right direction, encourage them. Ignore the little things that irritate you, and concentrate on noticing the things they are doing right.

Our encouragement is an important aspect of our child's growth and development, leading to the flowering of confidence, certainty, and the ability to try a new idea.

When we provide our children with a supportive environment, a safe and nurturing place in which to learn, we encourage them to become their best selves.

Each child is a unique spirit, with his or her own special gifts to offer. If we encourage our children to become the people they want to be, we will have the great privilege of glimpsing the world through their eyes.

Children who are confident have an inner feeling that they can tackle whatever is in front of them. They also know how to ask for help when they are having trouble.

Encouragement helps children build feelings of certainty and security that will stay with them and nourish them.

Saying "Watch out or you'll drop that!" gives voice to a negative expectation. Try saying instead, firmly but calmly, "Hold on to it carefully so it doesn't fall."

Sometimes we have to encourage our children even when we know that what they're trying to do is impossible. Protecting them from failure or disappointment is limiting. We need to have confidence that they will learn from their experiences, and to be available to offer a wider view.

It's inevitable that our kids will experience discouragement. When they do, we need to be there for them. Sharing our own childhood disappointments can be comforting for them.

The Optimist Creed

To be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble

From http://www.smileycollector.com/

To The Love of My Life

I gave this poem to my hubby on our anniversary in 2002... I thought I'd post it here since it's our 11th year anniversary today!

I could tell you I loved you.
I could tell you you're my life.
But I won't because I don't think that would be enough.
Not only do I want to tell you how much I love you,
I want to show you.
You are the reason I live,
the reason my heart keeps beating.
Without you my life would be over.
I never knew I could love someone as much as I love and need you.
Please know I'll never be able to love anyone as much as I love you.
You're the only one for me.
And that's the way it will always be.
Without you my heart would be empty and incomplete.
Every memory I have of you I treasure.
Every thought of you is wonderful.
Thank you for the love you have given me.
Thank you for the lesson of my life I will never forget.
Thank you, love of my life.

Author: Mariana Traferro

IF you are 30 or older

you will think this is hilarious!!!!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... Uphill BOTH ways . Yadda, yadda, yadda.

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that...

I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy!

I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!

There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter. With a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up!

And talk of about hardship? You couldn't just download porn! You had to steal it from your brother or bribe some homeless dude to buy you a copy of "Hustler" at the 7-11! Those were your options!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and "asteroids" and the graphics sucked a$$! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever!

And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died!... Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!

You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-bastards!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove or go build a frigging fire... Imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid JiffyPop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled.

You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in the 80s!

Regards,
The 30+ Something crowd!

Children Learn What They Live #7

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH SHAME,
THEY LEARN TO FEEL GUILTY.

It's a good idea to let our children explain why they did something instead of jumping to conclusions and blaming them. This approach is a better way to get the whole story, and it preserves their sense of self-worth!

We want our children to learn how to evaluate their own behavior and find constructive solutions to the problems they face. We can help them find concrete ways to take responsibility for their actions by offering suggestions – whether it's comforting a crying friend or paying for a broken window.

When our children are allowed to tell us the way they really feel, we are able to help them discharge negative feelings, move forward, and grow.

A sincere apology includes the acceptance of responsibility and a genuine feeling of regret, as well as the intention to make things better in the future. Make sure your kids understand tall three elements.

We can best correct and guide our children by giving them a better and more precise idea of what is expected of them. Instead of saying, "Clean up this mess!" try saying, "Could you help me by getting all the blocks back into the box?"

Most children understand when they have done the wrong thing, and it's okay for them to feel bad about it. Our job is to help them figure out ways to make better choices in the future.

Our kind acceptance of our children's faults, and our caring guidance in helping to overcome them, allows them to grow up feeling good about themselves, rather than ashamed.

It's important to notice and praise the efforts our children make to help restore a situation. We want to recognize and encourage their budding ability to take responsibility, rather than pointing out their shortcomings.

Given an abundance of positive, respectful reinforcement, most children come to understand that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.

Each child has a basic right to express his feelings and to have his emotional needs met. As the child grows, this right is balanced by his responsibility to express himself in ways that are appropriate and respectful of others.

After a child has done something wrong, we should help him move through a positive cycle of apology – first taking responsibility, and then being forgiven.

We don't want to use shame in an attempt to control our children's behavior - that only makes them feel bad about themselves. It's better to ask for and applaud the desired behavior.

Fortunately, most children want to please their parents most of the time. Help them find ways to do so.

It's not our job to condemn our children. It's our job to teach and guide them – to set the rules and then to enforce them fairly.

Prolonged guilt and shame are not productive feelings. We want to encourage feelings that help point to a better way next time.

By taking full responsibility for your everyday actions, you provide a healthy example for your kids to follow. It's not always convenient or comfortable to do so, but it is important.

We want to help our children develop an inner sense of right and wrong, rather than teaching them through shame or guilt.

Shame and the resulting feelings – blame and guilt – are both negative and isolating. Let's encourage as many positive feelings as we can and stay connected to our kids.

Growing up in an atmosphere of shame and guilt is not constructive. We want to create a nurturing environment for our kids so that their desire to please others is encouraged.

Simple vs. Real Friend

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Are you a simple or real friend???

Children Learn What They Live #6

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH JEALOUSY,
THEY LEARN TO FEEL ENVY.

Let all your children know how special each of them is to you by helping them to bring out their own unique talents and pursue their own interests.

We can provide our kids with a good example by showing them how to enjoy what we do have rather than longing for what we don't.

What a wonderful message it is to let your child know that you wouldn't want him to be any other kind of person, that you love him just for being himself.

There is no better reason to finally make peace with ourselves and come to terms with our own imperfections than this: that by our own example, we can help our children learn to accept themselves more fully.

Our children are exposed to advertising that stresses the importance of what others own. These messages often confuse having possessions with being loved and accepted. Our kids need our help in sorting out these confusing messages.

The ability to appreciate and enjoy our own blessings can help us deal appropriately with feelings of jealousy or envy.

Avoid labeling your children, even positively – "the smart one," "the athletic one," "the pretty one," and so on. Comparing your children to each other can promote feelings of jealousy and discourage them from becoming the best they can be for themselves.

When parents and children feel good about themselves, jealousy and envy go out the window. Try focusing on your inner sense of yourself rather than comparing yourself to others.

No matter what they say, what our children really want from us more than the newest clothes or the latest toys is our time and attention.

When we value our children, they learn to value themselves. We do this best when we avoid comparisons and showing favoritism.

Sometimes there are deep feelings of loss behind expressions of envy, like, "I wish my Dad was more like Bill's." We need to be able to listen to our children's feelings without getting defensive.

We will be much better off as parents if we cub our competitive feelings and our tendency to compare our kids to our friends' kids. Let's appreciate our children for who they are, and not see them as extensions of ourselves to brag about.

Jealousy and envy can make children feel bad about themselves. Help your kids learn to feel satisfied with what they have.

When a new baby comes along, accept some signs of jealousy as a natural reaction. Make sure to give even older kids special attention at this time.

It's good to nip jealousy in the bud, but not by stifling expression. When you notice your child longing for what others have, talk about it with him.

When they are struggling with feelings of envy, we want to listen to our children express their thoughts and feelings as well as offer them our own perspective.

There will always be people who have more of the things we want, but there will also be those who have less. It's up to us to decide how we make peace with this fact.

We need to recognize and value each child in the family for his or her own unique and special talents. Doing so will help keep jealousy at bay.

Even very young children may become concerned about having the "right" clothes or electronic toys. We have to balance the messages they are getting from advertising and other children by making our own values explicit.

Children Learn What They Live #5

~ by Dorothy Law Nolte ~

IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH RIDICULE,
THEY LEARN TO FEEL SHY.

A pushy, demanding attitude can actually bring about shyness instead of compliance. When we want our children to participate in an activity, it’s best to be inviting and welcoming.

When a child is able to laugh at herself, let her do it first. Then follow suit, and laugh with her. A big hug can help reassure her that she’s not being ridiculed.

Our children can learn from our example that the world doesn’t come to an end when someone laughs at us or we make a mistake. Show them how to move quickly and smoothly from acknowledging a mistake to correcting it.

Help your child learn to see the difference between laughing at someone and laughing with them. It’s laughing with someone only if everyone is enjoying the laughter.

It is important to always respect our children’s efforts to please us, no matter how misplaced or untimely they may be. When necessary, redirect them, and remember – it’s the spirit of giving that counts!

If we openly accept our own faults and mistakes and try to learn from them, we create a warmer, more relaxed environment for our children.

The ability to laugh at oneself is a sign of maturity, insight, and self-confidence. Provide a positive model for your child by showing him that you don’t always take yourself seriously.

Even if your child really is shy, it’s best not to say so in front of others. For one thing, that kind of attention is very hard for a shy child to bear. And for another, this may be just a phase in her development.

If your child suddenly becomes shy or withdrawn, it’s a signal. Be available to listen and find out what’s bothering him.

Using ridicule as an incentive to energize a child does just the opposite. It deflates her sense of self. Find positive ways to encourage and support your child.

Warmth, encouragement, and affection are the most effective tools for bringing out the best in your child.

Ridicule encourages your child to turn away. Help her get involved with others by creating fun and exciting games that capture her interest. Most children love to play tag or hide-and-seek. Sometimes you can help get things started.

Ridiculing a child in order to gain a desired behavior doesn’t work; it only encourages more shyness and withdrawal.

Ridicule can close the door to communication, leaving your child feeling very much alone. Don’t unintentionally close this door by too much teasing.

Ridicule is a put-down. Build your children up; don’t tear them down.

May kids experience teasing or ridicule at school or in neighborhood. We want our children to know they can always talk to us about this and that we’ll find a way to help them make things better, not worse.

Our children often overhear our offhand comments about others. Then they repeat them. Let’s not ridicule anyone, especially within earshot of our children.

We want our kids to be able to truly relax when they’re home. This means a “zero-tolerance” rule for ridicule or cruelty among siblings.

Sarcasm and ridicule are a devastating combination. Avoid both for your child’s sense of well-being.

Little Eyes Upon You

There are little eyes upon you and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;
And a little boy who's dreaming of the day he'll be like you.

You're the little fellow's idol, you're the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you no suspicious ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly, hold all you say and do;
He will say and do, in your way, when he's grown up just like you.

There's a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you're always right;
And his eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example everyday in all you do;
For the little boy who's waiting to grow up to be like you.

Author Unknown

Lord, Help me Build a Healthy Child

For it is easier to build a child then to repair an adult.
Help me praise more than criticize, encourage more than nag,
Discipline, not punish, and model good behavior
Rather than simple demand it.

Help me break the habit of automatically saying "no",
When I could just as easily say "yes" and to remember
a hug given before it's asked for is ten times more valuable!

Help me ask myself, "Will this matter in 20 years"
Then enable me to let go of those things that won't,
so I can have the energy for those things that will.

Help me earn their respect as I lead life consistent
with the principles I value. Lord, give me the courage
to teach them right from wrong
and help them discover their own special destinies.

Help me to freely join in their silliness, share in their laughter,
delight in their joys and keep their confidences.
Remind me daily to draw upon your strength
to heal thier wounds and comfort their sorrows.

Most of all, Lord, help me really listen for the hidden thoughts
and needs that often lie behind their requests
and give me the key to their heart
that is may be opened wide to all life's wonders and possibilities.

Author: Audrey Jeanne Roberts

Do you need a little washing?

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom at Target. She must have been 6 years old, beautiful face an image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied

This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain."

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, "If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said.. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories... So, don't forget to make time and take opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

Take the time to live!!!