Fifty Words To Use To Help Children Feel Loved and Valued

Of course every parent wants their children to feel valued, but sometimes we don't know the exact words to say to make them feel valued and loved.  During my training as a preschool teacher, I learned some valuable lessons about helping a child feel valuable, respected, and loved unconditionally.

At a  training session, our instructor gave everyone a sheet of paper that names at least  fifty ways to help your child feel good about themselves, but, before we could use these words, she reminded us that it was important to be sincere. Soon  After I got this list, I  was ready to start   using some of these words instead of less important one's I had learned as a child. Needless to say,  I was ever thankful that I decided to take childcare classes while my son was very young because as I always say, children do not come with instructions!!  I wanted to share this list with all of you because we are our child's first teacher and our roles as parents are to build up our children and their sense of self value and self worth,  up with positive words, so, at the end,   Please feel free to leave comments and you may share more positive words for parent's such as myself to use with children.

1. WOW
2. WAY TO GO
3. SUPER
4. YOU'RE SPECIAL
5. OUTSTANDING
6. EXCELLENT
7. GREAT
8. GOOD
9. NEAT
10. WELL DONE
11. REMARKABLE
12. I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT
13. I'M PROUD OF YOU
14. FANTASTIC
15. SUPERSTAR
16. NICE WORK
17. LOOKING GOOD
18. YOU'RE ON TOP OF I
19. BEAUTIFUL
20.  NOW YOU'RE FLYING
21. YOU'RE CATCHING ON
22. NO YOU'VE GOT IT
23.  YOU'RE INCREDIBLE
24. BRAVO
25. YOU'RE FANTASTIC
26. HURRAY FOR YOU
27. YOU'RE ON TARGET
28. YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY
29.  NOW NICE
30. HOW SMART
31. GOOD JOB
32. THAT'S INCREDIBLE
33. HOT DOG
34.  YOU'RE DYNAMITE
35. YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL
36. YOU'RE UNIQUE
37. NOTHING CAN STOP YOU NOW
38. GOOD FOR YOU
39. I LIKE YOU
40. YOU'RE DARLING
41. YOU'RE A WINNER
42. REMARKABLE JOB
43. BEAUTIFUL WORK
44. SPECTACULAR
45. YOU'RE SPECTACULAR
46. YOU'RE PRECIOUS
47. GREAT DISCOVERY
48. YOU'VE DISCOVERED THE SECRET
49. YOU FIGURED IT OUT
50. FANTASTIC JOB

The Power of a Praying Woman Book Review

The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie

 The power of a praying woman is a book that was written by Stormie Omartian.   This book is not only awesome but deep and powerful as well! I read this book more than once.  It doesn’t matter what age you are, what your marital status is, what the condition of your body and soul is, or how long you have or have not been a believer- if you are a woman, I summit to you today to get this book in your possession.  For one, Stormie’s been a follower of the lord well over thirty years and counting, and she  knows about praying because according to the book, she’s a praying woman, and she knows from experience that there’s power in prayer.  Two, I recommend it because it also teaches you how to pray and what to say while praying for whatever it is you  need to pray about.  Three, I recommend this book because I can relate to the stories she tell and examples she gives about struggles that women face on a daily basis.  Lastly, I recommend it because when I’m praying about a situation, I can go to her book, look in the contents and find a topic related to my situation read it and find comforting words to draw strength from and find a prayer that I can use for my situation without struggling with what to say and how to say it because the prayers Stormie gives to her readers are perfectly fit for the situations given.  Stormie has something in this book that every woman can draw strength from, and these are the reasons why I recommend this book to all of you women.  

this post contains affiliate links, so when you purchase from this link, you are helping this blog, and I appreciate your support.

 

Take a Trip To The Tampa's Lowery Park Zoo

On May 11, 2002 Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo introduced Wallaroo Station, a 4.5 acre Australian-themed family area, where thousands of families with young children have enjoyed an interactive Australian adventure. The hands-on, family-friendly features helped the Zoo secure top honors from two national parenting magazines: Parents, "10 Best Zoos," (2009); and Child, "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids" (2004).

Earlier this year, Wallaroo Station temporarily closed for remodeling - the first significant updating of this award-winning attraction in its 13 year history. Newly re-opened for spring, guests to the "new Wallaroo" can expect this Aussie area to be even more "Auss-ome" with new animals and upgraded amenities, including:

* a female Queensland koala named "Ceduna" (a mate for our male "Heathcliff");

* "Bushland Birds" habitat with feathered friends and Fiji-banded iguanas;

* more water features in "The Billabong" splash ground;

* redesigned cafe with "grab and go" food and beverage;

* expanded dining area with additional seats and shade canopies;

* a new nursing mothers area with baby-friendly features;

* a new and fun ride for young children - Lil' Joeys Caravan;

* new midway games and activities;

* ponies on parade (twice daily) and a goat show; and

* livestock training demonstrations with ponies and llamas.

EXPLORE

Take a trip to the "Land of Oz" and visit a variety of animals of Australia and its neighbors including koala, wallabies, cockatoos, emu, singing dogs and flying fox bats. Help welcome the newest Aussie additions - a female Queensland koala named "Ceduna," colorful birds and Fiji-banded iguanas, and take a walkabout with the wallabies in their walk-thru exhibit. The petting area features a herd of friendly goats that children can brush, pet and feed. Adjacent to the petting area, families can step into a barn that houses Haflinger horses and llamas. Don't miss the new daily pony parade, goat show and livestock training demonstrations!

PLAY

The newly upgraded "Billabong" water play area takes kids "down under" to an interactive splash zone with in-ground fountains and free standing water features. Try your hand at new midway games with the chance to win prizes and souvenirs, or go mining for gems and fossils at the new Hopper's Mining Company.

RIDE

Children can take a spin on one of five fun rides: the NEW Lil Joey's Caravan, Tasmanian Tiger Family Roller Coaster, Overland Express Kiddie Train, Boomer's Flyin' Bananas and Outback Bumper Boats.

REFRESH

Parents can enjoy added shade while their little joeys cool off in the water play area. Next door is Boomer's Cafe, a redesigned grab-and-go restaurant offering a variety of freshly prepared foods and drinks. A "mommy center," designed for nursing mothers, provides shade and privacy for infants and caregivers.

About Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and has been rated No. 1 by Parents magazine, "10 Best Zoos," (2009) and Child magazine, "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids" (2004). The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48) and is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Parking is free. Visit www.LowryParkZoo.org or call (813) 935-8552 for information. Also find the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.

Enjoy the Savings! Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo has offered to give my readers $3 off Zoo Admission! http://floridaparentsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=405&bid=12004&lid=16613&dealid=1941 @L
 

Lessons From the Sun and the Wind

The Sun and the Wind

 

The Wind and the Sun once had a quarrel.  The wind boasted that he was much stronger than the Sun.  He said to the sun, “I’ll show you I’m a lot stronger than you.  See that old man over there with a big coat on?  I bet I can make him take his coat off quicker than you can.”

“All right, we’ll see,” said the Sun.  So the Sun went behind a cloud but left a little hole so he could peep through and see what the Wind did.  The Wind blew and blew as hard as he could causing a terrible storm, but the harder he blew, the tighter the old man wrapped his coat about him.  Sometimes, it seemed that the coat would blow right off the old man, and sometimes it seemed the old man would topple over. In the end, the poor old Wind had to give up trying, and the sky became calm again.

Then it was the Sun’s turn. He came out from behind the cloud and smiled with sunshine at the old man.  The sky began to brighten and birds had taken cover from the wind came out and chirped sweetly at the old man.  After a while, the old man began to smile and said, “What a remarkable day this has become.”  Soon he pulled off his coat to enjoy the day.

AESOP

Lesson:  Brotherly kindness and love not anger and force are perhaps the best ways to help other people do what you’d like them to do.

Reading: Leviticus 19:18 NIV

Minnie L Douglas (publisher)

Happy Mother's Day printout/printable (on cardstock or stationery)

There are Angels

who care for us and guide us

You can feel their love and gentleness

As they walk through life beside us.

They do great things for us every day

They whisper in our ears,

They even hold us in their hearts

When we are filled with all our fears.

They are always there to give a hug

And try to make us smile.

They treat us with respect and love,

They treat us like their child.

God blessed me with an Angel,

I’m proud to call my own.

She’s guided me the best she can,

She’s taught me like no other,

 And I’m thankful I’m the lucky one

Who gets to call her ………….   

            Mother    

The Choice by: MAX LUDACO

 Max Ludaco's book says it best



When God Whispers Your Name (The Bestseller Collection)

Each day is given to us as a gift from God.  what we do with it and how we may handle it, is the choice each of us make.  Let me share with you some thoughts from Max Lucado's book" When God Whispers Your Name" as to his choices for the day:


It's quiet...In a few moments the day will arrive.  In these next hours I will be exposed to the day's demands.  It is now that I must make a choice.  Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. and so I choose. 

I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; not injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today, I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy....I will invite God to be the God of Circumstances.  I will refuse the temptation to be cynical.  I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God.  I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace. I will love forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.  Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so.  Rather than complain that the wait is too long.  I will thank God for a moment to pray.  Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness...  I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.  Kind to the rich for they are afraid, and kind to the unkind for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness...I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.  I will be overlooked before I will boast.  I will confess before I will accuse.  I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness...Today, I will keep my promises.  My debtors will not regret their trust.  My associates will not question my word.  My wife or husband will not question my love, and my children will never fear their mother or father will not come home.

I choose gentleness... nothing is won by force.  I choose to be gentle.  If I raise my voice, may it only be in praise.  If I clench my fist, may it only be a prayer.  If I make a demand , may it only be of myself.

"cross words"
"when someone comes to you with an ugly attitude, return it with a kind word. Give it a try. You may be surprised at the outcome."

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stirs up anger.
Minnie L Douglas (author and publisher)

I recommend  this book to your collection of books because It helps to be reminded to keep our focus on what God wants even when were being attacked with ugly attitudes.  To get your copy, click on the link below the book.
Minnie L Douglas (publisher)

this post contains affiliate links. when you make a purchase, you are actually helping me and my family, and for that I thank you.

HERE'S A FREE MOTHER'S DAY PRINTABLE YOU CAN USE

DON'T FORGET MOTHER'S DAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! I HAVE A PRETTY MOTHER'S DAY PRINTABLE TO SHARE. IT FITS A 5X7 FRAME.   HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

 

Ten Must Read Books For older Toddlers and Early Elementary age children

Reading jogs your mind, you're out front not left behind, the world's an

open book, jump in and take a look!

Adventures on the shelf,

reach out help yourself!

Reading, You've got me reading.

I don't know what it is about dinosaurs, but these are books that my preschool children and  older toddler boys love for  me to read over and over with them, and I enjoy reading them because they not only holds their attention, they help teach kids valuable lessons about life.  So, I decided to share my experiences of them with you. I know your little boys will be thrilled to have some of these books on hand!

1. How do dinosaurs clean their rooms?
2. How do dinosaurs say good night?
3. How do the dinosaurs say I love you?
4. How do dinosaurs play with their friends?
5. How do dinosaurs love their dogs?
6. How do dinosaurs say I'm mad?
7. How do dinosaurs go to school?
8. How do dinosaurs count to ten?
9. How do dinosaurs learn their colors?
10. Hoe do dinosaurs eat their food?

this post contains affiliate links, by making purchases,
you're helping me by a cup of coffee, and I thank you'
for your generosity.

The bestselling, award-winning team of Yolen and Teague present their second original dinosaur board book, a playful "how-to" tale about making a mess and then cleaning it up.

Come along for some BIG fun as your favorite dinosaurs learn to pick up and put away their toys. How do dinosaurs clean their rooms? With trash cans and dusters and brooms!
Now Jane Yolen's playful, read-aloud text and Mark Teague's hilarious illustrations show your own little dinosaurs just how fun and easy it can be. Brimming with the same infectious humor as the other HOW DO DINOSAURS tales, this new board book is a perfect companion to the immensely popular picture books and a great baby gift as well.
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The Crowd Follower Lesson

The crowd followers

 

The crowd followers

 

Look at those crowd followers. Aren't they a bunch?  Are you following the crowd from breakfast to lunch and never asking, "Where are we going?"  They say to them, “We are just riding the current wherever it’s flowing.” Now, this is sure a breeze.  Following the crowd is as easy as you please." They never stop to consider where all this will end; they just keep on following all of their friends.

Everyone else must know where we're heading, so why should I do any fretting?  I'll just follow the crowd all day and all night.  I'm sure everything will turn out all right."  Everyone is laughing and having such fun.  Why not following the crowd would really be dumb.  I really don't care where all of this may end; I just want to keep having fun with my friends."

But, every road must come to an end.  The crowd followers too have to round the last bend.  And, when they do, they will come face to face with the creator and designer of the whole human race.  And, he'll not ask what the crowd has to say.  For each person will have to speak for themselves that day.

And, when everything has been said and done, the crowd again will march forward as one.  No one will, that day, want to follow their friends, because they know destruction will be their end, but because they spent their life following the crowd, on that final day, not turning back will be allowed.

Lesson:  If you decide to follow the crowd in life, you need to ask yourself one question? Do I really want to go where the crowd is leading?

Scriptures: Joshua 24:15; Mathew 7:13-14

Minnie L Douglas (publisher)

 

 

EASTER

EASTER IS ABOUT JESUS THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD BEING RAISED FROM DEATH!

ST. MARK 16:1-8

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
and very early in the morning , the first day of the wee, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.
And they said among themselves, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side clothed in a long white garment, and they were afraid.
And he said unto them, " Be not afraid.  Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified; He is risen! He is not here, behold the place where  they lay him Rather, go your way and tell his disciples and Peter that he go
 before you into Galilee.  There shall ye see him, as he said unto you."  And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulcher for they trembled and was amazed! Neither said they anything to any man for they were afraid.

Dream - Motivational Video

A TEENAGER'S PRAYER

A Teenager's Prayer
I shared this poem because I think teenagers ought to be reminded that their is a need for them to pray as well.

 
 
 
 
 















Each day brings new beginnings
decisions I must make
I am the only one to choose
the road that I will take.

I can choose to take the road of life
that leads to great success
or travel down the darkened road
that leads to great distress.

Please open up my eyes, dear Lord'
that I might clearly see
help me stand for what is right
Bring out the best in me.

Help me, Lord, to just say "no
when temptation comes my way
that I might keep my body clean
and fit for life each day.

When my teenage years are over,
I know that I will see
that life is lived its very best '
with you walking next to me.  J. Morse



 

THE CANDY CANE STORY

CHRISTMAS TIME, OH' COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
 O come, let us adore Him,
 O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the highest;
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

WISDOM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (PROVERBS 1:1-9:)

WISDOM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Proverbs 1:1-9:18

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel;

for attaining wisdom and discipline for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple knowledge and discretion to the young; let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
EXORTATIONS TO EMBRACE WISDOM

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.  They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
These passages of scriptures have helped me seek for wisdom from God and you can too.