parenting

5 Essentials You Need to Know to Raise Secure Kids
5 Essentials You Need to Know to Raise Secure Kids 150 150 Mona Corwin

Ever look at your kids and wonder how the same kids living in the same house could be so different?

I mean one kid will crumble under a serious correcting glance and the other one has you feeling like CPS might be coming soon. One might color all day and the other doesn’t want to do anything but talk.

Of course the answers isn’t difficult. They are all different because they were created different.

We all want our children to be secure in their abilities. But the more important goal is for them to find security in the Gift Giver himself- God.

I have 5 kids and none are the same. They don’t even dress the same except when they had to wear uniforms at school.

Consequently not every method or activity will work for every one of your kids. But not to worry. God gave you mumma eyes and you will be able to see and direct them.  In my “Design Your UnRivaled MomLife” the women are discovering their identity, callings and unique abilities. And as moms you can help your children find theirs too.

Helping them discover their identity and unique abilities is part of what mothering is all about. And you have a front row seat for the action.

I’ve been front row watching for years and my best piece of advice…

Don’t miss the greatest treasure about their gifts and talents which is this – they come special to them from God.

We all want our children to be secure in their abilities. But the more important goal is for them to find security in the Gift Giver himself- God.
Here are 5 points to grow secure kids:

#1. Point them to the gift giver – God.

Show them from Gensis that they were created in God’s image and have value because of His love and not in their performance.

#2.  They have a part to play.

Not only did God create them in his image He also created them uniquely for the timeslot they live in.

#3. Gifts and Talents make life fun and fulfilling.

You want them to enjoy their gifts and talents but to also understand that they were given to bless others too. It is through these special traits that God’s character and love shows up.

#4. It takes time.

They don’t have to be the best or perfect at a gift or talent for it to be fun. Just grow and learn and that you will be there to help.

#5. Security only comes from God.

Being good at something can give you confidence and that’s a good thing. But if your security and purpose is found in your gifts and talents you will never fully enjoy them. Knowing that God gives gifts and talents with a path and a plan in mind keeps us looking to Him for direction and success.

Life can be confusing as you are growing and that’s why God gave kids parents. Parents are the ones that help and direct. How wonderful to know that someone is watching over you and will help you find the way. And pointing them to the Gift Giver is the best way to raise kids that not only find security in God but also find refuge, grace and love too.

What special things do you see in each of your children? Make a list and start asking God to help you find their gifts and talents.

Share this with another mom you love.

stay at home moms

Stay at home moms redefine what it means to be successful as a woman
Stay at home moms redefine what it means to be successful as a woman 500 346 Mona Corwin

International Women’s Day was March 8th. There was much discussion about women, rights, and advancement. However, it seemed there was a section of womanhood left out of the celebration and I wondered “why?”

It’s the best time ever to be a woman. There are no boundaries for taking those God given gifts and talents and developing them into the highest level of excellence.

And although there are places in the world where women are suppressed, here in America women are flourishing. Professional careers are possible and with so many delaying marriage and children, there is plenty of time to climb in the ranks of their field.

Yet, there is a trend that was missing from the rhetoric on March 8th. With all the talk about women advancing in any area of life they might choose, it was interesting that one group was not being encouraged to “advance.”

The trend I’m talking about is women from beauticians to corporate executives, that are going home to raise their children and grow their families.

Who are these women?

Many are career professionals; focused, educated and successful and some are hourly workers tired of pushing someones else’s paper around. They have had enough of the rat race. Enough of dropping their children off into someone else’s care to then pick them up, exhausted after a full day’s work, only to eat fast food, administer baths and stories, and put everybody to bed. All to start it again.

This chaos has resulted in women saying, “Enough!” They have picked up their kids, taken their MBA’s and left the building. They’re choosing to leave the workplace and be moms at home.

Perhaps it’s just what happens when the happily ever after career woman falls in love with motherhood and family.

Forfeiting a salary for a family just makes sense to them. And so they are choosing quality of home life over quantity of bank accounts.

Familiar with setting goals and achieving, they have taken their new position by the reins with the desire to be experts at this mom at home thing. Highly motivated, these women quickly learn the art of making one-dollar stretch to ten, produce spread sheet savvy budgets, cook Paleo and Vegan and set about to grow little people into wonderful adults.

If their children are in school it is common to see them earning money from various endeavors. Determined to keep family the focus they are driving yet another trend, that of the entrepreneur… or mom-preneurs as they lovingly call themselves.

In the era of the Internet, it has never been easier to make money from home. And moms at home are benefiting. From online businesses to selling products and services directly to their community, these moms are connecting and developing networks that offer support and encouragement. In the true sense of community moms are reshaping their worlds.

Help Wanted

You would suppose all would be well. Yet with all their good intent many have found the reshaping and redefining of happily-ever-after a bit like juggling jello.

The art of mothering and family and home doesn’t come with a measuring stick or office manual. And runny noses, though abundant, are not quarterly reports.

So, with the measuring stick of culture removed a girl can wonder:

  • Am I doing this right? Ugh. Goggle never had kids. Where can I get good advice I can trust?
  • Am I significant? Cuz I feel invisible and maybe someone else really would do a better job raising my kids than me.
  • I’m lonely. Is anybody else doing this?
  • And why is there the sticky green stuff in my hair again? Sexy? What’s that?

Rewriting your happily-ever-after in a culture that considers your mom-at- home choice a horror flick can leave you questioning those choices. Let’s face it; sometimes it is hard to find good examples, information and mentors. Women who can help you get a clear picture of what motherhood, home, and family should look like.

This could be one of the reasons the lost art of Mentoring is making a big comeback. More younger women are seeking older women to come along side and tell them that everything is going to be all right.

The challenge is that it’s hard to find real flesh and blood women who are willing to mentor and even fewer that have blazed the trail of mom-at-home. It’s easier to find a female CEO.

I was where you are

I get it. I was just like you, trying to figure it out all those years ago. Trying everything and messing up. I thought I was an awful mom and a nagging wife. The world told me what I did was insignificant and could be duplicated at any day care or fast food chain.

My man and I had long before decided that our greatest adventure wasn’t going to be growing wealth or writing books. Our greatest adventure was to grow a family. I knew we were creating something special but sometimes I feared that our adventure wouldn’t end in happily-ever-after. But maybe it’d end in disaster.

We went against the culture anyway. It was lonely for me as a mom-at-home. And at times I wondered if giving up a career path was worth it. But then I’d see my little ones singing and laughing or fighting and screaming (let’s be honest here) and I knew growing a family was more valuable than growing a portfolio.

I needed help!

I just wanted someone to encourage me and not shame me. Someone to point me to practical solutions while helping me heal my spiritual dryness. I kept looking and I kept asking. I vowed then that if given a chance I would help other moms-at-home. The good news is that I finally found several someones along the way that pointed and guided me through my happily-ever-after story.

Any Regrets?

With only one of our 5 children left at home, I’m on the other side of those diapers and diplomas. Regrets? Nope not a one! And YES it was all worth it.

We really did get to grow our family. It isn’t perfect and sometimes it wasn’t pretty. But it’s full of love, loyalty and laughter. And, even when we are apart our hearts are weaved together in a way that is more present than if we were all in one room at the same time.

Today it’s not unusual for my husband or I to say to the other one, “We have the coolest kids on the planet.” (Yes, this is a mom moment. Don’t judge, I earned it. Ha.) But honestly we really do. They are all out impacting the world and creating a sense of family everywhere they go- with our oldest continuing the legacy of family with his very own one. Our hearts are full.

There is no story plot I’d rather live. For there is nothing more valuable than raising children created in the image of God to love Him and others as family.

And just in case your thinking me and my man are in the final scene of our story. Think again. There is no “the end” or “you’re fired” in this story. You won’t find us walking off into the sunset. That’s the beauty of family. It is an ever flowing, unfolding story of happily-ever-after.

Sweet friend, I’ve been where you are and in some cases I’m still doing what you’re doing. I created MonaCowin.org with you in mind. My desire is to be as close to flesh and blood real as I can: A virtual mentor if you will.

Want to learn more about Moms@Home?

  • You can subscribe to MonaCorwin.org and find me in your inbox with encouragement, Blog updates and practical solutions for your mothering, marriage and home. And be the first to listen to the upcoming podcast we’re developing. We’ll let ya know. (The sign up box is in the sidebar to your right)

So, hop over to Facebook , Twitter  or Instagram and join the conversation.

MonaCorwin.org… Mentoring you in the art of motherhood, marriage and creating homes where lives flourish…including your own.

fun ways to memorize scripture

20 Unique & Fun Scripture Memory Tools for Moms & Kids
20 Unique & Fun Scripture Memory Tools for Moms & Kids 288 288 Mona Corwin

In last week’s post, “Fight for your Family… want to know how?” we learned why having scripture on the tip of your tongue is a tool for defense in protecting your family from evil. And that tool is a must for today’s mothers and wives.

Staying tethered to what God says about things is the surest way to fight for your family. Bottom line, nothing else does what His word can.

This week, it’s all about the methods. I have a list of unique and practical ways to “show you the how” in memorizing scripture and teaching your kids how to with you.

Honestly, it has to start with you. You were made by God to bring life into your family. You are uniquely equipped to bring the transforming life of God’s word into your family. This all starts when you experience the revelation of scripture and it becomes real in your own life.

Methods and Apps for You

Some of these are my tried and true, and some I haven’t tried either but am excited to.

1. Fighter Verse App

This is my new go-to app for memorizing scripture.

 

  • 1000+ verses pre-loaded
  • Choice of six Bible translations
  • Three unique quizzes
  • Configurable schedule for weekly memorization
  • Review function
  • “My Verses” allows you to add your own verses
  • Includes “Foundation Verses” – a collection of verses for preschool children
  • Links to songs, weekly blog posts and much more!

2. Scripture Typer

Amazing app. Type it. Memorize it. Master it.

Works for 3 types of learners: audio, visual & kinesthetic.

  • 10 translations
  • 55 categories of verses
  • challenging game type
  • record your verses and play them back

3. YouVersion Bible App

The most all around app around. 160 million devices worldwide can’t be wrong. It’s got a lot in it but that can be distracting when just memorizing scripture. A must on my phone.

 

4. Power of Persuasion

Love this method. Set your phone alarm for different times of the day. It could be a wake-up call or a task driven alarm.

Set your alarm time. Use a scripture ora scripture address for the alarm label. How much better would the morning or task be if God’s word was the first thing coming out of your mouth at the sound of an alarm?

Instead of “ugh, its time to wake up?” you say, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118: 24

  • Exercise alarm

“She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Proverbs 31:17

  • Wake kids/make breakfast

             “She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household.” Proverbs 31:15

  • Lunch alarm

            “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

We all need to be persuaded to do certain things. Let’s do them with the word on our lips.

5. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

You probably already do this one. But it is the best!

Write your verse on your bathroom mirror. While you are brushing your teeth, day and night, repeat it. Of course you’d have to do that in your head because the toothbrush is in your mouth!

6. Log in your memory

Quite simple. Change the password on your computer to the verse address of the day. Like: John 3:16. Then, before you open your computer you recite the verse.

7. Pop it-Post it notes

Seems simple, but this method incorporates two tried and true methods; writing and the element of surprise.

Write your verse on ten different sticky notes. Then post those notes around your life. Whenever you see one, your brain will “pop” into the scripture. When it does, say it out loud. This is actually scientific and simple.

8. Notecard ring

This has been my go-to for years. I learned it from Beth Moore, and that girl knows her scripture. Now I do, too.

I keep a notecard spiral with all my scriptures that I learn in it. It’s fun to keep track.

9. Word Swag App

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You know you do it for everything else! Now, do it for scripture. I just did one with my own pictures – check it out on my Instagram.

10. [modal_text_link name=”scriptureguide” class=”” id=””]Scripture Guide[/modal_text_link]

This is my personal guide. A quick resource sheet that lists lies that need to be removed and the truth scriptures that transform and bring truth to every lie. (This guide is free for you. I’m almost done with it – Making it oh so pretty! [modal_text_link name=”scriptureguide” class=”” id=””]Click here[/modal_text_link] and I’ll send it to your inbox when I get it done.)

[modal name=”scriptureguide” title=”I want the Scripture Guide!” size=”small” background=”” border_color=”” show_footer=”no” class=”” id=””][mc4wp_form id=”5639″][/modal]

BONUS Music: The Word of God

I’m so glad God gave these musicians the talent and that they are using it in this unconventional way. Not only is this good for memorizing scripture, this is great background music for your home during the day. Your subconscious mind is always listening.

KIDS MEMORY TOOLS (That you can use too!)

1. Draw Your Sword

Found this one on Pinterest I love it.

draw your sword scripture knifes

 

 

 

 

 

2. Adventure Bible Memory HD app

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Love this one!

Bible memory is fun for kids with the Adventure Bible Memory HD app for the iPad. Try this free version of Adventure Bible Memory HD to experience the features in the full app. Do verse scrambles by filling in the blank, choose easy/medium/hard, and earn cool prizes like adventurous pictures and sounds. Even record your own voice reading. Great for multiple users.

 

 

3. 365 Bible Promises 

UnknownThis app is similar to the Jesus Calling app. It is a good source for simple scriptures to memorize for kids.

This app allows you to have the scripture ready on your phone, providing a perfect time for little ones and those moments when you are waiting.

(Deuteronomy 11:19 “Teach them as you go.”)

 

4. Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt

This happens once a week when you introduce the scripture of the week. I hope you like this – it’s an original from monacorwin.org!

Choose a scripture. Ex: “The joy of the Lord is my Strength.” Jeremiah 8:10

  • Write each word or a phrase from the scripture on individual sticky notes. Also include the location of the next note.
  • When they reach a location they are given one more word to add to that weeks scripture.
  • At each location they will find one more word that adds to the scripture verse. They then read the previous found words and the new one before they can hunt for the next sticky.
  • When they have all the notes they are sent back to where they started. They all repeat the verse (its ok to read it) and receive something “sticky” like candy or sticky buns.

These little detectives are now ready memorize that scripture for the week.

5. See it. Say it. Eat it.

Scripture is sweeter than honey.

We all like rewards. Here’s an end-of-the-week scripture memorizing reward.

Display the scripture in your kitchen in a prominent spot. You can use:

  • A wipe board
  • A large photo frame that has glass in it. Put a pretty piece of paper under the glass – nothing too busy because you will need to see the scripture written on the glass with a wipe-off marker.

Now, put a bowl of candy next to it. At the end of the week or end of the day, have the kids recite their scripture. See it. Say it. Eat it. Scripture memory can be sweet.

6. Jesus Calling for Kids

Jesus_Calling_iphone-ipad2kidsYou can try it for free for 7 days but you’re going to want it after that. This app is intended to be a daily devotional, yet it is a great source for your weekly scriptures. It even has a little conversation starter under the verse.

 

 

 

7. Craft Stick Memory Fun

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I found this darling idea on Pinterest. It provides another fun way to introduce the weekly family scripture together.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Builder Dad Scripture Activity

This can be used for large sections of scripture or small ones.

  • Write scripture words or phrase on separate sticky notes or pieces of masking tape
  • Tape them to blocks or Legos
  • Put blocks in a bowl on table
  • After dinner, pass the bowl and allow everyone to draw out a few blocks
  • Everyone stays seated as Dad reads the first word of the week’s scripture
  • Then Dad says, “Who’s got the second building block?”
  • The family helps decide who’s got the right one and passes the piece to Dad
  • Dad then leads them in reciting of the partial scripture and then asks again- “who’s got the next building block?”
  • Dad continues to ask and build until that scripture is complete

Music

We are a music family and know the power of singing. Try these:

9. Scripture Memory Songs: Verses About Being Special

Sing and learn by topics. This one focuses on being brave.

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10. Seeds Family Worship: Power of Encouragement

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It’s not free but worth the money.

Listen to it on iTunes before you buy. Then download it and start memorizing scripture. (CDs available on Amazon)

 

That’s it! 10 for you and 10 for them!

Which ones are you going to try? Join the community of moms on my Facebook page.

Equip a friend and share this post

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Valentines Day

Showing Your Kids LOVE on Valentine’s (Lisa Clark)
Showing Your Kids LOVE on Valentine’s (Lisa Clark) 334 500 Mona Corwin

So excited to introduce you to my friend Lisa Clark and her wisdom. Enjoy

LOVE is in the AIR!!! The day of LOVE is upon us. It’s funny that we pick one day to show LOVE when we really do LOVE all year long.

Teaching children LOVE is easy. When they are born we kiss all over them, hug them, change them, feed them, play with them, soothe them, and care for them: All in the name of LOVE. We show them LOVE by the way we serve them.

They learn about LOVE by seeing it in action. My girls are almost 5 years apart in age. When Camryn (now 21) was born, Caroline (now 25) was almost 5 and starting to learn the concept of Valentine’s Day. The “Day” came around and I was still homebound after having a C-section and not feeling up to putting on real clothes, so we opted to stay home. Many of you understand this thought process. But, it being the day of LOVE and all, I wanted to make it special. So I birthed a new “tradition” of bringing out the fine china, serving pieces, etc and making a full-fledged nice, nice dinner for the family. My husband, Brad, brought home flowers for all of his girls and we played romantic music and had a great night. He danced with each of us separately and made each “girl” feel so special. NOTHING would ever replace this wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s. In fact, going to a restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day isn’t even on our daughter’s radar today. It MUST be celebrated at home!

Valentine’s is a great time to show your family how much you LOVE them. We get so busy during the year with household chores, work, practices, obligations, etc that it’s a fun day to just be together and love on each other. It was good for our girls to see their father bring me flowers and dance with me. It was the ONLY day they saw him bring me flowers (for the most part) so can I get an AMEN that they needed to see it? Ha! But it was good. Brad and I didn’t need time to ourselves this particular day. We were intentional in our dating the rest of the year. Intentionality is key for showing your kids love on Valentine’s. We love our children so much it’s not hard to show them LOVE on Valentine’s Day, but we want to be intentional. What works in YOUR family is the question you need to ask yourselves. Take out? Reservations? Burgers on the grill? Handwritten Valentine’s cards for each family member? Dessert for dinner?

Fun things to consider with younger children might be to encourage the acronym for LOVE as they describe their feelings for each family member – Mom, you’re a Listener, you’re Observant, Very Nice and Elegant! You get the picture. Have the artistic child make special placemats, menus for the table, or maybe a flower arrangement. Have the chef prepare a special recipe she’s seen on Pinterest. Are your kids too young to cook or draw? Sing songs about LOVE together and read some love stories from the Bible. Also, allowing your children to hear you speak words of affirmation and LOVE toward your spouse is beautiful. Share how you met. Share your LOVE story.

Writing each family member a LOVE note is so special. These notes will become treasures through the years.

Celebrating all day long is fun, too: Heart shaped pancakes for breakfast, love notes and pb&j for school lunch, ice cream with pink or red sprinkles for a treat after school. Get creative and have fun!

Serving others is the greatest way to show LOVE. I would ask my children, “How can I serve you?” Just that phrasing changes everything and sets the tone for a heart full of service.

Start thinking today how you can LOVE your children and family on Valentine’s Day. Be intentional. Start traditions. And be yourself.

Lisa Clark is a Texas native and has been married to her college sweetheart, Brad, for 28 years. They have 2 daughters and 1 son in law (he’s the favorite). In 2007, she helped develop the SkyMoms Ministry with her longtime friend, Linda Paulk, President and CEO of Sky Ranch Christian Camps. SkyMom’s ministers to moms of campers and their friends all year round at gatherings throughout North Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, as well as through the blog (skyranchskymoms.blogspot.com). Lisa’s long awaited book, Raising Sinners, should be available sometime in 2015 if she ever finishes it.

Fighting mom guilt

Tossing the Mom Guilt of “Me Time”
Tossing the Mom Guilt of “Me Time” 200 300 Mona Corwin

“Ugh, I never do anything for myself?”

Ever hear yourself saying this? I admit I have heard those words coming out of my mouth more times than I’d like.

Sometimes as women we can think it is wrong to do something for ourselves. In fact, we can think we have to be falling apart for it to be even a little bit ok. We feel like it is selfish or self-serving. And when we finally do take the time, the guilt alone is enough to keeps us from fully enjoying the thing.

Can I get a witness?

Girlfriend, we got to get a grip on this “taking care of ourselves” guilt. Our families, marriages and self-talk are suffering.

Mom guilt is brutal.

The phrase self-serving has a negative meaning in our church cultures. God did not create us to be selfish. That’s true. However, He didn’t create us to be self-defeating either.

So what’s the answer?

Using phrases like: “If Mumma ain’t happy, nobodies happy” and “I’m gonna lose it if…” don’t work. They just sound like threats and no one benefits from throwing fear around.

What we need is to define our soul needs and give ourselves permission to take care of them.

Defining Words

Soul- Your soul is the unique part of you that makes you-You. It’s your mind, your will and your emotions. Your personality likes and dislikes. Another way to put it is: your thinker, your chooser and your feeler.

Serving– Webster’s Dictionary defines serving as: Providing for needs or to meet the requirements of something or someone.

What’s that look like?

The picture of serving is one of giving.

Now, Jesus was the most giving, selfless person ever. And no one would call Jesus selfish.

Yet. He could be found walking away from a crowd to get alone. To pray, seek God’s will or just sleep. Giving His soul these things provided Jesus with the peace and strength He needed for the raging storms that came His way.

When caught in a storm, would Jesus have responded to the disciples like this?

“Ugh, It’s not my fault it’s storming, quit your whining”. Nope. He did not.

He didn’t fake peace by singing “It is well with my soul” either. It really was well with His soul. Why? Because His soul was well, not stress and frazzled. Jesus didn’t feel guilty taking time to rest and renew his soul and neither should you.

Permission To Serve your Soul

So, stop the guilt trips on yourself and everyone else. Permission has been granted.

I know you out there. Some of you are still thinking its not going to be “ok” to take time for your soul.

You take care of your body by eating, right?

It is admirable to go to church to nourish your spirit.

Likewise we need to tend to our souls.

Taking care of your soul actually helps us serve others better. Friend, you just can’t speak life and peace from a soul that is tired and frantic. For out of the heart the mouth speaks. We cannot give what we do not have.

Ways to Serve Your Soul

Serving your soul doesn’t involve rebellious actions or demands. It isn’t stomping off and planting your face in Twitter for hours either.

Only you can know what will serve your soul well. Take time alone with God to address your needs and desires. Then get with the people who can help make those things happen and share what’s in your heart.

Soul Serving Examples

-Famous artist Georgia O’ Keefe tended to her emotions by creating art.

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way, things I had no words for.”

-Expand your mind by studying a topic that interests you.

-Listen to some good music. It doesn’t have to be a hymn.

-Go outside and just sit. Be fully present in the moment.

-Get alone and write a list of things your thankful for.

Whatever the answer, do it. Toss the guilt. You can have a happy soul today.

 

What are some of the ways you’d serve your soul if you had permission to do it? Got a friend that needs a little soul serving? Share this post with them.

Jesus Advent Tree SWEEPSTAKES!!!
Jesus Advent Tree SWEEPSTAKES!!! 720 479 Mona Corwin

WIN a JESUS ADVENT TREE! This is a 25-day interactive family devotional that counts down the days til Christmas! It’s all about Jesus and the Jesus Advent Tree helps you keep HIM at the center of your table all season.

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Mona Corwin, Creator of the MomsLikeUs Academy, Podcast and Community