Hello And Happy New Year
Hello and Happy New Year!
No doubt, some of you have been a single parent or were raised by a single parent. I was raised by a single mom and have great respect for those who work hard to do a two-person job on their own.
I recently read an article detailing "10 Ways to Reduce Single-Parent Stress," including:
1. Get a handle on finances
2. Set up a support system
3. Maintain a daily routine
4. Be consistent with discipline
5. Answer questions honestly
6. Treat kids like kids
7. Abolish "guilt" from your vocabulary
8. Take time for your children
9. Take time for yourself
10. Stay positive
Good points, and an interesting read. The link to the full article is below. BUT - there's one item missing and it belongs right at the top of the list:
PLACE YOUR TRUST AND FIND YOUR HOPE IN CHRIST
It really belongs at the top of every list, right?
Perhaps you want to check out the article...but first would you take a moment to paint a picture with your mind's eye? This is an example of a small moment with big potential we think you'll enjoy (written by a coach at our Family Resource Center):
"
It was warm, bordering on stifling, in the coaching room of the Pregnancy Resource Center. Baby Kay had just about exhausted all her 8-month-old patience and giggly squeals as the parenting lesson finished up. As we exited into the cooler reception room, Mama began the routine of gathering her baby paraphernalia after placing Baby Kay on the rug to discover the room from ground level.
The client next-up casually chatted in the waiting area. Baby Rose, her 14-month-old, was fully delighting herself in her recently acquired ability - walking. And then it happened: Baby Kay and Baby Rose saw one another. After pausing, the older gingerly toddled toward the younger, who was already determining a way to get closer too.
Not yet crawling - but, oh so close - Baby Kay scooted and tugged until she was within touching range of this other intriguing little person. Her squeals rose up again, her grins were revived. A connection made. She was a bit like the puppy who is begging to play with the more established dog, who hasn't yet decided about wanting to engage. Yet here, nature won: the two babies were irresistible to one another.
All four women in the room were spellbound by this charming encounter. What so captured us? For me - aside from the raw cuteness - I realized that each little girl's face showed such expectation of what might be, of what could be, moving toward the other, wanting the company of her peer, hopeful of a favorable outcome. There was risk, but there was wondrous potential gain!
Watching this vignette brought a smile way down in my soul. Why? It was nothing extraordinary, but oh! in context of the backgrounds of the mamas, it was anything but common. Such hope was displayed.
Hope, in the form of breaking devastating family cycles.
Hope, in the vision that these two daughters perch at a new starting gate of safe and love-filled lives.
Hope, in the efforts of two moms making it their mission to be good and responsible parents, despite crazy-hard obstacles.
It brought to mind a favorite truth: "new mercies every morning." I smiled again, reminded that I am completely trusting God on behalf of these babies and their mamas, that His mercies might be ever newer, every day.
Thank you to all who make moments like this possible."
His,
Michele Evans
P.S. If you haven't yet claimed your Arizona Tax Credit, CLICK HERE!
Up to $800 for married filing jointly and $400 for single filers.
P.P.S. To read the full article mentioned above, follow this LINK
