A few years ago, our now eight-year-old son, Cam said that he wanted to be a chef after watching a video of a kid #chef. He had a short stent of fascination with cars and trucks, but never lost the urge to buy toy food. Since we have been in Tillamook, Cam’s library picks usually involve #cookbooks. Yesterday, on the Tillamook County Library bookmobile, Cayla grabbed the cookie cookbook. No surprise to me; she absolutely loves sweets.
I have reasons to make healthy sweets. Although, these books are older, usually, we can kind some satisfying and simple recipes. Being in the health care industry for over 21 years, I feel a consistent and growing responsibility to prepare healthy meals and snacks for my family. Our children take our lead in whatever we do and not just what we say.
How are you preparing for spring and summer meals to help avoid or limit temptation to splurge on unhealthy foods?
Sometimes, we may think our parents are being mean when they tell us the truth. Our mom, a single mom, knew the extent of her teaching. She did not force her life’s principles on us; she left it to us, many times, to choose the best route or solution for an issue.
I inform our children that I cannot make all of your life choices. “I can help you build your foundation and give you the resources and some tools to help you along the way.”
I let our children know that I am here for them, and I do not mind sharing my knowledge and wisdom. For the age appropriate situations, though, I encourage our children to weight their options, assess advantages and disadvantages, and be decisive.
We must help our children to assess the reasons behind their choices. By helping our children to understand their core and their state of emotions and feelings, we can help empower them to be their best. I did not write to push them….but to help them from the inside out.
If we do not help our children to see the power in choices and the possible consequences, who will?
How are you helping your children learn the power of choices?
Today, I planned a different blog until my heart spoke to me. Like many others across the world, when I heard of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year old girl dying in a helicopter, I searched for meaning. From what I gather, his 13-year-old girl committed to continuing his legacy, the love of basketball, and Kolbe loved his girls and wanted to link purpose and passion with sports for his girls and children around the world. Over the years, we have lost so many influential people, and there is nothing like a tragedy that brings life into a closer focus.
The question that circled in my mind yesterday was “What is life really about?” Although I was not a consistent fan of Kobe Bryant, occasionally, I watched some of the games he played and often sat in awe of such great talent. I learned a lot about Kobe Bryant yesterday and the positive things he was doing (fatherhood, helping others to live out their dreams through his studio, books, and others) and the dreams he had, even for his 13-year old daughter.
We may not understand what God does. Though, I believe that in all experiences, there lie meaning and purpose. The meaning we give to experiences is different for everyone. Many times God used great figures to get our attention. What is God trying to tell us?
I believe that, for me,
Align my actions and thoughts with God’s will and to help our children do the same.
Live in the present; therefore, when our daughter and son came charging in our room, multiple times during Kobe Bryant tributes, I took the time to address their needs.
I thanked God for life and the family he gave me.
I prayed for the world, including Kobe Bryant’s family and the others who were on the helicopter.
Nothing that we produced on earth goes with us.
We are all accountable for what we do with the gifts and talents that God gave us.
I believe that God hears our prayers, and I continue to pray for continued compassion, love, and peace for everything and everyone.
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