Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Misbehavior is a Request for Love

When your child misbehaves, he is really asking, through his behavior, "Do you love me?" If you respond, "Yes, I love you," with your words and actions, you will fill up his love tank, take the pressure off and make it unnecessary for him to continue testing your love. This will likely correct the behavior. Another great piece of wisdom from the 5 Love Languages of Children.



Friday, January 24, 2014

Help Create Peace in Relationships by Using Requests Instead of Commands

Another wise thought from the 5 Love Languages of Children ... The difference between a command and a request: "Say thank you to your father," or "Would you say thank you to your father?" A request is more soothing, wards off anger and keeps us more positive and pleasant.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Finding Compassion Through Your Challenges

The challenges you face in life serve to make you stronger and teach you helpful lessons. So, instead of allowing challenges to make you bitter, allow them to open your heart with compassion toward people in similar situations. This will allow you to let go of blame and victimhood. It's a peaceful transformation.


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Finding Peace Through Discernment


As life seems to become busier and busier, it becomes more and more crucial for us to practice discernment. Discernment is a process of stepping back and observing what is going on in our lives, then making choices about what activities are worthy of our attention. When we are in discernment, we make choices that are best for US, without worrying about what others are doing. That's peace.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Remembering my Papa

Mutual adoration ... that never stopped.
Eight years ago today my Papa passed away. I had flown in the night before to try and say goodbye for the last time, but I was too late. He passed away during the night while I slept.

The next morning my father and I drove to his house, where he was still in his favorite lazy boy chair -- a place he spent much time in during the last few months of his life. He had lung cancer and was under the care of Hope Hospice at home.


The house was so peaceful. He was so peaceful. I just stared at him for a while with so much love in my heart. He was an awesome grandfather. I wrote him a letter that I wanted to read to him while he was still alive, but I didn't get that chance. Instead I read it aloud to him after he passed while the whole family was gathered around. I'm not sure how I made it through it, but somehow I did. 
Me with my Grandmother and Papa in May 2004.

As odd as this may sound, the two days following his passing were two of the most treasured days of my life. All of our family had flown in from around the country. My grandfather did not want a funeral, so we all just sat around my grandmother's house telling stories about him, laughing and bonding once again as a family. I will never forget those days. I love you, Papa!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Show Me How Big Your Brave Is

I am just loving this new Sara Bareilles song, "Brave." It really stirs my soul. It feels like God is speaking through Sara to me (and you, too). He wants us to be brave. To speak up. To follow our dreams. To not let the words of others discourage us or put us down.

To stand up for what we believe in. To say out loud what we believe. To not be afraid to be ourselves.

To let our children watch us be brave. And to teach them how to be brave, too.

Whatever your struggle, this song will inspire you! Give it a listen, then go be BRAVE!

Monday, January 6, 2014

The 5 Love Languages of Children Book Club for Parents

Start the new year off right and renew your relationship with your children! Join me as I lead a book club group discussion about the The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman, Ph.D.

I started using the techniques in this book about a year ago and am amazed at how a few simple pieces of information and guidelines can help you communicate and understand your children better. 

The 5 Love Languages of Children is light and easy-to-read. It will help you identify how your child gives, receives and interprets love and will give you simple, practical advice on how to enhance your relationship with your child. 

Plus, it has a fun mystery quiz for your children to take that will help you identify their love language. I can't tell you how helpful that quiz is! 

Before my daughter took it, I guessed her love language was quality time, but after the quiz I learned she desires quality time and physical touch equally! Wanna know what's cool about that? I can give her quality time while I give her some physical love by snuggling, or, my personal favorite, tickling!

The results of my son's quiz showed he feels most loved when he receives physical touch and gifts. The gifts were a bit of a surprise...I would have put quality time as his top love language. So, this was good information!

If you desire to work on your relationship with your children, click here to register! Then read the book and join us for an inspiring and uplifting discussion.


Session Options:
1) Thurs., Feb. 6, 7 – 9 p.m.
2) Mon., Feb. 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
3) Mon., Feb. 10, 7 – 9 p.m.
4) Tues., Feb. 11, 9 – 11 a.m.
5) Wed., Feb. 12, 1 – 3 p.m.
6) Thurs., Feb. 13, 1 – 3 p.m.

Sessions will take place on the St. James Parish grounds in Arlington Heights. Specific location information will be provided when you register.