A Friend Loves at all Times

Couldn't resist putting this verse with these two cuties! This is one of Alyssa's favorite friends.

I wanted to continue on yesterday's theme of teachable moments for children, so I thought I would share this verse about friendship because it is simple, yet powerful. 

Imagine if, as your child grows up, you were to work this thought into daily conversations you have with her about friendship ... It will be like planting a seed that will bloom into the buds of many beautiful friendships throughout her life!

Making the Most of Teachable Moments with your Children

So, one of your children takes the last cookie from the pantry, and the other cries foul. What do you say to help solve the situation?

How do you comfort your daughter when she comes into your room at night and tells you she is afraid to sleep by herself?

What do you say if your son comes home from school and tells you about kids who are making fun of another child?

These are all valuable teachable moments that many of us experience within our daily lives. But do we always know what to say or how to comfort our children?

What if you had the ability to take some of the pressure off of yourself by showing your child what God has to say about these types of situations?

There is a parenting resource out there just for that purpose! It's called Parenting With Scripture. The book is divided into 101 sections, arranged alphabetically by subject-matter. Examples include forgiveness, humility, anger and procrastination. Each topic is comprised of Scripture passages, discussion questions, action items and parenting tips.

The format is very user-friendly. Here is a sample page for the subject of worry.

So, if a child is frightened, you could look up courage. You might find something like, "When I am afraid, I will trust in You." Psalm 56:3.

If your children are not speaking kindly to one another, you could look up kindness where you might find, "Encourage one another and build each other up."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

If your child is nervous about a test, you might look up worry and find, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillippians 4:6-7

The point is to help you connect your child's daily life to the Bible and see how God's word can help them live a more healthy, happy and peaceful life.

If you would like more information, I would recommend listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast interview with the book's author, Kara Durbin.

Also, here is a link to 15 foundational bible verses the author recommends to help you in your parenting. These would be great to post on the fridge.

And, finally, the author has a great blog with lots of tangible examples. Enjoy!

Be a Student of Your Children

While listening to a Focus on the Family interview with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages of Children, the host spoke these words that really struck me as true, "As a parent, it is our job to be a student of our children so we can know how God has wired them." This will allow us to parent them better.

Can You Recover the Stone After it's Thrown?

Tyler and Alyssa's school counselor has been making her rounds this week talking to all of the classes about friendship. She uses a very visible analogy for the children to see the impact of their words and actions on others.

She has them crinkle up a piece of paper. Then open it up. Apologize to it. And see if all of the crinkles magically went away. Obviously, they did not. What was once a smooth piece of paper is now riddled with bumps.

She then explains to the children that this is what happens when we hurt others with our words and actions. We can and should say we are sorry, but the impact of our words and actions leave a permanent scar on the other person. What a powerful visual for children to learn from, and it reminded me of this quote:

5 Things You Can't Recover In Life:
     1) The stone after it's thrown.
     2) A word after it's said.
     3) An occasion after it's missed.
     4) Time after it's gone.
     5) Trust after it's lost.

This quote strikes me as a bit hopeless at first, but you know me, that's not where I like to dwell. So, I'd like to suggest that this quote is a positive reminder to think before we speak and act.

If I could take it one step further, I would also say that the scars that come from the words and actions of others are what make us. They shape our character and make us stronger and better.

You Can Change Your Life ... You are not a Tree

This quote is about taking action in life. It's one thing to complain about something in your life that you do not like. But it is another thing entirely to do something about it. Yes, it takes courage, but you can do it. You are not stuck in place like a tree. Even a tree, while it is stuck in the ground, grows and changes. You can too! This is what we teach our clients!

Do Not Carry Your Failures Around With You

So many of us hold on to our failures and carry them around with us -- to the point that we are subconsciously punishing ourselves for them ... or allowing them to hold us hostage to the belief that we are not good enough.

I have heard people say they will not forgive themselves for particular failures. That they will take them with them to their grave. Oh, how painful that is to think about carrying that burden for a lifetime.

I truly do not believe that is how it is supposed to be.

I love the imagery this quote suggests. Put your failures under your feet and use them as stepping stones. We are all human. It's only natural that we should make mistakes as we grow and learn.

Your Thoughts Create Your Life

Your thoughts create your life.

Slow Down and Use Your Intuition

Intuition is a beautiful gift available to all. But it requires us to slow down from our hectic pace a bit.

Today, intentionally slow down, tune in and see what your intuition tells you.

How to Inspire More Love in Your Life

Most people say they would like to feel more love in their life, but what they don't realize is that this love must come from within. The secret to receiving more love is actually giving more love. And the best place to start giving love ... is to yourself. 

Learning how to love yourself is a fun and uplifting project, and the month of February is the perfect time to start it. Here are a few ways to get connected with Coach Tina if you are ready to experience the joy of having more love in your life:

Private Coaching
Work with Coach Tina privately as you create love all around you. This option gives you the most benefit, because it gives you the most time and attention from the coach. Coaching sessions are generally scheduled on a weekly basis. Click here for more information.

Group Coaching
If you'd rather not go it alone, share the love and form a group of friends to go through the coaching experience with you. Every member of the group will set their own goals and benefit from the synergy of the group as you all cheer each other on. Choose to meet once a week or once a month in the comfort of your own home. Email tina@haisman.net to set up your group.

Book Clubs
What's more fun and engaging than reading a book alone? Reading with a group of friends. Put together a book club today! Tina can make recommendations and facilitate the group discussion for you. Email tina@haisman.net to set up your book club.

As always, Coach Tina offers a complimentary consultation to see if coaching is right for you. Contact her at tina@haisman.net or at 239.292.2882 to set up a call.