Tag: children

Nurturing Self and Others

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello there! As we find ourselves in the swift currents of February, it’s a good moment to pause, take a breath, and genuinely ask ourselves, “How are you doing?” This month is often associated with expressions of love, and in the spirit of “Give Love to Get Love,” it serves as a timely reminder to not only extend kindness to others but also to conduct a thoughtful mental health check-up for ourselves.

February, with its Valentine’s Day celebrations, is traditionally dedicated to love, affection, and connection. While expressing love to our friends, family, and partners is undoubtedly important, let’s not forget the significance of self-love and self-care. In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook our own well-being. This month encourages us to prioritize our mental health and emotional balance.

Taking a moment to reflect on your mental well-being doesn’t necessarily mean dwelling on challenges or stressors; it can also involve acknowledging your achievements, expressing gratitude, and embracing moments of joy. Cultivating self-awareness allows us to better understand our emotions and respond to them in healthy ways.

Consider incorporating simple yet effective practices into your routine, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. These activities can contribute significantly to your mental health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering a positive mindset.

In addition to focusing on self-care, February offers an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, can have a profound impact on our relationships and our own sense of well-being. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues, not just to express love but also to genuinely inquire about their

well-being. Sometimes, a thoughtful conversation can be a powerful form of support.

Remember that mental health is a continuous journey, and checking in on yourself doesn’t have to be reserved for a specific month. However, the symbolism of February can serve as a gentle nudge to prioritize your emotional well-being and strengthen the connections that contribute to a fulfilling life.

As we navigate the rapid pace of the year, let’s make an intentional effort to give love, receive love, and nurture our mental health. May this month be a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle, taking care of ourselves and each other is a meaningful and valuable pursuit.

God Bless You!

Joni

I Tried To Write At First, But Could Not Do It Without Jesus.

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I tried to write a note to the Martinez family concerning their loss of their beloved child Jonathan.  My own mother and grandmother’s heart is shattered into pieces for what they are going through.  A child should never, never go through the shooting which happened in their classroom on Monday! And a parent should not have to bury their child!

Off to my prayer closet I went this morning, to discuss it over with Jesus before I began to write.

At first my tears and words were hot with anger.  Angry at every adult who has let evil take a child away from their earthly home and family.  I proclaimed to Jesus that if I were head of education in America, I would fight like a lioness against every local, state, and national representative in America for the money they waste. I would blast my disgust every day and in every way I could, over the mere pennies they spend on the children of America in comparison to the millions they spend on their own self-serving agendas. And in their pruned up faces, I would plaster the children’s faces who have lost their lives, not because of a gun but because of them and their greed!

“Read your devotion, Joni.” I heard Him say.

My devotion book is called Mornings with the Holy Spirit by Jennifer LeClaire.

April 11 is titled “Be Quick to Forgive.”

When you are angry and frustrated, you have to ask yourself an honest question: Have you let resentment build up in your heart? Unless you are intentional about forgiving and are quick to forgive – a residue of resentment will build up over your heart the way dirt builds up on a windshield. Over time it will sink down into your heart and form a root of bitterness. Anger and frustration are often rooted in a failure to forgive the little annoyances as they occur.  Eventually, the resentment pot boils over.  Be quick to forgive – every time you get slightly annoyed.  Be quick to forgive.

Suggested reading…Hebrews 12:15; Colossians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.

Wow! God came in loud and clear!

I serve a mighty God.  One who loves me and the whole world! Even if you don’t believe in Him, He believes in you!

After God set me straight, it took awhile before I was composed enough to exit my prayer closet.

I was ready to write the Martinez family a note…

 

Dear Martinez Family,

I will be praying for you and you will become a part of my permanent daily prayer list.  Jesus is the only one who can get you through this over whelming grief and heal your heart until you are with Jonathan again.

Today Jesus gave me this bible verse and I believe it is for you…

Matthew 18: 1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child and had him stand among them.  And He said:

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,”

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”

Jonathan is that child with Jesus and I know the angels are rejoicing because one of their own angels has returned home.

May God hold you in His loving arms always!

All my love and prayers,  Joni

 

Now, I ask you to join me in praying for the Martinez family.  Prayer is the greatest blessing we can do for one another on this earth!

God Bless You!  God Bless the families affected by Monday’s classroom shooting.

 

From the Mouths of Babes ( 3 Year Old Tells Man at McDonalds His Pants Are Falling Down)

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

When I saw this article in the Huffington Post today, I thought “From the mouths of babes.” Children under five usually call it like they see it and a child’s honesty is what we need.  When a child speaks there is no sarcasm or agenda, their truth is pure, derived from a loving heart.

Maybe that is why Jesus tells us we must become like children to understand the kingdom of heaven!

I have to admit, many a day I have wanted to tell a young man to pull up his pants which were hanging below his butt.  And a couple of months ago we were in a Cracker Barrel here in Texas, where almost every one of the young male servers had their pants pulled down with their long shirts covering their back ends.  It was disgusting!

My first thought was, “Is that sanitary and does it comply with the Food Safety laws?”

Unfortunately, I was not feeling well and had just endured some testing at a local hospital.  Or I would have said something to the manager.

Fashion style is not about shocking the world with obscenity.  Fashion style should be dignified; displaying a strong character of goodness, and kindness.  You know, when I see a man or woman who is dressed nicely, I take a second look.  People admire a classy dressed person, and people snicker and make fun of an obscenely dressed one.

I don’t make the rules but I do understand the human perspective.

When I say “classy dressed,” it can be a pair of jeans and a shirt.  The difference is  the classy dressed one has all of their privates covered.  No need to have a butt cheek hanging out for attention or a cleavage open down to their belly button.  They are confident in who they are in life.  And it shows without having to show!

My own family has asked me time and again, not to say anything in public.  Mainly because you never know how a person will react.  Still I look for ways in which I might be able to kindly express my opinion.  What do you think about…

“Excuse me, would you kindly pull your pants up?’

“You never know what might escape from back there!”

Ok, enough of my teasing.

As a parent, we too, should consider how we dress in public.  Because the children are watching. Children mimic what they see in the way they dress and often speak what they hear.  And throwing a little Jesus-tude when relating to our family and others, does not hurt either.

Always remember and never forget…the children are watching!

 

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

Not The Normal

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

If you are like me, and prefer to start getting birthday and Christmas presents when the sales are the very best, then look no farther than my next recommendation.

These are not the ordinary gifts or the extraordinary gifts kids ask for, but they would if they knew about them!  The best part is that they are educational and make learning science way too much fun.  And Steve is having his year end blow out sales!

Now what could be better?

I put three links to some of the items that will give you the greatest discounts, to your left on my page.

 

God Bless You!

And God Bless America!

 

no punctuation or grammar required do you know what i mean

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

While texting the other day, I realized it takes me longer to text than most people.  And then I figured out my problem…I use punctuation and grammar!

Now, I know sometimes I overly use punctuation when writing. It is only because I want the reader to pause, and put the same emphasis on the words.  So if I am texting and all my words run together, will the reader still understand the context of my message?  Can you see where I am going?

Kids need to learn to utilize punctuation and grammar when doing any form of writing.  Because if not, we will have a generation grow up with thoughts and writings all blobbed together.  Even Charlie Brown’s teacher emphasized her blah, blah, blahs.  And you understood.

I found a site which illustrates the importance of punctuation and grammar in our lives.

20 Images That Prove Grammar and Punctuation Are Important

Some of the pictures are a little grown up, but you are an adult.

Another point to be made…

Can you imagine the younger generation’s translation of the bible? Let’s try Matthew 4:23-25…

Jesus went throughout galilee teaching in their synagogues preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people news about him spread  all over syria and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases those suffering sever pain the demon possessed those having seizures and the paralyzed and he healed them large crowds from galilee large crowds from galilee the decapolis jerusalem judea and the region across the jordan followed him

OK, that was hard to type, much less try to read.  We become so hurried in this life, we believe leaving out a few “periods” or “commas” won’t make a difference.  We even believe it will help us to be faster and more productive.  REALLY?

I relate it to rush hour traffic and the person who blows past you to get ahead.  Swerving in and out of the lanes, pushing on the gas, and then slamming on the brakes! Only to find themselves sitting right beside you at the red light.

Remember, your children imitate what they see you doing!  You don’t have to give them a punctuation or grammar lesson with every text and/or message.  Use it yourself in your texts and messages. And if you needed, show them their texts with the words running together and the meaning lost in translation.

Communication is our strongest ally with our children and others in life.  The way we communicate is how we are perceived.  Above all else…Communicate Love!

 

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

Take Shelter

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

The east coast of America is bracing for Hurricane Matthew and while most are evacuating the area, there are those who will stay.  If you have children and stay, to me, you are a criminal. You are purposely putting your children in harms way!

Now, I know some people will have to go to local shelters and that is fine. But those who are staying to ride out the storm thinking they are big, bad, and brave are stupid!  You can not fight rising, rushing water.  Water so strong that a Mack truck can be swept away by it, like a feather blowing in a breeze.  Trees breaking in half and falling on power lines, and your home create perilous circumstances.

All of these situations are very scary to children. And you, as their protector, must make good decisions concerning their welfare.  You, must be the calming force in a frightening situation.

King David when he had enemies chasing him, not even a hurricane, stated in Psalm 55:8…

“I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”

Before that verse, David express he would do this if he were a dove.  He would fly to safety. David was not a fool in troubled times.

Please heed my words, as someone who has been through these weather hazards, go to a shelter or evacuate.  Prepare your children for what is to come and reassure them that they will be ok.  Take supplies, favorite blankets, stuffed animals, or dolls; anything that will represent comfort to them.

And please don’t forget your pets.  They are family too and deserve to go wherever you go.  You can find pet friendly shelters and hotels.

Being big, bad, and brave means nothing when you or your family is being lowered into a grave!

So, be a real hero and take care of your children and pets.

God Bless You!

God Bless America!