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Lifestyle

At Home Christmas Gift Guide For Every Woman

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Its a time for giving and receiving gifts so I am joining in on the Gift Guide fun with an At-Home twist. I can’t believe that Christmas is almost here. What a year, right? We’ve experienced so much and the majority of us have been at home managing it all. Ladies we have been working hard all year long so as you begin shopping for others, use the following at-home Christmas Gift Guide for Every Woman to create your wish list. You deserve it! Treat yourself! This Gift Guide is broken down into categories that Every Woman can relate to and use right in the comfort of home Rest And RelaxationSpa DayKitchenWellnessFitnessOrganizationTech Gadgets *All of the gift ideas are linked in this post and can be purchased at Amazon. Click on each image for additional information: I hope you found this post useful and that it will help you form your well-deserved wish list! Interested in additional Christmas content, check out Felicia’s latest blog post: 45 Christmas traditions to do with your family This post contains great ideas to help you refine, recreate, or adopt new Christmas Traditions. Merry Christmas!

Danielle Boyd

Faith

How to Let Go of the Fear of Uncertainty

Hi, my name is Felicia and I am learning how to overcome the fear of uncertainty. Over the past year, I have been on a journey of valleys, mountains, valleys, and did I mention valleys. If there is one thing that I have learned it’s that life is full of uncertainties and moments in which you have no clue which way to turn. Well friend I have learned a few lessons along the way that I hope will help you through life’s certain uncertainties. I remember it was a Friday in March and I was called into my new boss’s office. I was feeling pretty confident because I just knew that my work and reputation would speak for itself so my job was safe. Well as the meeting concluded it finally dawned on me that they were not going to renew my contract. My new boss wanted to start afresh which meant I was out the door. I went back to my then office and just stood in the middle of the floor. I was fired. I felt helpless, numb and the fear of uncertainty gripped my heart. This seemingly perfect world that I had built was now crashing and burning. So I had no job and no clue what was next. The only thing I knew to do was to call my husband. Prayer For the believer, prayer is a vital part of our relationship with the Father. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated or scripted. My prayer that day was simply, “Lord help me”! The fear of uncertainty had a grip on my heart, mind, and soul and I needed to be rescued. Remember prayer is simply communication between you and your Heavenly Father. He wants to hear from you and we need to hear from Him. As believers, we see that Jesus was always communicating with his Father. He would sneak away from the disciples and crowds to receive instruction, encouragement, and to be filled up so that he can continue to care for others. I imagine that they discussed everything! That is so encouraging because our prayers should be about everything. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7 Pray continually. I Thessalonians 5:17 I believe he tells us this because of l all the ups and downs that life brings. So whenever a feeling a doubt, uneasiness, or fear tries to grip you get quiet and go directly to your Father. He’s waiting. Remove distractions I remember when I was fired from my job, I was so embarrassed and mortified. I did not want to see anyone or speak to anyone. That dynamic created an awesome opportunity to remove distractions. Distractions such as social media, text messages, phone calls, group chats and did I say social media. Now let me be clear I’m not saying shut yourself off from the world. I am encouraging you to create space for praying, thinking, decompressing, and breathing. The fear of the unknown can cloud your ability to make great, rational decisions. Usually, if I am uncertain about something I want to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Oftentimes we need to take a step back to reassess before we make a decision. Many times we do not allow ourselves to do that because of distractions. Those things vie for our attention when what we really need is laser-sharp wisdom and guidance. The main thing that we need when facing uncertainty is wisdom from our Heavenly Father. The only way that we can receive it is through intentional time spent in the Word and prayer. Decide to put first things first! Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the in that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 Continue to dream and plan I remember feeling like my goals, dreams, and aspirations were destroyed when I got fired. Fear of uncertainty can cause you to stop and feel stuck. Why? You are not sure what to do. There might be skepticism or anxiety swirling around your next steps. Fear hinders forward progression, while faith causes us to move forward. It was during those days of uncertainty that I had to choose to continue to keep going. There were moments when I just wanted to hide under the covers but my faith in Christ kept me going. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 I had to remind myself to revisit my aspirations. I could not allow one setback combined with fear to prevent me from putting one foot in front of the other. Dreaming, planning, creating are the antithesis of fear. Friend if you feel stuck because you are unsure of your next move or fearful of what might happen…..grab a pen and paper. I want to encourage you to get quiet, remove distractions, pray, and dream. Dream big and write down where you want to go, who you want to be, and how you’re going to get there. Don’t stop…keep moving! Put your trust in the Lord Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 These words are so true and it is one of my life’s mottos. I thought I was trusting the Lord but it wasn’t until I felt like I hit rock bottom that it was tested. During those days I found myself questioning why this happened but immediately I was reminded that He was with me. Christ never left me and because of that my trust and dependence on Him grew. I had to trust that He had my next steps

Felicia Tucker

Lifestyle

45 Christmas traditions to do with your family

In our family, Christmas traditions are a big deal. We love everything about Christmas and try to cherish every moment of the holiday season. This is the time of year where spending time with loved ones and making memories become extra special. We want to help you make this Christmas the best one yet by sharing some of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions. Throw a cookie party. I’m talking cookie cutters, sprinkles, icing, and chocolate chips. Watch all three reversions of the Grinch. Break out Elf on the Shelf! Make sure you to put him in a Serve an awesome Christmas dinner with a fancy honey ham or roast. Visit a Christmas tree farm to cut down your own Christmas tree. Make homemade hot chocolate, don’t skimp on the marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Make a big Christmas morning breakfast, be sure to include French toast casserole. Open one gift on Christmas Eve. Make popcorn and cranberry garland. Try this it’s super easy: https://www.saltycanary.com/diy-old-fashioned-cranberry-popcorn-garland/ Adopt a family for Christmas and shower them with love. Take the kids to have their pictures taken with Santa Clause. Read the entire Christmas story in Luke. Take a family photo in matching pajamas. Keep a half-gallon of eggnog in the refrigerator. Have a movie night watching Christmas classics with plenty of snacks. Host a fancy Christmas party at your home with an awesome charcuterie tray. Learn about other cultural holidays such as Kwanza and Hanukkah. Watch Home Alone 1, 2, and 3. Find homes decorated with spectacular Christmas lights in your local area. Purchase a collectible ornament for each family member. Attend your city’s tree lighting ceremony. Only play Christmas music while at home, purchase a new album, or play your tried and true favorites. Decorate and put up your tree on December 1. String Christmas lights in your home. We like to put up lights in the living room, along the fireplace and this year my goal is to put them in the kid’s room. Watch A Christmas Story at least two times during the 24-hour marathon on Christmas Eve. Pucker up under the mistletoe. Wait to wrap all the gifts on Christmas Eve then pass out at 2 am only wake up and open gifts at 6 am. Watch The Preachers Wife with Whitney Houston and sing all the songs out loud. Put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Send Christmas cards to your family and friends. Make sure to have the kids sign their names. Visit your local Ángel tree to give the gift of love to a child in your community Visit a local senior living community and spread some Christmas cheer with the residents. Have a gingerbread decorating contest with your family. Purchase a ready-made kit and let your creative juices flow! Read an Advent devotional daily with your family. The Bible app, You Version, has tons of advent devotionals that are free. Spend time doing a Christmas devotion filled with prayer, singing a Christmas carol, and reading the Christmas story prior to opening gifts on Christmas morning. Find a spot to go ice skating outdoors. The keyword is outdoors because there is nothing better than bundling up to skate and then enjoying a mug of hot chocolate after a great day on the ice. Pack up and head to the grandparent’s house. Nobody does Christmas better than grandpa and grandma. Purchase at least one poinsettia to decorate your home. Watch the classics, Miracle on 34th street and It’s a Wonderful Life as a family. Get crafty and make homemade snowflakes and paint ornaments then use them to decorate your house. Bake, bake, bake and then give your homemade bread, cookies, and pies as gifts. Get a tin of triple flavor popcorn. Mix the caramel and cheddar together. You will not be disappointed! Have at least one slice of fruitcake. I know what you thinking but one slice will not hurt you. Light a candle every night for any loved ones that are no longer with us as a way to cherish their memory. Remember that Christmas is about giving and spending time with those that you love. Each day spend a bit more time with your loved ones. Let us know which Christmas traditions you will be sharing with your family this year. Merry Christmas and have fun!!

Felicia Tucker

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How To Create A Daily Preschool Schedule At Home

Danielle Boyd

Let me be honest, I was not prepared to become a working stay-at-home mom. It took me about two weeks to come to grips with our new reality as a family in quarantine. I was even harder on myself because I am an Educator so I thought that I would be able to adapt to the changes needed to assist Madison throughout the day. Boy was I wrong! The past few weeks have come with many lessons and I can say that we have fallen into a routine. This routine has helped me to create an at-home daily preschool schedule that works for us. Let me share with you how I went about creating an at-home daily preschool schedule: Be Realistic About Your Daily Work Responsibilities Checking in with my calendar and other scheduling tools on a daily basis has become a huge necessity. Doing so helps me to know what I can accomplish each day from home. I have to determine the things that I can do alongside my preschooler or whether it is something that requires my undivided attention. I reference my planner/calendar against the flexible daily schedule to determine what has to be prioritized and what will be shelved. Create a Direct Line of Communication with your Supervisor I have been fortunate to have supervisors that understand my obligations as a wife and a mother. I try to share as much with them as I can upfront about my responsibilities outside of work so that they will know why I can’t “yes” to everything or why I may need additional time to accomplish a task. What is working in my favor currently is the fact that globally we are ALL in the same position. At the same time, it is important for me to assure my supervisors that I will pull my weight so that I am able to maintain their consideration. Having a direct line of open and transparent communication is critical. 3. Create A Flexible Daily Schedule The key word is FLEXIBLE. See below for the sample daily schedule that I am using. This schedule requires me to up no later than an hour and thirty minutes prior to my preschoolers start time so that I can accomplish some personal and professional needs first. You should note that there are times when I am working one-on-one with my child, working alongside my child (emails, phone calls, assignments) , and working independently (break time, tv time, quiet time, etc). 8:00-Take care of Madison’s hygiene and put on clothes for around the house 8:15-8:45-Breakfast and Bible 8:45-9:15- Outdoor time (if weather permits)/Indoor free play 9:20-9:50 -Basic Skills time 9:50-10:00-Snack 10:00-10:30-Partner work (Madison given independent work/Mommy does work related assignments) 10:30-11:00-Literacy Time 11:00-11:30- Break for Madison 11:30-12:00- Shared Lunch Time 12:00-12:30-Technology Time for Madison 12:30-1:00- TV Break 1:00-3:00-Quiet Time 3:00-3:15-Snack 3:15-3:30-Preferred Activity for Madison 3:30-4:00-Mommy preps to shut work down for the day Disclaimers: My preschooler is an only child which means much of the schedule centers around her. Adjustments to the sample schedule are recommended for parents of multiples Some days are just messy so you do what you can and tweak it as you go Focus On Basic Skills My preschooler is technically in Pre-K and on her way to Kindergarten this fall. In all transparency, I do have concerns about regression but I’m learning to let go of the things that I can’t control. Fortunately there is some overlap with pre/pre-k curriculum so I have chosen to focus on reinforcing the skill set that she currently has under her belt throughout the day. This includes: basic phonics and phonemic awareness, early literacy skills, number sense and sequencing, motor skills, life skills (i.e. name, birthdate, address, important phone numbers, calendar, weather, etc.). This is enough to keep us busy! Get Creative Honing in on these skills has helped me to find creative ways to reinforce them AND to push in new concepts here in there. We both love music so we keep sound going fairly regularly. My preschooler loves to dance, she loves to draw and color, she also has interest in science and foreign language. We would refer to these things as “specials” during the school day so I try to incorporate these things as often as possible because I know that she will be more self-directed if left to work independently. Ask For Help Many preschoolers are home during this time but they are still on the roster at their daycare which means parents are still paying tuition. If this is your situation, you are entitled to learning support and tools from the childcare center and you need to request this support as often as possible. Whether it is a work packet, learning plan with suggested resources or virtual learning experiences, take advantage of what you are still paying for. At this particular time my husband is also working from home but he has less flexibility. He has, however, started “subbing” at times for me on days that are more hectic than others. I also try to give him advance notice so that he can make adjustments to his schedule, when possible. Lastly, I have actually hired help for Madison. She is now virtually meeting with her teacher 1-2x/week which helps out tremendously from a workload standpoint. If you are in a position to do this, I would highly recommend it. In many cases, it may serve a dual purpose by relieving you and providing some financial support as childcare worker wages are being impacted during this time. I will always encourage you to do what is best for you and your household. Additionally, I wrote a blog post a few weeks back that I highly encourage you to read as it will help you to reframe your thinking and value the importance of creating a healthy learning environment in the home. How To Create A Healthy Learning Environment At Home

How to give yourself grace as a mom

Felicia Tucker

Perfectionism is the enemy of grace. As a mom, I oftentimes struggle with perfectionism. I will always remember my mom telling me, “Felicia you are too hard on yourself”. In other words, relax and give yourself some grace. How do we show ourselves grace? Who can we look to provide an example of consistent grace? Well friend I’m glad that you asked….let’s take a look at the ultimate grace giver. Grace Giver “For it is by grace you are saved through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no man can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 When Jesus came to earth and died for our sins He took all of our striving and best attempts to earn salvation. In addition, he has equipped us with everything that we need to not only be a follower of Christ but an awesome mother. We can look to Christ to help us be the moms that he has called us to be. When we do that we can stop putting pressure on ourselves to be perfect and to raise perfect children. Instead, we can rest in the grace that He has given us to shape this next generation for his glory. If Jesus relied on the Father to teach and inspire multitudes of people why can’t we rely on Him to lead us as moms? Grace eliminates perfection and pride which ultimately leads us to freedom! Grace = Freedom Jesus is the great grace giver and freedom fighter. John 8:36 says “So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” So what are we free from? Free from our own expectations of what motherhood should be. Freedom from other people’s expectations of who you should be as a mom. Freedom in Christ trickles down to our daily lives because we know that our Heavenly Father is leading and guiding us. We are not alone in this parenting journey! Self-reliance now becomes reliance on Christ. Be free mama, He wired your children so he knows what they need. Ask Him to show you, trust, and do! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not until your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 So now that we are walking in grace and freedom what practical steps can we take to ensure that we allow for grace. Control what you can control Whew! For me, this has always been a struggle because I like being in control. In my home, we are on the backend of potty training our son, Ethan. It has not been an easy road and oftentimes I get frustrated that he isn’t showing any signs of getting out of diapers. I was determined to take him through potty training boot camp just like I did with his siblings! Major fail. Thoughts of him not being able to attend pre-k and me failing as a mother began to flood my mind. Panic and anxiety were knocking on the door and it began to manifest itself as frustration. One day I began praying about it and I heard the Lord say “Cast all your cares on me because I care for you” – I Peter 5:7. A light bulbub went off! No boot camp, incentives or worrying was going to make him learn how to use the potty so I needed to chill!! I changed my approach and in a matter of three days, he began to tell me when he needed to go potty!! This was a lesson in adapting, surrendering control, and trusting the process. He is still learning but we are making progress. Build your supporting cast We are made to be in community with one another. As moms, we need other moms to help encourage, support, and hold us accountable. Why? We are all walking similar paths with shared experiences. Instead of trying to do it alone, we can share our lives and foster community. So how do you build a supporting cast? It first starts with you. Be friendly, create opportunities to meet other moms whether it be through your child’s school, a playgroup, or even your small group. Be a giver, not just a receiver and sow into the lives of other moms who need your love. This simple act of kindness will be reciprocated back into your life. Finally, pray that the Lord would send you a mom tribe because He already knows what you need. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 Related: Community: Ways to Foster Friendships Take a time out In scripture we oftentimes see Jesus remove himself from the crowds and even His disciples to spend time with His father. “Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.” Matthew 14:23 I have had to take several timeouts during this time of quarantine so that my six-year-old and I could be productive during Mommy School. In all seriousness, we as moms try to do it all and that only leads to frustration and resentment. Jesus is our greatest example and if he had to get away and spend time with the Father then so do we. Throughout the day we are continuously on the go and for me, even during nap time, my mind is already on the next task. How can I sustain as a mom if I am not being filled up with something other than coffee? I can’t. That is why my time in prayer and reading the Bible is critical to my ability to function in the way that He has called me. “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38 I need that living water that is constantly flowing, watering, and replenishing my soul. Jesus needed that connection as well which is why He was intentional about spending

10 Field Day activities for your backyard

Felicia Tucker

When I was growing up field day was the highlight of my school year. I remember being outside with all my friends and playing until lunch then hitting the reset button and playing until my parents came and picked me up. In light of schools being closed due to COVID-19 our children will not be able to experience field day activities with friends. Over the past couple of days, I’ve been thinking about how we can transport that all-important day right in our backyard. The purpose is not for perfection but for us as parents to make memories with our kids and to get them moving. So check out these ideas, choose your favorites and play on! Related: Spring Break: 6 Fun Ideas for Young Kids Three-legged race A classic field day activity. You and your children can use a bandana or t-shirt to tie around your inside leg. Once you and your children are tightly secured the race can begin. Be sure to mark off a specific distance and see how quickly you can get to the finish line. Switch partners to see who will have the best time or form teams to race against each other. Wheelbarrow race Grab a partner! One person will be the driver of the wheelbarrow and the other person will be the wheelbarrow. The driver will hold onto “wheelbarrows” ankles. The “wheelbarrow” will walk on their hands while the driver walks normally. Egg race This race requires some prep…..2-3 boiled eggs depending on the number of participants. Racers will line up at the start line with a boiled egg sitting on a spoon. Once you say go the racers must cross the finish line with the egg still on the spoon. To make it more challenging you can make the race into a relay and switch the egg off to your partner halfway through the race. Sack race Grab a pillowcase and head to the starting line. Once you get in the sack the objective is to hop from the starting line through the finish line. The first person to HOP across the finish line wins. 50-yard dash No field day is complete without a race and the 50 yd dash is great for both parents and kids. Ready, set, sprint! Obstacle course This is your opportunity to be super creative. Be sure to include elements of running, jumping, throwing, and of course silliness. Our obstacle course consisted of bear crawls, making a free throw, jumping rope, backpedaling and a water ball toss. The objective is to get through the course in the fastest time possible. Make bubbles This a great activity for toddlers and preschoolers. All you need is water, dishwashing soap, bubble wands and a bowl. There are numerous bubble making recipes on Pinterest. Choose your favorite and let the kids run wild and free. Water balloon fight No field day is complete without a water activity and the ultimate one is a water balloon fight. The key is to make them ahead of time so that you aren’t missing out on the fun. Simply fill up the balloons with water, tie the balloon and let the madness begin! HORSE This game is typically not played during field day but remember we are improvising and having fun. This can be played with kids of all ages particularly if you have an adjustable goal. The objective of the game is to make a shot from anywhere on the court all while trying to eliminate your opponents. If an opponent does not make the first shot they will get the letter “H”. The first person to spell out HORSE is eliminated. The person standing who has the least amount of letters in “HORSE” wins. Relay race All you need is a teammate for this awesome race. The relay race can vary from a traditional race or to a silly variation of fun activities such as doing the hula hoop for 15 seconds. The first team to complete each leg of the relay wins! I hope that you have found a few activities to inspire you to make your field day. They are all great ways to spend time with your family and get active.

How To Create A Healthy Learning Environment At Home

Danielle Boyd

Parents Can Learn How To Create A Healthy Learning Environment At Home March is typically the time of year where educators and students long for Spring Break. Parents, not so much. In this scenario, parents know that there is a beginning and an ending. However, we are now experiencing a time where school closures are indefinite as a result of a pandemic. So what does this mean? Great question. I think that educators, parents, and students alike are in the same boat of “what’s next?” I am, however, ready to offer my professional opinion in hopes that it will help parents understand How To Create A Healthy Learning Environment At Home in the meantime. Myth Buster: Parents, please do not feel that you are being asked to “school” or “homeschool” your children when faced with indefinite school closure scenarios. There is no way for you to replicate a school day without the proper training, required credentials, and appropriate materials necessary to deliver all of the educational services and support that your child receives during a school day. Take a deep breath and rely on the messaging and support that you are receiving from your child’s school(s). Also, make sure that you are connected with your child’s teacher as well as the school/school system so that you can remain ahead of the curve in terms of additional communication and supports. Now let’s jump into how to create a healthy learning environment at home: Determine Your Child’s Learning Style Every child is unique so everyone child’s learning style is unique. This learning style will dictate what their specific needs are. Are they a hands-on learner? Are they motivated by positive reinforcement? Are they a visual learner? These are only a few questions to consider and if you haven’t taken the time to observe them as a learner, I would encourage you to. Make The Necessary Adjustments to Accommodate Your Child’s Learning Style and Learning Needs Parents, our children are making the biggest adjustment in that they have to figure out what not being in school, with THEIR teacher and peer group, on THEIR schedule looks like. So as the parent, give them some grace and help them ease into the transition. Take Part In Their Learning Experiences or Activities Help your children see that you aren’t beyond reading or doing math along with them. This is also where you can put your expertise on display. If you work in an unrelated field or have an educational background in areas outside of Education, figure out ways to integrate this so that your children can see how you employ the skills that they are learning in your everyday life. Flexibility is Key Even schools and school systems have to pivot at times when situations arise that require them to “go off script.” Take the added pressure off of yourself AND your child. I am not suggesting that you not make preparations such as creating a schedule. I am suggesting that you avoid binding yourself to said schedule. Get Creative Technology, music, art supplies, even YouTube! The possibilities are endless. Our children are accustomed to learning in ways that enable them to help facilitate the educational process. Think outside of the box. Get their input and buy-in and have fun! Here is something else to consider. Do what is best for you, your children, and your household. This is how to create a healthy learning environment at home that will help you keep the peace and preserve your sanity. It will also help your children feel productive and emotionally safe. Connecting with your children’s school is easy to do. Find out how in here: Five Simple Ways to Partner With Your Childs School[

10 verses to help you choose faith over fear

Felicia Tucker

This is not the end We live in a world where faith and fear are choices that determine our thoughts and ultimately our behavior. While I was preparing to leave work on Friday for the remainder of the semester so many thoughts ran through my mind. As I was telling an athlete goodbye I could tell that she was gripped with uncertainty and fear. The Coronavirus is wreaking so much havoc and creating an environment of fear. As a believer, I simply told her I am cannot worry about what will happen because I know that this is not the end…… Second Thoughts As I left the training room on Friday I then began to think about my family, specifically my children. They are living in a time where things are uncertain, schools are closing and hope seems to be lost. If I’m honest I had to quickly remind myself of the words that I spoke to my student-athlete….”I know that this is not the end.” Instead of focusing on the uncertain, I began to turn my heart and mind to the Word of God. So friend be encouraged, Philippians 4:8 says that we are to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Let’s build up our faith by diving into the Word of God and filling our lives with truth instead of fear. Fear not In the Bible the command “fear not” is mentioned 365 times. I remember my mom telling me that one day. How awesome is that! A “fear not” for every day of the year! Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.” I believe that the Lord emphasized this so much because He knew that we will have days when everything around us seems to be falling apart. For me “fear not” means to choose me over whatever it is that is trying to swallow you alive. Choose to have faith in my Word, in my promises, in my faithfulness towards you because I can be trusted to carry your load. I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” Let Faith Arise So because we know that He cares for us and that His word is true our response should be one of faith. Faith in the only one who sustains us. Psalm 54:4 says, “God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Faith in the only who keeps His promises. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” His Word will come true! Faith in the only one who always makes a way even when it seems like there is no way. Jesus says about himself. I John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” You see friend we have to reason not to fear or doubt. Our God is with us, He knows us and He is not surprised by where we are in life. He sent His son to die for us just so that we can be in relationship with Him. Would He ever leave us alone in what appears to be our darkest hour? No….that is not the character of our loving Father. Remember He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b. Be encouraged! Fill your life with His word and meditate on it because that will help you stand during uncertain times. Faith builders, fear destroyers We want to encourage you to get into the Bible. In order to help you take that first step we have listed some scripture for you to write down, post, memorize or just speak over your life. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will go with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “So do not fear, for I am with you, do. It be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” Psalms 27:1 “But now this what the Lord says – he who created you Jacob, he who formed you Israel; Do not fear for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name and you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalms 94:19 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me. ” Psalms 118:6 Final Thoughts It is so important to fill our hearts and minds with truth. I want to encourage you to start with these verses and allow them to wash over your fears, anxious thoughts, doubts and worries. Stand on the truth of the Word of God and let faith rise!

15 easy ways to invest in yourself at home

Danielle Boyd

Ladies as we embrace our new normal, let’s consider 15 easy ways that we can invest in ourselves from home. Take a look at this list of 15 Easy Ways To Invest In Yourself At Home 1. Disinfect the house specifically the bathrooms, kitchen, and high traffic areas 2. Purge your closet 3.Seasonal closet swap to get ready for Spring 4.Declutter 5.Start a household project 6.Catch up on your favorite podcast episodes 7.Start or finish a book 8.Brain dump-get that idea you’ve been considering on paper 9.Schedule a discovery call with a professional to flesh out the idea 10.Start or revisit a hobby 11.Plan out your summer activities 12.Catch up with friends via phone or text 13.Start a new Health/beauty regimen 14.Create 15.Do nothing (novel idea) I hope that you found this list helpful and that there is something on the list that will light a spark in you to take some action for yourself. I would love to hear your thoughts so comment below and new items are welcomed! Above all, take care of yourself during these uncertain times.

Hi friends! I’m Danielle and I’m Felicia….but growing up we were just known as the Ford Girls. Welcome to our corner of the blogging world. We hope that you will join us as we journey through life as wives, moms, career woman and woman of faith. We hope to inspire and encourage you to live in each stage of your life with intention, grace and love!

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Words of Affirmation: Rooted in Truth

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