Family Archives - Faith Filled Food for Moms

Drive it Home Show

May 15, 2013 by Shari Lynne Leave a Comment

Hey local readers,

I’d love you to join me at the Drive it Home Show, presented by the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation, Tuesday, May 21, If you have tween, teen, or are concerned about teen driving safety, it will be an informative (and entertaining!) event. Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might like to attend.

Details are as follows:

What: Drive it Home Show, presented by the National Safety Council and Allstate Foundation

When: Tuesday, May 21 from 7pm – 8:15pm

Where: EMP Museum – Level 3 (325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

Price: FREE! No tickets required

Parking: Pay lots are available near the museum and metered parking is available on the side streets across 5th Avenue N.

BONUS: You can enter in the sweepstakes at the event for a chance to win gas cards and a brand new car!

If you’d like to attend, click here to register and when checking in, let them know that Shari Lynne and Clever Girls Collective sent you.

Hope to see you there!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: Family, parenting/step-parenting, Reviews, sponsored Tagged With: Allstate, Clever Girls Collective, Driving, parenting, Teens

God Is Making A Leader-Standing Up For Others

April 10, 2013 by Shari Lynne 14 Comments

Not long ago I wrote a post called You Don’t Choose Your Calling-God Does. I was amazed to see this working right before my eyes recently in my 14 year old daughter. I knew she was a leader…her teacher’s always put her in leadership positions…our church Youth Group recently asked her to become a leader/mentor for the Middle School (which is huge because we go to a mega huge church) and recently one of her Basketball Coaches spoke to her about how all the girls look up to her and that she is a real leader…

Now I am honestly not bragging…I mean as a Mom I see the “other” side of this amazing 14 year old girl…you get what I mean…But something happened this week that blew my mind…and I thought to myself…”yes…God is making a leader out of this girl of mine (His)”

One thing I can tell you is this…Good leaders are humble and most don’t really see just how gifted they are. They are servants. They are courageous people that might be afraid on the inside, but they still obey God anyway…They stand up for righteousness when it costs them everything…

The true evidence of being a leader is what’s inside…evidence that God is working hard on a heart…even when nobody else is watching…

There are many “leaders” who don’t have a heart for God…just a drive to succeed. If you watch long enough it shows in there character…sooner or later everything crumbles because they are not standing on the “Rock”

Back to my story…

One day last week my daughter came home in a “mood” from school. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut and just let her unwind..lest I become the target of her frustration.

But today…

She came into the kitchen where I was and said…”you know what happened today?” in a very indignant manner.. “Nope, tell me about it” My daughter is the story teller in this family..she can go on for hours with the most amazing stories about people, situations… really just about anything.

“Well” she says…then began to recite to me the exact details about how her very best friend and another very good friend had made a book of really mean stuff in it about a girl that nobody likes at school because she is always stealing girls boyfriends…and so on. She told me that it was called a “burn book” Something in a movie. It was sooo upsetting to my daughter.

What shocked me was what she did…

She confronted the two of them and told them that they were bullying and that they needed to throw that book away. Itsurprised me because she did not even like the girl that this book was about.

Her “best friend” and “good friend” told her that if she was really a good/best friend that she would agree with them and support them no matter what they were doing..

She said “absolutely NOT” She told them that she would NOT support the bullying of anyone…period. She walked away…

Her “best friend” and “good friend” disowned her and their relationship has ended. Crazy huh!?

My daughter went on to tell me how she didn’t care who a book like that was about..it was wrong and she would NOT support it! I could see that she was so mad at her “friends” She was not heartbroken…but I could tell she could not stand the injustice of bullying.

I loved it! I was sad about the situation…but the price she had to pay for standing up for righteousness for a girl that she didn’t care for…was absolutely what would please the heart of God.

For God does this everyday for us doesn’t He?

He stands up for us even when we don’t deserve it!

Yes God is making an amazing leader out of my daughter…she belongs to the One who created her…He will do as He pleases with her..

Yes I will just sit back and watch I think..and try to remember that while I may see a 14 year old girl with a lot of hormones flying around..God is working ever so silently and deeply on her heart and transforming her to His image and making her His leader for His glory…

Linking up with: Thoughtful Thursdays, Leaving a Legacy, Proverbs 31 Thursdays, Thriving Thursdays, SITS Saturday Sharefest, Mommy Moments

Filed Under: Family, parenting/step-parenting Tagged With: Bullying, God, Leader, Leadership, parenting, Teens

Children Are A Blessing From The Lord

March 12, 2013 by Shari Lynne 12 Comments

On those days when nothing seems to be going right with my relationships with my kids..God reminds me..

Children are a Blessing from the Lord.

My Daughter came over yesterday to pick up my Grandson and she brought the new baby with her! It was such a treat because her two younger sisters that still live at home had just gotten home from sports and school..they had not seen him yet. It was fun to watch them interact.

My 12 year old ran out to the car to greet our newest member.. “Can I help bring anything in for you?” “Nah that’s ok..I’ve got it.” Her big Sis said with a smile…”Are you excited to see me?” LOL of course it was baby she wanted to see!

My 12 year old LOVES babies! But alas she was just getting over a cold and didn’t want to get too close..we didn’t even have to remind her of this. Now my 14 year old loves babies too…when they are a little older. Newborns make her nervous.

I had to laugh at my Mommy Daughter..as she pulled that baby right out of the car seat and handed him over to my 14 year old and said “here now..you get to hold him..” Her eyes grew big and she looked at us with a panic..You have to know that my Mommy Daughter would NEVER had done that with her first one..protecting them from every little germ and touch…but now she knows..babies are meant to share…LOL

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

As Auntie held little baby..her eyes just sparkled as she held him close and tenderly and she said quietly as she gazed at him “Now we have another little one to love” She was so serious and I loved how she new that babies and children are not a burden..but truly a gift..to love.

My 12 year old just hovered close by..just dying to get her hands on him..but used her self control not to scoop him up in her arms..instead…like a good Auntie..she entertained little babies older brother and made him feel special too..

And I sat and watched…waiting patiently for my turn! Soaking in my children and my children’s children..and I was so thankful..

I thought of the years between all of there ages, generations really..my one daughter almost 36..my other daughter’s 12 and 14 and now a new little baby..

It made me think of how grateful I am .. to have come where I’ve come from and how the Lord has blessed me with such a beautiful family..It makes me ask the Lord for His great Mercy so that I may live a long and prosperous (in the spiritual sense) life, so that I may one day see my 12 and 14 year old holding their own babies…passing on to the next generation..how God loves babies and loves our family..Loves us..

That’s the thing about being an older Mommy.. I pray the Lord would grant me favor to live long..

Do you ever think of these things?

Linking up with: Friday Favorite Things, Heavenly Homemakers Gratituesday,

Filed Under: Family, parenting/step-parenting Tagged With: blessing, children, family, parenting

History Channels-The Bible Mini Series! With Giveaway!

March 2, 2013 by Shari Lynne 6 Comments

Ok I have to say that I am usually a little skeptical about History Channel or Time Life Books or any of those kinds of secular affiliates creating a truly Biblical movie or book..But after reading and researching History Channels-The Bible Mini Series I have found that this is going to be a wonderful adaptation from Genesis to Revelation..

Here are a few quotes from some outstanding Christian authorities such as Jim Daly of Focus on the Family and another article by Jim on Crosswalk:

“I love the passion and enthusiasm that my friends Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have invested in this new series. Rather than a word-for-word documentary, this project combines drama and history in a way that captures the essence and heart of the Gospel and the broader biblical story.”

“I’m convinced that The Bible represents a unique opportunity to convey God’s redemptive message to a broad audience – many of whom may be unfamiliar with the narrative of Scripture. My prayer is that many lives will be impacted not only by the beauty and quality of the production, but by the Truth that lies at the center of the story.”

Another authority ChurchLeaders says:

“Burnett, best known for producing reality shows like Survivor, The Voice, and The Apprentice, told the audience at Variety’s Family Entertainment and Faith-Based Summit in July that the series was really about “faith and love,” and his job was to tell the biblical stories in an “emotionally connected way.” The Christian Post, after a sneak peek of the film, called it at times violent but visually enchanting.”

Christian Post says “The Bible-This time Hollywood got it right!”

Here is a beautiful clip from the Movie..

So when does this awesome Mini Series begin?

This Sunday night!! March 3, 2013…3/3/13! @ 8:00 PM

On the History Channel

So be there or be Crying face ..just kidding!

Let’s have some fun! Here is a fun App for you and your fam to try out..

And as if that’s not fun enough..

Enter below if you would like to win a companion book to go with the movie!

These will be chosen randomly so you will not know which one you will get..but they will be cool know matter which one you get!

A Story of God and All of Us (HARDCOVER)
A Story of God and All of Us (REFLECTIONS)
A Story of God and All of Us (YOUNG READERS)

Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance!! Have fun and Good Luck

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Family, Giveaways! Tagged With: bible, Giveaway, Movie

Mom, Mother, Mama..It’s an Action Word..When to Step In

February 21, 2013 by Shari Lynne 4 Comments

There are so many things to consider when being a parent, a Mom , aren’t there? I mean so many responsibilities, so many choices, so much heart work in ourselves and in our children. When to say yes..when to say no..when to say wait..

Then there are the times when we have to make the choice to step in or step back..

Mom, Mother, Mama..It’s an Action Word..When to Step In

The questions that swirl around in our head..will this damage my child for good if do something?..will it damage my child for good if I don’t do something?

Sometimes instinct and the Holy Spirit overpowers us and we as Moms just know what to do..and then there are times when it’s not clear..we seek the Lord and we are just not sure…But there’s that stirring..the stirring that keeps you awake at night..the stirring that causes you to cry and your faith to grow…

Then you have to decide..to decide if the consequences of keeping your mouth shut or not keeping it shut is worth the risk..either way..

To take a step of faith…

So I did it .. it just poured out..I wrote it all out (of course because I love to write…I couldn’t help it)…then you know what I did? I hit send…but not without my daughters approval..

Dear Coach

Just to let you know..that I think it was TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE that my daughter was sent in to play the last tournament game 20 seconds before the game was over.

Just to let you know..that I think telling her that it’s nothing against them for not going in because the current girls were just “clicking” is TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE..especially when all the other girls were subbed in and out..even if for a short period of time.

Just to let you know…that you cannot justify to a 14 year old girl that waits ALL YEAR LONG to play ———- to beat the socks off of them..that they are part of the “TEAM” when they sit on the bench.

Just to let you know…a medal means 0 unless it’s earned

Just to let you know..that the last year of select ball and Seaside will forever be marred in the heart of a 14 girl

Just to let you know…that a 14 year old girl feels HUMILIATED to be sent in to play the LAST 20 seconds of a game

Just to let you know..that a 14 year old girl is CONFUSED by why you would sent her in to play the last 27 seconds of a game..and so is the parent.

Just to let you know…a 14 year old girl doesn’t want equal playing time..doesn’t want all the playing time..but wants a little amount of playing time (27 seconds does not count as a “little”)

Just to let you know… that a 14 year old girl is not motivated to work her butt off at practice to sit on the bench

Just to let you know…that a parent does not want to drive their kids to practice..give up vacations..work overtime..take VERY LONG TRIPS to watch their daughter sit on the bench and have her heart broken and watch coaches make up excuses as to why this is ok.

Just to let you know…that a 14 year old does not have her confidence built up by watching others play the game

Just to let you know…that a 14 year old girl does not believe you when you tell her that you have confidence in her playing but don’t back up your words with action.

Just to let you know..that a 14 year old girl will overcome, excel, succeed in the game of Basketball because of her love for the game..not because of the politics behind it.

Just to let you know…a 14 year old girl looks up to and honors her coaches

Just to let you know..a 14 year old girl can’t speak out on her own behalf and that’s why she has parents

Just to let you know…that this parent is unhappy, sad, angry, disheartened, frustrated, disgruntled, upset, broken hearted and can’t keep her mouth shut anymore…it’s officially in writing.

Just to let you know…that a 14 year old girl just wants to leave this behind and try to make the best of her future..so please don’t bother her with this little letter that is from the heart of a parent, that knows the heart of their daughter.

Just to let you know..we have never questioned a 14 year old girls playing time.

To my sweet readers..

Just to let you know… We have a new coach this season that has practically robbed my daughter and some of the others players for that matter..of all of their confidence..my daughter has always been an amazing athlete..We know that there will be bumps in the road..and we thought this would blow over..We are not the kind of parents that think our daughter is “all that” or that she should be front and center..this coach was appointed by my daughters future High School Coach to train the team..we worried that speaking up would ruin any chance of making the team…or making Varsity as a Freshman…so we have not said anything…until now…

Just to let you know… We received a pretty nice email back from the coach… and look forward to the future.. I saw her last night and we discussed matters and departed well…I pray God will use it for His glory…

Just to let you know… This is not school Basketball…this is a “paid” Select team..that trains athletes to achieve the highest levels of the sport..

God gave me this scripture for my daughter and we have held on to it in faith

“Humble yourself before the Lord and in due time He will lift you up” I Peter 5:6

Mama Bear has spoken..

Oh and Just to let you know..my daughter is now on the school team and is a starter.. Smile God will lift you up!

So tell me..What would YOU have done in this situation?

Filed Under: Family, parenting/step-parenting Tagged With: kids, kids and sports, parenting, sports

Valentine’s Day Ideas for the One You Love

February 5, 2013 by Shari Lynne 2 Comments

I was asked a couple of days ago..in My Community.. which by the way you can join and participate in at any time!..It’s so fun and you can get to know so many NICE peeps..

Anyway…my sweet Blogger friend Barb from This Busy Life …asked..

“What are you going to do for Valentine’s Day?” Aaaack..I hadn’t even given it much thought yet! She shared an awesome gift that her husband gave her some years ago and still touches her heart today! Best of all it’s affordable! He created a Love List… Check out here what he did

I just love this story!

Here is another fantastic Valentine’s Day idea for the one you love…by John Baxter

Love Hunt!

It’s a Scavenger Hunt with Pictures!! Love it!

Doesn’t that sound exciting and romantic?!

You could even use this idea with your kids..not romantic..but fun of course! LOL

With just a bit of planning we are on our way to a Unique and Romantic Valentine’s Day for the One we Love!

Need a few pictures for your Special Valentine’s Day? Here is a fantastic deal from Shutterfly!

Hurry though..offer expires February 6!!This post contains an affiliate link..please see my disclosure for more info

Filed Under: Family, For Fun, Marriage Tagged With: ideas, Valentines

My Husbands Economical Valentine Gift

January 31, 2013 by Shari Lynne 27 Comments

Valentines Day is just around the corner and every year for the past few years, my son and I have an ongoing laugh about an incident that happened a few years ago….My Husbands Economical Valentine Gift.

First you need to know a little about my husband…he’s…well…economical…frugal..well I’ll just say it..CHEAP! LOL What do I mean by that..well he cannot stand to spend any amount of $$ on anything..it’s really hard for him. If he goes shopping at any time with anyone in our family and the amount at the cash register is a little higher than he expected..well he starts humming. Yep humming.. It starts with a sigh and then he kind of looks around..then catches the eye of whoever he’s with and just starts humming… it’s really hilarious…I guess it’s his way of relieving stress without freaking out! LOL

My husband has brought me some amazing gifts over the years with his dumpster diving mentality..no I mean really dumpster diving! Years ago he was working at a Christian School at a church…and people would throw away tons of “treasures” after a potluck..many really nice dishes, if after a long while nobody claimed them..One year he brought me home a beautiful white platter from Italy that had been thrown away.. I still have it and love it..LOL

So you get my picture..he’s.. well “economical” …

On to my little chuckle..Well I LOVE flowers! Everyone in my fam knows this..

A few years ago on Valentines Day my husband was a little late coming home from work…I wondered what he had up his sleeve for this very special day…as we proclaim our love for one another. My kids get a little excited too, seeing Mom and Dad love on one another in word and deed and sweet little gifts. Well this year just about knocked me off my socks…FOR GOOD!

My husband snuck quietly into the house..I could hear him whispering to my son..who was about 13..I could hear the whispering getting louder and all of a sudden my husband rounds the corner with the hugest smile, a card, a bag of my fave candy..peppermint patties and a Rose…

My heart skipped a beat..oh how he loves me..and oh how I love him..my arms stretched wide to give him a big hug and kiss..

What?! What is this?..a wooden Rose?..

I kid you not..it was one of those hokey wooden Roses that you get from the Dollar Store. I just about fell over..it was not even pretty! Ummm..I said “thank you honey” and gave him a big kiss…I tried real hard to hold back the hysteria that was welling up inside of me…

My son was in the background with the funniest look on his face and after my husband went to take a shower..my son say’s “Mom..I can’t believe Dad bought you that ugly wooden Rose?!” “I mean it’s Valentines Day!” We just about died laughing! We were laughing so hard that we were crying!

Tell me..how does a 13 year old Boy know that this is not really a good gift for Valentines Day and a grown man doesn’t even get a clue! LOL

Now you may think…isn’t that so sweet..it’s the thought that counts..

C mon now…he bought it from the Dollar Store! It cost $1 and was ugly! No not thoughtful at all.

Do you wonder what a man might be thinking when he buys such a treasure? Well…he says that he bought it because he knows how much I love flowers and that this flower would last forever just like his love!

It sounds romantic doesn’t it? But if you live with this man..of many wonders..I’m afraid that spending maybe a little over a $1 for Valentines Day may have been appropriate…this One time..oh brother! Maybe one of these days he will go to a real live flower store or possibly order online from GlobalRose.com Roses. Until then..I just gotta laugh..LOL

By the way..I love my husband dearly..just didn’t want you to think I was bashing the poor guy..well maybe a little LOL..but I still Love him..He has many, many other fine qualities!

I’ll let you know what happens this year..in the mean time..my son and I can’t help but laughing every year at my husbands “economical” gift.

My last flower Bouquet from my garden from 2012 Summer.

What is the funniest gift your husband ever got you?

Linking up with: Why I Love My Husband over at Happy Wives Club

Filed Under: Family, laughter, Laughter, Marriage Tagged With: gifts, husband, Marriage, Valentines

Boredom Buster

January 17, 2013 by Shari Lynne 4 Comments

Brrrr it’s been cold here in the Pacific Northwest..but oh it has been beautiful!

I try to get my Grandson out in the sunshine..but sometimes it’s just too cold. I have lots of Boredom Busters for winter…we find fun things to do inside…like bowling! Kids LOVE to knock things down don’t they? Build up a tower..then the best part is to knock it over! Well I’ve been letting my kids “bowl” in the house for years! Now it’s my Grandkids turn..and they love it!

Here’s all you do. Get some empty milk cartons, water bottles, pop bottles..I even use empty boxes of cereal sometimes. Put them in a V formation, give your child a ball and roll! Yay what fun. It’s best if you have a long hallway..but I didn’t use to have one and we would just do it in the living room Smile

Have fun with your littles because they aren’t little very long..

You may also enjoy I’m Bored! 10 Great Activities to Keep The Kids Busy in Winter

What kinds of things do you do with your littles inside during Winter?

Filed Under: Family, For Fun, Grandparenting, parenting/step-parenting Tagged With: activities, Activity, boredom, Fun, preschool

Free Downloads!!

December 19, 2012 by Shari Lynne Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Family, Homeschool Tagged With: downloads, free, homeschool

Celebrating Advent–He Has Come and He Will Come Again!

November 29, 2012 by Shari Lynne 4 Comments

Are you Celebrating Advent? Have you wondered what Advent is? I wanted to pull together some of the best resources I could find for you, so that you may consider having a fun and Christ Centered Christmas.. I hope you will join me in Celebrating Advent.. because He has come and He will come again!

1. ad·vent/ˈadˌvent/

Noun:

1. The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

2. The first season of the church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.

Advent is the 4 week season before Christmas when Christians celebrate the first coming of Christ and anticipate his second coming. Advent usually begins around Nov. 27 and December 3. This year (2012) Advent begins on December 2^ndA Wonderful Free Advent Download from A Holy Experience! With ornaments to make each day!

LifeWay has an excellent article by Tina Farewell of Lifetime Books and Gifts. This article gives detailed information about what Advent is, it’s history, how to make this a family tradition and many Family resources including books to read together and more!Make your own Advent Wreath Dayspring free printable

You can make your own unique Advent Calendar also! There are no instructions for these little burlap bags..but you get the idea and these would be so simple to make for thecrafty bunches of you

Source: mayamade.blogspot.com via Nicke on Pinterest

Treasure hunt – Children love treasure hunts. There’s nothing quite as exciting as searching the house, knowing that a gift is waiting somewhere. To celebrate Advent each year, wrap little trinkets, chocolates and books, hide each morning. Then write simple rhymes for each day, offering clues for the search. Here is what we are going to do:

I made this huge chalk board for our wall a while back..we are going to put 1 scripture a day up on it as we count down till Christmas. I will also put 1 one question either pertaining to our lives regarding the scripture or to the scripture itself ..if my kids have looked up the scripture and give me an answer to the question or give me a heart answer..I’ll give them a little treat..probably candy.Since I have very busy teens, it would be unreasonable for me to expect them to sit down every night have a big family time. So this is easy, quick and still getting to the heart of Christmas!

One other last suggestion..you can do Advent all in one night!! Sit in a group and take turns reading scripture. Talk about how this apply’s to your life. Light 1 candle after each of 7 Scriptures are read.. Serve some very special desserts for the end to celebrate Christ’s coming again!

If you are depressed or anxious at this time of year..this is a great time to focus on the Lord..do this alone if you don’t have someone to do it with..The Lord will richly bless you! Guaranteed!Do you have a special tradition?