Until We Meet Again...

My To Do List has always been very lengthy.  I often find myself struggling between the ever increasing list and a shortage of time to check everything off.  I've been feeling this self induced pressure over the last few months more than ever.

During The Mom Squad Luncheon this past weekend, Linda Isaiah encouraged the women in attendance to stop being so busy.  I felt like she was talking directly to me.  If my well intended "busyness" was causing me to be stressed, frazzled and in Linda's terms "nasty," then I wasn't doing myself any good.

Honestly, it was going to be really hard for me to give anything up, because my calendar is full of really great things.  And for months while I've been trying to ignore the fact that there was a problem with my overly full schedule, I've also been praying for God to give me clear direction on what to do, or more likely what to stop doing.

Just recently, he provided me the direction I needed.  And while I'm sad to leave the group, God has given me the peace to know that it is OK to take a step back from The Mom Squad ministry.

I plan to continue to be involved, but instead of being part of the Mom Squad panel, I'll be a participant from the other side.  I'm thankful for the time I spent as a Mom Squad Contributor and for the opportunity to meet and get to know everyone involved with the ministry.

God Bless!

Danielle

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ~ Jeremiah 29:11

The COBBA Orphanage in Haiti

As I mentioned in my last post, a group of us are preparing for a missions trip next month to the COBBA Orphanage in Arcahaie, Haiti.

COBBA is a Christian orphanage run by Papa, his sons Joe and Jude, and Teasar.  More than 20 beautiful children live at COBBA.

We have many plans for and things we hope to accomplish on our trip.  But one of the most important things is for us to spend time with the children and and show them the Love of Christ.

We are busy planning a bible study focused on how much God Loves them and are bring along the following activities so we can add a little fun to their day.

• Face Painting Supplies - I'mm especially excited about this because I kids love face paint, I'm I doubt they have ever had their faces painted before
• Sidewalk Chalk - We can teach them to play hopscotch 
• Bubbles - I'm sure this will be a huge hit with the little children
• Hair Ties - They love to braid hair and I have a lot so I'm sure I'll be sporting a new hair-do on the way home
• Popcorn, Melting Chocolate and Nuts - We are hoping to make them a special treat

If you have any other ideas for fun activities we can do with the children, please leave a comment and let me know.

Thank you for your recommendations and continued prayers.  

Planning for a Missions Trip to Haiti

Next month, I will join a handful of friends and family and travel to the COBBA Orphanage in Archaie, Haiti.  This is my first missions trip and I am both nervous and excited.

I'm nervous because although I've heard about their struggles, I've never witnessed them with my own two eyes.  But mostly, I'm excited to meet and connect with the children.  

I know that the experience and the children will have a lasting impact on me, and I'm praying that we will have a lasting impact on them.  

Our Plans for the Missions Trip

We have big plans for all the things we hope to accomplish while we are in Haiti.  Here are our some of our goals:

• Share the Word of God to the Adults and Children
• Connect with the Children and show them the Love of Christ
• Build Bookshelves for and do other work around the School House
• Bring Computers and Supplies to Help Teach the Children English
• Conduct a Medical Clinic to Help the Sick
• Provide Rice and Beans to Help Feed the Hungry

And while our plans are big, I know that God's plans are even bigger! 

Over the next couple weeks I'll share more about our preparations for the trip.  Until then, I'd appreciate it if you would pray for our team.  

Specifically, that God leads us to develop a bible study what will resonate with the adults and children despite the language barrier.  That He prepares our hearts for trip.  And that He provides us with the means to help those we encounter in the way that He sees fit.  

Updates from Italy

Did you know that Brooke is currently in Italy with her family and 60 other Fish listeners?  We're all praying for safe travels and are excited to hear the stories once they return.

Thankfully Brooke has been providing video updates of their travels.  Check out the videos below to get a glimpse of all the fun they are having.

Journey To Rome- Travel Day 

My favorite part of the video was how excited the kids were for their first plane flights.  It brought back fond memories of when I got to experience that with my children.

Journey To Rome- Assisi

Get a peek at the beautiful churches in Assisi, stunning views, share a special moment with Brooke's family and see some of the Fish listeners who are also on the trip.

Journey To Rome- Venice 

A gondola ride (with a short serenade by Jim) , pistachio cookies, gelado and Saint Mark's Basilica. Venice looks amazing!

Of course this is just the beginning of the trip and Brooke should be posting more videos each day.  Be sure to Subscribe to her YouTube Channel to get all the updates.

And most importantly, take a moment to lift Brooke and all those traveling with them up in prayer.

Resurrection Rolls

When searching for faith based Easter activities, I can across the recipe for Resurrection Rolls and knew they would be a fun activities for my kids and a great way to reinforce the real meaning of Easter.

Ingredients Needed

Crescent Roll Dough
Marshmallows
1/2 cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
3 Tablespoons Butter (melted)

How to Make Resurrection Rolls 

Step 1 - Melt the butter in one bowl

Step 2 - Combine the Sugar and Cinnamon in another bowl

Step 3 - Place one triangle shaped piece of crescent roll on a plate.  This represents the tomb.

Step 4 - Take a marshmallow.  This represents the body of Christ.

Step 5 - Dip the marshmallow in the butter and then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture.  This represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.

Step 6 - Place the marshmallow on the dough and carefully wrap the dough around it.  Be sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the marshmallow from oozing out of the cracks while it is cooking.

Step 7 - Place the rolls on a cookie sheet and bake according to the direction on the crescent roll package.

Step 8 - When rolls are done, remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes.  Once cooled, break open a roll and it will be empty.  Just like Jesus's tomb.

These rolls were quick, easy and fun to make.  We made these rolls after dinner for an evening snack, but they would also be a great addition to Easter morning breakfast.

You may also be interested in: Faith based Easter Activities for Kids

Faith Based Easter Activities for Kids

While searching for different ways to help teach my children the real meaning of Easter, I came across these great activities that I thought I'd share.  Hopefully they will give you some ideas and new fun ways to teach your kids about Jesus this Easter.

Five Faith Based Easter Activities for Kids

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Resurrection Rolls - The end result is a delicious mini cinnamon roll, but the lesson learned when making them is much greater.  View Recipe and Lesson Here

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An Easter Garden - This would be a great activity for boys because they get to play in the dirt while making it.  Plus, in the end you have a beautiful decoration that makes such an impact each time you look at it.  View Easter Garden Tutorial Here.

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Jelly Bean Prayer - This prayer would be a great addition to your child's Easter Basket.  You could even give it along with a bag of jelly beans as a gift.  View Jelly Bean Prayer Printable Here.

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Printable Resurrection Set - You probably display a Nativity Scene during Christmas, but do you display a Resurrection Set during Easter?  If not, consider making this simple Resurrection Set that can be constructed using the printable provided and paper towel rolls.  View Resurrection Set Printable and Instructions.  

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Stained Glass Cross - Use colored tissue paper and glue to make a beautiful Stained Glass Cross that look beautiful hanging in the window.  View Stained Glass Cross Instructions Here.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family and that these activities help you create some wonderful memories with your children and help teach them about Jesus.

Have any other fun activity ideas?  Please leave a comment, I'd love to hear them!  

4 Ways to use St. Patrick's Day to Teach your Children about God

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, and while wearing green, leprechauns and shamrocks are fun, this year I encourage you to teach your children the Christian message behind St. Patrick’s Day.

Ways to use St. Patrick's Day to Teach your Children about God

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Use a Shamrock to Explain the Trinity - A shamrock with it's three petals can be used to share the message of the Trinity: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.  So whether you make shamrock cookies, paint shamrocks, or simply draw a shamrock, remember to incorporate this very important lesson.

St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons {Source}

Read a Book About St. Patrick's Day - We love a good book.  There is just something about snuggling together and reading a good story.  On of our favorite books about St. Patrick's Day, is by Gail Gibbons.

I especially like that it starts out by explaining who St. Patrick was and why St. Patrick's Day is celebrated, and then ends by explaining some of the ways the people celebrate the holiday and the meaning of some of the symbols.

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Make a Thankful Pot of Gold - Using a Pot of Gold as a symbol, have each family member list the things they are thankful for.  It's a great exercise to remind children to count there blessings no matter no big or small.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 

Explain the History of St. Patrick’s Day -   This video from Veggie Tales does a great job of telling the story of Saint Patrick in a way children can appreciate.  Video Found on GodTube {Source)


Hopefully these suggestions provide you with some simple ideas to use St. Patrick's Day to teach your children about God.

What about you?  Do you have any other ideas?  If so, please leave a comment as we'd love to hear them!

Family First



Over the past week or so I've found myself ministering to other mothers including myself about putting family first. We all as moms tend to get so caught up in work and ministry that we accidentally allow those things to monopolize our time. The Lord convicted me of this last week when I was at a crossroads and I needed to choose between spending time with my boys or attending a church event. After working forty plus hours this week, attending two Bible studies, and completing everything else on my weekly to do list, I still had one major thing to do. I had to be a mom.

Being a mother, helping people, bringing home money, and pursuing my dreams are all good things but God might not be calling me to do all of them at the same intensity that I am. At times I feel like if I'm doing something good for the Kingdom then it is okay that spend time away from my children. Other times I convince myself that working overtime is best and the boys will one day understand the sacrifices that mommy had to make to provide for them. I'm now learning that not all "good things" are "God things" and it is imperative that we can distinguish between the two and find balance. In a way I just want to be superwoman which in my eyes right now is being a great mom, Christian, employee, servant, and provider. And it is okay to be great at many things but what is most important is spending quality time with our children and loved ones because they are our first ministry.

I don't want to wake up one day when my children are grown or my husband is gone and they both say that I chose the church or work over them. God gives us each the same 24 hours and it is our job to make the most of that time. Please be mindful of how your busy work impacts your family.  I'm not telling you to go quit your job or ministry, I'm just asking that you prioritize your schedule putting your family first. Minor adjustments can have a major impact on your family's well being.

Here's a link to an amazing website owed and operated by a great woman of God and mother, Danielle a member of The Mom Squad. Please check out her page and Find Time For Fun with your family today. Be blessed!

http://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/introduction/

Outdoor Fun in the Snow

Because snow will likely be in the forecast for the next month or more, here are some fun things to do outside when it snows.

To get the most out of the experience, be sure to participate in the activities with your children.  Doing so, is much more fun that just watching from the sidelines. 

Snow Ice Cream - After the next big snowfall, gather some fresh snow and make ice cream.  Use food coloring to add color or sprinkles for an extra treat. 

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Target Practice - Draw a target on an outside wall, make a pile of snowballs and start tossing.  If you don't have a usable wall don't worry, just draw the target in the snow.

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Paint the Snow - Fill water guns or water bottles with water and a little food coloring and then use them to paint pictures in the snow.

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Frozen Balloons - More fun with water and food coloring.  This time, use it to fill up balloons and set the outside to freeze.

Sled Riding - Remember how fun it was to slide down the hills as a child?  Experience the fun again with your kids (or grand kids).  Bundle up, grab your sleds and go sled riding.  If you live in Northeast Ohio, find a sledding hill near you.  

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Freeze Bubbles - When the temperature dips really low, grab your bubbles and wands and head outside to watch them freeze.  Not sure how it's done?  Read some tips for how to freeze bubbles.

Build a Snowman - Use fun props like an umbrella or silly hat.  Build one that is sitting on a bench or one that is standing on it's head.  If there is a lot of snow, you may even be able to make an entire snowman family.

Find Animal Tracks - Go for a walk and look for animal tracks in the snow.  What tracks can you find?  Rabbits, Cats, Squirrels, Deer.  Can you find tracks in your backyard?

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Feed the Animals - Now that you know what kinds of animals live in your backyard, why not make them a special treat?  Consider making one of these easy to make Bird Feeders, the squirrels will love them too!

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Digital "Paper" Snowflakes - After all that playing outside, you'll likely need to come indoors to warm up.  Bring the snow inside by making Paper Snowflakes or get your computer and Make Digital “Paper” Snowflakes.

What about you?  What is your favorite winter outdoor activity?  

You may also like:  10 Things To Do So You Don't Hear "Mom, I'm Bored!" on Snow Days

Selecting One Word for the Year

Hello everyone!  My name is Danielle and I'm extremely excited to be part of The Mom Squad. My desire is to live a simple life, filled with the things that matter most: my faith, marriage and family.

At the start of each year, I often reflect on the previous year and choose one word for the upcoming year.  The concept of selecting a word for the year is not original to me.  In fact, there is even a book written about it My One Word for the Year: Change Your Life With Just One Word.

My word for 2014? Focus

This year, I want to ensure that my focus stays on the things that matter most, to cherish the time spent with my family and to absorb the little moments.  Because time goes so quickly and before I know it those special moments will become fond memories.

What about you?  Do you have a word for 2014?