Thank You Notes of Gratitude

In the beginning, God used words to make way for life.

With the words, the Creator flooded the darkness with light; with words, God spoke, and the world was made.

In His design, and from the beginning of time, He created our world to be a place where words have power. We are made in His image and although we are only His reflection and the power of our words are a reflection of His, we have been created with the ability to use our words to bless others.

The words of Christ bring hope. The words of grace bring light. The words of love bring healing. Words of encouragement lift and strengthen.

Although words are powerful, we often do not care how we use them; It is not like this? Perhaps in part, because the words are free and available to us, we end up using them casually, forgetting their power and not remembering that we can use them for the good of others.

There are many ways we can use our words to bless, one of these: write a thank you note (simple but thoughtful).

It is good that we express our thanks to others, too, but there is a quality that endures in the written word -visible, concrete, intentional that sometimes makes a thank you note have more power than the spoken word.

In my own life, God has often used the simple words of a brother or sister in Christ to encourage me on the path of faith. And when I read the words of others, and they strengthen me. They lead me to stop, reflect and write words of love and gratitude to someone else. Gratitude tends to generate more gratitude.

Yes, words matter. They have power. And there are people we should thank, people who have loved, served and blessed us. Have we taken the time to thank them? Have we encouraged him in his work?

When we read the New Testament letters written by the apostle Paul to his brothers and sisters in Christ, we see a man who writes not only words of exhortation and conviction, but also words of affirmation and encouragement. Should not we do the same?

10 Reasons to Write a Thank You Note

1. Because God often uses the words of His people to encourage His people.
2. Because there are people in our lives to whom we should thank.
3. Because written words of thanks are powerful and not easily forgotten.
4. Because the words of gratitude cultivate grateful hearts.
5. Because maybe you're the only one giving thanks to that person.
6. Because writing words of gratitude is not difficult or time consuming.
7. Because a written thank-you note often shows more intentionality and care than a spoken word.
8. Because being grateful develops in us, eyes that see the grace of God in the lives of others.
9. Because even the simplest words of affirmation or thanksgiving can stimulate a brother or sister in their walk in faith.
10. Because we must love each other, and a written note of gratitude is a simple but powerful way to show love.

It does not need to be poetic or effusive. It can be something like this: "I thank God for your life. I love you. Your faith and fidelity serve me as encouragement. "

Those simple words of affirmation and gratitude could be those that your pastor, your mother, your father, your husband, your son, your daughter, your pastor's wife, your friend need to hear.

Is there someone you should write to him today?

Fitness Gifts Under $50

Orthoease - This stuff is a lifesaver after grueling workouts that leave my muscles sore. I usually use this on my neck and legs and it start working instantly. Best of all its all natural!

Fat Gripz - These are great if you are trying to improve your grip strength or need extra cushion on the bar to help it not hurt your hands. By expanding the diameter of the grip it allows you to engage more muscle groups increasing arm and grip strength. 

Wireless headphones - Say no to cords! I got wireless headphones two years ago and they were the Beats headphones but sadly I lost them. I did not want to replace them with another pair of Beats so I opted for a less expensive pair. I have to say they have been great. The best part is they are under $25, so if I lose them it won't hurt so bad. 

Aminowise - Recovery is vital after breaking down your muscles working out. I drink this after my workout to help with hydration and recovery. There are no sugars, preservatives, synthetic colors or flavors. 

Sling Shot Hip Circle - I use this band to help me warm up before a leg day. I use this around my thighs and do squats helping activate my gluten and hip flexors. You can also wear in when you do weighted squats to help you keep your knees out when you are at the bottom of the squat position. You can use plastic resistance bands as well, but I've found them harder to stay in place thus my preference for Sling Shot Hip Circle. 

Nutrition Label Food Scale - This product is a scale and nutritional calculator all in one. Making your food prep easier and painless. It has over 2,000 food items already programmed. If you are not meeting you fitness goals you should make sure your nutrition is correct and this product will help you evaluate your diet. 

Medicine Ball - This is a simple product but its oh so effective at improving your explosive strength and rotational core strength. Its a versatile tool for doing moves such as wall throws, ball slams, standing rotational throws, chest press, and so much more. 

Perfect Pushup - Take your push-ups to the next level and protect your wrists from pain. You can do regular push-ups on this or you can choose to rotate and make them harder. It also gives you a greater depth on the down position of your push-up. Not all as seen on t.v. products are a bust. 

Balega no-show socks - Finding comfortable socks that are the right thickness can be tricky. I have found many socks to be too think are too thick. This sock has been my go-to-sock because it has the right amount of support without it being too thick. I also like that its higher in the heel to protect my heel from getting a blister after running. 

Resistance bands - Life gets busy and you will not always be able to go to the gym. Having a set of resistance bands is perfect for those occasions and also when you travel you can easily put them in your suitcase without adding much weight. There are endless exercises you can do to work out your entire body. These should be in everyone's home. 

Sandbag - If you're not into traditional weight training with dumbbells than you should try working out with a sandbag as there are endless functional challenging exercises to get you fit without high impact on your joints. The sandbag allows you to mimic many movements you already do but with added weight. 

Hydroflask water bottle - Throw out your plastic bottles that sweat when you put cold liquids in it or smell over time. This stainless steel water does not sweat and keeps ice in it all day. You can also add a lid that has a straw making less of a hassle than screwing off the handle. 

Lavender neck warmer - I received this as a gift a few years ago and its something that I would not have purchased myself, but I'm thankful to have it. Its like having the spa at home. I just pop in to the microwave and place on my neck while I enjoy a cup of coffee and relax. 

Mama! Prioritize Your Self-Care

It’s 5:00 am, and today I find myself waking before my alarm begins to buzz. I sneak out of bed and make my way in the dark to change into my work out clothes. I make my daily cup of coffee and make time to read and then work on preparing for the day. Half of the time I manage to get enough motivation to get an workout in or I just enjoy the quiet. It's a pleasure to have a slow start to my day.  While eating breakfast, I look over my day and get organized to make the most of my day. 

This early wake-up call routine is relatively new for me. Before motherhood, I loved sleeping in, and I did it well.  Once I became a mom, it was typical for my kiddos to come into my room and they were my "alarm clock." I would stumble downstairs to the kitchen and make breakfast still asleep and quickly make myself a cup of coffee to get my day started. Having this start to my day I always felt like I was running late and I had to hurry up and get things done, but I still felt rushed and that I was doing things with a less than a good effort. I would feel guilty that I would get frustrated as I begged the kiddos for a few minutes of quiet time since I just woke up. That frustration many times would often carry over throughout the day. I would react poorly to my kids or my husband, and many times I would end the day feeling defeated. I knew something had to change and that's when I started to wake up before my kids and husband. It may not work for everyone, but its been a deal changer for me and have found balance and peace. 

Self-care should be an essential practice for a healthy mama. As we pour ourselves into our family taking care of yourself is vital to be able to love your family well. Many times we do that at the expense of our own needs. After some time we find ourselves with no reserves for strength and patience needed to take care of our family. 

Self-care comes in many forms and requires self-reflection to find what makes you feel refueled and refreshed. I first and foremost take care of myself spiritually through prayer and reading the Bible, And physically by finding time to workout. My favorite is lifting weights while listening to audiobooks/podcasts. And lastly, I make time to be by myself with some quiet time to think. That's how waking up before my family wakes up has helped me be refueled and in a good mood. 

PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE

It is common for us as mothers and wives to feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. There is only so much time in a day, and it can be hard taking some of that time for yourself as you have a lot of other things to do for your kids and home. But I like to compare it to the what the flight attendant tells you the safety portion of the flight, which you should put on the air mask on first before assisting anyone else. I believe that's how vital self-care is to you being able to care for your family with a positive outlook and not be resentful or angry. 

MAKING SPACE FOR SELF-CARE

Self-care can only happy with intentionality. In our busy lives, self-care will not happen by chance. If you continue to put your need aside Its a matter of time you feel overwhelmed and unable to handle all that you have to do for your family. By making time for yourself, you will allow you to refuel your mind to be engaged in your day. For me, it was about getting to bed earlier so that waking up earlier to enjoy my quiet time before the beautiful madness begins. I am not and still am not a natural early riser, but instead, have trained myself to become one. Over time it has become easier to wake up early, and now it sets the tone for my day. You may be a night owl and your chance to refuel might be after 9 p.m., but for me after 10 p.m. my brain is useless. Or you may only have time during the middle of the day, yes you have laundry to get done, but that can wait to make sure you are refueled. If your children are old enough to understand, they can be taught to respect your need for alone time. It is good and important for them to learn to respect in others, and will be an asset throughout their lives. When we model self- care, we are teaching our children to also care for their own needs throughout their lives.

However it ends up looking for you, this habit of self-care is worth cultivating—for your sake and that of your family.

How to Study the Bible (For Kids)

CHOSE a Bible Study Book

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against [God]." Psalm 119:11

The Bible has been a key component to our family and also our homeschool efforts. Studying the Bible is an integral part of our studies and normally how we start out the day. I did not grow up in a home where we talked or studied the Bible. I grew up in a Catholic home, the church was part of our life, but only for special occasions or holidays. It was not until I was in my late 20's that I found that the Bible was something I could apply to my life. My desire is for my children to have the word of God as part of their life and starting them at an early age should help the Word of God to dwell in their hearts. The end goal and desire if for all my children to give their life to Jesus. And my job is to teach them about God. 

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Have an inductive bible

I've chosen to use the Discover 4 Yourself books by Kay Arthur. We also use the New Inductive Study Bible (NISB). The kids have colored markers that they use to write on the Bible without it bleeding through to the other pages. They mark the Who, What, How, When, Where and Why of the scripture we are studying. I chose this series because it would teach them how to study the Bible inductively. An inductive Bible study consists of three parts or questions. Observation: What does the passage say? Interpretation: What does the passage mean? Application: How does the passage apply to me?The books have crossword puzzles, games, charts, and places to draw. 

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Make it real!

We also memorize a Bible verse that goes with what we are studying. For example in the book of Genesis we memorized Genesis 1:1-10. 

It may seem daunting to have your children memorize a verse, but you will be surprised at how much they can retain. Even my 5-year-old twins were able to memorize half of the verse. You just need to make it fun and do a little each day, before you know it they will have it memorized. 

To have your children participate remember to make it fun. You can act out what you are studying, or re-enact the scenes with stuffed animals or finger puppets. Make crafts that go with your study. For example, in Genesis, you can do a project with animals and the ark to bring the story to life. There are tons ideas on Pinterest. 

While you study the Bible with your children, remember that they also pay close attention to what you do. Live out the Word of God in your daily life so that they can model their behavior. And remember your children are never too young to start hearing and learning about God. If you have young children, have them join in on the fun. They may not understand everything, but they will be learning much more than you think. 

Raising Strong Girls

(Luke 12:7) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

There is a great responsibility for mothers raising daughters to model proper self-esteem.  This self-esteem that is powered by God's love for us.

As a teenager and up until my mid-20's, I struggled with low self-esteem. It was socially debilitating. I avoided conversations with new people, or better yet kept to myself and missed many opportunities by not getting out of my comfort zone. My internal dialogue was all about the countless reasons why I was not smart enough, pretty enough, and lastly just not good enough. Those thoughts were my inner dialogue to myself and were on repeat. 

It wasn't until my late 20's that I was able to tackle my issues with self-esteem. What changed? I found Jesus Christ. I found my identity in Christ and was overwhelmed with his love for me. I did not have an earthly father that was present, but now I have a heavenly Father that will always be for me and has unconditional love for me. He made me perfectly and the first in Luke 12:7 was a game changer for me. Anytime I repeated the negative inner dialogue I recalled the verse in Luke12:7 and my my was renewed and I had a healthy view of myself that I had never experienced before. As they years have passed, I have gained more strength and my self-esteem come from my identity in Christ.  

This world focuses on how someone looks, making it vital for my daughter (and all girls) to be rooted in the truth, God's truth. The message to just "love yourself," is everywhere. As if you just have to will enough feeling of love and you will be o.k. But the message omits God's truth, which one should deny themselves and seek Him and take up his cross daily. When consumed with seeking Jesus Christ our insecurities fade away. It becomes a process more of Him, less of you. In this process, we don't look to our efforts to have worth but find confidence in who He is. 

A mature relationship with Christ will overflow to those around you and will be the best modeling you can give your daughter to know who she is in Christ. She will see that you are not seeking approval from the world, but rather seeking Christ in your daily walk. It will come across in how you talk to others, in how you dress and how you strive to have a balanced life regarding health and fitness. 

My daughter is 7-years old, and I can recall as early as a 5-year old her asking me if she was pretty. And this question came up and my husband and I made sure to not make statements to build on her looks but rather her heart and she still on her own was seeking approval on how she looked from others.  A little saying that we say to all our children is that "Your heart is more important than what you look like or what others think." We repeat this to her when she asks, "Do I look pretty?" We teach all our children that they are made in God's image and that God does not care about how they look but if their heart is seeking Him. But at the end of the day our children will do what we do not what we say, making it more important that we ourselves our right with God and know who we are in Him. 

This is another verse that I found myself meditating on to help me get away from my negative thoughts and get right with God. I'm thankful every day that I have Jesus Christ as my strength and that I know without a doubt who I am in Him. My hope is that more women and daughters will find their Christ-esteem. 

Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.