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WELCOME TO HOMEBODIES
December 5, 2006
Volume 7, Issue 49
Weekly encouragement and empowerment e-zine
for stay-at-home parents and working parents
considering the at-home lifestyle
Your Hostess - Cheryl Gochnauer, author of
"Stay-at-Home Handbook", "So You Want to Be a
Stay-at-Home Mom", "Mom to Mom" and founder of
http://www.homebodies.org
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THIS WEEK'S ARTICLES:
"An Encouraging Word" by Homebodies founder, Cheryl Gochnauer
"If You Feed Them, They Will Come" by Homebodies columnist Sharon Jaynes,
former vice president of Proverb 31 Ministries (http://www.proverbs31.org)
and founder of Sharon Jaynes.com
"How Busy Parents Can Stay Involved" by Homebodies columnist Amanda Formaro,
founder of The Family Corner (http://www.thefamilycorner.com)
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AN ENCOURAGING WORD
Homebodies
By Cheryl Gochnauer
homebodies@comcast.net
Copyright 2003
We all have peers who either praise or criticize our decisions to stay home
with our children.
Nisi wrote in to compliment her sister-in-law, who seems to be just the kind
of wonderful, supportive relative at-home parents hope and pray for:
"I have been a stay at home mom since my first child was born 14 years ago,"
Nisi says. "We have four children, the 14 year old, a 12 year old, an 8 year
old, and the light of our lives, a darling 1 year old girl.
"My husband got laid off from his job, and was freelancing and looking hard
for a new job. All my insecurities about staying at home bloomed as I
thought about my extensive education and skills not helping out with the
family income at this rough time.
"But I have been praying about it, and did reach out for support to my
sister-in-law. She said the following: ‘Your children are the warmest,
kindest, happiest children because of your choices. They are so blessed to
have a highly educated mother staying at home with them, guiding them
through their lives' highs and lows. Thank goodness you have been there all
these years, and not an indifferent daycare provider. You are doing a
fabulous job!’
"What she said rang true, but it was like water to a thirsty plant in the
desert to hear her words just then," Nisi remembers. "Sometimes it is
necessary to hear the encouragement from others, especially in a society
that puts so much importance into acquisition and material gratification."
As Nisi points out, a few well-chosen, kind words can immediately change
someone’s perspective, providing a lift just when they need it.
Life is hectic. We spend so much time stomping out fires, it’s easy to
neglect sparking hope in others. Take time today to encourage a friend. If
you’re not close enough to give them a hug, why not pick up the phone or
shoot off a quick email? Let’s launch the New Year with a smile!
*****
Looking for an encouraging book for the mom in your life?
Consider Cheryl’s books, “So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home
Mom” (InterVarsity Press, 1999) and “Stay-at-Home Handbook”
(InterVarsity Press, 2002). Request a copy of each at your
favorite bookstore or online at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830823360.
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IF YOU FEED THEM, THEY WILL COME
Proverbs 31 Ministries
By Sharon Jaynes
Sharon@sharonjaynes.com
Copyright 2006
When my son was in junior high school, I learned a valuable way to keep his
friends coming to our house to congregate. If you feed them, they will come.
In the Bible, Paul encourages us to practice hospitality and I know of no
better group to show that to than my son's friends. Think of the benefits of
having your house as a congregating place. First, you'll get to know who
your kids are hanging out with. Second, you'll get to make an impact on who
your kids are hanging out with. Oh, sure, you may have to clean up drink
spills, vacuum the carpet more often, and make frequent trips to the grocery
store, but all this is a small price to pay for having an impact on the next
generation.
I wasn't raised in a Christian home. But a family in my neighborhood took me
under their wings and treated me like I was their own daughter. I spent many
hours at the Henderson's home, sleeping in their guest bedroom and yes,
eating their food. I got to observe a family who loved Jesus and loved each
other. This was very new to me - on both accounts. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson
would hug and kiss around us and even had pet names for each other. I didn't
know why that family was so different from mine, but I knew that difference
had something to do with Jesus Christ. Why, Mrs. Henderson talked about
Jesus all the time and acted like she knew Him personally! That was strange
to me!
Eventually, this family invited me to go to church with them and when I was
14, Mrs. Henderson asked me if I was ready to accept Christ as my personal
Lord and Savior. With tears in my eyes and a heart bursting with love for my
newfound Lord, I said, "Yes!" From that time on, my life was never the same.
Oh, friends, the story is very long and has many twists and turns that only
our Heavenly Father could orchestrate. But over the next six years, my
mother and father both came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
(My testimony is in "Seven Life Principles for Every Woman" and "Ultimate
Makeover".)
Because of the impact that one family had on my life, I was committed to
doing the same when I became a parent. We always welcomed our son's friends
into our home. It is never unusual for us to set an extra plate at dinner or
find a few stratty-headed teenage boys asleep on our rec room floor on
Saturday morning. Steven's friends know that we have certain rules in our
house about movies and language. They know that Steven's dad or I might walk
into the room at any time. They know that we love Jesus with all our hearts
- and some think that's a bit strange. But you know what else? They know
that we love them.
While we are very open about our faith, we also want Steven's friends to see
that Christians can have fun! For example, on Steven's 18th birthday, I
hosted a formal dinner party for several of his friends. Both the girls and
the guys dressed up in their best attire and enjoyed a candlelight
six-course meal - served by their humble host and hostess. Before the dinner
began, I went around and prayed a blessing over each young man and woman. I
thanked the Lord for something special I had observed over the years in each
one and asked God to bless each one in a unique way, depending on where the
friend was in their relationship to Christ. Some were Christians and some
were not. Some were incredibly moved by the blessing and some thought it a
bit strange. Again, I had earned the right to do this because I had been
loving them for many years.
After the blessing and the dinner, we took the kids in the den and taught
them how to swing dance. Then we all piled into a few cars and took them to
hear a live swing band and practiced our steps.
Now what was their response? They saw that we loved Jesus, we loved them,
and we could still have good clean fun. (I want to add here that I told
Steven what I wanted to do - in giving a blessing to each person at the
dinner party. We discussed it together and Steven gave me permission to do
it. I would never have done this if it had been an embarrassment to him in
any way. I feel this is very important and would not have been showing love
to my own child had I proceeded without his blessing.)
That is just one example of how we have shown hospitality laced with the
love of Christ to our son's friends through the years. Most of the time, it
is simply having food available. Slice and bake cookies, microwave popcorn,
salsa and dip, and soft drinks are small investments that yield great
returns!
Whenever you grow weary of kids traipsing in and out of your house, think of
Paul's words in I Peter 4:8 and 9. "Above all, love each other deeply… Offer
hospitality without grumbling." The word hospitality looks a lot like the
word hospital. Your home may very well become not only the gathering place
for kids, but also a "hospital for wounded hearts." And remember these two
pieces of advice from someone who has nursed many a wounded child … If you
feed them, they will come. If you love them, they will come again.
*****
Sharon Jaynes is a former Vice President of Proverbs 31 Ministries and
co-host for the ministry's international radio segments, heard on over 400
radio outlets. She also is a feature writer for their monthly newsletter,
The Proverbs 31 Woman, and inspirational conference speaker for women's
events from coast to coast. For more information about Proverbs 31
Ministries, visit www.proverbs31.org.
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HOW BUSY PARENTS CAN STAY INVOLVED
Family Corner
By Amanda Formaro
webmom@familycorner.com
Copyright 2006
There are ways that busy parents can stay involved in their children's
educational growth. Whether you work outside of the home, run a home office,
or take care of other children, you too can be a part of your child's school
life that they will remember for a lifetime.
BAKING. Schools have many different events throughout the year for which
they need baked goods. Whether it be a bake sale or a school carnival,
cupcakes and cookies are always welcome. Make it a fun activity with your
kids by having them make the goodies with you. To cut down on time if you
are really pressed, buy prepackaged cookie dough, or make your cookie dough
and store it for baking day.
STORY TIME. Every employer gives you a lunch break. Many don't take
advantage of the lunch break in order to get as much work done as possible
in the short time they have at the office. Why not take one lunch break per
month and head over to the school and read your daughter's class a book at
story time? Imagine the smile on that little girl's face when you walk
through the classroom door on that special day each month.
The library is a great place to go for children and adults alike. One
Saturday per month is all it takes to show your children that you are
interested and that their education matters to you. Libraries have many
activities, groups and reading times for children of different age groups.
Ask for information at your local library.
Be sure to read a book with your children each night. Stories are wonderful
ways to wind down a rambunctious youngster at the end of the day, and a
great way to snuggle with those you love. Reading encourages imagination,
creative thought and instills a love for learning.
TOGETHER TIME. Turn off the TV, look through your child's backpack with him
and go over any graded school papers and additional class notes. Be sure to
go through the backpack each day as your child's teacher uses this as their
main connection between you and the school. Important meetings, behavior
reports, special kudos and planned field trips are just a few examples of
what you will find inside.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Many parents would love to be able to volunteer at the
school, but are unable due to time constraints, their job or little ones at
home. If you are unable to volunteer inside the classroom, why not ask for
some homework? Teachers are always thrilled at the prospect of parents
helping and becoming involved. There may be some cutting, sorting or other
such tasks that your child's teacher could use help with that do not require
your presence at the school. What a great way to encourage your child to get
his homework done. Now you can do it together!
Staying involved in your child's school life will show him that you care
about him and his future. It will encourage him to work harder if he knows
that you will be there to tell him what a great job he did on his Math test
or on that Science project. Get involved, your child will love you for it.
*****
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She and her
husband live in southern Nevada. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com
Magazine at http://www.familycorner.com. She can be reached at
mailto:WebMom@familycorner.com
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PUBLICATION INFORMATION
Copyright 2006 Cheryl Gochnauer. All rights reserved. For
permission to reprint an article, please write
homebodies@comcast.net.
All articles are printed with the author's prior consent. It
is assumed that any questions, tips or replies to questions
may be reprinted. All letters become the property of Cheryl
Gochnauer.
Cheryl Gochnauer does not assume responsibility for advice
given. All advice should be weighed against your own
abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up
to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for
their own situation.
Homebodies is a free weekly e-mail newsletter.
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