I'M TIRED ALREADY

Have you already given up on your New Year's Resolutions? Are all the wonderful things you envisioned to do more of or better in the New Year for schooling, fitness, nutrition, bible study, church activities, giving to the needs of others becoming to much to keep up with......? and January is just now over:) You can be mentally tougher than you think and feel more successful if you determine to make small changes rather than tackle major areas. Here are some quick strategies to help you make 2010 a great year for you and your kids.

The best way to enjoy life now and set your kids up for a great life of their own is to attend to the small daily disciplines that make a huge difference over time. Here are 5 key areas on which to focus:

1) READ! Readers are leaders, so read more if you want a better quality of life, especially inspirational passages from the Bible.

2)WATCH! Invest time in media that makes a positive difference. Biographies on television or in movies can give you courage and a new perspective.

3)LISTEN! Find positive music or motivating messages on the radio or from audio books checked out from the library. Let your drive time become personal growth time.

4) ATTEND! Find positive energy from like minded groups or leaders at your church, networking events or seminars.

5) CONNECT! Friends have a profound influence on your kid's life. Birds of a feather really do hang together so choose companions wisely since your children will take on their characteristics in multiple ways.

So there you have it: 5 simple areas to focus on in the new year to build a great life for yourself and enjoy your kids as you journey together.

Grandparents: Maybe you could focus on one of the areas. For example, perhaps you could make sure the kids are involved in Sunday School, a Bible based mid-week group or scouting that their parents don't seem to have the time to commit to. Or perhaps you can better afford to buy positive books and media for their home. Focus on the Family is a reliable resource for magazine subscriptions, books, movies.... Christian Book Distributors (CBD.com) is another one. Perhaps you could make it possible for the parents to attend an inspirational workshop, seminar or concert where they can make positive connections. Be creative, be intentional, be satisfied to do just one meaningful thing.

A special word to you young moms: You have many days of barely keeping ahead of the little mess makers in your house. If you manage to have a storytime every day, you are doing a good job. Keep up the great work:)

In all my prayrers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Angela Didway, M.S., LPC


You're right that ending is from Phillipians, which goes on to state... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phillipians 1:4-6