Encouragement

Encouragement · February 6, 2013

Book Release Hair Drama

The drama began last Friday. I was up before dawn to hit the highway for a 25 minutes trek to fetch 36 different kinds of donuts from Nicola’s — they’re worth it. The purpose was to surprise the Family First team because iMOM hit 1,000,000 unique visitors in the month of January. As I drove, I was tuned into the JOY fm. I love Carmen the comedic radio host and soon became caught up in her dress drama. She was invited to a big wedding in Nashville and needed a dress. A dim bulb went on in my barely awake brain. I was going to Nashville in 10 days to film a video for The Passionate Mom book release. She said the problem was that she didn’t like dresses. I don’t have to wear a dress in the video, but I do need to look presentable and did a quick check in the review mirror. Note to self: Color hair and when was the last time you had it cut? Carmen said the other problem was that everyone in Nashville was like super hipster? I think she did say hipster. So she felt pressured to look really good. The bulb in my brain …

Encouragement · January 5, 2013

2013: The Resolution List

#1 Give Generously Who needs my money more than I do? Inspiration: I Like Car #2 Ruthlessly Prioritize What single thing should I be doing in this moment? Inspiration: Marissa Mayer, CEO Yahoo #3 Comfort, Connect, Cook Make my kitchen a haven for my family, friends, strangers. Inspiration: Jane Delaney, Founder of eMeals #4 Pursue Every Open Door What opportunity has God placed before me? Inspiration: The Cardiac Arrest #5 Rest Work all week; savor Sunday. Inspiration: Fresh Air by Chris Hodges #6 Change All things are possible. Inspiration: God #7 Delight How can I celebrate this day, this moment, this person? Inspiration: My children #8 Trust More, Worry Less He has it all under control. Inspiration: 1 Peter 5:6-7 #9 Love Everyday My one and only. Inspiration: Mark Merrill

Encouragement · December 24, 2012

How Can I Thank God Enough for YOU?

As the Director of iMOM, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how God enables our work. It is our desire to serve moms and promote the unique position of motherhood. Quite simply we want to help moms to be the best they can be at raising their children. That is our desire, but to help you, as a mom, we must find favor with you. We must be a trusted, timely resource so that when you need inspiration and information you turn to iMOM. This year we took a ginormous step forward by reaching more women than ever with our resources. Over 6,000,000 moms visited iMOM.com this year — four times the number of visitors last year! I am amazed, humbled, even dumbfounded at times–that God would be so gracious to allow us to have such a presence in the world. How could it be that a small non-profit team could find favor with so many moms? As I ponder this year of blessings I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful for YOU and… every iMOM Espresso Minute email you read every iMOM Espresso Minute email you shared with another mom every iMOM article you read every iMOM article you …

Encouragement · December 23, 2012

Christ in Christmas

Indeed, Christmas does not come from a store. Christmas comes from Christ. Gifts come from a store. THE gift–Christ–comes from God. Gifts give a fleeting joy and leave you hungry for more. Christ gives unending joy and triples the size of your heart. “And what happened then…? Well…in Who-ville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day! And then the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches… plus two.”

Encouragement · December 17, 2012

What is Light Em Up?

Is your family a little too involved in the receiving instead of giving at Christmas? Light ‘Em Up is a great way to get the whole family involved in giving back and saying “Thank You” this year. Experience the joy of giving with your kids this holiday season! How excited are you? Here is more information Light Em Up! Tell me how you and your family plan on lighting up your community.

Encouragement · December 13, 2012

Tis A Joy to See Kids GIVE!

Has your family started Light Em Up yet? It has been great seeing families really get into Light ‘Em Up this year! I have been watching Lil Light O’Mine and iMOM Facebook pages, Instagram, and Twitter so I don’t miss a single light up! Do you still need some inspiration? Here are some pictures from all across the United States. Keep up the great work! Don’t forget to upload your images on Facebook and tag @iMOM or hashtag #lightemup12 on Twitter and Instagram so I can see how your family is lighting up your community.

Encouragement · December 7, 2012

Light ‘Em Up – The History

Last week, my friend Courtney Defeo and I went to Daytime TV to talk about Light ‘Em Up. I had a great time getting to know, and playing with, her cutie pie kiddos. I want you to hear the history behind Light ‘Em Up directly from Courtney. I love her heart…she is precious. Join the Movement to Give #LightEmUp12

Encouragement · November 21, 2012

3 Ways to Make a Thanksgiving Memory

Here are 3 ways to help your family make Thanksgiving memories! Holiday Helper Cards Thanksgiving Story Cards

Encouragement · November 11, 2012

LIGHT ‘EM UP ’12

CHRISTMAS. The joy of it makes you want to just do something for others. REALLY DO SOMETHING. You just want to see the joy you feel, radiate on their face. YOU WANT TO LIGHT ‘EM UP. Well now you can. YOU CAN REALLY DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS and you can do it WITH YOUR CHILDREN! This is so easy and I truly don’t know who gets more joy out of it–the recipient (think garbage man, mail man, bag-boy, teacher, etc.) or your child when they see the joy on the garbage man’s face or YOU when you see the joy on your child’s face as they observe the joy on the recipient’s face. It is almost too–too–too exactly what Christmas is meant to be–the celebration of giving in honor of the giver of the greatest gift–Christ! One of my FAVORITE blogger friends–Courtney DeFeo started the LIGHT ‘EM UP campaign last year and it was a big hit with moms because it is so easy and rewarding. This year we and other moms are partnering with Courtney to see if we can light up communities all over the country. We cordially invite YOU to join us in a celebration of JOYFUL giving in your community. Yes? No? Please??? You can …

Encouragement · November 7, 2012

The Key to a Good Future