Words of Wisdom - Kindness

YouTube Video Credit: Fearless Soul

Motivational Monday – World Book Day - 3 Ways to celebrate

Do you have a book that has inspired you? Are you looking for something inspirational to read? World Book Day is celebrated on April 23^rd in the UK as a way to encourage people to read. You don’t have to live in the UK to join the celebration.

There are currently three books in my reading rotation (pictured above) and one in the wings. A friend recently recommended a book by Erwin Lutzer titled, Failure: The Back Door to Success. The premise of the book is that God uses our shortcomings and weaknesses in His plan. The book is said to help you redefine your idea of success.

Here are three ways you can celebrate World Book Day:

1.      Swap books with a friend

2.      Donate books

3.      Create a book based game – great for family night

Find more ideas here.

What are your ideas for celebrating World Book Day? Share a favorite book that has inspired you.

Fun Friday – National Humor Month

photo credit: My Identity Doctor

“Always laugh when you can, its cheap medicine.” – Lord Byron

Are you stressed at home or work? Find something to laugh about. The month of April is celebrated as National Humor Month AND National Stress Awareness Month. Perhaps it’s not you who is stressed, but a friend. Make them laugh. Let me help you find something to laugh about.

Journey with me though an atypical work day…

Traffic was bumper to bumper on my morning commute to a conference for work. After an hour of traveling at a snail’s pace, my coworker and I arrived late. The only seats left in the small room, were in the first two rows. She sat in the first row. I spotted the continental breakfast table, grabbed a bagel and coffee I forced and slid into the second row seat.

The first half of the day went well. Lunch was served - a half sandwich, salad, a spoonful of pasta and kettle chips. Surely I would be okay and alert during the afternoon portion of the workshop.

One hour into the afternoon session, and my eyelids became like steel doors, heavy, closing slowly. I forced my eyes to remain open, by doing a repeated eyebrow raises. I twisted in my chair, I played with my hair, but I lost the battle.

Before I could catch myself, my body relaxed, and my head SNAPPED backward. I quickly opened my eyes and tried to regain my composure. I got out of my seat and strolled to the refreshment table for a chocolate chip cookie.

I stood at the back of the room a few minutes, in an attempt to shake the sandman off my back. When I returned to my seat, I texted my mother and said, “I just fell asleep at my workshop and I’m sitting in the second row.”

My mother texted back and said, “Lord, please send your Holy Spirit to keep this child awake!”

If you find yourself in a stressful situation or experiencing a stressful day, find a way add a bit of humor.

Do you have a story to share for National Humor Month?

Words of Wisdom - Get Inspired

YouTube Video Credit: Quotes

Muffins with Mom – When your child realizes your value

Cinderella had a Fairy Godmother, the Shoemaker had elves (The Shoemaker and the elves) and in modern day times, my son has discovered the Editing Fairy. What exactly is a fairy? Oxford dictionaries describes a fairy as, “a small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers.”

According to the above definition, my son truly believes I’m a fairy.  Let’s dissect the definition. 

Small – I am shorter then my son. Imaginary – I’m sure my son pretends I’m a figment of his imagination when I say something he doesn’t want to hear. Magical Powers – he believes in magic. Let me tell you how I know…

One dark night, as I lay in bed curled against my down filled pillow, I heard the buzz of my cell phone. It was a text message from my son who was away at college. “Ma, I need you to proof read a paper for me…by tomorrow.”

“Hmph. Not gonna happen tonight.”

My son thought I had magical powers or that I was going to work through the night like the elves in the story of the Shoemaker and the Elves. Bless his heart. I was able to help him the next day, but reminded him that I needed more notice for my proof reading services.

There were a couple more assignments my son asked me to proof read, in a timely manner. Then he slipped up and ran out of time on a recent paper; he didn’t complete it in time for me to proof read before he submitted it. When my son received his paper back from his instructor, he sent me a text message.

“I can’t turn in anymore papers without you looking them over first.”

“What happened? I asked.

“Looks like my instructor used all the ink in her pen to correct my paper.”

The text message ended with two crying emoji’s.

My son learned the value of his mother’s editing services and he learned to plan ahead. An editing fairy has her limits.

DISCLAIMER: In case my son’s instructor reads this post – I don’t write his papers, only proof read.

Has your child discovered your value?

Fun Friday – Scrabble Day

Photo Credit: Thunder Bay Literacy Group

It’s Friday the 13^th oh my goodness what ever shall we do? Some people associate this day with bad luck. However, this is also National Scrabble Day. Has your family ever played this popular board game?

Word tiles scattered across our faux marble table, my boys stacked letters to form words. Some were actual words, others were created from my kids’ imagination. Nevertheless, a game of Scrabble spelled F-U-N in our home.

Celebrate National Scrabble Day by dusting off your board game and gathering the family around the table. If you’re a writer, use Scrabble during your brainstorm sessions, as an idea generator.

In addition to Scrabble, there are other games that make use of word tiles. Another one that I like is Bananagrams. Boggle is a good one too.

Keep your mind sharp by playing word games. If it’s been a while since you played a board game, National Scrabble Day is a good reason to get reacquainted.

How will you celebrate Scrabble Day?

Words of Wisdom - Inspirational Quotes

Photo Credit: Motivational Travel Quotes

Photo Credit: Inspirational Quotes - Brainy Quote

Photo Credit: Goodnet.org