Date Nights

This week one of my favorite groups gathered together after a short break.  We had a pinterest party.  We made some crafts inspired by pinterest.  One of those crafts were jars that could be a date night jar, family nights or whatever you wanted it to be.  Some ladies who home school did a field trip jar.  

The idea is you write on the craft sticks (with a sharpie marker) some ideas for your specific jar.  

Why make a jar?  Well have you ever had a conversation that goes something like this..........What do you want to do? 

The other person says, I don't care, what do you want to do? 

Well I have- many times.  Often times with my spouse.  I know there are times when I have to make decisions all day long and I don't want to make one more decision- even it is where are we going to eat dinner.   So enter in my date night jar and I don't have to have that conversation when deciding on a date destination.  

Some of my ideas were ............

• picnic at the Ocoee Center 
• bowling
• have dessert and go to a bookstore 
• go see the penguins (at the Tennessee Aquarium) 
• dinner and a movie 
• watch a UT sporting event 
• I also put some specific restaurants we like 

What type of jar would you make?  What kind of things would you put in a date night jar?

On a side note if you are married and not going on dates with your spouse, why not?  Let me encourage you to make dating your spouse a priority.   I promise it is an investment worth making!

Much Love!
Mrs. Tara 

Gabby Douglas = Incredible Role Model for Kids Today

 Although few knew her name before July 27, 2012, Gabby Douglas is now a household name for many.  I would also venture to say not just in the USA but across the world. Gabby won gold in the Individual All-Around and gold in Team Events.  She is also the first African-American lady to win the All-Around gold.  What an incredible accomplishment. 

She is already being called an American sweetheart, an icon and a celebrity.  She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today show, Time magazine, a cereal box and the front page of newspapers world wide.  She is an incredible young lady from all I have read.  I am not the only one searching to find out more about Gabby.  Google reports she was among their "hot searches" list last week - with over 500,00 hits on her name.  One article I read reports Gabby and her mother were among those who joined in the Google search.   One thing she found was those criticizing her hair- which she called "bizarre." 

Her coach says that when Mary Lou Retton became the first American to win the Gold in the All-Around gymnastics competition ever- gymnastics participation in the states doubled that next year.  He can't imagine what will happen this time.  I think little girls everywhere will want to be like Gabby and flock to gymnastic centers around the world.  And I say- Go girls Go!

Gabby has given the praise and thanks to Jesus.  She states it in interviews and tweets.  I looked it up myself after I began following her on twitter ( https://twitter.com/gabrielledoug).  She tweets Bible verses, encouraging words, and other things 16 year old tweet about.  One of her latest tweets - Gabrielle Douglas ‏@gabrielledoug

Thank you guys for everything! I am SO grateful God has truly blessed me! Remember to ALWAYS give him the glory for he is GREAT! <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

I know we all have our faults and make mistakes- scripture tells us that (Romans 3:23) BUT she is one young lady who is trying her best to use the platform God has given her to praise Him.  It is my prayer that just as little girls will flock to be like her in the sport of gymnastics- they will also be inspired to follow after Him with all they do and say!  I am praying as she is advised on endorsements, speaking engagements and anything else tied to her name.  I am praying knowing she has the opportunity to share with many,  I am praying they will know the strong name of Jesus and His great love for them!

Way to go Gabby!

Congrats Gabby!

 

 

 

 

The Olympics & Teachable Moments

It is that time of year again when we are all drawn to our televisions and computers.  We are drawn to root for our country!  I love watching the Olympics.  One of my favorite things to watch is the Opening Ceremonies.  This year it happened to fall on my birthday- what a way to celebrate.  Thank you London!

It is always interesting to hear what people think of the presentation.  This year (especially due to the increase of social media use) people definitely had an opinion.  You either really liked it or really disliked it.  My favorite part is always the Parade of Nations.  I love watching the athletes and all their excitement.  As we drove home from my parents the Lord impressed upon my mind that so many of these athletes (both from our country and the many others) may have never heard of the incredible love Jesus has for them.  What a neat opportunity we have to pray for the athletes who are playing in the 2012 Olympics. 
Did you know that there are people who specifically go to the Olympics to share the name of Jesus.  They pray for opportunities to share.  Some of them do purchase tickets for Olympic events and use that time to share as well.  However, most of their witnessing is done around the venues where the Olympic events are held.  Some never even actually seeing an Olympic competition.  They walk miles during their "trip" and share often.  They have opportunities to plant many seeds.  I have a friend in London now.  You can check out this site to learn more about this ministry and read testimonies from their sharing.  Read more HERE!

I want to challenge each person watching the Olympics to take a moment and pray for the athletes they are watching.  I am especially praying for those who are in countries where it is not legal to proclaim the name of Jesus.  I want to challenge those of you who are parents to please use this as a teachable moment with your child.  This is a great opportunity to share with them that we live in a country where we can worship freely because not everyone does.  This is an opportunity to teach them to pray for others especially to know who Jesus is and His incredible love for us.  Conversations like this also lead them to think about others and their needs- not their own.  It is our human nature to be self-centered.  As parents and leaders of children it is our responsibility to shape them.  We need to model for them the characteristics we want to show up in them.  I believe this is one small example of how we can. 

Help them make memories with forms like this from Thirty Handmade Days...........

You can download it Here from Mique's site.  It is intended for personal use only.  I want to ask you to take one more step when using this form.  Turn it over and have your children list the names of specific athletes they are praying will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior.  This will help encourage to pray for them by name or even a specific country.  Encourage them to pray for the missionaries who serve in those countries.  I am praying specifically for two countries- mainly because I will be on mission trips to these places in the near future -

 Nicaragua (October 2012) 

 Malta (Spring 2013)

Thankful to live in a free country but also praying for our own athletes!

Much Love!
Mrs. Tara