"Screaming Children Will NOT Be Tolerated!"

"Screaming Children Will NOT Be Tolerated" reads the sign hanging in the window of the Olde Salty diner in North Carolina. The owner states simply, patrons want to enjoy their dinner without having to listen to kids scream. She isn't saying children aren't welcome, but if your little one begins to fuss and flail take him/her outside, deal with the issue, and then you, and your now placated little one are welcome to return.
The story about this diner owner and her controversial sign broke last week on every major news channel, morning show, and news blog- and there were quite a few folks who were, well, basically outraged.
One mother, of an autistic child, even claimed the sign was downright discriminatory to those with disabilities.
Of course, legally the diner owner can put up any sign she wants, as long as it in no way interferes with the constitutional rights of others, but I want to know how you mothers out there feel about this issue: Would you find the sign offensive and avoid eating at any establishment with the audacity to post it? Or do you agree- if your child acts up, take them out?
Let me know, then I'll tell you what I think!

Recession

Times are tough! From bankers to beauticians, dentists to delivery men, it seems almost everyone is struggling financially right now. Our economy is not the worst it has ever been , but we can all, no doubt, feel the current recession taking its toll on our lifestyles.
During these times of economic strain there are two crucial things to remember: First, teach children responsibility without passing on your own financial worry to them, and second, always continue to honor God with your giving.
Children have a limited time during which they can live life free of adult anxiety- their time to pay bills and fret the rising cost of dairy is rapidly approaching. So, its important to teach them to save and spend responsibly with a consistent allowance, and by setting a good example with your own spending habits (this one is tough for me, especially when Macy's is having a sale.)
Sharing too much about the family's economic state and potential financial difficulties (i.e. 'I hope I don't lose my job,' or 'I hope we can make the house payment') may cause children to feel anxiety and worry that is unnecessary and definitely out of their control. Make them aware of any necessary financial changes the family must make as a whole, (like only ordering out for pizza once a month instead of once a week,) but continue to also make them aware that God is in control and He will always provide for His children. Share your faith in God, (Jehovah-Jireh, our provider) with them and help them use this faith to overcome any doubt and anxiety. Do this by consistently thanking Him for what He has done for you and your family, focusing on the things you do have and by recognizing Him as the ultimate Provider for all things great and small!
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... Is not life more important than food? Look at the birds of the air; Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25a, 26-27)
Also, no matter what, always give. Tithing is not something to do when there is extra money at the end of the month or just on special 'religious' holidays, it is something we do because God instructs us to tithe and we show Him our love and honor by obeying His commands.
"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year." (Deuteronomy 14:22) Being charitable sets a good example for our children and allows us to share God' love and compassion with others!

Quotes For Today

"Discovering an ability to love uncritically and totally has been exhilarating. It's the sort of love that calls upon my whole being, bringing all of my potential to life."
-Ronnie Friedland


"Forgiveness is the answer to the child's dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is made clean."
-Dag Hammarskjold

Welcome 2010!

As the new year begins we often find ourselves with a long list of 'resolutions,' or, as I like to call them, 'things I should be doing anyway,' like, eat healthy, exercise, choose happiness. . . You know, great intentions for a great year. But as I said, most of the things that end up on my list are really simple things that I should have been doing all along!
So, my only resolution this year? No more resolutions! By the time 2011 rolls in I truly hope to be implementing all those things in my life already, and doing what I know I should be doing!
But I still love to hear what others have vowed to do in this wondrous new year. So please share with all the other mothers out there, and of course, yours truly, what you plan on doing better, differently, more of, or less of in 2010. It can be anything- it doesn't have to be about parenting- but please share your resolutions with us! It could inspire someone else, you never know!