Well, it's that time again for many children to return to school including my own on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. This is usually not an easy transition, especially after enjoying a great fun-filled summer full of activities, concerts, going to water parks, staying up late, family vacations away from home, and spending time with family and friends. In this post, I would like to address the parents of children returning to school.

I have often heard it said, "when my children go to school, I'm in school, too." This is very true! Whether your children attend public/private or home school, we as parents have a major part to play in ensuring that our children get all that they need for their educational prosperity including the following:

Give God your waking moments! 

He desires to shine His Light upon your way.

*JOSHUA 1:8:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

* PRAYER TIME/BENEDICTION:

There is much to be said in this area. However, for now I'll just say, we as parents need to pray for and speak (positive, enriching, life giving, transforming words...the Word of God) over our children daily. Although, we may find ourselves in the hustle and bustle of life's moments in the mornings, I'm challenging us to take at least one-minute or two daily to pray over our families and release our children with blessings from God's Word, which will overtake them in time and space. Here is an example of a Prayer of Benediction: 

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." Numbers 6:24-27 

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalm 91:11

* SLEEP TIME : 

If children are to be alert, focused, and able to grasp the knowledge being dispensed in their classes via auditory, visual, tactile, and/or any other means they must get a good and substantial amount of quality sleep. As parents, we also have to get adequate sleep, so we're not dragging our children into school late and creating an unwanted pattern in them later in life. I must say, many times it is easier said than done, but with the help of JESUS, I know it can be done. We may not require the same amount of sleep as our children, but whatever that time is we should commit it to the LORD and ask Him to help us. I'm so glad that Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1  

*BREAKFAST/MEAL TIME: 

Children also need  to eat a well balanced meal (s) to keep them strong physically and mentally throughout the day. As parents, we must also supply the needed nutrition/nourishment our children will need to help them learn and grow. Parents, if your children can eat at home, you have the best opportunity to introduce other healthy alternatives for their nutrition. I believe morning meals are essential and help to boost and support our brain function and  its developmental capacities. Some children may eat in school cafeteria's. If so, it's a good idea to teach your children at home to make right/healthy choices. 

If you send your child or children to school with a box/sack lunch, I would suggest putting things like: fruit, veggies, protein, protein drinks, granola bars, and crackers (maybe try gluten-free). This list is by no means exhaustive. Also, I would love to know your suggestions below this post to help other readers looking for options.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1, 25

* HOMEWORK/FAMILY TIME: 

School days are usually long days for the entire family because there are homework assignments to complete, dinner may need to be prepared or picked up, and games to attend etc; especially if your child (children) are involved in extracurricular activities. Although your days may be long and tiring, I encourage you to maintain open communication with all members of the family and give them the opportunity to share with you their feelings, thoughts, struggles, and joys.

Finally, at the end of the day, approach God with thanksgiving for all that He has done. Then, ask God to continue to shine His Light upon your way and each member of your family.

Books (Buy, Sell, and Rent)

Books, Books, Books...

Do you have too many books on your shelf collecting dust? Then, maybe it's time to find a new home for them, or better yet, why not sell them and make a profit.

Well,  I was in this situation. However, the books I had were in very good condition and I did not want to throw them away. So, I went on an online search to find a company willing to pay a fair amount for them.

After searching several sites and comparing prices, Hallelujah! I found a legitimate company site (see below) that not only buys books, but sells, and rents them as well called Text Book Rush. http://textbookrush.com/

The reason I'm writing this post is to let you know how pleased I was with the process of selling my books. It was so simple!

First, I entered all my books' ISBN numbers to discover if Text Book Rush was buying those type of books. At this time, I found two. Then, I printed a FREE SHIPPING LABEL from my home computer. Next, I found an appropriate box for the books to be shipped. Then, I dropped it off at a Fed-X Office, not a Fed-X Express Box near my home and within less than a week books were received, processed, and money deposited into my Paypal account. Also, as a courtesy, I received several emails letting me know where my books were in the process. Again, I was very happy and pleased with this site!

So, if you're ready to clear some "book clutter" in your home, then, I recommend trying, http://textbookrush.com/ 

If you do, I would love to hear about it!

Note: This is my personal opinion and I'm not receiving any compensation for this recommendation!

If you've never heard about or attended a Zumba class, you are missing out on something wonderful! 

I want to introduce you to a fantastic, fun, and health aiding fitness class called, "Let's Zumba and Talk." I started attending this class about five months ago and absolutely cannot get enough of it. The stubborn weight I've carried around for so long, after having my last child in 2008 is finally beginning to come off as a result of this high energy workout and I feel great! The class is directed by Certified Zumba Instructor, Jorette Gilkes. She is a wife, mother to three gorgeous children, and loves helping people get in shape through exercise and nutrition. 

This Zumba class incorporates various genres of Christian music and choreographed dance moves that promote fitness and health. All participants can expect to receive a one-hour, positive, high energy, fun-filled workout that will refresh their body, soul, and spirit. Health related topics such as: weight management, nutrition and diet, and menopause etcetera are addressed according to the need of the class. 

She is currently holding classes at two locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For more details go and check out her Facebook page at:  http://tinyurl.com/kfnrz2v

Here's a short video clip to give you a taste of what you would experience if you come and join:

Note: This is my personal observation and opinion. Also, I'm not receiving any compensation whatsoever to make these claims or promote this class. Everyone's results will differ based solely on their own involvement and efforts. 

Please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!