You Cannot Win Them All

I'm always trying to show my son that he needs to be disciplined - how he should take care of his things, pack his clothes neatly and take pride in any assignment that I give him. He doesn't seem to understand sometimes and I really hope that he will understand these basic things today because it's much harder to learn it later in life. Too many people have to learn the hard way and in some cases, it may have been their upbringing and in other cases, it is just their bad attitude that holds them back.

We can never get our own way. During my career, I have worked with an array of people from various upbringings and cultures. The one thing that has remained constant is that there will be people who do not want to follow rules. Some will find as many ways as possible to show their disagreement to the rules though obstinate behavior - which of course gets them no where but on everybody's nerves.

As I go through life, I have learned that rules are meant to be followed. Being a stubborn mule or a Moaning Myrtle won't fix anything. Instead, I look for solutions where there are problems and aim to address them. Sometimes, it's my own attitude that really is the problem. I have to look at me and the example I am setting. I can't want change and I myself are resistant to it.

As you go forth on your daily journey, you will not like every situation or person. Your purpose is not to like or agree with everything - fulfill your role and where you can make or impact change - go for it positively. If you can make it a win-win situation, that's great. If it's lose-win or win-lose, just keep the communication open and flowing where possible.

Ribbon

Ways to Show Fathers That We Appreciate Them

Fathers play a key role in the lives of their children. Celebrate fathers by giving them special treats, sharing inspiring words, or by giving special gifts

Fathers are very important to a child's life and development. A father figure is important for balance in parenting and for establishing the culture of a family unit. Unfortunately, the number of single parent households is continuing to rise. Women are calling men "sperm donors" or "deadbeat dads" and are seeking the justice system's assistance with collecting child support. Although there are men who do not fulfill their responsibilities as fathers, there are many who play key roles in their children's lives. Some fathers are single parents who bear the full brunt of caring for their children. These men need to be appreciated and commended for their hard work and dedication to their families.

Women are Often More Celebrated Than Men
Some men express that for Mother's Day, the stores are filled with goodies for the ladies. On Valentine's Day, women are once again the focus and this is the same focus at weddings and baby showers. Therefore, we need to show the men in our lives that we love them and we do not have to wait until Father's Day to do so. There are many things that we all can do for our fathers, husbands, uncles, brothers, godfathers and grandfathers that can show our appreciation for their positive input in our lives. Preparing their favorite dish, sharing positive words, giving special gifts and giving them a mini-vacation are ways to show fathers that we love them.

Positive Words for Dads in Scripture or Poetry
Poetry and Bible verses are great means of showing love for the male family members in your life. For persons who are religious, share a scripture from the Bible or your religious book. Write a poem or locate one that can express the feelings for the men in your life.

Bible scriptures about fathers: Proverbs 17:6 reads "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." Proverbs 3:12 compares a father's love to the love from God. It reads "For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Other scriptures that refer to fathers' love include the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, where the father's response to his older son in Verse 32 was "It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." Other scriptures can be located by searching for keywords relating to father figures on an online Bible website.
Poetry for dads: Tell your father that you love him by creating a poem for him. Create an acronym of the word 'Dad' or 'Father.' For example "D is for Dearest Dad, A is for the Affection you have, and D is for your Dedication that makes me glad." Also, have fun with rhyming words to create a short poem that can be added to a photo or to a card. If you are unable to pen a poem, then you can always search for one, but be sure to seek the writer's permission and give them credit for their work. Buying Gifts for Dad

It is easy to buy a gift for a father on his birthday, on Father's Day or any day of the year. Tools, a tie, sweaters, shirts and gift certificates are often given to fathers. Instead, think about this special male and consider what his needs may really be. Would a gift certificate suffice or will he appreciate a special meal, a trip or a massage? Is Dad someone who prefers to tell you what he wants? While you may want to give Dad a grand surprise, keep in mind that the gift is really for him.

Do Something Special For Dad Prepare a special dish, plan a party for your father or send him on a mini-vacation to show him love. Consider sending him to a local resort or let him spend a day at a golf course so that he can relax. If you can afford it, get him tickets to his favorite sport, order music that he loves or get him his favorite movie. Fathers are important and their role in our lives cannot be discounted.

No matter what you do to express love for the men in your life, put good effort into it so that they can enjoy it. There is no need to wait until Father's Day to show love because you can share something special with the ones you love any day of the year.

Nurturing Through Patience

There are a lot of days when you just want to be left alone. However, there aren't many people who get to have that pleasure. You just have to interact with people whether you want to or not. Depending on your family or nature of work, you have to lend your ear or give advice.

For me, it's not a problem because that is the role I willingly signed up for. I am a parent of two young children who need constant support, encouragement and discipline. Dealing with my children helps me to be able to deal with my coworkers as well. Sometimes you have to nurture, teach and even give baby steps. Remember, somebody had to guide you along the way too. Of course, there are days that you have to be strong-willed and tough to ensure that things are being done correctly.

Some days you may want to run and hide or you may even sit in disbelief at your children's actions or another adult's actions. We can't predict the future and for sure we cannot predict what anyone may choose to do. We just need to be understanding and think with a problem-solving mindset.

No matter how you try, things will never be perfect but you have to find the good in every situation and work towards reducing the bad.

Ribbon

Reuse Household Items for Storage and for Piggy Banks

Reuse Household Items for Storage and for Piggy Banks

Intro: Reuse baby wipes containers, plastic jars and glass jars for storage and your coins.

It is easy to find containers for saving money, holding hair accessories, school supplies and food items around your home. Some containers can be reused so that you can save money in more than one way and to practice green living.

Make Your Own Piggy Bank

Be encouraged to save both bills and coins because the quantity adds up over time. Dollar bills can be saved for bus fare, and quarters can be saved for laundry. Of course, the money saved in the containers can be deposited into a savings account, and that is additional savings.

The main thing with reusing jars or cans for piggy banks is to clean the container thoroughly and let it dry. Also be sure to use containers that coins or a folded dollar can fit in and also be removed safely. I use a variety of containers that consist of metal, glass or plastic. The containers are a variety of eight-ounce apple cider bottles and plastic jars with covers that can screw off.

• Plastic Piggy Banks: I like using the plastic Koolaid canisters, and I slit a hole in the cover for ease of adding the coins. Baby wipe containers with the pop-up lid can also be used as a piggy bank.
• Metal Piggy Banks: I also use metal containers like a Milo can that has a flat push-on metal cover. With a knife, carefully jot a hole that is big enough to fit a folded dollar at the original bottom of the can. This will now become the top of the can where the money can be pushed in. What was the top with the metal cover will be the bottom of the piggy bank where money can be taken out when needed.

Reusing Jars and Other Containers for Food Storage

Plastic and glass containers that can be reused to store dried foods like rice, macaroni, flour, cornmeal and so on. The same rule applies to wash the containers properly and ensure that they are properly dried before adding food items for storage.

Lisa Devoto in her article, "Reusing Used Household Items for Sustainable Living", shares that "Glass jars are perfect for storing soup, sauces, dry baking ingredients, candy, and dry pasta or rice." I use the Ovaltine plastic or glass bottles to store my dried food items. Glass jars are good for storing homemade preserves once the covers can be closed tightly. These jars, however, must also be thoroughly washed and dried before adding the preserves.

Reuse Baby Wipes Holders for Storage

I find large baby wipes containers that usually hold 64-72 wipes to be very useful. Parents can reuse by purchasing the refill packages. After your baby no longer needs baby wipes, the containers can be used for storing pencils, pens and hair accessories. This is another container that should be cleaned so that any residue from the wipes does not remain to damage the items to be stored.

I have also used wipes containers for holding other little miscellaneous items like batteries and cellular phone accessories. I also find them useful for storing costume jewelry, especially the heavy bracelets and long necklaces.

We have different containers in our homes that we can reuse such as glass jars, plastic food containers and baby wipes holders. Reusing items not only saves money, but it also helps for a greener lifestyle. You can save more by finding containers that you can use as piggy banks to save coins and dollar bills making recycling and reusing - a win-win situation.

When You Choose to Stand Up or Out

The people persecuted Jesus and crucified him. Sometimes many of us feel like we are going through that same thing. Life today is different from the olden days but it is still very much the same. People who are different stand out and are easy to pick on. It is even harder if you are standing up for what is perceived to be right.

Some people are not correct in their 'standing up or out'. My opinion is not based on popularity, but on what is right. Too many leaders in the churches, workplaces, homes and communities have adjusted standards to meet a changing generation and changing times. There are some basic things that need to remain basic standards. For me these include manners, respect, punctuality, keeping your word and apologizing when needed.

I am guilty too of allowing things to happen because of stepping on egg shells but how long can we all let things go? This is why the children disrespect the teachers, why the police are not respected and why the jails are full everywhere. No one man can just change the world in one moment but it's our little actions that can positively influence others.

Jesus went around with the common men. He healed the sick and ministered to who would listen. He was a radical but with the right cause. He laid his life on the line to save us from sin. Therefore, if you have a cause that you want to follow or stand up for, make sure that it is a right and good cause. Don't be the one to stand on the mountain when you should just do what you are told to do.

Pick your battles wisely. If you do not like the organization, meaning workplace, that you are in and cannot abide by the rules given,  then you need to look for another job. When you get to the other job and see that you are in the same predicament, then it's time to evaluate you.

Don't make the mistakes that many others have made and make yourself a victim. Instead make yourself a positive role model and use your influence for positive change.

Ribbon

POEM: Songbird Inspiration

After a long day
I just feel in a "Songbird" kinda vibe...
to ease my "Tension"
because I've "...got soul"
We all know that "War is not the answer"
and although "Times a get hard",
I relish "The Rain"
because in all the pain
life is still "So Beautiful"
even with a "Bumpy Ride"
here and there
I'm thankful because
I have been able to experience
the "Best in Life"
I'm "Holding on to Freedom"
and "I Know"
it is "A New Overstanding"
because we must preserve
and persevere
so as the "Birds of Paradise" sing
I relish the positive energy
and stand strong
in the "Power of Love"

Ribbon

This poem was inspired by the Songbird Riddim Songs on Sound Clound. Read my blog post about the songs here.

No Longer Business As Usual

It's no longer business as usual. We all have said this- in our homes and on our jobs. It is said widely in the community as well. The business covers a lot - relationships, finances, outreach and just plain old every day living.

Things are different whether we like it or not. Sometimes it just a rough phase we are going through and other times, we ourselves are just rough. In these times, we have to seek innovative ways to do the things that we are accustomed to. So if it means that you can only eat out once per week instead of three or that you have to take on additional assignments at work - it is what it is.

Sometimes we have to look at how we can move forward and basically do more with less. I'm not saying that it will be easy or that challenges won't come but life was never meant or promised to be easy. We have to work for what we want. We expect rough patches and challenges and we have to deal with them.

Smooth sailing is for a sailor who never leaves the dock. Tighten your belt, walk your talk and  move forward.

Ribbon