Trials & Tribulations: Can't Live Without Them

Sometimes, in life, we face challenges. Many times we ask ourselves why this is happening; 'I am living an honest life' or 'This isn't fair, I am a good person'.  These trials & tribulations are not always because you're doing something wrong, but because you're doing something right.

Every person we meet, every hill we climb and every slope we slide down has crossed our path for a reason. Will you take the time to have a conversation with the person sitting next to you in the airplane, or stare at your laptop? Will you enjoy the view at the top of the hill, instead of complaining about sore muscles? Will you blame a co-worker's unprofessional behavior for pushing you down a slope, or thank them for allowing you to change your direction & distance of their negativity with quick speed.

Sometimes our greatest trials in life lead us to the grandest rewards. 'Don't think it strange when you face fiery trials.' 1 Peter 4:12

What trial or tribulation have you survived? 

Chores for Kids- Are They Extinct?

     As far back into my childhood as I can remember, I always had a chore to complete in the home. Whether it was dusting, cleaning the lint trap in the dryer or washing dishes- no job was too small or of less importance than another.

     Today, I see many children driven to sporting activities, play dates and enrichment classes.  When children aren't participating in these scheduled events, they are watching television, playing video games or on social media.  Although I agree these activities have a place of value, should it be given the most value?

    Has the family connection lost its importance and value? How do we connect as a family? I believe the answer is through chores. When children are given a task to complete, it provides them with a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth. When this task involves helping in the home, it brings the family together as a unit.  The chores assigned help educate children about the value of hard work, accepting responsibility & understanding that life isn't always easy.

     Do you think chores are important for children to have? What chores did you have as a child?

What happened to quality commercials?

The recent Super Bowl had many anticipating the commercials more than the game. I, personally, wait until the next day to watch the news and see the top five. Yes, Super Bowl commercials actually make the news.

I tried to remember the top five commercials from the Super Bowl last year. I couldn't recall one. As I am writing this blog, I can recall two of the Super Bowl commercials from this year. However, I can sing the song from the Coca-Cola commercial from the 1970's, the McDonald's song, Toys 'R' Us, and Oscar Mayer. I can picture Michael Jackson singing for Pepsi and the Irish Spring soap man.

What happened to creating commercials that created a bond with people? Okay, maybe a touch over dramatic. May I just say, I am glad my generation has contributed a message of peace to all by sharing a Coke, listening to raisins singing about a grapevine, and enjoying a special sauce with a Pepsi & an Irish smile.

Weebles Wobble....

...but they don't fall down.  If you said those words after reading the title, you probably are having flashbacks of the camper, airplane and cool car, too!

I remember playing with my weeble wobbles as a kid. I would place my weeble wobble family in the camper and pull them around my house...and around & around. Wish I had all that energy now. The kitchen floor was the perfect speedway for my weeble wobble car; tissue boxes, pots and pans completed the obstacle course.

Today, many educational experts may discuss the importance of play as building creativity and learning to share. I believe weeble wobbles have taught many children an important survival skill. How, you ask?  Just remember, when  life gets a little crazy- you may wobble, but you'll never fall down.