Have a SPA for Your Spirit

How to Take a SPA For Your Spirit

SPAs and retreats have been around for long time. SPAs offer a time of retreat. The dictionary defines retreat as withdrawal. When a person retreats, he/she withdraws from life; gains a new perspective and recharges. Jesus was known to retreat, so why is it that we do not see the need to? We can take a mini retreat any time that we need one. Here’s how to prepare yourself.
·       
Get disconnected from the outside world.

“Fast” from your cell phone except in emergency situations. Remember, you are creating some “alone time” for yourself and creating more time with God. Technology make us always assessable and focused on too many distractions.

·         Trust and enjoy the silence.

We have become so accustomed to the noise around us. However, understanding that sound distracts ones’ mind and makes you incapable of listening to the inner voice is reason enough to “Be Still” as God commands when we are told to “Be still and know that I am God”. Silence truly is golden and is nothing to be afraid of. Learn to appreciate silence and take it as an opportunity to do some inner analysis. Ask yourself some questions and listen within for the answers.

·         Set realistic goals.

Realistic goals are the key to  achieving success in life. The same applies even to your spiritual retreat. A simple goal like having some time with God will do. Make it as distraction-free as possible. Another goal may be to do some self-reflection in order to plan for the next season of your life.

·         Talk to God

During your retreat, you have decided to spend time with God. Take maximum advantage of this time. Talk to God about yourself, about your family, about your goals in life, about your surroundings and about everything else that comes to your mind. Then, be quiet and listen for His input.

·         Journal about your insights.

Being negligent about this aspect is like letting a thief steal from you. Once you get back to the busyness of life, it’s so easy to forget the gold that was minded during this time of reflection and meditation. Having insights and wisdom written down will encourage you to put into practice the things you learned while on your SPA for the Spirit.

·         You should also be careful when selecting a location. Go for a place located in a scenic surrounding. This will help put your mind at ease and let you disconnect yourself from the outside world  easier.

·         Listen to music that it relaxing and quieting to the spirit.

A spiritual retreat is the most effective way to gain spiritual direction and insight. Prepare yourself, and you will get the most from it. Be blessed.

The ABC’s of Manifesting a Life of Purpose and Productivity

By Rena Canady-Laster, Transformational Life Coach

Let me ask you, do you regularly assess your degree of productivity? I’m not speaking of the busyness, never ending appointments, filled calendars, and pursuit of success by the world’s definition. And, did you make New Year’s Resolutions and declarations in January? Did you know that research shows that only 46% of people keep their resolutions for at least six months; and only 8% keep them all year long. But think about this, 25% of the people who make resolutions give up on them by January 7. I am passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves with the intentional thoughts, tools, and actions required to see the intentional manifestation of purpose and productivity in this quest. The ABCs provided below will whet your appetite for future articles, radio shows, blogs, and resources that I will provide discussing specific tools and resources to manifest those things discussed in the following:

A: A digital footprint and platform that offers hope and positive messages is imperative if you are an influencer.  Always make sure that you create value when posting on social media. Social media is designed to bring people together, not tear apart, and create dissention.

B: Begin with a clean slate, when necessary, after intentionally accessing resolutions, goals, and declarations. A fresh, new beginning can start at any time, any second, and any day. Put the past behind you. Let go of regrets. Forgive yourself.  You can always write new chapters in your life story.

C: Communicate your needs and boundaries in all of your relationships. Avoid being vague and assuming that others are “mind readers” and know what you want or how you feel.  Build support networks and support systems and collaborate with others whenever possible. Even Long Ranger had a Tonto, and no man is an island. Prolonged isolation can lead to depression.

D: Declutter your mind, surroundings, devices, and relationships so that you can clearly hear from God. Write down important information and tasks and let go of trying to remember everything. Keep paper and pencil nearby, especially by the bed, for when ideas, dreams, instructions, and plans come to your mind. I even keep sticky notes in my car to stick on the dash to remind me of errands. Clutter makes you feel disorganized, distracted, and drains mental energy. Clutter is also one of Satan’s devices used to distract, tear down self-esteem, and consume our time.

E: Establish a morning routine and prepare the night before to avoid morning rushing and chaos. Eat breakfast. Research shows that it provides energy to start your day. And, some experts say that people who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat the rest of the day. Fuel your physical brain and body and allow God to fuel your spirit.

F: Food prep meals to encourage planning ahead and healthy eating healthier.

G: Get fresh air to help clear your lungs and sunshine for Vitamin D.

H: Heart…guard it always and protect your open orifices: nose, mouth, sexual organs from misuse. Control what you watch and hear on television and other media. Make sure that you spend the bulk of your time manifesting God’s purpose for your life rather than mindlessly binge-watching television and other avenues wherein others have manifested their purpose.

I: Integrate technology as a time saver, a means of staying connected, and a way to learn new things. 

J: Just say no. No is a complete sentence. Don’t overcommit yourself or let others make their priorities yours if they are not. Say no to those things that do no lead to the manifestation of God’s purpose and plan for your life.

K: Know that opportunities sometimes present themselves as obstacles. God’s ways are not our ways. He uses who and what He wills in our lives.

L: Laugh every day. Laughter is as medicine.

M: Make time for fun and activities that you enjoy. Spend time with people who are focused on the business of God’s kingdom, people who will mentor you and discourage things that God forbids. And yes; Christians can and do have fun!

N: Nontoxic cleaners, cosmetics, and products incorporated in your lifestyle help you achieve a healthy living environment.

O: Offenses should not be allowed to fester. Forgive soon and often. Love those who love you. Love those who don’t love you, showing them with your life why they should love you.

P: Plan individual time for your self- care, date nights with your spouse/ significant others and children to keep your relationships strong and to stay connected with their lives.

Q: Question your motives, perspectives, and assumptions often. Are you doing what you need to be doing when and why you need to do it? Is it for God’s glory? What’s your why?

R: Rest and get enough sleep daily.

S: Set S.M.A.R.T. goals that motivate you; set boundaries and priorities and seek balance in your life. Again, what’s your why?

T: Take time for self-care, exercise, and reflection daily. Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air.

U: Utilize resources that are available to you. Why re-create the wheel when you don’t have to?

V: Victim mentalities keep us stuck.  Think about being a victor, overcomer, thriver, and being resilient. 

W: Welcome each new day with anticipation and intentionally live your dash.

X: Xamine your life on a regular basis to check for integrity and character breeches, gaps, and flaws.  Remember that your thoughts become your words.

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Y: Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your character. Your character becomes your destiny. Who are you?

Z: Zealously practice COVID safety protocols and be mindful of your health at all times. Be prepared to ward off sickness and disease. Be proactive and intentional. Begin now to examine yourself for mindsets that are keeping you stuck and that do not allow you to grow and thrive. Follow me on: All Things Canady on Face Book, Life Building Site on Instagram; Rena Laster on You Tube and LinkedIn; and

All Things Canady Business Accelerator, Branding, and Coaching to stay informed and inspired about ways to manifest and manage God’s purpose for your life. You may reach me for coaching and speaking at allthingscanady@gmail.com.

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My mission in life is to encourage, empower, and educate women as they live life as God’s D.I.V.As-discipled, inspirational, victorious, ambassadors.

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Raising Resilient Children in an Uncertain World

Children are not immune to emotional hurt, pain, challenges, and traumas. The world presents us with uncertainty, problems, and conflict daily; we never know when or to whom they will come. Problems like adapting to a new classroom, making new friends, and going through developmental stages almost seem mundane compared to the almost never-ending barrage of mass murders, lack of gun control, continuing COVID-19, suicide, child abuse, domestic violence, war, food insecurity, and other social ills impacting our schools, families, and world. There was once a time when we were concerned about and were asked to pray for the starving little children in Africa. The praying field has now come home to America, and our children must learn to survive and thrive in a world unlike anything that we have ever known. Childhood once described as “carefree” is anything but that as children express concern for their safety, see their parents struggle to find milk for their infant siblings, hear about their peers being murdered at earlier ages, and simply fearing for their own lives because of what they’ve seen or heard on the news. Despite the challenges and doom and gloom, there is hope in our ability to raise resilient children who know that there are things in the world that they cannot control; yet, they can learn and practice skills that will help them to control what is within their control and sphere of influence. Resilient skills can be learned, and it is the responsibility of parents and teachers to teach and provide environments for children to learn them. The child’s personality, age, and stage of development can help guide us in how to help them develop resilience and feel safe. What questions do they ask? How do they react to the news? Do they seem overly anxious or afraid? Do they lash out or become easily angered? Do they busy themselves? Do they appear afraid? Have they regressed to earlier stages of development such as bed wetting, clingy, and thumb sucking? Remember that our children also watch us for cues about how to handle the situations that confront us. Do you talk about being afraid, unsure about the future, and not knowing what to do? We need to model resilience in our own lives as examples to our children.

Exactly what is resilience anyway? Some say that is the ability to bounce back after being knocked down by trauma or life’s circumstances. Being resilient does not mean that one does not experience times of difficulty or setbacks. Others, such as the American Psychological Association, say that it is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. I have come to believe, through experience, that it is often a process whereby you are able to process what has happened and apply learned, healthy coping mechanisms while calling upon your strengths, stamina, and support systems during and after the experience you’ve come through on the other side. Often, something has happened that shakes us to our core, disturbs our equilibrium, and takes us from a place of rational thinking to simply reacting. We must bring ourselves back from the fight to be controlled by our emotions to a place of being controlled by our intellect, rational thinking, and skill sets; being responsive rather than reactive. 

Being resilient allows you to navigate life’s turbulence from a place of strength. Here are some habits and skills that can help us to be and model resilience to our children: 

Active listening, without judgement, when someone is sharing their feelings and experience rather than trying to make our opinion known. 

Maintaining hope for the future based on the presence of support systems, a life purpose, foundational belief system, good things that happened in the past, positivity, and optimism.

Having the ability to be grateful for even the smallest things like our breath, water to drink, a roof over our head, someone to share with.

Teaching and engaging children in problem solving skills.

Remembering to be kind and that others are suffering, too. It is often heard during a crisis that “ we’re all in this together”.

Being forgiving of others. This is often more for you to be able to move on than it is about the other person and their emotions. Forgiveness frees your mind to focus on the future, your joy, purpose, and what brings meaning to your life. It allows you to take back your power from the people and things that have hurt you or were out of your control.

Don’t isolate yourself. Connection with others is especially important during these times. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and speak life and hope into you and your situation.

Maintain a sense of humor as much as possible, laugh often, and watch something funny to help take your mind off of your troubles and refocus your mind.

Engage in things that motivate you and engage in efforts that help others to survive and be more resilient.

Maintain physical health, exercise, exercise, healthy eating, and daily routines.

Be part of a resilient faith community and local community where they demonstrate and foster the ability of groups of people to respond to and recover from situations such as natural disasters, acts of violence, economic hardship, and racial inequality.

Develop the 7 Cs Resilience Model developed by pediatrician Ken Ginsberg to help children and adolescents build resilience. They are: Learning competence (skill building), confidence (self-esteem), connection (supportive adults and friends), character (moral compass), contribution (helping others and civic responsibility), coping (stress management), and control (inner resources) that build inner strength and utilize outside resources.

Develop the ability to identify, label, and regulate emotions, a necessary skill that can be fostered through art, writing, journaling, and learning effective communication skills to help children express emotions.

Build your connections and support system and focus on relationships.

These are only a few of the many ways to help foster resilience in our children as well as ourselves. Although life sometimes causes us to navigate rough situational waters and deals us lemons, they do not have to determine or control the outcome of our lives. Building resilience requires intentionality, time, and focus. Let us determine now that we will not be controlled by and at the mercy of the uncertainties of life. For, there is one thing for certain, adversities, calamities, sickness, and disease will come. But we can bounce back with a resilient mindset and support. Never be too afraid or ashamed to ask for help! For more information, comments, and feedback, contact me at allthingscanady@gmail.com.

To Women During Women’s History Month

Ladies, as you continue on your phenomenal history-making journey, don’t let the enemy hijack you, your children, your destiny, your shine or your future. Always speak life and the Word of God over your life, your family, and everything that concerns you! Although it seems as if things are going awry at times, always remember that something better and bigger is always on the way. He has the big picture and is doing something great in your life so that you can glorify Him. Stay vigilant. He is operating in the supernatural realm, working behind the scenes, subtly working in you and through you for His glory in the workplace, in your family, and through your platform to bring His Kingdom to earth. Let the devil know that you are not ignorant of his devices. You may bend, but refuse to break. When you fall down, get back up. The Bible tells us that the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes (Proverbs 24:16 NIV). Most of all, depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Galatians 5:16 tells us to “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Proverbs 16:9 lets us know that “the heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps”. And we know that God will “instruct and teach us the way we should go. He will counsel us with His eye upon us” (Psalm 32:8).

Go for broke, by the world’s definition, and allow God’s definition to kick in. Failure is not an option. The world also has a saying, “nothing ventured, nothing gained!”. Psalm 138:8 tells us that God will perfect everything that concerns you”. Jeremiah 29:11 lets me know that God designed us for success. Just as He desired for Jeremiah, so does He have thoughts of peace and not evil toward us, with an expected end: victory! God is no respecter of persons! Don’t be disillusioned, believing that everything will be easy. It will not be. But those women who were successful and are remembered are those who were tenacious, resilient, forward-thinking, and unselfish. They realize that everyone won’t be front center, but that collaboration is necessary for any successful venture. Jesus collaborated with His disciples. The sugar cooperates with the flour and milk in making the perfect cake. As the Bible puts it, “No man liveth to himself; no man dieth to himself”. (Romans 14:7); 1 Corinthians 12:14-22, “For the body is not one member. But many…”. Know that we are all needed to have a positive impact in families, work places, communities and across the globe.

This month allows us to celebrate our diverse achievements, accomplishments, and our stories. Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”. We must not be afraid of our stories. They help us to understand ourselves better and help others to see that if we survived, so can they. They help us to make better decisions. They teach us and transfer generational knowledge and wisdom. They help us to connect with others. And, they help us to connect with the courageous women of generations before us and see ourselves reflected in their stories. What stories do you need to share today?

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Give the Gift of Literacy This Christmas

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Give children the gift of literacy this Christmas-a gift that keeps on giving. Believe it or not, at least one in three adults cannot read this sentence and Georgia has the nation’s third highest high school dropout rate. Only 29% of Georgia’s fourth graders read at or above proficiency levels.   According to the Ferst Foundation, several states plan how many jail cells they will build in the future by how many children are not reading on grade level by third grade.

Yet, in spite of these dismal facts, research also shows that education begins at home and that parents are the child’s first teacher. This is a role not to be taken lightly since the ability to be a competent reader by third grade is a key indicator of a child’s ability to experience academic success, graduate from high school, and to be successful in life. Readers are leaders and leaders are readers. We have the ability to develop our youth as future leaders within the home, school and community.  School readiness actually begins at birth through positive experiences, nurturing, and opportunities to learn at home. We, as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and caring others have the responsibility to produce literate youth.  With the introduction of technology into American families, devices such as laptops, smart phones and tablets that children and teens see as toys and gadgets can be used as fun and innovative ways to make education fun. Why not give these as gifts this Christmas and download educational games and books. How many of us are tired of the toys that kids retire only a few days after Christmas? That is, the ones that still have all the pieces or aren’t broken. And let’s not even talk about the toys that never get played with because the child prefers to play with the box or the Styrofoam packing. It’s amazing to watch this generation of youth and their seemingly innate ability to use technology. I watch as my twenty month old grandson swipes across my phone to look at pictures or as my nine year old grandson hooks up a monitor to my laptop with no instructions for the first time, installs the software and uses the laptop. Children figure out games on their phones and tablets by using problem-solving skills that they are unconsciously utilizing.

I read about an interesting study done by the One Laptop per Child Organization. Laptops were dropped off, boxes unopened, with preloaded programs in a remote area in Ethiopia with a researcher weekly monitoring the devices’ usage. The purpose was to see if illiterate children with no previous exposure to written words could learn to read by themselves without teachers. The organization’s goal is to try to impact the statistic that 100 million first grade aged children worldwide have no access to schooling. After several months, these Ethiopian children were observed singing the alphabet song. One of the researchers stated, “I thought the kids would play with the boxes but within four minutes, one child had found the on-off switch and powered the tablet up”. Within five days, the children were using 47 apps each. “If they can learn to read, they can read to learn”, said Negroponto, the organization’s founder. He states that these early results are promising.

As a grandparent and GED literacy instructor, I have experienced the value of technology in education. I have given tablets preloaded with educational games and books that I approve of to my grandchildren for Christmas in the past. Parental Controls and limits for usagecan be set on many according to the child’s age. Their prices have decreased substantially, making them more affordable as gifts.  We as adults have the responsibility of monitoring our children’s use of technology since there are many unsafe sites and apps. We are obligated to protect our children’s emotional and psychology health as they utilize these devices. During this season of giving, I am giving the gift of information and education to you. ELearning has been found to develop and reinforce reading skills, math skills, eye-hand coordination, planning and problem solving skills.  Join me in giving the gift of literacy and make the experience as safe and educational as possible. Consider these security and internet safety apps, among others, that you research: Google Play Funamo which blocks inappropriate sites and sets time limits for app usage. The Kindle Fire does this also. The Android Kids Place, Care4Teen, and StudyLock for Android are others.

Here are some tablets to consider. VTech InnoTab and Leap Pad include interactive eBooks and learning games. Nabi allows children to browse the web, read books, includes parental controls and a “Mommy Mode.” The Kindle Fire and Nook offer 1,000 children’s books as well as games. Many tablets have durable construction designed for accident prone younger children. Also tablets offer apps that allow stories to be read to the child as they follow along to teach and enhance reading skills.  The Nook even has a Read to Me app that lets parents record themselves reading so that children can hear their parents even when they are not around. There are many other smartphones, tablets and laptops on the market. Do some research and you should be rewarded with a child who enjoys learning. There are some apps that I have used and find helpful. Be sure to test sites before allowing your child to use them. Some free apps for the IPad and Apple products are: Endless Reader; ITunes U, which gives access to courses, lectures and books from leading universities; Bible for Kids; PBS Kids Video; Mathway, which teaches basic math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and Statistics; Khan Academy and Brain pop Featured Movie. Low cost ones include Green Eggs and Ham, The Magic School Bus, ABC Mouse.com and Electric Company Wordball. The Google Store has a variety of educational games, as well. However, I have not used them as much since I have an IPad. Be sure to read the descriptions and reviews before downloading games and apps and remember to disable your child’s ability to download games or surf the web without your permission and or supervision. Make your child the star of stories they read by giving them personalized books with them as the main character.  If there are apps and websites that you are aware of that you find helpful, feel free to email me at liferenovator@gmail.com so that we can share with other parents. Give the gift of literacy this Christmas. Your children and their future will thank you.

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How to be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
Be healthy, wealthy, and wise because “the first wealth is health” as said by Ralph Wald Emerson. Your “Health is Your Wealth” is a cliché that may seem overused, but it is now my mantra because it is true. It is profound. It is prolific. It is prophetic. Taking care of our bodies is just as important as taking care of our finances. We hear people talk about “getting their grind on” to get ahead, but without health, getting ahead often won’t be important or enjoyable. So, let’s strive to be wealthy in our health. Don’t get me wrong. Having money is nice, provides access, and provides the means to advance God’s kingdom. But, let’s strive with intentionality and determination to be healthy enough to accomplish our purpose in life and truly enjoy the things that money, education, and even status provide access to.
Many trade time for money. But many also inadvertently or mindlessly trade their health for money. Poor health is often an accumulation of poor habits, poor decisions, and is the thief of our precious time through poor energy, illness, absence from work, hospital stays, and even early deaths.
We must take control of our lives; our mental, physical, and spiritual health; be a good steward of our time and bodies; and not be afraid of leaving our comfort zones when it comes to diet, exercise, and mindsets. Watch for my series of blogs addressing the detrimental mindsets, the achievable mastery of our health, and our power and ability to make necessary changes. Consider and answer the following as health will be compared to wealth and our money management in subsequent blogs:
• How much is in my health account? (Do the math).
• How can I fix my health credit score?
• How can I begin to add health savings into my health account?
• How can I avoid impulsive health spending?
• What is my beginning health balance?
• What is my current health spending account balance?
• What am I leaving behind as a health legacy and inheritance?
• How can I invest in my health with longevity and the future in mind?
• Where can I find health advisors?
• What unhealthy habits do I need to change?
• What are the effects of poor health management?
Look forward to the answers to these and other questions in my upcoming series YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR WEALTH.
Feel free to submit questions and comments to allthingscanady@gmail.com. Listen to my radio broadcast every Wednesday at 2:00 PM- Life, Hope, and All Things Canady, on http://thelight.live.
(Or download The Light.live app). Remember to intentionally choose to be healthy, wealthy and wise. Be blessed.

Surviving Summer With Kids

https://www.noclosedroads.com/post/enjoying-summer-and-staying-on-track-reading-trackers-challenges

How to Grind Without Wearing Out

Today’s busy life encourages us to “grind”. “To get it done. To compete. To be successful”. But it fails to tell you that you are a limited and valuable resource and… that you will wear out without proper care. Everything of value requires proper maintenance and focus to last and operate at its maximum performance level. Things, people, and activities are constantly beckoning us for our attention. “Surf the web. Check your email. See what your friends are doing on Face Book. Work late. Bing watch episodes. Stay up late. Eat, drink, and be merry. And on, and on it goes”. People pull at us. Family makes demands upon us. We make demands of ourselves. Without intentional focus, we will wear out before our expiration date. Here are some suggestions for grinding, extending your life and operating with minimal stress and burnout.
1. Develop daily disciplines and routines so that they become automatic and requires little effort to get them done. If exercise is a part of your life, decide when and how long you will exercise. If daily devotionals and prayer are part of your life, decide what time you will get them done, set your alarm, and get it done. Routines are behaviors performed over and over, at a specific time so that it becomes automatic. Schedule them into your calendar and show yourself as “busy” because you really will be.
2. Set yourself up for success by removing temptations that will limit your productivity and healthy choices. For example, if you want to lose weight, remove high-calorie foods from your cabinet. If you have a job to get done, turn your phone on vibrate until it is done. Set a timer for the length of time that you plan to work on the task and give it your focused attention.
3. Control urges and impulses. Ask yourself, “What will happen if I don’t do this now? Can this purchase wait? Can I wait to get this done? Is this my problem or someone else’s?” How many times do we let someone else’s crisis become ours because they refuse to take responsibility or the necessary actions? How many times do we make purchases to make us feel better and regret them later? And, why is it called “Retail Therapy” when there is nothing therapeutic about debt?
4. Get proper sleep and rest. For most people, this means get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Fatigue makes us susceptible to making mistakes, undermines our ability to exhibit self-control, and to wake feeling as though we have not rested. Try to begin winding down at least 30 minutes before bedtime, dim the lights, drink a warm beverage without caffeine, and try not to eat after 7 p.m. unless it is a light snack. We are not meant to operate like computers. Our body needs time to rest and recharge.
5. Do the most important tasks when your energy levels are high. The morning hours are best for most people as their energy wanes later in the day. Focused energy, with few distractions, results in higher productivity. Many early risers get more done in the first few hours of the day than most people get done in the rest of the hours of the day combined.
6. Use energy rich foods for fuel. Sugar, simple carbs (pastries, refined sugar products, fruits), and empty calories provide an energy surge that is not sustained, while lean proteins and complex carbs (found in foods such as peas, whole grains and vegetables) provide a steadier, lasting source of energy. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are turned to sugar (energy) in the body and are used in the body’s cells and brain.
7. Be present and focused with whatever you are engaged in. How many times has someone said to you, “You’re not listening to me”? My grandson made me focus on him recently when he said to me, “Grandma, it’s me, Stoic. Grandma. It’s me, Stoic”. I was preoccupied with another task while he tried to talk to me. In other words, he was saying, “I’m important. Focus your attention on me right now”. If you’re driving-drive. If you’re playing-play. If you’re eating-eat. In other words, give your undivided attention to tasks and loved ones. They’ll appreciate it.
8. Set realistic goals. Find your “why” in life. Why am I here? What is my purpose? What legacy do I want to leave? Base your goals upon what imprint you want to leave on the world and your family- first. What the job and organizations require of us are based upon their goal and mission. Do they align with yours? Learn to say “No” to things, people, and tasks that do not align with your purpose in life. And remember that “No” is a complete sentence. Saying “yes” or “not now” when you should say “No” usually results in resentment and an emotional burden of doing something that we really don’t want to do.
9. Lose your “Super Hero” cape. Don’t pride yourself in being the one who always kills him or herself for other people’s pressure, delays, procrastination, or lack of focus on what’s important in your life. Most people will not encourage you to take care of yourself when you are meeting their needs. Set boundaries on your life and stick to them.
10. Avoid negativity, guard your mind and thoughts. What happens inside you shows on the outside in your attitude, body, and communication with others.
In summary, have a good attitude and strive to take care of yourself both inside and outside while living a life of purpose, productivity, and intentionality. Your heart, mind, goals, and outer appearance will thank you. You will live longer and be much happier. Follow me on Face Book
and Instagram at “All Things Canady” or email me at allthingscanady@gmail.com.

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Teens & Sexuality: Addressing Sexuality with Teenagers

Helping teens build fruitful, confident, lives is becoming more challenging each day as they are continually bombarded with a world view designed to be contrary to the Word of God. The area of sexuality especially affects our ability teach generations as ordained by God and to leave lasting legacies of lives of faith and fruitfulness. We are to live fulfilling lives of God’s purpose and plan for us as individuals. This article lets us know that there is still good news and victory in spite of a seemingly lost battle.

Declare and Display

In our families and in our churches, we are far too often late to the conversation about sexuality with our teenagers and reactionary once we speak up. This should not be the case. The kitchen table and living room are perhaps the best places for this discussion. And the church is called to equip its people to follow Christ and make disciples within our culture. To overcome this we must talk about the issues—homosexuality, same-sex attraction, gender fluidity, pornography, and sexual immorality—and we must do so clearly and compassionately. Within our cultural climate we cannot retreat out of fear or remain silent out of ignorance in either the home or the church. Now is the time to engage. Now is the time for honest answers to hard questions. Now is the time to listen well and speak truth in love. Now is the time to address the issues of…

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The ABCS of What Parents and Society Want for Our Children

Here’s a succinct listing of what we all desire for our youth today:
A- Ability to respect authority, authority figures, and parents.
B-Be mindful of their associates and friends
C-Clear rules, expectations, and boundaries at home, at school, and in society
D-Develop peaceful resolution skills, the ability to see other’s point of view, to get along with others, and avoid hurtful language, behaviors, and actions
E-Engage in cultural activities and exposure to new ideas, foods, and places
F-Family life filled with unconditional love and a supportive environment
G-Generational exposure to their elders and their wisdom; respect for elders
H-Healthy choices in thinking, eating, money management, and care of their bodies
I-Integrity in all of their actions
J-Jokes that are not at the expense of someone’s feelings or self-esteem. The gift of laughter.
K-Knowledge. The application of knowledge is power. Be a life-long learner. Value education and stay in school.
L-Learn from their mistakes and keep moving forward
M-Manners. Manners. Manners-have some.
N-Neighborhoods that have caring neighbors who monitor and supervise their behavior
O-Opportunities to be of service to others
P-Positive relationships with adults and to have role models within their family and community, not just celebrities and sports figures
Q-Question their lives-“Why am I here? What’s my purpose? What will be the consequence of my actions?
R-Religious institutions that share in their spiritual, character, and moral development.
S-Safe environments at home, school, neighborhoods, and cities
T-Talk to adults, two way communication with them- listen as well as respectfully share opinions
U-Understand and appreciate cultural diversity in themselves and others
V-Values that develop character, integrity, and guide behavior. The ability to be responsible and to accept responsibility
W-Work skills that include soft and hard skills
X-Xamine choices and the ability to monitor their own behavior
Y-Youth programs, sports, and clubs that engage them in activities during key after school times and on weekends.
Z-Zeal and passion for goals that foster independence and self-sufficiency; the ability to persevere and never give up.