Let it Go!

Are you holding on to grudges; ill feeling for something that was said or done to you? You feel betrayed, hurt? Let it go, or it will destroy your inner being! Did you ever pay attention to how you really feel? It's awful, and you feel sick inside, your first instinct is to retaliate. You want them to feel as awful as you at the moment! So, let me tell you from experience never react on those feelings, take a moment and try to reflect on the whole issue. Try and remember treat others the way you want to be treated! No matter how much it hurts, because in the end it will hurt you more. Think about this for a second; the other person may not even care about what has happened or how you feel; they my friend are going about their every day life, without even giving you so much as a thought! However; you inside are being torn up, health wise, this isn't a good thing. Anger will consume you, Let it Go! Look in your heart for Love! It's medicine for the soul. Let me share these awesome scriptures with you, now don't go no where! :)

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Now, there are no other words I could say to help you understand why! We just need to know that someone knows better, and we should open our eyes to see, and ears to hear! Even for the non believer; if for no other reason, than to have something that teaches decency, then that, should be reason enough for you, for now, that is! Mark 8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

God Bless,
Copyright 11/13/07 Donna L. Maholage aka/Chatterbox

The Value of Life?

Did you ever just wonder how much time you really have here on this earth? I have, and maybe, if we would give that question just a little more thought, we would have more answers! Life in the end is really what you make it, you make choices, and then you live with them. Some choices have pretty hard consequences, and you can't go back and undo them. All you can do is make the future better. That is why, you can never give up, there is always something you can do to make your life count. And when you have a family, it is family first! Make your time with them, not the world, so many are concerned with living of the world, instead of in the world. Things; will consume you, and then your life! And when that is gone you are gone! And all you will leave are memories, and memories have a way of fading away, so, make yours count. Put value to your life!

Now, when you are young you seem to think of time as a friend, something that will always be there. And when you get older, you realize time really does just slip away! Wow, what impact, time really does just slip away. Like, here today gone tomorrow. My husband and I lost a very dear friend and business associate this year! And we were devastated, it was so sudden, we could hardly believe he was gone. And all the time, he knew the way he was living, was killing him. Now, ask me if he really cared? Sure he cared, but not enough to do anything about it, and for years he could have. He leaves behind a wife, daughter and two grandchildren. And, they are the ones now left with the memories he created for them, and as sad as I am to say, he could have tried a little harder, I can see the pain he left behind! The hurt, he can't take back, it's too late, he didn't value life enough to care! And I know I don't want to be my friend, that is why I write stuff like this, yeah, some might say it's rambling I say it's a voice, and if I can leave even a small impact on even one person, than to me it was worth it. Some fellow writers say; time is money and I am wasting my time, but I say No! I'm not! People search all there lives for answerer's, and if we would all share and mentor to one another, maybe we could bridge those gaps and focus on family again, moral values, helping one another, things that really do matter. Not how much money you can put in the bank, or how big a house you can live in. What good are all those things, if what matters the most is lost. A world without warmth, love, compassion. I get up everyday, say a prayer; thank the Lord that he gives me another day here on Earth! And believe me when I say, I have to work hard at trying to live in a world that test you every morsel of your soul. For the most part :), I have learned to have faith, to close my mouth, and trust in God, We try not to judge, as there is only one true judge of the world, but let me tell you, it's a journey! One, I know I will travel indefinitely, and hope to gain strength as I go! I want to make my life count; I want to leave a mark, something that my God and family would be proud of! So, make your life something you Value, make it count! You’re worth it, and so is your family! We are all family, wasn't it God who said we are all Brothers and Sisters? Talk to you soon!

God Bless
Chatterbox

Kids What's the Matter With Kids Today

I know this isn't going to go over well for some, but sorry to hurt a few feelings. Enough is enough, our children are falling through the cracks. And it's just getting worse with every generation. Parents need to take back their control and start acting like adults and stop being cowards. There is no room for coward ism, when it comes to parenting. Stand up for what you believe. Set your standards, and don't let anyone make you think you have to lower them.

So, let me say as nice as I possibly can.................................................Sorry.....................................

Parents, that's what's the matter! As a mother of five and grandmother, working hard every day to make sure my kids grow up to be the best they can! Well, that has been the hardest job I have every encountered from flipping burgers, cleaning houses, and assisting my husband for 27 years in his business, raising children by far takes the most effort and hard work of all. Of course, this is my opinion, and I am sure, many Mom's and Dad's out there, that are doing their job, can agree to most of my statements. In order to raise productive loving kind, respectful, considerate children, you have to put some effort and hard work into it.

The way I see it, children for one don't come with a handbook, and a lot of what we do is trial and error. And only the final outcome will tell the results. So, it's our job to make the best effort possible we can. And gosh today with more mother's working and children in day care, there just is a lack of good parenting. Parents for the most part don't want to parent, it's too hard, you get to much resistance, and it's much easier to just give in. And I'm afraid that won't cut it, your family is not some movie you can rewind and fix all the wrongs. Your human, your going to make mistakes, but not trying to make your best effort , that's a mistake you can't take back.

We as parents have to set an example and be good role models for our kids. We are the main ingredient to their success! We have to always keep in mind that we are not here to be our children's best friend. And it's okay if they don't like us all the time, it just means we are doing our job. There will be plenty of time for friendship later. Our children are a gift from God, and it's our duty to raise them up right! There are many scriptures on discipline, and God knew what he was doing from the begining. It was man that decided to mess things up. For example: Poor leadership causes laxity, Exodus 32:25; He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly, Proverbs 29:15, Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul, Proverbs 29:17

Now don't get me wrong this isn't as easy as it sounds, infact it can be quite the challange at times. I am having a challange as we speak, however I am learning over the many years of raising children that we are never too old to learn! And if we stay true and have faith, I do believe it will all turn out fine. Thank you for reading, and letting me share with you. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts with me and others!

God Bless!
Chatterbox

Slow day.............

Good afternoon everyone!

Hope you all tried the peanut butter fudge recipe? Let me know what you thought!

Today has been slow, not much happening at the home front, I am planning on trying out a cool dish for dinner, nothing special, actually pretty simple, but looks fancy! It's a pasta dish, a little Vermicelli, add the veggies, meat and sauce of your choice and not to shabby! I'll let you know how it turns out!

Catch you all later,
Chatterbox

Bits And Pieces

October 30, 2007

Hey, it's been a long time! Hope everyone is doing well and getting ready for the Holidays!

BITS AND PIECES

Bits and Pieces wants to share a family fun quick and easy recipe!

Heres a recipe for the microwave Peanut Butter fudge, I thought you would all enjoy!

2/3 cup butter, 2/3 cup chunky pb, 6 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup milk, 1 tbsp vanilla

put pb and butter in large bowl, micro until butter melts about ( 1 1/2 to 2 minutes); stir until well mixed, stir in rest of ingredients until lumps disappear. Microwave until softened but not bubbly. (1 to 1 1/2 minutes); stir, pour into butered 8 inch pan, cover and place in fridge at least 1 hour. Cut into squares, store in fridge.

Try it and let me know what you think? I am excited to hear from you.




Coming Soon...............Bits an Pieces..............and you!

A blend of family fun, food and news from the home front! And your comments and opinions! So, stay tuned and don't miss the Good times!

See ya soon,
Chatterbox



July 21, 2007

Hi, It's been a while but........I am happy to announce the arrival of my new granddaughter, Lil' Donna Lee, she was born on June 8, 2007 at 1:43 PM. Oh........and what a beauty! More to come!

See ya soon,
Chatterbox

Tips on How to Parent

Parenting Tips

Today I will be talking from experience and sharing some tips I have learned in my journey of raising children. And currently still raising two teenage boys! Yeah, I know when it comes to teenagers, one might say where did my sweet little child go, it's like aliens came down and snatched them right out of here! Well, don't feel bad I think most everyone out there with teenagers could agree at one point or another.

I think of my teenager as a flower, one who needs plenty of sunshine, water and TLC! Now, the problem with this is getting them to agree, the things I do are in their best interest, and mom and dad really do know what's best!

This is where it gets tricky, teenagers tend to believe they know everything, come on, we were once there ourselves. Now, with the advantage of hindsight we should be intuitively keen, assuming we are on top of things. So, with this in thought think before you speak, balance out the playing field. Let the ball be in their court, talk out the conflict instead of battling them. Arguing or being defensive never works, been down that road! And on occasions have traveled back. We all want to be the winner in an argument and face it, someone has to loose but, if careful both can be winners.

Today is even harder then ever to raise children, we battle an array of diversities! Due to an overindulged society and a lack of good parenting; too many are looking for a quick fix, and frankly don't want or have the time to deal with it. Thus leaving children to raise themselves, and lord knows I have issues with that. It makes me so mad, I could literally stay on this subject for ever! Well, back to a few good tips:

1.) Always think before you speak.........

2.) If handing out a punishment; make sure the punishment fits the crime!

3.) Try compromising as long as you are not lowering your standards & beliefs.

4.) Set boundaries and limits.

5.) Say what you mean and mean what you say.

6.) Encourage friends to hang out at your house; where you can keep an eye on your children.

Now, remember there are no assurances and quick fixes and sometimes we just mess up! But with common sense and wisdom and a little hard work your kids are most likely going to be just fine. Now, this is just my opinion and God knows I have had lots of experience on the subject of children and continue to learn everyday. Keep your faith and God Bless!

Put on a Happy Face

Our face is like the window to our soul. When we carry a frown we tend to be sad and down, most likely to anger. But when you smile and try to look on the bright side of things, it is pretty hard to be mad! I'm not saying a smile is going to fix everything but, it can't hurt! It is like energy for your soul. Just as we need food to survive we need Peace to live! NKJV 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Now, it does take a conscious effort to accomplish this, especially when your three year old just spilled a bottle of juice all over the kitchen floor.....or your teenager just slammed the door and it was like a Tornado just passed through! It's hard I honestly know. I am a work in progress but, I am learning Smile......It will open the door to your heart. Believe me when I say this, been there done that; and might I add, hindsight is 20/20. So, remember if at first you don't succeed try try again.

Are you feeding your children to the Wolves?

Well, with this in mind just look around you. Does it seem awful cold and nasty out these days. And I don't mean this in a atmospheric kind of way, I am speaking of the disappearing of morals and values and the self-centered greedy society we live in. It seems there is never enough, so families work twice as hard as they did years ago. And thus causing an empty nest of parents at the home front! Unfortunately it seems a lot of parents think their children can raise themselves! And if the foundation of morals and values isn't instilled early, you are not going to have a respected teenager or adult society. We are breeding a generation of wolves and monsters.

Now, for those of you who are trying and doing your best I applaud you. You deserve it, parenting is hard work! And for all of you who are not shame on you, for your lack is devouring our youth! And for one, I refuse to feed my children to the wolves. And boy this is a hard task, we not only fight the normal teenager challenges we fight the wolves! Those latchkey children that had to pretty much raise themselves. Children alone for too long have a use of unstructured time (e.g. watching too much TV, video games and computer access; internet chatrooms and adult websites. Too much garbage, you get out what you put in!

Today it is the norm to over indulge your children, and spoil them! Well, it seems like a quick fix for the moment but in the end you are leaving them with nothing. They don't feel they need bounderies and limits and as far as working for something, well they expect their parents to supply it. And those parents that don't fit that mold, well they tell our kids there is something wrong with your parents! We are too strick, too controling; sorry I don't care what everyone else thinks I'll know in the end I tried to do what was right morally and biblicaly! And every chance I get to talk to a teen I share in a brief way my beliefs. I have found the kids listen! So, they really do want our guidence and love! So, hold on to what you truly believe and hang in there, there is still lots to do.................