While the tradition of choosing godparents for a new baby is typically affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith, there are some parents who are of different religions or no religion at all that are eager to confer the honor upon someone close to them. Choosing godparents for your child can be a difficult task, especially if you are worried about offending members of your family by passing them over. There are a few ways that you can manage the situation with as much grace as possible, … [Read more...]
Spirituality, steps to ‘Finding the right church for your family’
Whether you’re moving to a new area or simply need to find a new church, there are a variety of factors that parents must consider before settling on membership in a specific congregation. For many, decisions regarding their spirituality and the religious training of their children are some of the most important choices they’ll ever make. While everyone must approach this intensely personal journey from the perspective of their unique family and individual needs, there are some basic … [Read more...]
10 Reasons Kids Should do Volunteer Work
Volunteering as a family, whether on a local or even an international level, has many benefits for both you and your children. There is an astonishing array of programs out there designed specifically to help kids get involved along with their parents, fostering positive self-growth and other valuable attributes that your children will carry with them throughout their adult lives. Here are 'ten of the reasons' why you might want to consider volunteering programs with your children, and … [Read more...]
“I Need a Hug”, Celebrate Love
When in the heat of the battle, always remember: a warm hug cools a slow burn. It may be better to temporarily put aside feelings of anger during misunderstandings and express your love in a silent, close embrace. Clearly affectionate communication is beneficial, but what happens when the expressed affection is not an authentic representation of your partner's feelings? “I Need a Hug!” It is at times like these, when tempers are flaring, words can not only fan the flames, … [Read more...]
Christmas Tree, ‘to be real or not to be’ – that is the question?
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, ideally an evergreen conifer such as pine or fir, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas. An artificial Christmas tree is an object made to resemble such a tree, usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as nuts or dates. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by [candle]s, which with electrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights … [Read more...]
Make the Holiday Season More Enjoyable, Marcia Hall
When most parents hear the word “Holidays”, “Christmas” or “Hanukkah” there is a feeling of joy and excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety and possibly even panic. Everything around, from store fronts to advertisements, says that this time of year is supposed to be fun, peaceful and all about family, but rarely do parents feel that way. It is possible, however, to make it to the end of the season with some joy and peace left intact. Limit Commitments – Yes, there are some things … [Read more...]
VERONICA, Recently Crossed Family and Friends
For Those of You Missing Recently Crossed Family and Friends "For those of you missing recently crossed family and friends, it is of great importance to understand their now clear perspective of physical life. After a period of contemplation, where they confer with their guides about the progress of their own soul, they become more able to look at the bigger picture. There is a clarity of what is important to evolution, and what is simply drama. We are often asked … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving, putting back the ‘Thanks’ into this Holiday
In the United States, fall marks a trifecta of holidays that snowball, picking up speed as they carry us,—often chaotically—from October through the New Year. The party starts with the distinctly non-religious (some would say pagan) celebration of Halloween; progresses to the spiritually inclusive embracing of gratitude that is Thanksgiving; and culminates in various religious observances ranging from Christmas to Hanukkah to Kwanza. Sadly, long before we reach Thanksgiving Day, we are already … [Read more...]