Back 2 School

For many of us it seems like school just let out and the summer really got into full swing. But can you believe some kids have already started the annual routine of going to bed early, packing up their lunches and book bags and heading back to school?

Here are some quick tips to help get you kids school year off to a great start!


As a way to celebrate your children going on to the next grade in their school career, schedule a back to school breakfast at their favorite restaurant. You’ll have to sacrifice and get your day going earlier than usual but it will be something they’ll always remember.

This also gives them something special to look forward to. If you can, try to have the breakfast on the first day or during the first week of their return to school.

While this may seem to be a very obvious and simple suggestion, you might be surprised to know how many parents struggle with getting their children to school on a regular basis. If you’re trying to break the habit of chronically running late, here are a couple of things to consider.

Children typically don’t do what you say, they repeat what you do. So if you’re setting the example of always running late and getting them to school or other events “just in the nick of time” - they will more than likely repeat this negative habit in the adult lives. In addition, when we bring our children into an event late, it automatically starts their day out with feelings of condemnation, stress and worry. Their worried about what their teacher and other students think, they have to explain why they were late and will probably be reprimanded.

Getting them to school 15 minutes early allows them to take some time in their morning to pace themselves and get their day off to a nice solid and calm start!

Make sure you take time every night and every morning to speak a special blessing over your children. Let them know how much you love them and God loves them. Tell them they can do anything they set their mind to with God’s help and that they are beautiful or handsome, strong, smart and full of courage. Declare that they have favor with their teachers and other students and that they are well liked and succeed wherever they go.

Receiving this kind of affirmation from a parent at an early age sets the course of confidence for their day and for the rest of their lives. It only takes a couple of minutes and helps develop characteristics that will last a lifetime.

Changes can make life better

You don't have to defer your happiness in life waiting on one single event to "make everything perfect." Here are a few common concerns people have about their lives and suggestions to maximize your current situation:

1. I feel stuck in my job.

If you feel like your job is leading you down a dead-end path, you are not alone. Recent studies show that 6 out of 10 people are unhappy with their current jobs. What are you passionate about?

Have you been dreaming of writing that book, launching an invention or opening a store? You can set small goals for yourself and begin your own business on a part-time basis. You might say, "I just don't have the time to work my business full time." That's OK — working it part-time is better than no time at all. Dedicate a couple of hours a day toward your goal. Also consider starting online which will keep your overhead low and give you the flexibility to work from home at varying hours.

If you want to go into a different professional field all together, research the cost to get advanced training or a degree part time or online. It may feel like a slow process, but if you start now, you will finish and have the skills to move into a new field.

2. I need a vacation, but can't afford it.

When it comes to money and time, we do what we deem to be top priority. If it's been years since you've been on vacation, maybe it's time to raise yourself up on the priority list.

You don't have to wait for the perfect moment, when all the stars and your finances line up to enjoy a vacation with your spouse or family.

Try setting aside a percentage of your income every month to go toward your vacation fund. Maybe you won't go to Paris or Cancun right away, but you can start with a local resort by the lake in your area. '

Or you can become a tourist in your own city. Make a hotel reservation downtown, schedule dinner, a play, trip to the spa or a shopping excursions. Just one night away from your regular routine will do wonders for your peace of mind and add zest to your life.

3. I want to move into a new home

Of course, it's easy to go out this week and start looking at new nicer homes. But maybe the money's just not there yet. Here are a few simple, less expensive alternatives to upgrade your current living space:

- Freshen your rooms up with new paint.

- Get your carpets cleaned.

- Purchase new bedding, linen, towels and window treatments.

- Rearrange the furniture and décor in your house and eliminate clutter.

As always, make today the best day of your life!

Don't fear the outside of the box

Maybe you've lived in the same area your entire life, had the same friends, gone to the same places and you're feeling a little trapped.

If you feel like you're stuck in a box, in a rut, doing the same thing day in, day out, and desperately need a change — be encouraged!

The change you need is already on the inside of you.

God created each and every person on the planet with the inherent gifts, talents and wisdom needed to navigate through every part of their lives.

You just have to dig deep to stir up that fire and the gifts of God already in you. Spend time in prayer, reading God's word and begin to tap into new areas of your creativity.

Make a decision and an effort to get fired up about life, love and your purpose again. Don't stay in a place of indifference.

Be selective

If you find you feel a bit discouraged after you share your dreams with certain individuals, you need to remember everyone may not understand or see your long-term vision.

So be selective about whom you share your dreams with. Make sure you share your vision with people who will be your biggest cheerleaders and supporters.

There are many people who will rally behind you, but unfortunately there are some dream assassins out there, people who will quickly take what you believe and shoot it down.

So protect your hopes and your heart and connect with others who propel you into your destiny. As you change for the better and break the status quo within your circle of friends, remember everyone may not support or understand you. But keep moving forward because great visionaries always see outside of the box.

Avoid perfection paralysis

Don't wait for the perfect moment to feel you have the right amount of time and money to begin working your dreams. Start now. Start small.

Even start out scared if you have to, but just get those wheels turning.

A lot of people feel like they have to wait until they have full confidence and feel fearless before they begin pursuing their dream. But what they may not realize is many of us pursue our purpose despite the fear.

If we wait until there's no sense of nervousness, we may never get started. Take a few small steps every week toward achieving your goals. Eventually you'll look back and realize each of those small steps created one great leap of faith in your life.