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5 Keys to Building Self Esteem in Others

5 Keys to Building Self Esteem in OthersBuilding self esteem in others is easier than you may think. Today’s headlines run the gamut from bullying kids to neglecting senior adults. Those who lack self-esteem are most vulnerable. Many have never been told how special they are; that they have value and purpose.

Here are 5 keys to building self esteem in your family, friends, and even the work place. While I am using our young great-grandson and his coloring as an example, these keys will apply to all ages.  (See his signature in purple? Wow!)

  1. BE SLOW TO CRITICIZE.  What did you notice first? Did you wonder why someone let that young child scribble in the book? The pride Logan shows in his finished picture could be quickly crushed if his coloring was ridiculed.
  2. BE QUICK TO PRAISE.  Practice looking for good in all things. Praise young ones for finished projects. Praise older adults for not giving up; for staying strong, for their encouragement through the years.
  3. LOOK FOR TEACHABLE MOMENTS. While Logan colored from his new book, his mother read these words from the facing page: “Patches says …Thank God for how He made you. Thank Him for loving you so much, just like you are.” She read Psalm 139:14 and other encouraging words from that page.
  4. FOCUS ON THE PERSON, NOT THE SITUATION. Building self esteem in others can be as simple as overlooking mistakes (or our perception of them), accidents, spills, or awkward behaviors, Harsh words cut deeply and leave big scars.
  5. ALLOW SELF EXPRESSION WHEN APPROPRIATE.  Can you imagine this little one as a teenager looking at the scribbles and remembering how his mother praised his work? He may laugh at the silliness of it now, but he will always remember her encouraging words and love and that he was special to her and to God.

It’s worth noting that we each see things differently through our experiences, preferences and needs. As we learn to value the individual above all else, we both are richer.

From Patches’ commentary on page 74 of Patches’ Biblical Coloring and Activity Book:  “Do you ever wish you looked differently? …. Let me tell you something that is honestly true about you: You ARE very special! God planned you … He loves you ...”

Do you know someone who needs encouraged? Patches’ book has been enjoyed in nursing homes as well as in classrooms.  Why? Because every age needs to know they are loved! Please leave a comment on Amazon.com if you have enjoyed the Biblical Coloring and Activity Book. Thanks!

 

Tips on Storing Fresh Produce Safely

Tips on Storing Fresh Produce Safely

Here are easy tips on storing fresh produce safely.

Summer means Farmer’s Markets and fresh produce at the local grocers. It often means shopping carts filled to the brim with crisp greens and fragrant perishables.

Sadly, it can also mean wasted dollars as much of the food will perish or wilt before it is consumed. Here are a few simple tips to help you in storing fresh produce safely and longer.

Some fresh produce facts:

  1. Cold sensitive foods such as potatoes, onions, garlic, and winter squash lose flavor and moisture in cold temperatures; keep them in pantry in cool, dark place.
  2. Produce needs to breathe: putting in air-tight bag speeds up decay.
  3. Keep foods whole when possible to enable longer storage life.
  4. Store apples, apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew in frig apart from other fruits because they are gassy.
  5. Avocados, unripe bananas, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes are gassy but do not like refrigeration.

 

CHOPPED SALAD OR GREENS – These keep longer if stored in a covered bowl lined with a paper towel. After washing, pat dry with towel as excessive moisture hastens spoilage.

POTATOES, APPLES, AND ONIONS – An apple stored with potatoes will help keep potatoes from sprouting. Onions need to be stored separately. Hint: to keep onions up to 7 months, drop them in panty hose (tied between each one) and hang in cool, dry place.

ALL FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES – Do not cut until ready to use for longer life and best flavor. A little lemon juice will keep sliced apples from browning if you have leftovers to keep.

BERRIES, SMALL FRUITS, AND GREENS – For best results, clean fruits, vegetables, and greens in a solution of one part white vinegar and ten parts water to remove dirt and pesticides and prevent mold.

BANANAS – Store bananas away from other fruits as they produce high amounts of Ethylene gas. If you need them to ripen super fast, place in closed plastic bag; the gas they produce will be locked in and ripen them. Plastic wrap around the crown of a bunch of bananas will slow ripening.

TOMATOES – Store at room temperature away from sunlight for longer life. Plastic bags or wrap promotes spoilage; keep them dry and cool.

CELERY, LETTUCE, KALE, BROCCOLI – Store these items in the refrigerator in tin foil to decrease their spoilage time.

For a great alphabetical list of veggies and fruits and how long they will keep, click here.

Worth noting: fresh produce stored in the refrigerator should be put in drawers and not in the door to maintain regular temperature. It is best to use glass containers as some plastics increase spoilage time.

What works for you in storing fresh produce safely? Share with us.

Hugs,

Keep your eye on my kid’s page; some good news coming real soon!

Be Sensitive and Encouraging on Mother’s Day

Be Sensitive and Encouraging on Mother's Day You can be sensitive and encouraging on Mother’s Day –

Families need us to be sensitive and encouraging on Mother’s Day. For generations, little ones eagerly worked to give moms and grandmothers hand-made treasures.  A family was simply Mom, Dad, children!

Today’s family units often include step-parents, blended families. Some children can have several “moms”. How do you handle that?

Death, divorce, distance have separated families; Mother’s Day can be painful at best. You have the opportunity to be an important encourager to those families this year.

Suppose you waited all day for a call from family that never came. Perhaps you have no children to bring you gifts; no mother or grandmother to shower gifts upon. It easily could be a sad time for you.

Thoughts go back to the phrase, “It’s not about you.” It isn’t whether you receive calls or gifts, or about grieving because parents and grandparents are gone. Question is, “Who can you share God’s love with this season? What lonely person can you encourage on Mother’s Day?”

Missing Your Mother or Grandmother?

Turn your misses into celebrations … extend a hand to such as these.

  1. A widower who may have given gifts to his wife each year and now feels alone. Help him know he is not alone; he is loved and appreciated.
  2. A woman living alone with no children; let this be the year that she, too, is shown love and honor. NOTE: In our church we celebrate motherhood by giving every lady a gift so none are left alone. Women are created to care for others … to “mother” them.
  3. Children missing their mother. Whatever the age, be aware of those who have lost mothers or grandmothers this year and let them know in a tangible way you are praying for them and share their loss.
  4. The list can be as large as you wish it to be. Our neighborhoods, care homes, hospitals are filled with lonely people. That loneliness can intensify on holidays; let’s help the hurting

 

And, for your moms/grandmothers, try these simple Mother’s Day tips to perk your thoughts and help you celebrate the season.

  1. Your  time. As simple as that sounds, calling or spending even 30 minutest with someone tells them they are loved and cared for.
  2. Cookies. A small paper plate of home-baked cookies with plastic wrap gathered around it and tied with colorful ribbon is a simple gift. Add fun stickers for more festive look.
  3. Find out if they write letters. If so, give a small pack of note cards, enough stamps for each, and a pretty pen with colored ink. Again wrap in clear bag with colorful ribbon.
  4. Do they enjoy reading? A book of poems or short stories would be welcome gift. Perhaps a small journal (with big lines) and a pretty pen will inspire them to write their thoughts or memories of the past. A music cd might be a welcome gift.
  5. Small basket of goodies. Add dried fruit, nuts, crackers, candies. Check dietary needs.

 

You have the power to Make Someone’s Day this Mother’s Day!

For more from me, click here

I send bouquets of happiness to you with smiles and hugs,

Let me hear from you; it’s always a blessing to hear your thoughts and concerns in caring for others.