We've Moved

New Bold & Free Blog!

Change is inevitable, consistent and part of life. Some changes may be minor, like switching brands of toothpaste, but when a few dozen changes happen all at once, life becomes stressful. If I had my choice, I’d take my changes in little bite-size pieces.  Instead, I’ve been given a succulent, gourmet meal with only five minutes to savor it. 

One of the changes I’ve made is switching my blog over to Wordpress. You can now find Bold & Free here: http://boldnfree.wordpress.com  the blog will continue much like it is, but without the videos. All my videos will now be at Jan In Real Life and I’ll be video blogging more frequently than I write on Bold & Free. I’ve also added a recipe blog of easy, delicious recipes.  I do not believe in mixes - just Fabulous Fresh Food. Please include my new blogs in your blog roll. I want to include you all as well – just a soon as I learn how to do that.  Please be patient with me as I learn all the ins and outs of Wordpress.  

Jan In Real Life - http://www.janinreallife.wordpress.com

Since I love networking and encouraging people, SendOutCards  was a perfect business to get into. I joined the company in June and It’s been a tremendous source of inspiration and blessing beyond the income. I've been inspired to write heart-felt cards to those who've made a difference in my life, which has ushered in a spirit of gratitude and contentment.  I love what SendOutCards has added to my life! When you visit my website, please watch the brief 3 min video, which explains how SendOutCards can save you time and money! And as a thank you for stopping by, send a free card on me!

Another big change is that I’ve started watching my 2.5 year-old grandbaby, Kamy, three days a week. She’s a bundle of pure energy. Today we read about twenty books,  played at the water park, went for a walk with Gigi and Papa, played catch and hide-and-go-seek, practiced numbers and shapes, watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, chatted with the garbage man, watched the bunnies from the deck, went to Starbucks, and made believe we were animals. I’m simply fascinated in the weekly and daily changes in her. Being a grandma is so much fun!

I love the way Kamy turns a phrase. Her latest is, “I can’t like that,” if there is something she doesn’t like.

Fabulous Fresh Food - http://www.janparrish.wordpress.com

I recently discovered I am allergic to milk. Another big change.  My health is improving slowly and consistently. September 5^th is one year since my life saving surgery. I’m thankful that I’m still here and that I’m not needing long-term medical assistance. 

In the face of so many changes, I usually tend to retreat and reflect. Please be patient with me as I adjust to my new normal. While all these changes were taking place, I had my four-year blogiversary. Thanks for your faithful participation. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and reading about your lives as well.  So what about you? What changes are you dealing with?

Reflections on Motherhood from an Empty Nester

Hanging with Mommy  (c) morguefiles.com

Motherhood is the lowest paid, most rewarding, hardest job you’ll ever love. Once you enter into it, you have the job for life, even if you outlive your children. Because motherhood not only changes your DNA, it changes your heart forever. You’ll no longer view a crying baby or Hallmark commercial in the same light. 

Letting Go: One of the most difficult tasks of motherhood is learning to let go. From the time the umbilical cord is cut, if you’re doing your job right, your child immediately begins his journey towards independence. You have to give him the freedom to fail, try new things and experience the world on his own terms. Especially when your child is an adult, you must allow him to choose his own path, even if you had other plans for him. 

Learn You Aren’t Perfect: When you were a little girl dreaming about mommy hood, you planned to be the perfect Mommy. But, June Cleaver is a fictional character. No mom is perfect and neither are her children. Relax. Understand you’ll make mistakes – some you’ll laugh over and some you’ll cry over. All you can do is your best and pray that God will cover your mistakes with His grace. 

Give Him Time: He may think he wants all the newest toys and designer labels, but in the end, all he wants is your love and attention. Do you want your child to thrive? Give him plenty of time and undivided attention. Because once you blink, he’s all grown up and there is no ‘do-over.’ 

Pray, pray, pray: Because you aren’t perfect, because he’s not perfect - because you’ll make some bad decisions and so will he - prayer is critical. When you feel guilty, inadequate, insecure, unsure, overwhelmed, unqualified, and in over your head, prayer will help. Pray for your child even when things are going well. Pray for his protection, for his spiritual life, and his future mate. Pray that you will be the parent he needs as he is growing and when he is grown. Pray that God will give you strength to be the very best parent you can be.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 (NIV)

Happy Mother’s Day!

Justice has been served - Osama Bin Laden dead

President Barak Obama confirms that Anti-American terrorist, Usama Bin Laden, is dead. Geraldo Rivera delivered breaking around 9:24pm (MST) Sunday night. Geraldo gleefully clapped as he jubilantly delivered this news.  

Although I understand Geraldo’s feelings, I cannot rejoice in anyone's demise, no matter how evil the man. Justice has been served in the death of Bin Laden; I am relieved, but I will not rejoice. This military operation demonstrates that America is a force to be reckoned with.

In his address to the nation, President Obama recognized the victims of 9-11, the unity of our country and the power of our military. America has never forgotten 9-11 and we never will. Bin Laden’s death will not ease our pain nor bring back the thousands of murdered fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and husbands.

Sympathetic terrorist cells worldwide will likely metastasize as they burn with revenge at the loss of their leader. America is on high alert.

Join me in prayer for our military overseas. Each and every member of our military is a hero. God bless our military for the sacrifices they make daily to ensure our safety and freedom.  God bless the families who lost loved ones on 9-11, may they find comfort in the justice that was served last night.

Join me in praying for our country, our great state of Colorado, the city of Denver, and our military on the National Day of Prayer.  

Bible Memory Challenge - Psalms 34:19

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 

Psalm 34:19 (NLT)

Bible Memory Challenge - John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world give. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  - John 14:27
 

Isaiah 41:13 - Bible Memory Challenge

Uneasiness

One of "those days."

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  - 2 Cor 10:5

Today was a weird day. I was busy but didn’t get anything I planned done. I washed clothes, prepared the meals, went to the dentist, planned a party, walked around the neighborhood, chatted on Facebook and cleaned the bathroom. But I felt uneasy and uncomfortable most of the day. 

It started with unsettling dreams, which stayed with me even after I woke up. Feelings of apprehension ran unhindered in the back of my mind like a bad programming. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until early this evening that I was able to identify and confront them. 

I’ve found that strange feelings, like peculiar dreams, can be a sneaky attack of the enemy to distract and discourage. It worked on me for most of the day. One of the things I’m learning to do is to reign in my thoughts and emotions. This is not an easy task, especially when the attack is subtle. Once I took my thoughts captive and made them obedient to Christ, I felt God’s peace once again. 

Jesus, help me to identify the subtle attacks of the enemy and focus my mind on things that are good, pure and true. Thank you for the victory and peace that is mine when I take my thoughts captive. Amen