Women at the Washing Well

As mothers, we women need each other, often more than we did as singles.

Because motherhood can be a lonely job. It’s home-centered, and at some stages that means practically duct-taped to the walls. But realizing our need to be with, learn from, and extend ourselves to other women, we can create synergistic connections. We can feel uplifted, energized, and ready to boldly go where no mother has gone before.

“[They] shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Friendship is the leaven that makes the loaf of motherhood rise again and again. It gives encouragement and validation where we find only fatigue. It motivates and inspires where we see only the daily grind of repeat routines. It is the sparkle and zest that provides energy and renewed determination where we felt we couldn’t go on.

Consider the love and service from close friends that we’ve received. Rejoice in the goodness of good women, and all they teach and bring. Celebrate that we are those women, and how many—how very many—we have lifted along the way.

To deepen our friendships we can open ourselves to the opportunity of connection, if only for a few moments.

Keep in touch with other women daily if possible—stop at the mailbox and say hello. Pause in the grocery store aisle and ask how someone’s doing. Take a moment here and there and you’ll be surprised at how full your bucket inadvertently becomes.

Author Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

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Motherhood Matters – the book

Motherhood is a divine calling - but it may not always feel that way. Now you can show the women in your life how much they matter to you, with this delightful and heartwarming volume of wit and wisdom about the divinity, reality, and rewards of motherhood. Fresher than flowers and sweeter than chocolate, it's a perfect gift for the women who give so much.

In these hectic days where life's demands can quickly become a heavy burden, Motherhood Matters helps you find more memorable moments and take the stress out of the to-do lists. Written with clarity, concision, and wit, this short, yet indispensable handbook is better than flowers, more guilt-free than chocolate, and gives back to the woman who sacrifices so much of herself every single day.

Captive Spirits Book Blast

 

Captive Spirits Aztar is a planet where no one remembers a time of peace. Fear of those who wield a mystical cruelty holds people as CAPTIVE SPIRITS. All that remains is the waning belief in a savior who will someday come to restore peace to a blood soaked land. Zmeria, an ancient text recovered, brings a Prophecy to life. The leaders of each Region come together with a plan to reunite Aztar's divided people and make way for their savior. They arm themselves with the recently discovered revelation of peace long past. A dream is born and legends revived as Aztar’s people determine to fight the evil and Reclaim Aztar. The Evil’s grasp is strong on the CAPTIVE SPIRITS of Aztar. Leaders know this battle to free the will and spirit of the people will not be easily won. They decree a King must be chosen. One man of the entire world stands out from the rest. Si, the firstborn son of the house of Volcum, is well known for valor and victories in battle. A kingdom must be established. As the center of his kingdom, Si Volcum decreed an ancient, long deserted castle far to the north that contained the lost records of Aztar’s forgotten glory. He accepted his chosen bride, Alexis, unseen from a house as old as his own. Si ruled and the land prospered for fifteen years while evil silently waited. The King did not know when evil struck it would be personally against him or that the price would be so high. The people of Aztar chose well in their King. Si will not hesitate. The King will pay the price. From his love and chosen path, the Saga of Aztar begins with the legend of her first King, Si Volcum. “Reclaim Aztar,” will be their battle cry.  

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Author M.A. Adair Mary A. Adair is an Amazon best selling author of Native American Romance. CAPTIVE SPIRITS is her first Young Adult Fantasy. It is the beginning to a Young Adult Fantasy series that can also be enjoyed by all adults. Mary's other works include Passion's Vision and Passion's Price, both are Best Selling Native American Romance. Mary did extensive research on several Native American tribes in the time period of her books. One of her many sources for learning about the rich Native American culture of that time period was a book written in the mid. 1700s by one of her husband’s ancestors, James Adair. PASSION'S VISION, a story filled with romance, excitement and danger. This story features James Fitzgerald, an agent in the court of King George II and New Moon, sister to Chief Dancing Cloud. PASSION'S PRICE is a poignant love story with a twist of humor. It is a next generation story filled with adventure and determination as well as self-realization and of course Romance. PASSION’S PRICE continues with James's and New Moon's daughter, Golden Dawn.

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Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/30/13   Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Mini Loves” for Kids: Powerful and Simple

Recently I set some parenting goals and was surprised with what I learned. One of my goals was to connect with each child daily, and ideally for at least ten minutes per child. That may not sound like much but with several children and busy schedules, it added up. And it helped me see how often a few children received much more than ten minutes, while others were hit and miss, depending on the day.

First, I learned not to feel guilty about not having more time but to enjoy the time I did spend with each child. And I consciously did! What became ideal for me was to love in the moment—“mini loves”, such as a text, a smile, a conversation, a hug, etc. And doing them right then: after school, as we made dinner together, sitting on my bed while other children gathered for family prayer, etc. It didn’t have to be a big block of time, but with consistent “mini love” connections throughout the day.

Second, I also thoroughly enjoyed one-on-one time. This wasn’t daily, but divided up into several smaller time chunks during the week. What terrific memory makers! My thirteen-year-old son had entered a First Chapter novel contest for a teen author boot camp. Can I tell you how fabulous it was to share that experience together? He wrote the text, then I helped him revise it, and we mutually enjoyed the collaboration. This interspersed one-on-one time also motivated me, though tired, to make peppermint scones with my I-love-to-bake daughter who is nine. We had a great time, chatting and mixing a simple kids’ recipe, and the family loved the results.

Lastly, I looked at their love-share like our pediatrician told me to view my children’s nutrition—by the week! If one child received thirty minutes of attention one day, it worked fine to focus on another child more fully the next, but still give the first one mini loves. The kids seemed more satiated due to the larger time chunks of togetherness, and were more easily satisfied with the mini loves in the meantime.

Congratulate yourself on all the good you do as a mother. And consider ways you can increase your one-on-one time chunks with your children, as well as their daily “mini loves.”

Author Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

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Life is Too Short Collection

Are you looking for a fabulous life boost today?

The Life is Too Short series is just what you need. Written by Connie Sokol—mother of seven, author, speaker, and amazing matching sock finder—these humorous self-development columns give you just the right amount of fun and functional.

Originally written for a major newspaper and magazines, you can now enjoy the entire collection in one book.

Put your feet up and laugh as you relate to time-tested tips on being a woman, wife, and mother. You'll learn the cozy stuff of how to adjust expectations, have faith in your dreams, and lighten up in motherhood. And, you'll learn a few life skills such as easy spring cleaning, simplifying the holidays, and creating successful goals.

It's the perfect gift for any woman!

Short, funny, insightful, these quick power columns are ideal anytime, anywhere, to rejuvenate your mind and soul.