SMILE

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it can last forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it,
and none so poor,but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad,
and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.
Some people ar too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
- author unknown -

Turn That Frown Upside Down!

Why? Smiling makes your brain release "happy" chemicals, says Stanford psychology professor Robert Zajonc. His theory, backed by studies at Germany's Mannheim University; when you smile, you breathe through your nose while putting pressure on certain facial muscles. This cools the blood that travels to the hypothalamus, which releases feel-good endorphins. (Positive Thinking March/April 2008)

Strenghten Your Mirth Muscles

Did you know that a smile is better than CHOCOLATE? In a British study, 109 adults were shown photos of loved ones smiling, and being given money and chocolate. What caused the biggest short-term high? A child's smile, which proved as stimulating as eating 2,000 chocolate bars. (From Positive Thinking March/April 2008) Don't ask me how they measured that; just notice how this picture makes you feel. Are you smiling? I know how I feel when my grand babes aim one of their life brightening smiles at me!

There's lots more about the benefits of laughter and cultivating our sense of humor in this week's Mothering MOMent. Read on. Watch this spot for upcoming interesting and inspiring humor facts.

Parent Traps

My great friend and colleague, Dr. Ron Craker, has begun a series on Parent Traps and how to AVOID Them. He is a neuro-psychologist and an early childhood expert. You won't want to miss this!

God' s Awesome Provision!

I wrote to you about a profound and lifechanging experience I had in Africa in November. If you missed it, read it here. These photos are the awesome and inspiring proof of God's provision and unending love for each of us - no matter who - no matter where. Amen!

Fashion Expert!

For some great fashion tips - many for the budget conscious - go to Following Our Bliss and read the post from Feburary 8. The expert is my daughter Linsdey, buyer for SHE Boutique in Chicago and fashion maven extraordinaire! Enjoy!

Love by Roy Croft

I love you not only forwhat you are,
but for what I am when I am with you.
I love you not only for what you have made
of yourself, but for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out
I love you for putting your hand
into my heaped up heart and for passing over
all of the foolish things you can't
help dimly seeing there,
and for drawing out into the light
all of the beautiful belongings
that no one else has looked quite
far enough to find.
I love you because you have
done more than any creed
could have done to make me good
and more than any fate could
have done to make me happy.
You have done it without a touch,
without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself -
Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

Ahhh! The Language of Love

Read this weeks Mothering MOMent and post your thoughts on your spouse's love language, how you know it, and how you speak it. Inspire and motivate us with your creativity and insight!

What's Your Temperature?

Read the February 4 issue of the Mothering MOMent and post your thoughts here. What's the temperature of your marriage? Is there a gap between you that you are not sure how to keep from widening?

Repeat C-Section Anxiety?

After moving from Indiana to Florida when I was 7 months pregnant for my first child, changing doctors, going 3 1/2 weeks past my due date, three days of labor at home, 17 hours on pitossin, and wanting to call the whole thing off, I had a cesarean section. It was a horrifying experience that left me chemically a mess, physically exhausted and emotionally distraught. Two years later,I was ecstatic to have another child, but terrified of the process. If you are experiencing anxiety about an upcoming first or repeat c-section, please tell your story. Let's reduce the fear and encourage each other.