Queen Naija - Mama's Hand

There are Sunny Days Ahead Despite the Rainfall of Problems

Cheer up Mother!  You are doing the best you can.  Fighting the good fight, you are like Superman leaping over tall buildings in a single bound!  The more challenges, the stronger you become.  I must admit if it hadn't been for those fights in my life, I wouldn't be who I am today.  Although I ran at times from difficulty, I found my way back again willing to try, try, try again!  So don't give up, Mom!  No matter how much the babies cry, the spouse argues, the relatives need you, and your work calls you, you can do this!

Take a breath, relax.  It's okay to relax.  Sometimes we don't think we are productive when we take a time out.  However, I learned from personal experience, lying on my back from an anxiety attack, that I am productively increasing energy and strength when I pause while everyone else is going a mile a minute.  Unfortunately, I had to learn that lesson the hard way.

Photo by Helena Sollie on Unsplash

Some of you mothers claim to have a faith, so why not put it to good use?  God is waiting--He wants to hear from you.  Others you say, "I am love, light, hope, peace..." well then act like it!  So little time on this planet to get things done, but also so little time to appreciate the good times when they are here so be grateful for them rather than complain.  We teach our children to be appreciative, here's a little reminder, just say, "Thank you!" even when the storms of life have rained on your parade.

A moment of solitude, thank you!  Time for self--yeah!  You never know when the next battle might show up, so be ready, pray!

A moment of waiting in a long line, thank you!  You may be avoiding a major accident.

A moment of laughter, thank you!  A good laugh heals the soul.

A moment with family and friends (even if it isn't the best of times,) thank you!  Appreciate them. Consider the lonely and confused with no one to call.

A moment of rain, thank you!  The earth needed a good bath and maybe your car too.

Yes, it's the little things in life we say, "Thank you!" Our focus starts to redirect toward those sunny days ahead while we stop those negative thoughts that pop put of nowhere.  "Not today, no thank you!"

No matter the problems, tell yourself, "I have solutions.  Within me I know the answers..."  Just smile, you got this Mama!

Nicholl McGuire 

You are Better Than You Know Mom

NM Enterprise 7 channel on deliverance, being free of negativity, prayer

15 year old shares experience: baptism, faith, change

Join Nicholl on Chirbit - share audio

When I don't have the patience or time to write, I share my thoughts on Chirbit.  A simple way to get some thoughts off your mind.  Stop by the site browse the available audio.  Find something you like and just click.  Listen while you work or surf using any device.  Feel free to connect with me to receive the latest audio messages.  I am not only an author, wife and mother, but I encourage others online and offline.  Stay blessed!  Click Chirbit.

Nicholl McGuire

Nicholl with four sons in CA, 2015.

Fighter mom, fighter babies

Look to The Future Moms - There will Be Better Days

Whether rich or poor, with your child or no longer, as hard as it may see anything positive with your mother role, there is!  You are to demonstrate strength and be that beacon of light to others who may be going through far much than you.

Sometimes we must lift our heads up out of our own challenging situations and see other mothers and how they overcome their struggles or assist those who are hurting too.  These survivors and victims are our inspiration to want a better life.  Allow them to encourage you to want to do some things differently that might be hindering you from achieving personal and professional goals.

It is very easy to feel tempted to want to put others down, be critical, or assume one knows enough about someone to instruct, but the truth is we are all works in progress and every now and again we just need an uplift!

Be motivated in the coming year to do what you always wanted to do, live the way you see fit, and be moved to assist those who could use your help!

God bless.

Nicholl McGuire is this blog owner, author, and a motivational speaker on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7.

Born Without Arms: Inspirational Mother and Son Live Life to The Full

Don't Force Yourself to React to Things Just Because It Appears to be the Right Thing to Do

A mother rushes to the aid of a child who visibly appears to be okay.  There is no crying and no bumps, cuts, and bruises.  Another mother is overly emotional due to things beyond her control like a husband's layoff, a relative's divorce, and a drunken relative who refuses to get help.  Mothers everywhere are more likely to react to these situations and others, but just because responses are typical, doesn't mean we have to perform.

Maybe it seems like the right thing to do to pick up the phone and talk with judgmental, often angry kin, walk somewhere because it is routine, or help a stranger in need, but we must keep in mind that sometimes what it appears to be just another day, might not be.  Your typical response to people and things may need an adjustment for a day or a lifetime it all depends on the who or what in different situations.  So if I am use to going down the street and having a beverage with a girlfriend, but I just feel different about it right now, chances are it is a good idea I stay home today.  You never know what might be going on or maybe nothing is happening with the girlfriend, but with me.  We have to be sensitive to signs that alter or block what we are use to doing or saying.   

So many lives have been lost because some moms just didn't think twice before they walked out the door, got in their cars and drove off somewhere.  Some could have saved quality friendships had they not started up an unfavorable conversation filled with criticism.  Others could have thought twice about dropping emotional children off with people who they knew full well aren't very nice and kind, but they just didn't think! 

A gut feeling, quiet voice, or "something said" serves a purpose to alert us to trouble especially when it comes to a routine.  Things don't always appear as they seem, but we convince ourselves otherwise because we don't want to be inconvenienced, might be lazy, procrastinate, bitter about some things, still angry with someone, etc.

As much as you might want to force yourself to do something that doesn't seem to be right in your spirit or be with someone you really don't have a good vibe about (at least for today--he or she could okay on most days), resist the urge.  Today just might not be the day for small talk, going somewhere, staying late, or dropping children off.  Pause and pray.

Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight and other unusual thoughts on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7.   

Mom, Why Did I Have Children? Those Feelings of Regret

This isn't the time for a speech on loving one's children.  This isn't a time for anyone to brag on how grateful they are when it comes to being a parent.  A woman somewhere in this world is having an emotional breakdown due to the anxiety she feels about being a parent.  She is weary of children who misbehave, who are favored by partners, and spoiled rotten by grandparents.  She is angry that no one seems to listen after giving birth to yet another child.  She is frustrated when no one wants to take her children for awhile so she can just think--get her mind back.

"Mom, why did I have children?" the downtrodden mother asks anyone who listens including her self.  "You really didn't mean to say it in the way that you did, but hey it's out now," says a concerned voice. 

Your real feelings about parenting are out in the open--now deal with them.  No judges are in the room.  No prideful moms and self-righteous partners.  Let's be honest, you worry too much about yourself, your children and everything else in between.  You might have lied for sons and daughters in need of your help.  You might have promised your children the sun, moon and stars, so to speak.  It is your hope that your children will be good citizens, great partners, educated, successful, winners...yes, we all want the same.  But mom is tired!  She has been fighting the good fight lately--making sacrifices and her patience has been worn thin.  She has been understanding, warm, kind, and caring to all she has encountered in the past, but her kindness has been taken for weakness.  With so much going on (or maybe not enough,) mom is bitter about quite a few things and those who supposedly know her, don't seem to get it.  This is when things can become dangerous for moms who are headed on that path of no return where something or someone has disturbed them mentally--you don't want to wallow too deeply in your frustration with your children.  Look for something that makes you happy when it comes to parenting.  Find something that makes you feel whole again that has nothing to do with children.  Think of ways to snap back to your content self.  When was the last time you were away from children?  What might you need to do differently in your daily schedule?  What do you need to cut out?  Who might you start enlisting to help you?

Busy people with problems aren't interested in mom's issues.  Men who are busy making money don't want to think too deeply about what mom is saying/confessing/screaming.  Crying children don't hear mom.  You know the rest.  You most likely are the mom who has been keeping much inside while you smile at other moms and wonder, "Does she ever wish she didn't get pregnant?  I wonder if she ever tires of her children?  Is there something wrong with me that I just wish I would have been anything but a mom?"

Feelings of regret happen to not only the poor, sad moms of this world, but the best, brightest, most successful moms too that take a pause every now and then to ask their Heavenly Creator, "Why?"  But the real question is, "Why not?"  Why not be taught how to love beyond self?  Why not learn patience and virtue through the most unlikeliest sources?  Why not experience the hand of God through a child?  Why not share what you know with one who is an extension of you--a second chance at creating a newer and improved you?

Why not?

Nicholl McGuire maintains this blog and shares spiritual insight on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7.

    

Your Mother, My Mother and Their Mother

When speaking about our mothers we have a choice to speak positively or negatively about them.  We can spout truth or tell lies.  We can expose or cover up the stories of our mothers.  We can do many things, but if any reader considers his or herself a child of God, we cannot dishonor them.  These women, irregardless of our personal feelings, were used to put us here on this planet and our responsibility, if we consider ourselves to be followers of Jesus, is to be beacons of light in a sinful world.

One must avoid the temptation to judge our sisters who are unhappy with their mothers for reasons only these women fully know.  However, we are to encourage these daughters to be "the bigger person" when their relationships with their mothers are in crisis--look beyond the faults of mothers and see God.  Now this doesn't mean subject yourself to emotional and physical abuse, but what it does imply is to focus on your Creator during times of turmoil even if it means you need to take a break from dear mom. 

Mothers are flawed human beings who don't always realize the magnitude of their negative statements and misdeeds.  Maybe one's mother is known for exaggerations, lying, being rude and arrogant or maybe she is a sweet woman and wouldn't hurt a flea.  God sees all.  A mother is not above the wrath of her Creator who has called her to be a parent whether she is young or old.  She is supposed to live a respectable lifestyle--the kind that her family would one day call her, "Blessed."  Yet, when she chooses to do what she wants and ignore the writing on the wall that may include an apology to children, a call to say "I love you", speak words of wisdom, or other things that her God instructs, then she is really not your problem, mine or theirs, but she is God's.

Take a moment to pray for your mother, mine and their mother.

Nicholl McGuire




 

An Open Letter To Moms from Kid President

Jesus: Sometimes He's All You Got

Reflections of Motherhood

Your Mother's Love

While you were still inside your mother's womb, you breathe and eat because of her. Everything that you do is connected to the sole provider of life - your mother. Within nine months, your mother carries you and provides for your physical and emotional needs, withstanding the pain, stress, and difficulties she is going through.
Most women find completeness when they bear a child. But when does a mother's love starts? Some are so excited to become a mother and like the feeling of having a child so soon. Their excitement leads them to love the activities that have to do with motherhood like searching for the best name, preparing for the baby clothes, the baby things, and the nursery. They are preoccupied with planning and discussions about how to prepare and become a mother. In the early stage of discovering and confirming pregnancy, some would accept the child but others may be on denial. Eventually they will learn to accept the child and as each day goes by they create the most unique bond, a mother's love for her child.
You all came from one being - your mother. That's technically speaking as it was your mothers who raised you from conception. Your mother nourished, and endure all the pain and discomforts while you were still inside their womb. When it was your time to come out and see the world, she sacrificed and nearly put her life at stake. She is willing to offer her life for you, she is willing to lose it in exchange for you so that you will be given the chance to see the world and experience its beauty.
As you grow day by day, your mother was there to guide you, molding your heart to be pure and giving you the tender loving care. Consider yourself fortunate if you have been with your mothers to share your everyday journey and endeavors in life, and have the chance to feel her presence. Communication holds the key to any relationship and conversing with one another can be beneficial because listening and understanding is another aspect of a bond. But to some who have been separated from their mothers because of work and other obstacles, a mother's unexpressed love for many years and the bond for her child will always be there awaiting to be unleashed and reunited.
Wherever you go and whatever separates you from your mother, you will always search for her presence because nothing can explain the need and security you feel when you are in her arms. She gives you the strength you need and the light you seek. Her words of encouragement and caressing hands are no match than anyone closest to you. She can wipe away your tears and ease your fears. That is the bond that holds you together. That is the devotion she has for you. It is far beyond defining your mother's love. Don't take her for granted. Your mother is the first person in your life and nobody can ever replace her. Give her due respect.

Janet Grace Ortigas is a freelance writer and online blogger

Cherish Those Days When You Feel Good...

You ever wake up one day and notice that you feel good all over. Its a blessing in disguise! You go through the day picking up things, cleaning stuff, organizing old things, and talking about a little of this and that with family and friends. You just feel good! Well what if we could feel like that all the time? That's where the Bible, self-improvement books, blogs, radio talk shows, and the neighbor down the street come in, we all have tips to share about feeling good. But the truth is that it can be a challenge to utilize everybody's advice in the face of difficulties.

I will be the first to admit that inadequate sleep will affect my mood before any person or situation does. Sometimes I am aware and other times I am not. On the days I have awaken feeling good about life I must say a good night rest had alot to do with it. Now as the day grows old things will affect my mood, but at least I did one very important thing and that was scale back my bedtime.

The next I try to do is break for a meal. Now I know that if I don't eat I will get an attitude about the littlest of things. Sometimes we think that by skipping meals we are making head way, but eventually it catches up to us. Its like the guy who is driving real fast along a street, passes you by, and then when he gets in front of you he has to wait for a stoplight. You catch up to him, he takes off again, and then he has to wait for another stoplight. What's with the big rush and endangering people's lives in the process? Meanwhile, he gets to his destination and chances are he didn't miss anything worthwhile. We do the same thing, we put in the time to get it all done while hurting those we love in the process, is it really worth it?

I am learning daily that the best way to combat the angry, frustrating feelings that creep up on me during the day due to surprises, shocking information, blood sugar and hormones, and the way others treat me is to shorten my reaction to it. In other words, don't think, talk or be around it for too long. Take the needed walk, pill or meal I need to bring the hormones back in balance.

Sometimes we are very good about making sure the children and the man are fed and get to bed at a decent hour, but what about us? Then we get angry with everyone else for how they treat us when we are not caring for ourselves like we should. The doctor says exercise, take this pill, eat this food, and what do we do? Get caught up in our daily responsibilities and forget about what we need to do to feel good about ourselves.

Have you ever noticed how many parenting guides encourage parents to use time outs on children misbehaving? Well, as parents, sometimes we need to go to time out for our misbehaving. Did we go off on our partner today? Time out! Did we curse at the children? Time out! Did we tell the sales clerk off? Time out! Did we lie to the boss because we didn't feel like doing something? Time out! When we get bombarded with lots of negativity that cause problems for others or things that people do to us, take a time out.

Uh oh...while I am typing, I forgot to take my vitamins, better do that...don't need a time out on my back!

Stay blessed.

Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com

Distraction: The Worst Enemy of All

Whether you are trying to fix something that has broken, make a fabulous meal, help your partner out with a task, study for a very important test, or watch a great movie scene, what usually happens while you are doing any of these things? You guessed it, your child or your adult son or daughter comes over with a request.

It seemed that every time I needed to focus on a phone call or write down something important, the crying starts, the tapping followed with "Momma...", the arguing, or the volume that was low from the television or radio is now louder than I can think! "Help..." One day I stormed into the rooms where the noises were coming from, two boys in one room and another two in the next. "Be quiet...if I have to tell you to stop all this noise one more time..." I guess from the look on my face they knew we weren't going to sit down and talk about why we need to respect each other's quiet time.

I think by far this is the worst thing I hate about parenting, heck about life! Distractions! They never come when you could careless. They are always there when you need to meet a deadline and when you need to get something done that you have put off for so long! I personally think my parents are paying me back since I have been on this sabbatical away from the children. The music is loud, the nosiest yard tools come on right when I have a sudden revelation, the knocking at the door while I'm typing..."I get it mom, you can quit with your distractions. Alright, dad I know you are paying me back for all the times I didn't let you sleep...but does the surround sound have to be on while you are watching the news?"

I am learning daily that come hell or high water, I will not be moved. Whoever or whatever feels like they can stop my mission in life to bury negativity and uproot positivity will most likely have to kill me first and sometimes I think that is what he, she, or it's intentions are, but by the grace of God and in Jesus Name I will prevail as the Christian and believers in my circle say and so I believe!

Nicholl McGuire
http://spiritualpoemsbynicholl.blogspot.com

Be Encouraged!

When you feel like giving up on everything
When the pain seems too much to bear
When people scandalize your name
When no one seems to care.

When the man you love says goodbye
When your child cries and cries
Don't lose your mind!
Don't hate your life!
Don't kill what you have built!

Stand strong in the face of those who have hurt you
Stand strong when man threatens you
Stand strong when the woman you love lies
Stand strong!

Know that you weren't created to be any one's
physical or verbal punching bag!

You are special!
Your talents exceptional!
Live each day better than the next
and know that it is inevitable that we all will die one day.

Let no one move you to take your own life
through smoking, drinking, drugs and the like.

Let no one move you to take your own life
through starvation, manipulation, and lack of creation.

For there is someone greater than you!
The flowers weren't planted by the man who abuses
the sky wasn't created by the woman who misuses
their minds, bodies and souls!

Don't lose your mind!
Find your heart
know that you have
purpose from the very start!

Written by: Nicholl McGuire