Listening for God's Guidence

Hi everyone,

I hope you have all had an amazing weekend! I sit here reflecting on life and how most of the time it doesn't go exactly as planned. That usually happens because we are making our own life plans and leaving God's plans out. It took me a long time to figure out what plans God wanted for my life, and to finally start to follow them. A lot of us set out to do good and plan a good and happy life. But we realize that just because our intentions are good, things do not work out the way we want them to. that is when we realize that our own plans do not work because they are exactly that, our own plans, not God's. It took a lot of reading my Bible, and much, much praying to hear God's voice. Since I have been following God's plan, I have been blessed beyond belief. I do not try to understand what He wants of me, I just do it. My life is not perfect and God has a lot of work left to do in me, but I am here listening for my next instruction from Him. My hope is that each of us can really hear God speak to us, and start taking directions from Him, regarding our lives. As I have said before, as long as you are breathing at this moment, it is not too late. Don't put off today, what you may not have chance to do tomorrow. We will never be perfect like Christ, but we can sure try! Learn how to hear God's voice. It will be the best decision you will ever make. I know it has been mine. >Proverbs 3:5-6 (5)Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6)in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Have a great week ahead everyone, and talk to you all soon! Jackie

Teaching our daughters to love and respect themselves

Check out this website, for building self-esteem in your daughters
Toolkit & Resources for The Dove® Movement for Self-Esteem

When I was growing up, I had horrible self esteem and body image issues, that carried on well into my twenties and then again since I have been in my 30's. I have finally started to love and respect myself. I have also learned to forgive myself for all of my mistakes, with God's strength. I didn't feel pretty, and I didn't feel worthy of much. I was called fat by someone very, very close to me, among other things. I swore I would never do that to my kids, because it affected me more than anyone will ever know. Now that I am at peace with myself, and have become a confident woman, it is time for me to instill confidence in my daughters. I want them to be strong, confident women, and I don't want them to reach that confidence when they reach their 30's, like me. My oldest daughter is already worrying about her weight, not because anyone that has been a role model in her life has told her so, like with me, but maybe more because of how society views a beautiful, confident woman. I want my daughters to know that they are beautiful inside and out, and that the most important beauty comes from within. With God's guidance and direction, I hope to instill that in them. I don't want my daughter to see herself in any way but a positive one. This social mission that Dove has started is a wonderful way to reach out to your daughters and help them to build good self-esteem and body image. It has different activities you can do with your daughters, advice, discussions, and a classroom you can visit. I know God and this site will help me and my mom instill these wonderful values in these girls, I hope you all find it useful. Remember, that we don't want our kids to have bad self-esteem issues, it's never too late to start trying to instill confidence in them. I wish you all a happy and fun-filled weekend, with god at the center. God bless you all and Talk to you all soon!