Today’s Positive Thoughts

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

I’m Having a Baby!

My husband and I are a few weeks away from celebrating our first wedding anniversary and we are thrilled to share the news that I’m a little more than 3 months pregnant!

It’s been fun to talk with Tyler and Tracy about their pregnancy experiences.  I find myself asking them questions like “Is it normal to be really grossed out by the smell of coffee?” or “Is it okay to sleep on my back or do I always have to sleep on my side?” I just found out from Tyler that I’m not supposed  to eat hot dogs which is what I was craving for lunch today.

I was at a pre-natal appointment a few weeks ago where my husband joined me.  He was coming from work so he got there a little later than I did.  The nurse knocked on the door of the exam room and said “Daddy’s here” and my first thought was “What is my dad doing here?”  That was the first time I heard anyone refer to my husband as “daddy”.

It’s been such a fun journey for both my husband and me so far and I’m so looking forward to the weeks and months ahead.

- Producer Carrie

Encouragement isn’t easy

Encouragement is not something that comes easy for me.  Some people I know are natural encouragers…they always know what to say and are always thinking about how to lift others up.  I am much more literal and practical with almost everything I approach.  God is nudging me to always think about others and consider what they are going through.

This past weekend I went to a marathon with my husband  He was running so I parked myself halfway to be there to take a picture of him.  I was there an hour early watching all the runners go through.  A marathon is 26.2 miles…that’s a long way.  As I stood there…I cheered them on.  Some of them were tired and you  could tell they wanted to stop and give up…I would say “Keep it up…you can do this.”  You could see their eyes brighten and their whole bodies straighten up.   It was like water to a thirsty plant.  The thing about encouragement is it has nothing to do with you.  It always thinks about the other person.  I want to be an encouraging friend, mom, wife and child of God.  The challenge for me will be with my 2 little girls.  Instead of telling them what they need to do better, I want to start telling them about what they do right.

-Tracy Leek

What Will You Say To Your Kids Today?

“You are always messing things up!”  “Why can’t you just listen to me and actually do what I say!”  These were the comments I witnessed a mom saying to her young child in the grocery store.  The little boy must have only been around 6 years old.  My heart broke as I saw the look of embarrassment on his face as he stood over his spilled juice box.  After my moment of judgment I started seeing glimpses of ME in the face of that tired and frustrated mom.  It was like God was showing me how ugly and hurtful some of my reactions to my sweet girls have been.  As parents our intentions are always good aren’t they?  It’s always easier to notice someone else’s bumps and boils than it is to notice our own.

I’m thankful that Kate Battistelli has been our guest on the Z Thursday mornings throughout this month.  She is the momma of Z artist Francesca Battistelli and author of a new book called “Growing Great Kids”.  She has been encouraging us to be more intentional with our kids in 2012.  I want to be the kind of mom that demonstrates love and encouragement even when I don’t want to.  Let’s claim Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

So when our kids create a mess on aisle 4 or if they don’t live up to the high standards we can sometimes set for them, may God help us to see in those moments that our words can cut like a knife or show God’s grace.  I challenge you to join me in being more intentional than ever in speaking encouragement to our kids, taking time each day to let them hear you thank God for them.  Point out the gifts in them that make them special.  Most importantly, in the times we lose our cool and mess up, lets vow to show our kids what forgiveness and grace are all about. Its humbling to apologize to your child.

There is power in the words we speak to our children.  We have the choice everyday to build them up or tear them down.  My 4 year old Emma Grace wrote me a note that said “You are the best mommy I have ever had”.  She also asked me, “ Mommy did you know that you  get more beautiful everyday?”  She must know that powerful words work on mommas too!

-Tyler

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I hope you had an amazing Christmas with your family and friends.  I love this time of year.  It seems like at least for a day things slow down and we get to be home together and laugh and relax.  I am from Ohio so we will travel there to see my mom and dad and family.  I miss them.  My dad has a way of making me laugh and he can still make me want to be a better person.

When we get back..the start of the New Year brings big changes!  I am so excited to be joining Ellis and Tyler on the Z Morning Show!  I have two little ones at home, Abigail is 6 and Liz is 4 and this will allow me to get them from school and love on them in the afternoons.  I will miss Deano so much He’s such a good friend.  Please keep him company for me.  This is a huge answer to prayer for me.  I began praying to God over a year ago and asking Him to make a way for me to be with my girls and I am humbled and amazed at His answer.  Our God is so much bigger than we can ever imagine…and His love is even bigger.  I look forward to talking with you in the morning starting in Jan!  Now go eat more chocolate and we’ll worry about the pounds next year

-Tracy

Failure to Finish

Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor & Certified Life Coach, shares 4 key factors to guide unmotivated students toward academic success. Read it here.

Surviving the Holidays

Learn 7 strategies to help you survive the holidays, by Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor & Certified Life Coach. Read it here.

Mentors Make the Difference

Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor & Certified Life Coach, shares the benefits of having a leader come alongside to help you achieve greater results, including how to find a mentor. Read it here.

Post-Election Distress Syndrome

Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor & Certified Life Coach, shares his Understanding the psychology of Post-Election Distress Syndrome. Read it here.

When Kids Carry their Parent’s Pain

The warning signs of children facing complex family crisis by Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor & Certified Life Coach. Read it here.