If you have spent any time in an electronics store or department – or done any research on televisions – in the past few years, you’ve likely noticed the increase in televisions described as “smart TVs.” No, this doesn’t mean that you’ll get smarter by watching them (although you might, depending on what you watch.) Smart TV simply refers to the fact that the television has the ability to connect to the internet built right in. With a smart TV, you don’t need to connect to any sort of device, whether a streaming stick, gaming system, or cable box to access content online.
Given the proliferation of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, owning a TV that offers this connectivity seems like a, well, smart thing to do. Before you shell out for a new set and hire a professional Phoenix TV mounting company to install it, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and understand exactly what a smart TV can and cannot do.
Smart TVs: The Upside
The biggest advantage to smart TVs is their simplicity and convenience. In most cases, you simply need to turn it on, connect to your home network (most people use WiFi, but if you stream 4K content or play a lot of games, directly connecting via the ethernet port tends to give better results) and start streaming. You’ll still need to subscribe to the services you want to use, but generally speaking, smart TVs already have the most popular apps already installed on their operating system.
Streaming content isn’t the only capability of most smart TVs, though. Some models will also coordinate with your smart home devices, including Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. This allows you to control other devices or complete other tasks right from your TV. Some TVs even come with a voice remote, so you don’t have to spend time scrolling through listings or hunting and pecking to search for your favorite shows – or find the news you’re looking for, weather reports, or sports scores. If you have your TV connected to a home assistant, you can even order a pizza or see who is at the door without getting up, for the ultimate couch potato experience.
Generally speaking, smart TVs only cost about $100 more than “regular” sets, and for the average family, offers all of the bells and whistles that they want. That doesn’t mean they are ideal for everyone, though.
Smart TVs: The Downside
The biggest drawback to smart TVs is one word: security. As with any device that is connected to the internet, smart TVs are vulnerable to security risks, and have been hacked and taken over by criminals, who have stolen information, spied, and used the devices for nefarious purposes. Some of the security issues are easily avoided by using passwords and installing updates as they are released, but it’s important to understand that a smart TV can put your personal information and privacy at risk. At the moment, TVs that are powered by specific streaming platforms like Roku or Android tend to have the most regular security updates.
Another drawback is the availability of content. While all smart TVs offer the major streaming apps, the availability of other content varies by TV. Some TVs don’t offer apps for free content, or connect to other smart home devices, limiting their functionality. In general, more expensive TVs have more content options (as well as better picture and sound) so you need to carefully review the smart features before you by to ensure that you are getting everything you want.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it’s reaching the point where all TVs sold are going to be smart TVs in some form or another. It’s quickly becoming the standard for manufacturers. That being said, if your current set works well, there’s really no need to invest in an upgrade yet. You can “upgrade” your existing set by using a set-top box or streaming stick, like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, or Chromecast. These devices generally run anywhere from $35 to $150 and allow you to stream the major services to your TV, and in some cases, offer additional functions. Carefully compare each of your options to ensure you get the apps and functions you want and expand your TV viewing options.
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
This giveaway and post is sponsored by NBC Universal. As always my words and views are 100% my own.
Girls Trip’s Regina Hall and Black-ish’s Marsai Martin both star as Jordan Sanders — Hall as the take-no-prisoners tech mogul adult version of Jordan and Martin as the 13-year-old version of her who wakes up in her adult self’s penthouse just before a do-or-die presentation.
Insecure’s Issa Rae plays Jordan’s long-suffering assistant April, the only one in on the secret that her daily tormentor is now trapped in an awkward tween body just as everything is on the line. Little is an irreverent new comedy about the price of success, the power of sisterhood and having a second chance to grow up — and glow up — right.
Check out the trailer below:
Will Packer, blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office, including Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, brings an all-new perspective to the body-swap comedy.
Little is directed by Tina Gordon (writer, Drumline) with a story by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip) and a screenplay by Oliver and Gordon, based on an idea by teen actress Martin. The film is produced by Packer and his producing partner James Lopez and by Kenya Barris (Girls Trip, Black-ish), and is executive produced by Preston Holmes (Night School), Hall, Marsai Martin and Josh Martin.
Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!
Open to US residents. The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to you to promote NBC Universal . Any actions (including contest and competitions) that you complete with the provided assets are your liability, and should comply with both local and international laws. Also, please remember to disclose that you are working with NBC Universal , or that NBC Universal supplied these materials to you if required by local law.
Many property owners consider the idea of renting out their houses to tenants. However, whether it’s for the benefit of gaining extra income or paying down your debt for the family’s needs, becoming a landlord can be indeed a big challenge. It can even become big trouble when specific considerations aren’t made. Whether you’ve inherited property or your family have decided to live abroad for good, here’s what you should expect when you’re planning to put your place up for rent, especially for families searching for new homes:
There are specific landlord-tenant laws you have to understand.
When it comes to becoming a landlord, the first thing you should do is to know and understand the landlord-tenant law. Most states observe specific landlord-tenant laws that can help rent your property out to tenants. Before doing anything, it’s essential to follow the procedures and processes about security deposits, the number of notices you have to give tenants when you want to evict them, and the extent of access to your property. By understanding the law, you’ll be able to manage your rental property and your tenants properly.
You have many responsibilities as a landlord.
After understanding how the law works, you need to figure out if being a landlord is a responsibility you can handle on your own. From staying on top of repairs and maintenance to collecting rent and looking out for your tenants’ housekeeping skills, you have to understand all of these things to get started. So, try to ask yourself if you’re ready to perform all the responsibilities involved when deciding to rent your place out to other people.
Once you’ve decided to become a landlord soon, start looking for websites like Gumtree Real Estate where you can post ads about your rental properties. That way, you’ll get more prospects coming in to inquire about the rental.
You need to prepare your property before renting it out.
With several competitors in the market these days, you don’t want to rent your family’s property as it is since tenants tend to be choosy, especially if there’s an increased availability of rental properties. Below are the things you need to do to prepare the place for renting and improve the overall look of the property:
Clean your home and ensure that all appliances are in good condition.
Check the electrical and plumbing systems if they’re working correctly.
Make sure all windows and have appropriate locks for safety purposes.
Ensure that your property is free of hazards, such that both your interior and exterior don’t have unstable handrails or broken steps.
You need to set the right price.
Once you’re done with the preparations and you’ve already determined your responsibilities as a landlord, then it’s time to set a competitive price for the rent. You can start by getting to know the rates of other rental properties in your neighborhood or community. As mentioned, tenants have a variety of rental properties to choose from. Thus, consider giving some good deals and be sure you pinpoint the best features of your place.
You have to screen potential tenants.
Once your property is ready to be shown, begin searching for the right tenants who will occupy your place soon. By renting out your property to them, it means you expect them to take care of the place and pay the rent on time without delays. Get the best tenants through the following:
Collect references for prospective tenants and review their credit histories. The potential tenants’ credit scores can be a helpful screening tool to determine whether to accept or deny a rental candidate.
Do an interview with your candidates to ensure you’ll be comfortable dealing with them.
Perform a background check by checking references from previous landlords and employers.
Once you’ve got the right tenant, discuss the reasonable security deposit you’re going to ask. From there, make necessary arrangements for the appropriate payment schedule.
Preparing a contract of lease is a must.
When you already find your tenants, you need to prepare a contract of lease to get started. Under these circumstances, you may opt to hire an attorney or a project manager to customize the lease. If you decide not to ask help from anyone, you can utilize the standard lease form that you can find on the Internet. However, it’s important to review the form and see if there’s a need to tweak it to suit your situation. An example of a provision you may want to customize is whether you allow pets and the applicable rules you’re going to follow.
Conclusion
Renting your property out to tenants can be a massive undertaking. It’s also the kind of business that you’re going to have for yourself and more importantly, your family, thus careful consideration is required. By knowing what to expect in the rental process, you’ll get yourself in the right direction with the least amount of headache and best possible results. Not only that but you can also get to help some families looking for a new home within your area.
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.
March is the time to celebrate the life of St. Patrick, he is the patron saint of Ireland who helped introduce Ireland to Christianity. I don’t have one bit of Irish in me, but they say everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day.
I love the way my childrens’ school celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. They have a leprechaun that leaves little clues throughout the school. They go all out on this and the custodial staff joins in. They complain about all the little leprechaun footprints they had to clean up and kids design all kinds of leprechaun traps. My son designed a very clever trap last year with a little cage that dropped down. This is something they really look forward to because no one has caught him yet.
My daughter loves to bake Irish Soda Bread as well. How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Do you have any special traditions? Check out the ideas below if you want to try something new. It contains some fun ways you can celebrate the Shamrockin-est holiday of all!
You might also want to check out the video below from Catholic Central.
About CATHOLIC CENTRAL:
You have questions about the Catholic faith and what it means to be Catholic. We have answers. Using a team of witty writers, appealing hosts, and even some learned theologians, we’ve created shareable, snackable videos that teach the timeless truths and deep history of the Church with humor and heart. Produced in the Family Theater Productions studios on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, CATHOLIC CENTRAL entertains, enlightens and inspires.
Giveaway
Catholic Central is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Enter for your chance to win a Saint Patrick’s Day Feast Kit! Open to US Residents.
Slide-Out Drawer with Four (4) Stainless-Steel Cheese Knives
Four (4) Bamboo Wine Coasters
Stain and Odor Resistant
Naturally Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial
Ecofriendly, Sustainable Materials
Hand Wash Recommended
Giveaway:
You can enter for your chance to win a Saint Patrick’s Day Feast Kit below. This is sponsored by Catholic Central.
Saint Patrick’s Day Feast Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Cannot win if you have won this Catholic Central sponsored St. Patrick’s Day Feast Kit Giveaway on another blog. Enter below for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!
Have you ever wished you could do more to help others out? That is a feeling that many people share. The problem is, many want to help those less fortunate, but don’t know where to start. Randy Lewis, author of “No Greatness Without Goodness,” believes that everyone—including businesses—are responsible for making the world a better place. Furthermore, according to a study conducted by Harvard Business Review, “happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop (with happier people giving more, getting happier, and giving even more).”
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far and wide or donate to organizations that you don’t fully trust in order to give back. You may be able to find some opportunities right in your backyard. Here’s a few ways you can get started with giving back to your community:
Donate Some Items
Many families in neighborhoods around the world struggle to support their daily lives. When you donate household goods, you’re helping another family create a better home and environment for their children. Comb through your house and put a sticky notes on everything you don’t use or need. This could be anything from an old coffee maker to a pair of shoes.
Once you’ve gathered all the items you no longer need, you can choose to donate it to local organizations or host a yard sale and donate the proceeds to a local charity. Alternatively, you can consider hosting your own clothing or food drive, and donate the items you receive in bulk.
Visit a Senior Center
Visiting an assisted living home is a great way to give back to the community and make a difference. Many seniors are forgotten or don’t have families of their own to keep them company and spend quality time with them, and visiting them enhances their quality of life, giving them something to look forward to.
Just like everyone else, seniors need some compassion and company too, especially those who don’t have family members to visit them. Many senior homes have programs and events that create the perfect opportunity for you to get involved. If you aren’t sure what to expect, you can visit the home ahead of time by scheduling a tour and letting the admin team know that you’re interesting in doing a volunteer visit. You can even come up with your own ideas and pitch it to the senior home in question. For example, why not gather a few friends and have a game night at your senior center?
Serve at a Food Kitchen
Food kitchens aren’t just popular during the holiday season. In many neighborhoods around the world, people rely on them for daily meals. According to DoSomething.org, 1 in 6 Americans face hunger. Furthermore, more than 1 in 5 children are at risk for hunger; for minorities, the statistics are even worse.
The USDA defines “food insecurity” as the lack of access or inability to feed all household members at all times. Households with children are significantly more likely to experience food insecurity than those without. If you do a little research, you’ll find that there’s likely a food donation center not too far away. Contact your local food kitchen about what you can expect as a volunteer, what you can do to prepare, and whether you can bring anything to aid the process.
Soup kitchens and food donation centers rely on people who are able to donate their time, and you’ll meet many interesting people, from those that you serve food to, to the other volunteers helping beside you.
Visit a Homeless Shelter
Like a soup kitchen or food donation center, a homeless shelter is a good way to gain a deeper understanding of how other people live, and to make a contribution to their lives. Research homeless centers in your area; you may have to travel a bit more to find the nearest center, but it will be well worth your time.
One thing you may learn about being in a homeless shelter is that many of the preconceived notions you have about homeless people are wrong. As you learn about different people and start to hear their stories—especially if you come back time and time again—you find out that there are many reasons people end of homeless. Some people had no family to guide them, while others were hardworking people who lost jobs and were never able to pick themselves back up. The more you work with homeless people, the more likely you are to learn gratitude and humility.
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.
Just because it is March, it is not too late to start using a monthly and weekly planner to organize your life. The Inkberry 2019 Planner is an amazing planner you can use to track your goals, productivity, routines and more. The pages are made of thick paper and the planner is 5.75″ x 8.25″ in size. There are 2 pads of sticky notes that store in a pocket on the inside back cover. There is a handy pen holder on the binding. Mark your place with 2 ribbon bookmarks, and close your book with the elastic closure.
The Premium vegan leather cover is a classy midnight black color. The planner is able to lay flat when open, so you can easily fill the pages with your appointments, birthdays, holidays and more. Great to use as an academic planer as well. The premium resistant paper is good to use with all kinds of pens, even fountain pens.
A classy planner with all the right charms. The perfect mix between simplicity, efficiency and elegance, with all the features you would want in an organizer .
Productivity can be enjoyable and fun. Conquer your year with the Inkberry today!
THE INKBERRY WILL HELP YOU:
* Determine what you want and plan out what must be done.
* Keep your main goals in places easy to find and return to whenever needed.
* Organize events and due dates.
* Prioritize your goals for the month and week.
* Be aware of your good & bad habits and how often you are keeping them up.
* Refresh your motivation by inspiring you with weekly quotes.
* Be creative with how you like to plan your daily life.
Over the years we have seen many advancements in various aspects of our lives in an effort to make things easier and simplify our lives. In everything ranging from technology to the automobile industry, we can find tangible evidence that we are in a digital era. One major advancement that has become the background of other advancements is energy; both gas and electricity.
In a world where 90% of homes are using one form of energy or another, there is a need for sustainability. Recently, most homeowners are getting hefty electricity bills from energy providers making their cost of living hike up higher than expected.
However, you have a friend in Alinta Energy who ensures you get electricity and gas at very affordable prices. Besides, they offer various discounts to enable you to save on their energy products. With all this, you may wonder where Alinta Energy offers their services?
Where Does Alinta Energy Offer their Services?
The various States in Australia are lucky to be receiving the great services offered by one of the most popular and largest electricity and gas providers by the name of Alinta Energy. They have been offering consistent quality services and products at very competitive prices making them them a leader among the giant companies. Currently, Alinta ranks as the 4 largest energy supplier across Australia.
Some of the regions in Australia that are lucky to have this energy provider around them include:
New South Wales
South Australia
Queensland
Victoria
Western Australia
According to Alinta Energy review, this supplier has been able to cater to the needs of over 800,000 homes across Australia with stable electricity at low costs. Besides, they have won the Mozo Experts Choice Awards for providing the best value in electricity in 2018. This is just the beginning, the supplier is set for more goodies to their customers which will see them rising to the top. But why has it experienced such tremendous growth?
Reasons for the Rising Alinta Energy
There are basically 4 major reasons why this supplier has risen greatly to the 4th position:
Quality services
This is one of the major things that have attracted customers to themselves. In various states where they have offered electricity, they ensure there is no substandard installation hence their electricity has not caused fires. Their gas is free of impurities too.
Competitive Prices
Most companies will offer competitive prices but reduce the quality of the product they are offering. Alinta Energy review will show you that they perform differently and are cheapest in Australia. They don’t compromise quality despite their low costs.
They offer extras
It is hard to see an energy company giving away awards, grants, and discounts. Nevertheless, be prepared to be receiving awards and great discount plans for your electricity and gas. Although some States like Queensland have not got gas services, they can energy discounted electricity prices.
Awesome Corporate Social Responsibilities
When it comes to giving back to society, then Alinta Energy becomes number one. Recently, they decided to join hands with Australian Men’s Cricket team as their main Principal Partner and in Cricket Australia as Platinum Partner. They have also given over $100,000 in donations where they have joined hands with the Salvation Army.
Conclusion
You don’t have to pay high for your electricity and gas while this supplier is there for you. Any Alinta Energy review will also tell you that you can have free dinner, movies, and visit amusement parks courtesy of Alinta’s incentives and awards. Don’t wait any longer.
This is a collaborative guest post and the ideas and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
I cannot remember a time when I did not have a dog. I was born into a family with a beloved Cocker Spaniel who would watch over me like the nanny dog from Peter Pan. Through the years dogs were always part of our family.
When I married and had my own family, it was not long before we added a four-legged family member to our brood. Today we have three dogs who enrich our lives. My daughter, my oldest child lives in NYC. She is a young, single woman working as an executive in Manhattan. She longs to have a dog of her own. However, living in the city, there are some important things to consider before bringing home a puppy.
Puppy or Dog
When choosing to add a canine best friend to your life, you might be daydreaming of a cuddly little puppy. However, you should consider the amount of attention and training a new puppy will need. If you work long hours and your new pup will be left alone, a puppy may not be the right choice.
An adult dog, one already house trained may be a better choice. With an adult dog, you can see their full size, temperament and energy levels clearly. You will also not have to deal with the stages of puppyhood that are not always pleasant.
Housing Considerations
Is your building pet friendly? This is something you need to make sure of before bringing home a puppy or dog. Just because a building is listed as pet friendly does not mean dog friendly. Some buildings only allow cats while others have strict restrictions on the size and breeds allowed. Make sure you inquire about any restrictions before falling in love with that doggie.
Other things to consider especially if searching for a new pad in NYC for you and your prospective pooch are what type of flooring and if there is any outdoor yard space. There are some great pet-friendly buildings with amazing amenities, designed to make living in NYC with your new best friend, awesome!
Size and Breed
If you live in a tiny NYC apartment, a large dog might pose a huge challenge. Sharing a small studio with a huge St. Bernard would probably be uncomfortable for the both of you. This is not to say, you must have a toy breed. Many city dwellers are able to manage mid to large size dogs like labradors quite easily. In fact a well-trained labrador, can be a pleasure to have as your canine companion.
Labradors come in different colors, they are known for their friendly temperament and will bond with all members of the family and are usually social with other dogs. They do love to exercise so, you will want to make sure they get plenty of walks and romps in the park. If you are looking for a running pal, a labrador whether yellow, chocolate or black, in one dog to consider. Get Your Pet is a great resource for finding your new best friend.
Important Resources
Living in NYC, you will find no shortage of dog walkers and doggie daycares. Just because you work during the day, does not mean you cannot have a great life with your dog. Taking steps to make sure your pooch is entertained and exercised during the work day, is essential to your dogs health and happiness.
Find a good veterinarian before you bring your new pal home. If you have friends and family in the area who have a dog, ask them about their vet. Chances are they are using one they like and can give you a recommendation. Keeping up with routine health care can help your dog live a happy and healthy life.
This post is part of a partnership between Nakturnal and Mommy Ramblings. As always, my views and words are 100% my own.
This post is sponsored by Harvest House Publishers. As always, my words and views are 100% my own.
Motherhood Requires Grit and Grace
New devotional book offers moms of young children encouragement and spiritual nourishment
If you’re a mom, you have probably felt like you were failing at some point or another in your parenting life. I think we can all relate to days that almost everything seems to be going wrong. When your toddler has a major meltdown in the middle of a store, when you are running on empty and still have a full list of things to do or when you compare yourself to the supermoms who seem to have it all together, it is easy to think we have failed. However, the truth is, you are good enough and you are doing the best you can. If you need encouragement and support, there is a book called Grit & Grace and it is full of devotions for warrior moms like ourselves.
This refreshing collection of 90 daily devotions comes from two moms who’ve found themselves face-to-the-floor in need of encouragement and now offer it to you. Through humor and vulnerability, these short messages of truth remove the filters of perfection clouding your vision and bring clarity to your purpose as a mom. As you read the Scripture and prayer that accompany each day’s message, you’ll discover more fully who you are in Christ and how to raise your children to reflect His love to the world.
The book is filled with chapters written by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin and Gretta Kennedy that will relate to many aspects of your life as a mom. When you are feeling low, picking up the book and finding out you are not alone is very comforting as is reading the prayer at the end of the chapter. It gives e the ability to forgive myself and start anew. It is a beautiful thing to know we can always do better with God’s Grace.
Hang in There, Mama!
For those moments when you think you’ll never live up to the Supermoms around you—when you’re elbow deep in the grind of diapers and laundry and peanut butter sandwiches—you need a good dose ofGrit and Grace. In giving yourself grace, you will find you have even more grace to give from the One who is present in your life right now and in every moment.
Q: How did the two of you team up to write Grit & Grace?
Suzanne Hadley Gosselin (SHG): I was in the throes of raising three young children who were 5, 3 and 18-months old, and it occurred to me one day that I was depleted in every way, but especially spiritually. I found that ironic, since my husband is a pastor and I’m a Christian writer. I had many spiritual resources easily accessible to me, and yet I was still struggling. I also realized that it wasn’t good because in this season of raising young children I really needed Jesus, arguably more than ever.
Around that same time, I had a conversation with my 3-year-old daughter about how I could no longer fit into my “fanciest dress” (my wedding dress) because I had gotten bigger when I had babies. Her reaction floored me. Her eyes sparkled and she said, “Was I one of the babies in your tummy that made you get bigger?” My daughter could see the beauty in something that I had allowed to make me feel like a failure. I realized, then, that God uses these years to teach mamas so many wonderful truths through their children.
Meanwhile, God was laying it on Gretta’s heart to encourage moms of young children. Gretta studied women’s ministry at Multnomah where we met and were college roommates and had a knack for connecting with women and meeting them where they’re at. We were talking on the phone one day and realized that God had given us the exact same vision to provide digestible devotions for moms of young children to encourage and strengthen them in their role as mothers. That’s when the idea of Grit & Grace was born. Q: Who did you write Grit & Grace for? What stage of motherhood will get the most encouragement from reading your book?
SHG: We wrote Grit & Grace for moms of young children. We’re looking at the season that encompasses babies, toddlers and early elementary school. Many times, if they have multiple children, mamas are navigating all of these stages at once. While the stories focus on the young children years, the truths from God’s Word apply to mamas (and even grandmas) at all stages. We have had Grandmas comment that they feel encouraged to show greater intentionality toward their grandchildren. Q: What does it mean to you to have grit and grace?
Gretta Kennedy (GK): Having grit is pushing through the hard stuff of motherhood with determination and laser-focus on the end goal of raising children who love and serve Jesus. Having grace means realizing that God offers you peace, rest and help in this season and as well as being kind to your children and especially yourself! Q: Can you describe the format of the book? How much time does each devotional take to read?
SHG:Grit & Grace is a 90-Day devotional, and our concept was to provide quick-read nuggets of truth for busy mamas. These devos should take no longer than five minutes to get through, and the Scripture passage is included so you don’t even have to go find your Bible. The idea is that these can be read in the tiny spaces in a mama’s day—while the kids are napping or she’s nursing the baby. Each daily devotion includes a true story of motherhood and delves into a spiritual truth that was learned through the experience. Each devotion also includes a prayer to allow busy moms to respond the devotion in the moment. Q: When is the best time for you to do your own devotions? Early in the morning, during nap time or after the kids are in bed? GK: The few times I was able to sit down and actually read my Bible when the kids were little, I found that naptime worked best for me. I was never awake enough in the morning, then I’d be completely exhausted at night. During the time my kids were tiny, I often felt like a failure in this department. That’s when I learned my devotional time needed to be throughout the day. I wrote verses on notecards and put them up in the kitchen cupboards. I played worship music all day long. I wrote messages on my bathroom mirror. Those were the ways I found I could consistently have my quiet time. Mommy brain is pretty mushy, so I took it in little spurts. I recited the same verse over and over and eventually, those were the sweetest messages I got from God.
SHG: I do best when I have devotional time interspersed throughout the day. I like to pray and listen to worship music while I’m loading the dishwasher. When I want to go a little deeper, I usually dig in after the kids have gone to bed. Like Gretta, I have often felt like a failure in this area. I want to be an amazing mommy, but I neglect the One who can help me. One of the reasons I wanted to write a devotional like this was to help exhausted moms like me, who couldn’t seem to find the time and space for daily devotional time.
Gretta Kennedy
Q: Before you had children, what did you expect motherhood to be like? What surprised you most when you became a mother? GK: I did a lot of babysitting as a kid and young adult, so I at least knew that kids aren’t perfect, and taking care of them can be pretty tiring. But the thing that surprised me the most was the huge responsibility of motherhood. I was the one who needed to be the expert on my child. No one else would know her like I did. Also, being a mother is totally different from being the babysitter! I was responsible for everything…not just this little person. The house, the food, the everything…oh yeah, and the children.
SHG: I have worked with kids since I was a teen. In fact, I met my husband when he struck up a conversation with me about children’s ministry. I always assumed I’d take to motherhood like a fish to water. I was wrong. The stress of being a mom revealed many of my weaknesses, such as being unskilled at managing our home and all the little demands of motherhood. It also revealed my selfishness as I was pushed to put others before myself again and again.
Q: What was one of the biggest pressures you felt as a new mom? In what ways did you feel insecure? GK: I wanted to do everything right and have the perfect child. I wanted to be super mom. I wanted to be super wife. And I think that pressure came from within me, not so much from outside influences. I quickly learned that I was human and couldn’t do it all…especially maintain a clean home, serve a healthy dinner on time, and be everything my husband needed as well. It was impossible. I had to find a different and new rhythm and realistic expectations.
SHG: I struggled with not feeling cut out for motherhood. I was awkward interacting in mom circles, and I didn’t feel as knowledgeable as other moms. I kind of bumbled through the daily mechanics of caring for children. In my 10-year career as an editor at a major Christian organization, I had felt competent every day and received steady praise for my contributions. For the first time in my life, I felt like I wasn’t “good” at my job and though my babies were adorable, they didn’t offer me the kudos for my work I’d received in the workplace. I compared myself to the super-moms around me and saw myself coming up so short. As a perfectionist, it was an adjustment to find that, in some ways, I wasn’t a natural at being a mom. God had to take me on a very specific journey of accepting who He made me to be and realizing that He had teamed me up with my kids, with both my strengths and weaknesses in mind. That was powerful.
Q: Suzanne, you write that your spiritual life took a hit after you became a mom. In what ways?
SHG: Spiritual disciplines have always been an area of weakness for me. Even before kids, I struggled to meet with the Lord at a consistent time each day. However, I did find time to get in the Word daily and received consistent spiritual input through working at a Christian organization, being plugged in at church and attending multiple Bible studies during my single years. I had my first child a year and a half after I got married and decided to stay home. I quickly became isolated and overwhelmed and struggled to find time to even crack open the Bible. I felt too tired to pray. I realized many of the struggles I was experiencing, such as a negative view on life, conflicts with my husband and anger toward my children were the bad fruit of a life that wasn’t connected to the True Vine. But it was more difficult than it ever had been to sit at Jesus’ feet and be refreshed by Him. Q: Gretta, you write about losing your identity when you became a mom. Was it something you realized all at once or was it gradual? What would you like readers to realize about their true identity? GK: I had quite the cool job before I became a mom, and I loved what I did. A young newlywed and capable and trusted in an outdoor adventure-based ministry, I found great fulfillment in my marriage and career. When our daughter was born, my life was consumed with her. Being a good mom and knowing my daughter’s every need became my top priority, and I genuinely loved it. But around the 6-month mark, it dawned on me that every conversation I had with others always revolved around mom life. It no longer mattered what I did prior to becoming a mother, and no one really cared anymore about my relationship with my husband. It was all about my daughter. I had become just a mom.
I really struggled with that because I felt there was so much more to me, but none of that mattered anymore. “Mom” was it for me from here on out. Then God reminded me very clearly that titles are not my true identity. My identity needs to be found in him alone because that will never change. So truths like “daughter of the King” and “chosen” and “forgiven” became the identities I tried to focus on. This is so important for moms to remember. The little children years are so demanding that we can forget how God sees us. We are so much more than moms. We are redeemed! We are gifted! We are loved! If we can keep our identity centered as God sees us, then as we go through changes in life, our foundation won’t be shaken and we will be more free to live as God truly intended.
Q: What are some of the topics you cover in the devotionals?
SHG: We talk about perfectionism, comparison, joy, gratefulness, fear, rejection, weariness, calling, tenacity (grit) and hope (grace). Our subtitle is Devotions for Warrior Moms, and that is how we view mamas. They are on the front lines guiding their children to God’s truth and aiming them at the target—Jesus. Grit & Grace talks about the gamut of emotions mothers of young children face, both good and bad. Q: Do either of you have a favorite devotional in the book?
SHG: My favorite devotional is titled “(Gingerbread) Man Down.” I talk about how my daughter accidentally broke two gingerbread men ornaments that had been a gift from a coworker. They had sentimental value, and I yelled at her when she broke them. A few weeks later, she presented me with a new gingerbread man ornament. It was gaudy and glittery and painted with bold colors. She told me, “Mommy, this gingerbread man is even more beautiful than the ones I broke.” In the devotion, I talk about how that is what God does for us. He fixes our broken places and gives us something more beautiful than what we started with. Q: As your kids have started to grow up, what are some of the things you miss about having kids at the youngest stages? GK: I miss the simplicity of sitting on the couch and reading stories, the chair in the kitchen while they help mix ingredients, and the funny ways the kids pronounced words and phrases!
SHG: Mine are still pretty young, but with the older ones, I miss their absolute need and dependence on me…just wanting to be with me every second for no apparent reason. Isn’t that a picture of my Heavenly Father and me? I am absolutely dependent on Him and should crave to be with Him every day. And I miss all the kisses and hugs. My 2-year-old is still the best at those!
Q: If moms only take away one thing from reading Grit & Grace, what do you hope they learn?
SHG: We hope they will feel encouraged and empowered that God has chosen them for their specific children. They are called to this. There are so many sweet moments that come along with the difficult ones. As one pre-reader said, “Grit & Grace is helping me treasure hunt for grace in the challenging moments of motherhood and remember to savor the sweet moments I want to be etched deep into my heart forever.” Yes. That.
There are some critical questions to pose before accepting one of the credit card offers
likely to appear in your mailbox this month. Sandwiched between the incredible interest
rates and outrageous cardholder rewards there are some rather stark realities.
Evaluating credit card offers is about a whole lot more than going with whoever dangles
the most delectable looking carrot. There can be pretty sharp sticks hiding in there too.
Here’s what you need to consider to understand what’s really going on.
Your Spending Habits
Why do you feel you need a credit card? What will you be using it to do? Is it to serve as
a safety blanket for emergency situations, or will you use it for routine buys? Do you
plan to use it primarily when traveling?
Different offers serve these scenarios in different ways
Travel perks might dictate your choice in one circumstance, where deferred interest
might make more sense in another situation. The only way to determine which offer will
serve you best in these regards is to take a good look at your spending habits before you
agree to accept a card.
Associated Costs
Does the card have an annual fee? How much is it? Will the perks that come with having
the card outweigh the annual fee? What’s the annual percentage rate? What happens if
you don’t pay the balance in full each month? What happens if you do?
If you’re using the card heavily, you’ll rack up a lot more rewards than if you use the
card infrequently. If that rewards card has an annual fee, it might not be worth it. If
you’re just starting out and all you can get is a secured card, can you afford to have it?
How do they want you to come up with the security cash? Will complying deplete your savings?
The Devil in the Details
Every offer looks better than the next—until you comb through the six-point type on the
back of the application. That’s where you’ll learn that deferred interest they’re touting
so heavily applies only to your first purchase with the card.
What does the interest rate go up to when that zero percent deal expires? How much
are they going to charge for late payments or cash advances. What happens if all you
can make is the minimum payment?
Speaking of which, should you ever find yourself in a situation in which you cannot
afford the minimum payments on your obligations, you’ll do well to avail yourself of the 2 services of a company like Freedom Debt Relief. They can help you develop a plan to get your finances back on track.
Your Credit Score
This can be a significant factor when it comes to determining the nature of the deal you
can get from a credit card issuer. While you might be getting all sorts of mouth-watering
offers from card companies, if you look closely, they always say something like “On
approved credit.” Or, “These deals are reserved for those with excellent credit.”
This doesn’t mean they won’t issue a card. Instead you’ll get a deal far less appealing
than the advertised offer. If you don’t review the details, you might be surprised to
learn the card you actually got carries a 30-percent APR instead of the zero percent you
were expecting. You can check your credit report free of charge once each year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
These are four of the primary factors you should bear in mind when you’re evaluating
credit card offers. Always take your time and read over every word of the proposition
very carefully before you submit an application. You should then read everything again
when the card arrives—before you use it—to be sure the deal you signed is the one
you’re getting. For more on this subject visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
site at ConsumerFinance.Gov.
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and vision do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
Hello, I’m Carolyn! I am a PR Savvy, WAH Mom to 5! I love Photography, Baking, DIY Projects, Crafts, Cooking and making memories with my family. I love sharing reviews and giveaways too!
