GO FOR IT....

Guest Post By: Amanda De Pablo

I like to get to the point.  Usually when stories or blogs start out with a long intro or some kind of fluff, I usually skip it to find out the main point.  So, the main point of my thought is no matter how big or how scary the task God has placed upon your heart to do, no matter who comes against it, or the nay sayers, GO FOR IT!

We may have our bucket lists, but I know that God has his own "plans" for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has plans for us, good ones, to give us a future and a hope. What does this have to do with a parenting?  Well, His plans not only include you, but all those around you including your kids. 

I Wonder, What if....

Just a thought. I often wonder what a child would be like that was saturated with love, support and encouragement. Every area of their lives met based on their developmental stage. Cuddling in the infant years to eye-to-eye communication through the tough and uncertain teen years. What would this child be like? Would he/she be considered a prodigy? A individual before their time? A leader?  A anthropologist?

The future of our evolving society does not lay so much in the technological advancement we make, but by the bedtime stories told and the badging of a wounded knees, and shoulders to lean on. The qualities of life are not derived by what we can obtain, but rather by what we can give, a settle smile, a warm hug and the assurance that we am here.

Not Fear but Power and Love

Sometimes as parents we face uncertainties that shake us and leave us weak and numb. Rest assure that God has made a way and made provisions for your sound mind. Reach out to Him in those moments and rest in His peace.

2 Timothy 1:7 ~ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Written and sung by Charlie Hall & Daniel Bashta, produced & recorded by Dustin Ragland. Charlie’s site is www.charliehall.com and Daniel’s site is www.danielbashta.co



This short verse issues a strong reminder to each and every one of us of all that is available to us in Christ by His Spirit! Paul (the author of 2 Timothy) contrasts a life dominated by fear with another characterized by power, love, and self-control (or a sound mind).

-What marks your life? -What are your greatest fears? -What do you find yourself anxious & worried about? -Is God truly stronger than these things?

The ESV Study Bible says this about fear: “The Greek (deilia) in extra-biblical literature refers to one who flees from battle, and has a strong pejorative sense referring to cowardice. Boldness, not cowardice, is a mark of the Spirit (see Prov. 28:1; Acts 4:31).”

May God fill his Church with His Spirit, enabling us to become an empowered, loving, and self-controlled people!

Movie Review: Iron Man 3

We are not movie critics, however, we wanted to offer our review of #IronMan3 as parents for the sake of our readers. This review is intended to offer the mature content of the movie and provide a guideline for parents and their children. The review will not necessarily go into the merits of plot, special effects or acting for the sake of spoiling.

Working Class Parenting was invited yesterday to the special sneak preview screening of Marvel’s #IronMan3 IMAX 3D, here in the Tampa Bay area. The excitement in the room was high as 350 plus patrons sat waiting for the opening sequence. We must admit, as Marvel fans we waited with great anticipation. We have broken down the mature content of the movie into their respective categories:

39 Hacks That Will Make Parenting Easier

Innovative List of Parenting Hacks

1. Bathe your child in a laundry basket so that their toys don't float away.

2. Avoid committing a gender faux pas with other parents.

Lean down and ask the baby his or her name. The parent will answer for them (if they can't talk yet).

3. Teach your child to pick up a juice box by the side flaps.

This will keep them from squeezing juice all over themselves and making a huge mess.

Laughter is Good Medicine

The old Proverb goes (Proverbs 17:22), a joyful heart is good medicine. Nothing brings change to the atmosphere like genuine laughter. Whether it be amongst friends, family, with your children or watching a comedy alone, laughter undoubtedly is good medicine. I must admit that a child’s laughter is more contagious than a yawn. Whether blowing raspberries on a baby's belly, putting on a silly hat and chasing your 3-year-old, or pretending to fall to amuse a first-grader, laughter brightens a family’s life.

It important as parents that we create an environment in our home that is joyful and full of wholesome laughter. Laughing together is a way to connect, and a good sense of humor also can make kids smarter, healthier, and better able to cope with challenges.

Kids, Say the Darnest Things

Here is a collection of recent parenting Tweets collected from various parents. I must admit, I can relate to half. Check out my very own incident at the end. Its not for the faint of heart. Enjoy!

1. The 3yo: "I had a booger. Blocking my nose. I took it out. And ate it. Yum. Yummy booger." And she wasn't lying, either.

2. What's wrong with those people? Who's driving those trucks? I don't like this."-Terrified 3yo watching Bob the Builder.

3. My kids have totally ruined the possibility of Netflix suggesting anything I would want to watch.

4. 2yo and I are about to embark on our maiden snuggle/movie on the new sofa. Ten minutes max before I fall asleep and she draws on my face.

5. Just discovered that my kid likes watching golf which is problematic because it's not good for me to be asleep when I'm alone with him.

6. Just washed down six cookies with a glass of white wine, in case you were wondering how taking my 2 kids to Disneyland went.

7. WARNING: little kid laugh squeals are habit forming for parents. Tickle responsibly.

8. Picking dog up from the vet. 6yo: But he's a boy! He can't have puppies anyway!! Me: Who wants ice cream??!!!

9. A Friday night spent listening to two girls try to commit the My Little Pony theme song to memory. Ah, motherhood.

10. If you give a kid a whistle... (don't EVER give a kid a whistle.)

11. the boy just hugged me & said, "thanks for life." I expected him to immediately junk punch me & run away laughing.

12. Me: "Dude, you need a bath." 5yo: "Just my hands? Or the whole THING of me?"

13. Parent: Will you PLEASE put on some underwear? 3yo: I've told you 3 times already that I don't want to. I'm not going to tell you again.

14. 3-yr-old talking on the phone when she accidentally drops it. She scrambles to the floor, puts it to her ear and asks, "Are you hurt?!"

15. Me to 6yo: you're a smart cookie. 6yo: I am not a cookie. I'm a human being.

16. Some days around here, things go pretty smoothly. Other days, I find a child brushing her Barbie's wet hair with my toothbrush.

17. My 7yo tells me I'm the "meanest mom ever!" It's tough to maintain such a lofty position, but I'm committed to the process.

18. In case you wonder why I don't encourage my kids to eat in public, I just had to say the words, "Stop making your yogurt fart" out loud.

19. Instead of napping, my kid is apparently shaking down his stuffed animals, yelling "Gimme my money!" I knew he was too young for Goodfellas.

20. 5YO: "Let's play the 'Quiet Game,' Mama!" (Am I dreaming? Hallucinating? Dead?)

21. Forever grateful I became a parent in the age of Netflix, potable DVD players, smartphones and yoga pants.

22. I just put my very awake baby in the crib and walked away as an April Fool's Day joke. She didn't get it.

23. MOM:  There is no moment that's anything like the moment both children are finally asleep.

24. MY VERY OWN SON
Son telling story of octopus he saw (company present): Dad that octopus had huge testicles. ME: What? Son (slightly louder voice): That octopus had huge testicles. Me: You mean tentacles.

One vowel and constant, I see where he went wrong.

Have any funny experiences, stories, kid's thoughts, etc. Would love to hear them.