Ten Spiritual Tips for Mother's Day

Mothers will really appreciate these ten tips on how to grow spiritually even in our fast-paced world. They are written by an educator and author of NEW PSALMS FOR MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL (Judson Press). Candy and flowers are ordinary. Spirituality sings!

Give busy Moms something they really need for Mother's Day, a spiritual boost! Here are tips from an author and educator for your readers. Questions? Contact me at 610-341-5930.

TEN TIPS ON HOW TO GROW SPIRITUALLY AS A MOM
By Linda Ann Olson, M.Ed.

Life is hectic! You need a good plan to grow in faith and spirit as you raise children with solid values. Here are some tips on how to include much-needed spirituality in your life as a busy Mom.

1. Prayer Pockets. Maybe its impossible some days to set aside 10-15 minutes for quiet prayer. But you can still pray, anytime and anywhere. Standing in line at the supermarket? Waiting to pick up a child after school?On hold while making a phone call? Turn these time-wasters in "pockets" of time for brief prayers.
2. Journal Writing. Youre saying. "Im lucky if I can write the grocery list!" Take just 5-10 minutes a day to jot down your thoughts, hopes, dreams, goals and challenges. Before you know it, you have a personal spiritual journal.
3. Motivational Moments. Let others read for you, while you are driving or working in the kitchen. Most books are now available as audio tapes. Turn dull chores (like chopping vegetables, or sorting laundry) into motivational moments with an audio Bible or other inspiring audio book.
4. Portable Reading. O.K., you dont have the luxury of putting your feet up and reading for an hour or two. You can still read the books that will keep you growing spiritually. There are several pocket-sized daily inspirational guides available which you can easily slip into a jeans pocket, diaper bag or purse.
5. Buddy System. Maybe you have a friend, relative or neighbor who also wants to keep growing spiritually. Team up and make this a joint goal. A simple phone call can combine news with your latest inspirations, prayers or Bible passages.
6. Idea File. You see a great article but dont have time to read it now. Just save it in your Idea File. Then, when you do have some quiet time, take it out and concentrate on what it means to you. Does it challenge you in some way? Motivate you to take action? Prod you to learn more about something?
7. Cards and Letters. Save all those birthday cards, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and other holiday and greeting cards. Re-read them when you need a spiritual pick-me-up. An inexpensive and almost effortless way to inspire yourself.
8. Simplify! Spirituality craves simplicity to flourish. If your home or office are cluttered with too much stuff, sort it out and give away what you really dont need. Spend less time caring for too many material goods and more time nurturing your soul. Now thats a goal worth holding a big yard sale for!
9. Thanks a Lot! Really appreciating all that you have is a spiritual act. Start and end each day with your mental list of things you are grateful for, from that first cup of coffee to a warm bed to sleep in. As Moms, we are thankful for our children, for their well being and safety, and for all the joy they add to our lives. Time spent giving thanks to God is time well spent on your spiritual journey.
10. Share the Good News. As you increase and enrich your own faith and spirit, youll want to pass it on. Write, phone, e-mail friends, family and neighbors about all the important things you are discovering along your unique spiritual journey. Start right now -- if you like these Tips, share them with a friend.

"Peace be with you…and with your spirit."

Linda Ann Olson is the creator of "Connected Journaling" which is used throughout her book, NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL (Judson Press, PA, ISBN 0-8170-1298-2). An inspirational book for expecting and new mothers, this multicultural and nondenominational book uses journaling prompts that could also be applied to many other life situations. Available at amazon.com; many bookstores; or directly from Judson Press at 1-800-458-3766.
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