HE’S A GOOD, GOOD FATHER!
By Sonya Camille
A good father is a blessing to his family, providing love, guidance, and support. While we often recognize the serious and important roles fathers play, there are also some interesting and lesser-known aspects that make them even more remarkable. So what makes for a “Good Father?” Here’s list numero uno that starts with the heavy absolute must-haves. Then, we’ll move on to list number 2. If you have everything on both lists, then Dad, you are indeed a Rock Star, and I can guarantee that your kids treat you as such. However, if you lack a few things on your list, don’t worry; get to work and know that your kids will recognize your efforts and hard work and cheer you on every step. It’s always possible to work on your relationships with the ones you love. They will not only meet you halfway but run with open arms to take the journey with you. You are worth the love they will give, and they are worth working hard on the relationship that you all desperately want. So here it is, list one on the good daddy list:
Good Father List 1:The Heavy
A Good Father Leads with Humility:
Contrary to popular belief, a good father doesn’t have to be the loudest voice in the room. In 1 Peter 5:5, we find the biblical guidance: “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” A good father recognizes the importance of humility and leads his family with a gentle and humble spirit, creating an environment of respect and harmony.
A Good Father Values Quality Time:
One fun fact about a good father is his ability to prioritize quality time with his children. Ephesians 6:4 reads: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” A good father understands that spending quality time with his children is essential for their growth and nurtures a strong bond. Whether it’s playing games, having heartfelt conversations, or sharing hobbies, a good father cherishes these moments and works to create lasting memories with is children, regardless of their age.
A Good Father Demonstrates Patience:
Patience is a virtue that every good Father possesses. James 1:19 reminds us: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” A good father understands that parenting requires patience and grace. He patiently listens to his children (even if their delivery isn’t exactly perfect), offers guidance with thoughtfulness, and handles challenging situations calmly and composedly. Above all a good father demonstrates self-control in the manner in which he communicates with his children.
A Good Father Encourages Individuality:
A good father recognizes and encourages the individuality of each of his children. Psalm 139:14 declares: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” A good father celebrates his children’s unique gifts and talents, providing them with the support and encouragement to pursue their passions and dreams. He instills confidence and self-belief, helping his children realize their full potential.
A Good Father Teaches Life Skills:
A good father takes joy in teaching practical life skills to his children. Proverbs 22:6 advises: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Whether it’s teaching how to ride a bike, change a tire, cook a meal, or manage finances, a good father imparts invaluable skills that empower his children to navigate the world with confidence and competence.
Whew, that was heavy! Now, for the side of dad that typically only his kids and a few select others see- the fun side! Yes, being a good father is a serious responsibility, but that doesn’t mean we can’t inject some humor and fun into our relationships also! Once you are actively working on mastering all of the heavy on list one, to be listed on the world’s best father list, you must also actively work on mastering the following on list two also. So, please sit back, relax, and prepare to chuckle as we delve into these delightful tidbits about a good father’s role. So here you go… on to list 2!
Good Father List 2:The Lighter Side
A Good Father Masters the Art of “Dad Jokes”:
One fun fact about a good father is his ability to crack cheesy yet endearing dad jokes. Remember Abraham in Genesis 17:5 when God changed his name to Abraham? Well, you could say that Abraham became the ultimate dad with a name like that – “Abra-ham it up”! Good fathers have a knack for lightening the mood and bringing laughter into the household, even if it means subjecting their kids to a few eye-rolling puns.
A Good Father Nails the “Dad Dance”:
When it comes to hitting the dance floor, a good father knows how to bust a move that embarrasses his kids while simultaneously earning their affection. Just like King David in 2 Samuel 6:14, who danced before the Lord with all his might, a good father isn’t afraid to let loose and showcase his unique dance style. Whether it’s the classic “dad shuffle” or an unexpected twist, his enthusiasm is contagious.
A Good Father Masters the “Invisible Chair” Pose:
Have you ever noticed how a good father can magically transform any space into a comfortable seat? It’s as if they possess the power to summon an invisible chair at will. Just like when Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21), a good father can make even the most uncomfortable situation feel cozy and secure. A Dad hug is the comfiest and most comforting, regardless of age or size.
A Good Father Excels at “Bedtime Storytelling”:
A good father has a natural talent for captivating storytelling, especially during bedtime routines. He can bring characters to life with animated voices and infuse suspense into every twist and turn. Just like Jesus captivating the crowds with parables, a good father can transport his children to imaginative worlds, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their shared adventure.
A Good Father Perfects the “Dad Reflexes”:
We’ve all witnessed the extraordinary reflexes of a good father when it comes to catching falling objects or swiftly preventing accidents. It’s almost as if they possess superhero-like powers. Just like how Joseph protected Jesus and Mary by quickly heeding the angel’s warning to escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), a good father’s lightning-fast reflexes kick in when his children are in danger, ensuring their safety.
So, how many good lists, one and two good pops, are out there? No one is perfect, so don’t be too hard on yourself. The point is to recognize the area where you potentially need to grow and then start working on growing in those areas. Thats it! If there is an area that requires you to communicate that you possibly may have slipped up and require an apology, then apologize. Don’t just try to ignore past wrongs or sweep “stuff” under the rug. That never works! They remember, and your joking or acting like ‘stuff” wasn’t said or done doesn’t cover up the fact that you kinda did some wrong stuff, so swallow your pride and get it right. Clear the air, and then move on!
Just as important as list one is, know that it is just as important to know how to laugh and love on the ones who love you most. Look, who wants to be around a stiff and boring dad? No one! And who wants to be around a negative and critical hot-head, trust me when I say, no one! A good father encompasses many qualities, and exploring the fun facts about their roles and characteristics enhances our understanding of their impact on their family’s lives. From leading with humility and valuing quality time to demonstrating patience, encouraging individuality, teaching life skills, laughing, being positive, encouraging a good dancer, having patience and self-control, to being a great communicator, all of these aspects make a good father exceptional.
Being a good father is no easy task, but it doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the lighter side of their role either. From mastering “dad jokes” and rocking the “dad dance” to perfecting the “invisible chair” pose, excelling at bedtime storytelling, and showcasing impressive “dad reflexes,” good fathers bring joy, laughter, and a sense of security into their kids lives and into their home! So, this Father’s Day, let’s celebrate our good fathers and appreciate their unique abilities to blend humor, love, and guidance in a way that leaves an indelible mark on their children’s hearts. And let’s reflect on these insights from the Bible, so we can appreciate and celebrate the diverse facets that contribute to the joy and significance of a good father’s role in the lives of his children.
I am so thankful for my husband, my children’s “good father!” And, although I generally cringe when someone says this today, I find it appropriate to say that I love my baby’s daddy, my children’s good Father, my husband of 30 years, and my one and only boyfriend since I was 17 years old. I love him for all that he is, all that he has done, and all that he continues to do for our family. HE IS EVERYTHING to us, and I honor and celebrate you today, Jerrold! We love you so much! I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father, our truly good, good Father, chose you to be mine and the Father of our babies. I am eternally grateful! HE IS TRULY SO, SO GOOD!
Happy Father’s Day to all of the Good Fathers out there!
SONG LINK: https://youtu.be/t4MoLsXClEk
MY FATHER’S EYES
By Sonya Camille
You know, as a little girl, I was often told that I looked just like my Father and that my sister looked more like my Mother. Most based their assessments on complexion alone because, as you know, our society is driven by colorism-light v. dark. I’m sure most people of color would agree that this is beyond annoying in that it is still an ongoing issue to this day. As not to dive too deep into this on this post, let me provide a bit of context to readers who may not know what I am referring to. See, in America, this brought from slavery nonsense was used to pit slave brothers against each other, and sadly, they were successful in doing so. Lighter-complexion negroes, howbeit still enslaved and mistreated, were treated better and given better jobs out of the heat inside or around the master’s house. Sadly, this is yet another deep and dark aspect of our complex American history. But, colorism affects many cultures where their citizens also bear a diverse array of multi-melanated people. In each case, this sad truth is consistent, the lighter your complexion, the more socially accepted you are. But, look, that’s a different discussion for another day. As for now, I’m just pointing out that since my Dad’s complexion was browner than my Mother’s, and since my skin tone was closer to that of my dad’s, I was often told that I looked like him. Conversely, my less melanated sister was told she looked more like my mama since her complexion resembled our mother’s.
Interestingly enough, I look more like my Mother than my sister, although Mom, aka Donnie, is all up in both of us. And Daddy, aka Allen, is all up in there as well. So there is no denying that the Mingo and Prewitt/Sanford genes are in us. That is who we are, Allen and Donnie’s girls!
People have consistently stated that I have my Father’s eyes. That compliment always made me smile, especially when I was told that as an adult. I smiled because I knew those eyes, and I knew all that those eyes had seen and done. So to me, that was a high compliment!
A funny thing people often told me when I was younger was, “You have your dad’s eyes, a cross between your mom and dad’s nose, your mom’s facial structure and chin, and your dad’s flat face.” As a kid, all I could do was nod and smile. I had no idea what else I could say to that one except…. umm, “thank you?” But that’s what I heard, and although interesting, that was their opinion. Pushing past the comments said about my apparent flat face and nose, they said that I had my father’s eyes, and that is the topic of this post today- My Father’s eyes.
It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. In the case of all of our fathers, our eyes hold a special connection to our biological fathers because of the genetic legacy that was passed down to us from our daddies. However, there is a deeper meaning behind our eyes, one that extends beyond our earthly lineage. As I explored the significance of “my own father’s eyes,” meaning Allen Mingo’s eyes as passed down to me genetically, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel between our physical eyes as given to us by our dads and our spiritual eyes as we reflect the image of our heavenly Father and creator. I also couldn’t help but remember a song that often played on our local Christian radio station WFRN. The very 1980-ish song “Father’s Eyes” by Amy Grant was one of the most requested songs on this station. And since this station was all that my parents listened to other than a few other Christian records, I heard it often.
Random side note here. Do you all remember back in the day when you called your local station and requested a song? My goodness, it’s interesting the things you remember from childhood that now seem like ancient history. But anyway, I found the song I’m referring to on YouTube and I have to tell you, it sounds older than what even I remember, but it still stirred the same sense of emotion that it did back then. As sung in this song, I too want my Father’s eyes, and you should want your’s too! I attached the link below, so please go check it out.
-DADDY’S EYES vs. GOD’S EYES-
Biological Inheritance: The Eyes of Our Fathers:
Our physical eyes remind us of our biological connection with our fathers. From eye color to specific characteristics, we often inherit these traits from our earthly fathers. Psalm 16:8 reflects this connection: “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Just as our physical eyes are shaped by our fathers, our spiritual vision should be shaped by our heavenly Father.
Reflecting Our Heavenly Father’s Image:
While our physical eyes may resemble our earthly fathers, our spiritual vision should mirror the attributes and character of our heavenly Father. In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.” As children of God, we are called to reflect His image in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. Our eyes should perceive the world through the lens of love, grace, compassion, and righteousness.
Honoring and Respecting Our Heavenly Father:
Just as we honor and respect our earthly fathers, we should give the same reverence to our heavenly Father. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus teaches us how to pray, saying, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” This verse shows that we should honor and revere our heavenly Father, acknowledging His supreme authority and holiness. By living lives that reflect His character, we honor Him and bring glory to His name.
Seeking God’s Perspective:
Our physical eyes allow us to perceive the world around us, but our spiritual eyes enable us to see things from God’s perspective. Psalm 119:18 expresses this desire, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” When we seek God’s perspective through His Word and prayer, our spiritual eyes are opened to discern His will, understand His truths, and navigate life according to His divine wisdom.
Representing Our Heavenly Father:
As children of God, we are called to represent our heavenly Father in all aspects of our lives. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” Our eyes should reflect God’s love, grace, and mercy to the world, serving as a testimony of His transformative power in our lives. By living in a manner that honors and represents our heavenly Father, we become His ambassadors, shining His light in a dark world.
My Dads Eyes
My daddy’s eyes were not perfect, but they were perfect for me and my sister Chanda. Through his eyes, we saw a love for God that was unwavering. We saw a love for my Mother that, although challenged before he gave his life to Christ, was solid from the point that they both gave their lives to Jesus moving forward. Dad’s deep love, connection, and commitment to my mother continued until Jesus called my mother home to heaven. Through my Dad’s eyes, we saw an example of a real man who loved, protected, and provided for his family. Through his eyes, we saw a man impart wisdom and guidance to his children and grandchildren. Walking past his study at night, by the dim light on his desk, we saw his eyes shut and heard him quietly praying for each of us. Through his eyes, we saw strength, drive, determination, an out-of-this-world work ethic, and a love for his parents and family. His eyes had joy and laughter in them as he joked, laughed often, and joyously and loudly sang all kinds of songs around the house. Dad’s eyes were fun. He would invent ways to keep us entertained. Mimicking many of the adventurous things he once did as a child and introducing my sister and me, along with whichever cousins were visiting at the time to pure, imaginative country fun! He was the best! We saw adventure in his eyes as he was a great storyteller. We saw grief in those eyes as he said goodbye to my mother. We saw him faithfully preach and pour into the lives of many-including those in our local jail, through his jail ministry. Through his eyes, we saw what a true man of God looked like.
While our physical eyes bear the resemblance of our earthly fathers, it is what we see through our spiritual eyes that truly matters. What does that mean exactly? Well, we should all strive to reflect the image of our heavenly Father by honoring Him, respecting Him, and representing Him in all that we say and do. You see, our eyes should become a conduit for God’s love and truth. Each day, it should be our desire to seek God’s perspective, represent Him faithfully, and live in a way that aligns with His character.
But this, my friends, is only if God is your Heavenly Father. Is He? Do you know? You only can have God’s eyes if He is your Father and if you know and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Savior. If you have confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead-then, you know Him, and it is His eyes that you now have!
Romans 10:9,10 says: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
So, let us fix our eyes on our heavenly Father and allow His image to shine through our eyes, impacting the world around us for His glory!
Happy Father’s Day to all the great Fathers out there! And a very special Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Allen Mingo. You did Daddy well, and I honor you today!
Cordially, Your youngest, Sonya Camille 🤍
Song: My Father’s Eyes
Link: https://youtu.be/lGBLgJnORx8
OUR EASTER
EASTER 2023 RECAP
A Sand filled, Egg-Hunting Celebration
Written by: Sonya Camille
Easter is by far my favorite holiday, although I hesitate even to call it a holiday, for it is truly a celebration of the best day in the history of humanity! Jesus’ resurrection from the grave-HE LIVES! Easter is my favorite because it represents a new beginning-Christ Rose from the grave! He’s Alive and reigns over All in power and love. Death was not the end, and the tomb was not victorious in its attempt to keep the King of Kings there- HE ROSE! And HE LIVES! The older I get, the more and more I fall in love with my Savior, the living King, and this amazing week of reflection and celebration-Holy Week. Easter is synonymous with life, newness, new beginnings, Salvation, and Spring, and I love it!
So, Easter morning for us began early before sunrise at 5:30 am as we started our day at our church’s sunrise service. It was beautiful worshiping and celebrating our risen King with my family, my church friends (old and new), and a good cup of coffee. The warm donuts were equally delicious! Sitting together with a few thousand people was truly awesome as we all witnessed the sun rising over the beautiful mountains- gloriously amazing are the words I would use to describe this service. Yes, gloriously amazing sums it up for sure! After the sunrise service, we ran home to change. We then returned to church for the Easter morning service. Both services were powerful and emotional as we witnessed hundreds of people (again, in both services) accept Christ as their Savior and give their lives to Christ on this Holy day of Easter. Hundreds of people flooded the aisle after our pastor gave the invitation-souls were saved! Because they decided to follow Christ, they too, will escape eternal death, which is beyond amazing! If the day had ended after church, it would have been a complete and amazing day. But it didn’t, and I still had some major fun things to do with, and for my loves, so I was excited!
After church, we enjoyed the most fantastic brunch in the vineyards at a beautiful winery located here in beautiful California. The older my adult children get, the more Jerrold and I love these moments with them. The view, the breeze, the laughter, the food, and the great conversation are gifts. These extraordinary young adults have become our most treasured friends, and we greatly enjoy them. Walking the vineyards after brunch, taking photos, more laughter, more great conversation, just more of them was a beautiful blessing. We went home to change after brunch and immediately headed to the lake for fun. This lake is my special place, as is the ocean-I love the water! This particular lake, nestled in the middle of the mountains here in California, is our special spot. Boy, is it beautiful here!
At the lake, I watched my loves open their Easter bags (way too much stuff to fit into a basket). I had several friends email me to ask what I included in my 20 year olds (and my husband’s) Easter bag/baskets so I thought I would share it with you all here. So, my Easter baskets/bags for my family have always had one recurring theme. This theme has remained consistent ever since my babies were babies, and that theme is Christ. My basket/bags generally include the following: New devotionals, bookmarks, a new Bible if needed, a Bible trivia game, a book from a trusted Christian author, jewelry of some sort, maybe a decorative item for their dorm and/or apartment, other whatnots,their favorite candy and of course, chocolate! This year, after opening their Easter bags, we had our traditional egg hunt. Not the resurrection eggs we did with our kids when they were younger but, shall I say, a revised, more mature egg hunt-or so we thought. This year I incorporated a low-key relay race with our egg hunt. Jerrold was the line judge near the shoreline, and I was stationed near the baskets. These competitive young adults of ours, somehow turned this “low-key” fun activity into a mildly physical event in an attempt to gather as many eggs as possible. Jerrold and I all but rolled in the sand while laughing hysterically as we watched our kids combine little pushes, intentional tugs and occasional tripping eachother in the sand as they darted back and forth to get more eggs. It was the funniest thing ever to watch and my word, we had fun! Let me hit the pause button here for just a moment and give a quick Adult parent tip.
Parent tip of the day: If you want to keep some of the traditions you enjoyed with your little ones alive and well, then make sure you don’t let them die. Think of ways to maintain your kid’s interest in fun, family activities at every stage. You do not have to stop doing the activities that you once enjoyed doing together simply because the kids are older. And please don’t assume that they no longer have an interest in participating in fun family activities-they do! Their interst may still be there but just not in the same manner as it was when they were, perhaps, five or six years old. That said, make sure your activity grows and matures with your kids. Keep the tradition fresh and relevant, and provide space for those traditions to develop and evolve with your family. Make sure you come up with creative ways to do what you once enjoyed doing but in a more mature way. Your children will appreciate your creativity, and your tradition(s) will last for generations to come.
So, yes, we still do Easter egg hunts with our young adults, but with a bit of a twist on the egg hunts of old that they participated in as a child. Here’s the twist, because they are broke college students, we bless them by filling the eggs with money or small gifts. Some of the eggs contained pieces of paper with dollar amounts written on them, while others had messages on them which included the names of the gift or gift certificates written on them that they were to be given. Gifts such as, a pedicure, a manicure, a car wash, lunch, or coffee on us were a few of the gifts I wrote on notes and placed in their Easter eggs this year. Once the game ended, I gave them their money by either Cash App or Zelle and distributed the gift certificates earned. It was indeed a great time had by all and our broke but extremely appreciative college students loved it. I should probably add that even if the eggs were empty, i know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that my kids would have still enjoyed this activity. Remember my friends, time with you is what your family loves most. Although nice, but it truly isn’t the gifts received. So no matter your budget, keep that in mind. It isn’t the gifts, its you that they want. I guarentee that doing something fun and creative together, will keep them all very interested in participating in your annual traditions. So no matter what you decide to do with them, a scavenger hunt, playing games on a blanket at the beach or in a park, reading together, drawing together etc. just plan it and do it! You will be so glad you did and so will they!
Our day ended with us sitting together, watching the sunset gracefully fall behind the mountains surrounding the lake. It was a beautiful and fantastic way to end such a terrific day! Our hearts were full! Dinner followed, and although it was delicious, that’s no fun to talk about, so I’ll end this post with the sunset! And I’ll say it one last time for the ones in the back…My Savior LIVES y’all!
Until next year Easter!
Until next year my cordially Friends! 💕
I HAD MY SON PACK TOO MUCH FOR HIS MISSIONS TRIP TO MEXICO. SIGNED, A CHRONIC OVER-PACKER!
THE MISSIONS TRIP
So, my 23-year-old law student took a week off of school to go on a week-long missions trip to Chiapas, Mexico. My kids have always expressed an interest in going on a missions trip, but due to their rigorous athletic and training schedules throughout high school, they could never find a mission trip that worked with their schedule. I guess there were a few opportunities for them to go to the “inner city” to minister with a youth group they attended while in high school. They didn’t go because my husband and I didn’t allow them to go. This would be a good thing to dive into and discuss in a later post or on my podcast (Call Me Camille). This is way too long, but for dramatic purposes only, my rant title would be something like this, “Why I refused to allow my black children to minister with (great people) but none-the-less a predominately white youth group to a predominantly minority, mostly black inner-city area.” Or perhaps this title. “Why I did not allow my children to go on a missions trip with wonderful yet caucasian Christians who hardly, if ever, had any interaction with blacks and minorities in their own communities.” You see, I grew up in a Christian home, attended a Christian school, and went to a Chrstian College. I have seen it all! I saw the pictures and heard the conversations centered around the beloved mission trips to the inner city and Africa. I heard the self-righteous conversations about how and I quote, “good it feels to help “save the blacks in the inner-city and Africa.” Well-meaning Christians who loved showing off their pictures with little, dirty, poor black babies, locals, and children. I never liked that, and to this day, whenever I see pictures like that, admittedly, I do think about this- it just never set very well with me. Photos, that were proudly displayed as if to show to all that they do not have an issue with race yet, their actions, once they returned “home” reflected otherwise.” It’s a whole thing that was discussed in great detail in our home. I’m pretty sure it’s a topic that was also discussed in the homes of many black Christians.
For me, similar discussions were had in my home growing up where, for the same reason, my dad would not allow me to go on a missions trip to predominately under-resourced black areas either. Maybe I’ll have him on the Pod to share his thoughts on this subject. We have a sincere heart for all people of every color. We have a heart for the poor. We know what God’s Word says about the poor, the needy, and the hungry. And although my caucasian brothers and sisters may not fully understand this, it is how many of us black Christians feel. It hits differently when you don’t see that same ZEAL to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with ALL people, regardless of their skin color or social-economic status. ALL people need to hear the Gospel! The “saving” of the poor blacks when you can’t or are uncomfortable talking to your black neighbors was a very serious and real problem for us. Just once, I would have loved to witness someone organize a mission trip to my predominately affluent white suburban community or serve the children and families in my predominately white executive neighborhood. They need Jesus too! Let’s be clear, I know their hearts are in the right place, and their intentions are honorable, but it is a “thing” and one that needs to be addressed. And since I’m all knee-deep up in this, I should also add that my current (predominately white) church is all about it! They get it! They truly minister and serve ALL in their community and are intentional about doing so. I am honored to be part of this ministry!
Wow, I really digressed. Let’s put a pin in that. So, In high school, my son went on a trip with his basketball team, where they participated in several “service/community outreach” events. At the same time, they toured the South and visited many Division I colleges. Additionally, my children have been heavily involved in our Chicago suburban Jack and Jill of America organization, where they participated in many community service outreach events and programs. Serving others and giving back to their community was and is in their DNA but never have they ever participated in a mission trip. This was an awesome experience for all of us. Admittedly, I was just as excited as my son, leading me to the greater issue at hand here: my packing.
I NEED HELP!
So, let’s talk about my packing issues-I need help y’all! No matter how hard I try, I simply can not, no matter how hard I try, condense everything I need into an appropriately sized suitcase. I often find it hard to get everything I need into a bag weighing less than 50lbs. It’s a struggle.
My poor son looked at me (respectfully) sideways as I kept bringing him things to add to his bag. But, before you judge, you must know that I pack for the “what-ifs.” I pack for the ” just in case” and the “if I need it and can’t find a place to buy it, no worries, I got you” moments.
I would love to hear from you. Please email me @sonyacamillecontact@gmail.com with any packing suggestions or tips you would like to share with me. Visit back for the second half of this post entitled “Packing solutions-what I’ve learned.” I will incorporate your feedback and my research from Pinterest and YouTube. Hopefully, I, too, will get tips on how to pack more efficiently. Packing tips coming soon here on Cordially Camille!
My Baby Turned 20!
My baby is 20! There is nothing that pulls at my mama heartstrings more tightly than seeing my baby girl literally transform from a teenager to a 20-year-old young adult. I could not be more proud of the woman she is becoming. This sweet, kind, and considerate mini-me is my best girlfriend-
What a blessing she is to me.
Here are 20 things I’ve learned along the way, in no specific order. Let me know your thoughts.
- Tea parties are the best! little girl tea parties turn into the best mommy-
daughter coffee dates. - Hug often. Minimum of 10 daily.
- A soft answer and a listening ear go a long way.
- Humility and a genuine apology are key to having a close relationship.
- If you wake up in the middle of the night, go into your kid’s room and pray over them. Cover them in prayer.
- Consistently and constantly point your kids in the direction of the cross.
- Emphasize the importance of developing a close relationship with Christ more than any other relationship in their life.
- Affirm your daughter often. Remind her daily of whom God says she is
- Stress the importance of her valuing herself. Remind her that her mind and her body belong to her Lord, not a boy/man.
10 Teach her never to lower her standards or compromise her morals for anyone. - In disagreements, remind her that you are not her enemy and that you love her. Never go to bed upset or without talking it out.
- Crawl in bed with her and hold her until the tears stop. Then dry her eyes, and remind her of her great worth.
- Remain very involved in everything. Know every friend, and have access to everything (cell phone, passwords, social media passwords, etc.) I trust her but not others. In my home, it was not until she was 17 that I stopped being knee-deep up in it!
- Do not compromise, even if she doesn’t understand; you be the parent and be ok with not being liked, the nice guy, or very cool in her eyes for the moment.
- Carve out time each week for mommy-daughter time. Let her talk about anything in unguided conversations. You actively listen- always make her feel like you are seeking to understand and that you care. A walk in the park, shopping, or a television series. Movie or go for a drive in the car. Time together, just talking and listening, is more valuable than you can ever imagine.
- Pray with her often. Devotional time together and time reading together is priceless.
- Teach her to love & respect herself and to be more concerned with her inward beauty than her external appearance. When she knows and understands this and truly knows and values who she is, she will never need the affirmation and approval of boys.
- Teach her the importance of carrying herself like a lady. A confident, well-spoken, and poised lady demands respect.
- Look others in the eyes when speaking to them. Always give a firm handshake. Stand and sit up straight. Walk with your toes pointed forward. Always wear lip gloss, and don’t go out of the house looking a hot mess. shower multiple times if necessary-smell great always! Always wear earrings and three pieces of jewelry. Dress stylish and trendy but always keep it classy. Have very open and candid conversations about EVERYTHING about the opposite sex- what you don’t tell her, she’ll learn from another source-You be her teacher.
- Ask questions. Be interested in everything she is interested in. Laugh often, play together, cuddle and be available. Be patient, and remember, being best friends for life is the ultimate goal!
