Q:My husband and I have been married for four years. He has never been a Christian, but I have–even though I have backslid several times. We go to church and I am very happy about that, but I was wondering, could you give me some pointers on how to get him more interested in Christ?

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A:So you want to know how to get him more interested in Christ? Well, I’ll start by saying that when our interest in Christ is something so special and different, over time others might be drawn to it. What I mean is, that when a Christian is walking with the Lord there is usually something special about them, and if an unbeliever sees this difference in us, they may want to know what it is!

You said you’ve backslid several times. Most of us have, unless we came to Jesus for the right reason in the first place. Sadly, many churches entice us with the, "Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life…" spiel, until the going gets rough, and we wonder why we ever came to Jesus in the first place.

I was a backslider too; it wasn’t until I read The Way of the Master by Ray Comfort, that the gospel message hit me between the eyes. I’d then understood for the first time, my serious NEED for Jesus.

It’s hard to attract someone to something if the person trying to attract isn’t that excited about it in the first place. Did that sound confusing, or what? What I’m trying to say is, work on your relationship with the Lord first. Concentrate on being a godly wife. Make Christ-like changes in your own life that would make your husband wonder why he’s the luckiest man in the world to have such a wonderful wife. What made her change? Why is she so different? It’s then that you can gently tell him, "It’s Christ living in me."

Actions speak louder than words. Let your actions lead him to Christ. I always suggest joining a small group Bible study with other women. It’s the best way to get into the Word and start understanding it.

I hope this has helped.

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Q:I was wondering if you have any material for middle-school-aged children on dressing modestly. I am working at a middle school, 5th-8th grades, and they are having a terrible time with teaching these kids to dress modestly. We cannot say anything about God, which is so sad. But I thought maybe you could help me out. Thank you and God bless you!

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A: It’s crazy and shocking how some kids dress today. What’s even sadder is that parents allow it. It’s an uphill battle when God is not part of the equation; nevertheless, it’s still one to be addressed. Thanks for having the courage to do so!

There is actually a GREAT book written for young women on this very issue. It’s called For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice. I had the pleasure of endorsing the book. Of course it’s Christian based, but you could pull some great things from it without talking about God at school.

The original one they wrote was For Women Only and was such a hit, they addressed one for younger girls. It talks about what guys are thinking, and what goes through their brains when it comes to looking at girls and how guys think in general. Perhaps you could purchase a copy and share it with the class.

About The Author:

Candace is best known for her role as DJ Tanner on ABC’s hit sitcom Full House. Over the years, Candace has been on a self-imposed hiatus in support of her husband, NHL hockey star Valeri Bure and their three beautiful children, ages 4, 6 & 8.

Candace currently speaks at various churches, colleges, and outreach events throughout the year sharing her testimony and Christian faith. She has a heart for evangelism and recently traveled on a missionary trip to Ghana, Africa. Her long history of charitable work includes the Starlight Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Compassion International, Children’s Hunger Fund and Sheridan House Family Ministries.

Learn more about Candace at her website, CandaceCameronBure.net.

Ever thought of stuffing envelopes from home to make money? I hope not. We’e all seen those scam ads in our local Bargaineer or Pennysaver. With all of the pyramid schemes, party programs, and network marketers out there, how can a mom find a way to earn a little extra money without losing thousands of dollars?

"Multilevel marketing is not for everyone," says Catherine Eagen, a former banker who now helps Christians become millionaires by increasing their financial IQ. Some people do really well at it. "People that have a pentiant for sales probably would be good at that. People that don’t probably won’t," she says.

Many people enjoy party sales and network marketing, but if it’s not you, don’t stress. You can find something you enjoy that enables you to make money at home.

"First of all, find out what you’re good at," says Catherine. "Some women were in the corporate world or in the business world or the non-profit world prior to becoming a mom. They had gifts, talents and abilities. They need to ask themselves how they can parlay those into an economic opportunity for themselves."

"I have a friend who decided to be a stay-at-home mom and she decided to write a magazine, an e-zine. She writes articles, has great contributing authors, and interviews people that are notables in the community and around the nation." Catherine says.

It doesn’t always take great skill to start a successful business. The ability to solve other people’s problems is enough to make money. Catherine and her husband know a lady who was walking down a road in the south. "They passed by a field and the mom looked over and said, ‘Oh, those are some beautiful flowers.’ It was fall and there were some dried flowers. She said, ‘I wonder if we can pick some of those.’ She knocked on the door of the homeowner, and the homeowner said, ‘I’d love for you to get rid of those. They are weeds in my site and I hate them.’ She began to go out and cut them down, and she made bouquets. She sold those bouquets to the neighborhood Walgreen and they began to show up in different of the Walgreen stores. One thing that looked like a problem for one person became a solution for another individual."

"One of the questions that I always suggest that people ask themselves is, ‘What problem do you believe you were created to solve?’ When you answer that question, it’s a good indicator of what you should or could be doing. Then the question is how to do it from home," Catherine says.
It may mean telecommuting or becoming an entrepreneur. If you love organizing or being an office manager, approach small businesses and local entrepreneurs about performing some of their office tasks or doing their bookkeeping from your home.

"There are many things that the stay-at-home mom can pursue either on her own as an entrepreneur, within the context of a group of others, within a corporation, or within a non-profit organization. These jobs will give her credit for her work, and if she then turns around and joins the corporate world or becomes an entrepreneur, she can now bring work experience.

Says Catherine, "The Stay-at-home mom needs to look in earnest and what she likes to do and then do it."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Pilcher writes articles and interviews millionaires from home for an upcoming book about the Parable of the Talents. Visit her website www.ChristianMillionaireSecrets.com and sign up for her monthly ezine containing an article, an audioclip from a millionaire interview, a book review, and a quote about success.

An early September trip to a craft store, where I saw Christmas items prominently displayed, forced me to check the calendar. "Yes," I told myself, " it is time to start Christmas shopping."

It’s hard to whip up holiday spirit when the weather’s warm and the calendar says you have almost 100 days to go. But every October, two reasons spark my holiday spirit. First, shopping early means there’s more time to celebrate the coming of Christ in December. Second, it saves money. If those reasons make the sugar plums do a happy dance in your head, you’re ready to shop.

Establish a Budget

Before you start, make a budget. With your spouse, decide how much money you can spend without going into debt. Gift giving doesn’t honor the Savior’s birth if your spending creates debt.

Once you know your spending limits, get a couple blank note pages from the back of your planner and make two lists. On one, record every person who needs a gift: family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, club and school gift exchanges. On the second, list other holiday purchases: the Christmas tree, decorations, lights, stocking stuffers, cards, postage and gift wrap. Then use your budget to assign dollar limits for all gifts and purchases.

If the limits depress you, don’t lose heart. Expensive gifts aren’t essential to a Christ-focused Christmas. And your kids don’t need to receive everything on their wish lists as much as they need the example of parents who spend within their means.

Be Creative
But if staying within your budget seems impossible, don’t give up. Use creative gift ideas, like the ones below. They can stretch your dollars and establish traditions your family, friends and co-workers will look forward to and enjoy for years.

- Implement a gift exchange with extended family members. Have cousins draw names so they exchange gifts with just one other cousin. Do the same with aunts and uncles. Set dollar limits and stick to them.

- If that’s still too pricey, do a five dollar white elephant gift exchange instead. Make crazy rules to decide the order for distributing and opening gifts. Make more rules for "stealing" and "restealing" items. Our extended family does this and everyone, from kids to grandparents, scour thrift stores all year looking for unforgettable bargains.

- Draw names amongst co-workers and club members instead of buying each person a gift. Again, stick to a spending limit.

- Use your hobbies to create inexpensive gifts. Knitters and crochets, quilters, scrapbookers, woodworkers, bakers - the possibilities are endless.

- Give the gift of time. Offer to baby sit a friend’s kids. Spend a day cleaning, doing yard work or sorting through old pictures with parents or grandparents.

Give Memories

School or graduation pictures, prints of special events and your child’s artwork are gifts family members will appreciate. Years ago my mother-in-law gave me boxes of slides she’d taken while raising three boys on an Alaskan homestead. Each November, I make a few slides made into prints to send to his brothers. The pictures bring back wonderful memories of their childhoods. Use pictures to preserve family history for your loved ones, too.

Prepare to Shop
Now, put the two lists you made earlier in your planner. Clearly write spending limits beside each name, along with clothing and shoe sizes and wish list items that match your budget. Put two envelopes in the back of your planner. Stash receipts in one so you can locate them quickly if case of returns or exchanges. Put discount coupons you will use in the second.

Start Shopping
Finally, you are ready to shop. Watch sales flyers and garage sale ads, check Internet shopping sites and eBay for the best deals. Purchase items on your list when the prices match your budget. Never leave home without your planner. Set a target date, perhaps December 1, to be done shopping. Once your purchases are completed, quit looking at the sales flyers and don’t go where you could impulse shop. Schedule a final shopping trip during the after Christmas sales so you can stock up on gift wrap, cards and other staples needed for next year.

As gifts accumulate, you need a safe storage spot. That’s not easy to find since kids have noses trained to sniff out even the most cleverly hidden toys. Ask a nearby friend or relative if you can store your gifts in a box or large plastic tote in their basement. Then offer to store theirs in return. This tactic will also keep you from forgetting where your gifts are located. Two heads are better than one!

Set an Example
If you finish shopping early, you’ll have time to establish meaningful holiday traditions with your kids. You could celebrate Advent together, building anticipation for the arrival of Baby Jesus. Or you could read Christmas stories, research the origin of Santa Claus, go caroling together, visit elderly neighbors. Spending time with your children gives them a gift money can’t buy: your example of true Christmas spirit, a heart grateful for God’s love expressed in His Son, a heart compelled to share His love with others.

About the Author:
Jolene Philo is a freelance writer and speaker who lives in Boone, Iowa. She shares her house and her home office with her husband Hiram, daughter Anne, and dachshund Abby. You can learn more about her at her website, www.jolenephilo.com.

Exercise… why does this word either bring out the jitters in people or send them running to the nearest coffee shop to weed through the never-ending information on what exactly to do when wanting to exercise? Answer…to much misinformation! Whether it’s a desire to live a healthier lifestyle, control weight or keep your internal self healthy, there is no magic pill or fad that will give lasting results. Exercise and proper nutrition is the only answer!

The National Center for Health Statistics report that 66% of US adults, 20 years and over are overweight or obese. Factors that contribute to obesity include consuming more calories than being burned due to inactivity and poor food choices, heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and feeling lethargic are just a few of the health issues associated with being overweight. Consistent, daily cardiovascular exercise is proven to reduce body weight, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and provides energy for the upcoming day. With the side effects and health risks associated with prescription drugs to help reduce these health risks, it seems that daily exercise is the better option to ward off any health issues to begin with.

Exercise: active use or operation, according to Webster. Daily cardiovascular activity with the addition of resistance training, according to Diana! Exercise should not be a dreaded task but a fun activity that is performed every day. Walking, dancing, jogging, cycling and swimming are just a few activities that can be enjoyed to obtain desired health benefits. Choosing an activity you enjoy will ensure consistency and as a result, your health goals will be achieved.

Joining the right fitness facility is one option. Fitness facilities offer various group fitness aerobic and resistance training class that give an individual variety and something different to look forward to each day. Classes are included in the membership cost and group fitness instructors are certified. For the parent taking advantage of a group fitness class, most facilities have a clean, safe and well staffed babysitting service. Before joining a gym, check out the babysitting facility, if needed. Precious cargo will be left in that room so be sure it’s up to your standards and all staff is CPR certified! Also, most facilities have qualified personal trainers on staff for an additional charge. Many people will not exercise unless they are accountable to someone or, just want that extra push. A personal trainer will do both. However, I must caution you to research the possible personal trainers education and experience. A personal trainer with a degree in the field should be your fist choice.

Maybe you don’t like to travel to a fitness facility and are more motivated to exercise at home or pursue a new interest such as dance lessons or skating. Great! Then do just that. Or, how about going for a walk, jog or bike ride around your neighborhood for at least 30 minutes each day. Catching up on yard work that is in need of tender loving care is another great option. Vary your activities each day for variety. For added benefit, incorporate resistance training into your workout 2-3 days a week to start.

Another option is to buy or rent from the local video store or public library, an exercise DVD or VHS video, produced by a reputable fitness professional. Most routines include everything you will need from cardiovascular exercise to resistance training. The choices are endless so have fun and change videos every week.

Remember, being healthy is a choice. Chose to exercise daily. Chose nutritious foods to energize your body. Chose increased energy and productivity. Make the right choices for yourself. You and your family will be grateful.

About the Author:
Diana Sadtler is a University of Tampa graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Diana’s passion for fitness and nutrition has sprung her into a lifelong journey in helping others. She currently speaks to women’s groups on how to integrate exercise, nutrition, and healthy habits as part of day-to-day life. In addition to Diana helping her clients achieve optimal health, she also achieves her own personal goals and competes in fitness competitions annually. She enjoys working with individuals of any age and fitness level and believes that exercise and good health is a lifestyle choice.

Diana is also a freelance writer on health and fitness topics. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family publications and various fitness websites. To contact Diana with questions or comments, please email her at dsadtlergetfit@tampabay.rr.com.

Read John 14:26 cev:

But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

Do you remember a time when Mom or Dad dropped you off some place? How did you feel? Maybe you ran after your parent crying, "Don’t go!"

When Jesus walked on earth, He had a group of men who helped Him called disciples. As the time came for Jesus to go back to Heaven, the disciples did not want to see Him go. Jesus loved them and told them He they would not be alone.

Jesus said, "I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you" (John 14:16 cev).

God sent the Holy Spirit, not just to be with the disciples, but to live inside them. If you love Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives inside you, too, so you never need to feel lonely. Even if you somehow ended up by yourself in the middle of nowhere, you would not be alone. That might seem topsy-turvy, but it’s true!

Topsy Turvy Tip: The next time you feel lonely, remember - God sent the Holy Spirit just for you!

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).