Simple Truths for Authentic Living                     October 2010

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Wherever there is a human being,

there is an opportunity for a kindness.  

~ Seneca


Venturing out to run errands, enjoy a meal or simply play at the park often exposes my kids to actions they can learn from. Generally we're blessed to witness a few good deeds but can always count on enjoying some behavior of the "didn't your mother teach you any better" caliber. Those are the events that cause you to throw your hands up in the air while thinking to yourself, Really? Really?!


Sometimes I'm dumbfounded by thoughtless choices people make. I know I'm not the only disgusted one, because there are blogs, magazines, newspapers and books bulging with stories of rude, indifferent people for whom the only thing that matters is me. Me. Me. Me.


In an effort to make a difference, starting with this newsletter, I'll offer quick tips for cultivating character, one trait per month. It'll be short, sweet and inspiring; and sometimes, even really funny. This month's trait: Attentiveness.


Also in this issue is the monthly giveaway you won't want to miss, some new websites to explore, and, of course, an Anger Management Tip that sheds some light on ways we deal with unrefined anger.


Helping you keep your cool, with simple truths for authentic living...


Teresa
TeresaDrake.com
 

 


Cultivating Character: Attentiveness
 
"It is amazing how quickly the kids learn to
drive a car, yet are unable to understand the lawnmower, snow-blower or vacuum cleaner."

                                                                            ~ Ben Bergor

For Adults:
Only after we notice the world (people, issues, opportunities) can we begin to care for it. Every act of kindness is, at first, an act of attention. When we pay attention, when we are alert to the world, we improve substantially the quality of our responses and therefore the quality of our lives and the lives of those who touch ours.

For Children:
Attentiveness is showing the worth of a person by giving full concentration to his or her words. Children can be encouraged to do the following:
    • Look at people when they are spoken to
    • Ask questions if they don't understand
    • Sit or stand up straight
    • Do not draw attention to themselves
    • Keep their eyes, ears, hands, feet and mouth from distraction.
 

Sources: Choosing Civility by P.M. Forni, "Third Watch" SRVCA Newsletter



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Anger Management Tip

suppressed angeraggressive angerpassive aggressive anger

The Three Faces of Unrefined Anger

People who face difficulties processing and managing anger haven't cultivated successful methods for communicating anger. They're still relying on tactics useful in childhood. As an adult, these practices (yelling, blaming, bulllying, etc.) are immature, inappropriate, ineffective and ultimately, hurtful for all involved.

In his book, "The Anger Trap: Free Yourself From the Frustrations That Sabotage Your Life," Dr. Les Carter explains there are three categories of behavior that identify people who are trapped in their unproductive use of anger: suppression of anger, openly aggressive anger, and passive-aggressive anger. Today we'll look at suppression of anger. (To read the rest of this article, click here.)

For archived Anger Management Tips by Teresa, click on the underlined link.


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Each CD includes best-known worship songs, plus brand new, made-for-kids songs that help them to "own" their praise. All songs are performed by the Grammy & Dove nominated Bob Singleton Kids Chorus. Plant life-long habits of praise and worship     in your children. (Click here to listen to sample tracks)

"The songs are engaging and fun to listen to and make for a great worship experience.  They are also perfect for parents to listen to with their kids in the car or at home as both are sure to enjoy the music."  (Wayne Stocks, Children's Pastor)

Two lucky readers will win a 3-pack, so be sure to enter! Entry deadline: Saturday, October 16th. Please email entries to teresa@teresadrake.com with "October giveaway" in the subject line. Winners will be notified via email.


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Websites Worth a Look...

Mothers of Boys Society The MOB Society . . . For Moms of Boys by Moms of Boys. A website and blog in support of moms "reaching the hearts of boys for the Gospel & preparing a generation of men to love the Lord."  Website features a blog, resources, and giveaways, and is a must-see for moms of boys!

PureFreedom.com & SecretKeepergirl.com. These two websites "place a special emphasis on equipping moms to raise their tween girls to be sexually pure, modest and emotionally whole teen girls." Resources of Pure Freedom offer frank and transparent books and events for teen and college-aged students.


Articles of Interest


New!   Car Booster Seats to Avoid, an article from CNNMoney.com, highlights these latest findings:

"The good news is that booster seats are getting safer. The bad news is that there are still some seats out there that may not protect your child in a crash, a report released in September showed."

You can read the article here. Or, check out the complete review of 72 booster seats here, which includes quick-to-read lists of Best Bets, Good Bets and Not Recommended, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.


Quick Links

FYI...
This month I'm speaking in Crows Landing, Marin, Pleasant Hill, Roseville, San Jose, Tracy and Walnut Creek. If you'd like to come see me, click here for details.
 
www.teresadrake.com
 
Anger Management Tips by Teresa
 
Simple Truths for Authentic Living (Archived Newsletters)
 
On My Bookshelf (What I'm currently reading)


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The difference between something good

and something great is attention to detail.

~ Charles R. Swindoll



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"Simple Truths for Authentic Living" is a monthly email newsletter featuring items of interest to moms.  If you received this tip from a friend and you'd like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up through the "Join My Mailing List" icon to the right. Thank you.

Copyright October 2010 Teresa Drake. All rights reserved.