Some of my favorite sounds. What are yours?

• a congregation singing praise to God
• an ocean tide coming in with seagulls crying overhead
• laughter
• coffee making
• a train off in the distance
• my children sometimes calling me “mommy” even though they are teens
• my husband telling me he’s on his way home

While on vacation, not too far from where I stood, archeologists were digging up the remains of an early colonial settlement in Jamestown, Virginia. They were searching for buried relics; I was looking for my lost notebook. The pink covered pad, filled with important notes and phone numbers was as allusive as the lost civilization beneath my feet. My daughter agreed to assist with my search, so off we went retracing my steps. I began ranting about how stupid and irresponsible I felt for being so careless. Then my daughter chimed in, Thats how I feel, Mom, when I lose things and you tell me I need to be more careful.

She was right. My daughter hadnt once reprimanded me for losing my notebook; I on the other hand, had countless times chastised her for misplaced items.

You need to be more responsible,

Youd lose your head if it wasnt attached.

Not very helpful statements, and definitely not what you need to hear when youre already feeling low. Why is it that condemning others comes so easy to me? Its certainly not like my Lords character.

In Psalms 103 we read, The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us nor remain angry forever. I decided that I had been way too harsh in the past. At trying times like this, my daughter needed praise not rebuking.

Surprisingly, I found my notebook that day. Someone had turned it into the Visitor Center. We all celebrated the find, but there was a greater treasure dug up that day, more precious than any old relic. It was grace. Ive decided to display it in a prominent place in my life.

I remember one year I sprained my ankle in the church parking lot while going to pick up a vanload of teenagers. The ankle was iced and wrapped, but I still needed to take the kids home. When the kids got out of church I told the them about my mishap. And you know what? No one commented about my ankle, instead they wondered if Nick and Mandie, the latest ‘couple’ at church, were going to break up.

I moaned a bit and told them I was sore. Still, no sympathy, but a discussion ensued about whether or not Ben needed a fashion consultant. I then lamented, “If I pass out you’ll need to pull the van over to the curb and phone 911.” The van went silent. At last, I thought, finally they’ll focus on my needs. Instead, my brood of unlicensed teens began fighting amongst themselves as to who would be the better driver when I passed out.

I sighed. Is our culture so busy that we’ve lost our ability to demonstrate compassion upon others? Jesus had compassion. In Mathew 14:14 we read, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Jesus had a purpose in coming to earth, he was busy, yet never too busy to stop and care for those who needed his gentle touch

I began wondering if sometimes I get so caught up with my “things to do list” that I forget to help the people God places in my life. People with sprained hearts and broken dreams calling out for someone to notice…and care.

Since that day I’ve packed a first aide kit in my van. I’ve made sure to keep a healthy dose of kindness on hand, after all emergencies occur when you least expect them.

Blessings,

Lynne

Sac & Co host Melissa and me

Me and my props

Sac & Co producer, Lily, and me in the control room

Weather woman, Monica Woods, and me

Had a blast with Melissa and Jodie on the Sacramento & Company Television show. If you missed it on TV, just click on the television slider on my home page and scroll down in order to view the show. It is so interesting to see the “behind the scenes” makings of television. The cameras are all automated so there are fewer people in the actual studio. The news is going on right next to the Sac & Co set with Dan Elliott and Monica Woods. By the way I had a chance to visit with Monica and she is such a sweet gal and a committed soccer mom. Fun. Another inside tidbit about my props, the tortilla had only a couple of slices of meat and lettuce in it (no mayo or mustard or it would have gotten soggy), and the smoothie…let’s just say that one wasn’t drinkable. I hope your school days are off to a good start. Give yourself some time to adjust, schedules are tough stuff.

Blessings, Lynne

My children started back to school last week. I’m challenged with switching gears and once again adhering to a schedule. I’ve found a few things over the years that have eased my “back to school mayhem”. See if these help you too!

• Buy your child an alarm clock. The sooner you stop playing morning Drill Sargent the better. If he/she is late for school then meet with the teacher and work together. Maybe Miss Smith needs to assign more homework for tardy students. (Smile)

• Give your child a lunch budget. Provide enough food in the frig for packed lunches, and maybe a few dollars for those school pizza days.

• Decide on what your child will wear to school the night before. Avoid morning drama as much as possible.

• Make sure and provide talk time after school each day between you and your child. Ask, “What was your favorite part of the day?” “What was the worst thing that happened?” If you ask the dreaded what did you do today you’ll get the required mantra…nothing.

• Make sure a healthy snack awaits your child when he/she gets home. Then post a to do list on the fridge, for example: snack, homework, clean pet’s cage, then TV.

• If you work and your child walks or bikes home alone, make sure your child texts you when he/she leaves the school and again after arriving safely at home.

• Send a happy note of encouragement to your child’s teacher with a phone number to call you for any help or questions regarding your child.  You might even offer to send snacks when party celebrations arrive. This goes a long way.

• Be sure and help your child with perspective. Let your child know that some kids are mean because they have sad hearts and it may have nothing to do with your child. Also, encourage your child to try his/her best, but realize school is practice for real life. If you already knew everything you wouldn’t need school! (You might want to forgo this talk with teens…just kidding).

• Be sure and take time this school year for you and your spiritual nourishment. Grab a devotional and your Bible. Take a walk in the mornings before the day starts. Pray for your children each morning.

Happy School Year!

Lynne

Hey Friends,

This week I’ll be appearing on the television show, “People Like You” on KTLN in San Francisco, with my daughter, Cassie.  If you are not in the area, I’ll be posting the entire interview on my website (TV channel) on Monday, August 17. If you are in the area, here is the station schedule: Wednesday 5:30a.m. Thursday 6:00a.m. & 8:30p.m. Friday 3:00p.m. Saturday 11:00a.m. Sunday 4:00p.m.

Cassie and me on the set of KTLN in San Francisco

Cassie getting her makeup for the show

Cassie, me, and show host of KTLN

Please feel free to check out my article of the month on the homepage, The Miracle in Mommy, teaching the menstrual cycle to your children, as well as my new speaking page. I would also appreciate your prayers as I prepare to appear again on the Sacramento & Co television show.

I hope your summer is going great. Grab those memory making moments before the school year begins. Maybe a Back to School party for the kids?

Blessings,

Lynne

If you’re needing a break from the typical summer romance novel have I got the book for you.  Chuck Holton’s book, Meltdown, published by Multnomah, packs a punch from start to finish.  In the spirit of full disclosure I need to share that I flew down to West Virgina to help my pal brainstorm and plot this military adventure. I learned so much working with Chuck. First, he is a gifted writer. Second, he and I work well together since we share a twisted sense of humor and out of the box imagination. Third, never listen to Chuck when he prods you to torture your agent. All kidding aside, I’m sure you’ll love this book. Linked here is the audio and PDF download of the first chapter. You can pick up the book at Amazon.com or any Christian bookstore.

Enjoy!

-Lynne

One afternoon I decided that leaving my two teenagers at home alone together for a mere 30 minutes while I went to the store was a good decision, until I answered my cell phone.

“Mom, David and I got into a fight so I went to your friend’s house.”

“What?”

Now, I have to admit to you that my first response wasn’t to find out the details of who started what, or how everyone was doing. Nope. I was totally humiliated. Here I was respected soccer mom, author, and most recently guest speaker for the church whose women’s ministry director was now harboring my fleeing child. What are people to think? I told her to get back home, then phoned my son and informed him that he was also “toast”.

After calming both of my children down, and handing out the appropriate consequences I turned to God to face mine. I knew I’d handled this situation incorrectly, at least on a spiritual level. I was so worried about what others thought, and wondered why I gave other people that much power in my life. It all came down to pride. The premise of, “Look, I serve Jesus, my life is perfect,” is oh so wrong. I’m not perfect. I don’t have all the answers. That’s why I came to God in the first place. Only He has all the answers. As far as my embarrassment goes? God has offered me a remedy.

In Psalms 62:7 it reads, “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” What a relief. I don’t have to put on any airs with him; He sees the whole picture and bestows upon me his honor, no matter what glass house I live in. And you know what? His opinion of me is really the only one that counts.

Blessings,

Lynne

Are we there yet? Perhaps the four most common words spoken on any vacation journey. I wrote the Official Soccer Mom Devotional in hopes that this book would be portable and accompany you on all your trips near or far. So I’m hosting a Summer Contest.  Just send me a photo of you reading/holding a copy of my book at your vacation spot (make sure the cover is showing) then I’ll place your name into my jar signing you up for a f*ree signed copy of my book. The winner will be drawn and announced on August 10th, and many of the photos will be placed on my site. So you have until then to get a photo to me. Send as an attachment to Lynne@SoccerMomBook.com or mail to 2930 Geer Road PMB 104, Turlock, CA 95382. Have fun, be creative.

Here’s my daughter vacationing at her favorite spot, our pool.

Blessings,

Lynne

In the military, men and women are trained to possess special skills that make them very valuable in the defense of our nation. These are things the average American cannot do. As a Mom I’ve discovered that I too have special skills that no one in my family seems to possess. Here is my list:

Ability to successfully engage toilet paper roll equipment

Avoid pet casualties by providing daily nutrients

Detect when someone is lying

Seek out and confiscate stolen/borrowed items belonging to me

Eavesdrop on covert operations from behind closed doors

Diffuse incoming verbal attacks with quick “grounding” retaliation

Track dirt to it’s origin

Transport soldiers from other troops  back to their campground via the company “Van”

Execute orders from the senior officer, especially as it relates to vacation plans

Create alliances with other unit officers (parents) regarding what our troops watch and where they go

Tactical Control regarding all daily plans for little soldiers

Root out and destroy all terrorist attacks upon our unit (often found in the media)

Interrupt friendly fire, especially when “we were just playing operations” get out of hand

So, there you have it. I think all Moms have these. What are your special skills? I’d love to hear. Email me using the Contact Lynne button.  Meanwhile, have a great Fourth of July. Let’s remind our children to say a prayer for those with the real skills, who fight for our freedom everyday.

God Bless America!