"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy
As a mother of four, it's important to teach my children that God calls us to serve others and follow the example that Christ gave us. One way to do this is by setting the example ourselves, but also by getting our children involved in the ministry of helping others.
If you have older children, this may be easier, but finding opportunities for your younger pre-school and grade school children may be a bit more challenging. It doesn't have to be!
If you are a Christian parent living in Southwest Orlando, or if you have recently moved to the area and you're looking for ways to help your community, then read on...
For the last four years, the M.O.M.S., St. Rita Ministry and Family Focus ministries at Holy Family Catholic Church have been reaching out to our local domestic violence shelter in Orange County, Harbor House of Central Florida. Our entire church community has been very generous of their time, participation, donations and support of our outreach activities throughout each year.
The holidays are a very difficult time of year for the women and children taking refuge in safe shelters, so this December, the St. Rita Ministry at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando is sponsoring our 4th Annual Tree Trimming Celebration at Harbor House of Central Florida to help brighten this holiday season for these families.
Each year, leading up to this special event, we provide an opportunity for our children to also get involved in this cause, as it is such a wonderful opportunity to teach our children that domestic violence is wrong and it hurts all of us. As parents, it's our responsibility to talk to them when they're young, before their ideas about relationships are shaped. By doing this, we can help end domestic violence by preventing it from happening in the first place.
As a parent, there's nothing more special and rewarding than seeing your child beam with the joy of knowing that something they did brought a smile to someone in a less fortunate situation.
So, if you're looking for an opportunity to get your kids involved in communty service this holiday season, then please consider this invitation & join us in the Social Hall of Holy Family Catholic Church on Nov. 20th, from 3:30 - 5:00 pm for our community outreach project for kids. Holy Family is located at 5125 South Apopka Vineland Rd.
To download a printable PDF flyer to present to your ministry, employer, friends or family click here.
Thank You For Your Continued Support!
Harbor House of Central Florida is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, advocacy, counseling and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children, empowering them as they work to reclaim control of their lives. Through education and advocacy, Harbor House strives to bring the issue of domestic violence to the forefront of the community's awareness.
The St. Rita Ministry is a Domestic Violence Resource Ministry at Holy Family Catholic Church developed to provide education, outreach and awareness to the issues of domestic violence and serves to be a resource for support and referrals to our pastoral staff, ministry volunteers and individual families within our parish community. As a faith community we must support and help victims and encourage our friends and family to do the same. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, Harbor House of Central Florida can help. 24 hr Emergency Hotline: 407-886-2856. To learn more about domestic violence or for additional information please visit our website at http://SaintRitaMinistry.CatholicWeb.com
"Fireproof doesn't mean that a fire will never come, but that when it comes, you'll be able to withstand it."
FIREPROOF was the No. 3 movie in America on Friday and it was ONLY shown in 839 theaters!This movie was well worth the wait and God's timing of it's release couldn't have been more perfect! So, my husband and I went to see it on Saturday night and the theater on was packed! The love, hope and energy that filled the room was infectious, as we laughed, cried and cheered throughout the entire film!
Without giving it all away, because it's really a MUST SEE, this movie goes deep into the meaning of God's complete and unconditional love and speaks to anyone in a relationship. I can say that this was definitely one of the best made movies of all time and would recommend it to anyone! John and I were even inspired to take the "Love Dare"... what a blessing this movie is!
If you haven't seen it Fireproof, you can click on the link below to learn more! If you've seen it and would like to learn more, there are additional resources and tools at http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com
Here's some information about the Love Dare:
"The Love Dare, as featured in the new movie Fireproof, is a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare is a journey you need to take. Learn more..."
As I sat down to prayer before lunch, I asked God to give me patience and understanding and to help guide me in the right direction with my youngest strong willed three year old son. I have been fighting this battle with my SWC for some time now, and today I was starting to feel like I was losing it, both my patience and the battle. And it's not just an every once in a while melt down; it's a daily battle of the wills between us.
It just so happened that my husband had just made a placement today (he's an executive recruiter), I had just gotten paid a commission from a new construction contract written back in February and I had actually had a couple of good days with my SWC. So why was I crying? I have so many things to be grateful for, why do I feel so bad? (Don't feel weak for shedding a few tears... I was once told by Sister Paula Hagen, the Retreat Director and Co-Founder of M.O.M.S., that "tears are prayers from the soul.") Well, as my husband and I learned from a parenting workshop we had attended not so long ago, strong willed children and a strong-willed parent will usually conflict and it all starts by first making changes within ourself. But there's more to it and God MUST be kept close in our thoughts, our words and our hearts.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
So I've been quite overwhelmed lately and feeling a tremendous amount of guilt for starting a new career and going back to work full-time and guilt for being a bit of a spitfire myself! (Have you had "the curse" put on by your mother when you were younger? I did!) Lately, I've been trying to discern the right things to do, the right course of action in every decision because I felt that it was all interwoven in God's ultimate plan for our lives. It seems that the challenges get tougher and the decisions get harder. Finding balance with God, family, career and life in general has become increasingly challenging. So, how timely it was that I found this article! Remember the little prayer I said at lunch? It's called "Making Peace with Your Strong-Willed Child."
Here's a quote from the article:
"Who said parents need to be rigid and inflexible? It's ironic, but God is the only one who can make us do anything, and he never has and never will force us to obey him. We think we can force a child's will when God himself does not force us. God wants us to choose to be in a relationship with him, to choose obedience. We need to parent the same way."
So if I am to be honest, I know that I am accountable. I know that it all begins with God, then I need to make changes in myself, my habits, the way I communicate and in the way I perceive things to be. Recently at mass, our priest pointed out that if "you change the way you look at things, then the things around you will begin to change." Now I know that this has been said a thousand different ways, by several people, but when God is in the center of it all it certainly does change the perspective.
Funny how you get these "little messages" and glimmers of hope after a simple, yet humble prayer for help during moments of weakness and frustration. So, this afternoon I somehow get both boys (3 & 5) down for a nap and as I'm writing this, my husband emails me this prayer. God does listen! I would like to share this with other mothers who may also be struggling with a SWC.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Praise be given to Your Holy name for Your forbearance and mercy.
You have dealt gently with Your children in love.
You have been patient with me in my humanness and stubbornness.
Lord, through the work of Your Spirit, prompt me to be more jubilant in hope, more patient in times of trouble, and more consistent in my prayer life.
Teach me, Lord, to wait with faith and expectancy, and may my trials be seen as times for growth in grace.
Through Christ our Lord, I pray.
Amen.
One last note, the article is one of the best written ones that I've read on this subject and it offers some great insight and suggestions. Enjoy the read!
According to Elizabeth Razzi of The Washington Post, first-time buyers or those who have been out of the market for at least three years have more reasons to purchase a home than before. She makes some very good points to consider.
Interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get government help.
The Federal Housing Administration recently boosted its loan limits to $729,750 in expensive areas. It's going to take some of that back on Jan. 1, 2009, when the loan limit shrinks to $625,500. The FHA loan limits for single family homes in Orange, Osceola and Lake counties is currently $353,750. Click here to learn more about loan limits for FHA loans insured for other FLORIDA counties.
The FHA allows down payments of as little as 3 percent, but that will rise to 3.5 percent as of Oct. 1. People scraping dollars together for a down payment should try to set their closing for the end of this month. Click here to learn more about purchasing a home with an FHA mortgage.
The federal tax credit recently approved will shave $7,500 off a first-time buyer's federal tax bill due April 15. Buyers who don't owe tax will get the money as a refund. The government's definition of a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years. Click here for more information on the Federal Housing Tax Credit for homebuyers.
Please Join Harbor House of Central Florida for the "Children...the Silent Victims of Domestic Violence" A National Experts Roundtable on October 10, 2008
Do not miss this panel discussion about child trauma and family violence. This important event will be moderated by Dr. Junius Gonzales, Dean of Louis de la Parte Mental Health Institute, USF. Joining him will be Dr. John Fairbank of Duke University Medical Center/ National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, Carol Wick, CEO Harbor House of Central Florida and Vicki Hummer, Florida Institute for Family Attachment.
Training certificates will be provided and attendance is free. Priority seating is available for those attending the 31st Annual Luncheon.
Location:
Sheraton Downtown 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd. Orlando, FL 32804
For more information about volunteering with Harbor House, please contact:
Maribel Ojeda Volunteer Coordinator Harbor House of Central Florida PO Box 680748 Orlando, FL 32868 407-886-2244 x 239 407-886-0006 Fax 800-500-1119 Hotline mojeda@harborhousefl.com www.harborhousefl.com
"Mom's In Touch Prayer Time" will be this Thursday September 4th 2008 @ 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM We will start on time and end on time for those working moms that can attend.
Please pass this on to Other Mom's or Grandmothers that might be interested in Praying for their children or grandchildren.
You are welcome to send me Prayer Request for your children so we may add them to our Prayer Sheet and we can pray for "specific needs" that you may have.
Maritza Seda's Home 407 445 4650 3437 Bellington Dr. Orlando, 32835 Home Phone: 407 445 4650 Email: Metrowestdeb@aol.com maraca@linksnet.us P.S. Do not forget to bring your old cell phones to donate for Women of Domestic Violence.
"It means so much to be able to talk to other mothers who understand."
As busy mothers, we're often pulled in too many directions. As members of a large parish, in a large city, it can be hard to find a true sense of belonging. But we all have one thing in common: our faith. Our backgrounds, ideas and interests are diverse, yet our basic values are rooted in God. We need each other -- to talk, to listen, to share our experiences and wisdom.
"I feel so much more a part of the parish community since M.O.M.S."
M.O.M.S. is about finding the spirituality in the everyday tasks of motherhood. It is a personal journey of self discovery through prayer and keeping a journal. It is not a counseling group, nor is it group therapy. It is prayerful self-reflection. In order to be the best mom we can be, we have to understand, accept and love ourselves for who we are. M.O.M.S. brings small groups of mothers together for 8 weeks as they share their stories and support each other on this journey.
M.O.M.S. is an 8-week parish-based peer ministry program for small groups designed to enhance the Christian perspective on various topics including, spirituality, friendship, motherhood and "self-awareness". Co-created by Sister Paula Hagen, O.S.B., Vickie LoPiccolo and Patricia Hoyt, this ministry is based on the theology of "Called and Gifted".
Since 1992, M.O.M.S. has reached over 500,000 women and their families in over 135 dioceses in more than 3,200 parishes.
Mission Statement
The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) creates in women an awareness of the inner sacred self, while at the same time teaching them new ways to inspire, encourage, and affirm each other. Through the process of personal and spiritual growth, women have the opportunity to clarify their values, claim their own giftedness, and bring these new strengths to their family relationships and to the Christian community.
Objectives
"To gather mothers together to form a network of mutual spiritual support."
"To provide a group experience of learning, praying and ministering to each other."
"To introduce mothers to opportunities for personal and spiritual growth in a faith sharing group."
"To increase communication skills and the use of prayer rituals in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS M.O.M.S. FOR?
M.O.M.S. is for any mother of any age (married, single, divorced, widowed, stepmother, grandmother, etc.) and is designed to ignite or rekindle women's spirituality. As wives, mothers, daughters and friends, with all that we do on a daily basis, this group serves the individual through personal and spiritual growth so that we can nurture others more effectively.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE?
The ability to make a commitment to an initial 8 week period.
The ability to keep confidentiality.
The desire to grow by sharing.
The ability to support other mothers in their personal growth.
WHAT ARE THE SESSION TOPICS?
Sessions will be led by a team of facilitators and topics will include...
Self-Esteem & Self Acceptance What influences me at this time in my life?
Stress, Worries & Anxiety Learning to deal with stress productively
Everyday Spirituality Relationship with Self and relationship with God
Feelings Constructive self-expression
Personal Growth Who am I? Where do I give and receive support?
Expressing Values in Friendships Defining Christian values, examining relationships
Celebration of New Beginnings An evening of Celebration
Discernment: Continuing the Journey How will I continue my personal growth? How am I "called" to continue my personal growth?
This group is for you! As you prepare for the upcoming sessions, please note the following so that you can gain the most from the experience:
Opportunity for Growth. This group will meet for eight weeks. In the seventh week, we will have a Celebration of New Beginnings. After the Celebration, you will have a chance to choose new opportunities for growth for yourself and your family.
Punctuality. The group will begin and end promptly. Please be on time to respect our time limitations.
Adult Learning Model. As adults, you have a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to the learning adventure. Therefore, the group will often break into small groups of two or three to facilitate the sharing of ideas. Your thoughts and opinions are valued and will not be judged.
Experienced Learning. Reflective questions have been designed to give you some new experiences of spiritual growth and relationships. Read the text of MOMS: A Personal Journal and complete all journaling exercises before coming to each session. You are never asked to show your journal to anyone. Having your thoughts written down will make them easier to share.
Holistic Spirituality. The experience will include exercises to nurture the sacred within you. Many women experience an inner awakening, a renewed energy, or a desire to continue to meet and discuss other issues.
Prayer. A variety of prayer forms and rituals, including both traditional and contemporary prayers will broaden your experience of prayer. Inclusive language is used. A "M.O.M.S. graduate" has agreed to be your "Prayer Sponsor" for these eight sessions. She will be praying for you and will be invited to the Celebration of New Beginnings session.
Confidentiality. The things we learn about each other in the sessions must remain within the group. This is essential if we are to build a system of trust.
Evaluation. Each person's evaluation of this experience is valuable. Completing the evaluation will help indicate a direction for you and for MOMS. An evaluation form will be given out at the fifth session.
Family Perspective. The experience you have over the eight-week period will affect your lives and the lives of your families. You may be invited to a social gathering so you and your husband or friend can meet the husbands/friends of the other women. This "family perspective session" may be offered as an option after the eighth session and gives the chance for husbands and friends to meet and share with this new circle of friends.
St. Paul's MonasteryThe Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) is an outreach ministry developed by the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Paul's Monastery in St. Paul Minnesota. The National M.O.M.S. Office is located at the Monastery. M.O.M.S. is based on the Gospel values articulated in the documents of Vatican II, especially the document "Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium", and traditional Benedictine values in these areas:
Seeking God in daily relationships. (Rule of St. Benedict)
The dignity and call of each human person to holiness. (Called and Gifted)
The Christian's ability to practice discernment and stewardship. (Rule of St. Benedict)
The value of Christian community and sharing time and talent with others. (Gospel)
For more information about learn how to start M.O.M.S. in your community, contact your Regional M.O.M.S. Coordinator. If there is no Regional Coordinator in your area, please contact the M.O.M.S. National Office.
M.O.M.S. has 2 Fall sessions at Holy Family Catholic Church beginning on September 15th (Tuesday evenings) and September 16th (Wednesday mornings). M.O.M.S. provides an 8-week, parish-based ministry in which trained peer facilitators lead a group of women through an experience of self discovery, mutual support, and prayer. Don't miss this opportunity to do something special for yourself! (more . . .)
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 5125 South Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando, Florida 32819 Office: (407) 876-2211 Fax: 407-876-1167
Learn to share with other women and mothers the stress, concerns and positive experiences that have influenced your personal growth.
Experience the support of other women as you discover the depth of your spirituality.
M.O.M.S. has welcomed more than 160 women at Holy Family Catholic Church. Women who have attended have developed deep personal friendships and as a result of the personal and spiritual growth, many have decided to share their gifts and strengths in ministry and other various service opportunities.
As a past participant, former Facilitator and Prayer Sponsor in this wonderful peer ministry, I would be happy to speak with you about my own personal experience and how the Ministry of Mothers Sharing has influenced my life.
Please accept this invitation to take a couple of hours each week to develop a greater awareness of your own spirituality as a mother, and to appreciate the ministry of your motherhood!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Kresl Coordinator of Marketing & Publicity The Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) at Holy Family Catholic Church (407) 353-3268
First-time buyers purchasing a home are eligible for a maximum of $7,500 tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009. The purchase date is the date when closing occurs.
Income limitations are:
Married couples with incomes less than $150,000 qualify for the entire tax credit. The tax credit phases out for married couples with incomes between $150,000 and $170,000. Couples with incomes exceeding $170,000 do not qualify for the tax credit.
Singles with an income less than $75,000 qualify for the entire tax credit. The tax credit phases out for singles with incomes between $75,000 and $95,000. Singles with incomes exceeding $95,000 do not qualify for the tax credit.
The tax credit is really an interest-free loan from the government that must be paid back over fifteen years, in increments of $500 a year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed.
If you die, your heirs do not have to pay back the remaining balance.
If you sell your home before fifteen years have passed and your home's appreciation is less than the amount you have to pay back, the loan is forgiven.
If you turn your home into a rental or investment property, you must pay back the balance due.
This Summary Is Provided Courtesy Of:
ANGELA MAZZITELLI
Contemporary Mortgage Services, Inc.
321-438-7009
As a professional in the mortgage industry, Angela has built her reputation on providing outstanding service to her clients. That means they can count on her to always look out for their best interests. With more than 19 years of experience, Angela has worked with first-time homebuyers, growing families, investors, and foreign national buyers. Her goal is to help her clients cut through the clutter in the mortgage marketplace, so they can quickly and efficiently find a loan that meets their objectives & fits their lifestyle.
Angela takes her career very seriously and will go above & beyond what's expected. As a ‘straight-shooter', she gets involved with each and every client, building lasting relationships as she strives to be their lender for life, not just for that mortgage. Angela is committed to being honest & ethical and welcomes the opportunity to gain your business!
My broker, recently suggested in our weekly sales meeting that by anticipating the things we are afraid of by writing out the objections we're fearful of and then taking the time to write down great responses to those objections or questions, we will have prepared ourselves mentally for moving right past that objection and ultimately achieving our goal.
This brings me to the reason I wrote this post. The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) offers an independent study course on overcoming phone fear. Although this course was designed for the recruiting and staffing industry, there are many parallels to selling real estate, the biggest of which is helping people in making one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions they will likely make in their life.
As a former headhunter (i.e., Executive Recruiter), now licensed Realtor®, here are some things I've learned from this course, along with some of my own observations from my professional experiences, about overcoming fear and objections when working with buyers and sellers:
Keeping a positive frame of mind.
Think about and study your problems until you are completely aware of them (this suggests that all the answers to your problems reside within the problems.)
Rehearse and role-play with your broker and/or other top producing agents or sales mentors. This will help us sharpen the skills of our trade and the deficiencies in our techniques.
Gain knowledge, particularly as it pertains to your techniques and the market.
Know your consumer and their problems.
The course suggests that when a buyer is faced with making a choice, they need help in determining what they have to gain or lose by acting or not acting and if it the decision will agree with or conflict with their values and beliefs. The point is that knowing your buyers, your sellers and yourself leads to self-confidence and you'll be better equipped to answer questions and objections, ultimately leading to many successful real estate transactions!
If you're interested in reading more about the independent study course click here, as there are a lot of great tips that really apply more to overcoming phone fear and it offers techniques, which can easily be transferrable to our industry. (I know of a few agents that would avoid cold calling, warm calling and canvassing if there was an easier way.)
So I don't know about everyone else out there, but I plan to anticipate my fears, learn how to overcome the objections and channel that into positive results for everyone involved!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
My broker, recently suggested in our weekly sales meeting that by anticipating the things we are afraid of by writing out the objections we're fearful of and then taking the time to write down great responses to those objections or questions, we will have prepared ourselves mentally for moving right past that objection and ultimately achieving our goal.
;)
;)
