It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you have formed a bond with, even when the relationship was intended to be temporary. Adults providing foster care find themselves saying goodbye when foster children return to their biological parents, are adopted, or move to another foster home. Courts and social workers usually want the transition to happen quickly, increasing the stress level.
To make things easiest for the child, adults should try to make the process last at least one month. An initial visit together to the new home for at least half a day should be arranged. After the child visits several more times alone, arrange for a weekend stay for the youth, even if the child will be returning to the biological family. This approach makes the transition smoother, placing less trauma on the child.
Schedule a meeting with the therapist, new parents, and the child. Discuss similarities in parenting and determine how to incorporate both sets of rules into the new living situation to encourage continuity. By proceeding at a pace the child is comfortable with, there should be few incidents of acting out by the youth.
Drastic change due to a new living situation can cause a foster child to regress. Aiming for continuity is in the best interest of the youth. Otherwise, behavior like lying, tantrums, and running away may surface. Rather than cutting ties with the child completely, maintain contact via telephone, email, and face-to-face.
Once the child has transitioned to the new home, foster parents should continue to express their love and concern. It is important to remind the child that someone is there, no matter what happens. If any acting out does occur, it should be immediately addressed with empathy and by reinforcing the positive aspects of the new situation.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Reducing The Costs Of Adoption
Adopting is very fulfilling for both the adoptive parents and the child. However, it does not come without its costs. Adults who think they are unable to afford the cost of adopting should explore some of the available cost-cutting resources. Federal, state, and private sources offer ways for adults to defray the costs of adopting a child.
With the tax year that an adoption is finalized, a tax credit is offered by the Internal Revenue Service. For 2011, the maximum tax credit for child is $13,170 for individuals whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $182,180. Those whose MAGI exceeds this amount but is less than $222,180 are entitled to a reduced tax credit.
Several states offer state tax credits to adults adopting children from within the state child welfare system. To learn more, contact a state adopting specialist. Those who adopt children from the U.S. public foster care system are often entitled to state or federally-funded adoption subsidies. Medical conditions of the child may qualify for Social Security Income payments and Medicaid coverage.
Special needs children may be entitled to an ongoing adoption subsidy for treatment or therapy. This should be negotiated with the placement agency before finalizing the adoptive arrangement. After they adopt a special needs child from the public child welfare system, adults may be able to receive reimbursement of expenses like attorney fees, travel costs, and home study charges. A monetary cap of $2,000 or less is established by each state.
Employers sometimes offer benefits to adopting employees like unpaid or paid leave, partial reimbursement of adopting expenses, and even referral assistance with the arrangement itself. Adoptive families can also apply for a loan through the National Adoption Foundation. Included in the program are unsecured loans and home equity loans, with interest and payments helping other adoptive parents.
With the tax year that an adoption is finalized, a tax credit is offered by the Internal Revenue Service. For 2011, the maximum tax credit for child is $13,170 for individuals whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $182,180. Those whose MAGI exceeds this amount but is less than $222,180 are entitled to a reduced tax credit.
Several states offer state tax credits to adults adopting children from within the state child welfare system. To learn more, contact a state adopting specialist. Those who adopt children from the U.S. public foster care system are often entitled to state or federally-funded adoption subsidies. Medical conditions of the child may qualify for Social Security Income payments and Medicaid coverage.
Special needs children may be entitled to an ongoing adoption subsidy for treatment or therapy. This should be negotiated with the placement agency before finalizing the adoptive arrangement. After they adopt a special needs child from the public child welfare system, adults may be able to receive reimbursement of expenses like attorney fees, travel costs, and home study charges. A monetary cap of $2,000 or less is established by each state.
Employers sometimes offer benefits to adopting employees like unpaid or paid leave, partial reimbursement of adopting expenses, and even referral assistance with the arrangement itself. Adoptive families can also apply for a loan through the National Adoption Foundation. Included in the program are unsecured loans and home equity loans, with interest and payments helping other adoptive parents.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Making School Personnel More Sensitive To Adoption
Disagreement exists between adoptive parents regarding whether teachers should be informed that a child is adopted. Some parents do not reveal the situation because they feel that teachers may have a bias one way or the other. Other parents think the teacher should know the history of the child, including any past issues.
Adoptive parents can do several things to increase the level of sensitivity that school personnel exhibit toward adoption issues. Providing teachers, counselors, and principles with information regarding positive relevant language and encouraging them to use it is a good start. Donating a book about adopting to the school library or, for international adoptees, one about the culture of the child’s home country may also be helpful.
Some adoptive parents take a more direct approach by making a presentation regarding adoption at a faculty meeting. In some cases, they present jointly with an experienced worker from the local adopting agency. Children may encounter other types of loss issues similar to adopting issues, making the information relevant to the entire student body.
Local adoption conferences may be open to the public and adoptive parents should encourage teachers to attend. The adults can also promote the formation of an adopted child support group, similar to the group for children of divorced parents. If a curriculum review committee exists, adoptive parents should volunteer to be on it. This is one way to ensure that positive messages regarding adopting are incorporated into the curriculum.
Upon request, the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse will distribute information regarding adopting to schools. Adoptive parents should obtain additional relevant information from national organizations like the National Adoption Center, the North American Council on Adoptable Children, and Adoptive Families of America. By educating school faculty and staff regarding adopting, adoptive parents make the school years easier for their children.
Adoptive parents can do several things to increase the level of sensitivity that school personnel exhibit toward adoption issues. Providing teachers, counselors, and principles with information regarding positive relevant language and encouraging them to use it is a good start. Donating a book about adopting to the school library or, for international adoptees, one about the culture of the child’s home country may also be helpful.
Some adoptive parents take a more direct approach by making a presentation regarding adoption at a faculty meeting. In some cases, they present jointly with an experienced worker from the local adopting agency. Children may encounter other types of loss issues similar to adopting issues, making the information relevant to the entire student body.
Local adoption conferences may be open to the public and adoptive parents should encourage teachers to attend. The adults can also promote the formation of an adopted child support group, similar to the group for children of divorced parents. If a curriculum review committee exists, adoptive parents should volunteer to be on it. This is one way to ensure that positive messages regarding adopting are incorporated into the curriculum.
Upon request, the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse will distribute information regarding adopting to schools. Adoptive parents should obtain additional relevant information from national organizations like the National Adoption Center, the North American Council on Adoptable Children, and Adoptive Families of America. By educating school faculty and staff regarding adopting, adoptive parents make the school years easier for their children.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Dealing With Social Worker Issues
The social worker is one of the many people foster parents interact with on a frequent basis. This person is expected to be cooperative, a good listener, respectful, and sympathetic to the needs of the child and foster parents. Most social workers are hard-working, dedicated, and concerned about the children within the foster care system. Unfortunately, many agencies are severely understaffed and ongoing fostering cases often do not receive the nurturing they require.
Social workers operate within tight deadlines and are constantly dealing with crises, leading to high levels of stress. Child Protective Services investigations and removing children from risk take precedence over ongoing foster cases. They may not seem pleasant or willing to please, but most are also not mean or bad people. They are forced to deal with a bad situation and make the best of it.
There are several things that foster parents can do to improve the situation. Many of these techniques focus on the foster parents and the family, which might seem to be a roundabout solution. Joining and participating in a foster parent association offers strength in numbers. The group can influence legislation, the local social work office, and to increase community support.
Volunteering to assist the social work agency with recruiting of new homes, training, and envelope stuffing may help improve the system within the local community. Foster parents can brainstorm other ways to assist each other and the agency. By undertaking initiatives to establish a helpful environment, the situation may improve.
Helping legislators, the media, and social workers to understand what a great role foster parents occupy goes a long way. Staying positive ensures that these relationships do not erode over the long-term. Being a foster parent is an important job that many people do not think about so they must be continuously reminded of it.
Social workers operate within tight deadlines and are constantly dealing with crises, leading to high levels of stress. Child Protective Services investigations and removing children from risk take precedence over ongoing foster cases. They may not seem pleasant or willing to please, but most are also not mean or bad people. They are forced to deal with a bad situation and make the best of it.
There are several things that foster parents can do to improve the situation. Many of these techniques focus on the foster parents and the family, which might seem to be a roundabout solution. Joining and participating in a foster parent association offers strength in numbers. The group can influence legislation, the local social work office, and to increase community support.
Volunteering to assist the social work agency with recruiting of new homes, training, and envelope stuffing may help improve the system within the local community. Foster parents can brainstorm other ways to assist each other and the agency. By undertaking initiatives to establish a helpful environment, the situation may improve.
Helping legislators, the media, and social workers to understand what a great role foster parents occupy goes a long way. Staying positive ensures that these relationships do not erode over the long-term. Being a foster parent is an important job that many people do not think about so they must be continuously reminded of it.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Helping Foster Teens Solve Problems And Make Decisions
Foster and biological parents face many of the same challenges with childrearing. They want their children to develop into happy, responsible, and independent adults. Solving problems and making decisions is essential to childhood learning and growth. Even if the foster care placement is short, adults make a big impact by teaching a child decision-making skills.
As they grow into teenagers, children begin make more decisions that directly affect them. They learn and develop as much, if not more so, from their mistakes as their successes. Foster parents do a disservice to teenage foster children when they make most decisions for the youths. Children must be prepared to fully assume a decision-making role as adults.
By teaching children how to work through each step involved in the decision-making process and allowing them to make decisions, foster parents help children learn valuable skills. The adults can also model appropriate behaviors and bring this to the attention of the child, opening up communication that can otherwise become restricted during teenage years.
Making decisions begins with identifying and defining the issue or problem and listing all possible alternatives or options. Brainstorming with teens allows them to develop a list of ideas without judgment. At the evaluation stage, teens consider the positive and negative aspects of each option, with adults taking a back seat in the process. Careful evaluation should make one option rise to the top.
Once the best option is selected, the teen should create a relevant plan and implement it. It is common to assume that this is the last step. A thorough evaluation of the problem and the solution is also necessary because it is valuable for learning. By identifying what led to the problem and how it was solved, teens can prevent a similar issue from occurring in the future.
As they grow into teenagers, children begin make more decisions that directly affect them. They learn and develop as much, if not more so, from their mistakes as their successes. Foster parents do a disservice to teenage foster children when they make most decisions for the youths. Children must be prepared to fully assume a decision-making role as adults.
By teaching children how to work through each step involved in the decision-making process and allowing them to make decisions, foster parents help children learn valuable skills. The adults can also model appropriate behaviors and bring this to the attention of the child, opening up communication that can otherwise become restricted during teenage years.
Making decisions begins with identifying and defining the issue or problem and listing all possible alternatives or options. Brainstorming with teens allows them to develop a list of ideas without judgment. At the evaluation stage, teens consider the positive and negative aspects of each option, with adults taking a back seat in the process. Careful evaluation should make one option rise to the top.
Once the best option is selected, the teen should create a relevant plan and implement it. It is common to assume that this is the last step. A thorough evaluation of the problem and the solution is also necessary because it is valuable for learning. By identifying what led to the problem and how it was solved, teens can prevent a similar issue from occurring in the future.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
When Relatives Are Asked To Provide Care
Biological parents sometimes ask relatives to step in and provide care for their children. In many cases, the arrangement is informal, which provides the caregiver with no legal standing. When decisions must be made on behalf of the child with schools, hospitals, and state agencies, these adults may find their hands tied.
Several legal options are usually available for the caregiver and these depend on state law. Adoption is available in all states, an arrangement that severs the rights and responsibility of the birth parents. Guardianship is another arrangement available in every state and is usually granted by a state probate court. Caregivers may access services on behalf of the child but the biological parents maintain rights and responsibilities.
Some states have permanent guardianships for children in state custody. These arrangements are difficult for birth parents to terminate. Family courts in all states grant legal custody, an arrangement similar to guardianship but sometimes with fewer rights. In some states, relatives may enter open adoption agreements. Biological parents are allowed post-adoptive contact and in some states, only non-binding agreements are established by the law.
A de facto custodian serves as the primary caregiver providing financial support to a child. The youth must have lived with the adult for at least six months if under age three or one year if age three or older. Once the court declares a relative the de facto custodian, the individual has the same legal standing as parents during custody cases.
Standby guardianships were developed during the AIDS crisis so terminally ill parents could designate someone to care for the child during parental incapacitation without terminating parental rights. In some states, relatives granted guardianship are provided monthly financial subsidies by the state. Those offering informal care are finding medical care and school enrollment easier to access in states with educational and medical consent laws.
Several legal options are usually available for the caregiver and these depend on state law. Adoption is available in all states, an arrangement that severs the rights and responsibility of the birth parents. Guardianship is another arrangement available in every state and is usually granted by a state probate court. Caregivers may access services on behalf of the child but the biological parents maintain rights and responsibilities.
Some states have permanent guardianships for children in state custody. These arrangements are difficult for birth parents to terminate. Family courts in all states grant legal custody, an arrangement similar to guardianship but sometimes with fewer rights. In some states, relatives may enter open adoption agreements. Biological parents are allowed post-adoptive contact and in some states, only non-binding agreements are established by the law.
A de facto custodian serves as the primary caregiver providing financial support to a child. The youth must have lived with the adult for at least six months if under age three or one year if age three or older. Once the court declares a relative the de facto custodian, the individual has the same legal standing as parents during custody cases.
Standby guardianships were developed during the AIDS crisis so terminally ill parents could designate someone to care for the child during parental incapacitation without terminating parental rights. In some states, relatives granted guardianship are provided monthly financial subsidies by the state. Those offering informal care are finding medical care and school enrollment easier to access in states with educational and medical consent laws.
Monday, September 26, 2011
For The Biological Parents Of Children In Foster Care
Foster parents are not the only people with rights in a foster care arrangement. Biological parents may opt for family reunification or may voluntarily relinquish the child. In some cases, involuntary termination of parental rights may occur. Each option represents a difficult decision that the adults should not make without serious consideration. The currently prevailing thought within the child social welfare system is that caseworkers should take all steps possible to return the child to the biological home. The underlying presumption is that this home is the best place for the child. It assumes that rehabilitation of biological parents from what caused the neglect, abuse, or abandonment of the child can and should occur.
Relinquishment takes place when biological parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights to the child for adoption purposes. This usually happens when the child is an infant or toddler. After signing consent forms, birth parents may change their mind about placing the child up for adoption. The timeframe within which this may be done varies by state.
Involuntary termination of parental rights occurs when the state petitions the court for permission to end parental rights, enabling the child to be adopted. This usually occurs after the child has been in foster care for a few years and it is determined that the birth parents will be unable to perform parental duties adequately. The federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 offers situational guidelines regarding parental right termination and many states have adjusted their laws in accordance.
Even when children have been neglected or abused, many of them want to be reunited with their biological parents. This is not always in the best interest of the child, so caseworkers must make their recommendation to a court, which makes the final decision. Foster care leading to adoption is another solution with permanency in mind.
Relinquishment takes place when biological parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights to the child for adoption purposes. This usually happens when the child is an infant or toddler. After signing consent forms, birth parents may change their mind about placing the child up for adoption. The timeframe within which this may be done varies by state.
Involuntary termination of parental rights occurs when the state petitions the court for permission to end parental rights, enabling the child to be adopted. This usually occurs after the child has been in foster care for a few years and it is determined that the birth parents will be unable to perform parental duties adequately. The federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 offers situational guidelines regarding parental right termination and many states have adjusted their laws in accordance.
Even when children have been neglected or abused, many of them want to be reunited with their biological parents. This is not always in the best interest of the child, so caseworkers must make their recommendation to a court, which makes the final decision. Foster care leading to adoption is another solution with permanency in mind.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Adoption From The Point Of View Of The Expectant Parents
Placing a child for adoption is not something to be done without forethought. Expectant parents relinquish their children for many different reasons. These include homelessness, financial hardship, age, moral beliefs, or not being able to be a single parent. The conclusion to give up a child should be made based on the feelings of the expectant parent, not those of friends or family.
Laws regarding adopting vary by state. Today, open arrangements are available that permit ongoing contact between the adoptive and birth families. There are different levels of openness, the most open version characterized by visits between both parties. In a semi-open arrangement, letters and pictures are exchanged without personal contact. Adoptions classified as closed do not permit ongoing contact between the families.
Another aspect that varies by state pertains to the matching and placement processes. In some states, open adoptions are not legally binding, so the adoptive family could commit to an open arrangement and then close the process without a reason or warning. Some states allow private matching or permit adoptive parents to provide financial support to the pregnant woman.
It becomes clear that much research is required before deciding on the proper arrangement. Another important consideration is the involvement of the father of the child. It the father and mother are not together, the father still must be informed of the plans. If he refuses to sign the Termination of Parental Rights document, the process could slow down or come to a halt.
Having emotional support during the research and decision-making process is important. Some women opt to keep their pregnancy under wraps but this can make a stressful situation more difficult. The support from others throughout this time can make the experience a more positive one. Professional counseling may also be helpful in reaching a difficult decision.
We have also covered adopting if you are disabled, click here for more info on that.
Laws regarding adopting vary by state. Today, open arrangements are available that permit ongoing contact between the adoptive and birth families. There are different levels of openness, the most open version characterized by visits between both parties. In a semi-open arrangement, letters and pictures are exchanged without personal contact. Adoptions classified as closed do not permit ongoing contact between the families.
Another aspect that varies by state pertains to the matching and placement processes. In some states, open adoptions are not legally binding, so the adoptive family could commit to an open arrangement and then close the process without a reason or warning. Some states allow private matching or permit adoptive parents to provide financial support to the pregnant woman.
It becomes clear that much research is required before deciding on the proper arrangement. Another important consideration is the involvement of the father of the child. It the father and mother are not together, the father still must be informed of the plans. If he refuses to sign the Termination of Parental Rights document, the process could slow down or come to a halt.
Having emotional support during the research and decision-making process is important. Some women opt to keep their pregnancy under wraps but this can make a stressful situation more difficult. The support from others throughout this time can make the experience a more positive one. Professional counseling may also be helpful in reaching a difficult decision.
We have also covered adopting if you are disabled, click here for more info on that.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Fost-Adopt Care Explained
A fost-adopt program bridges the gap between an initial foster need and a long-term need for permanent placement. Counties and states have foster care adoption programs, as do some private agencies in conjunction with social services. Social workers place children with specially-trained adults before the parental rights of the biological parents are permanently terminated.
This arrangement differs from traditional fostering because the adults pre-commit to adopting the child if and when the rights of the biological parents are terminated and the child is able to be adopted. In the interim, family reunification efforts sometimes take place. Biological parents may also appeal the decision regarding parental right termination.
In general, a child placed in a foster care adoption program is less likely to return to his or her biological family. During the time the biological parents still have parental rights, the new caregivers serve as foster parents. This type of program exists to prevent the child from having to make another move when it seems that adoption is likely to be the outcome. Since the child could still be returned to the biological family, the placement is considered a legal-risk placement.
Fost-adopt care is attractive to many adults because a high percentage of the children within the program are young, including infants. Adults must be educated regarding the program and ensure that social workers evaluate the legal risks. If the biological parents do not maintain their rights, another biological family member may express interest in adopting the child.
Some children placed in fost-adopt care have medical needs or may have been exposed to alcohol or drugs before birth. Others may be groups of siblings that include older children, though many states indicate that their fost-adopt programs most often contain younger children. Adults wishing to learn more about the fost-adopt program should contact the state foster care manager or state adoption specialist.
This arrangement differs from traditional fostering because the adults pre-commit to adopting the child if and when the rights of the biological parents are terminated and the child is able to be adopted. In the interim, family reunification efforts sometimes take place. Biological parents may also appeal the decision regarding parental right termination.
In general, a child placed in a foster care adoption program is less likely to return to his or her biological family. During the time the biological parents still have parental rights, the new caregivers serve as foster parents. This type of program exists to prevent the child from having to make another move when it seems that adoption is likely to be the outcome. Since the child could still be returned to the biological family, the placement is considered a legal-risk placement.
Fost-adopt care is attractive to many adults because a high percentage of the children within the program are young, including infants. Adults must be educated regarding the program and ensure that social workers evaluate the legal risks. If the biological parents do not maintain their rights, another biological family member may express interest in adopting the child.
Some children placed in fost-adopt care have medical needs or may have been exposed to alcohol or drugs before birth. Others may be groups of siblings that include older children, though many states indicate that their fost-adopt programs most often contain younger children. Adults wishing to learn more about the fost-adopt program should contact the state foster care manager or state adoption specialist.
Friday, July 22, 2011
When It Comes To Foster Care, Love Is Sometimes Not Enough
Adults who engage in foster care or adoption perform a great service. However, what they do may not always be enough. A child placed into care outside of the biological home may have special needs that mandate certain services. The result may be a decision to terminate the placement for the benefit of both the child and the family.
The intention is to help the child improve, not to encourage additional destructive behaviors and attitudes. At the same time, the caregiver has the opportunity to restore balance and order to the existing family. This is often a difficult road, filled with feelings of madness, sadness, and fear. Balancing these is happiness that the child has a chance to receive the services needed for development.
The caregiver must take the first step to meet the needs of the child. This involves contacting the social worker regarding the situation and requesting replacement. The social worker will locate a more suitable placement within a mandated timeframe. A smooth transition to the new placement will be accomplished by the social worker and caregiver working in tandem. In some cases, this goes so far as revoking an adoption.
Throughout the process, the needs of the child must remain the top priority. The caregiver and social worker must identify where the child can receive the services necessary to develop into a responsible adult. Caregivers must realize that they did not fail in their duties. Grief and loss are natural feelings and the social worker should assist with working through these.
The tie between a foster or adoptive parent and child often does not break in a situation like this. Some children and caregivers choose to remain in contact after the new placement situation begins. As long as both work within the parameters of the case plan, the relationship should be a positive and healthy one.
The intention is to help the child improve, not to encourage additional destructive behaviors and attitudes. At the same time, the caregiver has the opportunity to restore balance and order to the existing family. This is often a difficult road, filled with feelings of madness, sadness, and fear. Balancing these is happiness that the child has a chance to receive the services needed for development.
The caregiver must take the first step to meet the needs of the child. This involves contacting the social worker regarding the situation and requesting replacement. The social worker will locate a more suitable placement within a mandated timeframe. A smooth transition to the new placement will be accomplished by the social worker and caregiver working in tandem. In some cases, this goes so far as revoking an adoption.
Throughout the process, the needs of the child must remain the top priority. The caregiver and social worker must identify where the child can receive the services necessary to develop into a responsible adult. Caregivers must realize that they did not fail in their duties. Grief and loss are natural feelings and the social worker should assist with working through these.
The tie between a foster or adoptive parent and child often does not break in a situation like this. Some children and caregivers choose to remain in contact after the new placement situation begins. As long as both work within the parameters of the case plan, the relationship should be a positive and healthy one.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Parenting Is A Long-Term Commitment
Some parents are more concerned with when they can let their children go than actually taking care of the kids. Every day, parents feel inadequate because they do not have money or cannot handle their children. These adults are not effective parents and cannot take a long-term perspective to parenting and their children become victims.
When more focus is placed on the parent than the child, the problem becomes more serious. After trying everything possible and consulting with experts do not seem to help a troubled teen, the adult often gives up the battle. To prevent the parent from harming the child any further, parental duties must be relieved.
Enter the foster parent, who takes over until the biological family gets back on track. It is just as important for this caregiver to have a long-term perspective on parenting. Foster parents who are not up for the task usually only add to the problems of the children. The worst-case scenario is placing a child in a short-term foster care situation when a long-term arrangement is necessary.
Foster children need stability, not constant change. Once the environment is stable, the child can begin working on any issues. Being shuffled from one placement to another will not permit this to happen. If a foster parent gives up on the child, this is just a replay of what happened with the biological family. The child feels abandoned, worthless, and has very low levels of trust and self-esteem.
Both foster parents and parents have a difficult job in raising troubled children. A huge amount of stamina is required and days are filled with uncertainty. This takes a toll on the adults but it cannot prevent them from being there for the children. When natural parents are unable to do their job, the foster parent must step in and help.
When more focus is placed on the parent than the child, the problem becomes more serious. After trying everything possible and consulting with experts do not seem to help a troubled teen, the adult often gives up the battle. To prevent the parent from harming the child any further, parental duties must be relieved.
Enter the foster parent, who takes over until the biological family gets back on track. It is just as important for this caregiver to have a long-term perspective on parenting. Foster parents who are not up for the task usually only add to the problems of the children. The worst-case scenario is placing a child in a short-term foster care situation when a long-term arrangement is necessary.
Foster children need stability, not constant change. Once the environment is stable, the child can begin working on any issues. Being shuffled from one placement to another will not permit this to happen. If a foster parent gives up on the child, this is just a replay of what happened with the biological family. The child feels abandoned, worthless, and has very low levels of trust and self-esteem.
Both foster parents and parents have a difficult job in raising troubled children. A huge amount of stamina is required and days are filled with uncertainty. This takes a toll on the adults but it cannot prevent them from being there for the children. When natural parents are unable to do their job, the foster parent must step in and help.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Encourage The Softer Side Of Foster Children
Not all children are bad and this is sometimes easy to forget. Based on the news we frequently hear, we tend to view children as cold, unfeeling, and even mean. Though some of them can be this way, most are not always. Even the most street-hardened child has a softer side and it is the job of the foster parent to encourage it.
We tend to overlook the softer side of children because we are busy dealing with their bad behavior. We may be coming up with appropriate consequences for their actions or searching for ways to prevent the behavior from repeating. This situation does not lend itself to searching for their good points. Tough children do not make things any easier because they do not want us to see their softer side.
Even the wildest girls can be the best mothers. Teens who frequently have run-ins with the law may be excellent helpers for the elderly. Older children grow into adults who care for disabled youth. These are just a few examples of how even the most troubled children in foster care exhibit their softer side. By assisting them with doing this, foster parents help the transformation happen.
Foster parents should provide children with opportunities to display their softer side. Sometimes, mean thoughts and bad attitudes that lead to violence are just an attempt to act or look tough. Peers expect this so the softer side must be hidden in order for the child to have successful relationships with people of the same age.
The trick is to show children that being compassionate is an admirable trait, not a weakness. Feelings of kindness and caring should be part of the home atmosphere. In order for them to grow into caring and loving adults, children in foster care should be encouraged by their caregivers to express the compassionate aspect of their personality.
We tend to overlook the softer side of children because we are busy dealing with their bad behavior. We may be coming up with appropriate consequences for their actions or searching for ways to prevent the behavior from repeating. This situation does not lend itself to searching for their good points. Tough children do not make things any easier because they do not want us to see their softer side.
Even the wildest girls can be the best mothers. Teens who frequently have run-ins with the law may be excellent helpers for the elderly. Older children grow into adults who care for disabled youth. These are just a few examples of how even the most troubled children in foster care exhibit their softer side. By assisting them with doing this, foster parents help the transformation happen.
Foster parents should provide children with opportunities to display their softer side. Sometimes, mean thoughts and bad attitudes that lead to violence are just an attempt to act or look tough. Peers expect this so the softer side must be hidden in order for the child to have successful relationships with people of the same age.
The trick is to show children that being compassionate is an admirable trait, not a weakness. Feelings of kindness and caring should be part of the home atmosphere. In order for them to grow into caring and loving adults, children in foster care should be encouraged by their caregivers to express the compassionate aspect of their personality.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Foster Care 101
Though many people have heard of foster care, some do not have the correct understanding of it. Foster care provides dependent, neglected, and abused children with a safe and temporary living arrangement with someone other than a birth parent. Biological families often face issues like homelessness, substance addiction, or illness that forces children into foster care.
When the Department of Social Services (DSS) and a judge in a county feel that a child is living in unsafe conditions, DSS obtains custody of the child. It then finds the child a foster home in which the length of stay varies. Foster parents must be trained and licensed to temporarily care for neglected and abused children. In the meantime, the biological parents work with social workers to resolve their issues.
Foster care statistics show that thousands of children in each state enter the system each year. The goal of the system is for the biological family, DSS, and the foster family to work together to quickly return foster children to their homes. In some cases, this does not work out and a child is put up for adoption. Foster parents may then petition for consideration of being adoptive parents.
Ages of foster children range from infancy to 18. Some of these children have emotional or physical disabilities or handicaps and require special care. Others exhibit delinquent or undisciplined behavior. Still others have been victimized sexually or physically. In general, these situations leave the children with a weak sense of self-worth or belonging.
Foster parents must be willing to give their foster children nurturing, support, and special care. A relative may be licensed to become the foster parent of a child or the person may be a complete stranger. In either case, just as much effort is expected to deal with the unique experiences, background, needs, and personalities of the child.
When the Department of Social Services (DSS) and a judge in a county feel that a child is living in unsafe conditions, DSS obtains custody of the child. It then finds the child a foster home in which the length of stay varies. Foster parents must be trained and licensed to temporarily care for neglected and abused children. In the meantime, the biological parents work with social workers to resolve their issues.
Foster care statistics show that thousands of children in each state enter the system each year. The goal of the system is for the biological family, DSS, and the foster family to work together to quickly return foster children to their homes. In some cases, this does not work out and a child is put up for adoption. Foster parents may then petition for consideration of being adoptive parents.
Ages of foster children range from infancy to 18. Some of these children have emotional or physical disabilities or handicaps and require special care. Others exhibit delinquent or undisciplined behavior. Still others have been victimized sexually or physically. In general, these situations leave the children with a weak sense of self-worth or belonging.
Foster parents must be willing to give their foster children nurturing, support, and special care. A relative may be licensed to become the foster parent of a child or the person may be a complete stranger. In either case, just as much effort is expected to deal with the unique experiences, background, needs, and personalities of the child.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day
First let me start off by saying I've had a wonderful father's day! It started out a little rocky with a little family scare but ended up great!
It being father's day I decided I would take a bath and soak in my new Jacuzzi tub and that would start my morning out right! So I started my bath and climbed in hoping for a peaceful soak.
At this point, let me add, I felt the way Colt Severs felt on the old TV show Fall Guy. For those of you who remember, he had a bathtub out in front of his house. At the end of the episode (Colt's Angel), after catching the bad guy, he is out front soaking, and has a cigar in his mouth carving a wooden duck and everyone piles around him. He looks at them kinda funny and says; "what are you doing in my bathroom!" In another episode he says something to the effect that he's been in a burning building and rolled cars and would like just a little quiet time. Today I felt just like him.
I had no more gotten sat down in my nice hot bath than my girls started banging on the door. "Daddy we are going to do laundry." "Daddy should we do colors?" "Daddy can you come start the washer?" After numerous attempts to ignore them I decided I would get out of my nice hot bath. All in all though, it was an awesome day. Grilled steaks for my dad, then came home and baked cookies. As always, I am very thankful for my awesome friends and family.
It being father's day I decided I would take a bath and soak in my new Jacuzzi tub and that would start my morning out right! So I started my bath and climbed in hoping for a peaceful soak.
At this point, let me add, I felt the way Colt Severs felt on the old TV show Fall Guy. For those of you who remember, he had a bathtub out in front of his house. At the end of the episode (Colt's Angel), after catching the bad guy, he is out front soaking, and has a cigar in his mouth carving a wooden duck and everyone piles around him. He looks at them kinda funny and says; "what are you doing in my bathroom!" In another episode he says something to the effect that he's been in a burning building and rolled cars and would like just a little quiet time. Today I felt just like him.
I had no more gotten sat down in my nice hot bath than my girls started banging on the door. "Daddy we are going to do laundry." "Daddy should we do colors?" "Daddy can you come start the washer?" After numerous attempts to ignore them I decided I would get out of my nice hot bath. All in all though, it was an awesome day. Grilled steaks for my dad, then came home and baked cookies. As always, I am very thankful for my awesome friends and family.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Grey
As things change, you notice some of the changes and the other ones you don't.
I noticed a few weeks ago I'm getting grey in my beard! What's up with that? Grey...really? I'm a few days away from my 29th birthday and already going grey. I thought grey hit you when you were in your late 40's.
Well, as all humans do, now I'm looking myself over and thinking that just the other day my barber told me, "Gentry your not gonna be able to get your hair cut like this much longer." I told him it sounded like he was trying to run off business! LOL!
So, not only am I going grey, I'm going bald. Talk about depressing...man. And here I thought I was doing pretty good! So, what makes it all this way? Is it stress, maybe work, maybe even play? I guess God only knows, and that's the way it should be. So, in the morning I'll wake up and start a new day with a smile.
I noticed a few weeks ago I'm getting grey in my beard! What's up with that? Grey...really? I'm a few days away from my 29th birthday and already going grey. I thought grey hit you when you were in your late 40's.
Well, as all humans do, now I'm looking myself over and thinking that just the other day my barber told me, "Gentry your not gonna be able to get your hair cut like this much longer." I told him it sounded like he was trying to run off business! LOL!
So, not only am I going grey, I'm going bald. Talk about depressing...man. And here I thought I was doing pretty good! So, what makes it all this way? Is it stress, maybe work, maybe even play? I guess God only knows, and that's the way it should be. So, in the morning I'll wake up and start a new day with a smile.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Mornings
There are those days that you wonder why you got out of bed. You think when you wake up "its going to be hot out, I don't want to sweat, and I love the A/C." But, against your better judgement, you get up, and whatever your ritual for the mornings may, be you start it.
Maybe, when you wake up you stumble to the bathroom and start the shower. You stand there and stare at it as the water warms, still rubbing your eyes. You're trying to get the sandman to leave you alone so you can make sure you're not putting your wife's cream rinse in your hair instead of shampoo. (There's many foreign articles in my shower)
So, now we have succeeded in starting our morning, and out the door we run. We jump into our car, throw it in gear, and then remember... you didn't even grab your belt. You jump out of your car and forgetting that you have put it into gear, it starts to roll without you. You jump back in and slam it into park. The whole time mumbling under your breath that your so-and-so wife just had to have the yard mowed last night at 9pm not allowing you to have your required 10 hours of sleep you need for your brain to function.
You make it back in the door, after numerous attempts, because your dog thinks you got back out of your car just to play with him! He's jumping and bouncing, and of course, putting paw prints on your freshly laundered pants. There's your belt on the arm of the chair where you left it last night.
So, you have successfully made it to your car fully dressed and out the drive. You pull on to the road to start your day. It all gets fuzzy and becomes a fog in your brain. What's that noise? That buzzing in your head. You can't see, and now someone is kicking you!
OH NO! That was all a dream, that's the alarm you're hearing. That's your wife kicking you trying to get you to turn it off. You roll over and turn your alarm off. Then, you stumble to the bathroom thinking its going to be hot out today, and you stand there waiting for the shower water to get warm. Rubbing your eyes trying to chase the sandman away from.... WAIT! This is just what you dreamed, you stand there for a split second thinking.
You shut the water off, mumble under your breath the words to an old Johnny Paycheck song you know. Stumbling back out the bathroom door heading to the bedroom, you lay back down in bed and think this is the sick day I have been needing! You just hope the flexible spending arrangement that you started is good. Good night!
Maybe, when you wake up you stumble to the bathroom and start the shower. You stand there and stare at it as the water warms, still rubbing your eyes. You're trying to get the sandman to leave you alone so you can make sure you're not putting your wife's cream rinse in your hair instead of shampoo. (There's many foreign articles in my shower)
So, now we have succeeded in starting our morning, and out the door we run. We jump into our car, throw it in gear, and then remember... you didn't even grab your belt. You jump out of your car and forgetting that you have put it into gear, it starts to roll without you. You jump back in and slam it into park. The whole time mumbling under your breath that your so-and-so wife just had to have the yard mowed last night at 9pm not allowing you to have your required 10 hours of sleep you need for your brain to function.
You make it back in the door, after numerous attempts, because your dog thinks you got back out of your car just to play with him! He's jumping and bouncing, and of course, putting paw prints on your freshly laundered pants. There's your belt on the arm of the chair where you left it last night.
So, you have successfully made it to your car fully dressed and out the drive. You pull on to the road to start your day. It all gets fuzzy and becomes a fog in your brain. What's that noise? That buzzing in your head. You can't see, and now someone is kicking you!
OH NO! That was all a dream, that's the alarm you're hearing. That's your wife kicking you trying to get you to turn it off. You roll over and turn your alarm off. Then, you stumble to the bathroom thinking its going to be hot out today, and you stand there waiting for the shower water to get warm. Rubbing your eyes trying to chase the sandman away from.... WAIT! This is just what you dreamed, you stand there for a split second thinking.
You shut the water off, mumble under your breath the words to an old Johnny Paycheck song you know. Stumbling back out the bathroom door heading to the bedroom, you lay back down in bed and think this is the sick day I have been needing! You just hope the flexible spending arrangement that you started is good. Good night!
Friday, June 3, 2011
It's Never Too Late
We have all wanted to do something and never got a chance to, or it didn't work out, but a wise person oce said: It's never to late to do what you want to do. As long as you have breath in your lungs, you can do anything you want to.
We all are very strong willed and we can do anything we want, as long as we set our minds to it. Look at Bill Gates did he start at the top? Nope, he didn't. He started out small as we all do.
I guess, just saying the moral to the story, is no matter what you do, whether it's selling lumber and hardware, styling hair, or even working in a factory put your all into it and YOU WILL succeed!
We all are very strong willed and we can do anything we want, as long as we set our minds to it. Look at Bill Gates did he start at the top? Nope, he didn't. He started out small as we all do.
I guess, just saying the moral to the story, is no matter what you do, whether it's selling lumber and hardware, styling hair, or even working in a factory put your all into it and YOU WILL succeed!
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Value of Five Dollars
I was in a Communications class once in college and we were in the middle of chapter two and talking about values and beliefs, self esteem and self worth. Most everyone knows or has heard that you're supposed to talk positively about yourself or anything else to achieve your desired results. The "what you say is what you'll get" cliché' or "garbage in garbage out" theory is most widely used. My teacher said: "Sometimes people get depressed and quiet and don't say anything to anyone or don't feel out-going and compare themselves to other people who are out-going and think; "Well, I'd be out-going too if I was rich or if I had everything going for me, or nothing ever goes wrong in so and so's life.". Well, maybe things do go wrong for people that seem happy all the time or positive all the time. Maybe they just don't show it. Maybe they have the world falling down around their feel, but they choose to stay cheerful and positive."
You've heard it and heard it time and time again, and still you come out of the class or motivational sermon with the same feelings than when you went in. This time, as I was listening to my teacher explain the concept of "self worth", she added a new perspective that enlightened me.
She asked; "If I were to go to the ATM machine and take out a five dollar bill that was brand new, crisp, with no wrinkles or tears and held it up and asked if any of you wanted it....how many of you would say yes?" The whole class raised their hands.
"Okay, now; she asked, If I were to take a five dollar bill and tear off a couple of the corners, wad it up in a ball and roll it between my hands, then take it and throw it on the floor and step on it and kick it around with my shoe until it was dirty, then wipe it off a little and hold it up and ask if anyone wanted it....how may of you would say yes now?" Again, the whole class laughed as they raised their hands.
"That's right. I don't blame you! Just because this dollar isn't perfect and has tears and wrinkles doesn't change it's value or worth."
We all knew this, but hadn't really thought about it like that.
Then she said; "What about people. Some people have been in accidents where they are disabled, have scars or are missing a limb. They may have been abused, paralyzed or had an illness that left them physically altered. Any number of things may have happened in someone's life. Just because someone has had a rough life, doesn't mean that their life is less valuable, that their worth is any less. They're the same person with the same value even though they have tears and wrinkles and scars, they're not crisp and new."
That really impressed me as I began to think about it. Everyday, there are many of us that tend to de-value ourselves based on what has happened in the past or what is happening to us right now. We lose our self esteem, feel that our self worth is rapidly declining....but it isn't so. If I could add a little of religion here, I would say that to God, we are always valuable. Our worth never depreciates no matter what we have done. We are the same as we always were. So, the next time you feel worthless, stop and think about it. No matter how we look on the outside or how we feel about ourselves, our value hasn't changed.
You've heard it and heard it time and time again, and still you come out of the class or motivational sermon with the same feelings than when you went in. This time, as I was listening to my teacher explain the concept of "self worth", she added a new perspective that enlightened me.
She asked; "If I were to go to the ATM machine and take out a five dollar bill that was brand new, crisp, with no wrinkles or tears and held it up and asked if any of you wanted it....how many of you would say yes?" The whole class raised their hands.
"Okay, now; she asked, If I were to take a five dollar bill and tear off a couple of the corners, wad it up in a ball and roll it between my hands, then take it and throw it on the floor and step on it and kick it around with my shoe until it was dirty, then wipe it off a little and hold it up and ask if anyone wanted it....how may of you would say yes now?" Again, the whole class laughed as they raised their hands.
"That's right. I don't blame you! Just because this dollar isn't perfect and has tears and wrinkles doesn't change it's value or worth."
We all knew this, but hadn't really thought about it like that.
Then she said; "What about people. Some people have been in accidents where they are disabled, have scars or are missing a limb. They may have been abused, paralyzed or had an illness that left them physically altered. Any number of things may have happened in someone's life. Just because someone has had a rough life, doesn't mean that their life is less valuable, that their worth is any less. They're the same person with the same value even though they have tears and wrinkles and scars, they're not crisp and new."
That really impressed me as I began to think about it. Everyday, there are many of us that tend to de-value ourselves based on what has happened in the past or what is happening to us right now. We lose our self esteem, feel that our self worth is rapidly declining....but it isn't so. If I could add a little of religion here, I would say that to God, we are always valuable. Our worth never depreciates no matter what we have done. We are the same as we always were. So, the next time you feel worthless, stop and think about it. No matter how we look on the outside or how we feel about ourselves, our value hasn't changed.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Indianapolis
The time is here when I make the long trek from Arkansas to Indiana to go to the Do It Best market in Indianapolis! Indy is such a nice city and always welcomes all of members as we invade on the city in droves.
While here, there are many wonderful restaurants to eat at, along with a couple of my favorites: the Ram Brewery and St Elmo's stake house.
Of course there's plenty of shopping here and its all easily accessed with sky walks connected all over the city! The circle city mall is always a pleasant treat, with everything you would come to expect from a theater, to shopping, and of course all or your favorite mall foods!
So in closing, let me say, if you haven't been to Indianapolis, take time and come! Its an awesome city, and of course, home of the Colts!
While here, there are many wonderful restaurants to eat at, along with a couple of my favorites: the Ram Brewery and St Elmo's stake house.
Of course there's plenty of shopping here and its all easily accessed with sky walks connected all over the city! The circle city mall is always a pleasant treat, with everything you would come to expect from a theater, to shopping, and of course all or your favorite mall foods!
So in closing, let me say, if you haven't been to Indianapolis, take time and come! Its an awesome city, and of course, home of the Colts!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Rose
There are many beautiful things in this world but one of my favorite are roses. They work for any occasion whether it is a wedding, Valentines day, mothers day, or even a gradutation.
Roses also come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. They have red roses, pink roses, yellow roses, and about any color in between. To me all the fragrances are close to the same, some just a little bit stronger than others.
I have found that growing roses in most cases is an easy task. But maybe you dont want to grow roses maybe you want to buy them, and well, thats totally ok too! Heres some gardening tips that might help!
Roses also come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. They have red roses, pink roses, yellow roses, and about any color in between. To me all the fragrances are close to the same, some just a little bit stronger than others.
I have found that growing roses in most cases is an easy task. But maybe you dont want to grow roses maybe you want to buy them, and well, thats totally ok too! Heres some gardening tips that might help!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Graduation
Last night I was honored to share the moment when people's lives change. Teenagers go from being carefree, to being thrust into a world full of new responsibility and stress.
Everyone that graduated last night will make it and succeed flawlessly. They will be the Bill Gates and Richard Branson's of tomorrow. Not only making themselves proud, but their families also.
I think about how long its been since I graduated! Those teenagers were probably graduating kindergarten at that time! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun :-) !
I wish all the seniors across the world the greatest luck and happiness. Remember, you're the best there ever was, and the best there ever will be!
Everyone that graduated last night will make it and succeed flawlessly. They will be the Bill Gates and Richard Branson's of tomorrow. Not only making themselves proud, but their families also.
I think about how long its been since I graduated! Those teenagers were probably graduating kindergarten at that time! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun :-) !
I wish all the seniors across the world the greatest luck and happiness. Remember, you're the best there ever was, and the best there ever will be!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Toes
I'm riding in my truck, the windows are fogging up, I look over to the right and see an image that makes me smile. Its not much to some, but it's a lot to me. It's a little print on my window of nothing special, just toes.
But when I see that, it makes me think of a lot of different things. There's the foot prints on the beach that get washed away when the waves come crashing on shore and there's always the little story that everyone has hanging on a wall in their house about Jesus and only seeing one set of foot prints.Today though, it makes me think of you. I know we have our differences and we have our problems but the one thing we have is love.
I think we all, from time to time, have had that one image that you see, and it triggers the memory bank inside your brain and all of those sweet memories of days gone by start flooding back. Maybe it was the time your grandpa took you fishing and you sat on the bank of a creek somewhere. You may not have even got a bite, but now that you look back on it, that was quality time.
What about that time you were riding in the car with your mom and her favorite song came on the radio and she started singing and dancing in the car. Just to see her face light up made you start dancing too.
What about that first date you went on to the local burger joint and then maybe the movie you went to? When that song comes on the radio that was playing that night, I bet you look back in your memory and smile, saying; "what fun we had."
What it all means to me, is life flies by too fast, and before you know it, people you love have passed on, friends have moved, and times have changed.
Just remember always take time to stop and enjoy the world we live in, cause the truth is were only passing through.
But when I see that, it makes me think of a lot of different things. There's the foot prints on the beach that get washed away when the waves come crashing on shore and there's always the little story that everyone has hanging on a wall in their house about Jesus and only seeing one set of foot prints.Today though, it makes me think of you. I know we have our differences and we have our problems but the one thing we have is love.
I think we all, from time to time, have had that one image that you see, and it triggers the memory bank inside your brain and all of those sweet memories of days gone by start flooding back. Maybe it was the time your grandpa took you fishing and you sat on the bank of a creek somewhere. You may not have even got a bite, but now that you look back on it, that was quality time.
What about that time you were riding in the car with your mom and her favorite song came on the radio and she started singing and dancing in the car. Just to see her face light up made you start dancing too.
What about that first date you went on to the local burger joint and then maybe the movie you went to? When that song comes on the radio that was playing that night, I bet you look back in your memory and smile, saying; "what fun we had."
What it all means to me, is life flies by too fast, and before you know it, people you love have passed on, friends have moved, and times have changed.
Just remember always take time to stop and enjoy the world we live in, cause the truth is were only passing through.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thank You For The Orange Juice
In our day to day lives, sometimes it's hard to find something to be thankful for. We take for granted our good friends, family, and even our jobs, if we are so fortunate to have them. They are so much a part of our lives that, at times you forget how important they are to you. Still, with the ups and downs of life, we are supposed to find something everyday to be thankful for. With the lack of money, bad relationships, and unsure futures, life can seem almost hopeless.
I was having a particularly stressful time in my life where nothing seemed important. Not family or friends. I seemed to be going nowhere in my life, career-wise or relationship-wise, and my future seemed to me on permanent hold while I was still growing older. I wanted everything that I wanted NOW!
Not claiming to be a perfect Christian, I was, however struggling to do the right things spiritually and to have faith in God to take care of me. Part of some teaching tapes I had been listening to said to find something every day to be thankful for no matter how small it was. I thought; "Yeah, right...." and grumbled to myself each time I tried to come up with something. Nothing ever seemed to really hit the mark.
Oddly, this came into play. I have always loved orange juice, but until recently, because of it's high acid content, I couldn't drink it. It would give me terrible heartburn and urinary tract problems. One day, I saw a commercial for a new orange juice that was acid free and I bought some. It was wonderful and didn't hurt my stomach or kidneys at all.
A few mornings later, I was washing my hair, and as usual, grumbling to myself about what to come up with to be thankful about. All of a sudden I thought of the orange juice! It seemed silly at first to be thankful for such a small thing, but it was one thing that I really was thankful for. I laughed to myself and said out loud; "God, thank you for the orange juice!", and immediately I began to feel better. Life wasn't perfect, but in this imperfect world, I had found something simple to be thankful for.
I was having a particularly stressful time in my life where nothing seemed important. Not family or friends. I seemed to be going nowhere in my life, career-wise or relationship-wise, and my future seemed to me on permanent hold while I was still growing older. I wanted everything that I wanted NOW!
Not claiming to be a perfect Christian, I was, however struggling to do the right things spiritually and to have faith in God to take care of me. Part of some teaching tapes I had been listening to said to find something every day to be thankful for no matter how small it was. I thought; "Yeah, right...." and grumbled to myself each time I tried to come up with something. Nothing ever seemed to really hit the mark.
Oddly, this came into play. I have always loved orange juice, but until recently, because of it's high acid content, I couldn't drink it. It would give me terrible heartburn and urinary tract problems. One day, I saw a commercial for a new orange juice that was acid free and I bought some. It was wonderful and didn't hurt my stomach or kidneys at all.
A few mornings later, I was washing my hair, and as usual, grumbling to myself about what to come up with to be thankful about. All of a sudden I thought of the orange juice! It seemed silly at first to be thankful for such a small thing, but it was one thing that I really was thankful for. I laughed to myself and said out loud; "God, thank you for the orange juice!", and immediately I began to feel better. Life wasn't perfect, but in this imperfect world, I had found something simple to be thankful for.
Monday, May 9, 2011
How to Info
Here at Hipp Modern Builders Supply and Do it Best Rental Center we run a full How to website at http://www.hippshelp.com/ along with an online catalog for your shopping pleasure! Our main purpose here at our hipps-help blogger is to just throw our micro busts of thoughts out to you along with sharing some of our content and specials from our parent site http://www.hippshelp.com/.
We know that people are always trying to better themselves and improve the way of life they live. If we can help one person improve the way they live then we feel like that we have accomplished our goals set for our site. I had a good friend Ray that once said "We are all put on this earth to help each other and to see that we all live a full life." Little did he know that as he was saying that he was helping me, shaping me, and pushing me in the direction that I needed to go. As I look back on these things I wish I could go back and tell him that he helped me as much or more then he ever helped anyone before.
That being said I hope that this blog will help everyone that reads it and my wish to everyone out there that you live a full and happy life!!!
Thanks for reading, Gentry Hipp
We know that people are always trying to better themselves and improve the way of life they live. If we can help one person improve the way they live then we feel like that we have accomplished our goals set for our site. I had a good friend Ray that once said "We are all put on this earth to help each other and to see that we all live a full life." Little did he know that as he was saying that he was helping me, shaping me, and pushing me in the direction that I needed to go. As I look back on these things I wish I could go back and tell him that he helped me as much or more then he ever helped anyone before.
That being said I hope that this blog will help everyone that reads it and my wish to everyone out there that you live a full and happy life!!!
Thanks for reading, Gentry Hipp
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