Steady Mom

Thinking

Heading Out

I want to be like a sunflower: pointing toward the bright things in life, making my home beautiful, making my family happy when they look in my direction.

Aren't they a cheery flower?

A few days ago my family and I headed out on vacation. I'll be poking my head in here briefly now and then while we're away, but mainly my days will be full of sand, sun, and water.

We'll be saying goodbye to summer and hello to a new season. Happy first days of autumn to you and yours!

A Hungry Child Can't Wait

Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography

The following is a guest post from Sarah of Ask5for5.

Thank you, Jamie, and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week.

A hungry child in East Africa can't wait. In Somalia, children are stumbling along for days, even weeks, on dangerous roads and with empty stomachs in search of food and water. Their crops failed for the third year in a row. All their animals died. They lost everything.

At my house, when my three children are hungry, they wait minutes for food, maybe an hour if dinner is approaching. Children affected by the food crisis in in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia aren't so lucky.

Did you know that the worst drought in 60 years is ravaging whole countries right now? Famine, a term not used lightly, has been declared in Somalia. This is the world's first famine in 20 years. 12.4 million people are in need of emergency assistance and over 29,000 children have died in the last three months alone.

The media plays a major role in disasters. They have the power to draw the attention of society to respond--or not. Unfortunately, this horrific disaster has become merely a footnote in most national media outlets. News of the U.S. national debt squabble and the latest celebrity's baby bump dominate headlines.

That is why I am thrilled that nearly 150 bloggers from all over the world are joining together today to use the power of social media to make their own headlines; to share the urgent need of the almost forgotten with their readers.

recommended resources to help you on the journey

I've been wanting to mention a few favorite resources that have come my direction over the past year. These books and courses have impacted me in some way--helping me become more of a professional mama, helping improve my life and the life of my family, or just helping me stay inspired.

Many of these links are affiliates, but I share because I can promote them wholeheartedly and sincerely. I know that if they've made a difference in my life, they might make one in yours as well!

Getting Organized

* One Bite at a Time - This new ebook, by my good friend Tsh Oxenreider of Simple Mom (she's also my boss!), breaks simplicity down into 52 easy steps.

It tackles everything from organic living to paper clutter to family purpose. A good read to give feet to your good intentions.

* Simple Blogging - Anytime I start to get overwhelmed by my blogging schedule, I think, "What would Rachel do?"

This short ebook has been tremendously helpful as I struggle to keep blogging in the proper place in my life, while still being able to professionally grow my platform.

 

Learning Together