Importance of Family Gatherings

It's not easy for me.  Family gatherings are difficult for me.  I've lost many family members and friends for one reason or another.  It's a challenge for me to get together with others.  Still, I know that I must interact with people.

Sometimes, I feel I'm being lazy.  I don't call friends or family to see how they are doing.  I also suffer a lot with my skin condition.  I guess I just want to convince myself to reach out.  It's not necessarily that I am afraid to get my feelings hurt.  I know going in that I might get my feelings hurt so I don't have high expectations.

The problem comes when I think of my kids.  They need to have friends.  They need to know their family.  They need to have family and friends that hold them dear.  After all, what if something happened to me, and I couldn't care for them anymore?

That's why I went on an internet search to find articles relating to family gatherings.  One thing you must known about me: I consider my dearest friends as family.  Sometimes, they have stuck with me, through the good times and the bad, like no one else has. 

Enjoy my little list of issues concerning family gatherings--

*Benefits and ways to have a family dinner:

http://children.webmd.com/guide/family-dinners-are-important

*Reconnecting with loved ones:

http://www.sugarhollowretreat.com/benefits-having-family-reunion-smaller-family

*We are social beings:

http://www.enctoday.com/articles/family-318-relationships-families.html

*A documentary of a family gathering:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095130/

*Advice on how to have a successful family gathering:

http://www.gatherings.info/

*Ways to record a special gathering:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/8-tips-for-capturing-family-gathering-candids

 

 

Well, thanks for reading about my thoughts on family gatherings.  I hope this blog entry helps someone.

How about you, my readers?  Have you had family get-togethers?  Do you enjoy family gatherings?  How did you handle family gatherings?  I encourage you to consider family gatherings.  It's a great opportunity to reconnect and boost your mood.  You might just need a little break from the monotony of life.   

If you need to improve your health, in any form, please ask God to help you; he will, if you pray for His guidance.

This is an entry for Medical Mondays.  For past entries, click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints that I discussed here are just my opinions.  Please consult your physician before altering anything relating to your health.  I am only suggesting here to take charge of your health.  Don't just leave your health in the hands of your doctors; become your own advocate.  You know best how your body is doing.

Seven Reasons to Accept the No-Takeout Challenge

Cutting cost of food by cooking instead of eating takeout.

I have been thinking about buying less takeout.  It's been a big challenge.  I recently found out about the No-Takeout Challenge through Facebook.  I joined up with other participants.  Finding support is vital to accomplishing such a goal, and I hope to help others, as well.  

Here are some reasons why I have finally decided to take the plunge:

1. Save money.  I like to have money for emergencies.  I know they come up all the time.  Take, for example, the breaking down of a small appliance, like the toaster.  I'd like to be able to replace it, without worrying about what won't get paid.

2. Go on vacation.  I like going to the coast.  I like staying in a decent motel.  I like having enough money to get to the coast.  I like having money to buy food, while at the coast.

3. Pay down debt.  I would like us to pay off some of our small debts.  My hubby is still paying for the laptop I use.  I would like to have a few less bills to pay.  Getting one debt paid off at a time is a manageable goal.

4. Eat healthier.  With takeout food, we never know what is used.  What oils are used?  How much salt is added?  What is added into the taco meat?

5. Buy better food products.  With the savings, I can afford the grassfed cattle beef.  I can choose meat that has no antibiotics or hormones.  I can buy the raw milk and fresh eggs.  I can buy more fruits and vegetables, too.

6. Work on house projects.  Maybe we can finally finish some of the home improvement projects.  How about the trim for the walls?  How about painting some rooms?  How about making the utility room more homey? 

7. Gain more discipline.  I know that the savings from avoiding takeout will not be very large.  It can be substantial enough, though, to improve our health.  One friend said she and her family lost weight after avoiding takeout for three months.  More than anything, I wan to prove to ourselves that we can accomplish a goal.

I've accepted this no-takeout challenge beginning today, July 1st to December 31st.  It is not going to be easy, but I know it will be worth it.  I want the many benefits that can come from not eating out.  If you want to know more about the challenge, you can visit the SIX Month Money Challenge Facebook page.  If you would like to join, please like the page and join the yahoo group that accompanies it, as well.

Thanks for reading this entry.

How about you, my readers?  How often do you buy takeout?  Have you ever tried not buying takeout?  What's the longest you've gone without takeout?  I encourage you to see how you can cut out takeout.  I think it's worth a try.  The benefits are endless.

 

May God bless you all with His wisdom and peace.

This entry has been part of the Family Fun Fridays series.