Three Simple Keys to reduce Christmas…..STRESS!

Is the Christmas season starting to STRESS you out? Well considering this blog normally goes out on Tuesday and it’s now Wednesday, I’d say the answer in the Laffoon household is YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!

So how do you reduce the STRESS normally associated with the Christmas season? Here are three simple keys to reduce Christmas stress.

First, maintain your HEALTH! Nothing stresses us out more than tight fitting clothes from too much holiday fudge. Remember to enjoy the fun food but eat it in moderation. Also, even though it’s a busy time of year do not forget to get enough rest and exercise. Good sleep and regular exercise can help you keep a clear mind and reduce the amount of “over-thinking” this time of year brings.

Second, maintain your RELATIONSHIPS! Remember that Christmas is about celebrating Christ’s birth so keep in touch with HIM first and foremost. Stay grounded in the Word and in Prayer during this season and see how your relationships will flourish. When we keep Christ first HE helps us see the importance of the key relationships we have at home, work and church.

Finally maintain your PRIORITIES! The busyness of this season can often fog our perception of what is and isn’t important. Remember to stay connected with your spouse on the important decisions this season. SET BOUNDARIES together as to what you will and will not say agree to do. Those boundaries will help keep the “good” things away that will allow you to focus on the “great”!

Here’s to a stress free Christmas!

Blessings~

Jay and Laura

Three Simple Keys to Raising the Happiest Kids on the Planet!

Picking up from where we left off last week…it’s Key #2

Love Your Spouse More than Your Kids!

Again most people believe they do love their spouse more than their kids. However, what would people see if they were a “fly on the wall” of your home? I know for most of us there are three specific areas we can improve.

First, Speak your love in front of your kids. We have yet to meet the woman who doesn’t want to hear the words “I love you” from her husband. While this may be very difficult for some men it gives your kids a sense of security about mom and dad’s relationship. Similarly we have yet to meet the man who doesn’t appreciate a compliment from his wife. “Thank you dear for being such a good provider”. “Thank you for helping in the kitchen”. These words show your kids the affection you have for each other.

Second, Show your love in front of your kids. Displays of affection are like cement in your relationship. Holding hands while watching a movie or television program. An appropriate kiss before leaving for work or after coming home. A big hug for a “job well done” on dinner or for an accomplishment at work tell your kids that mom and dad enjoy each others presence.

Finally Stop your kids from disrespecting your spouse. Couples have to communicate with each other when they feel they are losing respect from a child. On numerous occasions we have and still do, sit our kids down and let them know that their words or tone of voice is disrespectful to one or both of us. Further we explain that if that disrespectful action doesn’t change there will be consequences paid.

Here’s helping you Celebrate!

J&L

Three Simple Keys to Raising the Happiest Kids on the Planet!

MTV conducted a survey of over 1100 US teens and asked this question: “What makes you happy”? The response was shocking, unexpected and yet gives every parent hope! The top two answers: #1) Mom and Dad #2) Family time.

Now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor, let’s make the following observations: Kids know deep down what really makes them happy in spite of what they might say or do. AND, kids know that happy parents make for happy homes.

Every parent longs for their kids to be happy. Unfortunately very few know there are really simple yet powerful keys to making this longing a reality! Think of the following three keys as a portal which will unlock the happiest kids on the planet!

Key #1. Put Your Marriage First!

Most people believe they already do put their marriage first, but a close look at their priorities tells a different story. How can you determine what your priorities are right now? Two easy check points; check how you are spending your time and your money.

Let’s be honest, we all have obligations and we all have 24 hours in each day. But let’s look beyond our obligations of work and the other parts of life that are a necessity. Let’s delve into how you and your spouse spend your “discretionary time and money”.

Discretionary time and money are key to keeping your marriage first. Are you dating your spouse? Are you planning short holidays together without the kids? Do you have a plan of action to make dating and holidays a part of your marriage or do you think they will “just happen”. Couples who want happy kids MUST set aside time and money to keep their marriage healthy and growing.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating a family mission statement. We lay out a process in our book Make Love Everyday that walks a couple through four steps to creating a family mission statement. Having a family mission statement will act as a filter for your life allowing you to make the best choices for your marriage and family.

Look for the other two keys in the coming weeks!

Blessings~
J&L

Committing for Life

Jay and Laura take a look at Jay’s parent’s 54 year anniversary that just passed and tell you how they’ve kept the flame burning for so long. And how you can too.

Praise Your Wife!

I (Jay) tell men all over the country that they should praise their wife publicly. One way to hold your wife in high esteem is to publicly acknowledge her gifts and abilities. Not only is it the RIGHT thing to do but it screams to the world and more importantly HER that you love her.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of being Laura’s “roadie” as she spoke at a women’s conference at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC. I ran (albeit not well) her Keynote presentation (read slides) from the sound booth, made sure she had water on stage and generally took care of her “every” need… (read rubbed her feet after she wore high heels)…

Anyway, she gave her new presentation “It’s Gotta Be the Shoes” throughout the weekend, and frankly knocked the ball out of the park! Anyone who’s seen one of our date nights and/or one of our conferences is aware of Laura’s love of shoes (doesn’t EVERY woman love shoes?) Well, Laura has taken her love of shoes and created an entire weekend retreat (As well as upcoming book/Bible study) on the different “shoes” that a woman wears in her life. From “Dancing shoes” to “Comfortable Shoes” and many in between.

I was humbled to watch my wife as she wove a wonderful weekend together where the women laughed, cried, and hugged! I was so glad I was firmly planted in the sound booth!

My wife is a fabulous communicator! I have to admit, as I watched her “doing her thang!” that there were tears in my eyes too as I praised the Lord for the gift he’s given me in Laura.

So praise your wife publicly…in fact why not do it right here on this blog! Or…ladies why not share a time when your hubby praised you publicly and tell us how it made you feel.

Blessings~
Jay