Oops! I'm a little late this morning posting today's assignment. For today I would like you to answer the next three parts of question 2.
It's good to be back home, ladies. Thank you for your prayers. We had a safe trip and Trudy is now living in a cute little apartment in what appears to be a very nice little town. There is a church not far from her apartment with very friendly people. It is a small group of about 30 - 35. I don't know if she will decide to place her membership there but if she does, I believe they will be a good support for her.
3 comments:
A single mom - Invite her and the kids over for a meal or game night, go with her to one of the kids' sporting events or concerts or something. If you have the money (!), have someone babysit and take her to get a pedicure or something that's a real treat for her.
A mother with teenagers - I've seen people pick one of the kids in a family and make a special effort to get close to THAT kid (of course, people would have to make sure each kid is getting that special attention). Do as the Bongiornos and invite a bunch of teenagers over for a fun night...the parents can come hang out or go do something fun for themselves! Just write her a note commiserating with the "trials of teens"; it is a tough time and women begin to feel they're all alone dealing with very difficult humans!
An empty nester - Invite her over for coffee/tea and a gab session. Maybe take up a new hobby together. Offer to help her turn the last kid's room into something else...study, guest room, hobby room (that could be really fun to plan together).
I'm just throwing things out there. I'd love to hear some other suggestions for all these categories! I think it would be nice to have a brainstorming session for a lot of these as I've never dealt with some of them (some I've just never given much thought.......guilty sigh).
Hi Ladies,
I have been working on my list, but haven't had time to post so far this week, so if you will indulge me, I will do them all right here. That way you don't have to go back and look.
College Student - box of cookies and a refreshing/encouraging Bible verse. Or mail of any kind....I loved this when I was in school cause even though I had friends here, there was nothing like a nice note from a loved one. I often lived alone so mail was my favorite part of the day.
Single working woman - dinner w/your family, an evening out for coffee or dinner with her and you. Let her know you can do things without your family.
A new bride - again, an invite of dinner for her and her husband, especially if you know one of them better than the other. If you know her well enough, chat with her often about how things are going, see what support she needs. Book and article recommendations on things that have helped you be a better wife.
An expectant mother - house cleaning, like Ann and Audrey said. I also appreciated when friends would take my older kids for an hour or 2 the weeks right before the next baby was born, it was so nice to have the house quiet for a few moments and to put my feet up. One of my friends did this for about 1 1/2 hours once a week right before and after Drew was born and I seriously looked forward to it each week. Seeing if you can grab any groceries for her while you are at the store, so she doesn't have to make a trip.
Mommy w/preschoolers - a nap or errand time for her, while you watch the kids for an hour. Kind words when you see progress is being made with a particular issue they are having, or anytime really. I like Audrey's idea about the Bible classes as well. Even if someone didn't want to teach, even if they offered to help with the prep or to be a helper.
Working mother - dinner, helping with errands (i.e. you are at Costco and you call to see if she needs you to pick up anything for her).
Single Mom - set up a time to have a girls night, have her kids over to make a birthday or mothers day gift or baked item. Cards of encouragement. Offer to help with transportation for her kids so she can take a break.
Mother with teens - spend time with the teens w/out their parents around. Invitation for the whole family to come over and do an activity with your family.
Empty Nester - invitation to dinner, call and visit/check in to see how they are doing, invitation for a hike in the foothills or other trails with your family.
I like the ideas that have been posted so far....and I like the list that the author gives, it makes me think outside of dinner delivery and cards.
Done for today. My answers were covered by Ann and Brooke.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another in brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Rom 12:9-11
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