I took my daughter clothes shopping the other day. She tried on several clothes and was having trouble getting some that fit. She's turning into a young women and is in limbo between juniors and women sizes. Needless to say, she was a little depressed when we got home. (Any woman who has to buy a new bathing suit will know exactly how she feels.) I affirmed her worth and beauty (she is exceptionally beautiful and graceful, but I'm a little bias) and tried to get her to tell me some things that she liked about herself. All she could say was that she wanted to weigh 90 pounds like all her friends. (She's 5'7") So, we sat her down and told her what was really important and then took her to get her haircut and gave her a class in make-up 101, and she was happy. But I was still very upset.

The society we live in has forced an ideal upon us, and our children are struggling to live up to it. Little (or no) value is placed on character, and the emphasis becomes the outward appearance. It seems that women are programmed to be unhappy with themselves no matter how much they accomplish or how talented they are. (Do men have the same problem?) We affirm our children till we're blue in the face and just pray our efforts are not thwarted by media messages and the constant ridicule of their peers.

I'm blessed because my daughter heard my affirmations, and is aware of the good qualities she possesses. And I think she's beginning to believe that she's actually very pretty. She also has a group of friends who support and accept her.

It's important to be present in a child's life and be a constant source of encouragement. Fr your benefit, I have listed below 101 ways to praise your child.

Wow-Way To Go-Super-You're Special-Outstanding-Excellent-Great-Good-Neat-Well Done-Remarkable-I Knew You Could Do It-I'm Proud Of You-Fantastic-Super Star-Nice Work-Looking Good-You're On Top Of It-Beautiful-Now You're Flying-You're Catching On-Now You've Got It-You're Incredible-Bravo-You're Fantastic-Hurray For You-You're On Target-You're On Your Way-How Nice-How Smart-Good Job-That's Incredible-Hot Dog-Dynamit-You're Beautiful-You're Unique-Nothin Can Stop You Know-Good For You-I Like You-You're A Winner-Remarkable Job-Beautiful Work-Spectacular-You're Special-You're Darling-You're Precious-Great Discovery-You've Discovered the Secret-You Figured It Out-Fantastic Job-Hip, Hip, Hurray-Bingo-Magnificent-Marvelous-Terrific-You're Important-Phenomenal-You're Sensational-Super Work-Creative Job-Super Job-Excellent Job-Exceptional Performance-You're A Real Trooper-You Are Responsible-You're Exciting-You Learned It Right-What An Imagination-What A Good Listener-You're Fun-You're Growing Up-You Tried Hard- You Care-Beautiful Sharing-Outstanding Performance-You're A Good Friend-I Trust You-You're Important-You Mean A Lot To Me-You Make Me Happy-You Belong-You've Got A Friend-You Make Me Laugh-You Brighten My Day-I Respect You-You Mean The World To Me-That's Correct-You're A Joy-You're A Treasure-You're Wonderful-You're Perfect-Awesome-A+ Job-You're A-OK- My Buddy-You Make My Day-That's The Best-A Big Hug-A Big Kiss-I Love You-Give Them A Big Smile.

Friends of God

John 15:13,15 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends...I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

As a young girl, I thought of God as a harsh taskmaster. I had a vision of a powerful being without much grace, ready and waiting to punish me for my shortcomings. As I grew and experienced the grace of my godly parents, and experienced the wonder of my own family, I saw God at work in my life as a friend. Through times of poverty, sickness, and depression, He has walked with me and been a Provider, an Encourager, and a Giver of Peace. Proverbs 19:24 tells us that "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." This holiday season my wish is that those who read this will come to know Christ as friend.

I wrote the following poem with this thought in mind.

Come

In a lowly manger, Christ he lay,

On that most glorious Christmas day.

While angels heralded his coming,

Shepherds came with flocks a-bleating.

Wise men came from lands afar,

Following the brightest star.

With humble hearts they came to see,

This Child who would set men free,

Not with wrath and sword in hand,

But as a sacrificial Lamb.

Led to the slaughter by those He sought,

Who heard His words and listened not.

There was no greater cost,

There is no greater price,

Than to save that which was lost,

And bring the dead to life.

What would you bring to see His face?

To feel His love, inherit His grace.

You say no gold or myrhh have you,

Than bring your heart, He'll take that too.

More precious than jewels are you to Christ.

He left His Father and gave His life.

A ramsom for many, a ransom for one,

Now all that's left to do is come.

By Mary Parsons 2003