“Mommy’s allergic to vacation – there are no lists.”

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I cracked up.  You know how when jokes are based on truth, they really are funny?  Once in awhile, my husband tells a joke that’s not super corny and cracks me up

But here I am, back from vacation and I have already written one list and thought about three others I need to make.

My life is driven by lists.  They help me focus.  They make me feel productive. They remind me of my responsiblilties.

And now we even have a picture schedule for my son.  A list that my son can read so he can point out what we didn’t do or need to do – which he does -often.

I love that he keeps me on task.  But ya know what, I need down time.

“Back in the day”, some moms would watch soap operas.  I have no desire to watch a soap opera.  BUT, maybe the down time is something that must be scheduled . . .since Mommy never really “punches out of work”.

It’s okay for Mommy to color because:

1. It’s Meditative

Taking care of our health is so important! As mothers, we need to do so much preventative care, because we do so much for our families! Meditation has been shown to lower stress and blood pressure and boost your immune system! Meditation can also help manage chronic pain and even help with infertility and breast feeding.  And for those mommas who are taking a class or pursuing a degree; studies have shown that students who meditate earn higher grades than students who do not meditate. When we meditate, either by saying the Rosary; repeating a short mantra, like saying the name of Jesus; or by coloring – we clear our minds of all the noise.  We stop thinking about our lists and everything that’s on them – and what we need to add!  That clearing of the mind is so beneficial to our whole self! It’s a healthy exercise!

2. It shows children that relaxing does not need to be in front of a screen

So many times I catch myself taking a “time-out” in front of my computer and looking at my phone.  It’s more times than I’d like to admit.  My son sees everything and is learning by my example.  Being aware of that, I would really like him to see that down time does not have to be equivalent to screen time.

3. It can be done with your children.

Whether you start out with your child, or your child decides he or she wants to join you, coloring can provide an opportunity to talk to each other, compliment him or her and spend some quality time together. In my case, it’s also practice in exercising patience, because inevitably a little one draws over my “masterpiece”.

4. It can be done WITHOUT your children.

Coloring alone can be so relaxing!  I love that I can do it with a cup of coffee – or a glass of wine.  Sometimes I include it in my prayer journaling (8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal).  Other times I find it is a great way to spend time with friends and combine faith and fellowship (How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ Party: Prayer Journaling with Friends).  And still other times, I just want to enjoy it – just because it is fun.

5. There is a feeling of being productive when you are finished.

In fact, you may even want to hang it up somewhere and add to your home or office decor! The new coloring book, Color Happy features removable 8 x 10 and 5 x 7 designs, printed on thick paper and perfect for framing.  Even if you choose not to frame it, it’s so great looking at something that you made, admiring it’s beauty and being a little proud of your work!

Purchase Color Happy here: Color Happy: An Adult Coloring Book of Removable Wall Art Prints (Inspirational Coloring, Journaling and Creative Lettering)

6. It’s cheap!

Seriously, the biggest expense are your pencils – but they will make you so giddy, it’s totally worth it!  Prismacolor Colored Pencils are AMAZING!  I sat down with my sister-in-law (who is an artist) on vacation to color.  I was so excited she brought coloring stuff with her too.  I pulled out my Crayola, and she had the Prismacolor Pencils. She has me sold on them – easily! They feel like butter going on the paper, and I felt like I had to sharpen my Crayola’s so often – I think I saw her sharpen a pencil once. There are lots of trends to go out and paint while you sip wine, but coloring is definitely more affordable!

*You can buy Prismacolor Colored Pencils on Amazon – click here to purchase them: 48 pack or 72 Pack

7. It Makes Mommy Feel Young!

There is such a feeling of nostalgia when you get a chance to color! I don’t know about you, but it just makes me happy!  Something simple that brings such joy is so awesome.  I love when I see my son enjoying a simple toy or game – it’s nice to get back to that place where something simple can bring about happiness.

Do you color?  Do you find it an opportunity to pray or relax?  What reasons would you add to the list?

The post 7 Reasons Why It’s Okay for Mommy to Color appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

pay closer attention during prayer,

relieve stress,

express some creativity,

and

document my feelings and thoughts.

One of my goals this month is to really get back into keeping a prayer journal.  I long to enjoy this “me time” and prayer time.  Perhaps even with a glass of wine . . .

There are affiliate links within this article.  Thank you for helping me continue writing at prayerwinechocolate.com!

Here are 8 ways to turn a blank notebook into a prayer journal:

1.  Write Letters

   I often loose focus and start to daydream when I do, well, anything.  So in order to feel more focused in prayer, I started writing letters to Jesus.  I also have written letter to saints asking for their intercession. I tell the Lord what I am thinking about, what I am grateful for, what I desire and what I worry about.  I once wrote a letter to Jesus telling Him why I had been relentless in my prayers about meeting a man that would be my husband.  In that letter I was very specific about why I wanted to be a wife so badly.  These letters helped me pray, and also helped me really search my heart.

   

2. Copy Prayers

   Many times I have started a novena for a specific request, and half way through the nine days of praying my intention’s wording changed.  It often would change so much it became an entirely different prayer. This is a huge reason why I LOVE novenas.  I find, often, that what I want – is not really what God wants.  I feel like that becomes apparent when day 4’s intentions are much different than day 1’s.  So, now when I commit myself to saying a novena, I really have to ask myself – is this a strong desire, or just a wish?  Writing the prayer out takes time, so I must evaluate if that time and energy is really worth it to me.  Once I decide to pray the novena, I write out the whole prayer on Day 1 – and I write my specific intention.  For the next 8 days I pray that prayer through reading what I wrote.  This way, my intention stays the same in wording.  If I don’t make it through, chances are, what I was asking wasn’t truly in my heart. If you think an email reminder would help you in praying a novena, you can sign up for that here: Pray More Novenas!

3. Write an inspiring quote or lyrics from an uplifting song, then decorate the page

   Years ago when I started keeping a prayer journal, there was a song “I Turn to You” sung by Christina Aguilera.  The lyrics were in the Catholic Newspaper in our area, and an author called it “A Pop Song Psalm”.  I cut out the lyrics and glued it to a page.  Around it I wrote things like, “Be more prayerful”, “be more grateful”.  It gave me an excuse to color and draw!

4. Color and Paste

   I’m so happy adult coloring books are all the rage – but honestly, give me a kid coloring book and I’ll be just as happy!  Here are some links so that you don’t have to purchase any coloring books!  The following bloggers have free coloring pages waiting for you! Katie Bogner at Look to Him and Be Radiant has a ton of free coloring pages!  I love her work!  From Fulton Sheen quotes to The Works of Mercy you will find many to choose from! Colleen Mitchell at Blessed are the feet will give you four free coloring pages just for subscribing to her blog! Dianna Kennedy has a free Rosary Coloring Book she gives to all her subscribers.  She says it’s for kids, but I signed up to get that for me!  Perfect for a journal page in my opinion! You can purchase 20 coloring pages from me to download instantly!  To get yours go to Coloring Printables from Be Yourself

   

5. These colored penciled are the best!  Save the Crayola for the kids – these feel and look like butter! Prismacolor Colored Pencils
   
   

6. Cut out and paste a devotion, article or picture and decorate the page around it

   I once read a reflection piece on John 6:7.  The author who reflected on this miracle of the loaves and fishes, pointed out that grace is not bound by either logic or arithmetic – that Jesus’ presence turns scarcity into abundance.  I cut it out and wrote quotes from the reflection around it.  I drew pictures. I felt like it was a letter from Jesus to me telling me not to worry and have hope!

7. Make a collage!

   Use real photographs and fill the page of pictures and thank the Lord for all of these wonderful blessings. Use magazine pictures to show God all that you dream of and hope for as a prayer of petition!

8. Use stickers, stencils, markers, stamps and washi tape!

   When I was a young girl, I LOVED stickers! I collected them, kept a sticker book, traded them and my heart did a certain kind of leap when my mom bought me a pack for no special occasion.  Stickers bring me such fond memories and a childlike joy.  I also remember it being a special occasion when I could use markers.  Do I sound ancient? I don’t care, pass those scented markers and that stamp pad, I’ll make this page look pretty and praise God in some shape or form!

9. Use Holy Cards and Holy Images

   Years ago I glued on this holy card to the first page of my prayer journal.  I believe it set an incredible tone and was a much needed reminder that I needed each time I opened that book.  Now I have my eye on a beautiful illustration of Mary, Undoer of Knots.  I was first introduced to this title of Mary when Pope Francis came to Philadelphia last Fall.  I would really like to pray this novena and the picture that is in the April issue of Serenity, the Little Sisters of the Poor’s publication has “wowed” me. I am excited to cut it out and put it in my journal!  Amazon has some awesome holy card sets as well!

   Check out: Vintage Replica Holy Cards; 54 Holy Cards; and Favorite Bible Verses!

    

   What did I miss?  Which idea do you like the most?  Would you go to a girls’ day out where you would take time to journal with your girlfriends?   I’m working on that idea next!!!

   Do you prefer a more guided journal?  Check out my article: 10 Best Journals for Busy Women !!!

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