Let the Forest Echo with Laughter (Marghanita Hughes) - Video and Commentary

A beautiful video about the importance of play and exploration for children...  

Title: "Let the Forest Echo with Laughter"
By: Marghanita Hughes

The Vimeo video has a different song, and is also amazing: https://vimeo.com/60349873

When I was a child, I loved to play in the woods. I have fond memories of exploring, and playing under the emerald awning of leaves. I rarely wore shoes and loved the feel of the earth beneath the soles of my feet. I would slide down the red, sandy cliffs..laughing as I tumbled, and skipped like the stones pushing me along. One time I found some crumbling pottery at the bottom of the ravine, and was convinced it was treasure. Then there was the time I tried to follow my cat to see where he went...it was funny how my cat gave me this look like "leave me alone!". I kinda felt like the pesky sister following her brother.

Playing outdoors really help to grow my creativity. To this day, I turn off the TV and try to get my kids outside as much as possible. My kids are getting older but still love to run and play outside. We explore back roads to discover small towns and interesting sites. No matter how far we roam, all roads lead back home. 

~ Daylen Swift

Fun Ways to Bless Your Children (Parenting Tips)

Mom and Blogger, Carlie K., shares 25 tips on how to bless your children. These fun and inspirational ideas are not things that will cost a lot of money, but rather involve investing love, time and energy into your children in a variety of creative ways: 25 Ways to Bless Your Child(ren)

Here are a few ideas of my own... 

1) Teach them how to cook a favorite family recipe

Remember the "Green Buffet" - haha! When my daughter was little, I would tell her that there is a buffet that serves ONLY green food, called the Green Buffet. We would have fun thinking of menus of all green food, and imaging what we would eat. 

2) Let a child plan a fun or special activity to do together (may need to set limits on costs)

3) Let your child run around in a costume or their pajamas all day

4) Listen to music videos together. Bonus points if you sing and dance together.

5) Ask your child how to play their favorite video games, then join in.

6) Tell your child the story or special meaning behind their name, or how you chose their name.

7) Teach your child how to pray. Or, alternately, praise dance or other meaningful spiritual celebration.

8) Do a make-over with your daughter.

9) Volunteer together. (My kids had a blast packing boxes at church for Operation Christmas Child).

10) Play charades - act out what you love about your child or a favorite family memory, and have them guess what it is

Any other ideas?? Please post yours in the comments!

xoxo Daylen xoxo

Journey to the Cross: Bringing Good Friday Service to my Children

Hello to my lil Easter bunnies, Bear & Nora,

I miss you both. And love you very much :)

I am writing because today is Good Friday and I wanted to take you to church with me for the special "Journey to the Cross" service. I did ask if you could come with, and the answer was no. So since I cannot take you to church with your brother & I physically, we will just have to visit another way :) 

The Bible does talk about the power, and purpose of people praying together. 

Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." 

Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." 

Psalms 50:5,"Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

So I want to begin by saying I woke up this morning with the both of you in my heart, and in my prayers. I am so thankful to God that I am your mommy, and pray to be the best Mommy I can be. I am thankful for the wonderful kids you are. 

Bear, that you have such a kind heart to help others. You have a gift in science and math, and want to use those gifts to start a foundation to help people with charity and humanitarian projects, is just amazing. Bear, I remember when you were 5 years old, and we would read that science magazine. I remember how we were studying the different parts of a bone, and that we went to the grocery store to look at the cuts of meat, to see those parts. And then we made up that song "Break it off, bone!". "Break it off bone, got me movin' fast, break it off bone, I'm an osteoclast.." Osteoclasts are cells that break down bone. It was so funny because when they went to test you to enter kindergarten, they found that you knew subjects and things that were not even on the test.

Nora, you are such a beautiful girl, and truly a joy in my life. I remember the first time you went to daycare at just a few months old. The note I got back from the daycare said, "Nora is a joy". That is so true. Nora, I love that you write books and draw pictures. And am excited to see your talents grow. It makes me so proud that you are carrying this gift, because I also write books and poetry, and your Grandpa is a storyteller too. I grew up hearing tall tales from Grandpa, they are some of my fondest memories. Nora I think of you when I am shopping, and think of how you like to design clothes. I can't help but to buy cute jeans, baby tees and designer hoodies for you...maybe this way you won't be stealing the clothes from my closet (grin).

Belle also misses you, she is laying in front of me and purring right now (sits on my arms as I type!), sending love to you both.

So today is Good Friday. And what that means is that we honor, and remember, that Jesus went to the Cross to die for our sins. It doesn't sound like "good" news but it is because Jesus loves us so much that He was willing to die, in order to take away sin, the whole world was forever changed when Jesus gave his life to defeat evil. Good Friday tells us that God forgives us when we make a mistake, and that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope. Jesus was buried in the tomb and on the third day, which is Easter Sunday, He rose and went to heaven. In our family, this is a holy day, and we would be celebrating and going to church. I would read you the Bible, and we would learn about Good Friday together.

At church, there is a special worship called "Journey to the Cross". It is a service that takes you back into time, to Jerusalem, in the days leading up to Jesus death (Holy week). When you go to church, everyone is dressed up in clothes from Bible days -- robes, sandals, long head coverings and shawls for the women.  There are even Roman soldiers with spears and shields. 

There is a Jerusalem marketplace where you can play games that they played in Bible days, and you can look at and touch common objects from Bible days. 

The service takes you through all the events of Holy week and it is really cool because they have an electric piano on wheels, that rolls along so we can sing and praise the Lord.

We get to wave palms on Palm Sunday as Jesus enters Jerusalem on the back of a donkey....

We get to share the Last Supper with Jesus and the Disciples

You can enjoy a traditional Passover meal of grape juice, bitters (herbs), salt water (to remember the tears shed) and unleavened bread. Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the the Book of Exodus. On Passover, Jews also celebrate the birth of the Jewish nation after being freed by God from captivity.

You can see Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane

The Disciples slept while he prayed

You can see Judas betray Jesus, and receive gold coins in exchange

The Roman soldiers come to arrest Jesus. You can feel a real crown of thorns and nails.

You can see the trial of Jesus before Pilate, Herod and his soldiers mock Jesus and he is found guilty, though innocent of any crime

Jesus carries the cross to Calvary. 1 John 4:9, "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him."

You can see Mary crying at the foot of the cross

And you can visit a replica of a tomb with a granite boulder to remember where Jesus was laid to rest. 

We go to church on Easter Sunday to remember the resurrection, when Jesus rose from the grave, and went to Heaven. 

-- Daylen Swift, 2015

Hallelujah! He is Risen! Matthew 28:6, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Also see images on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/daylenswift/testimonies-about-god/

Keep Hope Alive: "The Fork", An Inspirational Video

Every little girl dreams of her fairy tale ending... The grass and mud splattered across her jeans were an attempt to catch the frog that hopped into the long grass with a rude croak; he was not destined to be her prince.

Every little girl has a bedroom  filled with dolls of all sizes and shapes, each one given a name and the unconditional love of a child who dreams of one day being a "mommy" that will hold a real baby. Sometimes she dreams of being a school teacher or a nurse, and on the best days she is a rock star. Her dolls are always there--as pupil, patients and adoring fans.

And sometimes...those dreams of happily-ever-after don't always turn out the way you wanted or the way you thought they would. 

My daughter (and son) is growing up without a mother. I did not leave my children. In fact I had no choice at all. An unjust court ruling, and a vindictive ex stole my children away. The love for my children never leaves my heart. I pray for them every day. And when I go to the store, they are with me when I shop for meals they will never eat.. or wander in the toy section imagining what toys they like to play with. They are with me in the empty rooms, as dust gathers on their toys. I have dreams too...dreams that they will one day my children will come home, and our family will be reunited.

I am posting this video to say... keep hope alive. Your dreams may not turn out the way you want, life may have its twists and turns but one thing is for sure and that is real, unconditional love. 

-- Daylen Swift

"The Fork"  https://www.feeln.com/films/thefork

A Holocaust survivor encourages her soon to be wed granddaughter. We can't control all the events of life but we can control how we look at them.

Starring: Peggy Lord Chilton, Kelly Huddleston, Harv Popick

Written, Directed, and Produced: Rob Fried

He is the Gift – Christmas Video – #ShareTheGift

The first gift of Christmas was a simple gift given by a father to all his children, to us. He gave us His son, the Christ. He is the gift. This Christmas season, how will you share the gift?

The Benefits of a Mother's Love and Nurturing

A recent study reveals the benefits of a mother's love and nurturing on her children...

"Children who are given love and affection from their mothers early in life are smarter with a better ability to learn.

The study by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, found school-aged children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus, a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress.

The new research is the first to show that changes in this critical region of children’s brain anatomy are linked to a mother’s nurturing, Neurosciencenews.com reports." ("A mother's love can boost brain power, study shows" by Daily Mail Reporter, 1-31-2012). 

The way a mother nurtures and loves her child actually begins before birth. Not only does a mother's body biologically support the baby growing inside her, but most mothers facilitate a bond with their baby before birth-- praying for the baby or participating in religious ceremonies, hugging or caressing her growing belly, talking or singing to baby, sharing the pregnancy with family and friends and joining mother's groups or classes are all common ways the mother-child bond begins before birth. At as early as 20 weeks, an unborn baby can recognize his mother's voice and after birth, will prefer her voice (and her smell) to any other

After birth the bonding continues between mother and child, it is recognized that skin-to-skin contact between mother and child is immensely beneficial to newborns. Breastfeeding also increases that bond, mothers who bottle feed also benefit from holding or cuddling their babies. What babies learn about the world, begins first at home. 

Babies prefer the music their mother listened to when pregnant over any other music, they also recognize the smell of the mother's body and the sound of her voice. As young as 6 months old, babies learn to communicate by lip reading--and learn emotion from watching the faces of mother, and other adults important in their lives.

Although a mother has a special role in the lives of her children, researchers say that the effects of nurturing on the children are also beneficial from others providing care including fathers, siblings, grandparents or adoptive parents. Perhaps if we as individuals and members of a larger society, realized what power there is in demonstrating love and care for other people, the world would be a better place? We only need to look to our loving mothers to know this is possible. 

A mother's love can boost a child's brainpower, study shows

Lunch with Love: Chinese Billionaire Invites Homeless to Dine in Central Park

An inspiring story... 

June 25, 2014: Chinese billionaire, Chen Guangbiao, founder and chairman of Jiangsu Huangpu Renewable Resources Limited Company, wants to build a "charity army" of wealthy Chinese who will give their profits back to the needy, and use their money to help better society.

Chen was raised in an impoverished family, farmers living in in Sihong County in east China's Jiangsu Province. Conditions were so dire that a brother and a sister starved to death when Chen was 4 years old. At age 10, Chen began to help support his family by selling water. Chen worker his way through college and also helped pay for the tuition of other children in his village. By the age of 17, Chen started his own "foodstuffs" business., and later went on to college. Chen is known for his patriotism, and for his charity.
For More About Chen: Wikipedia Chen Guangbiao

Chen is making a contribution in New York City where he has invited 250 "poor and destitute" Americans to a meal in Central Park and will also donate money to help local charities. The guests were residents of the New York Rescue Mission Shelter (the oldest shelter in the nation). Guests dined at the exquisite Loeb Boathouse in Central Park where they dined on sesame-seed-encrusted tuna, beef filet and berries with crème fraiche. Volunteers served the food in the charity army uniform-- green Chinese military style uniforms with a badge that said "Serve the People". Chen entertained his guests by performing magic tricks and singing "We Are the World". 

"Our thought was if someone wants to treat them to an amazing event - something they would never experience on their own, maybe even a kernel of hope that life could be different again, we're in for that reason. That's our motive," said Craig Mayes, the  executive director of the Rescue Mission.

This is more than just charity, as those participating will become a positive example for the world to learn from... Chen hopes that donating the meal will show other tycoons that there is more to life than “luxury goods, gambling and prostitution”. Chen also hopes his work will improve relations between the US and China. 

-- Daylen Swift, June 2014

For More Info: "Chinese billionaire invites 1,000 poor Americans for lunch in Central Park" by Tim Phillips, "The Province"

Chen Guangbiao Hosts Lunch for Homeless New Yorkers: NBC News

Memories of NYC... 

I visited New York City a long time ago with my son, Bear. I remember how strange it was that homeless people would sleep on the sidewalks and people would just step over them, like speed bumps. I was fascinated by the street artists--the break dancers, cartoonists, mimes, singers and a musician who played a Chines flute. I also remember visiting Central Park and seeing a little girl who was amazed to see a squirrel and was yelling excitedly as the small creature dashed by. 
On the Long Island ferry, Bear smiled shyly at a small girl with doe-like brown eyes and long braids. I remember thinking about the sea of people we had passed on our vacation, and wondering the children would ever cross paths again. They played briefly, during the boat ride.
I also remember visiting the Statue of Liberty, and that Bear threw his pacifier into the harbor. It was his contribution to history, grin.
I love you kids, and look forward to many more adventures with you!

xoxox Mommy xoxoxox

I love 1,222,222,222,00,000 + 0 = U !!

A Mother's Song

When a mother sings to her children, it as if the fullness of love, and concern she has for her children, that is so deep and emotional that it is beyond expression, is given words to which only her children can hear... so lifted up with love, her children dance and sing. 

A Mother's Song Brings Child to Life

Trawden in Lancashur, Britain,June 2012: When 7-year-old Charlotte Neve suffered a rare brain hemorrhage and slipped into a coma, her prognosis was grim. After two operations, and spending a week in a coma, doctors could not stop the bleeding and told her mother, Leila, to prepare to say goodbye. 

With a heavy heart, Leila came to the hospital to spend her final moments with Charlotte. Cuddled on the bed, the song "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele came on the radio. "Rolling in the Deep" is a special song that both mother and child enjoyed singing together. So Leila began to sing, just like they used to. Then a miracle happened--Charlotte smiled! Two days later, Charlotte was speaking and able to get out of bed. Adele: Rolling in the Deep

Charlotte's recovery has been growing stronger each day, though she will have permanent partial blindness and memory loss. Charlotte has astounded doctors by learning to walk and talk, she has returned to school and is taking dance classes. 

Brain hemorrhage girl, 7, wakes from coma as mother sings her Adele's song Rolling in the Deep

Mother Sings to her Dying Daughter in a Coma and the 7-year-old Girl Returns

Special memories of sharing music with my children:

Some of the closest moments I have spent with my children involve music. My daughter also loves the song "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. Nora gets in the car, takes over the radio, and turns our ride into a dance club (grin). 

When pregnant with all of my children, I would sing to them and rub my belly--encouraging them to sway to the music in utero. Scientists have found that children can hear while in the womb, and if a mother plays music the unborn baby will prefer it to any other music. Even after birth, the baby recognizes the music the mother played while pregnant. Unborn Babies are Hearing You Loud and Clear

After my daughter, Nora, was born, I often sang to her. I remember that one time I was holding my daughter,who just over a year old, in my arms and dancing together in the living room. The words of the song said, "They ask me if I love you..."  Nora's head was cradled against my chest and she lifted it and said very clearly, "Yesh!" with a baby lisp. As Nora's dark brown eyes met mine, I saw a spark lighten the depths of her eyes, and I knew that she understood... that she was telling me she loves me. 

As a toddler, Nora sang all the time. You knew if she was happy, she was singing. If she was upset, she went silent. She would invent these long songs that turned into story and would be singing for days. Everywhere she went, singing. One of her songs was "Jesus loves me because he.." then she would add everything she could think of like "he gave me a cookie" or "he made the birds sing" or "I got to go to the park today". It was so beautiful hearing Nora sing, and seeing her faith develop.

Saturday was our cleaning day at home, we called it "Rock n' Roll Saturday" because we would turn the music up and dance while we did our chores. Nora would go in my closest and steal my dresses and high heel boots, as she pushed the vacuum she would sing...and then kick off one boot, and then the other, right at me! My older son, D.Bear, would impress us with his "break dance" moves. I begged D.Bear to stop, afraid he would break a bone!

The baby of the house, J.C., also loves to sing and dance. J.C. has a gift for mimicking sounds--he can perfectly imitate songbirds, the booming horn of a train, and music. 

J.C. also remembers what his older brother and sister's favorite songs are, and will point them out when they come on the radio. If you sing one of those songs, J.C. will yell and tell you to stop, believing the song belongs to his "Bear" or "Sissy". 

One of my favorite memories is when "Next to Me" by Emili Sande came on the radio, Sissy was singing the words and J.C. would follow with all the "Woohoo!"s in his high, sweet voice. D.Bear would dance, and his facial expressions were comical and his eyebrows raised or his lips puckered, he put emotion into every note. Emeli Sande- Next to Me

I want my kids to know I love 1,222,222,222,000,000,000,000,000,000 + 0 = U! I thank God for you every day and love you so much. I cherish the songs we sing together, you make my heart dance.

-- Daylen Swift