Children should participate in church, family devotions, and prayers as soon as they can sit up. They won’t learn the how-to of a relationship with God if you don’t model it, anymore than they will learn proper table manners by sitting in the kitchen while you eat in the dining room. They should be included in faith activities from the moment of conception. If YOU are living a faith-filled life, they will come naturally into faith, and it will be an integral part of them, just as breathing or their hearts beating. If you haven't been living your life this way, start now.

Whatever is going on in your life, spend some time each day talking to God about it. It’s okay to have any emotion. His shoulders are broad. King David was angry with Him, yet God called him “beloved”. He’s more interested in the relationship, than whether the emotion is positive or negative. Martin Luther said that the more things he had to do in a day meant the more time he needed with God at the start of the day.

My great-grandmother said that the most healthful meals had the most colors on the plate. This is an easy way to have a well rounded diet. Even your three-year-old can participate in making healthful choices.

The advice ‘darker is better’ applies to many things, principally ingestibles -- dark chocolate, red wine, amber beer, dark brown sugar, deeply colored fruits and vegetables (beets, spinach, asparagus, blueberries, lingonberries, black currants, etc.). The health benefits escalate as the color deepens. Indulge and enjoy!

One or two ounces of dark chocolate every day is therapeutic -- be healthful.

All things in moderation -- wine, fats, carbs, eggs, whatever the current thing to avoid is -- neither too much nor too little is appropriate. There are no “bad foods”, just less than perfect choices. A little of this, a little of that, wide variety and moderation. This applies to more than just food. It’s a good way to keep balance in all areas of your life.

Get some exercise every day. Walking, biking and home care should be sufficient. If you’re watching a lot of TV, there are probably tasks that need to be done. On the other hand, if you’ve washed the kitchen floor, done a bunch of laundry, cut the grass, and… , you don’t need a gym membership. AND, you shouldn’t feel guilty about sitting down for a break and watching TV, reading a book, or whatever you like to do to take a break

Many cultures practice some sort of an afternoon break. In Mexico, it is “siesta”. In England it’s “Tea Time”. In northern European countries, it’s “Coffee Time”. Call it what ever you want to, but take a break in the afternoon. A little treat with your break will boost you up to make your afternoon more effective. One piece of cake, a couple of cookies, or some fruit is great. It’s not a full meal. -- And for that matter, you should also practice “Elevenses” (a morning break).

Until your children start buying their own clothing, YOU are responsible for what they wear. Rips, bad hems, buttons off, stains, out-grown... all of that is YOUR fault and responsibility. The first three you should have taken care of before the item made it to their room, and the last, you should have removed at the first sign of it being tight. You are also responsible for making ‘modest’ choices and for teaching them to do the same. It is more than possible to be stylish and modest. They won’t learn it if you don’t teach it. ALSO, you should practice it so they can learn by your example.

A few times a year, break one of your rules on purpose, with your children. When Kimberly was little, on the first ‘warm’ day (70 degrees) we walked around the lake and had ice cream for supper. The memories are sweet and vivid, and it’s a tradition she still practices. I didn’t worry about the calories, as we had gotten quite a bit of exercise on our walk. When good nutrition is part of every day, you don’t need to worry about an occasional wild moment. The few ‘special’ breaks’, build memories, and help teach them not to be too rigid in their life.

Every person at the table should eat one spoonful of each food at the meal. And no dessert unless the main meal is eaten completely. When they are little, you know approximately how much they are likely to eat, and as they grow and take over that decision, they are much less likely to waste food or overeat if you have been teaching good behaviors from the beginning. This does not mean STUFF them! It does mean be responsible in everything you do, even in your/their use of food.

Take every opportunity to teach your child a new word, skill, or craft. These are not only tremendous blessings for your little ones, but it builds memories and bonds that will help you get along with each other. When they are older, they will continue this practice. Okay, in case that wasn’t obvious enough, I’ll reframe it. If you (or anyone else) are alive, each day is an opportunity to learn something new. It helps keep you vibrant. Let no day be wasted. And another thing, this should include time in The Word - your spiritual life is important too!