The Life Letter October Edition 2022

LoveBird’s Newsletter

This edition is dedicated to the home! Why? Simply because we continuously aspire to improve ourselves, reach our goals and help others, yet our environment is not conducive to help us succeed. Before you take on another task, do what the Lord told me and minister to your home.

Your home is your treasure, and we all should aim to treat it as such. It houses you, keeps you safe, provides comfort and is a place to raise your family. Your home is the Mecca of your children's life experiences. You owe your home.

Hopefully you can gain new strategies on how to truly minister to your home and create an atmosphere of peace and blessings for your entire family.

BOOK CLUB UPDATE!

Book Club has been postponed until November 7th!

Follow Lovebird Publishing on FB for more info!

BOOK of the MONTH!

Book Club will commence November 7th @ 7PM on FB!

Follow Lovebird Publishing on FB for more info!

LoveBird’s Letter

Toward the end of September I was in prayer and meditation. I dropped my children off at school, and rushed home to snuggle up in my favorite blanket. I got settled in my front living room to sit in stillness, just waiting for God’s voice to speak to me. The house was very still, almost too still. A few moments went by of me being totally silent. The only thing I could hear was the subtle creaks of the house and my deep slow breathing. The Lord spoke to me and said, “Minister to your home.”

Admittedly I had let some things go. The laundry was filled to the brim, the children’s rooms were a bit messy with toys and school uniforms on the floor. The house really could use a nice sprucing up. I sat for a minute and thought about how I would clean up a bit. Just as I was getting my plan together, the Lord said it again, “Minister to your home.” A soft wind brushed over me and I felt my spirit receive a download from the Holy Spirit. I knew then this statement wasn’t only about catching up on laundry. It was about truly becoming a servant of everything and everyone that came through the doors.

I sat with that word for a few days. I sought the Lord on how to go about making this instruction come alive in my home. He took me on a journey of how I serve my church ministry with vigor, and excitement. My passion for the Lord’s house is evident and everyone that knows me knows that. I don’t say that to brag, but to highlight I could have used that same energy in my home and with my family.

Instead of just cleaning up. I chose to read a book to help me identify my children’s love language. This book challenged me to parent differently and more effectively. I had to apologize to my children. I had to regulate my emotions when dealing with them better so they can receive more love. I made it a point to really cater to my husband even the more. I had to stretch my creativity to meet his needs in a new exciting way. That part was actually fulfilling to me.

I am still on this journey of truly ministering to my home. I now see how important family life really is to me. God entrusted me with my dwelling and my husband, children, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and more. I want to become a servant to them. I hope you feel compelled to do the same for the ones you cherish. So take a journey to through the pages of this edition to gain knowledge on how we can grow as servants together.

LoveBird’s Unpopular Opinions

Have you ever wondered, why is it socially acceptable to bring your work home? Has it crossed your mind how detrimental this habit can be to the wellness of your home and the people in it? In an age where working from home has been popularized, it would be irresponsible if we all didn't examine the negative effects of such things.

So my unpopular opinion is work should stay at work. I always didn’t feel this way. I was an advocate for working from home and intertwining the two. Initially I thought the benefit of saving money on travel and reclaiming lost time is the ultimate win. However, those benefits oftentimes come at a cost.

You see, when work bleeds into your personal life you forfeit your sanctuary and your resting place for a check mark on a to do list. You may very well find yourself prioritizing work in the home at the expense of your family. There is added pressure to perform better at home because you end up managing yourself, your time, and your efficiency. Work has been the top priority for corporate workers, spiritual leaders, service workers, and tradesmen alike for centuries. The tangible reward motivates people to accomplish more for themselves or for the greater good. In an effort to produce more money or gain more influence, home will take a back seat.

Oftentimes we see that a person's career ambitions and workload be a contributing factor in dismantling marriages and parent/child relationships. Many argue that a career woman makes for a bad wife. Others say that men that are

top 10% earners cannot be faithful. While those general assumptions do no reflect the entire truth for all cases, there has been enough people to have bad experiences for people to consider the effects of bringing work home.

I believe work and home should be as separate as church and state. Work is for work and home is for family. Keeping the two as separate as possible is key to creating a real work life balance. While there are some instances where blurring the lines is inevitable, this should not be the new status quo for the whole of society.

We see this play out in other countries. Spanish speaking countries like Spain have a siesta. A siesta is an allotted time in the day where everyone returns home to rest with family before returning back to work. Shops, businesses, schools and restaurants shut down so that everyone can have quality time with the people they love and refill their energy tanks.

Americans rush to complete and do everything. We have created a culture of unrealistic expectations and an overwhelming list of daily tasks. Our family life suffers, our children are more and more depressed and we don't have the energy to offer support. Studies show that Gen-Z is twice as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety compared to those 25 and older. There is a desperate need for us to get back to family.

One way we all could achieve that is to find ways to work around our home life. Instead of living around our work life. To those opposing this view, I concur that love doesn't pay the bills, but what will be said when everything is paid and life itself is in ruins? I personally don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul, my family, my home, my peace or anything else of true value.

I do understand that families who work together have it much easier in building bonds of communication, trust and love. However, I also agree that you should be able to vent to your spouse about work struggles to get counsel and support. On the other hand, the attention spent on work should be minimal, so that you can be present to raise your family. Being fully present is key to maintaining healthy relationships in all arenas, especially at home.

So, keep reading to see how we can serve our families more. Check out the article “How to Achieve Work Life Balance” for strategy on how to balance the scales.

HOW TO ACHIEVE

WORK LIFE BALANCE

Work life balance seems to be a fanciful thought of the imagination rather than a realistic and practical way to exist. When most think of a work life balance they think of early work shift sand getting home in time for dinner. It looks like having family vacations and quality alone time with your spouse. It entails having enough time in the day to pursue your personal goals and still having enough energy to show up for your family.

One might say there is only so much time in a day. Sometimes it’s just not feasible to do it all, and I would almost agree. You see in pursuing the perfect work life balance, you must take an introspective look within and consider your unique family's needs. Ask yourself what does my family need more than anything? How can I better serve my family? What void am I not fulfilling at home?

You often times find that your work obligations rarely if ever go lacking. Many Americans desperately need a break from work, but fail to take one. Studies show from Travel Agent Central, revealed that 57 percent of Americans have taken a vacation in the last year. Which is a drastic increase from last year considering the effects of the pandemic. We are slowly adapting the value of rest but we still have a ways to go. While work/life balance isn't all about taking fun vacations, it is an essential part of serving the ones you love the most.

There are countless ways on how you can improve your work life balance. A few steps are listed below to help you balance the scales.

Talk with your family and ask them what they need most from you. Really listen and jot down their input. Number them according to importance. Assess if your current job, career, industry and work schedule will allow you to meet the most desperate needs of your family. Also determine if you’re passionate about the work that you do. For if you feel fulfilled at work, you will be less likely to bring work troubles home to your family.

THE LIFE LETTER

If you find that you are not fulfilled and the only motivation is money. I say pursue what you are truly passionate about, but in doing so make sure you steward over your homes finances as to not cause unnecessary financial strain. This looks like picking up a side hustle that can grow into your main source of income, allowing you to quit your less than desirable job.

Set clear boundaries and expectations for work and home. Make it clear what you are willing to provide and what you can't offer. Letting others in on your limitations can help them adjust their expectations of you. They also will see your effort in serving them better.

Create a plan of action that will better meet the needs your family expressed. Start with small life changes and slowly build upon that foundation. For example, if your children desire more personal time with you. Schedule a family outing night once month to ensure they have your undivided attention. If you are consistent this small gesture will assure your children you have heard them and are doing your best to make a difference and it’s not overwhelming you in the process.

Don't overpromise. Be realistic in what you take on to please others. You run the risk of breeding disappointment and resentment in your work and family relationships is you fail to deliver. Breaking that trust is hard to recover from.

Check in with yourself to assess your growth, and to ensure you are not being depleted by trying to be too many things to too many people. If you are feeling burnt out, tell your loved ones so they can pour into you. After all you are a part of the family unit and your needs are important too!

If your job is too inflexible, or the industry you're in is not conducive for a healthy home life, it may be time to look for the next best thing. Invest in going back to school, sharpen your skills and update that resume. There is always a new door waiting if you do the work to obtain it, the favor of God will work for you to help you sustain it.

Schedule a nice day night with your spouse. The frequency of the dates will be determined by your family's schedule. But make sure to include a nice date at least once a month. It doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable.

GET READY TO READ MORE!

Practical Tips to Help You Reach Your Reading Goals

Fall is a prime time to delve into reading. The weather is changing. Finding productive pastimes at home can become increasingly difficult. Reading not only is a healthy way to pass the time, but its a great way to unplug and center your mind. The wonderful thing about books is you can choose whether you want to learn a skill, get inspiration, gain knowledge on a subject or simply just be entertained. If you have a desire to read more and are having trouble following though here are some tips on how to read more before the year is out!

• Experiment with reading a new genre.

• Start with an easy light read. No need to take on too much by diving into a dense book.

• Read something you have enjoyed in the past. You always can get something new from an old book!

• Find a friend to read with.

• Make a vow to read one book a month to give yourself an easy deadline.

• Have a date at the bookstore, stroll the aisles and see what you can see.

• Make time to go into a coffee shop and sit and read for a change of scenery.

• Read to your children at night.

• Always carry your book with you. You never know when you’ll have free time.

• Don’t feel obligated to finish a book you don’t like!

• Set aside a certain amount of time to read daily. Whether it’s 10 minutes or 1 hour make it a habit!

• If you fall off the wagon, pick up where you started. The only way you can fail is if you stop trying.

• Pick up a magazine to spice things up a bit.

• Make it a habit to read your news instead of watching it on television.

• Ask for book recommendations from people you trust.

• Try different formats of reading like audiobooks and e-books.

• If you stumble upon an author you like read other books they wrote. Chances are you might enjoy them too!

• Set the mood for reading by cuddling up in a warm blanket, getting your favorite drink, and turning on some soft music.

• Join LoveBird’s Book Club in November!

THINK PINK BY LOVEBIRD

In Loving Memory of Bre’Asia Allen

Before I begin let me release a disclaimer to the men. This message is unapologetically dedicated to every lady and girl child here. Ladies, I want you to remember Bre and see yourself and smile and be proud. I want you to feel your essence and have space and time to celebrate it.

So Ladies, lets THINK PINK. I’m not talking about the overpriced boutique in the mall, but the hue that has come to encase our very existence. I bet I could search the world and not find one little girl that has never been dressed in it. As babies we're decorated with the soft sweet shade of light pink. Our existence being much like it; delicate decadent in every which way. Our arrival drives the passion of protection from our fathers and loving embrace of our mothers. This tender tone is the most passionate way to say she's here.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is mauve. Its deep, still pink but grown up a bit. The pink us adults fawn for in the fall. Its semi neutral tone can be paired with other things. We could say it works well with others. Collaborative in nature strong in stance yet flexible. Much like us women have to be in any room we walk into. Mature beyond measure.

See this pink done been around the block or two. It could tell you somethings. Much like mama and Big Mama used to. This pink is for every warrior of a woman that has won battles, overcome struggles and lived to to tell the story. Shout out to all the mauve mamas. S/o to Raamah we love embrace and honor you. S/o to Raamah we love embrace and honor you.

But there is a special pink, one that is bold and a little rebellious. One that shows up and shows out regardless of the occasion. One that speaks up and talks a little too loud. One that is unapologetic and self assured. Justified that it's right even when it may be wrong. One like our precious Bre’Asia. Free spirited, beautiful and headstrong, real strong.

It points out the obvious. It sometimes makes lesser folks uncomfortable, for how can such a young thing be this sure? This electric, this vivacious and funny and silly yet seasoned enough to navigate its own path, no matter what the majority might say.

This girl, this pink is HOT! Born to be wild, can't be tamed and yet thats what makes it so amazing. This girl this pink faced many things, cried and recovered, broke down and reassembled herself in her isolated moments, wore her heart on her sleeve and everyone that truly knew her could feel her heartbeat with every hug every embrace. The grace laced in her grin brightened every dark place. It was her superpower. This girl this pink will forever live, forever gifting us a glimpse of what a true goddess is.

Yeah so even though hot pink isn’t the last pink on the spectrum. It didn’t get a chance to maneuver into maturity, it’s oftentimes the most impactful. Just like our baby Bre. Sweet Girl RIP.

LoveBird Tips to Cozy up Your Home for the Fall!

Fall is officially upon us! A new season signals a new time to refresh your home. In the coming months, the harsh winds, snowfall, and plummeting degrees oftentimes pushes people into their homes. The cold and bitter weather makes a homebody like me, go into a slight hibernation. I enjoy finding new ways to make my home more appealing, cozy, and warm. These are a few of my favorite things to do to get my home fall ready.

1. Select a signature scent for my candles, hand soaps and air fresheners that is inviting and warm.

2. Perform a deep decluttering of old clothes and shoes to make room for my family’s winter wardrobe.

3. Change or update air filters, smoke detectors, light bulbs, and any other safety feature of the home.

4. Refresh and replace pillows, blankets and throws.

5. Deep clean the pantry to restock, sanitize and replace stock food items.

6. Create a plan to clear some household projects off of the to do list. (Adding deadlines makes it more pressing to complete.)

7. Go book shopping to keep busy at home.

8. Declutter home of unused items and donate to charity.

9. Revamp the kitchen table setting to fall accent colors and patterns.

10. Spruce up the decor with fall accent pillows and other decor items.

11. Buy a new fall mug, cozy house socks, and a new electric blanket for those extra cold days.

12. Purchase new pillows for the bedrooms.

13. Change out my lightweight summer comforter set for a weightier fall set.

14. Declutter my children’s toys and donate gently used items to charity.

15. Rearrange a few furniture pieces for a fresh look in the living areas.

The Ultimate Family Chore Chart: FALL EDITION

LIVING AREAS

Dust & sanitize surfaces

Fluff pillows

Clean floors

Clean mirrors & pictures

Wipe down TV and Entertainment System

Organize Shelves

KITCHEN

Declutter & reorganize cabinets

Throw away old & broken dishes and Tupperware

Discard of unused utensils & kitchen appliances

Deep clean pantry and fridge

Deep clean oven

Set the table

Sanitize all surfaces

Clean floors

Clean appliances Wash dishes

LAUNDRY ROOM

Sanitize clothing hampers

Clean appliances

Clean, dust and sanitize all surfaces

Restock cleaning supplies

Clean floors

Reorganize shelves

Clear any and all storage

BATHROOMS

Disinfect sink, toilet and bathtub/ shower

Replace shower curtain & liner

Wash or replace rugs

Refresh towels

Clean mirrors

Clean out medicine cabinet & other storage areas

Restock cleaning supplies, toiletries and hygiene products

Clean floors

Clean & declutter linen closet

BEDROOMS

Clean & replace all bed linen

Replace pillows

Clean floors

Declutter & reorganize closets, dressers and wardrobes

Store out of season clothing away.

Dust & sanitize surfaces

Clean mirrors & pictures

Reorganize accessories & shoes

THE

PLAY ROOM

Declutter all old broken unused toys

Sanitize all surfaces

Clean toys and games

Clean floors

Rearrange furniture as needed

Clean pictures, mirrors, wall art

Wipe down walls & remove scuff marks

Reorganize shelves & storage

Replace any broken storage containers OUTDOOR

Cut grass

Rake leaves

Trim hedges

Clean up landscaping & side walk

Power wash the house & garage

Make arrangements to remove dead trees

Insulate windows & doors

Repair gates, decks, walkways & stairs

Test generator (if applicable)

from pg. 25

OFFICE

Shred old papers

File away all important documents

Clean, dust and sanitize all surfaces

Ditch old unused stationary

Clean floors. mirrors & pictures

Reorganize shelves

Donate old books

MISCELLANEOUS

Move all furniture to deep clean floors

Clean windows

Wipe down all walls & baseboards

Clear out garage storage

Reorganize and properly store away collectors items/valuables

Clear fireplace

Stock up on salt for the driveway

Clean window treatments & drapes

Touch up painting Redecorate

Hang new wall art Replace all lightbulbs

BUSINESS DIRECTORY:

LIFE LITERATURE SECTION

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Sydnie Lau’Ryn Beauty Beauty, cosmetic, and personal care Enterprise

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LoveBird’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for all that we have. We are grateful to you for blessing us with our homes and families. God we ask that you bless every effort that we put forth to make our homes better. Help us to be better for the people that we love.

God we know you to be a good father. You are Abba, and we honor you. So Lord help us to exude your characteristics in our homes and on our jobs. Our desire is that you would use us to be the light in the world to drive out any darkness in the lives of others.

We recognize before we can go out and help others, we must be good stewards of the ones in which you entrusted us. God help us make our homes the safe haven we look forward to returning to after a long day. Bless us as we cultivate balance in our work and our personal lives. Help us to not only work, but fulfill the purpose you placed within us since before our beginning.

We love you and thank you for all of these things. In Jesus name AMEN