I have this habit of buying notebooks but I always end up not using them. I have this one corner in my tiny bedside bookshelf where empty and unfilled notebooks are all lined up. I like pretty ones, leather-bound, or anything with unique design.

One night, I decided to open a purple journal which I know once belonged to my sister. I meant to use it as a “baby notebook” where I would write down my pregnancy tales and experiences as a new mommy. But guess what, I never got to write down anything after all these years. I only wrote on two pages and pasted some magazine clippings for me to read on about five pages. That was almost three years ago.

It was in July when I started writing again on this notebook. This time, I decided to use it a “Mommy Tips” notebook. I plan to share this with Noah to prepare him and his wife for parenthood in the future, and God willing, to my daughter someday.

It is my prayer that I become the mother God wants me to me. I decided to share what I’ve written in my notebook here in my blog. I hope mothers (and dads too!) may find these words helpful.

I have more than a hundred in my journal already but I will share a few from time to time. The tips and reminders here are from various books I’ve read, advice from other parents, or things I read online. For now, here are my first 10 Mommy Tips:

1. Pray with your children and remind them that when they pray according to God’s promises, He always answers.
2. Parents, know the Lord yourselves, and saturate your children with the Word of God– the greater heritage they can receive from you.
3. Prayer is the key to your success as a mother. Pray for and love your kids.
4. How to ensure protection of your children: (1) plead the blood of Jesus; (2) take advantage of angelic protection; (3) listen to your spirit; and (4) discipline your children.
5. Step out and do the one thing you really need to do today. Do not wait for tomorrow.
6. The mother should “warm the nest” by setting up a loving, forgiving, and peaceful atmosphere in the home. You can do this by meditation on His word, praying for His grace, peace, love, and joy to fill your home.
7. Examine your child’s talents and interests. Encourage them and help develop their skills. CAST THE VISION.
8. Plant a seed today of the very thing you believe God will provide.
9. Develop intimacy with your husband. It takes time and effort but always, always worth it.
10. You can plan and plant the future of your children by way of preventive praying.

(NOTE: I don’t claim ownership of these words. Most of these are direct quotes, others rephrased.)

’til the next set of parenting tips. Ciao!

 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise — “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)