Thankfully I am not the only one!

Allan is out of town again this week. I have some work deadlines to meet.

That means I am a distracted mom, which equals unruly children. I felt very frustrated today as it seemed like every two minutes there was an eruption from the kids. "She hit me, he took my marker, she won't get off my side of the couch..." It was endless. I found my fuse to be a little short as well.

I am not a fan of letting the children spend hours in front of the TV. We are blessed to live on a nice piece of land, they have bikes, scooters, dirt bikes, and a go cart, and a play set. Yet it seems like watching the TV is all they want to do.

During the school year we block the TV from 8:00am until 6:00pm. We had removed it for the summer break. I felt like it was time to block the TV again, but thought maybe that was too tough on their break with the extreme heat we are having.

Here is where the title comes in, I was looking at the other speakers blogs and I discovered that Marybeth had been facing similar challenges. They even unplugged their satellite. I must say I was so relieved to see I was not the only one facing this challenge.

So, tonight after the kids go to sleep, I am re-blocking the TV. I am going to regain some normalcy in our home too.

I expect the house to shake in the morning from their screams of disgust. But this to shall pass.
I can rest knowing I am not the only one going through it. Thanks Marybeth for sharing.

Making the Most of the Distance

This has been a very crazy summer in the Kidd household. Both Allan and I have had to travel quite a bit only not together. We have been juggling our schedules around which of us has to be out of town at any given time.

A few weeks ago Allan had been gone for four days. He returned in time for me to hand him the kids and then I was gone for four days. I met up with him after my stint away only to grab the kids and send him on his way again for four more days.

I don't know if any of you have had these challenges, but the thought that occurred to both of us was "how do we stay connected with all this distance".

In this day of technology we have many tools at our disposal, along with the old fashioned means of communication.



Here are some of the things we did during that time to shrink the physical distance between us:

• One of the most crucial elements was taking time to make sure our calendars matched. We take time at the beginning of the week to go through the appointments that each of us, and the children have. We decide who is going to handle the specific details.


• We made good use of the cell phone by endeavoring to talk each morning and each evening, and any chance during the day if needed (respecting the fact that whoever was gone was on a business trip).


• Email is a great tool, it only takes a second to send a note that says I am thinking of you, and miss you.


• We realized that we could text message to each others phones at no charge, so an occasional text note was great to receive.


• On the day when one of us returned from out of town we made sure the children were hugged on, then we would go on a date. Sometimes that date had to be at home, having sent the children upstairs early that night. Or if a sitter and finances allowed we would go out for the evening.


• Send a note or card in their luggage putting it in a place they will find it!!


• Have a note or card waiting on their pillow when they return from their trip.

I hope these little tidbits will help you shrink the distance when your spouse has to travel. Let me know what things you do.

Blessings,

Contact Me

To book for a speaking event:
Proverbs 31 Ministry
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/book_speaker.htm
1-877-731-4663

To contact Allan & Charlene:
Email: twoareone@comporium.net

Speaking Topics

Sit Soak Spin, Which Cycle is Your Prayer Life In?
Do you go through the complete cycle or do you get off balance?
Do you go on to shine or do you get sour? Let Charlene guide you through a complete washing with her compelling personal testimony of the power of prayer in our lives.

Why Martha—Stalled Out!
Stepping on the accelerator when there is no gas won’t allow you to go very far. Charlene shares practical insight on why Martha was so frustrated and how we can effectively choose Mary’s way.

God’s Light is on Green for GO!
Are there dreams or stirrings deep inside your heart that you have never acted on? Maybe you are not sure if they are even from God. Charlene will take you through three easy steps to gain the confidence you need to achieve the plan God has for you life.

The ABC’s of Home and Schedule Organization
There is ample information out there on being organized. Charlene takes a biblical look at the subject, while imparting practical suggestions that anyone can follow.

Making F.A.I.T.H. Contagious to your kids
Do you struggle with training them up in the way they should go? Do you ask yourself if you will be able to lead them to Jesus? Charlene gives real life steps to share the good news with your children, and how to have courage to let the Lord govern their lives.

How to Look Good – Even on a Bad Hair Day! ~ from the inside out ~
This is an uplifting look at the Proverbs 31 lady. She does not have to be as unattainable as most think. Charlene will share the virtues of this woman and how they can be interwoven into our own lives. She offers insightful tips that what work in today’s world.

Mirror—Mirror on the Wall
We know we are created in the image of Christ, but how do we show that image to others? This is a powerful session on avoiding the things that will shatter that image.

Who Moved the Throne?
Have you ever felt like God was not hearing your call to him? Delayed answers to prayer can be discouraging. Charlene will encourage you on how to stay hopeful and joyful during the waiting times, and all the way through to victory.

Each topic is approximately forty-five minutes to an hour, or several topics may be woven together for conferences and retreats.

Put the "Holy" Back in your Holidays
It is so easy to get caught up in all the hype of the holiday season. In this message, Charlene shares how to regain control and focus on the real reason for the season we celebrate.

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Allan & Charlene Kidd

If you are looking for dynamics with heart, then Allan & Charlene Kidd are the speakers for you. Your groups will enjoy and benefit from their Nuts & Bolts principles on marriage and family.

ATTITUDES OF LOVE
This is an upbeat and practical look at how your attitudes towards Marriage, Each Other, and God affect your love life.

THE LANGUAGES OF LOVE
Allan and Charlene will take you through a study of Gary Chapman’s book “Five Love Languages.” The techniques shared will help point the listener
towards the “AGAPE” kind of love for their spouse, that God has for us.

Assumption by Appearance
When your vows were taken, you committed to a life time covenant. Learn how to solidify your marriage with protective H.E.D.G.E.S. This is an eye opening message that is sure to change your life.

CHARTING LIFE’S COURSE THROUGH PRAYER
Learn how through each circumstance of life we are Charged, Challenged, and Changed through prayer. They give practical ideas for implementing prayer in your family life.

PERSONALITIES IN MARRIAGE
The audience will learn practical information to help them first determine their own personality and then their spouse’s. Allan and Charlene offer real life examples to equip you to effectively communicate and enjoy your spouses difference.

“C’ING” CLEARLY
Allow the Kidd’s to take the listener through Communication and Conflict Resolution. Learn positive communication styles, communication of love and conflict resolution.

Cherishing Each Other in the Chaos of Life
Has the craziness of day to day life clouded your relationship? Let the Allan and Charlene share practical tips for clearing up your marriage.

Stay Close To Your Source
What is the source of you wisdom, beliefs, and security? Do you feel disconnect from that source either in your personal life or in your marriage? Allan and Charlene will share practical tips and insight for staying anchored to your firm foundation (Jesus Christ).

Where I'll Be

To book Charlene or Charlene and Allan for an event go to:
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/book_speaker.htm


2007

October 6, 2007
Allan & Charlene Kidd
Missionary Wesleyan Church
Forest City, NC
dpark4@hotmail.com


November 3, 2007
Allan & Charlene Kidd
Walnut Grove Baptist Church
Charlotte, NC
Rgreen58@carolina.rr.com

November 16-17
Allan & Charlene Kidd
Faith Bible Church
Ridgecrest, NC
jmercer@faithbiblechurchonline.com

November 28,2007
Charlene Kidd
St. Luke's Catholic Church
Mint Hill, NC
stublaskiw@bellsouth.net

2008

February 15-16, 2008
Allan & Charlene Kidd
Ridgecrest, NC
Faith Bible Church
jmercer@faithbiblechurchonline.com

February 22-23, 2008
Charlene Kidd & Zoe Elmore
Womens Spiritual Life Retreat
Palatka, FL
www.cimc.org

About Me

Charlene is a wife and mother of four. She resides in York, SC, and assists her husband in the running of their company from home. They are couple’s ministry leaders at their church. She has been involved with the Proverbs 31 Ministries since 1995. She has been in many leadership positions of various women’s and couple’s ministries. She is a graduate of Florence Litteaur’s CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Seminar) as well as a Certified Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker. She is available to speak at events such as conferences, retreats, and banquets.

Charlene can be joined with her husband, Allan to share on marriage and family. They frequently speak on “Charting Life’s Course through Prayer”; “Attitudes of Marriage”; “Is Your Marriage Running on Empty?” They are available for day, weekend, or conference events.