We have all heard, “When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.”  But how do you do that?  Parenting struggles, money woes, or business concerns will surely rear their ugly head from time to time. 

As I embark upon those difficult tasks of parenting or managing money (or any of the dozens of other things we all face), I try to be positive, asking myself questions such as, “What can I learn from this?”  or “How will this make me better?” I have learned that my negative attitude towards the situation does nothing to improve it.  And in the process, I’ve learned to make lemonade.

Here’s what I’ve learned about making lemonade: Continue reading »

 

As a writer, I am privileged to share my thoughts and ideas in a variety of venues.  One of the things I have resolved to do through the years is to write about those things that will encourage and challenge and to avoid those topics that simply spark debate for the sake of debating.  Hence, it is very unlikely that you will ever see me write about politics and the like. 

However…..there are some times when I must write or I will simply burst!  This is one of those times.  There are a handful of topics for which I am immensely passionate.  This is one.  In fact, the more I think about it – the more passionate I become – abortion and the church.

If you are an avid Single Parents Town reader, you will quickly discover that I am a Christian writer — for which I make no apologies.  My convictions and opinions stem from those Christian views.  I love the church immensely and love its people.  So for all intents and purposes, this particular article is for those people — the church.  Continue reading »

 

Wouldn’t you absolutely love to take some time to yourself to enjoy relaxing by the pool, soaking up some sun, and chatting with girlfriends?  Who wouldn’t?

Carnival Cruise Lines and Expedia Travel have partnered to bring you the 2012 Mexican Single Moms’ Cruise!  Join us for a 5-day cruise in August 2012, departing from New Orleans, that is all about you — the single mom.  Enjoy free room service, pool, water slide, evening shows, free single parent workshops, guest speakers, music, and so much more…..as you get away for a few days to work on you!

I am honored to have been chosen as one of the guest speakers for the cruise, along with award-winning singer, Jennifer Nasto, and single parent experts and authors, Dana Chisholm and PeggySue Wells.  Continue reading »

 

May God richly bless your family during this holiday season. May it be a time to enjoy your special family, whatever its size or content.  May you remember the true reason for the season.  Make it a point drive around and stare a little too long at some Christmas lights, sipping hot cocoa.  Read the Christmas story to your kids Christmas morning, no matter their age.  Concentrate on what you have, not what you don’t.  And………may peace be with you! Merry Christmas, sweet friends!

Jennifer Maggio is a sought-after speaker, critically-acclaimed author, and founder of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries.  She has been featured on more than 100 radio and television shows and has a heart to see single mothers living the life God intended.  She specializes in helping churches form or grow their single mom ministries.  For more information, visit http://www.thelifeofasinglemom.com. Continue reading »

 

1).  Enjoy your season.  You’ve heard me say it before and you’ll hear me say it again and again.  How many parents look back when their children adults and say, “I spent WAY too much time with my son. I wish we had not had all that quality time, laughing and talking.”  Enjoy what God has given you today — not focusing on what you don’t have.

2).  Parent effectively.  Don’t make excuses.  Your parenting will, at least in part, determine how your children behave as adults, so get to it!

3). Create traditions with your family.  Maybe your “family” is just yourself and your little one, right now.  Don’t let that deter you from creating fun traditions in your home.  Maybe your tradition can be cooking Saturday breakfast together or taking walks in your neighborhood on Sunday afternoons.  There are hundreds of ways you can create traditions and further strengthen your relationship with your children, no matter their age. Continue reading »

 

Since my life’s passion is the single parent and specifically connecting single parents to their local church, it stands to reason that I would get tons of emails, comments, and questions about the local church.  So I wanted to highlight for you, the single parent, what it is you should be asking your local church:

#1) What do you believe?  Get on their website.  Look at their “core beliefs” tab.  Find out if what the believe lines up with the Bible.  I am all about outreaches, fun environments, friendships in the local church, etc., but if they are teaching the wrong things, it is all in vain. So crack open your Bible.

#2) Are you outreach-minded?  If your church is not reaching outside its walls to serve the hurting, helpless, homeless, impoverished, and marginalized…….BIG RED FLAG!  Every one of us should be reaching outside ourselves to extend a helping hand.  If your church isn’t doing that, ummm…….well…………find another church. Continue reading »

 

I made the formal announcement last Wednesday that The Life of a Single Ministries has officially launched as a nonprofit, after several years as a sole proprietorship.  I have been absolutely overwhelmed with the response.  Thank you for the encouraging comments, emails, website hits, and more. 

We exist so that every single parent across the country can feel comfortable in their local church.  We want to help churches find the right avenues to reach the single parents in their community, effectively.  And I know it is what so many of you who read my weekly columns want.

Now, I have a quick favor to ask you.  Please take a moment and help us spread the word about the ministry.  I get literally hundreds of emails per week – some from single moms desperate to connect with support groups, some from churches who want to form a support group and need help, and many from those who want to know how they can get involved with the cause.  ALL of them say they wish they would have known about what we do sooner.  Continue reading »