Role Models of America

The Dream Backyard

This lady has been inspiring to meet here in Los Banos California.  Sandy has Proverbs 31 working in her life right now!  Wait till I show you what all she does.

She said that she quit the corporate world and she and her husband decided to raise their  children with a lasting legacy of a true mom and dad. So she is a stay at home mom, with an incredible talent unfolding. Not only is she home for their children, but she also has found ways to make their budget work wonders right in their own backyard. 

This is her backyard..... ok.... you say looks like a regular kind of a yard.  But what is happening here is a dream.  She is raising all kinds of fruit trees and  nut trees. Planted all around the sides carefully tended and properly with a real gardeners eye. How does she know what to do or plant? She reads books and asks other gardeners questions.  She started this in earnest to help feed their family and what has happened is wonderful! 

 

She has pomegranates, plums, oranges, lemons, limes to name a few.

Her apricot tree is loaded with fruit.

 

The pear tree is producing nicely too.

 

THIS IS AN OLIVE TREE!!!

 

She gave me a peach from her tree.  (We ate it later that day - was so full of flavor)

 

Just look at this fruit!

This is one of the two tiny greenhouses that is also in the backyard. She grows all her own veggies and herbs from seeds - then plants them in beds along the sides of the house. Check this out!

 

She has peppers, of all kinds, several kinds of beans.....onions, garlic and more I can't remember.

 

There are strawberries planted all along the fronts of the beds - see the strawberry?

 

Look at these grapes!  Her grapevines are full of tender fruit. 

 

Her herb gardens are full - chives, garlic, mint, rosemary, thyme to name a few.

 

The tomato beds are full of plants - it's going to be a bumper crop this year she thinks. So think about this..... instead of all the grass that does nothing but grows, gets cut, grows and gets cut - her yard is producing food! She took all the empty areas - sides, corners, fences lines and turned them into blessings for her family.

What does she do with all this food from her own backyard?  She makes jellies, jams, cans and freezes them for her family to eat year long.

 

And she also has built a business from her hands now.  She has a thriving business selling her homemade treats at bake sales and now she is getting so well known that people are coming to her front door to buy! Sandy's Jam n Desserts is alive and well.

Then we get to taste test the fruits of her labors, and my oh my what a treat it was! She has a orange jelly like none else, also orange marmalade and strawberry jalapeno, hot jalapeno jelly and a blueberry banana that is fabulous!  We kept on and on because each one was more amazing than the last! 

She told us laughing that she is trying to get ready for a bake sale, but can't because people keep coming to the door to buy! Like us - there is no way we are leaving her home without some of her goodies.  

Sandy I am amazed and can't wait for others to see you and what you are doing in your own home - keep going you are a inspiration to thousands of others now!   

Ladies.....

'If you understand your position in life, you can change your condition in life'  There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself.  Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it.   She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.   Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life?  Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up.  Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.   A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger. Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few.    Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower.    Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land. Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up.  Before you wonder, 'What's up with her?' ask yourself, 'What's up with me?'   That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME. Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death.  Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi.  Pass this to all the women in your life.  Encourage and love, forgive and forget, and trust that the woman that receives this will be touched in some way. 'I can not change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination......'

 

Gladys and Pam Tables

Gladys and her assistant Pam are Role Models and their tables were very creative and inspiring!

 

Pam is the lady on the right - these are three assistants that no team could do without!  On the left is Becky, and Jessica and then Pam.  Ladies you are loved and so needed in Role Models of America!

This first table is called 'Grandma Role Model'.

 

It's fresh red and white gingham has a unique centerpiece no one could possibly top!  It's the original bonnet worn by Gladys MOTHER! 

 

With none of our conveniences Grandma worked from dawn 'til dark with her hands to provide for those she loved.  'Bonnets off to you Grandma!' Proverbs 31:31

This table is called 'The Sports Mom Hat' And it stands for all the moms who have the hat on of taking their kids to the many sporting clubs and events to learn sportsmanship and fair play.  I Corinthians 9:25 - about running a race, Proverbs 22:6 - about training up a child, and I Kings 8:36 - teach them the way to walk.

This table is darling and for every mom who has children involved in sports truly could feel supported by other moms!  The browns and bright orange represent basketballs, and even the napkin rings were little basketballs!

The Thrifty Shopper Role Model Table

 

To the working Mom who provides her family with nutrition food, good clothing and keeps her house running smoothly and still manages to save money - our hats are off to you! Proverbs 31:27 says 'she looks well to the ways of her household.' This table shows different ways she is thrifty at home.  Notice the fresh fruit and the peanuts versus the canned fruit.  Very innovative!!

Mentoring the Young for the Future

Young teens require the leadership of ladies to help them learn how to become true Christian girls.  Their questions can be answered by their mothers, yet their eyes watch other women and they learn by seeing women work together, respect each other, love God and walk through life supporting one another.  In this world there are many distractions, temptations and potholes - a wise Role Model puts her daughter in the midst of other Role Models so she can watch, practice learning values and receive  a training on how to become a woman of honor.  In todays world of lax morals, zero commitments, and false belief systems young women certainly need the guidance of women of character to help them not make mistakes in their own futures. 
The statement 'It takes a village to raise a child'  needs another step added..... 'It takes a Church to raise a village'.  With the active involvement of Role Models of America in the local church - the next generation can certainly receive wise leadership which the 'village' will benefit enormously.

At the Tea - Teen girls decorated their own tables.... more about that later.

And  little girls raised within the framework and values of Role Models of America - have such an advantage of growing up using their talents, expressing themselves creatively, and learning how to be a leader from an early age.  What an awesome start to life they get!

And there were tables decorated at the Tea just for them. More about them later too.....

 

And young moms receive guidance, inspiration and support from the older Role Models to help them know what to do in life.  All of their questions, actions and decisions can receive steady support and comfort in their fast paced days of babies, jobs. marriages and personal lives by being a part.

So RMA touches every life and every age... for the good of all.

Why I Started the Tea

I began the Role Models of America annual Tea years ago, because I felt it was important for women and girls to understand etiquette and perfect lady manners.  Being feminine is almost a lost art these days!  It's a wonderful way to help females grow into ladies.  Make no mistake all ladies are women, but not all women are ladies.
So I began the Tea to encourage genteel behavior and educate the next generation on the arts of womanhood.  To be cultured and well mannered requires self discipline and focus.  And also in this fast paced world of me me me ...... someone needs to speak up and remind women and girls we have a higher place to dwell in.  Not in the dregs of society with the rude and uncaring, but rather to attain to a place of honor and respect.

So the Tea was born....

The 7 Hats RMA Women Wear

Here are the 7 hats we as women are wearing as a Role Model in America.

 

Our Social Agenda

1.  The Hat of Education

The past and the future that we intend to be a role model in.  

·        The Working Women’s Institute

·        The Mary  Experience – Prayer and Praise Service

·        The Cares of a Woman – Church for women

·        Girls Night Out – Teaching Movie Night

·        Proverbs 31 Talent Show

·        Proverbs 31 Study Group

·        Ladies Tea – Etiquette in Womanhood

·        Back to School Lessons for Mothers

·        Proverbs 31 Craft Day

·        The Politics  and Policies of a Woman

·        Summertime Luau Pool Party

·        Christmas Open House

Family Client Services

2.   The Hat of Service

            Provides emergency food for families 

 

RMA Thrift Stores

3.  The Hat of Provisional Aid

·        Funding thru retail sales

·        Provisions  of clothing, shoes, furniture, household items all through coupon systems for needs

o   Fire losses

o   Floods

o   Evictions

o   Divorces

o   Single mom needs

o   Children school needs

o   Senor citizen needs

o   Handicapped persons

o   Working poor

·        Enormous provisions for missions – missionaries.

·        Tremendous goodwill in the community through our RMA store

 

RMA  Internet Ministry

4.  The Hat of National Issues

 It teaches by personal experiences online in our blogs and website – the Christian values and  in the political arenas of: 

o   Abortion

o   Alternative Lifestyles

o   Breast cancer

o   Divorce

o   Sexual abuse

o   Battered women

o   Blended Families

o   Miracles and Testimonials

o   Addictions

o   Alternative lifestyle

o   Widowhood

o   Single life

o   Motherhood

o   Spirituality

o   Marriage

And many more!!!

Role Models International

1.  The Hat of Compassionate Care

Our Missions giving projects: 

·        North America

·        South America

·        Europe

·        Asia

·        Africa

Moms Against Hunger Program

2.  The Hat of Motherhood for the Nations

A rice staple that provides total nutrition for starvation issues.

            21 minerals and vitamins

             Texturized vegetable protein

            Dried vegetables

            Rice and chicken seasonings

A food source proven to reverse starvation.

Currently we have 250,000 Moms Against Hunger meals, 15,000 eye glasses, 10 pallets of shoes, and clothing headed to another impoverished country.   

 

A Chinese refugee in Chicago Ill told me, ‘Lots of people have told me about Jesus, but you are the only one to show me Jesus’.

Why? Because I fed her and put warm boots on her feet.

 

Instead of complaining about the darkness, lets light a candle!

We all have everyday hats we wear – family needs, jobs and social ones.  And daily we pick different ones up and face the day’s challenges with it.

I want to inspire you today to look at your life and the impact we can make on the world around us woman to woman.

 

Here is the Hat of all Hats…..

3.  The Hat of Personal Responsibility

Everyone has fears and concerns about the future of our great nation.  But unless we do something about it – nothing will change. 

For evil to progress – good men AND WOMEN  must do nothing.

We are the women who can help to shape the modern world.  We must set up, get up, shape up and speak up for the needs of other women and children that are helpless and without support.  Feed the hungry,  clothe the poor, care for the sick, reach out to the lost, speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

We are women who will stand in the gap and make up the hedge for our young moms and wives and show them the way to live their lives and raise their families wisely. We show the next generation of girls how to live their lives.

We mentor other women and lead them by example how to become a Christian,  follow God, walk in obedience to God’s Word. 

We are strong, resilient, hopeful, courageous, faith filled, confident, wise and overcoming.   We are  sturdy and innovative,  positive, flexible and durable,  convinced and certain,  intelligent, and shrewd,  judicious and  prudent.  We are creative and  influential and A growing force in this great nation.

We know WHO we are,

                         WHY we are

                                   WHERE we are  

                                                  and WHAT we are

We are…….. Role Models of America – providing answers for searching women.  May God  give you courage to put your hats on!

 

 

5 Questions for Women in America

1. Are you longing to be connected to other women who love God and are Christians?
2. Do you miss having personal friends that stick with you through thick and thin?
3. Are there times when you need a compassionate shoulder to lean on in the time of need?
4. Have you experienced life that has given you wisdom that you now wish you could share with others?
5. Where do you go for personal education on the issues that affect you?

If you feel a connection to these questions - Role Models of America is where you belong!

Email today and get connected to other like women who can bless your life with answers, comfort and many experiences that all women experience in life.

The Role Models of America 2009 Tea "Hats Off to Women"

You are Cordially Invited to attend the 2009 Role Models of America Tea.  Our theme this year is called, 'Hats Off to Women' and will be focused around the many different roles or 'hats' that women wear day by day.

It will be held at :

New Life Christian Fellowship

Community Center

2104 Underwood

Laporte Tx 77571

on May 2nd at 2pm.

It's a free event to all women and girls.

Come for a lovely afternoon of gourmet food, meaningful entertainment, and see an innovative ministry for women that will leave you encouraged, blessed, pampered and challenged to be a better women, wife, mother, employee, employer and friend!!

The Role Models of America Proverbs 31 Talent Show

Shelby was the hostess and provided a wonderful evening for every women to be challenged and  stretch out into new areas of growth and maturity.

So many tips and ideas were given by different leaders who have experience and wisdom to share and mentor younger women.

 

 

Learning how to save money in our families is an important resource for every women.

 

Mentoring and teaching ladies about thrifty clothing and fashion was eye opening!

 

Having the older women teach the younger about sewing is invaluable training! Do you realize just how much money you can save by altering the clothing of your family?

Every woman was challenged to pay attention to her health and also the health of her family.  How and what we need to detox in our bodies is MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

 

Learning how to organize a woman's prayer life and prayer room was the subject of Anna.  She encouraged, comforted and renewed the zeal in every woman to prevail in prayer.

 

The training of a woman would not be complete without understand how to provide nutritional meals for our families.  Especially when we as women have less and less time to prepare them!  We were taught how to make a week's worth of meals in 1 day - helping in the responsibilities of a women IMMENSELY!

 

Dr Gayla then spoke on Proverbs 31 and how each of these areas apply to these valuable informative scriptures dealing with the tools and freedoms of a woman.  Everyone is challenged to grow, develop and change their lives for the betterment and significance God's Word affords us.

The Role Models of America Proverbs 31 Talent Show was wonderful, and young and old, married and single, every ethnic group and culture ALL enjoyed it and we look forward to the next one!   

 

What is a Role Model?

by Susan Young

1) How do you define the term "role model?"

Someone who is doing well in a particular field and whom one can aspire to learn and emulate.

2) Do you consider yourself a role model?

            Yes

3) Who has served as a role model for you?

            Doris Avila has been a great role model for me but there are others as well.

4) What is your greatest responsibility as a role model?

            It’s important that you are teaching and mentoring those people coming along beside you.

5) What is the most pleasant part of being a role model?

Seeing those things you are passionate about coming alive and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

6) What is the least pleasant part of being a role model?

            There is little room for error and even bad days can be hurtful.

7) What is the greatest discovery of your lifetime?

            That I serve a God that loves me not as the divine accountant but simply just because.

8) Do mentors chose protégés, or vice-versa?

Cool question. I think as much as we’d like to mentor those we see gifts in, the protégés have to be willing so I don’t think mentors chose protégés. That would be nice though.

9) How important is understanding where you "came from?"

It’s only important as a reference point. We tend to get stuck there and that can cause a victim mentality so when we make it a reference point the destination becomes the focus and that, I think, propels us forward.

10) Who do you consider historically great role models?

            Jesus, Ruth, Esther, Susan B. Anthony, Ida Wells-Barnett

11) Who do you consider historically lousy role models?

            President Bill Clinton, Gloria Steinem

12) What common characteristics can be observed in these historic persons?

            They all had a heart set upon the disadvantaged and making a difference to those in need.

13) How necessary is influence in serving as a role model?

            Role Models influence by their service so it’s necessary. I think they go hand and hand.

14) How does a role model help the protégé see the potential within?

When I mentor I try to remember the example of Jesus. Watch as I do. Watch as I do and help me. Next, I watch and you do and I help you. Then you do. 

15) How much time is spent correcting versus exhorting?

While correcting is necessary, it’s better to find the positives and try to bring those out so that they overshadow the negative.

16) How important is recognition of individual difference in role modeling?

            Very important. No one is ever going to do things exactly as you do.

17) What personal characteristics best relate to serving as a role model?

Being able to communicate your heart and your passion is essential. Being stable and trustworthy, being able to let go of ownership and being social helps.

18) How important is patience in serving as a role model?

            Without it you will frustrate yourself and kill your protégé.

19) What role does an outgoing personality have in serving as a role model?

            I think that in order to motivate you’ve got to be outgoing.

20) Do you impart a personal message of overcoming?

            Always.

21) Does a role model empower others through decision-making?

            Yes, when the people you are leading feel that you know what you are doing, they’ll follow.

22) How powerful a force is a positive attitude in role modeling?

            No one wants to follow a negative cause.

23) What part does humility play in role modeling?

            I think if we lose humility we lose our ability to role model.

24) Is it necessary that a role model serve in the same profession as the protégé desires to be in?

            No.

25) Are professional athletes and other celebrities’ good role models?

I don’t think we can point to a profession. I think we’d have to look at the person individually.      

26) How important is inspiration in serving as a role model?

            You have to be able to inspire others so you have to be inspired.

27) Do personal habits count in serving as a role model?

            Yes.

28) How important is physical importance in serving as a role model?

As in appearance? I guess it depends. If I am role modeling fitness then I should well and take care of myself and be someone who doesn’t do things that harm my body. If I’m a chef and I’m overweight then I hear that makes you trustworthy.

29) Does clothing impact your function as a role model?

Again, I guess it depends. I think it’s more important to be clean and put together, dressing appropriately for the field you’re in.

30) Is anything more important than vision-casting for a role model?   

                Belief in what you’re doing and knowing where you’re wanting to go is the key. So probably not.