I am always amazed when I walk into a clothing store, and I see all kinds of sayings on kids’ and teenagers’ tshirts. Why in the world would I want my eight year old daughter or my five year old daughter wearing a tshirt that says, it’s all about me, or my brother is annoying, or spoiled rotten? I am trying to teach them the exact opposite. I want them to be givers not takers and to respect their brother. When all of this became tolerable, I don’t know. I finally got tired of it. I said enough is enough. Our family will wear clothing that sends a different message, one of hope, kindness, and courage. One that will change the way people think in a positive way. One that will make people want to be the difference. One that will make people think about reaching out and helping their neighbor. One that will make them think about the choices they make each day… That is when we started making our own shirts to wear. It is amazing how one’s attitude changes when wearing something that challenges you to be better. It is extraordinary how wearing a positive uplifting message on my shirt really makes me believe that I can and will make a difference!
December 16, 2007
August 14, 2007
Character Education
As the school year is getting ready to begin, everyone is thinking about getting their school supplies, going school shopping, and finding out their teacher or schedule. However, I am thinking about how many choices my children and I will make this year and whether they will be good or bad choices. When you really stop and think about it, we each make hundreds of choices every day. Some, I know, are more important than others, but nonetheless, they are still choices. I am trying to impress upon my children how important it is to think about each and every choice they make-how they treat others, how hard they work in class, how they take a test, how they take care of their classroom, how they treat their teachers and principal, how they talk on the bus, how they act out on the baseball field…it could go on and on and on. But what about me? As a mom, how am I treating my children or other moms or my child’s teacher that I’m not too happy with, am I helping out the school as much as I can, am I staying involved, am I keeping quiet at the soccer game? The list could go on and on and on for me, as well. The kids are watching me and modeling after me. So let’s start the school year off right. Let’s use every moment as an opportunity to make positive life changing choices.
August 5, 2007
Without love
I just finished reading an article titled, “What Remains The ‘Love Chapter’ for parents,” and it was awesome. In it, Cindy sigler Dagnan said, “If I have the gift of knowing which child attempted to flush the Hot Wheels down the toilet and which one pushed her sister, and if I have faith that somehow we’ll survive life’s emergencies, but have not love, I am nothing. If I save all my box tops for school and give outgrown clothing to the local shelter, and if I surrender my body to stretch marks and under-eye circles, but have not love, I gain nothing.” These are all so true, aren’t they? We can appreciate these moments, though, really by…1. keeping things in perspective, 2. laughing (a lot), 3. focusing on God’s love and 4. giving back the same type of unconditional love.
Love is patient when someone spills his/her milk, love is encouraging when your husband has a hard day, love is okay with the fact that your best friend just bought a new house. Love is not impatient or angry or snapping at your loved ones because something did not go your way. Cindy Sigler Dagnan puts it best when she wrote, “ Where there are sleepless nights, they shall end. Where there are diapers, Little League and dioramas built from shoeboxes, they will cease. Where there is knowledge of babycare trends, discipline strategies and boy-girl problems, it will pass away. Now these three remain: faith, lived out in my daily circumstances and instilled in my children; hope, of one day rejoicing with my family in heaven; and love, which covers over a multitude of less-than-perfect moments. But the greatest of these is love. It is what remains…long after I am gone.”
It is truly amazing what God can do once you let go of all the “stuff” that doesn’t mean anything and focus on the “stuff” that means a great deal. Take every moment and make it the best moment ever, use it to be the best you can be, use it to encourage those around you, and thank God for it because it is a gift.
July 30, 2007
How will you be remembered?
Truly amazing and touching…We were watching the Dayton Air Show when one of the planes went down, and the pilot died. It was a grim reminder of the fragility of every day, but it also reminded me of what is important. We need to live every day like it is our last and ask ourselves how will I be remembered? Can you imagine what our world would be like if each one of us lived with this attitude? Remind yourself that people will not remember what kind of house you lived in, or the car you drove, or the things you accumulated. People will remember you for your words, your actions, and your character. People will remember you for your devotion to God, your dedication to your friends and family, and your commitment to serving others. How will people remember you?
Visit our store at www.ivegotcharacter.com
July 26, 2007
Inspirational Character
Our character – who we are when no one is looking – is what could help or hurt our ability to affect our world. Consider the impact you can make! What better way is there than pulling a shirt over your head and wearing it all day long to remind yourself of the things you need to think about, say, do and live out each and every day?
I’VE GOt CHARACtER™
Shop at www.ivegotcharacter.com
character in sports
I just finished reading an article written by Dan Wetzel posted on Yahoo Sports. As much as I love sports, it is extremely frustrating and disappointing to me to read about these athletes who are constantly getting in trouble with the law and who are role models to so many of our children. It is also extremely disturbing to me that it seems to be okay or tolerable? When are we going to step up as spectators to say that this is unacceptable behavior? What happened to the concept that one’s character matters? I think it is time to start a movement that one’s character still matters. Unfortunately, Dan wetzel is correct when he said, “People cheat in every walk of life…,” but that doesn’t mean that it has to be okay. Let’s take a stand and start with our own character. Challenge: try to use every moment as an opportunity to develop character that counts, that makes a difference. Remember: what you do matters, one person can make a difference.
Shop at www.ivegotcharacter.com
July 23, 2007
Character Education Clothing
Our line of I’ve Got Character clothing is perfect for schools, churches, or organizations who encourage and spend time on developing certain character traits. I’ve Got Character tees allow individuals and groups, children and adults, to advertise and reinforce the traits they are trying to develop and how important having character is. I’ve Got Character clothing is comfy and simple, yet stylish and meaningful. I’ve Got Character also offers other character related items and inspirational items such as mugs and jewelry.
Ask us about our group sales and fundraising opportunities, as well.
Go Shopping at www.ivegotcharacter.com
July 7, 2007
Miss Ohio has character
As a mother of four young children, I am proud of Roberta Camp, Miss Ohio, of Grove City. She runs on the platform of changing the world by building character. Good for her! It is awesome to see young people like her standing up for what is right. Someone positive and morally strong is someone I want my children to look up to. Building character among all of us is such a crucial issue in today’s society. It is something I feel very strongly about and want to see more people getting involved in. That is why my husband and I started our company I’ve Got Character. We our trying to inspire people all over the nation to inspire others. In our society, it seems that doing the right thing is just not very popular anymore. Let’s unite together and pledge to use every moment as an opportunity to do good. We are proud of you Miss Ohio! Keep up the good work and God bless!
July 2, 2007
Freedom Heroes
Over the 4th of July holiday, I am trying to remember and appreciate the freedoms my family and I have. At one point or another, we have all been guilty of taking our freedoms for granted. Therefore, this week I am really trying to look beyond the surface and talk to my children about the everyday freedoms they have that many children across the world do not. It is amazing if you really stop and think about it. There have been so many honorable men and women that have fought for things they have believed in. Let’s try to remember some of those people and use them as role models. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right, to look different, to be honest even if it makes you unpopular, to treat others with respect, to value others’ opinions, and to love your neighbor (even if he or she isn’t so lovable). These are all things each one of us can do to value our freedoms and impact the world we live in. God bless America!
June 29, 2007
Courage and Integrity save the bald eagle
When I think of a bald eagle, I think of freedom, courage, strength, and power. It is so exciting to see that the bald eagle has been taken off the endangered species list. It stands for so much of what our country has stood for, for hundreds of years. It took a changed attitude and people getting involved to take care of the eagle. I wish there were more of us who were willing to get involved to make a difference in our society. It may have to do with saving an endangered species or just helping a neighbor. But every moment is an opportunity to do something good. Let’s pull together and get back to the basics-treating each other with respect, valuing others’ opinions, making decisions with integrity, appreciating our freedoms, and making a real difference. It only takes one person because one person can make a difference! Think about it-try to do one thing tomorrow that is out of the ordinary that would help someone else.
www.ivegotcharacter.com
