40 Thoughts from Bear Paw Creek Founder at age 40

40 Thoughts from Bear Paw Creek Founder at age 40

January 6 marks my fortieth year on this earth.

My parents tell me I was an unexpected surprise and I love to tease them about what they would have all missed out on!

So I’m giving away a Bear Paw Creek t-shirt (made by a great friend) and one of my favorite children’s artists CDs, “Welcome” from Miss Carole.

Just leave a comment and share to be entered!

I am also sharing forty thoughts as I turn forty.

 

 

Forty Thoughts at Forty Bear Paw Creek Founder Janet Stephens American Based Manufacturer Musical Education Products
  1. Without faith, I would be lost in this journey called life.
  2. I believe relationships are our main purpose of being here. Be intentional with and take care of them. The first relationship to take care of is with God, the rest will fall into place when you have that one right!
  3. All people have a reason and purpose for being created, from conception to death.
  4. The way you were raised and your experiences in childhood become the foundation of who you are.
  5. Life is short, you are always one phone call away from a truly life changing event.
  6. Material things don’t matter, they can be gone in a second.
  7. People matter.
  8. I still love snow!
  9. When you have two children (esp. one of each), and are pregnant with your third, the most common question is, “You have the perfect family, why would you have more?”
  10. I’m glad social media wasn’t around when I was young!
  11. Working hard is becoming a lost art.
  12. I don’t know what working hard is! In a conversation with my Dad, he talked about someone hand digging out a basement, and carrying the dirt out with buckets!
  13. Imagination and dreams are still important.
  14. Having fun can be achieved while working and playing – it’s all about the attitude.
  15. Learning something everyday is important. Always have at least one book you are reading. Well, two, the Bible, and another one! Take time to read a mindless book for pure entertainment once in awhile. I’ll never get through my wish list of reading and people keep writing more!
  16. Music can bring back a time and place, bring healing, bring joy, and unite people of all ages together.
  17. Favorite smells: fresh baked bread, campfires, and sun.
  18. Taking time to look at and enjoy nature is important, revel in God’s creation and wonder at it.
  19. Playing games of all types are a great way to learn and spend time with loved ones.
  20. My brother says I write, like I talk – are you still reading this?  Half way done!
  21. I love to listen to people laugh. Especially my parents and kids.
  22. I still like to plan get-togethers and events.
  23. It’s hard when someone you think you know, changes quickly and becomes someone you feel like you never knew.
  24. Surround yourself with a few close friends whom really care about you and can tell you the truth. Be someone that thinks of others and keeps connected.  Give.
  25. Run away from bitterness – it hurts you more than anyone else.
  26. Forgive. Remember lessons learned and grow from them.
  27. As much as I’m glad social media wasn’t around, I LOVE being connected with people around the world. I love what you can do online and what can all be learned.
  28. I love building websites.
  29. I love to help others see the potential for building a business online. I think there has never been a better time to create an income from home.
  30. Children are some of the very best revealers of truth. Children bring great joy.  Having older children brings a new season, I enjoy the discussions and debates, learning from each other.  Having young children with teens is a wonderful thing. There is such innocence and fun that it allows the seriousness of growing up a balance.
  31. Take me fishing, I’ll be happy.
  32. Education is something that should never stop.
  33. The hard things in life are what make you grow and become strong.
  34. Never lose sight of who you were created to be. While things may change and shift, and different seasons come, stay true to whom God created YOU to be.
  35. Always look out for ways to encourage someone.  Sometimes the only encouragement I can offer is prayer for someone.  They may never even know it.
  36. A kind word and smile is the best thing to “wear.”  Especially remember this to those that live in your house. Isn’t it ironic we treat those we love the most, the worst sometimes?
  37. I find it interesting how people that profess the same faith, can believe God is calling them to opposite paths, over a common circumstance.
  38. Allowing God to plan our family size has been a beautiful gift and a faith grower.  We have eight children, and have lost a few to miscarriages. In 2016, I held the shell of our 12 week old baby in the palm of my hand.  Complete peace as I trusted in God’s will. Complete miracle as I witnessed His creation.  Complete joy and longing as I look forward to going Home and seeing those little ones. In some ways, I’m glad they don’t have to fight through this life which can be hard.
  39. There are still places and people in America where neighbors take care of each other and are always there for you when needed. We live in one of those places.
  40. I am looking forward to my 40s!  The last five years of my life have been my most challenging, yet my most growing years in many ways.  Looking forward to the next days and years. Hoping to pay knowledge and gifts forward to those God puts in my path.

40 Thoughts on Turning 40 from Bear Paw Creek Founder, Janet Stephens Click To Tweet

Janet Stephens

Janet Stephens

Janet is the founder, designer, and one of the seamstresses behind Bear Paw Creek's made in the USA line of creative movement props, and bags. She is passionate about her faith, family, and loves the journey of learning and growing this life provides.

14 thoughts on “40 Thoughts from Bear Paw Creek Founder at age 40”

  1. I would love to win this. We always make sure the children have music in their lives. Good, wholesome music.

  2. I teach elementary music and LOVE the things I get from here. Was looking into getting a stretchy band but my schools budget for me is next to nothing. Cleaning out a closet before Christmas and found one. Super excited to use it soon in my lessons!

  3. My classes of preschool music all love when I bring out the stretchy band (I have the largest for a class size of 18 kids) and we have made up several of our own songs to use with it. As well it is a great tool for fast/slow tempo changes and always ends with great laughter on the fast change. I am forever reading through Janet’s blogs – as well Pinterest – for new ideas for my kids.

    1. Thanks for sharing! I would love to hear what songs you made up with your class! If they/you want to be featured on our blog post and share your ideas – let me know. We all benefit from each others wisdom.

  4. Happy Birthday! I am a music therapist at a school for children with autism and other profound disabilities! This would be an great addition to our inventory!

  5. Don’t ya know, 40 is the new 40?! LOL, my 40’s have been great, I feel like I know more who I am and what’s important. I love being a Music Therapist!!!!
    And of course – I love give-a-ways 🙂

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