Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day... A Time To Remember





When we think about Memorial Day, it's usually associated with a 3-day weekend, family time, picnics, barbeques, and great sales. You must know if you're looking to buy furniture... this is the time to buy!

While all these are great ways to celebrate, lets not forget the reason why we celebrate Memorial Day.

This is the day when we remember all the brave men and women who died in service to our country. I am so thankful for those who gave their lives to protect my family and protect the freedom we enjoy today. I will not take that for granted. Let's take the time to honor them and say a prayer of thanks for the great sacrifices they made.

And please remember... let's say a prayer for those they left behind. They made great sacrifices while their loved ones served and ultimately gave their lives... and I appreciate them as well. Take a moment to reach out and encourage someone who is missing their loved one today.  

God bless! :)

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Fun Summer Recipe... Jello Salad AKA the "Pink Stuff"

Summer is here! No, not officially, but it sure feels like it here in the desert. 80 to 90 degree temps means it's time for bbq's and picnics (Memorial Day?). Or maybe just sandwiches when it's too hot to use the oven.

This is a favorite recipe. When we have a family gathering, someone's going to bring it. And it's never enough... we all go back for seconds. The kids love it and it's a cool dessert for the hot weather.


Jello Salad or "Pink Stuff"



1 lg. Cool Whip
1 lg. cottage cheese
1 lg. box strawberry-banana Jell-o (or 2 small)
3-4 large bananas, sliced

Mix all ingredients together. Let stand in refrigerator 15-30 minutes.


How easy is that!

The first time I tried this was at a baby shower for my sister. Wow... that must be about 25 years ago! So... it must be good 'cause we're still making it.  I remember it was made with lime Jello and crushed pineapple.

You can use any variation you like. Strawberry and banana are just my favorite. If you have a favorite combination or come up with a new one... feel free to share your version in the comments below. Nothing like a new recipe!

Enjoy!
Mary Ann :)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

'Evan Almighty' Prayer

I don't know how many times my kids and I have watched Evan Almighty together, and we were just watching it again last week. If you haven't seen it, it's the modern day version of Noah And The Ark. It's a fun family movie.
 
This is my favorite part...
 


Such a simple revelation, isn't it? My life would be so much easier if I could remember that!  :)


Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Gospel For Real Life by Jerry Bridges


This is the perfect book for getting a clear understanding of the Gospel. It explains in great detail the meaning of what Jesus did on the cross... why He died, what He accomplished, and why we need to accept what He did for us. The author states "We cannot begin to understand the true significance of the cross unless we understand something of the holiness of God and the depth of our sin." After reading this book, you will have a greater knowledge of God and His holiness along with the realization that "We bring nothing to our salvation except our sin that made it necessary."

Only one chapter I had a trouble with... the chapter on Faith. And he even points out that you may disagree. He says faith is a GIFT from God and that God makes us spiritually 'alive'... so that we may then believe. Sounds like predestination to me... not free will. He explains his belief of this in great detail and yet I still don't agree. I'm sure I will look into it further. That being said, it is only one chapter that I take issue with and it by no means takes away from the mass of great information in this book. You may agree with his view on the subject.

This book was very well written. I began to underline the parts that I wanted to remember or even quote in my review... but there were so many good points, I would have underlined or shared most of the book!

Jesus said to go and preach the Gospel. But how many of us have a full understanding of the Gospel ourselves? I thought I knew until the question was put directly to me and I realized how difficult it was to share with someone else. I began to ask myself "What is the Gospel? What do I tell people when they ask?" Then I set out on a quest to find out. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this book for review. If you want to share more than "Jesus, loves you", then you need to read this book! Plain and simple.


*I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ~Thanks NavPress! :)


Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Laughing and Mocking and Jokes. Oh, My!


If you're reading this then you are probably aware that the world isn't ending today. Did you even think it would? Some did. And my heart breaks for them.

I know there has been a lot of joking and laughing about this whole mess. But I have to wonder... should there be? Especially by those who call themselves christians?

You see.... these people bought into a lie. Wholeheartedly. They allowed themselves to be deceived. To me, that is a sad thing.

Can you imagine what these people are thinking today? What choices they might have made while thinking today would be their last? Not to mention all they will have to endure at the hands of those who knew they held this belief... and they were wrong. I would be devastated. I'm sure many of them are as well.

Would you pray for Harold Camping and all of his followers today? They need our prayers now more than ever. They need Jesus. He can restore them. Please pray that they run to the arms of our loving Savior and receive the forgiveness He has to offer. That they would be motivated to seek His face and read His Word... and know it. I pray that this event (or lack of it) today will open their eyes and they will know the truth.

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
~John 8:31-32


It is so important that we keep our eyes on Jesus... and Him alone. When we begin to trust in man, we put ourselves at risk. We put our eternity at risk.

Are all men going to lead you astray? Certainly not. But how will you ever know if you aren't seeking God for yourself.... reading His Word, PRAYING and following Him.

And while we're at it... let's pray for one another that we will not be deceived. Lies are coming at us faster than we can keep track. Let''s stay in God's Word, pray for one another, and encourage others to do the same.


Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Friday, May 20, 2011

Judgement Day May 21st? What The (False) Prophets Don't Tell You




"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
~Matthew 24:36

There are so many false teachings as of late, I'm sure you may have heard the prediction by Harold Camping. He believes that the "End Of The World", "Rapture of the Church", or "Judgement Day"... will take place on Saturday, May 21st.... at 6pm  in your corresponding time zone.

This is a false prophesy. How do I know this?

First, Harold Camping has already been proven to be a false prophet. In 1992, he published a book titled "1994?" predicting the end of the world on September 6, 1994. Obviously, he was wrong. What do you call someone who prophesied and the prophesy didn't come true? A FALSE prophet!

Second, I know it's false because it contradicts the Word of God. The Bible clearly states, by Jesus Himself, that NO ONE KNOWS the day or the hour. Not the angels and not even the Son. Only the Father knows. So why would God give someone a prophesy that goes against His Word? He wouldn't! And if you allow yourself to believe He would... then you must believe Jesus to be a liar. See below... the words of Jesus...

Matthew 24:36

How much more clearer can it be? 

Now, more than ever, we need to be reading our Bible for ourselves. Eternity is too important to be taken at someone else's word... someone else's understanding of what the Bible really means.

Don't take anyone else's word! Please! Not a pastor, preacher, an evangelist, a neighbor... and certainly not me! You have Heaven and Hell before you. ETERNITY! This is YOUR decision! You will stand before God ALONE! Please don't make a decision because 'someone said', or 'I heard', or even 'I think'.  Read the Bible for yourself! Pray and ask God to show you the truth. He is faithful. He hears our prayers and knows our hearts.

I can't tell you enough how important it is. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to "prove all things" (KJV) or "test everything" (NIV). No matter what you hear in church on Sunday... no matter what you hear on christian radio or tv... no matter what your best christian friend or neighbor says.... and no matter what you read on any blog or in the paper... TEST IT!... before you believe it. Make sure it lines up with the Word of God.

 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
~John 8:31-32



Hell: We Can't Afford To Get It Wrong.

I appreciate Francis Chan... he has a heart for God. I look forward to reading his new book.

Take a few minutes to really listen before you make a judgement. This is such a hot topic right now. And a very serious one. It is worth your time to pray and study God's Word.





God bless!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Great Credit Is Essential... by Ed O'Brien

Today I have a guest post by Ed O'Brien over at CreditRepair.org. I found a lot of useful information on his blog. Check it out... Even in the present economy it is wise to be educated about your credit and finances. It is much more important these days since employers are checking credit as well. And if it helps save money down the road... even better. Be prepared and know what's ahead so you can make better decisions.


Great Credit is Essential for Financial Stability and Intact Budgets

The importance of good credit has been plastered all over the news as of late because the reality is that tougher times have called for tougher measures. In order to maintain a solid financial foundation, consumers must take into account their credit worthiness in addition to their income and expenses. Unfortunately, too many consumers have been ignoring their credit histories and do not realize how much their credit score affects their overall financial life.

 Credit worthiness is essentially how reliable you have proven yourself to be with your financial obligations. A lender will use your credit history in order to make decisions about whether or not they feel safe lending you money or lines of credit. While other factors are considered in a financing approval process, a good majority of lenders will base their decisions on credit histories and scores – if not to make the actual decision then to determine interest rate and other fees.

 Maintaining Good Credit Matters to Your Wallet
Even if you are not interested in buying a home, a new vehicle, or getting a loan, having good credit matters. Your budget, the essence of your financial life, can be dramatically affected by a low credit score. Today, companies of all types are jumping on board with the notion that good credit scores matter. If your credit score is too low, companies that provide utilities, cell phones, and rental homes will require a hefty deposit before services can be established. That means more money is coming out of your pocket upfront just so you can access basic, everyday services. Even potential employers are relying on credit checks before making personnel decisions. If your credit score is low but your competition for the same position has better credit, it is likely you will not get the job.

 For those who do plan on financing a loan, mortgage, or new vehicle in the near future, a low credit score can result in an immediate denial. Even if you can get approved for financing, you may be paying way more than necessary for the financing opportunities. Low credit scores and bad credit histories often result in higher APRs for loans and additional fees just so lenders can cover their risk. Your financing options may also be cut considerably as some lenders won’t even look at applications from those with marked credit histories.

 How Good Should Credit Be?
The highest possible credit score a consumer can obtain is an 850. Typically, lenders will extend their best offers to those with credit scores of 730 and better. While consumers will scores downwards of 630 can still get financing, they will likely not be able to score the same deals as consumers with higher credit scores and more solid credit backgrounds.

 It is in every consumer’s best financial interest to check in annually with their credit score from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion or prior to seeking any time of financing or line of credit. Credit scores cost a small fee but are worth the price knowing where you stand financially. If credit improvement is necessary, plan to start well in advance of actually needing a loan or new credit card. Despite what many companies are saying who claim overnight credit repair is possible, there is no simple fix for bad credit scores. Only time and a dedication to resolving debt and credit issues will work. Make sure you pay all of your financial obligations, on time, every time if you want to see a marked difference in not only your credit score but also your overall financial life.

 

Ed O’Brien is a seasoned writer in personal finance, specializing in credit repair. You can find more of his articles located at CreditRepair.org.

~Thanks, Ed! :)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Lord's Prayer

A couple of weeks ago, my kids brought home their weekly handout from their class at church. Usually they have a memory verse each week, but this time they had to learn The Lord's Prayer. I thought that was great since I try to learn along with them.

We had a whole week to learn this and I thought I had the advantage over them because I could just sing that old 60's version by that singing nun. Anyone remember that?

Well, the week went by pretty quickly and we had put our memorizing aside day after day until... Saturday. We went over and over The Lord's Prayer. Saying it out loud, saying it together. I even looked up the video for that old song on YouTube. I thought there was no hope. None for me and my son anyway.

My Baby Girl, who's only 7, memorized it right away and was the only one who could recite it the next morning at church. And she was the youngest!... in her class AND at home. I think she has this photographic memory or something. And with the promise of a pizza party when everyone in their class memorized it, my Baby Boy learned it by the next Sunday.

Me? I finally got it. No pizza though, and I still mess up a line here or there. But when I don't know the right words, I have my kids to remind me. They are so excited to learn and memorize the Bible. We now know the Ten Commandments, The Lord's Prayer, and we are working on the books of the Bible.

We also attended a class at our church last week before service. My kids have to sit in with me and I thought they would be bored, but they sat there looking up the verses in their own Bibles. They love to learn. It's such a joy to watch my kids grow in the Lord!

So, in case you're like us and never learned The Lord's Prayer.... here's your chance.


The Lord's Prayer
Luke 11: 2-4


Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen



Hide God's Word in your heart!
~Psalm 119:11 

It's a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path.
~Psalm 119: 105




Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Issues vs. the Gospel

This is an article from Reema Goode's Blog.  I read it and had to pass it along... with her permission, of course. Please visit her website... she has some wonderful things to share that will be sure to bless you. Reema is the author of 'Which None Can Shut'. She and her family are missionaries in the Muslim community. I know her stories will touch your heart.
~Thank you, Reema!

If you'd like to read my review of 'Which None Can Shut', click here.

Issues vs. the Gospel
Guest post from Reema Goode's Blog

“My tongue is the pen of a ready writer!” God is so good! I really enjoyed the meditations in my last blog. The Apostle Paul has inspired me with the way he turns absolutely every situation into an opportunity to share the Gospel. It’s not “Issues vs. the Gospel.” Issues are a pathway to the Gospel. If we didn’t have issues, why would we need a Gospel?

A Christian lady we know (I’ll call her Jen) had really become burdened for Muslim women, and frustrated with Islamic culture. One day when Jen witnessed a Muslim girlfriend being ill-treated by her family, she took the girl aside and began to point out that the real root of her suffering was Arab Muslim culture itself. Jen felt she was sympathizing with her friend as she explained that the solution, in her opinion, was for Muslim women to rise up and demand re-education that would affect social reform and give them their rights. When the long and depressing conversation finally ended, Jen came home feeling even more burdened and dejected. Later she realized that the only hope she’d offered her friend was the possibility that the people around her and the circumstances she lived in could eventually change. Jen had neglected to mention that peace and joy are actually possible even when bad circumstances don’t change. She hadn’t given her friend any hope for herself, right now, today. The conversation had never gotten around to Jesus.

How do you think the Muslim woman might have felt after that conversation? If she’d been angry at her family for the ill treatment, she might have been even more indignant after listening to Jen. Or perhaps she’d been emboldened by the conversation, and went home to “stand up to” her family. What might have happened to her then?

In the best case scenario, what if the young woman set out to change Islamic culture and totally succeeded in securing equal human rights for all? Sin would still be present in the human heart, and mankind would simply find other ways to vent it. Although evil would seem to be overcome, in fact it would be redirected to another venue; it would not be eradicated. The answer for every issue, ultimately, is in Christ. He alone has the power to actually overcome sin.

As God’s ambassadors on earth we need to address the issues that plague humankind. We’re the salt of the earth! Yet how do we address them? It’s easy to get so passionate about the issues that we forget the power of the Gospel of Peace.

What if Jen had spent the time with her friend just listening for awhile–both to her friend’s heart and the Holy Spirit? I wonder how God might have steered the conversation, if He’d been given the chance to speak. What if Jen had shown her love for her friend, and for her friend’s family, by offering to pray for them? Inviting God into a situation creates a wonderful opportunity for Him to answer and show that He hears! that He cares!

Everything that’s wrong with the world is another opportunity for God to reveal Himself to people . Our fallen selves and surroundings serve as constant proof that we need a Savior. Men, women and children are desperate for a God who is both loving enough and mighty enough to save. Our great God is willing and able to intervene in the lives of men, “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth, that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a) Hallelujah!

Thanks for reading and God bless!

Monday, May 16, 2011

A Heart Divided By Kathleen Morgan



A Heart Divided is a wonderful story of Sarah Caldwell and Cord Wainwright. Each raised by fathers who were feuding long before either of them were born, yet both expected to carry on the family tradition of vengeance against the other. Feeling a strong sense of  devotion to their own families, while longing to rid themselves of the bitterness that is destroying those they love, can they ever leave the past behind and move to a happier future?

Kathleen Morgan did an excellent job in showing both sides of the story. I found myself struggling right along with the characters as they were torn between honoring family wishes, or choosing to forgive and trust God. I had a hard time putting the book down as I went from supporting one family and then the other. It was truly filled with emotion as the story played out.

I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. A great mix that rounded out the story. Romance, love, faith, and forgiveness... even a little action and mystery. This is the first book in the Heart of the Rockies series. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait to read the next one!  

“Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


*Revell Books and Baker Publishing Group have provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. ~ Thanks!


Thanks for reading and God bless!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

UNITEforLIFE Webcast With Abby Johnson

Life is full of decisions, and every decision we make has an echo that affects our future.

On May 17th at 8:00 PM local time (9pm in the Maritimes), come be a part of the UNITEforLIFE webcast with Abby Johnson, a former abortion clinic director for Planned Parenthood. Join us for heartfelt discussions as Abby shares her long-held desire to help women in crisis, and the moment of pure awakening that led her to re-evaluate her life’s work.




Please go to Uniteforlifewebcast.org. Starting Friday, May 13, 2011 and continuing through Tuesday, May 17, 2011 (the day of the webcast) use this graphic as your profile image to show you’re support for the event with other pro-lifers on Facebook. Just right click on the image and choose “Save Picture as” and save the image to your computer. Then, on Facebook, select this image as your profile pic.


Just right-click on the image, choose "save picture as" and save to your computer.
Then, on Facebook, select this image as your profile pic.

It only takes a little time to get involved and spread the word. Would you please pass this information along? And more than anything else... please pray for the event and all those attending.

Thanks and God bless!  :)

Friday, May 13, 2011

C.S. Lewis... From "Mere Christianity"




"The Christian is in a different position from other people who are trying to be good.

They hope, by being good, to please God if there is one; or — if they think there is not — at least they hope to deserve approval from good men.

But the Christian thinks any good he does comes from the Christ-life inside him.

He does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us;

just as the roof of a greenhouse does not attract the sun because it is bright, but becomes bright because the sun shines on it."



God Bless! :)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Pearls Girls Series Wrap-Up and Winner

I hope you enjoyed the Pearl Girl Series I participated in for the week of Mother's Day! So many wonderful stories... I knew you would enjoy them. Now it's time for the wrap-up! Oh... and let's see who the winner is!



Thank you all so much for following along with the Pearl Girls Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. I pray you laughed, cried and were touched by the translucent stories of real life written by new moms, stepmoms, grandmoms, adoptive moms, and moms without moms. Iridescent reality. And how poignant that the translucent nacre which coats the sand stuck inside an oyster’s shell is called Mother of Pearl. Mothers surround children with their love and with God’s love so they can grow in grace. I hope you'll join us this December for the third annual 12 Pearls of Christmas series.

AND ... thanks too, to all of you who entered to win the beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. I'm thrilled to announce that the winner is ...


Jennifer (heavensent1)!


Jennifer, please email amy@pearlgirls.info with your mailing address.


If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. The purpose of Pearl Girls is to connect women so that together, we can make a difference in the world.  All proceeds of the Pearl Girls book go in full to two charities: Wings (women in need growing stronger) to help fund a safe house in the Chicago suburbs and to Hands of Hope to help build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products to help support Pearl Girls.


Please stop by the Pearl Girls blog and connect with us there.

A Prayer For Tom


I have a wonderful blogging friend named Tom. Just a few weeks ago he lost his precious wife, who went home to be with the Lord, and now this week... he found out that his oldest son, only 37, has died.
Would you please pray for Tom today? Lift him up before the Lord? He needs our prayers. He is a strong christian man and I know He will trust God through all of this... yet his heart is broken. We are called to bear one another's burdens, and this is a truly difficult burden to bear. He needs our prayers. Will you please come along side Tom and share this load?

Tom... the Lord is with you. I know your heart is breaking... and there aren't any healing words to say. But please know that you are loved by God, and many who know you and are praying for you and your family at this time. We're standing with you and lifting you before the Lord.


"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
~ Psalm 34:18 

Monday, May 9, 2011

Humor Me... Things My Mother Taught Me


Humor Me...
"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." ~Proverbs 17:22


 
Yes... Mother's Day has past. But you never seem to forget the things your mother told you. They stay with you for a long time. Have you noticed?

This is a poem my pastor read to us on Mother's Day. Just for a laugh. I thought they were pretty funny. Not sure if it's because I've heard them before... or said them myself. Must be one of those reasons. You may find some of these sayings a little familiar yourself. :)


Things My Mother Taught Me...
by unknown


My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE -
     "If you're going kill each other, do it outside - I just finished cleaning the house!"
 
My mother taught me RELIGION -
     "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL -
     "If you don't sort yourself out, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week"

My mother taught me LOGIC -
     "Because I said so, that's why."
 
My Mother taught me LOGIC...#2 -
     "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the shops with me."

My mother taught me FORESIGHT -
     "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My mother taught me IRONY -
     "Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS -
     "Shut your mouth and eat your dinner!"

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM -
     "Will you "look" at the dirt on the back of your neck!"

My mother taught me about STAMINA -
     "You'll sit there 'till all that spinach is finished."

My mother taught me about WEATHER -
     "It looks as if a tornado swept through your room."

My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS -
     "If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you, would you listen THEN?"

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY -
     "If I've told you once, I've told you a million times - Don't Exaggerate!!!"

My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE -
     "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION -
     "Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about ENVY -
     "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

 My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION -
     "Just wait until we get home."

My Mother taught me about RECEIVING -
     "You are going to get it when we get home!"

My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE -
     "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to stick that way."

My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD -
     "If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."

My Mother taught me HUMOR -
     "When that lawnmower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT -
     "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My Mother taught me about GENETICS -
     "You're just like your father."

My Mother taught me about my ROOTS -
     "Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE -
     "When you get to be my age, you will understand."

And my all time favorite... JUSTICE -
     "One day you'll have kids ...and I hope they turn out just like you!"



Hahaha...                              Hahaha.....


            Hahaha..... :)




Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Each Life is Unique by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Welcome to Pearl Girls Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/ and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

Each Life is Unique by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

“God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. II Peter 1.3 (NIV)

Moms, God wants you to know that He has given you everything you need for life --- your unique life. He does not plan to give you what you might need to live the life of your best friend, or your neighbor, or even your favorite mother-model. No, God has called you to the life that He planned. I suspect that for most of us, it didn’t turn out to be the life we thought it might be… so long ago when we were young and dreaming of ‘growing up.’

On Mother’s Day I often recall my own dreams to one day be a mother. I grew up playing with dolls and looking to my own Mama as a model for that particular role in life. However, by the time I reached my thirties I was still not a mother! God did, however, have a plan. It just wasn’t what I imagined.

My own unique life would find me becoming a mother through the adoption of my first three children who were ages 9, 7 and 4; and then much later giving birth to our fourth child. Of course I was shocked when God revealed this to me, but I was ecstatic as well. It’s as though I could hear Him saying, “Well, you’re not getting any younger so I’m just going to just give you a jump start with three at one time!”

A huge blessing! A huge adjustment! A joy and a struggle. Change is often like that, isn’t it? We finally get what we want then we have to deal with it. May I just offer a bit of advice if you just got a great answer to prayer, but perhaps not in the way or form you imagined? Just receive it. Embrace it. And be willing to move forward into a new paradigm for your life. So what if you’re not like all the other mothers you know? So what if you’re not like your own mother? So what if your family unit is different? I guarantee God has a plan.

Not only did he want me to embrace my own story, but He called me as a mother to do perhaps one of the most important tasks of all --- to nurture my children to live their own unique lives. Not for me to try and squeeze them into what I hoped and dreamed they would be. Not for me to try and live my life through them. But to recognize how God made them, gifted them, and called them to their own special place.

All of my 4 kids are different from one another. Let’s take sports, for instance: I have one child who wins gold medals in international tennis competition, one who is a born equestrian, another who competes nationally in obstacle course shooting matches, and yet another who manages to dance onstage in 3 inch heels, do cartwheels and splits while singing at the same time. Now, honestly, I do none of these things. And yet they do.

I don’t remember placing my order with God for these things.  But I do remember when that tennis player turned 9 years old and I enrolled him in Special Olympics for the first time and how it changed his life… and ours. I remember getting a counselor job at an exclusive summer camp so that my daughter could take English riding classes. I remember being a Cub Scout leader (even though I knew nothing about boys) so that son could one day become an Eagle scout and pursue his love of the great outdoors. And yes, I remember enrolling my preschooler in dance lessons. Later when all the little girls were scared to go on stage for the recital, she exclaimed that she had endured a whole year of lessons just so she could go on stage.

Don’t compare yourself to someone else. And don’t live vicariously through your favorite reality show star. Live your own story. And Moms, raise your kids to embrace the unique life God has for them.
Remember, He has given us everything we need for life!

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, is the author of 10 books including “Role of a Lifetime,” “Amazed by Grace,” “Spa for the Soul” and the new Bible Study “Fit and Healthy Summer.” She is an international conference speaker and enjoys being a Pearl Girl from “Sunnyside” – her home in a New England village. Visit Cindy at http://www.encouragingwords.net%20/

Saturday, May 7, 2011

What is a Grandmother? by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Welcome to Pearl Girls Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/ and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

What is a Grandmother? by Suzanne Woods Fisher

“A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.”
 Amish proverb

I arrived late in the night in Rhode Island, anxious to meet my two-day-old grandson, Blake, after a full day of flying. My daughter and son-in-law had just returned home from the hospital and felt like they had been in a train wreck. There was stuff everywhere.  Already, the needs of this little eight-pound bundle of joy were enormous: an all-terrain stroller, plenty of diapers, onesies, spit-up rags, an assortment of pacifiers to try out until he found the ideal one.

And he was perfect.

I know, I know. “Every mother crow thinks her own little crow is the blackest.” But this little dark eyed, dark haired boy really was perfect.

I spent the next seven days (and nights) getting to know this little guy. His schedule (he had none), his hunger cries (very similar to his every other cry). His pirate look--one eye open, one eye squeezed shut, as if he was still surprised by all that had taken place to him in a week’s time.

I felt surprised, too. How could my baby possibly have had a baby? How could I be a grandmother? I had just turned fifty-one. Shockingly young! How could a kid like me give up playing tennis three times a week to settle into knitting and crocheting and Friday night bingo? And shouldn’t I alter my appearance to fit this new label? Give up my jeans? Switch over to below knee-length calico dresses, thick black socks, practical shoes, gray hair pinned in a topknot. Think…Aunt Bee on Mayberry R.F.D.

As soon as people knew my daughter was expecting, I was bombarded with advice from my well meaning friends—even those who weren’t yet grandparents. “The best way to avoid getting on the nerves of your daughter and son-in-law is to not say anything. Ever.” Or “You’d better pick your nickname or you’ll be stuck with something hideous, like MooMoo Cow.” 

What should I be called? Granny? No…reminded me of The Beverly Hillbillies. Grandma? No…sounded like The Waltons. Grammy? No…it was already taken by the in-laws.

But no one really explained what it meant to be a grandmother. I didn’t know myself, not until I held baby Blake in my arms. In that moment, I realized that he was one of mine. He belongs to me. He will be on my mind and in my prayers, every day, for the rest of my life. There’s a bond between us that can’t be broken. He has altered my life forevermore.

I had become a grandmother. 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, and The Search, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com%20/

Friday, May 6, 2011

When Mother's Day is Difficult by Holley Gerth

Welcome to Pearl Girls Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/ and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

When Mother's Day is Difficult by Holley Gerth

I have a confession (anyone surprised?). I have mixed feelings about Mother’s Day.

On one hand, I love celebrating all the women who have made a difference in my life (thanks, Mom!).

On the other hand, a long journey of infertility has left my heart with some tender places.

On May 8th, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day once again. For many, it’s a time of appreciation and joy. For others, it can be one of the most difficult days of the year. This is often true for women facing infertility, families who have recently experienced the loss of a mother, and many other painful situations.

At one point in my life it seemed as if I couldn’t take another step. In addition to infertility, I was facing several other losses. I felt as if I were in a dark cave. But then I sensed the Lord gently and lovingly speak to my heart, “You may be in a cave, but you still have a choice. You can sit in despair or you can diamond-mine your difficulties.” I decided I was not leaving that time in my life empty-handed. I was taking every hidden blessing I could find. Of course, I still had difficult days. But choosing hope made a difference.

As a reminder, I now wear two rings. The one on the fourth finger of my left hand represents my commitment to my husband. The one on the fourth finger of my right hand is a simple silver band inscribed with the word “hope” and it represents the commitment I have made to God and myself to hold onto hope no matter what happens.

The story of an inspiring woman named Terrie also reminds me to hold onto hope. She endured the loss of four pregnancies and waited seventeen years before adopting a little girl. She told me, “I think one of the most important parts of this journey is learning to trust God. I don’t mean the flippant kind of trust. It’s easy for people to say, ‘You just need to trust God.’ It’s much harder when you’re in the middle of all this pain. But he is trustworthy. Through it all, God has given us an amazing story. I wouldn’t have chosen this road, but he has been with us. I can look back and truly say every step was worth it.”

I don’t know how my journey will end and you probably don’t know how yours will either. I also don’t know how many of you will be silently grieving your losses as we sit in church together on May 8th. But I do know that God sees each one of us. He knows how many hairs are on our heads and how many cares our in our hearts. Whatever you’re going through this Mother’s Day, you’re not facing it alone. As King David, a man who experienced many losses in his life, expressed in Psalm 34:18 NIV, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May God surround you with love, fill you with hope, and give you strength for each moment—especially this Mother’s Day.

Excerpted from When Mother’s Day is Difficult.

Holley Gerth is an award-winning writer for DaySpring, a cofounder of the popular web site (in)courage, and licensed counselor. Holley loves chocolate, coffee, Jesus and connecting with the hearts of women through words. Her next book, a devotional titled God's Heart for You: Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman (Harvest House) will release this July. You can find Holley online through her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Holy Guacamole by Dan & Denise Harmer




Do you love food? How about the Food Network? A little adventure... some romance thrown in? Ok... then you're gonna love this book! It has it all!

Holy Guacamole is a story about Bonnie Miller. A foodie to the max. She is a culinary genius who runs not only a restaurant for those with a particular palette, but a culinary 'boot camp' as well. She's one spicy habanero, but she's hiding a secret. Can she keep it under wraps?

Enter Trace Domingo. A washed up sports journalist in need of a career change. He's been accepted into Bonnie Miller's boot camp. A great opportunity to work with the woman he adores on T.V... but can he handle the 'real' Bonnie? 

Holy Guacamole is fun fiction. At the beginning I wasn't sure if I would like it, but after the first chapter or two, it quickly drew me in.  Not sure what I was expecting, but I ended up really enjoying it. It took me in a direction that I hadn't expected. The setting was beautiful and the twists and turns kept me coming back for more. It held my attention. I loved the characters... a good mix that made for an interesting book. It's a romance novel, a mystery, an adventure, and a story of forgiveness all rolled up in one.

Don't know if the authors plan a sequel... but I'll be watching! I'd like to see what's ahead not only for Bonnie and Trace, but the others as well. Jimmy the Knife, Kelp and his goat Nado, Marley, Sunshine and Lucy, and Anna and Alex. Some great stories going on in there! Give this one a try!


*Thank you, Glass Road Productions, for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to be a part of your review program! :)

A Mother's Day Wish by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Welcome to Pearl Girls Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/ and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother's Day Wish by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Heads up: Margaret McSweeney deserves a medal, or at least a commendation for giving everyone a much deserved Mother’s Day rest. Okay, y’all can be seated. I’m glad you agree, but you’re supposed to be taking a load off, remember? Oh, and full disclosure—Margaret didn’t know I was going to say that so I hope she leaves it in, and no, I didn’t do it just because I’m ridiculously nostalgic about the theme of her community, although I am. As the Belle of All Things Southern, one who is southern to the bone, I have a thing about pearls.

When I was a teenager, add-a-pearl necklaces were all the rage. They may not be as wildly popular anymore as they were back in the day but I still say they’ll always be a classic concept: a gift of a single pearl on a dainty chain given with the intentions of adding other pearls on important holidays and special occasions. Today, I see add-a-pearls as a beautiful reminder of the accumulated wisdom we learn from our mamas.  Oh, sure, we snicker as young girls because not all of their advice strikes us as useful and some of it seems positively fossilized, but hopefully, over time and with the Father’s blessing, we gain enough perspective to see that these mama-isms—the important values and the silly little lagniappe— are all increasing in value with the years.  By the way, that’s my Mother’s Day wish for each of you, that we’d each take the time and the responsibility to thread these precious heirlooms into treasures worthy of bequeathing to the next generation. Mother’s Day...

May I be honest? I’m looking ahead to the annual celebration with somewhat mixed emotions. I’m not feeling very Mother of the Year. Instead of cooking dinner for my most deserving mama and enjoying her company, instead of reveling in the love of my husband, kids, and grands, (known as the Baby Czars of All Things Southern), I’ll be on the road, touring with my latest book “Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy.” I’ve got Mama’s gift bought, wrapped, and ready to be delivered by my beloved hubby, and my grown kids understand that I didn’t choose the release date, but the facts remain:  I won’t be there. (Shameless plugs time, anyone? My daughter blogs at Kitchen Belleicious and is raising funds to build an orphanage in Rwanda at Shelter a Child http://www.shelterachild.com/ and my daughter-in-law celebrates the daily details of getting to know the Holy One at Providence, http://providence-carey.blogspot.com/). I won’t get to enjoy Mama tickling the ivory from the piano bench of Melbourne Baptist Church and I won’t be overdosing on baby sugah. Sigh.

But, then, I mentioned mixed emotions earlier, didn’t I? Well, before some sweet soul cues the violin music, perhaps I should lighten up and come clean on what Mr. Harvey would call “the rest of the story.”  It so happens that while the 8th of May will find me miles from home, it’ll also find me in Savannah, Georgia where I’ve secured myself a little reservation at that famous establishment belonging to Mrs. Paula Deen, the Queen of Southern Cooking. Indeed, y’all, I’ll be suffering for Jesus at The Lady and Sons. I know. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.

Regardless of where you spend it, I wish you each a Happy Mother’s Day. I’d love to think that everyone reading my words had a mother like mine, a woman of faith who taught me from childhood of the Risen Savior who saves souls and anchors lives. But, dear reader, if that’s not your past, I hope you know it can be your future. I pray you’ll be the one that begins such a legacy, and that you’ll be moved to start building that heritage today.

I’d love to see y’all on the road somewhere. Watch for me, and I’ll watch for you. I’ll be the one with an empty glass of sweet tea looking, always looking, for a refill.

Hugs,
Shellie

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, known as the Belle of All Things Southern is a radio host, columnist, author, speaker and founder of the All Things Southern online community, http://www.allthingssouthern.com/. She loves meeting, greeting, laughing and learning with the whole wide world or as many who wander her way. Shellie once dreamed of writing great important things that changed the world, only once she started writing the world grinned and christened her a humorist. Shellie saw this as a problem at first, until she discovered that the laughter softens hearts, builds relationships, and invites her into people’s hurting hearts where she can share her own, which is exactly where she wanted to be all along. Look for Shellie’s latest book, Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy wherever fine books are sold.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Adoption, a Mother's Greatest Gift by Tricia Goyer

Welcome to Pearl Girls Mother of Pearl Mother's Day blog series. The series is week long celebration of moms and mothering. Each day will feature a new post by some of today's best writer's (Tricia Goyer, Megan Alexander, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Beth Engelman, Holley Gerth, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and more). I hope you'll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother's Day.

AND ... do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful hand crafted pearl necklace. To enter, just {CLICK THIS LINK} and fill out the short form. Contest runs 5/1-5/8 and the winner will on 5/11. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/ and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT Mother's Day gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

And to all you MOMS out there! Happy Mother's Day!

Adoption, a Mother's Greatest Gift by Tricia Goyer

I held the small baby in my arms, wrapped up in a receiving blanket to keep her warm from the chill of the delivery room, and a voice spoke to me. "Congratulations, Mom."

The congratulations came from an unlikely source--the grandmother of this child, the mother of the sweet birth mother who chose adoption for her baby girl.

To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. Thankfulness filled my heart--to God who'd answered my prayers and to the birth mom who'd chosen our family for her daughter. I also ached that my joy would be another's heartache. Working with teen moms for ten years, I was often an advocate for the young mother. I knew that while the weeks and months ahead would be a time of celebration for our family, they would be ones of heartache and grieving for this woman.

Adoption is a wonder and the beauty, and the sacrifice of it is never so clear as on Mother's Day. My new daughter is one-years-old now and she huge is a part of my heart. Her life is a gift to my days and her smile can make even the most dreary afternoon bright. I can honestly say there is no difference in the love I feel between her and my three other children. If anything the love feels even more special because she was an unexpected gift. John and I learned about her life just 2 ½ months prior to her being born. The years of prayers to expand our family were answered quickly and beautifully.

The sacrifice of adoption makes my heart ache, for I know on this Mother's Day another woman will be thinking about my daughter—her daughter. As I rejoice, I'll be crying tears for her. I'll also be sending up prayers that God will wrap His arms around her in a special way.

This Mother's Day I cannot help to think about Christ's sacrifice to make our adoption into God's family possible. Maybe it's because just a few weeks ago we were celebrating Easter, but I'm reminded anew that my gain required His loss, His pain. The greatest love, it seems, is not shown with flowers, chocolate or a diamond bracelet. The greatest love is shown when, because of your love for another, your desires and comfort are laid down for the greater good of someone else.

As Ephesians 1:3 says, “How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son” (The Message).

Perhaps you know an adoptive mother. Take time this Mother's Day to let her know that the beauty of her gift is not missed by you. Also, take time to thank God for adopting you into His forever family, thanking Jesus Christ for His sacrifice. I wouldn't be the mother I am without this Gift of Love.

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Beside Still Waters, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. http://www.triciagoyer.com/

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