Thursday
Take a Trip to the Northpole!
Here, you can write to Santa and he will write back to you;
Visit the Toy Shop to look at toys;
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen has lots of yummy recipes;
AND LOTS AND LOTS MORE!
CLICK HERE!!!
Visit the Toy Shop to look at toys;
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen has lots of yummy recipes;
AND LOTS AND LOTS MORE!
CLICK HERE!!!
The History of Christmas
Plus, A White House Christmas!
View the video on this website. Lots of good information.
Each year, during the month of December, millions of homes across America are decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights. But how much do you really know about this festive holiday? Explore this site to find out......
MORE INFO!!!
View the video on this website. Lots of good information.
Each year, during the month of December, millions of homes across America are decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights. But how much do you really know about this festive holiday? Explore this site to find out......
MORE INFO!!!
Ignorance as Blessing
Foreknowledge: for God and not for us
by: Collin Hansen
With scientific advances, sometimes you need to read between the lines. At first glance, all looks well with a successful new test developed by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. They can now test unborn children to discern if they have cystic fibrosis, b-thalassemia, or sickle cell anemia—ailments caused by a single mutated gene. Actually, tests already exist that can detect cystic fibrosis before birth. But they require doctors to insert a needle into the mother's womb, which sometimes results in miscarriage. The new test, announced online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, requires no such invasive measures. It compares the baby's DNA in the mother's blood with her own DNA. The key breakthrough came when researchers employed digital technology to count individual mutant or normal DNA sequences.
MORE!!!
by: Collin Hansen
With scientific advances, sometimes you need to read between the lines. At first glance, all looks well with a successful new test developed by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. They can now test unborn children to discern if they have cystic fibrosis, b-thalassemia, or sickle cell anemia—ailments caused by a single mutated gene. Actually, tests already exist that can detect cystic fibrosis before birth. But they require doctors to insert a needle into the mother's womb, which sometimes results in miscarriage. The new test, announced online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, requires no such invasive measures. It compares the baby's DNA in the mother's blood with her own DNA. The key breakthrough came when researchers employed digital technology to count individual mutant or normal DNA sequences.
MORE!!!
Wednesday
Who is Stormie Omartian and Where Does She Find Her Power?
Stormie Omartian is a bestselling author precisely because she doesn't have a picture-perfect life!
Seminary professors probably don't study Stormie Omartian, but perhaps they should. Judging by book sales, Omartian influences more prayers than anybody else in America (save perhaps Prayer of Jabez author Bruce Wilkinson). Most of her readers are women. Most of her books follow a formula.
Start with the titles: The Power of a Praying (choose one) Wife, Husband, Parent, Woman, or Nation.
The contents are similarly patterned. The Power of a Praying Wife, for example, considers every aspect of her husband's life: his wife, his work, his finances, his sexuality, his temptations. In each short chapter, Omartian explains why that area of a man's life matters, and how it can be transformed by God's help. She uses lots of experience from her own marriage. Then she offers a sample prayer, often two or three pages long. Finally there are "Power Tools"—Scripture verses to use in praying.
LEARN MORE HERE!!!
Strategic Prayer
Employ these practical tips when praying for unbelieving loved ones.
by Stormie Omartian
Have you ever prayed for someone and you start wondering if God is even listening or if anything will be done? Then review these tips from Stormie Omartian. She has a lot of good advise.
MORE!!!
by Stormie Omartian
Have you ever prayed for someone and you start wondering if God is even listening or if anything will be done? Then review these tips from Stormie Omartian. She has a lot of good advise.
MORE!!!
Tuesday
Schooled by the Psalms
Learning to pray is like playing the violin with virtuosos.
by: Ben Patterson
It isn't that our desires are unworthy to express to God in prayer. He is our loving and compassionate Father, and he listens to all we say with a kind and wise heart. But he knows better than we do what we need—and better yet, he desires things for us that we may not even desire for ourselves.
MORE!!!
by: Ben Patterson
It isn't that our desires are unworthy to express to God in prayer. He is our loving and compassionate Father, and he listens to all we say with a kind and wise heart. But he knows better than we do what we need—and better yet, he desires things for us that we may not even desire for ourselves.
MORE!!!
Friday
Galveston Returns
I saw on the news today
That Galveston will return
Hurricane Ike made his destruction
With advances that we spurn.
Miles and miles of cars and trucks
Loaded with things they will need
In hopes that their homes are safe
And their efforts will succeed.
Will their houses still be there
Or will they be gone
People are ready to return
And muster up with brawn.
The anxiety of every one
Not knowing what to expect
All are in my prayers to God
That he will restore and protect.
Brenda Stevens
Copyright©2008
Forgive my Awful Blunder
Never thought I was in any danger
We’ve had hurricanes pass by before
My family was sent to higher ground
I stay behind with our pets they adore.
As time went by and fear set in
The waves were getting higher
I decided to make a break for it
For the hurricane became dire.
My truck was my only means
Of escaping Hurricane Ike
Water now over my truck
I feel the force of the strike.
I’m swept out of the truck
But I swim with all my might
Taking Dobermans and guinea pig
To nearby house that looks to invite.
The terror of night was so strong
The waves busted windows I think
So I dove into the water with hope
And clung to the roof til it began to sink
Dog paddling through ocean swells
That often took me under
I bargained with Almighty God
To forgive my awful blunder.
“I’ll be a better man
If you give me something to float on”
My earnest pleas for help
Assisted me to muster up brawn.
Thoughts of my family
Gave me renewed strength
God sent plywood and a raft
He had me now at arms length.
The forceful current carried me
Across Bolivar and East Bay
Dodging the Alligators and moccasins
So I just continued to pray.
I came to an abrupt halt
Just inside Chambers County
And top of a floating wreckage
Is where I found my bounty.
A pear, a can of Sprite,
And some good looking Tupperware
Gave means of nourishment
And was answer to my prayer.
I could see people being rescued
As we sat upon this heap
And they are not seeing me
Even as I continue to leap.
So the next day I swam again
To an oil well where I did cling.
And shouted at some passers-by
Now I’ll live to see another Spring.
Brenda Stevens
Copyright©2008
STORY HERE!
MORE PICS!!
Knowledge is the mother of wonder. ~Joseph Wood Krutch
Mother of Wonder
Mother of Wonder,
Knowledge is her name.
She gives excitement to life
To help figure out the game.
Knowledge takes precedence
In moving through the earth.
Endless opportunities
Gives Wonder new birth.
Knowledge can lead to Success,
For Success can be plenty,
But using a little Wisdom
Keeps Wonder from being empty.
Brenda Stevens
copyright©2008
Mother of Wonder,
Knowledge is her name.
She gives excitement to life
To help figure out the game.
Knowledge takes precedence
In moving through the earth.
Endless opportunities
Gives Wonder new birth.
Knowledge can lead to Success,
For Success can be plenty,
But using a little Wisdom
Keeps Wonder from being empty.
Brenda Stevens
copyright©2008
Thursday
Check out the Northpole
Welcome to Mrs. Claus' kitchen where the elves and Mrs. Claus are baking wonderful holiday treats.
MORE INFO!
Monday
Devotion: Who did God Choose as Vice President?
Dear Faithful One,
With the ongoing Presidential campaign, are you sitting at the edge of your seat waiting to hear who was chosen to run as Vice President? Now, imagine yourself as one of the candidates who could have been chosen. What thoughts were going through your head regarding your future? What happens then when you finally hear the selection and discover you were passed over for the appointment? History will unfold before your eyes but you will not be the one in that house, in that seat, in that inner circle. Have you ever wondered if the choice was God's intention or can human flesh get in the way of God's plans? How can we tell if a specific election was part of God's plans?
Samuel was sent by God to anoint the future King, 1 Sam 16:8-11 reads: Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" NIV. Observe that Jesse is acting as counselor to Samuel and is confident of his ability to discern potential. So he puts before Samuel his top picks. He offered him Abinadab, then Shammah, then seven others. None were the ones God had chosen.
By Samuel's persuasion, Jesse then pulled David from the field. Don't miss the fact that God shut the door to nine of Jesse's choices because no matter how many false starts, God always fulfills His purpose. On the tenth try, Jesse reluctantly picks David because God allowed him to run out of options and we find Samuel naming the next successor to the throne. I wonder today if you are frustrated because you don't sense a fit in the choices placed before you. Instead of force fitting a choice, perhaps you need a spirit filled Samuel in your life to help you to connect the dots and to confirm, "This is it!"
How did Samuel know who was God's choice? 1 Sam 16:12-13 tells us: Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." NIV. Don't miss the fact that God's choice is followed by an outpouring of God's power. So don't be afraid to look for confirmation and the visible evidence of God's power pouring out from His selections. 1 Sam 16:13 reads, "and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power." NIV.
Oh Faithful One, if you see those who are ineffective in their places of authority, could it be because they were not God's choice for the position? If you do not find yourself operating in God's power, could it be because you appointed yourself or allowed someone who is not Spirit filled to talk you into an appointment? But if you are sure of God's choice, then don't hesitate to ask God for an outpouring of His power. Personally, I say to God all the time, "I desire to live for your dreams. If you allowed me to be passed over for an appointment, then you must have other plans for me that fit your greater purpose. However, if I am your choice, then show the world your hands are on me by showering your favor on me and releasing your power. How else will the world know that you sent me? And if you will not go with me or bless my efforts, then let me sit and wait until you are ready to move forward because I am not in a hurry and there is nothing else I need to get to or accomplish except to be in the center of your perfect will."
Time will prove God's choices. Until then, let's look closer to home at our own lives. Is there someone in your organization who has demonstrated by their ineffectiveness that they are in the wrong seat? Are you in a place where you are trying to force fit your role? What needs to change so you can start flowing in God's power?
God's Word is the compass for my life. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God's Word in you as you put His Word into action.
Love, Anita
www.Inspirewomen.org
Thursday
Still Blessing His Name
Two months after the tragic loss of his daughter, Steven Curtis Chapman resumes touring—and says he's found a new reason to sing.
It's not often you leave a concert reflecting on the words of a song by a different artist. But as I exited the July 24 Steven Curtis Chapman event, the words of a Matt Redman worship song echoed through my head. Chapman opened the concert with "Blessed Be Your Name" just two months after the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue, in a tragic accident at the family's home.
Wednesday
Christianity and America
The pilgrims, as you will recall, were, Christians fleeing Europe in order to escape religious persecution, and they literally began their stay in their new land with the words, “In the name of God, Amen.”The pilgrims were followed to New England by the Puritans, who created bible-based commonwealths. Those commonwealths practiced the same sort of representative government as their church covenants. Those governmental covenants and compacts numbered more than 100, and were the foundation for our Constitution.
New Haven (Connecticut) and Massachusetts were founded by Puritans who wanted to reform the Church of England, who later became known as Congregationalists. Roger Williams founded the colony of Rhode Island based on the principle of freedom of conscience. Pennsylvania was established by William Penn as a Quaker colony. Maryland was a haven for Catholics from Protestant England.
America was indeed founded by bible-believing Christians and based on Christian principles. When they founded this country, the Founding Fathers envisioned a government that would promote and encourage Christianity.
All but two of the first 108 universities founded in America were Christian. This includes the first, Harvard, where the student handbook listed this as Rule #1: “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."
In 1777. Continental Congress voted to spend $300,000 to purchase bibles which were to be distributed throughout the 13 colonies! And in 1782, the United States Congress declared, “The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.
So, let us take a look at some of the lives and words of our Founding Fathers to see whether they were Christians or whether history has been revised.
[John Adams] [Sam Adams] [Charles Carroll] [Alexander Hamilton] [John Hancock] [Patrick Henry] [Francis Hopkinson] [John Jay] [Thomas Jefferson] [James Madison] [John Marshall] [George Mason] [Thomas McKean] [Dr. Benjamin Rush] [Roger Sherman] [Richard Stockton] [George Washington] [Noah Webster] [John Witherspoon]Discover Your Child's Strengths Through Play
How play helps get kids ready for the real world
By: Mary Beth Lagerborg
As we approached the start of preschool for our son Tim, age 4, the teacher alerted me to the fact his class would have seven little girls and Tim. In the car on the way home after the first day, I asked him, "How did you feel about being the only boy?" Timmy looked up at me thoughtfully, as if he'd not considered this. "Well, when we play house, I'm the dad," he said, grinning.
In my grown-up-ness I'd thought he'd miss boy rough-and-tumble. But he had plenty of that with his brother at home. My thoughts had been small and logical and worried; his, like his imagination, were uncomplicated and free.
Children's work is play. Day in and day out that's what children do at home: They play. As moms we see play small-sightedly: Will they make a mess? Will I have to play with them? Will they argue or play nicely?
Monday
Friday
My Most Memorable Moment as a Mother
My most memorable moment as a mother was when my youngest son Zachary was about 15 - 18 months old. He was walking by the time he was 10 months and was always getting into things. The story that I am about to tell you is ABSOLUTELY TRUE!
One day my husband and I found him at the Ozarka water fountain pulling on the spouts and there was water all over the place. He was having a wonderful time. My husband screamed “NO”, which immediately got Zachary’s attention. My husband picked him up and kept saying, “NO, NO, NO! NO WATER”! This really scared my little son and he started crying and repeated over and over, “No water, no water, no water.” He was repeating it so much that I thought we might have to get him therapy to get over it.
I had my husband sit Zack on the couch between us so that we could start calming him down, but he kept repeating over and over “NO WATER.” We told him calmly, “That’s correct. No water! Don’t play in the water.” Then he saw an ink pen on the coffee table in front of us and said, “No write, no write!” We encouraged him and said, “That RIGHT! You don’t play in the water and you don’t write on the walls! You are getting it, Zachary!” We had corrected him many times before about writing on the walls. He started saying very franticly, “No water, no write, no water, no write!” “Yes,” we said, “no water and no write. Calm down….you don’t play in the water and you don’t write on the walls.” He so sadly looked up at my husband and put his little hand on top of his head and while rubbing his head, he stated, “No water, no write”, but in a more calmly fashion. He then looked up at his dad, while still rubbing his dad’s head and said, “No water, no write, no hair!” NO HAIR! I fell of the couch, laughing so hard I could hardly get my breath! My son’s eyes brightened with my laughter! I picked him up and gave him a big hug and a kiss and said, “You’ve got it, Zack! NO WATER, NO WRITE,” and pointing to dad, “NO HAIR!!!” Poor dad! Now he needed therapy!!
Brenda Stevens
Monday
From a former US President:
"America was born a
Christian nation for the purpose of exemplifying to the
nations of the world the principles of righteousness
found in the Word of God." - Woodrow Wilson, President
1913-1921
Wednesday
The History of Mother's Day
In the
Meanwhile Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," attempted to institute a national celebration of mothers that honored women
Then in 1905, Anna Reeves Javis passed away and her daughter, Anna Javis, took up her mother
In 1912, Jarvis
Perhaps the country
Tuesday
"I Grew Up in a Polygamist Family"
Article of Kathy as told to Jan Brown, Christianity Today
I was one of 13 children raised by our father and three mothers in a polygamist community in Utah. We were fundamentalist Mormons who practiced the original teachings of Mormonism from its founder Joseph Smith. This teaching includes following the Principle, which states a man must practice polygamy—marrying at least three wives—to enter the Celestial Kingdom.
Even though I knew which woman was my biological mother, we were encouraged to treat all the wives the same. Outwardly, our family seemed content, but beneath the surface lay jealousy and pain. We never acknowledged these feelings because we were supposed to sacrifice our emotions. Even laughter was discouraged.
Dear IRS:
Dear IRS:
I would like to cancel my subscription.
Please remove my name from your mailing list...
Yours Truly,
_________
I would like to cancel my subscription.
Please remove my name from your mailing list...
Yours Truly,
_________
Tuesday
Recycled into New Creations
by: Joanna G. Wright
Our hearts need to be recycled too.
Our hearts need to be recycled too.
"Mommy, what's that big orange container?" My curious 5-year-old asked as she peered out the front window. "That's our recycling bin," I said. "We clean out cans and bottles that can be recycled and place them in the bin." "Is the bin for that big orange truck?" she asked. "That's right! They take the stuff in the bin to the recycling plant where they turn it into more cans and bottles. It helps keep stuff from going in the trash where it's never used again."
I've always strived to teach my children about being a good steward of the earth God gave us. In Genesis, God told Adam he's in charge. And Genesis 1:26 not only says we are made in God's image but that we're given the charge to care for all the earth and everything in it.
The Princess or the Pain?
by: MOPS President Naomi Cramer Overton
Encouraging someone is a way to help heal others on our planet.
Encouraging someone is a way to help heal others on our planet.
The Princess: "Hurry up, you're slow." The voice caught my ear, and I turned around. A dad stood next to the hotel elevator, talking to the same little girl I'd seen four times in the last two days. I'd guess she was about 4-years-old. Her dark curls and silvery plastic princess crown had drawn my eye each time I'd crossed her path. "Not that button, stupid," her dad said, as she pushed the up instead of the down arrows. I cringed. Each time I'd seen her, this girl's parents had spoken harshly and demeaned her value.
Angered, I wanted to tell the man to appreciate this girl—to notice she was trying to listen. Yet, I doubted that would help, and it might cause him to unleash his anger on me or, worse, on her. Wanting to offer some kindness, I smiled at the little girl and said, "I like your crown."
She looked up. Then she gave me just the faintest of smiles—her lips upturning at the edges. A ding sounded, and then she and her dad disappeared into the elevator. The doors closed.
The Pain: Even now, the pain I shared for a moment with this girl lingers.
Thursday
Your Beautiful Story
by: Lisa Bevere
Daughter of God… you are woven into a God’s beautiful story. You are set apart and your life tells a story.
Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16 NIV)
But what story do you want to tell? Mother, what legacy would you leave behind for your children? Beloved, what is your love story? My children have something more in them. I catch it in the faraway glimpses of their eyes. I hear its voice in the music that moves them. I want my life to speak to them in a way they can understand. Love alone crosses all boundaries of time.
Though we cannot determine how our stories begin, we are very much a part of how they will end. Never doubt, there is a wrestling match taking place for how your tale will close. More often than not, happy endings come only after there has been a battle waged with evil. In our world, very little good happens without some sort of fight. Each and every day could be likened to a page. We are the writers who craft the stories with our words and choices. This is but one of the reasons why stories speak so powerfully to us.
When Jesus walked the earth as a man, He was a master story teller. He packaged timeless messages in word pictures. He used parables, natural law, and real-life experiences to teach His audiences about His Father’s kingdom. He wanted the truth to be heard within the framework of living, progressive pictures. He took the abstract and made it tangible and embraceable in the everyday.
We could almost say stories are the original form of movies, because as plots develop, we find our minds moving from one scene to the next. We do not merely hear or read stories; we see them as only we can. In the secret places of our hearts and minds, they take form. Within the framework of our imaginations, characters are cast with whom only we can identify. They move freely and fill in the blanks as the story unfolds.
So what about your story? Before the most exciting parts of your story can be realized, you must first discover your role. I am afraid far too often a true casting never happens. We float through life, hoping someone else will tell us what parts we are to play. There is great potential for danger when we make others responsible for our happiness. God is the ultimate storyteller who wants to reveal His love story in you. He has written your role and scripted the desires of your heart.
What story have you been living? Or more importantly, whose story have you been living? Have you been allowing others to dictate your life’s story or are you allowing God to dictate His grand story for your life?
Remember that the end of your story is not yet written. Even now you are crafting your tale with your words and choices. The world is watching to see which story you will be apart of.
In the Wake of Suicide
A book, "In the Wake of Suicide", written by Diane Kaulen, gives insight and direction concerning death of a loved one by suicide. This book can help young children deal with not only suicide, but by also helping them understand that God can help them through ANY tragedy that they may face in their lives.Check out her website HERE for her amazing book!!
The Scars of Easter
by: Paul Brand with Philip Yancey
He knows the wounds of humanity. His hands prove it.
Isaac Newton said, "In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence." After 40 years as a surgeon specializing in hands, I am tempted to agree. Nothing in all nature rivals the hand's combination of strength and agility, tolerance and sensitivity. We use our hands for the most wonderful activities: art, music, writing, healing, touching.
BEAUTIFUL STORY HERE!!!
He knows the wounds of humanity. His hands prove it.
Isaac Newton said, "In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence." After 40 years as a surgeon specializing in hands, I am tempted to agree. Nothing in all nature rivals the hand's combination of strength and agility, tolerance and sensitivity. We use our hands for the most wonderful activities: art, music, writing, healing, touching.
BEAUTIFUL STORY HERE!!!
WAKE UP CALL
I arise today
Through God's strength to direct me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak to me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me from snares of devils.
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in a multitude.
—Attributed to St. Patrick, from "The Deer's Cry" (St. Patrick's Breastplate), translated by Kuno Meyer
St. Patrick
Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in the late fourth century, and is often confused with Palladius, a bishop who was sent by Pope Celestine in 431 to be the first bishop to the Irish believers in Christ.
Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland. Most of what is known about him comes from his two works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish christians. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God."
SEE MORE HERE!!!
Who are you? And how does it affect your body?
by: Julia Havey
I have to share this with you, I read it today and love it!
"Traditional dieting strategies don't work for emotional eaters
because the psychological aspects of weight management aren't fully
addressed by most plans. Most diet programs don't deal with self-
sabotage and the real reasons why we knock ourselves off track. To
achieve lasting weight management success, emotional eaters need to
go through the following four stages of change.
D - Discover: The first step is to discover our hidden emotional
obstacles and understand the food-feelings connection that makes
balanced eating so difficult. It's essential to tune in to our inner
selves before we can attempt to change our outer appearance. We need
to identify the self-defeating thoughts and attitudes, that lead us
to sabotage our success with such frustrating regularity. Discovery
is crucial because it's impossible to win the weight war until we
know who the enemy really is.
I - Invent: Once we've discovered the emotional issues and self-
defeating ways of thinking that have always stood in our way, we
need to invent a new way of managing our lives and ourselves. It's
time to break free from old habits and standard modes of operating.
This requires that we invent healthier, more nurturing ways of
thinking to combat those self-defeating tendencies.
E - Extinguish: The next step is to extinguish the old, unhealthy
ways of thinking, feeling and perceiving as we adopt our newly-
invented life plan. Healing old wounds and building new skills will
help us deal with life's troubles head on and decrease our reliance
on food.
T - Transform: Our final task is to transform our new insights,
skills and healing into a positive lifestyle that emphasizes healthy
food choices and regular exercise. After much hard work, one of my
clients got to this stage and said, "I'm at the point now where
exercising and eating right are emotionally uncomplicated. " What she
meant was that she at last felt free of her old emotional shackles
and could now make the commitment necessary for the long-term task
of successful weight management.
The D.I.E.T. Plan is a sometimes tough - but necessary - process for
those of us with emotional eating issues. Remember: Until you deal
with the issues, you can't tackle the fat."
---author unknown
I don't know who wrote this but I LOVE it nonetheless! After having
lost 130 pounds and struggling like most women to KEEP it off, I
know the issues we face first hand.
The self-discovery aspect of the weight loss journey is perhaps the
most important part. That's what my journal (part of the 26-week program) is full of--pages of self discovery! It isn't enough to say you want to lose weight,
you must get to the root of why you gained it in the first place and
what it might be doing for you. What do I mean by that? In the 10
years that I have been trying to help obese and overweight women to
get healthier, to give up their most unhealthy habits or "vices" I
have found that for many women the excess weight serves as a shield
from getting hurt--or atleast they think it is sparing them. When in
reality, the excess weight harms health, hurts self-esteem and
sometimes hinders personal growth.
It is time to reinvent yourself and your future! Extinquish poor
health and excess pounds from your life and in doing so you will
transform into the person you know you can be!
For me, my 20's found me weighing around 300 pounds. My 30's were my
thinnest years, getting down to as low as 160. My forties? Well,
after 4 failed pregnancies and more progestrone pumped into me than
the law should allow to try and do what nature didn't want me to; I
gained 25 of my hard fought pounds back--and I can tell you this; it
is harder to lose weight over 40 than at any other time in my life.
But, the good news is, it can be done! I am close to my goal, but
not there yet--but I know this much, my self-discovery has been
worth every pound--up and down and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I like body, I love myself, I love my life. I saw a video of myself
yesterday and I am not aging the way I want! My chin? What happens
as we get older that it sort of goes from chin to neck rather than a
sculpted chin of youth? Argh! If it's not one thing, it's another!
I guess that's the good thing about self discovery and self
improvement, it never really has a finish line.
http://www.vicebustingdiet.com/
Tuesday
How to Decorate Easter Eggs!
A hint from Tuula in Port Orford, Oregon: "When drying eggs, use bleach container lids - they are just the right size and don't make a ring around the bottom of the egg."
MORE HERE!!!
Meaning of Easter
As Christmas is celebrating Jesus' birth, Easter is celebrating Jesus' victory over death and mankind's hope for eternal life.
The highlights behind the Easter story include Jesus' execution, His burial and, most importantly, His rising from death.
The account of Jesus' rising from death was recorded in the most authoritative historical records, the Gospel books: Three days after His death, a few women first found His tomb empty. Then Jesus appeared in front of these women and His disciples, talking and eating with them. Out of doubts still, one disciple did not believe Jesus was alive again until he actually touched Jesus' fatal wounds. In the following forty days, hundreds of people witnessed this Jesus who had returned from death until He ascended to Heaven.
Before His death, Jesus had promised eternal life to those who followed Him. If the story ended at His death, Jesus would have been no more than a religious figure with a finite life span. But the fact the Jesus rose from death demonstrated He has the power over death, and only through Him can people have hope for eternal life. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
- To learn more about Jesus' death and rising, click here.
- For a brief summary of Jesus' life, click here.
- For a clear and concise introductory course on Jesus, click here.
Is God with-holding something you need?
By Anita Carman, Founder and President of Inspire Women
Do you feel there is something missing in your life? Perhaps you are a child who never had your family's favor. Perhaps you are an employee who has been overlooked. Perhaps you are a leader who thinks you should be further ahead than you are. Perhaps you wish you had the kind of relationships and friends others seem to have. Perhaps you wish you had the youth and health of yesteryears. Does your heart long for a position, a ministry, a house, an inheritance, a clean bill of health, a relationship? Do you feel God is with-holding something from you? Let us hear from King David who was a man after God's own heart and learn to live in the freedom he discovered.
King David said in Ps 144:3-4: LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. NIV
Oh Faithful One, no matter what your dreams are, the fact remains that your time on this earth is microscopic compared to God's eternal timeline. Whatever you have your heart set on, what God wants to do is to carry us into being part of His dream that will live on for eternity. Below is what David's observation can teach us:
1. What is man that God cares for us? The fact that God gives us anything should make us stop in our tracks and celebrate. The God of the Universe looked our way and chose to bless us. He blessed us with the greatest gift of all, that of giving us His one and only son who paid the full penalty of our sins. In light of that, all other gifts pale by comparison. This doesn't mean we should not ask God for what our heart longs for. However, we should ask for this with the full confidence that we are appealing to one who has not spared His most precious gift of His one and only son who died for us. Therefore, we ask knowing God has a track record of generous giving towards us. We also ask with the full humility that "God, you don't need to do one more thing for me but should you choose to grant this desire of my heart, I would be most grateful."
2. What is man that God thinks of him? Not only does God care to provide for our needs, He also thinks about us. What thoughts go through God's mind when He thinks about us? In David's case, one thought God had for David was to give him the opportunity to assist his son in building the temple. Observe, however, that Solomon was doing something God cared about. Instead of indulging those who are not surrendered to God, may our lives be about investing in those who are building what God cares about! In the midst of your relationships, will you make the choice to pour your emotional energies and resources into those who are serving God? In your waiting places and personal challenges, will you look for opportunities to encourage others so they can serve at their potential?
The fact is, when God thinks about us, His heart is always for the world. He blesses us in order that we can bless others. No matter how small we try to make our world by focusing on our own needs, God's Spirit will continue to enlarge our thinking. I wonder today if you are clinging on to details and relationships that are too small compared to the eternal world of your heavenly Father. Is it time for you to step into God's world?
3. What could God possibly do with man whose days are like a shadow? Buildings that go up can be knocked down. Businesses that thrive one day can go under the next. The only thing that matters is when we allow our successes to invest in those who share the message of eternal life with others. It is only when we rescue the perishing and lead them to having their names in God's book of Life that our lives have counted for something eternal. Oh Faithful One, instead of allowing all the details of the world to consume and distract you, how can you align your successes with God's eternal agenda? Then when you step into eternity, nothing has changed. In fact, you have simply stepped from an eternal agenda on earth to your place of eternity in your heavenly Father's kingdom.
Warm Hands, Warmed Hearts
Moms and kids are a powerful team when it comes to serving others.
By July Palpant
Straight from St. Kitts, a tropical island in the Caribbean, Juneve, a 9-month-old boy with Down's syndrome came to the United States for club foot surgery. At the time, we served as a foster family for Healing the Children, a national organization bringing children to the U.S. for surgeries not available in their own countries. We welcomed this plump, dark-skinned bundle of joy into our midst.
MORE TO THIS STORY!!!
By July Palpant
Straight from St. Kitts, a tropical island in the Caribbean, Juneve, a 9-month-old boy with Down's syndrome came to the United States for club foot surgery. At the time, we served as a foster family for Healing the Children, a national organization bringing children to the U.S. for surgeries not available in their own countries. We welcomed this plump, dark-skinned bundle of joy into our midst.
MORE TO THIS STORY!!!
Friday
Easter this year is: Sunday March 23, 2008
<>As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20).
This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Found out a couple of things you might be interested in! Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here are the facts:
<> * The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).* The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Hope you all have a Blessed Easter!
Thursday
Quote by Patrick Kallestad, ReignDown USA
"All too often the church has been so quick to judge others before they look closely at themselves and the division that creates. We believe, as Christians, we need to be the first to say "I'm Sorry" for passing judgment and remember to love our brothers and sisters first and foremost."
Tuesday
A Dime to Call Home
by Marianne Coyne
For those of us who grew up in the fifties and sixties, we may remember the traditional dime to call home. When I was a young girl, my mother always made sure that no matter where I was , I had a dime to call home. As I reached the teenage years, venturing out into the world of school plays, church dances, and the exciting, yet daunting world of dating, my parents impressed upon me the importance of that little dime.
One day I was reminded of the dime, and I thought of its analogous representation for Christ, whose sole purpose is to connect us to our heavenly Father. Our Divine Parent gave us Christ to be tucked away securely within our hearts; ready to connect us whenever needed to His Father and ours.
Throughout the Gospels we hear of all those who used that precious
We had faith in the little dime given to us by our parents. The cell phone generation may not understand the significance of the dime, but I pray they understand the significance of Christ. So the next time we go forth into the world of a new day, and our Parent asks us if we have our Dime to call home, I hope we can say, "Yes, Father, He's right here, safely tucked in my heart."
Thursday
The History of Valentine's Day
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
READ MORE HERE!!!
QUOTE by Billy Ray Cyrus
"I am at peace with my life—past, present and future," he says. "I know all things that are good come from Almighty God above. I count my blessings every single day. Every day I pray God will show me the doors He wants me to walk through, the people He wants me to talk to, the songs He wants me to sing. I want to be the light He wants me to be in this world."
Happy Valentine's Day
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
• 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
• 13:5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
• 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
• 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
• 13:8 Love never fails.
•
Tuesday
The Long Way Home
by: Marianne Coyne
Two weeks ago I decided to start walking. I
On the third day, however, while returning home, my confidence level and rare sense of adventure tempted me to try a different road. It seemed logical to me that it would take me to my destination, until I realized that I was headed in the opposite direction. I decided not to worry (another rare moment). I
As I walked in faith that day, I was reminded how similar my situation was to Life. Walking along our merry way through life we may become over confident with ourselves and take a wrong "turn"; or perhaps we decide to take a risk we normally would never take, only to find ourselves on an unknown path which seems to take us farther and farther from our original purpose and perfect goal. Our own recovery efforts seem to fail, leaving us with the "I don
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Thursday
Look for Some Laughter
"Look for some laughter in your days, and that, along with God's strength, will give you a reason to smile even during the gray days...."
Carla Foote
Executive Editor, MomSense Magazine
Carla Foote
Executive Editor, MomSense Magazine
Beware of Farm Animals!
Sometimes we just have to laugh at what our children say in public settings. Elaina Ramona recounts an amusing incident at the bank, when the word her toddler kept repeating loudly sounded like "bomb".
CLICK HERE TO READ HER STORY!
CLICK HERE TO READ HER STORY!
Wednesday
5 Stepmom Tips for Staying Sane
by: Rose Alexander
With the divorce rate hovering around fifty percent, more families than ever before will have to adjust to new stepmoms as divorced singles enter second marriages with children from their first unions. This role can be challenging, as many women will admit. Raising another woman’s children is often considered a thankless task and stepmom tips from those who understand may be needed. Trying circumstances and confused loyalties may lead the fragile new family to the brink of divorce. The five guidelines outlined in this article offer practical suggestions to help new stepmoms come to terms with their expanding family dynamics. While it may seem as though anyone can become a stepparent with ease, the truth is that a majority of new stepmoms require and appreciate guidance in acclimating to their new parenting role. These five stepmom tips will help.
READ TIPS HERE!
With the divorce rate hovering around fifty percent, more families than ever before will have to adjust to new stepmoms as divorced singles enter second marriages with children from their first unions. This role can be challenging, as many women will admit. Raising another woman’s children is often considered a thankless task and stepmom tips from those who understand may be needed. Trying circumstances and confused loyalties may lead the fragile new family to the brink of divorce. The five guidelines outlined in this article offer practical suggestions to help new stepmoms come to terms with their expanding family dynamics. While it may seem as though anyone can become a stepparent with ease, the truth is that a majority of new stepmoms require and appreciate guidance in acclimating to their new parenting role. These five stepmom tips will help.
READ TIPS HERE!
God is Your Loving Father and Helper; Blending A Family Ministry
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Are There Dry Bones in Your Family?
by Moe Becnel
One of the most intriguing passages to me in the Old Testament is found in Ezekiel Chapter 37. It is when the prophet Ezekiel has a spirtual encounter with God, and God takes him to a valley of dead, dry bones.
READ MORE HERE!
One of the most intriguing passages to me in the Old Testament is found in Ezekiel Chapter 37. It is when the prophet Ezekiel has a spirtual encounter with God, and God takes him to a valley of dead, dry bones.
READ MORE HERE!
Step Families
Beverly Bliss, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Madison, WI
Statistics
The Statistics Are Staggering:
One out of two marriages ends in divorce. Sixty percent of second marriages fail, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 66% of marriages and living together situations end in break up, when children are actively involved, according to Stepfamily Foundation statistics. It is predicted that 50% of children in the US will go through a divorce before they are 18. Approximately half of all Americans are currently involved in some form of step relationship. By the year 2000, according to the Census Bureau, more Americans will be living in step families than in nuclear families.
In his 1994 study, "The Changing Character of Stepfamilies," Professor of Sociology Larry L. Bumpass of the University of Wisconsin challenges the common perception that the stepfamily is defined by marriage. His research states that:
- About half of the 60 million children under the age of thirteen in this country are currently living with one biological parent and that parent's current partner.
- Nearly half of all women, not just mothers, are likely to live in a stepfamily relationship, when we include living-together families in our definition of the stepfamily.
Therefore, we have already become a nation of step-relating individuals.
However, most graduate schools of psychiatry, psychology, and social work provide no specific training in dealing with these particular dynamics of stepfamilies. Often, the methods and information appropriate to the nuclear family can be destructive . . . if applied to the highly specific dynamics of the stepfamily system.
According to Elizabeth Carter, ACSW, Family Institute of Westchester, "Our culture provides no guidelines . .. It is our experience that this is one of the most difficult transitions for families to negotiate." Carter continues, "Our cultural forms, rituals and assumptions still relate chiefly to the intact, first marriage family, and the most ordinary event, such as filling out a form or celebrating a holiday, can become a source of acute embarrassment or discomfort for members of remarried families."
Stepparenting Without Guilt Tips
by: Maurine Doerken, MS, MA, MFT
1) Be prepared from the beginning that stepfamilies do not function the same as intact, nuclear families. There can be a lot of adjustments to work through, both practical and emotional.
2) Good stepfamily relationships can exist without love. They do, however, require consistency and trust. Fairness goes a long way toward earning respect.
3) Question the natural parent when he or she promises “to take care of everything.” No matter how sincere and well intentioned your future spouse may be, it may not work out that way in day-to-day stepfamily reality.
4) Stepparenting (and biological parenting) are not about winning a popularity contest. They are about doing the job that is called for, and sometimes that job is tough.
5) Know the virtue and necessity of accepting what you cannot change and work from there. Do not try to “fix” everything all at once. Sometimes with stepparenting less can be more.
6) Playing “Who’s to Blame?” is a no-win situation in stepfamilies. It only serves to fuel further antagonism between stepfamily members rather than fostering mutuality and compromise.
7) Your stepfamily may experience a lot of emotional reactivity because members can hurt in a lot of places. Often it is both useful and important to take a deep breath and count to ten before responding.
8) There is a point where your biological children come first, and this has nothing to do with being a “mean” or “wicked” stepparent. You do not have to save your stepchildren at the expense of your own off-spring.
9) If you honestly and sincerely cannot deal with your stepchild, do not lie to yourself that you can. Accept your limitations and work from there.
10) The greatest gift you can give your stepchild (or child) is permission to be happy in both homes. We do not all have to act or think the same way, and learning how to honor differences is vital to this way of life.
Monday
Some Questions and Answers Concerning Step-Families
1) Even though you may not be able to be fully available to your children,
as a couple, you should establish regular private time together away from
the children.
This is TRUE because the surest way to make your stepfamily strong is to make your
relationship strong. You need to nurture your relationship so it can weather the storms of
stepfamily life.
2) It is advisable not to talk too much with children about the pre-divorce
family since this arouses sad feelings.
This is FALSE because kids need to be allowed to grieve for the biological family. Grieving entails feelings of both sadness and anger. The more kids are encouraged to feel these feelings, the sooner they will move past grief and open to accepting the new family.
3) It is advisable for stepparents, right from the start, to begin to participate
in the discipline of their stepchildren.
This is FALSE except where very young children are involved. A child is more likely to accept a stepparent if he or she starts out acting like a kindly aunt or uncle- supportive and helpful.
4) Children often misbehave when they return from being with their other biological parent and this is normal.
This is all too TRUE. Allowing the kids “space” to adjust to the changes works best.
5) It is important for family members to do most things together so as to
develop a strong family bond.
This is FALSE. While it is good to do some things together, strong stepfamily bonds are forged when stepparents and stepchildren spend alone time together and the couple enjoys alone time, too.
6) It is difficult for a stepchild to bond with a stepparent if their biological parent disapproves.
This is unfortunately TRUE. Children are most concerned that they don't lose the love of a biological parent.
7) After an initial adjustment period, family members will begin to love one another.
This is FALSE because family members may or may not eventually love each other.
Love sometimes comes at the beginning but it just as likely may take a long time, if at all.
8) The average time it takes for a blended family to develop a sense of family is about one year.
This is FALSE because the average time it takes runs anywhere from 3 to 7 years.
9) A good rule of thumb is to keep standards for behavior high but expectations, low.
This is TRUE. Keeping standards for behavior high means that you let the kids know that while you can't force them to love the stepfamily members, you can insist that they treat them with respect. Expectations refers to expecting the kids to open their hearts.
10) If you have different house rules from your ex, this will hurt the children.
This is FALSE because the children need good solid discipline. If they aren't receiving it at the other parent's house, at least they can receive it at yours.
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