Mother of Pearls

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 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!

PEARL PINS by Margaret McSweeney

At age 49, I am a mom without a mom. This deep longing for my mother continues to surprise me. During milestone moments, I imagine phone conversations with her.

“Can you believe that Melissa is graduating from high school in June? I’m so glad you will be flying to Chicago to be here with us.” 

“Wasn’t that a fun family dinner we all had last weekend to celebrate Katie’s ‘sweet sixteen?’ I am so glad you could join us.”

“Isn’t this exciting? I just got a new book contract. Will you please edit my manuscript before I send it in?”
    
Sadly, this will be my eighth Mother’s Day to spend without my mother. She has missed some poignant milestones in my life and in the lives of my daughters. Both Melissa and Katie were very young when she died so they don’t have a full reservoir of memories about Grandmommy Rhea. However, they do have the legacy of faith that she helped instill in them as toddlers. She loved to send Veggie Tales tapes, Children’s Bibles and devotional books. 
     
Melissa and Katie were blessed to have Nana, (Dave’s mother) around for much longer. Nana passed away two years ago. A few years before Nana died, she gave me a beautiful necklace with a diamond pendant made from her wedding ring along with a pair of diamond earrings. She asked me to give these special gifts to Melissa and Katie for their sixteenth birthdays. Even though Nana wasn’t around to celebrate, my daughters were so happy to receive such special keepsakes from her. Hugs from heaven.

Last week on Katie’s 16th birthday, I discovered an unexpected blessing that had been tucked away in a cardboard container of my mother’s things. A jewelry box with three pearl pins! I gave one to Melissa as a belated 16th birthday gift, and I presented one to Katie for her 16th birthday. This Mother’s Day, I will wear my mother’s pearl pin as a tangible reminder that a mother’s love (and a grandmother’s love) is an everlasting gift from God.   ß

Finding these gifts made me think about what I might leave for my own daughters someday. It isn’t the external value of the gift that matters, but rather the love that it represents.

Is there a special gift or letter that you would like to leave your children?

Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs.  After earning a master’s degree in international business from the University of South Carolina, Margaret moved to New York City to work at a large bank where she met David.  Margaret is the editor of Pearl Girls, author of A Mother’s Heart Knows and co-author of Go Back and Be Happy. Charity and community involvement are very important to Margaret. She has served on the board of directors for WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) for over eight years. For more information, find Margaret at www.pearlgirls.info and www.kitchenchat.info. 

Max on Life by Max Lucado

 

About the author:

Max Lucado is one of America's most widely read authors.  He has more than 100 million products in print.  He and  his wife ,Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves at the Oak Hill church.

Synopsis:

In his latest book Max Lucado fields questions about hope, hurt, and home.  He answers these questions with honest examples and a foundation in Scripture.  His answers with knowledge, directness, compassion and practicality.

Lucado's of God and his passion for ministry are evident on each page and in each answer.  He does not pretend  to be the final authority on life's important questions, but points the reader to the ultimate authority.  Max on Life is written in a Lucado style; interesting, honestly, and inspirational.

I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest and open review.  I highly recommend this book and plan to keep it as a reference in my library.

Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

  About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is a prolific writer who has published hundreds of articles in national magazines.  She has also written more than 20 fiction and nonfiction books combined.  She helped write 3:16 teen edition with Max Lucado.  She has also written books on marriage and parenting and contributed notes to the Women of Faith study Bible.

Synopsis:

18-year-old Marianna summer has spent her entire life with the Amish in Indiana.  She plans to be baptized into the Church, marry Aaron Zook and start her own family.   

When her older brother decides to leave the community and follow the way of the Englisch, Marianna's father decides to move the family to Montana.  I Marianna is of legal age and is in her own.
Rumschpringe years, and not obligated to move with the family, she decides to go to help her mother, who is pregnant with another child.

She was surprised to find herself being influenced by many Englisch ways in Montana.  She finds herself desiring to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.  She said Lawrence.  The move for me Indiana was not about losing that about finding out who God really is.  Through our experiences, both good and bad Marianna feels a peace in our soul.

I enjoyed reading this book because I learned about the Amish.  I will recommend this book to anyone.

I received this book from lit fuse publicity in exchange for an honest and open review.
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Another birthday another year

 

Well here I sit reflecting on another birthday. So much as happened this past year, it's hard to believe that I am another year older. But, as they say, life goes on.

I know God has a plan for me, and his timing is perfect. Although I feel every year has brought more wisdom, I still feel there is more for me to do here.

As we get older our humor must remain intact. This year I had two cakes because, my darling grandkids, decided that all my candles would not fit on one cake. You just have to love the candor of kids.

Well, I must get started on the new year of my life. Until next time, this is another slice of life on the age.

Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver

I recently had the opportunity to read and review Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver, the best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. This is the the third book in that trilogy. This book invites us to take a closer look at our relationship with God by showing us that God does love in spite of ourselves. To many people this idea is too overwhelming for them to believe. Many people fail to recognize the compassion of Jesus when He does not intervene in crises in their lives. But just as he waited for four days to go to Bethany when He heard of Lazarus' illness, he allows his children to experience tribulations in order to fulfill the plans and purposes he has for their lives. He works in His time frame and not ours.


Ms. Weaver takes the story of Lazarus found in the bible (John 11:1-12:11) and relates it to our lives today. Sometimes taking off the grave clothes we wear can be a painful process but is necessary if we want to experience the wholeness of God's love for us.

I found this book to be an enlightening read and realized that sometimes I am more comfortable wearing the grave clothes because I am afraid of what lies ahead if I take them off.

I do recommend this book to anyone who desires to find their place in the Heart of God.

Heart Of Ice by Lis Wiehl and April Henry

Lis Wiehl and April Henry have done it again!  The women of the Triple Threat Club have put their skills to the test and beat all odds to come out on top again.  This time the killer is right in front of their noses.


When Cassidy Shaw, reporter for Channel 4 news joins a boot camp class taught by Elizabeth she is drawn to her and becomes a "friend" to her.  What she doesn't know is that Elizabeth is a master manipulator who only uses people to get what she wants.  She has already used a former fellow inmate to burn a house and kill the ex of her wealthy boyfriend.  She also uses a lonely and insecure supermarket clerk to do her bidding and kill for her.

When   the Triple Threat Club realize what is happening, one of their own is in danger of losing her daughter and her own life

This book is a fascinating read but I must warn you: Do not open this book at bedtime orie you will not sleep at all because you won't be able to put this read down. The characters are real and credible and the action is fast paced.

I received this book in exchange for an honest and open review from Booksneeze.

Life Happens

Sorry, I haven't been faithful in posting lately.  My mom is in the hospital.  She had heart surgery this week and is doing fine.  My brother in law is also in ICU 2 doors away from Mom, and my husband recently got out of the hospital too.  It is getting bad when the nurses know you by your first name and have a cup of coffee waiting for you when you get there.

I can thank God that He has never left us alone through all of this and has had to carry us when the going got tough.

I just want to ask all of you for your prayers for me and my family.

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

I did not really know what to expect from this book when I ordered it.  I am not a major sci-fi fan but I have grandsons who do enjoy this genre.  My oldest grandson read it after I finished and said he enjoyed reading it. 

Following the death of his parents, Colt is forced to move to Arizona to live with his grandfather.  The only person he knows in his new town is a childhood friend named Dani.  He also meets a boy, Oz whom he has not met before, yet seems strangely familiar.  The trio of friends are drawn into a world of shape shifters, flying morotcycles, and aliens.  Everything Colt thought was normal now seems to have disappeared.  His life will never be the same.

Although I did not enjoy this book as much as others I have read, I did find myself lost in the story at times.  I think this book would be a good book for young sci-fi fans.  I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest and open review.

The Life Ready Woman in a Do it All World by Shaunti Feldham and Robert Lewis

This is a book for women who want to live godly lives and thrive in the "do it all world."  When we live according to God's calling for our lives we will thrive.  When we attempt to live "in the world" without listening to God, we find ourselves stressed and overwhelmed.

The book is divided into two parts.  The first part contrasts the mold society attempts to fit us into vs the unique design and callings God has for us.

In part 2 we learn about "living from the inside out."  Inside out living is using our core calling to enhance our lives by putting God's design for us before the world's designs.

I was really impacted by the "seasons of life" descriptions.  I, personally, do not fit into a specific stage but find myself in several stages at once.  I am married with young adult children but since I have custody of four grandchildren I am also married with grade schoolers, and married with teenagers.  I do not know if I will ever be a married empty nester but I do know that I'm living God's purpose for my life.

This book did impact my life and provided me with several things to really think about.  I believe you will, after reading this book, also find yourself thinking about your core calling and God's design for your life.

I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review.

Another Chapter Opens

Well, life is definitely "on the edge".  My DH is in the hospital and has been for a week.  He has gall bladder problems, colon problems and yesterday, he had a minor heart attack--if there is such a thing.  No heart attack is minor in my opinion.

I have been running myself ragged and driving myself crazy(ier) by the minute.

Until next time, my foot is slipping further and further on the edge.

The Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

Sheila Franklin has lived a life of secrets but now these secrets must come to light.  She has married Edward, a conservative pastor.  Her life is one of happiness and fulfillment until a phone call from the son she was forced to give up years ago shatters that complacent life.  Should she come to the aid of her son and help him find and save the love of his life or should she not "rock the boat" and put her husband's career in jeopardy?

Once her secrets are revealed she finds that God's love has redeemed her past and reconciled her secrets.  She comes to understand that He does love her unconditionally and her past sins does not diminish that love.

This is an awesome story of redemption and forgiveness.  Everyone who reads this book will see parts of their own spiritual journey through Sheila's adventures.

Patti Lacy hasd done a wonderful job in bringing her characters to life.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest and open review.

Living in the Overlap by Steve Schaefer

What an idea!  I did not fully understand what the overlap is until I read this book.  To be honest, I had not even heard of "living in the overlap" until I read this book.  According to Schaefer, the overlap is now--the time between the coming of the kingdom of God and the ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom at the end of time.  The implications of the overlap are astronomical--we can enjoy some of the blessings of the age to come but will only experience all the kingdom blessings when Christ comes again.

"Although we have not yet stood before God the the end time judgment we have already received our end time verdict of 'not guilty'. p.23.  What an awesome thought!  Because He sent His son to take our guilt we can enjoy the blessings of His kingdom.

Living in the overlap does not make us immune to Satan and conflicts.  Schaefer lists three forms of evil influence we face:
    the world
    the flesh
    the devil

This book is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about God's kingdom and how it affects us today.

I received this book in exchange for an honest and open review.

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

This book is a amazingly easy read that is loaded with good information.  God is interested in every area of our lives--yes, even our eating habits.  Lysa offers practical tips that will ease the unhealthy food cravings and bring us closer to God.  She has battled with her weight and has "walked this walk" herself.  She is not throwing out useless advice in a condescending manner.  She has been there done that.

I found the scriptures she included helpful in other areas of my life.  I found they gave me the help I needed when I was in situations that required more willpower than I had on my own.   Lysa used an illustration regarding her running distance that struck a chord in my own life.  I have found that God gives me more strength than I could possibly have on my own many times.

Overall, I found this book very good and useful plan to keep it as a reference to augment my healthy eating and living plan.  I do recommend this book to anyone that needs encouragement to combat their cravings and to know that God is always there to help us.

I received this book from Litfuse blog tour in exchange for an honest review.

Change of Plans

I had the pleasure of reviewing this movie before it aired on television.  I must tell you that it is a must see movie that reinforces the power of family.

Jason and Sally are a professional couple without children.  Their lives and careers are fulfilling and they are happy with life and each other.  But their lives take a drastic turn when Sally learns her best friend and her husband are killed in a plane crash in Uganda where they were working in the peace corps.
The couple left four children, 3 of which were adopted.  One minute Jason and Sally were free to travel without worries and the next they become guardians of four children. 

Along with these new members of the household come the problems associated with parenthood.  From adjustments at new schools to teenage issues, Sally and Jason are given a quick indoctrination into the lives of parents.  Of course, tensions arise and a minor legal problem occurs but each member of this family do learn that sacrifice and compromise are necessary ingredients to a successful family life.

This movie airs tomorrow night (1/8) on Fox at 7:00 CST.  I urge you and your family to watch this amazing movie.  This is a family movie that will not disappoint you.

Another Christmas

Well, another Christmas has come and gone.  I hope everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed time with family and friends.  We had a white Christmas this year and that really made me feel "Christmasy"  (Is that a word?)  Oh well, I had a wonderful time and feel so good that everyone had a good time at my house for Christmas dinner.  It was a lot of work and play at the same time.

Again, I hope you all had a wonderful time and remembered to thank God for the real reason we celebrate Christmas each year. I watched the kids open their presents and paused and gave thanks to God for the many blessings.

SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just finished my Christmas Shopping.  Again spent too much but none of it is on credit.  I can only thank God for that blessing.  Of course, hubby is going to fuss but he hasn't even started his yet.

Hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season.  Hope you all are keeping warm.  I am going to hibernate today and tomorrow afternoon.  I forgot about a doctor's appointment I have in the morning. UGH!

Until next time--stay warm and happy and thank God for all His blessings you have received.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Well folks, Christmas is almost here.  I hope you are all having a great time during the holidays.  I have been running myself to death trying to get everything done in time--but isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing.  School is about to be dismissed for the holiday and Christmas parties and school programs are in full swing.  The only thing I wish for this season is that we remember the purpose of Christmas.

Well, I have got to go and settle the kids down and get things ready for school tomorrow.

So long for now from the edge.

Little Star by Anthony DeStefano

A king is about to be born!  All the stars compete for the chance to shine the brightest to welcome this anticipated arrival.  They were all being shined and dusted by comets; all, that is, except Little Star.  The other stars did not make fun of Little Star--they ignored him which hurt more.

When the stars saw the poor couple in the manger, they lost interest in the child's birth.  "Surely no king would come in such an ordianry style," they thought.  So interest was lost.  But of all the stars in the heavens, Little Star was the only one who understood the King's message.  His message is LOVE.

This is a beautifully written book for children.  The illustrations really add to the message of the book.  I read this story to my children and they absolutely loved it.  My six year old gathered her dolls together and "read" the book to them.

I must say I hightly recommend this book and it will be a new tradition in my household.

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan

This is a delightful book.  It has words and music to 150 of our favorite hymns and the story behind their origins.  It is more than a historical account but is written in an interesting devotional style.

Before I read this book I knew the history of "It is Well With My Soul" but was truly amazed to learn fun factsd about some of my other favorites:  "Little Brown Church in the Vale" was written five years before the church was actually built.  This story almost has a supernatural aura about it--what might be called a God Thing;  The words to "Jesus Loves Me" was written in a novel written by Anna B. and Susan Warner.  The music was written years later by William Bradbury when he found the words in the novel.

I loved this book because I use hymns in my own worship time with God.  This book would make a wonderful gift to a music lover or for anyone (like me) who likes to learn interesting and fun facts.

I recommend this book highly.

This book was given to me by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

The Devil is in the Details by Tony Kessinger

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tony Kessinger has more than twenty-five years ministry experience.  He is the president of Truth Seekers International and the author of several books.  He is an excellent Bible teacher who has taught in Bible institures on five continents.

Tony Kessinger has written a book that everyone should read.  He has   researched the material very well and speaks with great knowledge and authority on the wiles of the devil.  He gives his readers a firm foundation of scriptures to add to their arsenal against the devil.

The devil is alive and well today.  He is still using deceptive methods to entrap humans.  The enemy is sneaking and bombarding us daily with his subtle tricks.  As a grandmother rearing her four grandchildren, reading this book made me more aware of what these children are exposed to every day.  Satan can use something that seems innocent and harmless but is slowly weakening their defenses until Satan has established a stronghold on them.

This book is full of information and the chapter summaries really encapsulate the essence of each chapter.  This book is a must read for Christians who want to know more about the wiles of the enemy.  I highly recommend it.

This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.