features Clips
Wedding Prep!
Thursday, June 13, 2013 | Comments (1) | Written by Georgia HookWho doesn't love a wedding? My son is engaged to be married this summer, and weddings have definitely been on my mind lately--all the planning and preparing! In the midst of all this, my mind has been drawn back to a couple of dreams I had years ago. The dreams were in the same week, but different nights. In the first dream, I was a bridesmaid. I suddenly realized that it was almost time for the wedding to begin, and I was completely unprepared. In sheer panic, I went through my closet... read more...
Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice
Thursday, May 09, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Maria PardoWe have all sat and cried with close friends going through pain. We've wept with another as they faced grief, cried for the loss of loved ones, and been up into the wee hours of the night, praying for someone dealing with trials and troubles. I've soaked my own pillow in tears over a miscarriage, the death of a family member, saying long goodbyes, struggles with relationships, and the uncertainty of life. Often in those times, this verse comes to mind: "Consider it all joy my brethren,... read more...
Defend Your Marriage
Thursday, April 25, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Jaime CarrilloIn every great story, there is love -- and danger. What is the one way the villain can cause pain to his foe? Through the hero's beloved, of course. You are part of a much larger story, that goes back to the dawn of time. There is an enemy seeking to devour that which is most precious to the One who made all. We are His beloved. The enemy of our souls is the villain. Elohim, El Shaddai, El Elyon, Yahweh, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah-Raah, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah... read more...
Let Go and Let God
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 | Comments (1) | Written by Janae HeitzigGod showed me how to "let go and let God" while watching one of my son Seth's favorite movies, Finding Nemo, about a young clownfish named Nemo who disappeared from home. His pessimistic father, Marlin, joined a happy-go-lucky blue-tang fish, Dory, to scour the sea in search of his lost son. And just like Jonah, our dynamic duo got sucked in by a whale. While feverishly struggling to stay in the creature's mouth, Dory heard the whale tell them to swim to the back of his throat and go... read more...
In Search of Lost Things
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Laura Z. SowersA couple of years ago, we were in Disney World with two of our grandchildren when ten-year-old Drew realized he didn't have his wallet. We hoofed it back to the restaurant where we'd just eaten, inspected around the table, but nothing. We checked with the park's lost and found, but it wasn't there. It was lost. So we decided to accept it and move on. It's easy to move on when you're in Disney World. A couple of weeks after we got home, Drew's wallet arrived in my mailbox, money... read more...
Spring Cleaning
Friday, March 15, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Laura Z. SowersThere's something therapeutic about spring-cleaning. I was raised on it, and even though I hated it at the time, there was no denying the fresh-start feeling it yielded. I recall still-chilly spring Saturdays with rugs draped over the clothesline and beaten within a dust mite of their lives, or watching Mom back down the basement steps with a bucket and scrub brush in her hands. Bedroom closets spilled their contents into the middle of the floors, and we sorted through them methodically, putting... read more...
His Love Endures Forever
Thursday, February 28, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Jaime CarrilloHearts and flowers. An endless barrage of red and pink. Chocolate-covered everything. Love is most certainly in the air! In the midst of juggling all the dinner reservations and romantic hoopla, consider what an opportune time it is to reflect on the greatest love that's ever been given to us. That may be easy for some, but I acknowledge that there may be some of you struggling right now, wrestling with misplaced faith, discouragement, even doubting God's love for you. Is that you... read more...
Beloved of the Father
Friday, February 22, 2013 | Comments (4) | Written by Zanetta RomeroSadly, a couple of months ago my best friend's father passed away. His death came suddenly and somewhat unexpectedly. Needless to say, my friend and her family members and friends were left completely brokenhearted, missing this man whom they loved. As I sat in the services and listened to the family speak of this man -- this father, this husband, this grandpa, this coach, this mentor, this friend -- I noticed this phrase used over and over by different individuals: "He was there."... read more...
Binding Love
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Jen SantiagoNatural, biological, step, foster, adopted -- do any of these words properly define the important role you play in the lives you are bound to? It is the role of every parent/grandparent (step or natural) to obey our responsibility of properly raising children according to God's word. In his article "Step Parent Bible Story," Kevin Leland says, "If the responsibilities and duties of these roles are taken on and carried out correctly according to scripture, then there is hardly a... read more...
Sowing Seeds
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Jaime CarrilloAn optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. -- Bill Vaughan So which are you? Did you stay up to bring the new year in? Well, I'd like to think of myself as an optimist...at the stroke of midnight, my husband and I shared a kiss, took communion, and prayed in the new year with excitement. Excited for the endless possibilities that lay before us, praying for wisdom and discernment to recognize opportunities and the... read more...
Five Tips For Stress-Free Journaling
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Laura Z. SowersMy first experience with journaling was of the "Five-year diary" variety. My brother gave it to me for my birthday. It was blue and had a lock and key that I found particularly intriguing. Apparently, I was expected to have such deep and interesting thoughts, my journal required maximum security. Soon, however, I found myself cheating. Friday would roll around, and I hadn't written anything for a week. Guilt! So I sat down at my desk, chewed on the end of my pencil and rolled the... read more...
I Will Not Fear the Future
Monday, January 07, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoI'm not sure why, but I've always had a tendency to be a bit apprehensive at the start of a new year. Okay, not a bit, a whole lot apprehensive. Even as a child, I remember thinking, What does this year have in store for me, for my family? Not in an excited way, but in a way that is tied down with dread. I'm one of the biggest Christmas fans you'll ever encounter. As soon as Christmas is over, I start the countdown to next Christmas. New Year's Eve, however, is a different story. If I... read more...
Stuck on an Incline
Thursday, January 03, 2013 | Comments (0) | Written by Zanetta RomeroOver the past week or so, my treadmill has been stuck at about a six incline. I keep trying to reset it by unplugging it from the wall and messing with the button that moves it up or down. Nothing! It remains therestuck. Needless to say, this has made running all the more strenuous. It hurts! My ankles and calves sometimes feel like they can take no more. My breathing becomes heavier and harder to control. At times I have to gently hold the handle with at least one hand in order... read more...
What Other King Leaves His Throne?
Thursday, December 27, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Zanetta RomeroThe other morning I woke up with a song in my heart. The same chorus was playing over and over again: "What other king leaves his throne?" I had plans to share something different with you this month but the Lord has brought this same chorus back to my heart and it hasn't left. As I ponder this and jot down my thoughts, I feel it best to share a personal journal entry. December 17, 2012 Woke up with lyrics playing over and over in my head. "What other king leaves his... read more...
It's Okay to Overeat...
Monday, November 19, 2012 | Comments (1) | Written by Zanetta RomeroI was outside running the other day and started thinking to myself, Don't overeat this year during the holidays, Zanetta! I don't know about you, but during the holidays I get pretty excited about all the different seasonal foods and desserts. Each year I have good intentions not to overeat but most years I find myself doing the complete opposite and overindulging. As I continued on this run, I heard "It's okay to overeat..." I was shocked at that phrase. Is that You... read more...
Gratitude and the Art of Thankfulness
Monday, November 19, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Jaime Carrillo"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone." - G.B. Stern The other day I found myself daydreaming of personal chefs and cleaning crews. Weeks of various sicknesses had been circulating in our household, the "to-do" list was growing, and the exhaustion was mounting. The temptation to complain and fall into self-pity was palpable. Then a few urgent prayer requests came across my computer. I got word of the situation in Israel. Perspective. What an opportune... read more...
Warning Signs
Monday, November 19, 2012 | Comments (1) | Written by Misty FosterI tripped and fell. Most people don't like to admit when they fall but I am and I did. Bad. It wasn't like, "Oh, I tripped and kind of toppled over gracefully." No, this was more along the magnitude of crash and burn status. I didn't just fall, I fell hard...and all because I took my eyes off of my path. In the last six months I have started running again. I ran in years past but due to knee issues I stopped. In May, I started again and have slowly built up my stamina and... read more...
Honk if You Love...
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Laura Z. SowersThis morning, I was awakened by the sounds of prolonged, loud, chaotic honking. Okay, it was a flock of geese flying over the house. In the North Valley of Albuquerque, this is a sound that heralds the arrival of migrating Canada Geese and the deepening of autumn. For dyed-in-the-wool valley people, the sound is as common as leaf blowers, but its a relatively new sound for me, and it never fails to make me smile.Before we moved to the valley, Id been a city dweller, so my basic exposure to... read more...
Is God's Hand Slipping?
Monday, November 12, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Shaena CrespoIs God's hand slipping? When things don't go your way, does it seem like God is a little less sovereign? Come on, we've all rejoiced when we snagged the closest parking spot or received a promotion at work. But I rarely sing praises when forced to park two blocks away, or am overlooked for a well-deserved promotion. No. In those moments it usually seems like God's hand is slipping. Is it? This month our country re-elected its 44th president. In... read more...
For the Love of Fall
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Jaime CarrilloDelicious autumn!My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot Fall and me, we got a "thang" going on. My heart starts to pitter-patter the very moment I see that first hot air balloon of the season. Leaves begin to blush like a schoolgirl with a crush, dancing on their branches until that moment of release...each one falling with reckless abandon...just waiting for someone to... read more...
Cookies in a Jar
Thursday, October 25, 2012 | Comments (2) | Written by Karen PucciniHi ladies! I thought you might like a copy of our Cookies in a Jar recipe and assembly instructions.Assembly instructions:1 1/3 Cup all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1 Cup cooking oats3/4 cup M & M's3/4 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips1/2 Cup brown sugar, packed1/2 Cup white sugar1/3 - 1/2 Cup chopped pecans Start with a 1 quart smooth Ball jar (can be found at Hobby Lobby)Layer the ingredients as follows: First:... read more...
Change Anyone?
Wednesday, October 03, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Zanetta RomeroFall is here. The weather is cooling down and the smell of the air is changing -- there is a freshness and crispness about it. The leaves are changing color and some are already falling. Bible study is starting up again, favorite TV programs are coming back on, pumpkin-scented candles, and yummy fall desserts are on the rise. And, of course, fall would not be the same without our annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! Thinking about the details that I love about the changing... read more...
The Aroma of Eternity
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Jaime Carrillo"In quietness and trust will be your strength, but you would have none of it" (Isa. 30:15, NIV). Busyness is trending these days, wouldn't you agree? We get so caught up in being busy, being a do-er, a run-around-er, especially this time of year... But as we read God's Word, we are reminded that He wants to slow us down and bring us into His presence. We need to give Him access! I'm reminded of a walk I took on the trail across the street from my house, when I lived in the... read more...
She Presses On: What it Means to Me
Friday, August 24, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Megan EnglandI have been in a bit of a desert place, you know... the place where you feel like you are going through the motions. Life, like it is for so many, is busy−being a mom and wife, and working outside the home and well inside of our home. Recently, it occurred to me that I wasn't HEARING the Lord. Daily, I spent time with Him but it was often rushed and squeezed in before the rush of the day began. I knew this isn't what He desired and it was certainly affecting my intimacy with the... read more...
Let It Go
Friday, August 24, 2012 | Comments (1) | Written by Jaime CarrilloIs your paycheck short...again? Is there too much month at the end of your money? Are the demands grossly outweighing your energy levels? Has the deal fallen apart? Has the diagnosis come in? Have the children gone rogue? Has the pink slip arrived? Do you feel like you're constantly living in "the 11th hour?" You are not alone. We've coined an expression around our house, one that we've scrupulously named "white knuckle syndrome." This phrase describes the overwhelming desire to... read more...
Freedom
Thursday, July 26, 2012 | Comments (2) | Written by Jamie CarrilloThis month we celebrate "freedom" as a nation. From coast to coast and sea to shining sea, outdoor grills are being fired up. Patriotic colored desserts are being preparedwith extra whipped cream. Lawn games are the source of friendly competition, and children are squealing in delight with sparklers in hand as fireworks dance across the sky to commemorate our right to "Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness" through the adoption of the Declaration... read more...
sHe Meant It
Friday, July 06, 2012 | Comments (2) | Written by Georgia HookI was 24 years old, seven months pregnant with my first baby, and about to move to another state. I sat with my grandma in her cozy, post-war, frame house in Indiana. She had lived in this house since my mom was 10 years old, and it brought me comfort just to be there. I had grown up only a few miles away from my grandma, and she had always been there for me. We cooked together, did sewing projects, picked strawberries and persimmons in the back yard, had picnics.... The memories were... read more...
The Heat is On
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 | Comments (1) | Written by Jaime CarrilloThe temperatures are rising. Lemonade stands are popping up like wild fire in neighborhoods near and far. Jingles from ice cream trucks can be heard from blocks away summoning sweaty children like The Pied Piper. Orange barrels are taking over the landscape. Yep. It's official. Summer is upon us. As I was sitting in traffic, glistening (That's right, glistening. Girls don't sweat, we glisten), I took notice of the commuters around me. To my right, a sullen driver in an old... read more...
Sweet Nothing
Thursday, June 07, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoAs a mother of three amazing girls, all of whom I homeschool, I, along with my girls were counting down the days until May 30th - our last day of school. I think the four of us could taste summer. I must admit, summer is my least favorite season but knowing I would soon have all day to run errands, clean, do nothing, or meet up with friends, it quickly became a season I actually look forward to. Funny how that works. My plans for the week after the end of school year: Nothing.... read more...
At His Feet
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 | Comments (6) | Written by Jaime Carrillo"Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again." (Sarah Ban Breathnach)Although fall is my favorite season of the year, spring is my second favorite, or maybe it's tied for first - I don't know...but there is something so powerful, so profound about the way new life sprouts from the ground. One day the trees are barren and stripped from a season of gray, the next they are... read more...
Helping or Hindering?
Monday, March 26, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Misty FosterEvery spring when the time changes, I anxiously await the warmer days and nights which allow me the opportunity to walk after work. I love to get out with worship in my ears and nothing but me and the fresh air. I am usually lax about my jogging routine in the winter months, so I have to ease myself back into it. This spring, I decided I was going to set a timeframe for just walking and then work my way into running. I also determined to use the ankle weights I have neglected for the past... read more...
The God Diet
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Audrey MartinezIn the last few weeks, God has given me Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good...." If you are like me, whenever I hear that verse, Shaena Crespo comes to mind. I hear her beautiful voice singing the words. But as this verse draws me into worship, it also reminds me of something I've learned recently: "tasting" God is better than tasting cheesecake. In the past several months, I did a bible study that caused me to take a hard look at a habitual sin that I didn't even know... read more...
Dont Let Fear Keep You from Fresh
Wednesday, January 04, 2012 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoI've never been one to make "New Year's Resolutions." Truth be told, I'm pretty sure I avoid making resolutions simply out of fear. Fear of what? Fear of failing. There is something about saying resolutions out loud, or posting them on Facebook or Twitter, or even simply writing them down that seems so...final, so real to me. I feel like it equates to so much accountability. Don't get me wrong, I don't think making resolutions or posting them for all to see is wrong or silly. Quite the... read more...
Making Memories
Monday, December 12, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Audrey MartinezI love Christmas! I have so many wonderful childhood memories of Christmas. My parents always made such an effort to make it special. As I grew up and started having children of my own, my mom frequently reminded me (and still does) of how important it is to do special things for them. She would tell me, "Raising kids is tough and doing special things may not always be easy or convenient for you, but you are making memories for your children." The great memories I have attest to the truth... read more...
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Wednesday, December 07, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Janae HeitzigOne of my greatest blessings was to be raised in a Christian home. Both of my parents (God bless them), devoted themselves to bringing up their children with the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even as a young child I remember the many methods my parents used to show my siblings and me the love of Jesus. Whether a simple warm embrace or a significant lesson in grace, my parents managed to point to Jesus. Like all children, my siblings and I loved to give and receive... read more...
Give Thanks
Monday, November 21, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Penny RoseWhen I think about the holidays, one word comes to mind: Overwhelmed. It feels like there's too much to do and too little time. So I conducted a non-scientific poll and asked some friends, "What word comes to mind when you think about the upcoming holidays?" Their responses were very telling: Christy said, "Happy!" My mom said, "Busy." Barb said, "Stressed." Barb's husband said, "Memories." I guess Barb's stress works - she makes the holidays memorable for her family! One lady said, "Sad"... read more...
Being the Older Woman Has Its Definite Perks
Monday, November 07, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoI have SO, SO much to be thankful for, none of which I deserve. However, today I can't help but think of and give thanks for the godly, female mentors God has so graciously put in my path throughout the thirty-three years of my life. They are too numerous to count, but each has made such a marvelous impact in my life, and continues to do so! In fact, my oldest daughter, JeNe, is named after one of my first (other than my mother and sister) mentors. JeNee, was a youth group leader at... read more...
Back to the Basics
Monday, October 03, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoWith September well upon us I've been thinking about what it means to get "back to the basics". I don't know about you all, but I often need to be reminded to get back to the basics. This pertains to all areas of my life. If I'm eating out too much, I have to stop and ask myself why. Usually, it's simply that I need to plan my meals for the week (once again) and get to the grocery store. If my house is feeling chaotic and disorganized, I simply have to look around, plan, declutter, and... read more...
My Father - My Shepherd
Saturday, September 10, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nancy Galligan"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Romans 8:35. Oh Lord, day after day, minute by minute, You are all I need. You are my King, the light to my path. Even in the darkest places I feel the breath of Your holiness, the touch of Your grace, and the peace of Your presence. You are my 'first' and eternal love. My Redeemer lives! With joy, I stand in awe of You, crying holy,... read more...
End of Summer Blues? Three Ways to Beat the Heat
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Shaena CrespoHave you ever noticed how the end of summer seems 1,000 times busier than any other time of year? Even if you are the type that uses summer to prepare for fall, the end somehow sneaks up on you as if it didn't happen the same time every year. With all the added pressure, it's no wonder the summer's end has many of us feeling the heat. If the August temps have you singing the end of summer blues, here are three great ways to help you beat... read more...
If It Had Not Been the Lord...
Saturday, July 16, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Misty FosterA few weeks back I came upon Psalm 124. The first two verses read, "'If it had not been the Lord who was on our side," Let Israel now say"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us.'" All my mind could repeat was, "If it has not been the Lord who was on our side." That day in prayer, I wrote a list of all of the things that could have been if it had not been for the Lord, who is on my side. If it had not been the Lord, I would have married the... read more...
Be A Mover
Friday, June 10, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Michelle ZainaSo teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalms 90:12 NKJV). God's word is full of reminders that we are not here for very long. It does not let us forget that our lives are but vapor, grass today, and kindling tomorrow. I think of my children, my family, and my friends, and as we get older, I ask myself, "Do I have enough energy and strength to keep up? Do I have the physical strength to make the most of each day with them now and in the future?" For example, if... read more...
The Ultimate Travel Agent
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoAs we enter summer, a time to "vacation", I'm reminded how stressful a vacation can be. Travel requires constant communication, not only with our family, but especially with the Lord. The stress of planning, packing, travel, jam-packed days, constant eating out, and utter and complete exhaustion can really bring out the best and worst in us. If I'm not constantly checking in with God and making sure He's glorified and thanked, I'm a mess. A vacation of any type is a privilege. We don't... read more...
New Perspectives
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Janae Heitzig"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more..." (Philippians 1:9). Last week I celebrated my first Mother's Day as a mother! For so many years I have always viewed Mother's Day as a day devoted to showing my Mom how much I loved and appreciated her -- a mom appreciation day! Growing up it was a day my siblings and I made "I love you, Mom" cards, gave extra snuggles, and did whatever Mom wanted to do for the day without debate. I looked forward to the day I would be a... read more...
Pulling Weeds
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Misty FosterOften times, we think that in order to love our neighbors, it has to be a big action performance. We think it's like baking them cookies and arranging it in a nice basket with a beautiful bow to take to them or inviting them over for an extravagant meal. But it can be something quite simple; something they may not even notice. Sometimes, it can be something small and out of the ordinary. With the coming of the warm weather, I've spent the past weeks weeding our front and back yards.... read more...
Help Out Now
Saturday, May 07, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nancy ReimannHuman trafficking is becoming more and more prevalent throughout the world. Did you know that 27 million people are enslaved worldwide? There are 100,000 American children trafficked for commercial sex each year. Two children are sold every minute. One person can make a difference! Pray for those enslaved to be comforted and set free Proclaim their plight by making their problem known to others Pledge that you will educate yourself on the issue.If you think you have come in... read more...
Is Your Home a Haven?
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoWhen I was a young, stay-at-home mom with babies and toddlers, I was overwhelmed and I remember counting the minutes until my husband came home. Now, I wasn't counting the minutes because I wanted to cuddle with him on the couch. Unfortunately, I counted the minutes so I could hand him his children and let him know what a difficult day I had to endure, and make sure he knew that he was sure lucky to have me. Yikes! Fortunately, not only for me but for my family, a wise friend told me how... read more...
First Home
Friday, April 22, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Misty FosterMy husband and I are entering a new season in life. We just moved out of an apartment and into our first house. Though we are renting, we truly feel the Lord led us to this house and has us in the perfect place. To us it's home. We moved the first of March and have grown to love our house more and more each day. Each morning we discover something new, different, and far better than apartment living. I have spent weekends in the front and back yards cleaning out the weeds and raking and... read more...
You're invited!
Friday, April 22, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Shaena CrespoDoesn't it feel wonderful to be included? Don't assume your unsaved friends, neighbors, or co-workers aren't interested in your God. Most people are more open to the gospel than Christians give them credit for. A heart without Christ is one in search of Him! Easter Sunday is a great time to invite your unsaved friends to church. It is projected that more people will attend church services on Easter Sunday than any other day of the year! Challenge yourself by stepping out of your... read more...
Renew Your Mind
Thursday, April 07, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Michelle ZainaIs your perception of exercise keeping you from making it a priority? I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2). Two words to concentrate on: body and mind. In this passage we see... read more...
Walking On Eggshells
Friday, April 01, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Christy WillisAs life progresses, we experience a variety of seasons. There are seasons specific to young adulthood, and those exclusive to old age. But there are certain seasons that uniquely define the middle years. One of these is commonly referred to as the sandwich generation. In this season we find ourselves sandwiched between our young adult children and our aging parents. This period can be unpredictable and emotional. In this season we are dealing with two separate generations who are... read more...
she Quest Photo Contest
Thursday, March 31, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Lenya HeitzigThe votes have been tallied and we have announced the contest winner!Thank you to all who took the challenge to seek out and capture the word she in the most quirky, off beat and out-of-the way places you could find! Please take a few minutes to view all of the photo entries on our she smiles page. The she Quest Photo Contest winner was announced at the April 12th Bible Study.
Fill Me
Thursday, March 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoAbout two years into my marriage I began to feel the effects of being unequally yoked. Every time my husband came home or even called home from work, my day became instantly stressful and miserable. I began to pray that God would show me what to do in my situation. Of course, He was faithful to do so. I prayed that God would fill me with the Holy Spirit and fill my heart with His love for my husband. I needed to know exactly how to respond to this difficult man. Then I made a conscious... read more...
Compelling Love
Friday, March 04, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Michelle Zaina"Love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your mind, heart and with your entire being" (Deut 11:13, Amp). The love that God has for you and your love for Him should compel you to live a healthy life. Here is a good place to begin by getting to know the type of food that your body loves, not craves, but loves. Protein types live to eat: Too many carbs make protein types feel sleepy an hour after their meal. Make your protein portion the size of... read more...
Ribbons and Gift Wrap
Friday, February 18, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Deb De La RosaI receive wonderful gifts throughout the year. My gifts have come wrapped in beautiful paper, tied with ribbons, tucked away in cool bags. I have gifts that are hand written letters and note cards. Cut pieces of ribbons and slivers of the gift wrap from packages you receive and keep them. Use them as book marks, day planner dividers, or prayer reminders. I have saved these "cuttings" as a reminder to pray for my family and friends who have remembered me. It also reminds... read more...
Valentines Traditions
Thursday, February 03, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoI try to make Valentine's Day special not only for my husband, but also for my girls. I cook my family a Valentine's breakfast every year, complete with heart-shaped pancakes and strawberry milk or strawberry hot chocolate. I chose strawberry because it's fun to see some extra pink on the table. I deck out the dining table with decorations of pinks and reds. My girls love waking up to a decorated table! I also make various love themed signs with paper and markers and place them throughout... read more...
Pray ... and Do Your Homework Together!
Thursday, February 03, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Deb De La RosaWhen my two children were young, there were many, many days when I didn't think we could get through homework, soccer, dinner, laundry, chores, talking to my husband, going through the mail, working... you get the picture. Of course, I put Bible study last on a list that felt never ending. Over and over again, everything fell out of order and I truly felt it. My family did, too. What is a wife and woman after God's own heart? What is a mom to do? I was stressed on many... read more...
Loving the Unlovely
Thursday, February 03, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Nichol NaranjoGrowing up I had two women in my life that filled the role of the grandmother I didn't have. I'm thankful for them both, and learned many things simply by watching them. One of these women was very dominant, opinionated, independent, and unstoppable. By many, she would be considered a "strong" woman. She lived a life of hurt and heartache, and sought to please no one. Her opinions could be heard a mile away. The second woman I grew up with was quite the opposite. She was quiet,... read more...
My Season at the Home
Friday, January 21, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Mary BishopThe summer after graduating from high school I worked the graveyard shift at a local nursing home, a Victorian era mansion that housed 45 residents. A bona fide hippie girl who crafted mobiles out of pieces of driftwood scavenged from the shores of Lake Michigan, you could definitely say I had no clue about what this work entailed. And, I was scared to death of old people. The most intimidating aspect of this position involved a woman frail as a wisp of wheat and without recognition... read more...
God's Weapons for God's Women
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Penny RoseOne of the most important discoveries I've made about being a Christian is that sometimes life is warfare. The Bible reveals that we have spiritual enemies determined to steal our joy, our witness, and deceive us with lies. We may not have encountered terrorists, but we all have war stories: The recent economic downturn may have forced you to fight financial battles like never before. Perhaps you struggle with emotional battles such as anxiety or depression. Maybe you are in the midst of... read more...
The Blessing of Shoes
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Holly SladeA friend of mine was raised in Gallup, New Mexico in a one room shack with dirt floors. Every year for Christmas, she and her brother received a pair of new shoes. It was their tradition to take their other pair of shoes from the previous year and, on Christmas day, set off into the streets of Gallup to bless the poor with a pair of shoes for Christmas. As a child, she had no idea her family was poor because they had a tradition of blessing those less fortunate with their abundance; a single... read more...
Seven Needs of a Husband
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Jen SantiagoThe other day while doing online research, I stumbled across one of Holly Furtik's blog blurbs. A group of men completed a survey that consisted of one question, "What is one thing you need from your wife?" The answers boiled down to seven needs. It prompted my heart to be a "doer of the word" as in James by making sure I'm meeting the needs of my husband. I pray it does the same for you! 1. I need you to take care of you: your health, happiness, your intimacy with God. 2. I need you... read more...
Fit Tips for the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Monday, January 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Michelle Zaina"...your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" ( I Cor 6:19-20). Since exercise was my job, I never paid much attention to my diet. I ate anything I wanted. Recent career changes have caused me to reevaluate my routine. Develop Discipline Establish portion control Establish accountability Befriend... read more...
Words of Salt & Light
Monday, January 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written byAs we fill our hearts with God's Word, the desire to encourage each other becomes a natural byproduct: "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt 12:34). Here are three practical principles I love, that help me share the encouraging truth of God with others: 1. Praying on the spot. A great way to encourage others is to pray with them. Whether it's the woman in the store who is depressed after losing her mom or your best friend who is struggling to find time for her quiet times,... read more...
Be Confident ... In The Lord
Monday, January 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Christy WillisAs women, it is not uncommon for us to struggle with the concept of self-worth. Many of us spend time questioning our contribution to the events surrounding our lives. We ask ourselves such things as, "Where do I fit? Am I needed? Do I measure up? What do they think of me?" Our value has nothing to do with how we answer these questions, but everything to do with how God answers them. When we attempt to evaluate our own worth, we rarely feel adequate. We place expectations and demands upon... read more...
Money Issues - when GOD takes control
Monday, January 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Carmen CaminoDo you ever feel that your financial life is in shambles? Do you have too much debt, too little savings, and no sense of control over your life? I was in that same situation twelve years ago. I lost almost everything due to my irresponsible way of handling money. Hitting bottom and hitting it hard was one of the worst and best things that ever happened to me. The time had come to make dramatic changes...to put my hands to the plow. It was painful, but by God's grace, prayer, and applying the... read more...
The Gift of Time
Monday, January 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written byMake it a point to get to know other women in your church fellowship this year. Plan time in your schedule to grab coffee or tea with a familiar face whose story you haven't heard. Be purposeful in getting to know each other by sharing testimonies of what God has done and is doing in your lives. You'll be amazed at how open and honest people are eager to be and you may just find a life-long friend. read more...
A Comfortable Home
Monday, January 17, 2011 | Comments (0) | Written by Sharon DanneelsLaundry was piled needing to be folded and put away. Toys were routinely sprinkled throughout the house and meal prep bombarded me with negative emotions. The chores never ended! It could be so discouraging. Often, I found myself saying, "I just can't seem to get out from under it!" Some days I found myself emotionally and physically exhausted. However; this wasn't the real issue. My exhaustion had become my justification for a bad attitude. My discouragement wasn't because of an... read more...
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