Happy Birthday to my Mother

Posted on January 14, 2020January 14, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is my Mother’s birthday. (Happy Birthday, Mama!) God truly blessed me when He chose me to be her daughter. She is such an extraordinary person. I could fill each day’s blog up with her attributes – kind, gentle, giving, savvy, smart, compassionate, loving – just to name a few. The best thing about her is that she is a Woman of Faith, a true Christian. Her beauty shines from within.

Have you seen the following post from Facebook? I have seen it several times on my feed. It claims that just talking to your mother is like getting a hug. Really?

Yes, it is true. I can attest to its validity. Talking to Mom brightens my day and my mood gets elevated. We talk multiple times each day. Do you find the same happens when talking with your mother? Hopefully you are still blessed with her.

Speaking of talking, the older I get the more I sound like my mother because of the things I say. I find the things I say could very easily come out of her mouth and probably did years earlier. As soon as the words leave my mouth I smile. Even a simple “humph” is done with the same inflection.

Things I have noticed over the years about my sweet mother:

Her skin is soft and beautiful. I love holding her hand.

She has the most beautiful blue eyes.

My mother always smells good.

She is and always has been a lady.

Family is important to her.

She believes in helping others.

Forgiveness is taught and done.

She is fun. Her laugh is infectious.

Mom is the glue that holds our family together.

I aspire to be like Mom. She sets a great example and high bar. I hope my children and grandchildren will find wisdom in my words and ways as well as seek comfort in me as I do in her.

Love is shown through everything Mom does. Nothing is done halfway with her. Whenever I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, my thoughts turn to Mom. She is always busy doing something for her family, church, or a friend.

Oh, I’m sure she’s not perfect, but I can find no fault with her. She is treasured and adored. I love that she always kisses me goodbye when we leave each other. Each night we call each other to say “good night, I love you” and each morning to say hello. A hug to start and end my day! Just what I need.

I hope your mother is treasured, too. You by your children, also. Have you had your hug yet? I have. Call your mother or child today and share a “hug”. It will benefit both of you.

But, Who is Praying for Me?

Posted on April 23, 2019April 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Prayer Warriors are constantly praying for someone. There is so much to lift up to God and it seems so little time. We intercede for the sick, lost, hurting, and needy. For the mother whose baby is desperately trying to stay in her womb to grow strong. For the father trying to work overtime or a second job just to make ends meet. For the teenager caught in the middle of making some life changing decisions. For our President and government leaders. Let’s not forget our family and friends.

See what I mean? We have so many people depending and deserving of our prayers. Years ago my niece, Phoebe, and I were talking about praying. She was little and not even in school. A friend had called me and asked if I could pray for her granddaughter. One thing led to another and I told Phoebe if she listened with her heart instead of her ears she could hear who needed her prayers. Many times God will tell us.

A couple of weeks later she was excited to tell me she felt her first prayer request. After dinner the night before she heard her Daddy say that a lady he worked with was going to be out because of surgery. “I don’t even know her name, Aunt Sissy, but my heart heard for me to pray for her.” Wonderful! She did understand what we were discussing. Right then we stopped everything and prayed for the woman. Now in her mid-twenties, Phoebe is still a Prayer Warrior.

On the flip side, I have someone that has been mad at me for over two decades. I can’t say exactly why, buy I have apologized and shouldered the blame in hopes of reconciling with this friend. A few times I have tried to have a “peace talk” with her, but it always goes no where. This last time, I asked how things had been going in her life and told her that I had been praying daily for her and our relationship. Then I asked if she prayed for me and our relationship, too. She looked at me as if my hair had just turned turquoise and laughingly said “no, why would I?”

Out of all the vicious remarks this friend has made, none hurt even a fraction as much as this one did. I thought everyone prayed for the people they loved. Maybe that was it, she had stopped loving me. All I know is that in that moment I felt so lost and alone. No one was praying for me? Prayer is the biggest blessing to give someone.

Ever feel like you are lost and alone with no one to lift you up in prayer? I have great news. You may pray for yourself. Yep, it is allowed. Also, the Holy Spirit will lift you up, too. You might be surprised to find some little Phoebes that have been listening with their hears and are praying for you.

There are no special words needed. No super formula. Just have a heart to heart with your maker. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:26“…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

We always have someone praying for us. No need to fret. Easy your mind and rest in the Lord. Oh, and keep praying!

Ladies of Intrigue Book Tour & Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on March 4, 2019March 4, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess’s stop on Celebrate Lit’s Ladies of Intrigue Book Tour and Giveaway. I think you will enjoy today’s offering of historical Christian Fiction. Be sure to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book.

My thoughts

I enjoy reading a novella collection especially when it is by one author. It makes it easier to know what style of writing to expect rather than a compilation of various authors. In this case, it was a charming book with three compelling novellas.

All three Christian historical romances were set in the 1800s but different locations. “The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady” was an adventurous tale set in Cornwall, England. When reading about a gentleman smuggler my mind pictured a television series I watch (Poldark) so of course I loved this novella. This had a nice romance and spiritual message.

The second offering jumps to the American frontier. In Carol Award Winner “The Doctor’s Woman” Emmy travels to Ft. Snelling and begins work helping Dr. Clark. They clash and sparks fly.

Closing out the trio is “A House of Secret’s” which is set in St. Paul. This is a mystery that will have you guessing. Amanda runs across a house with many secrets.

Author Grief has done a exemplary job penning these three stories. Each has been well researched, organized, and planned. Her descriptive account of each tale took me back in time to a place I had never been. The characters were well thought and relatable. I felt like I knew them. They were well rounded and defined so that it was easy to see each one in my mind’s eye.

It is evident that much thought, planning, and research went into this trilogy of novellas. Attention to detail was taken and it made the book a pleasure to read. Each story showed how its characters needed to put their trust in God rather that rely upon themselves. That is a lesson relevant for today, too.

Each tale is filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, and romance. You will find inspiration, also. Expect some twists and turns along the way to keep things interesting. I would definitely recommend this delightful book. Fans of historical mystery and romance will love it. It gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest words.

About the Book

Three Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!

Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady

Cornish Coast, 1815

When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?

The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)

Dakota Territory, 1862

Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets

St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890

Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

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Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.

Guest post from Michelle

Three Reasons to Read Historical Fiction

Believe it or not, some readers snub historical fiction, preferring instead to stick to contemporary reads. Several have good reason to, simply preferring one genre over another. But others have never given historical fiction a try. If you fall into that camp, here are some reasons you should consider reading a tale from the past

Historical fiction books are not as boring as your high school history class.

Does the thought of endless names and dates make you break out into hives? Good news! Historical fiction is a painless way to glean some historic facts without mindless memorization. You can experience a different era and culture vicariously through heroes and heroines that live on the pages of yesteryear.

Makes for great conversation.

In a world that prides itself on keeping up with the Kardashians, dare to add a little cultural zest to your next dinner conversation. Reading historical fiction arms you with interesting tidbits of things that’ve happened in years gone by.

Because truth is timeless.

Some people yearn to go back to a simpler time. The truth is, though, that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the historic side of the fence. People have had tough issues to deal with no matter the era. . .but therein lies a great reason to read historical fiction: truth is timeless. Be it ancient, biblical, medieval, Victorian, or anything in between, truth never changes.

In my new release, Ladies of Intrigue, you’ll experience all these things and more. Find out about the smuggling trade in Cornwall in The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. Learn about the rough and dangerous life on a military fort during the 1860’s in The Doctor’s Woman. Find out why the gilded age wasn’t as glittery as we often think in A House of Secrets.

Don’t be doomed to repeat history. Grab a cup of tea and master it with a great read!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, February 23

The Power of Words, February 23

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Blogging With Carol, February 24

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 24

Mary Hake, February 24

Kathleen Denly, February 25

Genesis 5020, February 25

Splashes of Joy, February 25

For the Love of Literature, February 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26

Faery Tales Are Real, February 26

Through the Fire Blogs, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Inspired by fiction, February 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 27

Back Porch Reads, February 27

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 27

A Baker’s Perspective, February 28

Andy Carmichael, February 28

Stories By Gina, February 28

Emily Yager, March 1

Multifarious, March 1

A Reader’s Brain , March 1

Baker kella, March 1

Bibliophile Reviews, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Remembrancy, March 2

Just the Write Escape, March 3

Bigreadersite, March 3

Inspiration Clothesline, March 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4

Vicky Sluiter, March 4

Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 4

Book by Book, March 4

Kat’s Corner Books, March 5

Inklings and notions, March 5

Living Life Free in Christ, March 5

The Morning Chapter, March 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6

Pause for Tales, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Daysong Reflections, March 6

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Janices book reviews, March 7

A Humble Cup of Lukewarm Tea, March 8

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 8

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 8

Carpe Diem, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of Ladies of Intrigue. Be sure to comment on blog stops (schedule below) for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.

Happy Birthday Mom, Our Own Proverbs 31 Woman

Posted on January 14, 2019January 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is the birthday of a very special lady. It is my sweet, dear Mother’s birthday.

She has been one of the best gifts God has ever given to me. I have loved her every day of my life since it began. Yes, it was love at first sight for us. Hearing her voice is like a soothing balm to my soul. In fact, I would venture to guess that melodious voice calmed me while she was carrying me safely inside of her over sixty years ago.

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Everyday we talk. We begin our days with a check-in call. Throughout the day I can’t count the number of calls. I depend on her for so many thing. “Mom, how do I…..” or “what was the name of that ….” or even “do you remember what recipe Mammaw used for…” are some of the normal lead-ins. Let’s not forget the ever popular “Mom, I need to know what you would do….” To be honest, sometimes I just want to hear her voice. Before we go to bed each evening, we call to say “good night, I love you” and sincerely mean it.

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This beloved, exceptional woman gives sage advice to whomever asks. It is never unsolicitated. Mom waits until she is sought. Her counsel is biblically based and comes from experience.

She is very loving. Whether via gifts, words, hugs, or kisses, Mom makes certain we know that she loves us all, and equally. There are no favorites with her. af019dec-b67e-4e33-a91a-e2f2a758f2a2 Through her guidance I was lead to the Lord at an early age and taught to follow and obey Him. I love that we still talk about Him – what He does for our family, how He answers our prayers, what we need to take before Him, and how we should serve Him by serving others. A big smile overtakes my face as I remember her holding my hand for bedtime prayers. We would go through the family asking our Heavenly Father to bless each one as we named them.

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My Mother provides the best living example for a Proverbs 31 woman. She worked full time, kept a spotless house that was a loving home, and made delicious meals. If a friend needed help or school needed a sponsor, she volunteered. Besides all of that, she was and still is a member of a community organization, has been on others, helps those in need, is an active member of our church, is a shrewd businesswoman, and is the best wife, Mother, Grammy, family member, and friend you will encounter. Yes, maintains a sparkling clean home and is a fabulous cook still today. I have never seen her drink any alcohol, smoke a cigarette, or heard a curse pass her sweet lips. Absolutely, she is a true jewel and Proverbs 31 woman, not to mention a role model for many.

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Her life has touched a multitude. People have told me stories of how she helped them in various ways. When I was a young girl I remember going with her to take meals to shut-ins. We did not just drop the food off. We visited, tidied up, and read the Bible.

I know how to take care of my husband and children because of her. A lot of the fun things we did were activities she did with us. Those trickled down and I see my children doing them with their children now. She makes everything fun, exciting and memorable. Our family still quotes things she said years ago and mimics things she has done. She is the Queen of our family and glue that keeps us together.

By example she showed me how sisters love each other, how mothers treat their children, and how to maintain lifelong friendships as she has two that are older than I am. Those ladies are like family now. Family is important to Mom, second only to God.

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Happy Birthday to you, Mama. I wish you many more happy ones. Thank you for everything you have given me, given up for me, taught me, and for being the beautiful Christian lady you are. You are adored and cherished. I am blessed beyond measure that I was given the honor of being your daughter. There are not enough worlds to express my love and gratitude to you.

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Sometimes I wonder where or what I would be if you had not been chosen as my Mother, but that thought is quickly dismissed. You were chosen, and I was abundantly blessed. You are absolutely perfect for me and our entire family, but God already knew that. Lord, we are so thankful for her and the choice You made when you gave us our own Proverbs 31 woman.