Uncategorized – Page 51 – Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Posted on June 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Bible says in all things give thanks, be thankful. Do you have trouble with this, too? Maybe that isn’t the easiest to do, but I keep trying. If the electricity is out, I am thankful I don’t need to get cleaned up to go out. Perhaps the glass dropped and broke, but I am thankful I wasn’t cut.

Are you seeing the pattern here? Being thankful is finding your silver lining in the dark cloud. It is knowing that things could have gone much worse but didn’t.

Sometimes being thankful is far, very far, from what I want to do. What I want to do is complain and list everything that is wrong. Maybe I want to enumerate all of the things that have failed or caused me pain and convince myself it will stay this way or possibly get worse. That, my friends, is the deceiver whispering doom and gloom in my ear. Does he do that to you, too.

Even in the darkest circumstances we can have things for which to give thanks. Years ago a young family member of mine was in a horrific accident. Damage was done to the face and I was devastated that something so terrible had happened to someone I loved with my whole heart. While many mourned the tragedy I was struck with thanks that there was still life in the body and sight in both eyes. Both could easily have been taken in that instant. Was God there at that time? Absolutely! Otherwise the outcome would have been much different. We had much to be thankful for that day and still do.

Look around at God’s wonders and beauty. There is so much He has made for us. It won’t be long and you will be thankful without even realizing it. Rejoice and be glad in the day He has given you. I try to do that in the simple things. Are you glad you were able to start your day with coffee and a devotion? Me, too, I was more than glad. I was thankful. Be thankful for the new adventure the day holds just for you. Listen to the melody of the birds as they sing. Think about the One who created a tiny creature that can do such a marvelous thing as fly! I am thankful I am able to witness that. Go into a bakery and just stand still for one deep sniff. Can you almost smell that tantalizing sweet, buttery pastry now? Now buy one. Wow! How thankful are you for those tastebuds? Touch the softness of a newborn’s little hand and marvel at the perfect way God created us. Be thankful for God Himself.

Life holds so much for us that our loving Creator has giving. Take it and see how good life can be. Be thankful in all things today. Find the good among the bad. So, what are you thankful for right now?

Chatting with Author, Illustrator SE Foster…..You’re Never Too Old to Color

Posted on June 22, 2018June 14, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

It is my pleasure to chat with author, illustrator SE Foster today. Previously she sent me copies of her coloring journals. What lovely products! If you are not into coloring or journaling, I would encourage you to try both and start with hers. I loved them.

Her journal coloring books are such a delightful change from the other tedious intricate designs with minuscule parts in them. Often I start those and become discouraged that I won’t be able to finish, so I give up. These are different, doable. The pictures are larger and very pretty. The scripture and journal questions provide food for thought. While reflecting I was able to color, pray, and write down thoughts. The author has designed well organized, thought, beautiful books.

I highly recommend her beautiful journal/coloring books. The format is easy to use and would be great for any age whether a beginner or seasoned pro. It would make a fantastic gift for camp. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars. Now let’s chat a minute with the creator of them.

Hi Shannon! Tell us about the type of book you write?

Okay, I write and illustrate books in the Christian/Spiritual Genre that are coloring journals. I wanted to offer more than just a coloring book and thought the scriptures reflection and journal prompts would make a nice addition and maybe set it apart from other coloring books on the market.

I totally agree and see a great potential for these. Women’s groups, youth groups, camps. I could go on about them, but let’s learn about you. Do you have a job in addition to writing?

Yes, I do. When I am not writing, painting, drawing or making jewelry I teach water aerobics at the local YWCA for 2 hours a day Monday-Friday.

Wow! You are a busy lady. Tell us your story of how you came to be published.

My first book came to be after I started drawing flowers for the 100 Days Project that is popular on Instagram. One particular day I was having trouble uploading my daily sketch to Instragram and decided to post it on my Facebook page instead. One of my author friends said I should make a coloring book. I, of course, told her “no I don’t think I could do that”.

Well, I for one am glad you did. Your newest book is a bit different from your first.

Yes, my second book is called Coloring Through the Seasons with God: 12 month Prayer Journal with Coloring Pages. I published my first Prayer Journal with Coloring pages in July of 2017 and around September the idea came to me to do a 12 month one instead of a 30 day one like the first book.

How long did it take you to create this book?

To be honest I am not entirely sure how long this one took as I didn’t keep track as closely as I did with my first book. My first book took well over 300 hours. I sketched out each floral element and word and then inked them onto tracing paper. Then scanned those into my computer and I turned them into vecotor images. After cleaning them up I was finally able to place them in the document to create the pdf file to upload. My second book the pages were drawn entirely on my Ipad Pro that I purchased with proceeds from the local sales of my first book. That eliminated so much of the work as I could drawn an entire page and then send it to my computer to be put into the file to be uploaded and published.

Yes, much more efficient. Is this dedicated to anyone?

I dedicated both of my books to my husband. He allows me to do the things I love and be creative. The ladies in my weekly bible study groups were also instrumental in the process of both books and I acknowledged them as well.

Shannon, when did God first call you into this ministry?

I felt the nudge from God to make my first coloring book in April of 2017. My initial response was no as was my response to the second and third nudge. Finally after the fourth nudge I took the plunge and started creating my first book at the end of April 2017 and published on July 6, 2017.

It falls in place when God has His hand on it, doesn’t it? How quickly did doors open for you?

Well, I haven’t had many doors open for me. I do have copies of my book in a local Christian Book store. I have been researching and praying for guidance on what to do next to get my book out there to those who need it.

Did God send you an answer?

In February 2018 I had sent my book to an author who spoke at our local ISI Women’s Conference for her to review. She loved the book and wanted to send me a proposal to work with her on promoting my book. I knew that there was no way I could afford her so I told her not to waste her time sending me something I knew I couldn’t do. She then asked me what I could afford. I told her (it wasn’t much as we had to put a roof on our house in March and had taxes to pay in April).

“I prayed specifically”

She asked me to pray about it and let her know. So the next day while I was teaching water aerobics, I told one of my friends about the conversation. I said that I was going to pray about it and I was going to be very specific. “Ok God” I was going to say, “IF I am supposed to work with this woman the money for the fee is going to have to come from sales in my Etsy shop or I won’t be able to do it.” I went home and said that exact prayer before bed. When I woke up in the morning there had been a $45 sale. Later that day a $152 sale, and then the entire amount was there within about 12 days from when I offered my prayer to God. With pleasure I have started working with her and am very hopeful about what will come of our time together.

God is so good!

Tell us a few of your favorites:

Book: Gone with The Wind

Color: Purple and Teal (again just can’t pick one)

Food: Cheesecake

Smell: Lily of the Valley

Animal: Elephant

Hymn: It is well with my Soul

Song: Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams

Drink: Diet Ginger Ale

Candy: Lily’s Sugar free Salted Almond Dark Chocolate bar.

Movie: That is a tie between Gone with the Wind and Brigadoon

Place: The foothill mountains in Colorado by Boulder.

Chocolate or Vanilla: Both and Strawberry. Neapolitan is my favorite flavor.

Coffee? Cream, cocoa powder and Stevia

Scripture: Be Strong and Let Your Heart Take Courage ~Psalm 27:14

What would be your dream vacation: A trip with my two sisters.

Destination and mode of travel: I would love to fly to Ireland, France, Italy, Scotland, and Sweden( I have a pen pal there from when I was in 7th or 8th grade).

Anything you want to leave the readers with today?

Yes, they may keep in touch with me or purchase my books using the following links:

Website

Http://sefosterauthor.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/s.e.foster.Author/

Instagram

@s.e.foster.author

Links to purchase signed copies of both books

Http://www.etsy.com/shop/fosterscreations

A Stroke with God

Amazon

http://a.co/4RGyQxC

Barns and Noble

Coloring Through the Seasons with God

Amazon

http://a.co/8NzwpQ8

Thank you very much, Shannon, for this lovely time.

Read a Book Monday: The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda & Jean Brunstetter

Posted on June 18, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

If you like tropical locations, Hawaii, and Amish then I have a fabulous novel for you. Tropical Amish sounds like I misspoke, but no, this is accurate. The Hawaiian Discovery is the second in author Wanda and Jean Brunstetter’s Hawaiian quilt series. Even though it is Book Two, you could read it as a stand alone book. However, I would encourage you to read book one because of the back story and just how great it was!

This is the tale of best friends Mandy and Ellen. It is set a few years after Book One, Amish Quilt. 97BD31E8-CD38-41F1-BEC9-3B8E00A801FA

We find Mandy and hubby running a Bed and Breakfast in Indiana. Her best friend, Ellen works there along side her. One day Mandy and her family receive word of a family emergency which causes them to need to quickly pick up and relocate to Hawaii. Ellen jumps in requesting permission to go and help, too, when another crisis hits. She receives permission and flies, on a plane, to Hawaii. Oh the places you’ll go, Ellen! Who could imagine Hawaiian Amish? Wanda and Jean, of course!

The girls and Ken, Mandy’s husband, all work on his family’s chicken farm. There they meet Rob. Immediately sparks start to fly between Amish Ellen and Englischer Rob. Rob carries a secret he does not want to share. However, Mandy warns Ellen about Rob’s background.

The authors do a lovely job with their descriptions. The soft sounds and sights of Hawaii drew me in and I was ready to pack my bags right now. Noises and unpleasant smells from the chicken farm descriptions were on point. Yuck! That would not be the job for this city girl. My point is these authors know how to grab readers and transport them into a story. I felt like I was there. The characters were very authentic, well redescribed with flaws and all. The storyline was well planned and flowed. A few parts were predictable and some had twists and turns. I was not disappointed.

This book gave me a page or two to gently ease into to it and then, bam! I could not put it down. Yep, it is a definite page turner where you want to hurry and see what happens, but don’t want the book to end. Oh, the problems we readers have with a good book.

Many lessons can be gleaned from this sweet romance and the Amish. It teaches readers to cast our cares on God, 4ED194A7-3C82-4201-AAFB-CFCD9494603C

to trust Him, and have faith. Friendship is shown throughout this book. Giving readers pause to reflect upon what kind of friend they are? What would they do for a friend? Do we pray with our friends? Also, family and religious dynamics are explored. What happens when you are away from the guidance of family? How does it effect the family if you marry outside your (their) cultural beliefs?

I enjoyed this book overall, but liked the Indiana more traditional Amish part of it better. It is not your typical Amish novel which is reason enough to give it a try. Just remember to go into it with an open mind. Don’t expect the old Amish things in everything. Expect some surprises. See things through Ellen’s eyes and you will love it. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. Certainly I would highly recommend it. Anyone who loves Christian fiction, romance, or Hawaii will enjoy this book. I. received a complimentary copy of it from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Find a Book Friday: I AM My Beloved by Caryl McAdoo

Posted on June 15, 2018June 15, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you enjoy reading biblical fiction? You know, stories about things written in the Bible? Today on Find a Book Friday that is what I have found for you. A biblical novel about people from the Old Testament. Is it any good, you ask? Well, I read it all in one setting!

Author Caryl McAdoo has written a biblical fiction entitled “I AM My Beloved”. This 178 page book was easily devoured by me in one setting. I was immediately drawn into the interesting story and could not put it down. It is normal for author McAdoo’s to grab my attention and not let go.

Author McAdoo’s writing style is graceful and flows smoothly. Her characters are well defined and well rounded with attributes and flaws. The descriptive writing style took me back to ancient days and places. I felt like a visitor.

This is the tale of Solomon and Abishag. She was a chaste wife married to King David and still a virgin after his death. Then she is summoned to be with the new King Solomon. The book kept my attention but it is no action, adventure, big romance book. There are bedroom scenes when Abishag is sent in to be King David’s blanket by warming up a King whose failing heart cannot do the job. However, there is nothing sexual about it. This is a sweet book that will help you grow in your journey with God.

Abishag runs through a wide range and depth of emotions. The writing was so well done that I was taken with her, too. My heart broke for Abishag often and then I was able to laugh and rejoice. It was interesting reading the story of Song of Solomon acted out in a novel. Author McAdoo is so creative, fun, and emotional in her writing of this story. It gives it a breath of fresh air, although I did not agree with how everything was portrayed. It was captivating and hard to put down.

Definitely this book gets my recommendation. If you like biblical fiction you will not want to miss this. It is sweet yet gives you things to reflect upon during and after reading it. Get a group together because this would be a nice book club selection. I received a copy of this book from the author. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. The opinions and review are my own, honest ones.

Read a Book Monday: John David’s Calling by Caryl McAdoo

Posted on June 11, 2018June 10, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

John David’s Calling by Texas author Caryl McAdoo is Book One in her new series The Revivalist. This is a 342 page Christian romance set in 1960s and 1970s Texas. I was surprised it was classified as historical. It took me one page to get drawn into this delightful story. Author McAdoo does that effortlessly with her God honoring writing.

This is the story of John David Nightingale. His father and grandfather are both revivalist preachers. Now he, too, is hearing that same calling for his life. Both of his parents live in extremely different families. One was mainstream, one was charismatic, and David was caught in the middle. His sweetheart is Hannah, and she is ready for marriage.

Author McAdoo tackles some tough issues head on in this book. 3DF577C3-ADA3-418B-8FBE-83D9EF7A27AC

She discusses religious differences among Christians, drugs, war, faith, trust, and love. How about trying to make everyone happy? Who hasn’t been in that situation before? John David’s Calling is very inspiring and will encourage readers to think long after they have finished it. Leaning on God is stressed, as is trusting in Him.

The writing style of this author is so pleasing to me. She always provides characters that you do not want to give up. They are well defined and well rounded complete with flaws that they own. Her descriptive text is on point and transported me to that time and place. My emotions were all over the place along side the characters. I was laughing and tearing up within a matter of pages. That is the mark of a good author, giving me a roller coaster ride. I read it fast to see what would happen next but didn’t want it to end! Thankfully there is an entire series coming so I will not need to say farewell to these dear friends.

I highly recommend this lovely, moving book for any and everyone. It would be a great summer book and new series. A book club would benefit from reading and discussing this. There are plenty of issues to chat about here. I gladly, freely give this a 5 out of 5 stars and eagerly await the next installment. A copy was provided by the author but I was not obligated to write a review. The opinions stated are my own, honest ones.

Read a Book Monday: No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens

Posted on June 10, 2018June 9, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you enjoy something different when reading? Perhaps you are tired of the usual stories or types. Fear not because I have one that will cure your longing for something new and different. No Less Days by author Amanda G. Stevens is a 320 page paperback Christian fiction that is listed in the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Mystery & Suspense sections. It is all that and more. This is the first book by author Stevens I have read and I am so glad I was introduced to her.

This is the tale of David Galloway. David is one hundred sixty seven years old but hasn’t aged past thirty-five. He loves books, is a Man of God, flawed and makes mistakes, and is a soldier and defender. David lives a solitary life by his own choice, but is still extremely lonely. He is on a quest to learn the reason God created him differently than all other human beings. Miraculously David meets people who know him and are just like him only who know what’s happening. He finds people who can help him. David realizes God may have directed these people to him when a secret is exposed.

The author has done an amazing job writing this novel. It has been written totally from her character, David’s point of view. She has a style that suits my taste well. Her descriptions are detailed without becoming overlong and boring. Characters are defined and well rounded. They should and seem like real people, not characters. The author doesn’t tie toe around difficult topics. She deals with them head on in a Christian way. The book has a heavy sprinkling of inspirational leadings, such as trust in God, lean on Him and His guidance, forgiveness, and faith.

There were some things that didn’t set well with me, but I have been called a prude. I do not like it when couples in Christian books mention sleeping together out of marriage. Certainly it happens a lot, but in a Christian novel our standards should be higher. Other crass things and words should not be included either. This is just my opinion.

I highly recommend this book. Anyone who enjoys a well-written, faith filled, very different, contemporary novel would absolutely love this novel. Read it with a friend or in a group. Trust me, you will want to discuss it. I give it a 4 out of 5 star rating. I was given a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing. This review is completely my own honest opinion.

Find a Book Friday: The Captured Bride

Posted on June 8, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today’s Friday Find a Book is by a new to me author. Michelle Griep is a wonderful storyteller. Her book kept me up unto the wee hours reading. I kept thinking, just one more chapter, but I could not quit. I was too invested. The story was much different than any I had read. That made it really good.

“The Captured Bride” by author Michelle Griep is Book 3 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book is written by a different author and tied in through generations. This installment is a 256 page paperback historical romance with action, intrigue, and mystery. Author Griep tossed in some twists and turns to keep readers turning those pages. I did until I devoured the book in one setting. It is that good!

This saga is the tale of Mercy Lytton, a scout with sharp vision. She was was raised with Indians, the Mohawks. It is also the story of Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor who is working both sides of the conflict. These two need to work with each other so that a shipment of gold is delivered to the British. It is set in the colony of New York during the turbulent French and Indian War times.

Mercy Lytton is both Mohawk and white as well as very petite. Elias DuBois has never seen a woman like her before. She is a famous, talented scout for the English with no humility. At times she is a bit sassy and feisty. Her first impression of Elias DuBois is not good. Mercy Lytton considers him to be weak in body and spirit.has ever seen. He has been severely beaten, condemned as a traitor, and only escapes hanging by joining an elaborate scheme that forces him and Mercy to work together.

The author has sprinkled inspirational messages throughout her novel. Messages to trust a God, have faith in Him, and that He loves us are abundantly clear. For me, that is of utmost importance in Christian Fiction. The characters are well defined. I knew exactly who they were, flaws and all. They were well rounded and seemed like friends more than characters. The book was well researched, the plot well done, and story well written. Everything flowed seamlessly. I truly enjoyed reading this and finding a new author.

The Captured Bride is a fantastic story. It is built around a faith theme, has great romance, adventure, and history. It is even a tale of war, with Indians. I would highly recommend this book. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing but all opinions are my own, honest ones.

Amazon has an extended preview of this right now.

Read a Book Monday: The Babylon Bee…How to Be a Perfect Christian

Posted on June 4, 2018May 23, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you enjoy satire? Personally, I don’t like it. Most people would say I am an old stick in the mud but I don’t get satire, sarcasm or slapstick humor. None of it sounds or looks funny to me, but as my Dad says, that’s why Baskin Robbins sells 31 flavors. Not everyone likes the same thing.

Satire, like coffee, is an acquired taste. When I was younger I could not stand the smell or taste of coffee. 1A79C5DC-C47C-4936-AEF9-E06519894B5A Oh, but now I anticipate that first sip each morning. Yum! The Babylon Bee’s “How to Be a Perfect Christian, Your Comprehensive Guide to flawless spiritual living” is a hardback Christian Satire. Some people will laugh out loud at that type of humor.

This 192 page book has ten chapters plus and introduction, conclusion, and acknowledgments. There are charts galore to help illustrate the author’s cheeky point. The chapters have interesting titles such as Joining the Right Church, Looking Really Spiritual Online, Crusading Against the Heathens, and Worshipping Like a Pro. With titles like that you can imagine the content.

Reading this I went through a variety of thoughts and emotions, but isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do to its reader? I was perplexed at points and then realized it was a joke. What the book said to do was in fact what some people did that needed to be changed. It was like a kid at school on Opposite Day. This tongue in cheek book pokes fun at showy television evangelists and Christians in general. It steps or stomps on toes of anyone that has done or thought of doing some of the things mentioned.

The thing that struck me the most and made the biggest impact was a phrase on the page before the Table of Contents. It was just three words: Soli Deo gloria. This is a Latin term meaning Glory to God alone. Wow. This book was essentially dedicated and written to the Glory of God. It was not meant to poke fun at Him but at misguided people so I gave it a read.

Like I said earlier, satire is not for me, especially Christian satire. It actually hurts my heart. There are a lot of people unlike me that will really enjoy this book. It was well written, organized well, and completely thought out to help. Read with the right mind set it would be thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys this type of humor. It would make a lively book club discussion.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let Us Never Forget

Posted on May 28, 2018May 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Memorial Day is a day to remember. Think about those men and women that died in battle for us, defending this great nation of ours. Don’t stop with them, think about their families that lost a beloved member. When a loved one dies a family is deeply, eternally hurt. Maybe we did not know any of these fallen soldiers, but they fought for us. They fought for America. Never let them be forgotten.

How much do you know about Memorial Day? The real reason we have it and not the fun picnics, races, or stuff? Any idea why we celebrate it when we do? Let me tell you what I found when I searched.

The first Memorial Day was May 30, 1868. This was a day for people to remember those soldiers that died and decorate graves of Civil War soldiers. Originally it was known as Decoration Day. Unfortunately, grievously the United States lost many men during that horrific war against itself. Approximately 620,000 died during the Civil War. That is a staggering number. Think about that, 620,000.

May 30th was chosen because no Civil War battles were fought that day and flowers across the nation would be in full bloom to decorate the graves. It remained then until 1971. Then it became a federal holiday known as Memorial Day and was changed to the last Monday of May so the nation could celebrate with a three day weekend. That allowed for traveling to cemeteries farther away.

In honor of those who died, the American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. It should then be raised to the top. Since 2000, all Americans have been encouraged to stop for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. I would encourage a prayer for our nation and those that have lost soldiers.

Red poppies are a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war. People, men and women, wear them to honor those who died in war. Especially on Memorial Day you will see a lot of red poppies. Scouts usually place flags on the graves in the National Cemetery.

On this Memorial Day, I urge you to think about your life, your freedom, and how you are privileged to live free because of the brave soldiers that fought and lost their lives to provide us with that freedom. Without those that unselfishly gave their lives defending our country, our freedom, and us, what would our lives be? Very different indeed. So different I shudder thinking about it.

Memorial Day is a time to remember those that gave all for our country, for us. It is our responsible to take care of what and who was entrusted to us and honor our military and especially God. We need to keep remembering and pass those memories on to teach our children. Children need to learn about our holidays… that they are more than a day off and that our country and freedom were paid for with the blood of brave men and women. There is a price for freedom.

We live in a great country with strong roots. Many people have fought and died for this land of ours. Let us always remember the brave soldiers. Those that stood and stand between us and the enemy. Pray for them, our leaders, and our country. May God continue to bless America.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV

What Do You Really Know About Mother’s Day?

Posted on May 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Why we celebrate Mother’s Day is pretty obvious. Right or is it? Who doesn’t want to celebrate the wonderful mothers in their family, especially their own sweet one? Did you ever wonder when we began to celebrate Mother’s Day? That’s a seldom known answer. I studied up so I could share it with you, but what I found made me realize the why we celebrate is a bit deeper.

Before the Civil War a woman from West Virginia named Ann Reeves Jarvis began a series of clubs to help teach women about caring for their children. “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” did not just teach women how to care for their children, they taught them the right, proper way. Women were able to dispel myths and incorrect information by attending these meetings. The meetings helped unify ladies after the Civil War and they promoted reconciliation between Union and Confederates in 1868.

It was not until 1908 the official Mother’s Day holiday was celebrated in a small way. Ann Reeves Jarvis’ daughter, Anna wanted to carry on her mother’s efforts after she died in 1905. Anna thought a day to celebrate and honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children would be perfect. She received financial support from a Philadelphia department store owner in May 1908, and she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. Also on that day, the department store owner held a Mother’s Day event at one of retail his stores in Philadelphia. Thousands of people attended.

A few years later the holiday had more support. There were many states, towns and churches celebrating Mother’s Day as an annual holiday in 1912, but it was not a national holiday. Anna Jarvis kept trying and set up the Mother’s Day International Association to help with her cause. Finally in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

It is interesting to note, Anna did this all in her mother’s memory and for mothers everywhere as she never married nor had children. She just wanted to honor her mother’s memory and great sacrifice. Mothers give up so much for their children, but it is willingly with love. Their freedom is gone, money disappears, sleep is rare, calmness is replaced with chaos, and peace often with concern. Ask any mother if it was worth it and all (or most everyone) will say absolutely.

This Mother’s Day remember it is more than a casual “Thanks, Mom” day. It is a sincere “Thank you for all you have sacrificed for me, Mother” day. Reflect on what she has done, given, given up, and sacrificed for you. Originally Mother’s Day was to honor a mother or woman’s sacrifice for children. Is it still?

My sweet, dear Mother sacrificed more than she will ever let me or my sister know. I am certain of that. She is a great woman of faith, adored and treasured. Just hearing her voice makes my day better. Yes, I am a mama’s girl and proud of it. Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mother. You are appreciated and loved.