May 2008

Each year for Mother's Day, my daughters and I attend our church's Mother-Daughter Luncheons, and this will be the first year we are not able to attend. My husband and his parents have pulled together to provide a much needed vacation for our family. Instead of attending the luncheon we will be at Disneyland. Although we treasure our times together sharing Mother's Day with our friends in the ministry, we are excited to be able to go a family trip!

If you do not currently have a tradition for Mother's Day I strongly advise that you create one. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:28, "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (KJV) Ancient landmarks were created as a testimony to the Lord, to show what He has done in the lives of His people. Ancient landmarks are traditions of reverence to the Lord and as mothers we have the responsibility of creating landmarks for our families to hold in high regard as they grow in the Lord. Creating family traditions will bring your children's minds and hearts back tot he family as each special day approaches throughout the rest of their lives.

Families who lose their traditions are least likely to pass down their heritage, which is so vital in today's world. We must do all we can to establish traditions that help to hold our families together. Here are a few ideas of what you can do each year to build memories, strengthen family ties, and bring honor to the Lord in your lives.

1. Hostess a Mother daughter Luncheon of your own: Invite friends and family to participate in a yearly event to honor mothers and their relationships with their daughters.

2. Have a home cooked Sunday meal: Although this is ideal for every Sunday, a special Mother's Day lunch or brunch with the family is good to bring honor to mom and include the husband and brothers.

3. Plant a garden together: Whether it's an herb garden or new flowers in the flower bed, plant a small garden together each year in honor of Mother's Day.

4. Make a Public Announcement: Many newspapers will sell ad space especially for Mother's Day. You can send in what makes your mom so special. They print it in their Sunday Mother's Day edition. You can also find various magazines that promote a Mother's Day contest as well.

5. If your Mom is far away: Some of you have gotten married and moved far from home. You can send flowers, and a card, or even a gift card to her favorite restaurant. If you're in driving distance, consider surprising her by showing up at her door with flowers.

We pray that this special Mother's Day edition will be a blessing to you and your mother.

GGM has a new writer! Please welcome Miss Virginia to our team.

This month we have decided to place a hold on a few of our regular features to bring you our special Mother's Day Edition.

~Sisterlisa
Editor in Chief

To view the entire magazine in one post click here. Please be patient while all the graphics load.

Featured Stories:
Florence Nightingale- Lady Jess

Honoring Mothers- Our Winner!
GGM Interview- In Ministry With Mom, Missionary mom and daughter from the island of St. Lucia
Thank you Mom, a Poem from Miss Kaitlyn
Mother Cat- Miss Monica June

Life and Faith
Faith Factor-Sharing a spiritual birthday Miss Monica June


Health and Nutrition

I Scream!- Lady Olivia

Healthy Steps- Lady Jess


Recipes
M & M Pancakes- Miss Monica June

Eggs A La Golden Rod- Lady Olivia




Lifestyle and Culture

A Hardened Heart- Sisterlisa An article about courtship
Freedom Flyer- Sister Angie
It's Your Mother That Matters- Sisterlisa
Mother Daughter Movie Recommendation- Lady Jess
Sibling Lovelry- GGM Team
Portfolio de Couturier: Interview Olivia-Kate - Miss Jocelyn

Education
Snuggle Up- Lady Rachel Book review and a giveaway!
A Life of Faith- Miss Alyssa

Graphics by designer G's
Some photos from iStockphoto
and sxc.hu Stock Exchange

Senior Editor: Sisterlisa


Special thanks to:
The Life of Faith Girls
Misty Brown
Mrs. Lindsay and Miss Kayla
CS Flowers

Mother Cat

One day our cat Fiona started getting larger. We thought she was eating too much food, so we cut down. Every day she fatter than usual, we realized, “Well, it is not the food, because she was getting fatter without as much food.” What is happening to Fiona?



My mom called the vet, to ask how we know for sure if she is really going to have kittens. They said it will be hard to tell if she is really pregnant, until closer to delivery. They said to look for increased weight gain. A couple of weeks before she delivered, we noticed her belly getting bigger. We cleared out underneath my mom’s bathroom sink, so it was safe and harmful things were out of reach. Fiona climbed in there all the time to be alone and to relax.

One morning around three in the morning, my mom heard pounding on her bathroom door, my mom figured Fiona was just playing around. A little while later my mom heard a teeny tiny *meow*. She knew that the first kitten had been born. She jumped up out of bed and raced to the bathroom. When she opened the door, Fiona was standing on the bathroom counter facing the door with a kitten in her mouth, and it looked like she did not know what to do, it was her first time. My mom showed Fiona underneath the bathroom sink. Fiona then knew that is where she is supposed to go. My mom raced to the living room and got the camera. She raced backed to the bathroom and stayed by Fiona’s side till all of the kittens were delivered, I bet Fiona felt safe.

My mom called us all in there to see the kittens. I was so proud of Fiona I gave her a big hug, of course I did not touch the kittens or else Fiona would not take care of them. My mom took lots of pictures and showed us them, they were so cute!! I love those kittens so much they are so cute!!!!!!!!

1. Make sure to find a safe quiet place where the kittens would be bothered by other animals or small children.

2. Put a small box on the floor and put an old blanket inside to make her feel safe to have her kittens in it. Make sure the mother cat is capable to get in and out of the box

3. Show the mother cat where the box is and put some cat food and a water bowl next to it so she will go in and feel comfortable there. Bring your mother cat back to the box everyday and sit there for a while. Stroke her for a while so she will become very protected, she should get back into the box when she is about to have her kittens.

4. When the mother cat has her kittens, make sure everything is quiet, or else the kittens will get frightened.

5. Have a litter box close by so the mother can train her kittens to use the box. Be sure the sides are low enough for them to get into it. While they are little, the mother cat will cleanse them until they can follow her into the littler box.

~Don't put the kittens bed in a loud area.

~If you have other pets, keep them away from the mother cat!!

~Make sure you love the mother cat and give her lots of attention.

~Don’t pick up, hug tightly, or do anything that will make the mother cat insecure.




Sometimes there is a smaller kitten and the mother might not give it the same attention as the other kittens. The stronger kittens might crowd out the little one from feeding time. You can observe them and try to help the little kitten to get a spot to feed. If the kitten does not seem to be growing at the same rate as the other kittens you can buy cat formula from your local pet store.

Honoring Mothers

We had an incredible time reading through our entries for the Mother Daughter contest and wish we could award each of you with our wonderful gift, but alas we can only select one.

Introducing our Mother's Day Winner:



Why I Love My Mom

My mom is so great,
and she never lets me be late.
When there is no sun,
She helps me to have some fun.
When I am lonely and sad,
She helps me feel happy and glad.
When I miss my dad,
Sometimes I feel sad and mad.
She comforts me
and makes me happy, very happy.
She is so, so very nice,
like sugar and spice.
She calls me sweetie pie
and she wouldn't tell a lie.
She would give her life for me
that makes me feel lots of glee.
She's a very good cook.
I think she should write a cookbook.
I love her so very much!

Love, Munchkin (age 8) and Mom, also known as DevilDogsWife

We will contact you for shipping information and get your Mother's Day Package off to you this week!



My mom is the best person in the world because when I was born the very first moment I saw my mother I knew I was the luckiest girl in the world. I had the greatest gift anyone could ask for, and from that moment on I loved her and was proud to call her mom and when I was sad I looked at her face and I would have the biggest smile in the whole world. I loved her and still now when I’m sad I look at her face and I smile.

You can see I have a great mom that makes me so happy the stars stop their shining and the wind stops and even my heart stops and it makes me know for sure I have the nicest mom in the world and that is why my mom is so special.

Miss Sabra and Dawn


What makes my mom special? My mom chose to stay at home, raise my brothers and me, and homeschool us. My mom prays for each of us. She loves us and is very forgiving.
My mom encourages and supports me in my dreams and goals. When I want to do something very hard and/or challenging (i..e. writing a book, making movies, etc.), she doesn't just say, "Oh, you're way too young to do that. What are you thinking???" She cares about me and my interests. I am very thankful for that. My mom can be silly and funny. She smiles and laughs a lot! My mom and I enjoy talking together. My mom is a creative cook. She improvises with what can be found in the kitchen. My mom gives great massages. I enjoy it when she brushes my hair; she's also a great hair stylist! My mom dresses modestly and she has raised me up to value modesty. My mom is my personal editor (and she doesn't charge :)!).

Thank you, Mom, for all you do for me! I love you!
Miss Alyssa and Mom


My mom is special in a lot of ways. I think one of the most special things about her, is the fact that she chose to homeschool my younger siblings and me, instead of getting a job, and working away from home. My mom and I have a lot in common. We both like to read, to sing, and listen to music, learn new things, and go away with each other. In March, we went to a Casting Crowns concert, our second one, and had a ton of fun. We like to go on vacations, and love planning them together.

A lot of people think that we look alike, and we're starting to even sound alike. When my dad calls from work, he sometimes even gets up mixed up!!!!!

I like being able to spend so much time with my mom. She's my mom, but she's also my friend.

Miss Ashley and Mom, Heidi


My mom is special because she is always so caring and she gives me hugs when I feel sad. When I wake up in the morning she is always there. She helps me with my school when I need it. She always knows what to do when I feel sick. She always helps me find something fun when I am bored and she always plays games with me. That is what makes my mom so special.

Miss Abby and Mom, Tammy




Mom needs a good mothers day since last year was not so great. She is special because all that she does for us kids and all of our family. She teaches all of us and helps us have fun.

From Miss Mollie and Mom

A Hardened Heart

There are twenty-four places in the Bible that talk about a hardened heart. The most famous passages would be when Pharaoh hardened his heart against God and would not let the children of Israel leave the land of Egypt and slavery.

We know that Pharaoh did not believe in God, he believed in his own gods and in himself. Pharaoh did not worship and love the Creator. He loved his own gods. We have seen many times throughout the Bible where people turned their hearts away from the Lord and towards other things that caught the attention of their heart.

Samson left what he knew was a right life to be with a woman who caused his fall. Solomon walked away from the Lord and had many wives. David left his first love and sought out Bathsheba. The people in the days of Noah had hearts that were only evil continually, and they missed the boat! Then we have Peter who denied the Lord three times.

We can clearly see what trouble it causes when people give their hearts away to the wrong thing/people. This is where young ladies need to be very careful with their hearts. I grew up in the world, living the way the world teaches we should. Having many 'boy' friends and crushes while in my younger, unsaved years. Each time I gave my heart over to a boy, not only would my heart be crushed, but it turned further and further away from my own daddy. My focus was on whoever the 'cute' guy was and not on making my daddy proud of me.

Within a very short amount of time I had developed a deep abiding desire to be wherever the boy was. I wanted to sit at the lunch table that had the clear view of him, without being noticed of course. I sat near where he would play soccer at the lunch time field. I would play handball just to keep an eye on him. My crushes became obsessions! Somewhere in the depths of my heart, I also began to believe that NO ONE else was 'allowed' to like him, because *I* liked him first! The very first time I noticed another girl keeping her eye on him too, there would be a wildfire burning within my soul!

This was a vicious cycle in my life and among my friendships. It would soon come out that the boy would realize that I had eyes for him and he would make it very clear that he was not interested in me, calling me names, ignoring me, gossiping about me, etc. The next thing I know he likes the other girl! Life, as I knew it, was ruined! Until a new guy would catch my eye that is. That green eyed monster would soon be unleashed again. Jealousy would keep me bound in chains of misery time and time again. After a while my heart became hardened. I no longer trusted a boy. By the time I met the man who did become my husband, I had a very difficult time allowing him to have my heart. Where does this crazy merry-go-round end? Get off before you get dizzy and pass out.

Deutoronomy 6:5, "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (KJV)

Sigh* What a relief! All I need to do is love the Lord my God, with all my heart, soul, and might!

Sing this song with me: 'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus'

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Chorus:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Chorus

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Chorus

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Just turn your eyes upon Jesus and keep HIM in your sights! Keep your eyes on Jesus and make your focal point in life to be of Him. Jesus loves you and you will never feel the devastating break of the heart from Him. He tells you that He loves you and will never speak ill of you. He will never fail you and will always be there for you.

Don't allow the things of earth to strangle you and cause you to have a hardened heart. God has a plan for your life and He wants to have your heart until the day He opens the door for you to give it to the man you will marry. Until then keep your heart and eyes on Jesus and allow your daddy to protect you from the pain this world tries to snare you with.

Mother-Daughter Movie Night

Since this month is Mother's Day month, I have decided to write an article about a nice movie that you could watch with your mother. "Little Women" is one of the cutest movies that I have ever seen. I have watched the older version and the newer version. Both are very cute movies. You do not have to worry about profanity, because ladies did not use profanity back then.

**SPOILER WARNING** If you have not seen the movie or read the book and do not want it spoiled, do not read on.

What I enjoyed about the newer movie is that there is more of a distinct line between the sisters. They all have there own distinct identities. Also, it is easier to tell what the characters are thinking because they portrayed their emotions better. This movie was made in 1994. A few of the actresses in the movie are: Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst and Susan Sarandon.

What I liked about both movies was the fact that they were both pretty close to the book. The mother daughter relationship in this story is so strong. They constantly look out for each other.

What I liked about the older movie is the fact that it is so innocent. Even though Jo and Laurie are friends, there is a certain amount boy-girl respect. This movie was made in 1933. A few of the actresses in this movie are: Katharine Hepburn, Frances Dee and Jean Parker.

Either one of these movies are a great mother-daughter movie.

Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820. She wanted to work as a nurse, but her family did not want to allow it because the hospitals back then were dirty and dark and the nurses were sometimes just drunken women. The occupation of a nurse was not a good reputation back then. Finally, at age 33, she was able to obtain some minimal training and begin her career.

She learned, in 1854, that the wounded soldiers were being poorly cared for. When she arrived at the battlefront, the male surgeons there were not happy with the interference of a woman. While there, she was loving dubbed the title "The lady with the lamp", by the soldiers of the Civil War. She worked tirelessly to care for the patients, and improve the living conditions at the hospital. Her determination increased standards for sanitation and nutrition dramatically in the medical profession. While at the front lines, she became ill and never fully recovered.

She was appalled at the conditions she witnessed while serving in the war so, in 1859, she helped to establish the first VNA (Visiting Nurse Association). And, in 1860, she established a school that that sparked the modern nurse training. She was considered an expert on the scientific care of the sick. She was often asked by the United States government for her advice on caring for the wounded soldiers of the Civil War. She continued her aid throughout her life unto her last days on earth. She was the first woman to receive the British Order of Merit. In 1907, The International Red Cross Societies listed her as a pioneer of the Red Cross Movement. She passed on in 1910 at the ripe old age of ninety.



Photos from WikiMedia

In Ministry With Mom

I am pleased and honored to be able to introduce you to two wonderful ladies that I know personally. We had the opportunity to get to know Mrs. Lindsay and her family while they were on deputation in the States. They stayed with Miss Rachael (from our first issue of GGM) for two summers. While the Lindsay family stayed we were able to spend some good time together in fellowship and go to ask many questions about their ministry to St. Lucia.

GGM: Miss Kayla,How old were you when your parents told you that you were all going to be a missionary family? Please explain briefly how you felt about that.

Miss Kayla: Well, first of all, I was 15 years old when I found out that we were going to be missionaries. To be perfectly honest, I was somewhat of a rebel at that time. I completely surrendered to it on the outside, but not really in my heart. It took a while for me to see the big picture, but God is so good like that to have shown me what this is really all about.

Mom has always been supportive of Dad's decisions even when they were hard. The Lord dealt with her as well about St. Lucia, so she followed 100%.

GGM: What kinds of things are there to do in St. Lucia together that are different than in the States?

Miss Kayla: Well, me and mom do everything together like the laundry and the cleaning. What I love most is cooking together.

As far as special memories go, well , I think there are too many to count. I love the times when everything seemed to be going all wrong and she would make me laugh so hard that my sides hurt. Laughing the pain away....

We both enjoy having what we call "girls day out". Where we relax and do whatever we want like paint our nails, talk, just be girls.

GGM: What's your favorite thing to eat that you don't have in St. Lucia?

Miss Kayla: Wow, this is the hardest question yet! :) I LOVE Chili's Honey Chipotle Crispers. I guess that would be my favorite!

GGM: I have heard a lot about Chipotle and we have one in our town and I have not even been there yet. You have me convinced that I really must go!
Have you learned any new recipes from women in St. Lucia?

Miss Kayla: No, I have not learned any recipes from the Lucian women, but someday maybe I will.

GGM: Tell us what makes your mom special to you?

Miss Kayla: Well, I love the fact that she is not only my mama, but she is one of my best friends in the whole world. She knows me better than anyone besides God, and she still loves me. AMAZING! We have so much fun together, always laughing, never a dull moment. And more than that, she encourages me to follow the Lord's leading in my life; she has always encouraged me to do my best in everything. I hope I can be half the woman she is.


GGM: Mrs. Lindsey, you have a very sweet daughter! How do you plan for time alone with Kayla with such a busy schedule in the ministry?

Mrs. Lindsey: We really can't "plan". We just grab any opportunities that come our way.

GGM: What kinds of things are there to do in St. Lucia together that are different than in the States?
Mrs. Lindsay: Open markets and local food.

GGM: How well are you doing at learning the language there?

Mrs. Lindsay: That isn't an issue here, they speak English. :)

GGM: How do you educate your children in St. Lucia?

Mrs. Lindsay: We homeschool using Abeka and Alpha Omega.

GGM: Are you able to help educate the children that live there?(other than Bible)
Mrs. Lindsey: Sunday School and Bible School are the only opportunities so far.

GGM: What do you miss most about the States?

Mrs. Lindsey: Food, shopping, selection, quality, prices, conveniences, etc.

GGM: What kinds of things do the mothers and daughters of the people of St. Lucia do together?

Mrs. Lindsey: They walk to school and work.

GGM: That sounds like the earlier years in America. We're so blessed to have automobiles here.
Can you briefly describe some of the cultural differences there?

Mrs. Lindsey: They live a much simpler life. Main goal of Lucians is to obtain necessary things to live daily. No luxuries or nicities usually.

GGM: There are times that I wish we had that simple life again here in the busy state of California. Do you have hobbies from the States that you miss due to it not being available in St. Lucia?

Mrs. Lindsey: Yes; bargain shopping and decorating.

GGM: What other things do you do?

Mrs. Lindsey: We cook and work in the yard.

GGM: Now that sounds like my family. We have limited space and so we need to plant in pots, but we sure love being in the garden together.

Thank you both so much for sharing your relationship with us here at Growing in Grace Magazine. May the Lord bless you richly there in St. Lucia!

It's Your Mother That Matters!

There were times while I was growing up that I wanted to spend the night at a friend's house and, while there, would be extra special and kind to my friend's mother. I wanted to be on my best behaviour. Have there been times when you've been at a friend's house and you were extra good? I wonder if we work as hard to be as kind to our own mothers?

Ephesians 6:2,"Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;" (KJV)


My mother taught me that any time I am a guest in someone's home that I should put forth extra effort to make my stay enjoyable to them. I would help clean up after myself and clear the table after dinner, I would help my friends with any chores they had, etc. My daughter, Lady Jess, really knows her way around a kitchen and every time she's with her friend she goes out of her way to help cook dinner and clean up afterwards. Her friend's mother tells her how much she appreciates her help. My daughter adores their family and always goes out of her way to take extra special care of her friend and her mother while in their home.

While all of this is very good and appreciated by any mother, what matters most is YOUR mother. I am pleased to know that Lady Jess does this for her friend and her mother, I am glad that she also does these things for me. Do you go the extra mile for your mother? We'd love to hear what you do for your mom. Please do leave a reply and share your ideas on how you make your mom feel that she matters most.

Portfolio de Couturier: Olivia-Kate

This edition of Portfolio de Couturier is a little different than the previous ones. We're not going to show you any old fashions or a biography on a very important lady from history. Instead we're going to being interviewing Mrs. Spade, a 21st century seamstress, who owns and runs OliviaKate clothing. OliviaKate is a Mother-Daughter business Mrs. Spade and her daughter, Olivia Kate, team up to bring elaborate and colourful clothing for little girls. I hope this interview will give you a a behind the scene look at her as a seamstress and designer.

GGM: Is knowing how to make your own clothes something in your heritage? Did your grandmother, aunts or mother know how to sew?

Mrs. Spade: Both grandmothers and my mom enjoyed sewing, crochet, knit and hand embroidery. They loved making gifts for their children and grandchildren. I have fond memories of my mom sewing play dresses for me when I was little. I still have a beautiful applique quilt from my grandmother on Olivia's crib. Growing up around home projects made it easy for me to start creating after my own daughter was born.

GGM: When did you learn how to sew and what was your first project?

Mrs. Spade:I learned to sew at around 14 years old (if I remember correctly) with my mom who taught me the basics. My first project was a simple dress. I'm pretty sure mom did most of the sewing for that, lol...

GGM: Why was sewing something that interested you enough to learn to do it well?

Mrs. Spade: My interest in sewing came after my daughter was born. I wanted to make some clothes for Olivia and started learning new techniques which eventually developed into a small home business. Sewing is valuable in so many other ways as well; I can make my own dress skirts, make play dresses and church dresses for Olivia, take in my husbands clothing or make gifts for loved ones. I recently machine embroidered hats with the words "Jesus Saves" on the front for my family. These are my husband's favorite.

GGM: Why do you think it's important to know how to sew?

Mrs. Spade: Sewing is how I get rid of stress. It also allows me to make things at a very low cost which is beneficial when something needs repaired. I recently took in all of Edward's dress pants (my husband). This would have been expensive if we went to a seamstress for alterations. It's also something I look forward to teaching Olivia.

GGM: What ways can knowing how to sewing better one's life-style and home?

Mrs. Spade: If you know how to sew, old things can become new with little effort. Whether you're making something pretty to wear or sprucing up the pillows in your living room with new fabric, there are endless possibilities without spending a fortune at a retail store. I love to search local thrift stores for vintage fabrics and notions. I find items (many are brand new) for pennies that can be worked into my sewing.

GGM: Your little girl's clothing is cute. Where did you come up with the styles and what gives you inspiration for sewing projects?

Mrs. Spade: My greatest inspiration is my daughter Olivia. Right now I love bold, bright colors and using entire lines of fabric in one set. I also enjoy mixing vintage and new clothing patterns to come up with a set that's completely unique.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to speak with you and your readers. I have to thank the Lord Jesus for all the many blessings in my life. Also I have to thank my husband Eddie for being so supportive and all of my family and friends that have encouraged me along the way.

Thanks for taking the time to join me, Mrs. Spade. Many blessings to you in your business! You can visit Mrs. Spade and little Miss Olivia by going to OliviaKate.com. I hope you as a young lady or even a mother will be inspired by this article to start learning how to sew yourself. It's a wonderful homemaking skill and life-essential.

Thank you Mom, A Poem by Miss Kaitlyn

Thank-you, Mom,

For endless days

You’ve cared for me,

In endless ways

Thanks for working

Every hour,

To protect me from

Evil’s power.

The days, they seem,

To slip away

And sometimes our friendship

Begins to fray.

I just want

You to know,

Thanks for caring more,

For how I grow.

Most of all

I want to thank you for

Guiding me upward,

More and more.

For teaching me the way,

That I should go,

Even when

It hurts you so.

Please forgive

My reckless days

And everytime

It did replay.

Thanks for the lessons

You’ve taught to me,

Like saving myself

For the man to be.

Thanks for guiding me

All the way

Everytime

I start to stray.

Thank-You for not

Giving up on me.

When I was surly,

You prayed for me.

Artwork and poem by: Miss Kaitlyn

~Spiritual Mother’s Day Present~

On a Wednesday night church service, after the message, the Pastor asked if anyone hadn’t trusted Christ as their Savior. I was thinking if I had or not, and I didn’t know! That next morning, I told my mom, with tears in my eyes, that I just didn’t know where I would go. She said, “Well that would be a good thing to know wouldn’t it?” So she told the plan of Salvation to me and I trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior! After the prayer my mom said to me, “You know what, I got saved on this same day 10 years ago!” I was so excited that we could share that day as our “Spiritual Birthday!”

Healthy Steps

My mother and I have decided to eat healthier and it has helped us to keep each other accountable. We both eat 100% whole wheat grains, Fat free milk, Splenda in her coffee, honey instead of sugar in our cereal, and sugar free candy when we have a craving. We also try to cook as much as possible instead of going out to dinner at a restaurant or fast food place. Help your mother with meal planning so as not to take up to much time deciding on what to make. Also, try preparing the meal ahead of time and freezing it so that all you would have to do is defrost and heat up. That is a great idea if you know that you will be extra busy that week and you will not have time to prepare an entire meal.

After dinner sometimes, we try to go out for a walk together. You can help your mom get the dishes done so that you can go out on a walk. Sometimes after we are finished with our school work, we will go to the park and walk around a bit. Working along with mom in healthy living helps bring more to your relationship. Have fun making healthy steps, one day at a time.

A Life of Faith

My favorite book series is the A Life of Faith series. It is published by Mission City Press who updated the original books that were written by Martha Finley in the 1800's. They also have a website, www.alof.com .

There are eight books for each of the three characters. The characters are Elsie Dinsmore, Millie Keith, and Violet Travilla. Elsie is Millie’s cousin and Violet’s mom. The books start with them as children and then they grow through the books until they are in their 20's. Each individual series (Elsie, Millie, or Violet) can be read separately from another series.



They have recently introduced two new series. The Laylie Colbert and Kathleen McKenzie series. These are not written by Martha Finley but they are still very good!

The Life of Faith books are uplifting, clean, and funny. I could go on...and on...about the books because I like them so much. However, I think I should share with you a pretend letter I wrote to Martha Finley (who has now gone on to be with the Lord), because it shows what I like about the Millie Keith series.

Here is the letter (I wrote it about a year ago):

Dear Mrs. Martha Finley,

I have read all of the Millie Keith books in the "A Life of Faith" series. Reading your books made me desire to grow closer to God. It made reading the Bible seem an exciting and rewarding thing to do, instead of something that I have to do. It also made me want to be more loving and kind towards my brothers, and respectful and obedient to my parents.

I think it is really neat that you start each chapter with a Bible verse that is relevant to the chapter. I have shared these books with my friends and they love them, too. I really like the fact that Millie asked God to keep her heart for her and to only give it to the right man when/if the time came. She did not kiss or do anything else that was not appropriate, but stayed pure and waited for the time when she would get married if that was God’s will for her.

Millie was the oldest child and sometimes she was frustrated or upset with her younger siblings but she prayed to God to help her become more patient. I am also the oldest child in my family and I want to be more patient with my younger brothers as well. I want to be gentle and kind and yet be bold and strong in my faith, just like Millie.

Your books show that a strong faith in God and good moral character are much more important than money or things. I completely agree with that! I think it is great that Millie’s Bible was her most prized possession. It is so wonderful to read books that value and promote purity and godliness in young women. Thank you so much for writing books that encourage people to live for God!