Going Home

Greetings!!

My husband insists that most holidays have been created by greeting card companies. He may be right, but that doesn’t change the fact that May brings flowers, fragrance and—Mother’s Day! I’m so grateful that my mom is still alive and that I live close enough to celebrate the day with her.

I love this quote by Mary J Blige, “I blame my mother for nothing, but forgive her for everything.” Whether the relationship with your mom is terrific or disappointing take a moment and thank God for the good things. He can use any circumstance for His glory.

This month I offer a special blessing to my Sister Stepmoms. I’ve included an article specifically written for these extraordinary women. As a stepmom of more than 24 years I understand that Mother’s Day can be wonderful or weary. Therefore, remember that the Lord sees your effort, and He counts every tear. (Psalm 56:8) You are precious to Him, and to me.

Warmly,

Mother’s Day and Stepmoms
—What’s a Woman to Do?

by Laura Petherbridge

If there is one day of the year that can trigger either elation or sadness for a stepmom it’s usually Mother’s Day. One of the reasons Mother’s Day produces so much emotion is because many stepmoms feel as though they have all of the pain, frustrations, financial strain, and difficulty of being a parent, but none of the joys. Stepmoms often feel “outside the family circle” and Mother’s Day can be one more reminder that she’s an outcast. As one stepmom put it, “I get all the grief of parenting, but I don’t get to enjoy the pleasures associated with being a mom.”

Personally I do not expect my stepsons to honor me on Mother’s Day because—I’m NOT their mom. They have a mom and I want them to spend the day with her. They call and we chat, and my stepgrandkids wish me a, “Happy Mother’s Day” but I don’t expect fanfare and gifts from them. However, I do expect my husband to do something special, such as brunch, as a gesture of gratitude for the 24 years of working hard toward building a bridge with his kids. For me the day... [read more]

Listen to an interview with Laura and her Smart Stepmom
co-author Ron Deal” on Woman to Woman Radio's May 2nd Broadcast "Blended Family Success.

“Help I’m Single—Again!”

2 Audio CD Set

Click Here to Order

This audio CD set provides over 2 hours, and 4 sessions of instruction for anyone navigating the complex journey back into the single life after marriage.

Laura shares how to:

• Recognize the unique issues “single again” people face.
• Overcome the fear and uncertainty of the future.
• Tackle the loneliness of single living.
• Let go of the past and embrace a new season of life.
• Know when you are ready to date.

Set Includes These 4 Sessions:
#1 - Introduction
#2 - Re-entering the Single Life
#3 - What is Safe Sex?
#4 - Am I Ready to Date?

Did you know?

• The first suggestion of Mother's Day in the U S was in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe.
• In 1908 the custom for Mother’s Day was to wear a colored carnation if your mom was living and a white carnation if she was deceased.
• In 1914 President Wilson recommended to Congress the national observance of Mother's Day.
• In the United Kingdom Mothers' Day is celebrated in March.

Source: www.apples4theteacher.com

Memorable Quote:

“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." - Abe Lincoln

Resource
Give-Away Contest:

The April 2009 Winner was Betty Matysiak, from Lancaster NY. Congratulations,Betty!

This month’s resource give-away contest winner will receive Living the Lord’s Prayer by David Timms.

Check out his website:
www.growingdeeper.com

Be the 8th person to contact me. To enter this month's Resource Give-Away Contest, enter simply by contacting me.