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Tag: valentine’s day

When Love Hurts (Your Wallet) — Enjoying Valentine’s Day without Breaking the Bank

I was at the store the other day when it happened.  My senses were assaulted — completely overwhelmed with pinks and reds and hearts and chocolates. With rows upon rows of overpriced cards – some the size of small children. (Really, Hallmark? Really?) Dang it, I thought. Valentine’s Day.

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Hands down my favorite Christmas song. These words carry such weight! “A thrill of hope” is the perfect description of how our hearts were meant to respond to Jesus. What’s your favorite Christmas song? . . . #oholynight #athrillofhope #christmassongs #christmasiscoming
I’ve had a lot of new followers lately (a huge thank you!), so I thought I’d reintroduce myself! My name is Mary and I’m a wife, mother, and writer. I write mostly about the things that keep me awake at night, such as parenting, motherhood, loss, grief, Christianity, abortion, and more. Most things I write—even fiction—are just my attempt to process the world around me, and I’m always humbled to have anything I write read by others. I’ve been blessed to be a part of a few book compilations as well as write for a variety of online publications. My current writing goals? I’m seeking publication in the children’s book market. I’ve written several manuscripts that are out on submission; while I wait, I’m working on new children’s book projects as well as a—*gulp*—suspense novel (which is equal parts crazy fun and crazy terrifying). I’m also the Communications Director at @gsocarecenter, where I get to do a lot more writing, which I’m a fan of 🤓. I use this account to share books, words, and moments that have impacted me, in the hopes that some of these things will impact you, too. Life is hard, in every way—whether you’re mothering, working, writing, or hurting—and there’s something to be said for sharing those experiences with others. . . This pic was taken during a special time—I was on my way to a writing class at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (notice the dorky “W” for Writer sign🤦‍♀️), to learn, scribble notes, and meet other writers. That was six months ago, and since then I’ve felt like my family and I have been dragged through the mud. This picture reminds me that nothing is certain—I certainly had no inkling of what awaited me when this was taken—and that what matters most is building your life on an unshakable foundation in a world that is constantly shifting like sand. I’ve found that firm foundation in Christ, my rock. Even in the midst of heartache, he is unchanging, and he’s given me something to live for, talk about, and write about. . . What keeps you grounded and helps you process life when things get crazy? Is it Scripture? Writing? Sewing? Running? Comment and share, I’d love to hear from you!
I am SO excited about this new release from Bethany Bomberger of @radiancefoundation! A book like this has been so needed and I can’t talk it up enough. This book uses rhyme to explain to children what it means to be “pro-life.” The illustrations and verse work together to demonstrate the value of all life—regardless of size, location, or level of development—in a powerful way. It also introduces the concept of abortion in an age appropriate way, and provides practical ideas for how kids can advocate for life no matter where they are. In our world today, it’s not a matter of “if” our children are bombarded with pro-abortion rhetoric, but “when.” This book is a great way to get the conversation started in your family and equip your children (and yourself!) with the tools to verbalize their beliefs in a simple and logical way. Check out my stories and highlights for a sneak peek at some of the pages! So #thankful for those who are working hard to provide children with quality, life-affirming reads. #childrensbooks #childrenspicturebooks #picturebook #picturebooks #prolifekids #prolife #loveboth #bethanybomberger #cultureoflife #lovelife #readingtogether #raisingreaders #bookstagram #goodreads #bookshelf #shiftculture #readingtogrow #empoweringchildren
Overwhelmed. I can’t count how many times I’ve used that word this year. I’ve felt overwhelmed by circumstances, grief, and pain. But I’ve also felt overwhelmed by a peace that surpasses all understanding; a peace that only comes from knowing that this world has already been overcome. And I’m overwhelmed when I reflect on God’s goodness. So no matter what you’re walking through—take heart! Because Christ is greater. And he’s already won the victory. #takeheart #hehasovercome #scripture #hope #christisgreater #christisbetter
We’ve lost three babies this year. Three. Some days I wake up thinking that surely it’s all been a bad dream. Some days I forget that it’s happened, and I start mentally planning for due dates that will only leave me empty-handed. But then I think of John Chapter 14, and Jesus’ promise that he is preparing a place for me. How beautiful to know that before the world began, Jesus knew and planned that my true home would include these three children. What a gift to know that they are waiting for us. And after all, isn’t our reunion with Jesus the true ‘due date’? It’s what every soul longs for. And on that day, my husband and I most definitely will not be empty-handed. . . Thank you @beccakatephotography for capturing this moment for us. If you are walking through a pregnancy loss, know you’re not alone, and that there is true hope found in Jesus Christ. He is the Healer of all things. #pregnancyloss #pregnancylossawareness #hopefortomorrow #strengthfortoday #hope #closetothebrokenhearted
Love this one by @louiegiglio. These “100 devotions about God and science” have been perfect for our curious little man. It’s so natural for children (and adults!) to be curious about the world and then awestruck when we discover that there is a Creator behind it all. Each devotion also includes fun facts about how the world works, so our whole family has been learning together. Great content, but also just a beautiful book. I mean really, how about that cover?? This ones been out for a couple of years, and the sequel devotional, “How Great is Our God,” just recently released. I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet, but I’m thinking it will prob end up under the Christmas tree with our kids’ names on it. 🤓#indescribablebook #indescribable #childrensdevotional #childrensdevotions #kidlit #readtogether #childrensbooks #goodreads #bookstagram #howgreatisourgodbook #readingtogrow #bookshelf #godandscience #thursdaythoughts

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RSS The Empowered Advocate

  • Bonus Episode: How to Defend the Pro-Life Position
  • E021: Caralynn's Abortion Story
  • E020: 'Grief Changes You' - Interview with Josh and Kristi Tisdale on Pregnancy Loss, Faith, and Healing
  • E019: The Pain of Pregnancy Loss - Interview with Sarah Philpott, Author of Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You to Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss
  • E018: Interview with Alison Centofante of Live Action
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