My newest book released this week Growing a Mother’s Heart: Devotions of Faith, Hope, and Love for Mothers Past, Present, and Future. I so enjoyed writing and interviewing moms for their stories. As moms we have the joys of smiles and kisses as well as laughter shared and the excitement of watching little ones grow. The Ah-ha momments when a child grasps a new concept is a wonder to treasure. We also share struggles when things go wrong and unexpected problems arise. That’s when other moms bring comfort and help us know we are not alone and not the only ones who struggle.

We are moms forever whether our child is on this side of heaven or not. They may grow up but we’re still mom! WQe do the best we can and the best is to simply continue loving each child. A mother’s unconditional love helps our children understand God’s unconditional love.

These stories include moms throughout history, biblical moms, and contemporary moms. To add laughter quotes form little girls are sprinkled throughout the book.

God is with us every day and rejoices with us and comforts us when we need it.

Tis’ the season to be grateful. Gratitude is the best way to lift your spirits.

Science has proven that Gratitude helps in many ways including:

• More relationships (thanking a new friend opens doors to friendships)
• Improves physical and mental health
• Reduces anger
• Grateful people sleep better
• Improves self-esteem (and reduces comparisons)
• Reduces stress
• Enhances empathy and increases happiness

With this year’s covid19, political charged atmosphere, and all, we may have felt things have been hard. But, that has given people more family time, less rushing around, and many more people have learned to connect online. Yes, those are reasons to be thankful.

Paul while imprisoned sang hymns and hose to rejoice and count his blessings. Read Philippians chapater one and discover his joy.He thanked God for the people of Philippi who supported him and prayed for him gave him reasons for joy. He also rejoiced that prsion gave him the opportunity to witness to Romans gaurds and people in authority.

He saw the eternal good rather than dwelling on circumstances and lack.

So, thank God for creation, loved ones, food and shelter, and anything else you can. Thank God for being God!

That will help you look forward to celebrating His birth weks from now and help you focus on reasons we can be thankgful every day.

Blessings to you!