Emphasis On Moms ~ January 2011 by Carie Trost

Emphasis

On Moms

You are a Mom ~ You are a Wife ~ You are a Lady ~ ~ Embrace who God created you to be ~

Emphasis On Moms is focused on giving moms words of encouragement and support. Our goal is to bring you hope and help for your life as parents, individual women, and wives. We know that your family means everything to you. Yet in our stressed, busy, overwhelmed world a mom can struggle with low self esteem, finding time for her marriage relationship, maintaining family values, and just being a positive parent. Emphasis On Moms is here to help you feel good about who you are, while bringing inspiration and perspective to your heart through our resources, blog, and parenting tips. You put everything you are into caring for your family now its time to be lavished with some love, honesty and a reminder that you're not alone.

Emphasis On Moms January 2011 Issue Issn: 1529~269X

Inside: Impact: Inspirational Quote Home Impressions: Lesson Of Limits Heartstrings: A Fresh Dose of the Word Memory Lane: Brrr! Don’t Let The Cold Stop Memory Making A Mom Minute: I’m Tired of Worrying About It Applause! (Lady of the Mont): Natalie Nurture Your Soul: Tiptoe To The Counter Potpourri: Idea Sparkers For Your Home Timeout: Seeking Excellence Not Perfectionism Treasure Box: Matthew 6:34 All About Relationships: Your Faith & Your Relationships Social Graces: Bringing Back Manners 3

Between You and Me ~ January! A new year! Such a great time for reflecting and prioritizing! As you can see, we have made some changes with the Emphasis On Moms newsletter as well! Let me know how you like the new format online. As the way people read newsletters & magazines shifts online, I find that I need to shift as well. So that is why we are trying this online magazine format. Please know you can still subscribe to view the new magazine format, so you can know when a new issue comes out—simply click on the ―subscribe‖ button on top of our publication name .… We will keep both formats for another month or two (email and online) just so that we can all get the hang of things. But then, if things go well, I will probably transfer completely to an online format. You can send me your feedback at madetomom@yahoo.com Thanks !

Keeping It Real,

Dionna Sanchez

The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high, but we aim too low and reach it. ~Michelangelo 5

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Our "Heartstrings" author - Angie Maldonado - has her first Bible Study out! Exploring the mindsets, habits, and strongholds that dim our lights for Christ, author Angie Maldonado uncovers how you can move beyond dim and Let Your Light Shine to a watching world around you. With the use of Biblical study, exhortation, and personal application, Let Your Light Shine will guide you to true change and into the Christian woman God intended.http:// letyourlightshineam.com/

Lesson of Limits ~ By Susan Lawrence My dad’s horse Lady was on the family farm long before I was. She came to him with a load of cattle from Texas when he was a teenager, and she lived beyond normal life expectancy for horses. I made many memories with Lady. And I learned an important lesson from one of her colts. She was a “late-in-life” mother, so by the time this colt was born, my parents didn’t see the need, or have the desire, to raise another horse. I, on the other hand, thought it was the greatest idea in the world! I wanted the opportunity to own my own horse, raising him from birth. I begged, bargained, and probably even cried a few tears for effect. As the colt grew and the time approached for us to sell him, my dad agreed that I could keep the colt…but!…he would be my responsibility.

Looking back, I know I didn’t wear down my dad. I didn’t “win.” He knew more than I did, and he let me learn a lesson. I had taken care of many farm animals, bottle-feeding many calves who were abandoned, nursing kittens to healthy, and raising litters of puppies. I’d helped with our horses, so taking care of the colt didn’t seem that different. I spent time in the barn with him and Lady. I found comfort in building relationships with the animals on the farm. My dad helped me through the first steps of training the colt. We fitted the colt with a halter and let him get used to it, and I began to lead him around. I laid a saddle pad on his back to let him get used to the weight and feel. Eventually, we added the saddle. My dad had told me I’d be responsible for raising the colt, including the training. I don’t know if it’s because he didn’t want me to get hurt, or if he wanted to see me experience more of the training process, but I realize now that he helped more than he said he would in the beginning. If he hadn’t been there in the early stages of preparing the colt to ride, I wouldn’t have known what to do and couldn’t have managed the weight and energy of the colt.

The day came for me to ride him. I can easily summarize it by telling you that I spent more time on the ground than in the saddle. Of the hour or so we worked in the pasture, I sat in the saddle no more than thirty seconds. I had bruises where I didn’t know I could get bruises. And I cried. My tears weren’t because of the physical pain. I’m fairly tough. The tears were because I learned something that surprised me: I have limits. I can’t do everything just because I want to. Nor should I. Could I have pushed through the next weeks and months and continued to try? Perhaps. But I suddenly knew training that colt wasn’t something I was going to do. I had (helped) raise him to that point of his life, but someone else would take him through the next steps. I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it. But God is the One who made it grow. So the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters is not important. Only God, who makes things grow, is important. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NCV) Plant when you should plant. Water when you should water. Trust God for the growth.

~ Susan Lawrence is passionate about connecting individuals and teams of people in purposeful and healthy ways. Whether writing, speaking or consulting, I strive to encourage and equip women to meet the others around them while balancing their own needs. We all need support and encouragement! My first Bible Study, Pure Purpose, released Spring 2010. http://purepurposebook.wordpress.com/

Heartstrings “A Fresh Dose of the Word” By Angie Maldonado

A new month of a new year…I don’t know about you, but I feel like I could use a fresh dose of encouragement and wisdom to carry me through it! I have had a recent personal experience that has firmly solidified the truth that all the wisdom we need is founded in God’s Word. As husband and wife, so often where we find ourselves needing this wisdom is in our parenting. And, I don’t think that need changes whether your kids are one and three, or twenty-five and thirty. Agreeing about how to parent our children can create stress in our marriage relationships. You may not have been parented in the same manner as your husband. You two may dangle somewhere on opposing ends of “grace” and “authoritarianism.” It’s also possible that you, like my husband and I, have come to a place of asking, “What in the world do we do? We just have no idea!” The good news is, help can be found. When you find yourselves at

opposite ends of the parenting spectrum or simply in a dumbfounded state, frustrated by the conflict it’s causing between you and your spouse, wisdom is found in the Word. It is where you can both go to find wisdom and encouragement that carries you through. When you seek the wisdom of the Word, do so with a prayerful, humble and teachable heart. Your current manner of parenting may require some adjusting to line up with what the Word instructs, but trust me, the Word is right. It’s also going to require time and commitment from both partners. Whenever we seek to edify our character and lifestyle, effort is required. It will be time well spent— 10

both for your children and for your marriage. Don’t spend the new year banging your head up against a wall, being on opposite teams with your spouse in your parenting, when the Word is sitting right between you. I also encourage you not just to seek the Word, but actually use it directly in your parenting to instruct your children. “For the Word of God is active. Sharper than any doubleedged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Any thoughts and attitudes of the heart that need to be judged in your house? Oh boy, do we have some in ours! My word to you is this: start the new year off with a fresh dose of God’s instruction. Allow it to unify your parenting and in turn unify you as a couple. I’ll leave you with one more verse that sums it up nicely: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

~ Angie Maldonado is a home schooling mom of two girls (ages 7 and 9) and an Army wife. She and her family currently reside in Fort Benning, Georgia. Her greatest goal in life is to leave a remarkable spiritual legacy to her two girls and to see them mature with hearts to serve the Lord. She enjoys crafting, decorating, reading and of course, writing. Angie has experienced the renovating power of the Lord at work in her marriage, and considers it a great blessing to use what she has learned to help build other women in their faith. Her first book, Let Your Light Shine, is now available through www.crossbooks.com or at her website, www.letyourlightshineam.com.

I’m Tired of Worrying About It ~ By Dionna Sanchez

I’m tired of worrying about it. I’m tired of worrying if I’m overdressed or underdressed. I’m tired of fretting over the condition of my house before company comes over and I’m tired of over-analyzing everything that comes out of my mouth, just in case I said something wrong. I’m just tired of it. I’m so OVER caring who sees me singing at the top of my lungs as I drive down the freeway. I don’t care anymore if tears fall down my face in public. No more pretenses for me. Don’t you just get tired of trying to have it all together all of the time? I do and I’ve never even been gung-ho about it! I’m just tired of the stress and the strain that worrying about everything puts on my heart and soul. I’m tired of fretting over whether or not a certain group of ladies includes me or even speaks to me. I’m tired of worrying over whether they deem me ―good enough‖ or ―acceptable.‖ I’ve just had it. I’m ready to rebel. I’ve been a ―good girl‖ all of my life but now it’s my time to rebel. I’m going to feel free for once and it’s going to feel fantastic. I’m going to enjoy playing twister with my kids and eating French fries even if the calories goes to my hips. I’m going to laugh out loud and not worry about how it sounds or if it’s at the appropriate moment. 12

No. I’m going to take off the clothes of perfection and be free in my own skin. If I’m left alone and not included, I’m going to enjoy my own company. I’m going to people watch and find someone on my own to befriend. I’m going to enjoy the quiet and solitude that often escapes a mom. If someone sees me dancing and singing in the car with my kids, I’m going to laugh, smile, and maybe even wave. For I will enjoy life. If my house isn’t perfect when it’s time for a gathering, I’m going to learn to relax in it. If I say something wrong or fear that I did, I will correct it when I can – but I’m not going to get myself in a tizzy about it. If someone truly knows my heart and character, they will know I never meant to harm them with my words. I’m just tired of worrying about it. It takes up too much time and too much of my happiness. This is the new me. The one who is ready to rebel against standards. The one who is going to do whatever it takes to accept herself – imperfections and all. Who’s with me?

~ Dionna Sanchez is the Founder of the EmphasisOnMoms.com Ministry. She blogs her faith at http://beautyinthestorm.blogspot.com and freelance writes from her home in Idaho.

Name: Natalie Number of children and ages: 2- Isaiah 4yrs Johanna 2yrs City and State (or country): Maryland What did you want to be when you grew up? Teacher What one thing always makes you smile? Outside on a beautiful day. What household chore is your favorite? Least favorite? Don't really have a favorite but the one that I don't mind is washing dishes. Least favorite...folding clothes. How do you feel about your housekeeping skills? If I could I would hire a housekeeper...not my best quality. What positive qualities do you see in your kids? They are very loving and kind towards each other and others. Do you struggle with your faith? Glory to God I do not struggle with my faith. But struggles I have plenty, and because of my faith I survive. What are some of your favorite "me" activities? Reading Historic Christian books or anything by Francine Rivers. And sipping a cup of Chai tea. What are your tips for growing a strong marriage? Pray for each other. Forgiveness. Live in an understanding way...everybody has different perspectives. Accepting only God can change your spouse. 14

Potpourri

~ Idea Sparkers for your Home ool w a d ashe w y l l a d to t e n n e e d i p c p s ha er ac a v e h als s u i o o h t y T e e l Hav y ab ing? l l h a t o u l ou, t c y c a f o o s t a s m w ite dI ppen n a a h e s i r o h d in me bef arment. If t t was washe e eg om tha s h t m d e e d t g a i a l v oo and w n me e e o h h s t T k k a a . o r o s let s wate d n m and r a l a r o w e t o e a k w w u l the n the o e er t t f h t o o o s o p r p l o sham ater ill he e w w s s i e h T th more. u to reshape o ent. y m r w a o g l l a mick r o C c my M

I’m aware that my young daughters’ eagerness to help in the kitchen will wear off as they summit the mountain of selfishness that I’m guessing sets in around third or fourth grade. But for now, I’m going to use their willing hearts as “slave” labor while I can. When I flip pancakes on Saturday mornings, they clamor around me trying to see. They just want to get their hands in the mess no matter how lowly or humble the task. “Hope, could you get the eggs from the refrigerator. Please crack one into the bowl and then in a minute you can dump in the blueberries.” Her seven-year-old eyes light up and she goes about her new responsibilities. I pour the batter onto the griddle and she watches me work over the stove; she wants to help more than she is even capable of. She will have to wait a couple more years before I can trust her over an open flame. But she just wants to be next to me. I also try to give my three-year-old kitchen tasks that are suitable for her age and capabilities. “Please put the forks on the table,” and “Can you find Mama the spatula in the drawer?” She does the best she can. She might leave the silverware drawer open after she’s fetched the forks or hand me the wrong spatula, but she is eager. She is helpful by just wanting to be a part of the larger process of breakfast. 16

Too often we as adults we lose the giddy excitement when we are asked to serve. We think wer are above certain things and certain other things are outside of our “gifts set”. Or they are just plain inconvenient. How often do I beg to serve because I just want to be near Jesus? Never. But being around Jesus and pleasing Him should always be the reason behind any doing, no matter how tiny or insignificant. Like setting forks out on the table for breakfast. When we pour blueberries for Him, it becomes exciting. It is less about the kitchen task and more about the Person we are near. When we staff the nursery at church or collect communion cups, it becomes an act of love for Jesus because of our heart attitude. What if I hate my job? I mean, my church job, my spiritual job, my real job, my mom job? What if I hate it and can’t find the right heart attitude? Stand close to Him then. Scoot up right next to Him, pull your step stool out and let your arm touch His arm as you both work. Move your hands together with His and your attitude will change. We should be standing tip toe to the counter with Jesus, needing to be next to Him and the miracles He is doing in other people’s lives. And then stand back to see what He does in our own. ~ Sarah Markley is a freelance writer and a stay at home mom. She lives in Southern California with her husband, Chad and her daughters Hope and Naomi. She blogs daily about faith, marriage and mothering at www.sarahmarkley.com. “Originally published at www.sarahmarkley.com in June 2009”

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"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.‖ Matthew 6:34 Jesus doesn’t want us to worry about the future. As a matter of fact, I’ve heard it said that worry is a sin. But often that isn’t even enough to deter us from participating in it. Sometimes it seems that worrying just goes hand in hand with raising children. But as I took a deeper look at this verse, I realized something: When Jesus says, “Tomorrow brings its own worries”, this means that when I spend even a moment of today worrying about tomorrow, I am actually multiplying my troubles—quite needlessly. Not only am I bringing them into the present before their time (and before God’s grace is there to help me deal with them), I’m bringing some that aren’t even planning to show up at all. I like what author Elizabeth George said of Matthew 6:34—Jesus challenges us in this verse, “Deal with today.” ~ Cheryl Heindel 19

Seeking Excellence not Perfectionism ~ By Jenn Whitmer I want things done well; I want my life to be marked by excellence. I don’t want my children to grow up to be inept or unskilled. I want them to live an excellent life, because we serve an excellent God. Yet, in the pursuit of excellence, it’s easy to slip into raising children as perfectionists. Perfectionism is a vicious enemy to grace. Raising children under the crushing weight of perfectionism can lead to severe rebellion or great insecurity. The first response is: “I’ll never measure up, so why even try.” The second response is: “I must be perfect to be liked and loved.” Our goal in discipline is for our children to obey us and God out of love, recognizing His love for us and His grace in our lives changes us. Because of His greatness, we are changed; therefore, we behave differently. This is the motivation we want to impress upon our children. How do we encourage children along the path of excellence and doing what’s right without demanding perfectionism of them and ourselves?

Flaunting your Faults When you make a mistake, admit it! Even little things can demonstrate to your children that you live in God’s grace for your own life. Articulate your inner dialogue. For example, you dropped and broke a plate in the kitchen. Do you berate yourself? Try instead in a calm tone, “Oh, that didn’t work! I was trying to carry too many things at once. I should have slowed down. Next time, I’ll be more careful and carry less at one time.” Name the problem and the solution without attacking your character. Do the same for them when they make a mistake. If you make a mistake against your child, apologize to them. Be quick to offer genuine apologies; ask for their forgiveness. This demonstrates humility and models a life of repentance for them in an extremely personal way. There are many ways we can build up children. Demonstrating our out struggles and failures in an appropriate manner can show children how we live life relying on God’s grace.

Let’s do it together We can get impatient and critical of our children’s efforts to complete tasks. Especially for young children, the best way can be to do it together. Teaching a child to make a bed, for example, is a great chance to show your child what your expectation is. Let’s work on this together. I’ll show you on this corner and you try the next. Praise their effort! Washing dishes, sweeping floors, picking up the yard are all activities that you can work together to 20

demonstrate how to do something well and teach them how to do it. These are not sin issues, but if you demand a child perform at adult levels without guiding them, a pattern of defeat can develop into much bigger sin issues.

Leave it alone This one can be the hardest; once they’ve done a task on their own, praise them and leave it alone. Remember the beds? My four-year-old daughter has been working on making her bed, and she shows me every morning because she’s so proud of herself. She does a great job with the quilt, wonderfully smooth and even with her pillow place just so at the head of the bed. But, the sheet and blanket underneath are always scrunched to the foot of the bed like an elf is hiding in there. It would be very easy to crush her spirit of accomplishment by fixing her bed. Instead, I leave it alone until the next time we change the sheets or make it together and I can show her how to pull up the sheets underneath. The cycle of teaching and allowing her to make her mistakes builds in her a sense of responsibility without crushing her with perfect expectations. The older the child, the harder leaving it alone is. If they don’t turn in an assignment, let them suffer the consequences. If they wash the car for you and it has streaks of dust on it still, praise and thank them without rushing out to fix the job. Guiding our children toward excellence is far better than asking for perfection in them. Perfectionism steals grace and disintegrates a foundation of love in their lives. Dr. Harriet Braiker wrote, “Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.” God is an excellent God who loves with an excellent love. That motivates us precisely because he doesn’t ask for perfection, but rather repentance. We should seek to love our children in the same way.

~ Jenn Whitmer lives and laughs with her husband, two sons, and 2 daughters in St. Louis, Missouri. Send Email Jennifer at jenniferwhitmer@gmail.com with any thoughts or questions.

Your Faith and Your Relationships I consider myself a “baby Christian”. What I mean is that I am fairly new at having a personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I have technically been a Christian my entire life, always a believer, but have only been truly living my faith day to day and out loud for a little over a year. I guess most would have considered me a “luke warm Christian”. Not so anymore, and while it has been an enlightening and exciting journey there have been some trials and struggles. One area that has been affected most is that of my relationships. As I have shared before, there has been healing and forgiveness with my mother, which honestly in times past I would not have thought possible. My relationship with my husband has grown stronger and taken on a deeper level of intimacy. Through this journey I have met many kindred spirits, and new relationships have been formed. However, some of my closest family relationships have been strained and where there was once intimacy seems to have been replaced with distance and animosity. Along these same lines, recently both my faith and integrity were attacked and questioned for the very first time, by a complete stranger. This seemed to have come out of nowhere. The accusations were untrue, unfounded and seemed to be the result of a personal grudge. The timing of the attack was interesting be22

cause we had just successfully completed the first mission of our family ministry with the help and support of local family, friends and members of our community. Due to the timing I began to suspect there was more to this then I thought at first. At first, all of the above made me angry. Then my anger turned to hurt. I did what I have learned to do, I took it to the Lord in prayer. I prayed for healing and understanding in my relationships. I prayed for the salvation of those I feel so distanced from. I then prayed for my “enemy”. I then had a revelation of sorts, which is why I chose to share this with you in my column this month…

Spiritual warfare is very real. We must be diligent and call upon the Lord to help us fight these battles. Often, Satan will use our relationships as a source of strife and conflict in an effort to lead us astray from our relationship with Him. He may also use others (including complete strangers) to attack us, to hurt us, in an effort to cause us to doubt who we are in Him and to distract us from what the Lord has called us to do. Once I realized this, I began to understand that I am indeed on the right path, and I have nothing to fear. I have His power. I have a direct connection to Him through prayer. I will keep on living my faith out loud, I will forgive those who hurt me and I will not allow Satan to deceive me and cause havoc in my life and within my relationships. I hope, that if you are experiencing any of these same issues, you understand you too have this same power. You do, we all do. Regardless if you are a brand new Christian, a “baby Christian”, or if you have been walking with Him daily for years.

You have the power through Him to fight any and all spiritual battles that come your way. Spiritual warfare is very real, but keep in mind, in the end we WIN (remember the end of The Book), but you can win the daily battles as well. Keep on moving forward in faith, my friend!

~ Jenn Rogers is learning daily to seek and follow God's will, to stay humble

and to serve others with love and gratitude. Feel free to contact Jenn directly at http://jenniferroyalrogers.blogspot.com or connect with her on twitter and Facebook.

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hristmas C d o o h r o b h eig I hosted a n in Deceme g n a h c x E Cookie printed invi0 9 d e r e iv l e ber...hand-d request. By P V S R n a h tations wit ies had d a l 2 1 t, n e v ee the day of th hone or p y b d e d n o sp officially re tremely difx e it e d a m email. This are effecp e r p d n a n a ficult to pl that had p u d e w o h s al tively! Sever few did not a d n a d e d n not respo d said they a h t a th e m o c great time a d a h e n o y would. Ever ristmas h C y m m u y and lots of headaches s s te s o h e th treats, but ided by o v a n e e b y il as could have e y to exn a m w o h g knowin en asked to h w P V S R e pect! Pleas manner if y l e m ti a in do so (and the better)! r e n o o s e h .t possible..

~ Edie Bunch

Brrrrr! Don't Let the Cold Stop Memory Making

It is very cold here in my neck of the woods. I think Winter can be a great time for creating lasting traditions. I personally do not jump for joy for Winter. I mean it can be gloomy at times and cabin fever can leave you clawing for a chance to get out of the house. I started to think of ways last year that would create some special times during the winter to break up the mundane and to keep some joy in our home. Here are some things we have done and some ideas we are planning to try........... ~We host a soup, salad, and bread night one night in January and February for friends from church. ~Make a "All About Snow Day"- make snowflakes, go out and play in the snow, make snow paint, make powdered donut snowmen, read snowy stories, drink hot chocolate ~Winter time is also a great time to pick some one on one time with each child. Activities aren't as heavy in the winter so you have more time to spend with your children individually. Take them to their favorite place to eat, go ice skating, or go to a arcade. ~Start a Kid's Cook Night. Hit the library to pick out kid recipe books. Let them choose, make shop list, and shop the food they plan to cook. Then with your help and dad if possible cook together. This is a fun and cozy night inside. ~ Plan a Winter Escape. Go to a local hotel with an indoor pool and get room service. Hotel rates are cheaper in the winter. I hope you have a wonderful and cozy winter. Challenge yourself to create some great Winter Traditions!!

~ Chrissy Townsend is a Princess to the Most Excellent King, the Lord Jesus Christ. She is help mate to her Royal Prince of 11 years. She is a homeschooling mom to 3 ROYAL children. She loves that she can give them a lasting impact and a goodly heritage for all generations to come. www.mothermoments.blogspot.com 25

Dionna Sanchez is Founder & Editor of Emphasis On Moms. She loves to write and minister to women after her first love : raising her children. madetomom@yahoo.com

Angie Maldonado writes the Hearstsrings column. She is a home schooling mom of two girls in Georgia.. She just published her first book dedi-

Jennifer Whitmer writes our Timeout column. She is an accomplished music teacher, full-time mother of three and part time makeup artist. jenniferwhitmer@gmail.com

Chrissy Townsend writes our Memory Lane Column. She is a homeschooling mom to 3 children. Her ultimate goal is to pass down a royal heritage to her children. Visit Chrissyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Sarah Markley writes our Nurture Your Soul column. She is a freelance writer and a stay at home mom. Sarah blogs daily about faith, marriage and mothering at SarahMarkley.com.

Edie Bunch submits our Social Graces tips. She is a military wife and registered pharmacist who has chosen to stay at home with her children. God has given Edie & her family a unique call-

Amy McCormick submits our ―Potpourri‖ tips. She is a single mom and a special education teacher. She aspires to be a writer and has penned a children’s book and some single parent-

Cheryl Heindel writes our Treasure Box devotionals. She lives in Idaho and is active in her church and prison ministry with her husband, Bob.

Jennifer Rogers writes It’s All About Relationships. She is a work at home mom of four and specializes in coaching and mentoring work at home moms. She is learning daily to seek and

Susan Lawrence is our Home Impressions Columnist. Her first Bible Study released in Spring 2001. Whether writing, speaking, or consulting, Susan strives to encourage and equip women. http:// purepurposebook.wordpress.com 28

Dear Dionna,

Does Emphasis On Moms minister to you?

Send your comments to: madetomom@yahoo.com

I recently signed up to receive your newsletter. Today I sat at my computer and read the entire newsletter as soon as I received it. I just had to write and tell you I sat here and cried as I read some of the articles. The words spoke to my heart, and I felt a real connection to the writers. As a mom, I often feel I am the only one out there experiencing these feelings, thoughts, and circumstances, and I don't always feel equipped to handle life. It was never so liberating to realize it is okay to be honest about the struggles we as moms go through. I tend to keep things to myself, so those around me never would suspect my heart is breaking at times. However, I have been learning to lean on Jesus, and my faith has grown so much in the last few months. Just wanted you to know God spoke to me today through your newsletter. Thank you and God bless you. Sharon Riojas 29

Make sure to visit the Emphasis On Moms Website for: *100 Family Friendly Movies *Family tradition ideas *Links Just for Moms And so much more. http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com Visit our Blogs! Faith—http://beautyinthestorm.blogspot.com Parenting—http://influencinglives.blogspot.com Family Traditions—http://alastingfoundation.blogspot.com

Does Emphasis encourage your heart?? Take a minute to let Dionna know, or support the ministry through prayer or a donation. Visit http:// www.EmphasisOnMoms.com or email at madetomom@yahoo.com ~~~~~~~~~~ The appearance of advertising in Emphasis should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the service, product, business, or program being advertised. Emphasis On Moms takes no responsibility for claims or representations made in any ads. Emphasis On Moms is for informational purposes only. In no event shall Dionna Sanchez be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or defamation. ~~~~~~~~~~ No articles may be used without the author’s consent. ~~~~~~~~~~ EMPHASIS ON MOMS is here for you as a ministry to encourage your heart. It comes from Dionna's heart and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have a prayer request or would like to find out more how you can ask Jesus into your heart to become a part of your life; email at madetomom@yahoo.com. 30