Tag: motherhood

Sitting Together in Hard Times

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We will all experience challenging times in life. Jesus Himself told us that “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). We have all likely known someone helpful and comforting to have around when we go through those challenging times, and we have all likely known someone who makes the situation harder, despite their intentions. Praying is always good. Bringing a meal or helping with schedules are great tangible ways to care for others. But what about just sitting with someone in their time of need? How can we ensure that we are the type of person who helps others? Who doesn’t make things more difficult? Who provides true comfort and empathy rather than empty words? The way that we are to treat each other during hard times can be summed up in one Bible verse: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

A Time for Everything

Often, we want to just make things better, easier, and more understandable. We try to heal wounds that are too fresh to be healed and give explanations to events that may never be understood this side of heaven. We want to avoid the uncomfortable pain and lack of explanation. Platitudes such as “Everything happens for a reason” invoke eye-rolls because they gloss over the pain of being human. It is ok to hurt, to mourn, and to grieve. It’s ok to just say to someone, “I’m sorry you are experiencing this,” or “This is just so terrible.” Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: …a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,…a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,…a time to be silent and a time to speak….” Like Romans 12:15 says, when a friend is mourning, it is time for us to mourn with them.

Job’s Friends

The book of Job is often the first place we look when we want to discuss suffering. Job’s friends started on the right track to help him in his pain. “When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him because they saw how great his suffering was” Job 2:11-13). What a beautiful friendship! They showed up and mourned together. They were hurt for their friend, and they loved him simply by being by his side.

But then they started talking. They gave lengthy speeches telling Job that he must have done something wrong, attempting to explain God’s actions. This provided no comfort at all to Job. In fact, it upset him even more. In Job 16:2-5, Job responds to his friends, “I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.”

Not only did their words cause more hurt to Job, but in trying to provide answers on behalf of God, they were just wrong. As the Lord said, in Job 42:7 “to Eliphaz the Temanite, ‘I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about Me, as my servant Job has.” We do not know the inner workings of the spiritual realm. We do not know why terrible things happen other than that we live in a fallen world. We don’t have to know it all because God does! “Of the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” (Romans 11:33-34). We should not offer words of explanation on God’s behalf because we are not capable of such knowledge. “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Proverbs 21:23).

What to Do

When we do not know what to say to our friends or what to pray about their situation, we take comfort in the knowledge that these circumstances are not a surprise to God and not beyond His almighty power. Romans 8:26 guides us in how to pray, telling us that “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Sitting quietly with someone provides more comfort than empty words. The power of silence and stillness are sprinkled throughout Scripture. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still” (Exodus 14:14). “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues” (Proverbs 17:27-28). The Lord appeared to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).

While we do not need to fill the space with lengthy speeches or attempted explanations, or empty platitudes, we can rest in the truth that we are equipped to provide comfort. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-6).

The Good Samaritan

In Luke 10:25-37, we read the story of the good Samaritan. Jesus tells a story of a man walking along the road when he was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. A couple of people see him on the side of the road and just keep going about their business. Then a man from Samaria takes pity on him. “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him” (v. 34).

This dramatic example of caring for someone supports what John writes in 1 John 3:18: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but in action and in truth.” When the time comes for us to love others through their challenging times, may we be people who “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). May we be people who love with fewer words and more actions.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Remi Walle

Megan Moore is a military spouse and mom of 3 (through birth and adoption). A speech-language pathologist by training, she now spends her time moving around the country every couple of years. She is passionate about special needs, adoption, and ice cream.

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October 21, 2022
3 Truths We Can Learn from Jacob and Rachel’s Relationship

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Jacob and Rachel’s relationship, though reveled in as the finest biblical romance, endured many difficulties. Jacob worked seven years for Rachel’s hand. When the seven years ended, Jacob was ready to marry Rachel, yet Rachel’s father, Laban, tricked Jacob and gave him Leah (Rachel’s sister) instead. This caused Jacob to work seven more years to marry Rachel. Rachel and Leah became Jacob’s wives, but Jacob always preferred Rachel.

This biblical soap opera showcases three truths we can learn from Jacob and Rachel’s relationship:

1. Favoritism Is Wrong

The Bible states Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah: “his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years” (Genesis 29:30b). Yet, the Bible tells us directly, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism” (James 2:1). Jacob showed favoritism in his relationship with Rachel, though he was married to both sisters.

God never wants us to show favoritism in any of our human relationships. While polygamy is wrong, Jacob shouldn’t have shown favoritism between the two. Due to his blatant favoritism, we see bitterness creep up in Leah’s heart. Naturally, she begins to doubt her worth while living in Rachel’s shadow.

In our own relationships, we should only have one partner, and we should not express favoritism. Often in relationships, partners can compare their current partner with a past partner or even show favoritism toward a past partner over their current partner. God doesn’t want us to do this. Instead of dividing our interests, we need to focus on one partner, the current partner, rather than comparing them to somebody else.

In the same way, outside of romantic relationships, we should not show favoritism within the family. Sadly, many parents play favorites with their children, or children play favorites with their parents. Friends play favorites, teachers have their pets, and coaches have their number-one Allstars. As Christians, we never need to play favorites or show favoritism. We need to love all people as Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

2. Polygamy Is Wrong

A second truth we can learn from Jacob and Rachel’s relationship is that polygamy is wrong. As previously mentioned in the first point, Jacob showed favoritism to Rachel over Leah. If an individual has multiple spouses, favoritism is bound to result. This is one of the many reasons why polygamy is wrong. Jacob was married to both Leah and Rachel, but at the beginning of creation, God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Anything outside of this goes against God’s design for marriage.

Polygamy brings many problems into a relationship, as shown throughout Jacob’s relationship with Rachel and Leah. As Christians, we should never endorse polygamy. Simply because it was in the Old Testament doesn’t make it okay. God never tells us polygamy is right. God specifically tells us we should only have one husband or one wife. Polygamy has been accepted by many false belief systems, including the Church of the Latter Day Saints, formally known as the Mormon Church, but this is not biblical, nor are their other doctrines.

In our relationships, we must ensure we only have one partner. We should not have multiple husbands or multiple wives. We need to focus on one partner—not multiple partners. Even in the case of dating, a Christian should only date one person at a time. The purpose of dating is to see if the other person will be a potential person to marry. If an individual is dating multiple people, it can cause division, confusion, and a lack of faithfulness. These concerns occurred between Jacob and Rachel and only created tension and hostility.

3. Marriage Shouldn’t Be Based on Physical Appearance

A third truth we can learn from Jacob and Rachel’s relationship is that marriage should not be based on physical appearance. Rachel was very beautiful, and that made Jacob attracted to her. The Bible tells us, “Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Genesis 29:17). Since Rachel was beautiful, Jacob loved her more than Leah. Despite Rachel’s physical appearance, we are never told she was a follower of God. In fact, the Bible tells us Rachel took one of her father’s household gods with her when they left (Genesis 31:19,34).

Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Leah was a woman who loved God and followed Him. She called out to Him in her distress, and He heard her. While Rachel was beautiful on the outside, we are never told she was beautiful on the inside. From God’s eyes, Leah was beautiful because she loved Him, followed Him, and obeyed Him.

Marriage should not be based on physical appearance because love is not based on a person’s fleeting features. When you love somebody, it’s because of the character within—not because of how “pretty” or “handsome” they are. Instead, we love those who are kind, caring, and compassionate. It doesn’t matter as much what they look like. Sure, an attractive person is nice to look at, but if we stop and think, most of us would prefer to spend time with someone we genuinely cared about, whose heart and soul was beautiful regardless of their outward appearance.

Regarding relationships, we must love others because we value them as a person created in God’s image—not just because they look attractive on the outside. When you are in a relationship, try to focus more on the inner beauty of the individual rather than their outward looks. The Apostle Peter tells us, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Relationships need to be built upon God and a biblical definition of love. Christians should not have a relationship with those who don’t know God, nor should we have relationships outside the confines of biblical love. It is highly plausible that Jacob and Rachel’s relationship was built on lust instead of real love. In our relationships, we must ensure they are built upon God, His Word, and true sacrificial love.

The world has mixed the definition of love and lust to be the same, yet they are opposites. Lust does not last, but love does. Jesus warns us against lust, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). As demonstrated by Jesus’ words, lust is not a good thing as it leads to discontentment, comparison, and sexual sin (both in the mind, heart, and body). For a relationship to last, romantic or not, it must be built on the foundation of God’s great, sacrificial love for us.

While Jacob and Rachel are well known in the study of theology, their relationship had many difficulties, which God wants us to avoid. We can learn from Jacob and Rachel’s relationship that we should not show favoritism, practice polygamy, or base marriage on physical appearance. If we understand these truths and apply them, it will help us in our own relationships. God wants us to have healthy relationships built in true, life-giving love.

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Frans Van Heerden

Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

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October 18, 2022
An Open Letter to the Boy I Was Told Didn’t Exist

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Thank You for Proving Them Wrong

First, I want to thank you for proving them wrong. I can’t tell you how many times I was told what I was looking for “just doesn’t exist.” There were moments where I almost threw in the towel and settled for second-rate as I started listening to those who told me I didn’t have to lower my standards, just make them more “realistic.” Yet, you are the most realistic and fairytale-like man I have ever met.

Thank You for Teaching Me How to Love

Second, I want to thank you for teaching me how to love. I had always been taught that a man should love a woman the way Christ loves the Church, but I never knew that by loving you, I would learn of the faithfulness, gentleness, patience, and compassion of our Father.

In this world, love is transactional. You give to get, and if the relationship isn’t beneficial one hundred percent of the time, you get left. You’ve taught me that bad days or weeks, or months are okay to have. You have shown me that love does not hinge on performance or what a person can give another person. Instead, it solidifies itself into the deepest, most secretive places of our hearts. It tears down walls to build castles. It fights nightmares to encourage dreams. And it grows roots so that storms can’t blow it away or tear it down. You have shown me that true love, the kind of love that stays, can only originate from the Father. Then, we can share it with others.

Thank You for Being My Friend

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would find a man who would not only give me roses and willingly listen to my Taylor Swift fan-girl sessions but would double as a best friend. You sit for hours and listen to me ramble on about life’s drama. You participate in spa nights with me (sometimes un-begrudgingly) when you know I’m not feeling my best. You encourage me to take risks and put myself out there, all while cheering for me in the background. You’re a confidant and lifeline that I only ever prayed would exist.

I Am So Proud of You

I also want you to know that I am proud of you. This world is a cruel place. It tears down dreams and runs over those who don’t uphold its sinful standards. Yet somehow, I have seen you walk into the dark parts of this world and let your light shine on those who inhabit the darkness. You never impose judgment, nor do you carry yourself in a boastful manner. You simply walk up to those who are hurting and offer a hand. You reflect the kindness of Jesus so well every day.

Your kindness is something that I have grown to anticipate in every area. No matter how small the gesture or large the inconvenience, you never fail to show others that they have value. You never stop fighting to fill the void of loneliness and misdirection in this world with Jesus’ love. I will forever be proud of who you are and honored to stand by your side.

I Will Always Be Your Biggest Fan

I want you to know that on the days you feel torn down, I will still be cheering you on. When life seems to have no direction, you can always come to me. I know the best and the worst parts of you. So on the days everyone else gets to see the best of you, I will be there in the crowd of smiling faces. I will be the one cheering the loudest and beaming the brightest. And on the days that everyone sees the worst, I’ll stand in front of you, making sure that no one gets to harm the heart that I have come to know and love so well. I will take the harsh words or sentiments, so you don’t have to. I will always cheer for you, love you, and support you no matter what.

I want you to dream big

I want to remind you of how capable and wise you are. You have a tenacity for the things that fill you with passion and a tendency to solve rather complicated issues. I believe in you more than anything, and I want you to remember that God is always on your side. There is so little that is in our control, but there is nothing that is out of God’s. Pray big and dream big because I believe our God has big plans for you. I believe He is going to use you in ways that you never thought possible and that are too large for you to fathom right now. Don’t sell yourself short, and don’t put God in a box. Dream the big dream, do the hard work, and then trust that God will take you the rest of the way right into His plan for you.

Thank you for helping me trust

When we met, I told you it would take me a long time to trust you fully. In all honesty, I expected that to offend you, at the very least. You were not the reason for my lack of trust, but you were the one who was being hurt nay it. Yet, you looked at me with eyes full of compassion and told me that it was okay to be guarded. You insisted that you would show me rather than tell me that I could trust you. As usual, you held strong to your word and slowly taught me that true and pure trust is a beautiful thing that I shouldn’t shy away from but welcome into my life.

I love you

Lastly, I just want you to know that I love you. You are the prince I sang with Sleeping Beauty as a little girl. You are the friend I lacked in elementary school. You are the crush that I daydreamed about finding in middle school. You are the confidence boost that I craved in high school. You are the dream come true that I met in college. You are my answered prayer. And you most definitely exist.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/monkeybusinessimages

Olivia Lauren is a graduate student passionate about Scripture, particularly the Book of Romans showcasing God’s grace. Outside her studies, she enjoys teaching her dog new tricks and finding quicker ways to silence the smoke alarm after trying a new recipe.

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October 17, 2022
3 Things to Remember if a Loved One Committed Suicide

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Today would have been my dear friend’s 28th birthday, and this year, I would have told her happy birthday. I wouldn’t have forgotten to tell her how grateful I was that she graced this world with another year of her laughter and rich kindness.

But I forgot last year.

And only a few days later, she took her life.

I got the text around 5 a.m. relaying the dreadful news. I reread the message repeatedly, afraid that if I put down my phone and peeled my eyes off the words, I would have to accept them. I would have to process and replay that I had missed her birthday (though she hadn’t missed mine). I would be forced to count the times I thought about checking in on her and her baby girls and didn’t. Why didn’t I? Because my schedule and my to-do lists somehow always seemed more important.

My shame quickly stepped in and took grief for a torturous twist. I wept bitterly. I mourned not only her loss but the newfound reality that I wasn’t there for her as I should have been.

If you had checked on her when she shared that post about anxiety, she might have opened up to you. Maybe she would’ve gotten help or found hope.

Some big, bad, holy-rolling mental health advocate you are, huh? You don’t mind chatting about mental health and faith to recruit social media followers, but where were these conversations when your dear friend was wading through her darkest days?

Where were you?

What kind of friend were you?

Can you even call yourself her friend?

Like a brutal broken record, these piercing thoughts replayed, hollowing my heart day and night. Shame’s salvos were relentless, offering no sign of light, life, or hope.

Nonetheless, at some point, I had to move on. I had to accept reality and press forward. But how?

It took time, and it continues to take time as I navigate grief without shame suffocating my journey, but I would like to share three things you should remember when a loved one commits suicide.

I pray these three things aid your healing:

1. You Aren’t Responsible

You aren’t responsible for another person’s decisions. You are called to love them well, to support and encourage them and even call out their unhealthy choices, but you weren’t granted control over them for rightful reasons. Love is freeing. It cares so deeply about someone that it steps back and allows them to make their own choices.

After all, Jesus doesn’t force us to accept Him. Though He knows the agonizing consequences if we don’t, He still lets us choose. Why? Love isn’t love if it’s forced. At that point, it’s watered down to manipulation.

1 Corinthians 13:8 tells us, “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease.”

In other words, no matter what we know—no matter how aware we are of the danger of our loved one’s decisions—love doesn’t steal freedom from another.

It wasn’t and isn’t your responsibility to dictate another person’s decisions, and by allowing them the freedom to live their own lives, you are free of the consequences of their actions.

Does this mean if a friend mentions suicide, you should side-step their troubles and let them “make the decision” to take their life? No, no, no! But does recognizing a loved one’s freedom make grieving their suicide any easier? Yes, with time. As the adrenaline subsides, emotions find a healthier rhythm, and your mind recalls the truth, you can slowly see that you aren’t required to carry out the burden of the consequences of their decision.

Remember that love is freeing–for both parties.

2. Your Love Was Enough

I’ll repeat: your love was enough.

So often, we tally up the ways we failed that person. We recall the times we didn’t check in on them, follow through with coffee plans, or care enough to ask hard questions that might have made them upset but saved their life.

What if I had only pushed harder? Asked more? Kept my word? Stayed faithful to the schedule? Prioritized our time better?

What if my love wasn’t enough to make them know they mattered?

What if?

What if?

What if?

As a young girl battling Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I became well-acquainted with this hounding, two-word question. My mom always countered, “Remind yourself that what-ifs don’t matter. Tell your mind that.” I did and still do tell my mind that what-ifs don’t matter, but often, my mind doesn’t take its own advice.

Yet, at some point, we must be brave enough to answer our what-if questions, tell them they don’t matter, and walk away from their death grip. You see, what-ifs don’t hold the keys to your shackles. You do. What-ifs only have the control you permit.

And regardless of whether or not you question if your love was enough, no matter how often you wonder what would have happened if you had loved them “better,” carrying such shame won’t heal anyone.

It won’t restore their life. But it will destroy yours.

Don’t give what-ifs such power. Don’t allow yourself to second guess if your love was enough.

I’ll answer this one for you: your love was more than enough.

Rest in that today.

3. Grief Is Allowed to be Messy

Bottling up grief always leads to an unhealthy explosion. And heaven forbid you unleash its detonating blow on someone who didn’t deserve the bitterness, anger, and deep hurt swelled in your exhausted, heavy soul.

Remember that grief is allowed to be messy. Healthy grief is not linear. It’s up and down, in and out, here then there, hiding, then in plain sight. It’s not limited to certain times and locations but has its own schedule that infiltrates everything we see, smell, touch, hear, feel, think, remember, etc.

I challenge you to face your grief and allow it to have a place on your journey. It can come along for the messy, bumpy ride. In fact, you can introduce your grief to trusted Christian mentors, counselors, and close friends and family. I encourage you to welcome grief to sit at your table as you have healthy conversations to process what has happened to you.

Let grief be part of your healing journey.

But remember, shame isn’t allowed on this trip. There is no hope, light, or life at the end of shame’s sick games. It promises no peace, resolution, or healthy survival tactics. It wants you to feel guilty when you haven’t “defeated” grief, but I am here to say: grief never really leaves us. When we love someone, they stay with us, and their absence is forever present. It’s almost tangible in a loud, surreal way.

You are allowed to grieve. But you aren’t allowed to let shame control your story if you ever want to find peace and lay the what-if questions to rest.

I’m on this journey with you. I’m paddling alongside you. You might see me cry. You’ll certainly hear me mention my dear friend’s name. But promise me you’ll call me out when shame takes the stern.

And if you’ll allow me, I’ll call you out too.

That’s the only way we heal together.

For more on my story of navigating grief following my dear friend’s suicide, check out my latest book: Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful, Where Exhaustion & Exile Meet God.

Related Resource:

Jeremy Stalnecker seeks to help his podcast listeners answer one of the toughest questions we all face: “How do I move forward when my world is falling apart?” You can listen to every episode of March or Die for FREE on LifeAudio, or listen to an episode right now by clicking the play button below:

Photo Credit: ©Raychan/Unsplash

Peyton Garland is an author and coffee shop hopper who loves helping others find beauty from ashes despite OCD, burned bridges, and perfectionism. Follow her on Instagram @peytonmgarland and check out her latest book, Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful, Where Exhaustion and Exile Meet God, to discover how your cup can overflow, even in dry seasons.

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October 17, 2022
5 Christlike Ways to Handle Disagreements

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In life, there will always be conflict. No matter how much we try to avoid it, there will always be people who share different opinions than we do. If both parties are passionate about their opinions, believing each is correct, this results in conflict. Christians often avoid conflict because they think it’s not Christlike. They believe it’s not being gracious by asserting themselves or their opinions on others. Christians also fear not being liked. Jesus embodied grace, but he also set firm boundaries with others, especially those who did not want to put God and his will first in their lives.

Handle Conflict in a Christlike Manner

Consider the rich young ruler. Mark 10:21-22 says, “Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.”

Jesus did not run after the man; he allowed him to make his own choices. Jesus rooted his identity in his father, and being right was not on his agenda. He came to do the work of his father on earth, and he often paid the price of rejection and persecution (and ultimately death) because of it. In the same way, being Christlike does not mean being liked or not being assertive. Certain situations require us to set firm boundaries against people who may hinder our spiritual growth. This often results in conflict. Although all conflicts in our lives may never be fully resolved, we are called to deal with them as Christlike as possible.

Here are six Christlike ways to handle disagreements:

1. Pray About It

When we disagree with someone, the first thing we can do is pray. Give God the situation. Pray for the person with whom you are in conflict. Ask the Lord to speak and reveal to you anything you need to know about the situation that you may not know already. Ask the Lord to show you anything about the person you may need to know. Reflect on their story—their background, childhood, and current standing with your local church body. Ask the Lord to soften your heart towards that person. During the disagreement, you may have said things that attacked their character, and they may have done the same. Redeem this behavior by confessing your sin to God. Offer an apology to the other party. They may or may not accept it, but you have taken the first step toward resolving the conflict in a Christlike manner.

2. Bite Your Tongue

In the heat of the moment, it is easy to use hurtful words and harsh comments to win the argument or to protect yourself from further rejection. Yet, when Jesus was on trial and falsely accused, he did not snap back with a quick comment or a word of knowledge about their lives. He instead remained silent, knowing that the ultimate judge had already found him not guilty.

When our identities are rooted in Christ, the rejection of others is secondary to our standing with God. If we can remain blameless in a situation before God, we have already won the argument, regardless of whether we have come to a timely resolution. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Seek always to build others up rather than tear them down. We will not be perfect at this, yet striving to put others first even in the heat of conflict reflects Christlike character.

God’s will is for all people to be at peace. Paul writes about this in several of his letters to his churches. Since the church is the Bride of Christ, its members are our brothers and sisters. With so many opinions, we are bound to conflict with one another at some point. But it is how we resolve the conflict that counts. Be the first to offer a sincere apology to the other party. Practice active listening by listening to their point of view without asserting yours. When the other party is finished speaking, state your position again. Ask if they can see it from your perspective. Sometimes a shift in perspective can help us truly understand the situation from another point of view.

3. Forgive Always

Forgiveness is perhaps the hardest part of conflict because the other party might offer an apology, but trust has not been achieved. Therefore, you may be suspicious if they might repeat the action again. Scripture is clear that if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us of our sins. We must understand that forgiveness is a process. It is a result of processing through tough emotions and resolving them in a way that cultivates Christlike character. When we seek to forgive others even when we feel they don’t deserve it, we are becoming more like Christ because Jesus died on the cross, taking on the world’s sins but having committed no sin himself. The other party may not forgive you, but that is no excuse for you not to seek forgiveness. We are obligated as Christians to forgive one another, regardless of the other party’s response.

4. Pinpoint the Underlying Needs

In the heat of the moment, it is easy to argue about the conflict at hand. This may result from a current situation where the two of you are entangled. Yet, the emotional response to the conflict may have nothing to do with you. If this is someone you know personally, recall what you have observed in their lives. Is there any unresolved trauma or other wounds from the past that may be interfering with your current conflict? Sometimes people seek justice in this current situation because they did not receive justice for a past injury or victimization. If this is the case, kindly state what you believe to be true and see if there’s a grain of truth to it. If there is, help them seek to resolve the previous pain so that pain does not interfere with your relationship today. By doing so, you will not only seek to resolve the conflict peacefully, but you may gain a true friend in the process.

5. Wish Them Well

Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement that they had to part ways: “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord” (Acts 15:37-40). Scripture never says whether that conflict was resolved. While we may wish every conflict in which we are embroiled comes to a peaceful agreement, that’s not always the case.

Seek reconciliation and peace as much as possible. We can live at peace with someone and not be in conflict with them. Yet that conflict was not completely resolved. Romans 12:18 says, “as it stands with you, live at peace with all men.” Despite our passionate position and extension of grace, we may never resolve every conflict in our lives. Process any unresolved emotions or pain from the incident. Live at peace with yourself and accept that you may never be in a relationship with that person again. If reconciliation cannot be achieved, wish them well and pray for God’s blessing over their lives.

Conflict is always difficult. No one likes to be involved in conflict with others. But it is a necessary element of living with other people. Do your best to seek resolution and reconciliation with others. It may not always be possible, but peace and the Christlike character that results is always a guaranteed outcome.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Prostock-Studio

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. Her new children’s book Who God Wants Me to Be encourages girls to discover God’s plan for their careers. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

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October 14, 2022
Titus 2: Woman-to-Woman Discipleship

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Women have become a highlighted topic not just within the culture but in the church as well. There is one discussion that is lacking in the church when it comes to women: discipleship.

A healthy implemented discipleship program is the marker of a healthy church.

Discipleship is intentional in building not only relationships but addressing spiritual health areas that sermons cannot. This is essential to spiritual growth. It is so important, in fact, that teaching is part of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Woman-to-woman discipleship is crucial to the Body of Christ. It is vital to the health of a female believer in their walk.

Men cannot speak into the lives of a woman in the way another woman can.

Paul’s Teaching

Titus 2 is the model for woman-to-woman discipleship within the church. Paul is writing to Titus in Crete, where he was left to help set up and equip the newly established church. A great deal of the letter focuses on the health of the church and the roles of leadership.

Paul was likely either addressing issues that the church was facing by giving specific instruction to Titus on how to teach and appoint the church’s leaders.

Within Titus 2, there is instruction specific to women regarding discipleship. In a way, it is descriptive of the discipleship life cycle of the church.

Looking at the full passage, it speaks to men and women equally, but we can note the special instruction for women specifically:

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2:1-5

There is specific behavior from older women that should be present if they are to teach younger women.

Reverent in their behavior – For a woman to disciple another woman well, she must lead by example. She is to be a woman seeking to walk holy as God is holy. The phrase I use often is that she must be a woman who practices what she preaches to other women. Older women are to live out the example of spiritual maturity.

Not slanderers – Unfortunately, women are known for gossip. Our words matter to God. What we say about others has a great impact. Women who are seeking to disciple, just like I said before, should be the example. Their words should be as reverent as their behavior.

Not slaves to much wine – Being a slave to wine will directly affect your behavior. If we are to guard our hearts against sin, we must put off what can cause us to stumble.

To teach what is good – Women and men are called to teach sound doctrine and the scriptures and to point to the gospel in all things. They cannot teach what is good if they do not know what is good. Older women should be trained to disciple younger women. This is what I call the life cycle of discipleship. Older women train younger women. Younger women will become older women, and the cycle will continue.

What Are Older Women to Teach?

What exactly are older women called to teach younger women? We know they are to teach sound doctrine and what is good, but there are specific areas where only a woman can speak into the life of another woman:

To love their husbands – Older women who are experienced in marriage can speak to the areas of marriage where a woman may struggle. They can encourage and even reprove where needed. Older women can give knowledgeable advice when it comes to marriage. This doesn’t mean you must be married for fifty years to qualify. To a newlywed in her twenties, I am an older woman who has been married for sixteen years. (There will always be a woman younger than you).

To love their children – This could look twofold. While older women should encourage younger women to love and care for their young ones at home, they should be encouraged to disciple their children. Those we love should be our priority for discipleship. Mothers are the first line of gospel truth in the lives of their children.

To be self-controlled – Self-control is a skill refined over the course of our lives. It is one that we often must be reminded of daily. For a young woman, self-control often comes in battling selfish desires or even dealing with disappointment. Older women can help be a constant reminder of what really matters in our day-to-day lives as believers.

To be pure – We are to be pure, chaste, and holy women. One of the main things we should be doing as believers is pursuing holiness. It is a day-by-day action of walking holy as God is holy, and we are to be encouraging one another to pursue holiness.

Working at home – There are many places within scripture indicating that women are the managers of the home. Women handle the day-to-day activities of the home, delegate tasks, and even control the emotional temperature of their homes. Women have a great deal of control over the home and should be encouraged to embrace the task with grace rather than resentment.

To be kind–- All believers should be marked by kindness, not just women.

To be submissive to their own husbands – The word submission leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. However, wives are called to be submissive to their husbands. They are not to be submissive to abuse or to be lorded over. Just as a wife is instructed to submit to the leadership of her husband, so her husband must submit to the leadership of the Lord. In the case of discipleship, older women can instruct in what submission is and is not. Older women can also be the first line of defense in abuse that may be taking place within the home.

The end result ensures that the Word of God is not “reviled.” According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word reviled means to criticize, abuse, or angrily insult. Proper discipleship leads to a proper attitude towards God’s Word. It protects believers from erring and guides them in how to walk rightly.

All these things are written so that we may know God and honor Him with our lives.

Related Resource – FREE Discipleship Podcast for Women!

Check out Coffee and Bible Times – a podcast for Christian women to be encouraged and grow in their faith. Ashley, Taylor, and Mentor Mama are founders of the Coffee and Bible Time ministry. Their passion is to help inspire people to delight in God’s Word. Listen to every episode on LifeAudio.com, or click the play button below to listen to an episode right now!

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages

Michelle Rabon is a wife and homeschooling mom of three who feels called to help women thrive in their walk with Jesus every day. In 2012, she started Displaying Grace, a ministry that is focused on helping women engage with God’s Word. Michelle has also served in women’s ministry for the past five years seeking to equip women in the local church through Bible study. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, being close to the ocean, and drinking a lot of coffee.

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October 5, 2022
LaVie™ Mom Lactation Massagers Go Viral During Breastfeeding Awareness Month

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Company gives back to organizations supporting mothers.

Press Release
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Aug 23, 2022

NEW YORK, August 23, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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In honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August, LaVie™ Mom will donate 10% of its website sales to a variety of WIC organizations and lactation support groups helping mothers. This initiative is among the most significant donation made by the young brand to date. So far, they’ve raised thousands of dollars in the span of just a couple of weeks.

On top of LaVie’s already exciting month, the brand’s much-loved Warming Massager went viral in a recent TikTok video, which has helped them reach millions of new moms across the country. The video by mom Lynn Peats (@MamaEvy3) shows the massagers used in real-time during a pump session and accumulated over 5.5 million views, 700k likes, and 3k comments within days due to her success with the product. The response has been off the charts and even sparked a new community of breastfeeding mothers on the platform, which now serves as a communal hub of conversation and support for nursing and pumping mothers around the globe.

The NAPPA Award Winning and Amazon Best-Selling Lactation Massager helps breastfeeding and pumping mothers prevent clogged ducts, speed up milk letdown and milk flow, and reduce the discomfort associated with engorgement. The Warming Massager is an innovative hands-free version that can slip right into any pumping or nursing bra to support feeding sessions throughout the day.

“We’re honored that our products are touching the lives of so many nursing and pumping mothers around the world right now,” says Liz Fleming, spokesperson (and mom) at LaVie™. “It’s tough out there for breastfeeding mothers, but, with the support of our amazing community, we’re doing what we can to help as many mamas as possible.”

The LaVie™ Lactation Massagers, Warming Massagers, Pump Strap™, and other game-changing breastfeeding accessories can be found at laviemom.com, Amazon, Target.com, and other major retailers.

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About LaVie™ Mom: LaVie™ Mom was inspired by the breastfeeding journey and challenges of nursing mothers who, for so long, could only lean on unreliable solutions like combs and electric toothbrushes to relieve the painful and frustrating symptoms associated with breastfeeding, such as clogged ducts and engorgement. We made it our mission to create solutions that help, starting with the NAPPA Award Winning and Amazon Best Selling LaVie™ Lactation Massager, which was originally released in 2017 as the first of its kind on the market. Since then, the company has received over 15,000 reviews from happy customers worldwide and has helped 400,000 mothers across the globe find success while breastfeeding. The products are recognized by Parents, Romper, Yahoo, SheKows, and The Bump as go-to tools for lactating mothers. LaVie™ Mom is also used in over 100 hospitals, lactation clinics, and WIC programs as it continues to be a guiding light for nursing mothers and medical professionals everywhere. For more information, please visit laviemom.com.

PR Contact: Liz Fleming, liz.fleming@laviemom.com

Source: LaVie Mom

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August 23, 2022
Much Needed Relief for Moms This Mother’s Day: Mother’s Little Fanny Pack Helper

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Fun Mom Band wants moms to feel seen with Mom’s Fanny, a fanny pack that lightens the mother load and inspires confidence and fun

Press Release
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Apr 26, 2022

DURHAM, N.C., April 26, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Fun Mom Band, a women-owned startup, announces the launch of Mom’s Fanny, a fanny pack designed and built as tough as motherhood. Stocked with a lady flask and pillbox, Mom’s Fanny sets moms up to rock their day.

Mom’s Fanny supports domestic manufacturing and is produced in the mountains of North Carolina. It’s made of classic durable denim with leather accents and a strap built for tough jobs like making parachutes or parenting.

Mom’s Fanny Essential Bundle with a lady flask and a pillbox retails for $80 and is available for preorder at www.funmomband.com, with packs shipping in early May. Other pack options:

Just the Pack, Ma’am: Mom’s Fanny pack for $68.

Mom’s Fanny Essential Bundle with Pin Joy, which comes stocked with a lady flask, a pillbox, and a choice of pin for $85.

About Fun Mom Band
Fun Mom Band is a scrappy women-owned startup whose mission is to make moms feel seen and to foster joy and levity in pandemic-era parenting times. Its origin story is a pandemic puppet musical about Zoom school mom rage from the voices of swearing, fed-up puppet moms. Fun Mom Band received an NC IDEA Micro Grant in the Fall of 2021 and a Durham Arts Council Artist Support Grant for 2021-2022.

Source: Fun Mom Band

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April 26, 2022
2022 Mother of the Year® Award Recipients Announced

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American mothers across the nation recognized for their vocation of motherhood, resiliency, commitment to family and community with historic award

Press Release
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Feb 3, 2022

WASHINGTON, February 3, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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American Mothers, Inc.® announced the 2022 Mother of the Year® award recipients today — women from diverse backgrounds and experiences across the nation recognized for their work, resiliency and commitment to family and community. These mothers were chosen from every state after a national nomination and selection process led by the organization. American Mothers, Inc. is an 87-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to recognize mothers and their positive impact through the historic annual Mother of the Year® award.

The state honorees will represent their respective home states at the American Mothers national convention this April, and one honoree will be selected as the 2022 National Mother of the Year®. “Time and time again, we have seen that there is no one like Mom,” said Joyce Stevens, President of American Mothers, Inc. “Now, more than ever, people are seeing the work that goes into motherhood and truly recognizing the resiliency of mothers. It is an honor to be an organization that has built a legacy network of moms across the nation while sharing their stories of strength and inspiration.”

For general media inquiries or to set up an interview with a Mother of the Year® honoree, send an email to news@americanmothers.org.

2022 Mother of the Year® Honorees

Alabama Mother of the Year: Antoinette Sands
Alaska: Claudia Jones
Arkansas: Elisha Pillow-Daugherty
California: Vanessa Lopez
Colorado: Doris Donley
Delaware: Roxane Ferguson
D.C.: Vanessa Partin
Florida: Kristen Brown
Georgia: Natalie Fikes
Hawaii: Cheryl Ho
Idaho: Charity Haderlie
Illinois: Rachel Ternstrom
Iowa: Nancy Boettger
Kansas: Sierra Roberts
Maine: Patricia Clark
Maryland: Dr. Tasheka L. Green
Massachusetts: Dalene Basden
Minnesota: October Allen
Missouri: Amanda St. Pierre
Nebraska: Kimmera Vogt
Nevada: Dianna Klein
New Hampshire: Jane Davidson
New Mexico: Consuelo Cordova
North Carolina: Demetria Davis
North Dakota: Chelsey Strand
Oklahoma: Robyn Sunday-Allen
Pennsylvania: Tracy Purdy
Puerto Rico: Zorimar Betancourt
Rhode Island: Michelle Ristuccia
South Carolina: Holly Vega
Tennessee: Shana Smith
Texas: Jessica Dunn
Utah: Nancy Kennedy
Vermont: Tracey Hemond
West Virginia: Kristi Goode
Wisconsin: Lisa Witt

American Mothers, Inc.® (AMI) is a national non-profit, non-partisan organization given the responsibility of searching for and selecting the National Mother of the Year® from honorees representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founded in 1931 as the Mothers Day Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation, AMI named the first Mother of the Year® on behalf of the nation in 1935. Today, our mission is to harness the power of maternal energy to make a positive impact in the world. For more information about the organization, visit AmericanMothers.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @AmericanMothers. “Mother of the Year” and the American Mothers logo are registered trademarks of American Mothers, Inc.®

Source: American Mothers, Inc.

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February 3, 2022
Motherhood Center Expands Online Operations to Support Expecting Mothers
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New offerings allow pregnant women nationwide to take prenatal fitness and educational classes online

Press Release
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updated: Apr 2, 2020
HOUSTON, April 2, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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Motherhood Center is proud to announce its new lineup of online classes to support expecting parents. These online courses are available through live stream and provide the same high-quality information taught during their in-person classes. The full list of classes is available online and includes:
- Prenatal Fitness
- Newborn Care Classes
- Prepared Childbirth
Classes like these have been offered in hospitals in the past. Due to the stress the health care system is currently under, hospitals have been canceling their parenting classes.

“We are proud to be able to serve the nation’s expecting parents with our online courses,” says founder Gabriela Gerhart. “We’ve been hearing that many pregnant women are scared right now. We are here to provide them hope and support.”

Motherhood Center has also moved its private classes and consultations online. Lactation consultants are available by phone or video call. Expecting parents can also work with a sleep coach remotely. Motherhood Center is also helping place night nurses, baby doulas, postpartum doulas and other in-home support for families that need an extra hand.

The center is also open to anyone locally who needs to come by for a breast pump rental or to weigh their newborn. “Businesses may be pausing operations right now, but you can’t pause a pregnancy. We are committed to serving our mommas-to-be through their pregnancy and beyond,” says Gerhart.

For more information on the services available, visit www.motherhoodcenter.com.

About Motherhood Center: For 20 years, the Motherhood Center has been one of the most sought-after pregnancy and postpartum service centers for Houston’s expectant and new moms. They offer everything to support a pregnancy and beyond including fitness, massage, educational courses, breast pump rental, in-home staff placement, lactation consultants, sleep coaches and an in-store boutique.

Media Contact
Laura Mahaney
(512) 297-3365
media@motherhoodcenter.com

Source: Motherhood Center
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April 2, 2020
Wellness Influencer, Marin J. Gordon, Launches Webinar Promoting Comfort & Natural Birthing

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Press Release
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updated: Jan 11, 2017

Los Angeles, CA, January 11, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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Wellness influencer and YouTube Personality, Marin J. Gordon, is going to launch her first Webinar that will focus on educating people about the comfort and benefits of having a natural birth. Marin’s ability to share insight on natural birthing comes from first-hand experience after she rose to digital fame through her YouTube videos, “A Commentary on Birth of Love” and “Peaceful, Painless Birth of Elovie Commentary”. Combined, the videos have garnered an approximate 82 million views over the past five years. Marin has since managed to retain a collective 100K+ following across all of her social media platforms.

Since accruing such a following, Marin’s goal with her content has always been to motivate and inspire. With her birthing videos being her most engaged posts, she felt it necessary to create a webinar for viewers that genuinely want to learn more about natural births through her own personal experience. She adds, “I think it is so important for me to share these experiences with my audience because they genuinely want to know more. There are so many women that have reached out to me about tips and insight on giving natural birth that I felt compelled more than ever to create a space for these women to learn from my experience.”

I think it is so important for me to share these experiences with my audience because they genuinely want to know more. There are so many women that have reached out to me about tips and insight on giving natural birth that I felt compelled more than ever to create a space for these women to learn from my experience.

Marin J. Gordon, Wellness Influencer

Marin’s Webinar will be a free 45-minute session to start, where she will point out the best preparation techniques and tips of natural birth in a step-by-step format. She will touch on her most requested topics from a poll and survey she will conduct through her social media channels. The free webinar will be an introduction to an ongoing course that Marin will structure as an in-depth explanation to each of the points she discusses in the first session.

The webinar will launch on January 15th, 2017. Signups are now available on Marin’s business website, www.gratefulgordons.com .

About Marin J. Gordon

Marin J. Gordon inspires through artistic media production, serving as the image of empowerment through physical and mental well-being. Her personal story, rising from trauma to success, brings realism and connectivity to her followers and business alike.

For Press & Media Inquiries:

RCW Media Group
Joshua Pinkay
joshua@rcwmediagroup
504.274.5086

Source: Marin J. Gordon

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January 11, 2017
Designer Anitra Mecadon Goes Behind the Scenes with Colgate Mattress on “Diaper Pad” Episode
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Celebrity Designer Anitra Mecadon Goes Behind-the-Scenes with Colgate Mattress on New Episode of “Diaper Pad”. HGTV Star and mom-to-be offers straightforward advice on how to choose a safe, eco-friendly crib mattress.

Press Release
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Sep 22, 2016
Atlanta, GA, September 22, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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TV personality and award-winning interior designer Anitra Mecadon takes moms-to-be on a fun and informative journey to buying a safe, eco-friendly crib mattress on the next episode of her digital series “Diaper Pad.” During the episode, Mecadon and husband, Adam Bret, visit the nation’s oldest family owned crib mattress maker, Colgate Mattress. Whether viewers are first-time parents, grandparents or caregivers, Diaper Pad offers honest, straightforward advice in Anitra’s signature approachable style. The episode will premiere today on Diaper Pad.

When Anitra and Adam discovered they were expecting, they decided to purchase a new mattress for their bedroom. Frustrated by the process and endless options, the two were inspired to shop early for a crib mattress that met their strict requirements for safety, health, and comfort. Following a visit to the eco-friendly baby boutique, Happy Mango, the couple decided to check out the EverTrue™ Diamond, Colgate’s top of the line dual firmness foam crib mattress.

“If you think shopping for an adult mattress can be overwhelming, just wait until you start exploring options for your baby. I wanted to help new parents sort through the junk and make decisions that they can feel confident about.”

Anitra Mecadon

“If you think shopping for an adult mattress can be overwhelming, just wait until you start exploring options for your baby. I wanted to help new parents sort through the junk and make decisions that they can feel confident about,” Mecadon said. “I think every mom wants her baby to sleep safe and sound. Plus, when baby sleeps, mama sleeps… a great crib mattress is key!”

This episode of Diaper Pad offers a behind-the-scenes look at Colgate’s Atlanta-based factory, where crib mattresses are constructed by hand. While there, Anitra details her list of preferences in a conversation with Colgate’s marketing director, Terri Paul. The top three must-haves included:
- Safety first – As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Anitra’s first necessity was a firm sleep surface. The Diamond’s unique design provides the extra firmness infants need for proper growth and development on one side as well as the added comfort toddlers prefer on the other.
- No exposure to chemicals – The Diamond features plant-oil infused eco foam and ultrasonically welded side seams. This mattress also meets and exceeds all federal and state requirements for flammability and chemical composition and has earned the GREENGUARD® Gold and Certi-PurUS® certifications ensuring no harmful air emissions.
- Optimal airflow – To provide unprecedented airflow, the Diamond combines Colgate’s Diamond channel gel memory foam with its exclusive SecureCore honeycomb mesh fabric spacer. The crib mattress also brings the power of Celliant® — the world’s first biologically responsive fabric — to crib mattresses to help baby sleep better. Frequently used in high-performance athletic gear, this innovative material is designed to increase circulation and improve the level of oxygen in the body. As an added benefit, the Celliant infused cover has no chemical flame retardants that could be harmful to baby.
“Anitra really did her homework before challenging us to demonstrate how the EverTrue Diamond meets all of her needs as a concerned mom-to-be,” said Paul. “At Colgate, we want every caregiver to know how important the crib mattress is throughout growth and development. And as the mother of four, it’s an honor to share info that helps Anitra and Adam prepare for their baby’s arrival.”

“New dads can sometimes be removed from the process of preparing the nursery, especially things like buying a crib mattress,” added Adam Bret. “But when you consider that infants can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, then add to that the value of your own peace of mind, this is one investment that certainly pays off.”

Sold exclusively at dedicated and knowledgeable specialty store partners, including Brixy member stores, the EverTrue™ Diamond is a lightweight, 6” thick foam crib mattress. Made in the US, the Diamond fits all standard size American cribs and toddler beds. Suggested MSRP is $349.99.

About Anitra Mecadon & “Diaper Pad”

Anitra Mecadon is a celebrity designer and home improvement TV star. She has starred in 5 seasons of the DIY Network’s hit series Mega Dens and numerous other TV shows for DIY and HGTV such as: HGTV’s All American Handyman, Esquire Magazine’s Ultimate Bachelor Pad, HGTV’s Behind the Build Dream House, HGTV’s Behind the Build Smart Home, HGTV’s Raise the Roof College Challenge, and more. In her 15 years as an interior designer, Anitra has also created amazing residential and commercial designs. “Diaper Pad” chronicles the life and times of Mecadon and her husband, music producer Adam Bret, as they navigate the world of having children and designing the ultimate baby nursery/kids rooms. For more Diaper Pad, click here to subscribe.

About Colgate Mattress

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Colgate is a family-owned business with a 60-year heritage of manufacturing premium quality crib mattresses. Founded in 1955 by Sol and Anne Wolkin, the company creates the largest selection of foam and innerspring crib mattresses, foam mattress pads, and crib accessories. Colgate products are GREENGUARD™ Gold certified, non-toxic and made in the USA using only the finest internal components available. Colgate has received many industry awards and is proud to be among the first members of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), an organization dedicated to enhancing child product safety. For more info, visit ColgateKids.com. Join the conversation at #dreamsafe.

Media contacts:

Lalohni Campbell
la@colgatekids.com
404-593-7145

Kyell Thomas
kyell.thomas@octagon.com
310-854-8376

Source: Colgate Mattress
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September 22, 2016
Two English Language Instructors, Living Worlds Apart, Are Debuting an Inspiring Novel Which Combines Profound Persian Thoughts in a Professional, Literal American Framework

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Tina Gheisari’s book, “The Mystique of a Romance between May and Me,” which was originally written in Farsi, follows the life and rebirth of a pearl, in a beautiful, spiritual, and romantic novel. It describes motherhood in a profound and moving way, and includes thoughtful reflections on our choices in life, the meaning of life and death, how music is a universal language, the true meaning of childhood and even the mystery of sleep.

Press Release
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May 17, 2016

Haymarket, Virginia, May 17, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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In a unique collaboration crossing the globe, Tina Gheisari and Michael Bender are debuting an inspirational novel “The Mystique of a Romance Between May and Me,” (appropriate for all ages) on Amazon.com. Michael Bender (editor) said, “Tina has managed to give all of us an opportunity to gain an understanding of the beauty of motherhood and mothers, our freedom to choose, the Eastern philosophy of love, and the spiritual being who protects us all. For those of us who are not mothers, Tina’s book gives us a greater appreciation for our own mothers and our roles in the world in which we live. All through following the life of a pearl!”

“The first word you must learn is “love” because this is the essence of me; the glittering flames from within the Creation has been started…After that I created a generous protector from the same species to ensure their survival. I called this support ‘Mother.’…Then Shell, the Mother spoke up and said, ‘Ah yes! You should promise not to forget this enamored love wherever you go, and whatever you become. ‘I promise, mother; I do, Pearl answered!”

“The first word you must learn is “love” because this is the essence of me; the glittering flames from within the Creation has been started…After that I created a generous protector from the same species to ensure their survival. I called this support ‘Mother.’…Then Shell, the Mother spoke up and said, ‘Ah yes! You should promise not to forget this enamored love wherever you go, and whatever you become. ‘I promise, mother; I do, Pearl answered!” From the book: “The Mystique of a Romance Between May and Me”

Tina Gheisari, Author of “The Mystique of a Romance Between May and Me

(From the book: “The Mystique of a Romance Between May and Me”)

Tina Gheisari’s book, “The Mystique of a Romance Between May and Me,” which was originally written in Farsi, follows the life and rebirth of a pearl, in a beautiful, spiritual, and romantic novel. It describes motherhood in a profound and moving way, and includes thoughtful reflections on our choices in life, the meaning of life and death, how music is a universal language, the true meaning of childhood and even the mystery of sleep.

Tina Gheisari, the author, is an English teacher, coach, and translator whose native language is Farsi. She is the loving and caring mother of two grown children, a daughter and a son, Hanieh and Hossein, who were the source of the inspiration for her novel. She believes that children are truly the fruits of their mother’s labor and that we all must remember our mothers in our thoughts and prayers. By sharing her insightful concepts with her readers, Tina keeps the flames in her heart alive. Tina currently lives in Shiraz, Iran and has a TESOL degree with successful experience teaching general English to IT and high school students. She also worked as a manager of Reiki/Yoga in the United Arab Emirates.

Michael Bender, the U.S.-based editor who also wrote the Dedication and Introduction, said that Tina wanted to produce her inspirational book in English but was concerned about translating Persian sentiments about family into the context of a literal American framework in a way that readers would be inspired about the beauty of motherhood, life and the choices we all face as we proceed with our lives, no matter where we live in the world.

“Despite the physical separation of our lives, Michael not only captured the essence of my message, but clearly connected to my thoughts and philosophy as if they were his own,” Tina said. As a consequence, Tina asked Michael to write the Dedication and Introduction to her inspiring novel so his connection to the message was also conveyed to the reader.

Michael Bender is an American Language Skills Consultant working, since 2009, with First and Second Language English learners from grades one through adult in after school enrichment programs at Study Concepts Inc. (Ashburn and Chantilly, Virginia), Metropolitan Academy (McLean, Virginia), and individual American and foreign students and professionals. He recently joined the GIPEC Education Group based in Shanghai, China and Rockville, Maryland as Director of SAT Program for online and one-on-one test preparation. He has been a guest speaker at Virginia International University and the World Bank on topics relating to Culture and Language. He has traveled to more than 50 countries as an international executive, U.S. Foreign Service Commercial Officer, and on behalf of Project Hope, a non-profit organization which sought to establish a children’s hospital in a devastated part of the Middle East.

Michael has lived in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. After turning to teaching and coaching, he created and published unique visual vocabulary writing and reading comprehension plans and visual flash cards to facilitate learning of English skills. Michael said that he is looking forward to an even closer collaboration with Tina on the sequel to “The Mystique of a Romance Between May and Me,” and working with writers from other parts of the world who have unique, story based inspirational messages.

Michael K. Bender, Editor, mkbender@outlook.com

Source: English Language Advisors

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May 17, 2016