Motherhood by Carole Brown

Who can find a virtuous woman?

For her price is above rubies!

Proverbs 31:10

Dressed up and somewhere to go!

Memo for a Lady

Never say again you are old!

Have you considered how much longer

Ago than you, the pyramids were created,

And the temple of Diana at Ephesus,

And even Venus? They are old.

And never say you're not attractive.

Remember that for us

Who look deeper than skin

And see your thought flowering

Goldenly as sunflowers, and more tall,

Hear your heart singing sometimes

And feel the warmth of its love,

And join in your laughter often,

You are beautiful!

--Elaine V. Emans

You're forever young now, Mama, dancing on heaven's golden streets!

My Mama's Faith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQJwlNqLNnQ

***

How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. A multiple award winner and best seller on Amazon, this novel has over one hundred fifty reviews.

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Caralynne-Christian-Suspense-Fiction-ebook/dp/B00FY2ZH66/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384960499&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Redemption+of+Caralynne+Hayman

Print: http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Caralynne-Hayman-Carole-Brown/dp/1938499948/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1384960499&sr=8-1

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Book Review - a new flavor

Hi all!

I'm coming at you today with a very different sort of book review. Normally, I'm a fiction hound. I mean, if there's a story to disappear into, why would I stay in reality? OK, maybe that's a little extreme, but you understand.

Today I'm writing to tell you about an amazing book about to hit the shelves. Memory Making Mom by Jessica Smartt. (Yes, that's how she spells it, not a typo). Before you tune out because you don't have little kids, hear me out. This stuff matters even if you don't have kids. It matters for adult kids. It matters for grand kids. Yes, this author writes as a mother of young children, but she talks about making memories because memories hold the power to bind us together as families, friends, and neighbors. 

The prose is easy to read and the author is super vulnerable, describing her failures right along with her victories. And she's funny too. (You have to read about the Christmas tree, PVC pipe, and fishline. She does not make the reader feel like her life should be pinterest-y, but she does give us small things we can do to make a large impact on the people we love.

I hope you'll check this book out and scoot over to Amazon for preorder (here). Yes, it's not quite available (Mar 5! Less than 2 weeks!), but the pre-order is genius. It actually arrives at your door the day of release or sometimes a day early. :-)

This book is the PERFECT gift for any young mother you know . . . especially with Mother's Day coming up quicker than you think! It's an amazing gift for a grandmother of young kids. It's also a great book for anyone wanting to make memories with the ones they love, chock full of ideas, and backed up with the reasons why going the extra mile is worthwhile. For more info and pre-order bonuses, check out the website here.

So there you go. It's not fiction. But this book addresses the story you are living. What's your favorite family memory from the last year? Mine? Grilling pizzas on the back porch in the cold, with a fire going to keep us warm, with all my kids home, laughing our heads off together. 

Jennifer Fromke writes from North Carolina, where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 26 years have raised three Southern-ish children despite their best efforts. Jennifer reviews books at www.Shetalksbooks.com and she offers a free story download on her website: https://www.jenniferfromke.com/contact/.

God's Motherhood

The Bible describes a mother the best:

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

My mother.

Strength.

Loved cooking for her family

Read to her children and grandchildren

Was an influence and example in Christianity

A prayer warrior

Confidant

Loving

Happy Mother's Day!

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Remembering Mama

Mother's Day will be celebrated this month. 

It's a special time to show our love, remembrance, 

and respect for those women we call mothers. 

Follow me as I journey down memory lane, and hopefully you'll have fond memories too. 

My favorite Mother's Day poem:

Memo for a Lady

Never say again you are old!
Have you considered how much longer
Ago the temple of Diana at Ephesus,
And even Venus? They are old.

And never say you're not attractive.
Remember that for us
Who look deeper than skin
And see your thought flowering
Goldenly as sunflowers, and more tall,
Hear your heart singing sometimes
And feel the warmth of its love,
And join in your laughter often,
You are beautiful.

--Elaine V. Emans

Things Mom Did:

* One of her greatest joys was cooking for her family! I remember Friday nights with hamburgers and the works--anything we wanted on them...and then hamburger gravy ladled on top of this creation. Lol. Don't knock it till you try it. Delicious! 

* She read to us. I'm pretty sure she got tired of reading some books over and over to us. We'd catch her occasionally trying to skip pages and make her read it correctly! But I never remember her complaining. I suppose that's why we all read today!

* She loved God. Church was her thing, and she taught us that there's where we were to be on Sundays and anytime special services happened! Many times I'd see her reading her Bible or see it opened on a chair, table or sofa. A great example she was. 

Now, I'd love to share this special song with you. 

Wherever you are, be sure to thank God for your mother or the memory of your mother. 

And finally, enjoy this song. I know I did and do! 

My Mother's Faith

https://youtu.be/s4QAzSKg9Q0

Have a beautiful day!!

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Receive Power Be Witnesses

I love to have opportunities to share the Good News of Christ’s sacrifice and free gift of salvation! I’ve spoken before of answering “Blessed and Highly Favored!” to anyone asking me, “How are you?” I’ve been using that truth (I AM always blessed and highly favored no matter what else is going on) nigh onto thirty years now as my response.

It’s afforded me many openings to tell them the ‘story’ behind it and share His Word. It’s a way Holy Spirit and I came up with to #1 be sure I tell the truth (instead of replying ‘good’ or ‘fine’ when I am neither) #2 be proactive in opening the door to testify to family, friends, and perfect strangers.

I grew up with a mama who modeled this ‘making your own opportunities’ protocol. She bought a white sweatshirt then took it to the T-Shirt Shack to have some of those heat-pressed letters put on it. She had them stretch PBPGIFWMY across its chest. The first time I saw it, what do you suppose I did? I asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

It means, “Please be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” My mother was not an angry or impatient woman at all, but the sweetest, kindest lady with the biggest servant’s heart I’ve ever known, bar none. I just grinned and love her all the more for her love of the Lord and her fun way of making her own opportunity to share Jesus.

She wore that sweatshirt often. I hope my brother or sister or one of her grandsugars still have it. I don’t guess I’ve seen it since she went to live with Him in Heaven, but I have wonderful mental photos and videos of the times I was with her when she used it as a means to fulfill the Great Commission.

I encourage you to get with Holy Spirit and come up with ways of opening the door for you to be His witness! Just ask Him. :) He loves brainstorming and is so creative!
Or do you already have a clever way? Will you share it with us? 

Caryl McAdoo is all about loving God! She currently writes four series: the historical Christian ‘Texas Romance’; a contemporary ‘Red River Romance’; The Generations, her Biblical fiction, and the newest Days of Dread Trilogy for mid-grade readers. Known as the Singing Pray-er, she loves praising with new songs the Lord gives her and prays her story gives God glory! 

    In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-plus years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Besides glorifying Him, she hopes each title will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons.

Links: 

All Caryl's Books Please "FOLLOW" while you're there!  Author's Page    Website       

Subscribe to The Caryler Newsletter    Facebook     Blog     GoodReads     Google+  Twitter     Pinterest    

Mama and Her Wisdom

May is flowers, and late spring and mothers.

                                                                  Mama dressed up

It’s what you think of when you think of the month, and since my mama went to heaven a little over two weeks ago, I wanted to mention some things she taught me. These are three that I love the most.



READ. Mama instilled a love of reading in her children at an early age. I remember her reading while my two brothers and I were gathered around her chair. Sometimes she’d try to skip a page (she had read the book many times!) but we didn’t let her get away with that! We knew it by heart and wanted
every page read.

That love still lives inside me today. That’s one reason, I’m sure, I’m a writer. That’s another reason why my hubby and I taught our boys to read before they went to school and that they still love to read today.

Reading is important. It was a valuable lesson Mama taught us.



                   Mama and a friend

CLEANLINESS. Mama kept our clothes neat and clean. She dressed us well. We learned at an early age to remove our school and church clothes for play clothes. As an adult now, Mama’s teachings, drilled into us, have shown us that respecting yourself, giving others a good image, and feeling good about yourself are important. 






                                                                                                            Young Mama
LOVE. Mama loved us even when we disagreed, especially after we grew up. We might not have always done as she wanted, but we knew she loved us and we loved her. We learned that no matter what, love. Love yourself, love others, love your family, your children, your spouse, your friends. Love is the greatest of other attributes. Love is important.


               Older Mama





Mama’s lessons taught us to become worthy citizens, decent human beings, capable workers and good parents. Not perfect, but parents who strive to do the right thing.



Thanks for the lessons, Mama. Well done.

About the author:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Connect with her here:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Read about her books here:

Amazon

The Language of Sparrows

The Language of Sparrows

Rachel Phifer crafts a beautiful story about broken people and what happens when they find each other in the midst of various crises. April is raising a teenaged daughter on her own as she mourns the loss of a life she expected. Sierra is obsessed with languages, but refuses to communicate the important things with her mom. Luca, a single elderly gentleman, becomes the unlikeliest of friends, despite the deep wounds he carries from his time in a Romanian gulag. His son Nick, a teacher, encourages Sierra at school, and warily agrees to allow her to study with his father.

These fascinating characters intersect with each other and form an ad hoc family of sorts. When Sierra and Nick separately learn the truth about their fathers, worlds are turned upside down, and brokenness seems to move beyond repair.

I think it’s the brokenness of each character that makes them so relatable. We are all broken in one way or another. We need people in our lives to help us mend. And at times, I think we all feel completely alone in our pain, helpless to heal. So this story looks at brokenness and the different ways we (as humans) seek healing.

I love several details in the story, including the fact that the single mom and daughter live in a neighborhood that is not overly safe. This makes it real for me. Also, the fact that the teenager is highly intelligent, especially when it comes to learning languages. Since her mother is not skilled at languages, her daughter’s obsession almost hinders the communication between them, since she is literally reading and writing in different languages. Most parents of teenagers feel like they speak a different language, so the irony is lovely.

Please check this story out. It’s truly enjoyable and the characters linger in the best of ways. You can get to know Rachel Phifer on facebook or her website.

Do you speak more than one language fluently? Do you feel like your kids speak a different language altogether, even though you were the one to teach them how to speak?

Please leave a comment to register for this week’s prize. 
Review by Jennifer Fromke