children — Page 14 — Woman to Woman Mentoring

Where Have All the “Ladies” Gone?

woman sitting on ground

Do you remember a time when men showed respect to women?

They held doors open for her.

Opened the car door and then stayed around to close it after she was settled inside.

Helped her on with her jacket.

Weren’t afraid to give her a compliment when she looked nice and she appreciated it.

Cleaned up their language around her.

Made sure buddies cleaned up their language too, and didn’t tell off-color jokes.

Would never speak disparagingly to her or about her.

Acted like a gentleman in her presence.

Asked her out on dates and paid for it.

Then came the feminist movement . . .

Women asserted that they could open doors and car doors themselves thank you very much. She could struggle into her own jacket, a compliment was sexual harassment, and she could swear and tell dirty jokes with the best of them. And don’t insult her by offering to pay for the date. She could pay her own way! Oh, but she will hookup with you.

And the feminist women got just what they wanted. Men no longer respect them; they treat women as one of the guys. Nothing special. Feminist replaced feminine.

Men aren’t gentlemen anymore and women stopped being ladies.

[Tweet “With the feminist movement men aren’t gentlemen anymore and women stopped being ladies.”]

So we come to today when the women’s soccer team who, whether they like being women or not, represented the United States in the World Cup Championship. They were impressive on the field and repulsive off the field. One of the vocal team members used vile language in interviews and wanted everyone to know she hated the President, the flag, and being a heterosexual woman.

[Tweet “The USA women’s soccer team were impressive on the field and repulsive off the field.”]

And she’s not the only one. Most feminists today are constantly denouncing men, motherhood, conservatives, traditional marriage, and American traditions—even womanhood—especially acting like a lady. Some have decided they’ll try to be a man or at least act like one.

[Tweet “Most feminists today are constantly denouncing men, motherhood, conservatives, traditional marriage, and American traditions—even womanhood.”]

They’ve embraced the liberal agenda that is molding and making them frustrated and angry. How many liberal feminists do you know who aren’t screaming and mad about something? They’re not happy people, even though they got what they thought they wanted—to feel equal to or better than men.

[Tweet “How many liberal feminists do you know who aren’t screaming and mad about something? They’re not happy people!”]

What do you think God’s thoughts are on feminists? Did he make Adam out of Eve’s rib or Eve out of Adam’s rib? Did he say Adam would be Eve’s helpmate or Eve would be Adam’s helpmate?

So Where Are the Mentors Helping Young Women Become Ladies Today?

Remember when young girls followed the Hannah Montana image. I read that Mylie Cyrus said she was done with Hannah Montana after she had her first sexual encounter, and off she went on a radical transformation to smuttiness. So where did that leave the young girls who had idealized Hannah? Mylie felt no responsibility to them.

[Tweet “In today’s culture, I can’t think of one “famous” person I would want my granddaughters imitating. Can you for your daughters or granddaughters?”]

In today’s culture, I can’t think of one “famous” person I would want my granddaughters imitating. Can you for your daughters or granddaughters?

Where are all the ladies?

That puts the responsibility on home and the church to influence our future women. It’s where God has always said one generation should teach and train the next.

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4 NLT

God inspired Paul to understand the dire need for mentoring when Paul wrote in Titus 2:3-5

³Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers.^[a] Instead, they should teach others what is good. ⁴These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, ⁵to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes,^[b] to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. (NLT)

Parents and the church cannot let the culture mentor our girls or the lost art of being a kind, respectful, modest, God-honoring lady will be lost forever. How our girls dress, talk, act, date, live . . . is your and my God-directed responsibility.

[Tweet “Parents and the church cannot let the culture mentor our girls or the lost art of being a kind, respectful, modest, God-honoring lady will be lost forever.”]

In my book, Mentoring for All Seasons, I stress the importance of mentoring our young girls as early as pre-teens. We need to take an interest in the girls and young women God puts in our life to help them understand how special it is to be a woman after God’s own heart.

Let’s resurrect lady-likeness and make it fashionable again. It starts with every Christian woman acting like a lady.

[Tweet “Let’s resurrect lady-likeness and make it fashionable again. It starts with every Christian woman acting like a lady.”]

Let’s have a discussion to help each other be ladies of the 21^st Century! What image does that conjure up to you?

Note: When I ran spell check on this article, it didn’t even recognize “lady” and wanted to change it to “woman.”

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July 15, 2019

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Where Are the Christian Abolitionists?

“Awareness without action is apathy.”

I heard Dr. Jeff Brodsky say this slogan when he was on The Mike Huckabee show on TBN as one of “Huck’s Heroes.” It’s the theme of Dr. Brodsky’s ministry Joy International: The purpose of JOY International® is to be involved in, or help to coordinate, the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of the commercial sexual exploitation of children domestically and internationally.

When I heard Dr. Brodsky say that phase, I ran to get a pen to write it down. I realized it’s the message God has also laid on my heart as I challenge every Christian to do more than be outraged on social media and in conversation about the atrocities in our society today, but instead to ask yourself what God wants you to do about it.

Yes, of course, we’re to pray, but I think God wants us to do more. He also wants us to pray about what we can do to make a difference. “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works” (James 2:26 NLT).

If you follow my blogs, you know that I often ask the engaging question: What can you do? What are you doing? What does God want you to do?

One recent blog post challenged readers to do more than put a crying or angry emoji on Facebook, but to ask God what action He wanted you to take about the source of your anger or sadness: What to do With Our Anger Over Evil.

[Tweet “The great abolitionists of the past who took action to free the slaves for example, didn’t have social media to profess their anger over slavery. They did something about it.”]

The great abolitionists of the past who took action to free the slaves for example, didn’t have social media to profess their anger over slavery. They did something about it. They took risks and action. I wonder how long it would have taken for the abolishment of slavery if they could just sit in the comfort of their home and profess anger on social media, but didn’t feel the urge to get out of their chairs and advocate for complete freedom for everyone.

Abolitionism is nothing more or less than the Christian response to evils such as slavery or child sacrifice aka abortion, or child sex trafficking or _____________ fill in the blank. What is God tugging at your heart to get out of your comfort zone and to take action?

The root word of abolitionist is abolish which means: end, destroy, eliminate, eradicate, stop, extinguish, defeat, terminate, and stamp out.

Abolish is more than just making a difference or progress. It’s wiping out completely.

I was encouraged to read an article “Human Trafficking Victims Call Upon Advocates for Care by Andrew Kepier and Perry Chiaramonte where they noted, “The problem has attracted swarms of advocates and activists dedicated to education, prevention and post-trafficing care for survivors.”

[Tweet “We are seeing progress in the fight against child sacrifice in abortion and sex trafficking, but we shouldn’t be satisfied until it’s abolished.”]

We are seeing progress in the fight against child sacrifice in abortion and sex trafficking of children, but we shouldn’t be satisfied until it’s abolished. Don’t you agree?

So I wonder who will rise above the rest as today’s abolitionists.

Who won’t stop taking action until every baby from conception through birth is rescued from slaughter and receives the God-given gift and right of life? And then the opportunity to live a life free of evil and abuse?

[Tweet “Who won’t stop taking action until every baby from conception is rescued from slaughter and receives life?”]

Dr. Brodsky is one of those brave abolitionists who has gone barefoot since July 9, 2010 to bring awareness to child sex slavery and vows to continue until it is abolished. He first took going barefoot as a one-year challenge when he saw so many children in impoverished countries with no shoes:

“After a serious conversation with God, I felt strongly impressed to go barefoot for 1 year in solidarity with these children and the many others who were trafficked or at high risk. Living at 8,990′ elevation in the mountains of Colorado, I knew it would be a challenge (especially during the cold winters), but I decided I would just be extremely careful as I knew I had to do this.”

Then God prompted him to do more:

“I’ve been barefoot ever since. I shared with my wife, family and friends (who thought I lost my mind), that if my going barefoot will motivate just 1 person per year to action in a way that helps me rescue even 1 more child a year, I would go barefoot the rest of my life.”

He continues:

“There are hundreds of organizations who are bringing awareness to the plight of sexually exploited children, but there are just a handful that are devoted to raising funds for the actual rescue of children out of their nightmare life.”

Again, as Jeff states, “Awareness is good, but awareness without action is apathy.”

Read more of his story and the ministry here on Joy International website.

[Tweet “The church has become a place of apathy, and I think that’s why our culture has regressed morally, spiritually, and socially”]

The church has become a place of apathy, and I think that’s why our culture has regressed morally, spiritually, and socially. Not all churches, but so many have failed to address the social and moral issues of our day that go against everything we know is righteous and godly.

Shane Idleman wrote an article discussing this in The Peril of Megachurches–Political Correctness in which he warns: ” . . . it’s sad to see many pastors concerned about offending their audience. After all, whoever has the most social media followers, campuses, or sermon downloads is the way to gauge success, right? Wrong. God judges faithfulness–faithfulness to His Word. Truth about marriage, abortion, socialism, and national security is often neglected, watered-down, or avoided altogether in the hope of not offending members. Please don’t misunderstand: many mega church pastors are doing great things. . .”

And this isn’t only found in megachurches. Smaller churches might try this to gain new members. The article also discusses why it’s important for pastors to be involved in politics as our founding fathers were both political and spiritual.

[Tweet “The fear of making those who are sinning uncomfortable has put many churches into politically correct mode rather than fearing God mode”]

The fear of making those who are sinning uncomfortable has put many churches into politically correct mode rather than fearing God mode. I wrote about that last week, Are Churches too Focused on God’s Love and Not the Fear of God.

God has asked me to use the writing and speaking gifts He gave me later in my life to challenge Christians and the church to be activists—movers, shakers, lightning rods, champions, advocates—and not apathetic. Some call that brave. I call it a committed Christian.

So I ask: Where does God want you to use your gifts as an abolitionist, advocate, and activist?

I know many of you are activists, advocates, and abolitionists right now. Tell us your story.

Ready set go!

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*Pictures from In His Image Ministries

June 17, 2019

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Remembering the Reason for the Easter Season

Easter cross

My Easter post is coming to you a little early, but since I blog on Mondays, next Monday will be too late so hopefully you’ll have a week to ponder on the thoughts I share with you today.

A common aphorism at Christmas time is “Remember the Reason for the Season.” It’s a great reminder that Jesus, Our Savior, was born on Christmas day to come into the world as a baby to die as a man on a cross and resurrect three days later on Easter. So at Easter season, why don’t we say: “Remember the Reason for the Easter Season”?

[Tweet “At Easter season, why don’t we say: “Remember the Reason for the Easter Season””]

I don’t recall ever hearing that slogan used at Easter. Do you? It’s not on flags, banners, buttons we wear, or even Easter cards or mentioned in Easter sermons. I wonder why not?

[Tweet “The “Easter season” has similar distractions as Christmas that can take our focus off Jesus”]

Easter commemorates the foundation of our Christian faith. Without Easter, there would be no hope. And yet most sermons about the joy of Easter are relegated to Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Why don’t we talk about such a glorious day all year long?

[Tweet “Easter commemorates the foundation of our Christian faith. Without Easter, there would be no hope.”]

Easter is the reason we have forgiveness for our sins and the assurance of eternal life. As the apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians:

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.—1 Cor. 15:1-4

In my book Forsaken God?:Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, in the chapter on Remembering His Sacrifice, I wrote:

As Christians, we understand the extreme sacrifice God and Jesus endured: God gave his One and only Son who became the last sacrificial lamb dying in atonement for our sins. Jesus died a painful and horrific death on a cross for you and for me. At Easter, we celebrate Jesus’s resurrection three days later, and he lives today at the right hand of God—preparing a place for his followers who will someday join him in eternity. And he lives within the hearts of believers.

How could we ever forget such a sacrifice, but we do.

crucifixion

The “Easter season” has similar distractions as Christmas that can take our focus off Jesus and His sacrifice for you and for me. Our focus can turn to church services, performances, cantatas, pageants, new clothes, brunch, family gatherings, special dinners, decorating, egg hunts, Easter baskets . . . all good things. But before we know it . . . one of the most meaningful days of the year is over.

We probably went to church, said a prayer before meals, maybe even read some Bible passages about the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. But did we take time to solemnly remember and praise God for the ultimate sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ . . .

39 lashes

A crown of thorns

Hands and feet nailed to a cross

The 10,000 angels he could have called to rescue him

The world’s sins he took on himself

Feeling forsaken

The torn veil

Shed blood

The final cry, “It is finished!” (Pg. 217, Forsaken God?)

[Tweet “I pray this Easter season finds you refreshed and renewed in your relationship with Christ”]

I pray this Easter season finds you refreshed and renewed in your relationship with Christ, and the purpose He has given each of us to keep the memory of Easter alive and vibrant, every day in our hearts, speech, and actions. Let us never forget:

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14 (NLT)

Hallelujah!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Janet

Other Easter Posts:

What Does the Moon Have to Do with Easter?

Share the Good News of Easter

How to Share the Easter Message with You Children and Grandchildren

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April 15, 2019

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Why You Should See #UnplannedMovie

I had another blog written for this week, but after I stood up in church today and asked everyone to go see the movie Unplanned, the Lord prompted me that I should encourage you to go see it too, if you haven’t already.

[Tweet “Just in case you don’t know the backstory of Unplanned, it’s the true story of Abby Johnson who was the youngest Planned Parenthood director at the time of her awakening.”]

Just in case you don’t know the backstory of this movie, it’s the true story of Abby Johnson who was the youngest Planned Parenthood director at the time of her awakening. After being involved in planning 22,000 abortions and counseling countless women on their “reproductive rights,” she was asked to assist in an abortion and what she saw changed her life. She said she couldn’t “unsee” what she saw on the ultrasound during the abortion or deny what was happening to a precious baby.

So she quit and became a pro-life advocate and wrote a book Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye-Opening Journey Across the Life Line.

I first heard her story last year on the Mike Huckabee show while the movie from her book was in production.

Here are a few things you might not know about Unplanned.

Ashley Bratcher, the actress who plays Abby Johnson in the movie Unplanned, wasn’t sure how she felt about Pro-Choice or Pro-Life until she read the script and immediately took the role. She was warned she might be blacklisted, but she said it was worth it.

In an interview on FOX & Friends, she revealed that she knew her mother had had an abortion at sixteen, but didn’t know that at nineteen she almost aborted Ashley. When Ashley took the role, she learned that her mom was at the abortion clinic in the examination room, but changed her mind when a pregnant nurse entered the room.

‘I got up and I walked out and I chose you,’ Bratcher recalled her mom saying, “And I [Ashley] never knew that. It blows my mind.”

Ashley also had an interview with Shannon Bream on FOX, where she said “I walk by my faith in my personal life and in my career . . . I said, Okay God, I believe that you gave me these gifts and I want to glorify you with them. So, wherever that takes me and whatever that looks like, I give it all to you.”

WOW! That alone should make you want to see her in Unplanned and know that God led her to star in this movie.

BTW FOX, TBN, and CBN are the ONLY networks that have interviewed Ashley or anyone else affiliated with the movie.

Unplanned is a PureFlix film by the same writer-directors Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon of God’s Not Dead.
Dr. Anthony Levatino, who plays the abortion doctor in the movie, has an emotional testimony of performing over 1200 abortions when the tragic loss of his daughter in an accident made him realize he was killing other people’s little boys and girls. He went from a pro-choice abortionist to a pro-life advocate. Listen to his testimony on FOX & Friends.
When the Unplanned producers were short on funds, Michael Lindell, founder of My Pillow, invested $1 Million in the movie to help finance it. He also has a cameo role. “I don’t get into things for the money; I get into them if the message is right,” Lindell says.
Watch the movie trailer here.

Guess Who Doesn’t Want You to See Unplanned?!

As you can imagine, Hollywood, the mainstream media, Liberals, and social media have done everything they can to stop you from seeing Unplanned. Another reason why you should see it!

Hollywood gave it an R rating unless the ultrasound showing the baby during abortion was removed, knowing that if people saw it, no one could deny what’s happening to a baby during abortion. PureFlix refused. The hypocrisy here is that in many states, a 13-year old girl can get an abortion without her parent’s permission, but she can’t go see a movie about abortion.

Many Hollywood actors are also planning a boycott of filming in Georgia because Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a Heartbeat Abortion Ban. Georgia is Ashley Bratcher’s home state.

FOX is the ONLY TV mainstream media station running ads for the movie. All the other networks denied it commercial airtime.
Twitter suspended #UnplannedMovie account the day after it opened, but there was such a push back, they reinstated it, but 85,000 followers were missing?! Twitter admits to it. And Abby Johnson continues to get kicked off her own Twitter account! Just as I’ve been saying in my blogs, we can make a difference so we need to keep the pressure on Twitter and do a grassroots effort to publicize this movie. We have to speak up and speak out. On your social media, use the hashtag #Unplannedmovie.

Abby Johnson tweeted that once it was reinstated, #unplannedmovie is trending worldwide on Twitter!

Follow @AbbyJohnson @_AshleyBratcher @Unplannedmovie.

Theaters are showing Unplanned and at opening weekend Box Office it was in 5^th Place. But we can do better next weekend if we want to keep it in theaters. They’ll look for any excuse to drop it.

So What Can We Do to Promote #UnplannedMovie?

PRAY

After I stood up in church to ask everyone to see this movie, we prayed for Unplanned as a church. Dave and I are also praying together at home.

[Tweet “Pray for everyone involved in the movie. Especially, Abby Johnson and Ashley Bratcher, who are the faces of this movie.”]

Pray for everyone involved in the movie. Especially, Abby Johnson and Ashley Bratcher, who are the faces of this movie.

Pray it stays in theaters

Pray for everyone who sees Unplanned

Pray that those who are confused about abortion or on the fence that their eyes are opened and they make a decision to protect life.

Pray for women who have had abortions or participated in them to acknowledge the need for repentance and seek God’s forgiveness. Like Abby Johnson, they can use their story for good to mentor other women. Johnson has a ministry called “And Then There Were None” that helps abortion workers get new jobs and helps shut down their former clinics.

[Tweet “Pray the eyes of our culture are opened to see how barbaric abortion is to the child and to the mother.”]

Pray the eyes of our culture are opened to see how barbaric abortion is to the child and to the mother.

Pray that legalized abortion is challenged and defeated.

[Tweet “Pray that every pro-abortion legislator is defeated. Too bold you say? Not for God!”]

Pray that every pro-abortion legislator is defeated. Too bold you say? Not for God!

Pray for the collapse of Planned Parenthood.

Pray that President Trump continues to pass legislation to defund Planned Parenthood.

Pray that other workers at Planned Parenthood and abortion clinics see what Abby Johnson saw and look at unborn babies as humans being dismembered and tortured, and they can no longer participate in these barbaric inhumane murders.

Pray God gives you the right words when confronted by those who challenge your beliefs.

Pray for me. Some of you might remember last October 22 when hubby and I were going to see the movie Gosnell about the trial of the abortionist and infanticide butcher (which sadly might not even be illegal in some states today), I fell down my office stairs and broke my wrist and banged up my leg. I never got to see that movie, which I had been promoting, just like I’m promoting Unplanned.

Last Thursday, the day before Unplanned opened at theaters, a boulder plummeted off a mountain and hit our car as we were returning home from Boise. Praise God, we were not hurt, but our car took a nasty hit. Coincidence? Maybe.

We live over an hour away from a movie theater, but we plan to see Unplanned this week. God willing.

[Tweet “Go see #Unplannedmovie. Take your friends. Take your teenagers, both boys and girls.”]

Go See Unplanned. Take your friends. Take your teenagers, both boys and girls. Boys are just as much a part of unplanned pregnancies as girls. Take those who are sure they’re pro-choice or not sure. Take groups from your church. Antioch Church in Overland Park, KS sold out two theaters!! Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Use your social media presence to promote Unplanned, always using #Unplannedmovie.

With several states signing into law late term-abortion and even infanticide, I believe, along with the writer-directors, that God ordained this film for such a time as this. No one can leave this movie and say they don’t know what happens during abortion. Those who are “Pro-Choice” will know exactly what they’re “choosing” to do to an unborn baby.

[Tweet “No one can leave the movie Unplanned and say they don’t know what happens during abortion.”]

Don’t let abortion, late-term abortion, and infanticide become the norm anywhere. You know that could happen if we don’t keep the dialogue going and show the world the brutal truth about abortion.

[Tweet “Don’t let abortion, late-term abortion, and infanticide become the norm anywhere.”]

I said in last week’s blog, 5 Examples of How to Join God in Bringing Good out of Evil that “Only God could bring this movie out at a time when the atrocities of all abortion is the topic of national discourse. We can work with God in helping publicize Unplanned and end abortion!

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:6 NLT

What are your thoughts about the movie Unplanned? Please leave a comment and let us know.

April 1, 2019

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5 Examples of How to Join God in Bringing Good Out of Evil Intent

I struggled with what to write this week. As I prayed, God kept bringing to mind two thoughts: Lying always backfires and evil is being exposed.

If you haven’t read my last two blog posts, I hope you will. I’ve received many encouraging comments that they might be the best I’ve ever written and to that I say, “To God be the Glory!” I honestly never know what He’s going to ask me to share with you. I pray and sit down at the computer and suddenly I have a blog post. I often read it later and am amazed at what I wrote. Only God.

10 Things You Can Do in a World Gone Mad!

How Not Mentoring Millennials Implodes a Political Party. What Can the Church Learn?

Everyone Knows The Difference Between Good and Evil

Since Satan enticed Adam and Eve to eat from the fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, humanity has known the difference between good and evil, truth and lies.

¹⁵The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.¹⁶But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— ¹⁷except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Genesis 2:15-17 (NLT)

Satan: “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5

Everyone, even those who choose to do evil and lie, has a conscience. They know the difference between right and wrong . . . except maybe psychopaths

It’s a matter of whether we choose to make evil or good our guiding life force. Tell the truth or lie to our own advantage. You don’t have to be a Christian to make that choice. Even unbelievers can do good and be truthful.

[Tweet “Our choices between good and evil usually come down to whether we’re self-centered or other-centered.”]

Our choices between good and evil usually come down to whether we’re self-centered or other-centered. Caring only about our own selfish desires or caring more about others than ourselves. Again, you don’t have to be a Christian to make the choice to do good, but Christians should always make that choice.

When I hear politicians and pro-choice advocates expound that every woman should have a choice with her body, I want someone to challenge them with asking, “A choice to do what? Good or evil?”

Let’s look at 5 examples of how we can join God in bringing good out of evil intents.

1. Abortion

Many agree that abortion is evil, but until recently how many really did anything about it. Yes, there were annual walks for life and pro-life advocates, but few people, even Christians, let the murder of innocent babies keep them awake at night or invade their everyday life.

Then abortion went to the next level of infanticide and everyone started taking notice. When New York approved abortion up and through delivery and lit up the city in pink to celebrate this evil, the governor of Virginia told us in graphic terms that a baby who survives an abortion could be left to die, and Congress voted to legalize infanticide . . . suddenly we were kept up at night. We were appalled. We couldn’t ignore that 50 million innocent souls are tortured to death in their mommy’s tummy every year.

[Tweet “We can’t ignore that 50 million innocent souls are tortured to death in their mommy’s tummy every year.”]

Social media lit up with graphic pictures and descriptions of the atrocities of abortion. The mainstream liberal media, as usual, wouldn’t touch the topic, but FOX News did. You’d have to be a hermit today to not know what happens to babies during abortion.

So how could this publicity about the atrocities of abortion be used for good?

Pushing the envelope to late-term abortions and infanticide has now made abortion a topic of discussion and disgust.

There’s renewed hope and fervor for overturning Roe vs Wade. We must keep the momentum going when the publicity dies down.

We can’t become complacent again while murder of innocent babies happens in our own hometowns every single day!

Women who have long suffered with the guilt of abortion have an opportunity to use their story for good by sharing their testimonies and turning the bad in their life into good by helping to save more babies. We can pray for these mothers and share with them the forgiveness that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

A young dad who had no say in the death of his own baby when his girlfriend chose abortion, has now brought an unprecedented legal case for the rights of fathers.

We can send a message to Congress that all newborn babies should be welcomed with warmth and care, and join thousands of Americans in a End Birth Day Abortion campaign.

[Tweet “See the movie Unplanned releasing March 29. Tell all your friends about this movie and encourage mothers to take their teenage daughters and sons.“]

Go see the movie Unplanned releasing March 29. The true story of former Planned Parenthood Director, Abby Johnson, who suddenly saw the evils of abortion and became a pro-life advocate. A former abortion doctor has a role in the movie also.

Tell all your friends about Unplanned and encourage mothers to take their teenage daughters and sons. The movie is by the same producers who made God’s Not Dead. It has an R rating only because Hollywood promotes abortion and they’re trying to discourage people from seeing it.

[Tweet “Only God could bring out the movie Unplanned at a time when abortion is in the national discussion. We can work with God in helping publicize it.”]

Only God could bring this movie out at a time when the atrocities of all abortion is the topic of national discourse. We can work with God in helping publicize Unplanned.

[Tweet “An evil world has made killing babies a political issue. Abortion is a criminal issue. Make it your spiritual issue“]

An evil world has made killing babies a political issue. Abortion is a criminal issue. Make it your spiritual issue.

God created each baby in His image with a unique fingerprint and DNA from the moment of conception. Let’s not be satisfied until the world acknowledges this truth.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. — Genesis 50:20 NASB

2. The Mueller Investigation

I know you’re saying, “How could that be used for good?” We’re all so sick of it and it has plagued our president since before he even took office. Now he’s vindicated!

But consider that if there had been no investigation, would we have ever known about the corruption of some in the FBI and Justice Department? Those evil men and women who chose to put their own political interests before the good of the country have been exposed.

And the lies, lies, and more lies of the mainstream liberal media and politicians during this investigation are now boomeranging on them as the Mueller report is released.

Let’s pray for a revival of honesty and truth in our government and that our country can begin to heal. Corruption would continue to be eradicated and God would be brought back into our schools. We would vote into office godly public officials. It starts with we the people!

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.

²²Woe to those . . . who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent.” Isaiah 5:20-21, 23

3. Democrat Presidential Candidates Running on a Platform of Socialism/Communism

I know again, how could this be good? It’s not. Socialism is evil, but the younger generation and school age kids aren’t being taught that in school. This is our chance to educate them on the evils of socialism, which leads to communism and a dictatorship.

[Tweet “We have a choice. Take action or stay silent while Democrat candidates lie about the freebies of socialism without exposing how it ruins countries.”]

Again, we have a choice. Take action or stay silent while these candidates lie about the freebies of socialism without exposing how it ruins countries and lives. Speak out against their platforms and mentor truth to the next generation. If you don’t, who will?

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” 1 Peter 2:15

4. Suffering

It’s hard to find good in suffering. It’s painful. Dreadful. Costly. Debilitating. Destructive. And yet, it happens to most of us at some time in our life. We try to avoid it by taking good care of our bodies, eating healthy, exercising, and taking vitamins. But one day we can’t outrun the diagnosis that stops us in our tracks. We want to deny it, but we can’t.

While in the moment it seems all about us, maybe God actually wants us to use our suffering to help others.

When I first had breast cancer, I wanted to go through surgery and treatment and then move on with my life. The last thing I wanted to do was identify as a breast cancer survivor. Then God took hold of my heart and I wrote the book I wished I had going through my cancer journey, Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey. I’ve had many women tell me it was like God and I were walking along beside them during their breast cancer.

I’ll never know how many women God has used to turn evil cancer into a blessing for other breast cancer sisters.

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.” Colossians 1:24

5. Sin

No matter how good we try to be, the evils of sin enter our life often through our wrong choices. But here’s the Good News: at Calvary God traded evil for good. The horrible death of Jesus Christ by evil men, and His ultimate resurrection, ushered in the amazing opportunity of salvation for everyone who chooses to believe in Jesus and receive forgiveness for his or her sins.

²³For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ²⁴Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. ²⁵For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, ²⁶for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 NLT

[Tweet “For believers, evil doesn’t have the last word in our life. No matter how evil the world becomes, we know that this world is not our final home.”]

For believers, evil doesn’t have the last word in our life. No matter how evil the world becomes, we know that this world is not our final home. We must share that Good News with everyone we know who might not be joining us in eternity.

The best way to exemplify the goodness of our Holy God is to let our Light shine in the midst of a dark unholy world.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶holding fast to the word of life . . . .” Philippians 2:14-16

We each have a choice:

Stay silent about evil or expose it.

Turn our backs on evil or work with God to bring good out of it.

“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21(NLT)

Will you share in the comments where you’ve worked with God to bring good out of what Satan meant for evil.

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

You might also enjoy a slide how I wrote for Crosswalk.com 10 Powerful Gifts to Pass to the Next Generation.

March 25, 2019

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What Kind of Person Kills a Newborn Baby?

My daughter’s birthday was last week, February 26. Since she posted a picture with candles on her cake, I think she’ll be OK with me telling you I gave birth to her forty-six years ago. But like all mothers, when our children have birthdays no matter how old they are, we reminisce about their birth.

Where it took place.

How long or short was our labor?

Hearing our newborn’s first cry.

The nurse laying our precious gift from God on our chest as we kiss his or her cheek.

I remember like it was yesterday. Back then, we didn’t know if we were having a boy or girl, so I still have memories of the doctor holding her up and announcing, “It’s a girl!”

Then the nurse pronounced time of birth at 11:00 AM.

This year, Kim’s birthday fell on the day after Democrats in the US Senate blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would mandate that doctors must try to save the life of a baby born after attempts at abortion.

[Tweet “Democrat endorsed legalized infanticide. Republicans voted in favor of bill to save innocent baby’s lives.”]

All Democrats, except for three, endorsed legalized infanticide: killing an infant. While all Republicans, except for three who didn’t vote, voted in favor of the bill to save innocent baby’s lives.

Without the passage of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, the doctor can legally ask the parents if they want their newborn baby to live or die. If the parent’s give the death sentence to their new baby, the nurse removes the baby and lets this precious creation of God . . . cry or choke to death.

Then the nurse pronounces the time of death.

[Tweet “Doctors can ask parents if they want their newborn baby to live or die.”]

What kind of doctor, who took an oath to save lives, looks at a newborn baby, and asks, “Should we let him or her live or die?

What kind of nurse participates in this barbaric killing?

What kind of mother who gave her baby life, carried her baby in her tummy, went through delivery, and heard her baby’s first cry instructs the doctor to kill her baby?

What kind of Senator knows that this bill has absolutely nothing to do with abortion laws, but everything to do with saving the life of a newborn baby, votes for infanticide?

What kind of “political base” could these Senators be trying to please, who expect them to vote against a Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would have required that “any health care practitioner present” at the time of a birth “exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.”

What kind of country tolerates infanticide?

What kind of church leader doesn’t denounce infanticide?

My friend Patti Smith asks this same question in her blog Where is the Outrage of Church Leaders and Infanticide?

What kind of Christian does nothing?

Some friends who are speaking out have said they’ve taken a lot of online abuse from Christians who call this a “moral quandary” – and we should not judge others. I suggest they ask their critics, “So do you consider it judgement or a “moral quandary” to try and stop someone from being murdered?”

Then ask: “If abortion wasn’t legal, would you still think it was okay for a woman to have her baby burned, poisoned, or torn apart? Is it a moral quandary for that baby with a beating heart, who feels pain and is trusting his mommy’s tummy is the safest place in this world, to have a chance at life?”

Our job as Christians is to live by God’s ways, not compromise because they’re not popular.

[Tweet “Our job as Christians is to live by God’s ways, not compromise because they’re not popular.”]

Anyone who says they’re a Bible-believing Christian and refuses to take a stand against abortion, late-term abortion, and now infanticide is falling into Satan’s trap: “Did God really say that we shouldn’t kill, inside or outside the womb, His babies made in His image?” Yes, He did.

Christians must fight for the sanctity of life at all ages! With many Democrats threatening Socialism in America, how long will it be before the government decides how long you can live before you become a burden or inconvenience to society?

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act didn’t effect abortion; it was designed to protect the life of a baby that survives abortion. But here’s the fear of the liberal left and why they voted against it. If they agree that a baby is a human when it’s born after a botched abortion, it leads back to the argument that a baby is a human when the abortion was attempted in the womb. The Democrats couldn’t take the chance that the public might start thinking of unborn babies as humans, so they can’t recognize that the born infant is a human!

The Democrat’s rationale: If parents wanted assisted killing of their baby in the womb, they should be allowed to also have assisted murder of the baby if the abortion failed, and horror of all horrors, their baby lived!

We need to keep reminding the public that from the moment of conception in the mother’s womb, each baby has a unique genetic code with its own personal DNA and fingerprint. Scientifically, no one can deny that humanity is not determined on a sliding scale of whether you’re wanted or not wanted. The March for Life theme this year was “Unique from Day One!”

[Tweet “The Democrats couldn’t take the chance that the public might start thinking of unborn babies as humans”]

It’s unimaginable that we’ve arrived at a time in a supposedly civilized society where we’ve reverted to barbaric times when babies were drowned or left on a hillside to die if they weren’t wanted. Or like in the days of the worship of Bael, burned alive.

⁴“‘For Israel has forsaken me and turned this valley into a place of wickedness. The people burn incense to foreign gods—idols never before acknowledged by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah. And they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children. ⁵They have built pagan shrines to Baal, and there they burn their sons as sacrifices to Baal. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing!” Jeremiah 19:4-5 NLT

When I visited with my daughter on her birthday, she said that before going to bed the night before, she had read the final Senate ruling on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. She, like many of us, couldn’t sleep. She kept thinking of all the birthday wishes she would receive celebrating her life, while thousands of newborn babies would never see their first day of life because they were unwanted, an inconvenience.

No celebration of his or her life. No funeral. Their coffin a trash can. Nameless. The abortionist was supposed to murder the baby before it was born. Now they’re live human beings left to die, and maybe even dismembered and body parts sold.

Kim realized she has life because I wanted her and loved her. She has three children that she dearly loves, and her first child was adopted from a teenage mom who didn’t abort but chose to give her baby life and give our family a blessing.

[Tweet “How could a mother who gave birth to her child choose death for that child?”]

It was hard for Kim to reconcile, as it is for any of us mothers, that a woman could give birth and then choose death for her child.

With states like New York passing laws that a baby can be aborted up and through delivery, and now infanticide, the one hope we can cling to is that the public will become outraged and no longer able to ignore the atrocities of abortion.

A civil society doesn’t kill its babies in the womb or in the world.

[Tweet “A civil society doesn’t kill its babies in the womb or in the world.”]

And yet, Abortion is the Leading Cause of Death in 2018 with 41 Million Killed.”

“Globally, just under a quarter of all pregnancies (23 percent) were ended by abortion in 2018, and for every 33 live births, ten infants were aborted. There were more deaths from abortion in 2018 than all deaths from cancer, malaria, HIV/AIDS, smoking, alcohol, and traffic accidents combined.”

Listen to this interview of Ainsley Earhardt with a former abortionist as he describes why he stopped “murdering” other people’s baby boys and girls. You need to hear this. Have a Kleenex ready. Then support the upcoming movie Unplanned in which he plays the part of an abortionist. He’s not an actor, but who knows better how to portray the horror than someone who has experienced it firsthand.

I encourage you also to listen to an interview with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act’s, chief sponsor.

Listen to a mother who almost aborted her baby until told by Planned Parenthood practitioners that if her baby was delivered alive, they would break it’s neck!

I hope the interviews and the movie trailer keep you up at night too. I hope you’re asking God what He wants you to do about this travesty. I hope you’re not thinking who are you to make a difference. You are a believer, that’s who you are, and that makes all the difference!

I hope you’re championing for life, because anyone of us could be related to a baby who was left on a cold metal table to die and ended up in a trashcan, maybe torn apart.

What to Do With Your Anger Over Evil

Don’t Just Cry, Do Something!

I’m just a baby, without a voice
Life interrupted by another’s choice
My heart was beating…but now it has ceased
And my precious life didn’t end in peace
I cried and I cried…but to no avail
Couldn’t you hear me? Why did you fail?
To give me a chance to sing my own song
I could have dreamed dreams, but now they are gone
I was a baby…but now I’m no more
Life interrupted by a vote on the floor
But I hold no grudge for the wrong that you’ve done
For I’m now in the arms of Jesus, God’s son
With millions of others, who had the same plea
I’m just a baby…please look out for me.

Merissa Lee Kelley
Feb 28, 2019

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained
for me were written in your book before one of them came
to be.” Psalm 139:16

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March 4, 2019

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In Today’s Culture, I Might Have Been Aborted

“I wouldn’t have had you if I knew I would be passing on health issues to you!” My mom said to me.

As states are rapid-fire passing abortion laws that allow babies to be aborted for any “health” reason, even up through and after delivery, my mother’s words echo in my mind. I was just a young girl and I tried to frame her words in love. But I wondered then, as I do now, why wouldn’t she want me? Were her words coming from a point of regret or concern about my future? She’s gone now and I never asked.

[Tweet “Ultrasounds have made strides in helping to determine when a heart starts beating as new parent’s excitedly watch the development of their baby in mommy’s tummy.”]

Ultrasounds have made strides in helping to determine when a heart starts beating as new parents excitedly watch the development of their baby in mommy’s tummy. There are so many benefits of ultrasounds, especially in letting hesitant mommy’s know their baby is not just tissue or a fetus, but a kicking, smiling, yawning, sleeping, squirming baby boy or girl.

Ultrasounds and amniocentesis also detect early developmental issues. Often a baby’s life can be saved by intrauterine surgery or detecting that the mommy needs to be on bedrest.

[Tweet “Before ultrasounds detecting problems babies would have a chance at life. Today doctors encourage fearful parents to abort “and try again.””]

But these same tests can detect problems that can’t be treated until the baby is born, or maybe not treatable ever.

Before intrauterine technology, those babies would have a chance at life. Today doctors might encourage fearful parents to “abort and try again.” Even though we read story after story of the doctor and the tests being wrong and a beautiful baby boy or girl surprises everyone. A baby almost killed because he or she might not be perfect.

I would’ve been one of those imperfect babies.

Today’s technology could probably detect that I would have a spine with severe debilitating congenital scoliosis. Doctors might have told my first-time parents that without treatment I would be deformed and why not “get rid of me and try again for a better baby next time.” But my mom was pregnant before ultrasounds. Parents had to anxiously wait until their baby was born to even know if they were having a boy or a girl. So I lived.

But as I grew, my mother continually told me to stand up straight and had me standing for hours with my back against the wall hoping my spine would straighten on its own. But it only got worse until doctors told her if I didn’t have surgery to put a metal rod down my spine or be put in traction and wear a plaster cast from just under my ears to my hip bones until I finished growing, my left arm would eventually drag the ground. There was no way to correct the S-shaped curvature, only stop it from getting any worse and I would endure a lifetime of back pain.

She probably repeated in her mind, “I shouldn’t have had you.”

In Today's Culture, I Could've Been Aborted Because I had a deformed spine

At Christmas with my younger sister. The plaster cast you see around my neck went all the way down to my hip bones. I’m bracing myself with my left hand because I could barely sit up.

Or maybe she would’ve started experiencing many of her “health issues,” and when she became pregnant, she didn’t want to pass them on to me. I would be better off not being born. Aborted.

When I had breast cancer three times after she was gone, had she been alive, she might have said again, “I shouldn’t have had you.”

But praise God . . . she did have me.

[Tweet “God had a plan for me like He has for every one of His creations and none of us are perfect.”]

God had a plan for me like He has for every one of His creations and none of us are perfect.

Mothers often express in delight, “My baby is perfect as they count ten toes and fingers, four limbs, two eyes, two ears, one nose and a mouth, but no one really knows what awaits each of us. And that’s a good thing. If we knew a two-year old was going to get cancer, would we not want to have those two precious years with our child? What about if doctors could predict asthma or allergies? Would those be considered enough “health issues” to abort?

Now that they can detect Down’s Syndrome and cleft palates, should those darling children not have a chance at life? Savagely, doctor’s give parents that choice today.

[Tweet “Every life has a purpose, and while we’d like our life to be pure joy and happiness, we’re all going to have challenges.”]

Every life has a purpose, and while we’d like our life to be pure joy and happiness, we’re all going to have challenges. God’s plan is for all His children to be a part of human history for however long or short our time on earth or how imperfect our bodies or minds.

It’s not our call to play God.

[Tweet “It is not our call to play God.”]

Here’s some ways God has used my less than perfect body.

I had a beautiful baby girl, who could’ve possibly had scoliosis, but she doesn’t. I tried so hard to have her while I struggled with infertility and not once did I ever think, “Maybe God doesn’t want me to have a baby.” I love being a mother.
My daughter has three beautiful children. I love being a grandmother.
I have a godly husband who is devoted to Jesus and to me. I love being a wife.
I had the opportunity to start the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry over twenty years ago and only God knows the number of women throughout the world who have been, and continue to be, blessed by mentoring relationships. I love being About His Work.
At the age of 50, I became an author! September 2019 will be the release of my twentieth Christian nonfiction book, all written to the glory of God. I love being an author.
I’ve had the opportunity to speak and encourage women throughout the United States and Canada about how to live a life for Christ. I love speaking and mentoring.

It’s true I’ve had, and continue to have, many health issues, but I’m so glad my mother did choose to give me life.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Psalm 139:13-14

In a recent post Don’t Just Cry About It, Do Something, I said one of the things we can do is put a face to the inhumanity of abortion by telling our stories. I’m sure all of you have a story to tell too of someone, maybe you, who might’ve been aborted today. Share with us your story in the comments and tell someone else today! You might just be saving an unborn life.

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

*Opening picture is from the Christian Conservative

February 18, 2019

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Don’t Just Cry, Do Something!

I’m back! Did you miss my Monday Morning Blogs these past few months? I certainly missed you!

As many of you know, I broke my wrist after a tumble down my office stairs on October 22. I’ve been in casts and braces ever since as my wrist healed. Now I’m in physical therapy to strengthen my wrist and muscles that haven’t been used for three months. As you can imagine, this was difficult for a writer!!! Fortunately, I had turned in the manuscript for the new book Everyday Brave the week before the fall.

But it’s been a long journey and isn’t over yet, so I’ll have to make this brief, if I can, since there are so many cultural events I want to address. If you follow me on Facebook, I’ve been able to peck out my comments and thoughts there.

Since I’m limited today in the use of my wrist, there are several excellent posts I’d like you to read and share your thoughts and comments here:

“Standing for God in a Pagan Culture” by Pastor Greg Laurie

I’m reading the Bible in a year, and just read about the encounter Pastor Laurie talks about between God, Moses, and Pharaoh. For those who think that Christians should not be involved in government or political issues that are more moral than political, Pharaoh was the government and God sent Moses and Aaron to confront him 10 times before Pharaoh freed the Israelite slaves. I love the last line of this article, “God isn’t looking for good speakers; He’s looking for obedient servants.”

Question: What is God asking you to do in your sphere of influence?

The New York “Reproductive Health Act” RHA (which should’ve been named “Unlimited Abortion Act”) became law on January 22, 2019. Governor Cuomo and his supporters applauded and lit up the World Trade Center monument in pink to celebrate…

[Tweet “Governor Cuomo and his supporters applauded and lit up the World Trade Center monument in pink to celebrate…”]

When a pregnant woman miscarries from an assault, the loss of her baby is no longer a crime.
Allowing third-trimester abortions (infanticide) for vaguely and subjectively a mother’s “health”.
Allowing abortions to be performed by medical personnel other than physicians
Making it legal for viable babies born alive following late-term abortions to be denied medical care and left to painfully die. (I can’t imagine what kind of person could stand by and watch this happen. Well I can’t imagine who could be an abortionist either!)

In other words, in New York a baby is not a human!

[Tweet “In New York a baby is not a human!”]

Please read the full text of RHA. It will only take five minutes. Many are trying to spin what it says. Read it for yourself.

In response to New York’s new genocide abortion law, my friend Heather Riggleman saw what God was asking her to do and bravely shared her own testimony in an open letter to New York posted in TODAY Parenting Team, “New York—You Let Fear Win.”

I know that if you’ve had an abortion, this topic is raw and painful for you if you haven’t asked God for, and received, His forgiveness. There’s nothing we’ve done that isn’t forgivable . . . “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

I’ve seen so many angry and tearful emojis on Facebook, but I think God wants us to put those emotions into action. Not just cry all over Facebook and social media where posts will soon be forgotten. We’re to do something to impact our culture positively.

Here are some ideas:

Pray that with science and medical strides in ultrasounds confirming that the creation of a human begins at conception, more people will see and admit that in-utero babies are developing people.

Share God’s Word on His creation of life. Psalm 139:13 Isaiah 49:1

Boldly support, campaign, and vote for pro-life conservative legislators.

Work to get out the conservative vote.

Volunteer at women’s healthcare centers that offer alternatives to abortion.

[Tweet “Encourage your church to get involved in foster care and adoption programs. The church, not the government, is supposed to care for the orphans.”]

Encourage your church to get involved in foster care and adoption programs. The church, not the government, is supposed to care for the orphans. Give these expectant mothers ways to care for their unborn children.

Sign petitions that shout your voice. We’ve seen their success in other areas.

Don’t become complacent or let the horror that alarms you now, become the norm.

Champion for life like you would for your own baby or grandchild’s life.

[Tweet “See and promote movies that expose the truth about abortion. Gosnell or Unplanned when it releases in March.”]

See and promote movies that expose the truth about abortion. Gosnell (his crimes would now be legal in New York. We were on our way to see this movie when I broke my wrist), Unplanned (listen to actress Ashley Bratcher’s own story),

Mentor—educate young women about the reality of abortion and answer their questions. I talk about ideas for how to have these discussions in Mentoring for All Seasons. I also talk in this book about how to mentor women and girls who’ve already had an abortion. How to share with them that God loves them and will forgive them if they only will come to Him and ask.

Use Your Story for God’s Glory. My friend Patti Smith is an example of a woman who had abortions before turning her life over to Jesus. She’s now mentoring women who’ve had abortions. She wrote a blog post for me several years ago, Prisoners of Their Own Choice.

God can use our past bad choices to help them not become someone else’s future.

[Tweet “God can use our past bad choices to help them not become someone else’s future.”]

Believe me, all those women in the “Shout Your Abortion” movement endorsed by Oprah Winfrey are not proud of their abortions. They’re hurting women who think they’ll feel better about their choice if they can justify it by finding other women in the same situation. They too need to hear that Jesus forgives when you ask.

[Tweet “Women who’ve had abortions too need to hear that Jesus forgives when you ask. Spread that news that God loves you.”]

Share the Gospel and love. Spread the news that God loves you and forgives. All you have to do is accept Jesus as your Savior, turn from your sinful life, ask Him for forgiveness for past sins, and let Him guide your life. (1 John 1:9)

Read Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten. There are questions at the end of each chapter for group study.

I’m not trying to promote sales of this book, I’m just telling you that when this book released in 2016, I foretold the progressive movement for what it is: the playbook for Satan. I saw it then and it’s even more relevant now. If progressives, like Cuomo and other liberals, get into power in the White House this is just an example of the continued progression of evil in our country.

Here’s another good article from Christianpost.com, Abortion is Satanic Worship.

When Cuomo and his colleagues gleefully wore pink and signed the death sentence to so many unborn boys and girls, he made this statement: “a historic victory for our progressive values.”

In Forsaken God?, here is what I wrote about Progressivism. It’s founder is Satan and atheism is the basis for its values.

Each generation pushes out the boundaries of sin and immorality a little farther in the name of a “progressive tolerant culture.” The 20^th Century’s sexual revolution has made sex outside of marriage and abortion acceptable and old stuff as the 21^st Century’s norm becomes casual hookups, unwed pregnancies, homosexuals, transgenderism, gay marriage, and condoms passed out in schools. What one generation does in moderation, the next generation does in excess, and sadly that’s been true since the beginning of time.

Satan is hijacking high-profile liberal pastors and several mainline denominations who expound that: the Bible isn’t inerrant or relevant, God is a myth, Jesus is a legend, and the church needs to catch up with the culture. Essentially, they’re atheists trying to mask themselves as “progressive Christians,” as if they’ve discovered the true, open-minded Christianity that doesn’t need the Bible.

I want to hear other ideas you have for engaging with our culture. God is using all of this to bring the atrocities of abortion back into the public eye.

What are you doing to let the light shine as the darkness takes over our country? You can make a difference, one life at a time.

Good to be back for such a time as this.

January 28, 2019

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10 Ways To Teach Babies, Toddlers, And Young Children Biblical Principles by Lee Ann Mancini

Our guest blogger this week is Lee Ann Mancini whose new book Forever With Jesus released earlier this month. Lee Ann shares my heart for reaching the next generation for Christ, and the earlier we start with our children and grandchildren the better. She offers some great ideas complete with websites of ways to introduce young children to the love of Christ in ways they will understand and appreciate. Enjoy and share with everyone who has children in their life! Also a chance to enter a drawing for a free copy signed by Lee Ann. Just leave a comment. Would make a great birthday, Christmas, or baby shower gift!

10 WAYS TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS, AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING TOOLS CHILDREN WILL LOVE!

By Lee Ann Mancini

All of us want our children and grandchildren to grow up to be filled with hope, joy, and love rather than the negativism, despair, and pessimism that is so prevalent in the modern era.

[Tweet “Young children have the ability to develop a sense of confidence, trust, and truth that comes from God.”]

Do your children have a strong foundation in Jesus? Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? Young children have the ability to develop a sense of confidence, trust, and truth that comes from God. They develop this from watching their parents respond to the daily challenges of life.

When I was young, there was a picture of Jesus that hung on the wall of our tiny house. My mother would often pray to Jesus and ask him for help. Although I was just a little girl, I remember watching her and feeling happy because I knew that Jesus would take care of all our needs. I developed this strong confidence in God from seeing my mother live out her faith.

At a young age, my mother placed me in Sunday School. I recall that I adored my Sunday School teacher. Like my mother, she was also a woman of great faith. She expressed the love of Jesus to me through her every action. I could tell she loved me dearly, and that love she had for me solidified my desire at a young age to know Jesus.

[Tweet “10 ways for teaching babies and preschoolers about the love of Jesus”]

Here are 10 ideas for teaching babies and preschoolers about the love of Jesus:

The “Jesus Loves Me” Lullaby Teddy Bear by Gund is an adorable baby gift. By the time your child enters preschool, they will be familiar with the words and excitedly exclaim, “I know this song!” when they hear the teacher play it in class. This happened with my son!
Babies love board books that are filled with colorful pictures and fun pages to touch and feel. All God’s Creatures by Karen Hill is a really good example. It concludes, “Thank you for animals, big and small. Heavenly Father, you made them all!”
Wee Believers https://weebelievers.com offers an adorable stuffed animal lamb that says prayers. BibleToys.com and ThePuppetStore.com also have some great Christian toys for young children.
Breath prayers are wonderful. These are prayers that are short and can be said within one breath. For example, while you are out walking, find a pretty flower to show to your preschooler and say, “Thank you, God, for this beautiful flower!”
Kneel with your child at bedtime and pray with them. Let them see and hear you pray often.
Tell your children how much you love both them and Jesus. I remember telling my kids, “I love you and Jesus so much!” You want your children to learn to say, “I love Mommy, Daddy, and Jesus!” all in the same sentence. As parents, we should never miss an opportunity to help our children build a strong foundation in Christ!
Do arts and crafts projects together that revolve around biblical concepts. You can find a wonderful list of biblical ideas for arts and crafts at http://www.truthforkids.com/crafts-for-bible-lessons.
Throw a Bible-themed birthday party for your kids. Turn their special day into an opportunity to have some godly fun. Make goody bags filled with religious candy and stickers. (Oriental Trading is a good source for these.) Play Christian card games that are educational. ChildrensMinistry.com has a nice list of biblical games for preschoolers ().
Read Bible stories to your kids. There is a plethora of Bibles geared towards young children. Also, read picture books that teach children to pray to Jesus in real life situations. My series, Adventures of the Sea Kids, helps children build a foundation in Christ and learn to love others as Christ loves us. My books are available at.
Most importantly, make sure your children know how much you love Christ. Try to show the love of Christ to everyone you encounter. Remember that your actions speak louder than your words!

Which of the above 10 Ways do you think the young child in your life would enjoy the most?

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In my mission to help build a strong foundation in Christ for children under seven, I have an award-winning series titled, “Adventures of the Sea Kids” that helps children learn how to have a relationship with Jesus, and how to be like Jesus during difficult situations that children face.

[Tweet “Forever With Jesus by Lee Ann Mancini deals with sin, salvation, and death. Children learn there is nothing to fear about death for those who believe in Jesus!”]

Please visit http://glmpublishing.net/for trailers and more information. Each book has discussion questions, word search, quizzes, and coloring sheets to help parents integrate the biblical principles taught. Also, there is a hidden symbol on each page that the children and parents love to find! Our latest book, Forever With Jesus, deals with sin, salvation, and death. Children learn there is nothing to fear about death for those who believe in Jesus!

We would love to hear about any new ideas or questions you may have!!

It is the responsibility of all adults to help raise the next generation in Christ!

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Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Forever with Jesus. If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

http://www.leeannmancini.com

Lee Ann Mancini’s series Adventures of the Sea Kids, published by GLM Publishing LLC, has won numerous accolades. Lee Ann Mancini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Regent University, a Masters in Biblical and Theology Studies from Knox Seminary, and a Masters in Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In addition to writing Christian children’s books, Lee Ann is currently an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. Lee Ann also speaks to women groups regarding the redemptive power of the gospel represented though the types of brides of the church.

Lee Ann is married and has two children. She loves to read, jog, and teach the Word of God.

Adventures of the Sea Kids Facebook link

https://twitter.com/GLMPublishing

August 27, 2018

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Grandparents Uniting in Prayer on Grandparents’ Day

Today’s guest blogger is my dear friend and fellow author, Lillian Penner, the author of Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren and national co-director for Christian Grandparenting Network’s prayer ministry. The 2018 Grandparent’s Day is coming up September 9! Lillian has ideas and suggestions for how your church can participate in promoting and honoring grandparents and grandchildren in your church. Whether or not you’re a grandparent or parent, every church has grandparents and grandchildren. We all need to be in prayer for families and children facing today’s culture.

Grandparents Are Uniting in Prayer on Grandparents Day of Prayer

Grandparents Day of Prayer September 9, 2018

Grandparents’ Day was designated, by a Senate proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, to be observed the second Sunday in September. The mission of Christian Grandparenting Network is to promote effective grandparenting, with the aim of helping our grandchildren to know and follow Christ wholeheartedly. That is why Christian Grandparenting Network is asking grandparents all over the world to join in prayer for their grandchildren and the parents of their grandchildren on, Sunday, September 9 of this year, making it a Grandparents’ Day of Prayer.

[Tweet “The mission of Christian Grandparenting Network is to promote effective grandparenting, with the aim of helping our grandchildren to know and follow Christ wholeheartedly.”]

[Tweet “Christian Grandparenting Network is joining in prayer with grandparents and churches on Sept. 9, for a Grandparents’ Day of Prayer.”]

It’s not easy for our grandchildren to navigate in a world hostile to truth in this post-Christian culture. Satan is relentless in his aggressive attack to desensitize our children to truth and righteousness. The enemy wants to disintegrate and divide our families, rendering them chaotic, restless, and unfruitful. Let’s not let the enemy distract us or dull our desires to pray for our grandchildren and their parents intentionally.

[Tweet “Let’s not let the enemy distract us or dull our desires to pray for our grandchildren and their parents intentionally.”]

We are in a spiritual battle requiring spiritual weapons. Prayer is our best weapon to defeat the enemy. It’s our place as grandparents to get on our knees, humble ourselves, seek God’s face, repent of our sin, and intercede for our nations, our children, and grandchildren. Then having done all, we stand firm in our faith that God has heard and will answer our prayers according to His will.

[Tweet “We are in a spiritual battle requiring spiritual weapons. Prayer is our best weapon to defeat the enemy.”]

“Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours but Gods.” II Chronicles 20:15

Our grandchildren and their parents not only need our support, but they also need our earnest prayers. They need our united prayer for our hopes and dreams for the next generation to be realized. Jesus declared, “Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting as My followers], I am there among them” (Matt. 18:19-20).

We believe praying grandparents can win the battle for the hearts and minds of our precious grandchildren and their parents. Many years ago, when the Israelites’ lives were threatened physically, Esther stood in the gap for her people. Today, grandparents can stand in the gap for their grandchildren and their parents as their spiritual lives are threatened.

Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN) would like to invite all praying grandparents to come before God’s throne of grace, to obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need for our grandchildren and their parents. In the past, united prayer has always bridged the gap between a great need and a great awakening! We hope that thousands of churches and groups around the world will participate in this intentional day of prayer on behalf of the next generation.

This event could be held in your church, in your home, in a retirement complex, or any meeting location of your choice. CGN will provide step-by-step guidelines, resources, and online tools to help you create a successful event that will engage grandparents in prayer.

You may want to host a prayer breakfast or a luncheon following your morning worship. Or you may want to offer an afternoon tea or evening dessert in your home. Perhaps your minister is willing to address the importance of praying grandparents and set aside a particular prayer time during the worship service. The possibilities are endless. It is imperative; no matter the format, that grandparents gather to pray for their grandchildren.

Larry Fowler, the Founder and Executive Director for Legacy Coalition writes,

The Legacy Coalition is honored to join the Christian Grandparenting Network in promoting Grandparents Day 2018 as a day devoted to praying for grandchildren. We strongly recommend that in our churches and in our homes, we take this day to encourage grandparents to intentionally exercise this powerful spiritual discipline. We commend CGN for their leadership in encouraging grandparents everywhere to participate in the Grandparents’ Day of Prayer, and we will be enthusiastically supporting their efforts.

We’re looking for grandparents who believe in the power of prayer to participate in this event. Will you help us call grandparents to join in prayer on September 9th?

To learn more and indicate participation in the movement, or organize a time of grandparents praying, go to our website, http://www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com. You will see endorsements, testimonials, promotional materials, and free downloads.

For additional information, contact Grandparents’ Day of Prayer, Coordinator, Lillian Penner, at [email protected].

Lillian Penner

Lillian Penner is the author of Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren and national co-director for Christian Grandparenting Network’s prayer ministry. An avid blogger, Lillian breaks into smiles if you ask about her 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She and her husband, John, live in Portland, Oregon, where they are active in church ministries.

If you received this post by email, please leave a comment here.

July 2, 2018

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Where Have All the “Ladies” Gone?

So Where Are the Mentors Helping Young Women Become Ladies Today?

Where Are the Christian Abolitionists?

“Awareness without action is apathy.”

Remembering the Reason for the Easter Season

Why You Should See #UnplannedMovie

Here are a few things you might not know about Unplanned.

Guess Who Doesn’t Want You to See Unplanned?!

So What Can We Do to Promote #UnplannedMovie?

5 Examples of How to Join God in Bringing Good Out of Evil Intent

Everyone Knows The Difference Between Good and Evil

Let’s look at 5 examples of how we can join God in bringing good out of evil intents.

We each have a choice:

What Kind of Person Kills a Newborn Baby?

In Today’s Culture, I Might Have Been Aborted

Here’s some ways God has used my less than perfect body.

Don’t Just Cry, Do Something!

In other words, in New York a baby is not a human!

Here are some ideas:

10 Ways To Teach Babies, Toddlers, And Young Children Biblical Principles by Lee Ann Mancini

10 WAYS TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS, AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING TOOLS CHILDREN WILL LOVE!

By Lee Ann Mancini

Grandparents Uniting in Prayer on Grandparents’ Day

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So Where Are the Mentors Helping Young Women Become Ladies Today?

“Awareness without action is apathy.”

Here are a few things you might not know about Unplanned.

Guess Who Doesn’t Want You to See Unplanned?!

So What Can We Do to Promote #UnplannedMovie?

Everyone Knows The Difference Between Good and Evil

Let’s look at 5 examples of how we can join God in bringing good out of evil intents.

We each have a choice:

Here’s some ways God has used my less than perfect body.

In other words, in New York a baby is not a human!

Here are some ideas:

10 WAYS TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS, AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING TOOLS CHILDREN WILL LOVE!

By Lee Ann Mancini

Search This Site

Receive My Weekly Blog

Blog Archives

Grab and Share My Button

Golden Scrolls Finalist

BibleGateway

Categories

Latest from My Weekly Blog

Subscribe by Email to my Blog

Subscribe to Our Weekly Blog

Contact Janet

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