It's Okay To Be Scared

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in the year 1985 by AstraZeneca, which manufactures breast cancer drugs. Since then, breast cancer has been observed annually to raise awareness and funds to fight this dreaded disease. Cancer is no respecter of persons. Women from all walks of life have fallen and continue to fall prey to its attack. The CDC states that apart from some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women regardless of race or ethnicity. It is also the second cause of death in women of all races in the United States. However, in spite of these statistics, survival rates are improving. Women are beating this thing.

I am not writing from the perspective of someone who has been there, done that. However, I did have pre-cancerous cervical cells some years ago. When I was diagnosed, I called on God, followed the doctor’s advice and had surgery. Throughout the entire time, I found strength in God. I remember walking in to the hospital with my daughter the morning of my surgery with just my driver’s license in my hand, as the nurse had instructed me to do, and I was thinking, I don’t feel scared. I’m going to have surgery for the first time in my life and I don’t feel scared.

God was with me.

But because I didn’t feel scared doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be. If you’ve just received a diagnosis of cancer, you may be scared to death. And that’s okay. The disciples in that boat, seasoned fishermen, were scared for their lives when the storm arose. They woke Jesus who was asleep in the stern and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4: 39) The Bible goes on to say, “He (Jesus) got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

As a Christian woman, you may ask yourself many questions. “Why me? I serve God, don’t I? I attend church regularly, don’t I? I tithe, I do this, I do that …” There was a man in the Bible who did all that and more and yet, God allowed Satan to take all that he had and afflict him with horrible illnesses. But in spite of all this, “Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (1: 22).

So, what am I saying? I’m saying it’s okay to be scared. Jesus understands. Just trust Him. Call on Him. Even when you don’t know what to say, just whisper His name and you’ll receive comfort.

Speaking of comfort, sometimes you can find comfort in an object – a keepsake, gift or something that has special meaning. I have two Breast Cancer Awareness bangles that I want to give away. The month is almost over, but I’ll carry it into November. The first two women who write to me and request it will receive this lovely bangle FREE and postage paid.

And don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list where you can receive updates and giveaways. God bless you.

I'm Not A Scaredy Cat

Is your child afraid of the dark? Does he cower in fear at strange noises and situations? Most young children do, but even if he doesn’t, this book will teach him that God is always near, and he can trust Him in everything. This lovely hardcover book with its colorful illustrations and funny little verses will delight the hearts of children everywhere while teaching them to face their fears. Written by Max Lucado, I’m Not A Scaredy Cat features a little prayer that a child can easily learn.

“God, you are good.
God, you are near.
God, you are here!
And, God, you love me.”

With Christmas just around the corner, this book will make a perfect gift for your son or daughter.

You can win a copy of this cute little book when you enter the exciting giveaway. Just click on this link: http://www.blessedfreebies.com/im-not-a-scaredy-cat.html


To purchase the book, go here - http://www.tommynelson.com/scaredy-cat-presale/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9afOBRDWARIsAJW4nvyhUMaRV9fup6aZDXkSQHy9pBm4c1BVi2ZyCA3W3Sm6oEdvCdC9958aAsE2EALw_wcB

A Devotional For Your Kids

As godly parents we know the importance of getting our children grounded in the word of God. The Bible tells us we are to train up our children in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). However, some of us may lack the ability to break down scripture in a form that children can understand, or we may just feel inadequate to the task.

Sarah Young has come to our rescue with Jesus Always, a book with 365 devotionals for kids. The devotionals cover everything from spending time with God, seeking His help, trusting Him and experiencing the joy of the Lord. In fact, joy seems to be the overriding theme of the book.

But what I like best about the devotions is they are written from the POV of Jesus, so when the child reads it, he feels like Jesus is right there speaking to him personally. Here's one example: When you run into problems, look for Me. I’m right there with you.

The book itself is very attractive. The hard, purple cover features embossed lettering and art work. Pages are smooth and glossy with purple borders and green headers and footers. This book will make a great Christmas gift that will last a child a long time. You do not have to worry that the book will fall apart. The binding is sturdy and the cover is hard. I highly recommend this book, and now you can enter this giveaway to win 1 of 5 free copies. Just click this link: http://www.blessedfreebies.com/jesus-always-365.html

To learn more about other Christian books, please sign up for our mailing list.

Nothing Is Impossible

The words of this song popped into my mind as I woke up this morning. Some of you may be familiar with them:

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God,
Nothing is impossible when you're trusting in His Word 
La la la la la la la la la
La la la la la la la la la
So put your trust in God alone 
And stand upon His word,
For everything, yes everything, 
EVERY THING is possible with God

You can tell I don't remember all the words, but the catchy melody stuck with me all morning as I got ready for church. The song reminded me of some seemingly impossible situations I, and others known to me, had been through. And God brought us through every one of them.

When the angel told Sarah, Abraham's wife, that she was going to have a child, she laughed. She was ninety years old! But the angel said, " Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18: 14).

And if you've read the story, you know that she did have a son the next year, exactly as the angel said.

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God.

Whatever you are praying about, whether it is about a family member or a national crisis - and we ought to pray about that - do not doubt. Only believe.

Here's a video on the same theme for you to enjoy: