Tag Archives: Family

Feb 25 2013

Preachers’ Daughters: New Lifetime Reality Series

Preachers-DaughtersReality TV does not appear to be going away anytime soon.  However, the story lines and the cast are sure changing.  If the church community didn’t get their feathers ruffled enough with The Sisterhood, I wonder what the response will be to the new Lifetime series, Preachers’ Daughters.  The series is set to premiere March 12th.  Here is a brief description of what we can expect as viewers:

Teaching kids right from wrong may take a village…except when it takes a congregation! Lifetime will premiere its provocative new family docuseries “Preachers’ Daughters,” following the lives of three families for a behind-the-altar look at what happens at home after the sermon concludes, on Tuesday, March 12, at 10pm ET/PT. Produced by Thinkfactory Media (multiple Golden Globe® Award and Emmy®-nominated miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys” and family docusoap “Gene Simmons Family Jewels“), “Preachers’ Daughters” reveals a hard-hitting but often humorous look at the lives of these pastors’ daughters as they balance the temptations every teenager faces with their parents’ strict expectations and code of conduct as influenced by their faith. What happens will change these families forever, and surprise viewers with this unvarnished peek into their lives and the universal issues all households with teenagers face daily.

This particular series for me hits home.  At the age of 11, I became a preacher’s kid or a “PK”.  It was one of the hardest transitions in my life.  It changed everything at home and even public expectations changed.  I was always a well behaved child and your typical “daddy’s girl” but everything changed and even the relationship with my father changed.  So much time that used to be spent with our family was divided with the members of the church and not to mention my father was also the Chief Adjutant to the Bishop.  At some point, I rebelled.  I began doing everything that I knew I shouldn’t have been doing.  No one noticed because no one was around.

I definitely do not feel all “PKs” are “bad” but balance is definitely important.  Pastors spend so much time pouring into their congregation and giving to the ministry that their own families and children can be or feel neglected.  I hope “Preachers’ Daughters” is a true to life look into the life of a “PK” and not a glamorized Hollywood depiction.  I will definitely be watching and will give a review.

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

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Feb 23 2013

Homeschooling: WAHMs Create The Uncoventional Classroom

My now 4 and 5 year oldWhen I first became a work at home mom (WAHM), I had three non-school age children.  I wasn’t sure how I was going to create the balance or even how I would prepare them one at a time for kindergarten.  I have always been a firm believer of preschool but I knew it was not financially possible to send each one.  It wasn’t until I heard how other WAHMs and SAHMs were creating learning experiences for their children and considering it homeschooling, that I realized I had been creating a classroom for my children all along.

Read more here

What methods have you incorporated in the home for teaching your non-school age children?

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Dec 25 2012

Merry Christmas

Christmas tree

Christmas tree (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Wow another Christmas is here!!!  The smell of Christmas trees, the sight of dancing lights, the cold winter nights, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.  It seems like it comes faster every year and it takes me a while to get into the Christmas spirit.  These past couple of days have been spent snuggled up with my children on the couch playing video games.  Everyday they have pleaded to open a gift  but I have managed not to give in.  Watching their excitement and anticipation build is priceless.

 

I am just thankful that we once again received a Christmas miracle.  This year came with many challenges.  But those challenges revealed what was in me.  I was crushed and pressed in more ways than one.  The pressure pushed me to tap into so many gifts that I did not realize I had been given and even feared using.  But they have been unwrapped and I am not wrapping them back up.   So while my children enjoy their toys on Christmas day, I will be celebrating and enjoying the greatest gift ever, purpose.

 

What gift are you hoping for this Christmas?

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

www.rnbranddesign.bigcartel.com

Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

 

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Dec 4 2012

Author Interview: The Blood Done Signed My Name

The Blood Done Signed My Name

The Blood Done Signed My Name

The Blood Done Signed My Name: M. Ann RICKS

  • What genre would you say your books fall into? My novels are Christian Fiction.
  • Who or what inspires your writing? I am inspired by God as a result of my Savior Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit gives me the premise for my stories and downloads the sentiment and the words so that I may do what we as followers of Jesus were anointed to do: Share the gospel of Jesus Christ. By doing this through the words He gives me, He will heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to those who are in bondage, give sight to the blind, free those who are oppressed and proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • How did your upbringing impact your beliefs and relationship with God? My upbringing was, church, school and home-life. Most of my activities, aside for participating in school activities, (plays and performances) were church related. I am very fortunate that I have the best parents a girl could have! My parents kept me in church and that is where I thrived and as a result, I am forever grateful to them! My relationship with God however became stronger in my adult life.
  • Was there ever a period in your life that you went against or strayed away from what you had been taught? I think we have all backslidden, (myself included) and that’s why I love my Savior so much! He is always willing to welcome you back into the family with open arms! Reminding us to “go and sin no more!” His word tells us that we shouldn’t sin but…“And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 His word also tells us, “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
  • If so, what led you back to Christ? His LOVE, The truth of His Word! ….Not what man said but what He said! He allowed me to confront why I had not immersed myself in Him and what I need to do to be free… I mean really free! Glory to God!
  • Who is your favorite character in The Blood Done Signed My Name? I haven’t a favorite character but if I simply love the way God used me to write Ms. Sadie! She has the quiet strength and firm but patient love that I find necessary in today’s world to help those who have lost their way.
  • Describe the process you go through for developing your characters. Crazily enough, I haven’t a special process. All three of my novel’s premises were given to me during my quiet time with God. Rhachelle, I want to be used by Him and because I make that my priority, I become open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As I am writing, He will give me names as I use the gift of writing to share their story. He allows me to simply write. He instructs me throughout the process, downloading what He knows someone will need to read to experience His love and as a result they are blessed! I am truly being used as a vessel for His handiwork!
  • What message do you hope to convey to your readers through you’re THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME? The message that I would love for all to receive from THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME is that regardless of who you are, what your family lineage looks like, whatever you’ve done, whatever has been done to you, the blood of Jesus can make you a new creature because of its power. God loves us so much and because He loves us, He sacrificed His only son Jesus. Jesus became the sacrifice for us and all that we have done and are going to do. We have been absolved and even justified. We can walk in freedom and liberty because of what Jesus did. A new life is available for those who believe!
  • As a full-time writer was there ever a time that your faith was tested? How did you refocus and keep moving forward? There were struggles along the way…. Yes indeed! There were delays, rewrites, rejections and faith fights! At times I was my worst enemy! There were many days I was so discouraged, I wanted to simply give up. I’m so thankful Rhachelle, that God is faithful even we forget what He’s promised. “God is not a man, that He should lie, ….Has He said, and will He not do? … has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19
  • Do you have any upcoming projects? It is my hope to assist other Christian writers with my literary workshop for aspiring Christian writers called, “Conversations…. Writing to Reconcile”. I had the wonderful opportunity to share it regionally but would love to be afforded a venue that could allow me to do so nationally. As believers in Christ it is our mandate to reconcile others to God. Using our literary gifts is certainly one way we can accomplish that awesome task. Additionally, for all who are interested, I distribute electronically, (on-line), a monthly newsletter, M. Ann’s Literary Communiqué and prayerfully it will continue to increase in circulation. Lastly, I’ve begun my 4th novel, The SHIFT!
  • Any final words for the readers? I so appreciate the readers taking the time to read this interview! I feel incredibly BLESSED!
    M. Ann Ricks

    M. Ann Ricks

    Thanks to you all! I invite the readers to visit my website and www.mannricks.net to simply read more about me! If interested they may find my novels on all online literary establishments. (i.e.: www.amazon.com / www.bn.com). For speaking engagement, Literary Dialogues and book club gatherings, please feel free to contact me directly using: Godsauthor@mannricks.net. I have an Author’s Page on Facebook: M. Ricks Literary Creations.

Rhachelle, thanks so much for this wonderful interview! Continued blessings to you! Let God continue to be GLORIFIED!

Nov 22 2012

Happy Thanksgiving

English: Oven roasted turkey, common fare for ...

English: Oven roasted turkey, common fare for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  When I look back over this year, I can definitely see how God has been in all the details from behind the scenes.  I am thankful that I was obedient.  When I didn’t want to, I did.  When I didn’t know how, I found a way.  And when I didn’t understand, I trusted Him.

Past years, I would have been down because I am not with my family.  But this year, the peace that I have can’t even compare.  I am thankful that I can celebrate with my children and create traditions of our own.  We are not only celebrating Thanksgiving but also my 9 year old’s birthday!  We are eating, laughing, playing games but most importantly showing our gratitude to God for keeping us together.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  If you are reading this post, you already have so much to be thankful for.

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Jun 29 2012

After The Mourning…

On Tour July 14th – July 24th…Be a host

“How could you?”  Those were the words that came through the phone.  No hello or how are you, instead loud sobs and a voice that I knew was not going to let me hear the end of it.  “Why would you do this to me?”  I thought to myself, why does everything have to be about you.  For once, I made a decision for me.  I found a way to move on, a way to forgive, a way to let go and I wasn’t apologizing for it.  My mother and I did not speak for almost three months.  It made it hard for me to promote or discuss my book because I felt like all the work I had done had backfired.  I began to doubt God.  I would pray and cry out to God, “I know you gave me this to write.  I trusted you.  For once I found a way to surrender my life over into your hands and release the guilt and shame from my past but I feel horrible.”

After the completion of Sunday Mourning, it sat completed for months.  I felt like the writing was the process that God wanted to take me through and as I wrote, I felt the layers of hurt and pain that had rested on my heart begin to be lifted.  God was removing the weights and baggage that I had carried for years.  I was satisfied but God was not finished with me.  “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6  I soon began to post excerpts from my book and every time I post someone would leave a comment.  The comments were tugging at me, letting me know that I had to finish what I had started. Soon after, I published.  The reviews, emails, comments and messages let me know that my testimony was not just for me.

Fast forward to now, I can remember the day like it was yesterday when my mother called me and told me thank you.  She told me thank you for freeing me.  I had showed her that it was okay to forgive.  I showed her that forgiving someone didn’t mean they were right but you give up the right to let the hurt and pain control you.   Generational curses are real, we pass on hurt in so many ways.  If we are not careful an entire generation then takes on our issues and they become bigger than the previous generation’s.  I have a better relationship with my mother now than I have ever had.  “Find a way to tell YOUR story so that each time you tell it a piece of you is healed.” ~ Oprah

My mourning is now joy and I am celebrating the one year release of Sunday Mourning from July 14th – July 24th.  There are 7 slots still available.  If you are interested in being a host click here for more details.

“I show my scars so that others know they can heal.”

Feb 2 2012

Love With A Punch

English: Boxing Gloves Deutsch: Boxhandschuhe

Image via Wikipedia

I often post about how it is important to surround yourself with people who are going to love you unconditionally, hold you accountable and speak life into you when you can’t speak life into yourself.  I am so thankful for those that God has placed in my life, who are so willing to share their faith and do it freely.  I received an email this morning from on of my Sorors that made my spirit leap.  And with her permission, I am sharing it with you.

The email reads:

Hey everyone,

I’m writing you today to share something that is in my spirit. I was writing an email to a friend just encouraging her on her journey of faith and I realized that there are certain promises God gave me (us) in his Word, and I often rest upon these  in prayer- and apply them to my life… but I find they come up mostly when I’m feeling defeated, overwhelmed and exhausted…

When I’m frustrated, ready to give up, throw in the towel or go cry in the shower- it is then that these warfare scriptures resonate within me. These are etched on my heart and when battling the enemy – proclaiming God’s words and not my own, really bring me peace. First, the faith- your belief that these words are powerful- is what activates the retreat of the enemy and the release of Peace… I find comfort in knowing that when I speak these things out loud- change happens. I believe it- even when the change isn’t immediate.

Lets’ set a foundation-

Before you can punch the enemy dead in his face without fear of retaliation – you must bind up the spirit of fear… and know that God hears and will answer- even if it isn’t the answer you desire- he WILL answer.

2 Timothy 1:7- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

How does one bind fear… who gives us that right?

Matthew 16:19 -And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

God hears you and your prayer prevails in accordance to his Will.

Isaiah 65:24- And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

James 5:16- Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (Some versions say the “Fervent prayer” & that word can be described as- having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent:)

1 Thessoloians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (Never stop praying!)

So basically, God answers before you open your mouth, but pray, and pray often. 

What makes you righteous? The acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for your life.

1 Corinthians 6:20- For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

God purchased you as His own with the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ! The words you speak (praying or otherwise) have power- so know that your words have weight…

Proverbs 18:21- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and he that loves it will eat from its fruit.

Now that we’ve established that you - yes you -have the right (through Jesus Christ) to loose and bind up, loose, speak and walk in the authority of the Most High and battle on His behalf and for His kingdom.

The Punch
Your belief, your words, your authority and your knowledge of God’s Word & promises are what make you a force to be reckoned with!

So here are the promises to rest on when the world is shaking around you and nothing seems to be stable…

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 54:17- “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. I also like the New Living Translation- But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Luke 10:19- Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Matthew 18:19- “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

So HERE IT is ya’ll….

  1. God has given you power over the enemy- he cannot hurt you!
  2. NO WEAPON (or tongue) formed against you will prosper!!!!… what are you fearful of? 
  3. God has a plan for you and it is GOOD, it is not to harm you or destroy you.
  4. Everything in your life (good, bad, and ugly) work together to completely and totally equal GOOD in your life- it is all to make YOU better, stronger, and in the end, since you cannot take credit for it- it GLORIFIES your CREATOR. God gets all the glory!
  5. Find someone who will stand in agreement with you just to seal that deal and make it a little bit sweeter. Find someone who really believes and will pray with you, cry with you, stand with you, and then PRAISE with you! :-)

KICK THAT DEVIL’S BUTT- YOU WIN! God is so good… I love you all and hope this lifts you as it did me… God is a wonderful God who has a plan for our lives, and who wants to prosper us according to His will and riches…. he’s given us bulletproof armor to go on our journey and promised our needs to be met, and our desires to be fulfilled… what else can we ask for?

Sara

www.brazenwordz.com

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

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Jan 17 2012

Having Fun While Saving Money

I am so excited. I had the opportunity to interview Janiera Eldridge, Author of Having Fun While Saving Money and it couldn’t have come at a better time. As a mother of five, planning out activities for extended weekends, Spring Break and Summer vacation can be quite expensive. I am thankful that someone took the time out to show me and you how to save. Here are a few of the questions I was able to ask:

When did you first realize you enjoyed writing?
I knew I loved writing when I was in high school. I loved books to much that it encouraged me to write little short stories. I’ve written stories that have never been published but, I enjoyed writing them anyways.

Which genre is your favorite? Why?
I love the paranormal genre because they are almost always filled with awesome twist and turns.

What kind of benefits can your readers get from your latest release?
This book really was done in a labor of love. It was not designed to talk down to anyone but to give people fun and non-risky ways to save money during these difficult economic times.

What motivated you to write this book?
I really wanted to share the ways I’ve been able to have fun during the hard times for free with as many people as possible.

What did you learn from writing the book?
I learned even more cool ways to have fun without spending a lot of money. I also learned that the best things in life really are free.

How has your family benefited?
My mother is a discount hound just like me so she signed up to a lot of the same programs that I have. We have received numerous gift cards and prizes because of our participation through these programs. We also have learned how to do things around town the unconventional way and have a really good time.

What is your favorite activity that you do with your family on a budget?
I love going to a matinee movie and a mid day lunch with the family. It saves money and gives us a lot to talk about.

How long did it take for you to discover all the activities and write your book?
This book was really a work in progress and a collection of things I’ve been doing over the years. When I start to research something I can’t stop; I’m totally into to it. The few things I had to research only took me a few days to look up and include in the book.

So what does a typical outing with you and your consist of? On average what is the cost?
The typical outing for my family of four and I include a day at the park, pool or a downtown event and a lunch. Then my mother comes home and cooks us a wonderful dinner. She is an amazing cook and the meals she comes up with are amazing.

What can your readers expect from you next?
I’m almost finished with a fantasy novel entitled Soul Sisters. It’s about African- American twin sisters and one is a vampire and one is a human.I’m really excited about finishing it and looking for a publisher. Fiction is where my heart lies in writing so from now on you can expect nothing but fiction from me.

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Read more about Having Fun While Saving Money and start saving right away!
Visit my book blog This is From My Heart for lots of book fun!
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Jan 5 2012

Can I Trust You?

With so many types of communication and social media leading the way, I wasn’t surprised that once again I would discover the news of a family member passing away via facebook.  Insensitive right, I know.   However, social media has become a way for so many of us to deal with some of life’s experiences.  We pull from the support of those whom we have come to know virtually.  I get it, but nothing should ever substitute those who we can physically lean on or cry on each other’s shoulder. 

I’ve been in Las Vegas, NV now for almost 5 years and have lost some very important people in my life.   My dad passed away 3 years ago this February 15th and though time is suppose to heal all wounds, I am still patching my heart up.  But each time I suffer another loss, it serves as a reminder.  With the passing of my grandfather (paternal) two days ago, that wound is open just a little.  Not being in the same City let alone State as my family has made me appreciate them even more.  I look forward to the phone calls, the pictures added to their facebook albums, but most of all the face to face visits. 

So here is the part that I hope I can trust you on.  Can I trust you to pick up the phone and call a loved one that you haven’t spoken to in a while?  Can I trust you to forgive that person that may have wronged you?  Can I trust you to be kind to your neighbor?   You never know what they are going through.  Can I trust you to give to someone that may be in need?  The one thing that I have learned, is that I don’t want any regrets.  Each person that has made the transition over the past year, I was given an opportunity to spend some time with them.  My grandfather got to see my children and even play with my youngest son who shares his name this past summer.  The pictures that were taken are priceless.

We have all been blessed with a moment of time called life.  I am trusting you to make the most of it. 

“Building relationships of accountability and trust, with all roads leading to love.” RATL

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Jan 1 2012

2012 Blog Challenge: R.A.T.L. 365

“Building (R)elationships of (A)ccountability and (T)rust with all roads leading to (Love.” 

 R.A.T.L. (rattle) Relationship, Accountability, Trust and Love…the acronym used for the mission statement of my non-profit, Mother 2 Mother CDC.  2012 is a year for change and we often here the phrase, “Be the change you wish to see”.  I am going to post each day about how I fulfilled one of the principles within the mission statement.

  • Relationships: Mother 2 Mother wants to inspire pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and instill a sense of hope in the future.
  • Accountability: The focus of Mother 2 Mother is to empower mothers in establishing goals and following through on commitments.
  • Trust: Mother 2 Mother wants to help to diminish the negative stigma attached to relationships amongst women while instilling the importance of trusting and quality relationships.
  • Love: An individual is dramatically influenced by their support system. Mother 2 Mother wants to surround mothers in a caring, supportive and loving environment; allowing them to heal and grow.

I am always up for a blogging challenge and you should join me.  Let’s get ready to shake, RATL and roll…use RATL in your tags and #RATL in your tweets.  Find a way to accomplish one principle per day in the mission statement and compile a post. 

“Any act often repeated soon forms a habit; and habit allowed, steady gains in strength, At first it may be but as a spider’s web, easily broken through, but if not resisted it soon binds us with chains of steel.” – Tryon Edwards