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encouragement

    Inspiration

    Facing the Unexpected – Kerlene’s Story

    As a mother, nothing can quite prepare you for the first time you lay eyes on your child.

    The weeks and months leading up to their grand arrival are filled with nervous anticipation and eager excitement. We try to imagine what life would be like once our little bundle of joy arrives.

    Will she act like me? Will he sound like his dad? How will it feel to hold her in my arms?

    Every discomfort and every pain somehow magically fades away as you finally meet the little person who dictated your sleeping and eating patterns.

    For some moms like Kerlene McCall-Woods, that moment can take an unexpected turn.

    Living in Trinidad and Tobago, Kerlene’s journey in motherhood hasn’t always been paradise. Within hours of giving birth to her first child, Kerlene and her husband received a life changing diagnosis.

    I recently asked Kerlene to share her motherhood journey because it is a reality for many moms around the globe.

    While heartbreaking, her story isn’t filled with self-pity.

    Her faith could have understandably wavered but through it all Kerlene and her family are determined to make the most out of the path God has chosen for them.

    This is Kerlene McCall-Woods. And This Is Her Journey.

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    Everyday Woman

    How God Keeps Interrupting My Shopping Sprees

    Lately, I’ve been having intense negotiations with God while standing in the checkout line of my favorites stores.

    With my treasured conquests in hand, His gentle yet undeniable voice starts invading my thoughts:

    “You know, you really should save more of your money.”

    “Do you really need to buy another pair of shoes?”

    “You already have something just like that hanging in your closet.”

    “More makeup? What about that foundation you haven’t opened yet.”

    Then, in the middle of Sephora, Zara, or especially in Target, I start debating with God as to why I should go through with my purchase.

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    Faith

    25 Verses Every Woman Should Memorize

    I’ll never forget the day a minister at my church put me on the spot in front of the entire leadership team.  Everyone was getting ready to head home when out of nowhere he got the brilliant idea that we should take turns quoting one scripture verse.

    Simple enough, right?

    Well, I panicked. And instead of reciting my favorite scripture (Philippians 1:6), I awkwardly fumbled over a verse I thought would make me sound super deep and sanctified.

    Big mistake!

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    Motherhood

    Having His Baby But Not His Heart

    “Then she became pregnant a third time and gave birth to another son. He was named Levi, for she said, “Surely this time my husband will feel affection for me, since I have given him three sons!”  Genesis 29:34 

    It took a long time to believe the Bible could help navigate all the roadblocks of my life.

    It’s not like I didn’t believe in God. I just never imagined a story from thousands of years ago could speak to my deepest hurt and unmask my hidden scars.

    That was before I stumbled across the story of Leah and Jacob.

    Tucked in between the pages of Genesis, their relationship could have easily been the main feature on any of today’s reality television shows.

    It’s a story woven in rejection and entangled with love and betrayal.  And it’s one that unexpectedly tugged on the strings of my single mom heart.

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    Love & Relationships

    5 Simple Tips to Survive Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day is one of the few holidays that people either really love or really hate.

    There are those who rightfully preach the message of showing love every day of the year. Then there are the people like me who see nothing wrong with having an extra day to be pampered and loved on even more.

    If you can identify with that second category of people AND you’re single then chances are you’ve probably wished you could skip the month of February altogether.

    With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching (3 days for those who are counting) I’ve decided to share my 5 simple tips to help you survive this Valentine’s Day!

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