tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34548441613042930332012-01-21T22:45:03.011-06:00Surviving and Thriving During MommyhoodRhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.comBlogger1601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-24039133644501876402012-01-01T09:07:00.004-06:002012-01-01T09:07:00.255-06:00

Stationery cardView the entire collection of cards.

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-42805512540976325102011-12-13T09:41:00.000-06:002011-12-13T09:41:25.476-06:00

God's calling doesn't promise a smooth road. Sometimes we can be smack in the middle of God's will and it leads us into criticism from those closest to us—even from those we respect and admire.  I am thinking about Mary and Joseph's calling. God had a plan to deliver a savior into the world. It required Mary to lay down her reputation and risk losing her betrothed, Joseph.  A woman found

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-15933818056877780152011-12-03T20:46:00.000-06:002011-11-30T20:49:52.129-06:00

Crafts with children during the Christmas season are some of our family's favorite memories.  Found this link with some great ideas: Real Simple Holiday Decorations. Let us know how they worked out. Do you have a cyber link to other crafts or ideas you've used. 

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-52462375756244471142011-12-01T00:38:00.001-06:002011-12-01T00:38:00.108-06:00

I purchased the colorful bag on a whim. Out Christmas shopping I thought I'd found the perfect bag to cart all of my packages home to family.  I got it home and suddenly I realized how funny the bag was: It totally left out the source of the Joy, Peace and Holiday Cheer-- The true light that gives light to everyonewas coming into the world.He was in the world,and though the world was made

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-83615373657934777842011-11-30T00:35:00.004-06:002011-11-30T01:03:07.802-06:00

Bringing the world home to my children is a priority. One interactive website that I love is Operation World. Loaded with pictures, facts and videos it inspires us to pray for others around the world. Information is listed by region and country. You can teach your children to pray specifically as they understand the spiritual climate of each country in the world.  You have the opportunity to

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-81152734012517822832011-10-28T13:36:00.001-05:002011-10-28T20:02:35.810-05:00

I love laying my head on my pillow every night. Work is done, my kids are all asleep and there are no more phone calls. I like my stuff, my house, my space. I like my creature comforts.  Ever thought about Jesus and stuff?  Ever seen a picture of Jesus pulling a rolling suitcase or carrying a backpack? He was a homeless man without a grocery cart. He moved around throughout Israel and depended

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-89180693783306265352011-10-17T17:24:00.000-05:002011-10-17T17:24:41.114-05:00

Granddaughter waves to her aunt in SK Hooray for skype! What did missionary families do to keep up with each other before internet? This past weekend we had a daughter and her family visit and we held a skype reunion with another daughter who is teaching in Seoul, SK.  The visiting daughter brought her baby who is our first grandchild. The whole family likes to keep up with each new

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-89132127703302813692011-10-11T00:00:00.003-05:002011-10-11T09:49:19.479-05:00

I was just starting dinner when the phone rang. "Stop what you are doing and come see this!"  My friend lives outside of town in the country. Vergie is the fun mom with the cool house that my kids always want to visit. She has wild peacocks, a garden, and a chicken coop.  "The chicks are hatching. You've got to come watch." I did drop everything. I moved my dinner to the back burners and

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-46750690648001022272011-09-09T07:14:00.004-05:002011-09-09T07:42:19.891-05:00

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:15-17  This verse reminds me of how far I've come. As a young mom I was a hand-wringer. I encountered temper tantrums—sometimes my own and not my toddler's. I would hope the money held out until the next paycheck. I had conflicts with girlfriends.  I rarely ran

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-67786292696291945762011-09-05T11:03:00.002-05:002011-09-05T11:05:55.128-05:00

How is your prayer life going? I have to admit, I struggle to fit it in at times. I know God is always near. He delights to hear me turn to Him. I get a little used to the fact that He is always there I can enter His presence boldly at anytime. My reading in the book of Hosea this morning struck me: They do not cry out to mefrom their hearts...Hosea 7:14a The people Hosea spoke to may have

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-33692198869674428682011-07-19T02:11:00.105-05:002011-07-19T02:11:00.482-05:00

We are blessed to have Michele Scott share her heart on the role of prayer in adoption and how her book, Praying Through Your Adoption came to be. This book is a treasure for those seeking to adopt and those encouraging others going through adoption. I have a copy of the book to give away. Post a comment and I'll select a recipient to receive the book in the mail. It will be a blessing. 

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-85281147964680614262011-07-17T16:01:00.001-05:002011-07-17T20:42:12.957-05:00

Do you have that favorite something that you collect? I rifle through the back rooms of resale and antique shops for needlepoint pillows. Don't ask me why I'm drawn to rugs and pictures and pillows created stitch by time-consuming stitch. I don't know. I've collected many beautiful treasures over the years. I trade them out with the seasons around my house. I have these works of art with angels,

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-70941041995257693252011-07-02T15:20:00.005-05:002011-07-02T18:52:24.985-05:00

God has been referred to as the Hound of Heaven in a poem by English poet, Francis Thompson. That phrase made the poet famous.  The name Hound of Heaven is odd and frightening at first. It makes me think of the mysterious creature on the moors of England in Conan Doyle's Sherlock tale, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Spooky!! I have a better story of a hound—one from my own home. We had an

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-9667986989481715492011-06-21T09:08:00.003-05:002011-06-21T09:12:15.289-05:00

 My daughter’s high school graduation fell on the very day a pastor proclaimed in a national campaign the world was going to end: May 21, 2011.  “At least by 6:00 p.m. I will already be a graduate and the whole family will be together at the restaurant,” my daughter pointed out. We were still at the table after the bill was tallied and the dessert plates polished off—well after the deadline for

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-9418466144466371292011-05-08T23:23:00.004-05:002011-05-08T23:29:40.596-05:00

Mother's Day was particularly special today for me. I attended the baby dedication of my first granddaughter.  I admit that I cried.  I am thankful that my daughter and son-in-law are raising my granddaughter in the faith. I have heard them read the Bible together aloud as one of them rocks her to sleep on a shoulder. They haver her special music list on the iPhone with songs full of

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-53437485796561400832011-04-26T11:47:00.001-05:002011-04-26T11:48:22.611-05:00

Are you dreading a long family car trip with kids this summer? Take heart. It can be one of your best experiences.  Check out my latest post, "Little Schoolhouse on the Highway,"  at Heart of the Matter Online for tips for traveling with kids and enjoying it.

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-13152957037724537722011-04-22T22:20:00.000-05:002011-04-22T22:33:26.662-05:00

Jesus hung on the cross suspended between heaven and earth. He cried out, "Abba, Father, why have you forsaken me!" God was not silent or still. He sent a great darkness to cover the whole land. At that very moment of Christ's death, earthquakes rocked Jerusalem and the dividing veil was split between God's Most Holy Place in the temple and the people that came to worship. I often wonder what

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-17879813210726566462011-04-17T23:18:00.000-05:002011-04-17T23:18:03.992-05:00

Would you ever consider getting out your kids' play-doh and fashioning your own god? You could top it off with glitter to add shine.  It sounds crazy but the Old Testament prophets talked about this constantly. Israelites who had been taught about the One true God would go out and cut down a tree and carve an idol. They would overlay plain wood with gold and silver then bow down and ask it for

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-9858210497689400082011-03-16T20:49:00.003-05:002011-03-17T00:08:50.868-05:00

I hear two things from the people I talk to when I am out around town. The prices are too high and this crisis in Japan is so scary. There is much to worry about.  I hear parents recently question what the world will hold for their young children. Will they have a future to look forward to? Will there be war, available energy, or enough food and jobs? There is much to worry about.  A group

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-2379224784170779922011-03-13T20:04:00.002-05:002011-03-13T20:08:41.519-05:00

Ever have that heartsick feeling when you fail—again? There is a weakness you can't seem to conquer?  I did recently and I wanted someone to pray with me. I couldn't seem to handle this need on my own. I scrolled through the names in my text messages.  I considered several friends:  No, she wouldn't understand No, she is always too busy Yes, now she is a person who prays alot! I punched in my

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-69623568263626551582011-02-19T16:25:00.006-06:002011-03-04T17:22:02.121-06:00

Spring is popping out already in East Texas. Two weeks ago I was snowed in at a Dallas apartment and today I'm looking at my daffodils shooting up in the yard.  I got carried away as I began mentally planning which flowers to plant in my yard. I wrote on a friend's facebook wall that I would grow sweet peas this spring—just like the ones her mom always had in her yard when I was growing up. I

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-25780992023922134472011-02-14T06:00:00.001-06:002011-02-14T06:00:15.987-06:00

What word comes to mind when you hear the word romance? My word is toilet and it took over a decade of marriage to learn that. Ideas of love and courtship filled my waking thoughts during Junior High--and my dreams at night. I checked out every teen love story in the school library. Daydreams found me musing about Mr. Perfect who must be longing to discover me to make his life complete. I did

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-18559807510233249242011-02-13T21:10:00.003-06:002011-03-04T17:20:44.646-06:00

My husband knows that the way to my heart is through technical gadgets. Two years ago he gave me an iPhone for Valentine's Day. This year he gave me an upgrade to a newer iPhone. I’m loving it. With my first iPhone, I didn’t understand what he’d given me. It took weeks to figure out all that the phone could do.  I was just thrilled at first to have a phone with an address book and a camera. Then

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-29792992055717545602011-02-08T13:20:00.003-06:002011-03-04T17:22:46.352-06:00

 Becoming a grandmother or a "Nona" is incredible.  As a writer, I have to say this has for now left me without words. But, I have LOTS of pictures—most imprinted in my heart.  I've enjoyed watching my daughter and son-in-law pull together—they didn't really need to pull much closer. They are working like a team.  I forgot how a tiny cry can turn a house upside down. That first night with the

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-3977411656155854272011-01-28T22:41:00.002-06:002011-01-28T22:52:53.968-06:00

Hard to imagine 50 million babies. This past Sunday was Sanctity of Life Sunday in commemoration of the passage of Roe vs. Wade. It was a sad commemoration because the latest statistics show 50 million babies have been aborted since 1973 when Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion. We lit 50 candles representing the 50 million babies the world never celebrated.  We had a special speaker, Claire

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-38669085249692022582011-01-21T20:41:00.000-06:002011-01-23T19:30:32.520-06:00

I didn't want to answer THE question. A news story came on the radio as I drove my seven-year-old daughter to school. She asked, “What is abortion?” I looked at her across the front seat of the car. Her feet didn’t touch the floor and her pony tails bobbed about as she twisted intently toward me. I wasn’t ready to answer this. But, I’d rather it came from me than someone at school. I took a

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-80194701026385662852011-01-19T00:45:00.003-06:002011-01-19T00:55:14.670-06:00

Lions, Tigers and Bears—Oh, Moms! Buzzing across the web, moms are arguing, talking and thinking aloud about strictness vs. warmth in parenting.  All this started with the publicity around Amy Chua and her new book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Chua, a Harvard law grad and professor, describes her parenting technique which is culturally typical for Eastern moms. The rules for her daughters:

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-61597459448581358502011-01-14T22:15:00.003-06:002011-01-15T11:23:06.316-06:00

Recently I observed a mother and a young daughter at a popular lingerie store known for its secrets. What should have been a memorable time with mother and daughter grew to include complete strangers. The girl was shopping for her first bra.  The sales woman and mother took the girl to the back of the store and proceeded to measure her with a tape measure. The young girl, shyly complied by

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-6724026979613972512011-01-02T23:25:00.003-06:002011-01-23T00:02:39.274-06:00

New Year's Day finds us bringing to mind old acquaintances and humming Auld Lang Syne. I had a special treat this New Year's when I googled and facebooked my way to locate Trudy.  I was Trudy's worst nightmare twenty years ago when she taught a ladies' Bible study in her home. It was my first experience digging into God's Word—or for me—dawdling with God's Word.  I remember Trudy's passion as

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-24210412631673874192010-12-04T22:54:00.002-06:002010-12-04T23:00:52.489-06:00

My mom collects nativity sets. Because my parents have lived all over the globe she has quite an international array. The grandkids have counted over fifty throughout her house--with sets from every continent.  I've always loved the idea of Jesus' birth being celebrated by all people the world over because He was sent for people all over the world. Turn on the radio in this season and we are

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-85718325167573749672010-12-02T22:43:00.003-06:002010-12-02T22:48:43.420-06:00

How many stars are in our universe? With greater discoveries in astronomy come the new discovery of stars--lots of stars.  A recent ABC News story reports that perhaps the number of stars is actually three times the number previously thought.  A study suggests the universe could have triple the number of stars scientists previously calculated. For those of you counting at home, the new

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-44879207091195218252010-12-02T21:23:00.000-06:002010-12-02T21:23:34.293-06:00

Kids often understand the truth of the Christmas story better than their parents. Read my latest post on Heart of the Matter {Online} - "No Room in the Stable?"  I share a lesson taught me by my five-year-old son while we put out our family Nativity set.  Have a Blessed Christmas!

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-49756567814610259882010-11-24T11:32:00.000-06:002010-11-24T11:32:25.236-06:00

Are you feeling the weight of all those hats you wear:  mother, wife, caregiver to aging parents, teacher.....? You are a member of the sandwich generation.  Take heart. Read my latest post on "Did You Order a Sub?" at Heart of the Matter {Online}

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-59062630017352419572010-11-21T19:24:00.003-06:002010-11-21T19:35:06.940-06:00

I threw myself down on the cool grass behind the stone wall. Catching my breath I leaned my back against the smooth, unmoving surface.   How many children had picked this same hiding place over the years? I looked up at the ancient tower overhead. Had other children played hide and seek or perhaps run from real enemies in this castle courtyard?  I thought every child played in Medieval

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-32662168830997061852010-11-07T22:26:00.004-06:002010-11-07T23:00:33.837-06:00

To pray or not to pray.... We teach our children about a God who cares about their every need. We teach them that He is all powerful. We teach them that He hears their every prayer. When the family dog ran away after a move to a new town, I was heartsick. I wanted the dog back. My pre-school daughter suggested we pray. I looked down at her earnest face and my spirit faltered. What if God didn't

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-76751940816669878972010-10-22T22:29:00.001-05:002010-10-22T22:42:30.955-05:00

Early in our marriage we had to make a move across the country, leaving friends and family. The moving van was loaded and it travelled ahead. We drove two cars and hauled two small children and a dog.  I didn't want to make this move but my husband's graduate training required it. He said I left a trail of tears and huge heel marks in the road clear across the state our first day on the road.

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-42032328117343518852010-10-19T09:30:00.001-05:002010-10-19T09:31:25.834-05:00

Check out Heart of the Matter {Online} for my latest article: Oh! Brother about brothers and sisters getting along.  I'm sure your kids never fight--but mine do. We're letting God teach us through these times. 

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-18872105289558499582010-10-09T02:20:00.001-05:002010-10-09T02:24:22.019-05:00

When my oldest was twelve she started a game whenever we ate out. Who would be the first of our four kids to say, "Thank you"?  The game stuck. Even though it is now thirteen years later, the habit remains. There are only two children still at home but they still remember to express appreciation when they get a drink or a meal from the drive through.  On a recent trip to pick up pizza for my

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-78196183591319952872010-10-08T23:00:00.019-05:002010-10-09T03:14:00.091-05:00

Moms, a real blessing awaits you in the latest Chicken Soup book, Devotional Stories for Mothers. I've received my copy and it is a treasure.  I am happy to be part of this project with one of my stories, "Busted." I pray this devotional guide will bless many women. If you want a copy, ask for it at your local bookstore or click this link: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-66433134870640793002010-10-06T00:18:00.003-05:002010-10-09T23:25:54.166-05:00

 For the first ten years of our marriage, my husband was a student. We had our first daughter during  medical school with six years of training still stretching ahead. My husband and I had little time together and even less money in the bank account.  I found a nearby secondhand store. I used to rummage through the racks looking for bargains on trendy little girl clothes, without the stains. One

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-16317125238670446142010-10-03T23:30:00.004-05:002010-10-06T15:03:50.885-05:00

Car trips with crying babies do not bring out the best in marriages. Add pouring rain to the mix and you have a travel experience that everyone would rather forget.  Early in our marriage, we were on just such a trip, headed home for the Christmas holidays. Our six month old wailed in the back seat and we had at least four more hours before we would arrive at the grandparents.  My husband had

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-63704775668179047162010-09-28T20:27:00.000-05:002010-09-28T20:27:07.275-05:00

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-54879636573348943012010-09-25T23:10:00.001-05:002010-09-26T10:32:53.609-05:00

 Francine Rivers, best-selling author, drops in today to discuss her latest book, Her Daughter's Dream. The emotional conclusion to Her Mother's Hope, spans from the 1950's to the present and explores both the beauty and trials of relationships between mothers and daughters. It is an honor to host Francine. Her writing has influenced me as writer and a believer. She has the ability to weave a

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-66796802897454393142010-09-24T01:00:00.012-05:002010-10-06T14:22:31.868-05:00

I could barely watch the original Wizard of Oz movie as a child. I sat with eyes alternating between wide open or squeezed shut, hardly breathing. I totally understood the lion's lack of courage.  When Dorothy and her new friends crept before the Wizard my heart pounded with theirs. The green phoenix seemed to hold all of the power but had no compassion for those he ruled.  Many people today

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-15737956388882731822010-09-10T02:34:00.004-05:002010-09-10T16:01:01.484-05:00

Each year as 9/11 approaches we relive that day in 2001. "Where were you when you heard that America was under attack?" is the common question.  A day in August a few weeks before September 11, 2001 is more vivid in my mind each year. My father celebrated his 68th birthday and I hosted the party. I decided to have all of the grandkids play a game called How Well Do You Know Grampa?  Even those

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-51717517320058153112010-09-09T10:50:00.001-05:002010-09-09T10:52:10.726-05:00

Is your MommyLife leaving you a bit tired? Sometimes we feel that our parenting tasks will never end.  Read my article, Your Nest Will Not Always Be Full, at Heart of the Matter {Online} for a little perspective. 

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What makes a moment sacred? Is it a time of awesome worship? Or is it a season of deep prayer in which we totally commit ourselves to God? Moms often feel that they can never "do" ministry. Once they finish wading through the stacks of dishes or the piles of laundry, there is little time left to be used by God. They may even find it difficult to stay awake long enough to talk with Him.  When my

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Savannah closed her eyes, breathed in deeply and smiled.  "What are you doing?" asked her mother. On an errand to Grandma's house the mother and daughter stood in the bedroom.  "I'm smelling Grandma," replied the little girl. "What does Grandma smell like?" Mother asked with a chuckle.  "Like Jesus!" was Savannah's quick reply.  When I first heard that story I thought Savannah would say pancakes,

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What do you see when you look in the mirror? What do you believe about yourself? Some women have spiritual anorexia.  Anorexia is a deadly disorder that effects mostly young women. When they look in the mirror, they see a distorted view of themselves. No matter how thin they are in reality, they see themselves as fat. They begin starving themselves--they quit eating--often until they die.  How

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Mission statements are all the rage in corporations, universities and organizations. They are kind of like goals in a nutshell.  I've even heard pastors and teachers encourage  families to develop a mission statement.  According to Wikipedia, a mission statements is: a formal, short, written statement of the purpose of a company or organization.  The mission statement consists of: 1. a

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Hide and seek is always more fun when Dad plays.  When my first two girls were little they would listen for   their dad's car to pull into the garage. That would then send them on a run, squealing, to find the perfect hiding place. He always came in and played along by asking where his two little girls were.  My husband pretended to look for them under the couch and in the fireplace. They

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Looking for a good time this weekend?  Try a local graveyard.  Family picnics with games and entertainment for children are now popular events at cemeteries. Skydivers, musicians and even clowns are invited to perform. Wall Street Journal reports on this new marketing campaign for this sector of business that needs a boost.  It is all considered outreach to get people through the gates of the

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As mothers, we feed, rock, change, clothe, and entertain our babies from the first day we bring them home. Then the list starts over and over as we continue this sometimes messy work until the lonely single digit hours in the dark of night.  Many mornings when a new little one was in our home I learned that birds make beautiful songs before the sun comes up. I had no idea what I had been missing

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What does pizza have to do with purity?  To my teenage son, there is a connection. On a ride home from a ministry camp he told about a devotional he heard.  The boys in his camp heard the challenge to remain pure in mind, heart and body. They were encouraged to save themselves for marriage.  "It's like pizza, Mom."  I glanced at him as I rolled to a stop at the red light. This was going to

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Where would you look for a Christian magazine at a secular bookstore?  It took me seven minutes to locate the issue I needed. I looked through the magazine display that covered one whole wall. I perused current events, arts, and philosophy.  Hmmm! No religious magazines. I stood on tiptoe rifling through issues on the top shelf.  I crawled around on the floor checking the bottom row. Ahhh!

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The wind blowswherever it will,and you hear the sound it makes,but do not know where it comes fromand where it is going. John 3:8God moves in mysterious ways, indeed. I just returned from the most incredible weekend. Although I deal with words in my work, I struggle to find words to describe my experience. Almost 40 years ago during the Jesus Movement of the 70's, a summer youth director

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“Mom, don’t you trust me?” We’ve all heard that.With two teenagers in my house there is a whole lot of letting go, praying—and did I mention fear—when it comes to releasing them into the world wide web.-----------------------For helpful insights visit Trust But Verify at Heart of the Matter {Online}

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"How can I be sure if I marry that I'll live happily ever after?" one daughter asked. After losing her first baby early in pregnancy, another daughter learned that she was pregnant again. She confided, "I'm afraid to let myself be happy. What if I lose this baby, too?"I had to look my daughters each in the eyes and tell them. "You can't guard your heart from pain. Loving someone always opens

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With four children ages 2 to 12, getting out the door on time took planning. I didn't realize just how involved my "get out the door" ritual was until I kept a friend's son for the day. He was an only child. When I gave the first call of "time to go," he took me seriously. I walked through the kitchen five minutes later and found him with shoes and back-pack on, standing by the back door, ready

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"I saw his heart beating!" My daughter called following her first doctor appointment after learning that she is expecting.How strange that I feel such excitement as the grandmother. It is different than becoming a mother for the first time but still exhilarating. Each new phone call with an update of her growing child thrills me.I listen to every detail of my daughter's doctor appointment. Just

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Crisscrossing the bargain center with my loaded cart, I looked for one more good buy. I stopped before the laundry detergent. Hmmm- maybe a good price. Picking up the container I realized why my subconscious sent off the BEWARE alarm. The bottle was only two thirds of a regular-sized container-- for a small discount. This may have cost less, but it was no bargain.I'm reading the book, Crazy

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"Do you want your kids to meet a real live Russian missionary couple?"When my friend called with this offer I had no idea the impact this relationship would have in my child's life.We went to the meeting in a friend's living room with twelve other children. The young missionary couple had just returned from their honeymoon. The wife was from a nearby town in East Texas and the husband from

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The women sat absorbed in an intense discussion during our weekday Bible study when the distant knocking began. It neared until a distinct whirring sound filled the classroom, rattling the walls and our eardrums. Whirling dust blocked the view from the window. We all realized at once that a helicopter hovered overhead. This was not typical for our rural setting. "This can't be good!" one mom

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-18496025962276830872010-07-02T19:58:00.003-05:002010-07-21T10:58:17.671-05:00

Is there a difference?Visit Chuck Colson at Breakpoint as he explains that there is a big difference. The difference is one that we all need to recognize and defend.

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Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It is a ten-week women’s Bible study by Carol McDougal.Life is not about me, but all about Him. Do you have trouble remembering this throughout your day? Do you see Jesus in your everyday activities, or do you just call on Him in an emergency?Like Jesus’ parables, which teach important lessons by creating visual pictures for the reader, Reflecting Him

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Do you every get weary in your homeschool journey?Check out my latest article, Stay the Course, at Heart of the Matter {Online}

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Do you know farmer MacDonald of Glen Coe in Aberdeenshire, Scotland? Although he lived during the early 1800's, I believe he has had a huge influence in your life. I believe his legacy has shaped the Christian faith of the 21st century. How many of us have thrilled to the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis? His allegorical series has enthralled readers, listeners and movie-goers for generations.

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Recycling began as God's idea first.Woven into the rhythm of creation is the process of life, death and renewal.When our our children are very small, we point out brilliant butterflies which symbolize new life. These beautiful insects enter our world with a flash of color after first being hidden in coffin-like cocoons where they transform from clumsy caterpillars.Every kindergartner brings home

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While picking up my teenager yesterday after a party, I paused to chat with another mom. We stood several yards away from the noisy group of kids who weren't ready to go home just yet. The teens had their conversation going and we had ours.The other mom and I talked for a good ten minutes about summer plans, the weather, my recent vacation. Somewhere in there I mentioned watching the reality

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There it was again. The decorative garden bunny was back in the grass. I knew I placed it up on the porch for my husband's mowing.Every morning as I watered my geraniums, I picked up the heavy cement rabbit and set it on the patio so that the lawn could be mowed underneath the ornament. I wanted a neatly mowed yard.My thoughts stewed --no--boiled. Who kept doing this? I know the stone bunny

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Zipping into the parking garage, I spun into the first space I could find. I jammed the car into park and collected my purse. Opening the bag of wrapped peppermints, I grabbed a handful and dropped them in my purse.Checking my watch, I jumped out of the car and hurried inside the airport to find my three children. Running late as usual, I had just dropped the teens off at the curb to see their

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One graduation gift came early during my senior year. I will always treasure the miracle of its arrival.Graduation loomed before me. As it got closer I wanted to put on the brakes and slow down my senior year.At first, the thought of life after high school seemed exciting. The future held mystery, excitement --the unknown. Those unknown elements began turning to fears. Adult life held

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The morning temper tantrum tale has become a classic legend in our family. Our third daughter is a red head and there is something to the whole red head temper.She came out with a bent to vent -- loudly. One morning she was not happy about many things. I tried to talk to her and find out what she needed. She grew more angry. I told her sisters to try ignoring her. As we talked, my angry toddler

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I lurch forward and plop the last of four loaded boxes on the table. Volunteers start flipping through the books to distribute them to the sale tables. The annual book sale for our local homeschool group is in full swing and I start to panic.It may seem silly but I felt sad to part with the books. I looked around for someone I knew. I needed support."Does anyone else feel the slightest bit sad?"

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-85352334418785197002010-05-07T09:48:00.012-05:002010-05-07T11:06:16.218-05:00

As moms, we probably have an arsenal of perfume somewhere. We receive it as gifts from husbands, in-laws, children and the list goes on. Some of the perfume I receive is used up and I search for another rare bottle because it is a favorite. Others are more of a decorative item--they give me a headache and I can't use them. They sit on my shelf unused.I remember one Mother's Day when I was in

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-7931616873162381012010-05-04T23:02:00.009-05:002010-05-05T10:51:52.723-05:00

Trips to the grocery story with a toddler in tow are always unpredictable. One trip seemed to be going smoothly. I waited until after nap time. My two year old daughter was in a good mood.We chattered about what she saw as we rolled up and down each aisle. I had her "find" colors and pictures on the displays as I shopped. I hoped that by keeping her engaged, it would help prevent an emotional

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Reading through the Old Testament again this year. I am so struck by the spiritual battle to keep those Israelites on the right path.I have that same heart - struggling to constantly remember all that God has done and stay focused on Him. As I look at my children, I wonder what I have done to reveal God to them and make them know and experience Him.Remembering seems to be where the battle is

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How many US teens have a social media page? Would you guess 30%, 50% or 75%? You may be surprised. I found out in this fascinating read on a study done by the Kaiser Foundation on how teens use social media. This study covers three waves of studies done over a ten year period, 1999-2009. You'll be surprised. Tell me what you think.

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Angels unaware--the Bible says we encounter them. Today we had two angels show up at our house--and we were fully aware that God sent them.Last night a storm rolled through our neighborhood at 3 am. We awoke to a yard that resembled Armageddon. Four large trees lay roots up entangled in electrical lines. A huge splintered trunk blocked our country lane. Only on foot could you leave our yard;cars

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-16368032844592053392010-04-18T17:16:00.010-05:002010-04-19T08:45:55.218-05:00

Today we have guest, Francine Rivers. I am delighted to have her share her testimony and information about her newly released book, Her Mother's Hope.Can you tell us something about your Christian testimony? I was reared in a Christian home. My parents were active in church, my father an elder, my mother a deaconess. I attended Christian summer camps, youth group and said grace at every meal. I

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My son saw the open package on the kitchen counter. My copy of Francine River's newest book, Her Mother's Hope, lay in the wrappings.When he heard that I was chosen to review her book and post an interview with Francine on my blog, he somehow got a little confused on the meaning of "review.""Cool! So do you get to highlight it and mark it up with a pen and send it back to her ?""No!" I was

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I always kept a treasure trove of art supplies available for my children when they were little. Construction paper, glue, colors, pipe cleaners, tape, water color paints and stickers were kept down low and readily accessible. My young ones never had to ask--they were free to create. No, they were invited and encouraged to create.My children made jewelery, flowers, notes, animals and the list had

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Yet he gave a commandto the skies aboveand opened the doors of heaven;He rained down mannafor the people to eat,He gave them the grain of heaven. Men ate the bread of angels;he sent them all the food they could eat.Psalms 78: 23-24 What a picture of abundance! He also poured forth water from a rock in the middle of the dry dessert. He dropped quail at their tent openings--they didn't even have

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-84426761808212661722010-04-07T22:28:00.013-05:002010-04-18T20:36:20.490-05:00

As a parent, you've probably been at the end of your rope with your children's sibling rivalry. Today was just such a day.I listened to my teenage son and daughter argue about washing the dishes, putting away the groceries, emptying the trash and feeding the dogs. Unlike the first two daughters I have taken a different approach with my last two children. I don't jump into the middle of every

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-44228707927188803042010-04-07T05:00:00.002-05:002010-04-07T22:19:10.610-05:00

Each spring I can't wait to start working in my gardens. Forget the veggies; I am strictly a flower gardener. Winter might find me growing ornamental kale but that is the closest that I get to anything that might be served on a plate.As I begin working the soil in my beds, I use my trowel and sift through the dirt. I break up hard clumps and work in the compost and fertilizer pellets.When my son

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For the LAW was given through Moses;grace and truth came throughJESUS CHRIST.John 1:17

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Do you remember carrying a palm branch down the church aisle on Palm Sunday? This Bible story of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem recorded in Mark 11 always seemed to be custom-made for children to act out.The Sunday School teacher would line us up smallest to tallest and hand out the palm branches in front of the entrance to the sanctuary. As the organ sounded the first hymn the ushers

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-16143636455799730952010-03-22T02:25:00.004-05:002010-03-22T02:40:57.284-05:00

He directs the snow to fall on the earth....Job 37:6Ahhh-- springtime in East Texas. Today we had our second 35-year-snow of the year.We woke to 3 inches of snow and watched it snow all day. Just weeks ago it snowed 8 inches.Well, nothing is impossible with God. It will be 60 degrees tomorrow and 70 by Wednesday. You never know what He has in store for you.Have you entered the storehouses of the

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-80218341024123650702010-03-19T01:37:00.005-05:002010-03-19T11:30:16.425-05:00

As Easter approaches I am posting a link to my article from the Easter issue of Focus on the Family magazine in 2009, Death's Sting. This story of an unthinkable Easter event tells how the resurrection became more than just a Bible story to our family. Join Spiritual Sunday for more weekend refreshment.

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-1929108733106585442010-03-15T12:24:00.009-05:002010-03-16T10:09:43.264-05:00

I love the arrival of the hummingbirds at my house. I've been checking online at the hummingbird tracking site. East Texas already has sightings.Today could be the day for hummers to arrive in my garden. I pulled out my feeder, cleaned it and filled it with sugar water. It is hanging, ready for the arrival of the hummers.The first sighting is thrilling. I'm usually washing dishes when I see a

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-6770679006191171772010-03-11T23:29:00.014-06:002010-03-12T21:28:48.883-06:00

All week long I helped my husband and daughter pack for their spring break mission trip. They would join our oldest daughter on a medical mission trip on the Texas border. As soon as they drove off I logged onto my email site and marshaled the prayer troops.The modern age of computers makes it easy. Our church has a coordinator who sends out instant requests to members of our prayer team.As a mom

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-34155301629949820212010-03-11T10:30:00.007-06:002010-03-11T10:42:51.649-06:00

Will your teen look for a job this summer? The Wall Street Journal just wrote that there are only enough jobs for a third of those on the search. Even the odds by reading my article: Heart of the Matter Online: A+ Job Skills for Generation Y

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-29182144661445505762010-03-07T22:42:00.012-06:002010-03-09T17:17:33.029-06:00

I babbled on about everything that bothered me. My friend listened through dinner, through dessert and all the way back to my house where we planned to watch a movie.As we arrived at my house my friend grabbed my hand and said, "Let's pray about these things, right now."Could we do that? This was a new concept for me--praying immediately and specifically even if only if only there are two of us.

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-40465224954764854372010-03-06T16:47:00.014-06:002010-03-07T14:22:41.602-06:00

As the disciples approached Jerusalem for the last time with Jesus, they started realizing what lay ahead. He told them plainly, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him."This was not what Jesus'

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-79042122887171359002010-03-04T22:18:00.009-06:002010-03-09T21:42:51.591-06:00

"I'm not the woman you married," I sometimes confess to my husband."And I'm not the man you married," he grins.No, we're not living with the wrong person. We are just so glad we have grown in our faith and our marriage. We do not treat each other the way we did almost 30 years ago. And that is a good thing.I understood, as I entered marriage, that a wife was to be a helpmate to her husband. I

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-67774395003759993742010-03-02T23:29:00.009-06:002010-03-03T10:54:09.308-06:00

My son loves Lego. I am a relaxed housekeeper and it doesn't bother me to have Lego toys scattered around the house. The creativity that goes into all of the battle scenes is fun to watch.Sometimes I find Legos in the hallway in little clusters. When I ask my son about these he explains that they are on maneuvers.I have found Legos in the Christmas tree or lining the mantle. My son assures me

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-43403955693448623492010-02-26T12:10:00.006-06:002010-02-27T11:32:51.947-06:00

One sign of the economic times must be the pitiful letters that I receive in my spam box several times a week. They always originate from obscure locations on the other side of the globe.They offer me lotsa money--lotsa, lotsa money. Somehow I have been selected by a number of wealthy dying people to receive their entire estates. The lawyers have stumbled upon my email address at the last

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-26137260849389826552010-02-23T22:44:00.008-06:002010-02-26T12:57:44.073-06:00

Our dining room intrigues my son. We recently moved to this house and for the first time, we have a formal dining room.Occasionally my son likes to make his lunch of peanut butter and jelly and eat in this room with tall ceilings and a chandelier. He puts the sandwich on a nice plate and pours his milk into a stemmed glass. He always picks out a nice placemat. There he sits by himself at the

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-36886998296430544442010-02-23T00:41:00.012-06:002010-02-23T10:33:21.352-06:00

The dress-up box has always been a favorite in our house. I might have a princess, a nurse, a rabbit or any number of characters arrive in costume at the lunch table.Our third daughter has red hair and looks just like Madeline. She loved to watch the movie wearing her very own Madeline costume that was made by a friend for her birthday.Often my children would find creative uses for ordinary

Rhodema A. Cargillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857388936910287412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3454844161304293033.post-62164436463221721812010-02-19T11:22:00.001-06:002010-02-19T14:51:27.016-06:00

I love carved wooden angels. I have several around my house and not just at Christmas time. Some are large--several feet high with trumpets. Others are small relief plaques that are on my wall.One of my pastors suggested that these angels look nothing like the kind in the Bible. Mine are a bit wimpy--not strong warrior messengers. The ones around my home are more on the cute side.There is a

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