Mildred Smith wrote this devotional guide. In 1976, she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. A few months later, the Holy Spirit began dictating letters for her to write. As thoughts would form in her mind, with paper and pen, she would write those words down, word by word as they came to her. She did not form these thoughts by herself; they were topics about which she had little or no information. They were scripturally based, although she did not know it at the time. Some of the ideas seemed strange to her. They certainly were not her ideas. In 1776, the United States became a nation. Two hundred years later, in 1976 after she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Mildred started writing. She wrote these specific letters in 1999. Today, reading them is like hearing the daily news as viewed by God. Prophetic? Yes. A miracle? Indeed! The love of Jesus is evident in these letters. As people read them, they are aware of the depth of love that Jesus has for all mankind! Jesus does not condemn anyone! He calls and draws them into a daily walk with Him. One of the most significant things about these letters was the loving way in which they were written. If the letter dealt with sin, it was presented in a manner that gave anyone reading the letter an insight regarding why sin offends God. The letter leads the reader to seek change away from that sin, drawing that person closer to Jesus. Whether a person reads only one letter a day or reads the book in its entirety all at once, his or her life will be changed. It is a labor of love sent to the people of Earth. Mildred wrote daily, except Sundays or during the times when earthly matters took precedence in Mildred’s life. She was never in a trance. She could answer anyone who spoke to her and then she could continue with the letter. She could write at any time that she chose. The Holy Spirit was there whenever she asked Him to talk to her. These letters are just a small sample of the way that the Holy Spirit communicated with her. The letters are on many diverse subjects; all are related to God and the way that man relates to God. They bring wisdom and understanding about God to a world that has shut God out of daily life. Early when Mildred began writing, Sharon Smith, Ph.D., her oldest child and only daughter, was assigned to be the Script Bearer. Sharon’s assignment has now started. She and her husband, Joel M. Kestenbaum, Ph.D. are the compilers and editors. They, as did many others including Mildred’s husband, Burl C. Smith, their three sons, Steve, Jeff and Phil, their spouses and their children, watched as Mildred would sit and write without any preparation or hesitation. The words were always amazing, often prophetic and always from God. The letters are like a spiritual bath of goodness. They clean our souls as we read the thoughts that have been sent to purify us. God would speak face to face with people. He is love, see Him as such!

Coming of age is an exciting yet confusing time in life. It doesn’t have to be hard, though. Not when you have a few witty words of wisdom and common sense from yours truly, Mom. Some of these words were spoken to me, while some I’ve learned during my own growth and maturity. Written in a refreshing and straightforward tone, Mom’s Words of Wisdom & Common Sense offers practical guidance for Post-Millennials facing today’s concerns. Dealing with everyday dilemmas is a little easier when you’re equipped with a dash of wisdom and a splash of common sense. Funny thing though, none of us are born with either. So, what now? Is this a setup? No worries, that’s where Mom comes in. From friendships to relationships to staying safe in this tech age, you’re sure to find some words of wisdom (and encouragement) that you can apply to your life today.

My mother’s story is not just a story but a life she has lived; not just for herself, but for others. This story can be unbelievable for many people, but only she knows what she has gone through. This story has plenty of themes like love, care, anger and selflessness. Like many mothers in this world, my mother sacrificed her life for her family. I believe this story should be told because many readers can find themselves in this book. Selflessness is a strong quality that can be found only in a few people like my mom. This story is about that strength.

Writing about my experience and the help I received, is an addition to my healing process. My wish for this book is that women in this type situation will get help right away and don't take as long as I did.

"HuffPost Parents bloggers, Kara Lawler and Regan Long, have written a beautiful, inspiring collection of essays that speak to mothers at all stages of their journey."--Arianna Huffington, founder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post "While one of the most extraordinary experiences, motherhood can be one of the most isolating experiences a woman will ever face. All that most of us want to hear is that we are not alone on this crazy ride - and that is just what A Letter for Every Mother will accomplish. Compiling a collection of stories that every single person in this market will relate to, with a message that each of them craves, is a genius move. I believe this book will sell itself and I can't wait to see it published." --Tori Grenz, Editor of Mamalode "Kara and Regan have managed to capture the entire essence of being a mother - the highs, the lows and everything in between - in this beautiful collection of essays. You will find yourself comforted by the commonalities we all face, and reminded that, even though it doesn't always feel like it, we're all on the same side. Motherhood, like the words on these pages, unites us."--Jill Smokler of Scary Mommy, New York Times bestselling author Kara Lawler and Regan Long invite readers to join their tribe of mothers and be encouraged, uplifted and inspired on their parenting journey. A LETTER FOR EVERY MOTHER is the perfect gift for every mother. In ALETTER FOR EVERY MOTHER, authors Kara Lawler and Regan Long have written a heartwarming compilation of letters addressed to mothers from all walks of life, meant to celebrate, inspire and commiserate with all stages of the parenting journey. This book will encourage, inspire and uplift mothers from all walks of life. Kara and Regan invite readers to join their tribe of mothers, to learn from one another and band together to face one of the hardest jobs in the world: becoming and being someone's mother. Their mission is to inspire and to create a community through this book to remind mothers that we're all in this together-an especially welcome message in the current atmosphere of competition and anxiety of parenting. A LETTER FOR EVERY MOTHER is warm, inviting, inclusive-and the tone is inspirational or irreverent, depending on the letter or subject you happen to turn to. After all, motherhood is an oxymoronic experience; it is both exhilarating and exhausting, uplifting and demeaning, wonderful but terrible, too.

After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1969 I was commissioned as an officer in the Marines. I served an interesting tour of duty in Southeast Asia in 1972, during which time I was in and out of six different countriesincluding Vietnam. A greenhorn lieutenant when I landed, I was eventually promoted to captain. Because of my God given take charge personality and a few very junior officer notable accomplishments I found myself frequently being handpicked for special assignments. I saw action with seven different unitssome good some badsome ugly. I saw men die. I saw capable men withered by fatigue, brave men crippled by fear. Since I served, more than forty years ago now, I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and getting to know hundreds of fellow-Vietnam Vets; short term acquaintances, professional colleagues, neighbors, close friends, family members. Although our individual Vietnam stories are unique and intensely personal, I have come to realize that a common thread runs through most of them. For more than twenty-five years I have been asked to formally speak to sundry civic organizations, history classes, and social gatherings. As a result of fielding thousands of audience questions and listening to their spontaneous reactions to my talks I have learned what people are interesting in hearing. I have seen their reactions to my version of Americas Vietnam experience. I know whats interesting and whats not; whats important to those who werent there, ordinary people who merely wonder what it was like. I have enjoyed two successful careers and am currently embarked upon my third. I have fired most of lifes best bullets, emptied most of my chosen weapons most precious magazines, drained my fullest canteens, exhausted most of my allotted time on this fair planet we call earth. I want to share a few of the stories of men I served with, men I came to know later in life, men I loved as brothers-in-arms surviving in harms way; or men who were simply Crazy Vietnam Vets (like me) with a special story to tell. Men JUST like meonly different! Ours are interesting up and down tales of wonder and weird, of good times and bad. I am happily married to a seasoned school nurse, am the father of three college educated sons, and have two fine grandsons. I live in Blanco, Texas about forty miles due west of Austin. I have always viewed lifes glass as half full; hope you enjoy our Not Ordinary war stories.

The word miscarriage, in today's culture, is a dirty wordrarely discussed and grossly misunderstood. Yet, one out of four pregnancies ends in this tragedy. Where are these women, Samantha wondered, after her miscarriage? Slowly, quietly, women began to approach her, but, Ive had a miscarriage too, was all they could offer. Samantha realized that she had unwittingly become a member in an underground, secret society of women who suffer alone in silence. Love Letters is the story of her journey, the same journey that each mother who miscarries begrudgingly embarks onthe excitement of pregnancy, the overwhelming, unfathomable devastation and loss, the grotesque details that no one speaks of, the uphill road toward hope and freedomand the Savior who walks beside her every step of the way. Though she stumbles, she will not fall, for the Lord upholds her with His right hand (Psalm 37:24).

Whether you have 5 minutes to read or 15, the devotions in this Bible will touch your heart Mom, you don't have to go it alone! The NIV Mom's Devotional Bible helps you to be the very best mom you can be by relating the Bible to your everyday life as a mother—whether you’re a new or experienced mom! A trusted source of wisdom to help you as you learn how to be the type of mom God wants you to be, this Bible provides a year of weekday and weekend devotions. These weekday readings are full of good advice and encouragement from Elisa Morgan, President Emerita of Mothers of Preschoolers, International (MOPS). Her inspiring insights help you understand and delight in your vital role of raising children and remind you to keep your head high when dealing with the stress of parenthood. Some devotions are also written by well-known and inspiring authors, including Stormie Omartian, Tracey Bianchi, Shauna Niequist, Ann Voskamp, Lysa TerKeurst, Shayne Moore, Jennifer Grant, Linda Dillow, Margaret Feinberg, Karol Ladd, Anita Lustrea, Sheila Walsh, Angela Thomas, and Carolyn Custis James. Weekend “Momday” devotions cycle through four special interest areas for moms: Better Moms Make a Better World reveals five essential ingredients for improving yourself as a mother, which has tremendous implications for your family and your world Train Up a Child helps you teach your children about God and how he can be reflected in their lives A Time to Play gives some good reasons why play is important, even on the busiest days, and it offers some creative ideas for having fun Get Growing encourages you, as a mom and as a woman, to expand your mind and spirit as you journey through motherhood You'll also find resources that show you where to turn for help with the special challenges you face and that offer insight into your role as a mother by linking your real-life encounters as a mom with biblical dilemmas. Whether you have five minutes to read or 15, the devotions in this Bible will touch your heart. Features: Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) A year's worth of weekday devotions, mostly written by Elisa Morgan, President Emerita of Mothers of Preschoolers International (MOPS) 5 devotions written for you by everyday, real-life moms facing the same struggles you do Weekend “Momday” devotions cycle through special interest areas for moms Index of topics important to mothers Resource list offers timely, practical help for moms Promises and Prayers for Mom Double-column format

This is the story about a small group of people who are in front of us fourteen to eighteen years of our lives. This is a story about teachers. We think we know them, but mostly all we know is an image. Set in a suburban high school, the story focuses upon the lives of teachers beyond the classroom as the reader follows them into their lounge, their relationships, their pasts and their secrets. The Private Lives of Teachers is the story of fourteen Payson High School social studies teachers, an eclectic group with unique and troubling backgrounds, struggling with the basic needs, demands, and issues of life. Follow them for one full year and discover their world beyond the classroom.

With insight on crucial daily concerns like communication, lying, self-confidence, and sex education, a seasoned mom encourages those in the midst of the school years to survive--and enjoy--this time in their lives while they hold on to their faith and sanity.