In a culture that worships 17-year-old celebrities and upholds teenage bodies as the epitome of womanhood, it's easy to feel old. By these standards, we're "old" when we hit 26! We live in a world with multimillion dollar industries built around erasing wrinkles, covering gray, and squeezing in sagging body parts. Age is treated like a disease to be cured, an embarrassing symptom to be suppressed.

Have you ever done something that looking back you think: How could I have done that? Or how could I have said that? Or how could I NOT have weighed the options and made a better decision? Surely if you're human you've lived long enough to have at least ONE regret! ...  

• How could I have lowered myself to that standard?
• How could I have acted that way?
• How could I not have seen the long range result of my actions?  

I am woman, I am invincible, I am tired. These words from a T-shirt echo the sentiments of many women. And it was an apt description of the hectic life Cynthia Heald lived as a younger woman, when she says the highlight of her day was often going to bed at night. When she realized she wasn't living as God intended, she began to pursue a life of simple devotion to Christ, a "God-paced life."   

What could happen in God's kingdom if we put our petty differences aside and saw people through the eyes of God?  Mitch Albom, in this true story catches a mere glimpse of the possibilities.  From an eighty-two year old rabbi to a reformed drug dealer convict and now inner-city pastor, the author rediscovers the world of faith he abandoned years ago.

He finds himself juggling life between the venues of Christians and Jews, African Americans and Whites, rich and poor.  As he witnesses how very different people ply faith in their struggle to survive, Mitch not only learns about other creeds and values, he returns to a personal faith.

The author, rabbi, pastor and reader discover the meaning of community and how it weaves into the fabric of our relationship with God.

This is an earthly true story with a profound heavenly message.   In other words, it reads like a parable of Jesus.

Any time we open ourselves up to fear, we fall prey to his deceptions and intimidations. Yet, if we submit our hearts to God and stand in faith, we can resist those first fearful thoughts. As we yield to God we can master our reactions to fear and the enemy will soon flee.

October 23, 2014

Where I live in Texas, there are two dominant decorating motifs: every house either has a wall covered with ornamental crosses or a wall with large words spelling out some sort of creed for their home. Perhaps you've seen some of these, ranging from heartwarming to cheesy, on display as a celebration of marriage, kids, or family.
...
A few years ago, single and in my late 20s, I became convicted of the potential and value of my current living situation-   

 GUEST EDITORIAL 

Philippians 4:5-7 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

A few years ago, I wrote a book called Secrets: Transforming Your Life and Marriage. I simply took what Scripture taught and applied it to my role as a wife. Today, I'd like to share with you a prayer guide based on Scripture that I include in the book. Continue Reading

If you had asked me to write this list in my first year of marriage, it probably would have looked like the following: (1) keep a date night, (2) write notes to tell him you love him, (3) surprise him often, (4) don't go to bed angry, (5) never be afraid to wear something fun that only he will see. While I would still recommend each of these, I have learned that often, supporting and loving each other well involves more complex depths of sacrifice.  

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/5-ways-to-support-your-husband.html 

When your father doesn't remember who exactly you are, it can be hard to stay connected-and to keep your children attached to their grandparent. My father has Alzheimer's, and I've moved from being a daughter named Sarah to "that girl with the kids."   

My 10-year-old son does not like church. While my worship leader husband stands before the congregation singing and drawing hearts into focus, I stand by a boy who doesn't even move his
lips.

http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2014/march/when-your-child-doesnt-like-church.html  

The Anne of Green Gables book series,by L. M. Montgomery, though listed in the youth genre, remains my all-time favorite set of books. I'm secretly the most Anne-ish person I know. Always getting in and out of scrapes, Anne, sometimes, just gets herself in deeper.  

Let me share with you one of my favorite Anne-isms. And by the way, this really happened to me! Continue Reading

The bonds of matrimony are a good investment, only when the interest is kept up.

Many girls like to marry a military man - he can cook, sew, and make beds, and is in good health, and he's already used to taking orders.

I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

Above from Crosswalk: Humor 2005

A pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation:
"I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of PMN WIM Connection. Be encouraged that your walk of faith is not in vain. All of these people we have mentioned - those who walked by faith - received God's approval because of their faith. (Heb. 11:39)

Let me know if you want to help out with The Connection or VirtualPrayerCircle, jburtram@potomacag.org.

"Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." (Matt 1:20 - 23 NIV)

Our theme for the 2014 Christmas edition of WIM Connection is Immanuel, God with Us. Share your story of this personal promise of the Savior.

Articles 300 - 500 words, poems, photos, art are due Friday, December 5, 2014. We are also looking for humor and book reviews.

You are loved,