If Mama Ain't...

If Mama Ain't Winning 1/24

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:11:00 +0000

Running a giveaway? Please feel free to list it here. Simply type in the prize and end date in the first box and post your URL in the second.

Go ahead and leave a comment after you link, and if you know of other great places to list giveaways, be sure to list them. Thanks for stopping by, and since you're here, why not follow my blog? (leave a comment telling me you did, and I'll follow back). Come back for more next week and please help me grow this list by telling a blogger friend about it. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

If Mama Ain't Winning 1/18

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:22:00 +0000

If Mama Ain’t Celebrating (WIN)

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:59:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Have I said that yet? If I have, just know I'm wishing you a doubly happy 2012 because I appreciate you reading my blog! I'm hanging out over at Daily Fast Fuel this week where we’ve changed things up a bit. We’re having a celebration there, and I hope you’ll visit and party with us.

Before you go though, I'd like to give you a little something to bless you as you start the new year. To Live is Christ Day by Day by Beth Moore is a 90 day devotional to help you “relocate your misplaced purpose” and go beyond setting limits on who you can be. To enter, simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below. I'll be running the giveaway on both of my blogs, but you only need to enter on one. As usual, I’m grateful to have you with me on this journey.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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If Mama Ain't Winning 1/11

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

If Mama Ain't Winning 1/4

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:17:00 +0000

If Mama Ain't Hoping

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A Little Mirror-Motivation

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 43:5 NIV

This month, let hope motivate you to keep going. Even if the past year was packed with challenges, remind yourself where your help comes from, and find renewed strength as you place your hope in Him. If you believe His word, you know that hoping in Him will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). Cling to that and make it your meditation as you begin 2012.

Feel free to use the image above on your mirror. It's on mine!

Why "Mirror Motivation"? A mama's mirror is a powerful thing. We spend so much time there getting ourselves together, taking a closer look and allowing ourselves to see things as they really are. What better place is there to train ourselves for real and righteous living? Check back here each month for a new memory verse you can tape on your mirror (or write with a dry erase marker). See you again next month.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 25

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:22-23 NKJV

Merry Christmas, my friends!! I love Christmas like kids love candy. It really is "the most wonderful time of the year" as far as I'm concerned and I love celebrating everything this season brings. I hope you've enjoyed this 25 day journey, which ends with a celebration of Immanuel--the proof and the promise that God is indeed with us. May you come to know and receive that in deep and meaningful ways today and each day to come. Thanks for sharing this time with me. Now, go and enjoy your gifts!

*You can find The Names of the Savior sign pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site and it's on sale!

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 24

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." Isaiah 61:1 NKJV

We've made it to Christmas Eve, and today, we celebrate liberty. The Messiah has come to set us free, and my prayer is that you'll experience that freedom in remarkable ways during this season. Whatever ways you've found yourself bound are no match for the prison-opening-power of your Savior. Receive that and rejoice with me today.

*You can find The Names of the Savior sign pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site and it's on sale!

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 23

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted..." Isaiah 61:1 NKJV

Today, we're celebrating the gift of a healed heart. It's the kind of healing that only comes from a pure and perfect love, powerful enough to cast out fear and to heal the worst kinds of hurt. It's healing that comes from a love that would sacrifice a throne for a trough and His life for ours, fully aware of the risk. It's the kind of healing that I pray you'll experience in your most challenging moments this season (and always). It's healing that I've experienced more than a few times in this short life, and I know for certain that it's worth celebrating.

*You can find The Names of the Savior sign pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site and it's on sale!

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 22

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor..." Isaiah 61:1 NKJV

Today, lets celebrate the gift of good news. And, not just good news, but THE good news of how Jesus came to earth to save and transform us. The good tidings He came to preach have bridged the gap between us and the Father. That truth makes all the difference in the world and it's the best news I've ever heard.

*You can find The Names of the Savior sign pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site and it's on sale!

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 21

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49 NKJV

Today, I'm celebrating the gift of the Lord's commitment to our salvation. I'm a mom, and I'm all too familiar with asking a child to do something only to have him balk at my request. I'm certainly glad, that although Jesus lived as a human child, he did not respond to his Father's request as my little flesh and blood kiddos often do. Even at 12, he was completely submitted to doing his "Father's business," and even then, had each of us on his mind. What an example for us (and our children) to follow. Consider this wonderful gift today.

*You can find The Names of the Savior sign pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site and it's on sale!

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If Mama Ain't Winning 12/21

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 20

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish." John 1:14 MSG

Today, I'm celebrating the gift of the Lord's presence. Not only am I grateful that He chose to dwell among us, but I'm ecstatic that He chooses to live within us. It sounds cliche, but His presence really does make all the difference in the world to me. I'd cringe to consider what my life would be like devoid of his presence. It's wonderful to have Him living in this neighborhood that I call a heart.

*You can find The Names of the Savior sign pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site and it's on sale!

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Christmas Gifts) Day 19

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"He [John] will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.'" Luke 1:17 NKJV

Today, I'm celebrating the gift of the forerunner. And, I'm not only speaking of John the baptist, who went before the Lord preparing the way for Him. I'm also thinking of all of the disciples, apostles, martyrs and obscure people of faith who have prepared the way for each of us with a tenacious and selfless commitment to the cause of Christ. I may not know them all by name, but I'm still thoroughly grateful for each of them. As I celebrate the gift of Jesus, I also celebrate the gift of those who have carved out a road for me to receive Him.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 18

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children." Galatians 4:5 NLT

Today, let's celebrate the gift of being rescued. Have you ever taken the time to think about how your life might be without Jesus? I consider that often, and I know I would be an absolutely catastrophic, self-sabotaging mess. I am so grateful that Jesus came to take my place and make it possible for me to be called God's daughter. What a gift. Let's enjoy it today.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 17

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law." Galatians 4:4 NLT

Today, I'm celebrating the gift of God's perfect timing. I'm thrilled to know that He has a perfect plan that accounts for every detail and moment of my life, and He does not procrastinate or delay in accomplishing His will. We can be confident that His timing is perfect and our times are safely in His hands. Take some time to celebrate that today, fully expecting Him to meet your needs at the right time.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts ) Day 16

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

"Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I do not know a man?'" Luke 1:34 NKJV

Today, I'm celebrating the gift of miracles. I know believers have varying views on the miraculous, but I am convinced that the same God who initiated the miraculous virgin birth is still capable and willing to do the miraculous for His people. As far as I'm concerned, any time He makes the impossible possible, it can be labeled miraculous. I know He's doing that kind of thing for His people every single day and today, in particular, I'm rejoicing over that gift.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 15

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

“In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7 NKJV

Today, we're celebrating the forgiveness we have through Jesus. I'm amazed by His willingness to continue to offer that forgiveness although we don't deserve it, and more often then not, we're horrible messes! This repeated forgiveness is a gift that never ceases to fascinate me. Enjoy that gift today (if you're anything like me, I'm sure you're gonna need it!).

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 14

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:08:00 +0000

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. " Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

Today, let's celebrate the gift of our King, and pray that we'll remain wise enough to keep worshiping Him. It's such a gift to have an opportunity to seek and serve a King who loves and accepts us. Allow that to encourage you today.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Winning 12/14

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:21:00 +0000

If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 13

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:09:00 +0000

“ For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8 NKJV

Today, I'm facing a really ugly "work of the devil," so I'm so thankful for the gift of knowing Jesus, The Destroyer. Sure, I know this season is typically about the baby Jesus, but like many of you, it's the Lion in Him, not the lamb, that I want to experience this Christmas. I'm in need of His willingness and ability to take on this challenge Satan has thrown our way and I'm trusting Him to show himself strong. Perhaps you're facing something similar yourself, so I'm praying we'll all experience this gift in its fullness.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 12

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Today, we're unwrapping the bows on the gift of peace. And, it's a good time for it, isn't it? People are running around in a frenzy as if busy is the only way to be. Stress is the order of the day and with all the financial troubles people are having, you can cut the tension with a knife. In light of all of this, I'm more than grateful that Jesus is the Prince--the ruler, authority and distributor of mind altering peace. Let your heart receive some of it today. We'll unwrap a little more tomorrow.

*You can find The Three Wise Men pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God... Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Today, I’m celebrating real power. I live with a six year old boy who is obsessed with super heroes. He thinks real power is flying, bending metal and spinning webs. I know, however, (and he is learning) that real power and might can only be found in Jesus. It's His power that keeps us and makes all things possible for us as we believe. It's yet another gift available to us because we've chosen to call the Son our Savior.

If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:04:00 +0000

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor... Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Today, I’m celebrating the gift of free counseling. Don't worry though, just because it's free doesn't mean it's cheap. In fact, this counseling comes from an infallible Counselor who has both the ability and willingness to address and alleviate our concerns. He also has the capacity to provide everything we need to live a full and godly life. All we have to do is ask and keep our hearts and ears open to His counsel. It's yet another privilege of serving God and walking with His Son. Enjoy it today.

If Mama Ain't Gifted (25 Days of Scripture Gifts) Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (Anitra) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder..." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Today, we celebrate the King of kings, and I have to say, in the face of our governmental challenges, I'm glad He's a king who is both infallible and all knowing. That should bring us peace and stability, even as we're surrounded by turmoil and crisis. We can trust Him as He governs His people even now and await His return when He will govern and reign forever.

*You can find The Holy Family pictured above on my Blessings Unlimited site, along with the other pieces of the 12 piece Nativity Set.

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