worthyoftheprize.com

{Tablet Time Giveway}: The New iPad or $540 Cash

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:25:00 +0000

Hosted by Measuring Flower, I'd Rather Be Changing Diapers and The Anti-June Cleaver.

{What Do I Know of Holy}: Jesus Came to Abolish Religion

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Hop on over to Cap Creations to check out the final post in my I HATE RELIGION series. My new summer series begins next week, hope to "see" you there! ;)

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

What a blessing to be used around the world!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Busy day getting ready for my trip. Heading to Texas bright and early in the morning. Big weekend ahead, which I will tell you more about when I return.

I just wanted to pop in real quick to share some incredible photos with you...

Images by The Mercy House

These are 2 of the women from The Mercy House using our prayer cards to prepare for giving birth this past week!!! Go here to read more and to see their beautiful new babies.

The Mercy House is a ministry of We are THAT Family and it exists to provide alternative options for pregnant girls living in the streets of Kenya. The Mercy House will aid them in nutrition, housing, prenatal care, Bible study, counseling and job skills for sustainable living.

Because of YOU, we are SO blessed to be able to donate our prayer cards to this incredible ministry, so that these women are able to pray the biblical virtues over themselves and their children!!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! - for supporting our ministry, so that we can support theirs!

What a blessing it is to see God using our products to impact lives around the world! We are so unworthy, but HE is worthy!

Lord, please bless the women of The Mercy House, change their lives and use them for YOUR glory!

And on that same note, our 1st international shipment went out yesterday - 1 fit band and 1 set of fit cards!

Canada, here we come!!! Can't wait to see what God has in store next!

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. {Matthew 28:19-20}

A worthy cause...will you help?

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:24:00 +0000

$5.00 from every copy sold during the month of May goes toward building an all abilities baseball field for special needs children! Will you help me spread the word?

Also, if you have been thinking about purchasing a copy for yourself or for your church/mission organization, please do so before the month is over! You can purchase your copy here.

Don't have a church/mission organization to buy for? Purchase a copy and I will send it to the church/mission organization of my choice, in your name!

A child gets to play baseball and a church/mission organization gets a great outreach tool, to be used in their community or on mission to spread the gospel message of hope and salvation through Christ alone! It's a WIN - WIN!

Other ways that you can help -

1. Tweet this fundraiser
2. Post this fundraiser to your Facebook page
3. Pin this fundraiser to Pinterest
4. Blog about this fundraiser
5. Anything you can think of to help me spread the word!!!

This book has been featured in Outreach Magazine, which circulates to 30,000+ church leaders and Quality Christian Books, which circulates to 5000+ Christian retail stores.

{Hope for the Home}: Paving the Way + Coconut Milk Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:01:00 +0000

2 Kings 16-19

"And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, hear the word of the Lord, Behold, the days come, that all that is thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?"

If taken out of context, verse 19 looks harmless. The word of the Lord is good, it is good to have peace and truth. However, the preceding verses consisted of Isaiah telling Hezekiah that everything in his house would be taken to Babylon and his children would be taken hostage where they would be treated harshly as eunuchs. So in its context, Hezekiah is saying my children and grandchildren can fend for themselves as long as I have a pleasant life. Hezekiah did have a good life, he served God for much of his time as king. But to hear that your children would bare the punishment for sins you have committed did not phase him. How true is that today.

Both Ben and I are transitional generations. Neither of us really learning God's word in our youth. I did learn of Salvation as a teenager from attending a youth group with a friend, and ended up truly trusting in Christ a few years later. Ben grew up going to church on Sunday, which I think is wonderful. It is more than I had. However, he explains it as an hour a week that was mostly a ritual. He would walk away from it with little understanding of God, his word, or how to apply it. And the rest of the week was living in the flesh. It wasn't until his early thirties that he trusted in Christ after hearing the Gospel. And together we are trying to learn and grow and break many of the chains of sin that have been passed down.

And so the question arrises "how can I instill into my children the values they need to navigate through this life?"

Whether you are a transitional generation or were raised up in a God-fearing home, raising children today is no easy task.

And it still applies, regardless of which kind of home you grew up in, that the sins of our parents can easily become our sins as well.

Let's ask ourselves these questions...

Are we having selfish faith? Do we truly want for our Children to do better than us? Are we giving them the spiritual upbringing they will need to honor God in their lives and relationships? Are we giving them the proper tools for life?

Do we have the courage to stand against the world and our own weaknesses?

Can we take hard stands even if it is so much easier to go with the flow?

Can we take stands against our families or friends?

Can "WE" press ourselves to grow in spirit and in truth for the sake of our children and every other generation to come?

For me, personally, it is easier in many ways to go against the world than it is to stop my own negative learned behaviors. With 5 children now and one of those treasures, our adopted son Judd who also has Down Syndrome. I am at times pushed and tested to uncomfortable levels. Sometimes the ways that I was taught to deal with hard situations won't help grow me or my children. And I find myself in a real quick pinch of "How am I going to deal, or not deal, with this situation?" The way that I am wanting to at that very moment or the way that I ought to, might be quite different.

A few weeks back I was having this conversation with my husband as I was struggling with discipline. He spoke some much needed truth to me. And I wish I could say that I have always applied it, but I can't. I am trying though and I am thankful for his words of wisdom. I have hidden them in my heart.

He told me to look at discipline as any other thing/area/action in my life, and to think of what might be pleasing to The Lord.

Know that He is watching you.

Are you reacting out of anger? Are you not reacting at all because it is easier? Are you teaching? Are you loving?

Are you honoring Christ in your parenting and discipline?

Is it your Goal?

When a sticky situation arrises think "How can I honor God through this!"

May sound simple... But can be easier said than done!

Good Luck and Happy Parenting!

I would like to thank Erin for asking me to write for this great segment. I am honored and humbled. Erin found out about our adoption plans and joined me in my Fit for February fundraiser in 2011. Since then she has been an incredible friend and source of support and encouragement to not only me but my family.

In honor of our little Judd man, whom is Gluten and Dairy Free, I'd like to share this recipe with you!

Coconut Milk Pancakes

2 eggs

2 tbl coconut oil

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/3 C. coconut milk

1 tsp sugar

1/8 th tsp salt

3 tbl sifted coconut flour

1/8 tsp baking powder

Blend together eggs, oil, vanilla, coconut milk, sugar and salt. Combine coconut flour with bk. powder and thoroughly mix into batter. Heat 1 tbl of coconut oil in skillet. Spoon batter onto hot skillet making pancakes about 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. Makes 8-10 pancakes.

About the Author: Melanie Hartman blogs about her life on the farm and her family's rescue adoption over at Happy Hartman Farm. Her, her husband Ben, and their 5 children are just an average American (Military) family trying to serve Our Lord and Risen Savior, hoping not to live their lives in vain, with hearts that are burdened for the orphan crisis in this world.

{Free Friday}: Wings Like Eagles Printable

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:41:00 +0000

I love the word of the Lord given to us in Isaiah that says "every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all mankind together will see it."

Can I get an Amen?!

Whatever you are facing today my friend, no matter how overwhelming, be encouraged by the fact that our God will deliver you. He is mighty to save.

I have been in your shoes.

Standing at the bottom of the mountain, eyes gazing up, wondering how in the world it was gonna be moved.

Crying out in helpless desperation, knowing full well the situation could not possibly work itself out, short of a miracle.

Telling God it was impossible.

And all of a sudden I hear a whispering in my ear saying, "nothing is impossible with God."

Actually it was a note that my 3 year old brought home from church, but you get my drift.

And then it happened.

We soared.

Free Printable from Jones Design Company

Leave a comment if you download it!

the winning cover trim color...

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:13:00 +0000

BLACK!!!

I just love the clean, crisp look and the way it makes the colors pop!

Thank you SO much for helping us make a final decision!!! :)

By the end of the month I should be able to give you an exact number of stories that will be in our upcoming ebook. And then shortly there after I should be able to tell you a little bit about each contributor and give you a better idea of when the book will release.

Blessings!

548 Entries! 7 Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:49:00 +0000

The winner of the Family Rules Subway Art from Alexander Creative IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, NID!

The winner of the ABC Scripture Cards from Lil Light O' Mine IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, Steph Gentry!

The winner of the Mom Power Necklace from Cap Creations IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, Ellen Stewart!

The winner of the That Works for Me! Ebook from We are THAT Family IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, The Ballou's!

The winner of the Choice of Short Sleeve Tee from ThreeSixTees IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, Emily!

The winner of the $75 Gift Card from TOMS IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, Melissa!

The winner of the Find Joy Canvas from Pitter Patter Art IS...{drumroll please}...

Congratulations, Emily!

Winners, check your email! :) If you have not heard from me it is because you did not leave your email address in your comments. You will have to contact me at worthyoftheprize.erin@yahoo.com to claim your prize. If I do not hear from you within a few days, a new winner will be chosen!

A BIG THANKS to all who entered and to these amazing companies who donated their fabulous products!!!!

Be sure to stop by next month for another great giveaway - we host one every month!

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Hope for the Home}: Another Scripture Printable!

noreply@blogger.com (MJ @ 517 Creations) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Monday, everyone! I'm so glad to be posting here again for Erin's {Hope for the Home} series. We just returned back from a whirlwind 10-day vacation to visit our families, and coming back home (to our home in Missouri) has me itching to decorate for summer! That, coupled with Erin's new home, made me think that this was a perfect time to design another Scripture printable.

I came across this verse today and it really struck a chord with me...especially the being filled with JOY and PEACE part. Isn't it easy for us to be filled with stress and a running "to do" list in our minds? I don't know about you, but I'd so much rather be filled with joy and peace so that I can overflow with hope. What a fantastic promise we have!

If you'd like to download this verse to print it for your own home, simply right-click on the picture and save it to your computer. Then print it from your home printer or send it to your favorite photo processing shop!

Have a wonderful week filled with joy and peace!

{Blog Celebration Giveaways}: Find Joy Canvas, Contest Winner + A Survey - CLOSED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:30:00 +0000

Today is a very exciting day in the life of Worthy of the Prize!

Today is the day that we announce the winner of our "Share Your Story" Contest, the woman who will be the final contributor in our upcoming ebook!

And the winner IS....{drumroll please}....

SARA DRINKARD

Applestone Drive

Congratulations, Sara!!! You and your story will be featured in our "find joy in the journey" ebook, set to release sometime Summer 2012! Wooohooo! :)

It was a tough decision but Mary Jo and I believe Sara is a gifted writer and we love her perspective on life after adoption.

Visit Sara over at Applestone Drive and show her some love! :)

Another reason today is an exciting day is because YOU are going to help us finalize the cover design of our upcoming ebook!

This is the cover that Mary Jo is working on but we cannot decide which color trim - black, gray or aqua!

Which one do you like best?

By the way, there are definitely going to be more than 12 stories in the book - God has bombarded me with some amazing stories over the past few weeks!

And finally, the last reason why this is such an exciting day is because one of my favorite artists, Laura of Pitter Patter Art, has designed this beautiful Find Joy Canvas in honor of our upcoming ebook and she is giving it away to 1 lucky winner! It is our final giveaway of the week!

LOVE. Can I win it? ;)

Laura is an amazing artist.

She will even do custom orders.

And the best part - ALL proceeds go toward her adoption!

Go here to read about the exciting news Laura received this week! SO happy for her and her family, it has been a long journey!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post telling me which cover trim color is your favorite - black, gray or aqua!

For extra entries {leave extra comments for each one that you do}:

1. Like Pitter Patter Art on Facebook {1 extra comment}
2. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {3 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}
5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Don't forget, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! If you are not already one, simply click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar. Also, make sure to leave your email address in your comments, so that I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!!

Go here to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways! Goodluck! :)

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Blog Celebration Giveaways}: $75 TOMS Gift Card - CLOSED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Today we are giving away a $75 TOMS Gift Card!!!!

I absolutely love this company! Not only because of their fashionable products but because of their worthy mission!

Did you know that for every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give 1 pair of shoes to a child in need?

Go here to see all of the fabulous shoe styles, designs and colors that TOMS has to offer.

And for every pair of eye wear purchased, TOMS will give sight to 1 person in need?

Go here to see all of the fabulous eye wear styles, designs and colors that TOMS has to offer.

Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS happens to be a graduate of my high school and his sister is a fellow Martin volleyballer like myself! So proud of his accomplishments and heart for people in need!

GO TOMS! :)

To enter the giveaway, simply visit TOMS and then leave a comment on this post telling me which product is your favorite!

For extra entries {leave extra comments for each one that you do}:

1. Like TOMS on Facebook {1 extra comment}
2. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {3 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}
5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Don't forget, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! If you are not already one, simply click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar. Also, make sure to leave your email address in your comments, so that I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!!

Go here to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways! Goodluck! :)

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Blog Celebration Giveaways}: ThreeSixTees - Where Heart Meets Sleeve! - CLOSED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:01:00 +0000

I am super excited to tell you about a brand new company called ThreeSixTees!

It happens to be the brainchild of my friend Amy's brother and it is seriously cool what they are all about.

ThreeSixTees exists to connect people who have a passion to turn the world around with charities that already are.

In fact, proceeds from every shirt sold goes to help 1 of 6 different worthy causes, to improve the world that we live in...

Purchasing a blue shirt gives clean water to 1 person for 25 years!

Purchasing a brown shirt feeds 1 child for 1 month!

Purchasing a red shirt immunizes 5 people against a deadly disease!

Purchasing an orange shirt provides new shoes for 1 child!

Purchasing a green shirt plants 5 trees around the world!

Purchasing a teal shirt provides textbooks for school kids!

***Each cause/color group offers a variety of shirt designs and styles! Click here to see more.

Cool, huh?

Today, Tim is giving away 1 short sleeve tee to 1 lucky winner!

To enter the giveaway, simply visit ThreeSixTees and then leave a comment on this post telling me which design is your favorite!

For extra entries {leave extra comments for each one that you do}:

1. Like ThreeSixTees on Facebook {1 extra comment}
2. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {3 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}
5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Don't forget, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! If you are not already one, simply click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar. Also, make sure to leave your email address in your comments, so that I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!!

Go here to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways! Goodluck! :)

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Blog Celebration Giveaways}: That Works for Me! Ebook - CLOSED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Today I am excited to share a fabulous little ebook with you, entitled That Works for Me!

This book is a product of the popular blog carnival Works for Me Wednesday, held every week at We are THAT family and it contains 800+ tried and true tips from bloggers all around blogland, including a link to our blog - one of Mary Jo's mom2mom tips, decorating the playroom on a budget!

Imagine all of the brilliant ideas that you find on Pinterest together in one place, making your life easier. Everything you could ever want to know about anything from parenting to home decor to recipes to time management to marriage to homeschooling to cleaning to organization to beauty, organized into 24 different categories, making it practical and easy to use! You name it, I bet it's in there!

Personally, I am most excited about the blogging section of the book! I have enjoyed reading about a variety of topics including Blogging as a Ministry, Writing an Ebook, Monetizing Ideas, Guest Posting and the list goes on!

Sound fantastic? This book is for you!

In fact, today is the last day that you can take advantage of this incredible Mother's Day deal!

And the best part? Kristen and Jennifer are giving away 1 free copy of the book to 1 lucky winner!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what topic or area of your life that you would love to have some help!

For extra entries {leave extra comments for each one that you do}:

1. Like That Works for Me! on Facebook {1 extra comment}
2. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {3 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}
5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Don't forget, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! If you are not already one, simply click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar. Also, make sure to leave your email address in your comments, so that I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!!

Go here to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways! Goodluck! :)

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Blog Celebration Giveaways}: Hand Stamped Mom Power Necklace - CLOSED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:39:00 +0000

We have another fabulous giveaway today, from my dear friend Cat of Cap Creations!

I have never actually met Cat in person, crazy I know. But we have been online friends for a few years now and I just love her, her jewelry and her heart for ministry!

Today, Cat is giving away a lovely Mom Power Necklace to one lucky winner! It would make a perfect Mother's Day gift for yourself or for that special mom in your life!

Now, I like to think I had something to do with the creation of this necklace because I told Cat about a similar necklace I have seen at the MOPS {Mothers of Preschoolers} convention every year when I go. ;)

As a result, Cat designed this necklace, which I happen to like even better.

And the best part is that she will customize it with the number of children that you have! LOVE.

I actually have one of my own, it looks exactly like the one pictured above, representing my 2 little guys. I am a "mom squared" or "mom to the 2nd power." I have paired it together with her Family Number Necklace and I wear them around my neck every day.

And yes, the one pictured above, which is displayed in her shop was designed for me! :)

Of course one of my absolute favorite Cap Creations pieces is her Chosen Necklace, created specifically for our Chosen Child Adoption Ministry!

Can you tell how much I love her stuff?! Who's with me?

To enter the giveaway, simply visit Cap Creations and then leave a comment on this post telling me which piece of jewelry is your favorite!

For extra entries {leave extra comments for each one that you do}:

1. Follow the Cap Creations blog {1 extra comment}
2. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {3 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}
4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}
5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Don't forget, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! If you are not already one, simply click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar. Also, make sure to leave your email address in your comments, so that I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!

Go here to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways! Goodluck! :)

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Hope for the Home}: ABC Scripture Cards giveaway CLOSED!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:17:00 +0000

Happy Monday everyone!

I am so delighted to join you this week. I LOVE a chance to connect with moms who have a heart for Christ and bringing his love into your home.

Scripture Memory is a standard part of our week in our home. Our girls are 3 and 5 and we’ve been doing this since last year regularly. They sort of HAVE to do it because I launched Lil Light O’ Mine and the ABC Scripture Cards last October. However, I believe it’s critical to their walk with Christ and mine too.

I believe in the Word of God in the hearts of our children. I believe God’s promises are true, that this practice will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

Chuck Swindoll wrote this about scripture memorization, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61)

One thing I have seen in the Christian culture is FORCING it on kids and making it a negative thing. I want them to love their Bibles and love what God promises. As parents, we know it’s a great tool for discipline and many verses help us parent and back up what we want to teach. Just as important, they need to know the truth of God’s love. How much He loves them. How he created them in his image. They can be ENCOURAGED when scared and EXCITED of his promises and COMFORTED when confused.

Let me share how we are incorporating our scripture memory into real life situations. It makes my heart SING when we are able to connect his Word with what is happening in their lives.

When my 5-year-old came home and said “X said she didn’t like me at school” – I immediately could think of a response (I’m learning these too!).

Me: Ella what did you say back?

Ella: Nothing.

Me: That’s right – what’s the K verse?

Ella: K! Keep you tongue from evil!

Me: Yes! Ella. I’m so sorry she hurt you. But I am SO proud of you for holding your tongue. That pleases me and God so much.

I have one that struggles with fear at night. I ask her to tell me the H verse. And we discuss that He cares for her every worry. He protects her. He is with her in the night. Etc.

I also want them to know that scripture is for ME! This was a light bulb moment for my oldest. Does mommy complain sometimes when I clean the house? She giggled and nodded. Yep, Jesus wants me to have a happy heart and do my chores without complaining too! These verses are for me too!

So, however you choose to memorize scripture with your kiddos. I just pray you’ll make that first step. You will be AMAZED how quickly they soak it up and how quickly it will become a part of your parenting. We have a common language now. My answer isn’t “because mom said so” anymore.

I pray that when you sense they are doing it because they have to and they are resistant, that you wait. I have some fun ways on my blog (even a video with bad singing) to spice it up and make it fun. God’s word should delight their hearts and not be a burden.

Lastly, I just want to make sure you know that your job is incredibly worthy. You matter deeply to your heavenly Father and to so many. It is tough stuff day in and day out, but I know I’ll never regret the rewards of pouring truth into my kiddos. Happy Mother’s Day!

Before I go, I would like to giveaway one set of ABC Scripture Cards to one lucky winner!

To enter, leave a comment on this post letting me know what scripture verse you love to hide in your little ones hearts! Or simply say hello!

For extra entries {leave extra comments for each one that you do}:

1. Like Lil Light O' Mine on Facebook {1 extra comment}

2. Tweet this giveaway {2 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}

3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {3 extra comments each time you do it, unlimited}

4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}

5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Don't forget, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! If you are not already one, simply click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar. Also, make sure to leave your email address in your comments, so that I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!!

Go here to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways! Goodluck! :)

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Blog Celebration Giveaways}: Family Rules Subway Art - CLOSED!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:55:00 +0000

We are celebrating ALOT of things around here this month!

May 3rd - We closed on our new home!
May 7th - Little A's 6th birthday and my parents' 35th anniversary!
May 10th - Sarah {my sis, Director of WOTP Volleyball} graduates from grad school!
May 13th - Mother's Day!
May 16th - MY BIRTHDAY!!! :)
May 27th - My dad's birthday and my new nephew's scheduled birth-day!
May 28th - Little E's 4th birthday!
May 31st - Big A and I's 9th anniversary!

Whew. That wore me out just typing it! ;)

Not to mention the fact that we have surpassed 500 blog followers, have more than doubled our blog traffic over the last month and have an ebook releasing this summer! Wooohooo!!!

In celebration, I thought it would be fun to do a week's worth of giveaways! What do you say?

Since we are in part celebrating all of you who hang out here with me, you MUST MUST MUST be a blog follower to participate in this week's giveaways! So go ahead and click "Join this site" on the top left sidebar if you are not already a follower!

We are kicking off our celebration with a fabulous Family Rules Subway Art 20X30 print from Alexander Creative!

I am in love with this sign! Seriously.

I have seen alot of family rules versions floating around the web these days and this one tops the list for me!

Pretty sure I will be purchasing one for our new home, along with this Definition of a Boy print...

Oh my goodness. LOVE. And those of us with boys know how true it is!

To enter the giveaway simply visit Alexander Creative and leave a comment on this post letting me know which print is your favorite!

For extra entries {leave separate comments for each one that you do}:

1. Heart Alexander Creative on Etsy {leave 1 extra comment}
2. Tweet this giveaway {leave 2 extra comments each time you tweet it, unlimited}
3. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall {leave 3 extra comments each time you post it, unlimited}
4. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest {4 extra comments}
5. Blog about this giveaway {5 extra comments}

Remember, you MUST be a blog follower to be eligible to win! And don't forget to leave your email address in your comments, so I can contact you if you win!

Winner will be announced Monday, May 14th.

Giveaway is CLOSED!!!

Click the following links to enter the other Blog Celebration Giveaways:

1. ABC Scripture Cards

2. Hand Stamped Mom Power Necklace

3. That Works for Me! Ebook

4. Short Sleeve Tee from ThreeSixTees - Where Heart Meets Sleeve!

5. $75 TOMS Gift Card

6. Find Joy Canvas

All giveaways will be linked back to this page throughout the week, so you can keep up with them all. All winners will be announced Monday, May 14th. Goodluck!

While you are here, find out how you can help us build an all abilities baseball field for special needs children!! Go here for details and please help us spread the word!

{Free Friday}: Zephaniah 3:17 Printable

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:35:00 +0000

In case you are new around here, I wanted to let you know that every Friday I post a free printable that you can download to use on your computer or to display in your home, place of work or wherever you want to put it.

My hope is to provide you with scriptures or positive quotes that will help you to focus on God and find joy as you go about your daily routine. Sometimes we create original printables, but most of the time I simply share things I have found around the web.

I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I usually choose prints that reflect what is going on in my personal life and ministry. I don't intentionally select them based on that truth, it is simply the reality that I choose the things that inspire me at that moment.

Today's free printable is no different. Zephaniah 3:17 has become a very powerful and meaningful verse of scripture in my life over the past few years.

As you know, we just relocated to Tennessee. Our 4th move in 9 years of marriage. The 5th church that Big A has been on staff as a worship pastor. Our 3rd state. Our 5th home owned.

Yes, there is a story there and Zephaniah 3:17 is a big part of it. So much so that it is the topic of my next book, a journal account of the incredible journey we have been on since leaving our beloved Texas home, which I look forward to sharing more about in the coming days. This passage is so meaningful to us that we actually wrote it on the foundation of our new home before the builders finished out the basement this week.

The Lord your God is with you, He is

MIGHTY TO SAVE.

He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

And here it is...our new home...it's officially ours since we signed the papers yesterday afternoon! :)

It's been a long time coming home, but we finally made it! The journey was tough, but God is faithful and He has revealed himself to us in ways we never could have imagined. Can't wait to tell you more when I find the words, boy do I have some stories to tell!

You will start to notice that I will be sharing alot more about our personal lives, ministries, daily activities and what God is doing in our home, church and family now that I am in a position to do so. We have been in some crazy church situations the past several years that have prevented me from sharing much. If I am being completely honest, the only truly positive situation we have been in, besides the one we are in now, was our first church out of seminary. You will understand more when you read the aforementioned book and our upcoming ebook "find joy in the journey."

And finally, without further delay, today's free printable...

Source: taidyeoriginal.blogspot.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

Enjoy! Leave a comment if you download it and send us a picture of it displayed! Happy Friday, friends!

We welcome the Dyer Family as our May Adoption Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Caleb Steed) — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:22:00 +0000

For the whole month of May I am so excited to announce our newest family we will be sponsoring through our Chosen Child Bands is the Dyer Family.

(Our names are Matt, Amber, and Brock Dyer. Matt and I have been married for 9 years this summer. Our son is seven years old and looking forward to officially calling himself a 2nd grader in a few weeks. Even more, he can’t wait for the title of “Big Brother”. We were selected on March 30th by an expecting mother who is due at the end of this month in a neighboring state. After seven years we don’t really have any baby stuff left around the house and are on a mad dash to prepare for the arrival of our newest blessing. After two surgeries, a hysterectomy, two failed rounds of IVF with a surrogate, and a broken heart we are so happy to be building an open adoption relationship. While my husband was attending the police academy last summer, several things fell into place for us and we were accepted into our agency. We feel very strongly that this is the road we have been lead to after all of these years. Things have moved very quickly since then and it’s been a roller coaster of emotions! I’m nervous, excited, scared, and about everything in between. On behalf of the three (soon to be four) of us, we thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity.)

Here are a few ways you can help the Dyer family:

Buy a Chosen Child Adoption Band at our Store

Go to Caps Creations to buy a Chosen Necklace

We are so excited about the Dyer Family and how quickly these past few months have gone for them and the upcoming arrival of their little bundle of JOY! All the proceeds from the month of May will go to the Dyer family!

Julie Steed

worthyoftheprize.julie@yahoo.com

Who are you serving?

noreply@blogger.com (Lollie B) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:45:00 +0000

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. “ Matthew 6:24 AND Luke 16:13

This verse, written twice in the New Testament really hit home this month. Have you ever sat down and asked the Lord to show you any hidden sin or where idols have crept up? In doing this you are asking the Lord to show more than you would like to see or more than you would like to “admit” that you are dealing with. Or maybe that is just me. J Well I had that exact conversation with the Lord at the beginning of April and I can honestly say this past month has been one of the hardest yet most spiritually and relationally rewarding times of my walk with the Lord. MANY things were shown to me but one thing that the Lord revealed to me was my SEVERE devotion to body image and working out. Even as I type this out, I can feel my insides cringe and my “flesh” trying to fight back. It has been a DAILY battle of dying to myself and really letting the Lord rule in this area of my life. How many of you are like me and try to justify your need to look good or put so much effort into your appearance? Here comes to honesty part J ….. I would tell myself that I needed to work out for a certain amount of time and that I needed to put that much stock into my physical body because I was honoring the Lord. I mean after all, my health and physical body were something given to me and I needed to honor the Lord in taking care of them. BUT never once did I stop and think that I was using this as a substitute for my time with the Lord. It seemed that my days were “too busy” to really sit down and have a deep conversation with the Lord and really dive into his Word but I sure was able to carve out for an hour to “relax” or have “alone time” and go work out. I would also find my mind wandering to my work outs or calories burned throughout the day but never once did I really focus on how much time I was pondering this and not even giving a second thought to the majesty of the Lord or his greatness. There were even days that I would have to miss a work out I would get frustrated and start to work on a plan to squeeze in an extra work out or a harder workout for the next day. Now I don’t want you to hear me say that health and fitness and honoring the Lord through taking care of our bodies are not worthy, God given things. Each of those has its place. Stop and think though, where is that place? Is it the first thing you think of when you wake up? Is it the dominating thought throughout the day? Can it determine your mood or attitude throughout the day? If the answer to any of these is yes, the issue is no longer honoring the Lord but one of idols and replacing the Lord as ruler of your life with something that is momentary and fleeting. When you get frustrated because you are not able to work out or when you don’t like the way you look and you end up mulling over it all day, it has gone from an honorable act to an idol. Just as it says in Matthew and Luke, we cannot serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. We are to love and worship the Creator NOT the creation. Who do you serve? What do you serve? What controls you? My friend, you are not alone in this struggle. Rejoice for we have a mighty God who wants you, longs for you and has created us to worship him. Stop today and ask him to reveal your heart and any idols you have erected. Prepare for His answer and begin to lay down your idols. Just like anything worth doing, it will not be easy but I can promise you IT IS WORTH IT! J

In HIM,

LOLLIE B

{Hope for the Home}: Scripture Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda McD) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Hi everyone. Amanda here again. I blog over at The McLife, and I write for this series every now and again. I hope today's post gives you an idea to bring Hope to your Home!

Sometimes, when it comes to instilling the word of God into our children's hearts, the simplest ideas are some of the very best. If you have been around children for any amount of time, you know that the majority of them love music. The great thing about that is, music can be a great learning tool! It's a well known fact that memorizing can be easier when it's done in song form, and on top of that it can be just plain fun.

So, what does this have to do with instilling the word of God? Scripture songs! There are so many fabulous artists and companies out there that have put scripture into song format, and they have done it with children in mind. All it takes is a quick search of "scripture songs for kids" in your favorite music download store, and you can find a myriad of choices.

Awhile back, I noticed that Angie Smith, a blogger and Lifeway author, recommended Seeds Family Worship. I downloaded a few, and I love them. There are some out there that I think are more directed straight at preschoolers, but I likes Seeds because they work for all ages...and I like them too. My personal favorite is Cast Your Cares (Psalm 55:22). It just makes me happy. I'm also a fan of Joy for All People (Luke 2:8-14).

Check them out and get your kids singing!

If you build it, they will come!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:27:00 +0000

Samantha Rose Scott was born on February 28, 2011 with Trisomy 18. The same disease that the doctors told us my sweet Little A might have when he was in my tummy.

Sammy was not expected to make it full term, but by the grace of God she reached that milestone!

As goes with this chromosomal disease, there was a chance that she could be stillborn. But again, His mercies are new every morning and as a result, she got to go home with her family!

Sammy fought everyday for 10 months before she met Jesus face to face on Christmas morning, living life to the fullest, reaching unexpected milestones and surpassing all of her doctors' expectations.

She was a bright light to all who met her and she changed more lives in 10 months than most of us do in years!

What can you do in 10 months?

I am honored to be apart of the 1st Annual sMiles 4 Sammy spring football game, silent auction, family fun run and 5k to build an all abilities baseball field in Austin for special needs children, in honor of this precious little girl and her sweet family!

All events take place Friday, May 25th and Saturday, May 26th in Austin. Go here for more information and to sign up.

Will you join us?

If you are not in the Austin area or cannot attend the race, here are a few other ways that you can help out:

1. Sign up for the race anyways or make a donation at sMiles 4 Sammy, that way your money will be donated even if you cannot attend.

2. Purchase a copy of "Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp" for yourself/your church/ your mission organization or to give to a friend - $5.00 from every copy sold during the month of May will be donated to this worthy cause! Go here to purchase your copy.

3. Donate an item or a themed basket for the Silent Auction. Contact Jennifer at rodjenn29@yahoo.com to make your donation.

The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation has pledged $50,000 for this project.

The City of Taylor has donated land for the field in their sports complex and all proceeds from this event will be used to help with the remaining cost of the field.

My friend Rodney Vincent is the head football coach at Vista Ridge High School {race location}, where Sammy's daddy is also a football coach.

Frank Firestone, my friend Tosha's husband{who blogs for us once a month} is the football chaplain at the same school.

This event is near and dear to my heart for many reasons.

We have friends who play Miracle League baseball.

Not to mention that fact that we love the city of Austin and plan to retire there.

Did I mention that Little A's favorite sport is baseball?

These are just a few of the reasons why I have decided to donate proceeds from my sports camp manual. If you have been wanting to purchase one, now is the time. Spread the word!!

We will never know if God healed Little A or if he was perfectly healthy all along, but one thing I do know...God has given him life for a special purpose. Each one of us has the opportunity to use our lives to bring honor and glory to His name, just like Sammy did, and I can't think of a better way to do it than to build a baseball field, where ministry will take place and the gospel will be spread for years to come!

I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. {1 Corinthians 9:22-23}

"Like" sMiles 4 Sammy on Facebook.

A Legacy of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:27:00 +0000

I would like to give a shout out to my high school volleyball coach, Joni McCoy, who was recently inducted into the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame!!!

An honor so earned and deserved. It was truly a privilege to play for and coach with her all of those years.

This is the poem I wrote for her Reunion/Retirement party 7 years ago...WOW!! Has it really been that long?

Slow down, time. ;)

A Legacy of Love

By Erin Vick Franklin

A legacy of love

Is forever written on our hearts

And the words will always be

Sweet memories of our days together

And the love that we continue to share

The faint tug on our hearts

Of days gone by

Remind us of that time

When we could conquer the world

So long as we were together

Our fearless leader, tried and true

The Real McCoy

Stood by our side through everything

The victories and the defeats

The laughter and the tears

Life and love

And all that we encountered along the way

She believed in us more than we believed in ourselves

Looking back

It’s just too good to be true

It’s as if it was a dream

And she made it all come true

For this we are forever grateful

In all of life we know

There will never be another McCoy

Another me, another you

Another time such as this

But one thing remains to be true

These are the days we’ll remember forever

Congratulations, Coach McCoy! We love you! :)

These are the girls from "my years" who were at the retirement celebration - members from the 1995 State Runner-Up and the 1996 State Championship teams! We played together in the exhibition games that day and had a blast re-living the "glory days." Love you girls!

A Powerful Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:04:00 +0000

I am guest blogging over at Cap Creations today, as I do every Wednesday.

Hop on over and read my post to see why this picture is so special to me.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Ethiopian Adoption Prayers...Our God is Greater!

noreply@blogger.com (Worthy of the Prize) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Friends, please join me in praying with my friend Jen of Team Chase 4 and Counting.

Jen is one of the adopting families that we support and she also blogs for our weekly {Hope for the Home} series. In fact, her post will be up tomorrow!

From Jen...

"I have a HUGE prayer request: there are 4 of us families that are waiting on a piece of paper from the Oromiya Region in Ethiopia {we received our referrals 5+ months ago}. Our adoptions are STALLED until our papers come through, which will basically take a miracle of our in-country rep being in the right place at the exact right time. Here’s what I’m asking: would you PLEASE PRAY TODAY AND TOMORROW at 4:00 p.m. Central Time {which will be midnight in Ethiopia} that God will make the person responsible for this paperwork unable to sleep thinking about our four little boys, prompting him to have that paperwork ready and accessible for our in-country rep this week? I know that there is power in prayer and with God all things are possible. Please leave a comment if you will commit to this and PLEASE SHARE on your wall if you have prayer warriors who will join us! If you’d like to pray for our families specifically by name…Trevor and Jen Chase, Jim and Emily Hapner, Andrew and Becky Hewgley Ramer, and Anne Oliver. Thank you, friends."

In my recent research on Ethiopian adoptions, I have discovered that they are far more difficult these days. You can read here to find out more information.

For some reason, most of the families that we have supported through our Chosen Child Adoption Ministry have adopted from and are adopting from Ethiopia. You can see why this is near and dear to my heart.

Will you pray with me, in Jesus great name?

Lost are saved, find their way,