How Can My Ordinary Life Make an Extraordinary Difference in the World?

by Sally Matheny

How can my ordinary life make a difference?

(Pixabay photo)

Ordinary. We all feel it.

As we age, we wonder. Are we making a difference in the world?

In the end, we want our lives to have mattered. To have lived with purpose and in such a way that brought about significant change.

Many people work like a whirlwind, searching and striving to accomplish some grand something.

Others have their life gauge set on survival mode or shift to mediocre living the rest of their days.  

There is another way to live. Our ordinary lives can make an extraordinary difference in the world.  

5 Ways to Create the Best Valentines for Children

by Sally Matheny

One Way to a Child's Heart

(Pixaby Photo)

Valentine cards covered the floor the night before the big day. With my second grade class list in hand, I would spend at least an hour deciding which little sentiment best fit each of my classmates.

Valentine’s Day was always a fun day at school. After constructing card holders out of pink and red construction paper, students would scrawl their names in big letters across the front. No one wanted to be overlooked. Everyone hoped for a fat folder at the end of the day. 

The folders were taped to the front of the desks. Later, the students would weave through the desks, placing valentine cards in the paper pockets.

Usually there was a party with white frosted cupcakes topped with red cinnamon hearts, chips, and strawberry Kool-Aid. The teacher gave each student a box of conversation hearts.

At some point in the day, everyone tried to see who could find the most words in the word “valentine.”

Finally, we would open our valentine cards. What a treat it was to read the colorful cards. They made me feel happy, liked, special.

After school, as soon as we got home, my older sister and I dumped all our valentine cards out on the floor and went through them again. 

We greatly appreciated the friends who attached candy to their cards. Of course, my sister still had candy displayed with her cards, all lined up in neat little rows. In front of me sat a hodgepodge of perforated poems mingled with empty wrappers.

It wasn’t uncommon for me to hang on to those valentines for months. If a special message was written, I may still have it.

Love in a Shoebox: Operation Christmas Child

by Sally Matheny

Love in a Shoebox (Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse)

 Since its beginning in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered 146 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 180 countries and territories. Twelve million shoeboxes are needed to meet the goal for 2017. Who knew so many children would first experience the love of Jesus from a shoebox?

Our family has participated in this ministry of Samaritan’s Purse for several years. However, I recently learned some things that may be new to you as well.

Did you know other countries help pack shoeboxes? I thought only America packed shoeboxes, but caring folks from these countries pack shoeboxes for the ministry as well:

Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain, and New Zealand

Every year, around 500,000 people around the world volunteer their time to collect, ship, and distribute the shoebox gifts. Talk about uniting for a great cause!

You may already know that Billy Graham’s son, Franklin, oversees Samaritan’s Purse, which is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization. The Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry is a project of Samaritan’s Purse.

Whether you’ve packed a shoebox of gifts before or not, there are some changes this year. Increased customs regulations prevent the delivery of toothpaste, candy or food of any kind.

However, there are TONS of things you can send. You can find a complete list here. Small toys, craft supplies, clothes, picture books, personal hygiene items, and even small toolkits are welcome.

In most countries, children have the opportunity to hear the gospel message when they receive their shoeboxes.

If the country allows it, Samaritan’s Purse includes a booklet, The Greatest Gift, which shares the scripture and good news of Jesus Christ. Also, an optional follow-up discipleship program is offered to each child. Children learn from trained, local volunteers what it means to follow Jesus. Each student is given a copy of the New Testament and selected passages from the Old Testament. When they complete the program, they invite their family and friends to a special service where the gospel is shared again.

So many wonderful testimonies have blossomed from this ministry—from those who give and from those who receive the boxes. God is working miracles through these little shoeboxes. Lives are affected—from the volunteers to the people in the villages.

One of my favorite stories is about 101-year-old, Ms. Eve Bossenberger. She said she felt called to do one “small” thing for the shoeboxes. God took her small offering and multiplied it.

Ms. Bossenberger gets up before sunrise to sew cute, little smock dresses to go in the shoeboxes for girls. Samaritan’s Purse filmed a short clip of her story. The video has over 9 million views so far, and God is using it to touch a multitude of lives.

Humbled by the great response, the seamstress said,

“The Lord gave me hands with no arthritis. I’m doing what the Lord has asked me to do. . . I hope it brings a lot of people to the Lord.”

I have two, precious videos of sweet, Ms. Bossenberger that I wanted to include here. However, even though they are only a few minutes long, they were taking too long transferring to the blog. They loaded quickly to my facebook page if you'd like to view them there. I promise it's worth the hop over but before you go. . . 

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug: Book Review & Giveaway!

by Sally Matheny

(I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug)

In honor of International Children’s Book Day (April 2), I’m giving away a wonderful, hardcover book, I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug by Caroline B. Cooney.

Cooney has already authored ninety books and sold over fifteen million copies but this is her first picture book. I hope it isn’t her last, because I absolutely love this book.

Zonderkidz released the book in December 2016. The target audience for I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug is ages 4-8 but younger children will enjoy it also. Even the older children will grin if you pair your hugs with a few of these catchy phrases.

        I’m going to give you a horse hug.

        A grab the mane,

        Race through rain,

        Yes oh yes, of course! hug.

        I’m going to give you a bear hug.

        A gasp for air,

        All you dare,

        Anything that’s fair hug.

Eight, imaginative animal hugs unfold for a little boy whose mother is preparing him for bed. The rhyming is superb as the little boy plays, bathes, and snuggles before finally being tucked into bed with a

        Way beyond compare hug.

The illustrations in the book are exquisitely done by Tim Warnes. He’s illustrated many children’s books, including I’ll Love You to the Moon and Back, Warning! This Book May Contain Rabbits, and Jesus Loves Me!

As a side note, I thought it exceptional that he shared his faith on a secular publishing site, Simon & Schuster. When asked about illustrating one of their books he said,

“My Christian faith is central to my life, so I jumped at the challenge to illustrate Jesus Loves Me! –what a great way to use the gift God gave me!”

Don’t you love it when people share about their Christian faith in public? 

Perhaps that’s a little extra nugget you can share with your child as you hold him close and read I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!

I have a hardcover copy of this delightful book to give away to one of you. Everyone whose name is on my email list will be entered into the drawing.

If you’re not on it, and you’d like to receive encouragement for Christian living and news about my latest giveaways, then simply fill in your email address in the “Follow by Email” box provided on your right. 

Usually, you’ll only receive a blog update once a week, never more than two. In other words, I won’t flood your email box with stuff from me, or anyone else. I never share email addresses.

So, if your name is on my email list, you’ll be entered into the drawing! I’ll announce the winner on Saturday, April 8 and I’ll ship it (at my expense) the following week.

Now, who needs a bear hug? J

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

About the Children’s Picture Book on Abortion & an Apology to the Author

by Sally Matheny

There's a children’s picture book, Sister Apple, Sister Pig, causing a great disturbance among conservative Christians. 

The theme of the book is abortion. Thankfully, this book is only available online and isn’t readily available in your child’s library.

I read the free e-book. Then I read reviews and interviews. I can see why the response was so intense.

What makes people angry about the whole thing is:

The author, Mary Walling Blackburn, presents the topic of abortion in the form of a children’s picture book. 

While she says it is meant for adults, not children, it is still formatted as a children’s book and the main character is three years old. It’s dedicated to “Little Friends.” By all publishing standards, it looks like a children’s book. Abortion is not an appropriate topic for a young child.

Interviews found online with the Ms. Blackburn reveal many unsettling and bizarre opinions. She likes to express them with a scholarly vocabulary. But Christians find her words profane and offensive.

Ms. Blackburn is an assistant art professor at a Methodist university.

Perhaps that’s where the worst sting lies. She works for an educational organization that supposedly claims to be a denomination of the Christian faith.

I don’t know what Ms. Blackburn’s relationship with Christ is.

All I know is if you disagree with the Bible, then you disagree with God. If you promote things that conflict with his Holy Word, then you’re encouraging people to turn away from God and face an eternity separated from his love and saving grace. And where Jesus is concerned, you’re either for Him, or against Him. It’s that simple.

The intention of this post is not to blast insults at Ms. Blackburn as some folks have done.

Neither do I intend to praise her. To avoid any confusion, I want to be clear—I do not agree with her stance on life. Neither do I support her work.

However, what I’d like to do is offer a sincere apology to Ms. Blackburn. Please allow me to explain.

A Movie Review of Faith Flix Film: Providence

by Sally Matheny

Providence movie releases February 2016

Imagine watching a movie but instead of hearing the dialogue, we must cultivate it ourselves.  Although we all view the same scenes, each of us insert something unique to the story. We create conversations based on our own past experiences and knowledge. A kind grandmother in one scene expresses familiar words of love and wisdom because we’ve heard those words from someone significant in our own lives. Or we have hoped and dreamed of hearing them.

Such is the case in the the Faith Flix Film, Providence, set to release February 12, 2016. Screenplay writer, Sharon Wilharm, and her producer-husband, Fred Wilharm, are known for their award-winning, independent films, such as The Good Book, which I reviewed in March 2015.  Both The Good Book  and Providence stand out from the crowd as they speak volumes about the Christian faith—and without saying any actual words. Both are modern-day, silent movies, except for the music soundtracks.

Providence is a family-friendly movie encompassing a rich story of God’s divine power to bring people together, despite our own shortcomings.

Have you ever had a time of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or mistiming? Disappointments and missed opportunities have a way of pulling us into a melancholic party for one. 

However, the story in Providence shows God is able to pull something wonderful together out of our seemingly fragmented lives.

A failure to communicate can stall your love story.
(Actors Stacey Bradshaw and Josh Allen)

Providence is described as a redemptive romance. After the opening scene of a bride with second thoughts before her wedding, we view a flashback of her past. We see how the relationships she had with her parents, her grandmother, and her friends have affected her life.

When she is a teen, she becomes friends with a boy who secretly holds a key object from her past--a key that, at one time, was dear to her heart.

An entertaining story unfolds sharing the wonders and awkwardness of their high school years. Their friendship grows. But due to communication failures, the relationship they both longed for doesn’t happen. They go their separate ways. For forty years, they each wait for God to send them a soul-mate. 

Later, a tragedy and challenging life events produce second chances for several relationships. Does everyone grab their second chance?

You’ll have to watch the movie, Providence to find out!

I recommend you watch this movie. The acting is excellent and the film is well-crafted. I love the soundtrack. My favorite songs were “Paperdoll” by Jaclyn Brown, “I Will Fight,” by Caleb Allen, and “Walking Stories,” by Jilian Linklater.

This movie reminds me God is a God of love, forgiveness, and thankfully, second chances. But we can’t take those second chances lightly. Every choice we make affects our love stories and our life stories. Our actions and the words we choose to say--or not to say. As in Linklater’s song, “Walking Stories,” she sings, “We’re all walking stories—what’s yours going to say?”

Rachel (Juli Tapken) and Mitchell (Rich Swingle) have their
first date forty years after first meeting.

Check out more information, view movie clips, and hear songs from the soundtrack at:

www.providencemovie.com and on the Providence Movie’s facebook page.




I received a copy of this movie free from the producers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Faith, Hope, and Love: An Interview with Joanna Pistorius, Wife of Ghost Boy Author, Martin Pistorius

by Sally Matheny

Martin and Joanna Pistorius
Embrace Faith, Hope, and Love

Several months ago, I wrote a book review of Ghost Boy, by Martin Pistorius. Gems of his remarkable life story nestled in my mind. One facet that continued to shine was how faith, hope, and love grew when he met his wife, Joanna. It made such an impression that I hoped to talk one day with Joanna. 

She and Martin were on a book signing tour in Norway when I caught up with them. Joanna graciously agreed to talk with me when they returned home to England.

If you have not read Ghost Boy yet, Martin tells an amazing story of going from a healthy twelve-year-old boy to living in a waking coma state, unseeing and unknowing of his surroundings. 

Four years later, his mind slowly wakes up. But his body does not.  

Then, for ten more years, his mind is completely aware—aware that he is trapped inside an unresponsive body and powerless to communicate with others.

You’ll have to read the book to get the whole story of Martin’s incredible journey. Eventually, he is able to communicate and he meets Joanna. Both Joanna and Martin are originally from South Africa. However, Joanna was working as a social worker in England when she and Martin were first introduced. 

Martin’s sister and one of Joanna’s friends were roommates in England. All three girls were together when Martin’s sister contacted him in South Africa on New Year’s Day in 2008. It was during this Internet Skype conversation that Joanna first met Martin.

Immediately, she was attracted to Martin’s kind heart and infectious smile. The feeling was mutual and their online friendship began.

Faith, Hope, and Love: A Book Review of Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius

by Sally Matheny

Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius

 At age twelve, Martin Pistorius slowly slipped from perfect health into an unknown illness. His body weakened and his memories faded. After his parents exhausted all medical avenues for an answer, they painfully watched their boy become a mute, quadriplegic.

For four years, Martin was in a waking coma state in an unresponsive shell, unseeing and unknowing of his surroundings.

Then, his mind slowly woke up. But, his body did not.

For ten years, his mind was completely aware—aware that he was trapped inside an unresponsive body and unable to communicate with others. Martin wasn't paralyzed, but no matter how hard he tried, he had no control of his spastic muscles, his curled fingers, or the voice that disappeared with his childhood.

Most of us can’t begin to grasp what it’s like to have no physical control of our bodies. Nor can we fully comprehend the horror and painful realities of someone, with a fully intact mind,  encased in a silent shell.

For someone who went fourteen years unable to express his emotions, Martin Pistorius pushes full-throttle and exquisitely conveys them in his book.

Tension builds in Martin’s tedious days. In the midst of his sorrow he snatches the tiniest glimmers of joy. Hence, a courage develops, as does hope.

Martin inserts a great sense of humor in spots. I was thankful for them, especially after reading the difficult passages.

I cringed at what Martin had to endure at times. I believe a note for reader discretion is needed for the chapter titled, “Lurking in Plain Sight.” I hated reading it—and rightly so. And yet, had Martin not been so painfully transparent about his darkest days of torture, his story would be incomplete. Nor would I have fully appreciated his joy when he survived and overcame.

This is not an overtly Christian book. There are two or three points of faith shared—but they are profound and powerful.

The most amazing one is where Martin shares about God’s presence with him. He never had church worship experiences or even Christian training prior to his illness. Nevertheless, when his mind awoke inside his unresponsive body, he is aware God is with him. Martin sharing about that relationship is one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

Martin Pistorius as a young teen

The story unfolds of Martin’s amazing journey from being like a “potted plant” to living a full and productive life. All because of one person noticing a flicker of life in him and opening a door of opportunity. Martin expresses appreciation to many but he is certain of who he owes the most gratitude.

In a May 2015 interview with Christianity Today, Martin said,

“Without the Lord, I would not be here today. I have no doubt that it was only his intervention that saved me. It is only through God that I have found my voice.”

In the book, Martin shares the joys and fears of learning how to communicate once again. His life changed. He got a job, a college degree, started his own business and married the love of his life.

This book inspires me to take the time to look more intentionally at people—especially those who seemingly fly under the radar. You don’t have to have a health condition to feel invisible.

Time after time, Martin shares how the power of one tiny act of kindness, one caring word spoken, or one consideration of his heart rather than his body, had a huge effect on his life.

I recommend this book. Martin Pistorius’ story will take you into the uncomfortable pit of darkness and encourage you to grasp hold of life-giving faith, hope, and love.

A Smiling Martin Pistorius- Twitter Photo

If you’d like to hear Martin Pistorius speak briefly about forgiveness and compassion listen to this interview with Glen Beck on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHXFSL6x-XU

Also, you may be interested in reading my interview with Joanna Pistorius, Martin's wife.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love Never Stinks

by Sally Matheny

“Love stinks." Have you ever said that?

I remember spouting the sentiment when I was a teen. No surprise there. A teen's heart can be extraordinarily tender.

However, I recently overheard an adult say. "love stinks." The remark caused me to ponder.

Is it possible for love to stink?

Be Secure--Love Never Fails

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Where I live, the mere mention of snow will ignite response teams for our “homeland security.” Adults will travel wherever necessary to retrieve survival supplies such as bread, milk, and chocolate in various forms. Committee members quickly communicate strategies for early dismissals from schools, churches, and workplaces. In addition, young people make sure all sledding equipment is ready for deployment as the need arises.

However, I live in the isothermal belt, which means the weather forecast is not always accurate. Most of us get excited about a snow prediction but usually snow doesn’t appear very often.

Therefore, many of us tend to doubt the weather forecaster’s enthusiasm.

When a mini-blizzard of two inches occurred yesterday, some of us were caught by surprise. Trying not to panic about the lack of milk and bread in the house, (the chocolate stash is always maintained); I headed outside to take some photos of the beautiful snowfall.

Swirling, white cotton candy fluffs were coming down fast. I perched on a corner of my front porch and watched the birds flitting about on the bird feeders. They took turns on the feeder. Some even pulled out seeds for those waiting on the ground. Their brown and white feathers blended with the snow quickly covering the ground.

A bright red spot appeared among the white limbs of the tree. The stately cardinal was not pushy, but persevering in hopes of acquiring some food for his beloved.

He does have a beloved, you know. Cardinals mate for life and stay together all year long. Sometimes they sing together but usually they take turns singing to each other. The male sings to his mate while she makes the nest. She enjoys the variety of music. After all, he knows at least two dozen songs.

Red Cardinal in the Snow

His mate also feels his protection. He will defend his territory against other males. She also appreciates his provision; when she is sitting on their eggs, he brings her food.

I watched the cardinal for a long time. He never fought for a place on the feeder but persisted in retrieving seeds from underneath it. He didn’t linger as long as the other birds but hurried home with his gift of love.

Jesus was right about the birds. They don’t sow, reap, or store up, and yet God takes care of them. (Matthew 6:26)

Sometimes the unexpected happens in our lives. We may feel inadequate and unprepared.

The Truth says we’re more valuable to God than the birds. He loves us and provides all we need. He will never fail us. If we trust Him, He will be by our side for eternity.

 “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.“  Corinthians 13: 6-8