Syinly's Weblog

First, a little bit about me and how this book came to be…

So, let’s chat. I love chatting! And meeting new people, especially moms.
I am a mom, I have a mom, and I have worked with moms for years as a childbirth educator. And my writing style is much like my teaching style, telling things like they are with truth, humor and transparency.

I hated it when the instructor told me in Lamaze class that the contractions wouldn’t hurt. That was simply not true. And I vowed then and there that everything I did in life had to be truthful, but that sometimes the truth hurts so humor tempers lots.

Anyway, I have four kids, two adult sons, 28 and 25 and two younger daughters, eleven and thirteen, and for those who wonder about the gap, our third child was actually the only one truly, truly planned for the time she arrived, as she was adopted and brought home from Vietnam at five months of age.

My husband and I have been married for almost thirty years and met in college and have hung in and on ever since. We live in a small town in Central PA where he is a physician and I spend most of my time after three pm in the car.

The opportunity to write this book came to be as a result of a totally divine happenstance conversation I had with editor extraordinaire and grace dispenser Kim Bangs who invited me to submit a concept sheet and then proposal for this book.

Well, what about that soft spot for moms?

Moms have a tough job, don’t you think?

We do have the Bible, and not to minimize that as an instruction manual in right living by any stretch of the imagination, but it tends to come in after friends and family and all their free advice, that can be pretty costly…

So the question arose, how can we take Biblical wisdom and stories, role models and examples, and weave them into relevant (and funny) stories to encourage moms? I know I need encouragement! Everyone else’s kids may be perfect, but mine are NOT. And, shocker, neither am I. But guess what? Neither were many of the moms, ok, all of the moms in the Bible. Remember, Jesus has the corner on the market in the perfection department, so God has provided lots of examples of moms and how they dealt with different situations, similar to what current day moms deal with. Truly, there is nothing new under the sun. But, the story of the Bible is one of redemption, and moms need to remember that.

So, the opening story for Genesis, is titled, “E is for Eve and Epidurals.”

So, tell us a little bit about how the book is laid out, and who is Henrietta Mears?

The book is inspired by the writing of Henrietta Mears, renowned Bible Teacher from Hollywood Presbyterian Church in the 1940’s and on. She believed in making the Bible accessible to everyone, and wrote her hallmark publication, What the Bible is All About, and was the founder of Gospel Light Publishing, Regal’s (the publisher of this book) parent company. So Regal has now published two devotionals inspired by her writing.

The book is comprised of 66 chapters, one for each book of the Bible, each one bit sized for busy moms.

Each chapter starts off with a brief section entitled “Snapshot from Henrietta” which serves as a basic overview for that particular book of the Bible. It is then followed by selected Scriptures, also inspired by the writing of Miss Mears, with one specific Scripture from among her selections highlighted. This Scripture is one that has particular relevance to moms.

A short one sentence synopsis precedes each story under the heading, “Momento” and then is followed by the story under the heading, “Mama Mia” which focuses on a mom or mom theme.
Each story is followed by an encouragement, “Lightening the Mother Load” and then closes with questions for reflection under “Musings for Moms.”

Tell us a little about the stories; some of these titles make me laugh.

I am so glad they make you laugh. Every mom who has gone through labor can relate to labor pain. Well, it says there right in the Bible, women will experience pain in childbirth, so E is for Eve (the grande dame mama) and epidurals…

Then there are others, like, “Bath”-Is That for Bathing or Bathsheba? (Being noticed and admired…); “White Teeth and Plastic Surgery” (paying attention to appearances); “Mean Girls 101” (raising great daughters); and “Too Much Idling Will Ruin Your Engine” (Gossiping).

But the stories are relevant, honest, and will result in many nods of recognition. I am simply the scribe (oh, and experiencer of most of the stories, which are all true, although some names have been changed….)

But aren’t Moms too busy to read?

I will be the first mom to admit that we are busy…and I often fall asleep at night, sometimes drooling, while trying to read. But these chapters are bite sized, uplifting and include lots of Scripture, and can be read on the go. They are great for the car or purse. Plus, with the Bible overview, if you have friends who don’t think the Bible is particularly relevant, or not for them, this is perfect to introduce them to the Bible as the real deal!
Is this for all moms, or just young moms?

The challenges that moms face are really universal throughout their lifetime. It may be a different story, but ultimately it is the same script. It may be sleepless nights with a colicky baby, but problems and not understanding what is wrong continues with your kids through a lifetime (sorry, if you have young kids you probably didn’t just want to read this…)
It includes single moms, young moms, older moms, and moms who aren’t yet moms. There are struggles in yearning to be a mom and God’s answers and timing that are also written about with bittersweet honesty.

Have you had experience with tough times in parenting?

Absolutely. But because God is in the grand business of redemption, while it doesn’t condone wrongs, He will use mistakes to help us reach out to others. I have experienced crisis pregnancy, pregnancy loss, infertility, adoption and motherhood as a young fool, and older fogie…remember, we have seventeen years between number one and four. Our adult sons have had struggles (one son’s struggle with substance abuse is what paved the way to my relationship with Christ) and just real life issues, which would make it into my annual Christmas letter, and is why I no longer write one (no, I write a book instead…)

How has this book been redemptive to you?

That’s a great question, because the first draft of this manuscript was, well, a little let’s just say, sharp (ok, downright caustic in some places) and that showed me, through the eyes of another, that I still had significant healing to go through in my relationship with my own mother. And it is amazing how God has accomplished that, through allowing me to write, re write and then learn from Him through the writing of this book.

What kind of feedback have you had so far?

You know, it’s been really encouraging. Moms are relieved that they are not alone, that there is someone else who will acknowledge that they don’t have it all together (and don’t drive a clean car, either…) I have had so many women remark that they felt like I was just chatting with them over coffee, that the stories are so real to life. And that’s what we need isn’t it? Encouragement from others that we journey through life together, God loves us, will redeem our mistakes, and then enable us to share with the next sojourner on the journey of life.

What else would you like to share?

I would love for people to join the conversation, come stop by for a visit at my web site: www.kathypride.com, also known as The Mennonite Diva. Friend me on Facebook, although there I listed my “full” name for some unknown reason, Katherine Pride (so formal) follow my blog on the home page of my website, and just hang out.

Wait just one minute…did you say Mennonite Diva? Tell me about that.

Sure. First of all, my message of encouragement to women is that they all need to release their Inner Diva’s. They are Divinely Chosen, Inspiring, Valued and Amazing. I worship at a Mennonite Church where I also serve as the Outreach and Missions Director, and I love pink and having fun. So please drop by!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the author in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

I am working on some projects now, and I miss updating my blog. But you can see some of my writing at FWBiblestore and Midwest Professional Women’s Group.

 This blog like me has been through it’s up’s and it’s down since 2008. I apologize that post will not be on a regular schedule, but early next month. I should have some wonderful post to share with you.

God Bless

This time a year we focus a lot on independence, but it takes dependence to make independence happen for us all. If you look at how this country was founded men and women, free and slaves worked together. The declaration of independence was not signed by one man. The American revolutionary war was not won but one man. Women and African-American made significant contributions to help our country.

We must depend on God to be independent of bondage. We must depend on each other because there is no I in Team. We are truly our brother’s keeper and stops us from being selfish and self center. This fourth of God prayer for true independence for the homeless, the jobless and sick.

Enjoy your holiday and Be safe

God Bless

As I wrote a comment to this question that was posted on a recent blog post. I thought, wow this person has not looked at my blog. My attitude about God is great!  My first response was to get proud and say didn’t you read my post about My Testimony. Then I realized my attitude about God was great in the past. I haven’t been reading my bible lately or going to church.

Nor have I have displayed a positive attitude. I have been relaying on others to work out my issues instead of asking Jesus. My mother confronted me about that last night. Then this morning I read this comment.  This is God confirming for me I need to turn back to Him. Thank Augustine for your comment. Thank you for allowing God to use you.

Just like it was asked of me I ask you the reader, ” What is your attitude about God, today? It is wonderful if God saved you twenty years or even two days ago, but what is your relationship like with him now. Our past victories are just that  the past. How is your relationship with your savior today.

Having a positive attitude is Necessary for Leadership.  John Maxwell devoted a chapter to Positive Attitude in his book The 21 Indispensable Qualities  of a Leader ( Becoming the Person others will want to Follow). He describes four attributes that contribute to having a  positive attitude. According the elements of Leadership being conscientiousness is one. Conscientious people have positive attitudes. Oprah Winfrey, Sojourner Truth and Coretta Scott King are examples of women leaders whose positive attitudes have transformed our world.

1. Your Attitude Is a Choice

According to Maxwell, ” No matter what  happened to you  yesterday, your attitude is your choice today.

Psychologist Victor Frankel believed, “The last of our human freedoms is to choose our attitude in any given circumstances.”

Oprah Winfrey could have chosen to have a bad attitude because she was raised in a single parent family and sexual abused. She could have bought into the stereotypes about her ethnic identity and gender. She chose to have a positive attitude and become an anchor woman, awarding winning talk show, actress , and powerful woman.

Coretta Scott king husband was killed and she could have allowed that to make her become depressed and hopeless. She maintained a positive attitude and continued to champion her late husband’s cause.

Sojourner Truth  has a positive attitude despite being a slave and losing her children to the system of slavery. She did not believe that ideas held by most people at the time about African-Americans or women.

2. Your attitude Determines Your Action.

Maxwell explains ” Your attitude is crucial because it determines how you act.”

Sojourner Truth’s  attitude is what made her able to define what femininity is versus what people thought it was in her speech Ain’t I a Woman.

Coretta Scott King’s positive attitude and belief in the civil right movement lead her to establish Dr. Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, in Atlanta.

Oprah Winfrey’s positive attitude changed the direction of her talk show and lead her to start the Angel Network, which is a non-profits organization that helps people.

Maxwell suggest in the Bringing It Home section that you do the following to improve your attitude.

Fed yourself the right “food”. Read books that encourage a positive attitude. Listen to motivational tapes.

Achieve a goal everyday. A pattern of positive achievement will help you develop a pattern of positive thinking. Some people get into a rut of negativity because they feel they’re not making progress.

Write it on your wall. We all need reminders to help us keep thinking right.  As incentive , people put up awards they’ve won, inspirational posters, or letters they’ve received.

Today I was blessed I with clothes from Ashley Stewart through their partnership with Dress for Success. While I was trying on clothes those negative thought came as I looked in the full length mirror. I thought I look dark , but the woman in song of Solomon was dark.

Then I thought I looked chunky, I thought about how women have told me about I need to learn to love myself just as I am.

I did find a wonderful outfit that looked nice on me. The staff was wonderful to me and women in store were encouraging they provided lots of compliments.

This month in Professional Women’s group we focused on  the 7 Steps for Living Your Best Life Right Now.  Seven is the number of completion. As I reflected on these steps, I realized all seven steps deal with vision. The first step is to enlarge your vision.

I thought this fits nicely with what I am learning about leadership. Vision is an essential characteristic for leaders. Some successful women leaders who used vision are Joan of Arc, Mother Theresa, and  Harriet Tubman.

1. Vision Starts Within- According to John Maxwell’s book ,The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader  (Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow), If you lack vision look inside yourself. Draw on your natural gifts and desires. Look to  your calling if you have one.

Joan of Arc’s calling caused her go to France and then be persistent until she was able to get a meeting with Charles, the Duke of Orleans.  It was Harriet Tubman’s vision of freedom that lead her to escape slavery and help others escape.  Mother Theresa’s Calling was  to serve God, and while serving Him she was lead to help the poor in Calcutta.

2. Vision draws on your history/ herstory-Maxwell explains, ” Vision grows from a leader’s past and the history of the people around him/her.

While Mother Theresa was teaching children at a private school she noticed the children around her in poverty and her concern for them lead to her establishing Missionaries of Charity. It was Harriet Tubman’s past as slave, who was mistreated by her master that motived  her to seek freedom.  It was Joan of Arc experience growing up in poverty under foreign control and her relationship with God that prepared to inspire and motivate the troops.

3. Vision Meets Others Needs- Maxwell describes, ” True vision as far- reaching. It goes beyond what one individual can accomplish. And if it has real value, it does more than just include others: it adds value to them. If you have a vision that doesn’t serve others, it’s probably too small.

Harriet Tubman made 19 trips back  South as a conductor for the underground railroad after she escaped slavery. Mother Theresa’s vision was to help the poor in Calcutta and enable to them to have a better quality of life. Joan of Arc wanted freedom for all of France. Kathy Lambert, co director of Connections to Success wanted to serve those who needed help by breaking the cycle of poverty one family at a time.

4. Vision helps you gather Resources- One of the most valuable benefits of vision is that it acts like a magnet- attracting, challenging, and uniting people. It also rallies finances and other resources.

Harriet Tubman had others to assist her with the underground railroad, people provided money, shelter, clothes, and food for fugitive slaves, because they believed in her vision of freedom for all people. Mother Theresa was able to get support for her Missionaries of Charity, work. She even won a Nobel prize in 1979.

After Kathy Lambert shared her vision with others she was encouraged to start Dress for success, Midwest. Her husband and co-workers and church family helped her set up the first boutique.

Reprinted from Central Baptist Church Leadership  News About Youth

I wrote this when I was going through an emotional time after my first sexual experience.( Annie is a fictitious name)

I felt guilty when it happen. I didn’t want to remember  GOD was watching me. I wanted to ask Him to forgive me and to comfort me, but  I couldn’t. My best friend Annie called me and I told her about what happen. She said, Let’s pray.” I responded, ” Annie, are you crazy, I don’t want to talk to about GOD after what happen.” Annie replied, ” Well, you are going to talk to about GOD anyway.”

We talked , we prayed and cried. I closed my eyes and a scene started playing in my mind. I saw light shades of orange and pool with a sunrise. GOD was  talking to me. I was being cleansed of my sins.

I told my friend I felt a lot better. If felt like GOD had finally answered me directly.

This personal experience is just to say sometimes when we think prayer isn’t the thing to do, we should try praying and learn to have faith in GOD as Christians.

Reprinted from June Leadership Originally dedicated to the class of 1989

By now you have taken that last look at your High School yearbook. Now, that you have achieved your first major goal, what’s next? College or Career? I know you are tired of hearing all the graduation remarks but just one more… ” You have shown dedication and determination over the last four years.” Now you are the future. You have made your big decision and most of you probably chose what is best for you, well give yourself a pat on the back. Don’t take to long because the future will pass you by.

Congratulations! Just remember when the times are tough, to let God help you carry load. Keep your eyes shining and your vision bright.

Farewell to High School and Hello to your future.

Aloha