Cultivating Sibling Loyalty
Molly Evert
  The sibling relationship should be a blessing and bring glory to God. In this very practical podcast, Molly shares ways that parents can either help or hinder the sibling relationship. Cultivating Sibling Loyalty at  Family.

God's Provision for His Little One
Stephanie Little
  Stephanie Little shares her testimony of God's healing touch, provision, and direction following the birth of her son, Cohen Anderson Little in December. From a perfect birth to being rushed to neonatal intensive care for five long days, Stephanie tells how the Lord was with Cohen and her family during this trying time .God's Provision for His Little One at  Motherhood.

Touching Those Around You
Rita Stone-Smith
  It's February--the month we celebrate love and relationships and an ideal time to pray about how to truly cherish and and give to those around us. Put down the Blackberry and laptop and pick a few ideas to strengthen the relationships with those you love. Touching Those Around You at  Workplace.

Going Through the Gate
Vicki Huffman
  One day each of us will stand at a fence we call death and hear a divine order that moves us through the gate into a world we cannot imagine. Each year I grow older, I find myself feeling a little closer to the gate that separates the living from the fully alive. Going Through the Gate at Empty Nesters.

Ministry Moments
Complied by Rhonda Ellis, Loi Palmer, Kellie Renfroe
  * When you go out to eat, bless your waitress with a special request. Tell her / him that you always pray before you eat and you were wondering if she had anything special she would like you to pray for. You will be amazed at the responses you get. Sometimes they will come back with prayer requests from the cooks and kitchen staff!
  * Brighten your grocery cashier's day by asking her what her favorite candy bar is and buying it for her. Incorporate your children's help by letting them get the candy bar and putting it on the counter. After the cashier has totaled your sale, present her with the candy and let her know she is a blessing.
  * Make a snack basket for the intensive care waiting room at the hospital. Put in individually wrapped snacks such as cakes, cookies, candy bars, trail mix, chips, bottled water, gum, and granola bars. Get approval from the hospital first.
  * With your children's assistance, decorate the doors of nursing home residents for Valentine's Day.
  * Make cookies or chocolate covered pretzels, put into cellophane bags and tie with ribbon. Attach a note that reads, "We are thankful for you." Give to your neighbors--especially those you do not know! Deliver the goodies with your children.
  * Find a few basic meal recipes that you can handle with no stress and keep ingredients to make these meals on hand at all times. Be efficient when preparing the meal by making one for your household and another to give to a family in need. Keep disposable containers (aluminum foil pans are good) in stock so the family receiving your meal does not have to be concerned with returning anything. In some cases, it is a huge blessing to take plastic plates, utensils, and napkins too.

Proverbs 31 Bible Study
Molly Evert
This encouraging podcast Bible study takes a look at the work, family life, sacrifices, and rewards of the Proverbs 31 woman.  Just 17 minutes in length, readers can download the free study outline and listen as Molly leads this motivating study of God's Word. Proverbs 31 Bible Study at  Soul Food.

Who Touched Me?
Patti M. Hummel
  February is the month we celebrate love and touching hearts. The world has taken this special time and turned it into something that I think grieves the very heart of God. We who know Him as Lord and Savior have available to us opportunities to make certain that we are reaching out to touch the hearts of those around us. Who Touched Me? at Women of God.

Leadership Style Indicator
Kellie Renfroe
  Do you know your leadership style?  Are you a strategic leader or do you have pioneering qualities? Gain insight into how you lead in the article  Leadership Style Indicator at  Women in Leadership.

February Book and Bible Study Reviews
  Do you enjoy curling up with a good book during these cold winter days? Check out the reviews for The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace and Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss.
   If you are looking for a new Bible study, read reviews for Conversation Peace by Mary Kassian and Loved by God by Liz Curtis Higgs. February Book and Bible Study Reviews at  Books & Media.

No Coincidence Here
Beba Schlottmann
  Do you ever wonder if the simple encounters you have with others on a daily basis is really orchestrated by a loving God for His purposes? You can be the very one chosen to touch a desperate heart today. No Coincidence Here at Reaching Out.

Online Living History Museums
Kellie Renfroe
  Is the weather too cold for outdoor adventures? Take your family online and visit a living history museum. Online Living History Museums at  Educating Our Children.

Candy Encouragements
Kellie Renfroe
  Looking for a fun ways to encourage family and friends? Try attaching labels or a note to the candy with a message to cheer someone. Candy encouragements also make wonderful favors at women's ministry events. Choose the candy to match the message you want to share:
  M& M's:   "Thank you for sharing a Mentoring Moment with me."    "You did Marvelous and aMazing on your science test!"  " When you take the time to spend a Mentoring Moment with others, you will be blessed."
  Smarties:  "You are such a Smartie -- you made a 100 on your test!"  "You are such a Smartie--thank you for helping me out."  "Congratulations on memorizing Psalm 23 -- you are a Smartie!"
  Starburst:  "You are a Star!" 
  Gum:  "Way to Go for sticking in there!"   "Stick to your goals!"
  PayDay:  "Congratulations on your first PayDay!"
  Hot Tamale:  "You're a Hot Tamale! Congratulations on making the A honor roll!"
  Dove Promises: "I Promise to always love you"   "God's Promises never fail"  "God's Word is filled with 7,700 Promises for You" 
  Tootsie Roll:   "You're On a Roll!"
  Sweethearts:  "You're a Sweetheart for helping Mom and Dad!"
  Good 'N Plenty: "You are a Good student with Plenty of determination!"

Valentine Dinner Party
Loi Palmer
  Create drama and coziness at a Valentine dinner party by bringing your patio table inside and preparing a no-fuss menu. Valentine Dinner Party at  Around the House.

The Heart of Hospitality
Laura Leathers
  Have you ever considered how hospitality and love go together like a teacup and saucer? Both can stand alone, yet one without the other is not complete. Would you like to learn how to practice biblical hospitality and receive the benefits it offers? The Heart of Hospitality at  Around the House.

Recipe Box
  Check out MMCW's recipes from all past e-letters and online magazine. You'll find everything from appetizers to main dishes. Recipe Box.

"I Love You" Ideas for February
Loi Palmer
  * Help your children cut out hearts and hang with red and pink ribbons in their bedroom windows or from your kitchen light.
  * Wrap your children's door in butcher paper and let them create a large Valentine.
  * Egg in the Heart: Cut out a heart from a piece of bread using a cookie cutter. Spread each side of bread with heart-center with butter. Saute' uncovered until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat, flip toast. Break egg into heart-shaped hole. Cover and cook about 5 minutes or until egg white turns opaque. You can sprinkle with shredded cheese on top of egg. Delicious.
  * Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make special "I Love You" sandwiches.
  * Exchange family names and have a "secret cupid" for the week of Valentines. Help younger children to write love notes and buy small gifts to place in unexpected places.
  * Write love notes to your family on the bathroom mirror.
  * Treat yourself to a new nighty and buy your husband silk boxers.
  * Teenagers enjoy receiving Starbucks, Chick Fil' A, and Blockbuster gift cards instead of candy.
  * Cook a special Valentine's Day dinner for your family, request that everyone come to the table wearing red and white.

I was writing to know more details about how to make the adorable blue jean centerpieces I found a while back on your site. Our church is hosting a Secret Keeper Girls conference and I'm in charge of the table centerpieces. These are just the perfect choice! Thanks so much for any help that you could provide. ~ Andrea

Editor's Note: Thank you Andrea for your interest and yes, I'd be glad to put you in touch with the lady who made the cute jean centerpieces!

Hi! I'm a relatively new reader of Mentoring Moments for Christian Women. Thanks for putting together such a great newsletter. I hope you'd consider adding a section on information about fashion, beauty, style, dress, etc. That's an area that I think we younger women could use a lot of advice and information about. ~ Jennifer

Editor's Note: Thank you Jennifer for your suggestion. We are praying about adding not only a Fashion page, but also a Healthy Living section. Join us in prayer for writers and articles for these two web pages.

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy Mentoring Moments for Christian Women. There are so many uplifting articles and advice, which oftentimes touch me when I need it the most. I just finished reading Toe-Touching by Patti Hummel. It brought me to tears. It is not that I have shared the same losses as Ms. Hummel, but I have shared the same feelings of being alone, heart-broken, overwhelmed. While still having to put on that brave face for so many people. While still having to carry on with the day-to-day tasks which seem impossible when one is so lost. Ms. Hummel's writing speaks aloud. The timbre is comforting, reassuring, and uplifting. ~ Diana

Send your comments to Mentoringmoments@aol.com. 
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  February is a month devoted to love and the giving of candy and cards. Yet, 2,000 years ago the ultimate Valentine was given through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our Lord, Jesus Christ gave His life so that each of us might truly live. Hanging on that cross, with His blood dripping down, Jesus was not a pretty sight to behold. His mother and disciples watched in horror as he died. They buried him believing all was lost. Yet, God had a plan. Three days later Jesus Christ arose from the grave, alive. He conquered death, hell, and the grave for you. He bore our shame and sin because He desires to spend eternity with us. He loves you that much. You are special to Him. His Valentine to you is an invitation. If you do not know Him personally or you are unsure of your salvation, sincerely pray as ask Him to come into your heart.
  You could pray something similar to: "God, I want to call you my Father and have an eternal relationship with You. I acknowledge that my sin has separated me from You. I understand that Jesus was the supreme sacrifice and shed His blood on the cross for my sin. I am grateful that Jesus conquered Satan and rose from the dead. I am now choosing to put my trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to become one of your children. Thank you for opening my spiritual eyes to my lost condition and drawing me to Yourself."
  The moment you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, He opens His loving arms and draws you into the family of God. He accepts you totally and completely. You don't have to understand it all. You are His child. You have started a new life in Christ. Now, go share your good news with a spouse, friend, or family member and, of course us too--we want to rejoice with you!