Today, I want you to hear the heart of my precious, little sis – we call her the ‘little angel’ of our family.  Her name is Priscilla.

When I was home earlier this past year, I asked Priscilla if she could say something to the women of the world, what would she tell them?  She opened her mouth, and I stood there in silence over what was pouring out.  I said to her, “Why don’t you write that down and I will put it on the blog?”  It didn’t even take a second for her to smile and say “sure”.

She retrieved her pencil and pad and started writing.   She was disappointed that she couldn’t remember everything she had told me but I reassured her that she could write anything that was coming to her mind in that moment, she was relieved.

What you are about to read are her words of encouragement for every woman! I thought this weekend would be great for women to receive a little bit of heaven here on earth.

~Gloria Toti

 

 

It was spring break and we took a short trip to Dallas for three days.

“Where will we stay?”

The hotel was selected.  It would be the Hilton near the Galleria.

While we were checking in, I casually looked around the lobby.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me…I had just seen wings.  Wait, not just wings, very large, white wings.

“What in the world?”…

I have heard of pets in hotels, but, to date, I have never seen any type of dog or cat with angelic-type wings.  You know what I mean!?!

 

I stepped into the bizarre-ness of the moment…even though a part of me wanted to run while I still had a chance.  I needed a better view…so I took two steps to the left of the lobby, and there they were.  Two, beautiful, HUGE princess swans.  Now, I wanted to run toward them because they were so majestic.

I felt so fortunate to have stumbled upon them during the hour where one of them decided to impress the other by flexing his or her wings… (ha -why not add drama to the moment?)

I asked the attendant about them, and she drew my attention to a table nearby:

I read:

 

Meet:  Baron and Queen 

The unique setting of the hotel’s Atrium Lobby creates a setting of peace and tranquility. 

Our Royal Swans greet you upon arrival. These swans are one of seven species worldwide, and the largest British bird. They are called Royal because they were once pets of the royal family of England and kept in the family home.

 

Each time I rode the elevator, there they were.  And then it came time for us to check out of the hotel, and again, these beautiful creatures demanded my attention.  I don’t know if it was Baron or Queen, but I would say it was probably Queen, okay, maybe not!   One of the swans was preparing itself for the day, and I couldn’t believe my eyes.  This bird was so thorough.   See for yourself…

.

I stood in silence and wonder for a long time and this bird didn’t mind if I was there with my camera in hand.  This little bird, well, big bird was on mission.   Of course new guests would arrive at the hotel that day, but I don’t think that was on the forefront of this bird’s mind.  It wasn’t trying to look its best to impress the guests.  I didn’t hear either one say,  “scrub a little harder, she has a camera, and you could become a star.”

This bird was instinctively doing this….

…so detailed

 

Of course, I went deep into my think-tank and wondered what instinctive things I should be doing no matter if I am being watched by others, or not being watched by anyone.

How ironic, scripture tells us that we will live in a royal kingdom and there are instinctive things that we are invited do everyday to prepare ourselves for the grand arrival.

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year!  We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed time with your family celebrating the birth of our Savior!  As we reflect back on the last year, we know that God was at work in our ministry and in the lives of Trinity women. We are looking forward to another great year here at Prize31 and hope you are ready for the journey!

Each year goes by and the Lord teaches us and helps us grow more and more. As we look ahead to the upcoming year, we know we have a fresh start and a chance to get back into the swing of things.  We have opportunities to connect with women at our events and here on the blog.

One of the best ways for us to learn and connect with you all is when we hear from you directly. We want to know you better, understand your needs and desires for women’s ministry, and hear your heart on the issues you care about.

So would you mind helping us out in the comments below? Here are some things we’d love to know…

• Tell me a little bit more about you. Are you a student, single friend, mom, a wife, a grandmother?
• Why do you read the blog?
• What topics would you like to see covered on the blog?
• Do you enjoy larger events or smaller, more intimate events?

Feel free to answer just some or all of these questions.  We can’t wait to read your comments!

2013 might just be our best year yet.

 

 

 

This is probably the most difficult thing I have ever attempted to write.  I don’t exactly know what to say.  There is a part of me that would like to avoid giving voice to the horrific reality of what took place in Connecticut this week, and yet there is a part of me that refuses to be silent any longer because I am mad.   I don’t use curse words, but this crime makes me want to curse at someone.  Of course, I won’t.   

I can’t begin to imagine what these families are going through right now.  I am a complete stranger and my mind is numb.  From a distance, I am reading the reports and am quickly brought to tears over what I discover.   My emotions are everywhere.   I find myself staring at their pictures and crying.  

 

This is unheard of!  Didn’t someone see what was stirring?  

How could a human being do such a horrible thing?  They were little children… innocent beings, full of life and curiosity! 

What in the world happened?  

Now the hearts of their mommies and daddies are left pierced and bleeding.  Not Fair!

 

Every year when I read the Christmas story, I can’t help it.  It just happens.  I take a long pause when I read about Herod murdering the innocent children while trying to put an end to the life of baby Jesus.  Every single time, I deeply ponder the moment from a mom’s perspective, and without fail, I am flooded with emotion for those families that once lived… as if I had been alive at that time.  I think of the innocent children that were not regarded that day.  I think of the evil perpetrators that didn’t blink an eye at the request given by the king.  I am sure some of them had children at home.  

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?  Heartless cowards!

They knew the moms’ hearts would die that day, and they didn’t care.  What did the conversation among the dads sound like?  You know they are hard-wired to protect their loved ones at any cost.   Did any lose their lives in attempt to stop the murderous plan?  

Can you imagine the impact it had on the entire village?   Children of all ages were affected that day by another human wanting to have power over another.   The event is still being spoken of today, and it still hurts.  Wrong is still wrong, no matter how much time goes by.  

 

Today, the same is true.  Families have been devastated beyond what anyone could have ever imagined was even possible.  Today, as a Christian, I don’t want to give a canned response to this issue.  All I know is that my heart hurts in a very real way for all of the families of this community.  I believe that something this horrific even makes heaven shudder.  I am sure the lament is deep over the new evil being invented in the twenty-first century.    

 

God, forgive the evil in the hearts of mankind!

Help us to maintain our focus on you and the hope you provide for our fallen and broken world.  We know that you are a God who is always good, even in the midst of devastation, and that in the end you will reign victorious over all evil!  Thank you for giving us the grace to love when things don’t make sense.  You are a God of justice, and we know that the day will arrive when you will make every crooked path straight!

She is growing up….

Another one under her belt!

Whew….Where does the time go?

The Prize31 blog goes into her third year, and we invite you to join in the happy birthday tune because she is still going strong!  Women are gathering every day to experience community.   I have to say that this was definitely the initial goal since day one.

 

AND a big thanks goes out to all of you daily readers, or shall I say friends…

If this is your first time on the blog, welcome to our community.

 

It is obvious that the various voices continue to blend into a beautiful tapestry of encouragement!  Thanks, authors, for all of the various snapshots of real living.  You are a part of the foundation of this birthday celebration.  We couldn’t do what we do without you!

 

There are so many memories….

When I think about the journey, I smile.

 

I can still remember the growing pains.

I can still remember making the initial list of individuals being considered as authors.  Many accepted the invitation, and some did not.  We didn’t stop asking…

I remember the stats at the end of the first year!    The data was there, and it went way beyond what we could have imagined.

I remember the day I realized that individuals from different regions of the world were joining our blog community.   My heart jumped with joy!

 

To say that I am a little excited over this three-year-old gal is an understatement.  I am thrilled to see how God has blessed our efforts to minister to women through this blog.

 

As you all know, a blog of this caliber requires an editor.  Have any of you ever thought of all the various responsibilities an editor is required to fulfill?   Before this blog, I have to say… I did not!!!

Well, today, that is a different story —I have great respect for editors…and one in particular!!!

More than ever, I know that an editor is a person who is very smart, extremely patient and has the ability to work very hard.  

Can you tell that I am setting up a loud thanks to be sent to our EDITOR?

Today’s success continues at the helm of Anne Zachary, our volunteer editor. 

Anne, you have taken ownership of this amazing vehicle, and you have taken her to new heights.  

Today, the Prize31 community would like to say that you are appreciated more than words can express.  

Lives are being changed by your sacrifice.  You are simply THE BEST….

 

 

 

 

When did you first start voting?

I was 18. I remember my Dad’s voice.  He told me that I was now old enough to vote. To my shame, I didn’t know much about voting, and I really didn’t care much about it either.  I was a typical 18 year-old who was busy with everything that a selfish teenager can be occupied with. I asked if I had to vote, and my sweet Dad said, yes! He then went on to tell me why and gave me general instructions of the process.  The memory of our entire family arriving at my former middle school ready to vote brings a smile to my face today. It didn’t take me long to recognize that something official was taking place in that building. At that young age, I didn’t quite understand how important my vote was… my Dad did, and he was sure to pass along that wisdom.  I am grateful for the opportunity to live in a country where my voice matters.  Thanks, Dad!

 

Do you vote in most (local and non-presidential) elections or just the “big” presidential ones?

Big and small alike. It’s in my DNA.  My Dad’s motto: “I can’t complain about something if I don’t take the time to try to make a difference in the first place”.  To think that at the age of 18, I was a little intimidated the first time I pulled the lever. Today, I am proud to say that the Toti’s are a voting family.  We are busy passing along the wisdom of leadership to our children as well.

 

What are the things that influence your vote?

My values.  I believe that it is critical for me to vote for the candidates who stand for the time-tested values that made this nation great.  I also realize that my vote is a vote for leadership.  It is obvious that people follow leaders.  There is a theme in scripture that says:  “So goes the leader, so go the people”.  As I read my Bible, I make it a point to focus in on what the leaders were doing in their day.  I also make it a point to see if God’s people were busy believing and following His lead or were they conveniently ignoring Him.  In this day and age, there are so many things that influence our focus, but let us not forget that Godly principles are a must – there are no shortcuts to the blessing of God.

 

 

To find a polling center near you, use this link.