http://meredithefken.com/blog Stories of extraordinary every-day women, stay-at-home moms (SAHMs), and adoptive parents. Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:20:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en by Meredith Efken Happy 2008! I hope your new year is off to a great start already. It's been ages since I've actively posted on my blog, but the time has been well-spent. I have some new book contracts which I'll say more about at a later time. What I'm especially excited ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2008/01/01/womens-voices/changes-for-the-new-year/ by Meredith Efken It's been a very full few months, and I'm going to give you all an update on what I've been up to. But I have a special thank you to give this evening, so all that other stuff will just have to wait. I've never been a particularly self-assured ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/06/30/womens-voices/thanks-for-the-drop-kick/  by Vasthi Acosta Mary Pipher in her book, Writing to Change the World, states: "In my opinion, true rebels are not anguished, angry individuals mired since adolescence in their own complaints and needs for individuation. True rebels act from a well-developed moral center. They know who they are and what they ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/06/14/womens-voices/are-you-a-rebel/ By Pattie (originally posted at Pattie's Place) This is a tough week at our house. Chaplain Hubby is shipping out for the "World's Largest Beach." I have been reading "mil-spouse" (military wives and husbands) boards and blogs of all branches of service, but nothing has prepared me for the heaviness of heart ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/05/21/all-about-parenting/its-so-hard-to-say-goodbye/ By Barbara My coworker rushed through the hallway shouting "Thank you, Jesus! Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!" Later that same afternoon we threw a goodbye party for this same staff member who is leaving us at the end of the month to build another career. After she was presented with her gift and ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/05/07/womens-voices/god-you-are-my-god/ by Meredith Efken Good things come to those who wait, and I'm sure you'll agree that this was worth the wait today. Thank you to those of you who participated in my "guess my guest" contest. I'll be announcing the winner at the end of the interview. I'm very pleased to welcome ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/04/25/all-about-parenting/teresa-heinz-kerry-interview/ by Meredith Efken Today's the day! Thank you to everyone who entered my contest. The interview with my special guest will post later today, so I encourage you to check back and read it. I'll also announce who won the guessing contest. You all are some very Google-smart folks! :) http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/04/25/womens-voices/special-guest-today/ by Meredith Efken On April 25th, Violet Voices will play host to a very special lady. She's world-famous, but many people don't know the real her. Her story begins in Mozambique as the daughter of an oncologist. The story winds through her years as a stay-at-home mom and her marriages ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/04/23/womens-voices/special-guest-on-wednesday-april-25/ By Barbara Heard part of a song on my way to work this morning that made laugh out loud - the sentiment, I’m sure, was honest and true, but it just cracked me up. I’ve no clue who was singing - or the name of the song - it was on ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/04/06/womens-voices/good-friday/ By Vasthi Acosta What do you remember about Easter? During Easter weekend the traditions in my childhood home included dressing in black on Good Friday to mourn our crucified Christ, and fasting to share in His suffering. There were always two church services on that day. One in the afternoon where the ... http://meredithefken.com/blog/2007/04/05/all-about-parenting/easter-memories/