Author: Mary Best Puplava

I am a woman, a sister, a wife, a mother of 3 sons, a Nana to 6, a friend to many and a kindred spirit to a few. But most importantly of all, I am the beloved child of a Gracious God.

Where Did Me Go?

Where Did Me Go? New devotional from Mary Puplava
Where Did Me Go? A One-Year Devotional to Rediscover You

I am very excited to share my new book, “Where Did Me Go? A One-Year Devotional to Rediscover You” available now through my publisher, Messenger Books.

We all know “life happens,” and we get busy serving others, whether family or career and dreams just seem to fade. I retired after serving twenty-two years only to move, marry my three sons off, and enjoy my first of six grandchildren. Retirement only lasted five years. I was called back to duty and worked another six years. I began NanaLoveNotes to reach more women, but that too faded with responsibilities.

The “shut-in” during the 2020 Covid pandemic reignited that flame inside me. I began praying more, joined a daily prayer call for the church and nation, and researched other passionate ministries on YouTube. A living, active faith began to surge in me once again. It was the daily prayer call that focused on each of the fifty states between Passover and Pentecost that jolted me once again to write. I was praying for Maryland that fateful May 7th, 2022 day. Something exploded in me, and I heard myself say, “No more hiding. I’m going to live my faith out loud.” I began publishing my “Today I prayed about…” on social media. I didn’t care about likes, hearts, or comments. I just wanted my prayer out there!

One thing led to another — a word from the Lord, diligent time spent with Him, a writer’s workshop, and finally, my commitment to write and publish this book. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to write to women over forty. I’ll soon be seventy-four, but how well I remember the last three decades, what they cost me, and yes, how they blessed me.

You might wonder about the title…

I was getting dressed one morning. With my hair a mess and no makeup, I looked in the mirror and said, “Where did me go?” I’m sure many can identify with that. My journey with the Lord has helped me rediscover the daughter He loves. It’s not so much what I do anymore. It’s who I am in Him and from that place who I can be for my world. My prayer is that you, too, find your place in Him.

Give a High 5 @ 5

5at5forMomsHasn’t this been a year? Yeah, you could say that again! It has been a year for moms like none other. As a mother and grandmother, I have seen the weariness on their faces, heard it in their voices, and frustration in their comments. My hat is off to moms who have tried to adapt to this Coronavirus pandemic and what it’s done to their family life and especially their children. And if you’re a working mom having to work from home, well, you’re a saint in my book. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has had to adapt and yes, make sacrifices, to keep peace in the home, hot meals on the table, clean sheets on the bed, and be a dr/nurse/playmate/teacher/cook –a what’s ever needed to their children.

My youngest turned 39 yesterday, so I’m way past most of you ladies now that I’m almost 70. As the oldest girl of 9 children, I had the benefit/blessing of being raised by a mom who knew how to organize and “line us up” to get things done. I’ll never forget her wisdom when I had my first child: “Mary, be prepared for the witching hour ’cause it will happen every night when you’re out of energy and done for the day. You’ll need to get a second wind.” All moms know what I mean–that fussy period in babies that starts about 5 o’clock when it’s time to get dinner on and yes, it lasts through dinner, through dishes, and through homework if you have older children.

Let’s Give Them a Hand & a Prayer

Sunday I did sheets and towels for one of my daughter-in-laws and yesterday, I dropped off some Costco frozen meals for a single mom of 4. Yes, I have the energy and time to do practical things. BUT, I believe the most significant thing I can do is the commitment I made yesterday to pray for moms and children at 5PM for 5 minutes. I’ve set my phone alarm to remind me. I’d like to put a challenge “out there” to any who read this. They need us now more than ever, especially with the school year beginning.

Nana’s Nudge:  Set your phone alarm for 5PM and pray 5 minutes for moms, children, and teachers.
Nana’s Songs:  Joy  |  All Things Possible  |  God Bless All the Little Children
Nana’s Prayer: Father, thank You for blessing us with our children. We look to You to watch over our families. Strengthen mothers, bring Your peace into our homes, calm our fears so that we can be confident for our children. Holy Spirit, we ask for Your fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to increase in our lives. May there be a special grace given to mothers of special needs children. Amen.