Rebecca Ondov's Blog

Do You Have Any Interest in Writing?

rebeccaondov — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:49:53 +0000

Do you have any interest in writing? Or simply in organizing those pesky piles of paperwork? Have you ever gotten a great idea for a magazine article or a book, and didn’t know what to do with it? Do you find yourself shuffling through stacks of papers over and over, only to discover that you keep wasting time searching for something because you don’t know how to organize your writing business? I’ve been there and on Monday June 20^th I’ll be sharing with you some of my secrets as I talk about “The Gold Rush! Seven Keys to Staying Organized and Crystalizing Your Focus.

I’ll be tackling tough issues from what to do when you get an idea, form an outline, and forge a manuscript to how to store all this on your computer and in your file cabinets. Of course I’ll touch on quick tips to keeping track of your marketing as well as your accounting. I hope you join Felice and me for an hour of fun on Monday—and don’t forget to bring a pen and notepad so you can jot down some time-saving tips. Although this will be geared for writers, with a little tweaking, these tidbits can be put into practice to help organize any business/home school/or even the paperwork in your personal life.

Join Felice Gerwitz and me June 20th at 3:30 EDT on Blog Talk Radio. Here’s the link: http://www.writingandpublishingradio.com/

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Rebecca

Love–In Spite of…

rebeccaondov — Tue, 31 May 2011 01:58:22 +0000

Yesterday I stepped off the plane, returning from a visit with my parents. The highlight was celebrating their 60^th anniversary—WOW, 60 years! And we love each other more deeply with every passing year. I’ve been in awe the last couple days, pondering, How did we become a loving family?

The last couple weeks I’d invested every spare moment into planning the open house. I even put together a movie which we played in the background throughout the evening, starting with the old slides of us kids as babies and family vacations, up to the modern day photos of celebrating Dad and Mom’s birthdays with us wearing hillbilly teeth and dark sunglasses. (And yes, when possible, we’d sing Happy Birthday after taking a deep breath of helium so we could sound like the chipmunks…some folks never grow up.)

Last Friday night the three of us kids decorated the Youth Building at Mom and Dad’s church with balloons and flowers. The caterer brought in food, cake, and a punch fountain then a couple of Dad and Mom’s friends came to help. I was hoping for a good turn-out in spite of the fact that it was Memorial Day weekend and besides the fact that Mom is 86 and Dad’s almost 85, most of their contemporaries are long gone. But I needn’t have worried. The fun began when they and over 150 of their friends filtered in. Even Mom’s Maid of Honor—from 60 years ago graced us with her presence (what are the chances of that?). I was honored and humbled that so many came to pay tribute to them and again I pondered, Why?

At the end of the evening I felt like a part of the royal family as we sat on the stage and the cameras flashed. Perhaps we even looked and sounded like the perfect family. But how can families be perfect? When you take imperfect man and pair him with an imperfect woman then sprinkle on a couple imperfect kids who grow into wild teenagers…that’s a recipe for disaster.

But families and friendships aren’t about agreeing 100% of the time or being perfect. They’re about supporting each other by having the mercy to forgive and the grace to love…in spite of. And the only way that it’s possible is through Christ. Tonight when I place my head on the pillow, I’ll be marveling at how our family’s faith in Christ has held us through the storms of life and that God will continue to faithfully support us with each passing year.

And I’m praying that your faith in Him gives you hope, grace, mercy, peace, and most of all—love in spite of….

Blessings,

Rebecca

Dad & Mom's 60th Anniversary

A Bear Hug for a Wet Dog

rebeccaondov — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:57:13 +0000

The Wet Dog Today was my first “day off” since February so the dog and I hiked up to a high mountain lake. The crystal clear water reflected the blue sky and the snowcapped peaks, which rimmed the lake.

While Sunrise swam, I napped on the sandy beach in the sunshine. Okay, the sand was between piles of snow but it was so relaxing to lay there. That was–until the dog rolled in the sand to dry off and snuggled next to me, putting her face on my chest. She stunk as only wet golden retrievers and water dogs do and clumps of sand fell on my face.

True Love I peeked through my closed eyelids, Her big brown eyes watched me. When I didn’t move, she nestled into me. Curling her front legs under my arm, she pushed her body against me. Water seeped through my fleece jacket and now I was covered in sand.

At first I wanted to scold her, but then I realized that she wanted her whole body to be as close to me as she could possibly be, because she loves me.

The Bear Hug I wrapped my arms around her and my mind drifted to my relationship with Jesus. With nearly every step up the mountain, I had chatted with Him. I can’t seem to get enough of His presence. But I know that often times when I snuggle with Him, the cares of this world are sticking to me like sand and perhaps I appear to be soaking wet. Maybe I even smell like a “wet dog.” But He always opens His arms wide and gives me a big bear hug. That’s who love is. Love is a person. His name is Jesus and He loves you too—just try snuggling with Him when you’re covered in sand and He’ll wrap His loving arms around you and hold you tight.

Wishing you a “wet dog” spring!

Blessings, Rebecca

Don’t miss my BlogTalk Radio inteview and these encouraging words

rebeccaondov — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:13:20 +0000

On Wednesday January 26th at 11 am CST tune into BlogTalk Radio and listen in as

Julie Gorman of ”His Love Extended” interviews me. Here’s the link

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2011/01/26/his-love-extended

Do you feel like me, “What New Year’s? Wasn’t that about a year ago?”

As I looked at the calendar this morning I realized that almost 1/12th of 2011 is gone–Poof! Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? I didn’t this year because so often I forget about them a week or two down the road when the excitement wears off.

This year I’m doing something different. Throughout the month I’m asking myself three things: Did I stay in tune with my goals? Did I make a difference in somebody’s life? And most importantly, am I staying on track with what God wants me to do? Three easy questions. If the answer is no to any of them I choose to “tune up” what I’m doing. It’s nothing fancy like a New Year’s resolution, but it’s something that’s achievable. I like achievable because it gives me a chance to pat myself on the back and it inspires me to take another step forward.

I’d like to encourage you to ask yourself those three questions, and let me know what happens.

Have a blessed 2011!

Rebecca

12 Pearls of Christmas–Love

rebeccaondov — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:00:14 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom”! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL … there’s also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls – a tangible reminder of God’s grace to us all.

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Love
by Lauraine Snelling

When asked to write a Christmas message, one of my first thoughts was Do I climb up on my soapbox regarding changing the words in Christmas songs, using only holiday, etc. I thought about it and decided no. After all, they’re only words and what difference does a word make—really make after all?

Then I kept on thinking. If they’re only words… But we as writers know the power of words, as do readers. When the wrong word is used, it jars, while the right word can be most powerful. Take one highly overused and under practiced word—Love. Four letters is all. We toss it around so glibly, saying love ya and luv and love. But think about the power in I love you. Three of the most precious words in our language when put together. Those of us who write romances or books with romance in them, understand the power when one of our characters tells another, I love you. As humans we can never hear that enough or too much.

Christmas is about love. The greatest love story ever told, that of God for us humans, and it never changes. Customs change, politics change, the years change but God’s love never, ever does. At Christmas we are invited to share that love, to give it away, to pass it around. To find wonder again and joy in simple acts of love. We make contact with people we might never see or talk with through the year. That says I love you. We buy and make gifts to give, we reach out to strangers in need, we try to make sure everyone has a special dinner and every child a present. By giving, we receive.

So, let’s use the power words, but more so, put feet on those words and pass the love around. Let’s look for and find the wonder, the joy and the peace, maybe in small bits and pieces and perhaps in an avalanche of blessings. Make your days brighter with the simple gift of a smile, a kind word, a touch, for every single one that you give away, will come back to you multiplied. As you give, so shall you receive. Merry Christmas my friends. May we all recognize our blessings—-and let an attitude of gratitude permeate this holiday and every day. With love and joy on this day, Lauraine!

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About Lauraine: Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, with sales of over 2 million copies. She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the country. Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy.

For more information please visit Lauraine’s website: www.laurainesnelling.com.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year’s Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas–An Unforgettable Gift

rebeccaondov — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 04:00:40 +0000

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An Unforgettable Gift
by Karen O’Connor

On Christmas morning, 1912, in Paducah, Kentucky, fourteen-year-old Charlie Flowers and his three brothers and two sisters huddled in their beds, fully dressed, trying to keep warm as the wind howled outside their small frame house.

It was a desperate time for the family. Earlier that year the children’s father had died. And their mother had not found work. The coal had run out and there was little money––none for gifts. Their scrawny tree with decorations made from scraps of colored paper had been given to them the night before by a local merchant.

“Can’t sell this one,” the man said with a nod of his head before handing it over to the eager children.

To pass the time, the siblings joked and shouted stories from their bedrooms across the hallway from one another. Then suddenly a racket from the alley at the rear of the house broke into their games.

“Charlie,” his mother called, “would you see what’s going on out there?”

Charlie pulled on his shoes, grabbed a thick overcoat from the hook by the door, and ran out back.

There stood a man in a wagon bent over a load of coal, shoveling it into the shed as fast as he could.

“Hey Mister, we didn’t order any coal,” Charlie shouted. “You’re delivering it to the wrong house.”

“Your name’s Flowers, isn’t it?” the man asked, still shoveling.

Charlie nodded yes.

“Well then, there’s no mistake. I’ve been asked to deliver this to your family on Christmas morning.” He looked the awe-struck boy square in the eye. “And I’m under strict orders not to tell who sent it,” he teased.

Charlie ran into the house, his coattail flapping in the cold morning wind. He could hardly wait to tell his mother and brothers and sisters. God had provided––just as he had on that first Christmas morning so long ago when He sent his only son to a needy world.

Charlie Flowers died in 1994 at age 96. And right up to the last year of his life, not a Christmas went by that he didn’t tell the story of that sub-zero Christmas morning of his boyhood when two men gave his family an unforgettable gift.

It wasn’t the coal that was remembered or cherished, Charlie often said––welcome as it was––but rather what two men brought to his desperate family. One, for his gift of recognizing their great need and taking the time to do something about it. And the other, for being willing to give up part of his own Christmas morning to deliver it.

That gift of so long ago has continued to warm the Flowers family from one generation to another, as Charlie’s son––my husband, Charles––calls to mind these two unknown men each Christmas morning and whispers a prayer of thanks.

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About Karen: Karen O’Connor is an award-winning author and writing mentor living in Watsonville, California with her husband, Charles Flowers. Karen’s latest book is 365 Reasons Why Gettin’ Old Ain’t So Bad (Harvest House 2010).

For more information, please visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.

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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas–Just give me Christmas this Year!

rebeccaondov — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:00:50 +0000

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All I Want for Christmas…
Is to be able to have Christmas this Year
by Melissa Mashburn

This is a simple request, isn’t it? In the previous years, we had great big bountiful Christmases with our family. Gifts, goodies and general Christmas cheer but this year it was different. The year before has been chock full of disappointments, failing businesses and severe cutbacks for our family.

Sitting with my husband one night we hammered out the bare minimum that we could spend that year for Christmas and even still the total was four hundred dollars. It does not sound like a whole lot compared to what we’ve spent on Christmas before, but this year it could have been four thousand dollars because we just did not have it.

We prayed, I cried, we prayed some more and decided that we would cut back anything else that we could that year so we could have Christmas for our kids. We did not know how we would make this happen, but we knew that we needed to step forward in faith that it would happen.

Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don’t these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God. Galatians 3:5 the Message

Not even two days later, we hear a knock on our front door. We open the door to see some friends of ours from church. With tears in their eyes, they handed us an envelope and said that the felt they needed to give us this. We opened the envelope and inside there was four hundred dollars cash.

Shocked, stunned and with tears flowing down our face we just sat there in a state of crying and laughing at what God had done. We never shared with anyone that year what we needed, how bad it was, what was going on or what that number was for us to have Christmas for the kids, but God knew.

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

He took a willing servant, led them to our front door and changed Christmas for us that year. After many years of being in full time ministry we knew that God would provide, but when He shows up just at the right moment, you know that it was all a part of His plan to show how much He loves, provides and cares for His people.

Father God, thank you that after all the years of serving and loving you in ministry that you continue to teach, guide, love, shepherd and care for us. You, Father, are abundantly gracious and kind, thank you for showing up for us at just the right moment every time, forgive us when we forget that. In Jesus name, Amen.

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About Melissa: Melissa is the founder of the blog Mel’s World Ministry, co-founder of the Praise and Coffee Nights Ministry with Sue Cramer, Kids Ministry Director at her church. Just last year she launched a new weekly series called Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith where we meet new women each week who are “Taking their everyday, ordinary lives and placing it as their offering to God.” Romans 12:1 the Message. You can find her on twitter and at her blog. She loves encouraging women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed. ~ Romans 12:2.

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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas–What’s the Best Thing About Christmas?

rebeccaondov — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:00:06 +0000

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What’s the best thing about Christmas?
by Maureen Lang

The answer to that question will undoubtedly be different depending on the age and the faith of the person being asked. Most children will say it’s all about the gifts. Adults, even if they secretly still enjoy the gifts, will probably strive to sound more mature and say the holiday is all about friends and family. Still others might say it’s about tradition, or memories or the music or even the special food we connect to this time of year. The scrooges among us might say this season is just another marketing gimmick, or materialism gone awry. The faithful will say it’s all about Jesus, a reminder of why He shed the glory of Heaven to step into human skin and frailty.

I’m not here to defend or attack any answer to this question, but rather to ponder those possible answers.

Gifts: They touch us in personal ways, as tangible evidence of someone else’s thought and affection. Even if we don’t get exactly what we hoped, there’s something to be said about the thought behind a gift being the important part. Why wouldn’t gifts be an important and valid part of this holiday in which we celebrate God’s gift of salvation?

Holiday Gatherings: Parties might be a lot of work, forcing some out of their comfort zone, but at the core they’re all about human connection. Isn’t that what most people want?

Traditions and memories: They remind us of the past, of who we are, with the hope that even as we look forward to an unknown future we still hold some things worthy enough to repeat every year. We might find ourselves letting go of some traditions, or we might want to start some new ones.

The music: This is the only time of the year when even secular radio stations welcome songs about a baby born in Bethlehem. As a nation we may be getting stringent about separation of church as state, but the lines blur just a bit with old favorites that reflect this season.

Scrooges: The holiday season is probably a time to endure rather than enjoy, but even the scroogiest-scrooge might admit the lights of the season are pretty to behold. They’re free to look at, after all.

As for the food, the busyness, the expense and all the other things that make up this season: keep in mind that it’s all temporary. This, too, shall pass. Until next year, of course.

I’ll leave you with this thought: we are all made in God’s image, whether we believe that or not. Part of that image is the ability to give—and to receive. So here’s my thought for the day: stop a moment and dwell on all the gifts of the season. From the little mementos that say we haven’t forgotten someone or been forgotten by others, to the costliest gift of all: what God did for us in the form of Christ. As you enjoy the sounds, the sights, the scents and the tastes of this season, may your only trouble be in choosing just one thing among so many best things about Christmas.

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About Maureen: Maureen Lang is the author of ten books, her most recent from Tyndale House is The Great War Series which are full of romance, adventure and spiritual journeys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their lovable Labrador Retriever.

For more information please visit Maureen at her website, www.maureenlang.com.

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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas–Good News

rebeccaondov — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 04:00:30 +0000

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Good News!
by Deb Kalmbach

The first Christmas card of the season arrived in my mailbox way back in August. How could anyone be that organized? Then I noticed my friend, Nita, had sent me a card I had written to her more than 20 years ago!

Memories rushed back as I read the words penned in my familiar handwriting. It was Christmas, 1991, and my world had unraveled. I could almost pretend everything was all right at this most wonderful time of the year—but not that year.

My husband Randy’s drinking problem had escalated to the point where his job and career were on the line. He had already been through two alcohol treatment programs and managed to stay sober for short periods of time. Then he slipped back into old, familiar patterns. His ongoing relapses were a crushing disappointment for our family.

I had looked forward to Christmas Eve and our family traditions; making homemade lasagna, singing carols around the piano, attending the candlelight service at church, and then coming home to open one token Christmas Eve present.

“Randy, are you ready to crank out the pasta?” I called to him over the Christmas music I was playing to lift my spirits.

I peered into the living room to see what was keeping him. My heart froze. Randy sat on the couch, trance-like, watching a basketball game while sipping a drink.

No, not on Christmas Eve, I screamed inwardly. I felt like I was suffocating. Usually Randy pulled himself together but it didn’t happen that night. He drank vodka all evening while I finished holiday preparations on autopilot. None of us felt like eating lasagna or celebrating.

Only a few days earlier, I had written these words on the Christmas card to my friend, Nita. I don’t know God’s plans, his timing or his ways in accomplishing his purposes, but I am learning to trust him. He is faithful!

I suspect Nita kept my card all those years because she saw a small seed of faith and it encouraged her heart. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be eight more Christmas seasons before Randy experienced the miraculous breakthrough of finding freedom from alcoholism.

As I read the card I had written so long ago, I felt awed by God’s faithfulness to us—even when our situation looked completely hopeless.

You may be facing great difficulty as the holidays approach. The last thing you feel like is celebrating. And that’s O.K. The Good News of Christmas isn’t about picture perfect holidays where our homes are decorated a la Martha Stewart and tables are laden with holiday delicacies. Your days may not be merry and bright. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship through divorce or estrangement. Your world has unraveled.

That’s exactly why the message of Christmas is Good News. The Savior is born! The One who came to set you free, to give you peace and hope and help beyond anything you could ever imagine is as near as your next breath. Today you might not be able to see how God’s purposes are unfolding for your future, but you can be assured that He is working all things for good in your life. A twenty year-old Christmas card came on a summer day as an unexpected gift and gentle reminder of God’s presence—especially in the worst of times.

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About Deb: Deb Kalmbach is the coauthor of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So- Perfect Marriage and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has contributed to The New Women’s Devotional Bible, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, and other anthologies. She is a vibrant and engaging speaker who gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Deb and her husband, Randy, live in a tiny town in Eastern Washington. Visit Deb at: www.debkalmbach.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas–Gift List

rebeccaondov — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:00:33 +0000

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Gift List
by Tricia Goyer

I’ve been thinking lately how hard it must be for Oprah to Christmas shop. I mean if you were on her “gift list” wouldn’t you expect something really, really good? The woman gives away cars and trips to Australia on her television show for goodness sake! It seems by the end of Christmas Day her friends and family would look at the pile of presents and think, “Is that it?” I mean if you knew there was billions of dollars she could spend on you, would you ever feel satisfied?

Sometimes I think we approach God the same way. We look around at our home, our family, our job, our free time and we still aren’t satisfied. We wish our body looked better, our clothes were more in style, our husband was more considerate and our kids were more … well, like the perfect little people we picture in our mind. Our careers don’t excel as quickly as we think they should and people don’t give us the attention we feel we deserve. We’re tired and anxious and the to-do list seems to be tacked to our hearts for all the pain it causes.

Often, we look around and don’t speak the words out loud, but think them just the same. “Is that it?” I mean, You’re the God of the universe and You have all things in Your hands and under Your control. Couldn’t you provide a little more money to help those bills disappear or make me a bit more content with the man I’ve chosen to spend my life with? And I thought Oprah had it tough.

Is there ever a time when God doesn’t hear the murmurs? Again, not with our mouths but in our heart.

I’ve been guilty of this–of not being satisfied with the gifts I’ve been given. Yes, there will always be more to want, but today–at this moment–I’m satisfied. And I look to Him with a grateful heart and whisper, “Thank you, it is enough. More than enough.”

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About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more information, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info