It's been a busy year so far at the Diorio household as my husband Dom (aka Nonno) and I (aka Nonna) have gotten more involved in our grandchildren's activities. From attending T-ball games and gymnastic classes, to learning about horseback riding and Peppa Pig, we have been enjoying days full of life and joy with our precious little ones. If you want to stay young, hang out with children!

Of course, we haven't become totally irresponsible. :) Dom still continues to study eschatology, and I continue to write stories. I'm currently working on the second novel in my trilogy called The Italian Chronicles. The second book is titled A Sicilian Farewell. Lord willing, it will be released by the end of summer. Please remember me in your prayers as I write. Thank you!

Below you will see a photo of "The Five" taken at church on Resurrection Sunday!  Are they not the cutest kids? Of course, I am a totally biased grandmother. If you're a parent or a grandparent, I trust you feel the same way about your children and grandchildren.

Are you feeling discouraged by what's happening in the world around you? Or, perhaps, by what's happening in your own life? If so, take heart.

We are living in an age when everything seems to be falling apart. But we are also living in one of the greatest times in history. Many signs are pointing to the soon return of Jesus! The time of our redemption is growing very near!  Jesus said that we are to look up! To lift our heads in hope toward the heavens from whence He will return.

But, meanwhile, what can you do if you feel discouraged? Here is what I do when the evil spirit of discouragement tries to disrupt my peace: I begin to praise the LORD.

Scripture tells us that when the spirit of heaviness tries to overtake us, we are to put on the garment of praise (Isaiah 61: 3). Praising God will drive out the spirit of discouragement every single time.

I can vouch for this from personal experience. Whenever the enemy tries to make me feel discouraged, I immediately lift my hands and start praising the Lord. And that spirit of discouragement leaves within a minute or two. Every single time!

So, the next time a spirit of discouragement tries to rob you of your peace, lift up your hands toward heaven and shout praises to the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Many thanks to those of you who faithfully pray for my writing ministry.  If you are an intercessor and are interested in being on my Prayer Team, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. Prayer Team members agree to one year of faithful prayer for this ministry and receive periodic updates of prayer requests. I also commit to pray for each of my Prayer Team members on a regular basis. Commitments are renewable from year to year and may be cancelled at any time for good reason.  

If you're looking for great books for that special child in your life--books that are written from a Biblical worldview--check out my titles below:


Children ask tough questions. Questions like, "Does Jesus still love me when I'm naught." Dr. MaryAnn Diorio address these tough questions in this delight book about the true character of Jesus the Messiah.

Available in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats on Amazon.


 

Keisha has a new baby sister. But Keisha doesn't want a new baby sister. She is afraid that Mama will love Tamara more than she loves Keisha...until Keisha learns a very powerful lesson about the meaning of love.

Available in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats at Amazon.com.




Toby Michaels is small. Too small to be of much good to anyone. But one day, he learns that it's not how bit you are on the outside that matters; it's how big you are on the inside.

Available in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats at Amazon. com.

Recipe Rack   

This month I will be giving away a free copy of either one of my novellas, Surrender to Love or A Christmas Homecoming. To enter to win, reply to this email and, in two or three sentences, tell me about a person from your childhood who inspired you for good in a profound way. I will select a winner and email you on Wednesday, June 1st.

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