laVender williams

2012-02-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Take a minute to read my Monday Meditation, "What's Your Story?"

2012-01-21T15:58:00.001-08:00

Your written words have a longer life span than you do.

2012-01-13T12:03:00.001-08:00

2012-01-12T04:43:00.001-08:00

Each new day offers new writing material. Write your life!

2011-11-10T16:13:00.001-08:00

The words within the pages of Trash Thoughts won't ruffle your feathers if you live in the real world, but if you possess the counterfeit character that comes out on Sundays, you may be a little uneasy reading this book.

It's time to confront the character of our mind.

It's time to align our private thoughts with our public walk.

2011-10-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

Look into my life and learn from it. My curtains are open.

2011-09-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

I don't have the right to withhold the talents and gifts God gave me. If I'm not writing, I'm not doing what I was created to do. I shouldn't settle to just write books, but I should write books that bring about change, books that enlighten, books that not only touch the heart, but change the heart.

2011-09-04T15:45:00.001-07:00

Writing without reservation, without boundaries, and without fear is freedom!

HEARD TV Interview

2011-08-23T04:20:00.001-07:00

2011-08-12T05:27:00.000-07:00

I not only speak my mind, I write my mind!

2011-07-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

I speak the truth; I write the truth.

2011-04-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Masks We Wear

2011-04-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

We meet the world each day with our favorite game face. We wear the masks of:

Able Anna
Bubbly Bernice
Cool Cathy
Dependable Donna
Energetic Eunice
Faithful Felicia
Gorgeous Gertrude
Happy Helen
Independent Irene
Joyful Janice plus so many more...

It's time to TAKE OFF THE MASK!

Introduction - "We Snap in Silence"

2011-04-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

If you have never had a bad day, this book may not be for you. If you have it all together as a woman, are completely satisfied in your marriage, and have children that never ruffle your feathers, I encourage you to pass this book on to a friend. On the other hand, if you desire to experience fulfillment as a woman, wife, and mother while maintaining your peace of mind, continue reading!

This book begins by revealing a secret women share and as senseless as it sounds, we attempt to hide this secret from one another. We may never publicly admit it, but here are days we feel little value and worth in ourselves. As mother, there are days we feel we are about to lose our minds. As wives, we share days of feeling unloved and sometimes used. We go to work everyday, whether in the home or outside the home, as if everything in our life is okay. We care for our children hoping they won't see the pain we mask. Some of us go to church Sunday after Sunday, silently suffering in the pews. To put it plainly, we play the game of charades. The object of the game of charades is to find the appropriate game face for your particular situation and wear it to the best of your ability. Not only does playing the game welcome unnecessary stress in our life, but the pressure to play may cause us to snap...in silence.

Women are hurting, always tired, and often stressed out as wives and mother. We burn the candle at both ends, yet rarely speak of it. When we are together, we laugh and swap comical stories about our children and life in general. We say very little about our husbands and go home feeling good about how well we played the game. Being a woman is a high-pressure job and I can't think of one high pressure job that isn't accompanied by stress - the roles of wife and mother are no exception. Mothers have been overlooked long enough: wives can hardly help themselves but are called to be helpmates. This book not only exposes our shared secret, but also will help our families, friends, and mothers-to-be recognize the challenges endured on the journey of womanhood and teach them how to help us avoid snapping in silence.

Accepting my SELF

2011-04-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

Before I could accept other women being a part of my life, I had to accept myself. I was always taller than the average child growing up, skinny, chapped lips, pimples, reserved, and not really knowing what to do with my extra long limbs and the strong personality I kept hidden within. It confused me when people suggested I be a model. Okay...what should I model? Surely not myself! It wasn't until my adult years that I understood who I was and WHY I was. I now have an obligation, as a woman, to share the empowerment of the female with others. It's important we teach young girls to love themselves, so they can grow up being able to share and receive love - especially among their own gender.

Please visit the link below - a site created for this purpose.

Lovin' Me

WOMEN

2011-03-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sista, sister-friend, church-friend, girlfriend, sisterhood...do we really understand these terms or so do we casually throw them out when we're in a good mood, receive a favor, need a favor, someone agrees with us, or we've joined around a table of comfort food and everyone is feeling cozy at the moment?

Last night, I shared with a book club and we had a heart-felt discussion on...WOMEN. We're a strange species when it comes to relating to one another. A few of us shared how WOMEN were not our cup of tea and how God took us on a journey to show us why. Some of us are still on that journey as we learn to relate to other WOMEN. We all had somewhat similar stories to share.

As I drove home and processed our discussion, I realized there is way more to sisterhood than we may ever experience. There will always be reservations and doubts when relating and sharing with other women until we UNMASK as individuals and reveal who we really are. Many women are afraid to reveal their true Self. Some aren't as Christ-like as they portray. Some play the game of charades so well, we don't know who we're talking to. Some hide behind their career or family. Some quietly stand in the background not allowing anyone to get close, and we ALL create illusions for each other. WOMEN...we aren't always what we appear to be, but the least we can do is be who God created us to be.

Be REAL.

My Life Is Not My Own!

2010-12-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

Many women are too embarrassed to share their painful experiences and their valley moments, but once I realized my life was not my own to keep secret, God began to bless me in amazing ways.

Our tests can only be a testimony if we tell somebody. "We Snap in Silence" is a publication full of my mess that God continues to use to bless others. Sharing how I triumphed over my embarrassing circumstances only shows the awesome power of God!

LaVender S. Williams

2010-10-12T08:01:00.001-07:00

Excerpt:

"There have been instances in my life where God was either going to show me the reality of peace or I was going to lose my mind - literally. Before I found peace, I didn't feel loved by my husband or children. I felt used, abused, and unappreciated. I knew this wasn't how I was supposed to go through life, so I began my path to find perfect peace - I wasn't going to be satisfied with just peace. I wanted perfect peace as promised to me by God."

2010-08-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

Excerpt:

God created you with no mistakes. You were perfectly created with purpose. There is no one else like you and no one can do what you were created to do. No one can touch the lives you will touch. No one thinks like you or has the ideas and creativity you do. You are extraordinary just by being you. Recognize your value in the home. Recognize how much you're needed. How can we expect others to appreciate and recognize us when we done appreciate and recognize ourselves?

Attention!

2010-06-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

Don't make Things So Hard!

A must read article!

2010-05-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Author, LaVender Williams, at work with son after receiving a call from
childcare that her son had a fever and needed to be picked up.
A defining moment of Motherhood.

Military Appreciation Month

FREE Shipping for month of May

2010-04-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

We Snap in Silence

2010-04-19T22:00:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed? There's a secret out there, a secret many women share. A secret that women sometimes attempt to hide from one another, as senseless as that sounds.

Author LaVender S. Williams reveals the secret.

Women are hurting, always tired, and often suffering from stress as wives and mothers. Burning the candle at both ends is common. Yet many women keep this a secret; it is rarely acknowledged.

After 20 years of Naval service, Williams thought she was prepared to be a full-time loving wife and homeschooling mother, but instead she was forced to wear the mask of happiness to cover the secret.

"We Snap In Silence" brings the secret to light, unveiling Williams' private pain and taking the reader on a journey to finding peace... perfect peace.

This sharing of the reality of womanhood is a must-read for all.

Book Reviews

2009-11-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

"Ladies…are you ready for a page turner? Check out: “We Snap in Silence: Unveiling Private Pain and Finding Perfect Peace as a Woman, Wife and Mother.” The wisdom and experiences shared throughout this book are ...profound. Reading it reminded of the first time I’d read Iyanla Vanzant or Dick Gregory’s, “Nigger”. This book is chocked with t......ruths: the good, bad and ugly.

Angie Shelby, CA

"LaVender, if your chapter on "It's Not About You" didn't speak to me I don't know what did! Since I received your book, I have had to take in a little bit at a time, lest I spontaneously combust!"

Margaret Graham, Colorado Springs, CO

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Visit Tonya's Blog to read her review of "We Snap in Silence"

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Read what Larie has to say about We Snap in Silence.

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Below review by Shanavian Strickland, AL
"After I started reading I could not put it down. The book reads like a long needed conversation between just the girls. I really enjoyed it. I totally agree with your book. I too, had to find peace within myself and I have been happier the last two years than I have been my entire life. If more women would open up they could help a lot of young girls. I truly believe if more women would open up we would have a lot less teen pregnancy, divorces and suicides. Not only do the women need to open up, the men need to open up as well. How can future generations improve if everyone around them are wearing masks? They will just mirror what they see.
Congratulations on the book."

Author Events

2009-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 20th
8:30 a.m.
Book Sharing w/Readers and Writers Ink Book Club
Pensacola, FL

Tuesday, March 30th
Book Sharing w/ Journey's Book Club
Pensacola, FL

April 16, 17, 18th
Peace Baptist Church Women's Revival
Wynfrey/Riverchase Galleria
Birmingham, AL

Saturday May 1, 2010
New Author's Reception
Barnes & Noble Bookstore
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Pensacola, FL

Friday/Saturday, May 7-8
NEX Pensacola
Book Sale - Great gift for Mother's Day
9 a.m. - closing

Momsweb's 10 Year Anniversary Celebration!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
click here for details

2009-06-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

About We Snap In Silence

2008-12-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

"We Snap In Silence" shares the good, the bad, and the ugly thoughts and emotions behind the author's days of trying to find peace in her own home - in her own mind.

"I thought I was going to lose my mind!"

Women are hurting, always tired, and often suffering from stress as wives and mothers. Burning the candle at both ends is common. Many women keep this a secret; it is rarely acknowledged.

Author, LaVender Williams, reveals the secret.

After 20 years of Naval service, Williams thought she was prepared to be a full-time loving wife and homeschooling mother, but instead she was forced to wear the mask of happiness to cover the secret.

"We Snap In Silence" brings the secret to light, unveiling Williams' private pain and taking the reader on a journey to finding peace... perfect peace.

2008-12-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for the author's second publication to be released late 2010.

Excerpt From We Snap in Silence

2008-12-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

I come in contact with countless women, married and single, who feel they are alone in their feeling of dissatisfaction and inadequacy. For various reasons, women are not comfortable revealing these emotions openly, so it's kept a secret. Because it's a secret, our true self is masked. We hide behind makeup with a perfectly painted smile. We have mastered the game of charades.

Contact Info

2008-10-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Phone - 850.725.4894

Email - lavender@momsweb.net

Freelance Info

2008-10-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Writing is my passion!

I am available to share my personal Brand of effective and engaging writing with the literary community through newspapers, magazines, and other avenues which focus on family life, marriage, parenting, motherhood, womanhood, children, and inspirational topics.

I have the ability to create informative articles to capture the attention of your readers.

Author: Self published "We Snap in Silence"

Publisher: Raising Mothers E-Newsletter (9 years)

Founder: Momsweb - an organization offering encouragement to mothers via the Internet, conferences, retreats, etc..

Blog Owner: Mom’s Peace Bites

- I have completed and have certificates in the following Continued Education Courses

• How to Create High Impact Newsletters
• Mistake Free Grammar and Proofreading
• How to Design Eye Catching Brochures, Newsletters, Ads, Reports
• How to Become a Great Communicator

Writing Samples can be found on my blogs:

Mom's Peace Bites
unHappily Married

About the Author

2007-08-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Founder of MOMSWEB and United States Navy retiree, LaVender Williams, wants only to be recognized as a supporting wife and loving mother.

An Air Traffic Controller for 18 years and a Chaplain's Assistant (Religious Program Specialist) for two years, she is quick to say her role as a mother is the most rewarding and definitely the most demanding position she has ever held.

Adjusting to civilian life wasn't easy. She jumped right into the full-time motherhood role after retirement without missing a beat. "I was literally slapped in the face with the reality of Motherhood."

LaVender's husband, Kevin, plays a major part in We Snap In Silence with his 'old school' ways and ideas on marriage and the roles of wife and husband. She refers to him as her 'high maintenance' hubby and thanks him continually for agreeing to place their marriage in print. There's another name LaVender has for Kevin, but you'll have to read the book to find out his 'aka' identity.

Kevin and LaVender have two sons referred to as Firstborn and Secondborn.
Both boys have always been homeschooled, however, Firstborn entered public high school in August of '09.

LaVender enjoys reading, writing, and baking. Her signature cake, Perfect Peace, poured the foundation for We Snap In Silence. As you read, you'll find out how Life is Like a Cake!

While giving credit for all her endeavors to her Heavenly Father, the author is quick to say she is not a religious person. "I strive to be the church - not just in the church. Living a Christ-led, Christ-controlled life is my life and if the things I do and say seem peculiar to you, it may be because I'm called to be a peculiar believer."

This picture was taken the day of LaVender's retirement from the United States Navy. This was the her final walk (with husband and sons) from active duty to her life as it is today - a life living in perfect peace as a woman, wife, and mother.

This day was quite monumental for husband, Kevin, because just as LaVender was getting relieved from her watch, Kevin was getting relieved from his watch of being a stay at home dad for two years.

Peace Talks / Book Sharings

2007-08-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Peace Talks - Ideal for small groups and private book parties.

Enjoy an intimate hour with author, LaVender Williams, as she shares the inside story of We Snap in Silence plus shares Perfect Peace, the cake, with each guest.

- Intimate setting
- Personal sharing
- Question and Answer session
- A Portion of Perfect Peace, the cake!

Book Sharings/Signings

- Groups of ten or more - Ideal for book clubs, conferences, retreats, etc...

- Book Discussion - Q & A session

Call 850.725.4894 for scheduling or to request speaking appearances.

My Defining Moment

2007-08-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Photo by Chaplain Girardin

Childcare called while I was on duty to say Secondborn had a fever

and needed to be picked up immediately.

Hmmm..what's a mother to do? Hubby was also working and couldn't get off.

Fortunately, I worked with compassionate Navy Chaplains and was able to pick my baby up and bring him back to work.

Yes, this was truly a definining moment in my life. My passion to retire from the Navy grew stronger and stronger, but I had two years left.

They were the longest two years of my life, but I finished my time and retired.

Although I enjoyed spending time and homeschooling

my growing boys, I experienced difficult days and valley moments as

I struggled to adjust to retirement.

The REALITY of motherhood surfaced.

Hubby

2007-08-11T14:35:00.000-07:00