I survived the fast. I knew going in it wouldn’t be easy, but I tell you it was a struggle not to fall back into my old habits. I found it was easier to not yell at the older kids vs. the youngest. They listen more than the baby. He chose to ignore me most times. This made me yell and you know what he did, laughed. Mommy’s funny.
I just wasn’t getting to him. Instead I’d count to three because it would make me stay calm and instead of yelling, I’d get in face and tell him no or steer him toward what I wanted him to do. Did it work? Sometimes, but I found that he’s learning to be independent so he’s trying to see what he can get away with and what he can’t.
One of my favorite newsletters I receive is from parenting expert, Brenda Nixon. She gives excellent alternative ways to discipline. I usually agree with her advice, those I don’t I just laugh, because each kid is different. You have to learn what works for your kid and what doesn’t.
Have I stopped yelling? NO
Do I see myself yelling all the time? NO
I do see myself talking to them instead of yelling. I also see them doing what I ask because I’m serious about the follow up vs. threatening to follow up. Take a lesson from the father, put a little base in your voice and mean it
.
We are here to support each other, so if you find something that works, share and I’ll do the same.
To close out our fast, I asked her to be a guest blogger today. She offered me some great advice for the 2yr old and I’ve been using it.
Scream, Shout and Yell, Oh My!
by Brenda Nixon
“Brenda, my kids never listens unless I yell at them.” I frequently hear this comment in my work as a conference speaker and writer on childrearing. Parents want help and encouragement in their enormous task, and effective discipline is always at the top of their list.
Many parents say they can’t get their kids to mind unless they scream. After I listen to a parent, I sometimes ask, “Why do you think you get no response until you yell?”
“Because that’s when they know I really mean it!”
“Oh, so you don’t mean it when you say something in a normal voice?” I tease.
“Yes! Of course.”
“Then why don’t your kids mind?”
“I guess it’s because I don’t follow-through and end up yelling to make my point.”
Precisely. Since kids are born learners, they’ve learned that you don’t mean what you say until – or unless – you RAISE your VOICE! These little students have absorbed your lesson well. Unfortunately, yelling at children confuses and intimidates them and teaches many wrong lessons including
• they’re not worthy of being spoken to in civil tones
• it’s acceptable to yell at you or others
• they ignore respectful and dignified requests when people speak in normal voice
• others don’t mean what they say until they yell, and
• an acceptable form of stress relief is screaming, ranting, and raving.
“I hate being a screamer. So how do I stop it? is the next question.
”As a mom, there’ve been times I’ve yelled to get action. But I discovered that I didn’t have to scream to be effective in my discipline.” Most parents occasionally emphasize with a raised voice but, if this is your daily habit then it’s an unhealthy form of communication.
Here’s my advice; I encourage parents to take one day at a time. Screaming isn’t a pattern quickly broken. Just as you practiced yelling and saw results, you’ll have to practice not yelling.
Remember, practice makes permanent. Along with trying to speak in a normal voice, practice
• touching your child on the arm or back to get his attention
• when you have eye contact, speak in a normal – firm – tone of voice
• if your child won’t mind, use another discipline method such as consequences.
Remember, it’s your job to be a role model. How do you want to model communication in the home and to others?
A helpful article in the New York Times on not screaming at children is found at http://healthandenergy.com/screaming_at_children.htm.
If this is helpful and want a short tip each week on discipline, join others and subscribe to Brenda’s Discipline Tip by emailing subscribe@BrendaNixon.com with your email address. My Discipline Tip service is free and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Did you know there are 8 ways to get kids to mind without shouting? We recorded my live discipline “Creative Discipline” presentation onto a 1-hour CD. Now you can discover those effective 8 ways, too! This 1-hour CD is available for order at my website http://www.brendanixon.com/writer.htm.
©copyright, 2009, Brenda Nixon.
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Millions of parents are helped through Brenda Nixon’s insights and guidance at churches, schools, libraries, mom groups, childcare conferences and as a media guest expert. Her recent book The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start is available at bookstores and online.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
CFBA: Nothing But Trouble - Susan May Warren
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.
You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK
PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:1) After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that's become her life, she needs a fresh start.
2) The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister's wedding is Boone-her former flame and the reason she left town.
3) Her best friend's husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg, Minnesota, has seen in more than a decade.
What PJ doesn't know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she'll uncover much more than she bargained for-a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she's been longing for.
It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her home town, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder—who also happens to be PJ's former flame—is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend’s husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right
If you would like to read the first chapter of Nothing But Trouble, go HERE
Monday, April 27, 2009
CFBA: A Vote Of Confidence - Robin Lee Hatcher
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon
ABOUT THE BOOK
In A Vote of Confidence, the stage is set for some intriguing insight into what it was like during 1915 to be a woman in a “mans’ world.”Guinevere Arlington is a beautiful young woman determined to remain in charge of her own life, For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. After all, who says a woman can’t do a man’s job?
But stepping outside the boundaries of convention can get messy. A shady lawyer backs Gwen, believing he can control her once she’s in office. A wealthy newcomer throws his hat into the ring in an effort to overcome opposition to the health resort he’s building north of town. When the opponents fall in love, everything changes, forcing Gwen to face what she may have to lose in order to win.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Vote Of Confidence, go HERE
Friday, April 24, 2009
BLOG TOUR: Gardening Eden
GARDENING EDEN
Before the snake, the apple, and the Ten Commandments, God created a garden, placed humans in it, and told them to take care of it.
“Spiritual environmentalism” did not start out as an oxymoron—it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God’s original job description for humankind has been replaced by other worthier pursuits. So when did this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is making the world a healthier place for the next generation really a responsibility—or even possible?
Gardening Eden is a new understanding of how the spiritual dimensions of life can find expression and renewal through caring for our incredible planet. Empowering, simple, and never polemical, Michael Abbaté outlines the Bible’s clear spiritual benefits of caring for creation, exploring new motivations and inspired ideas, and revealing the power of our basic connection to all people and living things through the growing interest in spiritual environmentalism.
Green living is no longer a fad—simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Gardening Eden shows readers how this shift transforms not only our world, but their very souls as they’re drawn into deeper harmony with the Creator. This book invites them to discover the powerful spiritual satisfaction of heeding the call to save our world.
Author Bio:
A nationally recognized expert in “green” development strategies, Mike Abbaté is a founder of GreenWorks, an award-winning landscape architecture design firm. He frequently speaks to students and leaders about practical ways to minimize the impact of building and landscape design on natural resources. Abbaté’s work has been featured in national magazines such as Metropolis and Landscape Architecture and in many local newspapers and trade publications. He and his wife, Vicki, have two adult daughters and live near Portland , Oregon .
LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF GARDENING EDEN
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
CFBA: Elisha's Bones - Don Hoesel
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Don Hoesel was born and raised in Buffalo, NY but calls Spring Hill, TN home. He is a Web site designer for a Medicare carrier in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief Journal. He lives in Spring Hill with his wife and two children.
Elisha's Bones is his first novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Every year, professor of antiquities Jack Hawthorne looks forward to the winter break as a time to hide away from his responsibilities. Even if just for a week or two. But this year, his plans are derailed when he's offered almost a blank check from a man chasing a rumor. Billionaire Gordon Reese thinks he knows where the bones of the prophet Elisha are--bones that in the Old Testament brought the dead back to life. The bones of the prophet once raised the dead to life... but they vanished from history in a whisper.
Bankrolled by a dying man of unlimited means, Hawthorne's hunt spans the globe and leads him into a deadly conspiracy older than the church itself. A born skeptic, Jack doesn't think much of the assignment but he could use the money, so he takes the first step on a chase for the legendary bones that will take him to the very ends of the earth.
But he's not alone. Joined with a fiery colleague, Esperanza Habilla, they soon discover clues to a shadowy organization whose long-held secrets have been protected . . . at all costs. And he soon discovers those sworn to keep the secret of the bones will do anything to protect them. As their lives are threatened again and again, the real race is to uncover the truth before those chasing them hunt them down.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Elisha's Bones, go HERE
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CFBA: Boneman's Daughters - Ted Dekker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.
Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Obsessed, Renegade, and Chaos.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Would you kill an innocent man to save your daughter?They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who’s abducted six young women. He’s the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.
Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.
Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan’s estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.
But the FBI sees it differently. New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.
If your an avid Dekker fan, and would like wallpaper and counters for your blog, go HERE.
You can listen to an audio clip HERE
Watch the VIDEO:
If you would like to read the first chapter of Boneman's Daughters, go HERE
Monday, April 20, 2009
CFBA: Reluctant Cowgirl - Christine Lynxwiler
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chrisitine lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in her home state of Arkansas. Her greatest earthly joy is her family and, aside from doing God’s will, spending time with them is her top priority.
She recently took a break from writing romance to pen a Christmas story with a twist. Her Mom Lit novella, My True Love Gave to Me, is part of a 2 in 1 anthology from Barbour entitled All Jingled Out. It’s also included in Simply Christmas, a 4 in 1 Barbour anthology. One of my holiday highlights was seeing Simply Christmas at Sam’s Club a few weeks before Christmas.
She has written two other novellas, both romance, which are included in Barbour anthologies, City Dreams, and Prairie County Fair and a serial for the Heartsong Presents book club newsletter – The Carousel Horse. The Carousel Horse can be read in its entirety on the Heartsong website, and you can read excerpts from all of her other books on her website, HERE
In 2003, Christine was honored by being voted #2 Favorite New Author by the Heartsong Presents Book Club members!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Actress Crytal McCord gave up the closeness of her big family in order to make a name for herself on the New York City stage. But when life in the Big Apple turns sour, she follows a country road back to her parents Arkansas ranch.The last thing she expects to find in cowboy country is a new leading man. Still, she can't help but imagine handsome rancher Jeremy Buchanan in the role.
Unfortunately, Jeremy's been burned by Crystal's type before. Or has he? Every time he thinks he knows her, the multi-faceted woman surprises him. Will the reluctant pair allow their hearts to guide them, or will their common stubborn pride keep them miles apart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Reluctant Cowgirl, go HERE
Thursday, April 16, 2009
NO YELLING FAST - UPDATE
When I started on this fast, I knew it would be a challenge because I’m forever yelling. One thing I’ve learned from this is that you can stop the yelling. It won’t happen over night but you can cut down on it.
I have a bad habit of speaking before thinking. That’s the good thing about writing; you can reread your words before you send them out. When you speak without thinking, sometimes they are words you wish you never said. Yelling is like that. You say things you wish you never said.
With the older children, I’m learning to remain calm, breath, think about my words and then speak. Now I wish I could say that for the 2 year old. Every time I think I have it down, that little person, does something outrageous and I let loose.
The hubby bought powdered donuts and the little person grabbed a few to eat and then decided one would be good to use as a writing tool. He proceeds to write on my mother’s couch. By the time I find him, one pillow on the couch is covered with powdered sugar. Before I could think, the words are out, “Why are you doing that? You’re supposed to eat the donut not play with it,” of course at the top of my lungs and scaring the poor little person to death. His little face, made me realize I was yelling and hurting his little feelings. He starts to cry and I feel like the worse mom in the world.
Not yelling is hard, but I refuse to give up on the fast. I’m learning to control my yelling and I know after this fast, I will start a new habit of thinking before speaking.
I have a bad habit of speaking before thinking. That’s the good thing about writing; you can reread your words before you send them out. When you speak without thinking, sometimes they are words you wish you never said. Yelling is like that. You say things you wish you never said.
With the older children, I’m learning to remain calm, breath, think about my words and then speak. Now I wish I could say that for the 2 year old. Every time I think I have it down, that little person, does something outrageous and I let loose.
The hubby bought powdered donuts and the little person grabbed a few to eat and then decided one would be good to use as a writing tool. He proceeds to write on my mother’s couch. By the time I find him, one pillow on the couch is covered with powdered sugar. Before I could think, the words are out, “Why are you doing that? You’re supposed to eat the donut not play with it,” of course at the top of my lungs and scaring the poor little person to death. His little face, made me realize I was yelling and hurting his little feelings. He starts to cry and I feel like the worse mom in the world.
Not yelling is hard, but I refuse to give up on the fast. I’m learning to control my yelling and I know after this fast, I will start a new habit of thinking before speaking.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CFBA: The Secret - Beverly Lewis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Not until her own children were well into middle school did Bev seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular CUL-DE-SAC KIDS series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books). Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."
Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Bev's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."
A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and playing with their three grandchildren. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the seemingly ordinary Amish home of Grace Byler, secrets abound. Why does her mother weep in the night? Why does her father refuse to admit something is dreadfully wrong? Then, in one startling moment, everything Grace assumed she knew is shattered. Her mother's disappearance leaves Grace reeling and unable to keep her betrothal promise to her long-time beau. Left to pick up the pieces of her life, Grace questions all she has been taught about love, family, and commitment.
Heather Nelson is an English grad student, stunned by a doctor's diagnosis. Surely fate would not allow her father to lose his only daughter after the death of his wife a few years before. In denial and telling no one she is terminally ill, Heather travels to Lancaster County-- the last place she and her mother had visited together.
Will Heather find healing for body and spirit? As the lives of four wounded souls begin to weave together like an Amish patchwork quilt, they each discover missing pieces of their life puzzles--and glimpse the merciful and loving hand of God.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Secret, go HERE
Monday, April 13, 2009
CFBA BLOG TOUR: Comes A Horseman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. Readers of his action-thrillers were not surprised when his visual storytelling style caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers released in January, and number four, Timescape, comes out in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”
He is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects a bit of the supernatural into his gun-blazing stories. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on the critically acclaimed short story he contributed to James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.
ABOUT THE BOOK
John Hutchinson thinks it's no coincidence that Brendan Page runs this modern Praetorian Guard, and that the billionaire military industrialist must have had something to do with the atrocities his son Declan committed in Canada. The Canadian and U.S. Justice departments disagree, but Hutch has been digging for dirt ever since.Brendan Page has some dirty not-so-little secrets. he's built an empire on supplying futuristic weapons and highly trained soldiers to the world's most powerful armies. But he's saved his most destructive weapons for himself.
When Hutch discovers the secret of Page's success, Page decides to teach him a lesson. But the operation goes terribly wrong, and Hutch's son is kidnapped. While a lone man stands little chance against the best black op soldiers ever issued M-16s, Hutch manages to survive longer than Page anticipated. As far as Hutch is concerned, high-tech helmets, machine guns, and hand grenades are nothing compared to a man determined to save his son. It's a lesson he sets out to teach Page-and one that he can only hope works as well in the real world as it does in his heart.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Deadlock, go HERE
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Clutter-Free Christianity Blog Tour
Clutter-Free Christianity by Dr. Robert Jeffress
Summary
When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.
Cover art:
Author Bio:
Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.
Summary
When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.
Cover art:
Author Bio:
Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Experience the Treasure Blog Tour
Experiencing the Spirit:
Serve God as never before
The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?
God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.
Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.
Dr. Henry Blackaby has devoted his life to the ministry. A multi-faceted talent, he has served as a music director, senior pastor, college president, missionary, and later as an executive in Southern Baptist Convention. Blackaby is the author of more than a dozen books with more than one million copies sold, including the best-selling Experiencing God. As the President of Blackaby Ministries, he is a vibrant speaker and the father of Dr. Melvin Blackaby. Melvin serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro in Georgia , where he lives with his wife, Gina, and their three children.
The Treasure Principle
Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!
Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM). Prior to 1990, when he started EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah Bible College and Western Seminary in Portland , Oregon . Randy is the best-selling author of twenty-seven books (over three million in print), including the novels Deadline, Dominion, and Deception as well as Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home, and Wait Until Then.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Newsletters
I love newsletters. I think a lot writers don’t put out a newsletter because they don’t think anyone will read them, but I know there are readers who enjoy them.
Here are a few I like:
Brenda's Discipline Tip - subscribe@BrendaNixon.com
Brenda Nixon give great tips on discipline your children
Writer’s Weekly - http://www.writersweekly.com
Good articles about writing
Funds for Writers - http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Want a grant for writing? This newsletter is the place to find them.
Dara Girard’s Newsletter - http://www.daragirard.com/newsletter.php
She tells you about her books and shares her wisdom about writing.
Advance Writing Ezine – http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com
Randy offers a wealth of knowledge in his newsletters, from writing to marketimg.
Life Untapped – Stacy Hawkins Adams’s Newsletter - http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/
Stacy interviews some the hottest Christian authors and shares about writing
Writers in the Sky - http://writersinthesky.blogspot.com
This is my newest newsletter and it looks like I’m going to enjoy it t0o.
I have a few more but I’ll save those for another post. Check them out and let me know what you think.
I find that if you have a theme and stick to it, you'll build your readership. What do you have to share? Write about it you can have newsletter readers too.
Here are a few I like:
Brenda's Discipline Tip - subscribe@BrendaNixon.com
Brenda Nixon give great tips on discipline your children
Writer’s Weekly - http://www.writersweekly.com
Good articles about writing
Funds for Writers - http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Want a grant for writing? This newsletter is the place to find them.
Dara Girard’s Newsletter - http://www.daragirard.com/newsletter.php
She tells you about her books and shares her wisdom about writing.
Advance Writing Ezine – http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com
Randy offers a wealth of knowledge in his newsletters, from writing to marketimg.
Life Untapped – Stacy Hawkins Adams’s Newsletter - http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/
Stacy interviews some the hottest Christian authors and shares about writing
Writers in the Sky - http://writersinthesky.blogspot.com
This is my newest newsletter and it looks like I’m going to enjoy it t0o.
I have a few more but I’ll save those for another post. Check them out and let me know what you think.
I find that if you have a theme and stick to it, you'll build your readership. What do you have to share? Write about it you can have newsletter readers too.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
CFBA: Chasing Charity - Marcia Gruver
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marcia Gruver is a full time writer who hails from Southeast Texas. Inordinately enamored by the past, Marcia delights in writing historical fiction. Her deep south-central roots lend a Southern-comfortable style and a touch of humor to her writing.Awarded a three book contract by Barbour Publishing for full-length historical fiction, Marcia is busy these days pounding on the keyboard and watching the deadline clock. Diamond Duo, the first installment in the trilogy entitled Texas Fortunes, is scheduled for release in October 2008.
Marcia won third place in the 2007 ACFW Genesis contest and third in the 2004 ACFW Noble Theme contest. Another entry in 2004 finished in the top ten. She placed second in the 2002 Colorado Christian Writer’s contest for new authors, securing a spot in an upcoming compilation book. “I Will Never Leave Thee,” in For Better, For Worse—Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples, was released by Christian Publications in January 2004.
She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Fellowship of Christian Writers, and The Writers View—and a longstanding member of ACFW Crit3 and Seared Hearts, her brilliant and insightful critique groups.
Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter—so far.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When, in full view of family and friends, Charity Bloom's fiance leaves her stranded at the altar and takes off with her best friend, Charity is humiliated. How will this raven-haired beauty ever recover from losing both her betrothed and best friend on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life?
When tall, handsome roughneck Buddy Pierce finds oil on Charity's mama's land, he hopes to free the Blooms from their poverty-stricken state. But will Buddy find the real treasure lies above ground-in Charity herself?
Ruing the day he left his fiancee for Emily Dane, Daniel Clark is determined to recapture Charity's affection. But can he remove the three things that stand in his way-a manipulative mama, a spurned lover, and the stranger at his ex-fiancee's side?
When Daniel re-stakes his claim on Charity's heart, tongues wag and minds speculate amid schemes and scandals in Humble, Texas. Whom will she choose-the handsome roughneck or the deceitful rouge?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing Charity, go HERE
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
NO YELLING: Update
In my defense, I have a two year old who is trying to drive us crazy. These last few days have been rough. The first time I lost it, was when the little one decides to take his juice he just begged for and poured it in the middle of the floor. Later on he decided to beat up the T.V. He refuses to go to sleep, so I lost my cool again.
The next day I made it through the morning, but the two year old was on again. So the last few days, I’ve been biting the tongue with the older kids and losing my mind with the youngest.
I know it’s because of a bad habit that I’m finding it hard to stop the yelling. I believe in my head that if I yell it will get to him, but he laughs at me and I know the yelling isn’t working. There is no reasoning with a 2 year old. They are insane. LOL
I ask for your prayers because this is day seven and I have a ways to go. LOL I sound like I need a drink.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
The next day I made it through the morning, but the two year old was on again. So the last few days, I’ve been biting the tongue with the older kids and losing my mind with the youngest.
I know it’s because of a bad habit that I’m finding it hard to stop the yelling. I believe in my head that if I yell it will get to him, but he laughs at me and I know the yelling isn’t working. There is no reasoning with a 2 year old. They are insane. LOL
I ask for your prayers because this is day seven and I have a ways to go. LOL I sound like I need a drink.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, April 06, 2009
My Son, John - Kathi Macias
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Murder.Could there be a more chilling word?
Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive?
When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.
And then a second blow-more devastating, if possible, than the first-rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Will family ties and relationships withstand such a crushing blow, or will evil succeed in dividing and conquering this once close and inseparable family?
Watch the chilling trailer!!
If you would like to read the first chapter of My Son, John, go HERE
Friday, April 03, 2009
This Week Online
A few links to interesting articles or interviews:
Jill Scott Talks ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’
A Forever Treasure
http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/2009/03/forever-treasure.html
Jill Scott Talks ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’
A Forever Treasure
http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/2009/03/forever-treasure.html
Thursday, April 02, 2009
NO YELLING - Day 1
I survived my first day and no yelling. Believe me it wasn’t easy. The morning went well. The kids didn’t aggravate me, everyone was in a good mood, which made the morning flow perfect. My worse yelling times is after I pick the kids up from school. We stopped at the grocery store, the one place I’m known for yelling. We picked up dinner and went home with no yelling, even when my middle son wanted to whine because I wouldn’t buy him candy.
At home I did a lot of deep breathing instead of letting my tongue loose. I also called on Jesus a few times because I was seriously ready to let it loose. I was able to make it to bed without one mean word coming from my lips.
The biggest test came at 4:30 this morning when the youngest decided it was morning time and he need some milk because he was thirsty. I refuse to move and I stayed calm instead of letting the temper flare.
Both kids yelled a few times last night. They kept wanting to know what they would win if they make it through the month. I told them they win, learning how to be nice to people instead of mean.
I have a feeling this is going to be a rough month.
At home I did a lot of deep breathing instead of letting my tongue loose. I also called on Jesus a few times because I was seriously ready to let it loose. I was able to make it to bed without one mean word coming from my lips.
The biggest test came at 4:30 this morning when the youngest decided it was morning time and he need some milk because he was thirsty. I refuse to move and I stayed calm instead of letting the temper flare.
Both kids yelled a few times last night. They kept wanting to know what they would win if they make it through the month. I told them they win, learning how to be nice to people instead of mean.
I have a feeling this is going to be a rough month.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
NO YELLING
For the month of April I’m fasting from yelling.
It seems like the only way I know how to talk to my kids is yelling. After I do it, I feel horrible. Why did I just say that?
I told my kids I would like them to join me because the 2yr old is yelling now and that’s not right.
Do you yell at your kids? Join us in our fast.
Let’s become moms who don’t yell.Yes it will be hard, but if we support each other will get though April and the rest of the of the year.
It seems like the only way I know how to talk to my kids is yelling. After I do it, I feel horrible. Why did I just say that?
I told my kids I would like them to join me because the 2yr old is yelling now and that’s not right.
Do you yell at your kids? Join us in our fast.
Let’s become moms who don’t yell.Yes it will be hard, but if we support each other will get though April and the rest of the of the year.
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