tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460176195545561502024-02-07T14:00:58.434-08:00Let Us Bear FruitYe have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…John 15:16aLinda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-51518158050065286792011-07-01T21:39:00.000-07:002011-07-03T10:15:58.689-07:00Hot Fun In the Summer TimeHello All!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Summer has arrived and time to gather an armload of printed friends and finding a cozy place to cuddle up with them is at hand. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below is a list of recently and soon to be released works to consider for your summer reading enjoyment. Take a look. Perhaps pick one or two or three. Whatever you decide—I wish you a happy season of reading.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Linda!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><u><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Again-Stories-Restored-Relationships/dp/0979045819/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1309577809&sr=8-7">Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships</a></strong></u></em> – Anthology / November 2010 </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Wanda B. Campbell, Linda F. Beed, Bernard Boulton, Tavares Carney, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., Shenette Jones, Tyora Moody, Dijorn Moss, Trinea Moss </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlz-1y2pLHsbPstrH1by-l1dGhZzLKxFiOyZdwNJkg_kSRAitw-9Y2Cl26J8gE-PERR07SX6JXDb7OPaZeBPKwRFxQQ1y08P40NqqOLfAcA4mSHuC1xNW8Bqupgc66YRY5v2Ut9nTJPA/s1600/Home+Again+Cover.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlz-1y2pLHsbPstrH1by-l1dGhZzLKxFiOyZdwNJkg_kSRAitw-9Y2Cl26J8gE-PERR07SX6JXDb7OPaZeBPKwRFxQQ1y08P40NqqOLfAcA4mSHuC1xNW8Bqupgc66YRY5v2Ut9nTJPA/s200/Home+Again+Cover.bmp" width="128" /></a>Home Again is a compelling journey into the relationships that matter most: family, friends and self. Each story is founded on natural love, but will require the Father s love to heal the brokenness. Travel with husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, friends and families as they maneuver through life's hurts and betrayals while leaning on a power greater than themselves. </div><br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Retreat-Dijorn-Moss/dp/1601628838/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309577930&sr=1-2">The Retreat</a></em></strong> – Dijorn Moss / December 2010 <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">For those who have ever wondered what goes on at a men's retreat, The Retreat is an in-depth look into the lives of four men who have looked for answers in all the wrong places . . . until now. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1bxOqbE7K59VLBPnyaZkGQfo1tjj913VCyN3YG7H9VAR1yraIk1Z5H3DcASVf7maBNsezfn827QlDGetp7rUWceP8ign2asBOJkY9igy1Czo7dwH_rJmPHmrfJTPaIPLEyTlLBbF_U0/s1600/The+Retreat.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1bxOqbE7K59VLBPnyaZkGQfo1tjj913VCyN3YG7H9VAR1yraIk1Z5H3DcASVf7maBNsezfn827QlDGetp7rUWceP8ign2asBOJkY9igy1Czo7dwH_rJmPHmrfJTPaIPLEyTlLBbF_U0/s200/The+Retreat.bmp" width="131" /></a>Quincy is in the final stages of his divorce, but he still wants to know which church member had an affair with his wife. Jamal is on the verge of the promotion of a lifetime, but unresolved issues with his son, Jamir, threaten everything. Chauncey is a man who will go to great lengths for his church, but not for his terminally ill brother. Will is a young hustler who has been given a rare opportunity to make a choice that will change his life forever. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">These four men are all at a crossroads in their lives. Will they lay their burdens down at the cross, or will they choose paths that will cause more harm than good? It will all be revealed at the men's retreat, where they learn that they need God and his wisdom more than ever.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snitch-Novel-Booker-T-Mattison/dp/0800733967/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309577992&sr=1-1">Snitch</a></u></em></strong> – Booker T. Mattison / May 2011 </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Jersey City the code of the streets is simple. No matter what, you don't talk to the cops. You don't snitch. But when young bus driver Andre Bolden witnesses a murder on his route, the code gets personal and every decision leads him deeper into worlds that he never intended to enter. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0GCiLVimUD09IbeKqf1Nz2C7sivRnl8uoByn882WTG79WWr1Nc5P1vKt6wITQufaknWzVFOwrJRu-bAnbxh4RgO96hpgYzZGkvLS5zuO91S12Cvoy6Ee-TO5A_G06069lOd42LQvgGg/s1600/Snitch.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0GCiLVimUD09IbeKqf1Nz2C7sivRnl8uoByn882WTG79WWr1Nc5P1vKt6wITQufaknWzVFOwrJRu-bAnbxh4RgO96hpgYzZGkvLS5zuO91S12Cvoy6Ee-TO5A_G06069lOd42LQvgGg/s200/Snitch.bmp" width="129" /></a>In this rich story that ratchets up the tension and suspense at every turn, the reality of life on the street is infused with spiritual truth. Gifted storyteller Booker T. Mattison's realistic tale of revenge and redemption offers hope about the strength of community against violence and intimidation.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trinitys-Hope-Book-Carondolette-Family/dp/0978789946/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309578032&sr=1-1">Trinity’s Hope</a></u></em></strong> – Melissa Ewell Miller </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPTstX4h3UJPokpt1WeoQcT-PGXobN2f7ob4yhHqndKhX-YGB46H8lfjF6waNN8xeGmjbOm9zNp6aegbFkIaVl3BQRcU0BaArm9pKBgv0psZcLprQFxHhKJC3Aits8TTCMR3NCHzu1zg/s1600/Trinitys+Hope.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPTstX4h3UJPokpt1WeoQcT-PGXobN2f7ob4yhHqndKhX-YGB46H8lfjF6waNN8xeGmjbOm9zNp6aegbFkIaVl3BQRcU0BaArm9pKBgv0psZcLprQFxHhKJC3Aits8TTCMR3NCHzu1zg/s200/Trinitys+Hope.bmp" width="135" /></a>Trinity Hope Carondolette, the youngest child in a family of prominent professionals and passionate believers, is anything but a typical teenager. Once on a college campus and no longer under the shadow of her parents' faith, she struggles to find her place and a way to sustain her personal relationship with God. While surrounded by ravenous guys and desperate females, Trinity experiences the wonder of a first love. Committed to keeping her virtues intact, she struggles with resisting temptations that could lead to broken vows and devastating consequences. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0DsJESdyjtuIUCSTr2EVrhJvmVUKp62hw-nl0G5l47eOiA6rG6Bk8sc06odqo26tHhOLTmoLzYbxX9wIFmzzS2Af8fgRQi-q0KemtAfJ46SdVZAowdbCHiS_pzDU485HpIEqk4vQHgU/s1600/Quiet+Is+As+Kept.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0DsJESdyjtuIUCSTr2EVrhJvmVUKp62hw-nl0G5l47eOiA6rG6Bk8sc06odqo26tHhOLTmoLzYbxX9wIFmzzS2Af8fgRQi-q0KemtAfJ46SdVZAowdbCHiS_pzDU485HpIEqk4vQHgU/s200/Quiet+Is+As+Kept.bmp" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Its-Kept-Monique-Miller/dp/1601627920/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309578072&sr=1-1">Quiet As It's Kept</a></u></em></strong> – Monique Miller <br />
Will Tracy is a good, God-fearing man who had a shaky childhood as he watched his father abuse his mother. But now he’s grown and feeling confident and secure that he has finally met the woman he’s been praying God would send him to be able feel the security he’s always craved. Morgan is beautiful and appears to be the perfect Christian woman. But once Will pledges his life to her, he nearly loses his.... After a series of strange, inexplicable “accidents” plague him, he starts to wonder if the woman he married is all that she outwardly appears to be—or if he’s indeed sleeping with the enemy. He continues to honor the vows he made to God and to Morgan. But is this wife of his really a gift from God? Or is she the devil in disguise? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">COMING SOON</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Lining-Wanda-B-Campbell/dp/1601627963/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309578138&sr=1-3">Silver Lining</a></u></em></strong> – Wanda B. Campbell / July 26, 2011 <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcatRh7TR3V61Qh_wLu6IzWSrhyYUb4kbxNAGBpcfcSVGO3Brfcl-IkyOgf-qKY6T9pyQflsUa1HEDMxeFEt97V5qrrfZS0on0X6NMfE5ZlrGR8WUft800NERVk-D3n0Wu-O_AbczaBqw/s1600/Silver+Lining.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcatRh7TR3V61Qh_wLu6IzWSrhyYUb4kbxNAGBpcfcSVGO3Brfcl-IkyOgf-qKY6T9pyQflsUa1HEDMxeFEt97V5qrrfZS0on0X6NMfE5ZlrGR8WUft800NERVk-D3n0Wu-O_AbczaBqw/s200/Silver+Lining.bmp" width="131" /></a>After exchanging vows with a prominent physician, Marlissa Scott-Jennings is prepared to enjoy the life most women dream about, but only a few achieve until demons from her past resurface with a vengeance. Overnight, the perfect life she'd hoped for crumbles and leaves her finding comfort in alcohol. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Leon Scott had it all: a loving wife, children and a thriving business until tragedy strikes and he trades it all in for a bottle in a brown paper bag. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">After too much to drink leads to a night in a motel room, Marlissa's and Leon's world collide, resulting in friendship and sobriety. On their journey from addiction, the two friends face their toughest task: repairing their broken marriages. Although their spouses may not prove to be as forgiving as the Lord, Marlissa and Leon continue to press forward, despite the obstacles, believing that after every storm there is always a Silver Lining. </div><br />
<strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Waters-Vanessa-Davis-Griggs/dp/075825962X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309578175&sr=1-1">Redeeming Waters</a></u></em></strong> – Vanessa Davis Griggs / August 2011 <br />
Must a young woman choose between her commitmen to her marriage…and to God? <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT2STlRZ9Fc8dQmOacbeGvGZVi6R11Ud8cLiVScyhXGfi8YFpP799Rk2QIIFi_JW_sqc5qF-C0sfRgp13WEEKBFwyJmBiA7LZEeZ2yIjMnWicRqQrYsxFxQhG6SRssbIHA3UerF4ik6o/s1600/Redeeming+Waters.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT2STlRZ9Fc8dQmOacbeGvGZVi6R11Ud8cLiVScyhXGfi8YFpP799Rk2QIIFi_JW_sqc5qF-C0sfRgp13WEEKBFwyJmBiA7LZEeZ2yIjMnWicRqQrYsxFxQhG6SRssbIHA3UerF4ik6o/s1600/Redeeming+Waters.bmp" /></a>Brianna was ten years old when she first met twenty-five year old David R. Shepherd, a devout and gifted gospel recording artist who would ultimately become world renowned megastar, King David. He left an impression on Brianna she would never forget. And they were destined to meet again… </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Brianna's best friend, Alana Norwood, hasn't had the best encounters with men, but she's always been a good friend to Brianna, no matter what situation the two may find themselves in. But despite their bond, the next time Brianna encounters King, she's a lonely young wife seeking solace in religious studies. While Alana's quest for fame has her living a life that seems to be going nowhere fast, King's companionship offers Brianna the deep emotional connection she longs for. But when both a tragedy and a blessing enters Brianna's life, she finds herself wrestling with questions of faith, fidelity, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God…like never before. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Nat-Turner-Part-Witnesses/dp/141657803X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309578218&sr=1-1">The Resurrection of Nat Turner/Part One: The Witnesses</a></u></em></strong> – Sharon Ewell Foster / August 2011 <br />
The truth has been buried more than one hundred years . . . <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKR-_Nc9FlbmvNMP0G1rKoBdz38ZEOXGVBA7F-F9rFwIdMUMJMJ-65P346UJG47TyKTNJn5O1I4vO9fgJVngafw7s59yubZuvzP2esinLq2EM1n3h82EGyELyDZp8Upz_KKvgKoXa4wc/s1600/Resurrection+of+Nat+Turner.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKR-_Nc9FlbmvNMP0G1rKoBdz38ZEOXGVBA7F-F9rFwIdMUMJMJ-65P346UJG47TyKTNJn5O1I4vO9fgJVngafw7s59yubZuvzP2esinLq2EM1n3h82EGyELyDZp8Upz_KKvgKoXa4wc/s200/Resurrection+of+Nat+Turner.bmp" width="200" /></a>Leading a small army of slaves, Nat Turner was a man born with a mission: to set the captives free. When words failed, he ignited an uprising that left over fifty whites dead. In the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, Nat Turner stormed into history with a Bible in one hand, brandishing a sword in the other. His rebellion shined a national spotlight on slavery and the state of Virginia and divided a nation’s trust. Turner himself became a lightning rod for abolitionists like Harriet Beecher Stowe and a terror and secret shame for slave owners. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 1: The Witnesses, Nat Turner’s story is revealed through the eyes and minds of slaves and masters, friends and foes. In their words is the truth of the mystery and conspiracy of Nat Turner’s life, death, and confession. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Resurrection of Nat Turner spans more than sixty years, sweeping from the majestic highlands of Ethiopia to the towns of Cross Keys and Jerusalem in Southampton County. Using extensive research, Sharon Ewell Foster breaks hallowed ground in this epic novel, revealing long-buried secrets about this tragic hero. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Patricia-Haley/dp/1416580646/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309712775&sr=8-1">Broken</a> -- Patricia Haley / August 2011</u></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hgGsIhGf-Hwsl8YdBYEIW-EM42dNce1_20Yktpd2Dp3hMfylrM_Gwe75X29LmIN_IFQ8qs9I8P-Xwg2KcE1jrK4oaxT7jqqrQuD9ekfXh8ZBCxV_Dcmq3UP1Mh1VkhuNfESLJNOZmIQ/s1600/Broken.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hgGsIhGf-Hwsl8YdBYEIW-EM42dNce1_20Yktpd2Dp3hMfylrM_Gwe75X29LmIN_IFQ8qs9I8P-Xwg2KcE1jrK4oaxT7jqqrQuD9ekfXh8ZBCxV_Dcmq3UP1Mh1VkhuNfESLJNOZmIQ/s200/Broken.bmp" width="200" /></a>Don Mitchell is certain the Lord has a plan for him to reconcile his family, when his younger half brother, Joel, suddenly resigns as CEO of their father’s company. The gesture comes after Joel has nearly sent the enterprise into bankruptcy. Don’s first order of business as newly appointed head of DMI is to bring his estranged older sister home. It isn’t easy. Tamara has been running from the past for years. But once she is home, she plans to claim her rightful place in the multimillion-dollar family ministry—no matter what it takes or who gets hurt. Joel, meanwhile, is regretting his decision to step down and is doing everything in his power to resume his path to greatness. As Don finds himself waist-deep in the corporate mess Joel left behind, his love life is also in flux. He must balance a complicated friendship with Abigail, his right-hand woman at DMI, with a budding romance involving his beautiful business partner in South Africa. Just as Don begins to realize that forgiving and forgetting may be his greatest weapon, a terrifying ordeal rocks the family to its core, and they must turn to God and to one another for the answers. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-24977117762265305932011-06-15T22:54:00.000-07:002011-06-15T22:54:42.414-07:00Beyond the Surface<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR40nd7AzmWAx2TQHNpUaPGHjOVMjtFKalaL7OSm7GMeSHzSOkMGW3Tqae6ul2G2UvuNKS7hs4X3j_wwEh_4Kp7lcP0h9S-UUysI2nnnKCgdZaOQHihrblTtAC6h-vIRKrPTLtyRlGYbE/s1600/Trinitys+Hope.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR40nd7AzmWAx2TQHNpUaPGHjOVMjtFKalaL7OSm7GMeSHzSOkMGW3Tqae6ul2G2UvuNKS7hs4X3j_wwEh_4Kp7lcP0h9S-UUysI2nnnKCgdZaOQHihrblTtAC6h-vIRKrPTLtyRlGYbE/s200/Trinitys+Hope.bmp" width="135" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>here comes a time when courage to stand out in the crowd has everything to do with caring for others. Author Melissa Miller has certainly shown her caring for the next generation with the content of her debut novel, Trinity's Hope. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>ather than disappearing into a sea of virtually identical works, Ms. Miller's spot-on story can be described in a word--memorable. The story of the Carondolette's is touching, insightful and engaging. Their value system is the foundation that they stand upon in a time where doing `your thang' has become society's mantra. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGziaCDG5V38uLE2d606zGydOKjfIv4hd9AgvomMcdt8_rUXDZD2aRR-Ed_yIXF-a_t7EQSIXMGkIMHvGmAfLxbyhbuGutfEamI7CjtGBMAkt4aY6YloiCSPUrAjg7SRkt3_J6K4t_Fw/s1600/Melissa+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGziaCDG5V38uLE2d606zGydOKjfIv4hd9AgvomMcdt8_rUXDZD2aRR-Ed_yIXF-a_t7EQSIXMGkIMHvGmAfLxbyhbuGutfEamI7CjtGBMAkt4aY6YloiCSPUrAjg7SRkt3_J6K4t_Fw/s200/Melissa+2.bmp" width="170" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>eyond choices to be made within a budding relationship, the story invites the reader into a world where consequences of choice is weighed not only for self, but for others. It also opens eyes to how to love (family and others) with vulnerability and without compromise. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>lthough most will recommend this as a teen read, Trinity's Hope is a valuable read for all ages. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book provided courtesy of publisher.</span> </strong></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-56946809653770687342011-05-02T00:15:00.000-07:002011-05-02T00:23:35.363-07:00Be Careful What You See and Say!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snitch-Novel-Booker-T-Mattison/dp/0800733967/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1304313381&sr=8-3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zdWW3K4URRoGXZnfzMbRqq4wJEItYNt4Vk2XEnYTmnBO38ub-cqHDDwGr9y6WyURwiK2PTz-QK1YfMWR04Tq4DFfcmWkSTDitTz5OcOPtIBaLk-kFCmdp7CqzQ8v_K-BR6JTFOK2mHY/s320/Snitch.bmp" width="207" /></a><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Snitch</em></strong></span> by Booker T. Mattison sheds light on the harsh realities of life. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">It is the story of Andre Bolden, a young man whose life is turned upside down by errors in judgment and the price that the code of the streets says he must pay. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In his quest to regain control of his life Andre will be pulled in many directions. His chosen avenues to travel for answers, some may consider extreme. To Andre they become the tools that will help unearth deeply buried emotions. Unbeknownst to him his chosen path is also leading him toward discovering purpose.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://www.bookertmattison.com/"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>Author Mattison</strong></span></a></em> goes beyond the expected story to shed light on issues of suicide, mental health, the offshoots of family dysfunction and religion. With amazing skill Booker creates a supporting cast who as important to this story as the protagonist. They are because it is through Andre’s reaction to and interaction with them that aids the reader in understanding who he is. Snitch is both intellectual and street-wise. It is also a work that readers from a wide-range of backgrounds can appreciate.</div><br />
<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Conversation with the Author</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It’s always my pleasure to curl up with a good book. It’s a greater pleasure when the opportunity to converse with the author to that good book, arises. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To be honest an interview with Booker Mattison is more like a quiet conversation with a friend. His humility and passion for his work is beyond inspiring. Most important, a conversation with Booker Mattison is an opportunity to share a bit of this stimulating writer with you. Please enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">LUBF:</span></strong> How did Snitch come about?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>BTM: </strong></span><span style="color: white;">"My first thoughts for a second book did not sit well with my agent. What is now Snitch was a part of another work that came to the forefront." </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><strong>LUBF:</strong></span> The code of the street in terms of snitching is a timeless one. My question becomes, why this story and why now?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>BTM:</strong></span> "We’re facing a silent crisis that’s not getting enough attention. Other countries are prime examples of what lawlessness left to run amuck – what it does to lives. Add to that the blue wall of silence has entrenched the same code as that of the streets yet they expect citizens to do what they won’t." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: orange;">LUBF:</span></strong> Do you feel that the scenarios inside of Snitch can be equated with the growing by bullying issue? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>BTM:</strong></span> "Totally different issues, but in practice we know that snitching involves intimidation, therefore, to a degree they can be linked, but not convinced that these two issues are related."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">LUBF:</span></strong> Andre, like many is a man of above average intellect, why is he settling for less in life? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">BTM:</span></strong> "He has come to identify himself intrinsically with his failings. He believes himself to be unlovable. Because he does he takes responsibility for the things he wasn’t responsible for."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><strong>LUBF:</strong></span> On the other side of this literary coin we have Sandra who seems to have it all. What do you feel allowed her to get off track and join the ranks of the struggling? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">BTM:</span></strong> "Sandra reminds me of young women raised in strong families, they are covered and protected, but in a sense it makes them more vulnerable to men like Andre. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtPa9ZEiNMnbSj8S3kxTnjNXrIa5ub_q55iY7lFdebxhDzhGP4nqZpS7OP6i1k-akAHUpt4clB7055b860X4nRT3I7BIScMMLyYAggzHh69qweRahIqZ6I4BndcaRDoiVr_6hwD7yXDg/s1600/Booker+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtPa9ZEiNMnbSj8S3kxTnjNXrIa5ub_q55iY7lFdebxhDzhGP4nqZpS7OP6i1k-akAHUpt4clB7055b860X4nRT3I7BIScMMLyYAggzHh69qweRahIqZ6I4BndcaRDoiVr_6hwD7yXDg/s200/Booker+3.bmp" width="200" /></a><strong><span style="color: orange;">LUBF</span><span style="color: orange;">: </span></strong>So do you believe that in giving her so much o one thing, her parents may have unintentionally set her up for failure:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">BTM:</span></strong> "Sandra's parents giving what they did cannot be used as a reason for her inability to make sound decisions. What has become common in Western culture is childen going out to discover the world--it leaves them open to whatever. Statistics show that 98% of people who marry are not virgins; this includes those in the church." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">LUBF:</span></strong> It is said that a writer can reveal the nature of the protagonist through supporting characters. Was the entire supporting cast pre-planned or did some just fall into place? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>BTM:</strong></span> "In my works I want to show what is in my background, strong AA males. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">LUBF:</span></strong> What do you want people to take away from Snitch – </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>BTM:</strong></span> When on tour with Unsigned Hype I visited many schools and libraries. When I asked attendees what they thought about snitches & snitching – the universal thought was that it’s a bad thing. I then asked if they would tell if the crime was committed against them or they family. The moment they personalized it, things changed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span style="color: orange;"><strong>LUBF:</strong></span> In terms of your writing, what is it to you?<br />
<strong><span style="color: orange;">BTM:</span></strong> "I consier my writing my daily bread. I write as the Lord gives." <br />
<br />
<br />
Booker makes it very clear that he didn’t write Snitch to force others into telling. It was written in order to:<br />
<ul><li>Fairly present both sides of the issue </li>
<li>To allow reader to personalize it in order to make decisions</li>
<li>For communities to come together for discussion</li>
<li>Hopefully open dialogue across the nation. </li>
</ul>I hope you have enjoyed this interview as much as I did. To learn more about Booker and his works you can visit him on the web at: <a href="http://www.bookertmattison.com/"><em>www.bookertmattison.com</em></a> Click <strong><a href="http://vimeo.com/23012447"><span style="color: orange;">HERE</span></a></strong> to view video trailer.Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-85037372982537621842011-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:002011-05-01T00:01:02.077-07:00Getting Your Joy Back<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YOMvxZ6-_LnwU9o-c0Zwy8p1lMZvLOOHbpKGijkkQgSuIgqYQDNYTbWjPwqVM5ZTxr98fX4bfjzHvvrg91hgZeKyDrU_PhEKSyAR8CjKolDwUPrY2Ecd-SemwfEq_7x92neRJ6g_Edw/s1600/Set+Free+to+Live+Free.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YOMvxZ6-_LnwU9o-c0Zwy8p1lMZvLOOHbpKGijkkQgSuIgqYQDNYTbWjPwqVM5ZTxr98fX4bfjzHvvrg91hgZeKyDrU_PhEKSyAR8CjKolDwUPrY2Ecd-SemwfEq_7x92neRJ6g_Edw/s200/Set+Free+to+Live+Free.bmp" width="128" /></a>In <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Set-Free-Live-Breaking-Themselves/dp/080071993X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304051271&sr=8-1"><span style="color: orange;">Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves,</span></a></em> Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith speaks to the mental blocks that separate most from living a joy-filled life. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Within these pages many will see portions of their friends, their mothers and, if they’re honest—themselves. They will because at some point in an individual’s life they struggle, if even in a minute way) with: 1)Being controlling; 2) Run away emotions; 3) Insecurity and a host of other foibles that hampers mental wellness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCki6loAvJ6PGLZ37Jz2ZGU6AUUPunj_IjtVOrf90SiWcRBS4LRjBxGy5RZ9qbwu3MtldqDO-sCi_Eka2-G2jcdcatsqdB_kpzJvGa0dTrSs53qJWRuiztNxOkdJweLaPcj6OgEH29Ao/s1600/Dr.+Saundra+Dalton-Smith.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCki6loAvJ6PGLZ37Jz2ZGU6AUUPunj_IjtVOrf90SiWcRBS4LRjBxGy5RZ9qbwu3MtldqDO-sCi_Eka2-G2jcdcatsqdB_kpzJvGa0dTrSs53qJWRuiztNxOkdJweLaPcj6OgEH29Ao/s200/Dr.+Saundra+Dalton-Smith.bmp" width="150" /></a>Through the inclusion of short stories and words of inspiration the author encourages the readers to break the cycle of complacency. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This work is a good tool to use for personal self-examination or in small or large discussion groups. The author also provides the reader with an eight week Bible study.</div><br />
To learn more about Dr. Dalton-Smith visit her at: <a href="http://www.drdaltonsmith.com/index.aspx"><span style="color: orange;">http://www.drdaltonsmith.com/index.aspx</span></a><span style="color: orange;"> </span>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-32250423960269415742011-04-28T23:03:00.000-07:002011-04-28T23:05:26.599-07:00CHARACTER IS EVERYTHING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6GrUPMnepUZc8kQdVVU6WZ-1n11fnxeJE0QXH-yuZjbTB1JmRzmQI1rP0hmdfOUUfFD_tAfJjx9EMLQP3eT9WZlyehgK_eFKBRNWqAvcOsTUwRaav6htfZY_lH6Fm51rEyGJAJwEJvs/s1600/Cast.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6GrUPMnepUZc8kQdVVU6WZ-1n11fnxeJE0QXH-yuZjbTB1JmRzmQI1rP0hmdfOUUfFD_tAfJjx9EMLQP3eT9WZlyehgK_eFKBRNWqAvcOsTUwRaav6htfZY_lH6Fm51rEyGJAJwEJvs/s400/Cast.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Readers need a reason to invest in your story. That investment usually comes in the form of a connection to one or more of your characters. It’s the author’s job to create and maintain the personality of their characters. If they start off crazy, unless the goal is for them to remain in that state, crazy is how they should end up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is just one example of showing character trait. One opportunity that many overlook is character revelation via response to others. How does he/she act in response to abrasive comments, being the brunt of a joke or a random act of kindness? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Keep this in mind; your characters should be so well defined that your reader can identify them even if you remove their names from the passages. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: orange;">YOUR ASSIGNMENT</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take the synopsis below and create Betty, her background and something in it that would justify her actions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="color: orange;">Synopsis:</span></em></strong> Betty’s strong outer shell, straight-no chaser dialogue has always been attributed to her military training. In an unexpected turn of events, it will be Betty, not her equally hardened co-harts, who goes beyond the call of duty to befriend one who is unmercifully bullied.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">By the time you finish you should be able to answer the following questions:</div><br />
*What is it about Betty that will endear and/or give readers a mixed reaction to who she is? <br />
*How did I grow her while building intrigue and guarding her secret? <br />
*What situations set her off? <br />
*How do her obvious traits make you believe you know what she’ll do next? <br />
*How do her friends support or hamper her goals?<br />
<br />
Have fun and let me know how you did.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Linda!</span> </div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-65250947279621060032011-04-18T08:28:00.000-07:002011-04-18T11:09:06.411-07:00Let The Redeemed...Say So!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMhpK_bZtsP5hAlcUIKhxKTC7Sihq8S_h3ZeEE13ASurisTeFT8p8KcOTrKA8dAS87e471hkN75aWpS1dHMcxDMn9GHLh_IIXmX4TCu3hftGxxCFCLmdd1SyovHpJ036OZrzP_8DLAwo/s1600/Crowning+Glory.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMhpK_bZtsP5hAlcUIKhxKTC7Sihq8S_h3ZeEE13ASurisTeFT8p8KcOTrKA8dAS87e471hkN75aWpS1dHMcxDMn9GHLh_IIXmX4TCu3hftGxxCFCLmdd1SyovHpJ036OZrzP_8DLAwo/s1600/Crowning+Glory.bmp" /></a>What do you get when you combine a born-again Christian, a handsome widow and his adorable daughter? A match made in heaven? Maybe<span style="font-family: Garamond;">—</span>maybe not.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The relationship between Karyn Wallace and Levi Tolliver seems to be headed in the right direction; that is until he reveals his true thoughts—he believes that anyone on the wrong side of the law deserves whatever punishment they get. His point-of-view leaves Karyn in the precarious position as to whether or not he can handle knowing her past. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Added to Karyn's stress is her determination to overlook the less than cordial attitude of a co-worker and the venomous personality of Levi's sister-in-law. Unfortunately, neither of these ladies are willing to allow Karyn to live a life minus strife. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crowning-Glory-Pat-Simmons/dp/1601628978/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302496768&sr=8-1"><strong><span style="color: orange;"><em>Crowning Glory</em></span></strong></a> Author Simmons has woven a story that will satisfy the need of the romantic and those struggling to overcome their past. Prayerfully, this work will cause the reader to take stock of their beliefs and what holding on to the pain of the past can do to harm not other their future, but that of others.</div><br />
To learn more about the author and her works, visit her at: <a href="http://www.patsimmons.net/"><strong><em><span style="color: orange;">www.patsimmons.net</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="color: orange;"> </span></em></strong>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-88429169141606456592011-04-10T12:34:00.000-07:002011-04-10T12:43:41.706-07:00A Man Among Men<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_xYYJkjOfnRXaHhYmFXidMAB5QecKlZNhPv35FTmZycXEBDm3b85B21BlfeNJdD61hyVFzT1h9h3wlvW7zezrwLSEq2hu3-NAI8tE_w2SqsmMo-nEihHd9e1SZBhu4O947Rmfqpv0HM/s1600/coach+wooden.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_xYYJkjOfnRXaHhYmFXidMAB5QecKlZNhPv35FTmZycXEBDm3b85B21BlfeNJdD61hyVFzT1h9h3wlvW7zezrwLSEq2hu3-NAI8tE_w2SqsmMo-nEihHd9e1SZBhu4O947Rmfqpv0HM/s1600/coach+wooden.bmp" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bodoni MT", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">There is no doubt that John Wooden left an indelible mark on the lives of those he coached. However, within the pages of</span> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coach-Wooden-Principles-Shaped-Change/dp/0800719972/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1302463783&sr=8-1"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Bodoni MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bodoni MT";">Coach Wooden: </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Bodoni MT"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bodoni MT";">The 7 Principles That Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours</span></span></span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bodoni MT", "serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: white;">readers become privy to the wisdom that created his legacy. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Bodoni MT", "serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Author’s Pat Williams and Jim Denney’s presentation of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coach Wooden’s background, is inviting rather than being the typical impersonal litany of facts about a public figure. The choice to do so aligns with the personality of a man known for having an attitude of gratitude rather than one of self-absorption due to his notoriety.</span> </span></span></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-66149128992837305712011-04-03T22:51:00.000-07:002011-04-04T10:19:46.128-07:00Someone You Should Know<div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN3UG0Pgr9_V9K5GfCTrGCuVBo2SelB9TRW9N_jFn4U6Bt_H7oT4eoFqIqgH9gwBsv2lGh04bCMCgyiZL8Vf__BEtfZJHxqke5qQaAsPJ68-WwmQxp0YyOejdVi1h4IMKNHgRr8Qox_4/s1600/Stanice+Anderson.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN3UG0Pgr9_V9K5GfCTrGCuVBo2SelB9TRW9N_jFn4U6Bt_H7oT4eoFqIqgH9gwBsv2lGh04bCMCgyiZL8Vf__BEtfZJHxqke5qQaAsPJ68-WwmQxp0YyOejdVi1h4IMKNHgRr8Qox_4/s200/Stanice+Anderson.bmp" width="162" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stanice Anderson is an author, playwright, speaker and a woman Walking on Water. I encourage you to take the time to visit her </span><a href="http://trywalkingonwater.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">website </span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">to get to know about her vision, her journey and her joy. Her latest work, Walking on Water When the Ground Ain't Enuf is available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Water-When-Ground-Aint/dp/0615338046/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301896192&sr=8-2">online</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Before you step out to her site, please take the opportunity enjoy </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOtjDlFcHEU"><span style="font-size: x-large;">this</span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> visual of the anointed woman in action.</span></div><div align="justify" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-36185434040182221032011-04-01T22:47:00.000-07:002011-04-01T23:00:21.046-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nl4KEjCzutQUb4l6q25HcuygjUQ2roz7owKGi7iRbxWyTtWxPh0C0vUnvjhUcdn2FEIKvOTcNVH8v4Flkkw4626C0wB-Bx_jZJ1xeWbeUH81O8K-xY4ktmXzGJ-FWZrnYaifHh90lRY/s1600/Lift+Him+Up+Poster.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nl4KEjCzutQUb4l6q25HcuygjUQ2roz7owKGi7iRbxWyTtWxPh0C0vUnvjhUcdn2FEIKvOTcNVH8v4Flkkw4626C0wB-Bx_jZJ1xeWbeUH81O8K-xY4ktmXzGJ-FWZrnYaifHh90lRY/s640/Lift+Him+Up+Poster.bmp" width="420" /></a></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-57954637722059256442011-03-24T09:12:00.000-07:002011-03-24T13:21:07.015-07:00Dealing with Daddy's Devils<div style="text-align: justify;">Looking for something to do this weekend? I suggest attending the latest work from Sight Ain't Seeing Prodctions - Dealing with Daddy's Devils written and directed by Jeanette W. Hill. It will cause you to laugh, cry and prayerfully shed the shackles preventing you from living a full life. <a href="http://sasprod.org/">http://sasprod.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFbnsA3nYbS9PKHVlMmT_HsR3AHfQrSceen1ehGTCUlNePTC1e70Wy3ZXMKcGvBzUJlO6schcGwqV0QmVjaag46QJVbq8ci8r6ZWVn__0idTpkCifS_k2HN2KMbU87BDwlTYU-_uuDUQ/s1600/DWDD.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFbnsA3nYbS9PKHVlMmT_HsR3AHfQrSceen1ehGTCUlNePTC1e70Wy3ZXMKcGvBzUJlO6schcGwqV0QmVjaag46QJVbq8ci8r6ZWVn__0idTpkCifS_k2HN2KMbU87BDwlTYU-_uuDUQ/s640/DWDD.bmp" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-73028285978137005992011-02-10T13:48:00.000-08:002011-02-11T08:06:36.880-08:00FINDING THE RIGHT FIT<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">In this new order of things within the literary industry, there have been an increasing number of writing <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH9qPTg9QfaLwQNQOSiUHp_2KgkgiWP7sEcnCPxjhND_hv66djyjSyJNjNSssTKWEwTzR-cPur0npPMsyETQYbcj98yjz9SJto5AopUKsUHobQv359wmWhcdGGFh18QLTzg73yGC6QnQ/s1600/Writing+Conference+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH9qPTg9QfaLwQNQOSiUHp_2KgkgiWP7sEcnCPxjhND_hv66djyjSyJNjNSssTKWEwTzR-cPur0npPMsyETQYbcj98yjz9SJto5AopUKsUHobQv359wmWhcdGGFh18QLTzg73yGC6QnQ/s320/Writing+Conference+2.bmp" width="320" /></a>conferences/workshops offered around the country and at sea. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Today's post is to bring attention to the fact that the increase in numbers and locale does not always equate to the right fit for your needs. For those who are new to writing, it must be understood that not every conference/workshop is appropriate for your needs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Most importantly, as a literary professional it will be to your advantage to face the fact that writing is a business with offerings that may or may not help to further your goals. <br />
<br />
Writing is also a business where the bottom line matters. It definitely matters when considering how much and where to invest your business dollars; this includes the consideration of which conferences/workshops will help to develop your skills. <br />
<br />
Below are a few tips to consider when assessing the conference/workshop you might attend:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Write a statement of your <strong><em>NEEDS</em></strong> rather than your <em><strong>WANTS</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Compile a list that <strong><em>HONESTLY</em></strong> presents your <em><strong>STRENGTHS</strong></em> and <strong><em>WEAKNESSES</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Make a list of conference/workshops of interest to you</div><div style="text-align: justify;">*List their offerings</div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Compare those offerings to your <strong><em>NEEDS</em></strong> and <strong><em>WANTS</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This list of comparisons combined with your financial budget will paint a realistic picture. <br />
<br />
Now that you see the whole picture, the option that you feel most beneficial to you might be beyond your current financial means. Do not despair. Consider how you can realistically afford the investment via short/long term planning without placing yourself in financial jeopardy. Contemplate the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Revisit the conference page to see if they have a payment option that fits your budget</div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Contact the conference coordinator to see if there in an attendee in need of a roommate</div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Bring a friend who might be interested in attending or visiting the host town and willing to share a room<br />
*If possible, become a conference volunteer. <br />
<strong><em>NOTE:</em></strong> Before you do, make sure that you will have adequate time to attend the classes you prefer when not on duty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Keep in mind that whether your conference/workshop attendance is for the purpose of continuing education, expanding your speaking platform or networking with fans and peers, there is something out there that is the right fit for you. Now that you know this, go ahead and do your homework and then wisely invest in yourself.</div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-55577675223858439072011-01-30T13:48:00.000-08:002011-01-30T13:48:54.343-08:00To Be or Not To Be<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdl6EUszZge2uW7hkMVC2bDXwTihkUwyNbdJ7agEjGnmQFR1Rb4KW-Tv4zwbH0wSk0VdgDlv5nYzwvRH2I13ZAvYZHGFXWXNKe3oZDjdb9W1i3lftRwwmze_v_gT3bAWF8D8ZfwnLJ0s/s1600/Never+Been+Kissed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdl6EUszZge2uW7hkMVC2bDXwTihkUwyNbdJ7agEjGnmQFR1Rb4KW-Tv4zwbH0wSk0VdgDlv5nYzwvRH2I13ZAvYZHGFXWXNKe3oZDjdb9W1i3lftRwwmze_v_gT3bAWF8D8ZfwnLJ0s/s200/Never+Been+Kissed.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span></strong>lise Sortesen is not unlike most girls her age—she wants to be accepted. It is what her peers expect of her in order for that acceptance to take place that challenges her. At age sixteen she has yet to experience her first kiss, but is hoping to change that soon. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></strong>er struggle, although similar to many her age and with her values, is not a story that has not been written. It is the manner in which Author </span><a href="http://melodycarlson.com/"><em><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>Melody Carlson</strong></span></em></a><span style="font-size: large;"> presents the young lady’s thought processes and actions that makes this worth reading. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Been-Kissed-Melody-Carlson/dp/0800732596/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296422430&sr=8-1"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Never Been Kissed</span></a></em></strong><span style="font-size: large;"> is not a heavy read, but will give readers young and old, meat to chew on. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3EhTe1AN7haVJUdRURBZTa2WJfe3THVI_lNTa0A6PLY612ix7JMgmXeK_QpHW1qPCBjsngsn1gwc_S9pczB4UHjzMueGm7IFKYt7d5lwEyMvUQLP9XR2xQJfRXHC4ibmHWdAAzARasI/s1600/Melody+Carlson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3EhTe1AN7haVJUdRURBZTa2WJfe3THVI_lNTa0A6PLY612ix7JMgmXeK_QpHW1qPCBjsngsn1gwc_S9pczB4UHjzMueGm7IFKYt7d5lwEyMvUQLP9XR2xQJfRXHC4ibmHWdAAzARasI/s1600/Melody+Carlson.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the True Colors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Visit Melody’s website at: </span><a href="http://www.melodycarlson.com/"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong><em>www.melodycarlson.com</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <br />
<strong>Book provided courtesy of The Baker Group</strong> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-14725035555880193042011-01-24T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-01T10:12:32.125-08:00A New Attitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbswxSmJ7pm4wU4McSVxsEgrfGjDF-s7ymUDHRuKYAUZsnyQ9fZKHThuaQTf49FwuiXKh257zhvgYDy7WVxWzzdrQP9p9pfW37LoAaUrYgEvUxQDRyiZKtJdkGwo8C1rp-Phl0lV9KLE/s1600/Tia+Blog+Tour+Promo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbswxSmJ7pm4wU4McSVxsEgrfGjDF-s7ymUDHRuKYAUZsnyQ9fZKHThuaQTf49FwuiXKh257zhvgYDy7WVxWzzdrQP9p9pfW37LoAaUrYgEvUxQDRyiZKtJdkGwo8C1rp-Phl0lV9KLE/s400/Tia+Blog+Tour+Promo.png" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>S</strong></span>heila Rushmore’s decision to bring closure to a past relationship becomes the first day of the rest of her life. It seems that this opportunity to purge presents her with the choice to invite Christ into her life. The feeling she experiences, she finds is not so easily grasped as she makes her way through the mire of insecure friends, family and those appearing as light in her all too consuming darkness. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR4Q4vF4sY0fksRJdg3nI2a7ghxEhHrBdDRld48AdoloBtTU4fgXOLPP1ZJoa7qQ3fQtzkd1zYy9sFRDfSGSTuiQqkQMg7wi5gF-gFAW3ytARovEWzRgErylLeUyBCgKgIppCOv7i0tM/s1600/Tia+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR4Q4vF4sY0fksRJdg3nI2a7ghxEhHrBdDRld48AdoloBtTU4fgXOLPP1ZJoa7qQ3fQtzkd1zYy9sFRDfSGSTuiQqkQMg7wi5gF-gFAW3ytARovEWzRgErylLeUyBCgKgIppCOv7i0tM/s200/Tia+Book+Cover.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>N</strong></span>ot unlike many young women searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, it seems that Sheila can’t catch a break. Out of a job, homeless and what most would call being down on her luck, she happens upon an unlikely ally. It will be her exposure to the positive dispositions of Eden and those she meets at church that will help her to seek God and who He always meant for her to be. More importantly, it will allow her to see her family and others for who they truly are.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Steppin-Into-Good-Life-McCollors/dp/080246291X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295834554&sr=8-1"><span style="color: orange;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></strong>teppin' Into The Good Life</em></span></a> shows that we have choices about our lives and that those choices don't always come with a smooth ride.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-P1kzLdZFxg3fUDzrQwx86pidxMosqNkRv-7RfMB8o7VRVI2Tw8o6NUA8asgbJ0iUY2RdrJNfcvy62uf4GkLb3dVrEvyetRqK9yt28vYQrKNT90Fpz8EgUa6ywd-lhPDxvgqeIlVmrw/s1600/Tia+McCollors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-P1kzLdZFxg3fUDzrQwx86pidxMosqNkRv-7RfMB8o7VRVI2Tw8o6NUA8asgbJ0iUY2RdrJNfcvy62uf4GkLb3dVrEvyetRqK9yt28vYQrKNT90Fpz8EgUa6ywd-lhPDxvgqeIlVmrw/s200/Tia+McCollors.jpg" width="160" /></a><strong><em>Tia McCollors</em></strong> is a national bestselling author who secured her spot in the publishing industry with the release of her debut novel, Zora’s Cry. She received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina. After ten years as a public relations professional, Tia emerged as an inspirational speaker and author of faith-based novels. Her other titles include The Truth About Love and A Heart of Devotion. She continues to pen inspirational works and is currently writing a series of children’s early reader chapter books targeted towards girls, ages 7-9.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to being a novelist, Tia is a motivational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers organization, and serves as the vice president of Visions In Print. Tia was voted as the Breakout Author of the Year by the Open Book Awards of the African American Literary Awards Show.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tia lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and son. For more information, visit her online at <a href="http://www.tiamccollors.com/"><span style="color: orange;"><strong><em>www.TiaMcCollors.com</em></strong></span></a><span style="color: orange;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-75914263787543511562011-01-17T11:49:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:49:44.852-08:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Speculation:</strong></span> “Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, “Wait.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Reality:</span></strong> “But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate filled policemen curse, kick, brutalize and even kill your black brothers and sisters with impunity; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see the depressing clouds of inferiority begin to form in her little mental sky, and see her begin to distort her little personality by unconsciously developing a bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son asking in agonizing pathos: "Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?"; when you take a cross-country drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading "white" and "colored"; when your first name becomes "nigger," your middle name becomes "boy" (however old you are) and your last name becomes "John," and your wife and mother are never given the respected title "Mrs."; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tip-toe stance never quite knowing what to expect next, and plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of "nobodiness"; then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait.”</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dr. King not only led a nation, he perfectly wrote the longest sentence (316 words). This excerpt is from Dr. Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail.</span> </em></strong></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-64943744216209488212011-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:002011-01-09T20:02:53.656-08:00It Takes One to Know One<span style="font-size: large;"><em>W</em></span>hen Lenora Nichols realizes that she can’t handle her rambunctious teen daughters, she turns to her mother for help. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNTWM7ktFweIjRm18lQE1PrrsWvFILEMAouS7yNcZ4OgDwExYy1R-ZtkJmIAQPXlax8IMIUUx8DcPSio_YOulXn-ZwvKsmo9nOhbq3nOv-WEV1QvjLzMkdIm-zR68rFh2PlNkw25Hy5Q/s1600/A+Ray+of+Hope.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNTWM7ktFweIjRm18lQE1PrrsWvFILEMAouS7yNcZ4OgDwExYy1R-ZtkJmIAQPXlax8IMIUUx8DcPSio_YOulXn-ZwvKsmo9nOhbq3nOv-WEV1QvjLzMkdIm-zR68rFh2PlNkw25Hy5Q/s200/A+Ray+of+Hope.bmp" width="130" /></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></em> no-nonsense woman of faith Ma Ray’s tough-loving ways, are deeply rooted in the memories of her own past and common sense. What Crystal and Sahara will come to realize is that their 75-year-old grandmother is more than they can handle. In fact, they will come to find that there is nothing they try that she doesn’t have a solution for. Unfortunately those solutions don’t often sit well with the determined girls. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM3othFXqwMri32sJYlmnanMGW2ZhKyp54u8hb3mp-SyJHUlYn7jSe7YJR909QdvRYiuGLKM2PNwD6ocEb7Csr-PZSxsoXJWK-Fb1a3Zlb_Dczq2PjahyphenhyphenS8BL8LvWZSqzWLHwHUnka08/s1600/Vanessa.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM3othFXqwMri32sJYlmnanMGW2ZhKyp54u8hb3mp-SyJHUlYn7jSe7YJR909QdvRYiuGLKM2PNwD6ocEb7Csr-PZSxsoXJWK-Fb1a3Zlb_Dczq2PjahyphenhyphenS8BL8LvWZSqzWLHwHUnka08/s200/Vanessa.bmp" width="163" /></a><em><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></em>ituations presented are those that many can identify with; some serious, others hilariously refreshing. <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ray-Hope-Vanessa-Davis-Griggs/dp/0758259603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293950396&sr=1-1">A Ray of Hope</a></em></strong> from Vanessa Davis Griggs is a delightful story displaying generational bonds not often displayed in contemporary works. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></em>o learn more about the works of Vanessa Davis Griggs, visit her online at: <span style="color: black; font-family: "Bodoni MT", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.vanessadavisgriggs.com/"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Bodoni MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bodoni MT";"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><em><strong>www.vanessadavisgriggs.com</strong></em></span></span></a><em><strong> </strong></em></span></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-53900327518241153232011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:002011-01-01T00:38:18.306-08:00Can We Follow Your Lead?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>H</em></span>ow often have you heard an author say, “My inspiration comes from God, I write out of passion, writing is my purpose.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>T</em></span>hose words are quite inspiring and hold much weight in terms of impressing your audience and perspective readers. They do because what we say and what we write has the ability to plant seeds and sway long-standing ideas to the opposite side of the street.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>A</em></span>s Christian/Inspirational authors our primary goal should be to write stories that edify Christ. Beyond that, whether the work be simplistic or deep, it will entertain, provoke thought and plant seeds of encouragement.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: 18pt;">B</span></em>eyond the preparation and presentation of the final project, there is something important that we must acknowledge and accept—the invisible mantle of leadership. In spite what we think or have been led to believe, our works are leading someone, somewhere.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>L</em></span>eading?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Y</em></span>es Leading. Our words are the extension of the leadership abilities vested in us through the gift of the written word. Regardless of what we set out to do, whatever we set to print will teach someone, lead someone, to certain conclusions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>A</em></span>s we enter into this new year and new season of writing I encourage each of us to look deep inside and then ask important questions. Ask yourself—is writing my true purpose? Is writing my passion? If the answers to both questions are yes, then ask—where am I leading my readers with my content? What passions am I stirring and are they constructive or destructive? Most important of all ask yourself—do I write out of conviction to extend the boundaries of the Kingdom, or do I write in order to climb to the top of a bestsellers list in order to gain and maintain national recognition of my name? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>S</em></span>triving to be a bestseller and to have our work acclaimed through literary awards, in and of itself is a noble aspiration. As noble as it is I would be remiss if I did not revisit the central theme of this post—leadership. For those of us who have picked up a pen and proclaimed ourselves to be scribes of the Kingdom, I pray for you. I pray that your goal is to lead through the inspiration of the <strong><em>One</em></strong> who has blessed and trusted you with the gift of writing; rather than the <em>one</em> who will pay you to pervert the gift under the guise of <em>keeping it real.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>L</em></span>eadership, whether sought or unintentionally assumed is a huge responsibility that is so eloquently defined in the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, "<em>Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration motivated by passion, generated by vision, produced by a conviction, ignited by a purpose." </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></em>s I prepare to go I extend this question to you; as a leader, where do you intend to lead your readers?</div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-41661431581290128162010-12-31T22:30:00.000-08:002010-12-31T22:36:04.759-08:00When Men Gather<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>W</em></span>hat lurks in the hearts of men is a question often asked. A portion of that answer can be found in the pages o<span style="color: orange;">f </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Retreat-Dijorn-Moss/dp/1601628838/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1293862918&sr=8-2"><strong><em><span style="color: orange;">The Retreat</span></em></strong>,</a> the sophomore offering from Dijorn Moss.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymao9Irbr6zNr8VAmWvTVvPjsfZ6mlMreEC26BUfV2ywtS6l4Z_kinTvijbqXE-U8UD-Ib7H7oykr9-RedG656hQcfoyv0i_wACD9o5YaXaSABMll6f03r0uKsvzIVa9zv043UE-QrG8/s1600/The+Retreat.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymao9Irbr6zNr8VAmWvTVvPjsfZ6mlMreEC26BUfV2ywtS6l4Z_kinTvijbqXE-U8UD-Ib7H7oykr9-RedG656hQcfoyv0i_wACD9o5YaXaSABMll6f03r0uKsvzIVa9zv043UE-QrG8/s1600/The+Retreat.bmp" /></a><em><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></em>his story focuses on three men setting out to attend the annual Men’s Retreat. Each is attending for their own reason. Chauncey is a bona fide Bible thumping, scripture quoting, self-righteous, religious nut, without a clue, who would rather go blind than miss this event. Quincy seeks to confront the one he believes has caused the demise of his marriage. Jamal has been offered the job of a lifetime, but it may alter life as he knows it. And then there’s Will.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>T</em></span>hrough these pages the author has skillfully entwined the lives of these men. Their points of view vary, but their choice to be vulnerable will bring them more than either expected from attending <strong><em>The Retreat.</em></strong></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Y</em></span>ou can learn more about the author and his works at: <a href="http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/"><em><strong><span style="color: orange;">http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/</span></strong></em></a><em><span style="color: orange;"> </span></em>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-87608202619098103112010-11-23T21:55:00.000-08:002010-11-24T12:01:12.835-08:00You Can Go Home Again<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglq1UfKJ7BYfwweoOYkOWUbV1JKOAjEDC9AP0tDZGbnSwQnmDjAZoaR_m30md4zUHTC_GJldVMpzso3gvRlyrb2j31Avk-0SP9GeJw4OQPYA6tjGph_v5jx5EX2TDTRundmxSWI46pKIg/s1600/Thanksgiving+Picture.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglq1UfKJ7BYfwweoOYkOWUbV1JKOAjEDC9AP0tDZGbnSwQnmDjAZoaR_m30md4zUHTC_GJldVMpzso3gvRlyrb2j31Avk-0SP9GeJw4OQPYA6tjGph_v5jx5EX2TDTRundmxSWI46pKIg/s400/Thanksgiving+Picture.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Here is my question of the day – what does the word <em><strong>Home</strong></em> mean to you? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Is it the place where you grew up? Could it be that place in your mind that you retreat to in order to escape the pressures of this world? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we enter this holiday season many are making preparations to journey home; some with a joyful heart, others out of a sense of duty. Many more refuse or avoid the opportunity to sit at the table with loved ones and others for a variety of reasons. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately a majority of those reasons are rooted in misunderstandings, hurt feelings or just plain selfishness. If you find this to be your current circumstance I would like you to do something—go deep inside yourself and examine what may have brought you to this place. Now, consider what you may be missing out on due to those circumstances then ask yourself – has it been worth the loss? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Time is precious and something that cannot be redeemed—so why waste another moment? Go home. Home can be more than that walled structure most relate to. It can be that place where relationships moved from the realm of comfort and security to that of strained or broken. In your mind all seems hopeless due to the time that has passed and the potency of the pain we may have endured or inflicted upon another. Regardless of what it might be, know that you can go HOME AGAIN; you can because extending or accepting forgiveness is a matter of choice. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The words to this song (highlighted below) are so profound. Allow them to speak to your heart and if you are in need, make the decision to return <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYBSyIiXnzQ&list=PLFE5DEC662DF673BE&index=11&playnext=2"><em>Home</em></a>. </div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Chose to be free -- Linda!</div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-63695521792001182082010-11-18T17:41:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:08:20.526-08:00Do You See What They See?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mZJhqkvjCqJGqCtvus1g3_vHXxScVSAHkCKKJmFggc8bVEhJBXLtd_mASGPaT9d9RtNrdgZzYhXHswzd9SMRRZgGpyXlucE4tl-Uq-TxvQeZk4YefWkJWGC7E1w-a9B4osLHKDYshrw/s1600/More+Glimpses+of+Heaven.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mZJhqkvjCqJGqCtvus1g3_vHXxScVSAHkCKKJmFggc8bVEhJBXLtd_mASGPaT9d9RtNrdgZzYhXHswzd9SMRRZgGpyXlucE4tl-Uq-TxvQeZk4YefWkJWGC7E1w-a9B4osLHKDYshrw/s1600/More+Glimpses+of+Heaven.bmp" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><strong><em><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Glimpses-of-Heaven/Trudy-Harris-RN/e/9780800732516">More Glimpses of Heaven: Inspiring Stories of Hope and </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36PkblXDiAtkXRXTV6slsC5c6cEnIHk7U4EMRaL8F3wVF_ZMsJx_Pl5FZ0iGMPWYkc18pje8MqEdLrPzBhUIKtHMhn7elrn1WOS03jRFaT8q41EPQbmKMwwsY94iq9ANl4lpD7WM2Doo/s1600/Trudy+Harris.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36PkblXDiAtkXRXTV6slsC5c6cEnIHk7U4EMRaL8F3wVF_ZMsJx_Pl5FZ0iGMPWYkc18pje8MqEdLrPzBhUIKtHMhn7elrn1WOS03jRFaT8q41EPQbmKMwwsY94iq9ANl4lpD7WM2Doo/s1600/Trudy+Harris.bmp" /></a><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Glimpses-of-Heaven/Trudy-Harris-RN/e/9780800732516">Peace at the End of Life’s Journey</a></em></strong>, presents the fact that the true heart of an individual is only known by God. Author Trudy Harris has been blessed to be with those making their transition from this world to their eternal resting place. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With heartfelt inspiration Ms. Harris dispels the myth of death being something to fear. Her chosen stories are sure to touch readers in a variety of ways. Above all things each work assures us that regardless the paths we walked, the choices we have made, God is with us until the end. </div><br />
To learn more about Ms. Harris and her works, visit her online at: <strong><em><a href="http://www.glimpsesofheavenbook.com/">Glimpses of Heaven</a></em></strong></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-41546798668019215552010-11-12T00:01:00.000-08:002010-11-12T00:01:00.919-08:00Our Testimony is Not Our Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVpn69MzizRq2i9PCYTALvzcxUHcQWxapHmDQLGAxhyphenhyphenvA4Ngnf1rD12UQGXl68q6_T4od9G39VPXNgYFb5YrVSJHTCNtzefDaPWQajxT8wiHZBW_zuw_X2jdVIqHBFkBWJpd7N9LrnME/s1600/I+Shall+Not+Die.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVpn69MzizRq2i9PCYTALvzcxUHcQWxapHmDQLGAxhyphenhyphenvA4Ngnf1rD12UQGXl68q6_T4od9G39VPXNgYFb5YrVSJHTCNtzefDaPWQajxT8wiHZBW_zuw_X2jdVIqHBFkBWJpd7N9LrnME/s320/I+Shall+Not+Die.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shall-Not-Die-Living-Existence/dp/0984088210/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289530195&sr=8-1"><span style="color: white;">I Shall Not Die: Living a Psalm 118:17 Existence</span></a></em></strong> is a riveting revelation of what few will rarely, if ever, face in their lifetime. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>I Shall Not Die</strong> is</em> the story of Jimmy Lee Holmes, an anointed minister of the word and music. This work is also the testimony of his widow, Kendra Norman-Bellamy. With candor the author allows the reader into one of the most intimate parts of her life. It will be through her written testimony that one may be provoked to reexamine what is worth complaining about, or if there really is truth to the saying: 'I can't complain'. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Within this compact treatise the faith of a couple in the face of one of society’s most devastating diseases—AIDS, is exemplified. I Shall Not Die is not only a work from the heart it is also an invitation. An invitation to whom? To anyone willing to open their hearts to God and embrace the healing that His Son died to provide for us all.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICkLPVTxVWt9SofNshMaQZhpFbv8-pgyWeUM87r39nbQkZ7Hfr7bUgGF4I0VLotiMBtAZgZ2p3GPO8g7Js-w_QueQuL4QRDAr9sm7fbboduVng1PB0kPp7cSLqCVBU_9NtvNndsCdvtY/s1600/Kendra+Norman+Bellamy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICkLPVTxVWt9SofNshMaQZhpFbv8-pgyWeUM87r39nbQkZ7Hfr7bUgGF4I0VLotiMBtAZgZ2p3GPO8g7Js-w_QueQuL4QRDAr9sm7fbboduVng1PB0kPp7cSLqCVBU_9NtvNndsCdvtY/s200/Kendra+Norman+Bellamy.jpg" width="178" /></a>To learn more about the author visit her at: <a href="http://www.kendranormanbellamy.com/"><em><strong><span style="color: white;">www.kendranormanbellamy.com</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span style="color: white;"> </span></strong></em></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-22516425750826218982010-11-11T22:08:00.000-08:002010-11-11T22:08:03.726-08:00True Devotion<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-GSBChXw7fk2ZWxHvaLp9dv8QXRXHB8fKLPPCb-qgbXtTq71jMN-BmgotmrqMP_h3CWtTcO1Y96paM-gi3cSBPLmryI4yefbvfT7wdrXpu7Tb4Tw8Utv5aLnS1g2rw2SkZlg7_FDlFA/s1600/Devotions+for+the+God+Girl.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-GSBChXw7fk2ZWxHvaLp9dv8QXRXHB8fKLPPCb-qgbXtTq71jMN-BmgotmrqMP_h3CWtTcO1Y96paM-gi3cSBPLmryI4yefbvfT7wdrXpu7Tb4Tw8Utv5aLnS1g2rw2SkZlg7_FDlFA/s200/Devotions+for+the+God+Girl.bmp" width="127" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Devotions-God-Girl-365-Day-Journey/dp/0800719506/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1289541425&sr=8-2"><span style="color: black;"><strong><em>Devotions for the God Girl</em></strong></span></a> by Hayley DiMarco is the perfect accessory to any bedside table. The content is insightful and backed by bolded key points that the author skillfully entwines with corresponding bible verses. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I applaud the author for giving the reader the option to select their readings via exclusion of dated pages. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Regardless of which page you select or happen upon, you are reminded of God’s grace, His mercy and His eternal love for us. You can learn more about Ms. DiMarco and her works at: <a href="http://hayleydimarco.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong><em>http://hayleydimarco.com/</em></strong></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuapLE4IS1_CVImqtz1B64hI7fXs6sLThaNKLqVJOlCassWx1TUsvNQI6eHLq4rECBYwWKkqeUm5SxYoAGl0ShtvPX0uICU8z8hEf1jKeBaXzHUUSOwRoM4GLViPhwTFK04uB_pKNdth0/s1600/Haley+DiMarco.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuapLE4IS1_CVImqtz1B64hI7fXs6sLThaNKLqVJOlCassWx1TUsvNQI6eHLq4rECBYwWKkqeUm5SxYoAGl0ShtvPX0uICU8z8hEf1jKeBaXzHUUSOwRoM4GLViPhwTFK04uB_pKNdth0/s200/Haley+DiMarco.bmp" width="200" /></a></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-91038107318033223582010-11-11T16:28:00.000-08:002010-11-11T16:43:21.377-08:00Value Beyond Measure<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1NqvBqLA7orFuqSHBMa_j1Pf5Vetf9t7-_s3JTBzBAGLAH9vufvNUdUxc4kVeKAQliPtg7qNJhV1v1i1tho9BpEl9bWhXSrFjHKhocx891fEiK9rkCr4VS0Pbta25VhIgPSd-m4qUHQ/s1600/Clutch+Your+Pearls+Girl.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1NqvBqLA7orFuqSHBMa_j1Pf5Vetf9t7-_s3JTBzBAGLAH9vufvNUdUxc4kVeKAQliPtg7qNJhV1v1i1tho9BpEl9bWhXSrFjHKhocx891fEiK9rkCr4VS0Pbta25VhIgPSd-m4qUHQ/s320/Clutch+Your+Pearls+Girl.bmp" width="320" /></a><em>Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.</em> This scripture from the book of Matthew aptly portrays the pearls of wisdom contained within<span style="color: black;"><em><strong> </strong></em></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clutch-Your-Pearls-Girl-Protect/dp/0970500831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289516237&sr=8-1"><span style="color: black;"><em><strong>Clutch Your Pearls, Girl! </strong></em></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Within the pages of this thought-provoking work, author Stephanie McKenny has aptly presented truth from an irrefutable source—the Bible. It is this truth that opens eyes to the fact that one does not require the accessory of a man in order to be complete. With skill and vulnerability Ms. McKenny shares personal experiences and presents the value of overcoming past mistakes in order to walk in purpose as God has ordained. </div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">To learn more about Stephanie and her work visit her online at: <a href="http://stephaniemckenny.com/"><span style="color: black;"><em><strong>StephanieMcKinney.com </strong></em></span></a></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-766832387355696172010-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:002010-11-04T00:01:00.710-07:00A CLOSER VIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SJHs0hQO0G8XBQRyaBnP5BZB28zDP54S7W1IdAqHfB-bLGmKkyhqdvSTXTKvnmQnriT-zCuDyK2-kJT6lDMoOUKw4WEU5MI8Caxf8WmbdBygsK9rToUvLOrVFKXZ7v6G4yB9oHblWfE/s1600/Home+Again+Cover.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SJHs0hQO0G8XBQRyaBnP5BZB28zDP54S7W1IdAqHfB-bLGmKkyhqdvSTXTKvnmQnriT-zCuDyK2-kJT6lDMoOUKw4WEU5MI8Caxf8WmbdBygsK9rToUvLOrVFKXZ7v6G4yB9oHblWfE/s320/Home+Again+Cover.bmp" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bodoni MT", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZFqFkG2kFc"><span style="color: orange;">Home Again – Part 1</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: orange;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rONVx1wAss8"><span style="color: orange;">Home Again – Part 2</span></a></span></strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I have a special treat for you. Several contributors to the <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Again-Stories-Restored-Relationships/dp/0979045819/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288842716&sr=8-7">Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships </a></em></strong>anthology have stopped by to share themselves, their work and the ministry behind their writing. I ask that you take your time to read what they have to say, and if you’re so inclined, respond with an observation, question or whatever may be on your mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>DIJORN MOSS</u></span></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</em></strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwCfS01nlyKApEfABRqRJFQSZZmLxDzGcSdb-V0v6ibrZzG2STPrGayHBvSLrfR_pFyH8q82rc5jM2KR_B8NUWHCSSLo4cMyVAB-juFbjPIzJhOjiiVkw_hBqIwiYZtJ1lmNd8gAFfhs/s1600/Dijorn+Moss.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwCfS01nlyKApEfABRqRJFQSZZmLxDzGcSdb-V0v6ibrZzG2STPrGayHBvSLrfR_pFyH8q82rc5jM2KR_B8NUWHCSSLo4cMyVAB-juFbjPIzJhOjiiVkw_hBqIwiYZtJ1lmNd8gAFfhs/s1600/Dijorn+Moss.bmp" /></a>“My name is Dijorn Moss and I am someone who is in love with the written word. I love to write and I love to read. I feel like I am in an extended graduate program where every writer I read is a Professor that can teach me something. I am a new father and I am thankful and grateful for every moment I spend with my son Caleb.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Journey to the Throne speaks to a very specific problem. How do hope for this story to help others?</em></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“God is in the business of redeeming and restoring. No matter how low you feel you are in your life, God can pull you out. The Mercer family is an example that God can deliver you from any situation or circumstance and that God can restore a once broken relationship.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it</em></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I require honesty above all. What can cause me to walk away from a relationship is an act of betrayal that is so severe that I questioned everything about the relationship.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?</strong></em> </div>“Prayer and I go on Youtube and listen to a lot of sermons that deal with restoration.” <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?</em></strong> <a href="http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/">http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>TYORA MOODY</u></strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</em></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">On the personal side, I'm a pretty laid-back, quiet person always on the move. LOL! I have a motto about never wanting to be bored and I stick pretty closely to that motto by staying super busy. My busyness comes from the professional side of being a graphic designer and online book promoter. I have been running my own business, Tywebbin.com, since 1999 and my niche over the years has been working with authors. I usually take off the holidays, so I'm really looking forward to winding down in a few weeks for the year. In 2006, I let a few folks, like family and friends know I was seriously writing. I currently have two manuscripts, one a romantic suspense and the other a cozy mystery. My short story, “Birthing Pains,” is my first official published work of fiction (Yeah!).” </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUejka47aTgjUShXtfjYJUHlbDCSdGa2opgoj59BNH5iUw6rAuC81gVbZLOdHxkZPtfLKY2dShqfVcYY2dMRZbcaOHnpVpjtL_esRw7bzCaACIXsWhqgqZdlkkWv0skiBVRpXj4orHgIA/s1600/Tyora+Moody.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUejka47aTgjUShXtfjYJUHlbDCSdGa2opgoj59BNH5iUw6rAuC81gVbZLOdHxkZPtfLKY2dShqfVcYY2dMRZbcaOHnpVpjtL_esRw7bzCaACIXsWhqgqZdlkkWv0skiBVRpXj4orHgIA/s200/Tyora+Moody.bmp" width="171" /></a><em><strong>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it. </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Coming out of a difficult relationship, communication and honesty are big factors. I think if you don't communicate clearly, you open the door for cracks to enter the relationships and those cracks turn into brokenness. That's an interesting question - because I have found myself in that place of asking that question as I know many do. I think where I would really step away is when I have done all that I can do and it's left up to the other person to make the move. If they don't, you have to - not to be cliché here - let it go and leave it to God.” </div><br />
<strong><em>Birthing Pains presents a story that is becoming too common in America. How do you hope for this story to help others? </em></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Birthing Pain presents a story that isMeet a wife and mother, EUGEENA PATTERSON, who has always been the glue keeping her fragmented family together. When her troubled teenage daughter is rushed to the hospital, Eugeena is forced to acknowledge the animosity and resentment that has lived under the surface far too long. As I talked about in the previous question, I do hope this story opens up the lack of communication that happens in families. The disconnect between a husband and a wife, those dysfunctions travel down to affect the children. Thinking of how I grew up with my family talking around the dinner table, those moments really stick with me and I know they just don't happen anymore. Married couples owe it to each other to take the time for each other and also to be active participants in their children's lives together as a unit.”</div><br />
<strong><em>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features</em></strong>? <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">“I believe readers will find a connection to many if not all of the stories which makes this a powerful collection. I wrote my story during a time of being broken down myself and watching family dynamics also break down. What I hope is with any situation God has allowed me to go through, to minister with transparency and wisdom.” </div><br />
<strong><em>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects? </em></strong><br />
Folks can find out more about me and connect to me via:<br />
<a href="http://www.tyoramoody.com/">http://www.tyoramoody.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/tyoramoody">www.twitter.com/tyoramoody</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyora.moody">www.facebook.com/tyora.moody</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">TRINEA MOSS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</em></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">“My name is Trinea Moss and I grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California. I am new to the writing industry, but find myself intrigue with the various types of writing genres that our out there. I have written many short stories before, but only let a handful of people read some of my work. Throughout the years I have books full of poems stored away and drawing books as well. I guess one can say I have a love for the arts.” </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLBbIVRZf2AaGukySUXbpLpcYU63c8uzakDdXd2lmWPC2Smlaq07rGJj_gfr4TSrZeuuEN5JSXktjTewp0kaedEn8_8uJ8JPpffHLUj40fgcvI_o80EVjZrzWlpisJPwkX49P8eDWiAQ/s1600/Trinea+Moss.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLBbIVRZf2AaGukySUXbpLpcYU63c8uzakDdXd2lmWPC2Smlaq07rGJj_gfr4TSrZeuuEN5JSXktjTewp0kaedEn8_8uJ8JPpffHLUj40fgcvI_o80EVjZrzWlpisJPwkX49P8eDWiAQ/s200/Trinea+Moss.bmp" width="157" /></a><em><strong>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it. </strong></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“I require honesty, fairness (equals), laughter and faithfulness in a relationship. For me, what it takes to step of away from a relationship, I really can't say. I believe it would have to be some form of abuse that would cause me to walk away because no one should take out any form of abuse in any relationship.” </div><br />
<strong><em>Couple on Trial presents a story that is not often comfortable to talk about, let alone deal with without vulnerability. How do hope for this story to help others? </em></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">“I know what its like not to want to put your personal business out there and have everyone in it. However, this story is meant for couples to take a look a their relationship and spark communication. How can you fix or examine a relationship that you want to keep, without communicating? It just won’t work. Therefore, I hope couples will take a deeper look and really talk to each, not at each other about how they fell about their relationship. “</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?</strong></em> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I speak from my research, experiences and just plain old common sense. I don't have all the answers, but I have picked up some wisdom along the way. Throughout the years at different points and times I have researched various types of relationships. I come from the standpoint of just simply keeping it real and keeping God in each relationship you have. Many times people know what needs to be done to repair their relationships, but something holds them back. For some it’s pride, validation or just plain old stubbornness. Sometimes, they just need someone to listen, pray or just provide a different point of view and that is something I can do.” </div><br />
<em><strong>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?</strong></em><br />
You can visit my website <a href="http://www.trineamoss.webs.com/">http://www.trineamoss.webs.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Maurice Gray </span></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I wear many hats: author, editor, HIV Prevention Counselor, Toastmaster and sometimes comedian. My day job is with a non-profit organization, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (www.bgate.org). I’ve been a published author for over ten years, and I’ve edited/proofread manuscripts for nine. Comedy is a hobby that I get to indulge only rarely, but I’ve been blessed to work with such great talents as Pat G’orge-Walker and James “The Storyteller” Ford. My church home is Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE. Aside from membership in Toastmasters International (Greater Newark Area Toastmasters club), I’m also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“In any relationship, there must be love, trust and mutual respect. If any of those factors are missing or sorely lacking, I'd have to step away. It's tougher to do that with family members, but if there is a toxic relationship with a family member and God leads me to step away from that person, I'd have to do it. In a romantic relationship, I definitely need the same level of love, trust and respect that I give or I can't stay in it. Both of us being saved is a given.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Family Matters tells the story of a young man who feels he’s on the fringe of his mother’s love. Tell us why? How do you hope for this story to help others?</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Erik is the only child of two loving parents, but for the past several years, he has felt neglected. His parents (his mother in particular) mentored several young people over the years who needed positive adult influences in their lives. As a result, Erik (now nearing 30) has over a dozen "play siblings" close to his own age with whom to share his parents. He feels that his mother invests all of her energy in her "crew" and he gets what's left over. As this story begins, Erik and his mother have barely spoken in almost a year. Neither is sure how to mend the rift until a horrible accident makes them both painfully aware of how unimportant their differences are. I want my readers to see that life is short and that we shouldn't take our loved ones for granted. Whether we like it or not, they won't always be with us and we can't let disagreements (real or imagined) separate us from those we love the most.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features? </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The same skills I use in HIV counseling are useful in guiding those who may have broken relationships. Part of the process of preparing someone for testing involves discussion of risk factors for HIV, which often involve (directly or indirectly) that person's relationships. I listen to what that person has to say and then draw on every bit of knowledge God has given me to try and help that person end their risk factors. If I were to counsel a reader who is estranged from a friend or loved one, I'd do the exact same thing: pray, listen and share.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My web site is <a href="http://www.mauricemgrayjr.com/">http://www.mauricemgrayjr.com/</a> Facebook, MySpace, Shoutlife and Shelfari.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>SHENETTE JONES </u></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</em></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“My name is Shenette Jones, and I wear many hats! I’m a Fitness training specialist by profession. I’m a dance instructor, a professional vocalist and assistant to my husband in Jones Entertainment, our music performance business. I’m also a Community Chaplain and speaker. I’m excited to finally add published author to this list. Laying all hats aside, I thoroughly enjoy homeschooling my son and spending time with my family. I love being professional, but the truth is I find it rather tough at times. Everyone who knows me finds that I’m indeed a free spirited kid at heart for lack of better terms. My energy and enthusiasm is what defines me most, and I’m glad God made me this way.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV1wRNweYyD3eh3FnfymYBzfFEoSwm1AjHQ41BvHUJ0UL8Y0_HVq1734aG46pcI4rp35qfTrK2MTMSZjneypE2vZVMmRis4ppr6R2bH6_lQm0zCG5VxQtq52jh-hzGvdy20ijBeUX2p8/s1600/Shenette+Jones.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV1wRNweYyD3eh3FnfymYBzfFEoSwm1AjHQ41BvHUJ0UL8Y0_HVq1734aG46pcI4rp35qfTrK2MTMSZjneypE2vZVMmRis4ppr6R2bH6_lQm0zCG5VxQtq52jh-hzGvdy20ijBeUX2p8/s200/Shenette+Jones.bmp" width="168" /></a><strong><em>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it. </em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">“This answer for me has always and will always be TRUTH. Honesty and forthrightness are the main things that I need to thrive in a relationship. People say that truth hurts, and I agree, but to have it hidden from me feels incredibly painful in my opinion. I’ve learned that when it’s not present in a relationship, no matter the form, it causes me to step away, whether I should or not. Uncovered will definitely challenge couples who find themselves in situations similar to your characters. Please give us a preview and tell us how you hope for this story to help others? “Uncovered is a story that follows the thought process of a wife straying from her faith. She’s incredibly desperate for things she lacks within her marriage, and shocks herself beyond disbelief when she realizes what she, a woman of faith, will do for fulfillment. I’m hoping this story will immediately cause the reader to look into their own thought process. As people, we have many flawed thoughts, and if we’d take time to deal with them instead of toss them aside, we’d probably find ourselves in fewer traps. I want women particularly to face the fact that no matter how holy we believe we are, a fall can often be a thought away. But the GOOD news is that restoration can also be a prayer away!” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features? </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Steven, my husband and I have unfortunately gone through a trail of events that are similar to the story, uncovered. Since then, Marriage, healing in marriage, and how to enjoy marriage, has been one of our most in depth studies. Personal experience with a victorious outcome is my greatest tool, but the absolute best way for me to prepare is to know what God’s word tells me about restoration and to know without a shadow of doubt that his promise is true for everyone that crosses my path.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’ll keep my readers up to date on my website <a href="http://www.shenettejones.com/">http://www.shenettejones.com/</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>BERNARD BOULTON</u></span></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I've been in ministry since I acknowledged my call to preach at the age of 17. After attending Warren Bible Institute, and Moody Bible Institute I was elected to my first pastoral charge in 1993 when I was 26 years old. I have served congregations in West Virginia, Virginia and Texas. I am currently serving at the New Mine Creek Church in Blairs, VA in my eighth year. I am the vice moderator of the Sandy Ridge Association, a group of thirteen churches in the states of North Carolina and Virginia. I am a native of Cleveland Ohio where most of my family still lives. I have been married for nineteen years and I am the father of one son, Bernard Quincy. I love to read, and watch old television show like Good Times, MASH, and Martin.”</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypVcWVJnLRW9ZVuS7nUcSRSbzR0xslCmObtNLcsjJD0pQOgHpacZC0nMMIL5H7KUZtnd3X-BZT1rU4SAeDvyaIbf1fwW2eUtibTz3Ph4AkeJNQKM_6THDwDb7gyhmZLFYqKJNAwAtv2k/s1600/Bernard+Boulton.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypVcWVJnLRW9ZVuS7nUcSRSbzR0xslCmObtNLcsjJD0pQOgHpacZC0nMMIL5H7KUZtnd3X-BZT1rU4SAeDvyaIbf1fwW2eUtibTz3Ph4AkeJNQKM_6THDwDb7gyhmZLFYqKJNAwAtv2k/s1600/Bernard+Boulton.bmp" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“What I require in a relationship is LOVE, LOYALTY, GRACE, FORGIVENESS. The violation of any of these principles would make me consider leaving a relationship. For me, when it becomes impossible to live by either of these principle it's time to leave. Leaving a relationship should never be an emotional decision but one weighed in prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.”</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>Jake and Eric speaks to an age old trial—sibling rivalry. Why did you decide to write this story? Please give us a preview and tell us how you hope for this story to help others?</strong></em></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Jake and Eric was inspired by Jacob and Esau. Abraham's family is intriguing to me. They are a people called out for purpose but yet they have severe generational dysfunction. I hope that my story will portray the toxic effects of unforgiveness and betrayal. And will portray the joy of reconciliation.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features? </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“One focus of my ministry has been the reconciliation and strengthening of families. I believe that the family is God's greatest instrument to effect and impact society and my prayer and purpose is to see families healed and whole, living for God.”</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects? </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can be found online at: <a href="http://www.bernardboulton.com/">http://www.bernardboulton.com/</a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>LINDA BEED </u></span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.</strong></em></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“Personally I’m a pretty easy going person. I love spending time with my family. My passion for reading is obvious to most. Beyond that I enjoy gardening, sewing, music and crafts. I have worked in administration for the Federal government for close to twenty-five years and continue to serve as youth minister at my church.”</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><strong>This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.</strong></em></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I have but one requirement in a relationship – respect. Without respect I don’t feel that you can get to anything else. Lack of respect, once it has be brought up that I feel the lack, would cause me to reconsider the need to remain or stay.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Flavorful opens the door for parents, teachers and guardians to examine how they nurture the children under their care. Why did you choose this storyline? how do you hope for this story to help others?</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Flavorful is my way of giving voice to those without one. That could be the child, parent, guardian or teacher. Although what happens to my character is extreme, it unfortunately is not an isolated one. Children are a gift and need guidance regarding their God-given gifts. On the other hand, if we have not bee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbx_LaZ-T-cEd7aN9FsD05Pkm2HpmxTEPWfGYJboIb1O54-JwfI0MkQUUZsT_4SX1uWWQfDRPNn8i9wPsHa1FOjbCZ3OF-1RVbA_1GCL08dyQQFpLB-jdtnWPVkYNM-sEFuEODkrsymk/s1600/Linda+Beed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbx_LaZ-T-cEd7aN9FsD05Pkm2HpmxTEPWfGYJboIb1O54-JwfI0MkQUUZsT_4SX1uWWQfDRPNn8i9wPsHa1FOjbCZ3OF-1RVbA_1GCL08dyQQFpLB-jdtnWPVkYNM-sEFuEODkrsymk/s200/Linda+Beed.jpg" width="150" /></a>n taught or do not understand our responsibilities to our children, how can we properly help them?” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?</strong></em> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“As a youth minister, the opportunities have been ongoing. Beyond that, championing the cause for those in need is a part of who I am. The opportunity to contribute to this anthology, I believe will open the door to bring the message to a wider audience.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Where can readers find out more about your writing projects? </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Readers are welcome to keep up with me at:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.lindabeed.com/">http://www.lindabeed.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://letusbearfruit.blogspot.com/">http://letusbearfruit.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://readingourstories.blogspot.com/">http://readingourstories.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-87457461320101296832010-11-01T08:08:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:08:01.114-07:00LET THE TOUR BEGIN -- November 1 - 5, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1MFJtJCna7tp24bK6VFqDMSZCpg5W-VPhDn70TnrERU23H35dcWup5d7n2ux_jqQ58M0rblMoFZPwjXibVGdu5ZBmdEFIdxS7yg_33OfQ8oTHqedZl-0vCquQP2Ji4XbvIzJ9D2jzww/s1600/Home+Again+Tour+Logo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1MFJtJCna7tp24bK6VFqDMSZCpg5W-VPhDn70TnrERU23H35dcWup5d7n2ux_jqQ58M0rblMoFZPwjXibVGdu5ZBmdEFIdxS7yg_33OfQ8oTHqedZl-0vCquQP2Ji4XbvIzJ9D2jzww/s320/Home+Again+Tour+Logo.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What time is it? Time to get your copy of Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships and then join us for the online blog tour. And of course, don’t forget to support the project by posting a review online. If you are looking to support your favorite contributor, please stop by their individual website. </div><br />
<br />
Dijorn Moss – <a href="http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/">http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/</a> <a href="http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/"> </a><br />
<br />
Tyora Moody – <a href="http://www.tyoramoody.com/">http://www.tyoramoody.com/</a><br />
<br />
Trinea Moss – <a href="http://www.trineamoss.webs.com/">http://www.trineamoss.webs.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Maurice M. Gray, Jr. – <a href="http://www.mauricegrayjr.com/">http://www.mauricegrayjr.com/</a><br />
<br />
Wanda B. Campbell – <a href="http://www.wandabcampbell.net/">http://www.wandabcampbell.net/</a> <br />
<br />
Shenette Jones – <a href="http://www.shenettejones.com/">http://www.shenettejones.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Bernard Boulton – <a href="http://www.bernardboulton.com/">http://www.bernardboulton.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Tavares Carney – <a href="http://www.tavereswrites.com/">http://www.tavereswrites.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Linda Beed – <a href="http://www.lindabeed.com/">http://www.lindabeed.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Looking forward to hearing from old friends and getting acquainted with new readers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Linda!</span></div>Linda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-846017619554556150.post-84748429340005021412010-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:12:10.994-07:00Home Again: Stories of Restored Relatioships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr1z3eDN_cWdArQ3RGBWxP4-HiAjCnEw12AJGk_fIw5xsn6Bm94wAwuASCoWwhn3xNyV-eYYWgDaZWhDI-_Gq8paq5yIMzug4r40cXdcuS5Xl4Z9Iu30BJ7tZY0sGUKVkT9cb7hngD4k/s1600/Home+Again+All+Authors.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr1z3eDN_cWdArQ3RGBWxP4-HiAjCnEw12AJGk_fIw5xsn6Bm94wAwuASCoWwhn3xNyV-eYYWgDaZWhDI-_Gq8paq5yIMzug4r40cXdcuS5Xl4Z9Iu30BJ7tZY0sGUKVkT9cb7hngD4k/s320/Home+Again+All+Authors.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hello everybody. I know it’s been a minute since we’ve last chatted and I apologize for such a long absence. I believe you’ll forgive me once you hear the reason for my short hiatus. I’ve been working on several projects and I’m proud to announce the release of the first one—Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This anthology is one I’m proud to be a contributor to. More than that, I’m looking forward to seeing how God will work through the collective works of the authors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what is this anthology about? Glad you asked. The central theme is the restoration of relationships. Those relationships may fall within the realm of father/son, family indifference, husband/wife, or sibling rivalry. The examples presented are not unusual nor are they unsalvageable, with the help of God.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We invite you to join us for the official debut of the book – November 1st, and follow the online tour provided for you below. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Linda! </strong></span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Home Again Anthology Online Tour </span></div><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">November 1st </span></strong><br />
<br />
All The Buzz Reviews <br />
<a href="http://www.allthebuzzreviews.com/">http://www.allthebuzzreviews.com/</a><br />
<br />
Urban Christian Fiction Today <br />
<a href="http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/">http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/</a><br />
<br />
Literary Gumbo <br />
<a href="http://www.literarygumbo.com/">http://www.literarygumbo.com/</a><br />
<br />
Wanda B. Campbell (Contributing Author) <br />
<a href="http://www.wandabcampbell.net/">http://www.wandabcampbell.net/</a> <br />
<br />
Black Authors Network<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network</a><br />
Call-in: (646) 200-0402<br />
5pm/PST – 7pm/CST – 8pm/EST<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Tuesday, November 2nd</strong></span><br />
<br />
Paulette Harper <br />
<a href="http://www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com/">http://www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
The Coupon Sista <br />
<a href="http://thecouponsista.blogspot.com/">http://thecouponsista.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Maurice M. Gray, Jr. (Contributing Author) <br />
<a href="http://mauricemgrayjr.com/">http://mauricemgrayjr.com/</a><br />
<br />
Tavares Carney (Contributing Author) <br />
<a href="http://www.echelonnetwork.blogspot.com/">http://www.echelonnetwork.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, November 3rd </span></strong><br />
<br />
SORMAG <br />
<a href="http://sormag.blogspot.com/">http://sormag.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Alvin C. Romer <br />
<a href="http://alvincromer4trr.blogspot.com/">http://alvincromer4trr.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Word 4 Women <br />
<a href="http://wordforwomen.wordpress.com/">http://wordforwomen.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<br />
Tyora Moody (Contributing Author) <br />
<a href="http://www.tyoramoody.com/">http://www.tyoramoody.com/</a> <br />
<br />
Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anjuellefloyd">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anjuellefloyd</a> <br />
Call-in Number (347) 215-7740<br />
12pm/PST – 1pm/MT – 2pm/CT – 3pm/EST <br />
<br />
Abundant Solutions Hour<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/asemotivation">www.blogtalkradio.com/asemotivation</a><br />
Call-in Number: (718) 508-9600<br />
6pm/PST – 8pm/CST – 9pm/EST<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Thursday, November 4th</strong></span><br />
Joey Pinkney <br />
<a href="http://www.joeypinkney.com/">http://www.joeypinkney.com/</a><br />
<br />
Sharon Ball <br />
<a href="http://www.sharonball.com/">http://www.sharonball.com/</a><br />
<br />
Patricia Woodside <br />
<a href="http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/">http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Linda Beed (Contributing Author) <br />
<a href="http://letusbearfruit.blogspot.com/">http://letusbearfruit.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Friday, November 5th </strong></span>APOOO Book Club <br />
h<a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/">ttp://www.apooobooks.com</a><br />
<br />
Create a Unique Experience <br />
<a href="http://createauniquexperience.blogspot.com/">http://createauniquexperience.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Shenette Jones (Contributing Author) <br />
<a href="http://www.shenettejones.com/shenettes-blog.html">http://www.shenettejones.com/shenettes-blog.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Wednesday, November 10th </strong></span><br />
Motown Writers Network<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/michiganliterarynetwork</a><br />
2:30pm/PST – 4:30pm/CST – 5:30pm/EST<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, November 14th </span></strong><br />
<br />
Dream 4 More<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Dream4More">www.blogtalkradio.com/Dream4More</a> <br />
Call-in Number: (347) 989-0702<br />
3pm/PST – 5pm/CST – 6pm/EST<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Monday, November 15th</strong></span><br />
<br />
Sister Circle<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sistercircleshow">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sistercircleshow</a> <br />
Call-in Number: (646) 378-1035<br />
4pm/PST – 6pm/CST – 7:00 pm/EST<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Friday, November 19th</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong>Females with a Mission<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fwm">ttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/fwm</a><br />
Call-in Number: (347) 426-3312<br />
7:30am/PST – 9:30am/CST -- 10:30am/EST<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday, December 2nd</span></strong><br />
<br />
Prose, Rhythm and Praise<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/penofthewriter">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/penofthewriter</a><br />
6pm/PST – 8pm/CST – 9pm/ESTLinda!http://www.blogger.com/profile/09088892611538648055noreply@blogger.com0