Mary's World

Enough Already!

2012-01-29T15:51:00.003-05:00

"I am appalled by and fed up with many of today's free-for-all standards. I am peeved when someone doesn't listen when I speak, continually interrupts our conversation by answering cell phone calls or responding to text messages, stampedes ahead of me in line, makes tasteless and tactless comments without discretion, or behaves as though he is the only guy on the planet, without any regard for others. I feel angry when a colleague rolls her eyes disparagingly at me, or cuts me off as though my opinion doesn't count.

I am incredulous that please and thank you are disappearing from our vocabulary. I am distressed when a celebrity who behaves outlandishly in public is idolized as a cultural icon. I am deeply saddened by cruel bullying or invasions of privacy, whether face-to-face or on the Internet, especially when it leaves teenagers feeling so distraught that they believe their only recourse is to take their own lives. I am disgusted by political interactions that are hostile and polarizing, fueled by fevered distortions and mean-spiritedness designed to smear the opposition. I am disturbed that our sense of caring and responsibility is impeded by our own self-absorption." ~Sara Hacala

Unfortunately, Hacala described not just a few of our daily social interactions, but more accurately, the norm. While in a restaurant, it is not unusual to see a couple sitting together, yet one furiously pecking at their text keypad. Shopping at the local Walmart is a whole new experience in patience. The pushing and shoving and me-first attitudes have made what should be a pleasurable excursion more stressful than it's worth. Being anywhere in public and being unwillingly drug into a phone conversation because one party insists on talking loudly and monopolizing the attention of the room is unwanted drama.

The business world is not immune to unacceptable behavior. The rude and demeaning manner in which most transactions are handled is frustrating. There is a game of hostage that takes place, where one party feels as if the other is second rate or somehow indebted, which leads to a poor choice in not only words but the manner in which they are spoken to. Lying, cheating, and misrepresentation has replaced truth-the new four letter word that seems to turn off corporate America.

But there is hope. Samuel Johnson once said "When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency." I would like to prove him wrong. I believe it is possible for a man to adhere to what his conscience demands, even if listening has not been a former habit. If a change is made within a person, the outer man will reflect that change. I believe, and will always maintain my faith that, man can change.

With that in mind, I am embarking on a 52 week journey to change the areas within myself that have become cold, rude, impolite, or hostile, and I am inviting you along for the ride. I will be posting quotes and excerpts from Hacala's book titled "Saving Civility" every Sunday for introspective review. Perhaps by January 2013, our world won't look so hostile and just maybe, a trip to Walmart won't provoke trepidation.

The Revelation of King Arthur Interview

2012-01-27T13:18:00.003-05:00

Interview by Mary as it appears in the January edition of The Wordsmith Journal.

With 2012 upon us, it is not unusual to hear ‘what resolutions are you keeping this year?’ I happen to think a great New Year’s resolution would be to study the Bible more. After all, we often know what it says but do we know what it means? Can we connect Bible prophecy to current events? Better yet, can we state that our beliefs are based on the Bible or are we just parroting what we’ve heard?

I asked those very questions recently and in seeking the hard answers to a difficult question, came in contact with Robert Bruce Fruehling’s book The Revelation of King Arthur. His argument is thought provoking, expansive, and very convincing. Fruehling is driven with a passion to expose deception, but he is also a minister with a heart bigger than life and a great sense of humor. Behind the theological forefront, he is a man who loves walking in the woods, being around family, and sipping coffee.

MN-You are strongly opposed to the idea of Christians being deceived. Would you say that is your ministry passion?

RF- First Mary let me say thank you to you and The Wordsmith Journal for the opportunity of sharing my book. Your review was gracious and much appreciated. Yes, deception has been ongoing from The Fall in the Garden to present day. As a result we see the mess our world is in. In Matthew 24, Jesus first warned about deception before any other sign of the times. Some may wonder why I devoted the first few chapters to the dangers of being deceived, however I thought it good to lay the ground work concerning how deception works both individually and corporately. I believe we need to prepare for the biggest deception to be perpetrated upon humanity, namely the presentation of Antichrist under the motif of the supposedly Christian King Arthur.

MN-The general path of your book goes from the guards account (or story) of the empty tomb and the invention of such, that trail going straight to King Arthur, and then on to the connection of the anti-Christ. How long did it take you to research and connect these famous events?

RF-The path began in 1995. I read Joseph Carr's book, "The Twisted Cross". In it he exposed the occultist background of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement. As I was to find out, Hitler's favorite opera was "Parsifal". Based on a story of an Arthurian knight it was Hitler's love and carried him to the conclusion that he was part of a grand scheme to rescue the world.

Carr also introduced me to "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" by Baigent, Leigh, and Lincoln. Within its pages, I was supposed to be able to find the line of genealogy from Jesus and Mary Magdalene up to the present day. After my mother died in 1998, my brother Doug flew my wife Paula and me to San Diego for a vacation. While there we toured Balboa Park where there is a building called the United Nations. As we walked through the exhibit, one particular flag caught my attention. It was the flag of Wales that bears the image of a large red dragon on a field of white and green. Wales is also known as the birth place of King Arthur.

My mind went instantly to the verse in Revelation that speaks of an "enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns' (Rev.12:3). This began the questions: How will the person known as the Antichrist be presented? What banner or motif will he use as his own? As I coupled this with the "Legend of the Holy Grail" I began to see the connections between history, myth, and Scripture. If as the "Guards' Account" states in Matthew 28 "His disciples came during the night and stole him away" what happened then? The Revelation of King Arthur is my research and answer to this question, and where it will lead. I trust I have at least given seed for thought.

MN-When I reviewed your book, I wrote: "Terms such as 'whistleblower' and 'prophetic academician' came to mind although Frueling's sole motive was not to rebuke or lecture." Is that a fair statement?

RF-First of all Mary, I thank you for the compliment calling me an "academician". I don't know if many would define me as such. I am basically a preacher/teacher who wishes to give warning. When those outside of Christianity have the "Mayan Prophecy of 2012", and even movies stating that something is on the horizon, should I or any Christian be embarrassed to address Biblical prophecy and the return of Jesus? My intent is to be faithful to the Lord's calling.

MN-The amount of sources you provide for further study is impressive. Could your book be considered part study guide? Would you like to see churches implement your book as a home group study or book club choice?

RF-I would love for the book to be used in a group setting. My hope is that it would not just be a "read through", but would be kept as a resource. I welcome discussion. I would hope that people are specific when in disagreement and not just dismissive. I realize it is a dangerous thing to throw rocks at "stain glass windows", especially concerning my chapter on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their writings. Again, the intent is give warning.

MN-Let's get personal for a moment. With the year 2012 just around the corner, what are some projects you would like to complete (or even start) in the coming year?

RF-Well, as you know The Revelation of King Arthur was self-published through WinePress Publishing. As any writer would, I am hoping to have my book picked up by a publishing house. I also have a rough draft of a study guide for this book, and a tentative outline for a follow up. The next book would address the following: If my initial findings concerning the Arthurian motif are correct; then how did we get here, and where are we going?

I have also self-published a small guide to sharing faith; "Observations, A little book promoting dialogue". When all is said and done I want to be faithful.

MN-Let's play the child's game either/or for a minute. These are related to your typical Christmas day celebrations: Quiet day or house full of company?

RF-For Christmas we will have a house full-my son and his family, and my brother and some or all of his family. We wish all our family could be here, but they are too far away.

MN-Ham or turkey?

RF-For food, I believe in the past anyway, there has been both turkey and ham. Kill me with a fork and spoon!

MN-Football (or other televised sports) or WII?

RF-Probably there will be some football but we have also gone for our walk in the woods. Of course the ladies, hunters and gatherers, will be off to the wilds of the mall etc.

MN-Eggnog or coke?

RF-Like you Mary we are coffee drinkers, so it will be coffee and soft drinks.

MN-Do you take your decorations down right after Christmas or do you put it off as long as possible?

RF-If ya go to the trouble of putting the decorations up, leave them up at least 'til the Fourth of July! Juuust kidding. But we do go past New Years before they come down.

MN-What would be a great New Year's resolution for the church body as a whole to make?

RF-My major hope for the Church would be that we delve into the Bible. As my seminary professor said "We read books about the Bible but we don't read the Bible". If we are to exercise discernment and be ready for deception, then we must know what the Bible says. It really is "the good book".

The Revelation of King Arthur can be purchased at Winepress Publishing.

Join The Revelation of King Arthur FB Group Page.

You can connect with Fruehling on Facebook.

Hearts That Survive by Yvonne Lehman

2012-01-25T19:38:00.003-05:00

~Press Release

On April 15, 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life with a boundless hope in love and faith. Her new friendship with Caroline Chadwick is bonded even more as they plan Lydia's wedding on board the "grandest ship ever built." Then both women suffer tragic losses when the "unsinkable" Titanic goes down. Can each survive the scars the disaster left on their lives?

Decades later, Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed, successful, heroic novelist who went down with the Titanic. Will he find his identity with the past, or will he listen to Joanna Bettencourt, Caroline's granddaughter, who says inner peace and success come only with a personal relationship with the Lord?

Will those who survived and their descendants be able to find a love more powerful than their pain?

Pre-order Now!

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press Fiction (March 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426744889
ISBN-13: 978-1426744884

A Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

2012-01-24T15:27:00.003-05:00

Press Release
Lose Yourself in the History, Opulence, and Elegance of the Thousand Islands

Cousins Amanda, Sophie, and Fanny Broadmoor are as close as sisters, but when their grandfather dies, the terms of his will just might destroy their bond. Seventeen-year-old Fanny has never put much stock in the conventions of society. In fact, she has given her heart to Michael, the family boat-keeper. But when she receives a surprising inheritance, she discovers just how oppressive society can be... and that she may be trusting the wrong people.

Dare she follow her heart and risk going against her family? What if she loses everything she's ever known? It all comes down to one choice: What does Fanny Broadmoor want her legacy to be?

Review comments from Mary
A Daughter's Inheritance was not my introduction to the writing team of Peterson and Miller. I read both series, The Bells of Lowell and The Lights Of Lowell they had previously penned, and could not put any of those books down until they were completed. Because of this experience, I approached the Broadmoor Legacy with enthusiasm.

The storyline seemed to drag at many points, but the writing was so interesting, I didn't want to skip ahead and risk missing anything. I am also a morally driven person that believes those who intentionally wrong others, will eventually succumb to their own misdeeds, like a hunter who is trapped by his own device. I did not see that happen with Jonas. I disliked his character very much, and wanted to see him served justice, and it didn't happen. At least not in this novel. Perhaps the second in the series, An Unexpected Love, will prove to be where the score is settled. It is a testimony to the excellence of writing that I even care. It proves readers become invested, and that single aspect alone should sell a novel.

There is a strong theme of serving the underprivileged in the community, and not becoming enraptured by social status. I had to smile to see those points so delicately and eloquently pursued. They are truly the essence of my worldview, and I strongly believe more novels should approach servant hood with little relevance to social status more often.

In An Unexpected Love, the cousins leave the Thousand Islands, and that makes me a little hesitant. So much of who the Broadmoor family is depends on life on the Thousand Islands. Can Peterson and Miller carry this second in the series as strongly without the support of this paradise? I will let you know.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (January 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764203649
ASIN: B002IKLMOI
Product Dimensions: 12 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches

2012-01-22T19:43:00.009-05:00

Music is an integral part of my life which means my worship begins and ends with a song. When God wants to send a message to me, it's through a particular song. While waiting years-ten to be exact-to conceive our middle son, I would often hear songs related to babies and motherhood. God knew what it took to keep my faith activated. Amy Grant's Baby, Baby would become my anthem for years.

Not long before I went through a dark time in my life, I saw this clip on our local Christian television station while channel surfing. Ricardo Sanchez was singing about being free and forgiven. I didn't know it then, but this song would become a pep talk that God would use to encourage me many times while "walking through the valley of the shadow of (spiritual) death." It was a common occurance for me to look up at the ceiling and lament, "I want to be free. I want to know what freedom in you means."

If you are going through that season of needing to be free, or the assurance that you are forgiven, or that in God, all things are possible, may this song minister to you as it did for me on numerous occasions.

Meet Author Tom Milton

2012-01-20T12:02:00.003-05:00

Interview by ~Mary as it appears in the January edition of The Wordsmith Journal.

Tom Milton has authored several novels published by Nepperhan Press. They include No Way to Peace, The Admiral’s Daughter, All the Flowers, A Shower of Roses and Infamy which won an Indie Award. His recent release, Sara’s Laughter is expected to follow its successors by drawing praise from both readers and reviewers. What is the secret to his success? “I write novels not only to entertain but also to bring a deeper understanding of how the major events of our time challenge our values.” His books appeal to educated readers of serious fiction and are popular with reading groups. They all have book discussion guides that include an introduction, a conversation with the author and questions for discussion.

Tom Milton’s first career was in journalism with the Wall Street Journal, after which he served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He then joined a large international bank and worked overseas, initially as an economic/political analyst and finally as a senior executive. He spent thirty years living and working in foreign countries, which has given him unique settings for his novels; Buenos Aires, Madrid, London, Santo Domingo to name a few. He now lives in the Hudson Valley.

A book is an author’s baby and most are willing to talk at length regarding the origin, content and deeper meaning. Milton is no exception as he discloses the secrets to his baby, about a baby.

MN-In your book, Sara’s Laughter, Sara’s personal mission is to have a baby and you put an obstacle in her-an advanced case of endometriosis.

TM-A lot of women Sara’s age have obstacles, which they didn’t expect to have.

MN-Sara’s mother tells her she wouldn’t have had a problem if she hadn’t waited so long to get married.

TM-And Sara argues with her mother, insisting that the only reason she waited was to find the right man.

MN-But there were a few complications when she found him, including the fact that he wasn’t white. You dealt with the issue of racism in some of your other novels, but here you put it in another context.

TM-In this context, it’s not about civil rights, it’s about the extent to which parents accept interracial marriage for their children.

MN-Sara’s mother seems very accepting. Her father has a bigger problem.

TM-I think no matter which men their daughters marry, fathers have a bigger problem.

MN-The relationship between Sara and her father is a variation of the daughter-father relationship that was central in three of your other novels. You’re obviously fascinated with that relationship.

TM-So were the ancient Greek dramatists. It has a lot of potential for drama.

MN-I noticed that the daughters have one thing in common-they are all the oldest in their families.

TM-They are. And in that position they challenge their fathers, they question the values of their fathers.

MN-The other relationship that fascinated me was the one between Sara and her sister Becky.

TM-It’s the old story about how one child envies another for a relationship with a parent.

MN-Sara is clearly her father’s favorite and Becky feels close to their mother. But Sara is the one who hears her mother’s voice in her head.

TM-Sara has a major issue with her mother that wasn’t resolved before her mother died.

MN-And her sister has an unresolved issue with Sara.

TM-That’s what makes families so interesting, their unresolved issues.

MN-The plot is driven by these unresolved issues, so your novel is about much more than a woman trying to have a baby.

Tm-It’s about how people deal with their unresolved issues.

MN-Can you tell me why Sara laughed when God told her she would have a baby?

TM-When her students read the story of Abraham and Sarah in class, one of them asks her the same question.

MN-And she does what a good teacher does, she asks her students why they think Sarah laughed.

TM-So why do you think Sara laughed?

MN-I don’t know. I think she laughed because she felt blessed.

TM-Let’s see why the other readers think she laughed.

You can purchase a copy of Sara’s Laughter with free shipping directly from Nepperhan Press.

God Meant It For Good by R.T. Kendall

2012-01-19T16:22:00.006-05:00

Mary's retro-recommendation.

Press Release

God Meant It For Good traces the stages of Joseph's life as he matures from a young and impetuous man to one who is prepared to leave his own vindication with God. It presents a case study in total forgiveness exemplified by Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers and applies it to Christian living today. This classic book will challenge, provoke, transform and excite, as the God who taught Joseph to love, forgive and serve, is the God who meant it for good.

Are you going through something you don't understand? Do you wonder, "Why are things so hard right now?" God may have a purpose in your trials. Find the hope and strength you need to persevere through life's difficulties.

Paperback: 199 pages
Publisher: Morningstar; Morningstar Publishers 1st North American Printing edition (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599332787
ISBN-13: 978-1599332789
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches

Change...Yes We Can!

2012-01-16T12:17:00.005-05:00

Are you ready to leave your comfort zone and make an intentional move to bring MLK's vision to pass? Visit Fit For a King and reflect on what you can do to bring about change.

Sharon Robuck With Refuge Pregnancy Center on Monday's Show

2012-01-15T18:02:00.007-05:00

Monday night on Mary's World talk radio, I will be talking with guest Sharon Robuck from Refuge Pregnancy Center. Among other things, we will be discussing their upcoming fundraiser, Coffee House for Refuge taking place this Thursday evening. It's going to be a great show, so don't miss it! 7 PM EST right here.

From Refuge Pregnancy Center's website:
We know that you are perhaps facing the greatest personal crisis of your life. The fact that you are pregnant cannot be reversed, but you don’t have to face it alone. Refuge Pregnancy Center has a staff of trained volunteers that are committed to helping you through this difficult time. We are prepared to help you whether you are single or married, regardless of age, race or religion. Our services are confidential and because we care, it is always free. We promise to do our very best to answer your questions and give you the assistance you need.

The vision of Refuge Pregnancy Center is to reach women in crisis pregnancies with the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. We want to provide accurate and complete information about both prenatal development and abortion.

Showing Love and Hospitality to Others by Roxanne Packham, author of Inspired Design

2012-01-13T17:07:00.011-05:00

Inspired Design Publications
ISBN 978-0-9844563-0-7
152 pages/hardcover/$40.00
Inspired Design Publications or Inspired 31.org

Before we are inspired about how to show love to others, we must first ask why?

Quite simply it is because in Romans 12:10 & 13 we are told to be devoted to one another in brotherly love, to honor one another above ourselves. We are also told to share with God’s people who are in need and to Practice Hospitality. Notice the vocabulary: practice, not perfect.

In America, as a culture and as individuals, we are suffering in part because popular media gears everything to perfection. We are bombarded with messages that if we aren’t the very best at something, we just shouldn’t bother. We compare ourselves to others, rather than knowing our worth in God’s eyes.

I suffer from insecurity and wonder if I can be creative enough to inspire. Are my tips original? Are the photographs beautiful enough? Are my suggestions too simple for some, but too fancy for another? The problem: my thoughts revolve completely around me. My creativity, my skills, my ability. This is not about me but about God’s purpose for me. I suddenly realize the bigger picture; I can’t do it, but I can through Christ who strengthens me.

This dance in my mind between my preciousness in His sight and the enemy’s interjections has slowed me down at times, but God showed me this dance is the very reason for us to love others; to encourage each other. Because we are human we suffer from doubt, insecurity, and rejection of one sort or another. We are God’s tool to encourage others. God uses us as His hands to love others, but make no mistake it is His power, His grace and the Holy Spirit that do the real work, not ours.

God’s path of creativity in me began with a family history of silversmithing eight generations back, a degree from USC, design school in Paris, then design school in Los Angeles. Call them spiritual or otherwise, but they were the gifts God saw fit to give to me. Who am I to argue with my Creator? They are unique and I celebrate them. What are your magnificent and unique gifts that you can use to inspire others?

I do not want the gifts received as a blessing from God to “turn into spiritual dry rot,” as Ann Voscamp suggests in her book One Thousand Gifts, as the manna did when it was hoarded in Exodus 16:20. I want to use my blessings.

Inadequacies and all, imperfections and all: I want to inspire others to practice Hospitality and to LOVE others.

Creative Ways to Encourage Others on Valentine’s Day

KIND WORDS
A handwritten note with quotes, scriptures and words of encouragement is a wonderful thing to find in the mailbox.

Leave a sticky note on your child/husband’s pillow or be bold and write your note on the bathroom mirror or car window in red lipstick saying “I love you”.

Even an email just to say “thank you for your hard work, you bless me” can make a person’s day. A cute poem, scripture or old photograph will remind them they are remembered.

If someone has lost a loved one, kind words of some way that loved one inspired you to do something better will let them know that their loved one’s legacy is living on.

AN INVITATION, TIME
Take some time out of your days to meet someone for coffee, lunch, a long walk, or even just leave a phone message with a sweet sentiment. If you have more time, take a picnic basket to their home. Set up a lunch, tea or coffee, with all your tea cups and a candle. It is a lovely surprise! Just rinse when you finish and pack back up so they don’t even have to do dishes. They will have a lovely memory of a special time.

THOUGHTFUL GESTURE
Hang flowers on the front door handle, leave a pretty tiny package in the mailbox with a beautiful red bow, or cookies delivered to the front door. Create a breakfast plate for your child that says you are special . This is especially significant if your child has struggled with something recently.

A BEAUTIFUL DINNER
Of course this takes more time, but try for a beautiful table setting complete with candles, fresh greens or flowers and a lovely menu either handwritten or printed out on your computer. (Visit Roxanne’s Pinterest account, via the Inspired Design blog, for darling printouts, including gift tags, and much more.) Don’t concentrate on the gourmet or complicated quality of the meal: remember it is about relationship and encouragement!

VALENTINE’S DINNER
A beautiful table for Valentine’s simply consists of reds, pinks and perhaps some purple. (Although it could be beautiful in all white too.) Of course, it has to have some hearts and some colorful candles. Leave kind words of some sort on each place setting. Every Valentine’s table should have its share of sparkle, of course!

Visit Roxanne Packham’s blog for more pictures and Inspired Design ideas for Valentine’s Day.

Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice By David Teems

2012-01-12T10:15:00.005-05:00

AUTHOR DAVID TEEMS' NEW BIO INTRODUCES READERS TO THE MAN WHO GAVE US OUR ENGLISH BIBLE AND CHANGED OUR LANGUAGE FOREVER Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice Explores Life and Work of William Tyndale

~Press Release

Nashville, Tenn. (Jan. 10, 2012) - Author and musician David Teems employs careful scholarship and a poet's imagery to introduce readers to one of the most important, yet least celebrated, heroes of the Christian faith in his new book, Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice, released January 3 by Thomas Nelson.

In the early 16th century, an age of treachery and religious oppression, William Tyndale made the Holy Scriptures available to the English masses by translating them into a language they could understand. An English Scripture in 1526 was against the law in England. To possess, to memorize, and particularly to manufacture the Scripture incurred severe penalties, including death at the stake. Tyndale's courage, tenacity, and deep sense of calling birthed a vernacular Scripture that was revolutionary — not only bringing light and instruction to the masses, but changing an entire culture.

It was the age of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, of Thomas More and Martin Luther. The Reformation was on and ordinary people were eagerly seeking to learn what it really meant to be a Christian. In an act of defiance against a clergy who rejected any Scripture but a Latin one, Tyndale, a young Oxford-trained scholar who spoke eight languages, declared that he would see that the plowboy (the common English believer) knew more of the Scripture than they did. He made good on his promise.

To complete his translation, Tyndale was forced to write and publish in exile, hiding to avoid imprisonment. The Bible he offered the English-speaking world in 1526 was electric. It had to be smuggled into England in bales of cloth. But within this contraband were the expressions we grew up with and have treasured for five hundred years: Give us this day our daily bread; For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory; Behold the Lamb of God; I am the way, the truth, and the life; Blessed are the poor in spirit; Let not your hearts be troubled; The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak; In Him we live, move, and have our being; Behold, I stand at the door and knock; Let not your hearts be troubled, and countless others. Indeed, for all its well-earned honors, the praise given to the King James Bible (KJV) rightly belongs to Tyndale.

Scholars estimate as much as 90 percent of the New Testament and up to 50 percent of the Old Testament in the KJV, the number one selling Bible translation of all time, can be attributed to Tyndale. In fact, Tyndale is credited with infusing the KJV with much of the poetic beauty that makes it so easy to memorize. Tyndale's was the original voice that most English Bibles have mimicked to this day.

Any study of Tyndale must also include his single-word innovations, including behold, brotherly, evangelical, godly, godliness, incorruption, intercession, Jehovah, network, Passover, peace offering, refused, scapegoat, servant, thanksgiving, and zealous. Even William Shakespeare used words coined by Tyndale. In fact, there is an old adage among scholars — "without Tyndale, no Shakespeare."

"Renowned literary critic and author Harold Bloom once said that William Tyndale is the 'only true rival of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Walt Whitman as the richest author in the English language.' Only Shakespeare's prose 'is capable of surviving comparison with Tyndale's,'" says Teems. "That's a pretty stout endorsement given that most of the English-speaking world is totally unaware of the debt we owe to him. Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice explores the rich endowment that William Tyndale bequeathed to the English speaking world, and raises him out of obscurity."

In the end, Tyndale died a martyr, strangled and burned at the stake for heresy. His 1526 translation liberated the English tongue, and infused nobility and majesty into a language that at the time was considered crude. His Bible became the foundation of our finest prose thereafter. All modern translations, including the KJV, follow Tyndale's initial work. Only the very latest translations (including paraphrased versions) depart from Tyndale.

Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice is already garnering rave reviews.

"When I laid down the book, Tyndale, I found myself overwhelmed by the thought that I had just been re-introduced to one of the truly great men in history," says Church Report's Jim Miller.

Teems is promoting Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice alongside Discovering Your Spiritual Center, published by Leafwood Publishers, and Majestie: The King Behind the King James Bible, published by Thomas Nelson. Majestie was at the center of Thomas Nelson's recent 400th anniversary celebration of the release of the King James Bible in 2011. The biography has earned accolades from reviewers, including Publishers Weekly, who calls it "…a delightful read in every way," and Jim Cantelon, co-host of Canada's longest running daily talk show, 100 Huntley Street, who calls Majestie "…one of the best written books I've ever read. It's a page turner."

About David Teems:
Teems is the author of To Love is Christ (Thomas Nelson, 2005), And Thereby Hangs A Tale (Harvest House, 2010), Majestie: The King Behind the King James Bible (Thomas Nelson, 2010) and Discovering Your Spiritual Center (Leafwood Publishers). He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Georgia State University. A talented musician and songwriter, Teems has recorded eight albums, including three spoken word recordings: Hope, More Hope, and Speak To Me (Scripture and music). Teems, his wife Benita, and their family live in Franklin, Tenn

About Thomas Nelson:
Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational, and family value themes. For more information, visit thomasnelson.com.

For more information about David Teems and Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God An English Voice, visit David Teems.com or thomasnelson.com.

Meet Author and Activist Dianne Butts

2012-01-11T15:59:00.006-05:00

Interview by Mary as it appears in the January online edition of The Wordsmith Journal

Dianne Butts, author of the recent release Deliver Me, has more on her mind these days than abortion. One might believe while perusing her book that she is just another pro-lifer, and in one important aspect, they would be right. She not only petitions victims of abortion to know the truth and seek healing, she wants everyone to know about the life that embracing Jesus Christ offers; eternal life. “For those reading this who have lost a child to abortion, I want them to know that their child lives. Even though the child died before he or she had the awareness to give their hearts to Jesus Christ, Jesus took that child straight to heaven. That child is with Jesus in heaven right now. The parent(s) can go to heaven if they accept Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for all of their sins. When they meet their child in heaven, there will be no condemnation, only love, because “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Don’t listen to the lies. Believe the Truth, and live.”

MN-Looking over your blog and websites, it's obvious you have a lot of compassion for those hurting or who have suffered a loss. Did this develop through personal experiences or is it a God given ministerial call?

DB-I believe it's both. I took a "spiritual gifts inventory" workshop once years ago and it said one of my top three gifts is the gift of "mercy." My compassion for the hurting and those who have suffered loss also comes from my own experiences. I wrote my own story in my first book, Dear America: A Letter of Comfort and Hope to a Grieving Nation, which I wrote in the weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I didn't lose anyone that day, but I lost my Dad when I was fifteen and my brother two days after I turned eighteen. I lost a two grandparents and a friend at school in that same time frame. I learned a few things about grief, and so I shared what I learned in that book.

As a Christian writer it seems easiest to write for those who are already believers, and there's nothing wrong with "preaching to the choir" because the choir needs it too. But I also want to reach those who do not yet believe in Jesus Christ. I don't call them “non-believers.” I call them ‘not-yet believers.” We Christians have the Manna, the spiritual bread that sustains us for all eternity, if we will just share it with them. That's what I'm trying to do through my writing. That's why my motto is "Gathering manna and giving it out."

MN-In your book titled Deliver Me, you give men a voice when it comes to sharing how abortion affects them as you say, now that they've had time to contemplate their choices and to live with the decisions that they made. Generally speaking, what are men telling you after the fact?

DB-It seems strange to me that unplanned pregnancy and abortion are considered “women's issues.” A woman doesn't get there without a man being involved. Deliver Me has a whole chapter dedicated to men. Each story is precious and shows how abortion affects men deeply, just as it affects women deeply. The story the sticks with me most is Scotty Vaughn’s, perhaps because I sat down with Scotty and interviewed him so I could write his story.

Scotty was married with two children and was a musician (he became a singer with the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs for twenty years) when his wife was pregnant with their third and he just didn't think they could do it with three kids. He didn't fully grasp what he had done until he held his first grandchild--and then he knew, and was completely devastated. Had he not come to know God in the mean time, well...who knows how he would have gotten through that?

Scotty is now a Pastor and works with men who have lost a child to abortion as he has, and he's heard it all—all the reasoning, all the excuses. He boils it down saying he doesn't very often see stories where the man had no choice in the matter. He says most of the time either the man said, “You do whatever you want to do,” which means the man “checked out.” “He didn't offer her his strength," Scotty said. "When we say [that], we're saying ‘I don't want any part of this.’” Or the man either subtly or not says, “This is a problem...an imposition. You need to get rid of this baby.”

Men who have lost a child to abortion suffer tremendously. Our society and political forces try to say it isn't so, but the men themselves say they do. There is a list of symptoms many women experience after abortion, and believe it or not, men experience the same list, which includes drug abuse, alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and believing God will never forgive them. You can find a list of symptoms both men and women might experience here: sbpcc.net

There is help. Most community pro-life pregnancy centers offer private or group counseling and classes to explore the feelings that are common. You are not alone. God loves you and will forgive you. Abortion is not the “unforgiveable sin.” There is only one unforgiveable sin, and that is to refuse or reject Jesus the Savior, Who paid for all our sins.

MN-In your book, you share a statistic that states at current rates, by age 45, about 43% of women will have at least one abortion. That means roughly 1 in 2 women that we meet in our day to day activities will have an abortion or are living with post abortion issues. What can a) churches and b) individuals do to step up and minister to this broad group of victims? These numbers are too staggering to ignore.

DB-Yes, I was astounded to see that statistic, too, which I found here: Abortionn0.org

As with any problem, the first step is to recognize there is a problem. After that, first churches need to talk about it compassionately realizing how many women (and men) in attendance are living with this secret. Once someone begins talking about it, there’s an opening for wounded people to ask for help. But before they will ask, they must know it is safe: that they will not be condemned, that they will be loved (which is hard for many of them to believe). Individuals can do the same—just listen, love, and do not condemn. I can’t tell you how many people, after seeing my book, have said, “My friend just told me she had an abortion…” Wounded people need to talk about it to find healing, but to talk about it they are risking everything—relationships, reputation, etc. So we have to communicate that it is safe for them to try.

Second, they need more than a listening ear. They need forgiveness from God and to experience His love. The way to find this is in His Word, the Bible, but most people don’t know how to find it by themselves. There are Bible studies that will walk women and men through an understanding of God’s love in Christ’s atonement for our sins. Also, almost every pro-life pregnancy center has counselors and/or groups that are designed to do this very thing. Many of the group classes end with a memorial service to honor the lives of the aborted children of the participants.

Churches and individuals can find a pregnancy center closest to them at Optionline. These pregnancy centers promise confidentiality. There you will find kind and compassionate people—many of whom have been through this themselves (which is why they are there helping others).

Of course I wrote the book because I believe there is power in true stories, of hearing what someone else has been through and how they got through it. I wrote the book with all the kindness and compassion I could muster. I didn’t want anyone to feel condemned reading the book—only loved and helped and lifted up and given hope. My desire now is to get Deliver Me into the hands of every person it can help.

MN-Both right to life and pro-choice sides can state their positions and are well versed in making a convincing argument. Putting aside the double speak and slogans, and releasing you from the burden of proving or disproving a theory, what does the abortion issue boil down to in its simplest form?

DB-Truth and lies. Life and death—and not just of the fetus.

Conceiving and giving birth is us participating with God in creation. Satan hates God, but he can’t get to Him so he does his best to hurt God by hurting God’s beloved, His creation: His people. Satan the devil is a liar and the father of lies. In the abortion issue, Satan’s lies sound like this: “It’s just a clump of cells. It’s your body; you have the right to do what you want to with it. This is an easier, quicker solution to a harder, long-term problem. No one will know. It’s too late. What’s done is done. Nothing can change it. No one can help you now. God will never forgive you for this.”

This is what Truth sounds like: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).

The abortion issue is so heated and passionate because it truly involves life and death, right out there in front where everyone can see the bloody truth. But boiled down to its simplest form, it’s the same as any other issue, really: Lies lead to death. Truth leads to life.

MN-Science has made great progress in helping infertile women conceive when they otherwise would have remained childless. Due to advancements, we can also watch the unborn through the use of ultrasound. Have these technological advances removed the miracle of conception and have in some mindsets, discredited the possibility of a creator? How can believers remain steadfast when confronted with this belief system?

DB-I don’t see how seeing the unborn through ultrasound can possibly remove the miracle of conception. I can only see it enhancing it. We don’t see the conception take place; we see the product of it: there’s a baby there!

At 22 days after conception, a baby’s heart begins to beat with the child’s own blood, often a different blood type than the mother’s. If you’ve seen the “Precious Feet” lapel pin, it is the exact size and shape of the feet of a fetus at 10 weeks after conception. Based on a photograph taken by a doctor, you can see that the feet are perfectly and completely formed human feet. At 10 weeks. All true science supports the Truth, which is God the Creator’s truth. The “Precious Feet” lapel pin is one tool believers can use, but more basically believers can always remain steadfast and confront wrong belief systems by holding up and speaking out the Truth.

MN-Many people have had a difficult time showing empathy for Michelle Duggar's recent loss. Do you believe society in general has grown cold to the miracle of life and has eliminated the dignity the unborn child deserves?

DB-I believe our society has grown cold to a lot of things—life, compassion, purity, Truth… Any loss, especially the loss of a child, is devastating and nobody, nobody, has the right to diminish the pain someone else feels. Their pain is real regardless of the circumstances or what someone else judges may have brought it about.

In my first book, Dear America, I wrote about comparing one person’s pain with another’s by telling this little story from when I lived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado:

“Trying to compare such things a grief and pain reminds me of the cold snaps we endured in the small town where I used to live in the mountains of Colorado. Every January we experienced a cold spell unlike any I had known before. Daytime highs climbed only to twenty below zero. Nighttime lows dipped to forty, fifty, even sixty below. During those times I thought, There is a point where the actual temperature ceases to matter. Whether it is twenty below, forty below, or sixty below doesn’t make much difference. It is just flat cold!

“When it comes to our pain, it is often the same. Whether our own private world is shattered by the death of one person—one parent, one spouse, one child, one loved one—or our nation is shattered by the deaths of thousands, our world is shattered nonetheless. Our pain is greater than words can express. Our sorrow cuts deeper than we think we can bear. And we wonder how we can go on” (Dear America page 10).

When individuals are callous and cold to the pain of others, this is a symptom of something else that lives within that individual. It may be trying to deny the pain they can’t bear to feel of their own loss. It may be guilt they are trying to hide from. But Michelle Duggar and her family not only have a right to their pain, they own it. It is theirs. They have the right to grieve the loss of their child through miscarriage. No one can take that away from them. It exists. It simply is.

That is the same with the dignity the unborn child deserves: It exists. It simply is. No one can take that away. Ever.

MN-In January, churches across the country will participate in the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. What would you like to see accomplished during these events?

DB-In 1983, President Ronald Regan issued a proclamation establishing a National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Each year, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is held on the Sunday closest to January 22, the date in 1973 when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision on Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton which legalized abortion on demand. Today, across the nation in churches and other organizations, SOHLS events remember those decisions and the results: more than 50 million abortions in the United States.

The first thing I would like to see accomplished is awareness. I still find Christians who have never heard of Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and who are completely unaware of the statistics.

Evil accomplishes most of its work in the dark. As the Truth comes to light and people become aware of statistics like “by age 45, about 43% of women will have at least one abortion” and “more than 50 million x abortions in the United States” since 1973, they are moved to action.

I believe the pendulum on the abortion issue is beginning to swing toward pro-life, and that is because people are becoming more aware of the real science and the real numbers.

I also hope this awareness would lead to heartfelt repentance and prayer for God’s forgiveness for our nation before sin leads to the death of our nation.

MN-Tell me about your involvement with the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

DB- I’ve been riding a motorcycle since 1976—long before I was a Christian. After Hal and I got married in 1981, and after we both became followers of Christ later in the eighties, Hal heard about this organization but there wasn’t a chapter close enough to us to join. When we moved to Lamar, Colorado, we found a chapter and joined in 1996.

The Christian Motorcyclist Association in not a club (with dues and must-do’s) but an association of Christian motorcycle enthusiasts. We ride with the purpose of sharing the knowledge of Jesus Christ with those we meet along the highways and byways. A motorcycle is a great conversation-starter.

This directly feeds my desire to tell those who don’t know Jesus about Him—that He is God come in the flesh, that He is real and lives and that He knows their name and loves them, that there is a heaven and hell and one decision we make while living on this earth determines which place we will spend eternity.

MN-What projects are on your calendar for 2012?

DB- I want to write more books. Currently I’m seeking a traditional publisher for my book about “Non-Moms.” If you didn’t notice, my pregnancy story is not in Deliver Me (because I don’t have one. Hal and I have been married 30 years and I’ve never been pregnant). Being a Non-Mom has its own issues that most people seem unaware of. That’s my story and I would like that to be the topic of my next published book.

I’m also writing a book on Death. I know. Nice, cheery subject, that one, right? But I want to talk more about what we talked about earlier: that there is physical life and death, and there is spiritual life and death. When you know God’s view of life and death it is the most hope-filled topic on earth! I want to tell people who don’t know God how He sees death and life, where I find that in the Bible, and that while we don’t have a choice about physical death, we can choose spiritual (eternal) life. So choose Life.

I have more nonfiction books in mind for a series the Death & Life book would start, with titles like When You Don’t Get Your Healing and When You Can’t Understand God. I want to write about how God has proved He exists which includes writing about the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, the Feasts of the Lord, prophecies fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, and the story of God’s involvement throughout human history. Okay, maybe not all of that in 2012.

I also have a line of helpful printed pamphlets for writers or people who want to write for publication that I’ve sold for years at conferences I attend, but I’m currently working on turning them into e-books for Kindle so they will be easily and instantly available to more people. I’m very excited about this! Watch for those to come out in 2012.

I’ve wanted to write fiction since I started writing in 1989 and I’m also a screenwriter, so I have stories I’m developing in both of those forms and I hope to get one or two written in 2012.

And then there are my usual article deadlines I struggle to keep up with since I constantly want to do everything else. Currently I’m writing regularly for The Christian Pulse (the 2012 series is about prophecy coming true right before our eyes), Finding God Daily, and some print magazines.

MN-For those entering the year with hesitation due to speculation regarding the year 2012, what would you say to them?

DB-Our future does not depend on the Mayan calendar. Time and the future of everything that will happen on earth in 2012 and beyond, both in the big picture and in the details of every individual’s life, is in God’s hands. (And yes, He’s big enough to care about the daily details of your life even while He’s attending to global governments and peoples.) The Cross of Jesus Christ stands at the center of Time and all time is in His hands. For those who have given their hearts and lives and devotion to Jesus Christ, we are in His capable hands. There’s no better place to be.

2012-01-08T14:02:00.003-05:00

Monday night on Mary's World talk radio, enjoy an encore airing of a previous broadcast and then we will return LIVE on Monday, January 16th with guest Sharon Robuck from Refuge Crisis Pregnancy Center. Among other things, we will be discussing their upcoming fundraiser, Coffee House for Refuge. It's going to be a great show, so don't miss it!

Winter Promise by Martha Rogers

2012-01-06T06:23:00.005-05:00

Review by ~Mary

Moving to Portersville, Texas to be near her brother and other significant family and friends, Abigail leaves behind the idea that she will never marry. Although marriage isn't her primary concern, it does play into many of her thoughts. Torn between the affections of the town sherrif, Cory, and the town doc, Elliot, she finds love doesn't come easy. In the process, she can't seem to avoid drama in the form of physical ailments, which does help her case with Elliot.

Speaking of Elliot, for having a supporting role in Winter Promise, I found I could relate to his charactor far more than that of Abigail's. Perhaps it's the whole 'I remember a time I couldn't forgive myself either' bit, or maybe just because he seems to be the most human and believable charactor in the book, he was the true protagonist and the one I couldn't wait to read more of.

With a town setting of unforgettable and addicting charactors, and a storyline that will hook you early, Winter Promise is a keeper. It is an example of how fiction works to mirror the conflicts of real life, yet be entertaining enough to give you that escape from reality simultaneously. I had the ending pegged early on, but still found the reading of the book irresistable. Rogers makes it easy by writing about people that pitch in to help others and the many selfless acts of love portrayed in the day to day activities of Portersville. She incorporates timeless lessons Christians learn throughout the seasons of their journey and referances several biblical scriptures without being preachy or pushy. In fact, I grabbed my Bible and read Psalm 139 to remain relevant and in step with her charactors.

At a little over 300 pages, don't let the length fool you. If you're like me, you will have it read in two sittings and then lament that you didn't read slower and relish it more.

~Press Release
A painful past has left Doctor Elliot Jensen uninterested in love.

Until he meets Abigail.

Single, educated, and looking for a new start, Abigail Monroe decides to join her brother and his wife in Portersville, Texas. Near her twenty-fifth birthday and without a suitor, she fears she will become a spinster if she stays in Briar Ridge, Connecticut.

A sprained ankle sends Abigail to the new doctor in town, Elliot Jensen. He is smitten, but tragedy in his past has left him bitter, guilt ridden, and afraid to fall in love again.

When the town’s deputy sheriff rescues Abigail after a robbery, Elliot’s feelings for her get stronger. He is jealous of the attention Abigail is getting, but he fears he can’t compete with the handsome deputy sheriff and his heroic deeds.

Has he waited too long to share his feelings for her? Or will Christmas bring them both the gift they seek?

Set in the late 1800s, the Seasons of the Heart series follows the lives of four women and their families, weaving together their stories of faith, life, and love as they bond in friendship only God could orchestrate.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616384980
ISBN-13: 978-1616384982
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry

2012-01-05T17:47:00.009-05:00

~Press Release
Truman Wiley used to report news stories from around the world, but now the most troubling headlines are his own. He’s out of work, out of touch with his family, out of his home. But nothing dogs him more than his son’s failing heart.

With mounting hospital bills and Truman’s penchant for gambling his savings, the situation seems hopeless . . . until his estranged wife throws him a lifeline—the chance to write the story of a death row inmate, a man convicted of murder who wants to donate his heart to Truman’s son.

As the execution clock ticks down, Truman uncovers disturbing evidence that points to a different killer. For his son to live, must an innocent man die? Truman’s investigation draws him down a path that will change his life, his family, and the destinies of two men forever.

Pre-order Now!!

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414348614
ISBN-13: 978-1414348612

Meet author Chris Fabry

I was born in West Virginia in 1961 and grew up in a small town much like Dogwood. I was affected by my parents, my older brothers, the hills, and books. I was never a very fast reader, but the things I read really helped change me. Particularly novels. I vowed I would write if I ever got the chance.

I met Jerry Jenkins at Moody Bible Institute in the 1980s. He discovered I wanted to write and said, "I can help you do this if you want, but it will be painful." Boy was it painful. Gloriously painful. In 1998, Jerry and Dr. Tim LaHaye hired me to write the Left Behind: The Kids series. I had published five books up to that point. I wrote 35 books in that series over the next six years, finishing in 2004. I later collaborated with Jerry on the Red Rock Mysteries series and The Wormling series, and in 2008 the NASCAR-based RPM series rounded out my work in the area of children's fiction.

Dogwood was my first attempt at writing fiction for adults. It took more than six years to get to the page and to find a publisher. It received the 2009 Christy Award for Christian fiction in the Contemporary Standalone category, which surprised the Dogwood out of me! My next novel, June Bug, draws its themes from the classic Victor Hugo tale, Les Miserables. A nine-year-old girl walks into Walmart and sees herself on a missing children poster. Who is she? Who is her father who travels with her in the beat-up RV? Charles Martin wrote this about the story: "Anne Lamott said that 'good writing is about telling the truth.' Chris Fabry has done this. Beautifully. June Bug is masterful. An honest story that dove deep inside me and lingered long after I turned the last page." June Bug was named a 2010 finalist for the Christy Award and the ECPA's Christian Book Award.

My latest novel, Almost Heaven, is the third book set in the mythical town of Dogwood, WV. Sometimes you find a great story. Sometimes you hunt for an idea and come up with gold. This time the story found me, in the form of an email from Lost Creek, WV. It was from a listener to a local station there that airs my daily radio program. She said she wouldn't be listening to me that day because the station was off the air. The owner/operator had died. His name was Billy Allman, and what I learned about his life, his dream, and his love for God became the heart of Almost Heaven. The novel stands alone, but readers of Dogwood and June Bug will recognize a few familiar characters woven into the scenes of Billy's life.

In addition to my fiction work, I have also collaborated on a couple of best-selling football biographies with Ohio State's Jim Tressel and, most recently, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.

I graduated from the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. I have been married to Andrea since 1982. We have nine children and are not Mormon or Catholic. Just prolific Protestants. In October of 2008, our family evacuated our house in Colorado, leaving behind all our belongings because of a toxic mold exposure. Since then we have been living near Tucson, AZ in order to get medical help for the mold exposure.

Stop by my website at Chris Fabry.com to learn more about my writing and radio endeavors, and be sure to sign up for my e-newsletter, the FABRYGRAM. I can also be found on Facebook, or you can e-mail me at chris@chrisfabry.com.

Interview with author Jeanette Sharp

2012-01-03T17:45:00.005-05:00

Interview by ~Mary as it appears in the January online issue of The Wordsmith Journal

Hurray God-Hope Pray Believe was compiled by the perfect person. “Early on when my husband and I were dating, he called me ‘God’s cheerleader’ and that title stuck. We had the privilege of living in Denver when John Elway won the Super bowl championship back-to-back. We were just crazed fans. I was so inspired and thought, why don’t we say “Hurray God” when he does something great?” And so began the process of constructing a Chicken Soup for the Soul type of book that high-fives God on every page. Based on the concept of answered prayer, author Jeanette Sharp admits that “my heart and passion is to inspire the church to prayer and to just get out of their comfort zone and engage a hurting world with the love of Christ. We as a country have got to get back to the basics of prayer.” Motivating the church is on her left hand, while heart felt compassion for the lost is on her right. “I believe that the world longs to see true authentic Christians living their life out loud, living their life for Christ.” If anyone knows what living their life out loud means, Sharp does. Catapulting from her father’s death to a failed marriage and through a personal health crisis, life gave her plenty of time to think and pray. She now inspires the reader to get real and cultivate a lifestyle of prayer. Sharp’s story resonates with the kind of happy ending you know she deserves and it testifies to the fact that God answers when we call.

MN-You are heavily invested personally in the concept of prayer.

JS- Absolutely.

MN-And it began when you were a child.

JS- It did. My father died when I was nine years old. It was my first experience with death. He was there that morning, and that afternoon when we came home from school, he wasn’t there anymore. My mother being a single mom and a widow had to raise the rest of us and she had only been a housewife raising kids. The doctor had compassion on us and he asked her if she would be interested in coming to work for him and he taught her to do some basic blood pressure things and how to give an injection. Of course that was years and years ago when the requirements weren’t quite what they are today. My father died in May, and by the Fall I turned ten and my twin sister and I got the bright idea that we would help with the family income by selling Christmas cards. I took my case every afternoon after school and knock on doors. I managed to sell all but five boxes and had gone several days without selling any. This one cold afternoon in November, I had been out and had no success. I knocked on this one door, and before I did, I said “Oh, God. Would you please help me sell my boxes?” The lady opened the door and asked “What can I do for you?” and I told her about my cards and asked “Would you be interested?” She knelt down, looked in my eyes and said “I’ll take five boxes.” I connected that prayer that I prayed at the end of her driveway with the answer that I received. I was so thrilled and excited. I wasn’t greedy, I just thought, ‘God, you can do anything’ and that anchored my soul with a genuine experience with the Lord. I ran home and told my Mom and my sister and my brother what had happened and that is still what I am doing (today). The passion in my heart is to tell people that God loves them, he sees them and that he answers prayer.

MN-You later became a single mom. Tell me how that anchored prayer helped you through. There are a lot of women experiencing that.

JS-I struggled. I was in the marriage for eleven years and it was in a sense abusive, not physically but verbally. I decided I couldn’t live my life like this anymore. I took our daughter and I just left. It was then that I came full circle in my faith. I moved back to the area I was raised in and reconnected with my family and the church and became anchored in church since my husband had not allowed me to attend church. He felt it was a crutch and that I was a fool but there was such a pull in my heart. I came back to the Lord and he carried me again and it has been a journey that I want to share with the world.

MN- Was He your husband at the time?

JS-God was my husband, absolutely he was. I was single for about seven or eight years and I met my husband who is a Godly man. I told the Lord, “If you want me to marry than it must be a Christian. He must be sold out. I will not be quick to jump into anything. I will examine his life carefully to make sure his life bears fruit.” The Lord brought that to pass. He answered that prayer.

MN-It must have been very scary when you were diagnosed with Lupus.

JS-Yes, it was.

MN-What were the events that led up to that diagnosis and what was your recovery like?

JS-I was involved in the beauty industry while married to my first husband. We owned three beauty schools, a wholesale or retail wig salon, two beauty salons…we were heavily involved in that industry and I worked myself into the grave. After the divorce, I purchased my own salon. My client base was wealthy, mostly non-Christian. I told the Lord I wanted the salon to represent him and so I put verses all around, tastefully done. I worked many long hours and became ill. I simply couldn’t go anymore. I went to the Mayo clinic where I was diagnosed with Lupus. I asked “Can’t you give me some pills; I’ve got to get up. I’ve got work to do” and they said no, that was not the way this usually happens. My husband married me sick-I was sick flat on my back. We dated years earlier briefly and then he came back into my life and said “I love you and I don’t care if you’re sick or not. You are who I want.” We’ve been together ever since.

MN- He’s a keeper.

JS- Yes, he’s a keeper.

MN- Are you ok now?

JS-I am, but you know it’s been like a choke chain because I am one of these personalities that if I’m not feeling good, I am off and running. I have learned to monitor myself and make wiser decisions and to pace myself.

MN-You have this enthusiasm and I can see you driving yourself hard and you need something to stop you before you self destruct. (laughing)

JS- One night in the middle of the night I was sick and I told (my husband) that I needed to go to the hospital. So we get to the hospital and he is one of these that have never been sick-always healthy. So I am in the bed and on the other side of the curtain is this guy who was in a motorcycle accident and he’s moaning and groaning and my husband, I can see him slowly turning green. He mouthed “I’m going outside” and he went out and sat on the curb.

MN-At three in the morning he is sitting on the curb?

JS-It was a real learning curve. (laughing) He has risen for the cause, worthy of the challenge. He’s my inspiration and has encouraged me to write.

MN-Let’s talk about the book. It’s got several contributors.

JS- I set up a website, horraygod.com and solicited stories on facebook and began marketing madly. I approached Christian writers groups and asked them to get the word out that I wanted answered prayer stories. Soon they began to flood my email box.

MN-I’m disappointed that you only put three in the book because you are such a good writer.

JS- Thank you.

MN-Will there be a Hurray God series or is this a stand alone?

JS- No, there will be a series. I want to do at least two more books with this. I want to do Hurray God For America to include patriotic stories and I want to do a Hurray God for kids to help the parents help them write out their prayers. I have a staff that will help with that.

Mn- Because Hurray God is about prayer, did you encounter any spiritual warfare while writing the book?

JS- (groans) Do you really want to know? It has been a nightmare.

MN- I bet.

JS- In fact, I have been so sick for the past three to four weeks. We just moved and I have had allergies so bad. I saw an allergist and she said “I’d like to do a cat scan, you know, just a baseline.” She did and it came back that I had a bad sinus infection that would have gone undiagnosed without the cat scan. I’m just finishing my second week of antibiotics. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to attend this conference. But I prayed, “Lord if you want me there, you are going to have to help me.”

MN-With the concept of the book, I just knew you were giving the devil a black eye and he would come at you.

JS- And he has but I have learned to pray and resist the enemy. James tells us to resist the enemy and he will flee from you and I do that continually, several times a day. If you don’t, you won’t recognize it and you are in for a nightmare.

MN-You’d be a punching bag.

JS-You are exactly right. We fight this battle sometimes in a fog and he (the devil) will want to bring confusion on your mind. That is a trick he uses. Procrastination is another one. He wants to get you off your game. He wants you out of sync and off what God wants you to do.

MN-And we conquer it with prayer.

JS-Amen.

MN-What is prayer?

JS-Prayer is simple. You don’t even have to say it out loud. You can whisper it in your heart because God sees your heart and knows your heart and he will answer it. It’s simple, not hard or difficult, just commune with God.

MN- As a former business owner, what advice do you have for aspiring leaders? How much does faith play into the success of a business?

JS- Faith and prayer play vital roles in any business venture from my perspective. If you haven't seeded the ground with prayer and watched for God's directives, you're basically in it alone. That's not a good place to be.

MN- In the year 2012, what do you hope to accomplish?

JS- I hope to be able to speak about prayer in 25 different states, publish the children's book and begin accepting stories for my book, Hurray God! For Children, and lay the groundwork for a radio show.

To purchase a copy of Sharp’s book, visit hurraygod.com

You can also connect with Jeanette Sharp on facebook

2012-01-02T09:01:00.003-05:00

It's an election year and I am kicking off a new year of Mary's World talk radio by discussing Christian voting FAQ's with Tom Burnet, a former Catholic deacon. In 2008, 25% of the voters were Catholic while another 25% were evangelicals. The issues that matter to at least 50% of the voters are pro-family, pro-creation care and pro-life and we will be approaching these issues not by political party, but by the issue itself. What are Christians doing right and what do we need to work on when it comes to our political views and opinions? Some of the content may not be suitable for children, though. Please use discretion while listening when childern are around. We're talking issues and specifics tonight at 7 PM EST. It's going to be a great show!

If the link on the sidebar does not work, you can listen here.

Give Me A Revelation

2012-01-01T13:29:00.009-05:00

As the year rolled over into 2012, I heard firecrackers exploding outside as the big ball in New York simultaneously dropped. Everything else was the same. Time continued just as it had before midnight. Yet, there is a feeling in the air that as a new year begins, it is a chance to start over and attempt to get it right this time.

Reflecting back over 2011, I echo the sentiments of many regarding the year; it was the best of years and the worst of years. In many ways I am content to kiss it goodbye and keep going. In all honesty, though, the worst of times in 2011 contributed to the best of times. Had I not been off my feet for months at a time due to back issues, I would never have turned to my Bible and studied it for hours a day, leading to the greatest leap in my faith walk to date. I can truly thank God for those bulging discs and credit them to a deeper spiritual experience.

In Praise and Worship service this morning, I committed my year to Him with the most appropriate song, in my opinion, to do so. (Thanks, Carlie) I want God to give me a revelation of His plans for the next 12 months, guiding this girl along on the path He has designed for me, and me alone. May your prayer this new year be the same, and may He show you the plans He has for your life.

2011-12-30T21:21:00.001-05:00

The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read. ~Abraham Lincoln

2011-12-28T22:33:00.006-05:00

Fit For A King is now live! I hope you will visit often as we are all leaders according to its definition: one of influence. Read, be inspired, and post comments often to inspire others!

Take Responsibility For What You Believe

2011-12-27T12:49:00.009-05:00

Henri Nouwen wrote in his book The Way of the Heart, "We move through life in such a distracted way that we do not even take the time and rest to wonder if any of the things we think, say, or do are worth thinking, saying, or doing. We simply go along with the many "musts" and "oughts" that have been handed on to us, and we live with them as if they were authentic translations of the Gospel of our Lord."

This sums up my recent spiritual awakening far too succinctly. I was just like his description; wondering, doing, not even questioning the why's. To question was equated to sinful. Almost. But being the inquisitive person that I am, I asked. To be truthful, at certain junctions in my journey, I wasn't convinced I had done the right thing in stepping out and asking that tough question. It was easier to blindly accept and go along believing I was doing what God was expecting. In reality, and I can guarantee you are close to this, I was doing what man expected. I was no where near meeting God's expectations.

Here it is in one simple line. God expects us to accept his son's sacrifice and live with the knowledge and grace that cross offering brings to our lives. Everything else is manufactured logic and theology. Of course you want to live your life as an acceptable sacrifice to God, but that comes naturally if you truly understand and accept the gift of the cross.

If I burn my hand, no one has to tell me it's burned. I feel the pain and see the manifestation of that burn on my skin as it either bubbles or peels. For someone to claim my blood pressure needs to spike or I need to pass out for the burn to be legitimate defies the logic of that scorched skin I am looking at. Same thing with our relationship with God. No one can tell you how to cultivate that relationship or what it stands for because it is a sacred union between you and God. How do get there, though?

Read the scripture in its unadulterated form. That is, read it without the echos of opinions gone by. Read it and ask God what the right interpretation should be. Your translation should be based on what God is whispering to you, not what man shouts from his soapbox. I think we are too quick to parrot what we hear and never ask the question "why?". We take man's interpretation as the gospel and do not heed God's intent in writing it in the first place. It's time to go back to the basics and approach scripture as we are commanded to-with the faith of a child. And if you are near children for any length of time, you will hear one of them ask "why" a time or two.

Read, study, reflect, and ask why. I'm telling you, it's a liberating experience when you do.

Where In The World is Bob Aston?

2011-12-26T08:31:00.004-05:00

Bob Aston lives by the words, "Go into all the world...." His passport has been stamped numerous times for numerous places, and tonight, we will talk about his adventures on air. What influenced his decision to become a missionary? What is the process of fundraising and preparing for overseas trips? I will ask the questions that appeals to those thinking about short term trips this year as well as the ones that are asked by opponents of international charities when the subject is brought up. Join us at 7 PM EST at revmedianetwork.com if the link on the sidebar does not work. It's going to be a great show!

"What Would God Have Me To Do?"

2011-12-21T21:04:00.008-05:00

On Monday's radio broadcast, guest Hope Jones stated, "So now I'm a widow with three kids. What would God have me to do?" I was shocked.

Hope endured a childhood steeped in parental drug and alcohol abuse and violence that was a direct result of that abuse. As an adult, she watched her four year old daughter survive an automobile accident that spared her life but took her ability to walk due to an irreversible spinal cord injury. Suffering deep depression following the prognosis, Hope managed to lift her head once again, only to find that her husband had months to live due to a cancer diagnosis. Two years later, she buries him and when asked what the experience was like, she states she turned to God to find out what He would have her do. Yes, her reaction shocked me. Admittedly so, I'm not sure I could be that sacrificial and trusting.

Shortly after asking God what His plans were for her, she organizes McKayla's Faith Foundation and now raises money to assist other families that are coping with childhood disabilities. Concerning the organization, she says, "(It) is to inspire kids no matter what life has thrown at them. We feel it is so important for kids to feel like they are a part of something. We are dedicated to enabling all children to live life to the fullest. To experience life in all of it's glory and suffering. Life was meant to be lived."

This intrigues me. To look adversity in the face and not back down takes a strong person. Or perhaps it is strong faith that allows an individual to stand unwavering. Either way, I was challenged, and I want to throw this challenge out to my listeners.

John 3:16 states "For God so loved the world that He gave...." If you are a believer, it is a natural response to suffering to give out of love and compassion. However, setting faith aside, basic humanity says we can't turn our backs on the suffering of another. So no matter where your religious affiliation is, or what your idea of reaching out means, let me offer this proposition.

We are perched on the brink of 2012. If everyone purposed to ask what they could give to others, or if each individual asked God what He would have them to do, or if we even made the decision to be more aware of the suffering of others, can you imagine what the world would look like next December? Think about the lives you alone could impact by allowing yourself to be touched and moved by the weaknesses of someone else. Your future is still unwritten. You can decide whether to live it selfishly and unmotivated or if you will live with purpose and destination.

As a writer, I love these words to Natasha Bedingfield's song Unwritten:

Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

What will you do with 2012?

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Are you ready for the challenge? Today is where your book begins.

Mary's World First One Hour LIVE Event!

2011-12-17T19:41:00.010-05:00

Monday's show is going to be our first one hour special! Meet Hope Harwell Jones. Adversity has been a lifestyle for her from the time she was a child but she never gave up. Her story alone is guaranteed to encourage you. We will also meet Hope's daughter McKayla. Paralyzed in an automobile accident when she was 4, McKayla now travels to schools with Hope to motivate others to "Get REAL". They formed the McKayla's Faith Foundation that successfully raises money to provide a multitude of resources for children and their families who are living with disabilities. Visit her site and then join me Monday night-7PM EST-for the most inspiring hour of the week!

If the link on the side bar does not work, you can listen here. It's going to be a great hour long LIVE event!

From McKayla's Faith Foundation website:
Our Foundation provides essential resources to families and disabled children of accidents and birth defects. We believe everyone regardless of their economic situation or physical limitations needs to experience a full life. We want to provide a variety of exciting summer camps, trips, events, programs, and needed equipment and resources. We believe that every child is capable of achieving anything their hearts desire and we are trying to enable children who never give up like Mckayla. The only disability in life is a bad attitude. Attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference. We are dedicated to provide these services and resources.

The following businesses have partnered with McKayla's Faith Foundation:

What Does Mary Read?

2011-12-16T16:42:00.012-05:00

As a reader, this question comes up a lot, and why not? I am always quick to ask other book lovers what is on their current reading list. I am not above peering over the top of my book while sitting in Starbuck's, either, to snoop on the guy next to me to see what lies between the front and back cover he cradles. To satisfy the curiosity of those that have asked, here is my current list.

Fiction
Love On Assignment by Cara Lynn James-Charlotte has gone undercover on assignment as a reporter to dig up anything that would destroy the character of Daniel Wilmont-a Christian columnist who writes a controversial religious column in the local newspaper. Yeah, yeah. You know where this is headed. They fall in love and she has a choice to make; divulge what she knows for the big pay day, or tell the truth and lose everything she holds near and dear in the process. As someone who inhales story lines related to moral dilemmas, this captured my attention from the first page.

Non-fiction
The Leadership Wisdom of Solomon by Pat Williams-Not that my knowledge or library is vast when it comes to leadership manuals, however, I can say without hesitation, this is the only leadership book you would ever need and the first one you should reach for when even considering the role. Based on twenty-eight moral principles of leadership-think The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership, The Leader's Reputation, Leadership In Times of Crisis and more-Williams accurately nails the characteristics of leadership and how to value them. He is tough and challenges the wanna-be to think. In fact, if you can't think through situations and use constructive reasoning, find another occupation. I love this book!

Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby-This book is all about accountability. How do you, as a leader, manage your time? Are you influencing others? If not, you're not a leader contrary to what your business card says. Is your goal to equip others to lead? Get over yourself and step into the true mission of leadership. This is one book that states your mission as a leader clearly from the front cover. Spiritual Leadership-Moving People on to God's Agenda.

A New Kind of Conservative by Joel C. Hunter-as a Christian political activist in the making, this book came highly recommended by someone who knows me and the subject matter pretty well. I just received the book and have not been able to study it per say, but perusing through the chapters proves this will be an influential piece of literature in my endeavor. Perhaps every Christian voter should read it, though, as it raises many key issues only a responsible citizen would dare contemplate. What are the issues Christians should care about and how do we expand and emphasize those issues? How can conservatives have an impact in the world, and by the way, what is a conservative anyway? (You know I love that chapter!) How do you move from awareness to participation?

There are other books that I am reading, but they are personal and reflect my current journey and so they will remain unnamed. At least for now. In the meantime, look for interviews and book reviews to be posted here and on The Wordsmith Journal's website over the next few weeks covering the following books:

Fiction
Sara's Laughter by Tom Milton

Non-Fiction
Deliver me by Dianne E. Butts
Hurray God! Hope Pray Believe by Jeanette Sharp
Discovering Your Spiritual Center-The Power of Psalm 119 by David Teems
Wavelength-Tuning In To God's Voice In A World Of Static by Jeff Petherick

2011-12-15T22:14:00.001-05:00

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.
~Peter Drucker

Leadership 101 with Mary's World Guest Jon Fennell

2011-12-14T15:41:00.011-05:00

If you've been around me for any length of time, you know my passions include Christian politics and the ethical lifestyle involved in leadership of any kind. How timely and appropriate to sit and talk with Jon Fennell, pastor of Believer's Fellowship in East Atlanta, about those very issues. I recently read an article written by syndicated conservative radio talk show host and columnist Dennis Prager titled What Does Adultery Tell Us About Character, and it unleashed a wealth of thoughts and questions that I posed to Pastor Jon. The political questions didn't unnerve him as much as something else. If you missed the LIVE broadcast on Monday evening, here is a partial transcript.

MN-Are you more comfortable preaching or teaching?

JF-When it comes to Bible teaching, I enjoy it so much because it’s the fruit of study and I enjoy studying. I really love to explore it, get into it, understand it and then I’m always looking for how it applies to how I live today. That’s the question I am trying to answer; now we understand it but what difference does it make and how can I apply it? I enjoy both roles. I feel like there is a different task on Sunday morning than Wednesday nights. Wednesday nights we try to disciple people and on Sunday morning, we want to worship God and proclaim His truth.

MN-Do you ever get performance anxiety, like on Sunday morning you are on your way to church and you say ‘Oh God, please show up. Please show up’ or do you just go with the flow and whatever happens, happens?

JF-I don’t get that as much as I used to. Sometimes, I do, though. When I was pastoring another church I had two Sunday services and what would happen is you would preach a service at 8 o’clock and if it didn’t go well, you knew (you) pretty much had this same sermon coming up again and there would be some nervous moments. I would be like, ‘God you’d better do something.’ I would think about trashing that one and writing another one real quick on the fly. (laughing) I don’t really get anxious about it, for whatever reason. I’m more nervous holding this earphone microphone.

Mike-There’s no one out there. (laughing)

JF-This has got me a little more rattled than preaching.

MN-It’s just us. (laughing)(In referring to political leaders) Public opinion is if a man betrays his wife, he will betray his country. There is so much emphasis placed on adultery that it defines a person. There are nine other commandments and there is so much focus placed on the one. Does a man lie? Does a man steal? How about, does (this candidate) go to church on Sunday? Even the media that reports this has more pull than most political candidates. Why aren’t we looking in their closet? So I guess my question to you is, if a man commits adultery, is that enough for (the voter) to say he will not be a good leader?

JF-Adultery is a sin-let’s be clear about that-and certainly a sin that brings a lot of devastation and hurt into that marriage and that family. When it comes to political candidates we need to figure out when it came out in the news. Is it old news, and if so, are we ever going to forgive and are we ever going to move on? Are we going to say this person can’t change? If a person can’t change, then why would I bother preaching the gospel? It gets a little more complicated than we want to admit. As a believer in the political process, all of us will be required to decide what values are going to be important to us when we go to the polls. We’re not necessarily going to find that one candidate that reflects all of our values. As a believer, I’ve really got to seek God and ask, ‘Who is really going to help this nation and who is going to take us in the direction we need to go?’

MN-The public perception of ministers and the life they lead sometimes is out of touch with reality. There was a poll where ministers were asked to finish this sentence. “If only people knew….” The poll reflected what (ministers) would like people to know is that they are regular guys, taking care of their wives and making sure the kids are clothed and fed, they like ESPN, they like to throw a football and drop a hook in the water every now and then. Sunday morning, you’re standing up in front of your congregation, you’re looking out over the crowd, and you think, “If only they knew…..”

JF-If only they knew, I wanted to go to lunch as badly as they do. I’m looking forward to some fried chicken. I’m gaining weight and trying to lose it, and it’s just as hard for me as it is them. I wish we had a prayer line that made our weight go away, those kinds of things. (laughing) God’s put us (ministers) in an interesting calling as leadership in the church. If you really buy into the body of Christ picture that Paul paints in I Corinthians 12, what I’m doing isn’t more important than what they (the congregation) are doing, it’s just different. I’m just trying to be obedient to do what God’s called me to do, and I’m enjoying it. But I am just as regular of a person as they are and what we share is a commitment to Christ and a passion to follow the calling he has on our lives.

St. Nick's Example Parallels the Advent of Jesus Christ

2011-12-14T07:38:00.004-05:00

Guest blogger Scott Higginbotham dares to reflect on St Nick and what his life can add to the Christmas story.

Santa Claus is the stuff of legends. His stories make kids wide-eyed, fills them with dreams, and gives them that mental kick to be good. At least for a month! For too many, they grow up not knowing the true story of Saint Nicholas and miss his example and what informed his generosity.

Nicholas was a fourth century orphan in what is now Turkey, but was left with a substantial inheritance. He used this money to bless the lives of others, chiefly children. Moreover, he used his means and exercised his religious convictions in astounding ways, later becoming the Bishop of Myra and attending the Council of Nicaea.

He was a real person who lived his faith in practical ways, and initially shunned the spotlight. It has been said that, "The doors of his house were open to all. He was kind and affable to all, to orphans he was a father, to the poor a merciful giver, to the weeping a comforter, to the wronged a helper, and to all a great benefactor."1

Called the Wonderworker, Saint Nicholas followed Christ’s example. Our ransoms have been paid, and seeing how Christ-inspired kindness manifests through frail humanity makes His sacrifice more clear:

“Legend has it that Saint Nicholas became aware of a desperately poor parishioner having three daughters with no dowry to recommend them for marriage. The father had planned to sell them into prostitution to provide some means of support. By night, Saint Nicholas secretly brought bags of gold on three separate occasions to the man’s home. These generous visitations allowed the three daughters to have sufficient means to avoid whoredom and later strike a marriage covenant. On the third visit to deliver the gift, Nicholas was caught in the act of generosity by the grateful father.”2

Do we need another Saint Nicholas? Indeed! Does his life inspire you to do a small part not only during this holiday season, but also throughout the year? I hope so. Does the story of a small baby, laying in a manger, who was sent to pay our ransoms and set us free, make this season just a touch brighter? I pray that it will.

The Advent of Jesus Christ ushered in the greatest gift of all. The snippets we know concerning Saint Nicholas’ life, point squarely back to the Savior.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV)

reference 1

reference 2

2011-12-12T09:41:00.005-05:00

Join me at 7 PM EST as Senior pastor Jon Fennell will share his story on air and I will be sneaking in a few questions related to leadership. Have we set the bar of expectations too high or not high enough? What are the qualities a voter should look for in political or religious leadership? Are we basing too much on the adultery issue? These are the questions I have, and I hope you will listen in for the answers. If the link on the side bar does not work, you can listen here. It's going to be a great show!

If you missed the LIVE broadcast, you can listen to the show in its entirety here titled "Jon Fennell 121211". (The audio is a bit jumpy in spots-not sure what caused that) Partial transcript coming soon!

Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2011-12-09T18:49:00.003-05:00

Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.

Review notes from ~Mary
This is an easy read, which is important when you want to escape into a good book without much thought or effort. But don't interpret "easy read" as fluff. Quite to the contrary. Edythe is a feisty, independent, unconventional woman. Those qualities of hers that are endearing to some become rough as sandpaper to others, and the new teacher in town is sure to make a few enemies along the way. The protagonist is a strong character, and never veers from what you would expect from her. That is important in a piece of fiction. Good books are ruined when the author becomes bored and creates a situation where the main character(s) act out of character. We're talking about Sawyer, though, and she does not make rookie mistakes like that.

Whether her teaching methods are right or wrong, good for the children or disruptive, Edythe encounters many other problems that cause her teaching dilemmas to pale in contrast. How does her faith-or lack of-influence her decisions? Can she let go of control and trust a God she has never seen to work things out for her benefit? Does she possess the strength of character to fight for what she believes in, even if the town turns against her?

These are not life circumstances or questions that are confined to a fictional novel. They speak to us and about our unique journey through life, settling the argument that Christian fiction goes beyond merely entertaining. Great Christian fiction is timeless, and Sawyer has penned a timeless novel.

Have I mentioned that this is a must read for prairie fans? Sawyer described the mercantile, school and life among the families so well that I could see these places as vividly as a Little House on the Prairie episode. Courting Miss Amsel is not a poor attempt at mimicking the 1970's television show, but rather a nicely done addition to those that love the prairie era in history.

Light reading. Meaningful. Vivid and descriptive. Perfect for night reading beside a well stoked fire while cradling your coffee or tea cup. Be forewarned, though. Sawyer's style of taking the reader hostage from the first page is alive and well in this novel. Grab your Snickers; you won't be going anywhere until the last page is read.

Paperback: 346 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207849
ISBN-13: 978-0764207846
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches

Change. Balance. Hope.

2011-12-06T15:19:00.012-05:00

Kellye, Kristen and Greg joined me on air last night and the conversation was all over the place. We talked about the benefits of working out and de-stressing, the importance of women taking care of themselves, and a special message for those facing a difficult moment in their lives. The show has been archived and you can hear it in its entirety at Revmedia Network. (Titled Kellye, Kristen and Greg) If you heard the LIVE broadcast, you will remember the following from our conversation.

Mary-We need change in our lives and sometimes the change is balance. Sometimes we just need to bring things into a good balance. Sometimes…..we are looking at the environment and who is impacting our lives and tonight I want to look inside. The Bible says that you are changed by the renewing of the mind. Change is from the inside.

Kristen-I realized that I had to make some changes for myself in order to be a good mom. My son deserved that, I mean he deserves the best. I would love to tell everyone that you have to take the time to do things for yourself in order to bring a balance into your life. At the end of the day even though I’ve taken an hour to myself to go workout or do whatever, when I get home he still knows who his mama is. He’s still going to come to me.

Mary-(speaking of working out) Some of our listeners may be thinking, why do you torture yourself? Why do you put yourself through this? I’m going to pull a Dr. Phil on you. There is a payoff. You’re doing it for some reason. What are you gaining from it?

Kristen-The main thing I’m gaining is self confidence. I have always lacked self confidence and I think a lot of women struggle with this. I have never felt this good about myself. Knowing I have done this myself-no one has helped me.

Greg-It’s hard initially. The first day, I remember that. It hurt. The next week it was easier. It’s worth it. I do it to try to lose weight, to try to get toned and also do it for the stress factor. I work in a very stressed business-the finance business.

Mary-Don’t you feel balanced all over? Tell me what that feels like.

Kristen-Over all I feel healthier. My confidence has hit the roof. I do have that determination and drive. As far as balance, I feel like that hour that I have taken out of my day for myself has helped me have more energy.

Greg-To me, I’m more active. I’m not a real fast walker but I was noticing walking back to the copier today that I’m walking faster. I have a little more pep in my step. Everywhere I go I notice it. When I went to the mall this weekend, I was walking faster.

Kristen-It helps your posture, too. I stand up straighter.

Greg-Yeah, it does. It also makes you feel more comfortable putting your clothes on. (laughing)

Mary-A lot of people that don’t work out don’t understand this. They think if you go to a gym it’s for vanity or you’re being self centered. Women are natural caregivers. We care for children, we care for our husbands and in the process, we often neglect ourselves. We put guilt on ourselves but it’s also imposed because we are taught that we are supposed to give out and we lose our identity in the process.

Kellye-We feel like we’re just supposed to take care of everyone else and we do lose our identity and I did the same thing. Sometimes we have to change our perspective and our outlook on things. We do have to take care of ourselves and it’s ok. It took me forever to get that and I am so glad that Kristen is getting it so young. It’s not a vanity thing. I Corinthians 6:19…no where in that scripture does it say that just men are to do that. What kind of example are we going to be for Him if we are sickly and barely getting around? God wants us to enjoy our life and how can we (do that) if we are always carrying the weight of world around on our shoulders? (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

Mary-You can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you. I want to give you hope. No matter what you feel like tonight, it’s not permanent. Everybody hurts. You are not alone. Hang on for 24 hours-24 hours can make a difference. No matter where you are tonight, you will get to the point that you can walk in the door like Kristen and Greg and there will be someone there like Kellye who will say “It’s ok. We’re going to take it from here and you will have a different life.” The change is from inside. Even though it seems dark tonight, and you don’t know how it will get better, it will get better. Hang on.

Tonight on Mary's World Radio Talk Show.....

2011-12-05T15:04:00.002-05:00

Mary's World health and fitness advisor, Kellye Davis Williams, will be back on the show. She is always a lot of fun and brings practical wisdom and a common sense approach to doing life. Greg Johnson will also be here to give an update on the milestones he has passed over the last several weeks. New to the program is Kristen Carr. She is a new mom with a new attitude. Hear her story as well. The show is going to be packed full, and you will want to be there for it! See you at 7 PM EST. If the link on the side bar does not work, you can listen here.

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles by Karen Kingsbury

2011-12-03T19:53:00.008-05:00

Do Christmas miracles still happen? You bet they do!

Press Release
This collection of true stories from bestselling author Karen Kingsbury celebrates the mystery and wonder of Christmastime.

A chance encounter that changes everything . . . help that appears from nowhere . . . kindness when it's least expected . . . We've all experienced miracles in our lives. Now Karen Kingsbury has collected a series of real-life stories about people whose lives were changed by the mystery and wonder of Christmastime. In each of these stories, Karen brings undeniable proof of God's presence in our lives. And with an uplifting voice, she gives us a joyous reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: the greatest miracle of all is opening our hearts to love.

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's #1 inspirational novelist. There are nearly 20 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 50 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists. She lives in Washington state with her husband, Don, and their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti. You can visit Karen's Web site here.

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: FaithWords; 1ST edition (September 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446193925
ISBN-13: 978-0446193924
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches

Can't get enough of Christmas miracle stories? Visit The Wordsmith Journal and enjoy true tales of supernatural intervention that reminds us of the real meaning of Christmas.

Let it go!

2011-12-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

Learn from your past mistake and resolve not to repeat it. Then let it go. ~From the book Living Beyond Your Feelings

The Invisible America with Penney Carlton

2011-11-30T18:29:00.003-05:00

Penney is my hero! I think we share the same heart-perhaps even the same air-when it comes to the passions that consume us. Both writers, both advocates for Christian publishing, and both living with a fire inside that refuses to die.

As founder of Jude's House many years ago, it was my objective to feed and clothe the low income of our area. Little did I know that endeavor would end up assisting Katrina refuges that migrated their way North for help. We sustained single moms, infants, complete families. It's in my genes to help someone that is going without and I found a camaraderie with Penney in that aspect.

Penney went as far as filming a documentary as it related to the homeless in her Southern town of Nashville. It was a success in that it aired seven times and was responsible for reuniting a family. But it didn't end there. Penney is haunted by the faces of those she talked to. She has lingering questions. How could their faith be so strong in spite of their circumstances and if it happened to them, the ordinary person, could it happen to her? She has penned a book titled The Invisible America that chronicles the stories of those she met. Through her book, the reader can live vicariously through Penney's experience but don't expect easy answers. She is liable to stir more questions and complicate your awareness-even making you feel a bit uncomfortable. Invisible America is a true wake up for those that think they know what being homeless in America means.

Nobody is immune to the pain of loss and shame…

In 2006 I had the privilege of producing a documentary on homelessness in Nashville, TN. The invisible America aired regionally on the Nashville CBS affiliate seven times. Before venturing into the streets of Nashville, it never occurred to me that nobody was immune to homelessness. Yet, within mere hours of our cinematic journey to document the stories of the homeless on film, we would find a truth that to this day ripples through every American flag that flies in this country, I was wrong. For I found in the faces and hearts of those who now lived a life invisible to most of us a raw honesty and true patriotism. And faith...faith unlike any I had ever experienced before...

Five years have passed since the documentary first aired during the 2005 holiday season in Nashville. Five years ... and I still struggle with what I witnessed, still feel the guilt and still wrestle with what to do with the knowledge I have.

To read the preface and first few chapters, visit The Wordsmith Journal.

A Little Child Shall Lead Them-The Story of Saving A Nation by Dr. Elizabeth Hynd

2011-11-29T18:28:00.005-05:00

When Mother Theresa died at the age of 87 on September 5, 1997 in Calcutta, India, a lot of the awareness of what international charities were accomplishing died with her. With the release of a few unfavorable biographies this year focusing on what some field missions have done wrong, it is only fair to look at what the many unnamed Mother Teresa’s of the world are doing right. The first name that comes to mind is Dr. Elizabeth Hynd.

Through New Hope Center, she not only provides food and clothing for orphans, but an education as well. I’m not talking just reading, writing and arithmetic, either. She teaches Biblical concepts in a manner that shames the average parent. Hynd begins each day with chapel and devotions, each Friday is a celebration of Shabbat-in fact, all of the feasts are celebrated-and perhaps my favorite is how she engages the children on Christmas. “Christmas morning, we are up early to go to Anglican cathedral in Mbabane for high mass. The children are prepared and practiced to take communion formally in church; they know the scriptures of the liturgy from memory and participate fully in the service. The rest of the day is free for fun in the sun.”

Dr. Elizabeth Hynd’s book titled A Little Child Shall Lead Them-The Story of Saving a Nation is applicable reading for this time of year. She shares her story and the previously untold stories of many orphans victimized by an out of control AIDS epidemic. Her book arouses compassion, sheds light on a much needed mission, and makes you want to board the next plane to Africa and personally hug some of the children whose stories she shared.

Hynd represents the power of one but can not satisfy the full scope of what’s needed alone. She asks for help, but don’t ask her for specifics. She’s leaving that between you and God.

MN-You have a background in teaching, science, and math. What made you consider opening a home for children in Africa who’ve been orphaned by AIDS?

EH-It really wasn’t my decision. I was happy working in Hong Kong when God tapped me on the shoulder and caused me to think again about the desperate need of the country where I had been born to missionary parents. Then the king of Swaziland, King Mswati III, personally asked me to come back to Swaziland and help the country. I could not ignore a call from the King of Swaziland and the King of kings, God our Father.

MN-Your philosophy seems to be broader than merely feeding and clothing children. What is your vision for New Hope Centre Swaziland?

EH-Because most of the middle generations of Swaziland—parents, teachers, policemen, doctors, and nurses—have died in the AIDS epidemic, the country has lost its leadership. In fact, a local newspaper declared that if the deaths due to AIDS do not abate, by 2020 there will be no adults in Swaziland. It will be a nation of children. I believe my calling is to raise the next generation of leadership in this tiny country.

MN-So, why did you write the book?

EH-To make others aware of the great need of our land, to raise support for our children, to enlist volunteers to come help us, and because this home and these children are my life’s work.

MN-How many children are at New Hope Centre’s home?

EH-The number varies from time to time, but currently we have about 50 children.

MN-How do you help these uneducated children to learn?

EH-We use a self-directed program that was developed for missionary children. The students can go ahead as fast as they wish, depending on how hard they work. Most of them are diligent students. There are competitions and goals toward which they can strive in their academic success. In addition to academics, many of the children are in swimming, and they regularly win awards. They participate in other sports. They learn ballet and other dance. They write and produce their own plays. They lead in regional camps we conduct for other Swazi orphans whom we cannot bring into our home because of lack of space and funds. We expect the children to learn to speak in public and to speak out clearly.

MN-What is your greatest need at the home?

EH-First, we need funds, especially sponsorship funds for each child. Second, we need the help of volunteers to fill in the gaps of our staff. Some have come and taught. Some have taught music and dance. Some have helped our swimmers. Some write books for us. There is much to be done in a home such as ours, and we can always use assistance.

MN-If someone reading this interview wanted to help, how would they respond?

EH-They can go to our website where they’ll find a lot more information about how to buy this book and about how to sponsor a child or about how to become involved in sharing gifts and talents as a volunteer.

MN-Just how bad is the AIDS epidemic in Swaziland?

EH-One can hardly call it an epidemic. It is more like a pandemic. 8,000 children are
orphaned by the disease each month. 42% of the population has the disease. The
average life expectancy is 29 years. The adult population is diminishing to levels that leave thousands of children without any living relative. The result is that many children are left stranded, living alone in the abandoned, desolate homestead, living off insects, berries, and frogs, dropping out of school or with strangers who abuse them and use them as unpaid labor, providing a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs, but little else.

MN- Is the government able to help the children, especially with schooling?

EH-The governments of surrounding nations, such as South Africa and Botswana, have
resources to provide child support of about US$120 monthly to their countries’ orphans living with relatives or strangers, but the Swaziland government is not able to do so and gives only US$10 monthly to some children. The government of Swaziland had announced that all orphan children would be sponsored to attend school through funds donated by UNICEF. But recently it was announced that these have dried up, and
thousands of children were sent home before the end of the school year due to lack of
funds to pay school fees. This adds to the loss of hope for the future for the children of Swaziland.

MN-It sounds desperate. Do you have any hope that things can be better?

EH-Oh, yes, and that’s why we’ve named our home New Hope Centre. We serve a mighty
God, and what we have already accomplished here is amazing. What we have
accomplished has been done by the power and leading of a mighty Heavenly Father who
loves these children more than any human could. I’d like to remind listeners that the task of saving Africa’s orphans seems formidable until we realize that if each of us would just do what we can—give, pray, volunteer—one child might be saved and trained, and that child might become the leader who turns the destiny of Swaziland and other African nations. The only thing I want readers to do today is ask God what he wants them to do.

Monday on Mary's World Talk Radio...

2011-11-27T13:19:00.005-05:00

The Sweetest Sound
By Peggy Flowers Taylor

The Sweetest sound
To a Mother's ear,
Near the stroke of midnight,
Wrestling with fear,
Is the click of the key
As the door opens wide,
And the softness of footsteps,
Her child's safely inside.

My guest on Monday's show will be Peggy Flowers Taylor. She is the author of Seasons of Hope and we will be discussing her book and her story. Join me at 7 PM EST for a great show! If the link on the side bar does not work, you can listen here.

Happy Thanksgiving from ~Mary

2011-11-23T16:28:00.001-05:00

From the simplest of life's pleasures to the deepest anguish of our souls, we may still offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. ~Psalm 107:22

Partial Transcript From Last Night's Show

2011-11-22T13:48:00.016-05:00

I had a fantastic conversation with Art and Jennifer Hargrove on air last night. Art did a great job explaining what the lifestyle of those serving active duty entails and what transitioning from active duty to civilian life is like. We also discussed how your faith, your church and your prayers can be a wealth of support for military families. I have posted a partial transcript with a link to the complete show now in archive.

Mary-Your official title in the military was?

Art-I was in the Navy, a hospital Corpsman E4 third class petty officer.

Mary-From a mom’s perspective, boot camp was very hard for me. He hit a plane here in Atlanta and left and that was it. It was very difficult for me because I knew, you know, little contact. What was boot camp like for you on the inside?

Art-Looking back on it, I look at it with fondness. You make a lot of friendships-you’re all in this together so you grow pretty close together. And the things that they really try to pound into you, you really appreciate later on. The attention to detail is a big thing-attention to the small details because when you’re on ship, people are relying on you to focus on those details so that accidents don’t happen.

Mary-Jennifer, you knew about military life. (from dating Art while he was enlisted) Tell me why you didn’t get married while he was still active duty.

Jennifer-I remember going to the bases. You drive down the road and it’s pawn shops and strip bars. When we got engaged, Art told me ‘You are not living here. I am not going to make you go through this.'

Art-It was really the lifestyle we’ve been talking about. The nomadic lifestyle at times and some of the things that are in towns, it can be rough. We would hear of-and I’m sure it was related to post traumatic stress or related to normal duty-people getting shot. They would come back (from deployments) and they would hear of their spouses cheating and they’d get shot. I’d see them at the hospital (because I was) working nights a lot. I would go down to the Emergency Room and help out sometimes down there and it was rough.

Mary-You both relied on your faith.

Art-Absolutely. Everyone goes through a little rebellion. I tried to help my guys out because I had already been through that. But yeah, (my faith) definitely helped.

Mary-It goes back to-even more so in (the) military as opposed to civilian life-you have to have a strong faith foundation.

Jennifer-If the churches were offering the support (for women), you would be providing stability. You might not have the wives cheating on their husbands if their faith is being built and then when their husbands come home, they could minister to their husbands who have been in these stressful situations.

Mary-You can’t underestimate the power of prayer. Thank you for your service, Art. (Here's) A tip from me, Mary. If you see a public servant whether it’s military, or police, or fireman, buy their coffee. Buy their dinner. It’s such a small thing but it brings such a smile to their face.

Listen to the show in its entirety here.

Monday Night on Mary's World Talk Radio......

2011-11-21T08:32:00.007-05:00

My guest tonight will be Art Hargrove. He served in the United States Navy and can give insight to the boot camp experience, military life and transitioning from military to civilian life. (which can be problematic) He will share how his faith played into his experiences and give advice for those considering a career within one of the service branches. Art's wife Jennifer will be sitting along side to explain her role as a military spouse. It's not as easy as you think.

Join us here, at 7 PM EST. If the link on the sidebar does not work, you can listen here. It's going to be a great show!

From the University of Phoenix: When you think about what a typical family is like, you might imagine the combination of personalities, expectations and roles that make up each unique family unit. Add military culture to the mix and a completely different kind of family dynamic emerges, complete with its own set of issues not often experienced by non-military families....the biggest difficulty is understanding military culture: the commitment to the mission, the high level of parent or spouse absence....and of course, there's the constant moving.

Samuel L. Collins and the Search For Biblical Truths

2011-11-18T15:43:00.006-05:00

"Samuel L. Collins" being interviewed by Mary in Atlanta

I had the pleasure of meeting the Collins family in person and can confirm that the morals and values they want to instill in the tween and teen generation is alive and well within their family unit. If you haven't been introduced to Samuel L. Collins, here are a few things you must know. (Taken from their website)

"The Collins Family has the same convictions you do. That’s why we created the DVD series Samuel L. Collins: The Search for Biblical Truths.

As we looked throughout the Christian marketplace, we saw a big gap between the talking celery stick in the animated Veggies Tales series for the little tykes and the Christian version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the superhero-oriented Bibleman fantasy series.

Frankly, we thought it was time that 6-12 year-old Christian children could finally have a role model who was an actual child from an actual family who dealt with real-life challenges from a Biblical perspective.

Like the old Mission Impossible TV series, Samuel Collins will be tasked by Special Operations Commander with a different mission each time. The differences? First, Samuel Collins doesn’t look anything like Peter Graves! But, second, and more importantly, our hero is tracking down applicable biblical truth through several clues. In each episode, as we follow Samuel and his family around the globe – in one exotic locale after another -- he will learn a different Christian principle based upon his Bible verse for the day.

Throughout each 28-minute-long episode of Samuel L. Collins: The Search for Biblical Truths, your children will be invited to become actively engaged in the adventure themselves.

Between special hidden clues planted in the show itself and in the bonus features, your children will learn how to use a “cipher” and participate in “geocaching” -- a treasure-hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek containers with other participants. In addition, they can qualify to win prizes in separate contests here ranging from ciphers, t-shirts, hats, pens, and action figures as well as the $10,000 Grand Prize.

And, most critically, throughout the fun of the Samuel Collins adventure, your children will be equipped in the ways of the Lord, learning lessons that they will treasure for a lifetime of Christian obedience."

Who Is McKenzie? by Peter Stanway

2011-11-18T14:59:00.005-05:00

Reviewed by ~Mary

Not long ago, I made a conscious decision to wipe the invisible religious slate clean and start from scratch. As the daughter of a minister, I began questioning some of the doctrines associated with our church. I had religious answers burned into my mind, but I didn’t want that kind of experience. I was searching for an experience that was authentic and came from within. I didn’t want to act and react due to head knowledge, but out of a driving passion from my heart.

As a book reviewer and editor, I was privileged to have the best in written philosophies at my disposal. I became immersed and consumed with finding out who this mysterious Heavenly Father truly is. Interviewing a diverse group of individuals and hearing their personal stories for my radio broadcast has also helped to unwrap the great mystery. And, on occasion, my path would intersect with flesh and blood mirror images of who I longed to be-that individual who totally understood who God was apart from legislated rules.

Late one Sunday afternoon in Atlanta, Georgia at the World Congress Center, Peter Stanway and I crossed paths. Nothing about his appearance or our initial conversation screamed that our meeting was destiny, but it would prove to be. He beamed with a passion that was bigger than any room he stepped into. He has a palpable compassion for people that are lost in a maze of questions that never seem to get resolved. Although a gifted minister, I believe him to be a 21st century healer.

When Jesus performed miracles, opening deaf ears and blind eyes was only part of his ministry. There was always a deeper meaning of reconciliation with society and with God our Father at work. Peter’s ministry is much the same. He is driven to remove the errors in religious thinking and restore our relationship with God.

As you read of McKenzie’s adventures, don’t be surprised if some of his wonderings and emotional struggles look familiar. That is because McKenzie is each of us, wrapped in a different outer shell, but tormented by the same spiritual issues we all deal with. Without having to dress in your Sunday best, fight traffic, race for your favorite pew in your own synagogue, it is possible to hear the truth in a non-confrontational but personal way. It is conceivable to settle our own questions by voyeuristically shadowing McKenzie and learning as he learns. It is probable that you will wipe a tear or two from your cheek as the realization of the depth, yet simplicity of His love, finally comes to rest within you. There is no greater sermon or more profound message to be shared except that He is real and always obtainable. No religious doctrine necessary.

Several years ago, a military drama premiered on the silver screen in which one line has become notorious for making the movie. In the famous courtroom scene, a lawyer slams his fist on the table while yelling at the defendant, “I want the truth.” In much the same way, I see believers around the world slamming their spiritual fist on a table demanding to know the truth. I know because I was one of them. I grew up in church but failed to know, really know, God. It is my prayer that as you read Who Is McKenzie?, your eyes will be opened, the truth revealed, and for the impact of that truth to reach forward into generations to come. Whether you need to wipe your slate clean as I did, or to hear the message for the first time, I believe Peter will profoundly affect the way you view God. For those that want to know Him and bypass the doctrinal sludge that tends to weigh us down, McKenzie is perfect.

Pre-Order your copy now!!

Memorable Quotes from The Cause Within You by Matthew Barnett

2011-11-17T09:54:00.002-05:00

If you haven't checked out Matthew Barnett's book The Cause Within You yet, here are a few reasons why you need to read his latest:

God's timing is the right timing; don't get hung up on your schedule.

Your investment in your relationship with God is the best investment you can make in the pursuit of your cause.

The urge to quit is strongest just before breakthroughs occur. Those are the times when it's most important to stay focused and committed.

Joy comes from knowing that people are better off because of the value you have added to their lives.

Prayer is critical-not the kind through which you tell God what to do but the kind through which He tells you what He is up to.

Often your cause is revealed when you are at the lowest point of the valley, not on the pinnacle of the mountain.

Focus your attention on God and people; nothing else really matters.

For more information, visit The Dream Center.org

Order your copy of The Cause Within You here.

Perseverance Pays Off

2011-11-16T14:19:00.006-05:00

~W. Terry Whalin

Whether they know it or not, many book authors are doing aimless marketing. These authors have no plans or goals and are almost certain to fail.

Yes, I understand I’ve made a sweeping statement which is a bit harsh. Yet from my years of experience watching authors and working with them, I know it’s true. I encourage you to keep reading because I’m going to provide a series of steps so you can change from aimless marketing to a targeted effort for your books. If you take action, then you will move forward with your dreams of reaching others with your books.

Continue reading article here.

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and publisher lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. A former acquisitions editor, former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. To help writers, he has created 12-lesson online course called Write A Book Proposal. Visit his website here.

"I Want You to Get Excited About Your Life" ~Dr. Phil

2011-11-12T11:20:00.008-05:00

I've never been a huge Dr. Phil fan but he is responsible for making one statement that has served to motivate me more than any other through the years. His lead in voice over for the beginning of his show announces "I want you to get excited about your life!" What does excitement, or motivation, look like for me? What are the things that I do that makes me happy, energized, and excited about my life?

*An intellectually stimulating conversation. I have determined to be a life long student and actively seek out teachers that can guide me into a deeper level of thinking-especially as it relates to spirituality. In the same token, I love to listen to someone share their life story. It is exhilerating to know we all face the same issues and powerful to see how others master theirs. (It's a no brainer that I would grow up to host a talk show, right?)

*Drinking a good cup of coffee. Better yet, drinking that good cup of coffee while engaging in an intellectually stimulating conversation.

*Spending time with my family. Last year, my husband and I loaded the Titan (including both boys) and drove to Virginia to visit our oldest son and his wife for the 4th of July. On the night of, we drove around for a couple of hours, looking for a great show of fireworks and a parking spot. Finding a parking spot was harder than looking for the fireworks-noises and lights were everywhere. So we hit every drive thru imaginable-The Sonic, McDonald's, and of course Starbuck's for that late night Frap. During the course of eating and drinking and laughing at the fireworks and our inability to find a parking spot, we end up on the roof of a Five-Star hotel, parked, leaning over the railing and oohing and ahhing at fireworks for as far as the eye could see. I don't think I have ever laughed as hard or appreciated the family as much as I did that night.

*Having a good book waiting for me. Nothing is better than having a book you can't wait to jump into when you get a minute. Or better yet, to carry around the house as you do menial chores. Picking up clothes or toys off the floor with my left hand, while staring at a book in right? Guilty!

*Running. Well, it used to be. After recovering from a hard year of healing two bulging discs, I'm not sure running is in my future. Power walking and hiking will work, though. Nature is healing for me. It's also the sanctuary in which I feel and hear God speaking louder than any other place on earth.

So let me pull a Dr. Phil on you. What makes you excited about your life? In the next few weeks, you will be pressured to think about New Year's resolutions, but I don't want you to think in terms of making and breaking goals this year. Think in terms of what makes you feel content, happy and balanced. Go after those things, not temporarily and not in an all-or-nothing mindset. Much like a diet, resolutions are rarely kept long term. I'm talking about making a life change-identifying what brings energy into your life and pursuing those things.

Kellye Williams, a local personal trainer, has been on my talk show three times, now. She has brought two of her clients, Kristy and Greg, twice. I plan on having them on the show every six weeks to chronicle their weight loss and life goals. It's not that I am fanatical about weight issues, but I am fanatical about making progress in life and not being content to our detriment. Watching others set goals and achieve them is a great teacher.

This year has been an incredible one for me. I have been blessed with people who have taken me beyond my comfort zone and into a whole new arena of communication. I feel honored and humbled and sit at their feet as much as possible to continue learning. Never be satisfied with who you are until you have become what you were created to be. Seek out mentors who can lead you out of your comfort zone. It is better to be uncomfortable because you are growing instead of being uncomfortable due to complacency.

As the year winds down, take a personal inventory of who you are, who you want to be, and who can help get you there. Make a list of what excites you and go for it!

2011-11-10T09:49:00.002-05:00

There is no passion to be found playing small-in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~Nelson Mandela

Change Your Story, Change Your Life

2011-11-08T08:06:00.006-05:00

~Michael Hyatt

When I was twenty-nine years old, I became vice president of marketing for Thomas Nelson. It was a huge step up in my career. At the time, I thought I had arrived at the pinnacle of success.

But I was in over my head. Or at least that’s the way it felt. I was just waiting for other people to come to the same conclusion.

I struggled constantly with anxiety and fear—anxiety was the daytime version; fear was the nighttime version.

This manifest itself in my body in two embarrassing ways: First, I sweat profusely. Second, my hands were always cold—ice cold.

Before attending important meetings, I would wear two t-shirts, hoping that I wouldn’t sweat through both. I strategically selected my clothing, based on which colors would show the least amount of perspiration.

I would also step into the bathroom right before the meeting began, and frantically run hot water over my hands. I would then dry them vigorously, praying that they would warm up. I dreaded having to shake hands with anyone.

At some point, I realized that the problem was not in my body, but in my head. I was telling myself a bad story. Mine went like this:

You are too young for this job. Worse, you don’t have the experience. Who do you think you are fooling? It’s just a matter of time before everyone in the company sees it. When that happens, you will be out on the street—right where you should have been all along.

I would never say this out loud, of course. It was just the sound-track that was playing inside my head.

Things didn’t change until I became aware of the story and took control of the narrative. I started telling myself a different story.

I think almost every problem we experience can be traced back to the stories we tell ourselves. There may be a good reason for these stories, but in the end they produce bad outcomes.

It comes down to this: Change your story, change your life.

Let me suggest five ways to take control of the narrative in your head:

1. Recognize the voice in your head. It doesn’t matter where it is coming from (your parents, a teacher, an abusive spouse); just recognize that it is happening.

2. Jot down what the voice is saying. It might be something like:

“You’re too young.”
“You’re too old.”
“You’re uneducated.”
“You’re over-educated.”
“You don’t have enough experience.”
“You don’t have the right experience.”

This could be literally anything. Listen carefully and write it down word-for-word.

3. Evaluate whether this story is empowering. Is it enabling you to accomplish the outcomes you want or is it preventing you from doing so. Be honest. (Sometimes, people are addicted to their problems and the stories that create them.)

4. Write down a different story. I’m not talking about a bunch of positive thinking mumbo jumbo. I am talking about telling yourself the truth. And often, this is simply a matter of shifting your perspective.

5. Start telling yourself the new story. Every time your inner narrator begins telling the old yarn, stop him. Say, “No! That’s baloney. Here’s the truth.” Then repeat your new story.

Once I realize that this is what had happened to me, I crafted a new story. Mine went like this:

Yes, you are young. That gives you tremendous energy. You also don’t have a lot of experience, which is why it is easier for you to think outside the box. God has provided everything you need to be successful in this situation. Even if you fail, you will learn something from it. You can’t lose; you can only quit. And you most certainly are not a quitter!

This changed everything for me. It didn’t happen overnight, but more quickly than I expected. Now, instead of focusing on the behavior I want to change, I focus on the story I am telling myself.

Visit Michael Hyatt-Intentional Leadership for more information.

Visit

Monday, Mary's World LIVE! Round Two!

2011-11-05T20:12:00.006-04:00

The last time Kellye Williams, Greg Johnson, and Kristy Trice were on air, it was bitter-sweet. We had a great conversation about leaving your comfort zone and facing physical and spiritual challenges in life. On the other hand, due to technical difficulties, half of the program did not record for archives making it impossible for those that missed the show to hear the wisdom shared by my guests. On Monday's show, Kellye, Greg and Kristy return for an encore production...well, almost. This time, Deidre Wilson will join in as we get up close and personal when I ask each guest to disclose where their journey began and how their progress is going, while Kellye will help fill in the gaps with her observations as their personal trainer and at times, life coach. Meet me on air, coffee in hand, as we take notes from a very inspirational group!

If the link on the sidebar does not work, you can listen here. It's going to be a great show!

Meet Rachael Lampa

2011-11-05T11:03:00.009-04:00

Interview by ~Mary

With the release of Rachael’s eighth album on the horizon, her fans will once again be able to listen to her smooth vocals while contemplating the depth of her lyrics. She has been described as soulful, emotional, energetic, and in a recent interview just minutes before her performance in Nashville, I saw those attributes materialize before my eyes. She is neither jaded nor oblivious to the impact she has on others, and as she explains, that came with a lot of soul searching and forming her relationship with God.

In fact, relationships were all she talked about in our interview. She is interconnected with her fans, her family, her community, and most important, God.

MN: How did your sound check go?

RL: It went great. I love it!

MN: Do you still worry about technical difficulties or get performance anxiety prior to a performance?

RL: Oh yeah, especially if I’m singing a new song or if for some reason family members are in the crowd. I get nervous because I know someone is going to say something. It might not be about the song but they will say “Why did you wear your hair like that?” (laughing)

MN: At the end of the day when you go home, describe the Rachael Lampa no one sees.

RL: I’m a pretty laid-back girl. I usually have people over at my house. I’m big on backyard hangouts. I love sports, especially football so I’m always having people over in the fall season to watch. Now that I’m married, I’ve found myself able to enjoy just being home and watching movies all day. I used to never be able to sit that still!

MN: What are some of the songs you have loaded on your IPod?

RL: I listen to a lot of Stevie Wonder. That never leaves the most recent list. I also love Adele and Natasha Bedingfield right now. I also take in a pretty good dose of Mumford & Sons, Coldplay, NeedtoBreathe, and Mute Math.

MN: What was the writing experience like for you when you wrote or co-wrote the songs on your self-titled album?

RL: Every song was different. Some were songs that I had already started a few years ago that needed to be revisited, some were spontaneous, and some were a struggle to get the words out. Either way each song is born out of a time that I was emotionally, physically, spiritually moved. Whether it was a conversation I had, a movie I saw, or just a moment I had with God.

MN: What can listeners expect on your new album?

RL: They can expect a mixture of emotional songs of pain and healing with songs of celebrating life and the simplicity of living day by day. I wanted to stay true to what I do and have done musically and stylistically so I really stayed in the pop/soul realm for most of it, with touches of throwback and rock. There really is a little bit of everything!

Rachael's cover of Rocketeer is energetic and addicting!

Rachael’s CD titled All We Need released September 27. Order your copy at Rachael Lampa.com. You can also see her compete in the NBC musical reality show The Sing Off as part of the group The Collective. Lampa gives back to her community through the organization People Loving Nashville.com

Be sure to stop by The Wordsmith Journel to catch up with your favorite performers!

2011-11-05T10:53:00.002-04:00

God seems to us to be hidden not merely because of His infinite distance from us but also because of His nearness to us. He is closer to us than we are to ourselves and that is why we do not notice him. ~Thomas Merton, The New Man

Don't Ever Look Down-Surviving Cancer Together by Dick and Debbie Church

2011-11-04T15:12:00.012-04:00

Reviewed by ~Mary

I’m going to be honest. (What else would you expect from me?) When I received Don’t Ever Look Down, I did my best to put it at the bottom of the “to read” list. I would shuffle it when it made its way back up to the top of the pile, and ignored it until I basically couldn’t disregard it anymore. It’s my problem, this aversion I have to anything related to breast cancer. I was there for the last 18 days of my Mom’s life as she slowly made her way to Heaven, thanks to the uninvited visitor. Even without knowing someone personally that has experienced breast cancer, the statistics and spotlight that the media shines on the disease does little to comfort perspective victims. I know I can’t be the only woman to ask “What if” while watching her children play. The hesitation to read intimate details about how bad IT can be was well earned.

Meet the patient and her husband-oncology counselor Deb Church (yeah, I know. Ironic) and The Most, Good, Right and Very Reverend Church. (You will have to read chapter 4 to get that one!) As they tell an intimate tale of cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival, and although they hold no punches while talking post surgery, cutting her hair and mercy sex (you will have to read chapter 5 for that explanation) this is more than technicalities and hopelessly depressing details.

You will be pleasantly surprised by their frankness and candor related to the emotions they felt along the way. It made me want to close the book many times for fear that cancer would invade my body and harass me in the same manner. Yet, as logic and common sense prevailed, I kept glued to each page, almost in a voyeuristic manner, watching as they experienced each wave of the disease when it challenged them.

Told from both perspectives, the reader sees the impact on the patient as well as the spouse. You not only perceive but feel Deb’s emotions when she discovers the lump, her heart sinking when she knows it’s cancer, and the terror of living with unrelated physical symptoms that she couldn’t help but fear was cancer. The fainting spell that kept her up all night in sheer panic was one example.

I cried when Dick detailed the words she said to him that “broke my heart.” He views her post-surgery body not with disgust; in fact he gives her some of the most compassionate words of encouragement and selfless acts of love ever chronicled. Was he human? Absolutely. But perfect for Deb.

Perhaps one of the most powerful chapters in the book is titled I Believe and written by Dick. He shares pastoral wisdom of how he was taught to approach families in crisis-at least from a seminary point of view-and how that failed him miserably when it became personal and his family was the one in crisis. Did he question God’s existence and why a loving God would allow this? As any other husband in this situation would, he did. But he allowed those questions to guide him to some peaceful resolutions. Not all questions were answered, mind you, but in those cases he was able to agree to disagree with God and move on.

What would those nuggets of wisdom look like if compacted down to their core?

We have learned to celebrate the good days. ~Dick
We have learned not to sweat the small stuff. ~Deb

We have learned it’s okay to cry. ~Dick
Crying becomes a language of love. ~Deb

In fact, I believe the basis of this book is that they have learned a lot about alot along the way. They could have become bitter and angry with God, or rebelled against their immediate future by divorcing. Instead, they write a beautiful book about conquering a deadly disease with truth (don’t be afraid of facing the diagnosis), trust (God is still in control), and time (let patience do her perfect work).

To answer that question you know you want to ask; no, I don’t think I could be fearless facing cancer even after the reading book, but I do believe the process is feasible. The mystery to that particular wrestling match has been revealed. Don’t ever look down.

Meet the authors!
Debbie Church has been an oncology counselor for over eighteen years throughout the Southeast. As a support services director at several oncology centers in Atlanta and Florida, she has counseled thousands of cancer survivors. She is the author of dozens of articles dealing with every aspect of this disease. Now she has become a survivor herself and has a greater understanding and awareness of the impact of cancer and treatment from both sides of the desk. She enjoys reading, cooking and being with family and friends.

As an ordained minister, Dick Church has served numerous churches in Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia over the past twenty-five years. He has written articles for church growth periodicals and has been a contributing author in books on church missions and outreach. Currently he is a national consultant for one of the largest mission agencies in North America. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys mountain climbing and hiking.

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: APG Sales & Distribution; 1 edition (April 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982483236
ISBN-13: 978-0982483237
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches

Joe Bonsall's Perspective

2011-11-02T21:31:00.007-04:00

Interview by ~Mary

You may know Joe Bonsall not by name but by description: onstage spokesman for the Oak Ridge Boys. With top 40 hits such as “Elvira,” “Sail Away,” and “Dream On,” the country-gospel group was embraced by America as they traveled from coast to coast, singing about love, God, and the good ol' USA.

You would think with three decades of performing under their belt, there would be just a little male diva present in their DNA. However, reading Bonsall’s book From My Perspective sheds light on a different persona altogether. He is your average, down-to-earth guy in some aspects, yet poised with life experience and wisdom that far exceeds the ordinary. His humor, generosity, and patriotism come alive between the pages of this collection of personal essays. He demonstrates that there is more to this tenor than just talent. May I present, the real Joe Bonsall.

MN-Your chapter titled "Being Joseph" prompts me to ask for the sake of the interview, Joe or Joseph?
JB-I answer to ALL things-Joe, Joseph, Joey, Ban-Joey, POP POP, Daddy, Honey Take Out the Trash. But Joe works fine.

MN-Your perspective (referring to your book) is incredibly balanced and wise as it relates to life, death, and everything in between. Do you credit your upbringing, life experiences, and faith in providing that wisdom?
JB-In the chapter I called “Stones” I allude to the fact that every life experience is a stone that eventually becomes the mountain that is you. I believe that we are a constant work in progress on every level, and we draw upon all of these things as we journey through life. You may not even realize what a profound effect something may have on you even while it is transpiring. A moment . . . a whisper . . . a word . . . a song . . . a fight . . . a Bible verse. Everything matters! No experience is wasted even if it is subliminal. So my experiences come from everywhere at once. My mom was a huge influence as has been my faith and my many experiences, but it is the overall journey that provides the impetus for my writing.

MN-Speaking of your upbringing, the love and respect you have for your parents, GI Joe and Lillie, is touching. What is the one ongoing family tradition you are most proud of?
JB-Pure unadulterated love and devotion from my mom, Lillie Bonsall, toward her husband and toward her children and toward her country and God. She never put herself above these four. She taught me that I could succeed in America by telling the truth, by honoring God and by remembering that this is why guys like my father did what they did, so do not blow it. I miss her every single day!

MN-Your book From My Perspective proves that American patriotism is alive and well on the Tennessee/Kentucky state line. Unfortunately, pride and allegiance isn’t always found in our homeland. What is the secret to reigniting a sense of patriotism, especially as it relates to our youth?
JB-One of my great writing heroes was Stephen Ambrose. He was among the first to get WWII veterans to open up and talk about their experience. His books such as Citizen Soldiers, D-Day, and Band of Brothers have been very meaningful to me. He was speaking at a book fair in DC when this question was posed: “Mr. Ambrose, it is true that during this time men and women rose up and did extraordinary things to preserve our freedom. Giving the seeming loose attitudes of today’s youth do you think that would happen again today?”

Without hesitation author Ambrose almost shouted, “Yes I do sir!!” This was even before 9/11. I never forgot that, and the proof resides in our military today—young people giving their all for our freedoms. There will always be those who do not get it, but when push comes to shove and freedom is on the line? The job will get done!

MN-Nature is an ongoing thread throughout your book. How important is it for you to stay connected to nature?
JB-I love to write about the importance of getting away from the race and enjoying and honoring God and the beauty he has created. I, in point of fact, may even overdo the subject a bit, but to me, it is imperative to do so. I have been so blessed to have a little piece of land where I can go and sit by the creek, take long walks, listen to the birds sing, or just sit on my porch and watch the moon rise above the tree line. As I have gotten older I find more and more that these are the moments I live for!

MN-With the holiday season fast approaching, is there one memory that stands out that sort of defines the season for you?
JB-I always remember that even though our family had very little, my mom and dad made our little Philly row-house living room look like Disneyland. To this day I am still not sure how they did it, but they sure made Christmas morning special for little Joey and my sister Nancy. To this day a set of blinking lights on a pretty tree can take me back to childhood and those precious memories.

MN-Complete this sentence: "Today, Joe Bonsall is . . . ”
JB-Very happy and very blessed. Still feeling good and still singing pretty darn good. My writing is a constant work in progress, and I am very thankful for the opportunities that have been given me to write and to continue writing. I love my family, I love my Savior, and I love America . . . Sounds like my mom doesn't it? I guess it does . . .

For more information about Joe Bonsall, visit Joe Bonsall.com

To see this interview and others in the November issue of The Wordsmith Journal, visit The Wordsmith Journal.com

Tricks, Treats and Deception Monday on Mary's World Talk Show Radio

2011-10-30T19:06:00.006-04:00

Listen in as we remember the first documented case of "trick or treating" and try to learn from the mistakes made. History repeats itself-sometimes redundantly-which makes this Biblical and historical event relevant and timeless to our generation. Join me at 7 PM EST, or if you have plans with the family, listen to the archived show.

If the link on the sidebar does not work, or if you would like to listen to archives this is the link. It's going to be a great show!

Valley Of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling

2011-10-28T12:50:00.005-04:00

Press Release
Addy Lockwood's mother died when she was little, so Addy traveled with her father's Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.

Now Addy has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Addy decides to try to find the hidden valley where here father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.

Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

As a most sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

Lauraine dishes about her cookbook!

Pre-order Now!!

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764204157
ISBN-13: 978-0764204159
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1 inches

Right Side Up Stories Re-launching Website

2011-10-26T11:31:00.004-04:00

Press Release

Sound the trumpets, unfurl the flags, we have announcement! We are re-launching our website for Right-Side-Up Stories!

Here’s what you’ll find there...

Story Matters Radio—our live radio show. There are two shows ready for your listening pleasure!

The Ear—a place to listen to stories from my audio, World Storytelling day, our archived Blog Talk Radio

My Blog—where I am discussing “The Gifts of Story”

Scripts By Melea—Yes, I am getting scripts of stories and other pieces ready for your theater classes and drama teams to use! The first one is called “Church For the Found.” I will try to get them onto the site in a regular fashion and let you know when there is another one to check out.

Re-Story Theater—In the Spring I began working with a group of multi-talented women. We are learning a great deal about telling the stories that matter through improv and scripted forms. The group debuts with a pre-show at my Twigger Tales Storynight & The Green Velvet Christmas Dress.

The Store—organized with topical indexes and information about every audio and book. Also, we have downloads of the six stories in “Step Inside”! You can purchase tickets for our upcoming shows—Twigger Tales Storynight, Friday, November 4th and The Green Velvet Christmas Dress Saturday and Sunday, December 17 & 18.

Right-Side-Up Stories’ upcoming shows are going to be fun and moving, at the same time! Twigger Tales involves my collection of ongoing stories about everyone’s favorite senior citizen, Ralph Twigger. He will be front and center on Friday, November 4th with new stories, R.T. Trivia, songs, Pearl’s Pies and Ralph’s favorite pick-me-up snack, along with lots of laughter and several sweet moments for my audience.

The Green Velvet Christmas Dress is an original interactive play that I have written for my theater troupe, Re-Story. There will be a moment of dessert tea in the midst of the play where the audience can interact with the characters. It is a story that will find its way past the noise and busyness of Christmas and reach into your heart.

Bring your friends and family and usher in your Christmas week with meaning!

Guests Brian Kilkelly and Tom Burnet Discuss Vatican II on Mary's World Radio Talk Show

2011-10-24T20:01:00.014-04:00

Pictured-Rev. Mr. Brian Kilkelly, Mary, Tom Burnet

If you missed the show, it is now in archive at Revmedia.com. Rev. Mr. Brian Kilkelly and Tom Burnet gave a general overview of Vatican II and how it redefined some of the structure within the Catholic church. They also offered practical advice on living a God-centered lifestyle.

Mary-(What are) Your thoughts on those that have been hurt by the church? Those who for one reason or another just can't trust religion anymore, and yet they want to see the Lord face to face, they want to make that journey, they want to see him for who he is. What is your best advice to them?
Rev. Mr. Brian Kilkelly-I think that the best way that you can see God in your life is to look behind you. And I would recommend to someone who is struggling to take a yellow pad, if you will, and start to make a list. Make a list of all of the special people that God has placed in your life. You just know that their words really were from God and were of love. I'm sure that you will see the list will grow. Take your list and go through and say 'Thank you Lord' for that special person.....We go through this world and we are hurt by family, we are hurt sometimes by fathers....we're hurt from institutions, we're hurt from our lives, we're hurt from wherever....and Jesus' commitment to us is that He will be there for us and with us. That is what He was sent for, to be with us in our pain and in our suffering.

Mary-In reading Thomas Mertin and James Martin, they both advocate a contemplative lifestyle. It's impossible for us all to become monks or nuns. Life is so noisy and it is necessary to become quiet. Mother Teresa said, 'We need to find God, and he can not be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature-trees, flowers, grass-grows in silence. See how the stars, the moon and the sun move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls.'
Rev. Mr.Brian Kilkelly-Yes, very definitely. You have to kind of learn where and how to find God. We're to pray constantly. My favorite prayer is just to say 'All is well in Jesus Christ' and to take a deep breath and relax and realize that everything I do should be a prayer and all of my focus should be a prayer. Although I don't recognize necessarily what God is doing in this moment, through my eye of faith, I recognize that all is well in Jesus Christ.

Mary-(to Tom) Shortly after meeting you, I heard you pray and your prayer was so different from anything I had ever heard...you had such trust in God..it really made me start to shift and see that God is love.
Tom Burnet-...The gift of His son-that is overwhelming to me. How much He must love the least of us, the worst of us, me, for that matter, to give up His son for me. In Jesus' death you are offered an opportunity to live in eternity with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. The alternative to that is the fires of Hell. He loves me so much that He extricated me from that eventuality to give me the opportunity to be with Him forever. Whoa. How much love is that?

If you are in the East Atlanta area, visit St. Pius Catholic Church in Conyers. Rev. Mr. Brian Kilkelly is on staff at St. Pius and would welcome you and your family!

Visit Amazon.com for a complete list of Thomas Merton and James Martin books designed to lead you into contemplative living.

Note from ~Mary-For the sake of our on air discussion, I define contemplative prayer and lifestyle as getting quiet before the Lord and contemplating His goodness and His will for our lives.

Monday on Mary's World Talk Show Radio.....

2011-10-23T17:10:00.003-04:00

Join guests Tom Burnet and Brian Kilkelly as we discuss changes in the Catholic church since Vatican II. Although a broad subject and one that stirs strong emotions, we will be skimming the surface "not for differences, but for common understanding." Moving on from Vatican II, there will be something for everyone as I ask our panel of deacons about sancitity of life and dignity issues, struggling with our own humanity daily, and who the God of love is as opposed to the God of judgement.

Follow the link on the sidebar or listen here at 7 PM EST. It's going to be a great show!

2011-10-22T19:23:00.002-04:00

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

~Thomas Merton taken from his book Thoughts in Solitude.

Subscribe to The Wordsmith Journal....

2011-10-20T20:41:00.002-04:00

and stay up-to-date on current Christian musicians and authors!

The Wordsmith Journal is THE online place where readers can meet new authors and music artists and catch up with some old favorites! The Wordsmith Journal is a unique blend of interviews, reviews, and news from today's Christian authors and music artists, designed exclusively with the reader and music lover in mind.

When you subscribe, make sure you let them know Mary sent you!

Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

2011-10-19T15:31:00.005-04:00

Press Release
Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and comely lass, who captures Gavin's heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.

The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well, and when a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. Then, as Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God's love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426714211
ISBN-13: 978-1426714214
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches

Note From ~Mary: Taylor creates another novel delight! Highland Blessings captures Scotland at its best with the perfect blend of romance and mystery that keeps you glued to each page. "A real page turner" is so cliche, but if I were use that phrase, it would completely embody Highland Blessings. Now, with Highland Sanctuary, the reader can return to 15th century Scotland and once again be swept away in the secrets of the past. Jennifer Hudson Taylor fans will love yet another masterpiece that belongs in the same catagory as Liz Curtis Higgs Lowlands Of Scotland Series.

2011-10-17T10:17:00.004-04:00

God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called!

Monday on Mary's World Talk Radio-Become a Mayo For Life

2011-10-16T13:37:00.007-04:00

Remember the 1982 American drama film An Officer and a Gentleman? It tells the story of a U.S. Navy aviation officer candidate (Richard Gere) who comes into conflict with the Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who trains him (Louis Gossett Jr). During the process of becoming his end result, Mayo endures physical training that tests his body while his character undergoes its own transformation. On Monday's show, Model and Personal Trainer Kellye Williams returns to discuss a parallel life lesson that Mayo learned with special guests Greg Johnson, Deidre Wilson, and Kristy Trice.

We all want to know that we are living out our potential, but are we actively pursuing those opportunities that transform our character and allow us to become servants instead of celebrities? Become a Mayo for life, and on Monday's show, we will show you how.

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan

2011-10-14T13:08:00.003-04:00

Press Release

She is staking her future on a man she's never met. Can she learn to love him?

When Catharine Olsen leaves Holland for Wyoming as a mail-order bride, she brings some extra baggage with her: two sisters, her mother's set of Blue Willow china, and a tragic past. As she steps off the train, Peter Andersen is glad to see that she is everything her letters showed her to be. But he is a bit perturbed by her unexpected companions. How will he support them all? And what other secrets might Catharine be keeping from him?

Filled with sweet romance and vivid characters, Deeply Devoted highlights a clash of cultures as a highborn European and a simple wheat farmer learn to love one another and trust God with the past--and the future.

As one Amazon.com reviewer noted:
I can't remember the last time I stayed up into the wee hours of the night to finish a book. I could NOT go to bed last night until I had read the last page and I started in the afternoon. You know it's a fantastic book to hold my attention for over 300 pages, make me skip dinner, and then make me unable to rest until I finished to whole thing. I think it was about 2AM by the time I went to bed. This story was awesome! It started out sweet like any other Christian book but kept intensifying with each chapter. Important elements of the story slowly trickled out over time and made it impossible to put down.

Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800734629
ISBN-13: 978-0800734626
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

Mary's World After the Show

2011-10-12T16:08:00.008-04:00

Pictured left to right-Mike Nichelson, Mike Stockamp, Bobcat Oswalt.

If you missed the show, you missed a wealth of information provided by our panel of Fathers. After a rocky start-technical difficulties with the lead in music-our panel opened up about the hardships and rewards of parenthood, completing the show by answering the question inspired by the movie Courageous, "Are we hitting or missing the mark when it comes to being a Father?"

Mike Nichelson-Well, I think we hit it good with Michael. I mean, he's a good young man. He's got dignity. He still loves the Lord and that's the most important thing. I'm so proud of him, and I know you are, and it's not because he joined the Navy. It's because of the person he became.

Mike Stockamp-I think we hit the mark, myself and Janet. Both girls are adults. One of them has children, the other one is about to be married here. They both have responsibility and they seem to lead a good life and know the difference between right and wrong.

Bobcat Oswalt-I feel like we hit the mark, also, because our children are both serving the Lord, and their wives and our grandchildren are beginning to come to know the Lord so I am real proud.

Tom Burnet-I have a 48 year old son who is in the hospital in Birmingham and we're hoping he qualifies for a liver transplant. This is a real serious medical condition involved. Both of his sisters-who at age oh, let's say 14,15 and 16-were at each other's throats.....all of those things of the teenage years have disappeared and the family has all pulled together around a son who really needs the help. So I'd say it was a good thing.

Pictured-Tom Burnet talks with Bobcat's wife, Cynthia.

Mary-Any final comments?

Mike Nichelson-I just think the most important thing is you know, just spending time with them, and show them right and wrong. Take them to church, teach them about the Lord and just be the best example that you can be because you're not going to be perfect and God will do the rest.

Mike Stockamp-I feel the same way-just lead by example. If you lead a good life, your children will see.....and most likely follow your footsteps.

For Fathers still hung up on the notion that parenting is a pass or fail test, Tom Burnet has a piece of advice. "Everyone has a right to make mistakes or achieve success."

Although Rick Tapp, my brother and father of two, was not physically present for our roundtable discussion, he contributed with his thoughts via email. I asked Rick what the phrase "a mans honor begins at home" meant to him. "For me, my honor begins inside of me as a person. It means having a set of principles and living by them to the best of my ability. If I honor myself and live ethically and morally, that's where honor begins."

When asked about his relationship with God and how that plays into being a father, Rick said "God is Love, and as our Heavenly Father, He wants the very best for us. Knowing that God cares for us as His children is comforting. I'm sure that for every Christian father raising a child, there are many, many opportunities to learn and grow, comparing and integrating our earthly relationships with our children with our relationship with God our Father."

The highlight, so far, of his role as Father came when "Hillary called me Daddy when she was 2. (That) made me feel like I was succeeding."

Visit Courageous.com to learn more about the movie. Listen to the complete show through our archived link at Revmedia.com.

Changed By Jesus-Lessons Learned from the Women Jesus Touched by Dana Grubb

2011-10-10T16:25:00.005-04:00

Review by ~Mary

“I don’t do Bible studies.”

That has been my mantra for years. For some reason, I could never really connect with any of them-even the ones hailed by the mass media as a must-have. When asked why, I could recite many reasons. “They lack depth, interest, relevancy, and to be honest, my time is too valuable to waste doing something just because. I need to see real change after concluding the study and honestly, I never do.”

Funny-as in ironic-that Dana Grubb penned a Bible study titled Changed by Jesus-Lessons Learned from the Women Jesus Touched. I can admit to being skeptical and participating with one eyebrow raised, but that lasted about as long as it took to complete the first chapter. Seriously, I found that it was really fun. It was interesting to read the scripture references and commentary while reflecting.

There are eight studies divided into weeks. One woman is highlighted per week, with a devotional study for each day. So each of the eight women has five daily studies. The woman at the well teaches what it’s like to be an outcast. The chapter regarding the woman caught in adultery covers guilt, forgiveness and grace. The chapter titled Mary of Bethany covers sitting at the feet of Jesus and his extravagant love. These are issues and circumstances we can relate to, especially as women.

What is the daily commitment? Minutes. I finished in less than 30 minutes, but I savored the experience each day, too. I even did cross referencing and additional study. It’s something every woman can do no matter what your daily obligations are. If you desire to go deeper in your spiritual walk, to coin a phrase, you can’t afford not to.

Written with depth but very easy to comprehend, Grubb engages the willing student and takes them on a journey that will bring remarkable understanding and yes, change. Grubbs states, “I hope and pray that through this study you will see Jesus as the only one who can truly change lives-and that you’ll experience a changed life through your encounter with Him.” I don’t think she has anything to worry about!

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: WinePress Publishing (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606150790
ISBN-13: 978-1606150795
Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches

Marysworld LIVE Talk Radio Tonight!

2011-10-10T09:30:00.004-04:00

Join us for Part II of our discussion inspired by the movie Courageous. Are fathers hitting or missing the parenting mark? Listen to our distinguished panel of fathers as they engage in a round table discussion regarding the best-and the worst-part of being 21st century Fathers.

Join us LIVE at 7 PM EST. If the link on the sidebar does not work, listen here. If you miss the LIVE broadcast, you can catch the show in archive here. It's going to be a great show!

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

2011-10-09T18:14:00.003-04:00

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own--some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him? Readers will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from reader favorite Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse readers in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.

Author Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late eighteenth century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Paperback: 408 pages
Publisher: Revell; Original edition (August 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 080073341X
ISBN-13: 978-0800733414
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller

2011-10-05T16:03:00.005-04:00

Reviewed by ~Mary

This 1800's version of Snow White is not only spellbinding but addicting as well. Although the storyline involves domestic violence, don't let that scare you away from what will turn into a historical love story on many levels, not just as it relates to romance.

After discovering the trap Katie Calloway's husband set for her that would have meant sure death, she realizes there is only one way to avoid the next beating and prevent her untimely demise. Katie leaves in the middle of the night with Ned, her younger brother, in search of a better life. Anywhere. Because anywhere was better than her Georgia home with Harlan. That life was predictable, yes, but knowing when your next facial bruise would be inflicted was no kind of life.

When Robert Foster, camp owner for a remote forest in Michigan, sees Katie and Ned in a restaurant, he offers her a job if she can prove herself a durable cook. When she presents him an apple pie less than 60 minutes later, she more than passes the test and prepares to ride North with Foster.

What Katie lacked in Harlan, she finds in Robert-sensitivity, compassion and the inability to strike a woman. When he demands the same from his workers, the stage is set for Katie's healing and a secured future. Before she rides off into the Michigan sunset she must face harsh weather conditions, the former cook's jealousy, environmental disaster, sickness, and yes, a predictable reunion.

Although it may seem as if Robert is the one doling out the healing, what Katie brings to his life can not be understated. When his past catches up with him and he faces the greatest test of his life, it is Katie encouraging him and offering Godly strength.

Rarely do I make the claim that a book was unforgettable with notable characters and a palpable sadness that follows the closing of the back cover. I can make those statements and still leave much unsaid. It has been several days since I finished Miller's sophomore book and I am still thinking about those characters. The Measure of Katie Calloway will sweep you away to an era long forgotten with the intensity of characters that will leave you breathless. You will smell bacon sizzling in the pan, sense the dripping of thick frosting over freshly baked Cinnamon rolls, and feel the tension during many of the difficulties and applaud the unspoken mutual love and respect each party has for the other.

Unforgettable, mesmerizing, extraordinary. Anything but common. It isn't everyday the reader can finish a novel and feel so satisfied yet hungry for more. The Measure of Katie Calloway is a feast for all senses and should be indulged in with caution and reverence, savoring each and every page. After all, the sequel will not be released until October of 2012. Author Serena Miller sheds light on the upcoming series by saying "This is actually going to be a three-part stand alone series, all set in the north woods of Michigan, and loosely tied in with the people you just met in the lumber camp."

Paperback: 316 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719980
ISBN-13: 978-0800719982
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

Marysworld Talk Show Monday Inspired by Courageous

2011-10-02T13:56:00.002-04:00

Pre-sales for Friday nights premier of Courageous topped $2 million. A story based on fathers trying to hit the mark on the job and while parenting has inspired a two part series on Marysworld talk radio. This week, we will begin our discussion and end it next week with a panel of fathers speaking on their personal struggles. You won't want to miss this series guaranteed to answer the question Are fathers today hitting or missing the mark when it comes to parenting? Listen to Marysworld talk radio, and you be the judge! It's going to be a great show!!

The link on the sidebar will work only during the LIVE broadcast, 7 PM EST. If it does not work, you can listen here. If you miss the LIVE broadcast, follow the link on the sidebar for the archived show, or listen here.

Marysworld LIVE Homeschooling 101 on Monday's Show!!

2011-09-25T12:57:00.004-04:00

Whether you hate the idea, are new to the idea, or have been doing it for years, my guest Jennifer Hargrove and I will spark some interest in the topic for you when we discuss homeschooling. Homeschool 101 on Monday's show!

If the link on the right sidebar does not work, you can listen to the show here at 7 PM EST. It's going to be a great show!!

A Piece of Silver by Clark Burbidge

2011-09-20T19:06:00.004-04:00

Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, a young homeless boy named Daniel finds shelter in a stable and witnesses the birth of the Savior. Wanting to present the child with something, he gives the baby his only possession—a silver ring he wears on a piece of twine around his neck. But Daniel’s life remains one of living on the fringe of society until, in his darkest and loneliest moment, he again meets the Savior.

This powerful story provides a unique perspective of the birth and death of Jesus through the eyes and heart of a desolate young man. Infused with wonder and awe, this story is one of unconditional love and endless hope.

About the author:
Clark Burbidge received an MBA degree from the University of Southern California and a BS Degree in finance from the University of Utah. His career spans 31 years in banking, project finance, investment banking and more recently as Chief Financial Officer of three separate companies. He has been actively involved in community and church service, including lay youth and adult ministry, for over 35 years. It has been his long-term dream to write and publish several works that have been kicking around in his mind for many years. His first book, Life on the Narrow Path: A Mountain Biker's Guide to Spiritual Growth in Troubled Times was released nationally in March 2011. He looks forward to this next phase of life's wonderful adventures. Learn more about the author at his websites: A Piece of Silver.com, A Mountain Bikers Guide.com and Clark R Burbidge.com.

Clark Burbidge and his family recently visited Atlanta for the International Christian Retail Show and he was gracious enough to sit down and talk about the writing process of A Piece of Silver, how to engage the family into conversation about Jesus, and what it will take to create influence and change in others.

MN-You have two degrees in finance, yet you have your finger on the pulse point of humanity. How did that happen?
CB-Investment banking has taught me a few things. First, to do whatever I do with the highest quality necessary and the very best I can. Second, pay attention to detail. There's a big difference between writing and being published. If there is a word that describes writing a book, it is painstaking. You have to pay attention to detail (while writing) so those traits really translated very well.

MN-Do you read to your children?
CB-Well, I've always created stories for my children for bedtime. We've been one of those families that looks for that Christmas book to add to our traditions every year. (We ask) "What's the new book that we can read as a family and experience the true meaning of Christmas?" There are so many parallel fables out there that talk about the traits of Jesus and they are wonderful (but) they kind of skip the fact that there was a Jesus who those traits come from. The true meaning of Christmas-that's what we try to emphasize in our home.

MN-Let's talk about the main character Daniel in your book. What was the significance in making this character homeless and somewhat of a lost individual as opposed to a prominent leader or wealthy merchant?
CB-It was very natural for me to pick a young child who isn't educated, who isn't tainted by the world and wasn't being taught in the synagogues and was from out of town. He's completely new to all of this. He's a blank slate and we give him this experience which kids will relate to immediately. This is a real story for real lives.

MN-You're not just a researcher or gifted writer. You have experience with this.
CB-I have ten children and I've seen them grow and step out of the shadow of their parents and older siblings and become their own person. This is a very exciting thing to see a child do. I have worked in ministry with the youth-hundreds of youth-over 35 years and there is a common theme that I have seen from Elementary school up to even when they are in College. They go through this period where they have a very difficult time finding their place in this life. They feel out of place. They don't know what their purpose is. Even if they have been trained, even if they know all of the teachings of the Bible and the scriptures, they have to find their own feet. I think Satan's most successful tools are not the obvious ones. It's simply getting kids to feel like they are invisible and that nobody cares and they can't make a difference, so why even try? They give up. We see that over and over.

MN-There are adults that sit in our pews Sunday after Sunday, afraid to say 'I have a problem' because they don't want to be judged. What would you say to them?
CB-Adults need to know that no matter what they've been through, they are not broken. You may be beaten and battered, you may be worn down by the world but you are not broken. You have value. I think a lot of times people forget that they are a child of God and that He loves them.

MN-So the key is to build self esteem.
CB-Sure. What I tell people is that your life is what exists between the lines of your resume because that is what has made you who you are. Those tough experiences, the times you've been out of work, the times you've struggled, that's what has made you who you are.

MN-Tell me about your book A Piece of Silver.
CB-A Piece of Silver speaks about the gift that eleven year old Daniel, who is the primary character, gives to the Savior when he unexpectedly discovers that he is in the stable on the night of all nights. Being from another town-he is orphaned and living homeless-he isn't taught like the other Jewish children are taught while growing up. This piece of silver is what his mother has given him during their travels when she is dying. It's his only possession. He's moved greatly by this feeling he has, by the experience he has being with the Savior and his parents and the Nativity and wants to give them something.

MN-Readers will experience Christmas with Daniel.
CB-You can remember when you came to know Jesus the kind of feelings you had in those special moments when you knew he loved you and was close to you. You can't tell a child that and have them feel it. You can't manipulate that situation-they have to feel it for themselves. In test readings with adults and children, as they finished the book, they have this experience together where the parent can turn to the child and say 'You see, that feeling I've always told you about? That's what it feels like.' Those moments are priceless.

Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Winepress Publishing (July 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606152017
ISBN-13: 978-1606152010
Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches

Heiress by Susan May Warren

2011-09-20T13:15:00.002-04:00

Press Release!

Book One in the Daughters of Fortune series
The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved--without an enormous price tag attached? When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society? Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything--including the chance for true love.

Read an interview with author Warren here

Paperback: 380 pages
Publisher: Summerside Press (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609362187
ISBN-13: 978-1609362188
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches

Great show tonight with Bob and Cynthia Oswalt

2011-09-19T20:04:00.002-04:00

I really enjoyed the interview tonight on Marysworld Talk radio with "Bobcat" and Cynthia Oswalt. You can feel their passion in teaching children the truth about the Lord and why Bobcat believes in being frank when discussing salvation. After 40 years of teaching and interacting with children, they have it right! They currently teach 5-12 year olds at Believers Fellowship Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM and on Wednesdays at 7 PM.

You can find the Oswalts on facebook-let them know you listened to the show and feel free to ask any questions related to Children's ministry.

The show has been archived in case you missed it.

Remember, everyone has a story. Make sure you share yours.

Wee Boys From Glasgow Don't Cry by Peter Stanway

2011-09-16T16:34:00.009-04:00

Reviewed by ~Mary
Wee boys from Glasgow don’t cry, but readers may when they read some of the heartbreaking stories author Peter Stanway shares in his book Wee Boys From Glasgow Don’t Cry. Whether reading about Stanway being rescued by his father from what could have been a fatal fire, to knowing he was choking back tears as a five year old listening to his Mom being abused in the adjoining room, it is impossible to remain detached from his written experiences.

It is amazing he survived his early childhood when accident after accident threatened to steal his young life. Later, at the age of twelve, he became physically active to avoid the shame his father placed on him for being “a sissy”. His crime? Playing Rugby instead of football. “I was fit but lonely”, he wrote. He began experimenting with existentialism, transcendental meditation, philosophy, drugs and alcohol. In pursuit of fulfillment, fantasy crept in.

Thanks to a Christian Geography teacher, Stanway asked Jesus into his heart but as he put it, “I knew nothing about the Holy Spirit. I had a two-cylinder faith, father and son but no Holy Spirit”, which he explains, is the source of strength and power to follow Jesus. His conversion was brief.

As a young man, he lived the life of a free spirited, free-willed, adventure seeker that proved to be controlled by addictions. Stanway was living on the street, going town to town, knowing he needed something more and honestly seeking it, but unable to make a long lasting change.

Meeting Nancy, getting involved with WOTS (Way of the Spirit) and pure determination proved to be Stanway’s stepping stone into permanent conversion. Ironically, once he is able to re-channel his energy and make tracks in the right direction, his past haunts him through a life threatening illness. Stanway is honest and revealing as he takes his reader through the liver transplant that literally saved his life.

Stanway is passionate about everything he does. It is evident prior to his conversion, but when you see him using his passion to create change in others, it is downright inspiring. He is a true people person-compassionate on multiple levels and willing to do what it takes to rescue others. He gets it because he’s been there. He is an unstoppable force, chasing God and the good in mankind with all he has. And these days, that’s a lot!

Wee Boys From Glasgow Don’t Cry isn’t just an autobiography, it is an example of how to minister and do it effectively. He is energetic and knowledgeable-a combination that proves to be lethal when used against the powers of darkness. His story will challenge ministers, motivate lay men, and encourage the reader. If you have ever wanted to make a difference, this is the man to learn from.

Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: RevMedia (November 10, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0977219445
ISBN-13: 978-0977219445
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

The Touch by Randall Wallace

2011-09-15T13:48:00.005-04:00

Press Release

Andrew Jones was once one of the few surgeons in the world to have that rare, God-given ability called The Touch. But after failing to save his young fiancée, Faith, at the scene of a car accident, Jones abandons his gift and shuns the operating room.

Lara Blair owns a Chicago-based biomedical engineering company developing a surgical tool that will duplicate precisely the movement of a surgeon’s hands, reducing or eliminating failed surgical procedures. Lara has pursued the best surgeons in the world to test this surgical tool, and all of them have failed.

As Lara pursues Jones’s skill for her project, Jones’s stubborn resistance cracks, and he begins to open up to her about the wounds that still haunt him. But when Jones discovers the urgency behind Lara’s work, he must choose to move beyond his past. As each is forced to surrender secret fears, they are bonded together through the lives of the people Jones serves and by the healing secret that Faith left behind.

From the Inside Flap
Andrew Jones is a young doctor with an amazing gift; his abilities in surgery are astonishing. But when he cannot save a young woman at the scene of a fatal car accident, Jones abandons his gift and shuns the operating room. Lara Blair owns a Chicago-based biomedical engineering company developing a surgical tool that will duplicate precisely the movement of a surgeon’s hands, eliminating human error during surgical procedures. Lara has pursued the best surgeons in the world to test this tool and all of them have failed.

Discovering Andrew’s unique surgical skills, Lara is determined to work with him. But Jones wants no part of it until he discovers the urgency behind Lara’s work . . . and somewhere, somehow, he must find the courage to trust The Touch.

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (August 17, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414343663
ISBN-13: 978-1414343662
Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.9 x 1.2 inches

Show Notes LIVE from Nashville with Penney Carlton and Don Furr!

2011-09-14T19:33:00.012-04:00

It was quite an experience broadcasting our show LIVE from Nashville Monday evening. I usually broadcast from my home office which has become a makeshift studio. The environment is quiet and controlled; everything you hope for when doing a LIVE show. I under estimated the environmental issue when we chose an outside table at the local Panera to air the show from Monday.

It wasn't the traffic-both on foot and four wheels-that proved to be distracting. In fact, the Mom at the table next to us went out of her way to keep her toddler quiet when she realized we were on air. I never did get to thank her for that. Halfway into the show, as Penney began explaining the upcoming launch of The Wordsmith Journal, an employee from Panera came outside and started clearing tables. She then stopped at the trashcan, threw some paper away and proceeded with a one woman comedy skit that would take until the end of the show for me to regain composure from.

Apparently, she spied some bees in the trashcan and decided to play Billy the Exterminator. Both of my guests had their back to her and was oblivious to what was going on, but I had a front row seat as I was facing her. She rolled up her hand towel, assumed an offensive stance, reared back and snapped that towel, killing the bee. That one incident was ok. In fact, it was amusing. But when she rolled up the towel again, got in position and snapped that thing a second time, she wasn't content with the feel good of hitting her target. She had to announce that "I got it" while her hands were in the air as if she just caught the winning touch down during the Super Bowl. When she reared back a third time, and I knew I was going to hear the snapping noise of her wet towel and then hear the announcement that she got it, well, I lost it. I had to turn away from Penney and try to think about anything but what was happening 20 feet away. When the towel hit the can and I heard "I got it", it was over. I could not recover.

By this time, both of my guests haved turned around to see what the commotion is and Penney then loses it. Poor Don was caught between two women bent at the waist laughing, a woman that was on a mission to not waste one towel snap, and a LIVE show that had to go on. I could not look either of my guests in the eye for 10 minutes and I have never prayed so hard in my life that God would remove the sights and sounds that were taking place so that I could continue broadcasting in a professional manner.

Right about the time I was ready to ask Don to tell her to stop, she quit and went inside. On one hand, I knew there wasn't a bee for miles around. On the other, I don't think I have had the uncontrollable urge to laugh like that in a long time. She has no idea the pressure she put me under to maintain a semi-straight face.

So as you are listening to the archived show, if you hear noises in the background that sounds like someone is hitting something, you are right. And now you know why I am apologizing for the background sounds with a laugh in my voice. You just don't know how much that slight giggle was understated!

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

2011-09-09T21:07:00.008-04:00

Reviewed by ~Mary

How could The American Board of Missions cause so much trouble?

Priscilla White is sure of one thing if nothing else; she is going to India to teach as a missionary. When Dr. Eli Ernest charges into her church one Sunday Morning and asks for support for his domestic mission-to help the Native American Nez Perce tribe-it begins a tug of war between Priscilla and Eli regarding which mission is most important. When they both realize that The American Board of Missions will not allow either one to minister unless married, it presents a dilemma, and the only conceivable answer in Eli’s mind is to marry Priscilla for convenience so that he can make it to Oregon Country and begin his life’s calling. For Priscilla, her only opportunity for mission work is to accept Eli’s hasty proposal for a sham of a marriage, and teach in Oregon Country instead of third world countries. Although not an ideal arrangement, they both commit through ceremony only and embark on their journey out West.

Along the way, they contend with traders with less than honorable intentions, disease, death, a former beau of Priscilla’s and harsh traveling conditions. As they travel, he carries extra baggage from his childhood and she carries a secret that haunts her on many occasions. By the time they see the sun set in Oregon Country for the first time, they have arrived different individuals with different ideals. And there are surprises that I would love to reveal, but will not.

The Doctor’s Lady is a novel that was hard for me to initially connect with, but by the 6th chapter, I was hooked. It was an even sweeter treat when I realized it was based on a true story. Hedlund is detail oriented as a writer but has a gift of attending to those details without bogging the reading experience down. She has found her writing style and improves with each book. If you liked The Preacher’s Bride, I can guarantee you will love The Doctor’s Lady.

Paperback: 378 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764208330
ISBN-13: 978-0764208331
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches

Show Notes guest Tom Burnet

2011-09-07T21:28:00.003-04:00

Listener feedback has been amazing since having Tom Burnet on the show Monday. He is a gifted story teller with a knack for keeping his audience engaged and invested. Unfortunately, a computer glitch allowed the broadcast to air with no problems, but did not save the show for archive. This just guarantees a return visit and interview at a later time with Mr. Burnet.

The recommended book for the week is Quest for the Nailprints by Don Furr. I will be interviewing Furr next week LIVE from Nashville and would like to present any questions or comments you may have for him during the broadcast. Email them to me at twjjournalist@gmail.com or mmmj1@bellsouth.net.

I will also be interviewing Penney Carlton LIVE from Nashville. She is embarking on a project that, I believe, could revolutionize the publishing industry by bridging the gap between authors and their readers. She will be unveiling The Wordsmith Journal and what exactly it can do for authors and readers. Carlton is a visionary with focus and determination as it applies to the publicity aspect of Christian Publishing. You won't want to miss my interview with her.

Remember, everyone has a story. Make sure you share yours!!

The Wordsmith Journal

2011-09-07T21:04:00.003-04:00

We would like to introduce you to the online home of The Wordsmith Journal where Christian readers can meet new authors and music artists or catch up with some old favorites. A unique blend of author and musician interviews, reviews and new releases (in the form of a book and music store) from today's Christian authors and music artists designed exclusively with the reader and music lover in mind! The Wordsmith Journal is a sister company of Sheaf House Publishers.

What readers will find in every monthly edition of The Wordsmith Journal:
*Entertaining articles & Inspiring interviews of authors, music artists, and leaders in the publishing and music industries
*Reviews of exciting new books and music
*News from Christian authors, music artists, and publishers
*Information about new releases
*Online Book club & Reader forums
*TWJ Book Clubs
*Reader forums
*The Readers’ Pick Awards contest

The Wordsmith Journal Book Club (TWJ BOOK CLUBS) will feature one fiction and one nonfiction book each month and will be supported by online reader forums, local chapters, a network of sponsoring bookstores, and an annual Readers’ Pick Awards contest. Featured titles and the Readers’ Pick Awards will be highly promoted though online advertizing, our extensive social media contacts, and via The Wordsmith Journal e-Newsletter. A music club, forums, and awards are also under development.

Watch for news about the print edition of The Wordsmith Journal, which is scheduled to release in Fall 2012! This exciting new resource will be offered free to retailers to offer as a gift to their customers and will feature a handy pull-out catalog that readers can use as a wish list and for shopping at their favorite retailer.

The first online edition of The Wordsmith Journal will launch October 1, 2011.
For advertising, contact Penney Carlton at penney.carlton@gmail.com
For interviews or feature article consideration, contact Mary Nichelson at twjjournalist@gmail.com or Penney Carlton at penney.carlton@gmail.com

Stay current with interviews, future articles and important updates by liking The Wordsmith Journal facebook group page now before the online launch.

Listen to Marysworld radio talk show next Monday, September 17th at 7 PM EST to hear more exciting news about The Wordsmith Journal when Mary interviews Penney Carlton.

Guest Tom Burnet

2011-09-05T12:56:00.011-04:00

discusses how the church, his career (think ABC, radio and the lighting industry) and a personal relationship with Jesus formed his faith. He is an academic and trade writer and a former Catholic deacon with the wisdom of Solomon....and he shares his story exclusively with Marysworld listeners.

Get a jump on my recommended book of the week by ordering your copy of Quest For The Nail Prints by Don Furr. I will be interviewing Furr next week at the Christian Product Expo Show and will forward listener questions and comments to Furr LIVE on the air. Make sure to get yours to Furr by emailing them to twjjournalist@gmail.com, leaving a message on Marysworld Talk Radio Show facebook group, or my personal facebook page!

If the link on the right side bar does not work for tonight's show, you can listen at Rev Media Network.

It's going to be a great show!! See you here, at 7 PM EST!

Barry Babb-Post Modernism and the Church-It's Time To Tell The Truth

2011-09-01T19:48:00.005-04:00

“I try not to get into an all or nothing kind of situation, but upon peeling the layers back and looking at the landscape more thoroughly, (religion) changes what reality is.” Hence the title of Barry Babb’s book Postcards From Another Gospel. “Postcards are a snapshot but do not show the whole landscape.” Babb claims postmodernism does the same thing. Postcards From Another Gospel was the result of “my (personal) journey over the last four years where God just sort of supernaturally invaded my life and brought me into a season of very deep repentance regarding him and my view of him. I knew I didn’t have it all together about God, but his mercy and his goodness just started the whole process of me recalibrating my life to see what’s important. And that is proclaiming the truth of the gospel, particularly to a post modern church.” As Babb continues to talk, he reveals a pastor’s love for the church body and also the awareness that leadership goes beyond inspiring and into an area few pastors are comfortable with; truth and the implications of maintaining a high standard that is associated with the authentic gospel.

MN-How can pastors remain relevant to a generation that believes that there are no absolutes?
BB-Most experts say we are now in our second full generation of being totally immersed where children grow up believing in pluralism-that there is not one superior thought or truth to another, and that they all should be celebrated, especially the diversity of them. We have to proclaim the truth in very clear objectives from one culture to the next. Jesus says ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.’ That causes people to grit their teeth at the exclusiveness of it, but we can not get away from the orthodox message of those exclusive claims.

MN-What would you say, pastor to pastor, about staying authentic to truth?
BB-In love, the best thing I can say to you is if you can’t come to terms with (truth) as a Pastor, whose first call should be by definition to explain the gospel, than you should do what I had considered doing and just go sell shoes. A fear of people not coming to the church is not near as bad as what an under shepherd is going to be held accountable for at that judgment. In the end, we must tell them the truth if we really care about them and the fact is the gospel is good news.

MN-On the day of accountability, how can we be sure our perception (of who God is and what we believe about him) is right?
BB-Scripture interprets scripture. I go back to very clear, definitive assertions from the Bible that are historical, objective, external truths that God gave to us. We didn’t discover them; rather he gave us the ability to open our eyes to see them, hear them and to internalize them. You have to grasp the concept that you are spiritually dead and unable to save yourself. By doing good, you have no ability to accomplish that. We can not reform ourselves, counsel ourselves-we can not self help or self actualize without salvation. We have to come to the place that we are naked before God and this culture rails against that. It’s all about my self needs being met.

MN-Let’s talk about meeting needs. What does social justice look like for believers?
BB-Does scripture mandate social justice? It’s important to look at the prophets and the work of Jesus and his apostles and say that God does have a heart for the oppressed, for the poor, for the downtrodden. Absolutely, that’s fundamental to Christianity. The question is what kind of mandate is it? For many Christians, many 20-something’s, social justice is a buzzword. It’s a hot thing now on college campuses. Many use it to be saved instead of evidence that they are saved. You can’t get to Heaven by doing it, no.

MN-Speaking of the younger generation, would you say that each generation will claim to be post modern?
BB-It’s kind of a repackaging all the way through culture starting with the garden, through secular humanism and now post modernism. It really is the same thing and that is questioning the truth and creating our own verses discovering the external truth that God tells us.

MN-Is post modernism a religion in itself?
BB-Its tenants would claim to be hostile to theology. If you look at some of that uber emergent Christianity, I think it is a good picture of what defining post modernism is in general. It permeates the entire culture. Arts, academia, literature, entertainment, philosophy-it’s fairly ingrained now. Although it’s not a religion per say, some of the religious expressions of it are very firm tenants.

MN-There are no absolutes with post modernism but with Christ, there are definable truths.
BB-In the end, we have to land somewhere. If we are landing on skepticism, contingency, mystery and those things that are so celebrated in post modernism, then that’s a different landing area than what the Bible describes as the rock of Jesus. It’s very clear. John tells us He and His word are in separable. That’s what I am calling the church to do. Let’s come back to the assurance of who God says He is and His exclusive claims of who He is.

Barry Babb is the author of Post Cards From Another Gospel and is the founder of Truth Culture Ministries.

Show Notes!!

2011-08-29T20:44:00.005-04:00

CC Hsia was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan where Buddhism is the preferred religious practice. Hsia did not embrace Buddhism, though. She did not believe in any one religion. When her coworker mentioned God, she didn't want to hear about it. Yet, God chased her and continually courted Hsia. One day as Hsia sat in the park, she cried out to God. She was depressed and asked for a sign to prove he was real. The below picture is the way he revealed his love for her.

Hsia says that as quickly as the heart in the sky appeared, it disappeared, barely there long enough for her to snap a picture on her cell phone. God would continue to reveal his love and personal interest in Hsia through many answered prayers. Her love and trust in God is remarkable considering she at one time did not believe in the power of anything or anyone beyond her own ability.

Author David Yanez has penned the perfect book to repair broken and severed relationships, and he is offering Almost Out Of Grace for Marysworld listeners and readers at an exclusive discount. Visit any one of the sites listed below and enter grace as the coupon code and receive an additional $2 discount. Take advantage of this offer NOW!!
Almost Out Of Grace
Rev Ministries
Rev Publishing
Rev Media Network
David Yanez Ministries
Almost Out Of Grace contains spiritual, practical and helpful advice for virtually any relationship issue!!

Remember, everyone has a story. Make sure you share yours!!

Marysworld talk radio welcomes guest Ling-Ling Hsia!

2011-08-29T12:37:00.003-04:00

My guest on Marysworld Talk Radio tonight will be Ling-Ling Hsia-aka-C.C. She was born in Taipei Tiawan and now resides in the US. She has a powerful story to share that reveals how she met the one true God and how he answered two life altering prayers of hers. Join me at 7 PM EST. If the link on the sidebar does not work, you can listen here. It's going to be a great show!

New Age Deception by Peter Stanway

2011-08-27T17:15:00.011-04:00

Peter Stanway demonstrates what the phrase "working for the Lord" means. The Way Christian Ministries is a pioneering ministry that "is intent on fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples out of Christians." He accomplishes this through several training courses and methods. He is a successful author with yet another book, Who is McKenzie set to be released before Christmas 2011. As Director of European Development with Rev Publishing, he endeavors to add many European authors to the Rev Media portfolio. His television and radio ministries reach viewers and listeners worldwide. His schedule, I am sure, keeps him busy. Yet, there is always time for Stanway to stop and do the one thing he is notorious for; sharing his heart. The latest burden he carries is for the church and the deception that has infiltrated not only non-believers with New Age ideas, but of late, believers. It concerns Stanway that half-truths are embraced as accepted ideologies. Where as at one time this doctrine ran parallel to the church, it has intersected, causing division by deception. In his latest book, New Age Deception, Stanway blows the whistle on theologies and the ministers that teach them, and how they have compromised the truth for fear of losing their congregation. He does not expose individuals or even specific churches, yet makes a convincing argument that through the so-called liberating school of self-exploration, mind expansion, sex, drugs and rock and roll, people have found themselves in bondage to a counterfeit freedom.

Stanway is pursuaded that believers can reverse the infiltration of the New Age movement with one word: discernment. "Discern in the spirit, do not judge in your mind." His final plea is to the believer, which captures the essence of his burden for the church. "Wake up Christians. This is the way, walk in it. Jesus is the truth, come to him and be free." It is a universal message that is relevent and essentual.

New Age Deception is available for free and I am including it here for your convenience!

Open publication - Free publishing - More age

Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

2011-08-24T10:57:00.005-04:00

Press Release

A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Ft. Worth hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.

Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer--or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?

Pre-order Now!!
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764209418
ISBN-13: 978-0764209413

Show Notes!

2011-08-22T20:46:00.008-04:00

My guest tonight demonstrates that life is what you make it. When a drunk driver hit him head on in 1993, 16 year old Michael Mills could have decided to live life passively. Instead, he has adopted the saying "Kill it", as it applies to never leaving anything on the table, leave no part undone, nothing left behind, give it your all. Even when he is shunned and discriminated against for his tattoos, he doesn't let circumstances prevent him from living life to its fullest. With the support of his wife, Tiffany, they make a first class team and enjoy everyday, making the best of each opportunity they are given. He is an athlete, father, husband, spokesperson and in this interviewers opinion, life coach. He is the perfect example of how to do life, and do it successfully.

Pictured-Bobby Stokes, Michael Mills, Tiffany Mills, Kellye Williams.

Michael recommends the complete line of Advocare products for the serious athlete and those wanting to be in the best health possible.

For more information on the documentary Michael mentioned, visit Color Me Equal.

Michael trains with Bobby Stokes at Fit Bodies. If you are in the East Atlanta area and need a personal trainer, email Bobby at fitbodies45@yahoo.com.

If you missed the show, it is now in archives! Visit Revmedia to hear the broadcast in its entirety.

The answer to the trivia question is Zach Hunter. He is a teenage author who has just released a revised version of his book Be The Change that was originally published when he was 14 years old. He is a modern day abolitionist (and yes, we do have slavery in our society) who believes one person can make a difference. Read Be The Change and impact your world! 171 pages, Zondervan.

Remember, everyone has a story. Make sure you share yours!

Marysworld Talk Radio welcomes Michael Mills!

2011-08-21T20:40:00.002-04:00

Michael claims he is an average guy living an ordinary life. I say he is anything but average and living an extraordinary life. Listen in as we chat and then you be the judge!

A bit of trivia for you-what teenage author has just released a revised edition of his book that was originally released 5 years ago, when he was just 14 years old? My recommended book for the week goes hand in hand with Michael Mills in that they are both extraordinary. But you have to listen in to hear why. Join me Monday night at 7 PM EST. It's going to be a great show!

If the link on the right side does not work, you can hear us live here.

Show Notes!

2011-08-16T08:28:00.005-04:00

Kim King is a visionary in that she sees the possibilities in change and takes advantage of the moment to create a new outreach or ministry that impacts her world. Not all ministries are long lasting, but just as Esther was placed into position "for such a time as this", we are placed startegically "for such a time as this." When the what-if's start monopolizing your thoughts, take action instead of entertaining everything that could go wrong. Bottom line, Kim says to "just jump in and do it." There is no such thing as failure when you try.

The recommended book for the week is Fast Media, Media Fast by author Thomas W. Cooper. From their press release:
FAST MEDIA, MEDIA FAST is an exciting guide for taking a liberating media fast in an age of increasingly fast media. It is the first book to provide readers a practical, user-friendly and thought-provoking guide to gaining a newfound control and understanding of their relationship with the media. This researched, seasoned manual provides specific guidelines, important areas for thought, creative options and life-changing opportunities.

FAST MEDIA, MEDIA FAST also shows how to take control of the media choices in our lives. This book is not a judgmental, media-bashing sermon, but rather an inspiring guide to cultural nutrition. In fact, most people do not typically choose to eliminate all media from their lives when they return from a fast, but rather make more informed and conscious choices about what to consume, how much, when, and why. Fasters also return more rested, revitalized, and thoughtful, often excited about new directions and purpose, or about being better organized and centered.

If you missed the show, it has now gone into archive and available for you here.

Next week, my guest will be Michael Mills. When an accident left him paralyzed at the age of 16, Michael did not give up. He is an athlete and over all inspiration to those blessed enough to be around him. Monday, the studio will become a "kill it" zone. Find out what that means when I talk with Michael Mills.

Remember, everyone has a story. Make sure you share yours.

Monday on Marysworld Talk Radio....

2011-08-14T15:08:00.002-04:00

My guest on Monday night will be Kim King. Join the conversation as we discuss how the road through life may change, but your personal ministry and ability to impact others doesn't dimish, but rather expands with these changes. Kim will be sharing her adventures in ministry, college, and now as a member of the media. It all begins at 7 PM EST. If the link on the side bar doesn't work, listen here.

It's going to be a great show! Meet me there!

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller

2011-08-11T10:16:00.002-04:00

Press Release

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a Northwoods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the warm cookstove to the rowdy shanty boys and the jagged edges of the saw, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting the reader back to the time when pine was king, men were made of iron, and rivers were choked with logs on the way to the sawmills. Readers will have a hard time leaving the Northwoods when they turn the last page.

Pre-Order Now!!

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719980
ISBN-13: 978-0800719982

18th annual National Conference on Christian Apologetics October 28-29, 2011

2011-08-10T11:34:00.003-04:00

Matthews, N.C.—Southern Evangelical Seminary will host its 18th annual National Conference on Christian Apologetics on October 28-29, 2011 at Northside Baptist Church in Charlotte , N.C.

The conference will offer attendees the top speakers in America who will bring new insights on the issues Christians face in our country—in schools, businesses, the marketplace and in all aspects of life.

“Every day in the news, we see innumerable reasons why Christians today need to learn how to defend our faith intelligently and reasonably,” said Eric Gustafson, Director of Development at the Southern Evangelical Seminary. “The National Conference on Christian Apologetics has always offered the opportunity to learn from America’s experts on defending the faith, and this year, our 18th year of the conference, will be another chance to immerse ourselves in biblical truths and relate them to the myriad of events that are taking place in our country. Opportunities are endless when it comes to learning and applying Truth to our world and rationally explaining these truths to those who have questions about Christianity and the world at large.”

Speakers at the 2011 conference include:

· Frank Turek—Christian apologist, speaker and best-selling author is Master of Ceremonies for this year’s conference

· William Lane Craig—Nation’s leading Christian apologist, theologian, analytic philosopher, author of more than 30 books and head of “Reasonable Faith.”

· Josh McDowell—Founder of the Josh McDowell Ministry, best-selling author and speaker

· William Dembski—Author of “The End of Christianity: Finding a Good God in an Evil World”

· Gary Habermas—Christian apologist, historian, philosopher of religion, prolific author and lecturer

· Mike Licona—Apologetics Coordinator at the North American Mission Board and Research Professor of New Testament at Southern Evangelical Seminary

· Richard Howe—Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics and Director of the Ph.D. program at Southern Evangelical Seminary

· Greg Koukl—Founder and President of Stand to Reason

Southern Evangelical Seminary is a Christian college and seminary in Matthews, N.C., with a focus on Christian Apologetics. An updated and dedicated youth track is also a part of this year’s conference which is focused on teaching younger conference attendees how to defend their faith at school, with friends and in all areas of life.

Early-bird registration is $65 for adults and $35 for students. The cost after September 15 is $75 for adults and remains $35 for students.

For more information about the conference, visit SES.edu or call (800)77-TRUTH.

Show Notes!

2011-08-08T20:54:00.005-04:00

Kellye Williams is an amazing woman! She endeavors to serve the Lord and others no matter what she does. While a successful wife and Mom, she is finding ministry opportunities through her modeling career and as a personal trainer. Contact Kellye here for show related or general information.

My recommended reading for the week is Forever After by Deborah Raney. If you have ever needed a reason to love and live after seemingly losing everything, this book is for you.

If you didn't catch the show in its entirety, please visit Rev Media Network where it has been archived.

Join me next week when my guest will be Kim King. She is coming all the way from Boise, Idaho to our studio to share her experiences as they relate to her ministry and to talk about my favorite subject-Christian media standards.

Remember, everyone has a story-make sure you share yours!

Marysworld Talk Radio Tonight at 7 PM EST

2011-08-08T09:07:00.002-04:00

My guest tonight on Marysworld Talk Radio will be Kellye Williams. We will be discussing hope. "Don't settle". Join us at 7 PM EST. If the link on the sidebar does not work, listen here. It's going to be a great show!!

Forever After by Deborah Raney

2011-08-06T18:17:00.005-04:00

Reviewed by Mary

A fire killed his best friend and his lifelong dream of being a firefighter. The same fire killed her husband and hopes for a family. Can new dreams replace old?

Jenna Morgan is the talk of Hanover Falls. From all appearances, the worst of her problems is losing her firefighter husband in a fire. Truth be told, that is the least of her troubles. It is much harder for her to cope with losing financial status-which has become her identity-than playing the role of grieving widow.

Lucas Vermontez didn’t die while fighting the same fire that took his best friend's life, but at times, he wonders why it couldn't have. Facing the rest of his life without doing the love of his life seems almost unbearable.

Filled with the sage wisdom your mother would love to tell you, Forever After demonstrates that hope lurks everywhere, but it’s our job to recognize it and hold onto it for dear life. Trying to maneuver through life without it, or a faith in God, is pointless. You may gain the world, but in the process, lose everything that has true meaning.

At times I wanted to shake Jenna and scream “Wake up, girl.” At others, I wanted to be that unseen force, pushing Lucas closer to her. He was too controlled at times, but only because I was ready to see that happy ending a hundred pages prematurely. To miss the last several chapters would have been to miss the culmination of everything Raney worked hard to convey, though.

I am honest in stating my pet peeves while reviewing a book and certainly one of them is a novel that builds up to nothing. The story is the best it gets and the ending just sort of drops off. I am pleased to say Forever After is a novel that builds to an even better ending than anticipated. True to form, I won’t say what that entails, but be forewarned, it is well worth saying up late to finish reading.

Forever After contains discussion questions at the end to deepen your awareness of some of the main points of the story. Raney also provides a sneak peak at the third book in the Hanover Falls series titled After All.

Part suspense, part romance, Forever After is a good, clean read that underlines the important things in life. It can never be overstated that some of the best things in life are, well, you read the book and see.

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (June 14, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416599932
ISBN-13: 978-1416599937
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches

Request a copy!!

Alan Youngblood-A Man on a Mission

2011-08-04T13:03:00.006-04:00

When Alan Youngblood walks into the media room at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta, there is a shift in the atmosphere. It’s not, as some would believe, his polished and distinguished appearance that is responsible. Rather, as he pulls up a chair to discuss his book Voice of Many Waters, Youngblood’s passion is irrefutable and the obvious driving force behind the man he has become. It is difficult for him to discuss any aspect of his Heavenly encounter without tearing up, revealing the authenticity of his spiritual transformation. As we talk, the constant hum of conversation in the background fades, and it’s not long before I am totally immersed in Youngblood’s zone.

“You can only speak so much about faith. Yes, I am a man of faith. All of us pray in faith. But then it’s the distance between the time we pray and the time the answer comes which is the testing ground. Many times, it could be weeks. It could be a month. It could be a year. It could be years before the answer comes. That’s the testing ground. That’s a time of trust. Faith is the opening of the door and the beginning; trust is the distance that time says ‘I’ll stand here. I’ll be here. I know He will show up.’ When? I don’t know and you know what? I’ve reached the place I don’t care. I know that He will.”

It’s a strong message delivered by an average sized man, yet this is no ordinary man. His life is a testimony of struggles we hope to avoid and encounters we pray to experience. The contradiction of extreme favor and almost constant tribulation has provided an extraordinary spiritual education for Youngblood. His story begins almost 30 years ago when, on News Years Eve in 1980, he has a revelation that to this day, still impacts everything about him. “I was carried into Heaven-translated. (I) didn’t die but I arrived there unexpectedly.” He explains that he was unable to go into the city of Heaven-literally standing out side of the gates-until he was completely changed. It was there that he met the one written about in Revelation as the voice of many waters.

To define that conversion he illustrates, “My life had been the life of a Christian person-religious person-that had turned into the ideal pharisaical. My life was an absolute; what I assumed was in perfect position. I had built it myself. My company was an excellent company. My marriage has always been superb. I was on top of my world. (I) went to church every time the doors were opened and served on church boards in large churches.” When I probe deeper regarding how radical this change was, he declares “I have a witness” as he turns to his wife, Barbara, seated beside him. She instantly affirms his statement. “I got a new husband, absolutely. After that night of his encounter, after his life changed, I noticed right away that he had a different look. After a few days I began to see him tear up and crying when, after being married all of those years to him, I had never seen him shed a tear. People noticed his countenance wasn’t hard; (it) was more compassionate and softer. This was very unusual. His attitude, his behavior just changed. We went to church one way (that) night and we came home and he was totally different.” When speaking of how unorthodox his transformation was, she adds, “Being brought up in such rigid religious doctrine (made it hard to) understand how he could just go to the front of the church and be gone-it wasn’t the traditional way that you’d normally see it happen. That was hard to comprehend-(the) how, when, what where.”

Youngblood had no difficulty explaining what resulted from going to the front of that church back in 1980. “What really changed my life wasn’t Heaven. What changed my life was I fell in love with Christ. I had never loved Him at all. I loved things. I loved my family. I loved pleasure. But I fell in love with the Christ. It is very difficult to fall in love with someone that-I had been taught through the church-was after me to catch me and write down all of my sins in some kind of book. They were right to a degree. He was after me, (but) to show me His love. I wasn’t looking for Him. I wasn’t trying to find a close relationship or to know Him personally. For sure, it wasn’t something I would have pursued. But then He came, and what touches my heart even these 30 years later, is this. He came looking for me. He was seeking me, when I was not seeking Him. That tells me what kind of God that is there for all humanity.”

The Youngblood family would need his new found dependence on Christ in the years to come. He watched as his mother struggled with Alzheimer’s, his wife experienced heart disease, and both daughters recovered from their own fatal illnesses. This is a family that has been tried time and time again, coming out victorious because their leader refuses to bend. I wondered if there was ever a time he was tempted to give up. He shakes his head with a determined assurance “Never. Never and here’s the reason that you never do. Life is full of challenges for everybody in some form or another. Here’s the key-He’s above the challenge. His word can not be challenged. He will always be victorious. It’s from tragedy to triumph, again and again. I personally look forward to the challenges that life throws at me because I know that I have a God who will literally carry us to victory every time.”

Voice of Many Waters was mere days from being released when Youngblood confronted his own challenge. “This time last year I was dying in a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. When I arrived in the hospital, I was semiconscious, my fever was 104 and eventually when they rushed me into ICU with an unknown disease, my heart rate was 38. My kidneys, my liver-everything in my body was failing. Within days, we had five specialists. The battle was on. The doctor’s were doing what they could. Within 3 days time they put $63,000 worth of anecdotes in me trying to fight off one of three things. The good news was I had none of (them). The bad news was I had West Nile Virus. I had been bitten by a mosquito and that mosquito carried West Nile and it was a lethal dose. There is no anecdote and what happens to you (is) you die. They disconnected all those things from my body because they were worthless and there was nothing to treat me with. Laying there in that state, dying, unconscious to this world but very conscious in the supernatural realm, laying there in ICU, into my room walked the Christ himself.”

He countinues telling a powerful story of healing that makes his Heavenly encounter in 1980 almost pale in comparison. But Youngblood would argue this point. It “was the beginning of the story- (a story about) the incredible, personal, always present God who will never, ever fail us. Do you know who He is seeking; all of humanity-every person, every color, every creed, whether they’re seeking Him or not, it doesn’t matter. He is looking for that lost sheep. It comes down to this. He’s looking for you. He knows your name; He loves you with amazing love no matter who you are or where you are. Even if you do not see Him or hear Him or call upon His name, He is there.”

As Alan and his wife, Barbara, leave the room following the interview, I am overwhelmed with the sudden emptiness of their chairs. My time with them could only be defined as a supernatural experience. I realized that shift in atmosphere when Youngblood entered the room earlier was the aura of his conviction. It was palatable and genuine and undeniably sacred. Youngblood doesn’t realize it but he still walks among the unearthly. He exudes confidence that only happens when you have heard, in one sense or another, The Voice of Many Waters.

Alan is known by a host of family and friends as a man driven with passion who is characterized by loyalty and deep devotion to God, family, and hurting humanity. He is a highly respected business leader and Christian counselor and mentor in the Dallas-Ft. Worth community, a man with a rich diversity of experience- a licensed minister, and a resume that includes pastoring three churches, a builder and designer of unique homes, a television host of Open Your Eyes on Daystar television, an author and an inspirational speaker. Alan and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 46 years and have three daughters who have given them the greatest gifts ever- 8 wonderful grandchildren. The family loves outdoor activities and spending quality time together as a family unit. For more information visit Voice of Many Waters.com.

God's Media Army-Christian Fiction by Donald James Parker

2011-08-03T13:02:00.005-04:00

Guest blogger Donald James Parker discusses the standard of Christian publishing.
I wrote a column in the Christian Online Fiction magazine dealing with self-publishing for about two years. Last month I decided to hang it up to pursue more pressing matters (hopefully movies/television) and gave notice when I turned in my last editorial. I just found out my final article will not be published. Since I spent several hours framing it, I decided I’d post it myself to various outlets. Buckle your seatbelt and read on.

If you are not aware of the tremendous warfare going on between the forces of good and evil for the minds of the people of planet Earth, especially the young people, pardon me for suggesting that you are living in a bubble. God might want you to pop that effervescent armor and realize that your efforts are needed as a soldier of the Lord who wields a pen as your weapon of choice. I might be out to brunch here, but it seems to me that the mainstream publishers have avoided rocking the boat by publishing materials that might be too radical, too edgy or excessively hardcore Christian.

As a result, the mainstream leaders often abandon the battlefield so they can generate a healthy profit by producing Amish assemble-by-number novels, detective stories without any cussing where the name of God may be mentioned in passing or one of the characters may utter a prayer, but not in the name of Jesus, and sentimental romances where courting is dressed up in Christian clothes and language but below the surface still reeks of worldly focus on external glamour, materialism, and shallow sentimentality that masquerades as love. So exactly what do these observations mean to a self-published author? It means that there is a niche to fill. Since you don’t have publishers to please and agents to feed, you can do God’s work unimpeded by the external forces that put people and their work into boxes of diminutive size. You have the luxury of being free to go where God wants you to go–if you have the courage to enter the lion’s den and the strength to swim upstream against white water.

I have tried to champion the cause of self-published writers in this column. My goal has been to encourage, enlighten, and empower those who God has placed a seed within, so that the seed may germinate and mature into something lovely and inspirational. Unfortunately, I’ve been operating in a void here and have no clue if I’ve made any impact. Perhaps I won’t know until Heaven. What I do know is that my season of writing for Christian Fiction Online Magazine is coming to a close. The arrival of bills to be paid and writing deadlines to be met causes the calendar pages to fly off. There is nothing I can do about the bills, but one less deadline will give me more time to focus on projects that I feel are critical. It’s been wonderful to be a part of CFOM, but the curtain must close. Perhaps sometime I’ll resurrect my crusade to aid self-pubbed authors in their quest to fulfill God’s call in their life.

Statistics indicate that few people are actively engaged in the art of reading. Even a smaller percentage of those are seeking Christian fiction. My assessment is that if I really want to impact the culture, I must spend my time on things that will grab the attention of the masses. I believe the audio-visual media is the ticket to have the ability to grab someone by the scruff of their soul and unleash unknown desires and misunderstood emotions that lead people to question the shallowness of their human existence. Thus my new focus in life will be to write and produce movies that will combat evolution, the occult, the sexual revolution, injustice and any other crusade that God might add to my target list as my vision expands.

So I take my puny weapons, which hopefully God will endue with His power and move on to a new battlefield. I want to leave you with a plea to join God’s army. Use any talents He has given you to enhance His kingdom and not your own. Almost an entire generation of young people is lining up to enter the gates of Hell. What will you do to help God rescue some of them?

Note from Mary-My stand now, and as long as I have breath in me, is that when you market a book as Christian, the standard better be higher than mainstream. Unfortunately, that has become a label that gets used interchangably just like Historical or Suspense. Now, don't get me wrong. There are publishers that adhere to a standard and won't bend for the dollar. What I hate to see are the publishers that are so intent on courting the crossover audience that they will allow content in their novels that are not Christ-like. Yes, we need to be able to be relevent and some issues can be mentioned without being graphic. When you start giving details, in thought or action when it applies to a charactor, you have crossed the line.

For what it's worth, no matter what you (Donald James Parker) decide to do from here on out, I will stand with you shoulder to shoulder, bearing the weight of the fight to keep Christian standards in the media world authentic.

As the song lyrics say:
I'm not ashamed to let you know,
I want this light in me to show,
I'm not ashamed to speak the name,
of Jesus Christ.

Show Notes

2011-08-01T20:37:00.003-04:00

What a great show we had tonight! If you are interested in contacting author Scott Higginbotham, you can do so through his blog here.

For more information on a writers platform, visit Michael Hyatt's blog here

The Story-The Bible As One Continuing Story Of God And His People is available through Zondervan.com

Next week my guest will be Kellye Williams. Kellye is a teacher, writer, model, personal trainer, and over all inspiration. Be sure to tune is as we talk Monday, August 8, 2011 at 7 PM EST.

Marysworld Hits The Airwaves Tonight at 7 PM EST

2011-08-01T13:17:00.006-04:00

My guests include on air and real life side kick, Mike Nichelson. He will be sharing a relevent testimony of how God can take you to new heights, even from ground zero. Author Scott Higginbotham will be joining the discussion and updating the audience on his work in progress, and how God is using Christian fiction to reveal his truths.

Truth. That is tonight's topic on Marysword Talk Radio. Check back after the show for Show Notes with all of the important links mentioned on the show!

Note: If the link on the right side bar does not work, click here

The One Who Waits for Me by Lori Copeland

2011-07-28T11:39:00.004-04:00

Carolina Series Book one
Marysworld review

As a Civil War fan and avid consumer and reviewer of Christian fiction, I could not wait to get my hands on Lori Copeland's new release. I'm not sure what I expected, but this one surpassed anything I may have wanted to read. Copeland wrote a fun read. Yes, I've never tagged a book as fun, but this one really was. The characters were human! I could relate to Beth's hostility, Joanie's unwavering trust in God, and slave hand, Trella's, seemingly hopeless situation.

Following the death of their parents, sisters Beth and Joanie flee in the middle of the night to escape the heavy hand and cruel ways of the their controlling uncle and cousin. On the run and in search of emotional freedom, they rescue Trella, a former slave to the sisters uncle, from along the roadside. With Walt and Bear on their trail, they run into three Civil War soldiers. Pierce, Preach and Gray Eagle just want to get home to rocking chairs on the front porch, home cooked meals, and oh yeah. Sweet tea. When their plans get delayed and derailed after rescuing the girls from a fire, they are preoccupied with the dilemma of how much to engage themselves in the personal problems of the young ladies.

With the help of three men who give new meaning to the old occupation of chivalry, and the gentle guidance of several nuns from a convent, the sisters and former slave find hope in mankind (and MAN kind) and an unseen God. Although a light reading novel, The One Who Waits For Me is packed with spiritual applications relevant to any reader. But forget being preachy; that's not Copeland's style. This novel really was a pleasure to read and makes me hopeful that these charactors will be returning in book two of the series. If not, perhaps Copeland would entertain just one more book that includes them to solidify what is presumed at the end, and to give at least this reader one more gratification.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930183
ISBN-13: 978-0736930185
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches

Over The Edge by Brandilyn Collins

2011-07-27T17:07:00.007-04:00

Marysworld Review

I have been meaning to read Over The Edge for a while-at least since it's release-but found the desire shoved to the back and overpowered by obligations. While interviewing authors at ICRS in Atlanta earlier this month, I asked a few what they were reading, and this novel by Collin's was mentioned. After the dust from that week settled, and when I most needed a mental get away, I grabbed my copy and settled in for a short term thrill ride. Although a meaty 306 pages, I consumed the novel in two days flat-staying up until the midnight chimes to find out "who-done-it" and if Janessa truly had Lyme's. But I am getting ahead of myself.

When Janessa McNeil becomes sick, her husband Brock, a well known researcher and proponent against chronic Lyme disease, believes it is a move to spite him and not an authentic illness. And so Janessa, like many other patients, enters the Lyme Wars. The information that Collins cleverly presents in a fictional suspense novel is too vast and in depth for me to cover here. However, I will state that there is a major battle going on to prevent chronic Lyme disease from being an accepted diagnosis. Several key physicians and researchers have convinced the medical community that Lyme disease can be cured in four easy weeks of antibiotic treatment. They have created a very narrow basis for including all components of Lyme as well as many coinfections into the testing process. It is nearly impossible to get an accurate diagnosis unless the patient is tested through a Lyme lab. Traditional physicians rely on the blood test as their only means of diagnosis when, in fact, the results are important, but being diagnosed is more of a clinical decision rather than a lab based one.

Why would a physician not want to at least try to treat Lyme if the patient presents with the symptoms even if the test comes back negative? Great question and one the insurance companies don't want to answer. They are willing to cover the cost for short term antibiotic treatment-as in four weeks. Ask them to cover antibiotic treatment for long term-as in six or more months, (and any of it's coinfections which need their own medication to accurately treat) well, they don't view that as sympathetically. As for the symptoms patients endure for months, sometimes years without a proper diagnosis?

*Vertigo
*Lightheadedness
*Air hunger (that one alone would scare anyone)
*Joint pain
*Fevers
*Sensitivity to light
*Stiffness
*Mental confusion
*Poor attention span
*Forgetting words
*Disorientation
*Anxiety
*Tremors
(For a complete list of symptoms or more information, please visit Lyme Disease Association.org or Over The Edge lyme awareness.

Back to Collin's novel. When Janessa finally receives her diagnosis, it might save her, but what about the lives of others? When Stalker Man, the one who admits to planting the infected tick on Janessa, threatens to do the same to her daughter, Janessa finds that she is actively involved in a war against time to stop a madman bent on infecting as many as it takes. What is his ransom? That Brock change his position in the Lyme Wars and cross over to Stalker Man's side. It's a seemingly impossible task for the infected and distraught Janessa.

There are many surprises and twists and turns that make this a very suspensful best-seller. As novelist Terry Blackstock notes, "(Over The Edge is)a page-turner. Fascinating and eye-opening." Yes, I agree. And so much more.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (May 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143367162X
ISBN-13: 978-1433671623
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches