Friday, June 18, 2010

3:18 PM - No comments

Fearless Faith by Rhonda Herring Dent

Fearless Faith by Rhonda Herring Dent

I am not sure how many people have heard of the love for God scale. It is a series of 18 questions and after you have answered the questions honestly you will receive an assessment in 3 areas. You will be rated from 1 to 10 on Humility before God, Relationship with God and Fearless Faith. If you are honest the results will tell you something about your answers. I don’t know how accurate this is and I don’t think I would go around beating myself up about the results, but it is one of those things that make you go hmm. If you allow yourself to be totally honest and open minded I think you could possibly learn something. Well, I did.

First let me say I don’t know all the details or where the quiz originated from but “yes” I took the quiz. I admit it, when I heard about it I was curious and like curious George (which I am and by the way loved to read curious George books as a child). The results (drum roll please); Humility before God I got a 10, YAY! Relationship with God I got a 9.2, not bad, I could work on that, but acceptable, who’s perfect. But for Fearless Faith I got an 8.2. What? The 8.2 bothered me. Immediately the scripture now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). I began to seriously think about my Faith and to think what Fearless Faith meant. I tried to define what I thought fearless Faith was. I summed it up to be Faith without fear (I know, I am a genius sometimes) and not wavering no matter what comes, what goes or what happens. Also believing no matter what my circumstances looked like.

Believing God when things look the total opposite of what I was hoping for. Lastly, that I would not be afraid to be bold for God because He has given me provision and the goods to do whatever it is I need to do for Him. I remember one of my favorite Pastors saying, do it afraid and do not let fear stop you from doing God’s will. I mean I went on and on.

After I got a clear understanding of what fearless faith was I began to think about my score and what I answered that would result in an 8.2. There had to be something. I asked myself is there something about my faith that is not fearless? What is it that I lacked that would give me fearless confidence in God’s words. I came up with this; my Faith is something I need to work on. No matter the reason, there was something that I answered that caused me to receive an 8.2. I prayed about it and God began to deal with me about some things. I began to think about the times when my Faith wasn’t as strong as I would have liked it to be and the times when I should have stepped out on Faith and did not out of fear, doubt or insecurity. I thought of the things that I am believing God for and realized that at times I doubted, got in the way and tired to fix things myself or even tried to manipulate the situation so that I could have my own way. Even times when I operated in misunderstanding instead of waiting and listening to His voice. Many scenarios came to me and I understood exactly what God was showing me. I just love the way God gently and kindly uses many different ways to show us ourselves and nudge us into greatness. Now I am working on having fearless Faith and stepping out on Faith and asking God to give me a fearless confidence to believe His Word. His Word is true and after all God’s Word does say that we are more than conquerors and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.

God works in mysterious ways. A simple quiz I was introduced to and took out of curiosity and look at the end results. God is awesome like that!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Rhonda K. Herring is releasing her new book, Ever Changing. She gives a bold account of spiritual development and growth that led her to look within herself for the strength and courage to make a difference in her life and in others. Her journey takes her readers from childhood, to adulthood, to purpose.

Rhonda Herring lives in northern Virginia and is a Senior Program Analyst for the Department of Defense. She has been with the Department of Defense for more than twenty-two years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Ever Changing is the story of how one woman submitted herself to God’s will and how He sustained her in her darkest moments. She describes the intimate details of her relationship with God and how He transformed her life. Based on the beloved “Serenity Prayer” that was instilled in the author as a young child. How she learned the true meaning of the prayer and how it sustained her through her trials and tribulations. She finds the courage to change the things she can and the “wisdom” to know the difference.

Ever Changing was written for those who do not understand why they are going through difficult times and experiencing constant changes in their lives. It is for those who are seeking the wisdom to identify the things they can change and to be wise enough to leave those things they can not change to God. This testimony teaches self-acceptance, acceptance of others and the acceptance of change with the understanding that unless God sails the ship we are afloat.


Ever Changing: Inside Outward by Rhonda K. Herring
Author's Website: http://www.e-rhonda.net/

ISBN-10: 1581693095
ISBN-13: 978-1581693096

Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality
Christian Life - Spiritual Growth

Purchase from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Changing-Rhonda-Herring/dp/1581693095

Friday, June 11, 2010

4:25 PM - No comments

Nakia R. Laushaul presents The Truth As I See It: In Poetry & Prose

Nakia R. Laushaul presents The Truth As I See It: In Poetry & Prose


Synopsis:
Nakia Laushaul poetically gathered myths and misconceptions about life that threaten to hold the heart captive into her first bound collection titled: The Truth As I See It: In Poetry & Prose. She expresses her views of The Truth about Me and You, Love, God, and Life in powerful poems that make the truth look painfully simple and prose that tenderly draws you into the world as she sees it. The Truth As I See It: In Poetry & Prose beautifully fuses together and creates light after tackling difficult, and sometimes taboo topics. Out of pain and anger comes healing. Out of despair and disappointment comes hope. Out of the darkness of lies shines the truth.

ISBN-10: 0984368264
ISBN-13: 978-0984368266

The Truth As I See It -- YouTube Review:
I find this to be of the utter most beauty and passion. It is a pleasure having known this artist through her growth. Keep pushing on Nakia it is only a matter of time before The Lord has His way and I am so looking forward to it. Tears just rolled when I first saw it I hope everyone will have this emotion of joy!
by fan Geoffredameus

Check out the video for THE TRUTH AS IS SEE IT IN POETRY & PROSE.
Brink of Submission is a poem that men appreciate and women can relate to. I've received alot of emails and feedback from both digging the honesty.. Hey, it's just THE TRUTH AS I SEE IT. Please enjoy!




About the Author
Nakia R. Laushaul was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and now resides in Houston, Texas with her son. She is a poet, novelist, and entrepreneur. In her free time, she enjoys performing and listening to inspirational poetry. Nakia has always loved to read and early on in life guessed that writing would play a major role in her future. Nakia’s career pursuits in writing did not come without obstacles.

Finally, all the bottled-up imagination and thoughts that needed expressing, on paper, came pouring out. Inspired and fueled by attempts to be molded into the norm, she began to write her debut collection titled The Truth As I See It: In Poetry & Prose. Nakia remains determined to present the truth as she sees it in all facets of her writing, and hopes that her writing will inspire and serve a meaningful purpose for her readers.

She is committed to challenging everyone within her reach to find compassion and empathy in the differences that exist among us all. She is currently working on a novel, titled Running from Solace.

Please Tweet about this article, repost and share at Facebook and tell all ya friends about The Truth As I See It. Thanks!

Nakia R. Laushaul, author of The Truth As I See It
Email: nrlaushaul@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.nakiarlaushaul.com/
Follow the Blog: http://nakialaushaul.blogspot.com/
Book Intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq5T85tMQ68

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

5:21 PM - No comments

Intimate Conversation with Author Mika (Barnes)

Intimate Conversation with Author Mika (Barnes)

Chocolate High is Mika's debut novel. She resides in South Florida with her family. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Northwood University and her M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently hard at work on her next project. For the latest news on Mika, please visit www.mikabarnes.com


Book Intro: Chocolate High by Mika Barnes
How do you say goodbye to the one you love? Is this even an option when you’ve invested your body, mind, and soul into your relationship? Charisse Farrell is a successful, beautiful corporate attorney who has it all, but when the love of her life David Richards betrays her, she has to reevaluate her future. Tempted by the desire to love again and her need for revenge Charisse is haunted by a demon from her past that turns her life upside down. When love knocks her down, Charisse has to get back up fighting. Fighting for love.

Read the First Chapter Excerpt here:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=42496404




Q:: Introduce us to your main characters. Who are your favorites and why?
A:: My main characters are Charisse Farrell and David Richards, your modern day perfect couple in appearances. She is a beautiful, successful corporate attorney and he is a handsome, strapping CEO of his own financial firm. They were best friends growing up who loved each other for as long as they could remember, but now giving their relationship a try isn’t as easy as they thought it would be. Charisse is torn after David’s betrayal. David, on the other hand, doesn’t feel his betrayal was severe enough to jeopardize their relationship.

My favorite characters are actually the supporting characters: Terry Wright, because he epitomizes the true definition of a good man, and Kyla Donaldson, Charisse’s best friend, because she keeps you laughing with her over-the-top personality and all-about-me swagger.



Q:: Take us inside Chocolate High. What are two major events taking place?
A:: The first major event is when Charisse finds out that David has betrayed her. The second explores what extreme a woman will go to get her man.


Q:: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?
A:: I’ve always been a person with something to say. Moreover, the purpose of my message has changed the lives of many within my community. I am only one person but I understand my actions can effect positive change. I pay it forward as often as possible and I try to reflect this same philosophy through my writing. Yes, it’s drama in my writing but there is also a message for the reader to walk away with. The general premise of my writing is: Sometimes you have to go through something to get something.


Q:: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
A:: Jessica Tilles has been an invaluable mentor throughout this process. A lot of times in this industry other authors or industry insiders aren’t willing to share what they’ve learned in their journey, but Jess was the exact opposite. Her guidance exposed me to the business without the high-priced lessons a mistake can cost you. My Mom, a gifted writer in her own right has also been my mentor and biggest supporter from day one. Watching her craft a story or poem has inspired me to strive to create great stories and memorable characters.

I find inspiration in everyday life. Everyone has a story to tell and I try to breathe that life into every character that graces the pages of my book. I always try to put a twist or something extra special into my characters to remind my readers of people they know or have met in passing or in their own lives. Creating this connection is inspiring.


Q:: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from Chocolate High?
A:: I want my readers to understand their “self-worth.” This is important because before a person can tackle relationship issues or any issue affecting their life, they must know and understand their true worth. Having this understanding sets the limits to what we will and won’t tolerate in a relationship. It’s okay to let go. Society has us so convinced that it’s better to have a piece of something than nothing at all, so it seems at times in relationships we lose the true essence of who we are as a person to hold on to a love that was doomed from the start.


Q:: How can our readers reach you online? Share with us your online contact info.
A:: For the latest news and information, readers can reach me at my Web site: http://www.mikabarnes.com/  or by email:  mika@mikabarnes.com.


Other online sources are:
facebook.com/tamikabarnes
twitter.com/mikabarnes
myspace.com/mikawrites
http://www.authorsden.com/mika
Visit my Chocolate High Fan Page on Facebook


Chocolate High by Mika (Barnes)
Purchase from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-High-Mika/dp/0984425802


Read the first chapter of Chocolate High by Mika

Thursday, June 3, 2010

2:57 AM - No comments

Book Excerpt: Forgiven by Vanessa Miller

FORGIVEN by Vanessa Miller
#25 in Amazon Top 100 Books in > Romance > Multicultural


Pastor Jerome Tyler (JT) Thomas is back!

But this time JT is committed to God and his family in ways he never considered possible. After losing everything because of past indiscretions, JT realizes that he doesn’t want to live without God or his family and begins to turn his life around. But his wife hasn’t forgotten the dirt in his backyard and denies JT the very thing he craves – forgiveness. When his mother-in-law and ex-mistress hatch a plot to destroy him, JT discovers that he will need all the Holy Ghost power he can muster to stay true.

Cassandra Thomas loves her husband, and wants their marriage to work. But JT destroyed her trust when he cheated on her with one woman after the next. Try as she might, Cassandra just can’t forgive. The trust and the thrill is gone from her marriage. In times of trouble, Cassandra has always turned to God for help, but can God soften her heart enough so that she can forgive a man like JT?



EXCERPT: Prologue from Uncorrected Proof

Crouched down between a rusty old Lincoln with a playboy symbol on the driver’s side door and a red Pontiac with a busted rearview window, while a maniac wielded a tire iron that had already clipped her in the leg once, Diane Benson decided it was time to call her husband and beg for his forgiveness.

She had left Cleveland, Ohio about eight months ago after leaving her three oldest children with her husband, Joe Benson. She then drove to Pastor JT Thomas’ house and left her three month old daughter with him and his wife. The way Diane saw it, every child needed to be with his or her own daddy and she didn’t care how JT and Cassandra’s life was disrupted. JT got what he deserved anyway. What kind of man pastors a church while sleeping with the deacon’s wife? But JT hadn’t only been sleeping with her. Diane could have understood if he had slipped into sin because he just couldn’t resist her voluptuous curves and Angelina Jollie pouty lips. But that hadn’t been the case.

JT would sleep with anything in a knee high skirt willing to kick her pumps off and get busy. Too bad she got pregnant before she figured that one out. She had been prepared to leave her husband for JT so they could start a new life with their baby. But JT suddenly developed a conscious and realized that a husband’s place was at home with his wife. He expected her to just continue living a lie with Benson. JT never imagined that she would tell Benson the truth. But she had, and Benson beat the snot out of him.

Soon after JT got his beat down, Diane had become fed up with the whole matter. So after dropping Lily off with her daddy, she left town with Brian Johnson. Brian had been the mechanic at the auto dealership her husband owned. But Brian was fixing more than automobiles and Joe hadn’t had a clue about it. Brian had been her side kick. When JT wasn’t acting right, she spent her free time with Brian. She may have imagined herself as first lady of Faith Outreach while fooling around with JT, but Brian was the one who made her weak at the knees. She couldn’t lie if she wanted to, that man held some type of demonic power over her and she lived to do his bidding. Actually, Lily could have been Brian’s baby just as well as JT’s. But Brian said that since she had been sleeping with JT more than him around the time that she’d gotten pregnant, Lily more than likely belonged to JT. Funny thing was, when the DNA test came back and it proved that Brian had been right; JT was Lily’s father, Brian got so mad that he up and left her in Jacksonville, Florida with only twenty dollars to her name.

That’s when she met Darryl Mills. Darryl was a house flipper. Since the economy turned and not many people were buying homes, he’d given Diane the key to a fabulous four bedroom home in the suburbs. Diane loved the house and was trying to figure out how she could convince Darryl to give it to her instead of putting it back on the market. Diane almost had Darryl convinced, until his nosy wife figured out that she was living in the house rent free. That’s why Diane was crouched between two cars right now. The maniac with the tire iron was Darryl’s wife.

“You might as well come out from between these cars. ‘Cause I really don’t care if I bang these cars up, just as long as you get banged up in the process.”

Crawling on the ground, trying to move further into the jam packed parking lot and away from the tire iron, Diane said, “I don’t even know you, lady. Why are you doing this?”

“You know me well enough to sleep with my husband,” the woman said as she angled her obese body between the two closely parked cars and swung at Diane.

Thankful that the woman missed her that time, Diane stood up and ran as quickly as she could through the maze of cars.

Darryl’s wife was simply too big to move any further in between the Lincoln and the Pontiac, so she couldn’t catch Diane, but she screamed as loud as she could, “I’m throwing all your stuff out of my house and onto the street. If you come back here to get any of it, I’m going to shoot you.”

Once Diane was a safe distance away from certain death, she used the cell phone that Darryl bought her to call Benson. When he answered she said, “Hey, Joe, I was just calling to check on the kids. How are they doing?”

“They miss you, Diane, that’s how they’re doing,” Joe told her.

“I know. I know,” she said, like a woman who’d learned her lesson. “I should have never left them. I miss all my babies.”

“You received court papers about a custody hearing for Lily last week.”

“What?” she said as if she couldn’t believe this was happening to her. “What am I supposed to do, Joe? I don’t even have a way to get back to Cleveland right now.”

“The hearing is next month. I’ll get you an airline ticket. Just tell me where you are.”

That’s what she wanted to hear, but she tried to tamper down her excitement as she said, “I don’t know, Benson. The only reason I didn’t turn around and come right back home eight months ago was because I was scared about how you would treat me.”

Benson was almost seven feet tall, bulky and strong, but with his wife, he might as well have been a midget. “Have I ever given you a reason to fear me? It’s not just the kids missing you, Diane. I miss you. Just come home.”

“What about Lily? I can’t just forget that I have another child.”

“I wasn’t sure that you wanted Lily since you left her with JT.”

“She’s my child,” Diane said angrily. JT wasn’t just going to run over her with some custody hearing, telling some judge that his wife would be a better mother than she was.

Benson cleared his throat. “Just come home, Diane. We can work on getting Lily back from JT once we’re back together.”

“Okay, Benson. I’m in Jacksonville, Florida. Go online and order the ticket and I’ll pick it up at the airport.” Diane smiled as she hung up the phone. Benson had always been at her beck and call. She would go home, but she would also make JT pay for the agony she felt had been inflicted on her because of his refusal to leave his wife and marry her. And she would start by taking Lily away from him.

###
Purchase signed copies from Vanessa: http://www.vanessamiller.com  



ABOUT VANESSA MILLER
Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained “exhorter” in her church, explaining, “God has called me to exhort readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

Vanessa Miller and her family live in Dayton, Ohio. Visit Vanessa on the Internet: http://www.vanessamiller.com/



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