There are people walking around every day in this world who are shackled for life because of the evil actions of another individual forced upon them. Because of their hurt whether physically or mentally, the victims often feel ostracized and unable to deal with what has happened because they are too afraid to bring it up for fear of being looked down upon.

In My Son’s Ex-Wife: The Aftermath, and the second book in the My Son’s Wife trilogy, Francesca Graham still lives with the pain of her past in more ways than one. Yet, Francesca, like many abused people tries to live her life in spite of the damage that was inflicted on her life. 

Many victims don’t make it. They end up doing to others what was done to them. Some people in the church seem to believe that it’s something that can be ‘shaken off’ and a person can just forgive and forget. But it’s not that simple. God understands the hurt and the pain. I believe God understands that it takes time for healing to take place in a victim’s life. It takes time to regain strength to move forward. It takes time for the shackles that have been placed around the victim’s life to be released. What choices will Francesca Graham make as she tries hard to deal with her hurtful past? Will she find the strength to move forward like some victims of sexual assault manage to do, or will she continue to be shackled by hurt and heartache over her life like still some other victims do? 

It’s not always easy being the person you are, and when you have been victimized and criticized and judged because of something that was not your fault, it makes it even harder for the shackles to be released. It takes love and understanding. It takes compassion and acceptance. It takes the love of God to bring forth deliverance.

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Read Author Shelia E. Lipsey’s second book, My Son’s Ex-Wife: The Aftermath, coming to bookstores near you and available for pre-ordering now at online e-tailers, including www.perfecstoriesaboutimperfectpeople.com, bn.com, amazon.com and more.


Meet the author
Shelia E. Lipsey is a multi-award winning Christian fiction author of four novels and one nonfiction book. She is the founder of The Word According to Shelia, a monthly column featured in a variety of formats and blogs online. www.shelialipsey.com   Email:  shelialipsey@yahoo.com   Her latest Christian fiction novel, Beautiful Ugly is  available nationwide.  Check out the books by Shelia  on Amazon today.

Can we get blacks to face the truth of how we have been targeted for extinction, then to declare wholeheartedly that extinction won’t be happening?  
Some people are happy when blacks murder blacks.  Then there are killers in gangs.  Other destroyers that work slower are: fattening foods, liquor, drugs, sex, diseases, high interest credit cards, and etc.

Blacks are stereotyped_ prejudged, pre-numbered, pre-labeled, and ready for fingerprinting to be put in prepared cells at any given moment.  The truth is, some of these actions are prejudices related.  Still, we cannot feed from the hog pens and wallow in do-do, then expect to be accepted as if we are pure in heart.  Respect comes with a high price tag, but blacks can afford to pay it, if we want do.

Regardless of the belief that, “If it ain’t white, it ain’t right,” there are some blacks who live their lives according to another more prosperous  rule, believing that “Being Black is a Good Thing.”

Blacks’ weaknesses and strengths are being laid out in the open where they can be viewed for self- examinations, for the remodeling and renewing of the old.  Making connections with the Spirit can help to get to the root of blacks’ purposes for being here on earth.

Oh, if the black race would only seek to understand just how rich our people were, and still are today!  Blacks have always been smart, rich, and strong.  Slavery poured out its stench and covered the truth, causing blacks to feel like they were nobody, who are inadequate, unless they are under the yokes of somebody whose skin is white.  “Being Black Is A Good Thing!” Yea! Yea! Yea!

Blacks have “SOME” buying power, but the need further teaching on what to spend money on. So many of them are following the ways of old, buying cheap to have more to see, eating the fattest and cheapest meats, paying for the lowest and getting the least.  Putting quality down, cause it does cost more.  It’s time to ingest daily, large doses of Knowledge and Power that only comes from the Truth.  Truth brings Freedom. 

 Where cometh the Financial Power that is needed to dispel the darkness of night and turn the light switch to “ON,” to reveal the excellence and giftedness of the waiting dreamers crying out to be known?  Won’t somebody provide the financial backing and be back supporters, to shield against falls, or to carry the weight as seed sowers to reap good, ripened fruits?

Just how well do blacks communicate financially?  Money does talk, but how many blacks are taking part in the conversations, understanding the language?  Money’s language is best heard through sowing and reaping.  Don’t spend everything.  Pay tithes, save and invest. 

Planting seeds into Black’s futures can help them jointly reap harvests multiplied, to relinquish dependence on handouts.  Help them to be instrumental in financial balancing, and to move out of the shadows, to become masters and rulers of their own lives to become leaders instead of followers.  Won’t you incorporate blacks with character into your businesses, and give them the opportunity to succeed and reproduce?

Without the help to rise up, who will give definition to black lives?  What doors will be slammed in their faces?  What will be the measuring stick to qualify or disqualify them in jobs, status, strength, and value to society? 

 You are invited to become mountain climbers and mountain movers—by daring to dream big, set high goals, and take risks.  Enlist the help of other mountain climbers who are knowledgeable.  People who can’t stand heights can help to provide the equipment.  Learn what your capabilities are, and fill them.  You can be a lifter upper, even if you speak words of encouragement and the power of prayer. 

God’s making a call for the Black Illuminated Visionaries to report to duty with your flashlights.  However, you need to get connected up to the True Power source, “The Light,” isn’t battery powered.  You’ll receive an anointing to be twinkling stars, to light the path for travelers who are yet immature. Won’t you help them to come closer to “The Light,” for the future illuminated visionaries, to proclaim by examples that “Being Black Is a Good Thing?”  God didn’t make a mistake in his creation, because some of us will fulfill our God given purposes on this earth. 

 Whomsoever will endure the temperature of this detoxing message, may feel welcome to use it for tasting, eating as a snack, or served as a meal.  I DO NOT speak EXCLUSIVELY to blacks, but EXPRESSIVELY to blacks. I hope that MY people will have an ear to hear, to be first partakers in correcting our wrongs, trashing our garbage, and passing on our inherited strengths. Let my people be there for the demolishing of the ruined-down, the up-building and rebuilding of lives on lasting foundations. We can turn the negatives into positives, adding something worthwhile to be multiplied and divided back into society.

Hopefully, the words from a black person will help them to take notice, believe that 
“Being Black Is a Good Thing,” and behave accordingly.

It’s time for black’s to strive to live financially debt free.  But there is a much larger debt that the black race owes, which can never be marked, “Paid In Full.”  This debt is to black families and to the race as a whole.  This day is the day to RE-REMEMBER that “Charity begins at home and spread abroad.”  We do owe each other!!!

Many black people believe that the white race  robbed us of our kingdom, our power, and our glory, and that it cannot be replaced by man.  I believe that we must forgive to heal, to move forward, and say goodbye to the pain.  We will continue to remember OUR history that we created together.

 Our prayer is as Jesus taught:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For THINE is THE kingdom, and THE power, and THE glory, forever.  Amen.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:9-15)

What say you?  Share with the author  your thoughts and opinions on this article by emailing us here.

Written by author Lola M. Booker.  Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.

About the author Stanley Hasegawa 
I am richly blessed in my marriage. I have two grown children. I am semi-retired. I have been a computer programmer, systems analyst, househusband and home school teacher. I love to walk, talk and eat, and write short articles about devoting our lives to Jesus.   >> Original Article Reprint Source 

There’s Character in Your Words

Proverbs 23:7a  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: This is such a powerful scripture found in the Bible in the book of Proverbs. Read or speak it slowly: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. 

Our words are powerful. They are like a two edged sword. They can spout forth positive words over our lives, and the lives of others, or the most vile and negative words, so much so they can surprise even us when they pass through our lips. Our words can build up or tear down. Our words have the power to destroy minds or to give hope when others feel hopeless. They can speak victory or failure into a person’s life. Words, once said, can never be taken back. That’s powerful! 

Words can reveal what is in our hearts. Not only can words have a profound effect on others, but the words you speak over yourself can have a profound effect on you. I have been guilty numerous times of speaking negativity over my own life. I am saddened when I think of precious time I lost thinking and speaking that I was less than the woman God created me to be. My words often were fulfilled in my life, thus I took unnecessary turns and made unwise decisions because of what I spoke. Many of us don’t realize that what we speak has ramifications and repercussions. I have seen it too many times in the lives of others, as well as in my own life. 

I thank God that I have come to understand that I am worthy. That I do matter to God. I have come to fully realize that God truly does not make junk! Everything He does is good. Every good and perfect gift comes from God, my friends! That means that I am good because I have been created in the image of God. It also means that you too are good because you are also made in His image. Therefore, speak goodness into your life and into the lives of others.

We are sometimes too hard on ourselves. As for me, I have finally been coming to terms with the lack of forgiveness I’ve had over my past mistakes and mishaps. God is not a God of condemnation. He is a loving and forgiving God. Why then have I beaten up on myself, talked about myself, belittled myself and then not forgiven myself when I messed up? It doesn’t make me a heroine when I do such things. It only makes me feel that much worse. But when I see myself the way God sees me, then I can forgive myself like He forgives me. Knowing this, I now refuse to think less than highly of myself. 

I now refuse to look down on myself. I am formed, shaped, created, in the image of God the Father. I am His girl. I am His creation.  I believe in my abilities. I believe in my strength. I believe in my God given talents. I believe that good things are coming my way. I believe that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.   I believe that God has made me special. 

If you don’t already, then start right now believing that you are God’s best.  You are God’s special creation. Don’t focus on your imperfections, your mess ups, your hang-ups, but focus on the wonderful, special, kind, anointed, loving, compassionate person God has called you to be. Believe that all you seek to do will prosper. Believe that you will reach far and that you will excel even farther. Believe that all you do will be done for God’s glory. Believe that you are an overcomer, that you are victorious, that you are beautiful, handsome, loving and loveable. Believe that anything you set your mind to do, if you seek God, believe that you will have what you ask. Let your heart hold good thoughts toward yourself. Let your tongue speak greatness about yourself. I’m not talking about boasting and being overly conceited. I’m talking about having faith that the good that pours from your mouth shall come to pass. 

Matthew 12:34-37  states, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

God is not playing around when He speaks! His words are exact and true. I don’t know about you, but I want to bear good fruit. I want to be known for my good reputation, for good character, for speaking good over people’s lives, including my own life. I want God to look on me and see that the fruit that has come forth from me is God-driven, not self driven.

I sincerely ask you to take a look at yourself. Examine yourself. Examine the manner in which you treat yourself. Have you noticed that God’s word says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself?” How can you, me or anyone do that if we do not have love for ourselves? I don’t know about you, but I desire to love others and that means that I must start by loving myself. Love yourself. Treat yourself well. Encourage yourself. Speak victory over yourself. Speak good things over yourself. Let your light then shine so men may see your good works and magnify God. After all, There’s Character in Your Words!


Meet the author
Shelia E. Lipsey is a multi-award winning Christian fiction author of four novels and one nonfiction book. She is the founder of The Word According to Shelia, a monthly column featured in a variety of formats and blogs online. www.shelialipsey.com  Blog http://www.shelialipsey.blogspot.com 
Email:  shelialipsey@yahoo.com   Her latest Christian fiction novel, Beautiful Ugly is  available nationwide.  Check out the books by Shelia  on Amazon today.

You Are What You Eat-A Little Humor
by Rhonda Herring Dent

As a mature woman, I can really relate to, “You are what you eat.” I can remember not to long ago I could eat whatever I wanted to eat and never got bigger than a size 8/10. If I gained a pound or two it was never in the mid section area. Grant it, I did not have a completely rock solid stomach after my last child, but it was nothing to worry about. I would always get, how do you keep your stomach so flat and your weight down so nicely? I would smile, remembering my secret, my little pooch, and say, “I must have a high metabolism or something.” What I ate didn’t matter even in most of my forties. It didn’t matter what time of day I ate or that I ate a huge piece of chocolate cake after dinner. It didn’t matter if I went for seconds on any dish. It was wonderful. It is over. Now at my current age, the new forties, I’ll say, I have to watch everything I put in my mouth. I can look at a piece of cheesecake, two pounds.

Can you imagine what a woman that has never had to diet in her life is going through at this time of my life. This food war has been going on for almost a year now. With all the other things going on with me, premenopausal issues, I must say it has been extremely hard. I am dealing with hot flashes, night sweats and possible mood swings, well I shouldn’t say possible, just check with my husband to confirm that. The hardest thing for me is this food/eating thingy. Just thinking about not eating makes me want to eat. Having to eat right makes me want to eat all the wrong things. Some days are better than others. It doesn’t help that my doctor keeps telling me the importance of eating right, at my age. I know all that and believe me I know he means well. I looked at the list of health problems he said I could possibly avoid just by eating right. I know and I agree with him. But, someone needs to tell my mind. 

The thing that puzzles me the most is that the older I get the more connected to eating I become. I have discussed this with my girls and even with random women on the street, in the malls, in restaurants and even in elevators. It seems that I am definitely not alone and most women are so eager to talk about it. It doesn’t make it easier knowing that other women are going through the same thing. Bottom line, the older I get the more I enjoy eating. Several years back and beyond I ate to live and know it seems I live to eat. I know, it sounds cliché right? It’s true. Before I never desired textures, crunchy, smooth or desired salty, spicy, etc. I just ate because I knew I needed to. Now I am graving things that I have never graved before. I am worst than any pregnant woman. 

The funny thing about it is I do not remember anyone warning me about this. So, I make it my business when ever it is appropriate and whenever I see a younger woman with her nice small waistline to “warn her” about what she has to look forward to when she gets “my age.” I am sure I need to check my motive in doing this. They always look at me with disbelief and laugh. That was probably me back then and I dismissed it with disbelief and a smile, as well. 

Now everything is about my weight and health. I hear things like shop on the outside of the grocery store because the majority of grocery stores are set up with the whole, unprocessed foods on the outside of the store and the processed items are on the shelves on the inside of the store. My cart automatically head for the inside isles. There are new programs like the Smart Choice Program that aim to highlight foods in stores that are healthy and the Life Time Fitness Nutrition Philosophy that say that the majority of food people consume should come from whole foods. I won’t even mention the countless diets out there. It is confusing, stressful and it makes me hungry just trying to keep up with it all. 

Don’t get me wrong, I know the importance of good nutrition and learned that early in my life. Previously, I’ve never been on a diet in my life. This year I have tried two already. Just when I think I have made up my mind to leave sweets alone, eat more fruits and veggies, we have a pot luck at work or my husband says, “Hey honey, let’s go out to dinner tonight.” It is a conspiracy, I know it, I know it….to get me to give up my girlish figure……Okay, Uncle.

Seriously, we are what we eat and we definitely need to eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise. Our health is one of the most important things we should be concerned about these days. So, eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise (now that’s another story all in its self). 

I’m getting there and soon and very soon I will get to my proper BMI. 


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 

Fight the Good Fight by Shelia E. Lipsey

As I thought about the two main things we focus on during today- Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence, I trembled. They are two horrific events that can transform the lives of women, men, spouses, children and families. 

Breast cancer attacks the human body of mostly women.  It has specific purposes which include an aim to take us out, to put us down, to make us feel ashamed, to wreak havoc in our bodies until we give up and give in. It causes our immune system to weaken and sometimes it saps our strength and frightens us like nothing else ever has done before. It forces itself upon us; it doesn’t ask permission to enter and take up residence inside of our breasts. It even has the audacity to move outside of our breasts and into our lymph nodes with a vengeance. It is cruel and it even disfigures many of us. Oh my! What a wretched attack. Breast cancer was reduced by 2% in 2009 but that’s not enough. The flip side of this is that African-Americans are still 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women in the U.S.  (Daniel J. DeNoon, WebMD Health News). 

There is not an actually known cause for breast cancer but studies show that it happens mostly in women over age 50. There is also a greater risk of a woman developing breast cancer in a family where a sister, mother, daughter has battled breast cancer. Breast cancer can also occur in men.

 There are also studies that reveal breast cancer is higher in women who drink alcohol regularly, obesity, and diets high in fat. I learned these contributing causes after my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago.  Since then, I have had an aunt and two first cousins to succumb to breast cancer, four cousins are still battling breast cancer as I write this. It is a serious disease. It is time for more people to stand up, speak out, take care of their bodies, and take out this dreadful, sometimes deadly disease. To those who are breast cancer survivors, I commend you for your courage. To those who have died because of breast cancer, I commend you for fighting the good fight. 

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.   1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)

The next horrific event that we bring awareness to is domestic violence. 
Wikipedia defines it as follows, “Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV), can be broadly defined a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation. Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence).” 

Being a domestic violence survivor, it is one of the most debilitating, the most inhumane offenses that exist. It can destroy a person’s self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.  Domestic abuse can ruin the futures of all that it touches. I am one that is a survivor, one that can testify to its terrible, lifelong effects. There are others who did not get that chance because domestic violence can also kill.

Domestic violence continues to rise. It does not care where it strikes or whom it strikes. It occurs to women and men, children and infants. It can be found in the homes of the richest and those who are poverty stricken. It has no racial barriers and therefore Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Native Americans and all races are privy to its vial and vicious attacks. It murders and maims. It destroys families and scars children for life. Like breast cancer, domestic violence has one main objective: to destroy.   He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. Psalm 72:14 (NIV)


Meet the author
Shelia E. Lipsey is a multi-award winning Christian fiction author of four novels and one nonfiction book. She is the founder of The Word According to Shelia, a monthly column featured in a variety of formats and blogs online. www.shelialipsey.com  Blog http://www.shelialipsey.blogspot.com 
Email:  shelialipsey@yahoo.com   Her latest Christian fiction novel, Beautiful Ugly is  available nationwide.  Check out the books by Shelia  on Amazon today.

Teaching Your Teen Independence 
By Audrey Okaneko

Many children leave home when they hit the age of eighteen. They may be going off to college, entering into the military or they might even be taking a gap year and leaving home to explore the world.  Whatever it is your children plan to do when they graduate college, it's up to us as parents to work with them during their teen years to teach them independence.

Both of my girls learned to do laundry at a very young age. It was actually their mother turning clothes pink or shrinking them that led to them learning this skill. However they did both come away learning how to use both the washer and dryer and knowing what the various cycles meant. They both even know how to troubleshoot stains.

Both of my kids also learned the art of cooking. When kids are young they can begin helping out in the kitchen. As they get older they can be responsible for creating entire meals. My older daughter very often said, "Mom, come watch me make this and make sure I'm doing it right."

Since we've always had family dinners and holiday celebrations at my house, both of my kids have learned to cook for just four, but also how to cook for twenty-four. They can plan out a menu, shop and then prepare a meal.

Money management is another skill I believe teens should have when they hit eighteen and leave home. Money management can be taught by example but also by showing your kids the choices they have through their childhood. Kids and teens can make choices. Do they want to go to the movies with friends or buy a new CD? There's only enough money for one or the other.

If your child is in school, he/she will have friend problems. Someone will be mad at them or they'll be mad at someone else. Teach them the skills to solve these problems. Use "getting involved" as a last resort only if you feel harm may come to your child. Both of my kids changed friends, had spats and had their feelings hurt over the years. When these things happened, we'd discuss and problem solve.

Teaching your children how to make decisions is a skill that they'll use throughout their entire life. They'll use this skill to become independent and then to continue growing in that independence. Truly a gift that will last them a lifetime.

About the Author
Audrey Okaneko is mom to two girls. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net  or visited at http://www.todays-parent.com    Article Source  

These factors could be related to family or personal relationship stress, excessive academic pressure at school or home, bullying at school or even depression caused due to hormonal changes in the body. It is extremely important to recognize this problem at an early stage as teenage depression and teenage stress are the biggest reasons for teenage suicides or self-harm. In some cases it could also lead to reckless behavior  or violence on part of your teen. In most cases of depression the sufferer experiences low teenage self-esteem or a lack of confidence, which can severely impair a teenager's future growth and success.


Below are some of the symptoms that can help you recognize if your teenager is suffering from teenage stress or teenage depression.

Physical Characteristics: You can tell that your teenager is suffering from teenage depression or teenage stress if they often feel hopeless and angry, cry a lot more than usual, are constantly worried, lack energy and always feeling tired, suffer from insomnia, lack appetite, feel restless, show a complete lack of motivation or enthusiasm and stop doing things they used to enjoy. Similarly if they constantly complain of unexplained aches and pains like stomachache or headache, without any medical cause, it could also indicate stress or depression.

Social Habits: Another common symptom of teenage depression is avoidance and withdrawal from relationships and friends. Your teenager might try to avoid going to school as the teachers are too strict, or they do not have friends, or others make fun of them. They may also try and avoid other social gatherings and prefer to spend and increasing amount of time alone. Teenage stress can also be manifested in the form of reduced overall communication and introvert behavior.

Performance: Your teenager could also show complete lack of concentration and try to find reasons not to do their homework or avoid school when they are suffering from teenage stress. In these circumstances it is crucial to probe if they are having a bad experience at school which is causing them excessive stress.

In most cases teenage depression is either the trigger or a result of some of the other teenage problems. Hence you need to understand the symptoms of all other teenage problems like eating disorders or drug abuse to understand the root cause of depression. When looking out for symptoms it is therefore important to look at all of them together, rather than individually, so you can get the best understanding of the state your child is in and can take corrective action if necessary.

In the book "Solving Teenage Problems" all the possible teenage problems, their causes and symptoms have been discussed in detail. Along with this exercises are provided so that parents can understand the severity of problem they are facing and then work through various tips provided to deal with these problems.

About the Author Kinjal S. Shah
The author is a successful marketing executive in a large consumer goods company and a mother of two boys. She has had a rough ride in the past two years and has successfully saved her family from the brink of disaster by working on her parenting techniques.   She specializes in parenting tips. 

You can access her free report "New Parenting Style" or buy her book "Solving Teenage Problems" on http://www.teenageproblems.newparentingstyle.com  or check your "Parent Stress Intensity Quotient" on http://www.stressmanagement.newparentingstyle.com   >> Original Article Reprint Source

Are We Poisoning Our Kids?
A Synopsis on Children Health 
By Shashank S 

Take a look at this scenario- Parents promise their child that if he/she gets good grades, they will reward him/her with a 'Large Hamburger' or an extra-large pizza.

Let us be honest. How often do we parents feed our children with Colas, burgers and pizzas? Since generations we have been poisoning our children with these food stuffs. Did I say poisoning? In my conversation with parents, I have come across excuses such as 'they love desserts', 'my child craves for pizzas' and so on. Children are not born with love for pizzas or donuts. They learn about these only when we expose them to TV commercials and/or munch on such items in their presence.

It is not quite possible to completely avoid children from developing interest in unhealthy food stuff like French fries and pastries. However, with a little guidance and patience, we can control the eating habits of our kids. Remember healthy breakfast is the first step towards improving children's health.

By gorging on junk food, elders foster unhealthy eating habits in their offspring. 
No doubt that the American Journal of Pathology, in one of its articles, claims that kids consuming American diet show early stages of atherosclerosis by the age of three. For those who are not familiar with the medical term atherosclerosis, it is artery damage caused by fatty streaks. Don't you think that by allowing our kids to eat such fatty diets, we are slowly killing them?

We become what we eat. If we eat fatty foods we become obese. At present, the United States is reeling with Obesity Epidemic. Obesity, especially among the teenagers, is growing at an alarming rate. More and more kids are falling prey to heart diseases. What is the reason behind this? Our carelessness? Or our ignorance?

The concept of balanced diet needs to be brought back. We must teach our kids the importance of eating healthy. There is no shortage of information pertaining to healthy food and eating habits. The need of the hour is to expose our children to such positive information instead of letting them watch commercials of colas and pizzas. TV commercials, on one hand, develop craving in our kids for junk food, and at the same time, show them beautifully sculpted bodies of celebrities, and develop frustration in them.

Look around and you will see that most healthy children eat healthy food. Parents and teachers should work towards educating children with the numerous benefits of a healthy breakfast. What can we do to save our children? Parental involvement is the answer. Ensure that your child leaves home only after consuming a healthy breakfast. Educate children about the harm done by junk food.

Our ignorance has poisoned the taste buds of our next generation. We never miss a TV commercial of McDonalds or Pizza Hut. But do we pay attention to the articles that claim how harmful can such food be to the health of our children? The irony is that we tend to ignore articles backed by scientific evidence, and believe in marketing gimmicks having no 'science' in them. We do not have any right to take 'health' away from our kids. We are parents, not butchers!

About the author Shashank  S
The Author brings over 6 years of e-learning and online tutoring experience. Having a deep understanding of pedagogy and child psychology, the writer has developed numerous strategies to improve e-learning and online tutoring for Grades K-12 and higher through various techniques that question the conventional ways of instructing. 

Website: http://www.brainquotient.com    Article Source   

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. This is taken from a well known passage of scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:1 King James Version to be exact. I have found this verse to be true with each moment that passes in my life. There was a time when I felt like I would never reach the pinnacle of success that I have achieved in my literary career. There were times I would cry and ask God, “When is my time?” I have learned through living that there is a time for everything, even when it comes to the ordinary things of life. Even when it comes to my writing, there is a time for everything. 

I often dream of doing great and marvelous works. I have a desire to help others achieve their dreams and provide the resources they need to help them accomplish greatness. I believe that my time has arrived. It is my season to see the desires of my heart come into fruition. Not only has God blessed me to be a writer, but he has blessed me to be an award winning author of Christian fiction books. The desires of my heart are constantly being met, but not in my time. They are being met because it is my season. My season is now. I see doors opening and I see pathways being stretched before me. I am closer than I think. 

If you are an aspiring author, I encourage you to remain full of hope. I encourage you to keep moving in the direction of your dreams. I encourage you to learn and study the craft of writing. Read what you want to write. If you desire to write fiction, read fiction. If you desire to write nonfiction, read nonfiction. If you desire to speak, listen to successful speakers. Learn your craft. Many of us ask for certain things to come forth in our lives, but we don’t want to do the work that is required to bring dreams into the state of reality. 

Your desires, your dreams, your life’s goals, your hopes, are achievable if you first of all: Believe. Believe that what you desire is possible. Believe that your day is coming. Believe that you are closer than you think. 

Next: Work. Work toward achieving your dream. Research, learn, study and do not give up. Work hard at what you want. Work hard for what you want. Network with others who are willing to share information with you. Work on your dream as often as possible. Work on being the best that you can be. Work. Work. Work.

Have Passion: Passion is what will drive you to never give up. Passion will push you toward seeing your dreams and the desires of your heart come to pass. Passion will ignite the fire within you to move in the direction that leads you on the road to success. Without passion, your dreams, your desires and goals will die. Keep Passion in your life, even when you don’t see anything happening. 

Applaud. Applaud others for their accomplishments. Do not be envious or jealous of those who are already at the place you’re trying to reach. Applaud them because that means you have a chance to make it too. When I see someone else who has ‘made it’ then I know that God will do the same for me. If I am jealous and angry, mad or envious over the success of others, then I null the chances of my success. Always seek good for others and good will return to you.

Your desires may not come when you want them to, and that’s all right. They may not come when you expect them to. So what? All you have to do is believe that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Believe, work, have passion and applaud others because your day is coming. As a matter of fact: "You're closer than you think."

Website: www.shelialipsey.com 
Website: www.perfectstoriesaboutimperfectpeople.com 

R. Jenkins-Oliver was born and raised in McIntosh County Georgia. She is the oldest of four children, and is a graduate of Todd-Grant High School , Margaret M. Washington, and Brunswick College . She has worked for the FBI, as a health care professional, and was an entrepreneur. She has appeared in several industrial and feature films. 

BPM: Introduce us to your book, 1878 the Life and Times of Henry Forest. 
1878 is based on the life of Henry Forest, who lived during the late 1800’ until the mid 1900’s. The fourth son of a farmer, Henry was born in 1878 on a farm in Georgia . He and his brothers were raised to be hard-working and responsible men, to marry and raise their own families. 

Henry married a young woman named Mollie, with no farm of his own; he decided to work for another farmer in Dexter. Shortly after Jack Johnson won the heavy weight championship of the world in July, 1910, racial tension ignited around the country. Henry gets involved in a fight with a number of white men who made racist comments about blacks with the rise of the Klu Klux Klan. Wanted by the FBI and afraid of getting killed, he moves to Eulonia and assumes the name Robert. He spent the rest of his life living in fear for his life and the life of the family he left behind. 

The main characters in the book are Henry, John, Joe, Viola and Hettie. The book is written in a mixture of Geechee and Gullah dialect which is still spoken in the area today and almost entirely in dialogue. 


BPM: What make you powerful as a person and as a writer?
I think what makes me powerful as a person is that I’m proactive, an empathic listener, respectful, I’m willing to support and network with others. I plan ahead and I always have more than one plan. I welcome criticism because there is always room for improvement. And most of all I commune with the Holy Spirit every day of my life.

I consider myself a powerful writer because my writing was inspired by a higher power. I would have never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have ever written a book and become a published author because I have never challenged myself to be a creative person.

BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find you inspiration?
I find my inspiration in my faith. My mentors are people who encouraged and inspired me to trust in my faith and to stay focused on my goals in life. 

BPM: Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place in the book?
The book depicts what life was like for Henry and his family in both the early and later years of their lives. The stories talks about faith and the trials, tribulations that the family went through, and how they pulled together to survive the hardships in life. Henry’s distrust of the justice system, and his fear that he and his family would be killed was a major issue.

BPM: Who were your favorite characters in 1878 the Life and Times of Henry Forest?
My favorite characters are Henry, Ben, and Joe. Henry was a hard working man who lived for his family; he was determined to survive. He made a decision that haunted him for years, but through it all he never lost his faith in God.

Ben grew up before reconstruction, and he knew that a colored man only chance for survival was to keep his opinions to himself and to stay out of trouble. He loved his grand children and he told them stories about what could happen if they didn’t stay in their place.

Joe was a man who opened his home to Henry while he worked as a sharecropper to earn a living for his family. Over the years Joe became fond of Henry and treated him like a son. 


BPM: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people? 
Yes the story was based on facts. Most of the characters are the families’ real names, however, there are a few fictional names in the story used to portray real characters. 

BPM: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... 
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...My writing offers the reader a glimpse of what life was like for so many African Americans before us, and what they had to endure in their lives to survive the injustice they received. 

BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write the book?
The Holy Spirit placed it in my heart to write the story. I think the reason the Holy Spirit gave the vision to me to write the story was because there were whispers about Henry’s life as a young man, but in later years at a family reunion, the secrets came out that he had a different life and identity before he came to Eulonia. 

Once I received the missing parts to the story, I had no idea where to start the story. That’s when I started having the dreams about people that I never knew. In the dreams I heard their voices and saw their faces. That’s why the story is written almost entirely in dialogue and in dialect.

BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
I think the story sends a message to Americans that we as a people have made many achievements together in racial relations and we have freedom of speech in the 21st century especially when compared to the era when this event happen in the early 20th century. However, we can be encouraged that improvements are being made in spite of what’s going on behind closed doors. 

BPM: How will reading your book 1878 shape the readers life?
I think the story invites the reader to experience a vivid and engaging bird’s eye view of what life was like for African America during the dark period in American history. The experience can stir up personal feelings of joy, pain, suffering and despair as the reader enters in to the world of the characters. 

BPM: What is the most powerful chapter in the book 1878?
The most powerful chapter in the book is when Viola and Hettie met while working at a motel in Eulonia, and the two of them discovered that they grew up hearing the same story about one of their family members. 

BPM: What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject? 
I think that Henry’s story is unique because there were so many who found themselves in a similar situation and didn’t survive because they were murdered before they could get their day in a court of law to tell their sides of the story before a jury of their peers. 

BPM: How can readers reach you online?
Readers can reach me via email    l_rolivercorpllc1@yahoo.com 

Buy books:  http://www.Blackbookplus.com  or web page http://www. authorsden.com 
Also,  readers should be able go into bookstores and order the book.

Intimate Conversation with Connie May Fowler

New York Times bestselling writer Connie May Fowler is an essayist, screenwriter, and novelist. She is the author of five novels, most recently The Problem with Murmur Lee, and a memoir, When Katie Wakes. In 1996, she published Before Women Had Wings, which became a paperback bestseller and was made into a successful Oprah Winfrey Presents movie. She founded the Connie May Fowler Women With Wings Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding women and children in need. Connie lives in Florida.

Ella: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your new book, How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly?
I was reading up on pre-Civil war Florida history and discovered that when Florida was a Spanish territory, women could be property owners and slavery was outlawed. But Spain and the United States signed an agreement that would change all of that. The Florida Purchase Treaty of 1819 guaranteed that the United States would lay claim to Florida in 1821. With a stroke of a pen and strike of a clock, suddenly all women and blacks would have their rights stripped away. That haunted me and I walked around with that kernel in my head for a few years before I sat down to write the novel, which takes place in 2006 but is populated with ghosts. 

Ella: Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place?
The book tracks a day in the life of Clarissa Burden, a woman who wakes on the Summer Solstice with the knowledge that her life must change because she is wracked with spousal death scenarios and writer’s block. Concurrent with her story is that of Olga Villada. Villada and her family are ghosts, their souls unable to move on from the place where they were brutally murdered. Their stories converge, resulting in a startling and life-changing chain of events.

Ella: Who do you want to reach with your book, How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly, and the message within?
I think this book will have a broad appeal. The book, at its core, is about freedom—individual and universal—and it’s wrapped up in a story that is both comedic and dramatic. I think readers of many ages and races will identify with the struggles of Clarissa Burden and Olga Villada.

Ella: How will reading your book shape the readers lives?
One, I hope it will make readers laugh even amid a few tears. But if there is one message I want readers to gain, it’s that how easy it is for the course of history—the course of one person’s individual day—to go suddenly very, very wrong. There are bad people in this world—sometimes bad people have all the trappings of kindness—and they are capable of terrible things. So we have to be vigilant for ourselves and for one another. Casual prejudices and ordinary meanness can, in the blink of an eye, become lethal. So we have to learn to be pro-actively kind and relentless protective of our rights.

Ella: What are some of their specific issues, needs or problems addressed in this book?
Women’s issues, race, personal empowerment, marital relations, Florida history.

Ella: What was the most powerful chapter in, How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly?
I think that once Clarissa decides—in a fit of rage—to kill her husband, this book takes a major turn and all the chapters that follow are highly entertaining, shocking, and ultimately satisfying.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I recently wrote a story for Slate’s online women’s site DoubleX about how the Haitian earthquake has severely impacted their women’s movement. How Clarissa Burden Learns to Fly will be in stores April 2, 2010.

Ella: How can our readers reach you online? Share with us your online contact info.
My website is www.conniemayfowler.com.  I blog at http://blog.conniemayfowler.com/ Readers can also follow me on Twitter and friend me on Facebook, where I’m very active.  There is also a Facebook fan page for How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly.  In March, in honor of Clarissa and those pesky spousal death scenarios that haunt her, I am launching the Clarissa Burden Postcard Project in which I will be asking readers to anonymously send me one secret they cannot tell their spouse or partner.  The secrets can be silly or serious, and will be posted on my website.


Purchase How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly today 
ISBN-10: 0446540684 | ISBN-13: 978-0446540681

New to the world of fiction, acclaimed writer and communications professional A.C. Moore brings unique, exciting and tasteful stories to reading lovers.  A.C.  likes to describe his writing style as fresh storytelling with a keen ability of building intimacy and interaction between his readers and his characters. As a Christian, husband, and father, he prides himself on including plenty of detail, yet keeping his stories free from obscenities and unnecessary pursuits.

Growing up and now working in the Baltimore / Washington DC Metropolitan area, A.C. discovered his dream of becoming an author early in his childhood. A fan of creative writing courses and assignments, he flourished in school and began to apply his talent in the work force. 

Countless published writings and awards followed him throughout his education and career.  A.C. graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. He has since worked in several writing, public relations and marketing environments.  Currently, A.C.  is pursuing a Master’s degree in Communications from Johns Hopkins University.

BPM: What makes you powerful as a person and a writer? 
What makes me powerful as a writer is that I can create an entire world from thought. I spoke at a conference once and talked about the spiritual side of writing. Writing gives me a sense of how God must operate. To be able to create a world, characters (with flaws and all) for a reason, purpose and story, is God-like. Also, to know the outcome, when the characters obviously do not and when they go through struggles that ultimately benefit them or work toward a larger good, it makes you wonder if perhaps we struggle from time to time or deal with our shortcomings because of a story that’s being written. Think about it. 

BPM: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
I’ve been fortunate to land jobs after college that have allowed me to write and publish my works in various channels. Currently, I write a newsletter for more than 1.2 million customers. Before that, I worked as a Marketing Director for a weekly newspaper I would write for that publication all the time and prior to that I worked for a nonprofit Communications Department, where I wrote everything from newsletter articles to press releases, speeches and other correspondence. My mentors have been all the people throughout my career. My inspiration is Tyler Perry, President Barack Obama, Joel Olsteen, 
Jay Z – they have reached the top of their game and are still pushing forward. I love that.

BPM: Finish this sentence - My writing offers the following legacy to future readers ... 
The legacy of honorable success. I am a self-published author, but have been offered the chance to be picked up by an agent and potentially a publishing house if I made my book more “ethnic” by that they meant more cursing, more sexual detail. I chose not to take that path. I have three daughters, a wife and mentees that look up to me for various reasons. I want to make this climb without sacrificing my character and values. I don’t knock those that write more graphic novels, but I believe there are other stories to tell and there is an audience that really want authentic stories without choice words and descriptions. So the legacy I want to leave behind is honorable success. 

BPM: Introduce us to your book, Even Angels Need Miracles.
Even Angels Need Miracles is a Christian Fiction that centers two main characters Aalon, a guardian angel and Erin Crawford, an attorney from Baltimore.  While the book has some Christian references and overtones, it’s not religious or preachy. It’s actually written to be entertaining and fun. 

Aalon has served as a guardian angel throughout his entire existence. He’s experienced and wise, yet his latest human assignment proves to be a difficult challenge. Crime, substance abuse and mistreatment of others have put his human on a very destructive path. Daily, Aalon watches over him and protects him from dangers seen and unseen – but not without frustration. When his human assignment sets out to murder his girlfriend, Aalon tries to stop him and actually causes his death. This is the first time in history an angel – guardian angel no less – has ever “killed” his own human assignment. To make matters worse, the devil stumbles upon the aftermath and decides to bring Aalon to trial and have him sentenced to the same fate he suffered millenniums ago. While just about every angel has turned their back on Aalon, a few angels stand by his side – one in particular, Athyna, travels to Earth to seek the help of a human. This is where Erin comes into the picture.

Even Angels Need Miracles is a mystical journey that takes readers from Earth to heaven and hell, and through a rare plot, explore the complexities of sacrifice, redemption and values. Through the lives of these main characters and others, readers should be able to see bits of themselves and ask questions such as what kind of character do I embody when faced with a difficult situation? Can my values ever change without the feeling of compromise? And are the lives and well-being of the unknown ever worth a steep sacrifice? 

BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people? 
My favorite writers include Walter Mosley and James Patterson. I also like Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, for their creation of Superman, who is one of my favorite characters in literature - if you consider comics to be a part of the literary world. One of my goals in writing is to create characters that readers fall in love with, idolize and have the ability to outlive me and my writing. I’m sure my characters portray qualities of real people in my life, but a bit here and there. 

BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book? 
This is my second novel. In 2004, I wrote a romance entitled Always Room for Dessert. It was a romance novel that dealt with a woman marketing consultant and her client who was a chef/restaurant owner. In the book he cooked for her as a way to court her and I thought it would be interesting to share the recipe with readers. It was an idea I had way back in high school and wrote it in my late 20’s. The response was very welcoming. Many people asked me for another and I decided there were plenty of romance novels out there, but not Christian Fiction from a black male author. So let’s see.

BPM: Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place? 
The death of the human at the hands of his own guardian angel and the engagement between the angel and Erin. Two others that have to be mentioned however is the exchange between Aalon and the Devil and the Devil and Erin in court.

BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
I want to reach readers who have ever thought they made a mistake so bad that they thought there wasn’t a solution. This angel has made what is considered the ultimate mistake and while there are consequences that come with the mistake, there is also a solution to the matter- albeit difficult, a solution nevertheless. I also want to reach anyone who is interested in reading a unique story. A story written by an author that values clean literature without sacrificing authenticity.

BPM: How will reading your book shape the readers lives? 
This book will shape readers lives in that it will give them an opportunity to see how real problems that are bigger than the reader can actually be solved with a little help. And sometimes that help comes in an unexpected form. Furthermore, it’s possible that help can come from someone who normally should be receiving help.

BPM: What are some of their specific issues, needs or problems addressed in this book?
Again, the importance of sacrifice – even if to benefit unknown beneficiaries; after all, we are all connected in some way. The book also really teaches us that even the impossible can be overcome with help and faith. 

BPM: What was the most powerful chapter in the book? 
Probably right around chapters eight and nine. In eight, Erin is approached by the angel, desperately trying to convince her of the magnitude of the situation. As a reader you can see how difficult this will be. In chapter nine, the devil receives Aalon in hell to be held there until the end of the trial. Every angel in heaven just knows that the devil is going to torture and maim him to his heart’s content, but instead the devil does something out of character –by the end of the chapter readers can see just how smart and cunning the devil is, which shows just how much of an uphill battle Erin has if she is going to face off against him in the court.

BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? 
Ultimately, an entertaining story - one that will encourage them to tell others about the book.

BPM: What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject? 
In most angel / human relationship books, it’s usually the angel providing help to the human. In Even Angels Need Miracles, the help is coming from the other direction. It’s unique. While it passes along some moral sprinkles to readers, it does it not through preaching, but clever storytelling.

BPM:  Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases. 
I’ll be participating in book fairs and conventions across the country over the next several months. Check my web site, www.MooreNovels.com  for details, but also – this book ends in a way that begs for a sequel and I plan to introduce the guardian angel again. 

BPM:  How can our readers reach you online? 
MooreNovels.com, Twitter.com/authr_a_c_moore, and I also have a fan page on Facebook. 

A.C. Moore,  Author of Even Angels Need Miracles and Always Room for Dessert
Information about my books can be found at www.MooreNovels.com 

M. Ann’s upbringing in Elizabeth, NJ was quite structured. She is forever grateful to her parents for their prayers and close reign over her young life. Their seemingly ever-present influence and strong inducement for her to know God, attend church and participate in every possible youth auxiliary kept her from elements that would have swallowed her whole. Although recognizing Christ’s importance during her youth, M. Ann didn’t consider Him as her “everything”.  Writing was always a “hidden” love. When she resolved to reconnect with the Master, the aspiration to write was unearthed and she became confident that it was her gift. As her need to know God on a personal level increased, her desire to write became stronger and strangely, to her surprise, a need. 

After receiving the needed confirmation from the Lord, she arrived at the conclusion that writing is the path that God has placed her on. She is determined to tell the world how wonderfully awesome Jesus Christ is and can be in our lives if we just allow Him to be. She is honored to be used by God to spread His message with the stories she creates with the leading of the Holy Spirit, knowing that He will provide her with the words that will draw all men to Him. 

M. Ann is a graduate of Rider University and lives in Bear, Delaware with her loving husband and two handsome sons. She is also the author of THE SON and has just completed her third novel, THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME.

BPM: Introduce us to your book, Awesome Wonder: The Gift of Remembrance.
Awesome Wonder, is a Christian Fiction novel that takes a look at the duplicity of the “church” through the eyes of the heroine, Paige Covington as it brings to light the hypocritical stigma that has attached itself to the “church”, specifically the African American church. 

Many people are looking for answers and believe they can find those answer in the church. Unfortunately, the failure of those who "talk the talk" to "walk the walk" has kept many from a true relationship with Jesus Christ. In many instances, the people that we aspire to be or hold in high regard because of their position in the church or “supposed” knowledge, disappoint, and we find that they are not the Christians that we thought they were. Unfortunately, this may result in the babes in Christ that now feel misled, to retreat from Christ with the misconception that all Christians are bogus and that Christianity is a sham. Awesome Wonder tells an honest, triumphant and relatable story of how God never stops loving his child as the Holy Spirit speaks to us to remind us of His unending and unfailing love. It confirms that the relationship between God and man is what is most important and that man should not be used as a barometer for Godliness and holiness. 

Paige Covington knows there's a God and had accepted Christ as a young girl but witnessing hypocrisy and un-Christ-like behavior by the people in her church and family has caused too much pain resulting in her turning back on the love of Jesus. Memories from her youth begin invading her psyche and to make matters worse, she begins to hear a voice. The voice sounds familiar and tells her things as those memories and truths are exhumed. Hurt, confused but searching for answers, she decides that too much has happened. There have been too many disappointments and too many lies. Key people in her life have made it clear that there doesn’t seem to be any honor in being “Christ-like”. She hasn’t any idea that she is chosen as all children of God are. Will Paige allow the word that has been hidden in her heart provide the answers to all of her questions and give her the peace she so desires? 

BPM: What inspired you to write this story?
Awesome Wonder is a novel that I believe that I had to write because people need to know, “Not everyone who says to Me,  ‘Lord, Lord,’  shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, 
‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”  Matt. 7:21-23. 

Every other day we are hearing about a  “fallen” man of God or  “so-called”  people of God spewing scripture and then living a lifestyle that is not honoring God behind closed doors. People are missing God because they haven’t seen Him in the people that are supposed to know Him. 

Now more than ever, true believers need to be walking epistles of the Lord Jesus Christ and live holy. It is up to us, true believers, to be the real example of the love of Jesus Christ. We can’t shout Hallelujah in church one minute and then curse someone out right after service. Many are saying that Christians are phony and fake because of what they see. Believers and true followers of Christ have to understand their responsibility to live a life that is Christ-like. Someone who is unsaved or unfortunately on their way to hell may be depending on not what we say but how we live. We don’t want to cause anyone to fall because of our misdoings but day in and day out the curtain is being pulled back to show the ugliness of the “pretenders” of Christianity. 

Believers have been called to reconcile others to Christ and the only way we can do this is to live a life that is exemplary of the God in us. We can’t let traditions or religion dictate to us. The world is watching and we should be the “ people” that right the ship and point them in the direction toward Christ! Many realize that there is a void in their lives and are trying everything but God to fill it; just like Paige. The world is full of Paige Covingtons.  A career, possessions or material things won’t make someone feel complete or whole. Only God can fill the void. I pray that when reading Awesome Wonder, the Holy Spirit begins to speak and the reader will dedicate or rededicate their life to Jesus Christ as that is my ultimate goal; augmenting the Kingdom of the Most High God.

BPM: Who did you write this book for? Why?
Awesome Wonder was written for the man or woman who has been hurt by “so called” Christians. I want to encourage someone through my novel, who has turned their back on Jesus because of the lack of true Godliness being exhibited by people in Christendom and in the body of Christ. That man or woman needs to know that regardless of what the world is displaying, God is in control and He does expect His people to walk, talk and behave just like Him. They need to know that there were hypocrites, liars and false prophets when Jesus walked the earth and Jesus warned us about them. If they existed over 2000 years ago, they will most assuredly exist today, even in our churches and families but we can’t let their behavior and their misrepresentation of God cause us to miss out on the truth and reality of Jesus Christ. 

There are lives that are broken and people are walking around without hope, not believing that Christ is THE ANSWER because many in leadership have falsified Christ by the way they treat one another. There are lives that were eager to learn about Jesus Christ or were sold out for Christ but are now damaged, angered and even spiraling out of control because the people that they thought were the embodiment of Christ-like living have disappointed them, resulting in the disillusionment of who Christ is. People in Paige’s life seemed to be the epitome of Christianity but once she saw the truth behind the mask, she was spiritually injured like many people that I have known throughout my life.

Those wounds don’t heal easily and they begin to effect other aspect of one’s life especially when a real desire and zeal to learn more and be more like Christ is/was genuine. In Paige’s situation, it began to take a toll on her marriage, the relationship with her siblings and even her own child because at the core, something was missing. Awesome Wonder was written to tell the world that God has nothing to do with the foolishness one may see when watching the news but He is the God who is faithful. He is the God that sent His son, Jesus, to die for the world. He has nothing to do with crazy ministers that steal money from their parishioners or sleeps with the church secretary. God is LOVE and wants people to know Him in spirit and truth. Believe Jesus Christ through His word, not the world. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”


BPM:  What sets your book apart from other books in your genre?
It seems, “ it is, what it is” has become the statement of the year. Christians for some reason have accepted and adopted that lingo and in doing so, have allowed all matter of un-Christ like behavior to find a home in the house of God and sadly enough, into their lives. No, It is NOT ,what it is. 

The world is hurting because many don’t know Jesus; not really. They think they do but really don’t. Awesome Wonder sets itself apart from other Christian fictions novels because it allows the reader to understand that many seem to think and really believe that they are Christians because they are saying and doing all of the right things; giving to the poor, visiting the sick, etc. This is done while people are watching. Who are they behind closed doors? Sadly, there is a stark contrast. Many Christians can quote every scripture in the Bible but will not demonstrate the love God to their own wife or husband or even children. It is all a show? For many, it is. No one is talking or writing about how we are losing our African American youth or youth in general. As soon as they are able, they refuse come to church because of all that they’ve witnessed when growing up in the church. They have seen the lying and backbiting. They have heard adulterous innuendo and observed unforgiveness. 

Paige, is an example of the generation that has decided that Jesus was not all He was cracked up to be. Awesome Wonder, like no other novel, shines the spot light on the damage that can be done when hypocrisy is allowed to run rampant in the house of God. People are no longer being fooled by the “Sunday Saint.” Those who think they want to know Christ are being wooed by the enemy because the church and leaders in the church can’t or won’t exemplify holiness. Whether anyone believes it or wants to write about it or not, people are falling away from Christ because of the misrepresentation of Christ in the church. Traditions and arguments when not “rightly dividing the word” has caused many to walk out on God. Awesome Wonder looks at the church, it’s leaders, family and its impact on one’s life. 

Awesome Wonder stands alone as it Illustrates the damage religious insincerity and unChrist-like behavior can cause while interweaving the everyday realities of life. It is a novel that is daring those who love Christ to stand up and be real. It is welcoming those who want to know Christ or reconnect to Him but have been hurt to not to look at the world but look to Him. Awesome Wonder says blatantly what no one else in the genre has said, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8.

BPM: What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
The most powerful chapter in Awesome Wonder for me was when Paige finally receives revelation. After years of not going to church regularly, she decides to visit a friend’s church at her husband’s request. Believing she knew exactly what she would encounter because of her church history, she was initially pessimistic. To her surprise, she experiences more than she bargained for as the truth of God becomes abundantly clear to her. It’s as if the minister was waiting for her to visit so that he could speak directly to her and situation. The message communicated by the minister becomes all too personal and enlightenment commences. The word of God is opened up to her like never before and this causes her to rethink her entire relationship with God. Had she any right to feel the way she did for so many years? Was she guilty of the same behaviors as so many others? 

Her issues with God become something that she must now contend with after hearing the truth. The truth begins to set her free but it would be up to her to accept the freedom. The scene is very emotional and it allows the reader to not only hear the word of God but also become a part of Paige’s psyche as she listens to what she may have already known but refused to hear from God. The Holy Spirit has been talking to many of us for years because we have accepted Christ but have fallen away. The word of God, when presented to us, has a way of making it all too clear that God has been there all time, whispering that He is just waiting for us to return to Him, our first love.

BPM: What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Firstly, one must believe in their gift and talent. In this industry, it’s easy to say “forget it” or “this is not for me”. Know that rejection is part of the process but persistence is the key and faith unlocks the door. 
I have learned that what God has started in me, He is obligated to finish and I will be successful. If you believe that you have something to share that will change lives, then write and believe in yourself and gift that you have been given. Understand that it isn’t the money that will satisfy you. It will be the opportunity to speak into the lives of others and make a difference.

Lastly, be cognizant of the fact that everyone doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Many are in this industry, even Christian Fiction, to make a buck; plain and simple. Surround yourself with people that you can trust and who believe in you and your passion. Most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t…. because you can!


M. Ann Ricks contact information:
With regard to M. Ann Ricks Literary Creations, LLC links…the one that may be used is simply my website address and it is: www.mannricks.net    M. Ann Ricks’ e-mail is: godsauthor@mannricks.net  and may posted as well should anyone desire to contact me for literary dialogues, speaking engagements or simply to dialogue about my novels.  M. Ann Ricks’ novels may be purchased via the website and or at any literary establishment, i.e.: Borders, various bookstores Amazon .com and the like.

Intimate Conversation with Jewell R. Powell

Jewell R. Powell, affectionately known as ‘the Marriage Coach’ is an entrepreneur, inspirational teacher, and author of  Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith. Jewell is passionate about helping couples have a ‘happily ever after’ marriage. She graduated from VCMI Ministerial Training School and is working towards a Masters of Divinity degree from Regent University . 

Jewell R. Powell shares her spiritual journey and shows you how to have a ”happily ever after” marriage, in her book Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith.  “Till death do we part.”  These words are said about 2.5 million times each year. But, despite couples’ best intentions and attempts to stay true to those vows, many—almost half!—end up in divorce. What’s going wrong? 

That’s what author Jewell R. Powell asked when she found herself four years into marriage, sitting in a bedroom alone and on the brink of divorce. Desperate for answers, Powell dove deep into her faith. She searched the Scriptures for instruction on how to save her own marriage—and was surprised by what she found. 

That was nine years ago.  Today, her marriage with her husband is better than ever—thanks to the eight surprising truths she uncovered during that period of intense study and soul-searching. Her book Marriage 101: Building A Life Together By Faith digs into those eight biblical truths and reveals how applying them can transform even the worst of relationships. 

Ella:  Hello Jewell. Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you?
My passion is not for writing. My passion is for helping people. Therefore, I am driven to write. 

Ella:  Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... 
Faith, Hope and Love. I want people, whether adults or children (I am a children’s writer as well) to experience God in a greater way after reading my books. 

Ella:  What motivated you to write this book? What can readers expect?
I share a story many know all too well. Whether in their own lives or in those of close family and friends. It’s a story about a marriage in trouble. I take you on my spiritual journey—of how my husband and I went from being engaged and enthusiastic to being frustrated and separated. I share the real issues that plague most marriages and the many challenges we faced. I share the disappointment I felt, looking at what was supposed to be “happily ever after.” But I also share how Lewis and I were able to rebuild our relationship and the lessons learned along the way as I implemented biblical truths from searching the Scriptures. 

Ella:  Who would this book really "speak to" and why? 
Marriage 101 is not for everyone. I believe it is for those who desire to go to the next level with God. It is time for Christians to stop just going to church and become the church – people experiencing God through you no matter where you are. 

Ella:  Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? 
The story is a parable of Sleeping Beauty. As you know, Jesus spoke in parables hidden messages. I want the readers to understand that the message is not so much about marriage, but more about how to become like Him. It is a transformational process. Once you become a better Christian, you will be a better wife, mother, friends, etc. 

Ella:   Name 3 things that it takes to have a successful marriage, in your opinion? 

1: Renew YOUR mind – you can have a better relationship. Think on the positive things about your spouse and do not concentrate on the present situation. 

2: Change YOUR behaviors and perception – to have better relationships requires YOU to do something different. Doing the same things but expecting different results is INSANITY. I know most of you have heard the saying, “You can’t change others, but you can change yourselves.” Therefore, you must be the change you want to see in your marriage.

3: Work YOUR marriage.  In other words, marriage is work. Successful couples understand that they have to make their marriage a priority and they do something everyday to acknowledge it. You only get out of it what you put into it – deposit love daily. 

Ella:  What can we expect from you in the future? 
Traveling and teaching the eight biblical truths the Lord spoke to me. Holding marriage conferences and seminars to not only help those who are having trouble but helping keep those who already have great marriages strong. 

Ella:   Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
Marriage 101 was the Award-Winner in the Religion: Christian Inspiration category of the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book Best Books and the Marriage 101 Journal was a finalist.  Marriage 101 is also listed as the #1 Bestseller list on Mosiacbooks.com.  I have a four (4) book mini-series coming out in December 2009 that covers marriage topics we all face:  Sex & Intimacy, Communication, Parenting, and Finance. 

Contact Info & Links for Jewell R. Powell 
E-mail:  jewellrpowell@gmail.com  
Personal website:  http://www.marriage101.us  

Marriage 101 Radio Talk Show 
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Marriage-101  

Intimate Conversation with Paulette Harper

Paulette Harper is a bestselling author, Christian Inspirational Speaker, Licensed Minister and workshop facilitator. Paulette is a sought after speaker with a passion to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory. Paulette Harper’s literary achievement includes her first published non-fiction inspirational book: That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored (Tate Publishing & Enterprises) Co-Author for Victorious Living for Women, (Suber & Pullins Publishing) Paulette resides in Northern California.

Ella: Introduce us to your book That Was Then, This Is Now 
How could God have a purpose for me amidst this mess? Why do such bad things happen to good people? If you’ve recently asked yourself these questions, Paulette Harper’s That was Then, This is Now has the answers. Struggling to recover from a broken marriage and disappointed dreams, Paulette Harper gropes for meaning and understanding, and through her searching, God reveals Himself to her in ways she never before imagined possible. By sharing her struggles with transparency, she illustrates how a heart attitude of surrender allows God to use a broken vessel for His ultimate plans of glory.   (Genre: Non-fiction Inspirational; ISBN-13: 978-1604625547 )

What was your primary quest in publishing this book?
My primary quest for publishing That Was Then was out of a desire to share with the masses that life’s problems no matter how difficult can be overcome and conquered by having a strong spirit to endure. I wanted my life to be an example of a survivor. Although everyone will not read my book, it is a book full of inspiration, encouragement and one that will empower the reader. 

Who should read this inspirational book and why?
My book That Was Then, This Is Now was written for those who are facing some of life challenges. Those readers who are having a hard time coping with changes in life from divorce, the lost of a love one, financial hardship, unemployment and so forth. That Was Then, This Is Now will minister to the hearts of readers by sharing how one can overcome those difficulties by trusting and having faith in God. 

What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
I believe chapter three Identifying Strongholds is the most powerful chapter in That Was Then, This Is Now. I say that for several reasons. First, in that particular chapter I’m open, honest and transparent about the issues I faced while going through my divorce. Some of those issues almost cost me my life. Suicide, depression, oppression and low self esteem greeted me everyday for almost two years. The desire to die outweighed my desire to live many days. I had to recognize that what I was experiencing could only be conquered by faith and the Word of God. I give biblical examples with supporting scriptures that helped me turn what I considered a tragedy to triumph. 

What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
One of the tips I would give new authors is to be patient. Connecting with your audience and branding yourself will take time. Especially for new writers the market is flooded with books for readers to choose from so by keeping this in mind you must be able to patiently wait your time to shine. If writing is your passion you will continue promoting and marketing your books even when it appears like no one is buying. 

Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
I have one title coming out in the summer of 2010 called “Completely Whole”. Completely Whole will be release through my own publishing company Thy Word Publishing. I’ll be working on another anthology with Victorious Living for Women entitled “For Moms” will be released right in time for Mother’s day. “For Such a Time as This” is set to be released in 2011. I will be conducting workshops beginning in Jan.  Keynote speaking engagement, book signings and all events will be posted on my website. 

Awards for That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored 
That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored (Tate Publishing & Enterprises) has been ranked consecutively for months on the Top 50 Black Christian Book Distributors Independent Publishers Bestsellers List for Non-Fiction, a finalist in the Religion/Religious Non-Fiction category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Contact information for Paulette
E-Mail:  paulet_harper@yahoo.com 
Website:  http://www.pauletteharper.com 
Website:  http://www.victoriousliving4women.weebly.com 

Social networks:
http://www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com 
http://www.facebook.com/paulette.harper2  

Intimate Conversation with Jessica A. Robinson

Jessica A. Robinson is a fresh, new author from Ohio. She's also one-fourth of a national Hip-Hop group named Carnival who's slated to release their sophomore CD in 2009.  She has always been an avid reader but came into the wonderful world of writing by accident. Upon losing her father when she was ten to pancreatic cancer, she began journaling as a form of therapy. The emotions and thoughts expressed on paper turned into short stories and continued to evolve from there. 

Coming from such a rich background in the church of having twelve ministers in her family, she writes about the things she's went through and the things people have gone through around her. Her spiritual heritage was the breeding ground for her very own genre, "Church Dramedy."  Jessica A. Robinson pens an infectious and addictive tale of a woman who is living a double life. Full of twists, turns, and surprises, Holy Seduction is a groundbreaking tale of infidelity and drama in the church.  Holy Seduction;  Genre: Church Dramedy  (Church, Drama, Comedy); ISBN: 978-0981963105 


Ella:  Tell us about your new book.  Introduce us to the stars of Holy Seduction.
Thirty-five year old First Lady Denise Tate is a woman who has it all. She is living the life most people dream of; a beautiful house in the suburbs, luxury cars, shopping sprees, and a husband, Randy, who is ready and willing to keep her laced in nothing but the best. Even though she has everything a woman could ever want, she's still not satisfied and firmly believes she can have her cake and eat it too. 

Randy Tate has his work cut out for him as the Senior Pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church, the largest in Youngstown Ohio, yet, he humbly embraces the challenge. Denise has more time on her hands than a clock and she uses this and her endless cash flow to her full advantage. In addition to playing the good, little, church wife, First lady also juggles three other men on the side. She executes the game with such expertise - effortlessly, until one of her lovers decides to flip the script on her. 

Relentlessly determined not to be found out, Denise decides not to admit a dark secret that has the power to destroy her cozy life as she knows it. Eventually, all good things come to an end and the wrath of God is delivered that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Holy Seduction's premise is this; you may play the game well, but, remember there is always someone who plays the game better than you. 

Lies, Drama, and deceit are front and center in this novel with a plot so sneaky and so seductive you'll swear it's a sin.

Ella:  Who was your favorite characters? Why? 
Well in Holy Seduction the main characters are Denise and Randy Tate. Randy is the Pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church which is a very large church in Youngstown, Ohio and he truly has his work cut out for him. Denise happily claims her throne as the First Lady and enjoy all of the perks that come along with it. If I had to pick a favorite character it would definitely be her, she's the woman you love to hate and I had a wonderful time creating her. She will be the one that makes you want to throw the book across the room and keep reading at the same time.

Ella:  Are your characters from the portrayal of real people? 
There are certain characters that are definitely inspired by real people. I can say that Randy has alot of attributes that my late father possessed while Denise is purely a figment of my imagination! She's so evil and I don't know anyone like her (however there are a few people who come quite close) LOL 

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you? 
The most powerful chapter in my book is in chapter 20 when Randy finally discovers that the life he has built with his wife has all been shattered by her lies and deceit. It stands out to me the most because sometimes we can be so in love with a person and how our relationship appears to be that we can ignore important warning signs that are right in our face. Love has a way of making one blind to the truth and this chapter is so identifiable with so many people who may find themselves in the same situation. There have been numerous people including myself who have been involved in something that you thought was right and one admission can reveal that it was indeed all wrong.

Ella:  Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers. 
No I don't write full time. My writing schedule is pretty consistent. I write all the time. Sometimes there isn't enough hours in the day to get a little writing in when I work so I make sure I write on my lunch breaks.

Ella:  What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
When I'm not creating my next masterpiece, I like to read books, write music, and travel across the country with my group Carnival. My next book "Pretty Skeletons" will be released in early 2010.  

Never Give up on your dreams because they will come true!

Author Jessica A. Robinson
Website: www.jessica-robinson.com 
Music: www.carnivalhhh.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/jessislyric 
Blog: http://wwwjessicalyricrobinson.blogspot.com   


"Holy Seduction" - In Barnes & Noble and Borders NATIONWIDE!!!

Stay tuned for "Pretty Skeletons" coming early 2010!!!

Intimate Conversation with LaShawnda Jones

Join me in welcoming LaShawnda Jones author of My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey to Black Pearls Magazine.  In 2000, Ms. Jones was selected as a full-figure model for the Ebony Fashion Fair, a traveling fashion show.  The Ebony Fashion Fair is a non-profit division of the Johnson Publishing Company based in Chicago, Illinois.  During the nine month tour,  Ms. Jones traveled to over 170 U.S. cities, as well as several cities in Canada and the Bahamas. 

In 2004,  Ms. Jones started a business, Jazzy Media LLC.   Jazzy Media was set up as a publishing company with the goal of publishing an annual full-figure fashion calendar, posters, gift cards and her literary works.  Jazzy Media is dedicated to exploring women issues in the female voice,  from the feminine perspective.  Ms.  Jones published VoLux Full-Figured Calendar in 2005 and 2007.  She published her first volume of poetry, Fantasies: A Metamorphosis of Sexual Attraction in 2005.  In 2007, she published her second volume of poetry, Clichés: A Life in Verse.   She is also one of the contributors to Go, Tell Michelle!,  a collection of letters honoring First Lady Michelle Obama.  Ms. Jones is currently compiling a collection of blogs on spiritual development for self and relationships for publication. 

Early in 2008,  Ms. Jones joined amNewYork as a blogger for their politics blog, Politirazzi.  amNewYork is a free daily newspaper with a 300,000 plus circulation in the metro New York City area.   Ms. Jones covered the 2008 presidential campaigns, primaries and election.  She posted numerous pieces highlighting her take on the high profile spectacle.  She has maintained her blogger status since the election.

Ella:  Introduce us to your book and the message within.
My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey is a collection of snap-shot narratives of my life, concentrating mostly on the years I underwent a spiritual transformation. A few years ago I moved to New York City from Milwaukee, WI. Alone. No family, no friends and no job. I learned without a doubt how to trust in the Lord. I did odd jobs around New York City for six months. I have no idea how I was able to feed and shelter myself. But I had a place to lay my head every night and not one day passed that I wasn’t well fed. The Lord provides! My God and Me is full of illustrating stories of how He holds me, guides me, teaches me, provides for me and loves me. It not a story of lack, it’s a story of how I’m being prepared to reap a spiritual abundance!  

Ella:  What motivated you to create this book now?
My God and Me is derived from blogs. When I started blogging in 2006, my only intent was to be entertaining. My goal was to promote my VoLux Full-Figure Calendar. My early posts were about plus size fashion, body image and self-esteem. Somewhere in that mix, my exploration of my self-esteem exposed a struggle with my self-confidence. Did my strength come from my physical connections or my spiritual connection? The deeper I dug for the root of my insecurities, the more I desired a deeper connection to my Source. I describe this struggle in detail in Self-Image is Everything, a piece in my book.

I blogged for three years. Throughout that time I didn’t have a complete picture of my transformation. During the fall 2008, I realized I had nearly one hundred blogs. After categorizing them, I had enough material for three different books. But I wasn’t interested in publishing just any three books. I wanted to publish something that said something… that spoke to people. Truthfully, I had no idea what was in the midst of those one hundred blogs.

The Holy Spirit led me to create My God and Me. That’s truly the only explanation I have for what has been delivered through me. There was no conscious effort on my part to come to the finished product I came to. The cohesiveness of the message is amazing to me. It’s like I wrote it from beginning to end, when in actuality it was pieced together from different stories throughout the years, from various areas of my life.    

 Ella:  Who should read this book and why?
My pastor’s wife read an advanced copy of My God and Me and wrote this note to me when she completed it: This is EXCELLENT!! Your writing is a gift from God. There is something in here for all Christians - single, married, male, female. I love you even more!"    I agree.  

I also believe there’s something in there for non-Christians. This book is about seeking…. Seeking love… meaning…purpose… acceptance… satisfaction. It’s about life. It’s a very Christian book in the sense that I use Biblical scripture in nearly every piece. But it’s more spiritual because the message is all encompassing.  

Ella:  What impact will this book have on the community?
I think this book will bring people closer to their true selves. It will encourage a personal honesty and transparency. When we are able to be more truly ourselves, we are able to be more present in our relationships. Better relationships improve our quality of life.

 Ella:  What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
The destruction and life complications for victims of rape and sexual exploitation are addressed. Women who completely give up their lives for their husbands and/or children only to develop a corrosive resentment because of their decision are profiled. Our relationship with our bodies and how our ideas of perfection are shaped by family, friends and society are covered. Overall, finding a balance with our humanity and spirituality is the primary theme of My God and Me.

 Ella:  Who did you write this book for? Why?
After I completed the book, I wrote A Blessing for My Daughters which is the first piece. My daughters aren’t yet born. I wrote this book for the future. For everyone who is here now to sow into their futures.   The blessing is a synopsis of the lessons I’ve learned up to this point. My desire is to share my knowledge and perspective with others so their walk will be eased and enriched in some way.

 Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
We have a responsibility to share our humanity. We were created as receptacles and vessels of love. We need to love each other.

 Ella:  What sets your book apart from other books in your genre? 
Many Christian and self-help books are telling you how to improve your life. Do steps one, two, three and your life will be perfect.  Most of them create the illusion of a conclusion.  

There is no conclusion to my book, but it’s complete. There’s no theory on what’s right, but there’s evidence that all things work out for the best. My God and Me is a series of stories that contribute to a larger picture. It’s a book detailing the process of one individual’s growth. My growth. That’s not to say your growth and evolution will be the same. But in the process I am open and honest about how I dealt with all the changes my life and relationships have gone through thus far. It’s a book about human frailties becoming supernatural strengths when covered by the love of God. My God and Me is a book of examples.  

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
Better Than You Should Be. I struggled over revealing certain things in that piece, but it’s probably the one narrative in My God and Me that explains and ties everything else together.

 Ella:  If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?
It’s not mine to change. I realized early on that I am a vessel and I am quite awed by the message that has been delivered through my experiences.

 Ella:  What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Write. Get critiques. Re-write. Improve. Follow your dreams. If your dreams don’t fall in line, create opportunities to bring them to fruition.

 Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey is currently available on www.mygodandme.info, retailing for $15.00 USD. I am actively seeking events to participate in and invitations to read and discuss my book at your special function. I also facilitate self-esteem workshops, incorporating anecdotes from My God and Me.

Intimate Conversation with E.N. Joy

E.N. Joy is the author of Me, Myself and Him, her debut work into the Christian Fiction genre. Formerly an Essence Magazine Bestselling secular author, when she decided to fully dedicate her life to Christ, that meant she had to fully dedicate her work as well. She’s launching her second Christian fiction work, She Who Finds A Husband, February 2010. 

E.N. Joy writes children's and young adult books as well as Christian fiction for adults. The executive editor for a Christian fiction imprint and a magazine columnist, she is currently working on a young adult series entitled The Soul Sisters. E.N. Joy lives in the midwest with her husband and three children. When she's not writing, she enjoys praise dancing and reading.




Ella: What current projects are you working on? 
I have a series titled “The New Day Divas Series.” The first book of the five book series is titled She Who Finds A Husband (February 2010). This first book of the series reads like a soap opera in print as it goes deep-way deep-into the lives of some real church folk and some real Christian folk. It's serious, it's humorous, all while hitting taboo subjects in the gut. No stone is left unturned in these diva's lives. The second book is titled Been There, Prayed That (June 2010). The third book is titled Love, Honor or Stray (December 2010). The other two will be released in 2011. This project is one that definitely glorifies God in every aspect, but still manages to display in a godly manner that there are “Church Folks” (church fiction) and then there are “Christian Folk” (Christian fiction) and come Sunday morning, they all end up in the same place.

Ella: What made you go from writing secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, to writing Christian fiction and children’s work under the names E. N. Joy and N. Joy? 
That’s an easy one word answer; God. God has always been there keeping, watching over and protecting me, but it wasn’t until I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior did I acknowledge just how much God loves me. Now I live to glorify Him in everything I do, including my writing. So I’m now not only proud to be a Christian, but proud to be a Christian fiction author.

Ella: Please introduce us to your new Christian Fiction title, She Who Finds a Husband.
What was the pastor of New Day Temple of Faith thinking when approving the creation of the New Day Singles Ministry? Better yet, what were its members thinking when they joined? 

Doreen, lovingly known as the Church Mother of New Day, thought that when she presented the idea of the ministry to the pastor, it could serve as a foundation to empower, encourage, and enlighten the church’s single members. But when only women join and Doreen learns that all these women want only one thing out of the ministry—help in finding a man—her mission goes astray.

She Who Finds a Husband is what you get when you combine some Divine, some Independent, some Virtuous, some Animated, and some Stoic personalities all in one setting—DIVAS! Dig into this soap opera in print as the women of New Day Temple of Faith Singles Ministry set flight to include men in their future, not realizing that the past is what’s keeping them bound.

Ella: What was your first Christian fiction title? 
It’s titled Me, Myself and Him. It came out March 2008. It’s about a woman who is trying to live in the word while holding onto the hand of her live in boyfriend, who is in the world. When the story begins, neither the main character or her boyfriend are practicing Christians. The story shows the struggle between an unsaved couple, when one partner begins to fall in love with Jesus.

Ella: What was your first children’s story? 
My children’s’ story is titled The Secret Olivia Told Me. It was published September 2007. In February 2008, the American Library Association gave the book a Coretta Scott King Honor for illustration. Scholastics Books purchased the book club rights, and the book is on tour across the country at various schools for book fairs.

Ella: What is the difference, if any, between writing secular fiction and Christian fiction? 
There is a big difference. Now, instead of outlining and figuring out in which direction I want the story to go, I simply get in God’s word, get in God’s face, ask Him what He wants me to do, what He wants me to say, what He wants the message to be, then I take dictation from the Holy Spirit. 

Ella: Do you ever stray from what you think God is calling you to write? 
I try very hard to keep my mind clear; to make sure I’m in tune with the Holy Spirit when I’m writing. But I’m going to tell the truth and shame the devil; I’m human, so just like in every day life, when it comes to my writing, I do sometimes allow my flesh to rise up and do it’s own thing. I have written things that I thought the reader might want to read without consulting the true author. Do I get convicted for it? Yes, via readers’ emails and reviews…and some of them, unlike God, have no mercy. So I try my best to stick to ghostwriting…Holy Ghost writing that is.

Ella: Is writing a full-time job for you? 
Yes, well, actually, I have two full-time jobs (three if you count taking care of my family). I write full-time and I edit full-time.  I’m the acquisition editor for Urban Christian (www.urbanchristianonline.net  ). I’m also the editor for the “Sinner Series”, which includes the titles Even Sinners Have Souls (Nikki Turner, Noire, Chunichi), Even Sinners Have Souls Too (K’Wan, Michel Moore, Victor L. Martin) and Even Sinners STILL Have Souls (Kiki Swinson, Karen Williams, Brandi Johnson).

Ella: How may our readers connect with you online?
My website is:  http://www.enjoywrites.com  
Myspace:   http://www.myspace.com/enjoywrites 
The email address is:   enjoywrites@aol.com

Purchase  She Who Finds A Husband (New Day Divas)

Intimate Conversation with Pamela Chapman

Pamela Chapman, author, motivational teacher, self-esteem life transition certified coach, and blog talk show host is founder and president of iAscend Programs, LLC , a limited liability company.

iAscend’s mission, as a web-focused service, is the empowerment of women, and their children, by showing them how to break through their perceived limitations and maximize their potential and purpose while nurturing their esteem. 

Ella:  Introduce us to your book, Heaven’s Hell, The Beginning. 
I am interested in empowering, in particular, women who are going through challenging life-transitioning whose self-esteem is being challenged in the process. My book, Heaven’s Hell, the beginning speaks to that.  Heaven’s Hell, The Beginning is a powerful, spiritual book based on the real-life experience of its author…Nissi Clark (a pseudo name). 

The novel depicts the life of a young girl who experiences domestic violence in her home. While depicting the fear, abuse, and the pain, this powerful novel also breathes hope, healing, and inspiration between its chapters using New Living Translation scripture, affirmations and declarations. Subliminal messages of hope and healing are spread throughout the pages. True-life journal entries are incorporated. The book digs deep into the soul asking life-changing questions provoking life-changing thought. Either you learn about yourself and why you do the things you do or don’t do; or, you understand why that friend or family member behaves the way they do. It is both entertaining and life-changing and leaves its reader craving more.

Ella: What issue, person or thing inspired you to write this book?
Domestic healing is my passion. Domestic violence numbers are increasing in our community and something is still very wrong. I know what it is to be the product of low self-esteem and low self-worth due to the violence—always needing validation. I found myself in twisted relationships not just with men, but I found myself in very sick life relationships. I am now healed, but there was nothing there to assist me in my healing. At least, I wasn’t aware. I believe when we speak truth into the real “hell” of a situation and infuse light, the darkness will subside and the problem will dissipate. I believe Heaven’s Hell, The Beginning does just that.

Ella: What impact will this book have on the community?
Domestic violence is at the forefront of our community. There isn’t a week that doesn’t go by and we don’t hear something about it. Heaven’s Hell is not just a story about victimization, but a book of healing. The series will assist women in turning their adversities into victories. The author share’s her journal pages as an adult. You realize how her child-hood victimization perpetuated the struggle, the low self-esteem and low self-worth regardless of her accomplishments, achievements or letters behind her name. This book gets its readers thinking about their behaviors and triggers the desire for real healing.


Ella: The cover of Heaven’s Hell is quite unique. Share the inspiration for its cover.
Heaven’s Hell is divine in all its creation. I had asked my very talented son to create the cover. After one year of attempting to create a cover depicting a woman burning in hell, he and I both were quite frustrated. Nothing met his satisfaction. While visiting me last Thanksgiving, I chided him to come up with something before his returning to California. He bought new water colors and after two days of failed attempts, I grabbed his paint brush and started throwing down water colors onto his art paper. As I threw down the colors, my son, Jamal, saw her manifesting. He said, “Mom, there she is.”  He then outlined her features and hence, the subtle picture of a woman in hell.

Ella: What was the primary quest in publishing this book?
My primary quest was to assist in the healing of the nations, in particular, the women and the children of all nations on all economic levels.

Ella: Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
I want my readers to realize they are precious, they are jewels made in the image and likeness of an all powerful Creator and they are good. He desires all of us to live happy, abundant, and prosperous lives. You can turn your adversity into victory and be true over-comers not just in talk. I want them to know our Creator believes in them and so do I.

Ella: What sets your book apart from other books in your genre?
Heaven’s Hell is a fictional, self-help trilogy. It depicts real-life pain; it entertains, it heals, and leaves you wanting more. The second book, Heaven’s Hell, the Journey, due to be released in 2010, continues the saga but deals with the adult life of twisted love relationships, life relationships, and more self-loathing. Heaven’s Hell, the Redemption speaks of just that…the redeeming of the lost soul in its main character. The main character finds true love by loving herself first and the story infuses the pain of her healing. The journal entries from the two earlier books catch up to her present-day adult life in the third book. Heaven’s Hell, is a powerful, life-changing entertaining trilogy. A workbook can be purchased along with Heaven’s Hell, The Beginning—the novel.

Ella: What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Find a great editor. Editing is everything, but don’t let anyone change your voice or your style. Speak your heart, live your dream, and never, ever give up!

CONTACT INFO
Pamela C. Chapman, CTACC, CDVS
iAscend Programs, LLC
EMAIL:  services@iascendprograms.com 

WEB:  www.iascendprograms.com 
PURCHASE @ services@iascendprograms.com   or www.authorhouse.com  
Live Talk Show:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/iascend-programs  


Heaven's Hell: The Beginning by Nissi Clark  is available now

Intimate Conversation with Jacqueline Moore

Jacqueline Moore is a Christian author who offers spiritual words of encouragement daily on her website at http://www.jacquelinedmoore.com  She has contributed to several anthologies and is the 2009 African American Literary Show romance author of the year for her first novel, “Serving Justice” under the Peace in the Storm imprint.

"Serving Justice" by Jacqueline Moore -- Christian Fiction 
What happens when a prominent and successful Chicago Judge falls in love with her driver? Angela Jenkins decided as a child that she would become a lawyer. Fighting injustices perpetrated against those who could not or would not fight for themselves ran like passion through her veins. Growing up, Angela was taught that putting God first in her life, respecting the rights and choices of others, and working hard, were the most important things a person should strive for. While in pursuit of her law degree, Angela meets Rhonda, Theresa, and Darlene who are there reaching for the same goals. Over the next two decades, an unbreakable bond forms and friends become sisters. 

Angela finds the more successful she becomes, the more she begins to lose her connection with God and starts conforming more to the world, than to the word of God. When love enters her heart, she must decide if having a relationship is more important than what others, including her friends, have to say. Angela is forced to look at what’s important in her life and has to choose between allowing others to shape who she is or conforming to what God wants her to be. 

Ella:  Jacqueline, tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite?   
I would say Tony. Tony is the epitome of what I believe most women look for in a man. However, I do show that Tony is flawed as we all are. He made some really crucial mistakes in his past but rather then succumbs to the errors of his past; he overcame them and learned to move on. I believe when we look for relationships we tend to overlook someone because they are not perfect and I want the reader to ask themselves are they too judgmental and can they learn to move on and look at those things in their lives that are most important. 

Ella:  What inspired you to write this story? 
A question a very good friend once asked. “The question was “Why is it that professional women won’t even give me the time of day?” Now this friend just happened to be a very successful business owner who dressed like his employees, blue collar. Women took one look at him and made assumptions about him and what he did for a living. Had they taken the time to get to know him, they would have discovered so much more about him instead of automatically assuming that he was beneath them. That and I got tired of women saying that they couldn’t find a good professional man. How about just a good man? 

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share? 
There are actually several. The foremost lesson is that we have to stop listening to the world around us and seek out that still small voice within; the voice of God. Success is futile when it’s not tempered by the word of God. We all make mistakes but we serve a God of a second chance. Finally, each of us needs to examine our reasons for believing in the things we do. Do we serve the greater good, our friends or ourselves? 

Ella:  What sets your book apart from other books in your genre? 
My book is a love story that just happens to have several Christian messages. People can relate to the characters because I don’t color them holier then thou. I write from the heart and from the emotional frame of mind of the characters and I relate my stories to real live situations. 

Ella:  What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author? 
If writing is your dream; don’t stop, keep going. Perfect your craft and find outlets for your work. Don’t let rejection or criticism deter you. Keep in mind that everyone won’t like your work but that’s okay. When you find your niche, you will find your acceptance. 

Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
2009 was a whirlwind year for me. “Serving Justice” is available at several bookstores including borders where I did several signing and met so many wonderful readers. I had the pleasure of going on my first cruise this year “Cruising for Christ” with Kendra Norman – Bellamy and participating on my first authors panel as a result. 

In  September 2009,  I traveled to New York for the first time to attend the African American Literary Show award ceremony where I won an award in the romance category for “Serving Justice.” I am currently working on my next novel “Caught in the Middle” which will be available from Peace in the Storm Publishing in May of 2010. 

You can find me online at Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogger.com and on my website http://www.jacquelined.moore.com  and  http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com   I can also be reached via email at  jackiemoore@virtuousliving.com  and at mamajacq618@yahoo.com 

The Black Pearls Magazine family wants to take the time to thank each of you for joining us monthly in celebrating the best in literature and the arts.  Our team of writers, bookclubs and authors are so humbled that you have allowed us entrance into your life. It amazes me each month as I check our subscribers how many of  you deem us worthy of your time and support.  We appreciate each of you for telling 10 people about the magazine and for driving people to this site. YOU make Black Pearls the magnificent publication that it is, by sharing the gift of knowledge!

Please know, as we prepare each issue for you, we look for those stimulating conversations, the most thought provoking articles and most of all the best books on the shelves. We want each page of this magazine to add value to your lives!  Your comments and feedback are welcomed. Join our blog and share your news, advice and wisdom with the other readers. Tell us what you want to read too!

As we take off in this new decade we hope to bring you more provocative topics and life empowering books to shape your lives. We have contest for the readers and more interactive sections added to the magazine. Let us know what you think of the fresh new content by emailing us here.  Thank you!

Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine