Devotionals for the Heart: When you realize God is writing your life story

All the Little Stories Becoming One
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”—Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Have you ever looked back on your life and been struck by how it all seems to fit together like a pattern you couldn’t see while you were living it?

I released my third Christian contemporary novel recently, Hidden Seeds, and during an interview with a news publication, something hit me like a splash of cold water: these books are an echo of the work I’ve been doing for the last 16 years.

Sixteen years ago this month, I was hired as editor of a Christian denominational newspaper called the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, and my life has changed in so many wonderful ways since. I was already a Christian when I started, but my faith walk deepened significantly once I took the position. How could it not? I was surrounded by pastors and church leaders consistently modeling discipleship, day after day. And as the primary writer for the publication, month after month—for 16 years—I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to write about churches, pastors, and everyday Christians doing God’s work. That work takes every imaginable form: coffee ministries, reaching the unchurched through robotics, faith-based summer camps, mission trips, and so much more.

As I spoke with the interviewer, I heard myself say: “So many of the people, the ministries, and the stories from these last 16 years as a Christian journalist are peppered throughout the entire series of novels.” The realization was profound—and it filled me with overwhelming gratitude.

These 16 years have shaped me on a soul level like nothing else. I’ve always been grateful, always loved this work, and I’ve always known I’m blessed to hold this position. But it had never quite hit me this way before. Now I understand: Being a storyteller has changed me. In the telling, I’ve been transformed, inspired, and made new. To learn firsthand from the people who lived these stories, then to share them with others? What a glorious thing.

Now, looking back over the books I have written—and knowing the story for Book 4 that is already taking shape in my mind—I see how these years and all their stories are intricately woven into the characters and the town. As the saying goes, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Well, apparently, I’ve been pouring from a cup brimming with evidence of God’s people doing his will all across this state. That abundance lives in the pages of the Advocate . . . and within my novels.

Life gets hectic, and our thoughts get weighed down by daily concerns and distractions. We forget to step back, to take the long view, to marvel at what God is doing in the full sweep of our lives. It reminds me of watching my kids grow. Because I’m with them every single day, I don’t notice the slow climb from 4-foot-11 to 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-10—until one day I look over and realize they’re taller than I am. That’s what happened to me in this moment of recognition.

God is the master storyteller, and He weaves all our little stories into His grand narrative—even when we can’t see it happening.

So, I want to ask you: What stories are quietly accumulating in your own life right now? What experiences, relationships, or seasons might be more connected than they appear? We don’t always get to see the pattern while we’re living inside it. But it’s there. God is writing something in you, through you. And one day, if you stop and look, you just might catch a glimpse of the whole beautiful design.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the opportunities you give me in life. Even if I can’t see the plan, I know you are behind the scenes, working it all out for your good and your glory. Help me hold fast to gratitude and trust your will and all the ways you are using me. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “God is in This Story” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just the Beginning” by Kurt Carr (feat. Vonnie Lopez). Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers and her third novel, Hidden Seeds, is out now and is a #1 New Release. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. 

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

Devotionals for the Heart: God gives us each a unique gift to use for Him

Celebrating the Gifts that Fit Us Perfectly
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so everyone may see your progress.”—1 Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV)

I'm as organized as a pile of Legos.

By the end of the day, I've left a trail of scattered papers and belongings everywhere with no rhyme or reason or place to call home. My messiness often overwhelms me, yet it doesn’t define me because I've embraced God’s unconditional love and learned to focus on the gifts I was born with.

My creativity started developing the day I opened my first box of crayons. For days, I stayed in my room, nurturing my inner Picasso. Then, I started designing cartoon characters and greeting cards for my mother. Today, my upstairs loft is my escape from the chaos, where I channel my creativity into a greeting card that hits a sweet spot in my soul.

I sometimes envy women whose homes are tidy and organized. But resisting the way God made me is futile. Given the choice, I’d much rather spend an afternoon sketching than color code my sock drawer or label my pantry inventory. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold, I've learned to celebrate the gifts that fit me perfectly, giving me a deep sense of joy and contentment.

When we compare ourselves to what we see others excelling at, we forget that our uniqueness flows out of us as naturally as our breath and is God's paintbrush on life's canvas. God has a purpose for everything He created, and we honor Him by being true to how He designed us.

The Apostle Paul's words to Timothy are a powerful reminder. Paul encouraged Timothy to devote himself to his ministry, trusting that God would accomplish great things through him. In Greek, the word for gift is charismata, which refers to the various spiritual gifts within Timothy and all believers. The elders who laid hands on him recognized God's call on his life, a testament to the importance of trusting in God's plan and the hope it brings.

Instead of chasing dreams that don’t fit us, like Timothy, we should embrace our calling and use it to glorify God. The world is better when we allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our efforts, and we accomplish more than we dare imagine.

Maybe, like me, you aren't the most organized woman on the block, but you were born to do something unforgettable. What better way to honor God than by embracing what comes naturally instead of wasting energy on what doesn't? God loves you too much to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. What great news!

Let's Pray:

Father God,

I'm in awe of how you designed this world, but sometimes, I doubt how you created me. When my weaknesses discourage me, comparing myself to others is easy. Remind me that You designed me for a specific purpose only I can accomplish. When You created me, You broke the mold, so instead of neglecting my gifts, I give You glory by using them daily. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Many Gifts, One Spirit” by Allen Pote. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Romantic Reads: The Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall

Welcome Dawn Crandall to the blog!

She's here to share the inspiration for her story series, The Everstone Chronicles.

Dawn's also agreed to give away one, signed paperback book to a total of five winners! That means that each one of the winners will receive one of the five books in Dawn's series "The Everstone Chronicles." The only requirement is that each of the winners must live in the United States of America.
See the line-up of her books in the graphic below.

Enjoy!

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The Everstone Chronicles
A guest post by Dawn Crandall

Some things just float your boat, you know? What are some of yours?

I’m thinking, for many of you, having piles of awesome newly released novels to read is one of those things. Do you remember what it was that you loved to do more than anything else ... when you were a kid? Well, for me, at least, it hasn’t changed much.

I remember being in third grade and KNOWING that I was meant to write books. But having ADD in the 80’s and feeling like I was a pretty lousy student through most of my school years sort of put my dreams of being a published author in the category of “pipe dream.” Then during my senior year of college, I had one glorious spring break week of creative thinking, and I came up with the name of the heroine I would (hopefully) write someday—Amaryllis Brigham. And I also came up with the last name of the hero, and the family I would write a series about—the Everstones.

Five years after I graduated from college, I got married. And because I had lots of extra time at that point, I decided to check out some books about character development from the library. Which was the first clue to my husband that I wanted to write a novel. Yes, I hadn’t even told him! Then another five years went by while I worked full time at a daycare. I had definitely thought more about writing it by then, but I didn’t really know how to start.

But then I did. At the age of 32, during January 2010, I finally started writing The Hesitant Heiress. I just dove in, half planned and half one-chapter-at-a-time. I love history so much, when I’m doing research the world as it was just comes to life in my imagination and the story possibilities are endless!

I wrote Nathan and Amaryllis’s story for myself—for the joy of writing! Creating story, I found, was my favorite hobby beyond reading them! I did have a dream once during the two year process of writing The Hesitant Heiress, and I very vaguely saw a cover face out on a shelf. But again, to me it seemed like an impossibility, and I just kept focused on the joy I attained from writing it. If you would have told me back then that my first novel I loved writing would be traditionally published and on the market two and a half years after I finished writing it, I would have laughed in your face!

And then, when I first saw Amaryllis on the cover of that first book in my series of five ... I thought back to the dream I had that one time, and she was it. The way Amaryllis Brigham is situated on the cover of my published novel was very similar to the vague book cover of my dream. God had done it! He had taken the biggest desire of my life, given me a dream even when I was too cautious to hope, and He had made it a possibility. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Dawn Crandall's debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, The Hesitant Heiress, was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award.  

Dawn lives in a 165 year old brick farmhouse on a little farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana, along with her husband, their two little boys, two spunky cats, one giant dog...and an Angora goat named Buddy (who actually lives in the barn, not the house).

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Buy Dawn’s books on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Dawn:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DawnCrandallWritesFirst
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bilhmv
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dawncrandallwritesfirst
Website: www.dawncrandall.blogspot.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dawnwritesfirst
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dawnwritesfirst

~*~
*This book giveaway contest is for residents of the United States of America ONLY because mailing books outside of the USA is too expensive. If you are a citizen of the USA then you may enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN ONE of Dawn's books by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

YOU are invited to Bible Boot Camp! It's FREE and available online.

The July 2019 edition of Bible Boot Camp starts on July 1 and continues every morning from 5:00 a.m. (EST) to 5:30 a.m. (EST) until July 31! 

These boot camp sessions are hosted by Pastor Paul Graham via
Full Circle Ministries. 

So "Wake up and stretch your spiritual muscles" every morning this July! 

Join the LIVE sessions here, http://live.fullcircleministries.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Dreams

Devastated but Determined
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“…Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” ~Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

Dreams have no deadline, but inspiration has a gestation period.

Have you ever awakened with a vibrant idea that could lead to greatness but were too busy to write it down and pursue it? I have. Several times. Alfred North Whitehead wisely said that, “Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.”

The first step in nurturing creativity is to write down good ideas as soon as you can after it is perceived. Write with as much detail and clarity as possible. Later, review what you wrote and expand on the idea. If you do not, the power and clarity of the inspiration will fade. I am actually, smarting from the loss of a good idea that recently faded due to my own proclivity to distraction.

I woke up one day about two years ago, inspired, with a book in my spirit. Immediately, I wrote the introduction and outlined 12 chapters. It was to be a short, small book about first aid for injured relationships. I would think about it, ponder thoughts and write, occasionally, but soon, I lost the muse.

I regained the passion this year, in March. I wrote diligently on my iPad, saved each addition and almost finished the book. Then, I got distracted, again. When I went back to the file, it was gone. All that was left of my work was the original outline. Devastated does not begin to express how I felt.

Procrastinating when inspired is a bad and costly habit. The book that I was working on, once completed, may or may not have sold a million copies. The cost, however, of losing it, is not counted in money, but in the content, context and currency of the soul.

Last week I stood among the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, in Turkey. Among the artifacts of the ancient city was found and displayed a marble fresco honoring the ancient, mythological, goddess Athena. Athena was a fierce and ruthless warrior. Victory was her slogan.

The marketing gurus of the popular sports brand, Nike, extracted their logo, the swoosh, from that fresco and the legend of Athena. Her sense of immediacy in battle was condensed into the marketing slogan, “Just do it!”

When noble inspiration strikes you, don’t delay or procrastinate. Just do it! Write it down so that others may learn from it, advance it and grow.

The lyrics of the third stanza of the rousing ballad “Lift Every Voice and Sing” capture the pathos of lost inspiration: “Stony the road we trod/bitter the chastening rod/felt in the day that hope unborn had died…”

Dreams unpursued that lay stagnant in our souls are often reabsorbed into the cosmic nexus of inspiration, to be shared with a different responsive spirit, or die stillborn in our souls. When a woman miscarries a baby, it must be extracted lest the decay within challenge her continued existence. What happens when inspiration dies inside? The soul becomes putrefied and withers.

However, praise be upon him, God, the ultimate muse, is a restorer. God believes in and generates new beginnings. A lost opportunity is not the end of life. It should be instructive and act as an igniter when a new muse whispers.

Be assured that the next book that God inspires in my spirit will be written. The next noble impetus in my soul will be acted upon, quickly. May the same determination that I feel be your experience as well.

Go forth and conquer. Your success is conditioned by your response to inspiration. Just do it! Do it now and complete what you started.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Columbia Union College (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland. He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees–a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

Devotionals for the Heart: Vanity

Vanity Plates: Inspiration or Indictment?
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

One of the most thrilling experiences of my life was catalyzed by a bumper sticker. It asked a simple question, “What ever happened to the dreams of your youth?”

I passed the car and began cataloguing some of my youthful dreams that I had allowed to slip into the recesses of my mind. By the time I arrived at home, I had chosen one to fulfill. Skydiving. I did it.

Recently, I was similarly riveted by a vanity license plate, on a car. It simply read “NMYHRT!” I don’t know what the driver had in mind when she chose that tag. My mind immediately began searching for cognates in my memory. Songs from youth began to resonate in my mind. There’s within my heart a melody…”, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart…”, But the song that goes, “Lord, I want to be a Christian, in my heart…” resonated in my being. My car became a sanctuary as I rehearsed those songs in my mind.

Later in the day, I thought about the biblical line in Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) that says, “For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” Building upon that refrain, I remembered a paragraph that I had memorized from the book by James Allen “As a Man Thinketh.” The quote was, “The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state…Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”

Flowing from that stream of consciousness, I then reflected on another biblical line from the Gospel of Matthew 12:34 (KJV). It says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” It means that what ever thoughts reside in the recesses or forefront of your consciousness, will eventually be manifest in your speech, deeds and maybe even subconscious/reflex actions.

I then remembered a line that my father reiterated in my youth when he exhorted me to clean up my room. He would say, “People can tell a lot about your character by looking at your horizontal spaces and your closet.” My suits, sport coats, pants, shirts and ties are hung in an orderly manner. The suits and shirts hang from light to dark, left to right and my shirts similarly. Old clothes in good shape are donated.

Recently, I found a suit and a few shirts that had small holes in them. Moths? I discarded them. My desk, well, I know where everything is, most of the time. Regularly, I must clear my desk, file what is important and discard what is not.

All of this ruminating was prompted by those 7 characters on the rear bumper of a car. Now I think, was it inspirational or indicting? I think both because it forced me to think about my thought life and how badly I need to attend that closet. What is on the horizontal spaces of my consciousness? What is on yours?

If what is in my heart is reflected by who I am, what I have and if what I am experiencing is the product of my thoughts, I have some work to do. We all do.

Join me in a new quest! Let’s examine and if necessary, reorder the closet and horizontal spaces of our interiors. Discarding old, tattered or destructive mindsets may give us more spiritual and emotional energy.

Embracing and exploring some of the ideas and dreams that lie as eggs in the ovaries of our souls, may restore fertility, verve and productivity in our lives.

Enthusiasm is catalyzed in the uncluttered soul. What’s in your heart?

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Columbia Union College (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland. He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees–a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

Author Interview with Erin R. Dooley

Let's welcome Erin R. Dooley to the blog today!

She's an award-winning screenwriter who wrote a book called "You Want Me to Do What, God?!"  that gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at how her movie Broken & Beautiful was made. She's also giving away one copy of her book! Details are below toward the end of the interview.

The movie releases on Feb. 14, 2018. Erin will return to this blog later in February to talk about it. But for today, the focus is on her book! Enjoy my interview with Erin!

~*~

Interview with Erin R. Dooley about her book, 

“You Want Me to Do What, God?!”

Hi Erin! Thanks for agreeing to an author interview on my “God is Love” blog. We’re going to talk about your new book and “the faith of making Broken & Beautiful” which is your movie that’s coming out in February 2018.

First, congratulations on making a movie! We’ll talk about that next month. Today, we’re focusing on the story behind making the movie. It’s a story that you’ve humorously titled “You Want Me to Do What, God?!”

Let’s talk about it. These are my questions:

Alexis: Why do you believe that God wanted you to write this book? Share the story-behind-the-story. 

Erin: I wrote the book first as journal for myself, on the encouragement of Amanda Cleary Eastep. She's my friend and former co-worker. There were so many “God moments” that happened, that I just had to write them in a journal.

As I was getting funding and securing every other element of pre-production, I would share the story of how God called me to make the film. This seemed to touch people, so I continued to share it. I was especially taken with the fact that some people who are not religious, people who had fallen away from the church, seemed to be impacted by the story. When you step out so strongly in faith, people resonate with that, whether or not they are people of faith.

As I prepared to release the film, I thought I would be remiss if I didn't release this book. For me, the beauty of this film is how it came to be. I am proud of the film and think that on its own, it can impact people, but the making of it can equally impact people. 

Alexis: What is your relationship with Amanda Cleary Eastep who wrote the Foreword for your book? Describe the role that she played in helping you write this story.

Erin: Amanda Cleary Eastep and I used to work together. We weren't in the same department, but I would have frequent meetings with their department. We began having lunch together quite often and our conversations turned toward our shared love of writing. Even after we no longer worked together, our friendship and support of each other's writing remained. Amanda is a wonderful woman – encouraging, thoughtful, insightful are just a few of the top characteristics that come to mind. She was a constant cheerleader and prayer warrior on this journey. When I was writing my book, it was only fitting that she write the foreword, since she was instrumental in me writing the book in the first place!

Alexis: What advice do you have for people who are striving to do God’s will even when they do not understand? Speak from your personal experience.

Erin: Part of what I say in the book when I talk about this is first, you should be in prayer. Prayer will help you discern if what you are feeling is from God. Seeking counsel from people who are strong in their faith is also helpful in understanding if God is calling you to do something.

Once you feel secure that God is calling you to do something, it still may not be comfortable. He often calls people out of their comfort zones. This film was the biggest undertaking I had done up until that point. I told God he had the wrong woman. The title of my book really was my response, and maybe your response – God is asking you to do what?

What I can say, now being on the other side, is that God will be there with you. He won't ask you to do something and then bail on you. Remain in prayer. The way I've taken to pray is, “God, I believe this path/decision is what I am to do next. I will do this next thing. If it is not right, please redirect me and open the correct door.” Every step of the way, keep checking in. You may not get total clarity, but God usually gives enough for you to take that next step He needs you to.

Alexis: What about writing this book brought you the greatest joy?

Erin: Honestly, I like the reaction when people hear the title. It disarms people and makes people smile. I think that makes people more open to reading the story. I have a very personal relationship with God, where I do speak with Him so casually I can respond to Him with a question like “You want me to do what?”. It's not some “holier than thou” story. I'm just a woman who loves the Lord and wants to serve him in my daily life, using the talents He's given me, who is sharing her story. It seems like that approach makes people more open to hear about a journey of faith and think about their own life. Having God use me to help bring others to Him is my greatest joy.

Alexis: What was your most difficult challenge in writing this book? Explain.

Erin: The book is primarily based on journal entries written during filming, so I needed to make some changes to put them in chapters that had some cohesion and flow. I also wanted to strike a balance between a behind the scenes on the logistics of making an ultra low budget film and the faith aspect. I also hadn't journaled as much once filming started, so I had to go off my memory, which was a challenge because I have a notoriously bad memory).

Alexis: How did you learn to understand and trust God’s timing?

Erin: Truthfully, I can still sometimes struggle with this. I do try to look for lessons I may need to be learning if I feel like God is making me wait for something. Another co-worker of mine used to always say “Time is going to pass anyway, so you may as well make time work for you.” That stuck with me so that I don't waste time. If I'm waiting, there may be a reason and I can at least do something while I wait.

Alexis: What would you say is the most valuable life lesson that you learned while going through the experiences that you’ve written about in this book?

Erin: I would say that I learned that God's dreams for you may be bigger than your own. Even if he's not calling you to do something on a big stage, he may be calling you to be a bigger, better person than you are right now. I have grown immensely in following God's will in my life and where I am right now is not where I would be if I had followed my own plans for myself.

Alexis: In your book, your sister told you that she had a dream that a man approached her while she was in Subway (the restaurant) saying that He felt impressed to give her money to make a movie. Did that ever happen? If not, how did you get the funds to make your movie?

Erin: Ha! Don't I wish she met a mysterious benefactor at Subway. I mean, she didn't really even try and hit up some Subways, but I've given her a pass on that. I held some fundraising events and then basically asked anyone and everyone I knew to contribute. Since it is a faith-based film, a lot of people I knew were inclined to give. And going back to an earlier question, really sharing how I felt called by God really inspired generosity in others.

Alexis: I like how you started each chapter of your book with a Bible verse. How did you go about choosing the most appropriate verse for each chapter?

Erin: Thanks. I did quite a search through the Bible with some keywords and had a list of maybe 30-40 verses. Then I made bullet points of each chapter's main points. I looked through my list and did my best to match it up with the main theme of the chapter.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope that this book will help your readers?

Erin: I hope people will think about how God may be speaking with them and see what God could be calling them to do. Like I say in the book, some are called to something big and will influence many people, and others are called to influence a smaller circle of people, perhaps their children and family. No matter the size of your call, there is value in it. Whatever God is asking you to do, do it! 

Alexis: Now that this book is written, what’s next?

Erin: Right now, I am very busy with the release of the film. Both the book and the film “Broken & Beautiful” come out on February 14. Then I will embark on a 10-city tour with the film, going from California to the east coast. After that, I'm not sure just yet. I'm seeing where God is leading!

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Erin! God bless you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erin R. Dooley is an award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, speaker, and author. 

Erin has produced two feature films, numerous short films, two comedy web series, a docu-series, and one feature documentary. 

Erin and her projects have been featured in 20 different media outlets, including Newsweek's "Guide Of What To Watch." 

"You Want Me to Do What, God?!" is her first book. She lives in Los Angeles County.

About the book: You Want Me To Do What, God?! is a look at the faith of saying "yes" to God's call even when you don't understand what He is asking of you. 

Written in a conversational tone, author Erin R. Dooley takes the reader behind the scenes of making the faith-based film Broken & Beautiful. 

Part devotional, with scripture verses and reflection questions, and part testimonial, based on journal entries during filming, the book presents an approachable perspective to living out your faith.

Buy the movie and read the book via http://www.brokenandbeautifulmovie.com/buy-the-movie.html

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Connect with Erin:

Facebook Fan Page - www.facebook.com/brokenandbeautifulmovie

Facebook Business Page - https://www.facebook.com/DASHEntertainment/
Movie Feed on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Brokn_Beautiful
Production Company Feed on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DASH_Entertain
Personal Twitter - https://twitter.com/erindooley34

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*United States Residents ONLY May enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Litfuse Publicity Group blog tour for Lee Wolfe Blum's book about beauty

Book: Brave is the New Beautiful
Author: Lee Wolfe Blum
Reviewed by: Alexis A. Goring

Author Lee Wolfe Blum’s heart of love shows in the stories that she’s shared in this book as she tries to encourage women to embrace all God’s created them to be in this life.

Brave is the New Beautiful was not an easy read. The author shares perhaps too many stories from different women. While each story has inspirational and life-changing qualities, the overabundance of viewpoints and glimpses into a variety of real-life situations made the flow of this story a bit choppy and difficult to follow. The reader can become a bit lost between the pages of this book.

The read may have been easier to digest if the author focused on a few stories and elaborated her points for each instead of sharing so many and having takeaway points for each one. It was overwhelming for this reader and at times, confusing.

However, this book is still worth reading. It’s a good collection of stories that will make the reader think and evaluate their own life story. The messages in this book will encourage their heart because the author proves her point that in God’s eyes, women are valuable, they are worthy, they are brave and they are beautiful. 

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided Alexis A. Goring with a complimentary copy of "Brave is the New Beautiful" in exchange for an honest review.

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Author bio:

Lee Wolfe Blum is an energetic and passionate speaker who loves to help women find hope in healing from perfectionism and addictions. She works as a mental health practitioner in the field of Eating Disorders and Chemical Dependency. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three boys. Find out more about Lee Wolfe at leewolfeblum.com.

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Book blurb for Brave is the New Beautiful: In a culture that bombards women with "thinspiration" messages and pressure to "do it all" while wearing the mask of perfection, women are left feeling alone and overwhelmed. How can they stop comparing themselves to others? How can they live out who they really are? 

Lee Wolfe Blum offers stories from everyday women who have answered these questions with their lives—and found true beauty in the process. 

In Brave Is the New Beautiful, Blum weaves reflections from her own journey with inspirational stories from everyday women who chose to take off their masks and live authentically. 

Through call-to-action questions and ideas, she encourages readers to be brave enough to be who they really are and the beloved that God knows they are.

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Buy Lee's book on Amazon.

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Connect with Lee:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LeeBlumAuthor
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lblum/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/blumtown/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BlumLee

Words of Faith: Award-winning Actress Jenn Gotzon shares her story

Following your heart vs. being Lead by Divine Inspiration (God)
A Words of Faith story by Jenn Gotzon

When I was a teen, my passion ignited for cinema. I wanted to be an actress in lead roles to inspire and impact viewers’ lives.

My journey began after I accepted Jesus and believed that He is real and my personal Friend, Lover of my soul, Guider of my dreams and the Savior of my life. I would pray and vision would appear on my soul. I would step out in blind faith with my eyes on the vision provided by God, leaping over the ocean waves crashing around me.

I always wanted to be a dancer in Disney World. So I flew down to Orlando, Fla. with two dimes in my pocket, a pair of rollerblades and the vision God put on my heart. I asked for talent, favor, a home, food, a vehicle and a job. God provided each one. I truly saw God in action. It takes our ability to STEP out in faith.

As an adult, I see my logic entering into decisions. I pray for wisdom and seek the peace that surpasses understanding in my direction. I have to be quiet, still and get into a space mentally in prayer, reading Scripture, listening to praise music and journaling. I then visualize Jesus with me. Sitting by me. And I talk to Him. I know that may sound looney tunes, though it is true. I truly experience the providential love from Jesus Christ looking at me as His bride saying, “I am with you. I will never leave you or forsake you. Trust me. Do not fear for I go before you. I will lead you. Trust Me. Go and be Strong and Courageous. Seek Me. Ask Me for wisdom and I will give it to you.”

Recently, the logic, strife, anxiety, stress, advice and tension that arose around a recent job offer was suffocating me. During prayer, a peace settled my soul providing direction to go the opposite way my logic and business team advised. I am stepping out in faith and within hours I’ve already experienced fruit with restoration of relationships, friendships, hope, life, love and creative vision. Finally, I can breathe again. I recognize these attributes as fruit as I begin the beginning steps of playing this character in this new movie.

Life is a series of moments in a great drama. We can choose to make it a comedy or a tragedy. God allows us to choose by our thought life. James 1:2-8 says that we are to “count it all joy” when challenges arise because it allows us to have opportunity to grow in endurance of character. The endurance comes from God commanding us to ask/pray/seek wisdom. Wisdom comes from Godly divine intervention. Pray and step in faith!

Bless you all!

Sincerely,

Jenn Gotzon

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Author bio: Jenn Gotzon is an award-winning actress whose career was launched with her portraying Tricia Nixon (former U.S. President Richard Nixon’s daughter), in the Oscar-Nominated movie, Frost/Nixon. Since then, Jenn is known as an American leading lady who seeks roles in movies that have redemptive storylines depicting humanity in its truest form who find hope in the climax of the story.

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Connect with Jenn: IMDB - www.imdb.me/jenngotzon
Instagram - www.instagram.com/JennGOTZON
Facebook - www.facebook.com/JennGOTZON
Twitter - www.twitter.com/JennGOTZON
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Special Giveaway contest details, the Hollywood edition:
Kind-hearted Jenn would like to give you, my wonderful blog readers, a chance to attend her movie premieres in real-life! Yes, this is a REAL offer from a REAL Hollywood actress. You may use your cell phone to text the word INSPIRING to 22828 and Jenn Gotzon will invite you to her movie premieres!

*Standard text-messaging rates may apply when you send that one-word (INSPIRING) text to Jenn Gotzon. 

Inspiration station: "Shoes of Peace" - A message from Priscilla Shirer

#WFASummer Series - Week Three - Shoes of Peace from Going Beyond on Vimeo.
#WFASummer Series