#WednesdayWordswithFriends

Good Morning Friends!

Well, my guest today was unable to participate so you get to hear from me again. Since nothing much has happened in a week, I thought I'd share with you an article I wrote years ago for The Wordsmith Journal (now TWJ Mag) in my Pamela's Ponderings column....

The Quest

I’ve been on a spiritual journey since the day I recommitted my life to Christ in 1989. Back then I attended the Catholic Church. Although I love and respect the heart of the Mass, I always felt there is so much more to God and Christ than what can be found in doctrine and the traditions of organized religion. 

Scriptures that said “the same Spirit that raised Christ is in you” and “let the mind of Christ dwell richly in you” and “that you may know the fullness Christ” backed by Jesus’s claim that the works He did I should do also and more, sparked a burning desire to know Him more fully, more intimately and that the fullness of Christ be evident in my life.

Thus began my quest.

I listen to Christian music, watch and listen to various teachers of the Word on radio and television--absorbing their messages, and I read voraciously books by ministers and spiritual leaders of all denominations as well as some who profess no religious beliefs – only the true nature of God (of Love).

Sometimes I feel as if I’ve grown in the past thirty years, and yet, at other times I feel like a babe in the woods.

Alas, spiritual growth and maturity is a continual thing, an ongoing journey to my highest vision of God and the grandest version of who I am in Him.

Over the next few months (or years as God deems) I’d like to share with you some truths I’ve discovered about who God is to me and how those truths have illumined my mind, opened my heart and changed my life.

Some may be articles I’ve written for other publications, others may seem like random thoughts. Many of the things I share will resonate with you, others will seem whacky or far out or like ‘new age spiritualism’ or worse, heretical. But I assure you, at the heart of all these lessons and every question is to know Him, to be like Him and to reflect His teachings and His truths in my every thought, word and deed.

Hopefully these ponderings will make you think, question and search for your own truth about what God means to you, who He is in your life, and how you can become more like Him….more like Christ and more like the great spiritual leaders of all time whose message is, was and remains….God is love and he who dwells in Love, dwells in God.

Well, friends, I hope you enjoyed this post and that

Although I haven't contributed in quite a while, the column is still up at TWJ Magazine. I hope you'll check it out and that you'll join me later when I share more Pamela's Ponderings. And of course return weekly for Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time take care and God bless.
PamT

Tuesday Treasure - Dreams & Miracles by Ann Spangler

Good Morning Friends!

I recently finished reading this book and just had to share it with you!

I received this as a gift many years ago but didn't recall ever reading it. Unusual because in most instances I can read a few pages and know whether or not I've already enjoyed (or not) a particular book.

Anyway, as one who has been on a spiritual quest for nearly half of my adult life, I am truly blessed to have this book on hand. I do believe in the power of dreams to guide, warn or reassure us.

The Bible talks about God speaking to us through dreams....

Job 33:14-15 says... “For God does speak, perhaps once, or even twice, though one perceive it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night (when deep sleep falls upon men) as they slumber in their beds.” 

Joel 2:28 says... "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."

This wonderful book by Ann Spangler tells stories of people whose lives have been changed by a dream and is accompanied by a "Dream Journal" in which one can write down a strange or reoccurring dream.

Although this particular edition of "Dreams & Miracles" is no longer available, a Kindle version is.

If you believe in dreams and their power or spiritual implications, do yourself a favor and read this book!

PS: Speaking of dreams and books...check out my novel Tempered Dreams (book 2 in my 4 part --maybe one day 5 part-- series!)

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

 Available on Kindle & Nook!

For more on my spiritual quest, check out my column Pamela's Ponderings in The Wordsmith Journal Magazine!

VBT ~ Women in High Definition

Hello Friends,

Today's guest is brought to you by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. Enjoy!

ISBN: 978-0-9854172-0-8

Paperback: 163 pages

Retail: $12.99

Release: April 20, 2012

Publisher: Words in High Def  

Kindle: $6.95

“ Women in High Def will remind you that when God writes your story, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime! Diane Markins has written a book addressing topics women deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for a contemporary, captivating read filled with practical advice that will give you insight and wisdom for daily decisions, this is it!”                           

~ Carol Kent, Speaker and Author 

Between a Rock and a Grace Place (Zondervan)

To celebrate the “Going Boldly” Blog Tour Women in High Def is available for free from September 10-September 14 on Kindle at: http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa

About the Book:

(Check out the Website)

Women are as unique as snowflakes or butterflies, but after surveying hundreds of them, writer and radio host Diane Markins learned that the top needs they feel are the same. She also began hearing a recurring theme: I want more! I want to be better! I want to be bold!

Women in High Def aims to propel women out of a low-def, foggy life of going through the motions in a blur. The profound stories, intercessory prayer prompts and coaching elements work together to catapult women into living fearlessly for God…being bolder moms, having purposeful passions, pursuing marriage excellence, loving themselves with gusto, laughing with abandon, transforming mistakes into blasts of blessings and bravely seeking the Lord in all His majestic glory. The bonus Bible study at the back of the book points them to scripture to gain Biblical insight and direction for each need and role they play. It can be used alone or in a group.

Women in High Def is not passive reading. It cries out to the spirit of readers to be unafraid as they actively reach for clarity, vibrancy and intensity in all the meaningful areas of their lives.

About the Author:

Diane Markins has always aspired to live in High Def. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. She settles for nothing less in her own life as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend and colleague. Diane writes two blogs,WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.com, is a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Teamwebsite and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.

Falling Down Gorgeous

(Excerpt from Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.

---

Why Bold is Better

by Diane Markins

“Your dress has really bold colors.” Does that sound like an insult in any way? How about this one: “That was a really bold choice.” Would you consider this criticism?

I hope not! I’d never wear something that would melt into the background of a beige room. I’d hate it if someone said, “You made a very safe, easy choice.”

Being bold means taking risks, not fearing failure or rejection and requires intentional thinking. When we live boldly for God we have empowerment and passion to make our boldness meaningful.

Settling for mediocrity in marriage, as parents, in careers, friendship, faith or ministry is not bold. God wants us to pursue everything we do with intensity and decisiveness. This means we are frequently checking the pulse of our pursuits and rapidly responding when we get a distress signal.

Is your marriage (especially in bed) ho-hum? Find some bold ways to rev it back up. Are your kids struggling? Don’t just shrug and follow the “traditional wisdom,” think creatively about taking brave actions no one else would.

Do your prayers feel more like talking to the ceiling fan than conversations with a wise, cherished friend? Do something wild and new to transform.

Don’t confuse boldness with arrogance or recklessness. When your bold actions are paired with love, respect and clarity the results will translate as conviction with complete humility.

Jesus has a bold message and He is asking you to not only share it, but live it! Bold is truly better.

"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize

 – Retail Value: $70

• Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
• Bright and Vibrant Earrings
• Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
• Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor) 
• Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
• Custom coffee mug: Women in High Def (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)

Leave a comment for your chance to win!

Hope you've enjoyed this VBT - visit often to meet other great authors with helpful/encouraging books!

Until later.... Be Blessed!

PamT

PS: Don't forget The Wordsmith Journal is having a "Basket of Books" contest 9/10 - 9/25- Details HERE! Enter today!

Saturday Spotlight - Linda Rondeau

Good Morning Friends,

Well another 4 weeks have passed and I'm still not settled and organized enough to blog regularly but I keep working toward that! A lot has happened since my last post. August 18th marked the 3yr anniversary of my husband's death and was a day of mixed emotions as I had a funeral AND a wedding to attend that day! The next week I drove to Durant, OK for a speaking engagement - loads of fun! Now, I'm settled back in LA and doing my best to wrap up several projects, keep The Wordsmith Journal Magazine running smoothly and hopefully start the new year a lot more organized and fruitful! This my friends, is my life in a nutshell LOL!

Now without much further ado, please welcome Linda Rondeau to our Saturday Spotlight with her new book, America II The Reformation.

Winner of the 2012 Selah Award for best first novel (The Other Side of Darkness/Harbourlight), LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com. Her second book, written under L.W. Rondeau, America II: The Reformation, Trestle Press, the first in a dystopian trilogy, is a futuristic political now available in ebook on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Print edition will be available September 7. She is also contracted with Trestle Press for a prequel to her America II trilogy called The Rising. This will appear in serial form. Volume One will be released soon. An Adirondack romance will be released in October by Lighthouse of the Carolinas in time for the Christmas season and is called, It Really Is a Wonderful life.

Following unprecedented climatic changes, resultant pestilence and war brought the world into chaos. Eventually, each nation surrendered its sovereignty to form a global democracy, initially known as The Accord. However, the democratic government proved too weak and was soon replaced by a faux democratic rule.
The year is 2073, and current governor of Western America Province, Edwin Rowlands, is poised to become the Constitutional Government’s second president. Many fear that the sweeping reforms found in his proposed Preservation Act will set him up as a dictator. If enacted, defection both past and present would become a crime punishable by death, thus bringing all outlands into crushing subjection.

While most believe reform is critical, factions disagree on how to prevent the Preservation Act from becoming law. Ahmed Farid, second President, believes reform can be managed within the existing government. Leader of the Revolutionary Army, Jimmy Kinnear, trusts only in military intervention. However, Jacob Goodayle, Chairman of Western America’s illegal outland government, favors separatism.
As tensions rise, civil war seems imminent. Who will be the voice of reason in a world on the verge of a third dark age?

Endorsements for America II The Reformation


Linda Rondeau’s new series is a near-future tale of twisted morality and technology that begins with a clutch to the throat and won’t let go, even after the last page. ~ Lisa Lickel, author of Meander Scar


The author shows clear imagination, and it is definitely an interesting read. ~ Ian Miller, author


The author has evidently given much consideration and context to the present trends and circumstances that threaten such societies: the "Balkanization" or further fragmentation of the America's and other areas of the globe; pandemic viruses and cataclysmic natural events; centralized regimes and tyrannical rule; euthanasia and population control; mass-media programming and propaganda; conflicts and war….five stars! ~H. Kirk Rainer, author


In America II: The Reformation, L. W. Rondeau creates a story world I want to explore and characters I want to know. Rondeau addresses controversial issues our world faces now and will face in the future. She crafts a story worth reading.~ T. Tarver, author of Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes


A futuristic fast-paced tale, America II: The Reformation, will keep you on the edge of your seat. L.W. Rondeau knows how to grip the human heart. ~ Alice J. Wisler, author of Rain Song, Still Life in Shadows, and three other novels


A sweeping drama! Rondeau skillfully creates a realistic society on the brink of revolution in the not-too-distant future. Hope, fear, love, faith--the passions of her complex characters draw you into their intricate political intrigue until their causes become your causes. ~Suzanne Hartmann, author of Peril, the first in the Fast Track Thriller series

An electronic version of America II The Reformation can be purchased at Amazon.com & Barnes and Noble (print edition coming soon!)

Well friends, hope you've enjoyed this edition of Saturday Spotlight. Be sure and check back often for other great spotlights and blog tours!

Until later...take care, God Bless and remember....When you expect miracles, miracles happen!
PamT

Saturday Spotlight - Richard Paa Kofi Botchwey

Good Morning Friends,

It's been a long time since we had a Saturday Spotlight. As you know I've taken a break from regular blogging, choosing instead to update you on my life in a "nutshell".... so here it is.....

The Wordsmith Journal Magazine has grown by leaps and bounds! We've brought on a team of reviewers, a few more columnists, a new sponsor! I've uploaded the Oct/Nov issue (recreated), and the Feb & March issues up on Kindle, Nook & ISSUU. They are also available as a download from the site! I am working on the April issue as well as re-creating the Dec & Jan issues. Whew! One day I'll be caught up LOL!

In my last post, I mentioned that I submitted Circles of Fate to Harbour Light Books - well they requested a full manuscript! Seems like FOREVER since I submitted something new so I'm soliciting all the prayers I can get LOL!

This week I've been in Daytona Beach, FL for the NDA Cheer & Dance competition cheering on Stephen F Austin State University teams and I'm happy to report the Pom Team came in 3rd, Jack Attack (Hip Hop team) came in FIRST!  Large Cheer and Small Cheer were 2nd & 5th respectively - Go Jacks!

And that, my friends is my life in a nutshell!

Now without further ado...onto our spotlight.....

Richard Paa Kofi Botchwey is an ebullient multi-genre Ghanaian Writer, Poet, Speaker and a Photo Journalist. He has been writing since the age of fourteen and has several works in progress. He was born in Appiakrom, Bogoso in the western region of Ghana. At ages five and seven, he lost his father and mother respectively. But that did not discourage him; instead he encouraged himself to reach the top. Today, he is living a fruitful life and fulfilling his God-given purpose of being an answer to someone’s prayer or need. His poem, Life lessons was published in Rising Artist Magazine in April 2009 in USA. In January 2011, he was invited to read his poetry on Writer’s Project on Citi 97.3fm (citifmonline.com) and was welcomed with his poems: Kiss of Death, The Soon Drama and The Muted Island. He has also been on Open Air Theatre on Radio Universe 105.7fm with his inspiring poems: Give up Not, The Choice is within us, A Time comes & A Time goes and Today won’t mirror Tomorrow. Being an orphan has empowered him to rise and advocate for the orphans around the world. He is the voice for the voiceless and hope to the hopeless. He reminds you that, “When you keep blessing others, your light will keep shining.”

This book is about life. How painful and beautiful it can be. It is a lesson teacher as well as a comforter. It is an encourager as well as a chastiser. It is a journey through a storm with a triumphant ending. It is a book that can help change the world; a spellbinding memoir of childhood aching sadness and desperate humor. It is a testament which makes you believe, in spite of poverty and death, there is hope for the future. This chronicle of amazing triumph against all odds will help you understand life properly and live to be a blessing to the world.

Foreword

“The eagle makes its nest in the valley, knowing its wings will allow it to soar to the mountain tops.”

Rejoice for an orphan has become a king. From his pit of sorrow and anguish he has risen with a crown! The lips of the wicked have been silenced. Those who oppressed him are now speechless. Look God has done it! From his pit he has risen. His sorrow turned to joy. His pains turned to comfort.

The earth trembles. The angels rejoice. His friends sing to the Lord. An orphan made king! An orphan made king! The slaps were a sounding to the world of greatness. His beatings were a sounding to the world that he is blessed. Look he cries no more. The Lord has wiped away his tears. The Lord has wiped away the tears of his family.

They hunger no more. They sit at the table together to feast. The pestilence that once plagued them is gone. Their strength has been renewed. Their spirits have been made strong. No longer do they sleep on the streets. Abandoned buildings and gloomy huts they no longer stay in. For the Lord has made a king in their family. The Lord has made the weak and voiceless of the earth strong.

From the bottom of a pit a king has risen; to teach the world the way of the Lord; to be a light in dark times. The years of torment have passed him. Yes, blessings and prosperity is his now and forever. An orphan made king! An orphan made king! Give praise to the Lord for an orphan has been made king.

-Emmanuel Young

Author of “The Psalms of a Warrior’s Heart”

Owner/CEO of “E-Magine Publishing”

WHERE YOU CAN BUY A COPY:

WWW.AMAZON.COM   :

http://www.amazon.com/The-Tale-Orphan-Lesson-ebook/dp/B007MD8X3Y/ref=/ref=cm_cd_f_pb_t

WWW.KOBOBOOKS.COM  :

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Tale-Orphan-Lesson-To/book-RsusL9EI30eVB6o_Af4wzw/page1.html

WWW.BN.COM

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tale-of-an-orphan-emmanuel-young/1108888696?ean=9780985075927&itm=2&usri=the+tale+of+an+orphan

http://www.e-maginepublishing.com

http://www.rbotchwey.blogspot.com

http://www.itunes.com

Well folks that wraps up another edition of Saturday Spotlight and My Life in a Nutshell!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. 

Until later take care & God Bless!

PamT