Tag Archive - Book Giveaway

Book Giveaway: She’s Got Issues

April 26, 2012 in On Writing with 18 Comments

“If you’re a woman, if you have issues–then it’s that simple. This book is for you!”

That’s the actual endorsement I gave for my friend Nicole Unice & her latest book, She’s Got Issues.

But.

Before I tell you more about my friend Nicole Unice and how you can win one of three copies of her book–I wanted to put her in the HOT seat (at least I hope she won’t have an issue with that. HAHA).

Watch this video first and learn what issue she struggles with most:

She’s Got Issues explores the most common issues women face like control, comparison, insecurity, fear, unforgiveness, and love. Each chapter also has questions for group discussion–a great tool for women’s small groups.

Interview with Nicole

I asked Nicole to share what she thought was the biggest issue we as 20-something women face:

Although we don’t like to admit it, most of us know that we’ve got issues. There’s a part of us, even when we act all grown-up on the outside, that can still feel like a middle schooler on the inside. Whether it’s comparing the way we stack up (figuratively and physically!) to our friends, or dwelling on our long-standing insecurity, or giving into our fears that the worst-case scenario will come true, we all struggle to believe in the better story.

But there is good news for us, the ones with issues.

The good news is that the promises of Christ do make a difference. The offer of a relationship with God isn’t just about a ticket to heaven. It’s about his offer to come be with us in our issues. Not to love us despite or around those things that you’d rather ignore–but to love you right through them.

Even if you feel like your issues are petty.

Even if you feel like you are responsible to get yourself out of your own mess–I’ve got some seriously good news for you.

God isn’t deterred by what you think of your issues. He continues to invite you to let him into those places, and to experience the transforming power of his love even in the most “ordinary” issues of your soul.

Enter to win one of three copies by leaving a comment on this blog or you can purchase a copy on Amazon.

Book Giveaway: The Ten Best Decisions A Graduate Can Make

April 25, 2012 in On Writing with 13 Comments

I LOVE Bill and Pam Farrel for more than a few reasons:

1. They’ve faithfully served in all facets of ministry including pastors, authors, speakers, and counselors, for Y-E-A-R-S.

2. They champion younger leaders like myself.

3. They share practical and insightful wisdom for all phases of life.

Without realizing it, you’ve probably read one of their 50+ published books including Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti–their most popular and best-selling book.

Today, I am giving away three copies of their latest book, The 10 Best Decisions A Graduate Can Make.

It’s pocket-sized so you can take it with you to college! Read it when you feel stressed with:

+Discerning job and career opportunities

+Finding ministry and mission that fit a graduate’s personality

+Developing healthy relationships with friends and mentors

+Locating a positive fit for church, parachurch, and social community

+Building on a graduate’s strengths, gifts, and skills

+Biblical insights and life examples offer spiritual encouragement and practical guidance for those beginning a career and leaving the student life behind.

Interview with Pam

You and your husband Bill have written a series on the 10 Best Decisions. What made you decide to write one for the graduate?

Pam’s response: Our kids helped write this book. In one year our youngest graduated high school, our middle son from college and our oldest and his wife from graduate school—so we knew they had much to say to grads! We [also] have a 10 Best Decisions series (for singes, couples, parents, women, men—so 10 Best Decisions  for Grads just seemed logical.

Why is it important to finish what you started?

Pam’s response: If a grad will apply themselves in college and graduate school and make it their goal to be excellent, and go above and beyond, people will recognize their diligence and not only do they stand out, but they will get hired first!

What sort of advice would you give to the graduate who’s pursuing their dreams truly for the first time?

Pam’s response: Hold onto God. Life is such a rush of excitement if you give God a chance to lead and guide you! Give God your first 10 minutes each day. Each day look for God’s “post-card” of goodness to you, and His whisper of “say this” or “do that”—your life will never be boring if you take God up on his offer in Jer 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things that you do not know!”

Enter to win one of three copies by leaving a comment on this blog or you can purchase a copy on Amazon.

Book Review: Heroes And Monsters

April 11, 2012 in On Writing with 18 Comments

[Book Review] If you’re grappling with life’s inconsistencies and trials, if you’re searching for an encounter with something real, if you’re craving a story that’s just a wee bit odd…

This book is for you.

My author friend Josh Riebock did it again. His sophomore release is a memoir of his life.

Let me say that it’s so comforting to know that as the story of our life continues so does the pain. This is not comforting. But–the fact that Josh was willing to go there–and share, is!

I don’t want to ruin his story for you. Instead, here are a few of my FAVORITE quotes from the book. Isn’t he an amazing author?

If you would like to win a copy of Heroes And Monsters, please leave a comment on this blog.

“Imagination is considered a form of genius in our family.”

“I don’t understand, but understanding something isn’t a prerequisite to feeling it We don’t have to understand things in order to be affected by them. I may not understand any of this stuff with my dad, my family. But I feel all of it.”

“We didn’t know what we wanted. Sometimes I wonder if anyone really does…I guess it’s true what they say: if you don’t know what you want to fill your life with, there’s a good chance you’re going to fill it with everything that you don’t–.”

“Everyone tells me that wandering is bad. But is there ever a time when I’m supposed to wander? I’m hoping there is. I’m hoping that sometimes it’s only through wandering that we can find our way. Right now, that’s the best I can do.”

“I was hoping that our love would act as an elixir and make all of this baggage go away, but it hasn’t. Love hasn’t fixed my issues, it’s exposed them, exposed me to the reality that I don’t trust anyone–and with good reason, right? Right!”

“Love is a force furious enough to require a conscience, and trust is that conscience–the only thing that keeps love from killing, because without trust, love murders.”

“Like most people, I’m afraid to be weird, so I’m always concealing my quirks, which is a shame. Our quirks are the very things that draw people to us…Without them, we’re boring. Hide you’re quirks and you’re a Volvo.”

“Love without communication is guessing. To love is to be intentional.”

“How is it possible to spend all these years with myself and yet understand so little of who I am? This is just another answer that I don’t have.”

“Why is it that I struggle so much to enjoy people for who they are? Why, if I’m so passionate about not conforming, do I press others to conform to me? And why am I so sure I’d enjoy people more if they were like me, when I don’t even like myself?”

“But I do want a mission, an expedition, a quest, something that I must do. I do want a fiery ring that I must take to Mordor…Because if I don’t have that, what am I here for?”

“My dream can’t live without her. Dreams can’t live alone. Sharing our dreams with others may risk destroying them, but without sharing them, we destroy them ourselves. Most dreams aren’t murdered. Most dreams commit suicide.”

“Life isn’t just about me finishing what I started. No, no, it’s about [God] finishing in me what he started.”

“All good things must come to a beginning.”

Don’t forget to purchase a copy of Heroes And Monsters on Amazon.

*Heroes and Monsters was given to me as a review copy. While I did not pay for the book, the review is completely my own. Two thumbs up!*

8 Year Blogiversary

April 2, 2012 in On Writing with 9 Comments

2012 marks a huge milestone in my writing career. I began writing 8 years ago in 2004 before blogging was cool, hipster, and on WordPress.

My first blog was called More Words Than Webster on blogspot. I had a lot to say then as I do now! Then I changed the name to E-couragements. 

After reading some of my four-hundred blog posts–my mentor Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro named me Devotional Diva and it stuck!

I cannot say how grateful I am to have this medium on which to express myself. Without blogging I probably wouldn’t be here today. I went from a shy, fearful girl into an expressive and transparent woman thanks to blogging and writing.

Below are 8 excerpts of some of my favorite blogs and 8 helpful tips (I hope) on writing.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a long-time pro like me–we can all use the encouragement to keep writing!

8 Excerpts

1. Ten Tips to Renew YOUR Devotional Life – My favorite ways to stay refreshed spiritually.

2. Beautiful Girl – My favorite poem.

3. I like Big Butts – My favorite revelation from Scripture.

4. I Suck Without Jesus – My favorite devotional from Faithbook of Jesus.

5. When God Says No – My hardest lesson learned.

6. Launching Devotional Diva Ministries – My transition into full time writing as a ministry.

7. Endorsements for Not Another Dating Book – My supporters–I couldn’t have done it without them.

8. Happy Endings Do Exist – My love story.

8 Tips

1. Accidental Author – I didn’t set out to become a writer or dream of the day I’d make a living as an author. I actually wanted to teach high school math. I’m so glad I obeyed God’s nudging into writing because it turned out to be something I love and can use to support myself with.

2. Spur Others Forward – My number one passion is encouraging others through writing (1 Corinthians 14:24-25, Hebrews 10:24).

3. Publish His Deeds – I write because of what Jesus has done for me (Psalm 96:3).

4. Suffer With Those Who Suffer – One of the fruits of the Spirit is longsuffering (Galatians 5:22, NKJV). It’s easy to follow those who have everything going for them, but a real friend is one who can stick close during the hard times. I write for them!

5. Writing Is Worth It – If you’re looking for a wider audience to reach others with your writings I urge you to find a writing mentor, get into a writing critique group, and attend multiple writers conferences. If you feel writing should be your business/calling/whatever then it’s worth making the investment. I spent a couple thousand dollars to rebrand myself, which helped to catch the eye of my first publisher, NavPress.

6. Pay Your Dues – You may feel compelled to write on a certain subject, mainly your story, but to make it in the writing business you’ve got to be versatile. Pay your dues so one day you can write about what really matters to you!

7. Make Friends First – Build your audience with your friends and family first. This is usually the toughest but most loving. If Jesus wasn’t welcomed in his own hometown, then you’re going to be rejected also. Persevere because a crown is waiting for you on the other side.

8. Never Surrender – I can personally attest to the fact that writing is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. Writing my first book put me in the hospital with panic attacks. I continue to write because of the things God teaches me in every day life, and because I’d die inside if I couldn’t express those Truths that transform not only my life, but for others as well.

To watch this Wwek’s Video Blog please click here.

Triple Threat

February 27, 2012 in On Writing with 3 Comments

Today, I have the pleasure of appearing in not one blog posts, or two–but three today!

THE GREATEST MOTIVATOR – I wrote this one on our sufferings, and how God uses them to motivate us into a closer relationship with Him. You can also win one of three copies of Not Another Dating Book!

THOUGHTS ON NOT ANOTHER DATING BOOK & A GIVEAWAY – My friend Brittany Williamson of Faith in Between-a ministry for 20-somethings has so graciously reviewed my book AND they’re giving away a copy of Not Another Dating Book!

NOT ANOTHER DATING BOOK: A BOOK REVIEW – One of the most beautiful reviews of Not Another Dating Book yet.

*Also, I was interviewed about Not Another Dating Book on the Debbie Chavez show today. You can click on this listen to listen in!

This week’s VLOG: I talk a bit about each one and share a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and how our suffering connects us closer to God.

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