The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

Welcome to the Random House blog book tour for Steven K. Scott's new book, "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived." Scott guides readers in a step-by-step application of the life-changing principles, skills, and methods that Jesus used throughout his earthly life. Although believers may spend a lifetime learning from Jesus' teachings, it's easy to overlook the powerful lessons demonstrated in His life. But when these incomparable lessons are learned and put to use, they enable ordinary people to achieve extraordinary success and happiness.

From Jesus' earthly life readers will learn:

• How to break through the barriers that prevent them from achieving extraordinary success at work and relational success at home
• How to experience a level of happiness and fulfillment that nothing the world offers can duplicate
• How to use adversity and opposition as a springboard for greater success
• How to love others in a way that increases their love as well

No matter what a person's area of expertise and in what setting a person influences others, living by the principles of Jesus' life on earth produces extraordinary success, unprecedented achievements, personal fulfillment, and blessings for others.

Author Bio:

Steven K. Scott is the best-selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, The Greatest Words Ever Spoken, and Mentored by a Millionaire. After failing in nine jobs, he started reading a chapter of Proverbs every day--and the wisdom of Scripture changed his life. Scott and his business partners have built more than a dozen multimillion-dollar companies from scratch, achieving billions of dollars in sales. He is the co-founder of Max International, Total Gym Fitness, and The American Telecast Corporation. He is a popular international speaker on the subjects of personal and professional achievement and the application of biblical wisdom to every area of life.

This makes a great gift to your friends, family and anyone that wants to know more about the lifestyle of Jesus.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385526005&ref=externallink_wbm_thegreatestwordseverspoken_kef_0220_01

For Couples Only ... But

I have had the opportunity to review a really interesting boxed set of two books called "For Couples Only Box Set". What a great gift to give you and your significant other, spouse, or are we right for each other person of interest. Whether you're dating or have been married for fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way--woohoo what an adventure!

Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn: Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now in this new boxed set, you will find fascinating tid-bits about the other man or woman in your life. If you have that question, why doesn't he/she .... this is for you.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex--including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don't "get" about your significant other--even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you.

Get ready--the adventure is just beginning to a new view of relationships!

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601422482

Love As A Way of Life

What a great week this is going to be, a blog book tour about LOVE. Isn't that a subject almost everybody in the world likes to discuss? There will be several books reviewed this week, so don't miss a day and enjoy these great books. Our first one is by well-known author Gary Chapman [The Five Love Languages] and Elisa Stanford. I was so surprised how much I enjoyed this book.

In this short "90-day adventure that makes love a daily habit". I opened it and couldn't put it down, reading it all the way through. But now taking it as a daily reading to change some of my own love habits. Its an awesome book to read by yourself, with a spouse, or someone you really are about. Getting good habits in love, is truly an investment in the lives of other people.

Chapman breaks down this devotional into nine sections, which centers around seven biblical principles. One that got my attention is about getting respect. That's one of the biggest hindrances to relationships I deal with in counseling with people. They simply don't feel respected in their homes, on their jobs, in their churches. The question then becomes do we want love, are we able to be a person of love.

To become a person who consistently loves others, you first need to be a loving person. In this companion devotional to Love as a Way of Life, you'll find inspiration for letting love guide the way you respond to others in every situation. Can you imagine what life in general would become if we could each take 90-days to change our love habits?

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College , Wake-Forest University , and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina .

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0307444694

Poetess Sheila Kline ~May I Love ~

~May I Love~

When I open up my heart and allow its love to flow,

May it always flow with a love that others may know!

When I stretch out my hand towards another in need;

May it hold that which allows sincere love to take seed!

When I open my eyes to see far corners of our earth;

May I see sad souls as they pray for new love to birth!

When I see a heart that is crying as a result from pain;

May my compassion help heal it to feel love yet again!

When I walk on a day's passage of a moment in time;

May my footsteps direct me to deliver gifts thus kind!

When I see a child that needs to feel love of a mother;

May my motherly desires present this love to another!

When I see one that has stumbled, and is now so lost;

May my sense of direction anchor a spirit being tossed!

When I hear one calling out for someone to please hear;

May I realize that every call is uttered from ones dear!

When I feel music in my spirit that dances about so free;

May I share these special moments of joyful discovery!

When I gather flowers that with beauty of love do grow;

May I give them to others, as my love for them I show!

When my heart is full to the tiptop and then spills out;

May others accept it as a love sincere, without a doubt!

When I experience great love that must be given away;

May it allow another needy spirit to enjoy a blessed day!

Sheila C. Kline

A Poetess of Multiplicity

When The Soul Mends Blog Tour and Give Away

Welcome to Blog Tour for New York Times Bestseller Cindy Woodsmall's newest book and "When The Soul Mends". This is one book that really surprised me both in the twists and turns, as well as the ending! You can usually tell by the two-thirds mark of a fiction book how it will end, not with When the Soul Mends.

I was wondering if I would be able to keep up with the list of characters that are listed in the front of the book. So many from the two previous books and any new ones that might show up. Well, Woodsmall is a great story teller and allows you to catch up in no time. I only had to glance at the list a couple of times in the beginning. I found the setting delightful, moving back and forth between the Amish world and the modern.

Hannah, one of the main characters, grew up in the Amish community, yet ran away for good reason but the question always reamained of whether she had made the right decision. Would she ever get over the feelings of her family and their opinions of life and her in particular? I found myself drawn into this character because of her situation, as I think many of the readers will.

And what is a good story without the love interests? Well, this is an area that will not only keep you guessing but rooting for one or the other--or at times all of them. You want Hannah to make the right and wise decision--but what is the right answer for her? Has she become so modern in the world of nursing school, Englisher boyfriend and modern clothes that she couldn't make the switch back? Pondering life then, now, and forever--so much for a young woman to consider. And what about the reasons she left in the first place?

This is a great story about choices; the ones made in haste out of frustration and hurt, then the more rational ones afterward. It works out for everyone in the end, but just as real life, it is the journey through the muddy spots that make for a good story.

GIVE AWAY: I have two copies of When The Soul Mends to give away. Simply post a comment on this blog, and your name will be entered to win. Contests is for US residents only, Dec 8-9th, 2008.

Author Bio: Cindy Woodsmall is a best-selling author, who has garnered strong praise for the first two novels in the Sisters of the Quilt series. When the Heart Cries was a finalist for the ECPA Novel of the Year in 2007 and received the Reviewer’s Choice Award from the Road to Romance website. When the Morning Comes was named among the Best Books of 2007 for Crossings Book Club. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty years.

Beyond Cards and Letters

Inspired by an uncle who wrote a book "Today Is All You Have" was dying of cancer as he penned simple yet encouraging words. My uncle was a physician, dying, and yet wanted to continue to share what was important on his heart. Another book I had read some years earlier, The Right To Write truly liberated me with a new found freedom to express myself. Now the challenge was what to write and how to go about it.

My "project" started out writing a legacy for my grandkids. It is important to let them know the family and background that they might not ever know, to let them share in the stories, the ups and downs of what life was really like. I believe that is an inborn instinct in all of us. I was sixty before I got my first computer. Like Moses, it was never too late to start with something new. My hubby and family had decided that since I was always clunking away on an old typewriter and having to always be changing the messy ribbons that I deserved something a bit more modern. Imagine my delight when they bought me a computer!

Like anything new, it took a while to figure some of it out, but eventually I got the hang of it, and was so glad that others would give me the time and help to learn. Well, one thing led to another and I got on the Internet. I met a woman by the name of Pastor Gail who received prayer requests and people who just needed encouragement. At the time I was sending out cards that I made. We joined in the work for the Lord. I started answering emails for her, became a prayer warrior, and making some of the best friends you could meet in such a strange way.

One woman asked if I would write a letter to her sister. She had suffered a severe stroke, and was now dying of cancer. Most of her friends and previous co-workers ignored her. The sister asked that I send her sister a letter, so I did. I found through the glimpses of what she would share that she loved her cat. One of my hobbies is that of photography and then I make cards. Then of all things, God guided my hands to watercolor. These specialized cards were sent out to many people. For this dear woman, I started to clip out of magazines or ads every cat I could find and send them to her along with a note. I received a letter one day thanking me for sending her sister encouragement during those years of her dying. It had made a difference for both of them.

When Susan asked me to send her a story, all I could think about is how much I love people in general, not looking at who, what, or anything about them; they are human just as I am, created by the same God and with a purpose. I have illness and depressions just like everybody, but when I reach out to somebody else, it lessens the thoughts about what I am experiencing. I usually wear my heart on my shirtsleeve; I can cry and smile with whatever you're going through. My greatest desire is to see the Lord face-to-face, and to encourage those on the earth while we are all still here. How I demonstrate my love of Christ is remembering where I came from, those who inspired me to reach higher, to encourage others through the skills and gifts that God has given me.

I pray that you are encouraged today to try something new, and speak a word of kindness to others, especially those who are suffering and may have become part of the forgotten living.

Carol Ann

Living The Love

Today's social media is a fun place to meet people, as well as experience them in different ways depending upon the venue that you meet. Today's spotlight blogger, Karla Meachem, I have known through several sites, but didn't get to see the love and charm she has until we were both on Twitter.com
Karla tweeters, "Good Morning" to everyone, and then over the next several hours tweet these really wonderful links. They would be anything from a great site to find puzzles for children, or pages of activities, movies that are family oriented, or wonderful outreaches in her area. So I thought, of course, that she was a home school mom. Wow, so not the case! She tells me that she just loves her kids and wants to keep them busy with fun and inventive things--and--shares the goods with everybody. How cool is that!My friend is recovering from recent surgery so we did this 365 Love Award through an interview. Below are Karla's statements about life, family, and her incredible gift to the world. Don't forget to leave a comment so she can read them.
"I am a firm believer that everyone has their own mission field (children included) - in our homes, our workplace and our community. Every person that we come into contact with is an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Our life should be a testimony to the One we love.

First and foremost, I enjoy being a mom; my kids are my top priority; and I am privileged to be a sahm (stay at home mom). Now that both kids are in school, I am enjoying a much more active role within our community.I am also our church secretary, as well as part of a church planting team. I especially love the outreach events that we hold in our community and surrounding areas.This summer we planned an outdoor concert and bbq. We had games for the kids, as well as treats (bubbles, tattoos, and chalk to take home with them).

We just recently started an event entitled "breakTHROUGH!". We will hold these events every 2 weeks! We are encouraging those who are struggling with life to come out to find encouragement, support and direction.

And we are also encouraging those who know Jesus already, to come out to be equipped to go to the next level with God! Praise & worship, a message and prayer...drawing closer to the heart of Jesus.

Just tonight, our church team went out to a community about 30 minutes away. The community has a yearly Christmas Light Tour. Their entire town participates; they have even won awards. Our church team went out tonight and offered free hot chocolate to those touring the community.

Later on in December, we are going caroling and handing out scotch tape to each home. We desire to touch people's lives in a unique, but special way. These events also help us to get the word out about our new church and give us a chance to meet people and wish them Merry CHRISTmas! (encouraging them to 'stick with Jesus!')

And yes, the children are included in these events; and are encouraged to participate...right from setting up for service, cleaning up after service and in between. :) (We meet in a school)

Yes, I do encourage my kids to help others. My daughter, who is almost 10, has a servant's heart. She is very aware of those that need a hand, both at school and around our community. My son is only 5, but is encouraged to help as much as he can and is eager to help when asked.

Both my kids have needed to grow up to be more independent than other kids their age, because they have grown up living with a mom that deals with daily chronic pain. They are amazing kids! A real BIG blessing in my life! I'm excited to see what God has planned for their lives!

My heart's desire is for people, both young and old to live a victorious life in Christ - to be all that God has called them to be!"Living the Love,

Karla

*************************************************************************

Empowering Christian Women was started as a place to organize my businesses to include my Christian faith, but it quickly blossomed into a new vision and passion to encourage Christian women to reach their complete potential in Christ. ECW is a work in progress, but it has stolen my heart.

Now, Empowering Christian Women is an online ministry, a place to share resources that have impacted my daily walk with Christ. ECW is a daily part of my life, an extension of who I am...or rather, who God is transforming me to be!She is also a contributing author of the recently released e-book entitled Mirror, Mirror...on the Wall, which is available for purchase at http://10women10commandments.com.

Karla has a heart and a passion for Christ. She is a firm believer in keeping God first; as she knows the empowerment (freedom and liberty) available to everyone through Christ.

Karla lives in Saskatchewan, Canada with her husband and two children; she can be reached at

empowered_life@yahoo.ca

http://EmpoweringChristianWomen.com

http://ChristianToysForGirlsAndBoys.com

Heart of God -- India

Susan asked me to share about the projects we’re involved in through Heart of God International Ministries or to pick my favorite projects to share on her blog. I’m honored to have the opportunity to share although it’s quite difficult to pick a “favorite project”.

Heart of God International Ministries is a growing family of ministry outreaches both internationally and domestically. However, one of my greatest passions is happening in India right now … the Heart of God School of Ministry.

Last January, we launched our first phase of a new School of Ministry under the leadership of our Pastor partner in India. Being a graduate of Bible College, he felt the call to impart what he learned to pastors who oversee churches he has planted throughout the region. Because these pastors are very poor and have no means to go to Bible College, Pastor felt the Spirit of God lead him to gather these pastors together each month for three days of intense training in the Word of God.

When we were visiting with them two years ago, the vision was birthed and planning began. Within a few short months, support was raised, the syllabus was put together, and we began to make ready for the first session.

Coming from long distances, sometimes on foot, twenty-eight men, called of God and anointed for service, gather for three days each month. We purchased blankets and pillows, school supplies such as paper, notebooks, and pens, etc. The pastors sleep on the concrete floor of a church, when they have a chance to sleep.

Not only do these men gather for learning, but they spend their time in prayer—praying for their villages, the people, the sponsors who help make the School of Ministry in India possible, and most importantly, to be used to win souls to the Kingdom of God.

Nearly every month the pastors are met with great opposition from typhoons, floods, threatening persecution, high winds, etc., to prevent them from attending classes. Yet, very few have actually been prevented from coming together to learn.

This next year, the Heart of God School of Ministry will be opening its doors to more men who are called as Christian leaders in the region. The goal is for those who have already been attending the first year to begin to mentor and train those who will be beginning classes next year. All attendees will be participating in monthly village outreach into remote areas where the Gospel has not yet been preached.

Good things are going on in India despite the persecution in the neighboring State of Orissa. God has protected these pastors. I can’t help but believe it’s because of their sacrificial lifestyles—they are truly willing to lay their lives down for the sake of the cross.

Pray for the Heart of God School of Ministry in India. Pray for its leaders, its growth, and its outreaches into areas that have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray for God to raise up more sponsors so more pastors can be cared for as they work diligently doing the work of ministry as they respond to the call of God on their lives.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please visit the website at http://india.heartofgodinternational or email me at jan@heartofgodinternational.com

Football for One?

What a day to be alive! Yes, today. Just think about what would not happen if your family or friends were not here, breathing and doing, and not doing? It isn't just the big things like corporate, major social events, or political. Consider this:

Who would you watch the football game with today? Would it you have the same fun experience without somebody to yell back and forth with over a touch down, or a missed catch?

• A quiet house or a crazy house full of noise. As parents we think of the day when the noise will quiet down, then it does and we miss the noise
• Without friends and family what would the holidays and events of your personal life be like? Would you still try to do some things out of tradition or say why bother?
• The irritation that living with other people brings, aren't they really minor in the total scheme of things
• Without friends and family you would be totally self absorbed and there really is only so much absorption one can handle

Family and friends is what was planned in the Garden of Eden--Sharing, caring, and encouraging each other to be the best, to try harder, and to be all that you can be.

Make a difference to those in your circle to today--they are their for your pleasure and enjoyment to encourage, to share, to care, and to cheer on your favorite team .. Have a fun day! It takes more than one.