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A YOUNG WOMAN WHO NEVER DREAMS SMALL IS HELPING TO TRANSFORM LIVES

No Author — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:47:00 EST

DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX � Have you ever set a major goal in life such as becoming an award-winning actress, being signed by a record company or publishing a book? Bridgette Murphy dared to dream big and guess what? She became a successful author and had an opportunity to act with Oscar winner Hillary Swank.

If you don�t dare to pursue a dream then life will pass you by, leaving you to ask: �What if?� In Bridgette Murphy�s Bold, Fierce and Transformed: The Process of Life-Changing Transformation (Xulon Press), she shares how to be bold enough to recognize the barriers but daring enough to move forward in order to accomplish our goals; in other words, how to reach our full capacity in spite of life�s adversities!

�It�s about being fierce, persistent, and passionate enough to break through every obstacle and reach your desired destination,� says Murphy.

SEVEN KEYS TO RAISE STRONGER AND HAPPIER KIDS TODAY

No Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:25:00 EST

Happiness Is What Everyone Wants! The Challenge Is We Often Go Looking For It In All The Wrong Places - And Teach Our Kids The Same�

�Drawing on her own extensive research and experience, Maureen Healy wisely leads parents and caregivers into the heart of awakening and activating the innate confidence with which every child is born. This is a book that parents will read over and over again.� - Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul�s Potential

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL - Ask Maureen Healy, an emotional health and parenting expert, and the author of Growing Happy Kids: How to Foster Inner Confidence, Success, and Happiness (HCI Books) and she�ll share the very best things she has learned in over 20 years of global experience fostering children�s happiness.

ROMANCE, MYSTERY AND THE WONDER OF GOD'S CREATION

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:34:00 EST

Author Melanie Dobson transports readers to a magical place and time to reveal God's majesty

SEATTLE, WA - Not only does God love to create, He also loves His creation. This is the message author Melanie Dobson hopes that her readers gain from her latest release Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan (Summerside Press/July 1, 2012/ISBN 978-1609366407/$12.99) that combines historical romance with her trademark element of mystery.

A story filled with beauty and wonder, Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan transports readers to a magical place and time. The story begins in the 1890s at the end of the Gilded Age, a golden era of prosperity and growth. 

FINDING PEACE AFTER THE LOSS OF A CHILD

No Author — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:10:00 EST

How a nine-year battle with cancer strengthened one family�s faith

KANSAS CITY, Kan. � Matthew Metcalf was diagnosed with leukemia in 1994 at the age of three. The nine-year fight against cancer that would follow was a testament to the family�s strength, courage, and perhaps most notably, it was a testament to their faith.

When Matthew Metcalf died in 2003, Dan Metcalf, Matthew�s father, remembers asking, �How can God let this happen?� Through the loss of their son, Dan and Sue Metcalf realized perhaps the deepest pain a person can experience, but they also realized a great gain�God�s abundant mercy.

In his new memoir, He Chose Joy!,Dan Metcalf tells the story of his son�s courageous spirit, his steadfast optimism and his unwavering faith in God.

BOOK REVIEW AND INTERVIEW: CONNIE ARNOLD'S A SEASON OF SYMPHONY

Julie Arduini — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:33:00 EST

Connie Arnold opens up about her newest release of poetry, A Symphony of Seasons.

HELPING YOUNG AND OLD NAVIGATE STORMS OF GRIEF AND LOSS

No Author — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:55:00 EST

HUNTINGTON, IN -- When people are blindsided by devastation, they can become paralyzed by grief and feelings of grave loss.

A Missouri parish priest has written twin strategies for coping with grief and loss -- one for adults, the other for children -- that coach the broken-hearted and vulnerable through the toughest times in their lives. Because he had wrestled with his own unexplainable loss, Fr. Joe Kempf felt compelled to crystallize the help he knew people needed to survive.Both just released by Our Sunday Visitor, No One Cries the Wrong Way: Seeing God Through Tears (2012, paperback, 102 pp) and Sometimes Life Is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss (2012, hardback, 64 pp), Fr. Kempf's books accomplish essentially the same thing for each age-group -- they bolster the grieving following heartbreak and desolation, and show readers how to tap the invaluable support and love of God to find their way again.

WHEN FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

No Author — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:41:00 EST

GREENWICH, TCT - For readers who are seeking a book that will deliver the thrill of a James Bond movie, the suspense of a Jack Ryan scene, and the action of a Jason Bourne flick, look no more�Jordan Sandor returns in Jeffrey Stephens new novel Targets of Opportunity (Pocket Star Books)! Book reviewers have embraced Jordan Sandor, comparing him to all three top action heroes, while comparing Stephens to Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and Tom Clancy.

In the first book in the series--Targets of Deception, which suspense master Robert K. Tanenbaum called �a fast-paced thriller��Jeffrey Stephens introduced CIA agent Jordan Sandor, whom bestselling author Steve Alten praised as �terrific.� Sandor is back in Targets of Opportunity, playing for bigger stakes and facing deadlier challenges.

Whisked from his Manhattan town house to a gabled CIA safe house in Virginia, Sandor faces off with a top terrorist agent from Iran�s Revolutionary Guard.

AUTHOR STEVEN FENBERG DISCUSSES THE STORY OF PHILANTHROPIST JESSE JONES

No Author — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:47:00 EST

WHO: Steven Fenberg, writer and producer of the Emmy Award-winning documentary film, �Brother, Can You Spare a Billion? The Story of Jesse H. Jones,� will give a presentation at the Houston Public Library (HPL) as part of its Second Saturday Events. Everyone is invited to hear Fenberg�s discussion on his new biography of Jesse Jones, 'Unprecedented Power: Jesse Jones, Capitalism, and the Common Good.' This event is free and open to the public. For more details visit www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313.

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2 PM

WHERE: Houston Metropolitan Research Center located in the historical 1926 Julia Ideson Building (JIB) across the Plaza from the Central Library at 500 McKinney, 77002.

About the book
As the public and media continue to draw comparisons between actions taken by President Obama and those of the FDR administration, �Unprecedented Power� offers a timely perspective on government use of economic stimulus.

NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS: MAKE IT TRUE IN YOUR LIFE

No Author — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:07:00 EST

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL - The mega-blockbuster Power of Focus (HCI) has been updated with new strategies for maintaining focus in the most turbulent of times and released in a special 10th Anniversary Edition. More than 600,000 people around the world have been captivated by the simple, practical, and profound strategies contained in the original bestseller; now a decade later, authors Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt have created a new edition of this enduring classic. Now more than ever, the ability to focus is vital.

Les Hewitt and his co-authors have taken their bestseller and expanded upon it, including a personal look at the last ten years through their experienced eyes. Inspirational stories from ordinary people who have implemented The Power of Focus have been added to make an engaging read. Readers will also find insights on where to sharpen their focus, how to capitalize on the new currency in business, and a Reality Check questionnaire.

TAKE A RISK, MAKE A CHANGE AND BECOME THE PERSON YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE

No Author — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:03:00 EST

Pull up your big girls pants and fake it �till you make it!

When Randi Sherman was about to hit a �certain� milestone birthday, she took a good long look in the mirror and asked 'If not now, when am I going to follow my dream? I was not put on this earth to toil and help everyone else achieve their goals. It�s my turn and I've waited long enough.'

A former amateur comedienne and passionate storyteller, Sherman finally stopped making excuses and finished her debut book, Paula Takes a Risk.

The metamorphosis in Paula Takes A Risk is a result of dreaming, desperation, courage and humor. It�s not about makeovers, becoming beautiful and finding a mate. Paula takes a risk, makes a change and becomes the person she always wanted to be.

LIVING IN 15-MINUTE INCREMENTS

No Author — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST

By Eileen Wacker

I am the mother of four kids, aged 8 to 14 year-old, and trying to launch a business. I live life in 15-minute increments.

Our house wakes up at 6:00 am during the week. Getting everyone to eat something is a challenge so I let them eat whatever they want � leftover pasta, soup, mac and cheese, cereal, bagels, whatever. Then I either drive them to school, leaving at 6:45 or go to my office and start to work. I usually have appointments racked and stacked as I work with a team located across Korea, India, Vancouver, San Francisco, Mexico City and Honolulu.

Today, I�m also trying to keep fish from dying. My son went to a birthday party and the party favor was a beta fish. I groaned when I saw it and secretly vowed to get even with the mom.

SOCIALISM IN AMERICA: WHAT'S A CHRISTIAN TO DO?

No Author — Sun, 06 May 2012 07:32:00 EST

Biblical scholar explores America and socialism from a Christian perspective

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. � It�s no secret that America is in transition.

According to author and Biblical scholar William G. Lord, the country is transitioning into a socialistic state. In his new book, The Battle for America, he outlines Socialist thought and how current trends in America match up with these ideals.

According to Lord, �The Battle for America presents an organized approach to the source of change, informing the reader of contemporary events associated with the source. � Christians will be better equipped to deal with the sovereign will of God by being informed of the signs of our times.�

The Battle for America examines socialism from a Christian perspective. Lord outlines what a culture of socialism would mean for Christians and how this transition fits into eschatological prophesies from his extensive study of the Bible.

THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF A MAN'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION

No Author — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:12:00 EST

SAN ANTONIO, TX - People often wonder: What is evil? What is death? What is hell? We Do Not Wrestle with Flesh and Blood: The True Story of a Man�s Death and Resurrection is the incredibly true story of Benjamin Smith � a young man who experienced all three firsthand and lives to unlock the source of evil in the depths of human souls.

This factual story relates the inner personal battles of a young man seeking truth and freedom in central London in the early 2000s. When Benjamin Smith left his small hometown in Texas to attend college in London, he was seeking only one kind of salvation: freedom from the crushing boredom of a safe life lived and its predictable nine-to-five future.

Daring to ask if there was more to existence than a report card and a resume, he sets out to join Alex, the son of a Russian oligarch, at a prestigious English business school. The plan seems simple and foolproof: make powerful friends and make a ton of money!

A BETTER SPIRITUAL LIFE, JUST A JOURNAL AWAY

No Author — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:31:00 EST

Christian columnist�s new book details the benefits of prayer journaling

CLAREMORE, Okla. � How easily do you remember God�s blessings in your life?

It can be easy to forget God�s faithfulness, so inspirational speaker and columnist Carol Round suggests prayer journaling. This discipline helps people more effectively record and remember what God has done in their lives.

ANTI-SEMITISM DRIVES AUTHOR TO EXAMINE VERACITY OF GOSPEL VERSION OF JESUS' DEATH THROUGH THE LENS OF MODERN DAY TRIAL

No Author — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:41:00 EST

Louis Garb uses children in modern day settings to examine the Gospel version of the Passion story in his novel �Retrial�

JERUSALEM - In �Retrial� (ISBN 1469962837) Garb tells the story of a young boy named Judah who suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Billy, a fellow school-boy. The events that follow lead to a dramatic courtroom examination � a retrial of the most famous trial in history.

In spite of strong opposition, young Judah and his parents go to court with the help of a family member to show how certain verses in the Gospels were the direct cause of Judah�s suffering. By critically testing the most famous trial in the world, they open up a can of worms, as lawyers and witnesses discover guilt, forgiveness, hatred and plenty of contradictions.

WOMEN KEY TO WORLD PEACE, SAYS TEXAS A&M PROF, CO-AUTHOR OF NEW "SEX AND WORLD PEACE" BOOK

No Author — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:34:00 EST

COLLEGE STATION, TX � Women � more specifically the treatment of women � are key to world peace, contends a Texas A&M University professor who has studied and written extensively about the subject, most recently co-authoring a scholarly but tantalizing titled book: Sex and World Peace.

The book�s underlying thesis is that if the systematic insecurity of half the world�s population were to be reduced, the insecurity of the nations of the world would be significantly diminished. To quote the authors: �The security of women would in time reduce conflict in the international system and literally become the basis of greater security for the nations of the world.�

Prof. Valerie M. Hudson, a political scientist who holds the prestigious George H. W. Bush Chair at Texas A&M�s Bush School of Government and Public Service, wrote Sex and World Peace in collaboration with three other professors whose fields of expertise range from psychology to geography, political science and international studies.

SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR THE STRESSED OUT SOUL

No Author — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:04:00 EST

New book offers practical stress management hints for caregivers

TOPEKA, KS � Cynthia Stotlar is now both a widow and an orphan. Over the past eight years, Cynthia was the primary caregiver first for her mother, then her father and finally her late husband, Dave.

In her new book, A Caregiver�s Companion: Spiritual Support for the Stressed Out Soul, Stotlar offers support for the over 65 million caregivers nationwide. These people, who are usually stretched thin and stressed out, lack the spiritual and upbeat support that�s needed for caregiving, Stotlar says.

�Being a caregiver is mentally and physically exhausting,� Stotlar says. �You feel so tired and alone all of the time. More and more, you�re forced to make tough decisions on your own.�

ADDICTION DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE: A GROUND-BREAKING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, SELF-HELP RECOVERY MANUAL THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE

No Author — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:40:00 EST

NEW YORK, NY � In light of Whitney Houston�s demise and others who have been tragically hurt by addiction, Dr. Peter Sacco was asked in a recent interview: �Why do so many people have addictions, engage in bad habits, and seem so miserable?� His response pinpoints why people often become dependent on a �fix.� He said, �Most people today are having what I call near-life experiences--they endure life, withstand it, tolerate it and become indifferent. The problem is too many people stopped enjoying and engaging life way too young, when they were told their dreams are ridiculous, impossible and that they should grow up. Until you awaken the little kid in you again, you are not having a real-life experience!�

In Sweet Acceptance Versus Bitter Resistance (Booklocker and Andrews UK Publishing), author Dr. Peter Sacco breaks new ground, combining psychology with spirituality by using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques together with the eight Beatitudes from the Holy Bible, to overcome addiction.

COLORADO CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE -- ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING CHRISTIANS TO 'WRITE HIS ANSWER'

No Author — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:34:00 EST

ESTES PARK, CO - Estes Park, Colorado, is the beautiful, tranquil backdrop for the annual Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC). This conference is for any Christian writer looking to learn more about the industry, craft, and themselves as a writer.

Should you have the inclination to write in any facet and at any level, and you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior, this is an opportunity you should explore.

CCWC takes place May 16th through the 19th, 2012, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park (northwest of Denver).

NEED YOU NOW BY BETH WISEMAN

No Author — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:39:00 EST

In her first contemporary release, best-selling author Beth Wiseman explores growing stronger in the broken places of life.

We all count on the support of those around us when times are tough, but what do we do when those we depend on the most are suddenly gone? How do we cope when life has pulled the rug out from under us and left us with nothing and no one to hold on to? To whom can we turn when it seems no one, not even God, is there? These are the questions best-selling author Beth Wiseman addresses in her first contemporary novel, Need You Now (Thomas Nelson).

While Wiseman will be the first to tell you her writing has been �all over the place,� this award-winning journalist did not start writing fiction until, through a personal crisis in her own life, her faith was so strengthened that her agent suggested she write a Christian novel. Following the advice, she left journalism behind in 2008 to become a full-time writer of Amish fiction and has been winning awards for her efforts ever since.

PUT THE MOM, OR DAD, NEXT DOOR TO WORK IN YOUR KITCHEN

No Author — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:39:00 EST

IRVING, TX � Who doesn't want a break from figuring out what's for dinner tonight? Now every family can have guilt-free, easy-to-prepare meals all the time. Author Tania N. Boughton struggled with food, weight loss and emotional eating for years before developing her new cookbook, Eating Light, Done Right: Simply Sinless Recipes from the Single Mom Next Door (Inspire On Purpose).

�The best thing this cookbook offers is an easy approach to cooking healthy and losing weight without complicated, time-consuming recipes and professional-grade cookware,� Boughton says. �When I realized I was burying myself in food to deal with the emotional ups and downs of life, I knew I needed to change.� Realizing that countless other women struggle with weight loss issues and emotional eating, she began to work on a solution.

CHILDREN�S BOOKS COME TO LIFE ON YOU TUBE

Ethan Edwards — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:06:00 EST

Illustrations, stories and the message of the Gospel

Best-selling author and contributor to The Cypress Times, Jeannie St. John Taylor, has found a great way for both established and aspiring authors to get their work seen by mass audiences on YouTube. The impact those books can have are proven by her grandson Titus.

�A couple of days ago, my daughter-in-law sent me the video below of my barely-two grandson,' St. John Talyor said.

'In the middle of a chat about some scones he helped his mother make, he changed the subject to say he'd been watching Grandma's books on Youtube -- and he loves God.

�What a thrill!� St. John Taylor said.

WORTHY PUBLISHING SIGNS BEBE WINANS TO AUTHOR BOOK ON LONG-TIME FRIEND WHITNEY HOUSTON

No Author — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:14:00 EST

'The Whitney I Knew' due in stores July 31, 2012

NASHVILLE, TN � Worthy Publishing announces it has signed gospel music legend BeBe Winans to author a memoir sharing details of his decades-long friendship with Whitney Houston to be titled The Whitney I Knew. Set to publish in July, the book captures Winans� personal stories and anecdotes that reveal Houston�s warmth, generosity, and humor. The book will feature interactive elements directing the reader to video footage and links to Houston�s top performances. A photo section will be included.

�BeBe Winans is a music icon in his own right and a man of faith who wants to share the inspiring story of his friendship with Whitney,� said Byron Williamson, president of Worthy Publishing. �The book offers an honest depiction of Houston as a treasured friend, and as a wife, daughter, and artist without peer.�

TRIO OF BOOKS CELEBRATE POPE'S LIFE AND TEACHINGS

No Author — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:47:00 EST

Complete picture emerges of the Holy Father on 7th anniversary of his installation

SAN FRANCISCO, CA � Joseph Ratzinger was installed as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on April 24, 2005. As Pope Benedict XVI reaches the seventh anniversary of his elevation to the Papacy, three landmark books provide a complete picture of the Holy Father�s life and his teachings. Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Light of the World and My Brother, the Pope are available from Ignatius Press.

Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, the second volume of his work on the life of Christ, became an instant bestseller. The final volume, which will cover Jesus� childhood, is expected to be released later this year. In the foreword to Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Benedict XVI says that he aimed �to consider only the essential words and deeds of Jesus�. Even if there will always be details that remain open for discussion, I still hope that I have been granted an insight into the figure of our Lord that can be helpful to all readers who seek to encounter Jesus and to believe in Him.�