On My Own Now by Donna Lee Schillinger--Book Review

Are you concerned over what decisions your daughter might make once she's out on her own?

Are you a young woman searching for guidance now that you no longer live with your parents?

Are you a pastor seeking to guide young single women in your church?

Do you know a young woman living on her own or soon to be living on her own who would benefit from some Godly guidance?

If you answered yes to any of these, then you'll want to pick up a copy of On My Own Now: Straight Talk from the Proverbs for Young Christian Women who Want to Remain Pure, Debt-free and Regret-free by Donna Lee Schillinger.

In this interesting and thought-provoking exploration of the book of Proverbs, Schillinger takes young women along a journey that will help them to make better, safer, and more sound decisions.

The author takes a unique approach to the book of Proverbs by reversing the gender in many of the proverbs from "he" to she"--which she discusses in this guest post from April 13th; though she does include a modern day translation of Proverbs 31:10-29 about the traits of a good woman at the back of the book.

Exploring such topics as how Proverbs applies today, staying pure until marriage, dealing with anger and jealousy, developing good habits, tithing, using passion to make a positive impact, and the importance of not making rash decisions, Schillinger shows how the book of Proverbs can guide young women to be the women they want to be and stay that way.

On My Own Now can easily be used as a daily devotional, each section concluding with a thought for the reader to hold on to, such as "What I can't have honestly, I simply won't have."

Its hip cover and conversational style will attract young women, and Schillinger is careful to get her point across without being overly preachy. There are also word bubbles throughout the book that capture important portions of the text to focus the reader.

I have to admit that the overuse of the exclamation point made it lose its effectiveness for me; but in the hands of a younger woman, that may not be the case. I also found a couple portions of text where I stopped to ponder the impression a young woman would be left with when reading these passages.

The first was the "Hold this thought" found on page 162, "I will confess that I was a sinner but am no more." I could not grasp the author's full meaning after reading this portion of the chapter on confession, but this ending thought bothers me because we will always be sinners. That doesn't change when we accept Christ as our Savior; but we willingly seek to not sin because of wanting fellowship with God. I'm not sure the ending thought makes that clear.

The other is found on pages 179 through 181. The chapters in this section deal with friendship, and these particular pages cover depression and finding help when you need it. Schillinger talks about chemical imbalances possibly being a cause of depression and how modern medicine can help if we aren't too proud to ask. She first suggests creating good eating, sleeping, and exercising habits, and then if that doesn't make the reader feel better after 21 days she should start taking multivitamins, St. John's wort, and other supplements recommended by a pharmacist. She then goes on to say that if this works, "don't stop taking them...vitamins are something our body needs every day for the rest of our lives."

While the author does make a point to mention that St. John's wort may interact poorly for with some medication and to talk to a healthcare provider if the reader is on any prescription medication, it seems it would be safer and prudent to suggest the reader talk to her healthcare provider or a registered dietician about adding supplements to her diet prior to taking anything.

Those areas aside, On My Own Now, is an excellent resource for young women on how to use proverbs to guide their lives. I am going to talk to our pastor about purchasing copies of this book for female high school graduates from our church.


Title: On My Own Now
Author: Donna Lee Schillinger
Publisher: The Quilldriver
ISBN: 978-0-979639-5-1
SRP: $14.95 (U.S.)

Guest Blogger: Donna Lee Schillinger, Author of On My Own Now

On My Own Now is about strengthening young women’s faith and preventing the screw-ups that can brand us for life. Schillinger uses gender-reversed Proverbs with real-life applications to wave the red flag of caution for young women, warning against the pitfalls of a post-modern, sexually casual, consumer-is-king society that is indelibly scarring youth with cynicism, sexually transmitted diseases and bad credit. This compact collection of quirky vignettes is great for daily devotions, affirmations, confessions, benedictions and many other religious “tions,” all with the goal of keeping you on the yellow brick road. After all, you’re not in Kansas anymore – you’re on your own now.

How Young Women Can Use Proverbs as a Guide by Donna Lee Schillinger

Before I jump into a few proverbs that can be beneficial for guiding young women, I have to explain that my process in On My Own Now: Straight Talk from the Proverbs for Young Christian Women who Want to Remain Pure, Debt-free and Regret-free was to take verses from the proverbs and reverse the gender in them. I made “he” into “she,” “him” into “her,” and so on. Just this simple change opened up a lot of verses to modern applications to young women that I had never considered before. These verses help to illustrate this point:

Proverbs 26:27 “If a woman digs a pit, she will fall into it; if a woman rolls a stone, it will roll back on her.”

A lot of the mistakes we make as women have in their basis ignoring simple facts of physics – if I roll this stone up the hill and stand in its place, it will roll back on me. Duh, right? And yet, how readily would a young bride of 18 who has known her fiancé for three months agree that she is setting herself up to be rolled over by entering into a major decision too quickly, with someone she doesn’t know well enough, at an age to which our society is hostile against marriage? Just try to convince this woman in love that she’s making a mistake. We need to stay engaged with rational thinking and understand that we are not immune to probable outcomes and natural consequences, just because we have high hopes.

Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives vent to her anger, but a wise woman keeps herself under control.”

Probably since the advent of soap operas, we’ve been wearing away at the distinction between what works in the movies and what works in real life. Now with reality TV and dramatic talk shows (of the Jerry Springer ilk), those lines are becoming even more blurred. We see high drama on television and in the movies all the time, but in real life, big acting does not win awards. One of the quickest ways to find this out is to throw a fit on the job. So I lost my temper, so what? People should get over it in one episode, like they do on TV, right? Nope. In real life, we can expect a counseling statement from our supervisor or maybe even a police escort off the property. Even when we have just cause to be angry, if we abandon rational behavior to prove our point, no one will defend us.

Proverbs 19:27 “Stop listening to instruction, my daughter, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”

If I could get just one truth across in On My Own Now, this would be it. When we cease to have a regularly scheduled quiet time with our Heavenly Father, we will stray. It’s what happened to me. When I was a teenager, I used to read Proverbs religiously (no pun intended). Then I stopped. Life got in the way. College totally disrupted my former routine and instead of reading Proverbs before I fell asleep, I was studying biology, partying or late-night chatting with friends. There was a residual effect of all that wisdom I had soaked up in my teen years, but when it finally wore off, do you know what was left? A fool. Turns out the only thing keeping me out of trouble was that daily connection to the Wisdom of the ages. Though being a fool seemed like fun at the time, I don’t have much to brag about now. I would be embarrassed to admit to many of my antics and I wouldn’t want my daughter to know about them, for sure! I may have turned from those memories, but they have not disappeared. I left a trail of witnesses so thick I could never run for public office!

Be deliberate about your relationship with God. Make a commitment to stay in contact at least once a day. Begin to think about chatting with God as being as essential as changing your underwear each day!

The Lost Hours by Karen White--Book Review

Engrossing, powerful, and mysterious, The Lost Hours by Karen White is sure to win this talented author more awards.

When Piper Mills was only six years old, her parents died and she moved in with her grandparents in Savannah. Years later, her grandmother gave her a mysterious box that Piper and her grandfather buried in the backyard; an event that would soon be forgotten.

After the death of her grandparents, and now a grown woman, Piper seeks the answers to questions she never had the courage to ask while her grandmother was alive. Digging up the mysterious box from the garden, Piper sets forth on a journey that uncovers her family's secrets and tells a story of past hurts, regrets, and the need for forgiveness.

After reading Karen White's The House on Tradd Street--which we reviewed here--I was eager to read her next novel. White definitely did not disappoint.

The Lost Hours combines Southern living and style with friendship, tragedy, and a quest for the truth.

As with The House on Tradd Street, this novel's characters move the story forward. Told from multiple points of view, the reader is totally captivated by the story of three girlfriends who are separated by a monumental tragedy and the granddaughter seeking to learn more about the grandmother she never really knew.

The Lost Hours is a powerful story that involves Alzheimer's disease, race relations in the 1930's, a charm necklace, a scrapboook and a love of horses. Piper was an accomplished equestrian, until a horrific accident left her scarred and afraid to get back in the saddle again.

In addition to Piper, readers will find a host of interesting and multifaceted characters. Helen, a blind daughter living at Asphodel Meadows, who has a flair for fashion; Tucker, Helen's brother, who has left his medical practice after a family tragedy; and Mr. Morton, Piper's family's attorney who pretends he's deaf, but really hears every word you say.

Perhaps the best part of The Lost Hours is how White is able to combine all these people, their pasts and their presents, to create an emotional story that will leave you satisfied, but also feeling sorry that you've read the last page.

The Lost Hours will make you run out and buy every book written by Karen White.


Title: The Lost Hours
Author: Karen White
Publisher: NAL Accent
ISBN: 978-0-451-22649-5
SRP: $15.00 (U.S.)

Internet Dating Advice from Cherie Burbach, Author of Internet Dating is not Like Ordering a Pizza

While my single days are far behind me--and hopefully will stay that way--my single buddies would certainly appreciate Cherie Burbach's new book, Internet Dating is not Like Ordering a Pizza. Cherie joins us today as part of her month-long virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

The Internet changed the whole dating scene--and many other scenes too. And writing up your online profile can be an intimidating thing. This is a subject that Cherie tackles in Internet Dating is not Like Ordering a Pizza. Today Cherie's article will discuss the top three mistakes people make when creating their online profiles.

Cherie's turn:


The Top Three Mistakes People Make in Creating Their Online Profiles

© Cherie Burbach 2009

Not Posting a Current Picture

We all become attached to certain photos over the years, but if you're going to be successful with Internet dating you have to put up a photo that reflects who you are right now. Have a friend bring his or her digital camera and shoot some candid pictures of you before you put up a profile. Then, choose one great head and shoulders shot, a full body shot, and a couple that show some things you like to do in your free time. Let the pictures help tell your story.

Using Defensive Language in Your Profile

If you read through profiles online, you will find that a lot of folks have been burned by love. How do I know? They write about it in their profile with headlines like:

"Are there any decent guys left?"

"Nice guys finish last?"

"No games."

Rather than complaining about love in your headline or essay, use that space to show a potential match what you're really like. Internet daters are reading your profile because they want to get to know you, not hear you complain. (Besides that, we all have dating horror stories we could share if we really want to.)

Having Inappropriate Search Criteria

The thing about Internet dating is that it asks you for superficial things in order to match you up with someone. The result is that daters will list their "most ideal" match, based not on someone real but on "their dream person."

For example, when filling out age requirement, many men will put a range of 18- ?. The "?" being one year younger than them. When women look at this age range, they are immediately put off, even if they fall into the range. This gives a poor impression because if you are 35 do you really want to date an 18-year old? Men will sometimes think that they just want a girl "that's of legal age" and don't give much thought to the real-life scenario.

Women, also, typically fill out income range a little higher than is probably practical. They may state a high income range because they want a man who is "stable," and when they think of what that word means it translates to filling out income range when it comes to a profile.

The thing you need to consider is what types of qualities do you want in someone. If, for example, you want someone "stable," write a profile that will attract someone of a similar mindset. Then, do your homework. Meet them for coffee and see if they are indeed someone you want to get to know. Your search criteria, unfortunately, will not do that for you.


You can find Cherie online at www.cherieburbach.com

Faith and Honor by Robin Maderich--Book Review

Forbidden love during the battle for independence is what historical fiction fans will find in Faith and Honor, Book 1 of the Honor Trilogy by Robin Maderich.

On the ride home to Boston, beautiful, red-headed widow Faith Ashley is assisted by a strong and elegant man in a dusty tricorne hat. Little does this dedicated patriot know, Mr. Irons is an officer in the British Army.

By rights they should be enemies; but their hearts are drawn to each other. As the battle for independence looms on the horizon, Faith and Fletcher Irons struggle to make sense of their feelings while still holding fast to their beliefs. What does loving the enemy cost? And can their love survive the rebellion?

Author Robin Maderich brings Colonial Boston alive for readers in this moving, romantic story of forbidden love. Maderich's attention to detail, knowledge of the era, and her ability to develop complex and fascinating characters, are woven together to create a poignant tale of a man and woman who stand on opposite sides of a conflict.

This eloquently written story that captures the fashion, the language, and tense situation of Colonial Boston is sure to be a hit with historical fiction fans.

Faith is a strong, determined patriot, and Fletcher, believing that the British must squash the rebellion, continues to perform his duty despite his feelings for Faith. He is certainly an honorable hero. Other memorable characters are Ezra Briggs, a lawyer and loyalist who has known Faith for many years, and British Lieutenant Brian Upton, a fellow officer and good friend of Fletcher's. John Colton, Faith's father who lives in Longmeadow, will certainly leave an impression on readers, as will Elizabeth, Faith's servant and fellow patriot.

This reader was totally captivated by Faith and Honor. The mingling of fictional characters with historical figures and events is so well done that I wanted immediately to dive back into the book as soon as I finished.

Faith and Honor by Robin Maderich is one book you won't want to miss!


Title: Faith and Honor
Author: Robin Maderich
Publisher: Blue Shutter Books (reprint of original book released in 1989 by Time Warner Books)
SRP: $12.95

Transform Your Life - Sheri Kaye Hoff and Keys to Living Joyfully Show You How

Today's guest blogger is Sheri Kaye Hoff, author of the inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully.

Sheri is an inspirational author and life coach, residing in Parker, CO with her husband and three children. She teaches college classes as an adjunct faculty member and has earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Her new inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers a way of living a meaningful, successful and joy filled life. Ms. Hoff is a personal and executive life coach. She conducts individual life coaching, teleclasses, writes online curriculum, gives in person small and large group coaching, is a keynote speaker, and conducts corporate training.

Spirituality is a vital part of her life's work. Prayer and meditation are integral pieces of her daily ritual, which enables her to pursue her life's passions and live a truly joyful life.

Her words on faith are derived from her own Christian walk and spiritual self-discoveries. Her action steps mix faith and years of leadership training, mentoring, and management. Sheri Kaye Hoff suffered the tragic death of her younger brother when she was a teenager and struggled for years to rediscover the capacity to feel joy and to enjoy her successes. She has a heart-felt desire to pass on her knowledge and discoveries that have led to a truly transformational life. The inspirational book, Keys to Living Joyfully, offers the techniques and insights that move people towards peace, joy, energy, and passion in everyday life.

You can find out more online at www.lifeisjoyful.org

Sheri's Turn:


Three Ways to Begin Transforming Your Life Today
by Sheri Kaye Hoff

What if your days unfolded beautifully and joyfully? What if life could flow and you could live in the moment and savor those moments? I want this for you. I want you to be able to experience a life of joy. Here are three ways to begin transforming your life today: begin a daily journal, work on things that inspire you, and cultivate a generous spirit.

You may have heard of the benefits of journaling and you may even have tried writing in a journal. When I speak of journaling, I am referring to an active process for changing your thoughts and transforming your life. I am not talking about the diaries you may have kept in the past or even present. Use your journal for a check in on your attitude and your current state of mind, but then move beyond and strive to create the life of your dreams. I begin each day’s journal entry with, “Thank you for this beautiful, glorious day.” I end each entry with “Thy will be done.” My journal entries are filled with gratitude, sprinkled with some observations, and topped with my goals and dreams. Starting my morning with writing makes my day centered and full of purpose. When I read past journal entries, I am able to see progress and dreams fulfilled. When you look back on your journal entries, you will be able to see your transformation on paper and you will be amazed.

After you finish your journaling for the day, turn your attention to work that inspires you. Maybe you have a job that you are only doing to make ends meet. All is not lost. There is, perhaps, some way that you can alter your focus on your job to see something inspiring. Can you become involved in an extra project that interests you? For the self-employed individuals, I encourage you to take a look at your business and your projects. Does your business inspire you? If not, why not? How can you change it and mold it to be your true inspiration? When your work inspires you, your whole life takes on a new feeling of lightness. You will wake up and feel excited for each day. The amount of time you spend dreading will drastically decrease. Remember that you are not trapped, there is always an element of decision making.

You are now journaling each day and doing inspiring work; now turn your attention to opportunities to give generously each day. I am not referring to giving to the point of hurting your financial position or exhausting you. I am talking about giving out of joy and the desire to make a difference in someone’s life on a daily basis. Giving might involve small things or big things, you decide. The point is that you cultivate a generous spirit. You will notice a change in your life as you deliberately begin to give. If you are already giving, evaluate your choices and your feelings about them. Can you do more or different things? Enjoy that you make a difference in people’s lives.

Begin transforming your life today with a beautiful journal and daily appointment to write; develop work that inspires you; and give generously. You will feel more joy and be able to celebrate your life every day.

Sign Up For Promo Day 2009

THE PROMOTIONAL EVENT FOR THE WRITING INDUSTRY IS BACK!

PROMO DAY makes its return in 2009 and promises to be the best yet. Mark your calendars for Saturday 9th May 2009!

An all day, online, international event for people in the writing industry packed full of tips and advice along with a variety of opportunities for writers, publishers, editors etc to promote their work and services. Readers are also welcome to drop in and get to know the authors better in the online chatroom, view the video trailers or read the sample chapters on site.

Founder and Organiser of the event, Jo Linsdell, had this to say “PROMO DAY came about because I was looking for opportunities to promote my books using the internet at little or no cost. After attending the Muse Online Writers Conference back in 2006, I searched the internet for similar events aimed at what to do after you’ve written the book and found none. I decided to fill the void and so PROMO DAY was born. PROMO DAY is a great opportunity to network with other members of the industry, take part in online workshops and promote and best of all it’s FREE”.

New features for this year are the Official Blog for the event, http://promoday.blogspot.com, where everyone can keep up to date with new announcements and information regarding the event and the official PROMO DAY book, packed full of information and resources, which will be available to buy during and after the event.

Visit the website http://jolinsdell.tripod.com/promoday for more details of how you can be involved.

BE PART OF THE ACTION, BE PART OF PROMO DAY!

Contact info:
Jo Linsdell - Founder and Organiser
Email: promoday@ymail.com
URL: http://jolinsdell.tripod.com/promoday
Blog: http://promoday.blogspot.com

ABOUT JO LINSDELL:


Born in Gillingham, Kent (UK) in September 1980. Married name Joanne Denise Feliciani. She uses her maiden name, Linsdell, as her pen name. Having passed 10 GCSE’s, she went on to study Business Studies, History and Art A-Levels at Yateley 6th Form. She left England and moved to Rome, Italy in June 2001, where she now lives with her Italian husband. She gave birth to their first son in December 2007.

She has had various jobs including working in hostels, being a tour guide and teaching English as a foreign language. She now works full-time as a freelance writer. She writes regularly for various websites, newspapers and magazines.

Her books, Italian for Tourists and A Guide to Weddings in Italy, along with her various ebooks; Il dolce Natale: Christmastime in Italy, Some Risks are Worth Taking, INSIDE.OUT, La Befana, The Patron Saint of Lovers and Free Promotional Techniques: Ways to market your books are all available to buy at www.lulu.com/jolinsdell.

She is also the creator and manager of the multi award winning site http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com

Visit her at http://jolinsdell.tripod.com or http://www.myspace.com/jolinsdell