Hearts of Purpose

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the two week tour for Hearts of Purpose by Gail G. Nordskog. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs August 21-31, 2017. Follow the tour here Book your own tour here WNL Genre: Christian Living/Women Book Title: Hearts of Purpose Vol. 1 ISBN-10: 1946497088 ISBN-13: 978-1946497086

                                     About The Author

Gail Grace Nordskog has established the “Gail Grace Nordskog Collection” to embolden readers to live their lives with a “heart of purpose” for God’s glory. Gail has been involved in media for over two decades. She presently produces and hosts a program called Hearts of Purpose, that can be seen on her website, heartsofpurpose.com. Gail and Jerry Nordskog live in Ventura, California, where they have raised six children, four of whom were adopted from China.

                                                   About The Book 

You have a call on your life. My desire is to encourage you to live life in fulfillment of that call. Following the example of Joan of Arc, you can be inspired to live out your purpose in first hearing from God and then taking your stand in following Him. Just as Joan of Arc could step forth in full confidence under the banner of her calling, so we too are under God’s banner as we step out to fulfill our purpose. Hearts of Purpose brings you ten real-life stories about ten ordinary women doing extraordinary things for the Glory of God. As you read of how God called these women to service, you will be motivated to explore His call in your own life. Let this reading experience be an invitation for you to take a step closer to fulfilling your God-given calling in Christ Jesus.

Mary Ann Ambroselli (chapter 1 starting on page 21) On January 5, 1965, at 10:18 p.m. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces. I was told when the baby was born that I would not see him or be able to hold him, and that he would be taken to his awaiting adoptive parents. I also knew that adoptive parents often did not tell their adopted child that they were adopted, so chances were that he would never know about me. The morning after he was born, a nurse who did not know my baby was being adopted brought him to me and laid him in my arms. Another nurse came in right away and apologized for the mistake, and took him away. To this day, I am grateful for that moment. I was able to look into his face and tell him I was doing this because I loved him and wanted him to have a life that a two-parent family could give him. The image of his perfect little face is imbedded in my memory. To date, I do not know anything about him or if he knows he was adopted. I continue to pray for him! As I left the hospital with my mom, depression and sadness set in. I struggled with the meaning of life and what to do next. I did not want to go to church. Facing people there would be much too hard. Besides, all that had happened in my life did not reveal to me that God was loving or compassionate. And, I was sure He did not care about me. I spent my days crying a lot. I had six weeks from the day of my baby’s birth to change my mind about adoption, which I did consider. Dad said there was no way he would support me and the baby. Since I had no idea what I would do or how to support myself with a baby I decided that signing the adoption papers was best for all involved. Even though he may never read this, the following poem written for my son has brought me a lot of comfort.

Blood Mother Farewell

I’ve carried you beneath my heart, and now must let you go. That you will not remember this, or me, as I do you. The years will take you even farther from my reach and view. Now other eyes will cherish you, and other arms embrace, Now other tears will fall for you, and other voices sing, Yet this I do, that you may never want for anything; not even distant echoes of my weeping as we part; The name I name you, or the thunder of my breaking heart.

A Word From the Author

Hearts of Purpose, Volume I “The Call”

A Day in the life of Gail Nordskog

I very much enjoy rising early.   5:30 a.m. is my favorite time no matter what the season is.

This started years ago when my children were young.   At the time I had 4 school age children who were full of chatter from the time they woke up until they fell asleep at night.

In order to start my day peacefully I found 5:30 gave me plenty of time to make a pot of coffee, snuggle with my puppy, read my Bible and Journal.  

I have pretty much kept that schedule all these years although I can sleep in a little longer.  I only have one school age daughter at home.   Kiana is now a junior in High School and my puppy is ten years old. Mitzi is joined by our 3- year-old Pomeranian, Foxi who faithfully follows the same routine with us.

Usually after an hour and 2 cups of coffee I will go outside to feed the Ducks.   We can have anywhere from 5 to 35+ ducks waiting to be fed.   We live in a harbor with a channel that leads to the Pacific Ocean behind our home.   These ducks are not native to ocean waters.  Most are mallards the other 5 are just farm yard type of ducks who are too fat to fly.  These are my favorite as they hang out here in the keys all year round.  

By now my husband is up and helping with the ducks and the dogs.   Jerry usually leaves for work these days between 9 and 10.   He is a man who does not see the word “retirement” in the Bible and has been in the Publishing Business for years.  Nordskog Publishing Inc. is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year.  My husband just celebrated his 79^th birthday this year!   I am not going to tell you what birthday I just celebrated but I am grateful for another year!

I usually have several projects going on at the same time.  Filming and editing my TV program, Hearts of Purpose is a continual project.   The Interviews of most of the authors can be seen on my web-site, Heartsofpurpose.com.   I will be in studio 2X’s this week to help edit one of the shows.   I’ve just recently purchased my own professional video camera and have been able to film on location.  Our 20 year old son, Daniel is often available to help.

I try to get exercise in several days a week, meet with good friends for lunch and support our children and grandchildren in their school and sports activities.

Jerry likes to say we live a rich and full and bountiful life!   Yes, indeed we do!

Jerry and I have raised 6 children, four of our children were adopted from China.   We also enjoy spending time with our 7 grandchildren.

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Beyond The Face OF The Movies

Please join author D. C. Lassiter as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release Beyond The Face Of The Movies, from Sept 1-30, 2016.

Publication Date: July 7, 2016

Paperback & E-Book: 200 pages

Publisher: Pneuma Springs Publishing

ISBN-10: 1782284168

ISBN-13: 978-1782284161

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Living

About the Author

D.C. Lassiter resides in the Pennsylvania area and is a student of God's word. After being called from a life of modeling and singing, she is now heading to Lancaster Bible College to completer her Bachelor's degree in Theology & Biblical Studies with a minor in Communications. D.C. Lassiter is single and worships at Blue Route Vineyard Community Church. She also writes on her blog as well as various online Christian magazines and counsels women struggling with separation or divorce. You can also find her engaging with her listeners, on the radio, every Sunday as she hosts Dovetales from 2:30-3:30 pm eastern time. Through guests willing to share what the Holy Spirit has done in and for their lives, D.C. Lassiter has an opportunity to encourage many towards a personal relationship with the Godhead which is for everyone: all nationalities, all races, all ages and all backgrounds.

A Word From the Author

What Inspired Me to Write My Book?

I heard that going through a divorce was like a head on car crash, but the victim survives. That was me walking around eight years ago and though people could see some bruising from the outside, little did they know I was bleeding internally. Life was a blur and I was raw to the touch. Those I loved tried to comfort me, talk to me, and pray for me, but nothing seemed to make me feel better. I just wanted it to be back the way it was, but did I? Or did I just want the pain to stop. I often asked myself, “How did I get here?”  What an interesting question without an interesting answer to follow it up.

I grew up in a large family being the youngest of six children and what an active bunch we were. My father loved to play the game of chess and so he taught the rest of us how to play. You knew you were a champion when you could beat my father—I beat him twice. My brothers would mimic my father as he taught them various gymnastic moves in the back yard and while they were occupied my mother had music permeating throughout the home, which I found myself partaking in. My mother loved music, musicals, painting, singing, cooking, and calligraphy. What a renaissance mother we grew up with and so we often joined in on her passion of it all.

As a child in this large family we were also, firmly, introduce to Jesus. I remember every Sunday morning my parents would wake us up to have bible study. My mother made it fun and added sound effects as she talked about Elijah going up in the chariot of fire to be with the Lord, and how Elisha eagerly waited for his double portion. We had fun watching The Ten Commandments while Charlton Heston encountered God in the burning bush and then later parting the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape the hands of Pharaoh. In our home there wasn’t a decision made without praying about it. God was talked about so often he was simply another sibling to me. Soon my middle sister caught onto the manner of telling biblical stories and she too could make them come alive when my parents weren’t around. The way she would dazzle us with her imagination is a memory I will never forget. Like I said, we were all creatively inclined: Singing, dancing, acting, drawing, cooking, and playing instruments were just a few things we seemed to dive into to stay busy and stay out of trouble.

When I could break away I read quite a bit, and journaled. I read fiction and self-help books, but discovered later in life without a personal relationship with God one can’t really help themselves. As the years passed my love of the arts grew and I began to model and sing internationally. I loved it, but couldn’t quite fit in. I discovered while living in Taiwan that all of those bible studies really changed me internally, and even though I blended in on the outside to onlookers in the fashion world I couldn’t really relate to them –not really.

I returned to the states began to date and was married shortly after. We separated five years later. God was calling me to a closer relationship with Him and so remained in close proximity as the separation from my husband forced me to gravitate back to bible studies, watching movies and being creative. I wrote a Christian comedy play at the height of my depression. As the years passed and my divorce was finalized I continued to watch movies in my spare time while Holy Spirit began his deep inner work in me by renewing my mind and revealing mistakes I made along the way. Watching Hollywood movies and attending bible studies helped me tremendously, and I marveled at the scriptures Holy Spirit brought back to my mind in order to teach me, mold me, correct me, and educate me.

I saw my mistakes and triumphs in the movies. I recognized my poor choices simply by relating to the lead characters that I was mesmerized with. The music had an impact on me, the dialogue, the cinematography, the colors and it was in those moments that true revelation came upon me—juxtaposing Hollywood movies and beloved biblical characters while discovering fundamental biblical truths in my living room was a blessing in disguise.

Holy Spirit flooded my mind with what movies touched me the most and what biblical characters to pair with each. I became more excited, more productive, and less depressed while on my way to birthing Beyond the Face of the Movies.

About The Book

Have you ever wondered why after watching a movie you are left with a residue of emotions? Perhaps after the credits have rolled off of your screen, you've experienced a sense of peace, empowerment, exhilaration, fear or maybe a better understanding of how to deal with a personal issue you've struggled with.

Whether we are a believer in God or not, everyone will come to a place where the choices they've made will lead them to asking themselves, "How did I get here?" And as we run from co-worker's and then to friends and family pleading for an answer as to how it all went so wrong, we will still have to choose, in the end, which path we'll take. Don't be fooled, because once you decide it is you and only you who will ultimately have to live those choices out.

Beyond the Face of the Movies will show you at heart just how similar we all are and whether you see your life resembling a Hollywood movie or a real life biblical character you will discover, underneath all the glitz and the glam, that people are still the same when it comes to making mistakes.

Many times God challenges us to go deeper than the surface of the movie, in hope that we will discover principles that can be gleaned from beneath the excitement and buzz of the film.

By juxtaposing Hollywood movies and biblical characters, the author connects the dots for the reader so that they are guided through fundamental biblical truths in order to better understand and navigate through their own life challenges on a daily basis.

What does Bruce Almighty have in common with the biblical Samson? What is Prophet Jonah doing in the Wizard of Oz instead of going down to Nineveh? Find out in this fun and feisty easy-to-read book, and while you are at it - take the time to look beyond the surface of the movie and you will sense God speaking to you in encouraging, practical and at times convicting ways.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/168888847

Connect Socially

Website: http://www.dclministries.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DCLMinistries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthefaceofthemovies/

Purchase Links

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2biKtak

Amazon EBook: https://amzn.com/B01HUEA4BI

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.com/1782284168

Hosted by Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours

Running in Heels

Title: Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace Paperback: 360 pages Genre: Christian Living, Inspirational, Memoir, Nonfiction

Author: Mary A. Pérez

Publisher: Chart House Press, LLC (January 28, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1631250280 ISBN-13: 978-1631250286

Mary A. Pérez was born in the Bronx, raised in Miami, and now resides in Texas with her husband of twenty years. Her award-winning essays have appeared in La Respuesta and Sofrito for Your Soul. “More than a memoir—this book is a promise of hope for anyone who was abandoned as a child, to anyone who woke up hungry and went to bed hungrier every day, for every wife who has loved a husband who left bruises on her heart and on her body.” Somewhere between stealing cold cuts from stray cats and watching a stranger leave her mother’s bed after breaking in through their bedroom window, Mary figured out that her family was dirt poor. Worse than her empty stomach, she was hungry for acceptance and love. She thought she found it when her baby sister was born and she became her “mommy”, taking care of her needs as best she could at the age of seven. Then she had to say goodbye over a small white casket. Mary’s grandparents, first generation immigrants from Puerto Rico, took her in and gave her a glimpse of faith and stability. For a brief, shining spell, she had a real home—until they decided that Mama needed her. They may have been right, but Mama needed more than a little girl could give and Mary lost her way again. Just out of Juvy Hall, Mary found a knight in shining armor to take her away. She became a teenage bride to a man twice her age—a man as deeply enslaved to booze as every “step-dad” she’d had as a child. She loved him anyway, even wearing the bruises he gave her, even when she tried to leave him to give their children a better life. Despite her fear and loneliness, she never imagined it would take a gunshot in the middle of the night to teach her courage. She was even more surprised when rediscovered faith paved the path to forgiveness after so many years of pain. Running in Heels is a memoir of the grit and grace that carried a young girl through the shadows of her mother’s choices and on through an abusive marriage. Mary A. Pérez narrates an incredible story of survival in the face of hopelessness, and learning to forgive against all odds. A story of coming of age, and coming into grace.  

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Love. Hope. Faith

Title: Love. Hope. Faith Anthology

Produced by: Vanessa Miller Genre: Christian Inspirational, Non-Fiction Paperback: 166 pages Publisher: Praise Unlimited Enterprises, LLC (February 18, 2015) ISBN-10: 1508505330 ISBN-13: 978-1508505334

Stories of Love, Hope and Faith line the pages of this spiritually uplifting anthology produced by bestselling author, Vanessa Miller. Love. Hope. Faith. will take you on a journey toward your happy place. The contributing writers of this anthology pour out their hearts to deliver soul-stirring, Godly stories of triumph. The Love. Hope. Faith. anthology will touch your heart as it allows you to believe again.

From Trust-less to Trustworthy - By: Yvette Wilson Bentley "When I looked at my friendships with women and why I didn’t trust them, I realized that I had lots to unpack and examine. I was okay not trusting women, but I knew that living as a Christian meant that my attitude and mindset had to change. Was it something that I wanted to do? At first, absolutely not! But I knew that to be of service to God and His people, a change had to be made, so I became willing to be willing. "

  Back At One - By: Kendy Ward “God, You promised that if I served You, followed You with every fiber of my being, then You would restore my family. It’s been five years. I don’t doubt that You can do anything. You specialize in the impossible, but my faith is faltering.” Jason then prayed in his heavenly language. I am not a man that I should lie. I will complete the good work I have begun. Jason released a sigh of relief. “Thank You for hearing me. I’ll wait. However long it takes, I will wait.”

  No Greater Love - By: Rita Moore “A few weeks into my pregnancy the doctor told us, the medications I had been taking caused harm to our child, test showed abnormal fluid. He suggested we terminate the pregnancy, or prepare for a child with birth defects! I was devastated, but my husband reminded me of the God we serve! Abortion was not an option! We found a new doctor, a believer, a doctor who trusted the miracle working love of God! Nine months later we had a perfectly healthy baby girl!” "On the day of my surgery, prior to being wheeled into surgery, the doctor took my hand and said, “It is my custom to pray with my patients prior to conducting surgery”. I have never known a doctor to do that! Everything happens for a reason. His prayer spoke of his faith and trust in God to guide his hands, and he prayed for my complete healing. I felt confident he was definitely the doctor I needed to perform the surgery. God said He perfects those things that concern us!”

  Leap Into Your Destiny- By: Sherae Bell One morning in late December, as I posted what I expected to be my last prayer to Facebook, my seven-year-old granddaughter, Anashija, ran into the room. She stood beside me, put her arm around my neck and politely, but in a matter-of-fact manner, said, “Grandma, are you writing your God Notes?” I did not realize that she had been paying attention. Surprised, I looked at her and said, “My God Notes?” “Yes, Grandma, your God Notes!” “Why did you call them my ‘God Notes’?” She took a deep breathe, sighed and then said, “Grandma, because you write your notes to God every day.” She ran out of the room as if she had completed her mission to confirm that my postings had nothing to do with me and everything to do with God. God’s timing is always perfect. Not until we acknowledge that it is just that, His timing, will we be able to live as He has designed. Every time I wanted to give up, He stopped me from waving the flag. I realized that God ordained my words. I knew that He had more work for me. God is faithful. He brings to fruition what He has ordained to be accomplished, no matter the package used to deliver it.

Courage To Stand- By Paulette Harper Have you ever took a step of faith in what you believed you heard from God and got mid-way through and wanted to turn back, put the brakes on, put the car in reverse and start all over? You knew this was not the way you had envisioned your current situation. Everything you see before you tells you that somehow you’ve missed God. Fear settles in, doubt and anxiety comes knocking at your heart. Prior to taking that step of faith, confidence in what you were doing was strong and un-quenching, yet all alone God knew exactly what trouble awaited you, what problems were in the making and He knew you would be in that place of doubt and disbelief. In your mind, you began to question if God told you to do this, did you really hear God? For sure if God told you then there shouldn’t be any problems, no challenges, no regrets, right? On the contrary, it’s in those places that we can be assured that God has us right where He wants us. In places of trouble, in that wilderness, in that place where even His still quiet voice is not speaking. This place is where your faith will be stretched, the promises of God will be challenged or questioned. It’s in this place that going back seems like the better solution, at least that’s what your flesh wants you to believe. Clearly what’s in front is more difficult than what is behind.

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage - By: Valerie J. Lewis-Coleman All eyes were on Jeanine as she took slow orchestrated steps toward the altar. The beaded embellishments on her tailored gown glistened in the sunrays that beamed through the cathedral windows. Every strand of her short bob was in place, Mac makeup flawless. The elegant bouquet of fresh-cut flowers bombarded her senses. For a brief moment, she stopped, closed her eyes, inhaled. The pianist seemed to strike the keys in sync with her racing heart. She opened her eyes and gazed down the aisle to see the groom poised, ready to meet his bride. A full smile washed across her face, she steadied her breathing. As she walked toward him, acknowledging each friend and family member with a glance, slight grin and head nod, she whispered a prayer. “Father, I thank You for this beautiful day. Everything is coming together as planned; even the weather is perfect. I ask Your grace upon this union. Let it flourish. Keep away the naysayers. Divorce is not an option as this marriage will represent Your unconditional love. I count my request as done. I just have one question: When will it be my turn as bride? I’m happy for my girl, but…I’m tired of being alone, crying myself to sleep. Smiling at every man I meet, hoping, praying that he’s the one. I love my nieces and nephews, but I’m ready to be a mother. The official has shot the gun to start the foot race and I’m stuck in the blocks watching my girlfriends run ahead with husbands in tow. Why am I still single? What is it about me that keeps me on this side of matrimony?” As the tears flowed, Jeanine took her place, two bridesmaids from the bride. She dabbed at the tears with a monogrammed handkerchief provided by the groomsman who escorted her.

  As I Look Back - by: LaDawn Michelle When I first got clean from drugs I learned in order to positively deal with any feelings I must first identify them. Today there is a popular saying going around “I felt some type of way.” That phrase doesn’t do anything to promote healing. “I feel some type of way” does not identify a feeling. You cannot heal emotionally by identifying with “feeling some type of way.” The only thing the statement does is give a voice to the fact that there is a dysfunction in your emotions. We must be careful that we do not allow our spirits to latch onto the commonalities society gives us that do not promote good emotional health by handicapping us with catchy phrases that mean absolutely nothing once they are dissected. One of the first tools I was given when I got clean from drugs was a feeling words list. In order to embark on a journey of emotional healing, one of your first steps may be to get a feeling word list and use it.

Triumphant Victory - by: Kyna Williams My mind had been tainted to believe that all the good things in life only happened for the pretty girls with long hair or the children with both parents in the home. I believed the world was filled with two categories of people. One category consisted of “THOSE OTHER PEOPLE” who seemingly have no problems, no hidden secrets, or shameful pasts that stripped them of the freedom to live the “Good Life.” The second category consisted of the broken souls, filled with hopelessness, like me. I was void of even the faintest perception that I would one day have the opportunity to be one of “THOSE OTHER PEOPLE.” I had decided within myself that I was damaged goods. I carried with me the weight of emotional baggage my secretive fragile past had attached to me, limiting my ability to dream of a future where I would be free to live the “Good Life” or any type of life that did not require me to mask who I felt I really was beneath the surface of my glamorous facade. If anyone were to find out who I really was beneath it all, it would certainly result in the complete ruin of the flawless public façade I had mastered displaying.

  The Visionary - by: Loureva Slade “I need you all to trust me,” Pastor Gaines said as he tensely tapped his fingers on the table, unamused by Deacon Clemmons’ humor. “And if that is too difficult, trust that God has put me over this congregation and trust that He won’t allow me to do anything that doesn’t align with His will. Can you all just do that?”  
       

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary

Calling Authors, Motivational Speakers and Ministers of the Gospel…

With Volume 1 of the Love. Hope. Faith. Anthology complete, I am now in search of inspirational testimonies for Volume 2. *Is your life a living testimony? *Are you a new author looking for a way to break into the industry? *Can you take a motivational speech and write something that will inspire readers? *Has God put a burning desire to minister to His people in your heart? Contact Vanessa Miller for submission guidelines: vanessa.praiseunlimited@gmail.com