Know an outstanding teen? Check this out!

As a high school teacher for over twenty years, I’ve always been impressed by the number of teens who push themselves to achieve their goals. These are kids who rise above their circumstances, and don’t let the facts stand in the way of their dreams.

I’ve known students who manage intense Advanced Placement and Honors classes, involvements in school sports, and volunteer activites in their communities.

When college applications roll around, these students move to the top of the admissions stacks. And they well deserve to.

With college admissions growing more and more selective, the Wendy’s High School Heisman program presents a great opportunity to help those students who have managed to balance so much, stand out. This award celebrates high school seniors who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement; in essence, recognizing them for all of the things they already do. Colleges want to see well-rounded students who demonstrate dedication and commitment, making this program especially relevant and accessible.

High school seniors who have a 3.0 average or higher, participate in a school-sponsored sport and contribute to their community can apply at www.WendysHeisman.com, or a high school educator, guidance counselor, or coach can nominate them. As a little reward, the first 41,100 applicants will receive a free Wendy’s gift card in amounts ranging from $5 to $50. One male and one female from each high school will win the award and continue on in competition for state and national awards. Twelve national finalists will participate in Heisman Weekend festivities during an all-expenses-paid trip Dec. 11-13 to New York City. ESPN2 will feature all 12 national finalists during the Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Ceremony, which airs Dec. 13.  The Wendy’s High School Heisman website will display the names of all applicants and individual school winners on October 22, 2009.

YOU CAN WIN A $20 WENDY’S GIFT CARD BY LEAVING A COMMENT ABOUT AN OUTSTANDING TEEN YOU KNOW…MAYBE YOUR OWN! One name will be drawn October 3, 2009.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Wendy’s and received a gift certificate to giveaway and to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

How can we fulfill our expectations? Elisa Morgan shares in SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD

We are thrilled to have Linda Olson, inspirational speaker, author, and leadership coach with us today. Please find a comfortable seat as you join our visit with Linda introducing her new book, Exceeding your Expectations.

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG TO WIN A COPY OF LINDA’S BOOK!

Winner will be drawn 10/01/09

LINDA: Thank you! I’m delighted to be with you and your readers today to share about a topic that is close to my heart and something we all need to hear in light of today’s economy.

Linda, you have a strong leadership background. You have served for more than thirty-five years both in Canada and the United States as Dean of Women, Marriage & Family Therapist, Women’s Ministry Director and a Creative Memories Director. Recently you founded a program called, Made for Something More. Share with us how that came about?

LINDA: I served as Women’s Ministry Director at three churches over a fourteen year period. As I was invited on full time staff to entrepreneur a women’s program with over 5,000 attendees, I knew this was more than a position, it was a calling. During that time I searched for resources to develop my leaders and came up empty-handed. It was at that time God laid on my heart to begin developing a program for Christian Women in Leadership. In the program, Made for Something More, I was developing a five-part series with books, teleseminars, DVD’s and other resources. When it came down to getting my first book published, God laid on my heart a sixth book, Exceeding your Expectations.

Why are you passionate about the message in this book?

LINDA: Like many people today, I didn’t have any dreams or expectations.

Growing up on the farm in mid-west Canada, life was more about surviving than it was thriving. It seemed the biggest expectation was to bring in a big enough crop or sell enough cattle to pay the bills and cover basic living expenses. I learned to survive rather than thrive.

When did that change for you?

LINDA: I entered Bible College as a shy, inhibited teenager seeking God’s direction for my life. It was there that I met students with dreams and aspirations. They were enjoying life and had a purpose. It triggered something in me that made me realize I was made for so much more. During those three years at a dormitory college my life blossomed.

So, how did that change things?

LINDA: I knew God had a special purpose for my life. I had gained confidence, self-esteem and many leadership skills. Big doors began to open. At 21 years of age I was invited to become Dean of Women at Trinity Western University on the west coast of Canada. It was the beginning of a 35-year leadership journey where God has exceeded my expectations beyond my wildest dreams.

We are all affected by our present economy in one way or another. Besides a job and enough money to hang on to our home what are people looking for and how can we help them?

LINDA: Besides the tangible things people are looking for encouragement, hope, peace, health, and security. When the woman at the well said to Jesus, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep”, she was looking to the well for practical answers. It’s the same thing we do when we look to our circumstances hoping for changes that will transform our life. The answers are not in the well nor are they in our circumstances. They are in the Almighty. We need to look to Him and trust Him to fulfill the many promises He has given us.

What was the turning point for the woman at the well?

LINDA: The turning point occurred when Jesus brought her face to face with her fear. He said, “Go call your husband and come back.” Jesus knew her struggle with relationships, so why would He ask her to call her husband? He needed to know if she was willing to confess her situation and take responsibility. She needed to face her fear and know she could move beyond it.

How can we learn to exceed our expectations?

LINDA: Before Jesus exceeded this woman’s expectation with living water she had to:

1. Recognize her need for change
2. Be willing to take responsibility for herself (take down emotional barriers)
3. Commit herself to Him (believe in Who He was and What He had to offer)

It isn’t any different for us. We need to be open to change (recognize our need for change), be willing to take responsibility and commit our day and our situation to Him (and leave it in His hands). When we do that He will exceed our expectations.

Where do we often fall short?

LINDA: It’s not in having an expectation we go wrong, but rather in hanging on to our expectations. We want something to happen at a particular time and we hang on like it is our right. The other area where we often fall short is NOT being willing to wait silently. If we are willing to submit our expectations to God every morning and wait on Him, He will far exceed them.

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my (personal responsibility) expectation (hope) is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense.” Psalm 62:5,6

What resources do you have available for us?

LINDA: There are several things available that you can find on my website which is www.madeforsomethingmore.com.           

1. 1. Coordinating Journal, Goliath Challenge – My gift to you.
   2. My new book & DVD, Exceeding Your Expectations
   3. Capturing your Vision – is a program where I will work with a leadership team and teach them to Capture their vision, Explode their influence and Bring $ back to their organization. As part of that program I speak to their group equipping and empowering women to recognize their value and their potential.
   4. Teleseminar Series – for anyone who wants to go deeper. This series consists of 6 teleseminars as well as time for leaders to ask their personal questions.

She Did What She Could: Five words of Jesus that will change your life by Elisa Morgan (Tyndale House Publishers)

Most of us care. We really do. We care about poverty and injustice, about orphans and the sick. And yet, weighed down by the everyday load of bringing home a paycheck, putting food on the table, and taking care of our family demands, we question our ability to make a difference. Bombarded by one celebrity help-the-world-athon after another, we shrug our shoulders in futility and do absolutely nothing. Enter SDWSC. Based on the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume in Mark 14, SDWSC provides overwhelmed, yet service-seeking, significance-starved readers a realistic response to the seemingly unmeetable needs around us.

Five letters. Unthinkable power.

Elisa Morgan

Most of us care. We really do. We care about poverty and injustice, about orphans and the sick. And yet, weighed down by the everyday tasks of bringing home a paycheck, putting food on the table, and shuttling kids around, we question our ability to make a difference. Bombarded by one celebrity help-the-world-athon after another, we shrug our shoulders in futility and do absolutely nothing.
But what if we did . . .
Something?
Just one thing.
The thing that matters more than anything else in that one solitary moment.

What if we did just that?
What if?
S•D•W•S•C
Five letters that have the power to change your life, free your spirit, and transform your world!

About the Author

Elisa Morgan is a nationally recognized speaker and the author of more than fifteen books, including the best–selling What Every Mom Needs and Mom’s Devotional Bible. Elisa has served as CEO of MOPS International since 1989. She is also the publisher of MomSense and FullFill magazines and is a frequent contributor to Christianity Today. Elisa is married to Evan (vice president of strategic development for RBC Ministries, known internationally for Our Daily Bread, and founder of christiancourses.com). They have two grown children and one grandchild and live in Centennial, Colorado.

Date	Location
September BLOG TOUR ITINERARY
14	Blog: Pix-N-Pens Host: Tracy Ruckman Blog: Latte With Me Host: Cathy Davis
15	Blog: ChurchWatch Host: Craig von Buseck Blog: Cindy’s Stamping and Reviews Host: Cindy Loven
16	Blog: His Heart, My Desire Host: Beverly Dillow Blog: Butterfiles and Bullfrogs Host: Kimberly LaBombard
17	Blog: Syinly’s Weblog Host: Ly Syin Lobster Blog: Lighthouse Academy Host: Laura Hilton Blog: Redemption’s Heart Host: Deana OHara
18	Blog: Lori’s Book Reviews Host: Lori Kasbeer Blog: Mom2Ways Host: Julie Donahue
19	Blog: Heading Home Host: Lynn Mosher
20	Blog: Window To My World Host: Kim Ford
21	Blog: The Authentic You Host: Anita Lee Blog: Faithwebbin Online Magazine Host: Tyora Moody
22	Blog: Clicking Her Heels Host: Suzanne Schaffer
23	Blog: Christian Speaker Services Blog Host: Christian Speaker Services
24	Blog: One Man Revival Host: Frank Jenkins
25	Blog: Sisters of Faith Host: Angie Knight Blog: The Good Neighbors Host: Leann Richardson
26	Blog: Sherri Woodbridge Host: Sherri Woodbridge
27	Blog: A Peek At My Bookshelf Host: Deena Peterson
28	Blog: FICTIONARY Host: Christa Allan Blog: Nora Finding Hope Through Fiction and Beyond Host: Nora St. Laurent

SDWSC – She Did What She Could by Elisa Morgan – Book Trailer

more about “SDWSC – She Did What She Could by Eli…“, posted with vodpod

What to do while you’re waiting: Meet Debut Novelist Myra Johnson

 Christa and I are both recently home from the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, held in Denver, CO, this year, so I know she understands the “brain-dead” feeling of post-conference week!

 Yet here I am trying to come up with a witty guest post, so bear with me, y’all (yes, my Texas roots are showing).

 One of the things I love most about the ACFW conference is our time spent in worship and praise, and one of our worship songs was “While I’m Waiting,” by John Waller. The words were especially appropriate for a roomful of 500+ writers, because—published or not—a writer is always waiting for something.

 Our critique group’s praise (hopefully!!) of the pages we submitted.

 Manuscript contest results.

 A response from an editor or agent.

 That first (or subsequent) book contract.

 Five-star reviews.

 Making the best-seller list.

 Winning a coveted book award.

 For the advance check to arrive.

 For lightning to strike with the next great book idea.

 But as the song lyrics remind us, waiting isn’t static. There’s always plenty to do during that time, including worshiping our Lord, serving others, and generally keeping on with the business of living.

 Which is exactly what I had to do for the 25 years I wrote and submitted manuscripts and soaked up feedback from critique groups, editors, and contest judges. Despite regular publication in magazines and devotionals, my one big unfulfilled dream was a published book. So many times I thought about giving up—but look what I’d have missed! I’d never have seen the release of my debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas, nor the next three book contracts that followed in quick succession.

 Wherever we are in our waiting—and whatever we may be waiting for—we must remember that God’s timing is always perfect. He is never slow, never late. He knows what is best for us at every stage of life. If we are obedient to the still, small voice of God’s instruction and direction, if we look to Him only for our fulfillment, our waiting will not be in vain.

 About Myra: Myra Johnson’s roots go deep into Texas soil, but she’s proud to be a new Oklahoman. Empty-nesters now, she and her husband share their home in Broken Arrow with two loveable dogs and a snobby parakeet. Her debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas, released in September 2009 from Abingdon Press.

She also writes for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line. Autumn Rains, winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript, releases October 2009, soon to be followed by Romance by the Book and Where the Dogwoods Bloom.

Myra writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups. Myra and her husband have been married since 1972. The Johnsons have two married daughters and five grandchildren.

 About One Imperfect Christmas: Graphic designer Natalie Pearce will soon face the most difficult Christmas of her life. While taking down last year’s Christmas decorations, her mother suffered a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she allows the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves—most of all her husband, Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she’s one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

            Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit’s end. Nothing he’s done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa’s adolescent rebellion isn’t helping matters. Daniel’s hope reaches its lowest ebb, and he wonders if the next Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

IF GOD IS GOOD. . .Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief

IF GOD IS GOOD. . .

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God–Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

Author Bio:

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.

A FENCE BY ANY OTHER NAME: MEET LINDA CLARE

I’m excited to introduce Linda Clare, a fellow Abingdon author, whose debut novel will be released next month.

A Fence by any other Name

The most common question authors are asked is, “Where do you get your ideas?” We who write, smile. We have too many ideas, and if you are a writer’s loved one, you’ve learned to duck when your writer is trolling for stories. If you don’t, you are likely to end up as a character in a novel. Yet we who write know that without you—and our imaginations—we couldn’t create the fictional worlds where we spin our stories.

When I first began The Fence My Father Built, I allowed my imagination to run wild every day when I opened my newspaper. One day, a feature my local paper ran caught my attention. Alfred McBee, a nice old guy who lived in a rural area near my town, was the subject of the article. The accompanying photo showed Alfred sitting amongst piles of junk—mostly old bicycle parts—and his rundown mobile home stood in the background. I borrowed some of Alfred’s quirks for my character Uncle Tiny, but what stood out was a sentence in the article. Alfred McBee’s place was surrounded by a fence made from old oven doors.

There wasn’t a photo of the oven doors fence, but my mind took care of that. I imagined a string of the ovens I’d known as a child—pink, aqua, sea green oven doors, set against the backdrop of beautiful central Oregon. I clipped the article and used it and others to help me fashion the fictional town of Murkee.

The second most common question writers are asked is, “How much of your story is autobiographical? Again, it’s me and my imagination, colliding in strange ways. My lifelong longing to know my bio father contributed to the theme in a big way. I was adopted by my mother’s second husband, and he was an exemplary dad. When he died in the late 1980s, I felt free to pursue the search. The rise of the Internet made searches like mine easier, but I managed to locate my father through a forwarded letter to the Social Security Administration. And no, he isn’t dead! My bio father had been looking for me too, and he drove to Oregon the day after he contacted me. I gained five new half-siblings and a large extended family.

The Fence My Father Built is an amalgam of deep-seated longings and quirky folks like Alfred McBee. My experiences have helped me write a novel that I hope will add up to more than the sum of its parts. We Who Write aren’t superhuman. We have learned to use whatever presents itself–the newspaper, the next-door neighbor, or our longsuffering loved ones—as material. Next time you see a writer taking note of you, beware: you too could end up between the pages of a book.

--Linda S. Clare’s debut novel, The Fence My Father Built, releases October 1, 2009, from Abingdon Press’ new line of women’s fiction. Linda is a college writing instructor in Eugene, Oregon, where she lives with her husband of 31 years and their five wayward cats.

Join the fight against Ovarian Cancer

Join Electrolux and Kelly in the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer!

When you send a VIRTUAL T-SHIRT to a Friend DURING SEPTEMBER, Electrolux will donate a $1 to OCRF¹ and you’ll be helping to raise funds and awareness to find a cure for ovarian cancer.

Electrolux Kelly Confidential and Kelly Ripa are kicking off a unique “Text-a-Thon for a Cause” to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Moms can donate $5 to the cause by texting “KELLY” to 85944 from their mobile phones Kelly Confidential(standard text messaging rates apply) – or by logging on to www.kelly-confidential.com. Also, each day you log on to the Web site, you are entered for a chance to win a luxury frontload washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color of ovarian cancer awareness. And don’t forget about the Electrolux washer and dryer in Turquoise Sky for giveaway on the Mom Central Kelly Confidential site!

During September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can also help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend.  For every virtual T-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. You can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

Kelly’s PSA to help spread awareness of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Electrolux and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

International Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sexual Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery

Salvation Army Sponsors 4th Annual International Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sexual Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery September 25-27th concerned individuals across the world will join in prayer and fasting for the victims of sex trafficking and modern day slavery. In an effort to raise funds and awareness for this project, the Salvation Army is raising hands and hearts together in a special weekend dedicated to praying and fasting for the social injustices forced upon many individuals in our world today. For more information about this important project and other organizations partnering with The Salvation Army, go to the Salvation Army homepage. For years, author Kay Marshall Strom has visited countries where human trafficking and modern day slavery run rampant. Her recent fiction release, The Call of Zulina, draws attention to the historical issues of slavery, that unfortunately continue today across the world and even in the United States of America. Through her diligence and commitment to help resolve inhumane issues revolving around slavery and trafficking Strom has become an expert in the field. Kathy Carlton Willis Communications offers this timely free content article by Kay Strom to bloggers who would also like to draw attention to these relevant and current events in society. If you would be interested in posting the content below between Sept. 10-25th, please email GINA with your date and blog address. We will list your blog on the KCWC Blogsite during the week of placement to help drive traffic to your blog. Stolen Identity by Kay Marshall Strom Enormous eyes in a bony-thin face, and a baggy green dress that dragged the ground.  Because of all the cast-off children at the village school in India, the raggedy girl stood closest to our translator, he gently asked her, “What is your name?” The girl stared. “Your name.  What is it?” the translator asked again. The girl whispered her answer:  “I have no name.” A child with no name.  A little girl abandoned so young she could not even remember what her parents had called her.  She grew up begging at the train platform, snatching up the scraps harried passengers dropped, watching other children picked off by traffickers.  Now that she was seven or eight–perhaps even a scrawny nine–the traffickers had come for her.  But the girl screamed and kicked and clawed so ferociously that someone called the police.  Someone with clout, evidently, because the police came and pulled her away from the traffickers. Somebody in the crowd suggested that instead of putting the child in jail, the police might take her to the village school, which they did. They dropped her at the door and left. Human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is rampant around the world.  We think of it as an eastern European problem, or Indian or Nepalese or Thai.  It is.  But it’s also a Western problem. The U.S. State Department estimates between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the Untied States each year, but concede that the real number is far higher. According to the U.S. Justice Department’s head of the new human trafficking unit, there is now at least one case of trafficking in every state. The little girl with no name was fortunate that someone responded to her screaming pleas.  What would you do if you heard a child shriek for help?  Of course, if she were a trafficking victim in this country, she wouldn’t likely scream or kick.  She would probably shrink away in terror, or act submissively.  You might see wounds–cuts, bruises, burns.  Perhaps what would catch your attention would be the constant work: babysitting, cooking, washing dishes, scrubbing floors–never just being a child.  Or maybe you couldn’t say exactly what was wrong–only that something about the child’s situation made you profoundly uneasy. Please, please, if you suspect a person is being trafficked, call 911 and report it.  Yes, it is okay.  Yes, even it you are mistaken.  In fact, eighteen states require citizens to report possible child abuse or neglect of any kind. In the 1700s, Quakers led the fight against the African slave trade.  In 1885, the Salvation Army took up the abolition banner, and since then it has led the fight against a different kind of slavery. More and more, 21st century abolitionists are followers of Christ determined to see slavery of all kinds ended in our day. Oh yes…  Before I left the school in India, I asked if we might give the little girl a name.  She is now Grace. About the Author: Author Kay Marshall Strom has two great loves: writing and helping others achieve their own writing potential. Kay has written thirty-six published books including Daughters of Hope: Stories of Witness and Courage in the Face of Persecution and In the Presence of the Poor. She’s also authored numerous magazine articles, and two screenplays. While mostly a nonfiction writer, the first book of her historical novel trilogy Grace in Africa has met with acclaim. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, writers’ conferences, and special events throughout the country and around the world. She is in wide demand as an instructor and keynote speaker at major writing conferences. She also enjoys speaking aboard cruise ships in exchange for exotic cruise destinations. Schedule Kay for an interview or request her book for review by contacting Kathy Carlton Willis Communications at WillisWay@aol.com or call 956-642-6319.

Celebrating your loud and rowdy life with your sons: BOY-STEROUS LIVING

Raising boys isn’t easy. Life with them is loud. If it’s quiet, they’re probably up to something. Boys are messy, competitive, fearless, and proud. Living with them pretty much guarantees that you’re in for an adventure.

In Boy-sterous Living, Jean shares a few of the priceless stories and laugh-out-loud lessons that she and her boys have experienced over the years. With humorous insight and practical advice, she offers encouragement and ideas to help both mothers and fathers impact and shape the lives of their sons. From understanding their love of sports to overcoming the superman complex, Jean shows moms how to find joy and contentment in everyday life by celebrating the laughter, passion, noise, and endless energy boys bring to our lives.

CONTEST: Enter your grossest or funniest moment as a mom of a boy (No boys? That’s okay – we still want to hear your story!) and you could win movie tickets and a snack for you and a friend to escape! Share your story by emailing your entry to amy@litfusegroup.com or posting it on the Moms of Boys facebook page!

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/89-boy-sterous-living-blog-tour

Praise for Boy-sterous Living

“A fun read with a fresh perspective on raising boys!”
- Dennis Rainey, Family Life

“Jean Blackmer gets boys and proclaims the audacious outrageous thrill to be found in raising them–if one will only delight in the adventure.”
- Julie Barnhill, author of “One Tough Mother” and mom to two “Boy-sterous!” wonders

“One of the most profound relationships in a family is clearly between a mom and a son. Jean has done a great service to moms everywhere encouraging them to enjoy the sometimes wild yet wonderful journey of rearing a son.”
- Dr. Keven Leman, author of “Have a New Kid by Friday.”

“In my years of mothering, I’ve found the most sound and practical advice comes from other mothers who understand my challenges. Jean understands boys! In her uniquely personal, humorous and insightful style, she tells parents of boys what they need to know.”
- Carol Kuykendall, speaker and author of several books including “Five Simple Ways to Grow a Great Family.”

“I highly recomend this book to every woman who wants to understand boys.” – Rick Johnson, author of “Better Dads, Stronger Sons”

“Life with boys is part mystery, part comedy, and all adventure! Jean Blackmer equips parents to understand the mystery, laugh at the comedy, and buckle in for the adventure.”
- Carla Foote, director of media and executive editor of “MomSense Magazine”, MOPS International

Jean Blackmer is currently the Publishing Manager for MOPS International and she’s been free-lance writing for 16 years. She has been published in a variety of local and national publications, including: Guideposts, MomSense, Today’s Christian Woman, Christian Parenting Today, American Girl, Proverbs 31 Woman, Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul, Chicken Soup Cookbook for the Busy Mom’s Soul, Focus on the Family’s Teen Phases, Guideposts Miracle Series, and others.

She also co-authored her first book, Where Women Walked: Powerful True Stories of Women’s Perseverance and God’s Provision. (Tyndale/Focus on the Family, 2004) This book was nominated for a Gold Medallion Award.

Jean graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a Bachelor’s (1987) and a Master’s (1992) degree in Journalism. She lives in Boulder with her husband Zane; three boys, Josh, Jordan, and Jake.

If you’re still wondering what you were born to do…read YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS

His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by an act of God. Around the world these acts are called miracles–not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn the “protocol of heaven.”

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can be a ‘Delivery Guy’ from heaven in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose and spiritual growth.

You Were Born for This will change how you see see your world and show you what you can expect God to do through you to meet real needs. You will master seven simple tools of service, and come to say with confidence, “I want to deliver a supernatural gift from God to someone in need today–and I expect to!”

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO CLIP OF BRUCE TALKING ABOUT HIS BOOK.

Author Bios:

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado.