Wednesday, September 28, 2011

An Interview With Stephen Schochet

Author Stephen Schochet is a professional tour guide in Hollywood who years ago began collecting little-known, humorous anecdotes to tell to his customers. His new book Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn, and many others both past and contemporary. Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen, “The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard."


1.      Tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in Hollywood.

I'm a tour guide in Hollywood and years ago I started collecting little stories to tell the customers and had the idea that the tales could be told anywhere.  I had always been interested in the movies and history so it was kind of a natural fit for me.  When I first started I had a study buddy named Ivan.  During our breaks we would research information about old Hollywood and share it with each other.  I remember one time we met on Hollywood Boulevard and said to me in a low, conspiratorial tone," Steve, man, you what I found out today? That Thomas Edison owned the rights to the movie camera and the early moguls like Mayer, Warner, and Zukor they had to pay him tributes.  They why they left the East Coast and came west -- they were outlaws, baby!"  The more information we found out, the more fun it was to give the tour.  And I've got a good memory for stories so having different material kept it fresh, I think for the customers as well.  Anyway, eventually I had the idea that these very short anecdotes could be told anywhere and that's what led, after a few other projects, to the idea for the book.

2.      Have you met any of the famous people that you talk about in your book?

Jimmy Stewart, George Burns, and Lucille Ball were always friendly and waved. Fred Hayman's boutique on Rodeo Drive was a great store (now defunct) where I used to be able get my customers cappuccinos spiked with Kailua and brandy -- I'll tell you the more people drank the more they enjoyed the tour.  A bunch of stars came in there, like Cybil Shepard, Suzanne Pleshette, Vanna White, the one who I really enjoyed meeting was Zsa Zsa Gabor who took pictures with all my customers.  The bartender was a beautiful girl named Laura, she looked like Cindy Crawford.  Zsa Zsa walked to the bar, complimented Laura and asked how she kept her skin so nice.  Before Laura could answer Zsa Zsa suggested that Laura stay away from booze -- then asked her to put some extra brandy in the cappuccino.  Then she laughed so she had a good sense of humor.

3.      Tell us about Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando being next-door neighbors and working together.

They were next-door neighbors and sometimes Jack would be puttering around in his garden and he would hear this disembodied voice coming over the fence and they would conversations like Tim Allen and his neighbor in Home Improvement.  Previously they worked together in the movie The Missouri Breaks.  Jack had been looking forward to it, I think at that time Brando and Lawrence Olivier were the two actors everybody wanted to work with, but Marlon by that time was really lazy and never bothered to learn his lines.  He'd always be reading cue cards and wouldn't Jack in the eye in their scenes together.  Finally Jack got frustrated and asked Marlon to stop doing it so Brando then placed an assistant in his trailer with a radio transmitter who would read the script, which Brando would hear through an earpiece.  Unfortunately, the radio transmitter inadvertently picked up police broadcasts.  One day Marlon was doing a scene, suddenly looked startled, came out of character and said," Oh my God!  There's been a robbery at Woolworths!"

4.      What famous star scared tourists at Universal Studios?

It's the first story in my book:
 
The Universal Maniac

In 1999, an Australian gentleman told me about an interesting experience he and his family had at Universal Studios. They were on the backlot tour passing one of the theme park’s main attractions, the Bates Motel used in the 1960 horror classic Psycho, about a murderous young man named Norman Bates who loved his mother a little too much. As the guide gave out information about how director Alfred Hitchcock shot the picture, a tall man, dressed in drag and carrying a large knife, emerged from behind the old set and charged toward the tram. The narrator seemed to know nothing about the Norman Bates look-alike and clammed up completely. The make-believe killer wore such a convincing maniacal expression that some of the paying customers were frightened and screamed when he raised his weapon. Then the “fiend” pulled off his wig and he turned out to be comic Jim Carrey; the thirty-seven-year-old star was clowning around during a work break. After his laughing “victims” calmed down, Jim was happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs.
    
5.      Why did a close family member ask Walt Disney for his autograph?
            
I have a whole chapter about Walt, he was such a fascinating character:

Walt Disney’s Daughters

Walt Disney’s two daughters, Sharon and Diane, grew up sheltered from the limelight. The children had no images of Mickey Mouse around their home. Their father didn’t go to many parties, preferring to stay in after a long day of work. Sometimes he would playfully chase the youngsters upstairs, cackling like the evil peddler woman in Snow White. When they behaved badly, Walt would admonish them with a raised eyebrow; his stern demeanor inspired the character of the wise old owl, in the 1942 animated feature Bambi. As toddlers, the brainy Diane and beautiful Sharon stayed blissfully unaware that their parents worried about them being kidnapped and allowed no pictures of the sisters to be publicly circulated. Once in 1939, a curious classmate questioned six-year-old Diane about her family. She went home and said, “Daddy, you never told me you were that Walt Disney,” and asked him for an autograph.



6.      What did a former LA police chief have to do with Star Trek?

That was Chief William Parker who took over the force in 1950.  If people saw the movie Changeling with Angelina Jolie, they know that the LAPD had a corrupt reputation and Parker instituted a lot of reforms, which earned the public's respect.  Parker was hard to get know; his personality, was considered to be both logical and taciturn.  Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was a former police Sergeant who served under Chief Parker, he wrote speeches for him, really respected him and largely modeled the character of Mr. Spock after him.

7.      Why did Steven Spielberg think Jaws would ruin his career and when did he know it was a winner?

Jaws was a really fun movie to write about it!  It really changed Hollywood; it brought in the blockbuster mentality to the studios.  Executives now refer to them as tent pole movies, a film that is a big event and pays for everything else they do.  But the mechanical shark didn't work in the water off Martha's Vineyard and every time a Universal executive would fly out to check Spielberg's progress, he assumed, because it was his idea to film the picture in the middle of the ocean he would be fired.  But Steven soldiered on, finished the film, and then there was the preview in Dallas.  By that time, Steven was so tired of watching and hearing the same material over and over he had no idea if the film was good. Eighteen minutes into the screening, the shark killed a boy in a bloody attack. Suddenly, a man in the front row got up from his seat and ran past Spielberg into the lobby. The startled director followed him and watched in amazement as the invited patron threw up on the carpet, went to the bathroom, cleaned himself up and then returned to his seat. For the first time in months, Spielberg relaxed, figuring correctly that if the movie made people sick and they still wanted to watch, it would be a hit.

    
8.      How did James Cameron try to end the working relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger before The Terminator?

In the book that story is called "Let's Do Lunch":
            
A lunch with Arnold Schwarzenegger caused James Cameron to change his opinion about casting for the 1984 sci-fi thriller, The Terminator. The thirty-year –old director disagreed with his bosses that Arnold was the right man to play the film’s hero, who goes up against a homicidal robot. Cameron planned to insult the Austrian bodybuilder and end the work relationship before it started. But the thirty-seven-year-old Schwarzenegger was charming, suggested some great ideas for the movie and had muscles rippling beneath his shirt; might as well be nice or the famed weight lifter could break him like a twig. It was bad enough that James had no money on him and Arnold had to pick up the tab. Maybe Schwarzenegger could play the Terminator; it made more sense than the producers’ other suggestion. The filmmaker wondered how anyone in their right mind could see former football star O.J. Simpson as a killer.
               
9.      Tell us about the Peter O'Toole funeral story.

One Late Night in Ireland

One very late night in Ireland, Peter O’Toole and Peter Finch shocked a pub owner who wanted to close up. The two inebriated actors offered to buy his establishment for twice as much as it was worth, as long as the alcohol kept coming. A contract was written and signed on a napkin. The next afternoon, the hung-over stars woke up and after some blurry discussions, they recalled what they did the night before. Fearing their business managers would kill them, they raced back to the saloonkeeper and begged for mercy. The man gave them a stern look, then smiled and tore up the agreement. They were so grateful they drank there over the next twenty years, whenever their schedules allowed, till the pub owner died. After downing a few pints, the devastated twosome headed off to the memorial service. Finch and O’Toole delivered long moving eulogies, which drove the mourners to tears, until they realized they were at the wrong funeral.

10.  Why didn't Marilyn Monroe want to leave her handprints and footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater?

She was a bit mischievous:

Marilyn Monroe was thrilled to be immortalized alongside Jane Russell in front of a large crowd at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in 1953. As a little girl, raised in Los Angeles’ foster homes, Marilyn had visited the famed cinema often and dreamed of becoming a movie star. And now at the Hollywood premiere of Gentleman Prefer Blondes, it was coming true. Like other movie legends, Monroe’s hands and feet would be enshrined in wet cement. Hey, wait a minute — she had a great idea. The proceedings were held up as the blonde conferred with one of the Twentieth Century Fox executives. What if the two women left imprints of the body parts that people associated them with? How about if Jane leaned over the wet cement and Marilyn sat in it? Her suggestion was rejected, much to the disappointment of some photographers in attendance.

11.  Do you have any new stories that aren't in the book?

I'm always looking for new stories.  When I was writing Hollywood Stories I had to pick a stop date, Oct. 31, 2009 otherwise I never would have finished it!  Recently I was listening to an interview with Adam West and he told a story I really enjoyed.  On the old Batman TV show Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) would slide down the bat poles about 15 feet and land on mattresses. Later they would be filmed coming down into the Batcave in their full costumes and the two shots were put together. One time West yelled," To the bat poles" and did his famous slide only to be startled when he landed on a sleeping wino.

12.  Are you working on another book, if so tell us about it?

I have some ideas but nothing concrete yet.  Before I wrote Hollywood Stories, I wrote and narrated two audiobooks, which are now available on iTunes, Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney.  For me creativity almost seems out of my control, the projects come out when they are ready to.

13.  Where can people go to get more information about you and your book?

Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies!
(isbn 9780963897275)

Available at  Barnes & Noble, Amazon or wherever books are sold.

http://www.hollywoodstories.com

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Rusty Blackwood, Author Of 'Passion In Paris', Announces Toronto Area Book Signings

Canadian Author Rusty Blackwood will make appearances in St. Catharines and Welland during the month of November, 2011

Acclaimed Canadian author Rusty Blackwood, author of the 'Passion In Paris' series, will be holding several book signing over the next few months in the Welland, Ontario area. On November 5th she will appear from 1 to 4 pm at Coles in Pen Centre in St. Catharines. On November 19th she will be signing books again from 1 to 5 pm at Coles in Seaway Mall in Welland. She will also be appearing at Chapters at Fairview Mall in St. Catharines, Ontario. on Nov. 27th. from 1 to 4 pm.

In the traditions of Margret Mitchell and Danielle Steele, romance novelist Rusty Blackwood attempts to produce images in word that will leave readers breathless. Ms. Blackwood believes the flair for fantasy is anything the mind wishes it to be, and she is a master at this. Within the avenues of her writing is found an endless array of romance, passion, textures and colors to sweep the reader to exotic, faraway places where anything is possible.

" I enjoy writing romantic fiction," stated Ms. Blackwood, "as it allows my imagination to whisk me to exotic places where anything is possible and often is within the content of a story, it also serves as a gratifying outlet of my own emotions and feelings. How many people, on the drop of a hat can actually hop a plane to a sunny, tropical paradise to find that certain someone waiting with open arms when they land, or find excitement at the top of the Eiffel Tower with the love of your life embracing you tightly, or simply stroll in the park on a dreary afternoon and find the sun shining brightly within the smile of the one you love walking at your side? All of this is at the tip of my fingers as they transfer thought to image in text."

Rusty Blackwood has written an eclectic array of Contemporary and Traditional poetry, publishing her first collection in October of 2009 entitled, ‘Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought’. This was followed in April of 2010 by a collection of assorted short stories for children as well the young at heart entitled, ‘Young Minds’.

Her first venture into the competitive world of main-stream fiction was a long time in the making, but was finally realized in early October 2010 with the release of her debut romance novel, ‘Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past’, the first of two in the ongoing romance/drama. The second part, a romance novel entitled, ‘Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart’ was released in May 2011 and will be followed by the intriguing drama, ‘Net of Lies’.

Rusty Blackwood is available for interview in the Toronto area and can be reached using the information below. All Ms. Blackwood’s titles are available at Amazon.com. More information regarding her work is available at her website. Ms. Blackwood also holds a monthly drawing for copies of her works. A signup form is available at her website.

Contact:

Rusty Blackwood
Web: http://www.Rusty-Blackwood.com
Email: writerrusty@hotmail.ca

Leia Mais…

Christ Calls Methodists To Spirituality Says John Meacham, Author Of 'Divine Revelation'

Meacham believes that at the United Methodist Church’s 2012 General Conference, Methodists need to begin preparations for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

This is a message from Jesus Christ to the Methodist Church. “I am the Faithful and True Witness, who is the origin of all God has created. I know what you have done; I know that you are lukewarm. How I wish you would hear me knocking on your thousand doors and let Me in. For I would advise you, that, you need to strive for spiritual riches rather than filling your Conference Coffers. You need to put on the My White Linens of My Army rather than your Processional Robes. You need to focus your sight on the Kingdom of Heaven rather than your earthly kingdom."

“Repent! And turn away from your path of heavenly indifference and run toward the spiritually hot world of My Father’s Kingdom. To those who win the victory, I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne."

“I challenge you to shed your sin soiled clothes, to put on My White Lines, to join the Armies of Heaven, and to help Me restore My Church. If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Wikipedia reports that the United Methodist Church in the United States is losing about 1,000 members a week. However, they also report that the UMC is growing overseas and it has been estimated that 40% of the delegates at the 2012 General Conference will be from outside the U.S. You certainly can understand why when you look to such churches as the First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, Liberia and read about their “Open Doors,” their “Open Hearts,” and their “Open Minds.” You learn more of the reason for their spiritual growth from a sermon by their Senior Pastor, Rev. Erlene P. Thompson, when she preached that: “I want you to prepare yourselves as we await the Second Advent of Christ. Jesus, the Christ, is expected to come soon. Let us order our lives in a way that when he comes we are ready to receive and be with our Savior.”

In Christ’s message to the Methodist Church, He implores them to strive for spiritual riches, to join the Armies of Heaven, and to help Him form Heavenly Churches. As you can recognize, these are all steps needed by the Methodist Church, and by all churches, to help them prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. As the largest mainline denomination in the U.S., the United Methodist Church could have a huge impact on the Christian Community if they would heed the words of Rev. Thompson’s sermon and begin preparing all of the United Methodist Churches for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at their 2012 General Conference.

Jesus Christ is now calling Christians everywhere to experience spiritual birth, to store up heavenly riches, to live a divine spiritual life, to join the Armies of Heaven, to fight for church reform, and to prepare the church for His Second Coming.

Profile:

John Meacham is a Christian Author and Prophet for Jesus Christ who has authored four Christian books and served Christ’s Church as a Pastor, Preacher, Workshop Leader, Bible Study Instructor, and Teacher.

Contact:

John Meacham
Web: http://johnmeacham.tateauthor.com/
Email: john@dazzlinglight.org

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

An Interview With Michielle DJ "Michi" Beck

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Michielle DJ "Michi" Beck. Michi is an accomplished writer of print books, ebooks, articles, essays, ghostwritten research, opinion pieces, and white papers. A prolific writer, Beck has produced thousands of short pieces in addition to her longer works, creating quality content under her own name and as a ghostwriter for others.

As an editor, she has worked with ebooks and print books, as well as articles, essays, white papers, and dissertations, in copy editing and substantive editing roles.

Her full-length books - both fiction and non-fiction - are represented by The Swetky Literary Agency and published through traditional channels as "Michielle DJ Beck." She also publishes online articles and blogs, as well as ebooks that are too short for literary representation and traditional publication, under the name "Michi Beck."

Ms. Beck is the author of SORRY, I THOUGHT I LOVED YOU, the groundbreaking new memoir/self-help title on relationship addiction - available in ebook and paperback from Chipmunka Publishing.


Tell us about this book

I wrote Sorry, I Thought I Loved You because it was something that I felt could make a difference in people's lives. The book is part life story and part advice from a professional. It covers relationship addiction and codependency, and provides information on the conditions, the symptoms, and the ways to get help. Because it gives a personal account and a professional account of the conditions, I think it provides something unique that readers won't find in other books on relationship addiction.

Who did you write this book for?

Anyone suffering with the same kinds of issues that I dealt with in the past. I struggled with codependency all throughout my life, and still have some trouble with it. I was a relationship addict, getting married and divorced 5 times in the space of 17 years. People don't have to go through that many marriages to be relationship addicts, though. There are many ways to be addicted and codependent, and people who have those kind of problems need to know that they're not alone.

Is there a central message in the book?

The central message of the book is hope. No matter what you've done in the past, or how many things have gone wrong - even if you made mistake after mistake - there is always hope. People shouldn't give up on becoming what they've always dreamed of being, and they shouldn't give up on being healthy. I'm no one special. If I can do it, they can do it, too.

What are you sharing in your book that will add value to the reader’s life?

I'm sharing my experience with codependency and relationship addiction. There are other books out there on the topic, but finding a first-person account of what it's really like isn't the same thing. This book is real, honest, and open about everything that happened. There are things in it that make me ashamed, when I look back on them, but I knew if I was going to tell my story I had to tell all of it. Readers, I think, will get that sense of openness - and I think they'll respond to that. Many of them can probably relate to at least part of the book and some of the events that take place in it.

What does it mean to be codependent, or to be a relationship addict?

Basically, it means that you can't just be yourself - often because you're not sure who you really are. Instead, you're focused on who you are in relation to everyone else. You're a wife, mother, daughter, worker, etc. You have to please others, so that they'll like you. You may feel like you aren't anyone if people don't like you or know who you are. When I was young I was very eager to please my family, and I wanted the other kids at school to like me. They didn't, of course, and it was extremely painful emotionally. Even today, I want to be liked - and I'm still very interested in my parents' approval. I've gotten better at understanding how to be okay just on my own, but it takes work every day. It's not something a person just "gets over" when he or she decides that it's time for a change.

What kinds of codependency and/or addiction signs should people look for in their own lives?

They need to assess their life from the point of who they're really living that life for. It's good to help others and do things for people they care about, but it's also good to be a little bit selfish sometimes. If you're too much of a people pleaser, and just about everything you do is in the hope of making someone else happy or making them like you, you're not going to have much joy. You need to look for validation inside yourself, instead of seeking it externally.

What helped you regain your life, and how did you know you needed help?

Music is actually what helped me, but it may not help everyone. Mostly, you have to want to get better and you have to find something that you're passionate about and focus your efforts on that. That "something" shouldn't be another person - or even something another person wants you to do. That interest has to be just for you, and it has to be something that deeply matters. Music is a good choice, but so is nature, prayer, painting, drawing, writing, or anything that appeals to the "you" that's trapped inside - the one that's just waiting to get out if it can get past all the people pleasing and drama that's been created around it. I knew I needed help for a while before I actually got it. I just kept ignoring that little voice that we all have - the one that lets us know we're making a mistake. Eventually, that voice became so insistent that I knew I had to stop and listen. My life was a wreck, and I was so miserable. I felt like there was nothing good for me anymore, and then I heard the music that affected me so deeply, and I knew there was more to my life than what I'd experienced. It was still a struggle, though. People don't like to admit that something's wrong with them, and I was no exception to that.

Can you "cure" codependency or relationship addiction?

I really don't think you can cure them, in the same way that I don't think you can cure any kind of addiction. If you've lived much of your life as a codependent person, you'll always have those tendencies. The most important thing is that you learn how to control the impulses you have to please everyone else and put yourself last. Relationship addiction can be difficult to address because people have to have relationships. They can't just live completely alone for the rest of their lives. Because they can't avoid the object of their addiction, they have to learn coping skills that will help to keep them from jumping too deeply into a relationship to quickly, or getting into a relationship that is unhealthy.

What forms of help are available to people in a situation like yours?

Self-help is always available, and people can also seek professional help through therapy. Being able to work with a therapist can help a codependent person or a relationship addict learn the coping skills that they need to have to function in the world of relationships. It can be hard to say no to helping others when you've said yes your whole life, but it's important. It can also be hard to feel like you matter if you're not part of a couple, but you can also learn that skill. Building your self-worth and self-esteem is a large part of that, because many codependents and relationship addictions crave praise and validation from others. They put very low value on themselves, and look for others to continually reinforce the idea that they matter. With help and effort they can learn to give that value to themselves, instead of needing it from other people.

What can people do to maintain healthy relationships?

In order to have healthy relationships, people need to realize their own worth. If they have no self-esteem or they don't think that they're valuable as individual human beings, they can't have healthy relationships with others. They're too busy trying to please everyone else, and they don't realize or know what they want for themselves. Healthy relationships take work and effort, but they're worth it when they can be found. People who have problems with codependency or relationship addiction shouldn't give up on having relationships that are healthy - but it's important for them to get help so they can recognize what's healthy for them and what's not.  

Are there other conditions that are common to relationship addicts and codependents, or that can make them more vulnerable to addiction?

In some cases, codependents and relationship addictions also have other mental and emotional health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Many of them also have very low self-worth and self-esteem, and they may have been abused or overly-sheltered as a child. That's certainly not true for every codependent or relationship addict, but it's not uncommon.

Most authors have one specific reason for writing a book. What was yours?

I wanted to make a difference. Of course, all authors hope to sell a lot of books and make a career from their words, but this book isn't about money. I already make a living as a writer. This book was written out of love for other people who are struggling and who might not understand exactly what's wrong with their lives. They need to know that they aren't alone, and that they can get better. Sometimes, just putting a name on something or seeing that other people are experiencing it and speaking out about it can be enough to make a huge difference in a person's life.

What is the part of your book you personally like best?

I like the joy that is expressed when I find the beauty and value of music. It's so nice to have found something that matters, and yet at the same time it seems so simple, and almost silly in some ways. Who would ever think they would have a life-changing transformation that was caused by German hip-hop? If I hadn't actually had it happen, I might never have believed it was possible. Everyone has something that matters deeply to them, though. When they find it, they should incorporate it into their lives in a healthy way. It can help them grow and change, and it doesn't have to be a big thing. That's why I like that part so much, because it shows that something very simple and completely unexpected can wake you up and set your feet on the path to being healthy and whole.

How important was research in the writing of this book?

All of the research I needed for this book was already in my own head. That doesn't mean it was easy to write, though. There were many things in it that were uncomfortable for me, and writing the book brought up a lot of old memories that I would rather have left alone. It was worth it, though. I've already been contacted by several people who have described what a difference the book has made to them, so that's been very encouraging.

Other than selling your book, what do you hope to accomplish with it?

I hope to reach out to anyone and everyone who's suffering from codependency or relationship addiction, as well as their friends, families, coworkers, and anyone else in their lives who needs to understand these conditions. I hope that these people will read the book and be helped by it, and that it will make a positive difference in their lives.

Who should buy this book?

People who are struggling with their relationships, or who feel that they have to please everyone else instead of living life for themselves. I did that for far too long, and I'm just now really learning how to live for myself. I know I'm far from the only person out there - especially when it comes to other women - who has spent too much of life trying to be everything to everyone else. I tried to be the happily-married woman, because I thought that's what society and my parents wanted. Each time I failed, I figured it must just have been the wrong guy, so I tried again. Eventually, I came to the realization that it wasn't the guys. It was me. People who read the book may see a lot of themselves in it - and that can help them make better choices in the future.

Where can people buy your book?

They can get the book from The publisher's website - Chipmunka Publishing - and also from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell's, and many other book retailers. It's available in paperback and in Kindle format.

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Christ Calls Presbyterians To Repent Says John Meacham, Author Of 'Divine Revelation'

Jesus Christ is now calling Christians everywhere to experience spiritual birth, to store up heavenly riches, to live a divine spiritual life, to join the armies of heaven, to fight for church reform, and to prepare the church for His Second Coming

This is a message from Jesus Christ to the Presbyterian Church. “I am the Son of God whose eyes blaze like fire, whose feet shine like polished brass. I know what you do. I know your love, your faithfulness, your service, and your patience. But this is what I have against you: you tolerate those lesbians."

“You have placed those lesbians in a position of divine ordination and now you kneel beside their beds and worship a world of sexual pleasure rather than praying to My Father to forgive your sins of sexual immorality. If you do not turn from these hideous sins and repent, you will forever know the suffering that Satan brings upon those who worship in his house of sensual pleasures."

“To those who see My Holy Light and come out of the darkness of sexual immorality, I will give them eternal peace and forever let them glow in the light of the bright morning star."

“I challenge you to shed your sin soiled clothes, to put on My White Linens, to join the armies of heaven, and to help Me restore My Church. If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

I am a lifelong Presbyterian and at the PCUSA Website I read that we Presbyterians are “seeking thoughtful solutions to the challenges of our time.” However, I recall discussing the new Presbyterian Policy of Ordaining Homosexuals with a local Lesbian Presbyterian Pastor and she “thoughtfully” said that those Presbyterians who do not like this new policy can “just leave the Presbyterian Church.” In His Message to the Presbyterians, Christ calls us to help Him restore His Church and not drive our fellow Christians away from their church home.

At the PCUSA Website, I also read that we Presbyterians “seek to continue Christ’s mission of teaching the truth.” Yet, I remember at one of the Presbytery of New Hope’s votes to ordain homosexuals a local pastor quoted from I Corinthians saying: “Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves – none of these will possess God’s Kingdom.” Now, we Presbyterians have voted to ordain these “homosexual perverts” and as a result of this act, Christ extols us to “repent” and put on His White Linens and join the armies of heaven.

The PCUSA Website further proclaims that we Presbyterians are “Christ’s faithful disciples in the world.” Since the Presbyterian Church’s enactment to ordain homosexuals, I have struggled with whether or not I should leave the Presbyterian Church. When I discussed this dilemma with a respected Christian Pastor, he said: “Either get out or lift up your prophetic voice against them or God’s judgment on their guilt will also fall on you.” So, I have decided to speak out against these lesbians and ask the Presbyterian Church (USA) to repent and rescind their new policy of ordaining homosexuals.

Jesus Christ is now calling Christians everywhere to experience spiritual birth, to store up heavenly riches, to live a divine spiritual life, to join the armies of heaven, to fight for church reform, and to prepare the church for His Second Coming.

Profile:

John Meacham is a Christian Author and Prophet for Jesus Christ who has authored four Christian books and served Christ’s Church as a Pastor, Preacher, Workshop Leader, Bible Study Instructor, and Teacher.

Contact:

John Meacham
Web: http://johnmeacham.tateauthor.com/
Email: john@dazzlinglight.org

Leia Mais…

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Book Marketing Announcements: The Authors Show Lineup For The Week Of September 19, 2011

Book Marketing, The Authors Marketing Powerhouse, serves as a community of authors and allows authors to actively engage in promotion and publicity for marketing purposes. Authors can upload author photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. It also offers discussion forums, segmented groups and events listings. Facebook and Twitter integration are available

Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson of eBroadcastMedia.com, founders of Book Marketing, announced today The Authors Show radio and TV weekly broadcast schedule.

Book Marketing, branded as 'The Authors Marketing Powerhouse', allows authors and publishers the opportunity to upload photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. The site also offers discussion forums, segmented special interest groups and allows for event listings. Each author can develop a personalized page. In addition the site allows for integration with Facebook and Twitter. The site is a joint collaboration, developed by Don McCauley of the Free Publicity Focus Group and Danielle Hampson, CEO of eBroadcastMedia.com.

"We believe this site offers a real opportunity for authors, publishers, self published authors and publishing companies," stated Mr. McCauley, "as the site offers so many options, opportunities and possibilities. It can be treated as a place to create awareness of one's work while, at the same time, the site allows the author to network with like-minded individuals. No cost video training is provided to members at the site. The segmented groups allow for the exchange of book marketing ideas, while the discussion forums can serve as an educational resource for those who may have a need to increase their own knowledge in regards to creating marketing and publicity plans that produce real results. All of this can be integrated with social networking technologies. The site can serve as a centralized hub for book marketing activity, education and networking."

Group discussions include website design and search engine optimization, marketing and publicity, audio and video, writing fiction and writing non-fiction. There are segmented group discussion for children's authors and Christian authors. Forum discussions include book marketing strategies and website optimization strategies. Groups and discussions can be created by participants, subject to moderator approval. Help A Publisher Publish You (HAPPY), offered through eBroadcastMedia.com, is a weekly listing of publishers and agents sent to participants of the list service.

Appearances on The Authors Show, Internet radio and tv versions, are produced by Danielle Hampson of eBroadcastMedia.com. The shows offer professionally produced radio and TV interviews that are broadcast worldwide. This upcoming scheduled radio lineups include:

Week September 19 On The Radio Version

Kath Russell
R.G. Yoho
Marlee Margan
Cindy Huefner Cromer
Hilda Ruch
Harlan Goerger (Business)
Bill Humbert (Business)
Lynn Edgington (Business)
Leyland Hazlewood(Children)
Larry Peterson (Children)
Syl Sobel (Children)
Vail Carruth (Christian)
Linda Dipman (Christian)
Jane Owens (Christian)
Carla Ulbrich (Wellness)
Phillip Minton, M.D. (Wellness)
Susan Schenck (Wellness)

Week September 19 on The TV Version

Janice Weinheimer
Astrid Harris
Janet Smith Warfield

"Our goal with this site," said Ms. Hampson, "is to create a one stop resource that covers all the bases in regards to creating success for authors in an Internet marketing environment. The collaboration between us allows authors to take advantage of getting the word out through Book Marketing, while participating in networking resources,  group discussions, publisher information listings, full service audio and video production, publicity and marketing resources and much more, all found at one centralized location. As the site grows and evolves, the value of this resource will only increase."

Profile

Don McCauley is a marketing strategist and is the facilitator of the Free Publicity Focus Group, a marketing and publicity firm. He also serves as the host of The Authors Show Radio.  Danielle Hampson is the Executive Producer of The Authors Show radio group of programs, The Authors Show TV version and is the CEO of eBroadcastMedia.com.

More information is available by visiting the Book Marketing site at www.TheAuthorsMarketingPowerhouse.com. Questions about Book Marketing can be addressed to Don McCauley by email at don (at) FreePublicityGroup.com. Questions about The Authors Show, radio and tv versions can be addressed to Danielle Hampson at danielle (at)TheAuthorsShow.com.

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Empowered Against Prostate Cancer: Patrick Maguire MD Gives Patients The Information They Need In New Guide

When cancer hits home and the diagnosis is prostate cancer, patients naturally experience fear. Dr. Patrick Maguire hopes to alleviate some of those fears and offers important information in his recently published guide 'Empowered Against Prostate Cancer: Treatment Guide with Patient Stories'

In the minds of many people, a diagnosis of prostate cancer equals a death sentence. But this widely held belief is a fallacy, as Dr. Patrick Maguire demonstrates in his recently published guide, 'Empowered Against Prostate Cancer: Treatment Guide With Patient Stories'.

“People are hearing conflicting information about testing and various treatment options for prostate cancer,” stated Dr. Patrick Maguire. “There are lots of weapons against this type of cancer, but an informed patient is the greatest of them all.”

Finding information about prostate cancer online is a monumental task. Who should have PSA testing and how often? Which men with prostate cancer are best served by watchful waiting? What are the relative risks and benefits of treatment with radiation seeds versus surgery with robotic prostatectomy? What is intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)? Much of the information on various websites is scattered, disorganized, confusing, and written in difficult to understand terminology. Some of the information available online is simply untrue. Dr. Maguire hopes to clear up the confusion and offer instead clear, easy to understand, factual information written in layman's terms.

'Empowered Against Prostate Cancer: Treatment Guide with Patient Stories'  discusses treatment options in the context of the unique tales of numerous patients. The combination of touching personal accounts with expert recommendations separates this invaluable guide from other books about prostate cancer available in the marketplace.

The guide is available for sale online as a Kindle eBook at Amazon.com and in PDF (for those without eReaders) at Dr. Maguire's website. Dr. Maguire is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at patrickmaguiremd@gmail.com. More information on this and many other topics is available at Dr. Maguire's website.

Profile:

Since completing his cancer specialty training at Duke University Medical Center, Dr. Patrick Maguire has been caring for patients with cancer in coastal North Carolina for 11 years. He is the author of multiple scientific articles as well as a recently published guidebook for patients and their families entitled “When Cancer Hits Home.” Dr. Maguire is the leader of two multimillion dollar grants from the National Cancer Institute to help improve cancer outcomes for the underserved, including African Americans, the elderly, and the poor.

Contact:

Dr. Patrick D. Maguire
Coastal Carolina Radiation Oncology
1988 South 16th St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Email:    patrickmaguiremd@gmail.com       
Website:  www.thecancermd.com
Phone:    910-262-5598      

Leia Mais…

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

9-11 Anniversary - Dr. Laurie Pappas Believes Terrorism Can Be Turned Into Opportunity

Is peace even possible in a world in which thousands of innocent civilians are slaughtered in the interest of fundamentalist agendas? Is there any good left in the world at all? Many of us might answer 'no'. Yet Dr. Laurie Pappas believes that even an event as horrific as the 9-11 tragedy can become a catalyst for lasting, positive change. She demonstrates this in her latest book, 'The Loving Heart'

All human beings naturally believe what they see. Yet what they see is not fact, as all human beings actually see only what they believe they see. If the tragedy of 9-11 is seen from a perspective based on separation, discrimination or political agendas, it would appear to be an event that separated the entire world into two camps - those who seek to kill and destroy against those who seek peace. Dr. Laurie Pappas, author of 'The Loving Heart' believes the 9-11 tragedy can be seen in a different light. It can instead be seen as a powerful catalyst to bring the peoples of the world together at last. She offers practical advice on overcoming conflict and creating personal peace in her book, 'The Loving Heart: Navigating the Journey from Conflict to Peace'. A long time spiritual counselor and life coach, she is now offering a limited number of no-charge consultations to those who wish to take the first steps towards creating personal peace.

"As we embark upon the 10th anniversary of 9/11," stated Dr. Pappas, "our thoughts turn to those whose lives were lost on that fateful day.   As we mourn, once again, for the family members left behind and for our country, may we be more aware of the good that still lives in our world, and the incredible gift that each of us has to turn tragedy into opportunity.  If 9/11 symbolizes the misunderstandings that can arise amongst peoples of the earth, then let us use this anniversary as a time to reflect on how to peacefully resolve our disagreements, one person at a time.

"I believe that every human being wants to live peacefully, and I know in my heart that our spiritual nature calls us to lay down our arms and find a better way.  If we want the world to follow suit, we must each set an example for others to clearly see and use as a model.  We must each look for ways to eradicate the fears and insecurities within us, which cause us to lash out at others.  Personally, I know there is a way.  Professionally, I’ve seen hundreds of students and clients move past their anger and misperceptions into a mind-set of peace and harmony.  I’ve seen relationships improve; love and connection where there used to be conflict and division."

"And so," continued Dr. Pappas, "let this be a time of reflection for all of us – a time to come together in hope, resolve and unity; for we are all children of this earth, children of Divine Spirit, children of love.     
        
Dr. Pappas presents her life changing approach in 'The Loving Heart: Navigating the Journey from Conflict to Peace'. The book is supplemented by a workbook entitled 'The Loving Heart Companion'. Dr. Pappas has included over 30 years of observation and wisdom gained from personal experiences, as well as working with students, clients, family members and colleagues.

Dr. Pappas is offering a no charge consultation to the first three people who contact her with a request.  Those who sign up for her email list receive daily inspirational messages to help them reprogram their minds to achieve greater happiness and peace. Participants also receive articles about once per month and a calendar of Dr. Pappas's classes. More information is available at her website.

Dr. Pappas also offers phone and in-person spiritual and metaphysical counseling, in addition to life coaching, classes, workshops, speaking engagements and teleclasses. More information on all the resources she offers is available at her website. Specific information on teleclasses is available by email. Dr. Pappas is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at laurie@lovingheartconnection.com. 'The Loving Heart: Navigating the Journey from Conflict to Peace' and the accompanying workbook, 'The Loving Heart Companion', are available at her website, Amazon.com, Rittenhouse, Nacscorp and Expresso Book Machines.

Profile:

Dr. Laurie Pappas is an educator, spiritual counselor, speaker, writer and life coach. Dr. Pappas is a recipient of the 2005 International Peace Prize, Key of Success Award, and Woman of the Year Award, bestowed by the United Cultural Convention of the United States of America for outstanding personal achievements to the good of society as a whole. She lives and teaches using ancient psycho-spiritual principles. She is the co-founder of the Metro Detroit Center for Attitudinal Healing, a non-profit center, whose activities she directed for 16 years. She has been counseling for 22 years. She has taught classes and workshops and trained support group leaders, in addition to writing articles for a large metaphysical newspaper and is a frequent contributor to SelfGrowth.com and EzineArticles.com.


Contact:

Laurie Pappas PhD
P.O. Box 250206
Franklin, MI 48025
248-626-0792
laurie@lovingheartconnection.com
www.lovingheartconnection.com

Leia Mais…

Christ Calls Episcopals to Wake Up Says Author John Meacham In His New Book, ‘Divine Revelation’

The Episcopal Church is dying from the secular humanism they so long to embrace

This is a message from Jesus Christ to the Episcopal Church. “I am the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know what you are doing; I know that you have the reputation of being alive, even though you are dead! So wake up, and strengthen what you still have before it dies completely.”

“You celebrate the Eucharist, but I am not there. You read from the Book of Common Prayer, yet the Word of God falls on deaf ears. You speak of advocacy, but you do not proclaim my message of salvation to the lost. You speak of community, yet you have lost the children that I love. You speak of networking, but you are not reflecting My Holy Light into the world. You speak of partnerships, yet you bless unholy unions.”

“I challenge you to shed your sin soiled clothes and put on My White Linens and join the Armies of Heaven and help Me restore My Church. If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Like so many other denominations, the Episcopal Church is declining in membership. They have suffered through years of conflict over such controversial issues as ordaining women, homosexuals, and abortion. Today they are a church that is dying from the secular humanism they so long to embrace.

If the Episcopals are to be born again and find a new spiritual life, they must hear Christ’s words and regain spiritual communion with Jesus when they celebrate the Eucharist. This Holy Sacrament must transcend their physical troubles and bring each participant to the Holy Table of Christ and there receive the spiritual blessing of His Body and His Blood and find a new life in Him.

To maintain this new spiritual life in Christ, the Episcopal Church must seek the aid of the Holy Spirit in bringing to life the words of Scripture and the Book of Common Prayer. These holy words need to infect the minds, the hearts, and the spirits of those remaining Episcopals to cure them of the sin that is killing their congregations.

To survive and prosper in the Christian Community, the Episcopal Church needs to follow Christ’s instructions and spread the Good News of Salvation, fill the halls of their churches with the sounds of children, enlighten each member with the light of Jesus Christ sending them into the world as His Disciples, and only bless the Holy Unions that are blessed in the Bible.

Jesus Christ is now calling Christians everywhere to experience spiritual birth, to store up heavenly riches, to live a divine spiritual life, to join the Armies of Heaven, to fight for church reform, and to prepare the church for His Second Coming.

Profile:

John Meacham is a Christian Author and Prophet for Jesus Christ who has authored four Christian books and served Christ’s Church as a Pastor, Preacher, Workshop Leader, Bible Study Instructor, and Teacher.

Contact:

John Meacham
Web: http://johnmeacham.tateauthor.com/
Email: john@dazzlinglight.org

Leia Mais…

Monday, September 12, 2011

An Interview With Dr. Vito Rallo

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Vito Rallo, author of 'Exposing The Dangers Behind Martial Arts And Yoga'

Q – I am wondering what prompted you to write this book?

A – I felt impressed to write this book because I saw martial arts and yoga coming into Christian’s lives more and more, and even into the four walls of many churches.  For many people, they deceptively believed that martial arts could be used as an evangelistic tool to draw people to their church.  Because of my extensive background in karate, the Lord knew I had the experience and the background to expose it for what it really is, and to warn others of the inherent spiritual dangers!  As far as yoga, it, too, is being brought into churches as well, and supposedly Christianized under the guise of a place where “faith and fitness meet.”  Actually the real purpose according to a Hindu missions organization in India is that Hinduism will become the dominant world religion and that Christianity will come to an end.  What better way to do that than to bring yoga right into the Christian church, where they are bowing down to Hindu gods, without even knowing it?


Q – What do you believe is the “inherent” spiritual danger behind these two eastern practices?

A - My own extensive experience in karate, as well as extensive research, revealed that the spiritual roots of these two practices are intertwined with each other and what they are rooted in is well-disguised, especially to the undiscerning.  Yoga and martial arts are connected together at their roots because all martial arts were actually birthed from yoga and meditation practices thousands of years ago.  They are both deeply rooted in the various religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Zen.  The DNA of all martial arts and yoga has the attachment of mysticism, transcendental meditation, and hidden (occult) practices, and this attachment cannot be “extracted,” as many believe!  Nor can the powers behind them be removed by putting a Christian label on them.  Their very nature is inherently antichrist.


Q - You rose to the highest ranks of karate, yet you are no longer doing it. Why?

A – Yes, I did, but the price that I paid was higher than I wanted to pay.  Ultimately, I came to the realization that every part of the martial arts is rooted in violence, pride, deception, and “self!”  After reading this book, many others around the world are also coming to the same conclusion and sending in their testimonies.  How can a Christian partake of these things?  In the book, I share my own testimony of how I came out, was deceived and drawn back in, and finally, came out again with a new and greater understanding―into a place of complete freedom, after thirty years!  I want to warn others so it doesn’t take them as long as it did me to see the light.


Q –  On the back of your book you asked the question, "Have you noticed how these arts are being re-packaged and promoted in the West?"  What do you mean by that?

A – It has been repackaged and made more palatable and thereby more readily accepted.  What I mean by that is that many are now calling it a “sport,” rather than what it really is, which is an “art” that has many hidden evil attributes behind it and throughout its root system.  The fact that some call it a sport came about in part because of the Olympic connection, which somehow made it appear more respectable.  These arts have been made more acceptable by putting different names on them, particularly calling them “Christian.”


Q -  Also at the back of your book, you state:  What you don't know and can't see CAN hurt you!  What do you mean by that?

A - When we practice these arts in any form, we are actually drawing power from an invisible realm.  There are only two sources of supernatural power―one is evil, one is good―so it has to be either one or the other!  Which source are we drawing from?  I clearly and thoroughly explain in my book that all power behind both of these eastern arts comes from the evil realm and opposes all that represents God.  There is nothing good about the source of this power.  The practitioners call it a universal (or cosmic) energy, which makes it appear benign and okay, but in fact, there is nothing benign about it.  The power comes from (and is enforced by) the demonic realm and that is why there will always be adverse consequences.


Q – It is very clear that you believe Christians should avoid martial arts and yoga…Why?

A - Aside from all the other explanations I have already shared, the main reason is because it breaks the first commandment that we should have no other gods besides the one true God.  There are false gods behind all forms of yoga and all forms of martial arts, because they are all rooted in religions that are antichrist.  Recently, I was at CBA’s ICRS (International Christian Retail Show) in Atlanta and talked with some Korean Christians who did not see it for what it really is.  They call their Tae Kwon Do their national sport and apparently believe it can be “cleaned up” and Christianized.  Amazingly, their national flag is the yin and yang symbol, which represents the false philosophy of Taoism, and is a symbol that one will find in most martial arts dojos.  Labeling these arts as “Christian martial arts” or “Christian yoga” would be like saying Christian prostitution or Christian witchcraft, i.e. wizardry as in Harry Potter, movies, games, etc.


Q -  Is avoiding martial arts and yoga your central message, or is there another message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

A -  That is my central message.  We cannot serve two masters at the same time.  When we participate in the works of evil, whatever they are, we are attempting to serve two masters simultaneously.  Also, we inadvertently give the enemy of our soul access into our lives, and we allow him to have influence and control over our thoughts and our actions. 


Q -  Is your book audience strictly Christian, or do you feel secular readers would also benefit from it, and if so, how will they benefit?

A -  I’ve written the book from a Christian perspective, but what I do know is that even those who are not Christian can come to know the truth about what they are doing.  I was already involved for ten years before I became a Christian, but shortly after I became a believer the Lord showed me that it was not of Him.


Q - You have already written a number of books, so is it safe to assume there will be a next one?

A - Yes, I have a couple more books in the works right now.  One will be a complete re-write of my first book, Breaking Generational Curses and Pulling Down Stronghold, but under a different title.  The other one will be a thorough exposure of unseen forces that are behind many other activities that Christians, as well as non-Christians, are often exploring or curious about, such as UFO’s, paranormal events, ghosts, spirit guides, exorcism, demonic films, etc.


Q - In what format is your book available, and where can we purchase it?

A -  It was just released in June this year through Sovereign World Ltd (based in the UK).  It is being released worldwide through them: www.sovereignworld.com.  It is available on either of our websites: www.secretsbehindmartialarts.com or www.freeindeedministries.org  for $15.99.  (It is also available in most bookstores.)  Now available on Amazon Kindle and iTunes (Apple ibooks) for $9.99.  For retailers or those who want to order in volume, it is being distributed through Bridge-Logos here in the U.S.: www.bridgelogosfoundation.com

Leia Mais…

Thursday, September 8, 2011

First Annual International Book Trailer Awards Program To Be Held By 'Authors Speaking'

'Authors Speaking' serves as a community of authors, teachers, librarians, teens and tweens, book clubs and bloggers. The site will serve to enable these groups to come together to talk about books. It will also serve as a hub to allow authors to virtually visit classrooms, libraries and bookclubs, and businesses. The awards program is open to book trailer creators and authors

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, nationally recognized author and positive psychologist announced today the first annual Authors Speaking International Book Trailer Awards program. The awards program is open to book trailer creators and authors. The awards program is being sponsored by 'Authors Speaking'.

'Authors Speaking' allows authors to make virtual visits to classrooms, libraries, bookclubs and bookstores through Skype and other forms of technology. 'Authors Speaking' gives authors and publishers the opportunity to upload photos, bios, book covers, video and book trailers. The site also offers discussion forums, segmented special interest groups and allows for event listings. Each author can develop a personalized page. In addition the site allows for integration with Facebook and Twitter.

"The virtual world for authors, both fiction and non-fiction, and their audiences is not in the future," stated Dr. Holstein, "it is now.  Technology, including video, via such systems as Skype, is the new way of learning and sharing. Now there is one place, where authors can meet the increasing public demand to be ready virtually. Authors post videos of themselves talking or teaching, trailers of their books, and can keep the public informed about their upcoming engagements and activities."

Entry:

Those who wish to enter a trailer in the Authors Speaking International Book Trailer Awards program can do so by filling out a simple form. Full contest details will be sent to those who express interest. Registration is limited to 250 trailers. 25 finalists will be chosen by the judging committee.  Five winners will be selected. Both finalists and winners will be provided with an attractive banner that can be used for promotional purposes.

Judging:

Judging for the first level round will be accomplished through a judging panel. The panel includes:

Barbara Techel, Author of the 'Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog' book series

Nadia Sahari - Author of 'Breakaway'

Pam Richard - CEO of Believe In You Modeling School

Jamieson Wolf - Author of 'Soylent Red'

More information is available by visiting the 'Authors Speaking' site at www.AuthorsSpeaking.com. Questions about 'Authors Speaking' and/or the Authors Speaking International Book Trailer Awards program can be addressed to Dr. Holstein at drbarbara@enchantedself.com. The entry form can be accessed at http://bit.ly/qLrBuc. Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below.

Profile

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist and Happiness Coach, is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for increasing happiness.  Dr. Holstein has been a school psychologist for over 25 years. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Her pathfinder book ‘The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy’ was published in 1997 by Harwood Academic Publishers and is now in its second printing through Brunner-Routledge. Her second book ‘Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU!’ has received rave reviews as a wonderful inspirational story book.   ‘DELIGHT’, Dr. Holstein’s third book is available in two versions, paperback and a CD-rom that includes music, art, and Dr. Holstein’s voice.

Her book, ‘The Truth, (I’m a girl, I’m Smart and I Know Everything)’ is a first in positive psychology. It is a fiction book for girls, tweens and teens.

Her second book in The Truth Series is Secrets: You Tell Me Yours and I’ll Tell You Mine…maybe!’ All books are available at the author’s websites below, online booksellers and stores nationwide.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
732-571-1200
www.AuthorsSpeaking.com
drbarbara@enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

John Meacham, Author Of 'Divine Revelation', Believes Presbyterians Ordain Sin

Meacham believes that the Presbyterian Church, in allowing gay women to be ordained, has joined the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in ordaining sin

In February of 2009, at the Presbytery of New Hope’s meeting to vote on the ordination of homosexuals, Katie Ricks of the Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, NC came to the microphone and told the gathered Presbyterians of her ministerial role at her church, of her love for her female partner, and of her desire to be ordained. Katie followed a speaker who had quoted 1 Corinthians 6:9:11 saying, “Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God’s Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or slander others or are thieves – none of these will possess God’s Kingdom.”

Later, the Raleigh News & Observer, in an article titled “Lesbian wants to be ordained”, reported that Katie did not get her wish and that the Presbyterian Church (USA) had once again rejected the ordination of homosexuals. However, Katie and the other lesbians in the Presbyterian Church did not give up their quest to be ordained. And in an article titled “Presbyterians clear way for ordaining gays, lesbians,” USA Today reported on May 11, 2011 that lesbians had now become eligible for ordination. They reported that the deciding vote was cast by a Minnesota Presbytery and that, after the constitutional ratification of the amendment, practicing homosexuals can be ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA). In this action, the Presbyterians joined the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in ordaining sin.

"The church," stated Mr. Meacham, "cannot separate the acts of homosexuals from the acts of adulterers, thieves, drunkards, and those who worship money and proclaim that this homosexual act is no longer sin and can now be ordained as a representative act of Jesus Christ."

"Jesus Christ is now calling Christians everywhere to experience spiritual birth, to store up heavenly riches, to live a divine spiritual life, to join the Armies of Heaven, to fight for church reform, and to prepare the church for His Second Coming."

Mr. Meacham spent eight days at the Sea of Galilee in 2005. During this time he received a new revelation from Christ that involved messages that spoke of the state of the seven churches in this modern time. His previously released work, 'Is Your Church Heavenly?' details both his experience and the messages he received.

In addition to inspiring the reader to develop a closer relationship with Jesus, these books also offer churches an excellent resource for Daily Devotions, Small Group Discussion, or Bible Study Classes. 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven' can be purchased by churches at a 50% discount. 'Is Your Church Heavenly?' appeals to individuals, church leaders, church members and groups who desire to take steps towards improving their churches through directly following the advice and guidance of Jesus. Jesus' evaluation of each of the churches is presented in such a manner as to make them easily understandable to any Christian reader. The book is hard hitting, sometimes harsh and completely honest in its assessment of the state of Christianity today. It provides practical suggestions for change.

In his new book, 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven', John Meacham takes the reader with him on his journey and his close encounters with the spiritual. He shares his personal struggles and shows how he became a prophet for God. His experience will allow the reader to develop a closer relationship with Christ, begin to build a spiritual life and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.

Mr. Meacham is available for interview and speaking engagements and can be contacted using the information below, or by email at john@dazzlinglight.org. More information on 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven' and 'Is Your Church Heavenly?' is available at his website.

Profile:

John Meacham has served Christ’s Church as a Christian author, lay pastor, supply preacher, elder, workshop leader, small-group coordinator, Bible-study instructor, and Sunday-school teacher. As a part of his church work, John developed a small-group program titled AIM (An Involved Membership) and prepared a group study guide for the book Is Your Church Heavenly? A Question from Christ for Every Christian (published in 2008)

John was born on October 22, 1951 in Hickory, NC. He grew up the son of faithful Presbyterian parents. However, despite loving instruction and example from his parents and the Presbyterian Church until his conversion at age 31, he thought the story of Jesus Christ was a lie. Two days after his birthday in 1982, he learned the truth of Christ.

John and his wife Sue live in Raleigh, NC, and have two married sons and three granddaughters.

Contact:

John Meacham
Web: http://johnmeacham.tateauthor.com/
Email: john@dazzlinglight.org

Leia Mais…

Thursday, September 1, 2011

2Grieve2Gether, Premier Grief And Bereavement Resource Site, Offers Resource Guide In Honor Of 10th Anniversary of 9-11

2Grieve2Gether helps survivors and supporters, individuals and organizations deal with the practical side of grief, bereavement and mourning, including its emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial components

Denise Hall Brown, CEO of 2Grieve2Gether and author of the book, '2Grieve 2Gether,' announced today that in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9-11, the organization will provide no charge Survivor/Supporter Resource Guides to all new subscribers.

All who register before September. 21, 2011, will be entered into a drawing for valuable gifts. Registration can be accomplished at the 2Grieve2Gether website. Those who register on the website and download the no-charge 20 page Resource Guide will have their name entered in a drawing. The organization will select 10 subscribers who will receive a 2Grieve 2Gether Care Package (valued at $40 each).  Packages include the 2Grieve 2Gether book, the 2Grieve 2Gether Companion Journal, 12 Greeting Cards, and 6 Support Cards. Registration ends at midnight on September 21, 2011.

"My intent with this program," stated Ms. Brown, "is to bring attention to the tragic losses suffered by so many. Doing so is a reminder that people are still grieving and that we have a great opportunity to acknowledge and support them. My book is a gift and a means of connection for both survivors and supporters. So, I'm honored to give copies away in memory of heroes who are gone but not forgotten."

The events in New York City on September 11, 2001, took a horrific tool on both victims and survivors. 9-11 facts provided on the New York Magazine website show that:

2819 people were killed (most were between the ages of 35 and 39)
3051 children lost a parent
1609 people lost a spouse or partner
1717 families never recovered any remains

Denise Hall Brown is the founder of 2Grieve2Gether and the author of the book by the same name. The book contains chapters that will help those affected by the 9/11 attack, including survivors and supporters. The goal behind the organization and the book is threefold:

Vision - To be the preeminent source of information, tools and products that comfort the world’s survivors and supporters as they navigate the grieving process and maximize their lives.

Mission - Revolutionize the grief care industry by creating forums to increase awareness, connecting people to existing information and grief resources, and creating new tools to assist with the grieving and healing process.

Strategy - Serve as Grief Consultants, helping survivors and supporters, individuals and organizations, deal with the practical side of grief and grieving, including its emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial components.

The organization offers books, scriptures, songs, movies, links to grief websites, tools, gift guides, a reminder service and other resources to the community.

Denise Hall Brown is available for media interview and can be reached using the information or by email at info@2Grieve2Gether.org. More information is available at the 2Grieve2Gether website. The book, '2Grieve2Gether' is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at the 2Grieve2Gether website.

Profile:

Denise Hall Brown is a survivor in every sense of the word. Born in a small town in Maryland, Denise’s first 29 years of life were pretty standard.  In fact, life was good.  Things changed, however, right before her 30th birthday, when Denise’s mother was killed by a drunk driver.  In the days, weeks, and months that followed, Denise had a difficult time adjusting to life without her mother.  In fact, she says she “lost her mind” and felt that she had been the one to "die" in that car accident.  A defining moment for Denise came a few months after the accident, when she remembers feeling sorry for herself as she thought about all she had lost and the unfairness of it all.  In an instant, Denise heard her mother’s voice telling her to stop being a victim.  That forced her to change both her perspective and her approach.  Despite enduring three more sudden and tragic losses since that time, Denise no longer sees herself as death’s victim.  Instead, she is a survivor who honors her loved ones by reaching out to others as they navigate grief’s long journey.

Denise is a leader. In writing the 2Grieve2Gether book and creating a companion organization, Denise hopes to use those two vehicles to be the preeminent source of information, tools and products that comfort the world’s survivors and supporters as they navigate the grief process and maximize their lives. She hopes to revolutionize the grief care industry by creating forums to increase awareness, connecting people to existing information and resources, and creating new tools to assist with the healing process and to serve as Grief Consultants, helping survivors and supporters deal with the practical side of grief, including its emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial components.

Contact:

Website: www.2Grieve2Gether.org
Email: info@2Grieve2Gether.org
Address: PO Box 625,
Frederick, MD 21705-0625
Phone: 888-378-0202

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