Laura V. Hilton's Blog, page 193
October 15, 2011
Statistics of Abortion...
[image error]
Are you aware of the statistics on abortion?
Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended, four in ten are terminated by abortion. 22% of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion.
At least half of American women will experience unintended pregnancy by age 45, and, one in ten will have an abortion by age 20, one in four by age 30 and three in ten by age 45.
37% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 28% identify themselves as Catholic.
(*Statistics from The Alan Guttmacher Institute)
Why do Christians need to talk about abortion?
Because many of the women who have had abortions are sitting in your church's pews.
180 Aims to Save Lives and Souls
A new film produced by best-selling author and TV co-host Ray Comfort recently debuted online and is expected to reach over a million views by the time it has been out for one month. The new documentary,180 reflects the complete turnaround in the mindsets of each individual that Comfort interviews in regards to abortion. The film features eight pro-choice young adults (mostly college students) who change their stance to pro-life after answering a series of questions.
Many assume that abortion is a topic that doesn't need to be discussed within the church. However, 65% of women who have abortions identify themselves as Christians. It isn't just an issue of teens and college students. Over 20% of abortions, the women are over 30. To combat this staggering data the 180 Course is available for churches to address the topic of abortion, including a study guide as well as a second video that discusses evangelism – once lives are saved, souls need to be saved as well.
It was not Comfort's original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue. He began taping interviews for a companion DVD for a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, "It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them one specific question. Then, we took to the streets, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds by asking the same series of questions. It was amazing!"
Comfort saw this new direction the film was taking, and quickly recognized its potential to open doors for discussion. "I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—until now. In 180 we have a nation changer."
180 is making a vital impact. One viewer writes, "I was at an abortion clinic on the sidewalk (with my laptop), two young ladies stop and watched the 180 trailer. Then they watched the full 180 DVD. One was four months pregnant, the other was three. They were both going there for an abortion; they were both in tears, hugged my neck and decided to give their babies life and choose adoption instead. I cried too. Praise God for 180."
The documentary is now available for free viewing
online at http://www.180movie.com/.
Are you aware of the statistics on abortion?
Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended, four in ten are terminated by abortion. 22% of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion.
At least half of American women will experience unintended pregnancy by age 45, and, one in ten will have an abortion by age 20, one in four by age 30 and three in ten by age 45.
37% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 28% identify themselves as Catholic.
(*Statistics from The Alan Guttmacher Institute)
Why do Christians need to talk about abortion?
Because many of the women who have had abortions are sitting in your church's pews.
180 Aims to Save Lives and Souls
A new film produced by best-selling author and TV co-host Ray Comfort recently debuted online and is expected to reach over a million views by the time it has been out for one month. The new documentary,180 reflects the complete turnaround in the mindsets of each individual that Comfort interviews in regards to abortion. The film features eight pro-choice young adults (mostly college students) who change their stance to pro-life after answering a series of questions.
Many assume that abortion is a topic that doesn't need to be discussed within the church. However, 65% of women who have abortions identify themselves as Christians. It isn't just an issue of teens and college students. Over 20% of abortions, the women are over 30. To combat this staggering data the 180 Course is available for churches to address the topic of abortion, including a study guide as well as a second video that discusses evangelism – once lives are saved, souls need to be saved as well.
It was not Comfort's original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue. He began taping interviews for a companion DVD for a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, "It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them one specific question. Then, we took to the streets, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds by asking the same series of questions. It was amazing!"
Comfort saw this new direction the film was taking, and quickly recognized its potential to open doors for discussion. "I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—until now. In 180 we have a nation changer."
180 is making a vital impact. One viewer writes, "I was at an abortion clinic on the sidewalk (with my laptop), two young ladies stop and watched the 180 trailer. Then they watched the full 180 DVD. One was four months pregnant, the other was three. They were both going there for an abortion; they were both in tears, hugged my neck and decided to give their babies life and choose adoption instead. I cried too. Praise God for 180."
The documentary is now available for free viewing
online at http://www.180movie.com/.
October 14, 2011
Candy Corn Cuppy-Cakes
Candy Corn Cuppy-Cakes!
These cupcakes are darling, and will be a festive and colorful addition to your celebration; cute enough for the kids, but sophisticated enough for the grown-ups too!
Ingredients
1 18.25-oz. white cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp. almond extract
Yellow and orange food gel (about a heaping 1/2 tsp. of each)
A double batch of Perfect Cupcake Frosting & Filling (click for recipe)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line 2 24-cup muffin tins with white paper liners (although you may not make it to 24 cupcakes)
Combine all ingredients except for food coloring in a large bowl and beat on low speed for 1 minute
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then beat on medium for 2 additional minutes
Divide batter equally into two bowls; you should have about 2 1/4-2 1/2 c. of batter in each bowl
Mix about 1/2 heaping tsp. of yellow coloring into one bowl of batter and 1/2 heaping tsp. of orange coloring into the other bowl
Divide the yellow batter evenly among the muffin tins. I used a standard cookie scoop, which measures about 1 Tbsp. I only had enough to make 20 cupcakes with the cups filled about halfway
Holding the edges of each pan firmly, bang the pan a few times on the counter to level out the batter
Repeat the process with the orange batter
Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan and then allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
When ready, frost the cupcakes and garnish with a candy corn
Recipe and photos from: www.ourbestbites.com
October 13, 2011
Life Lessons from the Help
Life Lessons from The Help
Pain Happens in a Broken World
By Poppy Smith
Have you read or seen the movie, THE HELP? If you have, you know it is a story about racism and the treatment of black maids who worked for white people in the South. People's reactions range from outrage at the humiliation blacks have often received, to charges that it was biased and untrue.
I came out of the movie grieving. I not only felt wretched at the pain racism causes, but also at the hurt and suffering that comes when people mistreat others. Pain Happens in a Broken World. Being cruel to others, whether by actions or words, happens in every culture for many reasons: because individuals think they are superior for some reason due to their skin color, gender, position in society, wealth, or education. Whatever the reasons, they all flow from a sinful heart.
Have you been hurt?
Have you known what it is like to be looked down on, dismissed as unimportant, or made to feel unwanted? Have you experienced cruelty of some kind? How did it make you feel?
Have you wrestled with anger, wanting to get revenge, or feeling crushed and of no worth?
In The Help, one of the poorly treated maids gets her revenge in a startling way. But revenge is God's prerogative, and not ours to take (Romans 12:19).
Your pain might have come from someone you work with, live next to, or go to school with. Its source could be a relative or close family. Even fellow believers hurt others when operating in the flesh and not the Spirit. But no matter where your pain originated, it is something God wants to heal.
God Cares About You. Why should He care? Why does He call you to forgive those who have harmed you? Because He loves you and wants the appalling power of bitterness, hatred, and inner rage to stop poisoning your heart and your life.
God's Path to Healing. How can you and I, followers of the Lord Jesus, indwelt by His Mighty and All-powerful Spirit, find freedom from pain? Only by forgiving the one, or many, who caused our pain.
Three necessary principles for dealing with pain:
Reject blame and bitterness. It doesn't move you forward. It chains you to the past.
Pray for willingness to forgive. It is a process that often requires time to work through.
Forgive the offender. Be willing to release that person from your desire for revenge, or even for an apology. Realize they most likely have moved on and forgotten the incident. Remembering is only hurting you. Let it go.
Remember something else: the Lord is our Healer. He wants you to experience joy, no matter how much pain you have experienced. He wants you to THRIVE in every aspect of your life. And He has provided a way for this to happen! Will you walk in it?
Author Bio
Poppy Smith
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy's practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy's teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God's speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.
The above article comes from Poppy's recent Thrive e-newsletter.
Receive Poppy's Ten Tips for Saying "No" by signing up for her newsletter at: http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters...
"Life Lessons from THE HELP" is loaded at docstoc.com. If for some reason you have difficulty copying or downloading the article, we will be glad to email the article in .pdf or .doc format.
Russ@kathycarltonwillis.com
This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it's used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you notify KCWC at russ@kathycarltonwillis.com.
All other standard copyrights apply.
October 3, 2011
Five More Things I've Learned from the Amish (article)
Guest blog from Suzanne Woods Fisher for "Amish Values for Your Family" (Revell)
Five More Things I've Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:
Live humbly. This is the basis of the Amish life. They don't waste, they reuse and recycle, they live simply and without luxury, they provide for each other's needs. Daily life is embroidered with gratitude for all God has given them. Two prayers bookend every meal—a meal begins with thanks to God for the nourishing food, and ends with gratitude for what was received.
Amish proverb: "The blessing of sharing outweighs the blessing of having."
The Lesson: Choose simplicity over clutter. Economy over luxury. And give thanks!
A task takes as long as it takes. It seems like such a paradox—the Amish are busy, yet unhurried. They have a deliberateness in their actions—one job isn't more important than the other. And they don't have televisions or computers or radios or telephones—which gives them more time to cook, fish at the lake, enjoy a good book, and spend with their children and grandchildren. They have time to slow down a bit—to smell the roses along their path.
Amish proverb: "Every day that dawns brings something to do that can never be done as well again."
The Lesson: Reduce the time where attention is focused on electronics (computer! Cell phone! Television!) and strive to be more emotionally present when with others.
Success and Size are not related. The Amish have rapidly adopted to the demands of the modern business world. Their self-owned businesses are remarkably successful, but not at the cost of everything else. They view money as a tool, not the goal.
Amish proverb: "Love, peace, and happiness in the home is of infinitely more value than honor, fame and wealth."
The Lesson: Never let ambition destroy life's better goals.
They teach us not to seek vengeance but to forgive. The Amish take the Lord's Prayer seriously—if they are asking God to forgive them their sins, they must be willing to forgive others who have sinned against them. Being a forgiving person is an everyday intention.
Amish proverb: "It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember."
The Lesson: No doubt you're familiar with the Nickel Mines tragedy. If the Amish can forgive the killer of their children, can't we forgive a friend for not inviting us to a party? Or a driver who cuts us off? Make forgiveness your default button. A habit. An everyday intention.
God has a plan. To the Amish, everything passes through the hands of God. Everything. Joys and sorrows, both. God is sovereign over all—from weather to illness to births to who's in the White House. They yield to God's perfect will, trust Him for what they don't understand, and thank Him for what they do.
Amish proverb: "God's hand that holds the ocean's depth can hold my small affairs. His hand, which guides the universe, can carry all my cares."
The Lesson: Trusting God isn't passive—it takes a lot of work! But what peace and joy are available to us when we put our faith in the Almighty God. Everything, ultimately, works out for good.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!
Five More Things I've Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:
Live humbly. This is the basis of the Amish life. They don't waste, they reuse and recycle, they live simply and without luxury, they provide for each other's needs. Daily life is embroidered with gratitude for all God has given them. Two prayers bookend every meal—a meal begins with thanks to God for the nourishing food, and ends with gratitude for what was received.
Amish proverb: "The blessing of sharing outweighs the blessing of having."
The Lesson: Choose simplicity over clutter. Economy over luxury. And give thanks!
A task takes as long as it takes. It seems like such a paradox—the Amish are busy, yet unhurried. They have a deliberateness in their actions—one job isn't more important than the other. And they don't have televisions or computers or radios or telephones—which gives them more time to cook, fish at the lake, enjoy a good book, and spend with their children and grandchildren. They have time to slow down a bit—to smell the roses along their path.
Amish proverb: "Every day that dawns brings something to do that can never be done as well again."
The Lesson: Reduce the time where attention is focused on electronics (computer! Cell phone! Television!) and strive to be more emotionally present when with others.
Success and Size are not related. The Amish have rapidly adopted to the demands of the modern business world. Their self-owned businesses are remarkably successful, but not at the cost of everything else. They view money as a tool, not the goal.
Amish proverb: "Love, peace, and happiness in the home is of infinitely more value than honor, fame and wealth."
The Lesson: Never let ambition destroy life's better goals.
They teach us not to seek vengeance but to forgive. The Amish take the Lord's Prayer seriously—if they are asking God to forgive them their sins, they must be willing to forgive others who have sinned against them. Being a forgiving person is an everyday intention.
Amish proverb: "It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember."
The Lesson: No doubt you're familiar with the Nickel Mines tragedy. If the Amish can forgive the killer of their children, can't we forgive a friend for not inviting us to a party? Or a driver who cuts us off? Make forgiveness your default button. A habit. An everyday intention.
God has a plan. To the Amish, everything passes through the hands of God. Everything. Joys and sorrows, both. God is sovereign over all—from weather to illness to births to who's in the White House. They yield to God's perfect will, trust Him for what they don't understand, and thank Him for what they do.
Amish proverb: "God's hand that holds the ocean's depth can hold my small affairs. His hand, which guides the universe, can carry all my cares."
The Lesson: Trusting God isn't passive—it takes a lot of work! But what peace and joy are available to us when we put our faith in the Almighty God. Everything, ultimately, works out for good.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!
October 2, 2011
Five Things I've Learned from the Amish - article
Guest blog from Suzanne Woods Fisher for "Amish Values for Your Family" (Revell)
Five Things I've Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:
Being Amish is not a lifestyle. Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can't be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God?
Amish proverb: "Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures."
The Lesson: To pray about my day's activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (seeing a friend in the grocery store, for example) or de-railings (those days when everything goes wrong!) to be God-managed.
Cherish your family. A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They're included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services. An Amish bishop once said, "We don't prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity."
Amish proverb: "Tomorrow's world will be shaped by what we teach our children today."
The Lesson: Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you're doing it!
Draw a land in the sand. The Amish want to be good stewards of God's resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don't want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They're willing to say no.
Amish proverb: "Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do."
The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn't all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God's resources.
Watch Your Words. The Amish continually stress the importance of filtering their speech.
Amish proverb: "Words break no bones, but they can break hearts" and "Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later."
The Lesson: Say less. Prayer more.
Nothing replaces face-to-face visits. Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn't want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit.
Amish proverb: "Use friendship as a drawing account, but don't forget to make a deposit."
The Lesson: Nurture relationships by investing face-to-face time in them. No technology can substitute for the real thing.
Honor the Sabbath. An Amish person would never think of working on a Sunday. But it's more than that—they truly cherish their Sabbath. They spend time on Saturday to make Sunday a smooth and easy day.
Amish proverb: "Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God's hands I still have."
The Lesson: Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!
Five Things I've Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:
Being Amish is not a lifestyle. Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can't be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God?
Amish proverb: "Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures."
The Lesson: To pray about my day's activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (seeing a friend in the grocery store, for example) or de-railings (those days when everything goes wrong!) to be God-managed.
Cherish your family. A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They're included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services. An Amish bishop once said, "We don't prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity."
Amish proverb: "Tomorrow's world will be shaped by what we teach our children today."
The Lesson: Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you're doing it!
Draw a land in the sand. The Amish want to be good stewards of God's resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don't want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They're willing to say no.
Amish proverb: "Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do."
The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn't all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God's resources.
Watch Your Words. The Amish continually stress the importance of filtering their speech.
Amish proverb: "Words break no bones, but they can break hearts" and "Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later."
The Lesson: Say less. Prayer more.
Nothing replaces face-to-face visits. Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn't want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit.
Amish proverb: "Use friendship as a drawing account, but don't forget to make a deposit."
The Lesson: Nurture relationships by investing face-to-face time in them. No technology can substitute for the real thing.
Honor the Sabbath. An Amish person would never think of working on a Sunday. But it's more than that—they truly cherish their Sabbath. They spend time on Saturday to make Sunday a smooth and easy day.
Amish proverb: "Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God's hands I still have."
The Lesson: Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple and Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog!
October 1, 2011
New books releasing in October
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.
A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler -- General Fiction from Bethany House; When Samantha Bravencourt receives an invitation to a wedding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she looks forward to reconnecting with her college friend. Instead her life collides with Carson, a fellow teacher and the man who broke her heart.
Attracted by Fire by DiAnn Mills -- A Thriller/Suspense from Tyndale. When a Secret Service Agent is assigned to the Vice President's rebellious daughter, danger lurks in every corner - and her heart.
Deeply Devoted: A Novel; The Blue Willow Brides Series by Maggie Brendan -- A Historical from Revell -- She is staking her future on a man she's never met. Can she learn to love him?
Freezing Point by Beth Goddard -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. Casey Wilkes didn't realize her simple human-interest story would put her life at risk—again.
Lethal Remedy by Richard L. Mabry M.D. -- A Thriller/Suspense from Abingdon; A doctor discovers that the experimental "wonder drug" that offers the only hope of cure for a universally fatal infection can be attacking more than just bacteria.
Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist, -- Historical Romance from Bethany House. Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley -- A Historical from Realms (Charisma Media). Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she's adopted and her journey begins.
Recipe for Deceit by S. Dionne Moore -- Mystery from Barbour. The third LaTisha Barnhart mystery finds the sassy diner owner trying to figure out who put the hit on a hitman.
Rodeo Dust by Shannon Vanatter -- Romance from Barbour Heartsong; Can they rely on God to find their common ground or will they draw a line in the rodeo dust that neither will cross?
Southern Fried Sushi: A Novel by Jennifer Rogers Spinola -- General Fiction from Barbour; Ride the roller coaster of Shiloh Jacobs's life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy-- Thriller/Suspense from Barbour; A demon possessed serial killer pits himself against a former ego driven cop, who's found peace as a mission pastor and a tough lady cop with the spiritual gift of discerning spirits.
The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy-- Thriller/Suspense from Thomas Nelson; To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.
The Chair by James Rubart-- Thriller/Suspense from B and H Publishing; If you were given an ancient looking chair and told Jesus Christ made it, would you believe them?
The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight-- Romance from Love Inspired; When a battle weary cop and a Christmas crazy teacher join forces to care for an abandoned, mute boy in a small town, neither is prepared for the shocking revelations waiting...just in time for Christmas.
The Lady's Maid by Susan Page Davis-- Romance from Barbour; As a lady's maid, Elise will follow her mistress anywhere, even into the Wild West.
The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell-- Young Adult from Barbour; Join conflicted sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield on her journey to hope and healing as she leaves her messed-up life behind and moves into home for troubled teens
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones-- Young Adult from Thomas Nelson; Grief brought Finley to Ireland. Love will lead her home.
When Love Gets in the Way by Janelle Mowery-- A Historical from Harvest House; Straight from the heart of the Old West, the Colorado Runaway series is full of adventure, humor, and romance.
When Two Hearts Meet by Janelle Mowery-- A Historical from Harvest House; Rachel Garrett finds that attaining her dream of becoming a nurse is fraught with peril, and a deputy sheriff with a wall around his heart doesn't help matters,
A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler -- General Fiction from Bethany House; When Samantha Bravencourt receives an invitation to a wedding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she looks forward to reconnecting with her college friend. Instead her life collides with Carson, a fellow teacher and the man who broke her heart.
Attracted by Fire by DiAnn Mills -- A Thriller/Suspense from Tyndale. When a Secret Service Agent is assigned to the Vice President's rebellious daughter, danger lurks in every corner - and her heart.
Deeply Devoted: A Novel; The Blue Willow Brides Series by Maggie Brendan -- A Historical from Revell -- She is staking her future on a man she's never met. Can she learn to love him?
Freezing Point by Beth Goddard -- A Thriller/Suspense from Love Inspired. Casey Wilkes didn't realize her simple human-interest story would put her life at risk—again.
Lethal Remedy by Richard L. Mabry M.D. -- A Thriller/Suspense from Abingdon; A doctor discovers that the experimental "wonder drug" that offers the only hope of cure for a universally fatal infection can be attacking more than just bacteria.
Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist, -- Historical Romance from Bethany House. Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley -- A Historical from Realms (Charisma Media). Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she's adopted and her journey begins.
Recipe for Deceit by S. Dionne Moore -- Mystery from Barbour. The third LaTisha Barnhart mystery finds the sassy diner owner trying to figure out who put the hit on a hitman.
Rodeo Dust by Shannon Vanatter -- Romance from Barbour Heartsong; Can they rely on God to find their common ground or will they draw a line in the rodeo dust that neither will cross?
Southern Fried Sushi: A Novel by Jennifer Rogers Spinola -- General Fiction from Barbour; Ride the roller coaster of Shiloh Jacobs's life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia.
Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy-- Thriller/Suspense from Barbour; A demon possessed serial killer pits himself against a former ego driven cop, who's found peace as a mission pastor and a tough lady cop with the spiritual gift of discerning spirits.
The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy-- Thriller/Suspense from Thomas Nelson; To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.
The Chair by James Rubart-- Thriller/Suspense from B and H Publishing; If you were given an ancient looking chair and told Jesus Christ made it, would you believe them?
The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight-- Romance from Love Inspired; When a battle weary cop and a Christmas crazy teacher join forces to care for an abandoned, mute boy in a small town, neither is prepared for the shocking revelations waiting...just in time for Christmas.
The Lady's Maid by Susan Page Davis-- Romance from Barbour; As a lady's maid, Elise will follow her mistress anywhere, even into the Wild West.
The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell-- Young Adult from Barbour; Join conflicted sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield on her journey to hope and healing as she leaves her messed-up life behind and moves into home for troubled teens
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones-- Young Adult from Thomas Nelson; Grief brought Finley to Ireland. Love will lead her home.
When Love Gets in the Way by Janelle Mowery-- A Historical from Harvest House; Straight from the heart of the Old West, the Colorado Runaway series is full of adventure, humor, and romance.
When Two Hearts Meet by Janelle Mowery-- A Historical from Harvest House; Rachel Garrett finds that attaining her dream of becoming a nurse is fraught with peril, and a deputy sheriff with a wall around his heart doesn't help matters,
September 29, 2011
Tomorrow had Come
Tomorrow Had Come
by Jessica Kirkland
In every season of life, the Enemy would whisper the lie that I would "never make it" to the next. I believed it. Time and time again, I thought his words held power. As a young child, I never thought I would live to see my school years. Once I entered school, I never thought I would live to see the next day, next grade, or milestone in life. I listened to a very real enemy, even though I didn't want to. Even though I came from a strong, Christian family, I felt powerless to stop the lies. Fear gripped me, stole from me, and taunted every careful step I took.
I gave my heart to Christ at six years old, yet fear still held me tight. Though I had renewed hope, the whispers and lies continued to flow and drown out truth through every season. When, I heard the words that burned a hole straight through, I was nose-to-nose with what appeared to be the sum of all my fears.
"Mrs. Kirkland, you have congestive heart failure. If your babies are born now, they will probably not live or be severely impaired."
I was twenty-six weeks pregnant with triplets. In the beginning, I had been pregnant with quads, but had lost one child at 14 weeks. I never imagined we might all go meet Jesus on the same day. I mourned the thought of my husband walking through life alone. I grieved for the children that would either die, be disabled on this earth, or grow up motherless. And I burned with anger, not just because of the oxygen mask strapped to my face as I struggled for breath and life, but for twenty-five years of allowing Satan to tell me that I would never make it to tomorrow.
Tomorrow had come.
As nurses whirled around me, I prayed Acts 17:25 out loud, "…You give life and breath to everything, and satisfy every need." I pleaded with the God I personally knew through a relationship with His Son, Jesus. I knew He had a plan for my life that was good according to Jeremiah 29:11. In my humanity, I struggled with the thought that death might be His plan for us on that day.
Today, we are parents to three healthy five-year-olds. You would never know they were born nine weeks premature. The joy that Satan has stolen from me in 30 years, through a spirit of fear, is great. I imagine if you strung each lying sentence end-to-end, they might wrap the globe. Yet, I have promised to tell others of God's miracles in my life and do my part in setting captives free. Tomorrow had come, but so had Jesus, and it is He who has defeated the grave.
"For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
Author Bio
Jessica Kirkland
Jessica Kirkland lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, Robb, and five-year-old triplets. She is an author and speaker whose greatest passion in life is to see young families grow deeper in their walk with God. Jessica's newest adventure includes launching Christian Apps 4 Kids, which seeks to draw kids closer to Christ one app at a time. A recent release is a book app that addresses fear and scary nighttime sounds called The Sounds of Night, designed for kids ages 2-8. It is currently available on iPad, iPhone and all Android devices. When Jessica isn't writing, you can find her cheering her boys on at the soccer field, or watching her little girl at the dance studio.
To find out more about her current writing projects,
connect with her at: http://www.christianapps4kids.com
or on her personal blog: http://www.jessicakirkland.com
To purchase The Sounds of Night at iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-so...
To purchase The Sounds of Night in the Android Market:
https://market.android.com/details?id...
September 28, 2011
Planning Your Child's Birthday Party
SIMPLE GIFTS
By Sharen Pearson
As a mother of five and now grandmother of seven, I've planned my share of birthday events. I am a creative person, so my problem is "going over the top." My expectations supersede those of the birthday child. So, I have to step back and say, "Whose birthday is it anyway?" And, therein lies the key to a successful birthday party.
I recently assisted with my grandson, Waylon's party. He was reaching that big-boy age of 5 years. He knew what theme he wanted: Herbie the Love Bug. He wanted a backyard campfire and a cake with Herbie on it. Simple—Herbie, campfire, cake. Got it! My daughter complied. She invited a few families from church that Waylon knew well and was comfortable around. Since entire families were represented, parents were there to help with crowd control. Bowls of chips and dip provided a place to gather around as people arrived. Children scattered to play in the back yard, parents grouped to watch and chat. Easy, huh? Daddy lit a small fire in the campfire ring in the yard. More talk, more easy playing. The cake was a simple giant chocolate chip cookie with a frosting "Herbie." Waylon thought it was wonderful.
Mommy announced that it was gift-opening time and everyone pulled up lawn chairs and sat in family groups. Waylon sat in the middle of the circle on the grass and guests watched as he opened each gift and thanked the giver. He received many nice gifts, but to everyone's delight, a small, inexpensive VW bug toy car was his favorite. He opened it, raised it above his head as if it were a trophy and yelled in delight. Waylon slept with his "Herbie;" woke up and greeted it; placed it on the edge of the tub so he could see it. He had the birthday he wanted. Simple party, simple gift, simple fun!
Some suggestions to consider when planning your party:
If your child is old enough to have input, allow it.
For ages 1-5 years, simple is best. Simple decorations, simple food, simple games.
Invite only one party guest per age of the child. Young children are very intimidated by many children of the same age. Remember, "Whose birthday is it?"
If guests include family/friends with older children, add activities especially for them.
Home is the best place for children ages 5 and under. Big party venues are confusing, scary and do not position the "birthday child" as the center of attention as he should be.
Some traps that parents fall into:
Making the party so complicated that you, as the parent, no longer enjoy it. (Been there, done that.)
Allowing young party guests to get close to and grab for gifts as as the birthday child is opening them. (Admit it, you've seen this haven't you?)
Spending too much money. (Guilty as charged.)
Preparing food for adults and not age-appropriate to the guests. (The only thing to show off today is your wonderful child)
Engaging in sleepover parties before the age of 9 years. (Children younger than 9 or 10 years often find sleeping at someone else's home frightening and uncomfortable.)
Author Bio
Sharen Pearson
Sharen Pearson's Goof & Giggle classes and materials continue to provide a quality Mom/Tot interaction. Widely popular, Goof & Giggle's child-focused play plans are offered in various Arizona communities. She's also created a variety of Goof Juice DVDs and filmed episodes of Baby D.I.Y. and written workbooks for BabyFirstTV. Arizona Midday (NBC) tapes monthly segments with Sharen to provide their audience with a variety of original and creative "easy to do" activities for babies and preschoolers. Sharen's creativity reaches a combined audience over 200 million viewers worldwide. Goof & Giggle classes and products encourage green living, repurposing materials from around the house into affordable objects for play and learning. Learn more at: http://sharenpearson.com/
September 27, 2011
Christian Publishing University Launched!
Christian Publishing University Launched!
CPU is offering a special promotion for
bloggers interested in learning more
about Christian Publishing
September 1 marked a giant step forward in the Christian publishing industry as a team of highly experienced industry professionals have launched a major new Web site—ChristianPublishingUniversity.com. Organized as an online university campus, the site is intended to become a one-stop clearinghouse of trainings, resources, and networking for both newcomers and veterans of the industry. It pulls together a wealth of valuable information that has never been assembled in one place before. Its purpose is to serve Christian publishers, editors, proofreaders, authors, composers, artists, photographers, retailers, pastors, church leaders, and many others.
Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?
Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers--
and find out how you could win a Kindle!
A two-year project, the 150-page Christian Publishing University (CPU) site includes dozens of impressive features, such as numerous recorded classes and courses on publishing topics, links to several hundred publishers of Christian materials, 60+ Christian literary agents, a Christian store locator service, 780,000+ quotations, various bestseller lists, all the public and national libraries in America, and hundreds of affiliate organizations, websites, and blogs.
CPU also offers an extensive publishing dictionary, a huge library of downloadable documents and helps, a campus store of publishing-related books and products, an interactive social media student center, an industry master calendar of events, a blog that discusses current publishing issues, and much more.
Top Christian author, Max Lucado, who is often called "America's Pastor," praised CPU by saying, "The Christian Publishing University is a timely response to an increasing need. Christian writing needs to set the standard in published literature. CPU takes us in that direction. Aspiring writers now have a resource for guidance and instruction. I can envision this ministry as a blessing to so many people."
CPU is supported by an advisory board of well-known Christian publishing industry leaders, such Dr. Paul Brownlow (CEO of Brownlow Gifts), Dr. Thelma Wells (CEO of A Women of God Ministry and former speaker for Women of Faith), Mark Sweeney (president of Mark Sweeney & Associates literary agency), Dr. Jim Underwood (professor at Dallas Baptist University and New York Times bestselling author), Dr. Terry Johnson (former president of Oklahoma Christian University), Dr. Helen Young (former professor, Pepperdine University), June Hunt (Hope for the Heart), Dr. Sheila Bailey (Sheila B. Ministry), and others.
Watch the preview video!
CPU director of communications, Mary Hollingsworth, bestselling author of more than one hundred Christian books and a 27-year veteran of the industry, said, "Christian Publishing University is a dream come true for our industry's seasoned professionals, as well as for gifted Christians who want to participate in God's mission of spreading His Word through the avenue of publishing. For the first time ever, an enormous storehouse of resources, trainings, networking connections, social interactions, and other valuable features can be found in one place."
"So far, we've only scratched the surface. We'll be constantly adding new resources, classes, and opportunities as we go forward. We have some really exciting expansion plans for the future," Hollingsworth said.
"Christian publishing is as old as the Bible itself," she continued, "and God's wise man, Solomon, said, 'Of making books there is no end,' so we're here to stay. Until now, though, it's been a difficult industry to navigate for newcomers, because the information they needed to get started was scattered all over the Web, in a multitude of books, in hundreds of magazine articles, and in a myriad of professionals' minds. It was incredibly hard to assimilate.
"At long last, by compiling so many resources in one place, CPU gives them a chance to learn much of what they need to know to join this great ministry of the Word. It gives them hope. And it gives publishing professionals a place to refer newcomers who want to join us. We're excited about the service it can provide both to those in house at our publishing companies, retailers, and to up-and-coming industry participants."
Unlike printed books which, by the very nature of printed materials, are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, the CPU website can be constantly updated and, as the Bible says, "new every morning."
CPU is a membership site and is open to anyone who wishes to participate in its ministry. The annual membership fee is $39.99. As Hollingsworth noted, "It's less than the price of one Starbucks latte a month and far more valuable in the long run."
For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.
Are you interested in finding out more about
Christian Publishing University?
For a limited time, bloggers will be able to use a one-month look-before-you-blog promotional code for full access to the website for free. This code is active for the entire month of October and expires on November 1. Enroll by using the code freeonemonth.
If you blog about CPU and decide that you would like to continue your membership, you will be eligible to receive a $24.99 one-year discount as a thank you. If you would like to take advantage of the first year special, you can renew after your free month by using the code savefifteen.
For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.
You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.
CPU is offering a special promotion for
bloggers interested in learning more
about Christian Publishing
September 1 marked a giant step forward in the Christian publishing industry as a team of highly experienced industry professionals have launched a major new Web site—ChristianPublishingUniversity.com. Organized as an online university campus, the site is intended to become a one-stop clearinghouse of trainings, resources, and networking for both newcomers and veterans of the industry. It pulls together a wealth of valuable information that has never been assembled in one place before. Its purpose is to serve Christian publishers, editors, proofreaders, authors, composers, artists, photographers, retailers, pastors, church leaders, and many others.
Are you interested in taking a look at what is offered at CPU?
Keep reading for more information especially for bloggers--
and find out how you could win a Kindle!
A two-year project, the 150-page Christian Publishing University (CPU) site includes dozens of impressive features, such as numerous recorded classes and courses on publishing topics, links to several hundred publishers of Christian materials, 60+ Christian literary agents, a Christian store locator service, 780,000+ quotations, various bestseller lists, all the public and national libraries in America, and hundreds of affiliate organizations, websites, and blogs.
CPU also offers an extensive publishing dictionary, a huge library of downloadable documents and helps, a campus store of publishing-related books and products, an interactive social media student center, an industry master calendar of events, a blog that discusses current publishing issues, and much more.
Top Christian author, Max Lucado, who is often called "America's Pastor," praised CPU by saying, "The Christian Publishing University is a timely response to an increasing need. Christian writing needs to set the standard in published literature. CPU takes us in that direction. Aspiring writers now have a resource for guidance and instruction. I can envision this ministry as a blessing to so many people."
CPU is supported by an advisory board of well-known Christian publishing industry leaders, such Dr. Paul Brownlow (CEO of Brownlow Gifts), Dr. Thelma Wells (CEO of A Women of God Ministry and former speaker for Women of Faith), Mark Sweeney (president of Mark Sweeney & Associates literary agency), Dr. Jim Underwood (professor at Dallas Baptist University and New York Times bestselling author), Dr. Terry Johnson (former president of Oklahoma Christian University), Dr. Helen Young (former professor, Pepperdine University), June Hunt (Hope for the Heart), Dr. Sheila Bailey (Sheila B. Ministry), and others.
Watch the preview video!
CPU director of communications, Mary Hollingsworth, bestselling author of more than one hundred Christian books and a 27-year veteran of the industry, said, "Christian Publishing University is a dream come true for our industry's seasoned professionals, as well as for gifted Christians who want to participate in God's mission of spreading His Word through the avenue of publishing. For the first time ever, an enormous storehouse of resources, trainings, networking connections, social interactions, and other valuable features can be found in one place."
"So far, we've only scratched the surface. We'll be constantly adding new resources, classes, and opportunities as we go forward. We have some really exciting expansion plans for the future," Hollingsworth said.
"Christian publishing is as old as the Bible itself," she continued, "and God's wise man, Solomon, said, 'Of making books there is no end,' so we're here to stay. Until now, though, it's been a difficult industry to navigate for newcomers, because the information they needed to get started was scattered all over the Web, in a multitude of books, in hundreds of magazine articles, and in a myriad of professionals' minds. It was incredibly hard to assimilate.
"At long last, by compiling so many resources in one place, CPU gives them a chance to learn much of what they need to know to join this great ministry of the Word. It gives them hope. And it gives publishing professionals a place to refer newcomers who want to join us. We're excited about the service it can provide both to those in house at our publishing companies, retailers, and to up-and-coming industry participants."
Unlike printed books which, by the very nature of printed materials, are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, the CPU website can be constantly updated and, as the Bible says, "new every morning."
CPU is a membership site and is open to anyone who wishes to participate in its ministry. The annual membership fee is $39.99. As Hollingsworth noted, "It's less than the price of one Starbucks latte a month and far more valuable in the long run."
For more information and to enroll, visit www.ChristianPublishingUniversity.com.
Are you interested in finding out more about
Christian Publishing University?
For a limited time, bloggers will be able to use a one-month look-before-you-blog promotional code for full access to the website for free. This code is active for the entire month of October and expires on November 1. Enroll by using the code freeonemonth.
If you blog about CPU and decide that you would like to continue your membership, you will be eligible to receive a $24.99 one-year discount as a thank you. If you would like to take advantage of the first year special, you can renew after your free month by using the code savefifteen.
For each blog post you make about CPU, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free Kindle. The second prize will be a free membership for one year.
You must send your links to ajennings@tbbmedia.com by November 4 to be entered in the drawing.
September 26, 2011
Documentary releasing today
180 Film Turns Opinions Around Regarding Abortion
New award-winning documentary is changing minds and saving lives
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX—What would you do if…? Thus begins the question being asked by author and film producer Ray Comfort in his new documentary,180. Titled to reflect the complete turnaround in the mindsets of all to whom the question is posed, the award-winning film shows eight pro-choice people (mostly college students) changing their stance to pro-life just moments after the question is asked in its entirety. It is Comfort's hope that the documentary, releasing online September 26th, will go viral.
While skeptics of 180 (Living Waters Publications) say they can't believe anyone would change his or her mind so quickly, Comfort accepts and even understands their disbelief, stating that he could hardly believe it himself when he first viewed the footage in the editing room. Initially, 180 was not the film he meant to produce. At the time, Comfort was taping interviews for a DVD to go along with a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, "It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them this one question. We realized it wouldn't be convincing to have only males speaking on the subject, so we took to the streets, asking that one particular question, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds. It was amazing!"
Though it was not Comfort's original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue, when he saw the direction the film was taking, he quickly recognized its potential to open the doors of discussion. "I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—that is, up until now. In 180 we have a nation changer."
A spokesperson for Living Waters, the production company behind the documentary, further explains the abrupt change this way: "There really isn't that much to debunk because there is no argument against it. Its message is very powerful, eye-opening and watertight. It leaves no room for a comeback."
Comfort adds, "Most of us know that we should be doing something to stop this horror, but the thought of protesting is a little unnerving, especially with the demonization of those who do so. But here is something each of us can easily do—we can give this DVD out. We can pass them out on the streets, leave copies on park benches or on seats in malls or give it to the checkout lady at the supermarket. This isn't hard to do, and it will save lives—perhaps millions of lives."
As to the rest of the question Comfort asks in 180? You'll have to wait to watch the video to find out what it is. "For me to tell you what the question is," he explains, "would be cheating you. You've got to see the facial expressions change. You've got to see the people, when they are asked that one question, change from one of a hard look in their facial expressions to one of a light going off, as they change their minds and realize how evil abortion is. Their thinking makes an abrupt 180 degree turn, all because of that one game-changing question."
Although the film is just now being released to the public, an early edit of 180 was submitted for consideration and won a 2011 Telly Award.
The documentary is now available for free viewing online at www.180movie.com.
New award-winning documentary is changing minds and saving lives
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX—What would you do if…? Thus begins the question being asked by author and film producer Ray Comfort in his new documentary,180. Titled to reflect the complete turnaround in the mindsets of all to whom the question is posed, the award-winning film shows eight pro-choice people (mostly college students) changing their stance to pro-life just moments after the question is asked in its entirety. It is Comfort's hope that the documentary, releasing online September 26th, will go viral.
While skeptics of 180 (Living Waters Publications) say they can't believe anyone would change his or her mind so quickly, Comfort accepts and even understands their disbelief, stating that he could hardly believe it himself when he first viewed the footage in the editing room. Initially, 180 was not the film he meant to produce. At the time, Comfort was taping interviews for a DVD to go along with a book on Hitler and the holocaust. In the course of the interviews, one question led to another, and the discussion led to abortion. Comfort explains, "It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them this one question. We realized it wouldn't be convincing to have only males speaking on the subject, so we took to the streets, asking that one particular question, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds. It was amazing!"
Though it was not Comfort's original intention to create a documentary specifically about the abortion issue, when he saw the direction the film was taking, he quickly recognized its potential to open the doors of discussion. "I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile—that is, up until now. In 180 we have a nation changer."
A spokesperson for Living Waters, the production company behind the documentary, further explains the abrupt change this way: "There really isn't that much to debunk because there is no argument against it. Its message is very powerful, eye-opening and watertight. It leaves no room for a comeback."
Comfort adds, "Most of us know that we should be doing something to stop this horror, but the thought of protesting is a little unnerving, especially with the demonization of those who do so. But here is something each of us can easily do—we can give this DVD out. We can pass them out on the streets, leave copies on park benches or on seats in malls or give it to the checkout lady at the supermarket. This isn't hard to do, and it will save lives—perhaps millions of lives."
As to the rest of the question Comfort asks in 180? You'll have to wait to watch the video to find out what it is. "For me to tell you what the question is," he explains, "would be cheating you. You've got to see the facial expressions change. You've got to see the people, when they are asked that one question, change from one of a hard look in their facial expressions to one of a light going off, as they change their minds and realize how evil abortion is. Their thinking makes an abrupt 180 degree turn, all because of that one game-changing question."
Although the film is just now being released to the public, an early edit of 180 was submitted for consideration and won a 2011 Telly Award.
The documentary is now available for free viewing online at www.180movie.com.
![[image error]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQmx9tovQQ0/TpcnJkA57gI/AAAAAAAAB2o/DJbMcwlLva8/s1600/jpeg.jpg){kind=link}