Ada Brownell's Blog, page 53

CLEANSED BY FIRE IN AUDIO BY JAMES CALLAN

                                                  Summary of Cleansed by Fire                                                Churches are burning and a man is murdered. Father Frank DeLuca is thrust into an impossible dilemma when he learns another church will be burned. But the information comes to him via the confessional, and church law forbids him telling anyone—even the police.  He doesn’t know which church, when, or by whom. Still, he can’t sit idly by, and no law prevents him looking into the matter himself. Countering this are a young widow whose mission is to make others shine, and a youth choir determined to help those whose churches have been destroyed by the arsonist.   His investigation leads him dangerously close to the local drug scene and he soon discovers the danger has come to him. Can he save his own church? Can he save his own life? BOOKS BROUGHT TO LIFE THROUGH AUDIO BY JAMES CALLAN
 Last month, one of my mysteries, Cleansed by Fire , was released as an audio book.  Oh, it had been released as a paperback book and then later as an e-pub.  But there was still a bit of excitement when it came out in audio.  Maybe it was because the narrator (Jonathan Mumm, an Emmy Award Winning TV journalist) seemed to capture the characters as I had heard them as I was writing the book.  Maybe it was a hope to make some more money from the same book.
 But, I think it’s more than that. A writer wants, most of all, to have his or her work read and enjoyed. I really like the book and this gives the book yet another avenue to reach readers, or listeners in this case.
 I had had an earlier book of mine turned into an Audio book.  While it sold well, reaching number seven on the publishers list, the process was rather impersonal.  I had no say in who narrated it.  I had no say in what the cover looked like.  I had no say – in anything.
That has changed, at least at Audiobook Creation Exchange, or ACX.  As the name implies, it is an exchange that brings the rights holders of books and producers/narrators together.  If you own the rights to a book, ACX will post information about the book and a short selection from the book (something that can be read in less than five minutes). Prospective narrators can then submit their rendition of that short piece, giving you, the rights holder, a chance to hear how they sound on your work.
 Please note, I am saying “rights holder,” not author.  If you have assigned the audio rights to a publisher, ACX cannot deal with you, even though you are the author.
 Having someone narrate a full length novel can be an expensive process.  What do I mean by that?  Of course, it depends on the length of your book.  It might cost $350 to $450 per finished hour of the book.  So, a 75,000 word book could cost between $2800 and $3600 for the narrator.  Keep in mind that the narrator and producer (could be the same person) will spend a number of hours to produce one hour of a finished product.
ACX offers another path. You can offer to split the royalties with the narrator, 50-50. If ACX pays 40% royalty, then you would get 20% and the narrator would get 20%.  It’s a gamble for you and for the narrator.  Still, it offers the writer (rights holder) an opportunity to broaden her reach with no outlay of money.
 Of course, you may not find a qualified narrator who will go to the work of producing a quality recording (ACX demands high quality) unless you do a good job of selling your book.  This is much the same way you have to entice an editor or agent to work on your book for no guarantee of a return. 
 ACX does offer yet another possibility for you.  You can narrate the book yourself.  ACX does require a high quality finished recording and can return your effort with instructions of how to improve it. Their site even offers advice on how to set up a home recording studio. 
 ACX is trying to help authors get their book into audio. Once the product is released, ACX will make it available through Audible, iTunes, and Amazon.
 The point here is, in today’s changing publishing world, you have more choices than ever before. One of them is an easier route to an audio book.  If you have a book on Amazon and you hold the audio rights, it is worth your time to investigate ACX and what they have to offer.  Go to www.acx.com and check out what they have to offer. I did and I’m glad I did.  Take a look at:  http://bit.ly/1zsb0I0

Brief Bio of James R. Callan  
After a successful career in mathematics and computer science, receiving grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA, and being listed in Who’s Who in Computer Science and Two Thousand Notable Americans, James R. Callan turned to his first love—writing.  He wrote a monthly column for a national magazine for two years, and published several non-fiction books.  He now concentrates on his favorite genre, mystery/suspense, with his sixth book releasing in 2014.  www.jamesrcallan.com/blog  

THE LADY FUGITIVE: Historical Romance

COMING SOON!

Back cover copy for The Lady Fugitive by Ada Brownell
How does a respected elocutionist become a face on a wanted poster?Jenny Louise Parks escapes from the coal bin, and her abusive uncle offers a handsome reward for her return. Because he is a judge, he will find her. Determination to remain free grips Jenny, especially after she meets William and there’s a hint of romance. But while peddling household goods and showing a Passion of the Christ moving picture, he discovers his father’s brutal murder.       Will Jenny avoid the bounty hunters? Can she forgive the person who turns her in? Will she find peace, joy and love?

NOTE: Perhaps the book will be available from Elk Lake Publishers before the end of the month. Get your order in early!

No App will replace a friend

About the Author
Cari has worn numerous hats in life. She proudly wore the uniform of the US Air Force. After serving, she worked as a critical care RN for almost a decade. She also owned her own Personal Chef and Catering company for six years. Finally, she chose to turn her attention back to her family.

Closing her business hasn’t made her a couch potato. She cooks at the weekly Wednesday night dinners for her church, and volunteers at the Cross Talk Café in support of the Celebrate Recovery church ministry on Friday nights. She has volunteered her time as a Mentor Mom for two MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups. When she’s not busy in the church doors, she’s happily entertaining people in her home.
She not only has a passion for writing, but also for serving. She views writing as a form of service for people from all walks of life. Jesus used story-telling to convey life principles, why can’t we do the same?
She lives in southern Illinoiswith her ridiculously patient husband of twenty four years, three children, and her two Chihuahuaguard dogs, Snoopy and Stanley. Faith, Hope, Love, and Chocolate is her first novel.
About the Book
Run, run, run...
Run away. That’s what Faith Strauss has done for twenty years. She was destroyed by one tragic event. An event so horrific, she didn’t share it with anyone, not even her husband. She buried it deep inside, where it can’t hurt anyone.
If God is good, then where was He? Why didn’t He stop it? How can she trust Him ever again?
Run, run, run…
She’s not good enough. Never has been. Never will be. She could lose it all again, if she’s not careful. She married, had children, and carved out a life for herself. But Fear is her ever-present companion, always reminding her never to reach too far, or too high.
Run, run, run…
God has another plan. A plan that she never saw, even though she has walked it her entire life. Will the unexpected exposure of her secret and the truth behind it restore her or destroy her all over again?
It’s time to stop running.





There’s No App for That
By Chef Cari aka Cari Schaeffer
In our society, there seems to be an App for everything. There are Apps to count your steps, count your calories, and one that even tells you when to go to the bathroom during a movie so you won’t miss an important scene (I saw that on the news recently – it’s real!). So many people are so plugged in that they’ve tuned out the world around them.
I’ve spent countless times in a variety of situations where I’ve had to wait. As I look around the room at my fellow human beings waiting with me, invariably the vast majority have their faces glued to tiny screens. It’s unnerving, but not surprising, that I also see an increasing number of children with their faces glued to tiny screens. After all, they will mimic what they see.
I don’t foresee that there will ever be an App that can replace a real, present friend.
I have chosen to be counter cultural. I don’t own a smart phone and I don’t plan to get one any time soon. When I do, probably because there won’t be another option available, I will not enable email or social media alerts. I prefer to cultivate REAL relationships with people who are REAL in my life. That’s not to say that social media outlets have no place – I am connected with real friends and family that way, too. However, that will never replace true relationships.
Case in point, I had a wonderful lunch with a wonderful friend yesterday. She’s a woman of culture with fine tastes and not a snobby bone to be found in her body. She’s suffered much in her life and yet has emerged triumphant through multiple tragedies. She told me that she believes God has given her life as a gift and she intends to live it to the fullest. I wholeheartedly agree with her and plan to do the same. How about you?
When I am with my friend(s), I will always put my phone on silent and away so that they have my full attention at all times. That’s what voicemail is for. Texts can wait, too. They are worthy of that courtesy and I hope they feel the same way about me. There have been a few times when I haven’t been given the same consideration. I have tried in a tactful manner to let them know how I felt. Those who aren’t receptive tend to fade as friends. I bear them no ill will and wish them only the best. But I prefer my friendships to be deeper and better than that.
If you’re one of those who are addicted to technology, please step back and reconsider. Cultivate true friendships in your life and teach your children to interact face to face with people rather than a screen.
Remember, there is no App that can replace a Friend.
Blessings,
Cari

DO YOU KEEP SECRETS? Author Gail Sattler knows secrets.

By Gail Sattler
Have you ever had a secret that you couldn't tell?
I think everyone has at least one secret, but there are a million or more reasons that people have for keeping those secrets.
Some secrets are fun  - like a surprise gift or birthday party for someone special.
Some aren't so fun - you know something that would embarrass someone else if it was told. Or maybe it could be you that would be embarrassed.

When the secret is for a good reason, and fun, it's even more fun when the secret can be told - like that surprise birthday party.  But then, the fun part is not holding the secret, but finally being able to reveal it.

What does God think about secrets?
Many things, actually. 
First, if you are trusted with a secret, then keep it
Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret Prov 25:9
If you are doing something good, keep it in perspective - don't shout your good deeds from the rooftops, because then you've given yourself all the reward you will get. There are lots of references for that.
But here's one I really like
God will bill bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecc 12:14

God doesn't say not to have secrets. He just says, have the right ones.

I won't ask what your secrets are. I hope they are for the right reasons.

Gail Sattler
www.gailsattler.com

From Gail's new book from Heartsong: http://www.amazon.com/Best-Mans-Secret-Heartsong-Presents/dp/0373487185/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_mas?ie=UTF8&qid=1398639580&sr=8-1&keywords=sattler+best+man





http://www.amazon.com/Best-Mans-Secret-Heartsong-Presents/dp/0373487185/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_mas?ie=UTF8&qid=1398639580&sr=8-1&keywords=sattler+best+man




Serious Comedy, no kidding!

The Best Man's
Secret – Can you figure out Dave’s

secret?
You might like Gail's other books, too:
Aug 2013-The Path to
Piney  Meadows - 4 1/2 star review
Romantic Times

Feb 2013-When Pigs and
Parrots Fly - Is love really for the birds?

Also-Take The Trophy and
Run! -Can you find Gnorman?

>From March 2012

-Seattle
Cinderella - www.seattlecinderella.com

www.gailsattler.com


www.goldenearsjazzband.com

LET'S EAT GRANDMA: The Importance of Proofreading

LET’S EAT GRANDMAThe Importance of Proofreading
by Kathy Ide

            Have you seen the plaques and T-shirts that say:
                        Let’s Eat Grandma.                        Let’s Eat, Grandma.                        Commas Save Lives.
            I love that! It shows how one tiny bit of punctuation can change the entire meaning and tone of a sentence.            You may think that as long as you’ve got life-changing content in your nonfiction manuscript, or an intriguing story with lots of conflict and interesting characters in your fiction manuscript, that should be enough. And yes, content and story are extremely important. But no matter how good those things are, you’ll be running some pretty big risks if you don’t bother proofreading your manuscript carefully for typos, inaccuracies, and inconsistencies … and learning the industry-standard rules regarding punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling.            OK, you won’t be putting your grandmother’s life on the line or joining a tribe of cannibals. But tiny mistakes in your writing can have disastrous consequences. Here are my top ten:
1. Mechanical errors can decrease your chance of acceptance by a traditional publisher.
2. Mechanical errors can cause miscommunication.
3. Mechanical errors can cause confusion.
4. Mechanical errors can give an unprofessional appearance to publishers and readers.
5. Mechanical errors can be embarrassing.
6. Mechanical errors may cause readers to take you and your message less seriously.
7. Mechanical errors can affect the sales of your book.
8. Mechanical errors could cost you money.
9. Mechanical errors can be distracting.
10. Mechanical errors can give you a poor reputation.
Professionalism Is Key            If you’re writing just for family and friends, it may not matter so much whether every comma is in exactly the right place or if you have a few typos here and there. But if you want to get your book published in today’s highly competitive commercial market, you need every edge you can get. If you expect people to buy what you write, you need to take the time to do it right.If you have a hard time finding typos, inconsistencies, and “PUGS” errors in your writing, consider hiring a professional proofreader. If you go to www.ChristianEditor.com and fill out the form for Authors Seeking Editors, you’ll be connected with established, professional editors who can make your manuscript shine.
            A comma may not save Grandma’s life. But a careful proofread might make a life-or-death difference for your manuscript.

BioKathy Ide, author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors, is a full-time freelance editor/mentor for new writers, established authors, and book publishers. She speaks at writers’ conferences across the country. She is the founder and director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network and the Christian Editor Network. For more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com.


Book Summary
In Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors, Kathy Ide identifies the industry-standard references for books, magazines, and newspapers (which are different from the guidelines for other types of writing, such as college term papers). Using these official references, she highlights the most common mistakes writers make in the areas of punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling (for which she uses the acronym PUGS). She also includes guidelines from The Christian Writer's Manual of Style for authors and editors who work in the inspirational market.
http://www.amazon.com/Proofreading-Secrets-Best-Selling-Authors-Kathy/dp/1938499344/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1398700591&sr=1-1

IMAGINE YOUR NAME'S FAME

IMAGINE YOUR NAME’S FAMEYour name becomes your identityBy ADA BROWNELLExcerpt from the book, Imagine the Future You
July 7 is last day to comment about how God has used your past to bless your future and enter to win a copy of the audiobook
Print and Kindle copies available at  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06
Join Audible and get a free audiobook at http://www.Audible.com
iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/imagine-future-you-unabridged/id877855884?uo=4


       “Hey, Joseph!” said the baker, his two chins bobbing in sync with his laughter. “I heard you had a tumble with Potiphar’s wife. Way to go! Who would have thought it?”      “Since Potiphar committed all he has into your care, I guess that was all that was left!” the lanky butler added. His cold, accusing eyes mocked.      Anger and embarrassment shot through Joseph. His chains tinkled as he shifted position where he sat on the hard stone floor. “You are wrong. I did not do that great wickedness and sin against Potiphar, myself, or God.”      “You worried about God when you could have had her?” the baker said, chuckling, his round face showing he didn’t believe Joseph.      “I decided long ago to follow God’s will for my life, and I haven’t changed my mind,” Joseph answered firmly as he tried to stand.     “You are a fool,” the baker shot back at Joseph as he and the butler walked away, heads together and laughing.     Joseph stared after the pair, the chains on his wrists and ankles causing his whole body to ache. He wondered why the two men accused him. After all, they offended the king of Egypt and were sentenced to prison, too. Joseph had no idea what they had done.     One day weeks later, Joseph noticed the butler and the baker didn’t pick up their bowls of food when it was time to eat. By now, Joseph’s chains were gone because once again Joseph found favor with his captors. But he was still a prisoner. He picked up the bowls and then slowly walked to where he’d heard the      “Here’s breakfast,” Joseph said. “You should eat.”     “It’s nothing but swill,” spat the baker, holding his head in his hands.      As Joseph held out the bowl, a loud groan rushed from the butler’s throat. His fingers ran nervously through his dirty curly hair.      “What’s wrong?” asked Joseph.      “We’ve had some terrible nightmares,” the baker answered, adding his cry of anguish. “They seem so real we need to have someone tell us what they mean, but there is no interpreter.”      The butler stopped his guttural groans and took two deep breaths. “I’m sure the dreams have a meaning. Do you know anyone…? Hey, Joseph! You talk with God, don’t you? Sure you do!” He got up from the floor and patted Joseph on the back.     Quickly the baker tried to stand. His humpty-dumpty body rocked back and forth three times before Joseph reached and pulled him to his feet.     Panting, the baker put his arm around Joseph and let out a blast of putrid breath. “Yes, Joe, old buddy.  We’ve been stuck together in this prison a long time. You are such a wonderful fellow to keep on speaking terms with God! You’ve been a good cell-block mate. Haven’t even seen you in any of the fights. Now the captain of the guards has you serving us, and you do it well. Would you like to hear my dream?”      “And mine?” added the butler.      All the noise brought a crowd of other prisoners. They stood, watching expectantly. The butler and the baker stared at each other, then Joseph. The butler stepped forward and whispered in Joseph’s ear for a long time. Then the baker stood at Joseph’s other ear, whispering and nervously shaking one leg.     Afterward, Joseph turned away and lifted his hands toward heaven. His lips moved, but no sound came out of his mouth.     Finally, Joseph turned to look at the butler. “Within three days, Pharaoh shall give you back your job. Please remember me and ask that I be released from this prison.”     “Thank you! Oh, thank you!” A deep laugh rumbled from the butler. He shook hands with Joseph and some of those watching. ‘I will be sure to give them your message.”     Then Joseph looked solemnly at the baker. “In three days, Pharaoh will hang you.”     The baker stood speechless, his mouth dropped open and his eyes filled with terror. Then obscenities flowed from his fat, drooling lips. When those were spent, his deep, wrenching sobs echoed in every prison cell.      Three days later, the butler was back at work and the baker was dead.And Joseph’s release didn’t come. The butler didn’t tell Pharaoh about Joseph’s request.                                                            ***     Three men. The butler and the baker had names, of course, but they were not included in the biblical account. But even if we knew their names, they probably wouldn’t be worth mentioning or remembering.     But we won’t forget Joseph. Today’s youth would have called Joseph “hot” in his youth. I despise the term myself, but you know by the way Potiphar’s wife flung herself at the young man his handsome face could put girls’ hearts in a flutter.     Some biblical scholars believe Joseph lived about four thousand years before Christ.            Our tongues still speak Joseph’s name with respect because of who he was and what he did.Joseph’s name remained on a small pyramid in Egypt, according to Bible historians and archaeologists, until Moses led the Israelites in their exodus. When Joseph knew he was dying, he prophesied God would take them from Egypt back to their own land, and when they went asked them to take his bones with them. The Bible says the Israelites took the bones back to Israel, and Joseph was reburied in Shechem. That’s where the Jews of modern times found a tomb they identified as Joseph’s in 1921. His name appeared on the tomb in the heart of Shechem (Nablus) in Samaria. But then on February 23, 2003, the carved stone over the grave was destroyed and the tomb vandalized and filled with burning garbage. In February 2008, vandals set burning tires inside the tomb. Yet, until September 2008, Jews journeyed to the tomb to pray, although         Muslims have attempted to make it a holy site to Islam.      Despite the damage to his tomb, Joseph’s name is remembered—not because it is so unusual, but because it belonged to an unusual man.
IMAGINE YOUR NAME
What about your name? Your name has already appeared in many places. It first appeared on your birth certificate and the wristband you wore in the hospital after you were born. The newspaper might have run your name with the births. It certainly was on the birth announcements your parents mailed to friends and relatives.Your doctor has a whole file that begins with your name. The school has files with you as the star. If and when you get a job, there will be files on you.The government has archives on you, beginning with your Social Security number. The driver’s license bureau will keep records under your name. Your name will appear on loans, titles, and deeds.Your name will be in the news in many cities if you make the honor roll or you receive awards or do notable things. Your name will be listed with marriage licenses and your engagement and wedding announcements may be in the newspaper—but hopefully it won’t be in the divorce column. If you are in a serious accident or arrested after age eighteen, your name would be in the news.If you become a screen star, a politician, an inventor, a hero, extremely wealthy, a philanthropist, a model, a successful businessman, a writer, or just someone who voices an opinion in the right place, people will see your name. Your name could become a household word.Mostly, however, our names are spoken more than written, as Joseph’s was. Sometimes your name just runs around in people’s heads.For sure, unless the Lord Jesus Christ returns first or you are lost at sea or buried in an unknown tomb, someday your name will appear on a tombstone or an urn containing your ashes.For the most part, your name reflects who you are and what you do. Today is the day to prepare for the future and decide who you will be and what you will do.That brings us to an important book where you’d want your name to appear.IMAGINE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENTYour success at achieving the ultimate life begins with your name in the Book of Life, the “Who’s Who” of who is going to live forever in heaven.How do you get in?Different from some other Who’s Who books, you aren’t required to pay a fee or buy that edition. An entry is free of cost to you—but a huge amount already has been paid in blood for your name to be included. That’s called redemption because we were born into sin and the penalty for sin is death.Jesus told his disciples to rejoice that their names were written in heaven.
Copyright Ada Brownell December 2013


You can read about Joseph and his family in Genesis 30–50. Even the creation account didn’t use this much space! Genesis 5:19–21 NKJ David M. Rohl and Dr. Thomas S. McCall, Th.D., “Pharaohs and Kings: A Biblical Quest,” Levitt Letter, June 1999. Luke 10:20 Rev. 3:5; Rev. 20:12; Rev. 21:27

How Matt Maher's Singing Inspired Award-winning Writer Cindy Thomson

By Cindy Thomson
Matt Maher has inspired my writing over the last couple of years and he doesn’t even know it! I don’t pretend to understand it completely, but at important moments on my writing journey his songs have either popped into my head or started playing on my iPod or iTunes.
Well, maybe I do understand. It’s not Matt Maher precisely, but rather it’s that Maher has asked God to speak to people through his music, and God has answered that prayer.
For example: At a time when I had been dwelling in a novel writing desert for literally seven years—my fellow writers know what I mean by this—I got the call from my agent telling me Tyndale House
I woke up in darkness surrounded by silenceOh where, where have I gone?I woke to reality losing its grip on meOh where, where have I gone?
'Cause I can see the light before I see the sunrise
You called and You shoutedBroke through my deafnessNow I'm breathing in and breathing outI'm alive again
I realized that God was now shouting at me (in a big way) that He has not abandoned me in that writing desert after all. I truly felt like I had moved from darkness into light, and this song spoke that to me. God doesn’t keep us from walking through dark valleys, but He does get us through them.
There have been other times as well, like just this morning. I was struggling with some personal issues—something that incidentally has caused me to struggle through writing my contacted books—and this Matt Maher song popped into my head. I went straight to YouTube to listen. You might want to as well!
"Lord, I Need You"
Lord, I come, I confessBowing here I find my restWithout You I fall apartYou're the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need YouEvery hour I need YouMy one defense, my righteousnessOh God, how I need You
What keeps resounding over and over in my mind is “My one defense.” Life throws so much at me sometimes—at us all—that it’s easy to forget that we have “one defense” and it’s all we need to protect our hearts. And a writer is wordless without her heart.
So I thank Matt Maher. I thank him for his giving spirit and his willingness to put the message God gives him into his gifted art form for his listeners. And I pray that I will do the same.

I will bless the Lord who guides me;
 even at night my heart instructs me.~Psalm 16:7 NLT


Blurb:The year is 1901, the literary sensation The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is taking New York City by storm, and everyone wonders where the next great book will come from. But to Annie Gallagher, stories are more than entertainment—they’re a sweet reminder of her storyteller father. After his death, Annie fled Ireland for the land of dreams, finding work at Hawkins House.

But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconduct and authorities threaten to shut down the boardinghouse, Annie fears she may lose her new friends, her housekeeping job . . . and her means of funding her dream: a memorial library to honor her father. Furthermore, the friendly postman shows a little too much interest in Annie—and in her father’s unpublished stories. In fact, he suspects these tales may hold a grand secret.

Though the postman’s intentions seem pure, Annie wants to share her father’s stories on her own terms. Determined to prove herself, Annie must forge her own path to aid her friend and create the future she’s always envisioned . . . where dreams really do come true.
Bio:
Cindy Thomson is a writer and an avid genealogy enthusiast. Her love of history and her Scots-Irish heritage have inspired much of her writing, including her new Ellis Island series. Cindy is also the author of Brigid of Ireland and Celtic Wisdom: Treasures from Ireland. She combined her love of history and baseball to co-author the biography Three Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story, which was a finalist for the Society for American Baseball Research's Larry Ritter Book Award. In addition to books, Cindy has written on a regular basis for numerous online and print publications and is a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Cindy and her husband have three grown sons and live in central Ohio. Visit her online at www.cindyswriting.com.

The Future: Lincoln Prayed for Peace; Roosevelt Asked God to Preserve our Republic, Religion and Suffering Humanity

Win a copy of IMAGINE THE FUTURE YOU as an audiobook! Comment on how God has been in your past because you put Him into your future to enter drawing. Deadline July 7, 2014





Abraham Lincoln 
A Prayer for Peace 

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continues... until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid another drawn with the sword... so still it must be said that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.-Second Inaugural address, March 4, 1865




Franklin D. Roosevelt 
A Prayer in Dark Times


Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity...Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home--fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them--help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice... Give us strength, too--strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.
--D-Day, June 6, 1944 

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Faith...

Presidents Prayed Because They Knew America Needed God in the Future

Win a copy of IMAGINE THE FUTURE YOU as an audiobook! Comment on how God has been in your past because you put Him into your future and enter to win. Deadline July 7, 2014





Thomas Jefferson

A Prayer for the NationAlmighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Washington D.C., March 4, 1801
Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Faith-Tools/Meditation/2005/01/Prayers-Of-The-Presidents.aspx#xOuSDrOpqiHhFBC8.99

WASHINGTON PRAYED GOD WOULD BLESS THE FUTURE

GEORGE WASHINGTON BELIEVED WE NEED GOD IN OUR FUTURE

George Washington 


A Prayer for Guidance 


O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul....Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation; teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments; make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber, but daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life bless my family, friends, and kindred.
Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Faith...
George Washington 
Win a copy of IMAGINE THE FUTURE YOU as an audiobook! Comment on how God has been in your past because you put Him into your future. Deadline to enter drawing July 7, 2014



Note from Ada Brownell from the beginning of Imagine the Future You:Why bring God into a book about preparing for your future? Because the Creator is involved in the future of individuals, humankind, nations, the world, and will change things when we pray. From George Washington to George W. Bush (and I imagine Barack Obama), U.S. presidents prayed, especially in crises. God heard because America has been blessed. You can find and read many of their historical prayers today.Parts of this book are to give you evidence for belief in God. Believing is a choice, but the much of the education and media in the United States is designed to keep you from believing in your Creator. God has been in your future from conception (See Psalm 139), loves you, keeps track of the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7) and will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is most concerned about your future. He wants to give you abundant life (John 10:10), prepare the way before you, keep you and guide and lead you to heaven. But He will only come into your life if you invite Him (Revelation 3:20). With the Lord, you’ll have a blessed future, not only on earth, but for eternity.

IMAGINE THE FUTURE YOU SUMMARY

A motivational Bible study by Ada Brownell

The intriguing thing about our dreams is we’re always the “Star.”  Comedy, romance, murder mystery, drama, documentary of a heroine—there we are in the middle of everything.When we’re awake we also star in our dreams. Dream big and work toward your goals and you’ll write a story with your life that might amaze you.Whether your story is a tragedy or a cherished classic depends on who you want to become and if you pursue your dreams.If you continue to do or not do what you practice now, what kind of future do you imagine for yourself?The decisions we make ourselves affect our future more than those made for us. We have control of our attitudes, our work ethic, our sense of wonder, our faith to believe in God and for great things. It is up to us where we end up in life and eternity.This Bible study will help you discover evidence for faith; how to look and be your best; who can help; interesting information about dating, love and marriage; choosing a career; how to deposit good things into your brain you can spend; and how to avoid hazards that jeopardize a successful life on earth and for eternity, all mingled with true stories that can make you smile.
Review:  How I would have loved  to sit at Mrs. Brownell's knee when I was a teen. This wholesome book resounds with sage, Godly advice and could be picked up again and again as needs arise. Worthwhile for parents too. Much fodder for family discussion too!

Links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1489558284    http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06
http://www.audible.com/pd/Self-Development/Imagine-the-Future-You-Audiobook/B00K87OIIU/ref=a_search_c4_1_2_srTtl?qid=1402415014&sr=1-2