Naty Matos's Blog, page 47
June 27, 2012
Messages by John Hileman
If you’re like me, someone who loves action, this is the book for you. Messages will keep you on the edge of your seat. Actually I was really unhappy every time I had to put it down to do things like sleeping or doing housework, who needs to do all of that when you are in the middle of someone about to be blown up?
This book also has some great messages, no pun intended. Regardless of the level of your relationship with God; the messages in this book will either enlighten you or remind you of the things you take for granted. Faith is determined by following the unseen and that’s what David Chance has to learned through his journey of following messages floating on random words written all around him in a mission from God. But he’s not even sure that God even exists. It’s really a great book and the more you read the more it grabs your attention and sucks you into the action.
We watch David grow and mature in a matter of two days through the challenges presented to him. Everything he knew to be true is shaken as surprise after surprise of those things around him surface. You have to read this book and then come and tell me what you thought of it. You may join and add to the other 43 five stars reviews that this wonderful book already has received.
John Michael Hileman lives in central Maine with his loving wife, precious daughter, and hygienically-challenged, crazy-haired, teenage boy. He is a self-taught musician, singer, songwriter, graphic artist, television producer, and, oh yeah– he writes books.
When John isn’t working or writing, he’s usually making people laugh by saying stuff like, “I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous,” or “When life throws you lemons, DUCK!”
June 25, 2012
Your Life A Legacy for Kids
I had the great opportunity to read this book this past weekend and all I can
say is, Where was this book when I was growing up? Especially now in the summer, parents run out of ideas of things to do with their children while at home and why not do something that not only is fun but that matters. I also can see how this book has the great potential to help teachers develop so many skills for children.
This book encourages children to explore who they are, as well as their dreams. In a society where dreams have been dictated by the media, this gives them an opportunity for the children to create dreams of their own. The great thing about the activities in this book is that they can be generalized for all ages as long as the children can write or draw. Each child will feel important and included in the activities.
I enjoyed the real life stories of children who have participated in this project, especially the story about the kid who wrote about the Mustang car. Sorry my readers, you know I don’t like to give too many spoilers so you will have to get the book to find out.
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t have kids, but I do interact with many and I look forward to introducing them to this concept.
The author of this great book is Joy Dekok. She is the author of 7 published books, a national speaker, author coach, and social media manager for several clients. She and her husband Jon live on 35 acres of field and woods in Minnesota with their dogs Sophie & Tucker. You can find more about Joy’s books on her website www.joydekok.com
June 22, 2012
WF: In Christ Alone
This has been a challenging week. I can say that this song represents everything that I feel and that has been true for me. In Christ alone I find the strength to move on regardless of the obstacles in life because I know Christ alone can help me. In Christ alone I find peace, because he’s the only one that can give peace in a way that the world can’t give it. In Christ alone I find joy, because the joy of the Lord is my strength and I can testify to the truth of that.
Join in me in praising God and acknowledging that Christ alone can be everything to us. Happy Friday!
WF: Worship Friday
Looking for a weekend read, pick up your copy of The Road Home available on Kindle and Nook 
June 21, 2012
We got awards!
My new blogger friend and great writer Holly Michael from Writing Straight has awarded The Rising Muse with the One Lovely Blog Award. How cool is that! I’m so humbled and appreciative for the consideration.
But that was not all, she also awarded me with the Reader’s Appreciation Award.
As a writer you have no idea how honored I feel. We live for our readers, to
connect with them and provide for them the information, inspiration and entertainment they seek, that’s why we exist. Thank you!
Now I believe the rules require that we share the joy with our favorite bloggers and I shall do just that.
The One Lovely Blog Award goes to… Nancy Jill Thames and her blog Queen of Afternoon Tea. I met Nancy through twitter and she’s a very supportive blogger and friend. She interviews different authors on her blog and is a lover of tea. I’ve learned about different writing styles through her blog. Very well deserved, Nancy!
Last but not least, the Reader’s Appreciation Award goes to…Rebecca LuElla Miller and her blog Rewrite, Reword, Rework. This is a blog that provides a lot of great information for writers and I could never express enough how grateful I am for how much Rebecca has expanded my writing tool belt.
Congratulations to the winners!
June 20, 2012
Perseverance
I heard the word persevere yesterday and it really stuck to my spirit. As a believer it is very easy to stick to God’s plan when things are flowing and going well. When things are not working and not moving in a positive direction we want a way out. We want to try something different and if we’re not careful we may stray for the right path.
I’ve been working out for a month (yes, miracles do happen!) and have seen great results, but the last week there have been no changes on the scale. I’m frustrated about it to say the least. I’m looking at other areas in my life where my expectations had placed things moving in a certain way; after all I’m doing all the right things and have submitted them to God. Now God has brought up this word of perseverance.
My friend Webster, whom I had not talked to in a while, defines perseverance as a steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Did you read that? It says in spite difficulties, obstacles or discouragement. C’mon, sigh with me!
So then I went to the Word of God and I found a promise. Revelation 3:10 says, “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.” Wow, perseverance is actually a command and we will be protected during our test for being obedient. To me this means that the test is precisely the difficulties, the obstacles and the discouragement.
What are you struggling with today? What has you discouraged? If you don’t mind, share it with us so that we can pray together. If you want to share in private, do so at my email: therisingmuse@gmail.com
Hold on to the promise; good things are to come.
Be blessed.
Don’t forget to get your copy of my new book “The Road Home” available on Kindle and Nook. If you want an e-autograph, just place your request on kindlegraph.com
June 18, 2012
How to do right
Doing the right thing should be a lifestyle just for the pleasure of pleasing God and to live the way we’re supposed to. When we do the right thing just to get accolades the Word says that we have already received our prize.
When we live a life focused on eternity, we should not focus on what others think or in advertising our good deeds. We should do what’s right out of love and obedience to our Heavenly Father, that’s when doing the right thing feels great. It will be God who will bring up to the light all your good deeds.
What good thing will you choose to do today?
John 3:21 (NLT)
But those who do what is right come to the light gladly,
so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.”
Remember to pick up your copy of The Road Home on Kindle and Nook. The must read new novel already reviewed at 4.5 stars. Compared to “The Notebook” and categorized as a powerful story.
Until next time,
Be blessed.
June 17, 2012
A Father’s Day in a Fatherless Nation
On a day like today were fathers are honored, there are many thinking who will 
they have to honor. It is a sad reality that the majority of our social problems can be traced back the absence of fathers; who are not doing the job that they were called to do. Boys who grew up without being taught how to be men and women who grew up to not know how to be treated by them because their role models were non-existent, even if a father lived in the house.
“For if a man know not how to rule his own house,
how shall he take care of the church of God?”
1 Timothy 3:5
Fortunately we have those others. Those fathers who have taken their role serious. Those who know that being a father is more than a biological deposit and more than providing a roof. Those who know that their responsibility is to correct, guide, support, teach, and develop the life that was entrusted to them. Those are the fathers who we honor today.
“Don’t fail to correct your children.
You won’t kill them by being firm,
and it may even save their lives.”
Proverbs 23:13-14
I also want to honor those who have stepped up to the job for those children who are not biologically theirs, but they have taken their job just as seriously.
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a
wise son will be glad in him.”
Proverbs 23:24
Finally and more important I honor and praise Our Father, for creating us, 
providing for us, loving us, teaching us, and even sacrificing the life of His Son to give me eternal life.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!”
1 John 3:1
I encourage you to pray for all men, to recognize the higher calling and privilege that has been bestowed on them through fatherhood.
Related articles
The Importance of Fathers (gordonkeith.wordpress.com)
June 15, 2012
WF: What Faith Can Do
I was looking for a song that I could relate to the theme of this week, which has been the release of my new book “The Road Home”. I know I’m biased, but I like the book. I learned a lot writing it and working on it to be able to present it to you. I guess part of what motivates me to continue writing is that all these things I’m able to share with you are exciting life lessons for me first.
The song I’ve chosen today describes not only one of the many takeaways that I hope you get once you’ve read this book, but also describes the process endured during the production. It took a lot of prayers, faith, and determination to get to this point.
At the same time, it took Desiree to find faith and then to grow her faith to obtain the outcome that she most desired. Enjoy this Worship Friday. Grab your copy of The Road Home and enjoy this weekend!
WF: Worship Friday
*The Road Home available on Kindle and Nook
Related articles
Presenting: The Road Home (therisingmuse.com)
June 13, 2012
Presenting: The Road Home
The day has finally arrived. We are launching the long awaited, thought provoking contemporary novel… The Road Home.
As a treat to all my readers, click on the picture below and read the first chapter for free.
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Are you ready for more? Just follow the link to your e-reader.
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-road-home-naty-matos/1111487483?ean=2940014764322
June 12, 2012
When We Judge Others
I think the best scripture to describe what happens when we judge others is
found in Luke 6:42, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
I think that when we become judgmental it’s because we are filled with pride and have forgotten that we are also sinners who have been forgiven for our sins and that others deserve the same Grace that was given to us. We also forget that we are not perfect and that maybe, just maybe, what’s bothering us in those whom we judge is just a reflection of our own imperfections in someone else . Matthew 7:1 says “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” How does it feel when we are being judged?
God tells us, “Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Romans 12:17
It is not our job to judge others but to love them. Discover inside “The Road Home” how judgment plays a role in the challenges that Desiree faces throughout this thought provoking story.
Stop by tomorrow on The Road Home Launch Day, for a great treat. Are you ready to follow the path to The Road Home?
