Kristy Moody's Blog, page 24

[Interview] Erica Wiggenhorn: “There Is Always Hope”

Credit: Moody Publishers & Sarah Hoag Photography

This week, Erica Wiggenhorn’s brand new book “Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free” was officially released to the public. In her new project, she tackles Imposter Syndrome and gives assurance that anyone can overcome with God’s guidance. 

Today, she opens up to BTSCelebs about the humble beginnings of “Letting God Be Enough”,  Moses connection to the story and how people from all faiths can be encouraged.

BTSCelebs: Who is Erica Wiggenhorn professionally?

Erica Wiggenhorn: Erica is an author and speaker who is passionate about getting people’s face in The Book and living like it’s true! She loves to open God’s Word with anyone who will listen through her in-depth Bible studies, or speaking at conferences, retreats or around her own kitchen table.

What inspired you to write “Letting God Be Enough”?

Letting God Be Enough resulted from my own struggle with a fear of inadequacy or Imposter Syndrome. Perfectionism, people-pleasing, performance and achievement marked my life for years. It all came crashing upon me during my first visit to Moody Publishers. As a fellow author and I prepared to hop in a cab and go meet the publishing team for the first time, my hands began to shake, sweat beaded across my forehead and my stomach twisted in knots. ‘I can’t go!’ I stammered. ‘They are going to take one look at me and know they made a mistake. They are going to take my next contract and rip it to shreds. I just know it. Tell them I got sick!’ My friend cocked her head and announced, ‘You have Imposter Syndrome! We are going to put an end to this lie of the enemy right now. You are going to Moody Publishers today, and they are going to adore you as much as I do. Now get in the cab.’

I spent the day marveling at the opportunity to be there. I met the team and feigned confidence and excitement but the entire day I felt sick and nervous. When we finally got back to our hotel room that night and I laid my head on the pillow, I felt the Lord whisper in my heart, ‘Today was supposed to be a day of great joy and celebration. But you let a lie rob it from you. How long are you going to allow the enemy to exert this power over you? When are you going to allow me to heal it?’ So I started researching Imposter Syndrome and realized how common it was among so many people, especially women. And especially Christian women. And I knew that the healing journey God had me on was not just for myself, I needed to include others as well. And Letting God Be Enough is the result.

Why did you choose Moses as the biblical person to reference in your new book?

I refer to Moses as the greatest self-doubter in the Bible. He exemplifies Imposter Syndrome. The way Moses describes himself in Exodus 4 in contrast to how Stephen describes him in Acts 7, you would think they were talking about two completely different people! So, I wanted to pay close attention to how God dealt with Moses’ Imposter Syndrome. How God brought healing and invite God to speak that same salve of truth over my own aching soul longing for affirmation.

How do you identify with Moses’ life story?

I identify with how long it took Moses to get on board with following God’s plan. To get over himself and rely on God. Self-doubt is cousins with self-sufficiency and for years I walked the road of self-reliance only exercising my faith as a get out of hell free card. I feel like I wasted so many years wandering around Midian instead of following God’s call upon my life.

What is a go-to scripture that is easy for someone to relate to who isn’t familiar with the Holy Bible? 

I keep going back to Jeremiah 29:11. With the world growing increasingly darker it can be hard to hold on to hope and feel like there is a good future in front of us. When we realize God spoke those words to His people while they were imprisoned in Babylon, far from home with little hope of ever returning, we realize God’s ability to secure our future doesn’t depend on current circumstances. With God there is always hope.

What is one thing you want non-believers to take away from “Letting God Be Enough”?

Credit: Moody Publishers

That the world’s answers for dealing with a fear of inadequacy or Imposter Syndrome are not bad suggestions, they are just inadequate. Leading psychologists and thought leaders tell us when we feel like we aren’t enough we ought to unroll our resume and cite our past successes. Remind ourselves of past achievements, learned skill sets, and educational accomplishments. But the reality is that in this broken world, we will face situations and circumstances for which nothing on our resume could possibly prepare us. Like when my husband’s coworker entered the office two weeks ago and announced that her eleven year old daughter has bone cancer. This woman has graduate degrees. She has run multi-million dollar companies. She is brilliant. But she is not prepared to be a mama of a cancer patient. No one is. None of us can put a prodigal back on the path home, cure cancer, set an addict free, force someone to forgive us, resurrect a ruined relationship by ourselves, these things require the intervention of a good God who longs to give us hope and a future.

What projects or events can we expect from you for the remainder of 2021 into the Spring of 2022?

My next project is a bible study and video teaching series on revival which will release in Spring of 2022!

Congratulations to Erica Wiggenhorn on the release of her new book! Learn more about her through her official website: EricaWiggenhorn.com

A Special Thanks to Erica Wiggenhorn and Biscuit Media Group for the exclusive interview. 

BTSCelebs To Review Lynn Austin’s “The Wish Book Christmas”

This Fall, BTSCelebs plans to bring Christmas cheer early with a review of Lynn Austin’s new book “The Wish Book Christmas”!

This family-friendly story promises to be about two single (British) moms, Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson, adapting to life in postwar America in the 1950s. Their young sons, Harry and Bobby, are excited about the holiday season and blinded by the fantasy of numerous toys from Santa. We are suppose to see positive changes in the moms and boys as the novella progresses.

Stay tuned for BTSCelebs’ complete review of “The Wish Book Christmas” in the coming weeks.

A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book and cover image.

“The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire” Releasing In Theaters For A Limited Engagement

Credit: Thinking Man Films and RevelationMedia (Patmos island Greece. View of the port of Skala from the city of Chora)

Were you a fan of “Patterns of Evidence” and “Pilgrim’s Progress“? If your answer is “yes”…. this new film is a must see! The creators behind those powerful films made “The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire”. 

Thinking Man Films, RevelationMedia, and Fathom Events plan to bring the first in a series of films about the churches referenced in the biblical book of Revelation, according to a press release from Biscuit Media Group.

“The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire”, which is scheduled to be released in October, is a documentary highlighting Christophe Hanauer and acclaimed global scholars investigation into the letters written to the 7 churches and linking it to modern times.  Christophe is a well known French Christian Producer and the founder of Millennium Productions (part of the Thinking Man Films family).

In the documentary, Christophe travels to the island of Patmos to walk in the apostle John’s shoes. John experienced the holy vision there and wrote the book of Revelation in that location.

Producer/Director Timothy Mahoney: “For centuries, there has been a profound mystery surrounding the meaning of the Book of Revelation. We are honored to share Christophe’s film with an English-speaking audience, so Americans can experience these scriptures from a historic, educational perspective, breaking down the messages given by Christ to each of the churches referenced and seeing how it applies to our lives today. At a time when we are living with much uncertainty, this film asks one of the greatest questions of all, “Are you ready?”

RevelationMedia founder Steve Cleary: “Throughout the centuries, the church has gone through times of fire, where their faith was tested in one way or another. Sadly, little has changed when we consider how Christians are being persecuted around the world without mercy. We hope Times of Fire begins a conversation. What part do we play in history as the Bride of Christ? How do these letters apply to us now? And most importantly, are our hearts prepared for when our faith will be tested?”

“The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire” will be released in select theaters for two nights only on October 11th and the 12th.

Watch the trailer below to discover more about this intriguing documentary –

A Special Thanks to Biscuit Media Group for the info. 

 

An Award-Winning Author Tackles Identity Through New Book, “Letting God Be Enough”

You are valuable promises to be the resounding theme in author Erica Wiggenhorn’s fourth book “Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free”.

According to an official press from Biscuit Media Group, her new project takes a different path from her previous releases (“An Unexplainable Life”, “The Unexplainable Church”, and “Unexplainable Jesus”), because it compares the present-day to Moses’ life.

Erica: “As a Christian woman who has battled self-doubt for decades, I felt compelled to encourage others who face these issues. Moses struggled with many of the same issues, and I hope that by examining his life, we can find truth, encouragement and freedom.”

Erica, who is an award-winning author and the founder of Every Life Ministries, has several themes she touches on in her new book from Moody Publishers. They are the following themes:

Overcoming feelings of Imposter Syndrome, which is defined as “persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments accompanied by a fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one’s ongoing success.” – Finding freedom from the nagging fears of self-doubt and inadequacy – Securely resting in God’s ability and commitment to care for you – Cease searching for endless affirmation in accomplishments, positions, and relationships. – Surrender your doubts and fears over to the arms of your loving Father who promises to never leave or lie, and to always be enough in whatever you feel you lack. – How to stop looking in the mirror and instead let God be enough.

Learn more about Erica Wiggenhorn, the book and freebies offered with it by visiting her official website, EricaWiggenhorn.com.

A Special Thanks to Biscuit Media Group for the info.

SuperM and NCT’s LUCAS Teams Up With Hendery For “Jalapeno”

Credit: SM Entertainment (@wayvofficial)

Lucas and Hendery are following in Ten and Yang Yang’s footsteps by forming their own unit group. Teaser images promoting their music were revealed today alongside their debut single name “Jalapeno”.

In the photos, the pair is on fire in their brightly-colored clothing that resembles hot peppers.

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A post shared by WayV (@wayvofficial)

LUCAS is a member of SuperM, NCT and WayV, while Hendery is his fellow co-worker in the latter groups.

The single “Jalapeno” drops on August 25th.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces Loft Teen Arts Project Commission Winners + DreamHack Beyond Fest Celebrates Successful Run Which Includes 1.7 Million Viewing Hours

Steppenwolf Theatre Company recently created The Loft, and they plan to honor young Chicagoland talent through the Loft Teen Arts Project. According to an official press release from The Silverman Group,

the unique art competition provides thousands of dollars to the teens to create pieces that will be displayed in Steppenwolf’s The Loft.

“The Loft Teen Arts Project commission winners include five individuals and two groups:

·         Elisabeth Cervantes (age 18) from Mount Greenwood with an oil painting project

·         Alyha Khalil (age 16) of Irving Park with an oil painting project

·         Liz Olivarez Lyles (age 21) from Lakeview with a mixed media project

·         Kaleia Maxey (age 17) from Beverly with a photography/collage project

·         Stevia Ndoe (age 18) from West Ridge/North Park with a photography project

·         Tia and Tyra Smith (age 20) from Chatham with a textile project

·         BUILD, a violence prevention and youth development organization based on the west side of Chicago, with a group artwork, medium TBA”

Click Here to read the entire press release, learn more about this fabulous honor and the runners up.

On July 31st, DreamHack Beyond ended its successful seven-day event with more than 45,000 fans registered and over 1.7 million viewing hours, according to an official press release from Tadpole Communications. The hybrid festival and online multiplayer game, which was free of charge, featured numerous programs including 20+ festival halls, game demos, and hourly tournaments.

Bas Bruinekool, Vice President, Festivals, DreamHack: “The goal for all of us at DreamHack is to provide great experiences, so to have brought our community back together for this hybrid festival was super special for us. DreamHack is more than an event — it creates an arena where you can come to connect, explore, win, play a part, and be yourself through a gaming lifestyle experience. We are so happy to have reconnected and shared this with our loyal fans.”

Click Here to read the entire press release.

BTSCelebs send a special thanks to The Silverman Group and Tadpole Communications for the info.

Megan Nicole Ends One Year Hiatus With New Single

Today, musician Megan Nicole released a refreshing song titled “Sunshine”! The new track was previewed on her Instagram and Twitch channel days prior to the release, and fans (like myself) were excited to hear the tunes after the long wait.

Check out her exclusive YouTube video below:

I’m looking forward to hearing more great original music from her and her husband in the near future!

[Guest Blogger] Stephanie Landsem: Fashions of the 1930s, from Hoover Dresses to Hollywood Glamour

Fashion is always a reflection of the events of the time and place around it, and the fashions of the 1930s were no exception. From the poverty of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression to the excesses of the golden years of Hollywood, the clothing reflected the decade.

If you were a housewife or a working girl in the thirties, you would have been extremely careful with your fashion budget. Factory-made clothing became popular and relatively cheap, often purchased from mail-order catalogues such as Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Many women made their own clothing, either with purchased fabric or by repurposing out-of-style garments. Less expensive fabrics such as cotton, rayon, and hard-wearing nylons were all the rage. Some women even used the fabric bags flour and other provisions came in as material for dresses, children’s clothing, or aprons.

A woman on a budget would have several housedresses—sometimes called Hoover dresses after the president who was often blamed for the Depression—to wear at home in order to keep her better dresses from wear and tear. Hoover dresses were made of long-wearing cotton in bright colors, buttoned up the front or closed with zippers (cheaper than buttons!) or a tie waist.

A few good day dresses were essential, along with a skirt and some practical blouses. These would be worn when shopping, doing errands, or going to the cinema or to church. A day dress was often made of light fabric like crepe and complemented with embroidery, shirring, and flowers. Even on a budget, a woman was expected to put effort into her appearance. No lady would leave the house without stockings, gloves, heels, a hat, and her handbag.

The rich and famous—actresses, socialites, and the wives of the wealthy—would of course have a far wider array of fashions in their walk-in closets. 

In addition to day dresses, a Hollywood actress would have a selection of sportswear that included high-waisted, wide-legged pants for casual events and shorts and short-sleeved tops for tennis or hiking. Even in California, she would need winter wear for those ski trips to the mountains and several one-piece swimsuits for afternoon pool parties. “Beach pajamas”—loose-fitting, flowing tops and pants—were just the thing for a restful day beside the home pool. Of course, the lingerie closet would have an array of pajamas, negligees, girdles, silk stockings, brassieres, and gloves—cotton for day and silk or velvet for evening.

Then there were the gowns. The wealthy socialite spared no expense on gowns for nights on the town, dancing, and film premieres. Evening wear of the 1930s was all elegant, flowing lines, slim and clinging, with plunging necklines and shockingly bare backs. Gowns were further dazzled with crystals, feathers, beading, and pearls. And of course, no starlet would be caught outside in the evening without a fur wrap, even on those warm California nights.

Despite the disparity between rich and poor, 1930s fashions were all about feminine beauty. Belts and bias cuts accented the waist and hips. Collars and necklines were dramatic, with bows and yokes calling attention to a pretty face and puff sleeves and shoulder pads balancing the hourglass silhouette.

The thirties were a time of both difficulties and excesses, reflected in the fashions as the decade wore on. I’d love to go back to some of the feminine fashions of the 1930s, wouldn’t you?

Her book “In a Far-Off Land” is currently available!

Here is Stephanie’s official bio: Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s explored ruins, castles, and cathedrals on four continents and has met fascinating characters who sometimes find their way into her fiction. Stephanie is just as happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four adult children, two cats, and a dog. When she’s not reading, researching, or writing, she’s avoiding housework and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Stephanie Landsem for the exclusive article and images.

Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini Embrace Next Chapter

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Book Review: Patricia Raybon’s “All That Is Secret”

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Author Patricia Raybon begins her journey in novel writing with the historical mystery “All That Is Secret”, which is set in the early 1920s. The book opens with character Joe Spain finding a special kind of treasure outside in the Colorado cold.

That discovery would soon cost him his life.

Fast forward a year, his daughter Professor Annalee Spain is struggling in her career in Chicago when she receives a strange note hinting at her father’s death. It beckons her to Denver, Colorado to investigate his mysterious passing. The fateful train ride to Denver is just the beginning of her dangerous tale. During the story, Annalee learns more about the people Joe Spain worked for, she gains trusted allies and even falls in love with a handsome young minister named Jack. Little did she know, the young professor will discover more about her own family history as she solves her father’s mystery.

Patricia Raybon’s first novel was created for those who crave nuggets of history. It can serve as a guide for people who desire to study specific topics in American history. While the novel is a work of fiction, it references racial and social issues that were majors problems at the turn of the 20th Century. She also mentions biblical principles, while some of the characters have classic “churchy” language with numerous exclamations to God.

“All That Is Secret” is scheduled to be released on October 5th, 2021.

A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book and cover image.