The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond Blog Tour w/Chizellé T. Archie
August 24, 2010
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chizellé T. Archie is an author, registered school nurse, mother and wife for thirteen years to her husband John Archie. She works for a private school and lives in Atlanta, GA with her family.
Several years ago, after noticing the alarming statistics of the HIV rate of African American women, Chizellé became fed up with the way her African American brothers and sisters (young alike), were beginning to settle for any and everything, in that having safe sex was not an option anymore. As far as the women, as long as he drove a nice car, lived in a fine home, of better yet if he was able to “make it rain,” that was satisfaction enough. As far as the men, as long as she had a car, maybe a job, or had enough money to pay for her “own drink in the club,” then … everything was good. Furthermore, seeing how the women that have remained faithful to their UNFAITHFUL husbands/boyfriends were contracting this deadly disease, and yet only being guilty of loving someone they thought loved them back.
Lastly, what disturbed her most was that there are so many people sitting in the church pews every Sunday hurting, because of the stigma associated with this epidemic, and yet the one place they feel most comfortable is the one place that leaves them feeling so alone.
Chizellé lands on the literary scene with authority, and it is with great fortitude that she pens her debut novel, The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond, in which her life experiences have allowed her to grab hold and take nothing less, realizing she is a Diamond!
ABOUT THE BOOK
The posh, yet chic Victoria Cartiér, is an Investment Advisor for a prestigious firm in Manhattan. Residing in the affluent Hamilton Heights of Harlem, seemingly she has it all; success, money, VIP status on 5th Avenue, and a loving husband Malcolm, so she thinks…
Apparently, Victoria feels her marriage is quickly headed for trouble and the day she plans to deliver life changing news to Malcolm, she gets deathly news of her own. The uncovered trails of lies,deceit, and betrayal, changes their lives forever, causing her to loose trust in everyone she loves, even God!
After losing everything, except her new baby, will Victoria’s love for God, her family, her best friend (tell-it-like-it-is Lucy), and her new beau, the God-fearing, charismatic Marcel Bouviér, be enough to convince her exactly how much she is worth, and that if she can only trust God, then she’ll see life is truly worth living?
MORE FROM THE AUTHOR
Chizelle Archie talks about The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond –>
Chizelle Archie talks about what she hopes the readers will learn from reading The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond. –>
VIDEO EXCERPT
PURCHASE THE BOOK ONLINE AT:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Visit the author at http://chizellearchie.com
- View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DiamondBlogTour
*A Tywebbin/DeeGospel PR Blog Tour
Flaws and All Blog Tour with Shana Burton
August 17, 2010
Shana Johnson Burton is the best-selling author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, and Flaws and All. She lives in Georgia with her family and is currently a high school English and Journalism teacher and the co-host of “The Lovely Magazine” radio show . She was a 2009 Georgia Author of the Year nominee for Best Fiction (First Comes Love). Her next novel, Catt Chasin’, will be released in 2011.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Faith, family, and friendship have always been top priority to lifelong friends Lawson, Reginell, Sullivan, Angel, and Kina, but each one is about to be put to the test during one turbulent year.
Lawson Kerry is a struggling single mother who has finally gotten her life together. Now, a fierce custody battle with her ex threatens to the tear apart everything she’s built.
Reginell Kerry is a starry-eyed singer determined to make it to the top of the charts, but will she change her tune when a chance at fame means shedding her clothes and her self-respect?
Sullivan Webb is the pampered wife of a charismatic pastor with political aspirations, but she just might destroy her husband’s campaign and their marriage if she can’t control her wandering eye.
Angel King has dedicated her life to nursing following the destruction of her marriage. Can she maintain her professionalism when she discovers that her newest patient is the woman who stole her husband?
Kina Battle has had enough of her husband’s verbal and physical abuse. When she’s pushed to the edge, the situation heads in a deadly direction, and there’s no turning back.
Nothing is sacred, all bets are off, and the lives of these ladies will never be the same. Will they have the strength to hold on to their friendships and put their trust in God?
Shana Burton talks about her latest novel, Flaws and All, and shares an excerpt.
Chapter 24 (Excerpt from Flaws and All)
“A true lady never kisses and tells.”
—Sullivan Webb
“Wow, Sullivan, you’re glowing!” noted Lawson over lunch the next day, poolside at Sullivan’s estate. “I guess ol’ Chuck hasn’t lost his touch.”
Angel lowered her shades. “She does have that morning after look, doesn’t she?”
Sullivan grinned and stretched out on the lounge chair next to Kina. “A true lady never kisses and tells.”
“But a freak details it blow by blow!” jeered Reginell, laughing and slapping hands with Angel. “Go on and tell us what happened.”
“Yeah, Sullivan, tell us which of the commandments you broke this time,” pushed Lawson, biting into a ring of pineapple.
Sullivan pinned her hands behind her head. “I can’t. It’s personal.”
“Personal gets checked at the door. You know that. Now, start talking.”
Sullivan cleared her throat and sat upright in her chair. “Well . . . I cheated on Charles,” she revealed.
Lawson nearly choked on her pineapple. “You did what?”
Reginell leaned back and crossed her legs. “Umph. I always knew there was a straight-up ho underneath all them designer clothes and foreign weaves.”
“It takes one to know one,” fired Sullivan.
“Sully, I can’t believe you would do that to Charles,” said Kina.
“Oh, I can believe it,” said Angel. “I just want to know with who.”
Sullivan smirked. “Vaughn.”
Lawson’s jaw fell. “The same Vaughn you said was rough around the edges?”
“He’s not so bad.” Sullivan giggled. “Actually, he was quite good!”
“It looks like Skankville just got a new resident,” muttered Angel.
“Hold up, now,” cut in Reginell, raising her hand. “I’ve got to side with Sully on this one. Sometimes you need to switch it up some. Variety is the spice of life.”
“Good. She can put that on a T-shirt. It’ll give her something constructive to do while she’s roasting in hell,” said Angel.
“God knows my heart,” rationalized Sullivan.
“You have one of those?” asked Reginell.
“Look at you. You don’t even feel guilty, do you? No repentance, no remorse,” charged Lawson.
Sullivan shook her head. “I can’t explain it. I do feel guilty, but it’s only because I feel bad about not feeling guilty at all. I feel . . . liberated, if you can believe that.”
“Sullivan, even if Charles never finds out, God knows, and He was watching you in the very act,” scolded Kina.
Sullivan poured a glass of juice. “Kina, that thought is disturbing on so many levels. Vaughn is so amazing, and I’m not just talking about the sex. He’s an artist, and he’s so intuitive and creative. He makes me feel more alive than I ever felt in my whole life. In the past three weeks that we’ve been spending time together, I haven’t had a single drink. I get love-drunk instead.”
“Enjoy it now. It may be hard to feel alive once Charles finds out, because he’s going to kill both of you,” replied Lawson.
Sullivan kicked back her heels. “I don’t even care if he finds out. I might even tell him myself. Maybe then he’ll finally divorce me.”
“All right, be careful what you wish for,” prophesized Angel. “The Bible says that you shall have whatever you say. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
Sullivan sighed. “Don’t even get me started on the power of Vaughn’s tongue.”
“Sully, you’re nasty,” said Kina with a frown.
This excerpt was posted with permission from the author. 2010 © Copyright. Shana J. Burton. All Rights Reserved.
Purchase the Book Online at:
- Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Flaws-All-Shana-Burton/dp/1601628528/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281193452&sr=8-1
- BarnesandNoble– http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Flaws-and-All/Shana-Burton/e/9781601628527/?itm=1&USRI=flaws+and+all+shana+burton
- Borders – http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1601628528
- Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781601628527?id=4715246323067
- Indiebound – http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781601628527
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Visit the author at http://www.shanaburton.com/
- View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/FlawsandAll.
Destined Blog Tour with Patricia Haley
July 22, 2010
Today we’re chatting with Patricia Haley about the release of her new book, DESTINED. Check out the excerpt below, see her question at the end of this feature and join in the discussion!
PATRICIA HALEY is the trailblazing, #1 Essence bestselling author of seven faith-based, novels, including Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, No Regrets, and Chosen. She’s a project manager with degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago. She is a born again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her husband and daughter in Philadelphia.
Visit her at www.patriciahaley.com or become a fan on Facebook.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Destined by Patricia Haley is the second novel in the Chosen series, inspired by the popular biblical kings David and Solomon.
Don, the eldest son and rightful heir to the ministry, returns from South Africa after three years of self-imposed exile.
With a renewed zeal to reclaim the leadership of his late father’s multi-million dollar ministry, his plans are short-lived when a stock transfer agreement goes wrong, rendering Don powerless. Don’s little brother Joel continues as CEO, careening down the path of personal, professional, and spiritual demise, as he drags the ministry down with him. The only hope to save their father’s legacy is Don’s intervention, and so clinging to his self-worth and faith, Don is torn between fighting for a company he wasn’t chosen to run and fleeing back to his South African refuge, a place where his peace, his growing relationship with Naledi, and his dignity aren’t in question. After much soul searching, Don comes to realize that his destiny is inescapable and that his future lies in his family’s legacy.
Combining spiritual themes with family tension, corporate intrigue, and romance, this series is an exciting addition to the faith-based fiction market.
EXCERPT – Chapter 33
(taken from Destined by Patricia Haley)
Thirty years. Every grueling minute of those years had been met with accusations, put downs, and flat out mean spiritedness mostly waged by Madeline. Loving Dave Mitchell was her joy in the beginning but realism had a way of stamping out the flame, leaving a smoldering whiff of love between them. Sherry tidied her desk in preparation for the upcoming trip to India. Her support for Joel was unquestionable. The decision he was making for his personal life was very questionable. She was overcome with doubt. Sherry went downstairs to Abigail’s office hoping for something, not sure what.
Abigail was finishing up a conference call but beckoned for Sherry to come in anyway. The wait was brief. “You were looking for me?” Abigail asked ending her call.
Sherry meandered to the windows located on one side of Abigail’s office. “You know Joel is,” she said and caught herself. She remembered Joel telling her the board of directors didn’t know about the trip to India, which probably meant Abigail didn’t know either. She needed to confide her concerns with someone but couldn’t risk betraying Joel’s confidence.
“I know Joel is what?”
The awful distress swirling inside threatened to overtake her hopes for Joel. She’d lived out a distressed marriage for what seemed to be the right reasons. Inhaling air of independence and self worth transformed her view of those years. She saw the marriage with Dave for what it was, awkward from the beginning and straight through until the end. There was more for her son and she wanted him to have it now, not waiting until he was fifty five years old to start living like she had.
“If the merger ever goes through with that Indian company, you know he’s going to marry the daughter.”
Abigail acknowledged Sherry’s comment through eye contact but didn’t respond. Maybe it was Abigail’s heartache, or her confusion, or worse, her lack of interest in Joel. Sherry wasn’t sure what the driving factor was behind the lack of interest. “Did you hear me?” she said turning her body to face Abigail, but staying by the windows with her arms clasped. “He’s going to marry another woman.”
“And what do you want me to do about it? Hmm,” Abigail said firmly setting her pen on the desk. “Do you want me to go and plead for his love, hmm?” Sherry kept her arms locked and looked away into the sparsely cloudy sky. “Do you want me to wrestle him to the floor or better yet, how about this. What if I clobber him over the head and tow his limp body back to my cave and make him mine.” Abigail let her gaze roll up to the ceiling and crash down to the desk.
“I know you love him,” Sherry said taking a few steps towards the desk. “You are what he needs, stability, and genuine love. I want my son to experience happiness every day of his life. The prospect of him engaging in a marriage for business purposes is absolutely frightening to me. I know Joel. Nothing good can come from that kind of arrangement.”
“Well,” Abigail said seemingly distracted, “maybe you’re worrying prematurely.”
“What do you mean?”
“If the board is effective, Joel won’t have the backing to finalize the merger.
They’ve blocked his funding, stalled his legal review, and turned down his request for approval. Unless he creates a miracle, the deal isn’t happening.”
Sherry wanted to share the truth with Abigail but couldn’t risk it. “I know it looks hopeless, but my son is Dave Mitchell’s child. Miracles aren’t beyond them.”
That got Abigail’s attention. “No disrespect to you Sherry, but Dave and Joel are very different leaders.”
“As they should be.”
“Well, Dave’s miracles came from the favor he had with God. I can’t begin to guess where Joel would find a miracle, but I’m pretty certain it’s not from God. At least not the same God that Dave and I serve. Joel has his own way of doing things.”
“I didn’t come here to demonize my son. Maybe I was wrong coming to you. I believed he meant something to you.”
“You’re right, he did, but that’s ancient history. I’ve accepted his choice, perhaps it would be helpful to all of us if you did too,” Abigail said and pushed the power button on her laptop
Sherry read the signal and departed gracefully refusing to let her son be maligned by anyone. She shifted energy to the India trip. There was much to be done for Joel and such little time.
Question taken from Reading Guide in back of book: Abigail was hurt by Joel’s rejection and marriage to Zarah. Will she ever be freed from Joel emotionally?
View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DestinedBlogTour.
*A Tywebbin Blog Tour
Holy Rollers Blog Tour w/ReShonda Tate Billingsley
July 6, 2010
What is your definition of a Holy Roller? Join us today as we chat with ReShonda Tate Billingsley about her new release, Holy Rollers! **This is not a book discussion, so no need to worry about not having read the book.**
Get your copy of Holy Rollers!!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Holy Rollers tells the story of three life-long friends—Coco, Audra and Nita—and their quest to 
find true love. The three women have endured their share of heartache: Coco is abused by her boyfriend Sonny; Audra is a single mother who only seems to meet unreliable men; and Nita can’t get over a married man who wants to keep her as his mistress.
Deciding to take fate into their own hands, the three women attend a conference for ministers, hoping to meet men who are God-fearing and wholesome. The results are varied, but the experience with the church changes the lives of these three women in this hilarious and heartbreaking story.
BOOK EXCERPT
“Those preacher men ain’t ready for me.” Nita wiggled her hips in the full-length mirror. She wasn’t trying to be vain, but she looked good. Real good. The mini-skirt hugged her size ten frame in all the right places. She’d taken Audra’s advice and covered up her 38 Triple D’s, but she still wore a form-fitting white ruffled jacket. As always, her honey brown curls cascaded down her back.
“If you say so,” Coco responded. “But what’s with the white suite? I know you’re not going for a virginal look.”
Nita placed her hands on her hips. “And if I were?”
Coco and Audra exchanged looks, then burst into laughter. They were in Audra’s bedroom, where they’d all gotten dressed for their night of ‘holy rolling’ as Audra had dubbed it.
“I have the red shoes to give a hint of bad girl,” Nita said, sticking out her leg to reveal the high-heeled strappy pumps.
Both Audra and Coco shook their heads. Nita waved them off and leaned into the mirror to check her reflection one more time. After licking her thumb and running it over her eyebrow to smooth it down, she turned to face her friends. “Laugh all you want. I’m going for a pure look if you must know. And when I have all these preachers falling all over me, you’ll wish you hadn’t worn that old demon red,” she said, pointing at Audra, “and that library-navy blue,” she added, pointing at Coco.
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Coco said, glancing down at the navy knee length dress with a white lace collar.
“You look like a school marm,” Nita deadpanned. “We’re supposed to be going to catch, remember?”
“I thought this was a look ministers would like – you know, kind of First Ladyish,” Coco said, motioning toward her outfit.
“Girl, I know I haven’t been to church in a long time, but I don’t think that’s what First Ladies dress like. Maybe the First Ladies’ grandma,” Nita said.
“Yeah, Coco,” Audra chimed in. “It is kind of old and homely looking.”
“Whatever,” Coco said. “I think I look cute.”
“If you say so.” Nita walked over to her purse, which sat on Audra’s nightstand, pulled out a Bible and tore the plastic off. “Let’s go. We’ve got some men to snag,” she said, slipping the Bible under her arm.
“Shameful. Just a shame fo’ God,” Miss Bea said when they walked into the living room. She was sitting on the sofa watching “Wheel of Fortune.” Andrew was asleep next to her.
“What’s a shame, Miss Bea?” Coco asked. While Miss Bea gave them all a hard time, each of them loved the cantankerous old woman. Nita would never admit it, though. The two of them were always going at it and Audra swore it was because they were exactly alike.
“Y’all actually going through with it? You actually goin’ hoing rolling.”
“Holy rolling,” Audra corrected.
“I said it right,” Miss Bea tsked. “Blatantly going after a man of God.” She eyed Nita’s five-inch heels. “And you’re even wearing hooker shoes.”
“Operative word, man,” Nita replied. She held out her foot and wiggled it. “And I’ll have you know, these are Christian Louboutin.”
“Christian Lou-booty who?”
“Christian Louboutin,” Nita snapped. “Designer, seven hundred and eighty dollars.”
Miss Bea shook her head in disgust. “That just don’t make sense. That’s my rent for two months.” She eyed the heels again. “And ain’t nothing Christian ‘bout them hooker shoes.”
“They were a gift,” Nita said. “I didn’t pay for them.”
“Oh, you paid for them all right,” Miss Bea replied, shaking her head. “You paid one way or another.”
“Okay, on that note,” we’re going to go,” Audra said.
Of course, Nita couldn’t let the issue drop. “Don’t start judging us,” she said.
“I’m not judging. I leave that to God. But I’m tellin’ you, this ain’t the way to find a man. Hawaiian Luau,” she said, solving the “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle.
“Well, I guess you would know how to find a man, seeing as how you’ve been married four times,” Nita chuckled.
Miss Bea didn’t see anything funny. “If I’ve been burned enough, it seems like you’d listen to me when I tell you to stay out the fire,” she said, not taking her eyes off of the TV.
“Maybe I like it hot,” Nita said. She always enjoyed getting under Miss Bea’s skin.
“Then you’ll fit in just fine in hell,” Miss Bea said before turning the volume up even more.
Want more? Order your copy today at www.Amazon.com, or wherever books are sold!
View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 19 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. In 2000, after numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and self published her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. 
The book caught the attention of one of the country’s top literary agents, who secured a deal for ReShonda with megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.
The rest, as they say, is history.
ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time.
ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s Wife, Let the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.
ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook.
She welcomes readers to her website at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.
**A Tywebbin Blog Tour
Daddy’s Delight Blog Tour with Dr. Karia Bunting
June 22, 2010
As a believer in Christ, victory belongs to you. The good works you are going to perform are already ordained for you. Breathe in and step out. Do what God tells you to do and He will do the rest.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In Daddy’s Delight, Dr. Karia Bunting reminds women that they are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece, His “poema”. That God has intricately woven together every fiber of their being and created each one special and unique. That God, having completed His work of art, gave her to mankind as a gift.
Evident in this great care God took in fashioning woman is the importance and value of each one. So why do so many women struggle with God’s design, wishing they could change just this or that one thing about themselves?
Dr. Bunting challenges each reader to accept and embrace the truth that, regardless of what season of life she’s in, she is God’s masterpiece-not her own work of art. When God sees her, He sees His beautiful creation. A creation that yes, has some wrinkles needing to be smoothed out and yet, is one in whom is His delight to love to perfection.
Your Name is Victory
For a number of reasons, maybe you don’t feel like a work of art on this particular day. In your opinion you’re either too skinny or too fat. You may have PMS symptoms that are causing you to be bloated and grouchy. You may have PMS symptoms that are causing you to be bloated and grouchy. As this moment you might just feel like pulling off every piece of clothing you’re wearing because you are having the biggest hot flash this side of heaven! Maybe you are in your ninth month of pregnancy, feeling like an overinflated balloon with nowhere to turn for comfort. Nevertheless, in whatever way you describe yourself, in God’s eyes you still reflect His greatest creation.
As a single person, did you ever have to endure the experience of someone else’s wedding celebration at a time when you were longing for a mate? You probably sat there with a smile on your face while silently your heart was aching. In situations like that, it’s easy to feel like you are nothing special. But you are. Maybe your husband or boyfriend cheated on you and now you are wondering why you weren’t good enough. You were. Maybe that costly mistake you made makes you feel worthless. You are still a masterpiece. Maybe you were abused and nobody else knows about it. You think, If I am such a masterpiece, how could that have happened? I might be a torn work of art, but never the real thing. Know that you are precious to God. He delights in you. You are His work of genius.
Whatever your state of mind may be, God wants to have an intimate relationship with you. He wants to bless you, redeem you, and heal you. In fact, your heavenly Father has planned a lifetime of good things for you to do. To make sure that you accomplish them, He will orchestrate the events of your life so that you will use everything you have experienced for His glory. For this reason, it is important that you recognize how valuable you are to God. He wants you to listen to what He is saying to you through your daily trials. Reach out to Him for answers that will transform and improve your life. He is reaching out to you.
But you say, “What about how I feel?” You must understand that your feelings are not reliable and they don’t always reflect the truth. Only the Word of God is truth – it is dependable and trustworthy – and it never changes. Have you ever felt one way about something and, after you got more information, you reacted in a completely different way? A shift in circumstances can cause a change in your perception about a given situation. Even though you can’t always depend on them, the Lord understands that your emotions can sometimes get the best of you. Scripture even tells us that Jesus is touched by our feelings: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize without weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we re, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15)
Jesus knows how you feel because He shared those same feelings. But, as the Son of God, He has the power to help you defeat everything that hinders you from moving forward. He wants you to move past your emotions and rely on Him so that you can see your circumstances in a different light- the light of His loving concern. It’s not about the way that you feel about a problem; it’s your faith in Jesus’ power that will conquer every challenge. Faith will allow you to depend on His strength to overcome those stubborn feelings that would keep you stuck in the past. Jesus wants you to live a victorious life. Always have these words on your lips and remember to say of our Lord, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
The truth of the matter is, even when you feel like God doesn’t love you, He does. His love is a fact. His love for you is true – regardless of what you are going through. Love Him back. He’ll show you who He is and how much He really does care. Even during the times when you might want to quit because you feel like you are too far behind, finish the race. You will win.
You will be able to echo the words to Jonathan Nelson’s song “My Name is Victory”.[1]
I’ve got evidence
I’ve got confidence
I’m a conqueror
I know that I win
I know who I am
God wrote it in His plan for me
MY NAME IS VICTORY!
As a believer in Christ, victory belongs to you. The good works you are going to perform are already ordained for you. Breathe in and step out. Do what God tells you to do and He will do the rest. Remember, your name is “Victory”.
- What is meant by “Victory”? I have known peope who have claimed victory, but never been healed, and never seemed to experience “victory”.
- I have been in a number of bad relationships, and now I feel worthless. How do I begin to feel like I am worth something again?
- You said I have to move past my emotions. How do I do that?
- I don’t know who I am anymore, or what I am supposed to be doing with my life. How do I find out?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KARIA BUNTING is an expository Bible teacher whose mission is to communicate the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ so that people are saved, and disciples are developed. She is the founder of Focused Forward Ministries, a communication and media ministry, and a member of several community and ministry organizations. She also partners with her husband, George, in his management & financial consulting company.
Karia received her master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary. She’s currently receiving a second doctorate from the University of Texas. She serves as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University and enjoys ministering the Word and its’ principles through her lecture series and power lunches held throughout the year.
Karia and George, her husband of 26 years, live in Dallas, Texas where she teaches the Word weekly in the women’s Bible study at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Mother of three children, Karia is also a mentor to many young women. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Visit her Dr. Karia online at focusedforwardministries.org.
View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/DaddysDelight.
[1] Jonathan Nelson, “My Name is Victory!” Integrity/Columbia. 2008 Integrity Media, Inc.
*A Tywebbin Blog Tour
Nothing is Too Hard For God Blog Tour
May 11, 2010
In Nothing is Too Hard for God (and the excerpt below), Leslie is dealing with her feelings about black men dating/marrying white women. How do you feel about interracial relationships? Does it bother you when you see black men with white women or white men with black women? Why?
C. M. Jones is well on her way to becoming a household name. She has just completed her second publication, Nothing Is Too Hard for God, and launched a publishing company with her family, HortonJonesInc., that also mentors young writers. In addition she has begun to offer writing seminars and motivational speaking services. When asked about her endeavors, C. M. Jones has said that writing and mentoring is her ministry and she does it all to the glory of God.
Her debut novella, I Still Do, which was published through Author House but is now apart of the HortonJones, Inc. portfolio, sold thousands of copies in the United States and abroad. This Christian ficton writer indeed is no stranger to writing creative and inspiring stories. She began writing at the young age of eight years old while acting in her elementary school drama club. C. M. Jones has written countless poems, musicals and short stories that include themes of redemption, forgiveness and a real picture of the things that can happen in life, when you have faith in Jesus Christ.
Visit her online at http://www.cmjonestheauthor.com.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Nothing Is Too Hard for God is the sequel to the novella I Still Do. These three best friends are back to take you on a journey through their past and into their future. This book is full of truth, faith and testaments to what God can do when we submit our lives to Him.
Do you want to know how God brought Deborah through her haunted past and into His saving grace? Would you like to know why Damien was disloyal to Karen and if their marriage can really survive after his affair? Last, but not least, if you want to know how Leslie’s heart went from being as cold as stone to being full of love, then you must read Nothing is too hard for God.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, this novel will take another turn.
AN EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 14 of Nothing Is Too Hard For God
“No, I don’t want to talk about it; let’s just pretend that I came here to help you pick out your clothes and that you didn’t call me over so we could talk about Charles,” Leslie whimpered.
“Child, please, you think you know everything. Let’s go inside and talk, and I’ll let you see my outfit for the wedding,” Vicky snickered.
Leslie knew that she was right about Charles calling Vicky, so she decided to tell her everything.
“Ma, do you remember when Vernon left you for that white woman? I never got over that.” Leslie continued without giving Vicky a chance to respond. “I hated him for it. We were a family, and he just left us. I remember it like it was yesterday. I came home early from volleyball practice, and he was packing his bags. I asked him where he was going, and he lied to me. He said he had a trip to go on for work and that you probably forgot to tell me about it.” Leslie stood up and started pacing about the room. “You know Ma that was the day I learned how to tell when a man is lying. Yup, Vernon taught me that if a man starts trying to explain himself for no reason, he’s lying.” Leslie had begun to cry but couldn’t understand why Vicky appeared to be frustrated.
“Leslie, what does any of this have to do with Charles?”
“Well, Charles and I are going on a vacation after the wedding. We are going to Florida, and since his parents live there, he wants to take me to meet them, but we got into an argument when he told me that his mother is white.”
“What kind of argument, Leslie, and what difference does it makes what race his parents are?” Vicky said in an irritated tone.
Leslie could hear the irritation in Vicky’s voice, so she thought that she should tread carefully. She had the feeling that she was in for a verbal whipping.
“Well, Ma, I just don’t approve of interracial relationships. I just don’t see why our black men can’t ¾ ”
“Our black men?” interrupted Vicky. “Let me tell you something. Girl, whether you are Black, White, Hispanic, or Interracial, it doesn’t matter; we are all God’s children. And, let me guess, when you learned that Jason’s father was married to a white woman, that brought back all of the memories of Vernon?” Vicky yelled.
“Well, yeah!” Leslie said in a confident tone. She was trying to reassure herself that she had a right be angry.
Vicky stood up and walked around to the side of the bed where Leslie was now sitting.
“You know what, Girl? You are the most educated yet foolish person that I know. Are you trying to tell me that you are going to let something that happened when you were in high school keep you from marrying the man of your dreams, the man that you know God has given you? Les, I don’t know why Charles puts up with your stubborn rear. You need to grow up and apologize to that man and go and meet your mother- in- law. After all, you should know what it’s like to fall in love with someone regardless of his or her race. You love Charles, and he is interracial,” Vicky said in a reprimanding tone, although, she knew that sometimes Leslie didn’t take correction too well. Vicky was hoping that Leslie wouldn’t leave because she still hadn’t told Leslie the real reason why she’d asked her to come over.
Leslie listened to Vicky, and it was as if a light bulb had come on in her head. Charles was the best thing that had ever happened to her; he was the one that had led her to Christ two years ago. They loved each other, they worshipped God together, and he was so patient with her. Not to mention that, he loved Jason like he was his own. Jason would be turning seven years old in July, and he hadn’t spent any time with his father since he was one year old. He was, however, very fond of his soon-to-be stepfather. Leslie thought about all of these things, and she also thought about when she and Charles first met. It was a feeling that warmed her soul.
In this particular passage, Leslie is dealing with her feelings about black men dating/marrying white women. How do you feel about interracial relationships? Does it bother you when you see black men with white women or white men with black women? Why?
View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/NothingisTooHardforGod.
Who Speaks To Your Heart? Blog Tour
May 10, 2010
DEVOTIONAL EXCERPT (taken from Ch. 2 of Who Speaks To Your Heart?)
In my early adulthood, I thought living by the “thou shall nots” in the Ten Commandments was the answer to salvation. As I’ve matured and experienced life’s highs and lows without being abandoned by God, I’m continually reminded that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” and that it is mine to be explored and appreciated, because God created it for all of his children, including me. That means we can walk this journey of faith hand in hand with God, with joy and an open heart, trusting that as we listen for his instructions and obey him when he speaks, he’ll tell us when to run, and where.
Esther must have longed for God to speak when the man who had raised her, her uncle Mordecai, came to her and insisted that she approach the king and save the Jews. Esther knew what had happened to the queen who preceded her. Vashti had made the king angry and lost her head.
Esther wasn’t willing to walk smack dab into a similar fate. But when Mordecai warned her that she might face death anyway if she didn’t try to save her people, she did what her uncle had trained her to do. She instructed Mordecai and every Jew in the city to fast and pray on her behalf. She too turned to God in prayer and fasted with her maids for three days.
Notice that after this period of dwelling with the Lord, Esther didn’t rise and immediately approach the king. God seems to have instructed her how best to soften the King’s heart. Esther made herself as beautiful as she could, then she went to the king and prayed that he would extend his golden scepter, giving her permission to approach him….
Put yourself in her place. What would you have done? Esther had to run this race before she felt ready, finally understanding that maybe, just maybe, God had put her in this place for this very reason. She was going to run with him holding her hand all the way.
Whatever stage of the race you’re in, slow down enough to see if God is ready to give you direction and move you into your purpose. Don’t rush the process; his timing is perfect.
If you are sprinting in your faithwalk instead of pacing yourself, maybe it’s time to slow down and wait for God to speak. If you’re jogging, maintain your steady pace but know that only when you’re paying attention will you see and hear what God has to say to you. If you’re walking, be patient. God is grooming you for your season and your time.
© Stacy Hawkins Adams. Excerpted from Who Speaks To Your Heart? Do not reprint or publish this excerpt without full attribution to the author or without express permission from the author or publisher, Zondervan.
ABOUT THE BOOK
With insight, inspiration, and practical ideas in her new book—Who Speaks to Your Heart?—, author Stacy Hawkins Adams shows you and all women—regardless of the labels placed on you—that your best and most important title is the one given by God … chosen vessel.
“I wrestled with whether a God that I couldn’t see or touch would be willing to single me out from the millions of other people who wanted love, attention and help.”
To women all over the country, from all walks of life, this uncomfortable uncertainty is all too familiar. Now—for inspiration, for affirmation, for a divine connection—you have a new place to turn … to this authentic look at what it takes to pursue God with abandon, by acclaimed author Stacy Hawkins Adams.
Offering insight, inspiration, and practical ideas on how to connect more often and more deeply with God, Adams helps give you and women the world over the courage to go deeper and grow deeper in God’s word to hear Him more clearly. Women young and old will be empowered and renewed by Adams’ reminder that—regardless of the labels placed on you by society, your family, your friends, and even yourself—your best and most important title is the one given by God … chosen vessel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.
She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles.
Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children. Visit Stacy online at stacyhawkinsadams.com.
View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/WhoSpeaksToYourHeart.
*A Tywebbin Virtual Tour
Selling My Soul Blog Tour with Sherri Lewis
April 13, 2010
Join us today as we share an excerpt of Sherri Lewis’ latest book, Selling My Soul and discuss what you would do if you were the main character. Sherri will be in later throughout the day to join the discussion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherri Lewis’ writing was put on hold while she attended Howard University as an undergraduate, then medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. After working almost fifteen years in the medical field, Sherri left her position as a staff physician at a Georgia Department of Corrections’ Women’s prison to pursue writing and ministry full time.
Sherri is co-founder of the Faith-Based Black Fiction Writers of Atlanta with Essence Best-Selling author Tia McCollors. Selling My Soul is the anticipated sequel to Sherri’s debut novel, My Soul Cries Out. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit Sherri online at www.sherrilewis.com.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When Trina Michaels steps off the plane after her two-year missions trip in Africa, she 
realizes that other than longing to see her mother and her best friend, her heart aches to fly back to the place that now feels more like home than anywhere she’s… ever lived. And to the man who’s stolen her heart.
Her dream of a quick return to Mozambique fades within hours when Trina discovers that her mother has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Trina is forced to go back to her job as a publicist to cover her mother’s health costs.
She’s assigned a damage control client, Bishop Walker, a megachurch pastor accused of covering up a church sex scandal within his church involving the molestation of young boys. Representing him could cost Trina her most valued friendship, the love of her life, and her soul.
AN EXCERPT FROM SELLING MY SOUL
Before Trina Michaels can get out of the airport after returning from her two year missions trip in Africa, she finds out that all hell has broken loose in her best friend Monica’s life. Little does she know, she’s about to become a part of the problem…
My eyes fell on The Washington Times. My heart fell as I read the large front-page headline. “Church Sex Scandal.” I glanced down at the picture of two men in handcuffs, being led away by policemen. One guy had turned his head to shield his face but the other had been captured dead on.
I gasped. It was the head deacon at Love and Faith Christian Center, the church I had gotten saved at and the church that Monica had been a member of before she moved to Atlanta. Her husband, Kevin, had been the minister of music there for years, but after everything that happened with them, he had moved to Atlanta about a year after she went.
I scanned the article. The head deacon at Love and Faith and the pastor of their daughter church in Alexandria, Virginia had been arrested the day before. The men were accused of molesting little boys in the church for as long as twenty years. I remembered Monica telling me that Kevin had been molested at the church when he was ten years old. I was sure that it had been by one of those men. The article said the arrest came after the ministry council governing the churches received a letter from a man who had been molested there as a child. He had finally spoken out after God had begun taking him through a healing process.
Monica had told me that as part of his therapy, Kevin had mailed a letter to the Bishop’s council overseeing Love and Faith Christian Center. In spite of his fears that his celebrity status as a gospel artist would be affected by the admission, he couldn’t stand the thought of any more boys being molested. He felt guilty that he had kept the secret for so long. I was glad they kept the source of the letter confidential in the article. Monica would die if the truth about Kevin’s past life got out.
I read the article further. Since the ministry council had begun their investigation, they discovered that several boys at Love and Faith DC and Alexandria had been molested. They expected that as the investigation continued, more would come forward.
My stomach churned. Twenty years? How had they gotten away with it that long? How come no one came forward before Kevin had? How many other mens lives had been affected like Kevin’s? How could their pastor, Bishop Walker, not have known what was going on?
Did Monica know that the men had been arrested? How was she going to handle it when she found out? Was it possible to keep Kevin’s past out of the press or would he be exposed and affected by this as well? If he was exposed, how would Monica handle it?
I tucked the newspaper into the front pocket of my suitcase and grabbed both bags and ambled slowly toward the front door to look for my sister and my car.
I was ready to go home. I had hoped to be able to relax for a few days when I got back, but already I had issues to take care of. First order of business was getting up to Baltimore to see how my mother was doing. Second, I had to call Monica to find out what was really going on.
DISCUSSION QUESTION: Trina comes home from Africa to find that her mother has terminal cancer and can’t afford the medical treatment that can keep her alive. Also, Trina’s little sister hasn’t kept up with her mortgage while she was gone, so she’s in danger of losing her house. She has to return to her career as a public relations specialist and is assigned a damage control client, Bishop Walker whose top priority is to keep his reputation intact so he can maintain his mega church status. If Trina refuses to represent him, the bishop threatens to expose Monica’s husband’s past.
Trina has to decide between covering her mom’s medical bills, keeping her house, and protecting her best friend’s family at the risk of selling her soul to the devil. Faced with such a decision, what would you choose to do?
View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SellingMySoulBlogTour .
*A Tywebbin Blog Tour
My God and Me Blog Tour with LaShawnda Jones
April 6, 2010
LaShawnda Jones is the publisher and author of Jazzy Media LLC. Her latest publication, My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey is full of inspiration and testimony of personal growth.
Jazzy Media’s early publications brought local recognition to LaShawnda Jones’ work and requests for speaking engagements poured in. In 2004, she began facilitating body image and self-esteem workshops. Over the years, she has facilitated workshop discussions on the effects of family, friend, media and societal influences on our body image, self-esteem. She combines all that and more in My God and Me as she addresses, explores and strengthens her and her readers’ identity in Christ.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Relationships change with the tide of life. When your relationships ebb more than flow, do you find yourself asking, “Were my dying relationships ever real relationships? Are the people who maintain contact, but with whom there is no connection, worth holding on to? Should I expect a person’s presence in my life to equal dependency in my time of need? Does the quality of interaction determine the level of importance?”
These questions and many more flow through the interactions shared in My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey.
AN EXCERPT FROM My God and Me
Young daughter, as you grow into an inquisitive little girl, a precocious teen and a delightful young woman you may have moments of self-doubt. We all do. But, never forget, life is a never ending journey that began in love. Keep that knowledge – build on it, grow from it, use it to gather strength as you mature on your walk.
Days may come when you question your purpose. Know that your purpose is for greatness and you were born with everything you need to fulfill it. Every step of your journey is preparation for everything to come. You’ll climb mountains and tumble into valleys; you’ll rest in fragrant pastures and be refreshed with cleansing waters. You may feel like you’re completely alone, but your Big Brother is walking with you. You may feel as if there’s no reason for all the walking and falling, or the long rests and waits, but your Father has a plan. You’ll rejoice with laughter and rant in tears. Give equal thanks for your troubles and your blessings, for even your pain will benefit you.
Don’t be fooled when you view others from the distance of your height or depth or through the lens of your grief and solitude. Their route may look smooth and uneventful. You may be tempted to pray for their ease, swiftness and surefootedness. Don’t. Pray instead for wisdom, guidance, and strength or other characteristics of Grace that will help you through your whole journey, not just a portion of it. Pray that the obstacles you encounter, the enemies you face and the many disappointments that weigh you down become opportunities to fellowship deeper with God. Stay focused, remain faithful, keep moving and your life will be a blessing to others.
View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/MyGodandMe.
*A Tywebbin Blog Tour
What is your Ministry featuring Vanessa Miller
March 30, 2010
What is your ministry or special gifts? What has God called you to do and are you walking in this ministry? Or, like so many of us, are you dragging your feet, not necessarily disobeying God’s direction, but hesitant for one reason or another?
Last week, we chatted briefly with author Vanessa Miller during her Celebrating Women in Ministry Blog Tour, but unfortunately our site went down several times. So, my apologies to those who tried to join us, but were unable to do so. We’re back today to wrap up with Vanessa.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanessa Miller of Dayton , Ohio is an Essence best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying and Abundant Rain. To date, Vanessa has written the Rain Series and the Storm Series. The books in the Rain Series are: Former Rain , Abundant Rain, and Latter Rain. The books in the Storm Series are: Rain Storm and Through The Storm . These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.
BOOK TRAILER (Yesterday’s Promise)
Yesterday’s Promise is the first book of a series entitled, Second Chance of Love. Whitaker House plans to release the next two books in October 2010 and January 2011. Visit her online at www.VanessaMiller.com.
Also read the excerpt of Yesterday’s Promise and answer the questions Vanessa brought posed last week:
What do you think about women preachers? Should they preach the gospel or do you believe God has designed another path for women in the ministry?
