Anyone know anything about miniature horses?

Meet Spanky! His registered name is Little Chap Tangerine Sky. (Uh, no, I didn't name him.)

Spanky has captured my heart. He came to me because the Jadyn Fred Foundation had him as the main raffle prize a few weeks ago. The little girl who won him couldn't keep him. So she ended up getting a puppy instead. But that left little Spanky in need of adoption.

We already have 2 other horses, Miss Piggy and Chief. So we have the land and space, no problem. He eats a mix of hay and a pellet food called Strategy. We ran out to a feed store for that today.

The problem is that I am now on a FAST learning curve about minis. I think I've just discovered a new passion :-)

We are considering the Delta Society to certify for visitation to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. I have the website, but haven't had much time to research it. We didn't know we were getting Spanky until 2 days ago. Prep time has been a quick whirlwind.

I'd also like to train him to be ridden by children (for our grandson per my hubby) and to pull a cart. I can just see the children at a cancer center or school squealing in delight.

Spanky has just done something else. He sparked a book idea! Oh my goodness, changes can be so creative.

So if you have any knowledge or expertise in this area, please share with me. I look forward to it!

Oh, I have to tell you that Spanky likes cats. This is good since we have 3, lol.

One immediate need this weekend, Spanky is eating a lot of the salt lick. Is there ever too much salt for a mini?

Thanks,
Angie

It's Not About Him author Michelle Sutton Interview

Angie: When did you realize you were writing for a YA audience?

Michelle: After I finished writing It's Not About Her and set it aside (the three book series). Then a publisher said they liked It's Not About Me but felt like it was more YA for older teens and not Women's fiction. So my current publisher wanted the series and agreed it was more YA than WF. It still appeals to a broader audience than teens so it's not straight YA, if that makes sense.

Angie: Tell us some fun fan stories...

Michelle: Oh, I love it when high school teens and college aged teens write me and tell me they read my book five times and they told all of their friends about it. My favorite "author-fan" situation was when a local girl (8th grader) came up to me with her two girlfriends and said, "This is the author who wrote that book I told you about." It was like..."ooooohhhhh." Loved their facial expressions. You'd think I was Stephanie Meyers the way they were smiling at me. :)

Angie: What project is on your computer now?

Michelle: My cowboy romance, which is the first book in a series of three books. It has my trademark romantic elements (lots of tension) and I think it's a good one. :)

Angie: If you could go anywhere on a book tour, where would it be?

Michelle: Probably Michigan. I have so many relatives there I could pack out any venue with cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.

Angie: How has life changed for you now that all your work has "popped" onto the scene?

Michelle: I get regular e-mails from different readers about how they enjoyed my book(s) so that is always encouraging. I feel especially encouraged when readers complain that they have to wait a year to read the next book. :)

Angie: What do you think has most contributed to the successful marketing of your work?

Michelle: Probably parents reviewing my books and then passing them on to teens and friends who have teens. Also putting my books in high school libraries has done wonders for it, too. All these teens are going to get my next book because the read the first one at school (yes, they are public high schools and my book talks about Jesus *gasp*) One of my sons gets hunted down regularly at school by girls he doesn't even know who have read my book and wanted to tell him they loved it. :)

Thank you so very much for visiting today. Friends, stop in and leave a question or comment for your chance to win a copy of Michelle Sutton's book, It's Not About Him. You'll find the summary and Michelle's bio below as well as a link to buy the book if it sounds great to you :-)

Angie

It's Not About Him
by Michelle Sutton

Susie wakes up after a party knowing something isn't right. When she discovers she is pregnant but has no idea who the father is, she decides to place her baby for adoption with an infertile couple from church. Following through ends up being more challenging than she'd imagined. But she wants to do the right thing. If only Jeff would quit trying to marry her so she'll keep her baby! Why doesn't he understand? It's not about him; it's about what's best for her child. Meanwhile, a man shows up in her life that looks irritatingly familiar. Could he be the father?

ISBN 10: 0979748577
ISBN 13: 978-0-9797485-7-8
$12.99 (on sale Sept 2009)
published by Sheaf House Publishers, LLC
http://www.amazon.com/Its-About-Second-Glances-Novel/dp/0979748577/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251496629&sr=8-3

Bio:

Known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, Michelle Sutton reads a LOT of books and writes reviews for a variety of blogs and websites as a media reviewer. Along with reviewing fantastic Christian fiction Michelle writes edgy fiction, and she sold her first novel, It's Not About Me (2008), to Sheaf House, and her second (the sequel) It's Not About Him (2009), to Sheaf House as well. Michelle is Editor-in-Chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a mother of two teens, a wife of 19 years, and lastly, she is a social worker by trade.

http://www.amazon.com/Its-About-Second-Glances-Novel/dp/0979748577/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251496629&sr=8-3


It's Not About Me - (Sheaf House) 4 stars from Romantic Times!
It's Not About Him - (Sheaf House) 4 stars from Romantic Times!
Danger at the Door -(Desert Breeze) 4 cups from Coffee Time Romance!
First Impressions - (Desert Breeze - Jan 2010)
In Plain Sight - (Desert Breeze - April 2010)
It's Not About Her - (Sheaf House - Sept 2010)
First Love - (Desert Breeze - Oct 2010)
Thicker than Sisters - (Abingdon - Spring 2011)
First Response - (Desert Breeze - June 2011)
Lover of My Soul - (Sheaf House - Sept 2011)
Thicker than Blood - (Abingdon - 2012)

Swirling Breeze

Sometimes the wind blows and bangs doors. The air feels harsh and hazardous.
I have weeks like that.

Sometimes the breeze is so light that I can't feel it. The air feels stilted and stuffy. My mind can't lock onto purpose and direction. I have days like that.

Sometimes the wind is fresh and floating. The air feels uplifting and unbelievable.
I have moments like that.

And His voice was in the small breeze.

Speak to me, Oh God, I'm listening. Craning. Leaning into the quiet to hear your voice.

Where are you today?

Angie Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemofWisdom.com


Author/Speaker Bio:Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009 working with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries, the American Heart Association, the Jadyn Fred Foundation and drawing awareness to Fair Trade practices. She serves as the American Christian Fiction Writer's Publicity Officer and is a multi-award winning inspirational author and speaker. Angela’s calling is as a purposeful life coach and educator. She’s also certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and Assisting Minister. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain, but she is also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. She is married, has a combined family of six grown children, one grandson.

Personal growth = Powerful living!
Purposeful Living Educator & Coach.
Helping people battle inner pirates and uncover gems of wisdom to live a rich life.
Come uncover your gems of wisdom at www.MyGemofWisdom.com

The Knight by Steven James

Angie's Take:
The first line snagged me and I was stunned throughout all I read. Every one of my senses was involved in Steven James' writing. So much so that I could smell the candles, feel the chills and be completely present in the novel as if I had leapt into the pages. Definitely worth the read! Pick it up. I dare you because you won't be able to put it back down.

Summary:
Killer is on the Loose with an Ancient Manuscript as His Guide.

New thriller from critically acclaimed novelist takes readers on a shocking rollercoaster ride to stop this violent killer before it’s too late.

The Knight picks up in The Bowers Files series, starring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, who is assigned to tracking the country’s most dangerous killers. But when he is called to his most disturbing crime scene yet, Bowers begins to realize that this criminal mastermind has actually been tracking him.

To get to the bottom of this cold-blooded case, Bowers uses his cutting-edge investigative techniques to decipher the evidence and discovers that the murderer has been using an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes. This sends Bowers on a race against time to stop the killer before he takes his next victim in another grisly crime.

But even as he is working to crack the clues of this bloody trail, Bowers finds himself stumped by another matter: An old murder case haunts him, causing him to question himself and wonder which is more important—truth or justice. The answer might set a killer free or change Bowers into a criminal himself.
Keeping readers guessing until the very end, James has earned rave reviews from the likes of Publishers Weekly, which called his thrillers “a wild ride with a shocking conclusion.” The Knight offers readers more of the same, as the satisfying follow-up to his previous bestselling psychological thrillers in The Bowers Files series, The Pawn and The Rook.

“Heart-pounding excitement…
Once the last page is turned, you’ll be tempted to flip back
to the beginning to see where you missed vital clues.

Top-notch suspense!”

— Romantic Times review of The Knight




Praise for The Rook
"A wild ride."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Readers will be on the edge of their seats."--Romantic Times top pick

"Best story of the year--perfectly executed."--The Suspense Zone 2008 Reviewers Choice Award

Author Bio:
Steven James is one of the nation’s most innovative storytellers—with a Master of Arts in Storytelling degree to prove it. For the past decade, he has been crafting compelling and evocative stories that pull readers into the thick of his brilliant, mind-bending plots, and his latest creative endeavor is no different: The Knight, the third installment in his bestselling series of thrillers, is full of the chilling twists and adrenaline-laced action that readers have come to expect from James.

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than twenty books, including the bestselling thriller series The Bowers Files. One of the nation’s most innovative storytellers, Steven developed his skill as a performer at East Tennessee State University (MA in storytelling). He lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

Praise from real-life investigators
"Steven James's ability to use modern, up-to-date investigative techniques to solve his criminal mysteries places him at the forefront of current mystery writers."
— E. Cleon Glaze, retired FBI agent, Alaska

"Steven James combines 21st-century high-tech law enforcement techniques with 18th-century Sherlockian deduction to craft an exciting, suspense-filled story."
— Dr. Kim Rossmo,
Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State University


“Available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Making Time for Dreams

Life is so busy for Americans. I wonder how we manage to achieve our dreams any more in the land of possibilities. It seems our dreams have become sporting events and concerts.

Now I'm not against those at all. I love to attend too. But in between our kid activities and work, there's very little time left for the pursuit of a dream.

We're taking our youngest off to college, 12 hours away, and my home will be sans kids after 25 years. It's quite astonishing, really!

I've loved being a mom, that season of life, but now I am being called forward into a different season.

I am grateful that as the "weather changes" I am not literally leaving behind my motherhood. But I'm also grateful that I can now put more time and effort into dreams that percolated for so long.

Are you at a season change? Are you seeing one coming in the near future?

I prepared over the last 5 years by taking classes, one or two at a time, in order to dive in to my future. I'm glad I did. Had I arrived in this place, this time without that preparation, I think empty nesting would have wiped me out emotionally.

I know I'll cry when we leave my son at school and drive away. I know. But instead of emptiness, I'm looking toward a new fullness that has been simmering long enough. The aroma draws me to the plans I've made. I'm going to inhale and breathe in the goals and fill my lungs with a new bouquet.

What are you planning?

Angie

The Burning Need to Share

I'm conflicted. Maybe you have been at different crossroads as well.

Conflict causes choice. Once you come to that place, you have to make a decision which trail you will follow or even forge.

That's where I am right now, deciding to follow a known trail or forge one of my own into self-publishing.

The non-fiction book I've written (Insanity Rules: Gems of Wisdom) has done very well in several arenas. And yet it is still not published by the standard publishing world. I've taught online with it, created a line of jewelry that is well received, and am now finishing a workbook to use in seminars and regular online classes.

I've been asked by hundreds of people where they can buy this book. Well, if something doesn't pop soon, I'm going to have to make it available because it is getting too frustrating to keep making people wait on something that can really help them battle internal pirates and discover their own gems of wisdom. I need to tool for people to use in classes and seminars.

Why am I so determined about this book? Because every time I use it to teach, I have people tell me it helps them and improves their lives. I cannot let that go. It's my calling to share from what I've been given. We experience, we learn and we share. That is life. That is my heart--to help people with what I've already been through.

I have turned it over to God. What do I do Lord? How to I proceed? Which path?

I love Jeremiah 6:16 that says, "Stand at the crossroads and look. Search for the ancient way and walk in it..."

While the people in Jeremiah's time refused, I am standing. I am standing and looking, searching. I will walk in it when He brings the dawning of recognition that it is the way I should go and not depart from it.

If you feel so drawn, please pray for God to show me very plainly what path I'm to follow from the crossroads I'm standing at and looking down. Online classes start in October from my website, www.MyGemofWisdom.com and I need the tool to do a better job teaching. I need to help my web gurus at Camna finish details to upload all the information on the online classes and Purposeful Life Coaching in between some very busy weeks as well. I know enough to keep heading in that direction. What I don't know is the detail of the book project yet.

I appreciate your prayers very much :-)

Angie
You can see more about the Gems of Wisdom series and jewelry at www.MyGemofWisdom.com

Welcome Home: Our families journey to extreme joy

I'm so excited to welcome Kimberley Woodhouse as a guest blogger today. She has had such an impact in our society because her family was selected as an Extreme Make Over TV special. But did you know she is a wonderful writer too? You have to keep reading because she will inspire you! I have a copy of her book to give away today too! All you have to do is comment and give me a way to contact you if your name is chosen as the winner!

Please welcome and enjoy, Kimberley!





In writing this post for Angie’s blog today, I thought about my faith. And how many times I’ve imagined the Lord looking down at me, smiling, and saying, “Oh Kim, let’s grow your faith.” Because even with all He’s done in our lives—from miracle babies, to devastating diagnoses, to brain surgery, to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition showing up with a bus in front of our house—I’m still amazed and surprised at His goodness, grace, mercy, and love every day. I don’t want to be – “Oh ye of little faith” – I want to be – “Oh ye of great faith!” But I still have a long way to go to reach that goal.

I pray you all will take a journey with me through my book Welcome Home. It’s a hard journey, but also a journey filled with joy. I pray that you are blessed beyond measure by His unending love for all of us, and that through laughter and tears you will be able to see without a doubt that His joy cannot be taken away.

Today, I’d like to share a little story with you here…
Faith, Faith, Faith…Just a Little Bit of Faith
Do you remember that song? It's the first thing that popped into my head when I started writing this post. :)

My adorable and creative son, Josh, loves snow. And he calls the snow here in Colorado, "wimpy." But before I go on, there's more to this story...

When Josh was about three years old, and my daughter, Kayla, about twelve months old, we were in southern Arkansas. Josh had been fixated with the idea of snow, and so at bedtime - he did the only logical thing for a three-year-old to do - he prayed for snow.

The next day? It snowed thirteen inches. Yes, in a place where they never get snow - it really snowed! Josh told me that morning, "I got faith, Mommy!"

"You sure do, Josh... you sure do." I laughed, and my heart overflowed with love for my little boy with the faith of a multitude.

A year later, we were in Tennessee visiting my family for Christmas. They didn't have any snow on the ground, so guess what Josh did? You probably guessed it: he prayed for snow.

And do you know what happened next?

Yep. It snowed. A lot.

And the story doesn't end there. The next Christmas we were in South Louisiana. And I mean south, about-to-touch-the-Gulf-of-Mexico, south. They don't even know what real snow is down there... (I'm from there, so I can safely say that without offending anyone.)

But Josh prayed for snow. His little boy heart wanted his family to see the wonder of snow. The next day... we woke up to snow covering the ground.

Soon after, we moved to Alaska. Josh told me that God had a sense of humor, because He sent us to a place where he (Josh) wouldn't need to pray for snow anymore. :)

Now, some of you may be thinking, "All I have to do is pray for what I want, and I'll get it!" Ummm... no. But think with me for a minute about Josh's prayers. Josh didn't just pray for it. He had faith backing it up. A LOT of faith. Untainted by the cynicism of this world. He knew God could do it, and he prayed for it.

Again, just because you pray for something, does not mean it's going to happen - but we do need to pray in faith. Sometimes God answers "no", sometimes "wait", and sometimes "yes." If you were to pray, "Lord, I really need a new job..." but in your mind, you're thinking, "but it won't happen, I'm not good enough for anything else, I'll just be miserable the rest of my life." Are you really praying in faith?

Matthew 17:19-20 says, -Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you." - (NASB)

Some people, as adults, lose a lot of their faith. Their vision gets tinted with the view from the world, and the ugliness around them. Pessimism and cynicism and negativity seem to reign. But how about we put on that child-like faith? Isn't that what God wants?

Josh prayed for snow. And it snowed. He prayed for his sister when she had brain surgery, he prays every night for our family and friends. His faith is strong. He knows that God may not always answer the way he 'wants' - but he knows that His answer will be the right one. God is good, and HE is God.

Faith, faith, faith... just a little bit of faith.




Summary:
Overwhelming trials . . . met with overcoming joy.
Kayla Woodhouse is not your typical twelve-year-old. Due to a rare medical disorder, she feels no pain, doesn’t sweat, and needs protective cooling gear just to go outside. With her restrictive lifestyle; countless hospitalizations, including brain surgery; and the resulting mountain of hospital bills, what’s a family to do?

How the Woodhouse family has faced seemingly impossible challenges is a story that has captured the hearts of America. Millions of people have experienced glimpses of their lives on Discovery’s Mystery ER, The Montel Williams Show, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (recently voted one of the show’s all-time best episodes!).

Now Kayla’s mom, Kimberley, takes readers behind the cameras to reveal their family’s journey as never before told. From medical sleuthing to cross-country moves, from freak fires to battles with insurance companies, Welcome Home proves that truth really is stranger than fiction. This candid life story reveals both success and failure and demonstrates how, even during tough circumstances, to shift your life from heartbreak to extreme joy.

Peak inside the Woodhouse family’s life (and their famous house) with a 16-page photo insert.


Author bio:
Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER. Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases from Tyndale House Publishers September first. In addition to her non-fiction, she also writes romantic suspense and children’s books. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. www.kimberleywoodhouse.com

Pet Fest--Mrs. Montana International Appearance

Last year, I had a lot of fun MCing and helping at the Pet Fest as Mrs. Missoula America. This year, I've been asked back as Mrs. Montana International 2009!

Pet Fest is a fun event that helps place and adopt out pets as well as raise pet food for folks that are struggling and need financial help keeping their companion pets.

So I will be at Caras Park in Missoula this Saturday, Aug. 15th! You can find out more information at www.petfest.net :-)

But it has a twist.

One of our local business owners agreed to buy a $3500 dunk tank for the event to use year after year...IF...Mrs. Montana would allow herself to be ... dunked!

Would I? Could I?

Why not? When something creates smiles, laughter and helps people I'm all in.

I'll be MCing the pet costume parade (this was hilarious entertainment last year) getting the crowd to help me decide the winner. Then I'll scoot on over to the dunk tank to take my hour long turn getting soaked with other local celebrities.

Come out and have a plain, old-fashioned good time with me!

Angie

Please welcome Lyn Cote-guest today and author of Her Inheritance Forever!

Her Inheritance Forever
by Lyn Cote

Summary:
In 1836 Texas, Alandra Sandoval is determined to run her rancho
without a man. Scully Falconer is top hand on a neighboring spread.
The Tejano lady and the American cowboy are on separate paths---until
greedy relatives, a troubled past, and the tides of history bring them
together. Events beyond their control such as the slaughter at the
Alamo will take them far from home into the heart of the Texas
Revolution. Will their lives change forever?

To purchase http://www.booksbylyncote.com/

TEN QUESTIONS For Lynn:

1. What inspired you to write the book? I had never done much research into early Texas history. I read about Stephen Austin’s deal with the last Spanish governor of Texas and was intrigued by the three demands made of the Anglos entering Texas: No slaves, Convert to Roman Catholicism, and swear allegiance to Spain. I was intrigued because in my experience of Americans of that period were unlikely to follow any of those! And that means conflict and every good story thrives on conflict.


2. Name the two people—living or dead—you would most like to invite to dinner at your house. What would you discuss? C S Lewis and Charles Dickens. Both of these English writers had tremendous influence on their times and their writing after their deaths. C S Lewis revolutionized the way I thought about God. And I think Charles Dickens and I share the same passion for social justice.


3. Of the seven deadly sins (pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth) which one is the hardest for you to resist? Now it’s not very nice of you to ask me that. GRIN But I cannot turn down a good pie of homemade pie. So there you have it. Oh, and it must be ala mode!

4. If you could live in another time and place, where and when would that be? I don’t ever want to live before indoor plumbing and running hot and cold water, so that rather limits me. I could drop in and have a chat with Elizabeth I who I think was an amazing woman, but just for tea. Then I’ll be back in my heated home sipping safe water I didn’t have to draw from a well. Thank you very much.

5. Who is your oldest friend? Books are my oldest friend. The first book I loved was Lois Lenski’s Cotton in My Sack, the story of a migrant family.

6. What are you reading right now? I’m reading a joke book my son got me for Christmas, a For Better or Worse title. I loved that family.

7. What is your favorite book of all time? The Gospel of John. Can you imagine being best friends with Jesus? I love the way John’s words exude love and wisdom. I guess you can judge a man by the company he keeps.

8. What do you consider to be your first piece of writing? In 5th grade, we were assigned to write an autobiography. My teacher was excited to see that he’d finally found out what I could do well. That’s when I decided to be a writer.

9. What were some of the challenges or surprises in writing this book? When I research for a book, I do just enough research to set up the story plot so that it reflects genuine history. Then I start writing. As I go along, I make note of facts (names of places, dates, etc) that I need to check. The thing that threw me most was how fast the history of Texas changed over the course of the 3 books in this series. The constant flux in government especially impacted names of towns. Santa Roseta began Hidalgo for example. I was kept busy finding how what had changed on the map of Texas from 1821 on.

10. What do you find most rewarding about being an author? Reader letters are the reward. It’s such a boost to hear how a book of mine gave pleasure or impacted someone’s life in a real way. It makes all the long hours in front of the laptop screen worthwhile!

Author Bio:

Lyn and her husband her real life hero are becoming in-laws as their son marries his true love in fall 2009. Lyn loves her future daughter in law and is looking forward to this new adventure. She and her husband still live on the lake in the northwoods where they watch a bald eagle and its younger eagle soar and swoop overhead throughout the year. And she wishes the best to all her readers. You may email Lyn at l.cote@juno.com or write her at P O Box 864, Woodruff WI 54548. And drop by her blog www.strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com and read stories of strong women in real life and true to life fiction. "Every woman has a story. Share yours."

http://www.strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com
Every woman has a story! Share yours.

Mohamed's Moon by Keith Clemons

Angie's Take: Keith Clemons is one of those rare writers I look for among the many. He writes with intelligence and intensity. I'm totally enjoying Mohamed's Moon as it plays out on the pages. I actually forgot I was reading a book and felt like I was immersed in the unfolding story. I love the developed description that sets the feel and envelopes the mind. Great book!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Mohamed's Moon
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Keith Clemons

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



A strong defender of Christian values, noted author and lecturer Keith Clemons is a native of Southern California and graduate of English Literature at California State University, Fullerton. In his former capacity as Vice President of Marketing for Mytec Technologies Inc.

He was a frequent conference speaker, particularly when the forum centered on Electronic Commerce. Today, in addition to writing, he appears on radio and television where he uses his communications skills to explain coming trends that will affect both the church and society at large.

His passion for communication has resulted in the previous publication of more than a hundred articles. To date, Mr. Clemons has completed five novels including Angel in the Alley and the award winning If I Should Die, These Little Ones, and Above The Stars.

He resides with his wife and daughter at their home in Caledon, Ontario, Canada.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Are we enemies...
or brothers?


Two brothers separated at birth grow up worlds apart. Outwardly, they're exactly alike, but inwardly, nothing's the same--one is a devotee of fundamentalist Islam; the other, a Christian. In this modern-day Cain and Abel story, the lines are drawn not just over whose God is right, but also over the fact that they're both in love with the same girl.

It's a conflict with grave repercussions, little hope of resolution--and time is running out. In the background, a plan has been set in motion that will bring the United States government to its knees. Will an unexpected visitation reconcile the brothers in time to save the woman they love--and ultimately, themselves--from the coming devastation?

In his award-winning style, author Keith Clemons delivers a profound comparison between Christianity and Islam, a dichotomy of life versus death, love versus hate, and grace versus legalism. Mohamed's Moon will plunge you into a world where hatred and heinous acts are justified. But if hatred is potent, it pales in comparison to the power of God's love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Mohamed's Moon, go HERE

The Friends We Keep & 40 Minute Bible Studies

Angie's Take: I think with all the busy work women have to do for children and home, our friends are a special support network. I've talked with (and been in the position) women who are too busy to build friendships. Some are the sole support of their family as I was, some are new in town, some are very introverted but still want a few good friends. I would highly suggest taking the time exploring your need for friendship. We can't do this life, this work alone.

The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores the questions every woman asks about friendship and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.

The 40 Minute Bible Study series from beloved Bible teacher Kay Arthur and the teaching staff of Precept Ministries tackles important issues in brief, easy-to-grasp lessons you can use personally or for small-group discussion. Each book in the series includes six 40-minute studies designed to draw you into God’s Word through basic inductive Bible study. There are 16 titles in the series, with topics ranging from fasting and forgiveness to prayer and worship. With no homework required, everyone in the group can work through the lesson together at the same time. Let these respected Bible teachers lead you in a study that will transform your thinking—and your life.

Author: Sarah Zacharias Davis
Summary for The Friends We Keep
During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.

The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:

• Why do we long so for women friends?
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?

With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.

Summary for 40 Minute Bible Studies by Kay Arthur
The 40 Minute Bible Study series from beloved Bible teacher Kay Arthur and the teaching staff of Precept Ministries tackles important issues in brief, easy-to-grasp lessons you can use personally or for small-group discussion. Each book in the series includes six 40-minute studies designed to draw you into God’s Word through basic inductive Bible study. There are 16 titles in the series, with topics ranging from fasting and forgiveness to prayer and worship. With no homework required, everyone in the group can work through the lesson together at the same time. Let these respected Bible teachers lead you in a study that will transform your thinking—and your life.

Titles Include:
•The Essentials of Effective Prayer •Being a Disciple: Counting the Cost
•Building a Marriage That Really Works •Discovering What the Future Holds
•Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past •Having a Real Relationship with God
•How Do You Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk? •Living a Life of Real Worship
•How to Make Choices You Won’t Regret •Living Victoriously in Difficult Times
•Money & Possessions: The Quest for Contentment •Rising to the Call of Leadership
•How Do You Know God’s Your Father? •Key Principles of Biblical Fasting
•A Man’s Strategy for Conquering Temptation •What Does the Bible Say About Sex?



Author Bios:
Sarah Zacharias Davis is a senior advancement officer at Pepperdine University, having joined the university after working as vice president of marketing and development for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and in strategic marketing for CNN. The daughter of best-selling writer Ravi Zacharias, Davis is the author of the critically-acclaimed Confessions from an Honest Wife and Transparent: Getting Honest About Who We are and Who We Want to Be. She graduated from Covenant College with a degree in education and lives in Los Angeles, California.

Kay Arthur, executive vice president and cofounder of Precept Ministries International has worked with her teaching staff to create the powerful 40-Minute Bible Studies series. Kay is known around the world as a Bible teacher, author, conference speaker, and host of national radio and television programs.

Professionalism 101

Is it the suit?

Not really. I know it looks professional to wear a suit, but professionalism 101 is all about simple skills and the appropriate attitude. The clothes are tools that enhance skills and attitude. When you think of professionalism as skills and clothing as tools, it's easier to pick the right tool for the circumstance. Now we can shed the rebel excuses. Plumbers use tools, writers use tools, professionals use tools.

The ironic part of attitude is that it is also a learned trait. You can train yourself to have the right attitude, no one is born professional or appropriate. Go to a preschool and watch the two and three year old class. No one is born professional. It IS a learned skill.

A professional attitude is composed, courteous, attentive and self-assured. Being professional and feeling professional are two different things. Our confidence almost never comes first in learned behaviors. Confidence follows a pattern of training. Sure our emotions can be felt, but that's not what I'm sharing here. In this place, right now, we're talking about the sensing of your comfort zone experience and not allowing our emotions to rule our nerves. This takes self-talk and practice.

You'll feel fear, the desire to take flight, and self-doubt such as a new recruit in boot camp. Yet those recruits drill over and over until the new set of skills become second nature. Do you think they feel happy, warm and confident in the first few weeks of the military? Most arrive completely unaware of what is to come and yet they graduate as capable, skilled men and women who will protect their country.

How do you learn to be professional in an arena you've never or rarely entered?

Simple skills.

Be Prepared--Know who you will talk with and know your subject. For instance, if you wrote a book then have a 15 second synopsis rehearsed. Bring your contact information with you. Look up the interviewer and be familiar with who they are and what they do. Arrive early so you can compose yourself for a moment.

Dress the part for credibility--If you would like to go on a public appearance for your book or to speak, how would you dress? Publishers and agents want to know they can trust you with their customers. In most cases, dress at least one step above what your attendees would wear. If they wear jeans, you wear slacks. If they wear slacks, you wear a dress or suit (tie optional.) It's like wearing a uniform to point out who is on duty. The caveat? You'll feel more confident. Watch for this skill over the next few weeks in other people. Note what happens when it is ignored. Loss of credibility is a huge life lesson.

Learn how to speak with a confident tone of voice--Hiding behind an overly quiet or boisterous voice irritates the listener. Offer gracious courtesy by gifting the other party with a strong, clear tone. When a person is too soft, it's easy to misunderstand. The other party is forced to work harder and may tune you out. When overly loud, it can be painful and embarrassing for the receiving listener. Balance and courtesy are an impressive combination.

Be an attentive listener-- Pay attention to the information you are receiving and follow up on time. Be aware and request clarity when you are confused. One of the most common mistakes is the lack of questions. People are too afraid of being considered foolish that they can actually place themselves in a more ridiculous situation without the directions to carry out a task correctly.

Be composed-- This can be the most difficult and is often what people mean when they ask about confidence. Saying something embarrassing that could be immortalized forever seems to be a great fear. Gaining composure is merely a skill based on encountering challenge. Singers, speakers, actors have practiced this skill so often that it becomes a persona they put on just like clothes. For some reason, people fear being the Emperor Who Wore No Clothes as if they might later discover how naked they were. Composure is behaving with calm.

A quick story: I recently competed for an international title. During the fitness competition, I could not see the steps. I missed it, to the collective gasp of the audience. My arms swung wide and landed on the next level as if I'd tried to fly there. Having practiced composure in public situations, I remained calm, beamed out a giant smile and popped into a new pose. I received huge applause, not for the fall, but for the recovery. You see, I'd tripped in public before. Instead of staring into the spotlight horrified, I'd learned to minimize the mistake by maximizing the recovery. Smile, breathe, regroup and move on with grace. The professionalism comes into play on how you handle the unexpected as well as the expected eye contact and hand shake. Think like an actor, "The show must go on."

Enthusiasm--No, you don't have to do flips or cartwheels. Being enthusiastic means you are wholehearted, warm and deeply interested in the subject. Some people do have a natural tendency to be positive. That's not the same thing. If you are passionate about your topic, let that passion come through in the tone of your voice and the sparkle in your eyes. Enthusiasm is more the passion in your heart reaching out to warm the interest of another.

Use social niceties--Thank you, your welcome, please, may I? are all still in style. Remember to utilize them gracefully even when faced with rejection. You never know when your gracious attitude might bring back an old opportunity or past acquaintance. It's also impossible to know who all knows who in this networked world. Recognize and respond as if you will meet again.

When in doubt, ask yourself this: How can I portray gracious courtesy?

Practice constant courtesy even in negative situations and you will reap the reward of a professional demeanor worn as if you were born with it.

Angie Breidenbach
Mrs. Montana International 2009
Personal growth = Powerful living!
Purposeful Living Coach.
Helping people battle inner pirates and uncover gems of wisdom to live a sparkling life.
Come uncover your gems of wisdom at www.MyGemofWisdom.com