Courage Is As Courage Does

How do you become a courageous person?

The simple answer? Do what has to be done. Period.

But it isn't always simple, is it?


I saw my horse from inside the house and did a double take. She didn't normally sleep inside the fence of the stall. She would never lay her huge head on a fence rail and lay in a pool of water.

I ran out and tried to help her get up with encouragement and a little pulling, then pushing. No go. I ran in for the phone and called for help. I ran back out, phone in hand, still talking.

Missy thrashed and the phone plunged under six inches of ice water, out of my reach. It was going to be a while before the vet could get there and now I couldn't even call a neighbor. I had to do something or she'd freeze to death. And then she started trying again, thrashing in the puddle. I pulled, shouted encouragement, and slipped on ice. She thrashed so hard that she pushed herself into a deeper part where her nostrils went below the water.

I didn't have time to think, I had to act. In I went. I had to hold her head above the water or she'd drown. I live in Montana where we'd just had a heavy snow during the week. It was freezing, around 30 degrees. It warmed up from the sub-zero of the week before. But Overnight it rained and a deep puddle formed, with ice under it. As I stepped in to grab Miss Piggy's head, I slipped and went down on my knees. (Her official name is Missy, but she never stopped eating and so I dubbed her Miss Piggy.)

Since she was too big for me to lift, I talked to her as I rubbed her muscles to try and keep her warm. My hands went numb in her icy, slick coat.

She tried a few more times to get up. Each time I'd fight with her. Down on ice like that, the danger was intense that she'd freeze and I might slide under her. At one point, I was able to balance her head on my boots while I leaned across her body to rub her down around her heart. As she continued to try, we went into deeper water near the stable muck pile and all I could do was hold her head again--and wait.

My miniature horse, Spanky, kept coming over to lend support. He'd nuzzle my cheek or hers with soft, warm fuzzy lips. Sometimes he'd push his face into the back of my neck and help me try and push up Miss Piggy. But we kept ending up splashing back in the ice water. Filthy liquid doused my face and hair. It ran under my coat and up my sleeves.

Miss Piggy wrestled hard and sent both the horse trough and me flying and then landed back in another even deeper pool. Her ears went under. I was immediately back in with her to keep her up and breathing. I balanced my elbow against one thigh, crossed my hand to my other leg in a makeshift tripod for her head. I held on tight while I tried to keep massaging her massive neck. My legs and arms burned and trembled. I switched arms laboriously every few minutes to keep from wearing out.

By the time the vet arrived, every muscle in my body was on fire from the effort and I was soaked to the skin. We were both covered in slime from the manure pile run off, both shivering.

He'd brought a friend with him. Together we were able to lift her head and put on her bridle. Then all three of us worked on the ropes to haul her to her feet. After several tries, the slime won. The halter winged over her head and sent two grown men and me flying backward into the muck as if we'd been thrown from a sling shot! Missy slammed down hard too. I started crying.

Another halter, more rope, we worked to roll her to the other side. At that point, the leg she'd been lying on flopped over at the hip. My heart broke with it. I knew.

About two hours into the most courageous battle of Missy's life and one of the most devastating for me, I had to let her go. My  vet put a hand on my shoulder and helped me. I held her head out of the water again, but to cradle her in love and calm her as we waited for the medicine. She tried one last time to get up. I told her to rest because soon she'd be pulling a chariot in heaven.

I know God was with me in that moment because that image glowed in my mind. I could really see it, the glowing chariot. It came out of the blue as a surprise comfort. I even asked God to send her back for me when it was my time. I told her it would feel like tomorrow to her, but I'd miss her in the waiting.

I'd put every ounce of strength, prayer, and emotion into saving my horse in the most epic battle against the circumstances, evidence, and elements. And lost.

This is Miss Piggy and I a few years ago.

She was a gentle, sweet gal. I believe Missy knows how much I loved her and how hard we tried to save her. I believe God was with us the entire time. He gave me the ability to keep going, not give up, and kept me safe from hypothermia when by all reason, I should have had it. I expect to see her again.

I saw so much courage in her battle to stand with a broken hip. I'll never forget the effort we both put into the simple act of standing up. I'll remember that in tough times I need to fight with that kind of intensity, that kind of determination.

So I learned courage is as courage does what is needed without care for how we look in the doing. The facts were that I was too small to lift a horse, the weather was too cold, ice was under the water, I'd lost my means of communication, and I was covered in slimy manured ice water, but the only fact that really mattered was my horse needed me.

Courage isn't clean and pretty. It's messy and scary and usually unplanned. Courage is action in the face of need. Sometimes courage is holding on or standing firm when further action isn't possible.

Courage soothes, encourages, and stands guard. It sometimes takes you places that are icy, where you are in deep without options or help, and hurts. It takes everything you've got to keep going past your own capability--yet you keep going into God's territory of strength beyond your own.

Courage is being willing to get dirty, do what needs to be done, and have hope when you don't know the outcome. It takes even more courage to admit defeat, say goodbye to a courageous beauty like Missy, and take the walk of grief.

Miss Piggy (Missy) is on the left. She was a mountain trail horse, stocky and heavy. Curious and well-mannered.

One heavenly view :-)

Good bye, Missy. I'll look forward to the day we ride across the clouds. I thank you for your courage and the courage I found because of knowing you. I thank God for the time I had with you here.

Angie

Does Beautiful Handwriting Mean a Beautiful Person?

Angie: Please welcome my special guest, Sheila Lowe, as she shares some amazing information on how handwriting can help you become more confident...


Sheila: It seems ironic that in blogging about handwriting I’m actually typing at a keyboard. But in the twenty-first century, electronic conversations have become the norm. Does that mean handwriting is going the way of the typewriter? I certainly hope not, as this most personal way of communicating is unique and powerful. After all, would you rather get a love note in an impersonal email, or one that your lover took the time to handwrite? Would it touch your heart more to get a letter through the postal mail from your grandmother, or a typed note that has words, but says little about the personality and character of the writer?


Handwriting is an expressive behavior very much like your facial expressions and tone of voice. It says a great deal about who you are and how you have responded to all the experiences you’ve had through your lifetime—the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. Your handwriting reflects the person you have become, and it continues to change over time as you draw new experiences and integrate them into your life. So, does that mean if you think your handwriting is unattractive you’re not a good, decent, beautiful person? Absolutely not.


The truth is, while good people certainly have nice handwriting, there are also many who have beautiful looking writing that are in prison! The reasons for this are interesting, but go beyond the scope of this article. Suffice it to say, the way the writing looks–the visual style (school model, printed, elaborate, simplified, etc.)–reveals much about the way you feel about yourself. For example, if you have a poor self-image, you’re likely to use small capital letters and a small personal pronoun I; your t-crossings will probably be low on the stem; your writing may slant downhill. These are just a few of many elements of handwriting, and none of them mean much outside the context of a given writing sample. But they are easy to look for and if you find these characteristics in your handwriting, there is a way to help you improve your self-image.


To express self-confidence, courage, and dignity, make sure your capital letters are about twice as tall as the small letters (but not much higher than that; otherwise, you’re moving into the area of arrogance). Visualize yourself standing tall like those capitals. Keep your t-crossings about halfway to two-thirds up the stem; it’s symbolic of throwing your shoulders back and raising your head. Make your personal pronoun I a straight, firm line—again, standing tall and courageous. You might want to put a firm underline under your signature for emphasis. It will take practice to make this a habit, but soon you’ll find your handwriting changing and you’ll feel different, too.


Because handwriting reflects your past experiences and behavior, making these small changes to the way you write can help you change future behavior. There are other, more global changes that can be made, called graphotherapy, but it’s recommended that you do these only with a trained professional. Feel free to contact me with questions: 
Sheila@sheilalowe.com
www.sheilalowe.com
www.writinganalysis.com
www.claudiaroseseries.com




Guest Bio:


Sheila Lowe is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Handwriting Analysis, Handwriting of the Famous & Infamous, and the Forensic Handwriting Mystery series. She testifies in court cases involving handwriting and works with clients around the world. She’s currently working on her Master’s degree in Psychology. She is approved by the State of California to provide continuing education for marriage and family therapists (www.superceu.com).

Confidence Color?

Do you wear a lot of colors? Are there colors you won't wear? Some topics I'm going to explore in the book Courageous Beauty now since I began playing in color a few weeks ago.

I began asking myself these kind of questions lately as I remodeled a bedroom to become my new office. As a writer, speaker, and the new president of Full Spirit Magazine, I had to have a place to work.

I chose to use the color purple because of the amethyst glass Swedish pitcher and tumbler set I inherited. If it were green or blue or brown, I would have used that palette. I'm even planning a fiction story with this heirloom as the focal point in the future. (Scroll down to see the heirloom set after the story.)

But in the meantime... the office.

Purple is bold, confident, and ... scary when you think about painting it on walls and window sills. It's one thing to wear it and another to swipe it on brilliant white walls. (Some people won't wear deep, vibrant colors in order to avoid attention.) I pulled the colors of purple, blue, and white out of the pitcher set and went to town with my daughter on the creative painting.

Oh my goodness! It's vibrant and I love it! I walk into this stunning room and feel cheerful, creative, and inspired. Here's a few photos of the transformed bedroom to office.

                                         From this:

To this:

The L shaped counter is a light gray and speckled with blue that matches the toll painted flowers laced on the pitcher and tumbler. (Right now the filing is the next project for the new office.)

The closet is a study in artistic opposite relief to the accent wall...

The closet is now a resource book case too. So handy and helpful. I need to add a few more wire racks. (Mariah and I had no idea how to sponge paint prior to this. I found it took me tremendous courage, but like anything I've ever truly wanted, the desire outweighed the fear.)

But wait! There's more:
                                        From this:

To this midpoint with new windows and white as a base color paint:

To this final version with purple window trim and a quilted hanging made for me by my step-mom several years ago that accidentally and perfectly matches the Swedish heirloom:

Then notice the beginnings of a reading nook for book reviewing:

I'm looking for the perfect tea table for that corner too :-) But that's not all. My daughter, Mariah, helped me sponge paint 4 colors over the white base. Here's our fun-loving artists signature:

We spent 2 days working on the creative space for me and we felt that we needed to commemorate it, beyond the music and dancing in the middle of the room to old style Sinatra sung by Buble'. We then used a chopstick to write our names and the date of our artwork with a confidence color.

I found it incredibly bonding, unique, and something I can use to remember our very unusual project together for years to come. I actually show it off to everyone! We put it behind the door (you can see the size and placement in the 3rd picture in this post.) My daughter is 20 and I am 45 yet this is a masterpiece in creative cooperation and memories. It HAD to be signed and dated as far as  we were concerned, lol.

Though there are touches yet to be added, my office is a wonderful, happy place for me to work long hours on computer and conference calls. It's, as my family says, me. Very much me!

Here's the Swedish pitcher/tumbler set that inspired it all and will soon be on display opposite the quilt hanging, nearest the accent wall. It'll be above the reading nook, mounted in a glass case. I tracked it back with the help of a glass museum curator to the 1850's. It's a common household piece for Sweden at that time. In fact, the value is only about $150 US according to my Swedish source because everyone had them back then. But to me, it came from Amalia to Maybelle to Eva to me and connects me to my family history.  Priceless.

The actual gifting to my grandmother, Maybelle, happened when she was 16 from her aunt she called Mama Peterson. She was told it was her family inheritance and that she had to go make her way in the world. Imagine that at 16! This heirloom represents confidence earned by having to make a way in the world in 1920 as a Swedish American (whose first language was Swedish) teen-aged woman. There were 13 children in a very complex situation. At 16, Maybelle had to find the courage to strike out on her own and learn to support herself. Do you know she became a nurse? How many teens get sent out into the world and do that? Where would she get such confidence as a 16 year old homeless girl to become a nurse in the 1920's? My Swedish grandma inspires me with the courage and confidence she had to learn FAST!

So the question is: Would you wear these vibrant colors?

OR

Would you paint them?

OR EVEN: Would you go all out and sponge paint without every having done it before with colors this intense?

THEN:

Would you sign your work?

Would you dare to dip your hands in paint and smush them on the wall?

What room do you want to transform with $100 in paint?

Angie

Please visit http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com for jewelry that supports the Sanctuary of Hope orphan homes. Thank you for considering these beautiful pieces of jewelry as gifts or for yourself to build personal growth or simply wear for the significance in a child's life.

Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Whirlwind
Thomas Nelson (December 29, 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January, and number four, Timescape, in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans


ABOUT THE BOOK

Which door do you go through to save the world?

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them: past, present, or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it--a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Taksidian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind . . . but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Whirlwind, go HERE


Angie's Take: Wow, this is one wild ride full of adventure and yes, thrills! I loved Robert Liparulo's ability to make me feel and taste the scenes. The simplicity of comparing the sound of a sledge hammer to a heartbeat is brilliant. A very creative book with massive visual appeal. I'd love to see the special effects in a movie, but they are so good in my imagination already because of Robert's superb story telling. Bravo!

Eyewitness: The Life of Christ Told in One Story

Eyewitness: The Life of Christ Told in One Story

by Frank Ball (WinePress Publishing)

Eyewitness reaches people who seldom go to church or read their Bibles.

Of the millions of Americans who don't go to church, 56 percent consider themselves Christian. If they knew what Jesus said and did, they would know the importance of networking and reaching out to help others. While Bibles sit on coffee tables and bookshelves at home, gathering dust, people pick up Eyewitness and don't want to put it down. Not only does it use language that is easily understood, it pulls readers into the story, almost like walking with Jesus in the first century.

The Bible has sold more copies than any other book and continues to sell year after year. Continuing in its footsteps is the Eyewitness series written for the average person.

Flash back to first century AD. One man appeared who shook up the world. Four men testified to what they saw and heard. The details of Jesus life were recorded by four of his closest followers. Each account is written from a different perspective and only one of the four tells the events in chronological order. Therefore, for centuries, the accounts have been told in out-of-sequence fragments.

Eyewitness compiles the information from the Gospels and hundreds of other Bible verses into one chronological story laid out like a story without reference or verse. The result is a seamless combination of the four gospel books that will appeal to customers across the board, even those who would not normally purchase a Bible.


Frank Ball
About the Author

Frank Ball was the Pastor of Biblical Research and Writing at Anchor Church in Keller, Texas, for three years. After thirty years of research and teaching the life of Christ, he began a twelve-year project to analyze every gospel story about Christ and put the events into chronological order. Ball meticulously considered almost twenty resources, including the Greek and Hebrew texts, the opinions of other Bible writers, and different translations, to make sure his translation was correct. Using the gospel of John as the chronological backbone, he determined an appropriate time setting for every event.

Ball believes there is no greater role model than Jesus. The better we know him, the more we can be like him. “It’s impossible,” he says, “to love someone you don’t know. The Scripture arranged in this easy-to-understand order helps us to know Jesus. It allows us to be more of an ‘eyewitness’ to the events of Christ’s life, and in doing so, to be more like him.”

Ball has always been a great student, especially in math and the sciences, but hated English. He excelled in high school; however, because his family was impoverished, he was unable to attend college. After high school he took a menial job that supported his parents and siblings. In 1968 he married Kay and they had three sons. Kay passed away in 2005. Ball currently lives with his family in Fort Worth, Texas.

When personal computers became available, Ball embraced systems analysis and business administration. He devoured reading material on the high-tech industry and was a successful business executive until he made a commitment to full-time ministry in 2002.

In 1995, despite his dislike of English, Ball believed God was redirecting his life, and he devoted himself to writing—which has, ironically, become his passion. Knowing the challenges he faced without a secondary education, Ball became self-taught by voraciously reading books as if they were college texts. He studied as if he were preparing for tests.

Ball says that this project wasn’t his idea at all. He just had an unexplainable desire to do this chronology, and along the way he realized that God had a plan. Using his Eyewitness Stories version of the Gospels as a foundation, Ball assembled the gospel information, as well as more than two hundred other Bible verses from the Old and New Testaments, to create what he believes is the accurate order of events. Ball believes the combined stories resolve some of the discrepancies that some say exist in the Gospels.

Angie's Take: How cool is this? I've wanted something that made it easier to understand the timeline of how Christ's life happened. It's not easy to try and figure that out by reading the Bible. Things always seem to get crossed back and forth in my head. So I'm pretty stoked to find a way to read it in chronological order! I think there are many things that I've missed that are now coming clear.

A Courageous Beauties Interview: Mrs. North Dakota International 2008-Angela Smith

So this interview will be interesting for you because we both have the same name. I've put the last name initial in each time so I hope not to confuse anyone :-) A very inspiring interview!

Angie B: Angela Smith has held the title of Mrs. North Dakota America 2005 and now Mrs. North Dakota International 2008. Angela, What interested you in pageants?

Angela S: I have always loved watching pageants as a girl.

The grace and poise the young ladies showed on TV was something I aspired to have but never dreamed I'd actually compete.

Then just before my 16th birthday my family moved to Wisconsin and my grandpa suggested I enter the local fair pageant as a way to meet girls my age and get involved in the area. I had a wonderful time getting to know the girls and won the title of Miss Congeniality. Which won me a place on court and allowed me to spend the summer visiting area community festivals. 

 

I was so honored that my peers choose me as the one contestant they'd want to spend the rest year with. 

Angie B: What is your platform?

Angela S: My platform is titled Victims' Voices: Helping victims of domestic violence to find hope and healing through the power of  their voice.

Angie B; How do you build your platform and promote your work?

Angela S: Like most thing in life building my platform has been a journey and I take it all step by step. I have interviewed with area magazines, worked with the local YWCA, local Rape and Abuse Crisis and earlier this year was made a MADE state action leader to help parents and teen find the resources they need to avoid or get out of dangerous dating relationships. It all started with a single step and an single voice and has blossomed into more than I could have ever imagined.

I started my blog: thevictimsvoices.blogspot.com as a way for people to find the resources they need to find healing. Healing happens differently for everyone but regardless of the road taken every victim needs to know help is out there.

As a victim of domestic violence I know first hand how lonely the road to recovery can be and I never want anyone else to feel like they have to travel their road alone. I have been so blessed that as I have shared my story that others have reached out and allowed me to help them find the resources they need to heal. That is what Victims' Voices is about helping others. I have found that when your heart is in the right place the Lord will open doors that allow you to help others. That has been my experience over and over again.

Angie B: Why did you decide to compete?

Angela S: I decided to compete as a Mrs because in March of 2005 l learned I weighed 198 pounds and that on my 5'4 frame I was slowly killing myself. My doctor told me if I didn't lose and maintain a weight loss of at least 70 pounds I wouldn't live to see my youngest child, who was 3 at the time, graduate high school.

That evening I saw the Mrs. America pageant on TV and decided that the swimsuit competition would motivate me to lose the weight. So I contacted the National pageant via their website and they passed my information along to the state director. I never dreamed I'd be going to Mrs. America in a matter of months but in April weighing 194 pounds I was crowned Mrs. North Dakota America 2005. The pressure was on but I am happy to report when I gave up my crown in May 2006 I had surpassed my doctor's expectations and reached my goal of losing 80 pounds. 

It's been 4 1/2 years and I've kept  the mandatory 70 pounds off ever sense. Besides better health, the biggest benefit of this weight loss has been my work with the Go Red Organization and helping other women realize that small changes can make a HUGE difference in your health and life.

Angie B: How do you handle stage fright?

Angela S: I honestly enjoy being on stage so I find I don't really get stage fright in the typical sense of the phrase. That isn't to say I don't get nervous but I have found that if take a deep breath and focus on why I'm there and who I'm trying to help that the butterflies settle down pretty quickly.

Angie B: What personal fear did you have to overcome?

Angela S: Because of the negativity that was fed to me for so long as a victim of domestic violence, I still look in the mirror and see every flaw and question every thought or idea before I allow myself to voice them. I worry that I will do or say something that will hurt another or myself which sometime makes others question my confidence and creditability.  

I have had to relearn that 1) I am valuable as a human being and 2) as long as I temper my words with kindness that is it ok to share my opinions and more of share the truth.

Angie B: What did you have to learn to compete?

Angela S: I have had to learn that it is ok to be a strong confident woman and that apologies don't need to be made for being who I am.

Angie B: I love that! Please tell us about a goal, why it's been a goal, and what it means to you?

Angela S: The most visible goal I continue to have is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight. The idea of my children growing up without me is heartbreaking.  The knowledge that I have the power and responsibility to make sure I am here for all the big and little things in their lives is sobering. I was blessed to be given a wake-up call at a time when I could make the necessary changes knowing how slippery the slope back to unhealthy is keeps me exercising and eating right and gets me back on track when I've taken a step or two off the healthy lifestyle road.

Angie B: I understand. After losing 35 pounds, I am very conscious of how easy it is to go back up. Who do you most want to emulate?

Angela S: My Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave his life to the service of others and I've no doubt that as we lose ours in service to others we will find that which we most need.

Angie B: Do you have a mentor?

Angela S: I don't have a mentor in the traditional sense of the word but I have blessed to have many amazing people in my life and an ARMY of women that teach and strengthen me with their examples and love.

Angie B: Very important point you make, that we can emulate different aspects of different people. How do you handle the feelings of disappointment?

Angela S: I have a couple very good friends and an amazing husband that let me vent to them and then look at me when I am done and say, "Ok now what are you going to do to change it?"  Their support to let me get whatever it is off my chest and then to be there to help me work to get the results I want are invaluable.

Angie B: What kind of an education do you have or are you pursuing? 

Angela S: I have my Associates of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Barron County. It is my goal to finish my degree in English and am currently taking some correspondence courses focused on writing for children and young adults. 

Angie B: I've found so many people discover that learning is a life time accomplishment and that as our goals change, we often go back to learn what we need for the new set of goals. Do you have other creative talents you pursue?

Angela S: I enjoy quilting and tatting, which is a form of lace making from the 1800s. I also love to read, write and collect children and young adult literature and am working to become a published author in this market.

Angie B: Very unique talents. Do you think it is important for a person to look their best?

Angela S: I do believe that when we put more time into ourselves that we feel better about ourselves but I also believe that a person can look just a fabulous make-up free and dressed in a cute yoga suit and sneakers as they can full make up and dressed to the nine. I think the most important thing for a person to be comfortable in their own skin.

Angie B: Would you share about your fashion favorites, flair, or a tip that makes you feel beautiful?

Angela S: It sounds cliche but I believe a smile is a person best accessory.  When you are happy with who you are and feel good on the inside that shows in your smile and warms others. 

Angie B: What compliment do you receive most often?

Angela S: "You are nothing like I expected." or "You don't look or act like a Beauty Queen" I love making people question stereotypes because in my experience very few people fit into molds.

Angie B: So true! What are you most confident about?

Angela S: The power of my voice and the reality that one voice can and does make a difference.

Angie B: How did you earn that sense of confidence?

Angela S: I have earned this piece by piece. Every time I share my story and speak out against Domestic Violence or on behalf of the Go Red Organization I have the opportunity to help someone and more often then not I have had someone  tell me "Thank you for sharing your story, it made all the difference." I've seen God use my experiences to help someone make needed changes in their lives far too many times to question why I lived through what I lived through or why I am where I am I am.

Angie B: What would you like to share with interview readers?

Angela S: I want them to know that where ever they are and whatever they are dealing with they aren't alone. If they look around and take a small step into the darkness I think they will be surprised by the number of people waiting to help them. Regardless of what you are dealing with in your life healing happens but it can't happen if you aren't willing to reach out or work for it.

 

Websites:

http://thevictimsvoices.blogspot.com (there is a more comprehensive list of domestic violence helps on the right hand side of the blog.)

http://nnedv.org/

http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/made

http://loveisnotabuse.com/

http://gorednd.com/

http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx

 

AngieB: Thank you so much for being with us today, Angela Smith! 

Angela Smith: Happiness Always.

Squeezing The Good Out of Bad by James Watkins

Publisher: XarisCom

ISBN: 978-0-578-01006-9

Retail: $12.96

Paperback

http://www.jameswatkins.com/squeezing.htm

Author Bio:

James N. Watkins is the author of sixteen books and over two thousand articles. He is the acquisition editor for Wesleyan Publishing House, an editorial advisor for ACW Press, instructor at Taylor University and a sought-after conference speaker. He’s won Campus Life’s Book of the Year award and various other awards for writing and editing. He’s married to Lois. They have two children and four grandchildren. His family is the lemonade in his life.

Interview with Jim provided by Kathy Carlton Willis:

Kathy: You've been in the literary world for a while, give us a quick recap of how you got started to where you are today.

Jim: By second grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I felt the suspension of disbelief was stretched too thin when the real-live puppet Pinocchio became a real live boy. So I rewrote the ending having the wooden puppet die a painful, prolonged death ofDutch elm disease. (At that point, I'm sure my parents and teachers weren't sure if I'd become a writer or a life-long patient at a psychiatric hospital.) I later went on to become the editor of my high school paper, worked at a Christian publishing house as an editor during college, and then dabbled in writing while holding down a real job. Since 1988 I've been writing and speaking full-time.

 

Kathy: In Squeezing Good Out Of Bad you give many insightful tips on how to turn around sour circumstances. Share a practical way we can be encouraged during tough times.

Jim: My "top ten list" of chapter titles 10-4 provide practical steps for dealing with lemons, but the real secrets are found in chapters 3-1. (Yes, like a true top ten list, the chapters are numbered backward.) Romans 8:28 promises that that God is working all things out for our good to accomplish His purpose in our lives. But we have to read on to verse 29 to find that purpose: "to be conformed to the image of His Son."

 

Kathy: No life is perfect. Can you give us an example of how you got through a challenging situation and were able to use these principles to see the good in it?

Jim: I think it's so important that we take our faith seriously, but I certainly don't want to take my situation or myself too seriously. So I create a mental "top ten" list of what good can come about in this situation. For instance, last year I had radiation for cancer and it totally depleted me physically and mentally. My family dubbed it "radiation retardation." Because of that, I was fired from a wonderful part-time job because I just couldn't do it. So, "Top Ten Great Things about Losing My Job": 10. I'll be paying less taxes next year. 9. I've got twenty hours a week of free time. 8. . . .

Our family is going through something right now that is far worse than cancer, and I can't see a single good thing that can come out of it. So, at those times, you just keep hanging on--with white knuckles--to the fact that God loves you and the Romans 8:28 is still in effect. 

Kathy: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Jim: Spare time? What's that? I'm a firm believer in "redeeming the time" so I try to keep busy doingthings that matter for the Kingdom. But after my little brain is worn out--usually around 7 pm--nothing beats a session of "Freecell."

Kathy: What's the last book you read and why?

Jim: Strength to Love by Martin Luther King, Jr. Unfortunately, the only real reading for pleasure is on airline flights. The King book is research for a book I'm proposing as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
 

Kathy: What do you hope readers will gain by reading your book?

 

Jim: I wrote the first draft nine years ago, and even though I have a great agent, we just couldn't find a publisher. That was before cancer, family crisis, unemployment. . . . So it's a much more comforting, honest book. And it forced me to not be so flippant and casual about the serious issues people are dealing with. Henri Nouwen talks about "wounded healers." I think, because of the lemons that have piled up in my life, I can more compassionately offer comfort to those buried under a pile of lemons.

A Courageous Beauty Interview: Mrs. Christian International 2007-Maryann DeFrances

Angie: How did you learn about this pageant?

Maryann: was invited to compete by Barbara and Sable Butler via an e-mail invite.

Angie: What titles have you held?

Maryann: Mrs. Warren County, NJ 2005, Mrs. Christian International 2007 and I won the Companionship Award at Mrs. New Jersey America in 2008.

Angie: What is your platform?

Maryann: Accepting our flaws and becoming great in spite of them!

Angie: How did you build your platform and promote your work?

Maryann: Realizing some of my own personal weaknesses and how they kept me from achieving all that God had for me inspired me to start an intense bible study on the subject of self-doubt.  I read Joyce Meyer’s books on “The Battlefield of the Mind” and putting into practice everything I learned inspired me to teach my wealth of knowledge and practical experience to other women struggling in the same way.


Angie: I think it's wonderful to use personal experience to help others. Why did you decide to compete?

Maryann: I love the Christian pageants because I’m able to speak freely about my belief in and love for God; which gives me the chance to showcase the real me (inside and out). No swimsuit competition!!!!!!

Angie: What kept you competing?

Maryann: My last pageant was in 2008. I believed in my platform and felt the need to teach women/girls and even boys how to accept themselves in spite of their flaws in order to become everything they are meant to be.

Angie: Was/is competition scary?

Maryann: It’s not so scary when you have the opportunity to really be yourself and talk about ALL of your beliefs…however, you run the risk of the judges “not getting” who you really are on the inside.

Angie: What personal fears did you have to overcome?

Maryann: When I was 10 years old I entered the Little Miss America pageant… absolutely terrified! When I got on stage I just crumbled and did not complete every requirement asked of me due to fear and just walked off the stage shaking! I beat myself up for years over that….extremely disappointed in my performance….and I was only 10 years old! So, I’ve done pageants as a woman to finally prove to myself that I can do anything afraid. Even though I feel the fear, I don’t have to fall apart…I can do it afraid and still do it well!

Angie: That's the true definition of courage, to do what you fear in spite of the fear itself. Congratulations! What did you have to learn to compete?

Maryann: The basics, such as how to properly interview, how to do the “pageant walk”, how to dress in a fashion that is flattering to my body type and most importantly…how to be myself no matter what the judges think of me.


Angie: Tell us about what you were able to do with your titles:

Maryann: Visit children’s hospitals to bring toys to the kids who were ill; actually volunteered as a titleholder to visit malls and ask for donations to purchase gifts for these kids, counsel girls/women who experience an unexpected pregnancy (Peer Counselor), volunteered at various churches handing out food to the needy and became a Big Sister to a teen girl in my neighborhood.

Angie: Please tell us about a dream, why it's been a goal, and what it means to you?

Maryann: Having worked in Corporate America for 10 years proved to be unfulfilling and I felt as if I was not making a difference in this world or anyone else’s individual life.

My dearest innate desire is to be a blessing to as many people as possible in this lifetime.  As a result, I’ve been accepted into Nursing School and dream of becoming a full-time nurse in the near future!

Angie: What do you still want to achieve?

Maryann: Telling as many people about God as possible and having the opportunity to love others via my upcoming nursing career. And, of course, continue to become the best wife and mother possible!

Angie: Do you believe you can achieve it?

Maryann: I believe the nursing dream is God-given. All it takes is money…which I’m also trusting God for.

Angie: Why or why not?

Maryann: If a desire is truly God-given, He will equip anyone to accomplish the task He has for them. It’s not always an easy road…many times he grows us (sometimes painfully along the way). However, we become a true blessing to others as a result and He continues to change us more and more into His image as a result.

Angie: What tips would you give other women wanting to enter the pageant world?

Maryann: Honestly, It’s not for everyone…However if you’re going to try competing, a girl/woman must be comfortable in her own skin and remember that whatever the results, these are just the opinions of 4 or 5 people whom you may never see again.

Angie: Do you do a lot of public speaking?

Maryann: Advocated to my community and surrounding areas as a public speaker on behalf of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Org. As a former member of Toastmaster’s International (a corporate organization designed to hone our public speaking skills) I’ve delivered many speeches on various topics to my fellow Toastmasters.

Angie: What kind of an education do you have?

Maryann: Honestly, I knew I wanted to work on computers while in high school. So, I attended Cittone Computer Institute for one year and graduated with a certificate that enabled me to become employed as a Computer Program Tester for Prudential Insurance Company.

I’ve just been accepted to Warren County School of Licensed Practical Nursing studying to become an L.P.N.

Angie: Do you have other creative talents you pursue?

Maryann: Honestly, I’m not the most talented woman in Warren County, but I do have a gift to teach God’s word. I’m expanding my knowledge of cooking and becoming quite the chef as well!

Angie: I love that talent! Is it important for a person to look their best?

Maryann: We always want to look as good as we can for our particular age, however, there are times when we are ill or experience something traumatic that (in my opinion) gives us a legitimate excuse not to wear makeup that day!

Angie: What do you hope you achieved with your titles long term?

Maryann: I hope to encourage women to know they are not alone in this life’s various struggles and that they are “OK” just the way they are; even with a few flaws!

Angie: Will you compete again?

Maryann: I feel a release from God to stop competing.

Angie: You're on to a new dream :-) Would you share about your fashion favorites, flair, or a tip that makes you feel beautiful?

Maryann: I feel most beautiful when I’m eating right and exercising because my overall outlook on life is better at those times.

Angie: What compliment do you receive most often?

Maryann: People tell me I’m a considerate, caring person.

Angie: Do you accept compliments well?

Maryann: Yes, I just say “thank you”. I don’t believe a woman should ever debase herself or put herself down.

Angie: How does a woman accept a compliment gracefully?

Maryann: Simply by smiling and saying “thank you”. Even if she isn’t feeling it, I don’t believe the person giving the complement needs to know that.

Angie: What are you most confident about?

Maryann: My mothering skills and how much I am loved by God.

Angie: How did you earn that sense of confidence?

Maryann: My competent mothering skills came from prayer, Christian-based parenting tapes, parenting books and advice from other moms.

Angie: What would you like to share?

Maryann: I’m just an ordinary woman who, at times, accomplished extraordinary things for God and the good of others. I was also the very first Mrs. Christian International! I’ve been concentrating on raising my nephew (both of his parents died) trying to figure out the best way to help him cope, work and my family. However, I’ve been keeping a low profile lately; by choice.

Angie: Thank you so much, Maryann, for spending time with us today :-) I wish you the most wonderful experience in your nursing career and dreams for the future. May God bless you as you raise your nephew!