Friday, September 14, 2012

Women in High Def by Diane Markins




About the Book:

Women are as unique as snowflakes or butterflies, but after surveying hundreds of them, writer and radio host Diane Markins learned that the top needs they feel are the same. She also began hearing a recurring theme: I want more! I want to be better! I want to be bold!

Women in High Def aims to propel women out of a low-def, foggy life of going through the motions in a blur. The profound stories, intercessory prayer prompts and coaching elements work together to catapult women into living fearlessly for God…being bolder moms, having purposeful passions, pursuing marriage excellence, loving themselves with gusto, laughing with abandon, transforming mistakes into blasts of blessings and bravely seeking the Lord in all His majestic glory. The bonus Bible study at the back of the book points them to scripture to gain Biblical insight and direction for each need and role they play. It can be used alone or in a group. 

Women in High Def is not passive reading. It cries out to the spirit of readers to be unafraid as they actively reach for clarity, vibrancy and intensity in all the meaningful areas of their lives.



About the Author:

Diane Markins has always aspired to live in High Def. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. She settles for nothing less in her own life as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend and colleague. Diane writes two blogs, WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.com,  is a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Team website and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.





My Review:

Women in High Def was that book that I would carry with me and steal a few minutes away from my daily routine to read. It is certainly one that you could read in one sitting but I really enjoyed that one quick bit of encouragement in the middle of my hectic day. 

Diane Markins has put together a collection of stories by several women on a variety of topics. Each told from the heart of the author, I found myself relating to these women as I read their stories. Many had to be hard to share but with the Grace of God these lovely ladies did share and were willing to be used by God in the restoration of others. 

It is refreshing to read that someone else understands what you are going through now or what you have been through before.  And there is healing in knowing that others have not only survived but gone on to live full lives and be blessed and used by God.

At first glance I didn't think some of the topics were things I needed help with. But after reading it through I knew God had some work for me to do in those areas. This book will help you take a look at yourself and seek God for His help in making you more like Him. 



"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize
 
 – Retail Value: $70
  • Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
  • Bright and Vibrant Earrings
  • Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
  • Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor)
  • Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
  • Custom coffee mug: Women in High Def (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)


Instructions to Enter the Grandprize Drawing:
  1. Leave a comment about the book or author on the blog post during the blog tour.
  2. Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by September 21.
  3. The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer.
  4. The coordinator will notify the blog tour host who submitted the winning name.
  5. The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize.
 


*I received this book from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications in exchange for my honest review. You can check out their website at www.kathycarltonwillis.com.  ~Thanks! :)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Free on Kindle "Women in High Def"





To celebrate the “Going Boldly” Blog Tour Women in High Def is available for free from September 10-September 14 on Kindle at: http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa.




Falling Down Gorgeous
(Excerpt from Women in High Def, Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.


Why Bold is Better
by Diane Markins

“Your dress has really bold colors.” Does that sound like an insult in any way? How about this one: “That was a really bold choice.” Would you consider this criticism?

I hope not! I’d never wear something that would melt into the background of a beige room. I’d hate it if someone said, “You made a very safe, easy choice.”

Being bold means taking risks, not fearing failure or rejection and requires intentional thinking. When we live boldly for God we have empowerment and passion to make our boldness meaningful.

Settling for mediocrity in marriage, as parents, in careers, friendship, faith or ministry is not bold. God wants us to pursue everything we do with intensity and decisiveness. This means we are frequently checking the pulse of our pursuits and rapidly responding when we get a distress signal.

Is your marriage (especially in bed) ho-hum? Find some bold ways to rev it back up. Are your kids struggling? Don’t just shrug and follow the “traditional wisdom,” think creatively about taking brave actions no one else would.

Do your prayers feel more like talking to the ceiling fan than conversations with a wise, cherished friend? Do something wild and new to transform.

Don’t confuse boldness with arrogance or recklessness. When your bold actions are paired with love, respect and clarity the results will translate as conviction with complete humility.

Jesus has a bold message and He is asking you to not only share it, but live it! Bold is truly better. 


Women in High Def will remind you that when God writes your story, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime! Diane Markins has written a book addressing topics women deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for a contemporary, captivating read filled with practical advice that will give you insight and wisdom for daily decisions, this is it!”                       
~ Carol Kent, Speaker and Author 
Between a Rock and a Grace Place (Zondervan)



I'll post my review of Women in High Def later in the week along with the blog tour contest info, so please check back... but I wanted to be sure you get the free copy while it's available. Don't wait! Get it here:http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa


God bless! :)

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Teach Your Children With The Child Training Bible


"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." 
~Proverbs 22:6

I just had to share this great idea I saw about how to teach your children the Word of God.

It's called...


 

What a great idea!

It comes from Mindy at Child Training Bible.  She and her husband are a homeschooling family and have come up with this fun and creative way to use God's Word in teaching their children.

Not only did they come up with the idea, but they will show you how to make one for yourself. You can order the Child Training Bible Key and the Scripture Tabbing Charts directly from their website and they also provide links to additional products you will need. AND... they even have a how-to video!

Yep! It's all there!

I am so excited to see this! I have been looking and praying for ways to teach my children the Word of God and I see this as an answer to prayer. Not only will it help my kids... it will help me too! I think it will make a great family project. :)

If you like this idea... please visit their site by clicking on the button below. They have a wonderful idea and I appreciate their willingness to share it. Give them your support and pass it along.

Photobucket

Please visit them at:
www.childtrainingbible.com

 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
~Deuteronomy 6:7 


 Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

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