Leading Hearts Sept/Oct 2015 Issue by Leading Hearts Magazine

STRESS HACKS

GOT IT BALANCED?

GOD FAMILY WORK MINISTRY & EVERY THING ELSE

MORIAH PETERS

BRAVE YOUR BATTLES

JENNIFER DIERKING

INKING ENCOURAGEMENT

CINDY MORGAN

LEARN TO LISTEN

FINDING

JOY

No Matter What You’re Going Through The Choose Joy Devotional puts joy-filled principles into focus each day. Each of the thirty entries begins with an encouraging Scripture, followed by Kay’s wise words on how to live with joy even when life is challenging, our plans are shattered, our health fails, or it feels like we are walking through life alone. Each devotion ends with a short prayer to help bring you closer to the true source of all joy—your loving God. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience joy in daily life, the Choose Joy Devotional also makes a thoughtful gift.

ALSO AVAILABLE

KayWarren.com

Available wherever books and ebooks are sold.

LIFE IN CHECK FOR A LOT OF US, LIFE IS LIKE A TO DO LIST THAT WE ARE ALL SCRAMBLING TO CHECK OFF... • • • • •

Run to the grocery store! CHECK Carpool! CHECK Rush to work! CHECK Feed the family! CHECK Check! Check! Check!

But how do we live in between the checks? By live, I mean thrive. I’m a woman like you who lives a multilayered life with home, family, job, church and ministry. I know how busy and hectic life can get. In fact, if I were to run a contest to see who gets the most accomplished, you might be one of the top contenders, or at least a finalist, right? For those of us who are check-list people, having an interruption that topples the balance of our to-do list can be devastating. I mean, when that child can’t find his shoes (again), when the red lights are way too long, when our pile of dirty clothes exceeds our clothes that actually fit, how do we cope? So yes, we agree, we are running so hard that we are wearing out the tread of our soles, or ahem, our souls. So how do we get a handle on the circus we call our lives? The only thing I’ve figured to keep everything in balance is to keep my eyes on Jesus.

FROM THE PUBLISHER Like when the alarm goes off, even before I put my feet on the floor, pray like Moses, “I’m not going into this day, Lord, unless you come with me.” Then taking the time to sit, to breathe, to rest in His presence. • • • • •

Time in the word. Praise music on my ipad. Praying with a friend. Counting my blessings. Resting in his love.

And then my to-do I count as most important; learning to embrace the interruptions as gifts from God. These things keep me in balance, and they will for you too. Take the time to read through the issue of Leading Hearts, to get more inspiration, tips and ideas on how to live your life in balance, with your eyes focused on Him. It’s a sweet little interruption that will be good for your soul. • CHECK! S

Blessings,

LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD PUBLISHER, LEADING HEARTS MAGAZINE

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EMPOWERING CHRISTIAN WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP

LEADING HEARTS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 VOL. 2, ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL STAFF PUBLISHER.. ..................Linda Evans Shepherd EDITOR/ART DIRECTOR.....Amber Weigand-Buckley ADVERTISING. ........... Linda Evans Shepherd & Angelina Locricchio COPY EDITOR...............Julie Gillies EDITORIAL SECRETARY. ....Angelina Locricchio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS. ............................................. Angela Breidenbach, Rebekah Binkley Montgomery, Penelope Carlevato, Kathy Collard Miller, Michelle S. Cox, Jennifer Dierking, Dr. Edna Ellison, Sharon Norris Elliot, Pam Farrel, Julie Gorman, Torry Martin, Cindy Morgan, Rhonda Rhea, Dr. Pete Sulack Jennifer Taylor, Lisa Troyer, Heather Van Allen and Karen H. Whiting

RIGHT TO THE HEART BOARD MEMBERS Linda Evans Shepherd (President), Dianne Butts, Sharon Norris Elliot, Dr. Edna Ellison, Karen Porter, Kathy Collard Miller, Rhonda Rhea and Carole Whang Schutter and Joy A. Schneider

INFORMATION Leading Hearts Magazine for Christian Women is published bimonthly by Right to the Heart Ministries 2015. ISSN 2380-5455 ADVERTISING | Display rates are available at leadinghearts.com. By accepting an advertisement, Leading Hearts does not endorse any advertiser or product. We reserve the right to reject advertisements not consistent with the magazines objectives. MANUSCRIPTS | Writers guidelines are available at leadinghearts.com. Leading Hearts | PO Box 6421, Longmont, CO 80501 phone: (303) 835-8473 | fax: (303)678-0260 email: lindareply@gmail.com MEMBER | 2015 Evangelical Press Association Award of Merit Winner All rights reserved. Copyrighted material reprinted with permission Photos courtesy of: Act One, Bethel Music, Destiny Image, Dollar Photo Club, IInlight Studios, Kerry Kara Photography /KLS Photos & Imaging, Harvest House Publishers, kathycrabbmiller.com, Morgan James Publishers, torrymartin.com (Ultimate Blunders), Turning Point Media, Republic Music, Reunion Records and Revell

Text LEA D ING to 9 HEA 5 5 Mob 77 f RTS ile S or F is ter REE ho o d Su ppor t!

TABLE OF CONTENTS 8 MANY ARE CALLED FEW ARE CHOSEN

11 ON GUARD 18 THE LOST ART OF LISTENING

20 MORIAH PETERS

BRAVING THE BATTLES

26 3 WAYS TO

RELINQUISH CONTROL

28 A HAIRY SITUATION 34 UNPLUG 45 WRITING TO

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

this issue

every issue 13 JUST 18 SUMMERS 14 FAITHPRINTS 15 INSPIRED

24 IN THE LEAD 30 LIFEBYTES

37 PRAYER CIRCLE 38 BELLY LAUGHS 40 REVIEWS 47 TRUTH

THE SO-CALLED LIFE OF A HUMANDOING REMEMBER DOLLY PARTON’S TITLE-TRACK SONG FROM THE 80S MOVIE “WORKING 9 TO 5”?

Sometimes when I hear these lyrics in my head, I sacrastically retort, “I wish! This concept died back in the 1900s.” In fact, now that laptops and cell phones have allowed the office to go wherever we go, there is very little sacred space where we become unreachable. It’s the atmosphere where business downsizing has shifted responsibilities to increase—and we champion to meet these increased demands that are coming from a million different directions at once. Sometimes the unrealistic expectations to “keep on my game” as a wife and mother of three girls, working a day job, night job and all the in between jobs secretly leaves me screaming, “Stop the Insanity!” If my life were represented in a book a majority of the chapters would be written without any punctuation, more than likely without any spaces. To any reviewer, it would simply be described as a “hot mess.” Sound familiar? You see sometimes I struggle with finding of definition of myself beyond what I do... I’m a humandoing. What I DO to help makes me feel better about myself. But its not just me, this mentality is rewriting the DNA of our generation–from a society of humanbeings to humandoings. And although hard work is a great thing we have been deceived into thinking what we do defines us—and the more we do for Jesus, the more we prove we love Him—as champions for His Cause. But the problem is evident— 1. We want to do everything. 2. We want to do everything right. 3. We want to do everything right now.

FROM THE EDITOR I know I struggle between feeling this way and feeling worn out and not wanting to move—because mentally and physically I know I wasn’t designed to keep up with the pace my brain is telling me to operate. This “thought process” pressed by impulse defies both logic and reason. But somehow we, as sisters in this struggle, find our self worth is subconsciously tied to how much we can take on and fulfill successfully—this is not necessarily just busy work, it is in successfully carrying all the roles that we signed up for. Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like for Martha if she had been teched-out. She wouldn’t have just been making dinner for Jesus, she would have been updating her Instagram with her perfectly plated meals. And all the while Jesus is saying, “Martha, I could care less about the presentation of the perfect plate, just come here, sit at my feet and find rest in this moment. This is the essential to the being I’ve created you to be. JUST PAUSE.” I don’t have to be ON 24/7. I have learned that embracing sacred pauses actually allows me to pull feeling and impulse to the side in order to seek insight, truth and well-thought direction for the wellness of my being. And I continue to review that lesson daily. If you are struggling to find that sacred pause in life, this issue of Leading Hearts is for you! S Peace!

AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY EDITOR, LEADING HEARTS MAGAZINE

BY DR. GAIL HAYES @DRGAILHAYES AUTHOR/SPEAKER --------www.drgailhayes.com

MANY ARE CALLED... FEW ARE CHOSEN

DISCOVERING YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE

EVERYONE RECEIVES A CALL TO DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE IN SOME PLACE AT SOME TIME. THE PROBLEM IS THAT MANY OF US DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE CALL WHEN WE RECEIVE IT. So, what is a call? It is not something you only hear when you’re standing on a mountain top as the wind runs its fingers through your hair. It is not something that you only experience when singing your favorite worship song at church. It is not something that warms you like a crackling fire on a winter’s night. On the contrary, it can be an irritating, uncomfortable feeling that kicks you in the gut. It can be something that makes you run for cover and live in a cave and only accept visitors who bring food. They are not allowed inside but they must leave your nourishment near the opening or risk your wrath. It usually means that you have to do something that you don’t want to do with people you don’t want to be around. But above all, a call is when you have a knowing within you that you must do something for a specific reason. You feel compelled to do something. It becomes an almost overwhelming urge or hunger within you to act. You can chose to fight it, but IT

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usually wins!

existing project needs revamping or upgrading.

Once you accept the call, you must then make a decision how you are going to respond. Even if you choose not to answer this call, you are still responding by not responding. This is what happens to those who hesitate. They decide that they are the called but miss their opportunity to step into the realm of the chosen.

Are you a Strategic Leader?

Now we come to the good part. What is the difference between the called and the chosen? When a call for action comes, the called make one of the following choices. They stop and question the validity of the call; they make excuses for not responding or they just ignore it. The chosen, however respond differently. They hear the call and it is as if they’ve been waiting to hear it all their lives. The call fills them with energy and passion. The call becomes their focus and even if they can no longer hear it, they keep advancing. When they can no longer hear it, they go on a focused search until they regain direction and they listen for the whisper. Many believe that they have lost touch with the reality when in fact; their reality has become their call. They become so ignited with passion that they will not rest until they reach their destination. This burning is only extinguished by destiny’s waters. You are called and chosen to lead. There is no question about that. Even in biblical times, God called and chose women to lead. They ruled. They judged. They changed laws. They led armies. They did everything imaginable to craft societies and civilizations. They boldly stepped into history and wore the mantle of leadership with grace, dignity, and strength. Many of our sisters understood that they God granted them the authority to do what appeared to be impossible and guess what? They did it well.

So, what style of leadership suits you? Let’s take a brief look at six leadership styles and see if you see yourself and how they impact us as women and how they help us accomplish our life’s work.

Are you an Activist Leader?

Your leadership style statement is...No people. No mission. The Activist Leader is a visionary leader of people. sYou best operate when an organization has a new project that needs implementation or when an

Your leadership style statement is…No plan. No mission. The Strategic Leader always operates with a plan. You work best when you are developing plans, policies, and operations for an organization. For you, order is the only way to work.

Are you a Tactical Leader?

Your leadership style statement is…No flexibility. No mission. The Tactical Leader is gifted at flexibility. You understand the value of traditional methodology but have no problem finding new ways to achieve mission goals. For you, teamwork is the key to success.

Are you a Creative Leader? Your leadership style statement is…No improvising. No mission. The Creative Leader is gifted at improvising. You are the expert at seeing new ways to do tasks but not necessarily in implementing them. Give you a mundane mission and you will create something new!

Are you Collaborative Leader? Your lead-

ership style statement is…No relationship. No mission. The Collaborative Leader is gifted at working with others. You have a passion for connecting with others who can “fill in the blanks” left by not receiving feedback from those who are different from you. The diversity of it all is what drives you.

Are you a Dramatic Leader? Your leader-

ship style statement is…No glory. No mission. The Dramatic Leader does things in a big way. You can be seen as extreme and opinionated in your views but you seem to always get the job done. You always look for “the glory” or the big payoff in every mission. Remember that our Father used women in a mighty way. He called them to lead! Remember, that you are called to lead somebody somewhere to do something great. God did not make a mistake when He placed the crown of leadership upon your beautiful head. He crowned you with glory and honor because He wants the world to know that there is nothing like the power of a woman who leads! S Adapted from The Power of a Woman Who Leads by Dr. Gail M. Hayes Go to www.drgailhayes.com or www.handleyourbusinessgirl.com to find out more1

“THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT DOING GOD’S WORK IN THIS WORLD...” —CAROL KENT

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR & SPEAKER

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM LISA TROYER—

AVAILABLE NOW! WWW.LISATROYER.COM

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY @

HTTP://ISSUU.COM/LISATROYER/DOCS/A_PLACE_TO_BELONG_MANUSCRIPT

BY PAM FARREL @PAMFARREL AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.Love-Wise.com

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WE LIVE IN SAN DIEGO, SO GOING TO THE BEACH IS A COMMON ACTIVITY. As prudent

parents, and now grandparents, we always select beaches with a lifeguard on duty. From their viewpoint in the tower, they have a vantage point that helps them spot dangerous rough waves, hidden under currents or predatory animals that could Sattack innocent swimmers. Those lifeguards are also on call to help rescue those who might get into troubled waters while at the beach. In short, they are heroes because they protect lives. To succeed they must do a few things well: remain vigilant while on guard, communicate warnings, and respond swiftly to needs. In the Old Testament, God commanded leaders to be “watchmen on the wall” with very similar duties: In Ezekiel 3:17 God rouses the prophet: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” In 10 Questions Kids Ask About Sex, we explain that YOU, as a caring parent, are like the vigilant watchman.

ON GUARD ADDRESSING SEXUALITY WITH YOUR KIDS

While we were parents, youth leaders, then pastors working with families, we developed several proven tools that helped our children navigate safely through the ever changing rough waters of culture and the dangerous under currents of societal immorality. Our sons made it safely to shore. They were young men with relationship integrity who have become godly leaders married to godly young women. In addition, families who have used these tools have also seen a much higher rate of seeing their own children make wise relationship and life choices. On page 13 you’ll find a list of tools we are very grateful that God allowed us to develop, and since it is back to school time, we’ve broken it down into the A, B, Cs . -continued on p. 12-

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the A-B-Cs

-continued from p. 11ON GUARD: ADDRESSING SEXUALITY WITH YOUR KIDS

A is for Ask:

Kids will ask questions, so we parents should have answers. And sometimes, it is we parents who should ask questions of our kids, tweens, teens and college students need to develop answers for. In 10 Questions Kids Ask About Sex we prepare your to talk with your kids (pre-school through premarital) giving bullet points and wording to use to explain the “birds and bees” at each age and stage. The basic advice—Talk First: be proactive to prepare your child. Talk Enough: Give a brief answer then see if your child asks for more information. Talk About God: Parents who include moral values have children who are more likely to make wiser choices.

B is for Baton Pass:

Our job is to work ourselves out of a job by preparing our kids for life- then passing the baton. Raising a Modern Day Princess (and Becoming a Modern Day Princess Journal) and for guys, Raising a Modern Day Knight are rite of passage programs churches or parents can use to prepare a young person for adulthood, and mark the moment with a spiritual celebration. The sweet spot for a Rite of Passage celebration is between the ages of 13 and 18. Decide ahead of time when and how you will mark the moment you prepare, then declare your child an “adult”.

C is for Contracts:

Desire, hormones, love, sex—these topics are much too important to leave to innuendo, guess work or hint! We use a set of agreements to have those very important conversations: You can draw up your own agreements, or simply use the contracts for media use, relationships/ dating, and Freshman Foundations dinner and dialogue questions for college students available at www.love-wise.com By using these A, B, C’s your children and young adults will be well prepared for relational success in life and love. S —Pam Farrel

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JUST 18 SUMMERS LIFE IN BALANCE. The words are

almost laughable to a mom with children at home. Life out of balance would be much more likely! But that’s a concern, because if our life is out of balance, that means something isn’t getting the attention it deserves. The God who values family so much that He sent His Son by way of a mother, has given you the most important mission field you’ll ever have—that of touching your children’s and husband’s lives for Him—and you can’t pour into their lives if your spiritual tank is on empty. So what’s a mom to do?

about listening to an audio version while you cook dinner? Or let your children play outside while you sit on the porch and read your Bible. It’s important for them to see that it’s important to you. Is it difficult to make time for prayer? Pray for others while you fold each piece of laundry, and then as you enter each room to put the clothes away, pray especially for that family member. Are you a little discouraged as you do the same tasks you did the day before? Put some praise and worship music on and sing with it. Truly listen to the lyrics and let the message soak into your soul.

Take an honest look at your life. What could you give up to have time with God and your family? Look for ways you can bring Him into your everyday activities.

And you know what’s cool? If you keep what’s really important in the right order, everything else has a way of falling into place . . . without you falling apart.

Is it hard finding time to read your Bible? How

God. Family. Others. Sounds like a plan!

FALLING INTO PLACE

BY MICHELLE S. COX @JUST18SUMMERS AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.Just18Summers.com

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FAITHPRINTS

NAVIGATING THE WILDERNESS BLEAK. SURROUNDED ON ALL SIDES BY MILES OF SAND AND THISTLES. That’s the way the future can look — es-

pecially if you are privileged to pass through a desert experience in your life. “Privileged?” you might ask with your voice edging on hysteria. “It’s a privilege to pass through a desert?” Apparently it is. If you are in a spiritual desert, you are in an honored, hallowed spot. This experience is one God reserves for His special chosen leaders. It is an experience His Son had, too.

Thirsty & Looking For the Oasis In the wilderness, pain eventually distracts us from the body’s demands because our soul needs attention for us to survive. Like the Israelites who yearned for garlic and leeks (Numbers 11:5) and Jesus who had thoughts of bread (Matthew 4:3), the wilderness is the place where we learn to thrust aside bodily yearnings for the good of the spirit. At least that is what is supposed to happen. This is why Satan attacks our physical bodies to get our minds off the hunger of our souls. This is a bit BY REBEKAH BINKLEY MONTGOMERY AUTHOR/SPEAKER ---------

www.rebekahmontgomery.com

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complicated; so let me give you examples: You are having devotions. Suddenly, you are very thirsty. You decide to get a cup of tea. Before you know it, you are fixing a sandwich to eat with your tea. The phone rings. Later, you find your Bible where you left it — unread. You commit to a challenging new ministry and then suddenly develop health problems. This overloads your senses, distracting you from preparing your mind and soul to serve. You strongly consider quitting the ministry.

Once you realize diversions like these are Satan’s game to weaken you, you can defeat him. For most of us, it takes the prolonged dryness of the desert to create such a passionate thirst for the things of God that we will voluntarily deny our body’s demands so our soul might live. And that is among God’s purposes. In the wilderness, the line in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread” takes special significance. The manna you crave most is spiritual food for your hungry soul. Here is part of the privilege given to you when you pass through the desert: You learn to crave the Living Bread more than life itself. You learn how great your need is for Him. You learn He is all that really satisfies. God may seem strangely aloof in the desert. But that, too, is only because, perhaps for the first time, you have an inkling of how far away you are from Him. And because you realize your need, you pursue Him passionately through the dry places where you will find that He has been searching for you all along. S

CHRISTINA LEE STORM — LIFE AFTER PI

INSPIRED

As an international independant producer, Christina Lee Storm, who has collaborated with filmmakers from around the world, has a passion to making films with profound themes. “While I was on a missions trip to China, I was inspired by the power that filmmaking could have in ministering to people,” she says. While living in Hong Kong Christina headed the Creative Development team for legendary Hong Kong director Johnnie To. “I have always desired whatever I work on to parallel the message of the gospel in some way—it may not always be blantanly obvious, but it gets people to thinking. That is the beauty of filmmaking, and it’s unique way to introduce thought and encourage dialogue that may not be received in any other way,” Christina says.

n the podcast LIVE FROM AWSA 2015

CHATTING IN THE HALL WITH CHRISTINA LEE STORM GET CONNECTED @LEADINGHEARTS.COM

Christina was Production Supervisor for 2012 Oscar-winning film The Artist. She was Manager of Digital Production at Rhythm & Hues Studios, which won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects on Life of Pi. While at R&H, Christina worked with all in-house feature film productions to help staff, schedule and build efficient teams including key Supervisors, Leads, and Artists. She worked on The Hunger Games, R.I.P.D., Snow White and the Huntsman, Life of Pi, and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Some of Christina’s recent credits include The Least of These, To Save A Life, Flesh: Bought & Sold in the U.S., a documentary about the widely overlooked, yet widespread practice of human trafficking in the U.S. Her short documentary Life After Pi which went viral on YouTube and covered by dozens of world-wide media outlets.S —LEADING HEARTS STAFF

KATHY CRABB HANNAH— JOURNEY TO STRONGER For many years I have known that I would one day write a book. The Lord confirmed this several times, and I knew it would happen, I just didn’t know when. I knew I wanted to put on paper my vivid memories of “that” day that God gave me the vision for the Crabb Family journey, a long time before there was a bus and a career. This was before there was a “branded” Crabb Family. It’s a God story, a miracle story. The many seasons of pain, the fight with evilness to keep my sanity after I was attacked in a dark parking lot by a random stranger, who cut my throat and left me for dead. That story needed to be told. My souvenir would be 43 stitches in my throat, and a lifetime of post traumatic stress syndrome. The surprise divorce I was “handed” a few months before my 50th birthday, the disbandment of the touring Crabb Family, and being forced to start over at 50. I was 52 and unemployed. This “survival” story needed to be shared. But it had to be the “right” time. morals and how they shaped me.” This literary journey recorded in my book Stronger is candid, a bit raw, and packed full of “God” moments. I pray that those who read it will be encouraged, and understand that what doesn’t kill US, truly makes us stronger. S —KATHY CRABB HANNAH

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“YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE; YOU WILL PROTECT ME FROM TROUBLE...

INSPIRED

AND SURROUND ME WITH SONGS OF DELIVERANCE.” —PSALM 32:7-8, NIV

I don’t listen very well. Sometimes my daughters have to call my name two or three times. “Mom. Mom?” It is a source of great frustration for them. “Mom!” I know they are right. It shouldn’t be that way. I get lost in my own world. Thinking about all the things most of us try to juggle every day or my latest stressout about the week ahead or something I might’ve said earlier that I regret. I don’t listen very well. Sometimes I think I have forgotten how to listen altogether.

I recently made a trip to New York City to watch the opening of a friend’s Broadway play. I hopped a cab across town to do a little shopping in Soho and discovered that now when you take a yellow cab, they have a screen built into the back of the front seat, playing commercials a few inches from your face for the entire ride. No longer is there an opportunity to ride in silence, staring out the window at the interesting sights you always see in the city or even striking up a chat with one of New York’s colorful cabbies. It has all been taken care of. No more chitchat or idleness, just an endless stream of noise taking up every inch of brain space we have.

One of my favorite writers (and people), Ian Cron, once presented a fascinating seminar on silence. He did an experiment with the audience and asked us to sit in silence for a few minutes. It was a large crowd, maybe five hundred people. We sat there in our cushioned chairs staring around the room, up at the lights, trying to ignore the impulse to check e-mail or our Twitter feed.

It sometimes feels like the silence is slowly being siphoned from our lives whether we want it to go or not—and we don’t realize the impact that loss has on our soul. Isn’t silence—and being silent—a fundamental part of listening? Isn’t listening a major part of functioning in relationships of every kind? What are we losing to marketing efforts—in a cab, a doctor’s office, even in restaurants—to gain the convenience of never feeling bored or awkward? I fear the price is greater than we might imagine.

The first thirty seconds were easy. Sixty seconds . . . no problem. But as we ticked into the third minute it became so strange, awkward, like all this nervous energy in the room might explode. We were all undone by a simple act.

Years ago my friend John Mays was inspired to create a record called The Lost Art of Listening. The inspiration came during a trip to Estes Park, Colorado, a trip he and his family took each year for a music seminar held in the Rockies.

Being silent.

The Lost Art

The record he created was a combination of beautiful piano arrangements with the sounds of nature and life. A rocking chair slowly creaking back and forth, a bird’s song, a train whistle. I remember listening to this record when I lived alone and had trouble falling asleep at night. Something about these regular sounds of life filled the silence, it’s true, but suddenly I was reminded once again of the beauty and peacefulness of the ordinary everyday sounds of life that don’t rob from us but add to us. Isaiah 30:15 (esv) says this: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” In quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Oh, that just feels right, doesn’t it? I want to make time in my life for quietness. I want to try an experiment for myself. To sit in the silence at the beginning and end of each day for ten minutes. Just to listen or think or breathe or (even better) to pray. I want to see how difficult it is for me to be silent for that long. Maybe I can stretch it to fifteen, even. Who knows what I might gain by recapturing ...

the lost art of listening? S

THY PUBLISHING, A DIVISION OF WORTHY MEDIA, INC., FRANKLIN, TN. RPT ON TWITTER: #ASKFORMORE @WORTHYPUB

BY CINDY MORGAN @CINDYMORGAN SINGER/SONGWRITER/ AUTHOR www.cindymorganmusic.com

t of Listening ---------

R U YO

S E L T T A B

“THE TIME TO BE BRAVE IS NOW. IF IT’S A RELATIONSHIP, IF

IT’S A FRIENDSHIP, IF IT’S A JOB OPPORTUNITY, I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOD’S TIMING AND WE’RE SENSITIVE TO WHEN HE WANTS US TO STEP OUT.

”

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TRY BECAUSE THEY SAY YOU CAN’T. FIGHT BECAUSE THEY SAY YOU’LL FAIL. DO BECAUSE THEY SAY YOU DON’T. #TEAMBRAVE These words have become the inspiration behind the movement spurred by the 22-year-old songstress Moriah Peters that has extended far beyond the title track of her sophomore album Brave. Her powerful anthems against fighting fears and strong Christian stance have drawn thousands of fans across social media. The music video for “Brave” had more than 22,000 hits within the first 48 hours of its premiere in August. Moriah incorporates these lessons into her performance as she takes the stage with the presence of a stong lioness ready to do battle— leaving audiences amazed at her skill and passion for the message that inspired Brave. Although she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t singing, she laughingly admits that it wasn’t always pretty. “But as early as I can remember, my singing was awful,” she says, “I had the nickname Froggy because my voice sounded really low and like a frog. It sounded so terrible and I took a lot of singing lessons.”

BY JENN TAYLOR @JENNTAYLOR417 PROFILE CONTRIBUTOR ---------

I feel like I’ve realized that I’m not alone,” she says. “I’m not the only person who struggles with anxieties, who struggles with fears. After concerts, I have so many people who stand in line to say thank you for writing Brave because I struggle so much with fear and anxiety and it’s really helped me get through this season of life. So the fact that it did so well on radio and has been such an impacting song for people, it’s just confirmation to me that writing is important and we’re all in this struggle together. Nobody is alone in their battle against fear.”

But a serious development did alter Moriah’s tour this summer when her dad (below) was diagnosed with cancer.

She asked her #TEAMBRAVE fans to pray as he prepared for surgery and posted updates of his

Voice lessons helped her to develop the gift that she started sharing at age 14. Whether it was at church, a ballgame or city events, her parents encouraged her to have a servant’s heart.” That’s kind of how it became just serving whenever, wherever,’” Moriah says. “I serve wherever I can with my voice.’” Moriah started writing the Brave album at 19 and that’s when she also started to genuinely think about marriage when Joel Smallbone of For King and Country caught her attention.

“I fear vulnerability and honesty a lot of times. I fear love because genuine, true love is a risk and it is scary,” she says. “I think I al-

ways thought about marriage when it came to dating but for the first time it was a reality. So it got really scary. Like okay, this is a real thing. Joel was very patient with me but also challenged me to face my fears and be strong.”

progress. “The good news is I think they got it all so he is recovering well,” Moriah says. “He is on his way to being cancer-free completely so that is the good news.” She says the diagnosis was a perspective-giver as no one likes to hear the words “cancer” and “your dad” in the same sentence. “My dad is my best friend. I mean he’s so much a part of who I am and he is the reason why I am the way I am. He’s been such a wonderful dad, friend and counselor to me,” Moriah says. -continued on p. 23-

Although Brave has been very successful, she credits God for the opportunity to minister to others. “As I have traveled and sung this song all over the world, -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --{21.} -

“Packed with prayer and promises, this book will free you to experience the POWER of GOD’S PEACE.” —LYSA LYSA TERKEURST TERKEURST, New York Times bestselling author of Unglued and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

he true remedy to stress, Linda Evans Shepherd says, is prayer. In this inspiring book, she shows you how to recognize God’s continual presence in your life and yield your troubles to the Prince of Peace. Through captivating stories, explorations of fascinating biblical characters, and examples of deeperthan-ever prayers, she brings within your grasp the peace that passes understanding. If you are overwhelmed by all of the urgent demands on your time, this book is your lifeline to true peace.

Also Available from LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD

www.StressPrayers.com

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD ALSO AVAILABLE IN e BOOK FORMAT

LIKE ‘MORIAH PETERS’ ON FACEBOOK.

-continued from p. 21-

They realized life is seasonal and short.

“Instead of waiting and going to do something that you’re passionate about or feel called to, do it now. Step out of the comfortable situation that you’re in. That’s given a whole new definition of bravery .” she says. “I think that’s when God does His most miraculous work, when we feel completely unequipped, uncomfortable and scared.” This development and revelation has impacted Moriah with a sense of urgency.

“As leaders, We must be open and willing to make change and be bold to speak up and say what we know to be true at the right time.” S

morian on balanced living WATCH MORIAH PETER’S “BRAVE” HERE OR CLICK ON LINK BELOW HTTP://BIT.LY/1TQ9M11

“It’s so easy for Joel and I to just be 24/7 working nonstop— there’s always something that we can do. So one of the biggest challenges is learning how to set boundaries to stay spiritually healthy but to also remain connected to one another, So we just do really practical things. When we get home, we turn our phones off, which is almost unheard of these days to turn a phone actually power it off. We use a traditional clock so that we have an old alarm S by our bedsides and not our phones. We try to have at least one day a week where we are just completely together.”

IN THE LEAD

THE LEADING HEART

“I THINK THE DOOR WILL FALL OFF ITS HINGES IF ANOTHER WOMAN WALKS INTO MY OFFICE.

”

Melanie, the women’s minister for Valley Church, complained over the phone to her best friend, a young women’s leader at a nearby church. “Our church is growing by leaps and bounds, but. . .”’ “That’s a great blessing!” said Billie, the young woman on the other end of the line. “I wish our women’s groups here at Mountainside Church were growing. We’re in a slump. Our pastor calls it a ‘short plateau,’ as if it’s a flatline on a flow chart that will spurt up soon. I told him ‘I know I’m new, and you won’t hear me complain about our church, Pastor, but we’d better start a turnaround soon.’ And I smiled up at him with my best Sunday-plastic smile and said, ‘I’m just

saying. . .’ and then our youth minister came into my office and they went hopping out into the hallway like two little minions.”’ “Whoa, Billie! Slow down,” said Melanie. “I’m sorry your church is in a short plateau. I guess I should be happy our church is growing. Why is it so hard to praise God whether the church is booming or flatlining? You need young women with lots of energy to work in your church; I can’t keep up with the new young women we have in mine. We’ve started a building program, moved in temporary mobile classrooms, and we still can’t keep up with new members!” I need to simplify my life! I know many of these women have found no service in this church yet, and you know if you don’t engage new members when they join, they soon feel useless.” “Yes, and then they may drop out without even finding out how friendly the church is.” “Or worse, they may have come to our church as seekers and not even have found Jesus and His love.” The

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two women both agreed they would pray for a simple-yet-dynamic way to help their women’s ministries. The scenario above is a true story. I know because it happened to a dear friend who served as a women’s minister for a booming new church in Northern California. As a Christian consultant/trainer in Fresno, I had trained Melanie and one woman in her church to help in disaster relief for the state.

understand how good this was, you had to be there!”

Only a few weeks later, Melanie and I had helped dig people out of the mud and from under crumbled houses in the hills above Los Angeles after a disastrous earthquake.

At your next planning meeting, as leaders enter, ask them to write simple prayer requests (one sentence) on a notepad to share later. Then ask them to read the story above. When everyone has finished, discuss the following discussion starters. on questions on this page.

The next time I saw Melanie, she and four women came to Fresno for a mentoring conference. In my workshop-weekend, I’d emphasized how important it is in the twenty-first century for every mature woman to coach/mentor less spiritually mature women. One suggestion was the simple mentoring focus where a spiritually mature woman takes a younger women with her to every opportunity for Christian service. The mentoring woman did nothing out of the ordinary; she simply took another woman with her whenever she was involved in ministry. After a few ministries together, veteran Christian servant, gaining confidence as the more mature woman shared her knowledge and experience. There’s nothing like doing a simple ministry together to build a common esprit de corps!

The End of the Story

A terrible tragedy happened next: a giant flood destroyed crops, homes, and factories in Northern California as a large river overflowed through the area where Melanie lived. She called me in Fresno. “Can you come with a disaster relief team to help us?” I was there in a flash with lots of supplies and my young adult son to help with hundreds of other volunteers. She came to the feeding line as I stirred a large pot with 20 gallons of beef stew at exactly 140 degrees. Later, back in their churches, Billie and Melanie realized how God had bonded all the women in the disaster relief crew. One of them told the congregation, “To

Women’s ministries exploded in each of their churches: in attendance, in witnessing, and in ministering to community needs through embracing our mentoring model—helping leaders invest their hearts to and time teach and grow the next generation. S

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Which traits reveal that Billie is an inexperienced leader? 2. How about Melanie as an experienced leader?

3. Name traits Billie and Melanie have in common. 4. How did tragedy become a blessing? 5. How did prayer play a part in the blessing they experienced? 6. What are some simple ways your church could implement a mentoring model? (Think about ongoing ministries in the ordinary life of a Christian leader.) Close the meeting by praying for requests on the notepad sheets previously written. Pray to discover personal and corporate ministries, inviting others to come alongside you. —EDNA ELLISON

BY EDNA ELLISON @DREDNAELLISON AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.ednaellison.com

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QUIT TRYING TO PLAY GOD

3 Ways to Relinquish Control...

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“WHY DO YOU SPEND MONEY FOR WHAT IS NOT BREAD, AND YOUR WAGES FOR WHAT DOES NOT SATISFY? LISTEN CAREFULLY TO ME, AND EAT WHAT IS GOOD, AND DELIGHT YOURSELF IN ABUNDANCE. “INCLINE YOUR EAR AND COME TO ME. LISTEN, THAT YOU MAY LIVE…” (NASB Isaiah 55:2-3) Do you ever struggle to understand why God does what He does? Ever wrestle to relinquish control? Do you ever struggle to rest in God’s timing or to trust in His provision? A few weeks ago, I felt compelled to pan back to gain perspective. I hoped to release my agendas, my timelines, and my expectations in an exchange for God’s. Yet, another part of me still attempted to control my circumstances and influence my outcomes. Thankfully, instead of God moving my mountains, He moved me! He changed my mindset by challenging me to relinquish my control and to “QUIT TRYING TO BE HIM.” Don’t worry. I don’t actually confuse my abilities with God’s. I know He is INFINITE and I am definitely finite. I know He is ALL Powerful and I can only do what He empowers me to do. But … if the truth be told … sometimes I pick up the weight of my circumstances. Sometimes I think to myself. How can I make this happen. Or, what am I NOT doing right? Sometimes, I become frustrated when things don’t happen in my expected time frame and feel confused when God’s promises seem delayed. Anyone else know what I’m talking about? Anyone else struggle with SELF-SUFFICIENCY? If so, consider the following 1-2-3’s:

This might be a little blunt but, first, quit trying to play God. Oh, of course, we should always show up, be faithful, and ask God to move our mountains …but then … we need to consider step two …

Second, release the outcome. God doesn’t call us to be successful; He calls us to be obedient. His measurement for success isn’t the world’s standards. He desires for us to simply listen for His voice and then follow in steps of obedience. As Christians, faith isn’t conjuring up a noble notion and saying “Here I go God; bless it!” Faith simply hears God’s voice and then aligns itself to follow after it. Our obedience solicits the “well done good and faithful servant” reply we long to hear.

Third, embrace this simple truth. “Faith doesn’t reside in the outcome of our circumstances. Faith resides in the unshakable confidence of WHO GOD is and His good intent toward us.’ Friend, God loves you intrinsically, not transactionally. The world measures success in numbers. You produce, you’re in. You don’t produce, you’re out. God, loves you because you’re His. He designed you on purpose for a purpose and destined you for greatness. He works ALL things together for your good … even when it’s painful. So, as we put our hand and to the tasks God’s entrusted, may we embrace the truth revealed In the Practice of the Presence when Brother Lawrence said, “God needing nothing, sees in our works only the love that accompanies them.” Today, may the fruit of all we do be compelled by our love for The One who died to make us whole. S

BY JULIE GORMAN @GORMANLEADERSHIP AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.gormanleadership.com

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A HAIRY SITUATION IT WAS THE DAY BEFORE I LEFT FOR A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT WHEN NOTICED THAT I HAD SOME GRAYING HAIRS IN MY BEARD.On a whim I decided to go to Wal-Mart to see if there was some of that beard dye stuff that men use for covering the gray in order to rectify my situation.

I found the right product that you just brush on but it only came in brown or black and not my own hair color of red. I then noticed a sale on regular hair dye that was being sold as 2 for the price of 1 and it not only looked like my hair color but also was actually cheaper. Not wanting to miss a sale I purchased the items and brought them home.

and read for the first time that the shade I had selected to dye my hair was called “Luscious Mango.” I was now thoroughly confused. Was my goal to become luscious or to resemble a mango? Is there even such a thing as a luscious mango? Has anyone even eaten a mango and actually said “That mango was luscious”? It seemed ridiculous to me…and it looked that way too. While I was still in shock over the condition of my now neon beard, my friend Ernie called from the video store he manages and said that the comedy movie I had been wanting to see had just arrived. He also said that he was holding it for me, but that he couldn’t hold it for long so I needed to hurry.

I then carefully ignored the directions on the box and applied the dye to my beard and eyebrows. It then took a mere 25 minutes for me to let it soak in before washing it all off only to discover that it had now completely turned my eyebrows beard and mustache a neon orange. Not bright orange, mind you, but NEON!

Obviously I was hesitant about making the drive there as I wasn’t anxious for my friend to see the condition of my beard and eyebrows. I knew he would make fun of me when he saw my facial dilemma because let’s face it that’s what friends do. While I still had Ernie on the phone I told him that I would be right there but that I would honk my horn when I arrived at the store so he could bring the video out to me and I could pay him from my truck in cash. Of course he was a little curious about receiving such an odd request but he reluctantly agreed.

I looked at the box of Garnier Level 3 Hairdye #68

Now I’m a recognizable comedian where I live and

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I’ve performed several times in the theatres at Dollywood. I’ve also been featured in the local newspaper on a number of occasions so I was worried about being recognized in public with my now neon beard. I decided a proper solution for my predicament would be to get into my winter clothing bag and find the black ski mask that completely covered my face except for the two eyeholes. After locating it I put it on, hopped in my truck and proceeded to make my way to the video store. It was 4 o’clock in the afternoon when I was making my journey however so it was a little hot here in Tennessee, especially underneath the ski mask. In short, I was sweating like crazy! The video store was only two and a half miles away though so I was sure that I could make it there without any problems. And I almost did. I say “almost” because I had to drive right by the Sevierville Police Station on my way and unbeknownst to me I was being followed by a police officer who noticed me as I had passed by him.

BY TORRY MARTIN @TORRY_MARTIN ACTOR/COMEDIAN www.torrymartin.com

--------exactly as I was told. The policeman looked at me quizzically and then asked me “What seems to be the problem?” To which I calmly responded by gesturing to my face and meekly saying the only two words I could think of: “Luscious Mango.” The officer then looked at me while chuckling and said, “Hey aren’t you that comedian guy?” “Yes,” I replied, “and I’m working on some new material.” “What happened to your face?” “That’s the material.” After explaining the situation to the officer he playfully decided to let me off with a warning. “From now on I suggest you read all labels before applying anything to your face.” “

Yes Officer,” I replied and since I had performed at the Police Officer’s Ball the year previously I felt the need to request that he not tell any of the other officers about this.

“Oh I won’t tell them at all. Don’t worry about that.” “Good.” “I’ll just show them the video.” Apparently he was recording the entire thing with the video camera that was mounted to the dashboard of his police car. Apparently seeing a person driving while wearing a ski mask on in the middle of a summer afternoon makes the cops suspicious. The officer then proceeded to follow me into the video store parking lot where he immediately turned on his flashing lights. I was stunned when I noticed the lights and even more stunned when over a microphone I heard him blare: “Step out of the car with your hands up!” Hearing the commotion from inside of the video store, my friend Ernie decided to step outside and investigate. He arrived just in time to see the officer direct me out of my truck and request that I remove my mask. Feeling somewhat frightened I slowly did

It was without a doubt one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. I did however learn a very valuable lesson. There are a lot more important things to worry about in life than just my appearance. And as soon as they grew back I had the gray hairs to prove it.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” —Matthew 6:34, (NIV) S

— t o p s e h in t

LIFE BYTES

BY KATHY COLLARD MILLER @KATHYCMILLER AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.KathyCollardMiller.com

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MAKE WHAT YOU SAY STICK

I AM A VISUAL LEARNING WHO ABSOLUTELY LOVES INTERGRATING VISUAL AIDS INTO MY SPEAKING PRESENTATIONS. It’s an ef-

I was going to use it. Then I say, “Oh that’s right. I’ll be talking about this tomorrow.” Usually, everyone sighs with disappointment. I’ll usually hold up one more visual aid and say, “I’ll be talking about this on Sunday.” Now they know I’m teasing and they laugh.

For instance, when I am introduced at the first session of a retreat, I carry to the podium a decorated square box that contains all the visual aids that I will be using throughout the retreat. Then I lay it aside. Hopefully I have stirred the curiosity of the audience.

Then I’m ready to pick out a wooden apple core, saying, “This represents the way my life used to be. And maybe you’re here feeling like a part of your life is like this half eaten apple, the rotting pieces seemingly impossible to put back together again.” Then I reach into my box again and pull out a whole wooden apple and say, “This represents my life today. I trust that our time together will help your life to become more like this whole apple.”

fective way to increase the stickiness factor of your presentation—making it more memorable and powerful.

I usually share my testimony in that first session and I give the story about throwing the half-eaten apple at the laundry room door. At the end of my presentation, I say, “I’ve brought my box with me to share something important with you.” I open the box and rummage through it as if I can’t find what I want to talk about. Then I hold up one of the visual aids that I will actually be referring to later in the retreat. I look at it quizzically as if I can’t remember how

Later in the weekend, I will often speak about knowing our inheritance in Christ and how God views us as perfect in Christ. Along with sharing Scripture, I will pull out of my box a beautiful perfect crystal apple. As everyone oohs and aahs at its beauty, I relate how that perfect crystal apple represents how God views us, as already perfect in Christ. For a retreat, I’ll always use my visual aid box. But if I’m giving a single presentation, I won’t use it. I’ll just put the individual visual aid I’m using at the podium and bring it out when it’s appropriate. Time after time I’ve seen that using visual aids not only strengthens the point I want to make, but it has established my speaking with a certain flair. People remember my apples and I frequently receive gifts during the retreat of some apple product. If you think visual aids could enhance your presentation, why not think about developing one or two? I believe your presentations will be more memorable. S

— t h g u o h t r o f d foo LIFE BYTES

SURVIVING SCHOOL DAZE GETTING YOUR FAMILY OUT THE DOOR IN THE MORNING SETS STAGE FOR THE DAY’S ROUTINE.

It’s our role as parents to make sure the mornings aren’t perceived as a negative daily event. On busy mornings, I found things went much better when some preparation was done the night before to minimize morning activities.

BY PENELOPE CARLEVATO @TEATIMEPEN AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.PenelopesTeaTime.com

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fresh fruit and granola, muffins, but the favorite —

Breakfast Pizza 6 English muffins Olive oil or butter 6 Tomato slices 3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced 1/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese Italian seasonings

A little prep the night before can make a world of difference. Pray for your children and for the best routine for your family. God’s word is a storehouse for everyone, especially weary mothers. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” Psalm 143:8 (NIV). Many of us forget to do a little planning like packing lunches the night before or laying out clothes to ease the struggles of the morning “crazies.” Have a routine mapped out and make a chart, so everyone knows what needs to be done. You can even have your check list laminated as a placemat with Scripture verses and encouragement for the day. I found planning and preparing breakfast the night before and getting up at least 15 minutes earlier than the kids had the biggest impact on a happier start to the day.

Toast English muffins in toaster then place on a cookie sheet. Brush each muffin half with butter or oil Top with a tomato slice, ½ egg (sliced), and a tablespoon or more of cheese. Sprinkle with seasonings. Broil 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts.

I tried many recipes for breakfast that were quick, easy, and nutritious. Several ideas: oatmeal in the crockpot, breakfast burritos, smoothies, yogurt parfaits with

Don’t forget to give your child a hug and say a prayer with them before he or she heads out the door to school each day. S

— p u g n i shap LIFE BYTES

BY ANGELA BREIDENBACH @ANGBREIDENBACH AUTHOR/COACH/SPEAKER www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

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“HELP, I’M A WORKAHOLIC!” A LONG TIME AGO, A COUNSELOR TOLD ME I NEEDED HELP FOR MY WORKAHOLISM. Seriously? What’s

wrong with that? I had kids to feed, a house to save, and if I didn’t do everything I could… And that was the crux of the matter. As a workaholic, I think it’s only and always up to me. In my power. But then add the fringe issues of kudos for all the work completed, “How do you get so much done?” and the internal sense of accomplishment — a perfect storm for a workaholic. Contrary to American values, workaholism is not necessarily a good thing. There are seasons when we’re called to put forth more effort. But when that season is never ending, it’s not a season. It’s a lifestyle. Those of us struggling with the battle of workaholism can deplete creativity, close relationships, and ignore God’s commandment. What? Did that surprise you? I know it did me when I realized I was intentionally breaking the commandment to rest on the Sabbath. Yikes! Consider how you might create the appropriate rest in your life so as not to deplete those things God has given into your care—and be in obedience as well.

Can you read these words and say you’re obeying them? Exodus 20: 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. S

— e m i t f o r e t t a am LIFE BYTES

7 STRESS HACKERS

BY KAREN WHITING @KARENHWHITING AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.KarenWhiting.com

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anger management skills so they can resolve difference peacefully. Second, slow down so you identify your emotions and control your reactions. Take a few deep breaths or do some simple stretches to let your body relax and to be calm. Prepare ahead on hectic days with eating healthy and exercising before the day starts. Exercise releases endorphins that help you feel good. Laugh more. Some situations are so ridiculous or outrageously difficult that it is better to laugh at what is absurd. Start your day with a smile and a joke or something that makes you giggle.

AN ESSENTIAL PART OF BALANCING LIFE IS TO LEARN TO SUBDUE EMOTIONAL TURMOIL—FINDING YOUR STRESS BUSTER. When you discover what relaxes you,

you can implement a strategy to combat the build up of anxiety and tension.

Limit your activities and build in time cushions boundaries every day. Be willing to say, “No,” graciously and to delegate tasks. Schedule time cushions as moments to relax, pray, or enjoy looking at nature. The phrase, “Let go and let God” really works if you focus on implementing it. When stressed, pause and pray. Then look at the problem and decide whether you can do something about it or not. If you cannot change something, then ask God to help you accept it and let him take control. This helps develop a mindset of peace.

First, identify what causes stress. This helps you look for solutions to remain calm when a stress is triggered. You may not be able to eliminate stressors, like cars that cut you off in traffic or your children’s fighting, but you can work to lessen it. You can change your attitude to traffic and consider that each car that cuts you off is God’s signal to pray for the driver and thank him for the prayer reminder.

Enjoy your moments. Focus on where you are and the people around you. It keeps your mind from rushing onto other activities or worrying. When Jesus sent his disciples out to minister he cautioned them to take little with them and to be remain where they entered. That implies a sense of letting their mind focus on the moment. So, choose to live simply and reflect on Christ’s words, “When you are invited into a house, stay there until you leave town.” Mark 6:10.

You can notice what triggers fights among your children and thus be ready to head them off before they escalate. You can also teach them conflict resolution and

Add to the above ideas. Create a list of what healthful activities help you de-stress. Put these actions into practice to bring balance to your body, soul, and mind. S

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THANKS TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY WE NOW LIVE LIFE IN A “GLOBAL VILLAGE” AND THE LIGHTS ARE ON 24/7. A few short years ago we had to rush to the bank to cash our paychecks while the bank was still open. Not only that, we had to talk to an actual human being and ask for help in doing that. If we wanted a book to read, we went to the library where we talked to a librarian, or we went to a local bookstore and purchased one. In my lifetime I have experienced movies when they were present only in theaters for a limited time, then able to be rented at video stores for a limited time (with steep fees for late returns), then sent to my mailbox and able to be kept until I wanted another one shipped, and now streamed any time day or night instantaneously as often as I like, and for as long as I desire. I can see video footage taken on a cell phone from a war torn country like Syria and know what is going on first hand without ever leaving my home. Unbelievable! If I get bored at work, I can watch eagles hatching in an aerie in Oregon! But does that make us a village? The definition of a village is a place of community. And community denotes shared interests, common beliefs, standards, and traditions. For centuries that is how we defined ourselves—by our communities. We were Christian, Jewish, Southern, or urban; East coast, West coast, or Amish—whatever we were there were parameters defining what was right, wrong, good, better, and best. That no longer exists. When I buy a book online at two in the morning, I am not sharing any interests or traditions with anyone. I interact with no one. When I take a picture of my paycheck with my smartphone and deposit it electronically, I am not talking to or interacting with another living being. Even when I “connect” with my friends on social

media, I am not really connecting with them. I am seeing what they want me to see about their lives, and I am sharing only those things that make me look good. There is an old Latin phrase, Esse Quam Videri, which means “To be rather than to seem to be.” This was first written by Cicero in his essay On Friendship. His point was that many want to be seen as having virtue; but few want to actually be virtuous. Is social media about being truly faithful and successful as an individual? Or seeming to be? With all the changes in how we relate; or don’t relate to others, is it possible that we are changing our very identity as humans? Some experts believe so. A recent article in The Daily Mail explored the idea that because of technology, we as humans are having an “identity crisis” that goes right to the heart of humanity, affecting how we view ourselves, interact with others, decide what makes us happy, and ultimately determines our ability to reach our full potential as human beings. The author is a researcher at Oxford University who has seen the “rewiring” of the human brain not figuratively, but literally at a microcellular level with the constant use of technology. He states that today’s technology is creating a marked shift in the way we think, the way we act and the way we feel. When the Bible exhorts us not to be “drunk with wine,” it is because we are not to be under the influence of an outside agent in the way we think, act, and feel. We are only to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, the gifts of whom are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. When I peruse the Internet and think about what things I waste my time on, I have to ask myself, “Is it time to unplug?” S

BY DR. PETE SULACK @M10MINISTRIES MISSIONARY/CHIROPRACTOR www.UHA12.com

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PRAYER CIRCLE After they admitted Laura into the ICU, all I could do was pray, “She’s always been yours,” I told the Lord. “I’m asking you to heal her, but I trust you no matter what.” Night turned into day after day. Slowly, Laura’s condition improved, but the same couldn’t be said of my book deadline. Sure, my book was important to me, but the deadline would have to wait, and my dear publisher agreed. “Family comes first,” they told me.

PRAYING THROUGH THE URGENT

WE’D WENT ALL OUT TO PLAN THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY BASH FOR OUR DISABLED DAUGHTER—ONE THAT SHE’D NEVER FORGET.Now, after a party filled with chocolate

pie, presents and balloons, I put Laura to bed for the night. As the stars twinkled above my house, I had but one goal, to finally start writing my book—due to my publisher in the next ten weeks. This was my latest start to a writing project ever. I’d tried to work on it before, but it seemed I’d been interrupted by one urgent matter after another. I pulled out my laptop, anxious to finally see the research I’d collected start to take shape into my first chapter. For four glorious hours I wrote until my brain was too fuzzy to type another word. When I finally crawled into my bed, I was overjoyed that I finally had a few pages of print on paper. I drifted off to sleep, never dreaming that my world was about to be awakened to a new reality. Someone was calling my name. It was one in the morning and I ran to Laura’s room. She couldn’t breathe! The ambulance was called and emergency workers whisked my child to the hospital.

Indeed. There are times when that which seems so urgent, is not urgent at all, especially when you weigh urgency against our true priorities. But the truth is, God should come first. When I lay my family, my priorities and my deadlines before Him, He re-gifts my daughter’s life and my book project back to me, on His timeline, not mine. If you’re worried about how you’re going to manage your own priorities, a neat trick is to give all your urgent concerns to the Lord. He may reorganize some of them, but He is faithful. When you do that you’ll be able to look back and discover that in retrospect, you were able to accomplish all your callings and responsibilities after all, but in God’s timing, not yours. Let Him figure it all out for you, then simply trust Him as you follow his leading. Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, I give You all my urgent matters and ask that You prioritize and organized them for me. I also give You all my needs as well. You can figure all of this out so much better than I can. If You begin to change my priorities, help me not to be surprised, but give me supernatural faith to know You are working everything out. In Jesus’s name, Amen. S To receive a free Prayer Toolbox filled with warfare prayers to pray over you and your loved ones, text LEADINGHEARTS to 95577. BY LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD @LINDASHEPHERD PUBLISHER www.GoToPray.com

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BY RHONDA RHEA @RHONDARHEA HUMOR COLUMNIST

www.RhondaRhea.com

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I think I could demonstrate my reasoning with a pie chart. Of course, mine would be a chocolate pie chart. Then I could make my point slice by slice. Ah, there’s the sweet life. Not to mention, I would be helping protect the civility of our culture one whipped-cream-covered bite at a time. Where is it that we really find the sweet life? If you’re talking about the taste buds, sure, try the chocolate. But if you’re talking about the heart, that heart is going to have to be filled with something entirely different. Not a something. A SomeOne. Come on, just stop and think about it.

AH, THE SWEET LIFE I DON’T KNOW WHY WE’RE ALWAYS MAKING THINGS A LOT MORE COMPLICATED THAN WE NEED TO, BUT REPAIRS SHOULDN’T BE ROCKET SCIENCE. Okay, unless you’re repairing rockets. But for everything else it’s a lot simpler than we tend to make it. According to my grandfather, if it’s mechanical, you fix it with duct tape or WD-40. In extreme cases, both.

According to my grandmother, if it’s biological, sometimes you fix it with Vicks. Sometimes Camphophenique. In extreme cases, both. According to me, everything else that doesn’t require rocket science can most likely be fixed with chocolate. Also, for all the categories and for every fix-it need, you should actually always try the chocolate first. I could be wrong but it seems to me most civil upheaval happens in the countries with the least amount of chocolate. Come on, just stop and think about it.

This is not about some sort of make-over of your cardiac muscle. Experiencing the real sweet life means giving Jesus the real heart of you—every single part of you. It’s more than just a little life-fix. It’s a make over, under, around and through as we allow Him to fill our every thought, check our every motive, influence our every move. It’s allowing Him to fill our everything. And to be our everything. Paul said “For in Him we live and move and exist,” (Acts 17:28, HCSB). We live because of Him and He is the one who sustains this life. Every move is made in Him. There’s not even a remote possibility for the slightest motion without His strength. And we exist in Him. The original language gives us the sweet picture of our continual and complete dependence on Him for every little thing in this moment, and also for our continued existence in the next. Life is sweeter at that place where we recognize it’s not really ours to fix. It’s not ours at all. It’s sweeter at that place where we recognize it’s all about Him and surrender every part fully to His control. There’s an amazingly sweet fellowship with Him there. Real worship. David said, “As for me, I will continue beholding Your face in righteousness (rightness, justice, and right standing with You); I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake to find myself beholding Your form and having sweet communion with You,” (Psalm 17:15, AMP). “Sweet communion.” I love it. With or without whipped cream on top. S

READS

BOOKS TO READ THE POWER OF A WOMAN WHO LEADS by Gail M. Hayes “Dr. Gail Hayes has the amazing power to speak directly to your spirit through a book. The Power of a Women Who Leads spoke to me, specifically about my management style. I now feel confident in how I lead not only in the workplace, but within my home and other personal areas. She has helped me own what I’ve always felt and now I can lead with power and purpose and not be apologetic for being who I am as a leader. Using biblical characters and principles to drive her point home helped me realize that what I do and how I do it is not about me, but about the talents and gifts God has given me.” —Ellen Jefferson Kearney, MBA, GBA, benefits manager, Reichhold

Every woman is called to lead someone somewhere to do something great! In The Power of a Woman Who Leads, Dr. Gail, CEO of the Handle Your Business Girl Empowerment Zone, helps women discover the power of their unique leadership style and how to walk fully in their God-ordered destiny! Listen to an interview with Dr. Gail @ WWW.HANDLEYOURBUSINESSGIRL.COM

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LIFE UNSTUCK by Pat Layton “God has planned and purposed much for His daughters. If you feel as if you’ve hit a brick wall, do not know how to begin, do not know how to get out of the spiritual or emotional rut you are in, Life Unstuck will guide you through Psalm 139 to identify the problem so that you can move forward.” —Amazon Review In Life Unstuck, author Pat Layton invites you to imagine a life where you experience peace with the past, enjoy purpose in the present, and expect the possibilities that your future holds. With fresh personal tools and clear action steps, she delves deep into the areas we get stuck in the most and unveils the path to the life you long to live. This book also is available with multi-media leaders materials which makes it simple for incorporating it into a women’s small group study or teaching series. Get a FREE Chapter of Life Unstuck @ WWW.LIFE-UNSTUCK.COM

DANCE WITH JESUS by Susan B. Mead “Susan has personally experienced one of the deepest forms of grief. Yet she writes this treasure of a book from her point of grace not grief. I plan to give this book to any of my friends that find themselves crying and needing someone who deeply understands.” – Lysa TerKeurst, NY Times Best Selling Author of The Best Yes Grief hits each one of us and can come from so many different directions... Have you lost someone dear to you? A brother, sister, parent, grandparent, family member, friend or a child? A relationship? A body part to cancer or accident? Do you want to experience the joy of moving from broken to blessed? From GRIEF TO GRACE? Do you want God to take your hand and teach you to dance...with Jesus? Yes? Then devour the words in Dance With Jesus: From Grief to Grace! Expect to laugh through the tears and experience a deepening of your faith. Get a FREE 5-Day Faith Challenge @ WWW.SUSANMEAD.COM

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REVIEWS

HEATHER VAN ALLEN @HEATHERVANALLEN LEADING HEARTS MUSIC REVIEWER ---------

MUSIC REVIEWS MORIAH PETERS Brave If you haven’t had a chance to hear Moriah Peter’s Brave album you’re missing a a brilliantly crafted compilation of music that will inspire, empower and strengthen your approach to daily life. “Fight like a soldier / rise like a warrior” from the title track “Brave” is a blast of energy that fuels other power-packed songs, such as “Oh Fear (My God Is Near),” “To Leave It All Behind” and “Stand Strong.” As Moriah sings, you may sense her encouraging you to join her in being courageous as you move forward in faith and life, confident in Whom that courage lies. In the sweet “Give Me Jesus,” she cherishes the presence of the only One she trusts to give her the strength she needs each day—that we all need. Brave. Are you feeling it? RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS

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OWL CITY Mobile Orchestra With Mobile Orchestra, released July 10, 2015, Owl City (Adam Young) finds a faith-life blend with music and makes it relevant to listeners. Mixing it up with familiar pop-culture/everyday-life allusions and upbeat electronica, along with worshipful lyrics and more mellow tones, the track list is a deeper reflection than ever before of Young’s faith and the hope in Jesus that he wants to share with others. This message of the constancy of God’s presence—that He’s there in all circumstances—comes through the fun and bubbly tunes that celebrate the joy of life as strongly as the songs that see the serious—even dark—side a bit more. Guest vocals from artists Aloe Blacc (“Verge”), Britt Nicole (“You’re Not Alone”), Hanson (“Unbelievable”) and Jake Owen (“Back Home”) enhance the eclectic blend of genres on the album, showing the musical range Young is known for. Whatever your musical taste, you will likely find something to connect with on Mobile Orchestra. RATING: 4.75 OUT OF 5 STARS

BETHEL MUSIC Without Words: Synesthesia Following the 2013 release of Without Words, Bethel Music’s first instrumental album, adding the element of worship—which can be meditative and wordless—enhances the experience. Synesthesia features innovative, ethereal-electronic-laced arrangements of familiar worship songs, such as “This Is Amazing Grace” and “You Make Me Brave,” threaded together with brief interludes that keep the music flowing smoothly from one track to the next. If the instrumental style of Without Words: Synesthesia resonates well with your ears—and you likely will know within the first two or three tracks—you may find yourself transported to a soothing place of serenity. This album is perfect addition to your prayer room and to enhance the serenity of your down time. RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS

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2. Read some verses in your Bible, the number one source for encouragement! You might read the Proverb that corresponds to the day’s date. Pick out one verse that speaks to you.

7 EASY STEPS TO ENCOURAGE YOURSELF HOW MANY TIMES DOES A PERSON SEE A FULL RAINBOW TWO DAYS IN A ROW? I recently wit-

nessed a spectacular one at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, arched gracefully outside my family’s condo where we were staying. Traveling home the next day, I saw one again. Was God trying to tell me something? Maybe He was reminding me of His promises beyond the one about not flooding the earth again. I had just finished writing my first book, notes.: writing to encourage others. Maybe this was a sign of good things to come. We rarely get flashes from the heavens to boost our day. Sometimes when we face challenges we have to act like David did when he was in danger of being stoned: “David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 AMP). How did David accomplish that? I’ve never faced stoning, but I’ve experienced extreme stress and pressure. We all have. Christian leaders spend a lot of time uplifting others. What about when we need some encouragement ourselves? I seem to need the most reassurance when confronted with a writing/editing deadline or a speaking engagement. The antidote for any insecurity is my decree journal, which is full of scriptures and empowering decrees or declarations I’ve written based on those verses. They never fail to strengthen me. You can do this too. All you need is your Bible, a journal or notebook, and a little time to follow these steps:

3. On the first line of your journal, write the date, including the year. 4. Next to the date, write a short summary of how that verse applies to you. For example, for the verse in 1 Samuel 30:6, I wrote “I am encouraged.” Others I’ve used are “I have favor,” “I have confidence,” and “I am equipped.” 5. On the next line, write the verse. 6. Write any insights you get on the verse and personalize it with a declaration. For instance, when I included the 1 Samuel verse in my journal, I had a major deadline the next day. I wrote that David was alone in his situation, but I have a loving husband and children who support my efforts. I noted that sometimes my biggest enemy is myself, not believing I am good enough or smart enough or have enough time to do my best. I wrote that my journal has helped me encourage myself in the Lord. Then I added this statement: “I declare today that I believe in myself and am confident in the gifts and talents the Lord has blessed me with. I will meet my deadline with creativity, accuracy, and excellence.” (Which did happen, praise God!) 7. When you are done, go back and read as many journal entries as you can. If you are pressed for time, just read the short summary and decree you wrote based on the verse. By the time you finish reading those positive words—out loud if necessary—you will be amazed at how refreshed you feel. Keeping a decree journal is an easy way to encourage yourself in the Lord. God’s promises are life-giving if you and I will just embrace them! Learn more about biblical and personal decrees from The Decree of Esther by Aaron Früh. S

n the podcast

“THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT” WITH JENNIFER DIERKING

1. Pray. This is obvious but shouldn’t be overlooked. Spend as much time giving thanks as you do on your GET CONNECTED @LEADINGHEARTS.COM petitions. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------{45.} -- --

LEADING HEARTS INSTANT WRITERS CONFERENCE PODCAST COMING IN SEPTEMBER— THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT WITH JENNIFER DIERKING

CHATS IN THE HALL

-with-

SUSAN MEAD KAREN WHITING RHONDA RHEA KATHY COLLARD MILLER AND MORE...

A HEALTHY APPROACH TO MEETING YOUR DEADLINES WITH DR. PETE SULACK

IN NOVEMBER— ON A MISSION TO REACH THE MAINSTREAM WITH CHRISTINA LEE STORM

UNSTUCK—GETTING OUT OF YOUR WRITING RUT with your host Amber Weigand-Buckley

TUNE IN @ WWW.BLOGTALKRADIO.COM/INSTANTWRITER-

WITH PAT LAYTON

BY SHARON NORRIS ELLIOTT @SANEWRITER AUTHOR/SPEAKER www.LifeThatMatters.net

---------

TRUTH

KEEPING THE PEACE “NOW MAY THE LORD OF

PEACE HIMSELF GIVE YOU PEACE ALWAYS IN EVERY WAY. THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL.

“

-2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJ). There is so much good news packed into these twenty words, it’s crazy.

First of all, who is this Lord of peace? Isaiah introduced Him to us long before His earthly existence with words we hear every Christmas season: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV). No other figure in Scripture or in any other discipline for that matter is known as the Prince of Peace except for Jesus Christ. So the first piece of good news is the fact that we have a personal relationship with the Prince of Peace. Next, what is peace? The Greek word for peace is “eirene (i-ray’-nay)” from which we get the girl’s name Irene. It means quietness, rest, to set at one again, and by implication, prosperity. In other words, Jesus gives us rest, tranquility, calm, and harmony. That’s the second piece of good news. The third piece of good news is that the Prince of Peace is personally available to give that peace to us. He does not send a representative, and envoy, an ambassador, or

His assistant. He Himself doles out the peace. Good news point number four is the fact that Jesus indeed does have peace to give. One cannot give out what one does not possess. He alone possesses the peace we need because He alone is the Prince of Peace. Good news point number five is that Jesus will give us peace “always in every way.” This phrase means that peace – tranquility, calm, and harmony – is available at all times and in every possible circumstance and scenario. • In a family crisis, peace. • In a financial reversal, peace. • Facing a physical or mental illness, peace. • In a car accident, peace. • When in need of food, clothing and shelter, peace. • When having to wait, peace. • When a loved one has left, peace. • When you don’t understand, peace. • While your children are demanding or acting crazy, peace. • When your spouse is suffering, peace. • In the midst of a difficult project, peace. • When faced with an obstacle, peace. • When needing to make a decision, peace. • On the precipice of a new beginning, peace. • When a season of life is coming to an end, peace. Jesus himself said, ““Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” John 14:27 (NKJ). Take His Word for it and enjoy His peace today. S

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meet linda

LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD @LINDASHEPHERD is publisher of Leading Hearts magazine. She is also a best-selling author, an in-demand speaker, and president of Right to the Heart ministries. She is founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). She lives in Colorado with husband Paul, daughter Laura and son Jimmy. www.Sheppro.com

meet amber

AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY @BAREFACEDGIRL is managing editor and art director for Leading Hearts magazine. She is a writer, speaker and multi-award winning editor, having spent 19 years in the magazine industry. When not working on Leading Hearts, she provides communications and social media support for non-profits and missionaries. She and her Brit-native husband Philip live in Missouri with their three daughters: Saffron, Imogen and Penelope.

MEET OUR CONTRIBUT

features

EDNA ELLISON wrote Friend to Friend, a Philippians Bible study for church leaders to use as a short devotional at the beginning of planning meetings—or for a mentor to use with her “merea” (Hebrew for “dear young friend”). www.ednaellison.com PAM FARREL along with husband Bill are speakers and authors of 40 books including their newest: 7 Simple Skills for Success for Men. For more information visit www.LoveWise.com JULIE GORMAN is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker. She writes, produces, and hosts a weekly Broadcast with FYI and is the founder of For Your Inspiration and His Love Extended Ministries. www.gormanleadership.com GAIL HAYES is the CEO of the Handle Your Business Girl Empowerment Zone and author of numerous books. www.drgailhayes.com TORRY MARTIN has a long list of accomplishments as an actor, author, storyteller and a standup comedian. He uses his gifts for bring serious messages to audiences through the softening blows of humor. www.torrymartin.com CINDY MORGAN is an author, multi-award winning music artist and songwriter. www.cindymorganmusic.com RHONDA RHEA is an author, humor columnist and radio personality. She lives in the St. Louis area with her pastor-hubs and has five grown children. www.rhondarhea.com PETE SULACK is the founder and majority owner of one of the largest chiropractic clinics in North America. His studies on the effects of stress, coupled with testimonials from patients and attention in medical communities have garnered him the title of “America’s Leading Stress Expert.” www.UHA12.com

ANGELA BREIDENBACH is a captivating speaker, coach and award-winning author. Angela volunteers as the Christian Author Network’s president and executive assistant for the Montana-based Jadyn Fred Foundation.www.angelabreidenbach.com PENELOPE CARLEVATO is an author of Tea on the Titanic and First Class Etiquette. She speaks on hospitality, historical entertaining, and etiquette and manners for all ages and all occasions. Penelope lives in the Denver, CO. area and is the grandmother of 11. www.PenelopesTeaTime.com MICHELLE S. COX is an author and speaker and the creator of the Just 18 Summers® parenting resources and products.To visit her parenting blog go to www.just18summers.com and www.Facebook.com/just18summers. SHARON NORRIS ELLIOTT’S engaging yet challenging messages touch hearts and tickle the funny-bones of her audiences, making her a popular, sought-after speaker. She and husband James enjoy their empty nest in Southern California. www.lifethatmatters.net KATHY COLLARD MILLER is a speaker and author whose newest book Never Ever Be the Same: A New You Starts Today released in January. Find her at www.KathyCollardMiller.com REBEKAH BINKLEY MONTGOMERY is author of Faithprints. Find her online at www.rebekahmontgomery.com HEATHER VAN ALLEN, music review columnist for Leading Hearts magazine, finds some tunes in her earbuds to be a great way to get into the writing zone. She writes from her home in Springfield, MO. www.HeatherVanAllen.wordpress.com KAREN WHITING is an award-winning author of eighteen books for women, families, boys, and girls. Her newest release, The One Year Devotions for Active Boys, was a dream for eleven years before it started to become a reality. www.karenwhiting.com

JENNIFER TAYLOR is a music and profile contributor for Leading Hearts magazine.

columns

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