Making Christ Centered Plans in the New Year

Isaiah 42:9 “Behold the former things have come to pass and new things I declare, before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (New International Version).


Each year we make resolutions and set goals for our future. But, how many of those goals are based on serving Christ and building His kingdom?

Each New Year offers us the opportunity to do just that.

During this year we should make plans and set goals that will allow us to continually grow in the Spirit of the Lord through each area of our life. At the end of the year, if we’ve worked our plan, our marriages should have grown, our children should have matured, our gifts and ministries should have increased, and our testimony and witness should have increased.

We must have a proper perspective of God’s view for our lives. Failing to place God at the center of our plans will lead to less than expected outcomes. But, when our plans are Christ centered and in alignment with God’s purpose for our lives, we can expect fulfillment, joy and favor. IF you want the will of God to be manifested in your marriage, on your job, and in your family, turn those areas of your life over to Him and allow His will to be done and His purpose to come forth.

As you seek to set your plans in motion for the New Year, remember

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (New International Version).

God desires for us to receive His forgiveness and move forward. Allow God to renew your spirit. Align yourself with what God wants for you and not what you want for yourself. Learn to wait on God; expecting new revelations and new understanding. The Holy Spirit will help you and equip you with everything you need to carry out God’s purposes for your life.

Philippians 1:6 >“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (New International Version).

Happy New Year

Lesson #3 Be a Good Steward Over "You"

Two weeks ago I began a series entitled 7 Lessons for L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith and Expectancy)

Lesson #3 is being a faithful steward over God's greatest creation: "you"

Psalm 8:3-9 (New International Version)

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
It can be easy to feel unimportant in a world so full of people, places, and things. To feel small is a healthy way back to reality. But, God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Instead, He reminds us in Psalms that He has given us dominion and crowned us with glory. Humility means proper respect for God not depreciation of our self worth.

How could God be concerned for a people who constantly disappoint Him? The answer is simple. God considers us highly valuable because we bear the stamp of the creator. Our true value is God’s estimate of our worth, not out peers’. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us because we belong to Him. So we can face life without fear.

The next time you question your worth as a person, remember, Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God has declared how valuable we are to Him. Because of His affirmation, we can be set free from feelings of worthlessness.

How do you treat God’s greatest creation, “You”? Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable for your stewardship, even over yourself.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is the author of the soon to be released book The Ministry of Motherhood (Peace in the Storm Publishing) She is also an inspirational speaker and talk show host. To learn more about Cheryl or to book her for your next event, visit her at www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

7 Lessons for L.I.F.E.: Lesson 2: Be Grateful

Last week I began a discussin entitled 7 Lessons for L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith and Expectancy)

Lesson 1 was to be yourself.

Lesson 2: Be grateful.

With jobs, children, spouses and the wear and tear of everyday life, it's easy to forget all of the blessings God has given us. We can lose our perspective on God's control of our lives when the physical, mental, and emotional demands or our many roles and responsibilities take their toll. Our perspective becomes somewhat convoluted and ungratefulness creeps in if we focus to heavily on material things while taking what we have for granted. We become complacent and our tendency is to forget that all good things come from God. Our security is no longer in Him but in what we possess. We congratulate ourselves rather than glorify Him.

We must be careful not to see God as a "Sugar Daddy" or someone we call on only when we need Him; neglecting to commune with Him when life is going well. Our relationship with God during the good times shows where our sense of security really lies.

If we are to truly have a relationship with God, include Him and acknowledge His presence even in the good times.

Be grateful.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is the author of the upcoming release The Ministry of Motherhood (Peace in the Storm Publishing), inspirational speaker, and talk show host. To learn more about her or to have her speak at your next function visit www.cheryllaceydonovan.com.

I Know I've Been Changed

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altared. ~Nelson Mandela

Scripture:
The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 1 Samuel 10:6 (New International Version)

I find myself at an age where I am constantly reviewing my past. I can honestly say, that I have not always known the Lord. I have done and said things that have caused myself and others heartache and pain. But you in retrospect, I also realize that since accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, I know I have been changed.

You see, since establishing my own personal relationship with the Lord, there are things that I can no longer do, places I can no go and even some people I can no longer associate with. Now this may not hold true for all Christians, but it does for me.

You see, the quality of my life is more important than the things in my life. It’s more important to me to be a good mother, a good friend but most of all, a good Christian. I cannot in good conscience cause other people harm through my action or words. I find that I am more compassionate to the needs of others. I have realized that the world doesn’t revolve around me.

When you develop a relationship with the Master, He become just that; the Master and ruler of your life. Even when you think you might want to return to your old way of doing things, you find that there is something within you that speaks to your heart; your conscience.

If you don’t have that something within you, ask yourself, Have I really changed?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Once far from God and dead in sin No light my heart could see But in God's Word the light I found Now Christ liveth in me. Father God, May I keep growing closer and closer to You. Thank You Lord for blessing me in so many ways. Father, we ask that You would give us perseverance, endurance, and the strength to always seek Your counsel and guidance. Lord, we realize that so often we take Your word for granted. Forgive us Lord, for neglecting Your word. Lord, feed us the words that nourishes not only our bodies but our spirits and our minds as well. Lord, we when pray, help us to think of the needs of others before we think of our own, Help us Lord, to seek Your living water. For without the living water from the fountain that never runs dry, we will wither and die. We give thanks to You Lord, for always listening to us, even when we have neglected You. Thank You Lord, for our brothers and sisters who come before the throne of grace on our behalf. Thank You Lord, that You manifest Your presence in our lives when we least expect it. Bless Your name. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Jacqueline Moore is a Christian author who offers spiritual words of encouragement daily on her website at www.virtuousliving.com. She has contributed to several anthologies and is currently preparing for the release of her first novel, “Serving Justice” under the Peace in the Storm imprint, in April 2009.

Finding Your Way

Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Richard Bach

Scripture:
And I will bring the blind by a way they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

Saints, As a child, did you ever get lost? One day out shopping our out with family and friends, somehow you became separated from your parents? Parents, has one of your children ever gotten lost?

A few years ago, my youngest son became lost while out with some friends at the Detroit Auto show. I was not there but received a call on my cell phone to let me know that he had gotten lost but was safe.

When I arrived to pick my son up, as the police officer walked him to my car, I noticed that my son was not crying nor was he upset. As a matter of fact, he seemed to be taking the whole thing in stride.

As we rode home and I asked what happened, he told me how he had become separated and what he did. He was in a car and somehow, when the older boys had gotten out of the car they didn't notice that he was no longer with him. Since my son no longer could see his companions or their father, he did what he had been taught to do. He went up to someone who was working there and told them he was lost. They told my son he wasn't lost, the people he had come with were lost, because he knew where he was.

Saints of God, sometimes in our lives we too lose our way and become lost. Or so it seems to us. We too will need help to find our way home to our Father. The key is recognizing that we are lost and need help to find our way home. We recognize that wherever we may be in our journey doesn't look familiar to us. Or somehow we have become separated from those with whom we have made the journey with.

The key is identifying someone, one of God's angels, who can help us find our way home.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, sometimes as we journey through this life, we become lost. We find that we have somehow become separated from You. We look around us and nothing looks familiar, or we recognize that the things around us are not of You. We don't know how to find our way back to You because we don't know how we got to this place. But Lord, You have told us time and time again, that You are just a prayer away. Thank You Lord, for the power of prayer. Father, help us to recognize those times when we find ourselves in a far country, far away from Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord, to recognize Your angels who will help us to find our way home. Father, we thank You for Your under-Sheppards who You have given charge over us. Because there have been times when we didn't even recognize just how lost we have been, but You have sent them out to bring us back into the fold. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to touch our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as our unsaved families members and friends. So many need so much. We don't know the need of each individual but we know You do. Bless us Lord in the area of our lives that we have need of. Father God, our hearts are overflowing with Your love. Thank You Lord, for that love. We come before the throne of grace once again, just to give You honor, glory and praise. Bless the name of the Lord. Glory to Your name Lord. Thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray, Amen.

Jacqueline Moore is a Christian author who offers spiritual words of encouragement daily on her website at www.virtuousliving.com. She has contributed to several anthologies and is currently preparing for the release of her first novel, “Serving Justice” under the Peace in the Storm imprint, in April 2009.

Changing Ain't Easy

Seasons change, friends move away, and life goes on from day to day. Flowers fade and streams go dry and many times we wonder why. Yet we can always be assured because God tells us in His Word, that unlike changes in the weather, love goes on and lasts ~ unknown.

Scripture:
As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him– you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. 1 Peter 2:4-6

Saints, how many of you have been going through some things for what seems like a long time? How many of you are in a valley experience with no mountain-top in sight? How many of you feel that no matter how much you pray, fast and sacrifice, God doesn't seem to hear your prayers? Well I don't know about you, but I raised my hand at each question. However, there is something that I now realize. Since becoming a Christian, I have changed.

Things that would have sent me into a tailspin don't anymore. Instead of breaking down and crying about everything, I pray instead. Instead of talking about what others are doing to me, I talk about what God is doing in my life.

Now don't get me wrong. I still become sad and frustrated over things. I still worry about certain things, my children for example, but I have learned to depend on God more and more.

I realize that over these past few years, I have changed a lot of things about myself and how I am living. I realize that everything that the world accepts is not what I am supposed to accept. I realize that God didn't save me for me; God saved me for his edification.

I have realized that God is still in control and if I just be step back, be still and know that he is God, Changing ain't that hard.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, as a new day begins, so does fresh grace and mercy. Thank you Father for a new beginning and for new revelations. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again, humbling our hearts, our minds and our spirits to pay homage to you. We bow our heads and lift our hands to glorify the name of the Lord. When we stop to think about your goodness and your mercies, we say thank you Lord that you remember me, a sinner who is not worthy. Father, we don't know what this day may bring, but the one thing that we do know is that you are with us always. During times of sadness, joy, despair, peace and even in the midst of the storm your goodness and mercy are at our side. Lord, satan would have us believe that things in our lives will never change. We rebuke satan and his lies, in the name of Jesus. I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. I am the head and not the tail, I am above and not below. Victory is mine, in the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Jacqueline Moore is a Christian author who offers spiritual words of encouragement daily on her website at www.virtuousliving.com. She has contributed to several anthologies and is currently preparing for the release of her first novel, “Serving Justice” under the Peace in the Storm imprint, in April 2009.

Be Encouraged

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~ Unknown

Scripture:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Psalm 34:18-20

Periodically we will all be faced trials and tribulations. From time to time it will seem as though God doesn't hear or just won't answer our prayers. Then, there are times when we are just plain old tired of fighting against this world.

Recently, I was reminded of a situation that the Prophet Elijah went through. Elijah was a prophet who did great things in the name of God. (See 1 Kings). One day Elijah was sent out to destroy the prophets of Baal. He killed all 450 prophets. When Jezebel heard what he had done she vowed to have him killed as well. Elijah, a great Prophet of the Living God, who had done great things in the name of God, just the day before, became scared and ran away to hide.

This Prophet, one of God's chosen, became scared of one woman. Even though God had manifested himself in Elijah's life and used Elijah to do many things in his name, Elijah ran. Even though Elijah knew God for himself and had seen his power first hand, he felt helpless at the threat of one queen Jezebel.

I use this story because it reminded me that even those who have been on the battlefield for the Lord and have been used by God will become tired. I am reminded of not only Elijah, but of King David and of Job as well. But you know what saints of God? Even in their moments of darkness God was still there. Even when it seemed that there was little or no hope, God was still there. Even when it seemed that they couldn't go on another day, God was still there.

So Saints of God, remember, God is still there! He will never leave us nor forsake us! He hasn't failed us yet!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

God's Rare And Precious Jewels

Remember, the gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. ~ Chinese Proverb

Scripture:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 1 Peter 1:6-8 (New International Version)

Did you know that diamonds are made of carbon, one of the softest materials on earth? But when carbon is under extreme pressure buried deep below more than 75 miles of rock and is in temperatures more than 2, 192° F, it changes in to a diamond. What starts out as an inert object deep in the bowls of the earth, is transformed into a rare and precious jewel by pressure.

I often liken our lives to diamonds. We start out as; apathetic, asleep, closed down, dead, dormant, down, dull, idle, immobile, impassive, impotent, inactive, inanimate, indolent, languid, languorous, lazy, leaden, listless, motionless, numb, on ice, paralyzed, passive, phlegmatic, powerless, quiescent, quiet, slack, sleepy, slothful, sluggard, sluggish, slumberous, static, still, stolid, torpid, unmoving, unresponsive, (I’m using the thesaurus tonight), individuals who are usually full of themselves with selfish motivations and no real concept of who we are without God.

As things begin to happen in our lives that put us under pressure, we too begin to change. We start searching for that someone or that something that will be the catalyst for our transformation. Those of us, who are lucky, will soon discover that the something or someone who will be the motivating factor for our change will be God.

However, it won’t stop there. As we grow in faith, so will our situations. God isn’t content with us just being a Christian. God wants us to be the best Christian we can be. So in an effort to force out any impurities that may still remain in our lives, he keeps the pressure on.

The pressure is not to break us, but rather to make is into a flawless diamond; a rare and precious jewel.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it seems as though I am fighting a never ending battle. Some days are filled with stress and strife. Sometimes, I become weary from the war that wages around me. I realized that sometimes it is I who has caused the war from within. Lord, help me to be strong and resist temptation. Help me to develop patience, perseverance and peace within. Father, as I pause to spend time with You, I ask that you would quiet the conflict that rages within me. When I am faced with trials and tribulations help me to be still and remain calm and turn control over to the Holy Spirit. It's Your spirit Lord, that dwells in me. It that same spirit that can give me rest if I would just succumb to it. It’s in that spirit I can find peace, joy and contentment. It's in that Spirit that I can find the answer to the questions that plague me. Father, sometimes it seems as though satan’s entire army has come against me. But Your word tells me that no army can defeat me with the Lord on my side. Thank You Father. I know that as long as I follow You, I am on the right path. I also realize that as long as I follow You, satan will be there trying to discourage me. I rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus. I call upon the name of the Lord, and I will surrender my will to his and allow the Lord to fight my battles. Thank You Father for the power and authority that has been given to me through Christ Jesus. Lord, bless my family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep me nearer God to Thee. Glory to God, Praise the name of the Lord. Hallelujah, Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Jacqueline Moore is a Christian author who offers spiritual words of encouragement daily on her website at www.virtuousliving.com. She has contributed to several anthologies and is currently preparing for the release of her first novel, “Serving Justice” under the Peace in the Storm imprint, in April 2009.

Be Yourself

Everyone spends a lot of time trying to conform to what the world says they should be. But, the Bible teaches us to do just the opposite.

Listen as Cheryl Lacey Donovan teaches you to be yourself

7 Lessons for L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith and Expectancy

Today I begin a series entitled 7 Lessons for L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith and Expectancy)

There are seven steps you can follow to reach the abundant life that God has purposed for you.

The first step is to "Be Yourself"

Many of us spend most of our lives conforming to what society says we should be. Yet, even the Bible says we should not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:2. Remember, Jesus wasn't put to death for going along with the program!

Being yourself, what God has called you to be, is essential to walking in your destiny.Being who and what God has called you to be is as natural as breathing. Yet, many of you are fearful, lacking confidence in the Word of God and what it promise for you. Therefore, you yield to social pressure and use it as an excuse for not being yourself. Denying who you are according to God's design, will cause you to live a life of frustration and discord. Supressing who you are in hopes that "man" will reward you will leave you coming up short everytime. Instead, you should be listening to what God has to say about you while living a life that is pleasing to HIm.

The steps of a good man are ordered by God. Where is He leading you? Will you follow?

Living according to God's plans for your life will not always be popular. In fact, some people, even your family, may disapprove. The bottom line is our thoughts are not His thoughts and our plans are not His plans, therefore, it is not ours to question His will but to follow it. Not being who God called you to be will lead to unrest.

Recognize that people's perceptions of you matter far less than what God has to say about you. Be "you" consistently. This will allow you to be honest and open with others as well as yourself. Be open to change if you are not aligned with God's Word understanding that not being in His perfect will can draw you further from Him. You want to be everything that He has called you to be.

Don't allow your faults to overwhelm you, but don't ignore them either. Keep in mind no one is perfect, so self improvement, in alignement with God's teachings, will help you walk in God's destiny.

Being yourself begins with understanding and accepting yourself for who and what you are. Concurrently, you must yield yourself to God's power and will for your life understanding that He can make perfect all things about you when you abide in HIm and He abides in you.

You were fearfully and wonderfully made in God's own image. Therefore, He who has begun a good work in you is able to complete it. Don't rely on your own understanding , rely on Him.

Believe in who God has called you to be.

Join me next week when I move to step two (Love your neighbor as" YOURSELF") of the 7 Lessons for L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith and Expectancy).

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is an author ,talk show host and inspirational speaker. Her captivating messages are presented with passion and conviction as she connects with her audience through her conversational style. Her new book the Ministry of Motherhood (Peace in the Storm Publishing) will be released May 2009. To learn more about Cheryl visit www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

Dealing with Setbacks in Business

It’s common knowledge that a large number of businesses fail during their first five years. However, it’s how you deal with setbacks that determine the ultimate outcomes.

Let’s look at some of the common reasons why businesses experience the setbacks that ultimately cause them to fail.

Your reasons for starting a business should not be to make a lot of money, spend more time with your family, or so that you won’t have to answer to anyone else. These reasons lead to quick setbacks because the truth of the matter is, when you first start a business, you must wear many hats. At this point your days will become longer than you ever imagined and you will inevitably spend more money than you planned to. Instead you should start your business because you love what you do, you have the drive, determination and patience to persevere, and you’re not willing to let failure defeat you.

The second reason businesses fail or experience setbacks is poor management. New business owners cannot afford to be naïve about their weaknesses. If you lack expertise in areas such as finance, production, or marketing, then you need to surround yourself with people that have strength in those areas. New business owners must also be entrepreneurial in their thinking; always looking for the next big thing, innovative.

Thirdly, insufficient capital due to underestimating start up costs and operating expenses as well as unrealistic sales expectations, can also lead to setbacks.

Finally, lack of planning can deal a devastating blow even to well established companies. A sound business plan, marketing plan, and financial plan are all essential to starting and maintaining a successful company. It is here that you can develop strategies dealing with potential setbacks. Without plans in place, your company may not rebound. An entrepreneur, if he is to truly be successful, must be able to plan and organize.

Now that we have looked at potential setbacks, let’s talk about how to deal with them.

It’s safe to say all of us deserve to be successful. The reality is, however, that we will most definitely experience setbacks or failures in our lifetime. The same is true in business. But, what separates a successful business from a failed business is how you deal with setbacks.

Parker Palmer once said, “In the west, our fixation on success discourages us from risk taking because it values success over learning and it abhors failure whether we learn from it or not.”

With this mindset our successes are sure to be few. Instead when setbacks arise, we must stop looking at the glass half empty and begin looking at it as half full.

Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed 700 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving those 700 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”

Setbacks are not a sign of weakness, stupidity, or dumbness. They are a chance for improvement and growth. CEO’s from companies such as Dell and Microsoft admit that some of their biggest failures led to some of their greatest innovations. They took the time to learn from their setbacks. Every setback teaches you something. The more mistakes you make, the smarter you can become.

“Never allow anyone, including yourself, to label you as a failure.” Abraham Lincoln

Every success story is also a story of failure. The only difference is, the successful people didn’t give up.

Finally, when dealing with setbacks, be patient. Setbacks can cause your goals to be delayed, but in the long run, things will work out.

Look at setbacks as an opportunity to improve; a road to success. Be committed to your business. Counteract setbacks with innovative and new ideas. Dealing with your setbacks effectively will catapult you into the realm of the successful.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is an author educator, inspirational speaker, and talk show host. Visit her at www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

How many more lives will be lost to HIV/AIDS?

It all begins with the look; that initial contact when the eyes speak loud and clear as to what the body craves. Deep, wet, passionate kisses leading to mind blowing orgasms that leaves the body trembling much like a leaf on a tree on the windiest of days. Sex. It's meant to be a beautiful bond, a physically satisfying act between two people, but when not engaged in responsibly, sex can turn ugly, deadly even.

Andre Peters, a man who has it all; the perfect wife and family, and the job of his dreams. From the outside looking in, one would have to ask, What more could he ask for? What he didn't ask for was his secret desires for the same sex; those desires that occasionally lead him astray from his marital vows. But Andre doesn't consider himself gay or bi. He still loves sex with his wife; it’s just every now and again that he craves something different, pleasure he can only find in the arms of another man.

His failure to be honest with his lovers of both genders; his failure to engage in safe sex; his denial of his sexual preference; and his desire to straddle the fence-sleeping with both women and men-leads to a domino effect, destroying lives one HIV infection after another.

In Consequences, readers are taken on a journey into the lives of a down-low husband, his wife, his lovers, and a cast of others who are affected, whether directly or indirectly, by the HIV virus. The story is fiction but the reality of HIV is fact, and the reality is that each year there are thousands of new cases diagnosed-most of those new cases being women of color and minority. It has to end; and it has to end where it begins-with each one of us.

I am honored to make a guest appearance on today's Worth More Than Rubies blog talk show, www.blogtalkradio.com/WorthMoreThanRubies, 3pm CST, and 4pm on the East Coast.

We hold the power to eradicate this deadly, yet prevantable disease.

Linda R. Herman
www.LindaRHerman.com

Single Mothers Welfare and Child Support are not Your Source!

By Worth More Than Rubies Ministries

Dated: Dec 02, 2008

Cheryl Lacey Donovan speaks with Don Durant about her new book The Ministry of Motherhood.

Court ordered child support was designed to assure that children are cared for financially by both parents.

"I received a court order for child support but never received a penny after the order was made," Says Lacey-Donovan, author of the soon to be released Ministry of Motherhood.

To add insult ot injury Cheryl says she tried to collect through a private agency and was told that everyone was trying to get money from her ex-husband.
Cheryl's experience is not uncommon. She says the Attorney General's office focuses more on mothers who are on public assistance because the government wants to recoup some of its money.

"Even then many mothers never receive a dime. That's why I advocate that mothers take a different approach. You see, I had to learn that Child Support was not my source. My true source was God. Once I began operating from that belief, my life began to change."

Cheryl's says that mothers need to stop focusing so much on receiving money from others and begin to look to themselves for the financial security they seek.

"The truth of the matter is, many of these men were not responsible from the outset, so assuming that they will be responsible fathers is a jump," says Cheryl

Don Durant will be interviewing Cheryl on Saturday, December 13, 2008. Log into www.blogtalkradio.com/don-durant 4pm EST. To call in for the discussion dial 718-305-6322

About the Author

Cheryl Donovan's life is a true reflection of God's faithfulness. Mrs. Donovan encountered God at an early age. Yet, at the age of 17 she found herself in a constant struggle as a teenage mother. So, after a few years of trying to do things her way, she decided to place all of her trust in the fact that God could and would work miracles in her life. She was walking a tough road, but God was walking with her. Through the love and support of her family and friends, Mrs. Donovan was able to persevere.

"All of the women that I have advised over the years have similar stories; low self esteem, abusive relationships, poverty. I too have endured some of these same realities. I just felt like it was time to write a book that tells women that the situations that they are in don't have to be permanent. There is hope, but their
choices must be different if they expect their circumstances to be different. Poor choices lead to poor circumstances. I want readers to comprehend the message that failure is not an option, especially when you have children. It is my hope that the life lessons and biblical references provided in "Women What the Hell
are You Thinking" and The Ministry of Motherhood will show women of all ages and colors that failure is not an option in any aspects of their lives. Women have always been over comers but they must find it within themselves to persevere."

Mrs. Donovan hopes to affect the lives of women in a profound way. Her passion is fueled by the many life changes that have affected her over the years. Cheryl understands adversity and realizes that you can't keep life from happening, but the choices that you make can determine the circumstances that you find
yourself in.

Her captivating messages are presented with passion and conviction as she connects with her audience through her conversational style. Learn more about Cheryl by visiting www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

About the Book

In the Ministry of Motherhood,author Cheryl Lacey Donovan tackles the issue of single parenting with raw emotion, insightful lessons, biblical references and relevant life changing inspiration for mothers of all ages. It will minister to women who are living the life that Cheryl has overcome. The empowering
refreshing messages will challenge mothers to look inside themselves for change. It will help them to identify the strongholds in their lives; public assistance, lack of education, abusive relationships, and tear them down with the help of the creator so that they can in turn take the steps necessary to build a better life
for themselves and their children.

Cheryl's transparency in The Ministry of Motherhood tears down all of
the excuses for why single mothers can't succeed. It breaks away at all of the lies that are told about why single mother's are in their current situations; and it defies the statistics that say the children of single mother's will never amount to anything.

The Ministry of Motherhood is Cheryl's journey from being a teenage parent to being a successful mother, author, talk show host, and inspirational speaker. It tells of Cheryl's transition from the devastation of an abusive marriage which left her with two sons at an early age to her testimony of deliverance and release. It
gives an insightful look into what it means to be a "mother"; the hard choices, the sacrifices, the dreams deferred. The Ministry of Motherhood is more than just a mere book. It is a testimony of God's ability to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask.

This book is a must read for mothers of all ages
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About Peace in the Storm Publishing

Peace in the Storm Publishing is a broad-based publisher whose strength lies in publishing quality books to reach the reader's soul. Our motto is "Giving your Soul a Rise, One Page at a Time." Our mission is to publish entertaining and enjoyable works by gifted storytellers in all genres, including, contemporary fiction, mystery, romance, self help, general interest fiction, street-lit, erotica, non-fiction and Christian fiction.
Category Family, Lifestyle, Literature

Shayla Simone
books@peaceinthestormpublishing.com
(862) 215-2980Post Office Box 1152
Poconos Summit,Pennsylvania 18346

I just want my kids to do right!

I thought leaving letters would give my family a sense of security and make them feel the love I truly have for them. Instead it all blew up and hit the fan. They are at each other’s throats even worse than before I died. They weren’t as close as a family should be when I was living. My brother JB rarely speaks to his only son, Lawrence. My two daughters can’t stand to be in the same room as one another. I hate that it’s come to this, but I know my family. They want to just come to town for my funeral, find out what’s in the Will and go back to their own lives. I’m not going to let that happen.

I convinced my sister Connie Sue to give all of my immediate family members letters that I have written. I’ve only told them the truth with my words. That’s all I’d ever done in life. They know that I give them the truth, even when they don’t want it. I can’t help it. I love my family, despite the fact that they drive me absolutely crazy. Guess that’s just what family does, if you love them hard enough. I just pray that they get themselves together and realize the true importance of being a family. At least they better, or else they won’t touch a piece of anything I left in my Will!

-LuLuBell Darling Devereaux

Have a Cooling Board story you would like to post?
Post your Cooling Board stories online at http://www.thecoolingboard.blogspot.com/!


The Cooling Board by Tamara Angela Grant
www.tamaraangelagrant.com
Pre-order now online at amazon.com, target.com, or http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com/!

Author Tamara Angela Grant presents...The Cooling Board

You’ll never put this literary phenom in a box! We were first introduced to not only beauty but brains, with a story to tell, in Tamara Angela Grant, with her debut Promises Made, Promises Kept and now with the highly-anticipated, The Cooling Board. Tamara is intrigued by human nature and what makes people react to situations. A licensed social worker by day, Tamara witnesses human interaction in its most deep and pure form, often times seeing those who’ve hit rock bottom. Tamara’s writing provides an opportunity for discussion and for people to really talk about how things affect them. Clever wit, skillful dialogue, masterful plots, coupled with real-life circumstances regarding the truth about family and relationships, will engage readers and promote changes they want to make to themselves and in life in general. As a writer, Tamara's gift of storytelling brings her readers into the world of her characters and Tamara promises to keep her readers turning pages! Tamara is not only an author, but a literary publicist as well (http://www.eventsbyespeciallyyours.com/). She is also a contributor for Victorious Magazine (http://www.victoriousmagazine.com/).
You can visit her at www.myspace.com/maraangel or contact her at tamara.grant@hotmail.com.