Multi-Author Giveaway -- Last Chance April 16th!!! Connie Sokol's 40 Days With the Savior

Multi-Author Giveaway - Excerpt From 40 Days with the Savior: He Prepared Spiritually for the Day

By Connie Sokol April 16, 2014

[Excerpt from 40 Days with the Savior. See link below]

“DAY 1: HE PREPARED SPIRITUALLY FOR THE DAY

Matthew 5:1

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.

I think of this scripture often. I don’t have multitudes coming at me daily, but I have seven children, which feels like a multitude. And I don’t have disciples that come to me, but I have family, friends, neighbors, and people I meet who daily need to be loved, cheered, and encouraged. Instead of hurrying out of bed and going through a lengthy to-do list, Jesus went to a quiet place, talked with His Heavenly Father, and prepared spiritually for whatever difficulties were sure to come.

That’s a good idea.

Constantly caring for others brings joy, peace, and fulfillment. But it can also drain our reserves. Especially as mothers, we can get “set” for the day as the Savior did and receive that spiritual boost and perspective we will need to get through it. Accessing His peace and love allows us to more fully enjoy serving and caring, as well as feel a greater connection to the ultimate Caregiver.

What is one thing you can do to spiritually prepare for the day?

[Excerpt from 40 Days with the Savior, available in print or ebook on Amazon.]

P.S. Bundle and Save with 4 for $25 40 Days with the Savior bundle for a limited time only…click HERE

Multi-author Giveaway Spotlight: Enter by April 16!!!

Today’s Multi-author Giveaway Spotlight:

We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together

By Fay Klingler

We Are Strong! beautifully illustrates how powerful a faithful woman’s example can be.

Review: Every word I read was profound and uplifting. What wonderful guidelines! Each chapter takes a value and provides amazing content. I loved the way Fay integrated so many scriptures from the Book of Mormon and other standard works as she described each value and how we can apply the teaching of that value to helping and teaching our young women. Fay also included everyday experiences from friends, associates, and relatives that readers can relate to. I appreciated the “Why” and “How” sections at the end of each chapter as well as the “house” we are building with each value.  —Claire DeWitt, Stake Relief Society President

Bio: Fay A. Klingler, author and illustrator, is an award-winning creative and technical writer, as well as a sought-after motivational speaker for women’s groups. Her expertise includes successful patterns for life, betrayal recovery, and effective grandparenting. Her previous publications include A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God; Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery; Daughters of God, You Have What It Takes; The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book; My Magnificent Mountain; The Complete Guide to Woman’s Time; Our New Baby; and A Mother’s Journal.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sister Klingler has served in various stake and ward Relief Society positions, as a ward Young Women president, in the Primary, and as a stake missionary.

The Klinglers have twelve children and thirty-five grandchildren in their blended family. They reside in Draper, Utah.

www.fayklingler.com

www.facebook.com/FayKlingler

https://www.amazon.com/author/www.fayklingler.com

[You can win Fay’s book! Prepare for Easter with our multi-author Easter Book Giveaway! Throughout the week, from April 8 through April 16th, enter to win by using Rafflecopter. Click HERE]

Studio 5 Segment--Share Serve Love April 16, 2014

Studio 5 Segment -- Ways Families Can SHARE LOVE SERVE

Aired on April 16, 2014

1) The Book Drop (see below)

2) Teach a Class at the Road Home in Salt lake

(email me to schedule to teach the children's class :)) 

3) Flower Fairies

4) The Letter Writer (see below)

WIN one of my books..  Email me at my 

NEW EMAIL!!!  spumonibyjodi@gmail.com. 

Tell me something you have done recently to SHARE, LOVE, SERVE We will be featuring ideas on STUDIO 5 next month!  :-)  Winner will be identified, Friday, April 25th, 2014 and posted HERE.  

 Also, check out the six author giveaway in my previous postings-this past week-- to win!!!

6 AUTHOR GIVEWAY-check it out LAST CHANCE

STUDIO 5 LINKS FOR MORE INFO:

Utah Refugee Website

Catholic Community Services for Refugees-Volunteer Info

Movie Clip--The Letter Writer
Movie Clip--The Letter Writer


Purchase movie The Letter Writer at Amazon
(Also sold at Seagull Book and Deseret Book)

Author Giveaway-Featured Author-Michelle Wilson

Today’s Multi-author Giveaway Spotlight:

Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?

by Michelle Wilson

I picked up Michelle's book the first day it hit the store!  Loved the cover!  Loved the title!  She writes honest to goodness, real woman insights, always gospel related.  She certainly has a strong sense of herself  Her humor proves it (like when she admits not wanting to sit on the hard chairs at church because her backside will show :) )  Her relateable personal stories are kin to my "sideburn moments", and if you've read my book,  Precious in His Sight, you'll know what I'm talking about.  Hee. Hee.  Can't wait to meet this girl!    

 Michelle:  “When we see ourselves with God’s eternal perspective, we can feel confident and whole—even in our imperfection. Just think what we might accomplish if we truly believe that we are more important than we know, stronger than we realize, and extraordinary in every way.”  

Review: “I highly recommend Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?. It is worth every one of the five stars I’m giving it.” LDS Women’s Book Review

Bio: Michelle Wilson is a native of California. Through serving a full-time mission, teaching seminary, Sunday School classes, and speaking at various firesides and conferences, Michelle has developed a love of the power and simplicity of the gospel. She believes in the healing power of laughter and chocolate. She and her husband, Jerey, are the parents of three children and live in Washington State.

Visit Michelle’s website! Click HERE

Purchase her book! Click HERE

[You can win Michelle's book! Prepare for Easter with our multi-author Easter Book Giveaway! Throughout the week, from April 8 through April 16th, enter to win by using Rafflecopter. Click HERE]

Featured Author Giveaway -- Lori Nawyn and Jodi Robinson (that's me)

One of Today’s Multi-author Giveaway Spotlights:

Simple Things: Daily Thoughts, Stories, and Inspiration to Live Life More Fully

by Lori Nawyn

Who doesn't like to keep things simple?

Love this simple, daily thought book of self-discovery.

It's absolutely stuffed full of delightful daily thoughts, quotes, recipes, personal experiences and more.  --Connie E. Sokol, Author

Recipes included range from Chocolate Trifle to Fiesta Guacamole!

Enter to WIN ONE BOOK of your very own! Simply use our Rafflecopter and you will be notified after April 16th. Click HERE

 If you would like to purchase, click HERE

Reviews: “This is not just a book to read, it’s a book to experience.”–Michele Ashman Bell, author A Candle in the Window and The Butterfly Box Series

 “Simple Things is filled with wisdom for women of all ages; This book is a delightful combination of the very things busy women need to enrich their lives.” –Joy Lundberg, lyricist and co-author of I Don’t Have to Make Everything All Better

Bio: Lori Nawyn is an award-winning writer, illustrator, and graphic designer whose key passion in life is to help others discover their own unique inner strengths. Her short stories, which touch on surviving grief and thriving with joy, have been included in six anthologies. Her essays and articles have been featured in numerous print and online publications including the Deseret News, Outside Bozeman, Segullah, and The SCBWI Bulletin. She is the author of one novel My Gift to You (2010), two inspirational books Fill Your Day With Hope (2013) and Simple Things (2014), the cookbook Peachy: A Harvest of Fruity Goodness (2013), and the forthcoming The Great American Family Reunion Cookbook (2014) and The Pear Connoisseur (2014). She is also the illustrator of Love, Hugs, and Hope: When Scary Things Happen (2013) and the forthcoming children’s travel series Jack & Lilly(2015).

Wife of a fireman, mother of four, grandmother of four, and mentor to three opinionated dogs she’s training for urban mushing, Lori enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, reading, and growing tomatoes, peppers, and herbs for her fresh salsa.

One of Today’s Multi-author Giveaway Spotlights:

Precious in His Sight–Seeing yourself as God sees you

by Jodi Marie Robinson (it's me :) ) 

Connie Sokol put this fantastic GIVEAWAY together!  She gets a double (no, quadruple) THANKS for including me  :)  Here is what she has to say about my book:  "Jodi is a natural storyteller (maybe it's her Italian heritage?) and brings each chapter alive with wonderful, perfectly chosen stories to share the principles for feeling true self-worth. With poignant scriptures as well as hilarious experiences (especially "Sideburn Moments"--we all have them!) you come away feeling uplifted and assured of His love for you. Enter to win this book below!  --Connie Sokol, Author, mother of 7 extraordinaire (I added that part, but it's really true.:) )

Our Father in Heaven, in His infinite wisdom, sees not the outward appearance but perceives the beauty of the heart and the worth of a soul. Through meaningful stories, scriptures, and examples, motivational speaker Jodi Marie Robinson lovingly reminds daughters of God of all ages, shapes, and sizes that the only true path to happiness is to measure your value as the Lord does. After all, you are more precious than rubies.

Bio: Jodi Marie Robinson is a wife, mother, author, and inspirational speaker. For 13 years, she has taught motivational classes to women recovering from drug addiction, at House of Hope, in Salt Lake. Her books teach timeless principles of self-worth.  She is the author of Women of Virtue (2009), A Royal Guardian (2013), with published essays in The Art of Motherhood (2013), and A Mother's Prayer (2014).  She is a featured SERVICE NEEDS NOW guest on KSL's Studio 5.   She likes to be thought of as the neighbor next door who always has a cup of sugar to lend, and who always needs of stick of butter to borrow (and it's usually on a Sunday!)  :)

Enter to WIN ONE print BOOK and this keepsake ruby necklace of your very own! Simply use our Rafflecopter and you will be notified after April 16th. Click HERE

Purchase print copies directly from the author at jodimarierobinson@gmail.com

So you're not ENOUGH? -- the new book Power to Become by Elder Bednar can help

Ever struggle with feeling like you don't measure up to Christ's standards of PERFECTION? 

The scripture in Matthew 5:48, "be ye therefore perfect", can be a daunting commandment.  

But, the word PERFECT originally meant WHOLE and COMPLETE.  And guess what?  You can do WHOLE!  And you can do COMPLETE!  Because Jesus Christ makes us whole and complete, through His EVERLASTING ATONEMENT. :)   Yay! 

Holding yourself accountable to impeccably, high standards is a good thing.  But knowing you’re going to fall short—in some way—each and every day--that can be discouraging.  But Christ is about motivation.  Not about discouragement.

If the doctrine behind the call to BE PERFECT is understood correctly, new ways of being can be achieved.  That’s why I love Elder Bendnar’s new book.  

First, it’s not a book about BEING perfect.
It’s about BECOMING perfect.
And there’s a difference.  Thank goodness J

In it, he defines BECOMING PERFECT as losing the desire for sin (page 2);  compares BECOMING to climbing UP a ladder, one rung at a time (page 2); and teaches that perfection WILL COME "line up line, and precept upon precept" (page 3).  His message is BECOMING PERFECT is a "process to be pursued" (page 8). 

So breathe J

Looking at the scripture "be ye therefore perfect" as an INVITATION to BECOME perfect allows us to develop our CONFIDENCE, so we can become like the Savior.  Because, eventually, with His help, we can become anything we put our heart and mind to.

There are commandments we CAN BE PERFECT in keeping.  Paying 100% tithing.  Not stealing.  Not lying.  Among others.  The commandment to Not Bear False Witness is one we don't think of very often, but recently, I did.  I had a sad and heart-wrenching experience, where I felt false witness was being born against me.  In my sorrow and heartache, I sought the Savior's healing.  I turned to Him and the scriptures, pleading for His tutelage.  I could feel, through the spirit, Him reminding me, “I'm here to help you BECOME like me, as often as you need me to."

 

I could do nothing about what was said about me, or the course that those words would ensue.  I was reminded that through the Atonement of a Savior—who loves me AND my accusers--I could feel whole and complete, again.

At my core, I could feel Christ was not my accuser, as so often we think Him to be.  He is not that at all!  He is our ADVOCATE.  And, in this circumstance, that title gave me the most comfort  Digging deep, I found comfort in him leading to me to Elder Holland’s teaching:  "The race is NOT against each other.  The race is against SIN." 

Too, often, mortal beings want to compare, compete, and correct.  None of us should be on the receiving end of those judgments.  Although, I felt, I was wrongly accused, I could learn from the experience.  Because I certainly wasn't perfect reacting to the accusations of my accusers.  But, in Christ--eventually--I will BE. :))  Because, in this life, with Christ's help, I AM BECOMING.

IMPERFECT people.  That's who we are.  And we are trying to BECOME better.  And, guess what?   God sees beauty in it . . . He sees beauty in our imperfection because He sees beauty for ashes.  Perfection is going to take a while and Christ knows that.  And He's actually okay with it.  :)) 

We need to be okay with it, too. :))  

And understand that in our striving and yearning to do all we can do we are BECOMING MORE, and to Him, we are already enough.  

With love and friendship,

Jodi

If you are interested, President Bednar, along with his lovely wife, teach how to think about becoming like Christ while struggling to be enough.  Definitely worth watching.  More videos can be found on Youtube. 

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY-Michelle Wilson--Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat

TODAY'S MULTI-AUTHOR GIVEAWAY FEATURES 

MICHELLE WILSON.

REVIEW:  "Michelle writes a deeply personal, humorous, and real-woman’s book, sharing her real-life experiences of growth using the gospel, and does it fabulously! With great sections like “The Pearls of Progress” . . . [and other] stories like not wanting to keep a promise to her daughter to sit in the “hard” seats at church because she didn’t want people seeing her backside!  Enjoy this upbeat yet solid ride–enter to win below!"  --Author, Connie Sokol

REVIEW: “I highly recommend Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?. It is worth every one of the five stars I’m giving it.” LDS Women’s Book Review

Michelle:  “When we see ourselves with God’s eternal perspective, we can feel confident and whole—even in our imperfection. Just think what we might accomplish if we truly believe that we are more important than we know, stronger than we realize, and extraordinary in every way.”

Bio: Michelle Wilson is a native of California. Through serving a full-time mission, teaching seminary, Sunday School classes, and speaking at various firesides and conferences, Michelle has developed a love of the power and simplicity of the gospel. She believes in the healing power of laughter and chocolate. She and her husband, Jerey, are the parents of three children and live in Washington State.

Visit Michelle’s website! Click HERE

Purchase her book! Click HERE

[You can win Michelle's book! Prepare for Easter with our multi-author Easter Book Giveaway! Throughout the week, from April 8 through April 16th, enter to win by using Rafflecopter. Click HERE]