Melissa Mashburn

Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

The Secret To Living A Defiant Joy: An interview with Margaret Feinberg

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One of my favorite authors, Margaret Feinberg, has been through a brutal fight with cancer and shares the unexpected lessons she discovered along the way in her new book and Bible study Fight Back With Joy.

It’s been inspiring to learn how Margaret has been practicing a defiant joy, and I and thought you might like to get an insider’s look, a sneak peek of the video and read an interview with Margaret.

Preview the 6-Session DVD Bible Study, here.

Your newest book and Bible study, Fight Back With Joy, was born out of your fight with a life-threatening illness. What was your difficult diagnosis, and what has your journey to health entailed?

For the last 18 months, I’ve been battling breast cancer. Breast cancer isn’t just one disease represents thousands of different diseases with their varying components and factors. Being diagnosed under the age of 40 is significant. I’ve been through a brutal year of chemotherapy, radiation, and more surgeries than I can count or want to remember.

Why did you write Fight Back With Joy?

I studied joy for a year and was putting the finishing touches on book on joy—just two weeks from turning it into the publisher, when I received the diagnosis. I had been pursuing and activating joy in my life in the relatively good times, now I had to do it in the midst of darkness, depression, and torturous pain. Through the process, I’ve discovered the breadth, depth, and power of joy—that despite hundreds of sermons and many decades in the church—no one had told me of before.

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In Fight Back With Joy book and Bible study, you really push the reader to reevaluate their definition of joy. Why do you think this is so important?

Much of the teaching I’ve heard on joy over the years is oversimplified. I remember those days in Sunday school learning that JOY is spelled Jesus, Others, Yourself. While that made perfect sense at 9 years old, I’ve seen how distorted that can become as an adult.

I see friends who love Jesus but spend so much time pouring into their kids, grandkids and others that their joy looks something like this: jOy.

Technically, it still spells joy, but more than anything, these men and women who are so exhausted, so empty, so running on fumes from pouring into others need to pause and take time to focus on themselves. Laying hold of joy right now will require them to reevaluate for a season and discover the joy that comes with JYo.

I also noticed how most of the definitions of joy define it more by what it isn’t than by what it is. I constantly heard that happiness is based on circumstance but joy is not dependent on circumstance.

Biblical expressions of joy turn out to be far different than what I had been taught. I am now convinced the writers of the Bible would say that, the reason we have joy is because we have great circumstances. If you are a child of God, you are drenched in the grace and mercy of God.

No matter what you’re facing: Your circumstances are better than you think.

If you’re not experiencing joy, perhaps it’s because your definition of joy is too narrow.

On a scale of 1-10, how hard was it for you to write this book and Bible study?

An eleven! This journey has been the most painful experience of my life. And, to share about it requires some vulnerability. Okay, a lot of vulnerability. And, that’s really, really hard. But I feel like I’m finally ready to share what God has stirred in my heart along the way because although cancer has been the most painful journey—it has also been the most joyful. And no one is more surprised than I am.

Pick up a copy of Fight Back With Joy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble today.

 

The Cure For The Perfect Life Book Review

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My Thoughts About the Book:

Where to begin, where to begin…seriously, it feels like this book might have been made just for me. That my secret is out and has been on hidden camera for years. This book is so incredibly spectacular, especially if you struggle with being the “trying harder” kinda girl. I mean, isn’t that what we were taught to do. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

My copy is dog-eared, folded, highlighted and the margins are crowded from all my notes. The spine of the book is cracked and it is well worn in…and this is a brand new book. I’ve carried in on vacation, in my laptop bag, in my purse and wherever else I can if I think I might be able to sneak a few more minutes to figure out how to start living braver!

Check this out, on the very first page of the book I’m drawn in (I think you will too) with this statement;

“I also have this constant feeling that everyone else “gets it” (whatever “is” is–marriage, parenting, work, friendships, God) and I don’t. It is a struggle every single day of my life, feeling like ‘m out of the loop–that everyone else was handed some manual to life.”

Oh girls, this book has something in it for everyone. Run to your computer, go to amazon.com and order yourself a copy of this book, you’ll thank me later. I’m still in the process myself to learn how to start living braver, so why don’t you join me and we’ll go on this journey together.

From the back of the book:

Are you crumbling under the burden of perfection?

You know the expectations are unreasonable–even unreachable.

And when everyone else seems more together than you, where do you turn for help?

Meet Kathi, a disguised perfectionist always looking to put everyone else’s needs above her own, and Cheri, a formerly confused and exhausted poster girl for playing it safe.  They’ve struggled just like you–and found the cure. With unabashed empathy and humor, they invite you to take part in their rebellion against perfection. Step-by-step they’ll teach you how to challenge and change unhealthy beliefs. As they free you from always seeking more or needing the approval of others, you’ll discover a new, braver way of living. At last, you’ll exchange outdated views of who you should be for a clearer vision of who you are in Christ.

The truth is you don’t have to be perfect.

You just have to be brave enough to read this book.

Website Link:  http://www.TheCureForThePerfectLife.com

FREE download of Chapter 1:  http://www.thecurefortheperfectlife.com/downloads/chapter1.pdf 

Facebook Page (aka “Braver Living Rebel Headquarters”): http://www.Facebook.com/TinyActsOfRebellion

 

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Kathi Lipp

Website:   http://www.KathiLipp.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp

Twitter:    https://twitter.com/kathilipp

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/kathilipp/

Kathi Lipp is the author of The Husband Project, The Me Project, The Get Yourself Organized Project, 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids, and several other books. Kathi’s articles have appeared in dozens of magazines, and she is a frequent guest on Focus on the Family radio and TV. She and her husband Roger are parents of four young adults in San Jose, California. Kathi shares her story at retreats, conferences, and women’s events across the United States. Connect with her at www.KathiLipp.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp, or on Twitter @KathiLipp.

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Cheri Gregory

Website:  http://www.CheriGregory.com

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/CheriGregoryAuthor

Twitter:    https://twitter.com/CheriGregory

Pinterest:   http://www.pinterest.com/CheriGregory

Cheri Gregory is a Certified Personality Trainer; contributor to multiple books, including Wired That Way and 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids; and frequent speaker for MOPS groups, women’s retreats, parent workshops, and educational conferences. She is also a high school English teacher and graduate student. Cheri has been “wife of my youth” to Daniel (her opposite personality), a pastor, for over a quarter-of-a-century; they have two college-aged kids (who are also opposite personalities). She blogs about expectations, “baditude”, and hope at www.CheriGregory.com. Connect with her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Cheri.Gregory.Author and Twitter @CheriGregory.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

 

Book Review: The Gospel-Centered Woman, by Wendy Alsup

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My Thoughts About The Gospel-Centered Woman:

This topic is always a delicate topic of conversation, especially within the church. As a Pastor’s Wife and Ministry Leader in the church I knew that this book was one that I wanted to dig into. I couldn’t wait to see where Wendy was going to go with this book and not really knowing anything about her or where she stand theologically I knew that it might be a chance, but it was one that I was willing to take.

Let me just say that this book did not disappoint. Packed full of Biblical wisdom and grounded in the Word Wendy tackled how we are “Created in God’s Image” in section #1, “Redeemed to Reflect God Once More” in section #2, and “Wisdom in the Tension” in section #3. Each and every section always went back to the gospel and was a precious gift to me as I read through it.

Each chapter has a page at the end for your own personal reflections. It is a great way to process through what you’ve just read as well as putting it into your own words with what stood out to you and what truths you can dig into right then. Love that! There’s also discussion questions at the back of the book if you chose to do this as a book group or study…which I highly recommend.

Right in the beginning of the book she sets the tone and says, “It is the gospel alone that equips us to bridge the gap between God’s good plan for His daughters and the fallen reality in which we all live.” As she wraps up the book she says, “Stand strong, alternately planting your feet while bracing against the storms of life and moving one foot forward in those moments the wind dies down, always believing confidently that your sovereign Father will keep His promises to you.” What a great way to start and end this important book.

About The Gospel-Centered Woman:

Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God’s good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Womanaddresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible’s instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jgKJd

Meet Wendy:

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Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom and college math teacher who loves ministering to women. “I feel I’ve almost always been in ministry, from the earliest years of my life helping my dad with his bus ministry at a small Baptist church in South Carolina,” explains Alsup. As an adult, her ministry work has included working in Christian camps and Christian schools in the U.S. and Korea and leading the women’s ministry at a large church in her current home city, Seattle. Her heart is most centered in the informal counseling and discipleship of women.

Alsup has published three books: Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in our Daily Lives, By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman’s Identity, and the new release, The Gospel-Centered Woman: Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel.

“I don’t have it all together. But then again, if I did, I wouldn’t need the gospel. The Gospel-Centered Woman is written by and for women who don’t have it all together. Who struggle. Whose burdens in life sometimes feel overwhelming. This is not a guilt-inducing book. God forbid! It would be the height of hypocrisy if I wrote a book that made other women feel guilt because of some imagined pinnacle of Biblical womanhood I had achieved.”

Find out more about Wendy Alsup and The Gospel-Centered Woman at www.theologyforwomen.org. Readers can keep up with Alsup via the Practical Theology for Women Facebook page and follow her on Twitter (@WendyAlsup).

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Ephesians, Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ, by Sue Edwards

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Ephesians Book Study

 My thoughts on Ephesians, Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ

Sue Edwards heart to dig deep into the Word is evident in this inductive Bible Study. Each chapter is full of great words of wisdom right from the pages of Scripture. With chapters that have QR codes that link to support videos there’s no shortage of resources to help you to get a better understanding of the meaning behind the words.

Each chapter is full of white space so you can walk through this study and write down all your thoughts throughout your time together. There’s also a prayer log and a tons of support resources and quotes so you are learning and growing together on many angles. I love the heart behind each of the chapters and was particularly drawn to lesson #6, “Tripping Over Your Tongue? Talk Your Walk!”. So much great stuff, this is a study you can do in a group or on your own as you dig deeper to discover your identity and purpose in Christ.

On the Back of the Book:

Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ
We live in a culture attracted to the supernatural. Psychics are interviewed on nightly news shows. Movie stars describe themselves as “spiritual” but not “religious”. Popular TV shows and movies feature decidedly unbiblical supernatural themes. How do we live well when we are surrounded by these dark forces?

Join Sue Edwards on this inductive study of the Bible’s spiritual warfare manual. As she digs into Ephesians, Sue will show you profound and mysterious truths that will help you sit with Christ, walk a worthy life, and take a stand against any force that threatens your relationship with your Savior.

About Ephesians:

Women need Bible study to keep balanced, focused and Christ-centered in their busy worlds. However, many find it difficult to set aside the time and discipline needed for an in-depth study. The Discover Together studies offer tiered questions to allow readers to choose a depth of study that fits with their individual lifestyles or schedules, even if they vary by the week, month or season

This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul’s church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God’s Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos. Scan the video QR code in the book with a smart phone or visit the series website to watch Sue provide historical and cultural background, teach important truths found in each week’s lesson, or ask thoughtful questions to encourage deeper discussion.

You can order a copy of the book here: http://ow.ly/jJdA1

Whether studying with a small group or by yourself, you know can join popular Bible teacher Sue Edwards on the Year of Discovery. Sue will be leading women through her studies with online chats and discussions on her Facebook page. All year long. Every week. Any time of day. From the comfort of home. Make-up and hair-do optional. Come as you are!

Each week you will find quotes, links to articles and other resources, and videos to help you as you study. Complete the lessons at your convenience. Then visit Facebook.com/DiscoverTogetherSeries any time of day to comment or ask questions. Sue will be there frequently to respond, encourage, and equip!

More about the Ephesians study:

This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul’s church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God’s Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos.

Ephesians Book Study Author

Meet Sue:

Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women’s ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women’s Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the new Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.

Find out more about Sue at http://www.discovertogetherseries.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Bless These Lips ~ 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal by Sharla Fritz, a Women’s Small-Group Bible Study

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I’m always on the look out for new studies for women. I love the fun & creativity of Sharla’s newest book called “Bless These Lips ~ 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal“. Speaking as a woman who has always (…and I mean *always* struggled with what comes out of my lips) this book immediately drew me in with the title, topic and cute little book cover. 

Sharla mixes truth, humor, and random tidbits of fun girl stuff together to make one sweet little study for any woman (or women’s ministry) that is looking for a way to tame the mouth. Let’s face it girls…we all say things we wish we could shove back in. This 40 day study is great to do on your own or with a trusted group of girlfriends. I can’t wait to tell a few of my friends and ministry partners about Bless These Lips.

Keep reading below for more about the book, a few prizes from the author to celebrate the release of the book as well as an interview with Sharla.

About the Book

Bless These Lips!

Oops. A mouth mishap. The words just slipped out, and there is no taking them back.

Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can affirm and teach or criticize and condemn.

By God’s grace, a mouth makeover can improve our relationships and affect our attitude toward life. Our words can enrich our connection to God as we spend more time in prayer and praise. Most important, God desires that we use the gift of speech to give Him praise, encourage others, and verbalize our faith in Christ as Lord and Savior.

Bless These Lips: 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal examines things we say that get in the way of our relationships with God and with others. Each chapter draws on lip product analogies and uses humor, anecdotes, and observations to introduce Scripture passages that address common behaviors and attitudes.
As part of the release of the book Sharla is giving away a prize package that includes:
·         a signed copy of Bless These Lips
·         a pretty cosmetic bag with lip balm, lip liner, and lipstick
·         a handmade bookmark
·         a $15 Amazon gift card
·         a framed print of a quote from the book “God has given you a unique mission to speak His words of love and grace to a lost and discouraged world.”

Author Interview

Why did God prompt you to write this book?

I began writing Bless These Lips because I was the one who needed a Mouth Makeover! I always seemed to be putting my foot in my mouth and I was tired of the steady diet of sock lint and shoe leather. I wanted my words to be the kind that built other people up, but instead I often used ones that tore them down.

So I studied what the Bible had to say about our words and read other books about interpersonal communication. I learned so much and decided to share how each of us can make a difference in our worlds through what we say.

In your own words, what is a “mouth makeover?”

A mouth makeover could be a visit to the cosmetics counter where you walk away with multiple layers of lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss. You’ll look fabulous for awhile, but that mouth makeover only lasts until your next cup of coffee.

A true mouth makeover is a transformation of your speech. This Mouth Makeover begins with God’s grace and forgiveness as He scrubs off the guilt of our harmful words. The makeover continues with the use of the Lip Balm of Encouragement, the Lip Liner of Truth, and the Lip Gloss of Thankfulness. This type of mouth makeover can last eternally as God enables us to use our words to share His grace.

I think everyone can relate to struggling with what come out of their mouths. How could doing this study help?

How true! As women we love to talk—and so our mouths often get us into trouble! Ann Landers has a great quote, “The trouble with talking too fast is that you may something you haven’t thought of yet.”

Recognizing our love of words, this study approaches the topic with a sense of humor and combines it with fun lip product analogies. First you’ll assess whether you’ve been wearing the shades of Motormouth Mocha or Foot-in-Mouth Fuchsia too often. As you go through the study you’ll learn to wear the Shade of Grace and the Lip Sealer of Discretion more consistently.

Who will take the most away from this book?

I think anyone who wants to have more control over her words and anyone who wants to make a difference in her world would benefit from this book.

Often we think we need to do something monumental to change our world. But while I was pursuing my own Mouth Makeover, God showed me that I can make a difference by simply noticing hurting people in my life and offering words of kindness and encouragement. We can all change the lives we touch every day by simply providing a caring word or a listening ear.

What one thing should potential readers know about this book?

The most important message I would like readers to take away from this book is: God has given each of us a unique mission to speak His words of love and grace to a lost and discouraged world.

We may sometimes question the purpose of our lives, but God has placed each one of us in a strategic place in time and space to be able to use our words to bring others closer to Him. When I keep that in mind, it changes my heart and what comes out of my mouth.

Tell everyone a little more about yourself.

I’m a Christian speaker and author who loves to communicate the truth of God’s transforming grace. My first book Divine Design leads women to a spiritual makeover.


I live in the Chicagosuburbs with my amazing, amusing husband. Together we shared the adventure of homeschooling for 15 years with our two children. They are all grown up now and live an average of 3500 miles away. Our son lives nearby, but our daughter and her husband live in China(and they had the audacity to take our grandchildren with them!)

In my other life I am a church musician and piano teacher. I love traveling (especially to China!), going out to lunch with friends, and reading. If I’m not sitting at the piano or my computer you might find me at the thrift store stalking fabulous fashion finds.


Anything else you’d like to share about this book?

This book shares stories of my own struggles with my mouth, but it is also an in-depth Bible study. When I began my quest for a Mouth Makeover I was amazed at how much God had to say on the subject. In the book of Proverbs alone there are 108 verses on our lips, mouths, and tongues! God thinks our words are important.

You can connect with Sharla at:
Website: www.sharlafritz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlafritzauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharlaFritz

post signatureDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author as part of their Book Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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