CHOOSE LIFE...

Mother's Day or Father's Day... Do you know which holiday actually came first?

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia.  She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States.  Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s.  Other countries adopted Jarvis' holiday and it is now celebrated all over the world.  In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/or maternal figure on

 mother's day.

Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas, founded Father's Day in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910.  Its first celebration was held on June 19.  Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there.  After hearing a sermon about Jarvis' Mother's Day in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them.  Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.

I set out to write a post to honor my mother and father and to thank them for choosing life.  As far back as I can remember as a small child, people would ask me, "Why do you live with your grandparents?"  After writing my book, people have asked me, "Why were you raised by your grandparents?"  I was given many explanations from numerous family members but my grandmother explained it to me like this...

Your mom and dad were going through a divorce when you were conceived and they decided to put you up for adoption.  The doctor who delivered you was going through all the necessary arrangements to adopt you.  However, when you were six days old your grandfather visited the hospital, took one look at you and said, "I'm taking her home."

I was a senior in high school when my grandmother died and twenty-four years old when my grandpa passed away.  I wish they were here to wish them a Happy Mothers and Father's day.  My biological parents are gone as well but I choose to honor them for giving me life.  Is there someone you want to wish a Happy Mothers or Fathers Day, someone you want to say, "thank you to?" Someone you honor?  I encourage you to do it today.  

Go on...

REMEMBERING WHEN

"I didn't know why I was there, just that I could not handle my life.  I wanted to run away, but I couldn't find any place to go."

Jenny and I met on-line... imagine that.  However, Jenny and I have something in common that I have not met in anyone else on-line... we both lived in the same hometown, Carpinteria, California!

Jenny suffered through abuse, both physical and emotional, throughout most of her life; she never gave up hope that one day her Cinderella dream would come true.  Jenny is a living example that there is no circumstance that cannot be overcome, and there is always hope for happiness. 

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?

I love to help people and I am a coordinator for a support group in Casper, WY.  I also teach Sunday school and help children from dysfunctional homes.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

My book is an inspirational memoir.  The pages are filled with drama, suspense, and love.  I have included poems that coincide with each chapter.  I wrote this book to inspire and give hope to others who are going through or have gone through abuse.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

To strive to be a "top notch" author, and to help others.

4.  What are you currently reading?

 I am currently reading The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers and the Bible.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Jenny Miller

P O Box 2945

Mills, WY

Phone:  (307) 258-5439

Each book will be signed and will also include a bookmark and pen.  

Additional Sites:

http://www.jlmillrememberingwhen.com/blog.html

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=remembering+when

http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-When-ebook/dp/B009P62VB6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363035371&sr=1-1&keywords=remembering+when

https://www.facebook.com/TomcatsLearningAndRalphsBooks

My book is also listed with Barnesandnoble.com and booksamillion.com

CELEBRATION...

Today, I will accomplish the goal of writing my last blog for the year, 2012.

In the Bible, there are many accounts of celebrating accomplishments.  The one that first comes to mind took place in the life of King David.  After David had defeated the Philistines, he organized his troops to bring the ark of the covenant home to Israel.  The ark housed the tablets of the law and served as a symbol of the presence of the living God.  It had been missing from its rightful place for seventy years, having been taken by the Philistines.  

David was determined it would once again be in the center of the kingdom of God's people, so after the victory he brought the ark home.

So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.  When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.  David... danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

David was commemorating the victory!  The goal had been accomplished and it was time to celebrate, to dance, to shout, to blow trumpets.  There was a sacrifice made, which was characteristic for David's day.

Today, we offer the sacrifice of praise to God.  We thank him for what he does by praising his name and telling others of the glory of his greatness.  That's all part of the celebration process, so to speak.  All of our accomplishments are made possible by the grace and provision of God.  There is no better way to praise him than to "dance before him" with all our might.  It's as though joy flowed out of King David's pores.  He couldn't contain himself.  Nor should we!  Celebrations for accomplishments are definitely in order.

Oh, the joy of accomplishment!  Aim for a goal and stick to it.  And when you reach that goal, the natural result is to celebrate.  We like to finish things don't we?  And to absolutely know we've finished, there's nothing like beating the drums,... throwing the confetti and commemorating the victory.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!

EASY, BREEZY, GRANOLA!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease (lightly) a 9x13 inch pan.  Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Press into prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.  Cool and store in an airtight container.

My family loves this recipe!

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

3/4 cup craisins

THE FOOD MOOD GIRL

Have  you met the Food Mood Girl?  Author and Certified Health Coach, Lindsey Smith is a recovering emotional eater, who can  show you a  better way - one that relieves the burden of self-denial and invites both joy and health back into your life.

1.  What is the one thing, you would like people to know about you?  In short - I am a woman on a journey.  A journey to help others and myself unravel their relationship with their bodies, and their relationship with themselves.

In my own journey, I suffered from severe anxiety and depression as a child, which left me hospitalized by age 12.  After seeing several therapists and psychologists, I finally found a mentor and coach who "got me."  We focused on what I call, the recipe to health and happiness, which is to "Think Good Thoughts, Eat Real Food, Love Yourself, and Repeat As Necessary."  This recipe changed my life at a young age and I have made it my mission to help others going through similar situations by using those key ingredients.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?  Junk Foods & Junk Moods:  Stop Craving and Start Living is a life changing, inspirational guide to the little steps we can take every day to overcome our painful wounds of the past and to fill the void with love, friendship, relationships and wholesome foods in order to live happy and healthy lives.

I share my personal story of overcoming emotional eating and my negative relationship with food and invite everyone to begin their own journey of healing.

Junk Foods and Junk Moods is broken down into my recipe for health and happiness.  Each section provides tools to help you understand how foods affect your moods and how moods affect your food choices.

Junk Food and Junk Moods is meant to meet you where you are  in your journey to health and happiness and also to serve as a resource that you can rely on year after year.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?  My greatest desire is to wake up every single day with the ability to spread love and joy into the world, keeping that as my soul purpose continuously.

4.  What are you currently reading?  Enchanted Love:  The Mystical Power of Intimate Relationships by Marianne Williamson.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?  Readers can visit my site at http://foodmoodgirl.com/ or they can send me a tweet https://twitter.com/LindseySmithHHC.

MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT

Chapter 5

MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT

The next morning when I stepped onto the school bus, I probably resembled a grizzly bear in my fuzzy sweater.  But I didn't care what anyone else might be thinking; I felt like the prettiest girl on the whole bus.  I was wearing a cocoa brown and sky blue colored plaid wool skirt.  The skirt reached about mid calf length and came with its own brown leather belt.  I had even tucked my white blouse inside my skirt, but I made sure my new angora sweater covered my body from my neckline to my ever-increasing waistline.  Even though I wasn't petite like the other girls, I felt like I was part of the in-crowd.  I no longer felt like the chubby girl who was the brunt of all the fat jokes.

I had always loved going to school, and...

A MIDDLE SCHOOL DREAM

Chapter 4

A MIDDLE SCHOOL DREAM

As the saying goes, "Time waits for no man."  In this case, no child either.  Could it be possible that I was thirteen years old and entering the seventh grade?  I will never in a million years forget my first day of junior high school or what we now refer to as middle school.  I still had not acquired a taste for breakfast, so I gulped down my cup of cream and sugar with a little coffee.  I said my goodbyes to my grandma and grandpa and emerged from the house that morning wearing one of my new dresses.

The dress I chose to wear for my first day at school had short sleeves that were gathered together with elastic, and the waistband had an attached nylon petticoat that was gathered together with elastic too.  I guess the elastic bands were sewn into my dress so that they could accommodate my forever-growing waistline.  That morning when I boarded the school bus, it didn't take me very long to realize that I definitely did not look like the other girls on the bus.  Some of the girls stared at me and rolled their eyes around in their heads, like I was from some planet in outer space.  A few of the girls turned their heads toward the bus windows, probably thinking that I wouldn't notice them giggling at me.

My face felt hot, and I knew that it must have been turning bright red.  I felt sick to my stomach, like I might vomit up my cup of coffee.  Oh, how at that very moment I wished my grandma had said it was okay to ride to school with my cousin Freddie in his brother's new car.  But she didn't, and now I was stuck on this yellow submarine being submerged deeper and deeper with no way out.  As I frantically looked up and down the aisle for an empty seat, I...

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

How about an easy recipe?

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1 package Moist Deluxe Pineapple Supreme Cake Mix

1/2 cup butter 

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices, drained

Red maraschino cherries, drained and halved

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in ungreased 13x9 - inch pan.  Sprinkle brown sugar evenly in pan.  Arrange pineapple slices on brown sugar.  Place maraschino cherry halves, cut side up, in center of pineapple slices.

Prepare cake mix following package directions for Basic Recipe.  Pour batter evenly over fruit in pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 43 to 48 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 5 minutes in pan.  Invert onto heat resistant serving plate.

WEARY TRAVELERS

Chapter 3

WEARY TRAVELERS

My new friend sat on our backdoor steps staring at the baseball field for a long time.  I guess he didn't have anything else to say, so I just sat beside him staring at the baseball field too.  Then he stretched out his long legs like a spider, stood up, and tapped on the secret window in our back door.  My grandma came to the door, opened it, and took the dinner plate from the hobo.  He thanked her for the food and said it was the best food he had ever eaten.  My grandma gave him a quick nod of her head, as if to say thank you, and then she told me that it was time to come into the house.  I told my friend goodbye and walked into the house with my grandma right behind me.  She closed the back door and walked over to the kitchen sink to wash the dinner plate.

I stood on the tip of my toes with my face pressed against the back door window, trying to catch a final glimpse  of my new friend and to see if he was going to walk back to the train tracks.  But much to my surprise, he didn't walk away.  He stood on the bottom step of our back porch, looking out over the baseball field like he was searching for something or someone.  He then glanced toward the side of our house like a secret agent in a spy movie.  I held my breath as I was afraid he...

SEASONING WITH SALT AND PEPPER

Chapter 2

SEASONING WITH SALT AND PEPPER

My first encounter with the men my grandma called the hobos was from a branch on a lone pine tree that loomed over our garage like a giant octopus stretching in all directions.  I wasn't allowed to climb the pine tree, as it had sticky sap oozing from every branch.  My grandma would yell at me whenever I attempted to climb the tree.

     "Tonia Kay, I better not catch you up in that pine tree."

     But my grandpa finally gave in to my persistence and nailed an old piece of pinewood between two branches as my perch.  I would sit on my perch with the sparrows and blackbirds and listen to them sing.  What I really enjoyed, though, was waiting for the afternoon freight train.  The railroad tracks were so close to the pine tree that the ground beneath it would start to rumble and shake before I could even catch a glimpse of the train.  Then I would sit very still and wait for the whistle.  Once I heard the train whistle, I knew that at any second the clanking of the steel wheels would roll by on those skinny rails, squeaking and hissing, and then I would...

ITS ME, THE KID

Chapter 1

ITS ME, THE KID

Our house was shaped like a cube of butter and was even the same creamy, yellow color.  It had been built on the far left hand side of a corner lot on Fourth Street.  It wasn't just any corner lot either.  Adjacent to it was a gigantic dirt field.  At least it looked gigantic to me.  I was in the third grade.  The year was 1959.  Every Saturday afternoon, that field played host to every kid on the block.  We would play as many baseball games as the weather permitted on a field of rock hard dirt, surrounded by salt cedar trees.  Tall clumps of weeds with foxtails stuck to our white socks.  Our house was pretty modern. The outside walls were made of something called stucco, and the inside of the house had shiny hardwood floors.  I especially loved lying on the braided oval rug in the living room.  I would pretend like I was lying on the beach in the warm summer sun, compared to the coolness of...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Our vocation is an asset to prayer because our work becomes prayer.  It is prayer in action.  

The artist, the novelist, the surgeon, the plumber, the secretary, the lawyer, the homemaker, the farmer, the teacher, the student- 

All are praying by offering their work up to God.

Merry Christmas!  God Bless Us, Everyone!

THANKSGIVING EVE

On one Thanksgiving Eve, I heard

a knock upon my door.

I knew this man had seen hard times 

by the tattered clothes he wore.

He asked if there was a place to stay

up the road ahead.

But with some hesitation, I asked,

"Come be my guest instead."

We had a simple meal,

and warmed up by the fire...

It seemed we talked for hours,

 then agreed to retire.

In my great excitement,

I awoke before the dawn.

But sometime in the night,

my new found friend had gone.

And he'd left a little note

just for me to read...

"As you've done it to the least of these,

you've done it unto Me."

I wondered for a moment

just what this message meant,

Then, suddenly, I realized

my guest was heaven-sent.

BURNING HEARTS

Today, I would like to introduce to you,
 author Nike Chillemi ~ Crime Fictionista.  So what exactly is a Crime Fictionista?  Nike's profile profoundly states that she writes literature that reads like pulp fiction.  She loves good crime fiction with an equal measure of suspense, action and romance, where the bad guys are really bad, but the good guys are smarter and better.

And without further ado... the interview.

1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
Oh, I guess the most interesting thing about me is that I've got this moniker:  The Crime Fictionista.  That's due to my passion for detective stories, murder mysteries, thrillers and romantic suspense.  I love reading them and of course I write historical romantic suspense.  I also visit writer's blogs where mysteries are featured.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?

BURNING HEARTS is the first book of the Sanctuary Point historical suspense series set on the South Shore of Long Island, NY in 1946, at the close of World War II.  The question is; can Erica Brogna, a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor?  She is conducting her own murder investigation with the help of the new guy in the village, Lorne Kincade, a dashing war hero who has ridden into town on his Harley.  However, some claim he's the murderer.

The second book in the series, GOODBYE NOEL, will be released right before Christmas and is a Christmas themed romantic suspense.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?

My guiding scripture is Matthew 22:38-39.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  I try to bring love into situations, in my family, to my friends and associates, and in my writing.  But, that doesn't mean I go around acting like Saccharine.  Sometimes love is tough.

4.  What are you currently reading?

Oh, I'm so excited about what I am reading right now.  LAST RESORT by BJ Robinson is wonderful.  I've just started reading it and I'm hooked!  The hero made a smashing entrance, or should I say crashing.  And the guy with the gun is so creepy...

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Amazon (including Kindle). http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0050PJSTY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1/188-3161650-9638117

Barnes & Noble (including Nook). http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One/Nike-Chillemi/e/2940012411747/?itm=1&USRI=nike+chillemi

Sony Reader. http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/nike-chillemi/burning-hearts/_/R-400000000000000375220

Christianbooks. http://www.christianbook.com/burning-hearts-ebook-nike-chillemi/9781612520421/pd/18913EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=18913EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

To all avid readers... post a comment and one of you will be awarded a copy of BURNING HEARTS
on Saturday, October 29.  

Nike will notify the winner! 

I'M A LIAR...

Yes, I am a liar.  I realize that I have lied to all of you.  I have stated for months now that all the proceeds from my book sales goes towards purchasing packaged socks and bottled water for the homeless.  The truth is, ten percent of the monies go towards purchasing more books to replenish my stock and the other ninety percent goes towards providing items for the homeless. 

 Oh, I feel so much better!

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.  
Proverbs 20:15

THROUGH THE DOOR TO DUSK

Well... Folks, before I introduce to you our new author this month, I would like to answer one of the questions I received last month from several inquiring minds.  "How do I post a comment to enter your monthly giveaway if I don't know how to post it on your blog?"  My answer is simple... You can post a response on my facebook page, Toni Nelson, my twitter account, cheery01 or send me an email at rnt.nelson@gmail.com.

I can't begin to tell you how excited, I am to introduce Vicki to all of you.  Vicki and I worked together at a Durable Medical Equipment Company in Las Vegas, Nevada during the early 90's.  If anyone would have told Vicki and I that we would be published authors in the future, we probably would have looked at each other dumbfounded and simply said, "Huh, you talkin' about us?"

What a blessing to introduce to you,
 author Vicki Bush.

1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
I am at heart a shy person.  It takes a lot for me to socialize.  People always say, "no not you."  They always think, I am this absolute extrovert but in fact, I am the complete opposite and it is always a struggle for me.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?
Through the Door to Dusk is a supernatural romance surrounded with mystery.  It has the same teen element as the Twilight series but without the vampires and werewolves.  It does seem to appeal to other ages as well.  Some women in their 30's and 40's have told me, they really enjoyed reading it.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?
My greatest desire is for happiness.  Whether it is in the form of the well being of my family and my friends or a successful writing career, I want happiness for my family, friends and myself.

4.  What are you currently reading?
I'm sad to say... nothing at the moment.  I am in the middle of writing my second novel, which is sci-fi, and when I write, I don't really read.  I do not want any additional chance of influence.  Day to day... is influence enough.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
I can always be contacted through my email at:  vickiannbush@gmail.com
My books are currently available at Amazon, Amazon Kindle,
Barnes&Noble Nook, and Diesel E-Books.  Through the Door to Dusk can also be purchased and down loaded right to your PC, smart phone, and I-Pad.

Vicki will be selecting the winner of her giveaway on Saturday, August 27.  Just post a comment to have your name entered in the giveaway!

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SERIES

What an absolute joy to introduce to you, Marja Meijers.  I first met Marja on goodreads, a site for book lovers.  I entered a giveaway for Marja's book,
GRACE OF GIVING and won!  If you have read, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, you will be inspired by the writing of author, Marja Meijers.  And now for the interview...

1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
Well, Toni, I must say you have found a surprisingly effective way to cut right to the bone :) This question really made me think.  My life is a colorful palette of experiences and adventures, but where I am right now in life, I would like to be known for my faith in God.  No matter what I do or where I travel, I want people around me to see God's light in my eyes and His love in my actions.  I am a work in progress.

2.  How would you describe your book to readers? 
 My latest release, GRACE OF GIVING offers an in-depth look at the 8th commandment.  It is one thing to claim we do not steal, we are no thieves, but the logical next question would be:  What do we do?  Do we give freely and cheerfully?  How do we go from merely obeying such a command to fulfilling it in our daily life?  GRACE OF GIVING is far from a boring bible study, it is a life-changing book that will transform your way of thinking when it comes to giving.

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?
Hmm. you're doing it again, making me think very seriously.  Of course it is my desire to write and sell many more books and to see changed lives as a result of my writing.  But when I look deep down in my heart, I think my greatest desire is to see my family members come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

4.  What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading two books: 'Only Believe' by Paul L. King, a ground breaking book that compares, contrasts and weighs modern faith teaching with earlier evangelical writers and theologically engages the teachings of the word of faith movement and their critics.  This is not an easy book to read, but I am learning so much from it.  The second one that I am reading is John C. Maxwell's "How successful people think."  I am always reading some kind of motivational book on the side... it keeps me going, it keeps me inspired and it keeps me encouraged.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
My physical address is currently in Holland, so I don't expect many visitors there :) But thanks to the Internet there are many ways to contact me or read more about my work and vision.  My books are available at all Internet booksellers.

My weekly blog can be found at:  http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com

You can email me at:  meijers.marja@gmail.com

My facebook profile is:  www.facebook.com/marja.meijers

My Goodreads profile can be found here:  www.goodreads.com/author/show/871294.Marja_Meijers

You can also find me or follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/marjameijers

News about our non-profit, Traveling Light can be found at:  http://janandmarja.blogspot.com

A TIME TO KILL... Ecclesiates 3

Today, I would like to introduce to you, author Teric Darken.  For twenty-five years, Teric Darken has been bleeding the ink - from his heart onto paper - through his stories, song lyrics, and poetry.  Teric holds a Bachelor of Science degree in religious education and has served as a staff youth minister.  He is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, where he has served as vice president of his local chapter.  The author resides with his family in the United States, where he serves his city as a lieutenant on the fire department.  And without further ado, the interview...


1.  What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?
I serve the True and Living God, Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus the Christ).

2.  How would you describe your book to readers?
K-I-L-L FM 100:  This is a high-octane thriller, spinning as a scratched record within the confines of a rock-and-roll radio station.  A disc jockey is held hostage and finds himself staring down the barrel of a handgun belonging to an alleged female serial killer.  The story-line concludes that all people have one need in common:  genuine Love - no matter which side of the tracks one may come from.

U-TURN KiLLuR:  The pages turn and burn of a horrific thriller peppered with supernatural elements, exposing the fact that life is fragile and short in this lifetime.  The story raises a question:  Are we investing our time wisely, by loving our family and friends, or are we killing them off through selfish desires and prideful ambitions?

Wickflicker (summer 2011 release):  Wickflicker is an allegory liberally injected with supernatural and thrilling elements.  The story is loaded with grit and bite-telling it like it is-by following a wayward soul at an end-of-semester college bash.  Temptations flow freely as if spewing from a keg, and the party-goer  aims to drink every last drop.  At the end of the day, the central character finds himself in a life or death struggle:  Will he choose the way that seems right to a man or the path of wisdom?

3.  What is your greatest desire in life?
To be utilized by The Almighty and hit people where they live with His message of truth, love and forgiveness.

4.  What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading the pre-release manuscript of author Krisi Keley's, Pro Luce Habere the sequel to her brilliant, On the Soul of a Vampire.

5.  How can readers contact you or purchase your book?
Readers can contact me through the following links:

Website:  www.tericdarken.com

Blog:  www.tericdarken.blogspot.com

Facebook:  Teric Darken

My works may be purchased by following the online store link through my website, or by visiting one of the following links:

Amazon.com

BarnesAndNoble.com

As iron sharpens iron...

Teric Darken

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MILES AWAY... WORLDS APART

Today, I would like to introduce to you, author Alan Sakowitz, aka husband, father and attorney.  In his best selling book, Miles Away… Worlds Apart, he weaves his tale as if you were reading a novel written by John Grisham.  What appeared to be the “real deal”, created by the corrupted masterminded attorney Scott Rothstein was in actuality a Ponzi scheme.  What exactly is the difference in the writings of Grisham and Sakowitz?  Alan Sakowitz, “calls it like it is” in this non-fiction work, unraveling the biggest financial fraud in South Florida history!

As Alan unfolds this tale of deception, he also writes at the end of each and every chapter about the importance of community, family, integrity, leadership, and personal responsibility.  The people mentioned in the close of each chapter not only live in his neighborhood but they portray a spirit of humbleness, a willingness to serve one another without reservation and openly genuine hearts.  After reading, Miles Away… World’s Apart, I wanted to pack my bags and relocate to the North Miami Beach area!

1. What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?

My greatest pleasure is helping others and finding the good in situations. For that reason I did not write MILES AWAY...WORLDS APART as a history book about the over-the-top, opulent lifestyle of fraudster Scott Rothstein, but instead my focus was to use that way of life to suggest a better, more meaningful way to live. I wanted to show that other people are important and the choices we make influence others, especially our children. I wanted to demonstrate the importance of family, community, leadership, integrity, personal responsibility and other people. Those messages, I hope my readers take away and share with others.

2. How would you describe your book to readers?

Miles Away...Worlds Apart is a fast paced, entertaining story about how I became a whistleblower of a Madoff-like Ponzi scheme masterminded by Scott Rothstein, the criminal perpetrator who bilked his victims out of 1.2 billion dollars. In the book, I explain my decision to report Rothstein, regardless of the possible dangerous ramifications of such a decision.

However, Miles Away… Worlds Apart is not just a true crime story—it is so much more.  In the book, solutions are provided for each deception uncovered, and readers receive the vital information they need to protect themselves from becoming the victims of fraud in the future. By using stories about neighbors, the book emphasizes the inner strength, love and generosity experienced by people who live according to moral standards.

My belief in just reporting what is wrong with society without offering solutions would be meaningless. A book about such an incident must also inspire readers to make our world a better place, protect them from danger or offer them tools to improve upon their lives or it is not a book I would want my name on.

3. What is your greatest desire in life?

Together with my wife, Leah, our greatest desire in life is to raise our five children to be G-d fearing and find what they can do to enhance the lives of others.  The challenge is that we live in a world that places a high worth on accumulating possessions and receiving rather than giving. But the reality is, a life well lived is measured by what one gives, not receives. Giving and helping others bestows on the giver a level of happiness that can never be achieved just by collecting possessions. But still, many focus on what they do not have rather than what they do have, and therefore, they always want more and are never happy or satisfied.

4. What are you currently reading?

Visions of Greatness, a book of inspiring stories about what one would consider average people. There is nothing more powerful than the examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In truth, no one can remain ordinary when they are doing extraordinary things.

5. How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

Readers can contact me at Alan.Sakowitz@LegacySeriesPress.com. There is nothing more enjoyable than hearing from readers especially when Miles Away… Worlds Apart has made a positive impact on their life.

Miles Away… Worlds Apart is available at www.LegacySeriesPress.com.

IS LIFE POSSIBLE AFTER TAXES?

This month, I would like to introduce to you, Carol Schultz-Weil.

   Carol has not only experienced financial survival during times of hardship but has written a book titled, IN THE TRENCHES to help others who are looking for ways to tighten their belts and tackle budgeting issues.  I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Carol last month at the Clark County Library in Las Vegas, NV.  I asked her if she would be willing to be interviewed on my blog and offer her book as a giveaway?  She gladly accepted my offer and also wanted to include a link to her book as a free download.  Yes, you read the word correctly.  FREE...
Just click on the title of this blog and it will take you directly to Carol's link. And now without further ado on to the interview.

1. What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?

 Financial management has been my major area of study for most of my adult life and my primary source of information has been the Bible and trying to understand and apply the principles taught in Proverbs, and the Old and New Testaments, especially as it relates to the last days.  There are two paths in all things - God's ways that lead to blessing and the world's way which leads to bondage and reliance on the world system which is on an ultimate crash course.

The current events of the American economy are not a surprise or mystery, they are the consequence of the actions that led to the events including debt financed living, reliance on a system to provide the very basics of our lives such as food, clothing, and shelter.  Imagine a grocery store emptied in one day not to be replenished.  How would you and your family survive?  Imagine your job or government funding being cut off without notice.  Would you be prepared?  Many in the past few years have found they are not.

The recent dip in the economy is just the first wave.  Though we may recover to some degree the next wave is on the horizon already and will probably occur in the next five to ten years brought on by government debt, inflation, and the baby boomers reaching the age where they are expecting to receive from social security.  In the meantime foreign nations are buying up our lands, businesses, and becoming our debt collectors.

 2. How would you describe your book, In The Trenches to readers?

 In The Trenches was our families personal story of financial crisis in the 80's and the things we learned and experienced through the process.  Formerly having worked in the banking industry I was well aware of how to review a situation by looking at spread sheets and numbers and used these methods to develop the simple, basic tools provided in the book.  A free online copy of the book and the accompanying worksheets are now available on the related blog.  Also included are many additional topics and background information from how to begin a food storage plan to the soapbox section that contains rants about the financial industry and their role in seducing people into a position of dependence.

 3. What has been your biggest obstacle in life?

 Feelings of aloneness, having chosen a position on many subjects that is not yet commonly acknowledged is not what people want to hear about.

4. What are you currently reading?

 I am currently in what I call a Bible Immersion period where I read and study the Bible 15-20 hours a week and have read through the Epistles, Acts, Revelation, Job, and Joshua among others.  I am also reading a novel titled Full Faith & Credit by James R. Cook and have been reading about the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth.  Goodreads.com is a great site for sharing what you are reading with friends.

 5. How can readers contact you or purchase your book?

 Click here to get more information about In The Trenches or for a link to Amazon for the paperback copy.  If you find the information to be helpful please help spread the work by forwarding the link to everyone in your address book.