Monthly Archives: September 2024

The Highly Anticipated Continuation of R. William Falk’s God Whispers: Lessons from the Heart of a Loving Heavenly Father, A One-Year Devotional, Volume 2 is Finally Here, and will be Free to Download Tomorrow, October 1, 2024

FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Monday, September 30, 2024

Discover the Whispers of God’s Heart for You! “God Whispers,” Volume 2”, the highly anticipated continuation of R. William Falk’s life-transforming devotional series, is here to guide readers on a 365-day journey into the very heart of God.

This second volume, covering July 1 to December 31, offers personalized daily messages designed to help believers experience a more intimate, tangible connection with their Creator.

In “God Whispers” Volume 2, Falk masterfully crafts each devotional in first-person, allowing readers to feel as though they are hearing directly from God. Whether facing moments of uncertainty, fear, or doubt, readers will be uplifted by God’s reassuring presence and encouraged to grow in their trust and understanding of His love.

This unique collection of daily inspirations builds upon the powerful foundation laid in Volume 1, and extends an invitation to all who long to:

– Grow in their trust and relationship with God

– Experience His presence consistently in their daily lives

– Discover their true identity in Christ

– Embrace their unimaginable access to God as their Heavenly Father

– Deepen their prayer life and anchor their hearts in Scripture

Using over 20 different Bible translations and versions, Falk’s work is deeply rooted in Scripture, offering readers a rich and diverse tapestry of God’s promises. This devotional meets believers wherever they are in their spiritual walk, ushering them into a space where they can hear God’s whispers of love, assurance, and guidance each day.

Falk’s writing, filled with warmth and divine encouragement, serves as a gentle reminder that God is always near, always loving, and ever ready to reveal His heart. Each message is designed to bring peace and clarity, especially in moments of confusion or worry. In the words of God’s invitation from the book:

“Turn to me and look to me whenever you feel unsure or confused, fearful, worried, or regretful—in that very moment, shift your attention to me and acknowledge my love and care for you. I’m here for you; I haven’t left you alone. I haven’t turned my back on you. Absolutely not! I love you with deep and ever-burning love.”

R. William Falk’s “God Whispers: Lessons from the Heart of a Loving Heavenly Father” print copy is now available for purchase, and the e-book will be available to download for free on Amazon from October 1, 2024 through October 5, 2024. “God Whispers” Volume 1 is highly rated by those who have read the book. Here’s what just a couple of the reviewers have said:

Gayna Jobe
5 Stars – Relationship building, heart healing devotional
“This is a great devotional, either for the brand-new Christian believer or a well-seasoned one. The author gives great insight within the introduction to set the tone for the entire book. It is written from God’s heart to convey his great love for his family. There are no “should do this, don’t do that, in this book, the author puts the focus on what God has already done for us through Christ. Truly delightful and inspiring to go deeper with God as your Father. Delightful!”

Denny
5 Stars – Knowing Our God as Our Loving Heavenly Father
“This devotional of “God Whispers” is an uplifting voice to my heart. Every daily devotional I find filled with the Heart Love of our Heavenly Father, God. No greater joy to my heart than to experience all that God desires for all of us to receive from His Loving Heart He has for us. The author shares his daily journey through the experiences that he and our Heavenly Father shared with one another. I encourage others to enjoy this storehouse of “God Whispers.”

About the Author

R. William Falk has a seminary master’s degree, summa cum laude, in biblical and theological studies and has been active in Bible studies and fellowships since the mid-1970s.

For interviews, please contact: William Falk at info@GodWhispers.com

Website: www.GodWhispers.com

Writing from the heart: When does writing a story become a published book?

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Dee Hoodcamp considered her scribblings, as she calls them, a mere hobby; a way to make sense of the events in her life. When she gave her manuscript to a friend, who asked if she could read one of her stories, the reaction she received was unexpected: “Other people need to read this! It needs to be available in Koorong Bookstores,” she told her. Thus, Letters to Tess became a book.

In Dee’s first fiction, Letters to Tess deals with young people, people who think that a fun life is a good life, and who do not see the need for God. People to whom the Bible is merely a book of fairytales.

Until things go pear-shaped in their lives and they need something more.

In writing, Dee follows in the footsteps of her mother, who was an avid story-teller. And growing up in a family where God and His Word were central, it is unthinkable that He would not feature in the stories she writes. To escape the bustle in the family home, Dee, the second of ten children, became a day dreamer. Later, during the many road trips through Australia, her husband, focussing on the road, was not very talkative. This gave her plenty of opportunity spin yarns in her mind, which she later put to paper.

Letters to Tess is a contemporary story about a husband and wife, Eddy and Tess, whose relationship suffers the strains of betrayal, deception, pride and guilt, resulting in the incarceration of Eddy for a crime he has not committed. It tells how different people manage their problems when their comfortable lives are disturbed. Both Tess and Eddy have to fight their feelings of guilt, whilst at the same time, not knowing how to.

The broad spectrum of characters around the protagonists each have their own story and this impacts the change in Eddy and the way he sees himself and the world around him. No doubt readers will recognise people of their own acquaintance in Eddy’s faithful friends, the inmates of the jail and the characters who, with the best of intentions, try to help the pair.

As a result of the author having a tenderness for all characters, each of them has been given careful and honest treatment; the good as well as the bad. She never loses sight of the vulnerability of humankind and the need for a Saviour, knowing that there will always be those who stubbornly refuse the forgiveness and redemption that faith in Christ offers.

Coincidental with the life of the characters, a large part of the book makes no mention of Jesus, God or the Bible. This makes it accessible to Christians and secular readers alike. Dee does not make saved people superior to the non-believers, or criminals inferior to law-abiding citizens. And as the author has refrained from melodrama and sentimentality, Letters to Tess is a highly engaging and satisfying read, for both male and female readers.

Dee attends Hervey Bay Baptist Church in Queensland, where she is active in Pastoral care and a program called COACH. This has brought home the many needs that many ordinary people have, and the necessity for old-fashioned friendship.

Letters to Tess is a compelling, thought-provoking book that will keep you highly intrigued. Published by Ark House, it is now available globally.

One Man’s Personal Experiences with Miracles Shared to Encourage Others in a New Release

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Nearly 80 percent of all Americans believe in miracles, according to the Pew Forum on Religion1. William Brasher Sr., an ordinary man whose career has been in the construction industry, says he has personally experienced miracles.

The Alabama man recounts miraculous events in his life and the lives of his family in a new release, Miracles and the Holy Spirit: Stories of Personal and Family Miracles (Redemption Press).

Brasher says, “Miracles do happen.” He recalls being saved from dying in his childhood after he sustained a severe foot injury when he jumped on a glass milk bottle and another serious boyhood accident. He had experiences hearing the Holy Spirit’s voice directing him as he entered adulthood and miraculous near misses on the road and the job site.

Once the familiar voice of the Lord instructed him to shut his plane down to save a child from kidnapping. At other times the Holy Spirit gave him words to say to others in spiritual need. Later, he received a healing and a miraculous vision.

Bill Brasher tells the true accounts of God’s intervention in his life and in the lives of his family to encourage others to take note of God’s work in their own lives for themselves. He says, “I am a firm believer in miracles.

Should you have something happen to you that you would consider unbelievable, don’t just write it off thinking how lucky you were. You may have just received a miracle from the Holy Spirit!”

1 “Religion Among the Millennials,” Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, Pew Research Center, pewresearch.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
William Brasher Sr. was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He worked in home and commercial construction, learned all aspects of the trade, attended construction and engineering classes at the University of Alabama, and worked for a commercial engineering company. Married at eighteen, he and his wife, Pat, had three boys and one girl. A layman worker for the Alabama Emmaus Community for ten years, he served as the lay leader of an Emmaus Walk. He earned a commercial pilot license and is a certified flight instructor, amateur photographer, competitive shooter, and gunsmith.

For interviews, contact: wdbs141@gmail.com.

Suggested Interview Questions

When did you first come to faith?
What’s your definition of a miracle?
Do you think most people experience miracles of which they may not be aware?
What would you say is the most special miracle you have experienced?
Why do you want to share your miracle stories?

Best Seller “Trust in Every Moment: A Journey Toward God” by Susan Perelka Will be Free to Download Starting Tomorrow, September 24, 2024

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Monday, September 23, 2024

Author Susan Perelka is thrilled to announce the release of her new book, “Trust in Every Moment: A Journey Toward God,” an inspirational devotional designed to guide readers through life’s most challenging moments by cultivating a deeper trust in God. To celebrate the launch, a special free e-book download will be available on Amazon for five days (9/24-9/28), allowing readers everywhere to experience this powerful journey of faith.

Are you facing an impossible situation or feeling overwhelmed by insurmountable problems? Are you at a crossroad and don’t know which way to take? Trust in Every Moment provides a daily refuge for those seeking spiritual encouragement. Perelka’s devotional is crafted to build trust in God, day by day and step by step, through real-life experiences and timeless biblical truths. Each reading is filled with hope, guiding readers to take faithful steps toward God regardless of their circumstances.

Learn to Trust God in Every Season:

In adversity and joyful moments
When life seems unfair and the way forward is unclear
In the impossible and the ordinary

Susan Perelka draws on her personal journey and the stories of others to illustrate that trust in God is not just a choice but a daily practice. Her devotions are faith-filled yet down-to-earth, offering readers practical insights and encouragement to rely on God’s faithfulness.

“Our life is a continuous journey of learning to trust Him,” says Perelka. “Every difficulty crossing our path gives us a choice of where we will place our trust. Every choice to trust God deepens our level of faith in Him.”

Susan Perelka’s “Trust in Every Moment: A Journey Toward God,” will be free and available for download on Amazon for 5 days, Tuesday, September 24 through September 28, 2024. “Trust in Every Moment: A Journey Toward God,” is rated highly by those who purchased and reviewed the book. Here’s what just a couple of the reviewers have said:

Sara Cormany
5 Stars A Beautiful Journey of Surrender
“Trust in Every Moment gently invites the reader to surrender each day to a God who is forever faithful. Crafted with intention and care, each devotion points towards truth and a hope rooted eternity. No matter what struggle you might be facing in your own life, this journey is well worth the taking.”

Eric Puff
5 Stars You can read it quickly, but you shouldn’t.”
Filled with biblical teaching, Trust in Every Moment calls the reader to experience a full range of trust in God. But it’s not just meant for instruction; it’s meant for reflection. Its nine sections are each broken down into several short devotionals which will challenge you to trust Him more deeply than you have before and grow into the person He designed you to be.

“Trust in Every Moment is full of real-life stories that make the content relatable. You can read it quickly, but you should process it slowly. When you do, I think you’ll enjoy a renewed faith, rest, and trust in God.”

For interviews contact Susan at: sperelka5@gmail.com

Website: www.susanperelka.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan N. Perelka graduated from Cedarville College with an associate’s degree in office technology and a bachelor’s degree in Bible comprehensive. She has attended Northfield Baptist Church for over thirty years where she serves as church secretary. Susan and her husband, Greg, have been married for thirty-one years and have three adult sons and one daughter. She lives in Northeast Ohio surrounded by the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where she often enjoys walking. Trust in Every Moment is her debut release but she shares her thoughts on God’s Word through her weekly blog at susanperelka.com.

New Release is a Tapestry of Student Voices and a Longtime Educator’s Experience

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – A study of tenth-grade students concluded, “The students’ beliefs about themselves as learners are shaped by the teacher’s communication of expectations for students, so that when the teacher conveys a belief that the student can succeed at school, the student believes it too and acts accordingly” (Johnston & Shand).

Lori DeJong is a Christian educator for thirty-three years who says it was a “great blessing” to interact with students as a caring adult. Her new release, Classroom Tapestry: Weaving the Hearts, Minds, Souls of Our Students (Redemption Press), is a compilation of student voices that reveals their inner thoughts and shares successful techniques and strategies for teaching language arts from her years of teaching.

After she retired, author Lori DeJong found a box of eighth-grade student writings tucked away in a box. Feeling strongly that people need to know what goes on in the hearts and minds of young people, she compiled their prose and poetry.

She also added stories from the classroom, thoughts on the nature of language, and strategies for teaching language arts successfully, including how to set up a language arts classroom and keep it running effectively.

DeJong says, “I spent thirty-three years teaching children specifically in academia and as a Christian teacher in a public classroom training children to live an upright life despite some very dire circumstances in which many children lived.”

Her intention for writing Classroom Tapestry is for readers to pause for reflection while understanding that deep emotions may be under the surface in their own children’s or students’ lives. Educators, parents, and grandparents will find a window into young minds and ways to help children “deal with their lives in a healthy and accepting way.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori DeJong has a BA and a teaching credential from California State University Stanislaus and an MA in school administration from St. Mary’s University. A language arts teacher for thirty-three years, she specialized in teaching all aspects of writing to junior-high students and consulted in staff development training on practical language arts strategies. As a Christian teacher in a public classroom, she trained children to live an upright life despite their circumstances. Her own two children grown, she counts it a great blessing to have been a part of students’ lives for one or two years.

For interviews, contact gail847@gmail.com

New release, Tiger in My Tummy, uses humor and whimsy to teach children the importance of eating breakfast

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Despite all the information showing the many benefits of children eating breakfast, studies show around 20 percent of school-age children still regularly skip a morning meal.1

If a list of negative outcomes, such as lowered school performance and inability to think clearly, isn’t enough to motivate children to eat breakfast, then perhaps a relatable and engaging story is the answer.

“One of my goals in writing Tiger in My Tummy is to teach children, in an entertaining way, the value of a healthy meal to start their day,” says Nora Carman, author and mother of two. As the main character becomes an unintentional source of classroom amusement, readers see his embarrassment escalate as he desperately attempts to calm his hungry tiger.

Children reading the story will feel encouraged to tend to their “tiger’s” appetite, placing them in the role of being this hungry creature’s caregiver. In reality, they are also discovering how to tend to their own needs.

Nora Carman recognizes that some children are unable to eat breakfast due to factors outside their control. As someone who is passionate about ministering to others, she has included an author’s note in the book to raise awareness about the critical issue of hunger, and encourage people to find ways to help. She will be donating part of the book’s proceeds to the Food Program of Kids Around The World..

Tiger in My Tummy (Redemption Press) is a delightful new release with expressive rhymes and vibrant illustrations to engage children while they learn to nurture themselves as well as others.

¹ “Importance of Not Skipping Breakfast: A Review,” Rani, International Journal of Food Science & Technology, Wiley Online Library, 2021.

About the author
Nora Carman first began to depict the world as seen from a child’s perspective while reading with her two young children and creating stories together. Her experience as a tutor and substitute teacher heightened her awareness of students’ needs and sharpened her storytelling skills. She blends rhyming text with humor to encourage a love of reading as well as care for oneself and others. She holds a BA in literature and a master’s in public health. After thirteen moves in twenty years as a military family, they now call San Diego home. Along with work and writing, she serves as a care minister with Stephen Ministry. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, s’mores by a campfire, and going on long hikes.

For interviews, contact noracarman.author@gmail.com.

Website: noracarman.com

Suggested Interview Questions

What led to the idea to use a tiger to depict a child’s stomach growling?
How did experiences with your own children inspire the story?
Do you have any tips for making a healthy breakfast part of the morning routine?
What is your favorite part about writing in rhyme?
How do you think the story would have been different if it had been written in prose?
How have your ministry experiences inspired your writing?
Has seeing more of the world contributed to your storytelling. If so, how?

“Ditch Command & Control Leadership: Transform Your Leaders from Boss to Coach” Celebrates Bestseller Success

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Alissa DeWitt’s Groundbreaking Book Revolutionizes Modern Leadership Practices with Strategic and Actionable Insights

– Achieving bestseller status, “Ditch Command & Control Leadership: Transform Your Leaders from Boss to Coach“ by industry veteran and author Alissa DeWitt is reshaping leadership paradigms across industries.

This milestone underscores the book’s pivotal role in shaping leadership dynamics by introducing strategic and actionable insights for organizational transformation.

**Book Highlights**

Alissa DeWitt’s transformative book dismantles the outdated command-and-control leadership model, advocating for a ‘Coach Approach to Leadership.’

This comprehensive guide equips leaders with a roadmap and the necessary tools to transform their leadership style, enhancing team engagement and organizational productivity.

Its blend of strategic vision and practical, tactical advice has been praised by readers for its immediate applicability and profound impact.

**Impact and Feedback**

This book has already received rave reviews from industry leaders, who emphasize the book’s blend of strategic vision with practical, actionable steps.

“Practical and profound! I wish I had this framework and book ten years ago—it would have saved me a lot of stress! Truly a breath of fresh air.” – Chief Operating Officer

“I loved this book, and it has inspired me to want to work more on being a coach leader. It is the glue that puts all the leadership pieces together.” – Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer

“This is a commonsense approach to servant leadership and coaching in the workplace! It sums up the importance of leadership and the journey we all need to take to improve ourselves and our approach to coaching other people.” – Vice President, Manufacturing Strategy and Operational Excellence

“A book founded on real life experiences with practical insight! Ditch Command & Control Leadership is a great guide for leaders. It provides both thought-provoking insight as well as practical tools for leaders at all organizational levels.” – Vice President of Product Support

Leaders are purchasing this book not only for their own personal growth but also in bulk as a key resource for their entire leadership team, amplifying its impact across organizational levels.

**About the Author**

Alissa DeWitt, the visionary behind Executive Impact since 2009, passionately dedicates her time to coaching leaders and building leadership dream teams within corporations.

With over 30 years of diverse business and leadership experience and significant credentials including Master Certified Coach (ICF), Certified Personnel Consultant, and Certified Employee Retention Specialist, DeWitt brings a wealth of knowledge to the field.

Her firsthand experience in leading HR functions during rapid corporate growth, coupled with her years of coaching leaders from the front lines to the C-Suite, provides her with unique insights into the challenges and necessities of truly effective leadership.

**Availability**

“Ditch Command & Control Leadership: Transform Your Leaders from Boss to Coach” is available for single copy or bulk purchase at: DitchCommandAndControl.com

Customized leadership development programs can be arranged by contacting Executive Impact directly.

**Media Contact:**

Name: Jeremy DeWitt
Title: Director of Operations, Executive Impact
Email: press@theexecutiveimpact.com
Phone: (731) 882-0082

**Conclusion**

As “Ditch Command & Control Leadership: Transform Your Leaders from Boss to Coach“ continues to influence global leadership strategies, Alissa DeWitt remains dedicated to supporting leaders as they transition to more empowering and effective leadership.

**Note:** Alissa DeWitt is available for interviews and public appearances to discuss the innovative leadership strategies detailed in her best-selling book.

Seeking Clarity? “There’s No Middle Ground” Offers a Roadmap for Spiritual Growth

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – This Book Provides Practical Guidance and Inspirational Messages for Every Spiritual Journey

United States of America, 12 September 2024: Ready Writer, a God-inspired writer, has released a new eye-opening book, “There’s No Middle Ground, You Will Either Run to, or Run from This Book” On 3rd May 2024 that is now publicly available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords. This book is for those who want to go deeper into their existing religious beliefs or are on a path to explore spirituality for the first time.

This book, “There’s No Middle Ground,” comes as a beacon for those who are seeking clarity in a world full of insecurities and vacillations. This book provides practical advice and God’s messages to help them focus and move ahead in their spiritual journeys. Each chapter of this book serves as a profound exploration of faith, deriving from the scriptures of Isaiah, Psalms, and Romans.

Ready Writer wrote this book infusing a sense of holy inspiration and practical wisdom. He prayed and pledged, “Lord, if your words continue to flow through me, I will continue to write.”

The book “There’s No Middle Ground” helps readers to understand God’s words and create a deep connection with him. So, if you are at the beginning of your spiritual and religious discoveries or have already been on this path for a long time, this will help you get answers to your questions and reach your spiritual destination.

Set out on a journey of spiritual exploration with this insightful book, where ancient wisdom meets modern understanding. Get your copy now at:

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXBJEw7nzQ0

###

Contact:
Ryan Peters
Pine Book Writing
(289) 809 5612
ryan@pinebookwriting.com

“Reading the Bible with Purpose: the Book of James” by Misty Fitch Will be Free to Download Tomorrow, September 10, 2024

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – United States—Monday, September 9, 2024

Discover a transformative way to engage with Scripture in a new study of the Book of James

In a world where Bible reading can easily become just another task to check off, Misty Fitch offers a refreshing and deeply relational approach to Scripture in her new twelve-week Bible study of the Book of James. “Reading the Bible with Purpose: the Book of James” invites readers to move beyond rote reading and step into a vibrant, Spirit-led conversation with God.

Unlike traditional Bible studies that often rely on question-and-answer formats, this innovative study encourages readers to pause, reflect, and listen to God’s voice through the words of Scripture. Misty Fitch passionately believes that reading the Bible should be more than a daily routine—it should be an intimate encounter with the Creator of the universe.

“Isn’t it wonderful that the creator of all things yearns to spend such sweet time with you?” asks Fitch. “Allow yourself to truly enter into his presence as you read the words he so lovingly placed on those pages for you.”

This Bible study stands out for its unique structure designed to deepen your spiritual journey:

Reflective Meditation: Each week begins with an engaging story that sets the tone, followed by a focused meditation on a specific Scripture passage.
Personal Journaling: As the week progresses, readers are encouraged to journal their thoughts and reflections, allowing space for God’s voice to speak into their hearts.
Insightful Weekly Wrap-Up: At the end of each week, readers will find a relatable and insightful teaching that brings the Scripture to life and provides practical application.
Comprehensive Study Tools: A reader’s guide, reflection questions, and study questions are included to help apply the Scriptures to real life, making this study not just an intellectual exercise, but a transformative experience.

“Reading the Bible with Purpose: the Book of James” is an invitation to a deeper relationship with God. It offers readers a chance to slow down, reflect, and truly engage with the Word in a way that transforms both mind and spirit. Whether you are a seasoned believer or new to the faith, this study is designed to meet you where you are and guide you into a richer, more intimate experience of God’s presence.

Misty Fitch’s “Reading the Bible with Purpose: the Book of James” will be free and available for download on Amazon for 5 days, Tuesday, September 10 through September 14, 2024. “Reading the Bible with Purpose” is rated 5 stars by those who purchased and reviewed the book. Here’s what just a couple of the reviewers have said:

Shellie Leverett
5 Stars Perfect for group study
“Incredibly insightful and relatable. Highly recommend for group or individual study.”

LG
5 Stars A refreshing way to hold scripture up to the light and let it shine into your life.
“A lot of studies tend to lean towards ‘Here is what scripture says’ and ‘How does this apply to my life?’ Wash, rinse, repeat. This is not that book. Yes, it does ask how it applies to your life but the way that you get there opens up scripture and makes it come to life … she asks you to dig in and gives you tips on listening to God while doing that. Making notes while going through the weekly scripture forces you to really process what it’s saying, so by the time you get to working on ‘What it’s saying to me?’ or ‘What it’s saying about God?’, you are already asking yourself questions about what God is saying, what he means by it … Her Weekly Wrap Ups are filled with interesting tidbits, facts and thoughts that help round out everything you have just discovered in your notes.

I highly recommend this book! Dig in and be blessed!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author, speaker, and podcaster Misty Fitch has a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish and a master’s in education administration and taught high school English, Spanish, and creative writing for fifteen years. The founder of Fearfully Made Ministries, she is the author of six other books, speaker for events and retreats, and podcaster for My Beautiful Chaos. Almost empty nesters, she and her husband, Matt, have one of their four kids still at home in a small town in Texas. Her tagline is “You were created on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose.”

For interviews, contact Misty at Connect@mistyfitch.com.

Website: www.MistyFitch.com

New picture book shows children the power of praying scripture

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With global news at hand 24/7, children today find themselves exposed to fear-provoking situations beyond the basics of thunderstorms or “monsters” under the bed. All too often, parents rush to alleviate their children’s fears.

“Realistically, parents can’t—and shouldn’t—always be there to help kids calm down,” says Rae Jacobson, former senior editor at the Child Mind Institute. “Teaching your child how to manage their fears without parental intervention will help them build the confidence and independence they’ll need to feel more in control and less afraid, both now and as they grow up.”^[1]

Experts suggest coping tools such as breathing skills, “what if” scenarios, and the use of “anchoring phrases” to help a child regain control of worrisome thoughts.^[2] In Kip the Brave Little Turtle (Redemption Press), author Brandy Bostick illustrates how Scripture verses can be the most powerful anchoring phrases for helping us deal with fear and anxiety.

Little Kip the turtle loves having fun with his dad. But when something unexpected happens during their playtime, Kip finds himself alone and afraid. Scary sounds keep him silently shivering, too terrified to call for help. It’s only when he overhears Dad praying that the little turtle discovers how Scripture can help him face—and overcome—his fears.

Inspired to write her book by an experience with one of her students, Bostick says, “I wanted to create an example for children of what authentic Christian living is supposed to be. Prayer is so much more than a ritual done before meals and bedtime.”

As Kip discovers, “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV). Instead, he is able to remind himself that “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Ps. 56:3 CSB). Trapped in a frightening situation, Kip learns from his dad’s example that praying Scripture may not “magically” change our circumstances, but it can and does change our response to them. Bostick’s sweet story of Kip’s prayerful reliance on Scripture will help children trust God too through their own fears.

[1] Rae Jacobson, “How to Help Children Manage Fears,” 30 October 2023. https://childmind.org/article/help-children-manage-fears/.

[2] Ana Gascon Ivey, “13 Coping Skills to Help Kids Manage Anxiety and Stress,” 4 November 2022, https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/childrens-health/coping-skills-for-kids.

About the author
Brandy Bostick graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has worked as an elementary school teacher, camp counselor, and after-school program coordinator. Her blog and podcast are found at www.upfromthemuck.com. Brandy lives in West Monroe, Louisiana, with her husband and family. Mom to one and aunt to many more, Brandy believes that helping a child catch the glory of the Lord is a joy like no other.

For interviews, contact: b.heck004@gmail.com or contact@upfromthemuck.com

Websites: https://www.upfromthemuck.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/upfromthemuck?fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Podcast host site: https://upfromthemuckpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbostick.author

https://www.facebook.com/upfromthemuck/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upfromthemuckpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNCWjWmOCqVtQdDCjyvmGQ

Suggested Interview Questions

What inspired you to write a children’s picture book?
Did the full story come to you all at once, or did you rework and revise it to achieve its final form?
The main character, Kip, is a child substitute in the story. Why did you decide to use a turtle as the main character instead of a human child?
Kip’s predicament begins with his own mischievous choice to run off before Dad is ready to race him. How can parents help children understand the difference between high spirits and disobedience?
Most children develop specific fears, such as fear of the dark or of “monsters.” How can parents and other caring adults help children cope with these fears through prayer and Scripture?
In your story, Kip’s dad tells Kip that he too sometimes faces fear. How can parents reveal their own vulnerabilities to their children without causing them more anxiety?
Do you plan to write any more children’s books?

Best Christian Workplaces Launches Adjunct Faculty Survey

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FAITH NEWS SERVICE – (Mercer Island, WA) – Best Christian Workplaces, a leader in Christian employee engagement surveys, announces the launch of the new Adjunct Survey, allowing leaders in higher-ed to hear directly from their adjunct faculty.

This survey complements Best Christian Workplaces’ signature Employee Engagement Survey by equipping university leaders with additional tools to build a Flourishing Workplace™. While the Employee Engagement Survey captures feedback from traditional full-time and part-time faculty, the Adjunct Survey is specifically tailored to address the unique needs of adjunct professors. By gathering targeted insights, this new survey provides institution leaders with a deeper understanding of how these valuable educators experience and perceive the college or university’s culture.

With 22 core questions, the survey gives adjunct professors a platform to voice their perspectives directly to faculty leadership. It also features expanded demographic questions, asking survey takers about course load and class levels, to ensure leaders gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles that adjuncts play within the institution.

Senior Consultant Cary Humphries highlights the importance of adjuncts in the university environment: “Adjunct professors play a unique role in creating the culture within colleges and universities. Often, they bring diverse viewpoints from their professional backgrounds. These professors may not interact with the colleges’ administration in the same way as traditional faculty. However, they do shape the student experience and are associated with the institution’s reputation. While they may not be traditional full-time employees, their insights are crucial to understanding and improving workplace culture at universities.”

Join the growing number of universities that are already benefiting from the Adjunct Survey. Contact Best Christian Workplaces to learn more and request additional information.

Media Contact

Robert Wachter
Global Marketing Director
rwachter@workplaces.org
206.979.7593

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About Best Christian Workplaces

We equip and inspire Christian leaders to build an engaged, flourishing workplace. We believe that Christian-led workplaces can set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world. Our proven three-phase process of Discover, Build, and Grow takes the guesswork out of building a flourishing workplace culture. Best Christian Workplaces is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and was founded in 2002.

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info@workplaces.org

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