tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28973272882484174762024-02-08T10:29:36.532-05:00Shame Lifter OnlineNot good enough... Is that how you see yourself? Maybe you constantly put yourself down or work harder and harder trying to measure up. Perhaps you're sure that people wouldn't like you if they knew the real you.
Shame Lifter is the story about how one person released her own shame and overcame the destructive habits of bitterness. This book will help you let go of the unhealthy shame holding you back and embrace the God-given truth about yourself instead.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-16762513564472892072011-07-25T15:58:00.004-04:002011-07-25T16:36:44.026-04:00ListeningI often times feel challenged by the verse from Psalm 141:3 about asking the Lord to put a, "guard at the door of my lips." It's way too easy for me to speak or give advice than to truly listen. <br /><br />There are times when I'm listening to someone (and that happens often as a pastor's wife) that I would rather fix them than listen to them. To me, often times the solution seems so easy! Yet, what a gift we give to one another when we "listen to understand" rather than "listen to fix." When a person feels listened to and understood there is a visual difference in their body language. The shoulders let down and there is often a sigh of relief. A sense of peace. To be understood is a huge gift!<br /><br />When I'm listening to someone and they are sharing really hard stuff, I have to keep in mind phrases like: "Oh, that must be so difficult for you," or "What a painful situation you're going through, I am sorry." I've also learned a helpful question to ask: "Is there anything more you'd like to share?" (It's kind of like going through the Taco Bell drive-thru and the server asks: "Is there anything else?") It's surprising, how when given an opportunity, people will share more - and sometimes for the very first time.<br /><br />Just recently I had a woman come up to me and share she was sexually molested as a child and that she had never mentioned that to anyone before. She took a big risk in sharing that information. Had I not been listening carefully I would have missed it as she shared it in a round-about way. <br /><br />There are also phrases I am seeking to eliminate as I listen..."I know just how you feel..." "Let me tell you about the time...." "You're just being too sensitive." In a way, listening takes a bit of denying our self. Denying our desire to interrupt, and denying our wanting to give that person our opinion - when it wasn't asked for. Listening is hard and it does take practice, practice, practice!<br /><br />My busy, married daughter, Mandy has two little ones and is working on her PhD program. 3 1/2 year-old Sam was trying to tell his mom something, but Mandy was multitasking. Finally little Sam came over to her and with both hands cupped her cheeks and turned her head toward him and simply said, "Mommy, you're not listening to me." Of course, my daughter dropped everything and turned her attention to Sam.<br /><br />I wonder....does our Heavenly Father ever feel like gently cupping His hands around my face and saying, "Beloved, daughter, please listen to me." I really do want to listen more. I want to be a giver of grace. I want to be more like Jesus. How thankful I am that He is always listening to us.Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-80133288141045784212011-06-02T13:36:00.005-04:002011-06-02T13:49:02.543-04:00THE WAY WE RESPOND TO CHILDREN AROUND USI heard the following story over a year ago and it continues to speak to me. It’s a true story, and I believe it can be a reminder to check the way we respond to the little ones who live around us.<br /><br />Five-year-old, Madison (name changed) was very excited about starting kindergarten.<br /><br />The big day arrived and Madison was looking forward to riding the school bus with the other neighborhood children. Her mother, Angela walked Madison to the bus stop. It was a joyous scene. Children were playing on the sidewalk and moms were chatting with other moms. Everyone was looking forward to catching the first glimpse of the big yellow bus as it rounded the corner.<br /><br />“I see the bus – it’s coming,” someone finally yelled out. Immediately cheers went up and children scrambled to pick up backpacks and get in line to climb the giant steps of the bus. Angela kissed her daughter goodbye, waited to see Madison wave from her window seat and then returned home.<br /><br />Later in the day, Madison came home on the school bus. Her mom was eagerly waiting for her at the bus stop. “Hi, honey, how was your first day of school?” Madison seemed quiet and not open to continuing the conversation. Perhaps Madison is just tired, Angela thought – after all - it was her first day of school and she got up extra early.<br /><br />One day, though, early in the school year, Madison came home a lot quieter than usual. Angela picked up on her child’s mood and began to ask more detailed questions about her school day. Finally, after what seemed like “pulling teeth,” her daughter responded, “Mommy, you forgot to pack my snack today and we are supposed to bring one everyday.”<br />“Oh honey, I am so sorry! That was my fault. I totally forgot about your snack. I’ll make sure I pack it tomorrow. And if it would help you feel better, we’ll check each day to make sure your snack is packed.” Madison nodded; however, she still seemed sad and reserved.<br /><br />“Honey,” Angela continued, “What happened today when you told the teacher you forgot your snack?”<br />Madison was quiet for a moment; her eyes downcast, “She told me to go and sit on the reading rug while the rest of the class ate their snack.”<br /><br />“So, you didn’t have anything to eat at all?” <br /><br />“No,” came her meek reply. “I just sat on the rug.”<br /><br />Shame was the undertone in her response.<br /><br />My immediate response to that scene was to wonder why the teacher didn’t have some spare snacks on hand? Or why didn’t she ask if any of the students would like to share their snack with Madison and provide a wonderful lesson on sharing? Now, I want to be quick to add that I don’t believe Madison’s teacher purposefully sought to cause Madison shame. Her reasoning must have been justified to her. But I do wonder how many times I have responded to a child without really thinking through what I’m communicating and it ends up crushing that child’s spirit and producing shame?<br /><br />This story helps me to remember that children are little human beings. They are important and extemely valuable. I admit that there have been times as a teacher’s aid where I found a child a little more difficult for me to like. It was easy to look down on that child. Or, the times I’ve been in a store and heard a child acting out – I can, without thinking, look down on that child. It is at those times that I have to ask the Lord to help me not to even think shaming thoughts about that child. (It’s easy to go there:“What’s a matter with that whiney kid? She’s disturbing everyone in the store. Glad she’s not my out-of-control child.”)<br /><br />I love the way Scripture captures a few scenes with Jesus and children. His love for them is very obvious. Catch this from Mark 10:16: ”Then He, Jesus, took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” Can’t you just picture this? Imagine your child, or a child you know, being gathered up into His arms and then Jesus placing his hands on their heads to bless them. To bless them – not to shame them.<br /> <br />There is another visual of Jesus with a child that is very sobering to me (Matthew 18:10.) It speaks to my heart and the way I treat children:<br />“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in Heaven their angels are always in the presence of my Heavenly Father.” <br /><br />Wow, if I look down on a child I am being a shame giver. God takes their value very seriously. You know, I think we may even have their angel watching us as we interact with a child! Now there’s a motive for accountability to not look down on little ones. You have an angel watching you!<br /><br />Recently, I followed up with Angela as Madison had moved on to first grade. The good news is she’s thriving, more talkative about her school day and does not want to miss a day of school.<br /><br />I want to remember, though, that our treatment of children can make them feel fearful or secure. We do have authority over these little ones and I pray we use that authority wisely – laced with patient grace.Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-1743859031687550462011-04-11T15:24:00.003-04:002011-04-11T18:24:40.563-04:00Confessions of an AuthorIf you have been published, you know the incredible, joyous, expectancy you have welling up inside of you right before your book’s release date.<br />
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If you’re like me, though, you also have some pushed-down questions lurking in the back of your brain…Will people like it? Will it sell? How can I help market it? Does it have the potential to be a best seller? Will it ever reach the New York Times bestseller list? <br />
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After all, it’s your “baby” and you long for it to reach your audience. You’ve put in countless hours, neglected family, friends, pets and other favorite things. Not to mention all the tears that have splashed on your computer keyboard. There were also days when you struggled to even write one sentence that worked – or to find that perfect transition sentence from one paragraph to the next. In essence, you hope no one will think your “newborn baby” is ugly.<br />
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The release day comes and you hold your breath. Will it get lots of good reviews on Amazon? Will there be any negative 1 star ratings? (If so, is there any way of removing those, you wonder?) Will people post your incredible book on Twitter and Facebook? Will it be picked up and re-tweeted with 22,200 hits in one day? (You hope!) <br />
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Maybe you can’t relate, but I’m a little embarrassed to say that I have experienced all of the above with high hopes of my books taking off in sales. But there is more I experienced – I began to compare myself to other authors. This led me to plead with God. “Father, why are her books selling and mine aren’t selling like hers? Wow, how come she’s asking her publishers for 1.5 million for a new series that she hasn’t even written yet – and they are willing to pay her! How did his book get on the bestseller list and in just a few weeks? What’s the magic ingredient that propels a book over the top? How did that author get to be #1 on the Amazon book sales? (I think I’m somewhere in the 548,785 ranking on Amazon with one of my books. ☺) <br />
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And then comes a question deep from my soul - Did I just not write a good enough book? (Whoops, was that shame slipping in again?)<br />
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So, two weeks ago I was bemoaning these very thoughts and feelings to God. “Father, I’m never going to write again – it’s too painful. And Father, now I see on Amazon that one can purchase Listening for God for a penny! (Of course, you have to pay $3.99 for shipping so that makes the value go up a bit. ☺) But really, Father, a penny?” <br />
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Later that day I ran to a department store to buy a gift. As I was waiting in line to make my purchase the lady in front of me turned to me and said, “You don’t know me, but I recognize you. You wrote Shame Lifter. I want to tell you how meaningful your book is to me. It has also been a help to my mother who was sexually abused by her father. Your book gives me hope…” <br />
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Ouch! I almost missed the true purpose for my writing….to have people drawn closer to Jesus to encourage them in their walk with God and to offer a small piece of hope in the middle of their woundedness.<br />
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This morning, during my quiet time, I found a letter from my dad. It is the only letter I have kept from him. Sadly, most were too painful for me to keep, but this was his most encouraging letter so I kept it. One of his sentences grabbed my attention: <br />
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“Let Christ use you – don’t try to use Him.” <br />
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I love how Jesus quietly and gently whispered to my soul this morning: ”Marilyn, you haven’t realized this before, but you are trying to use Me to sell your books. Please, dear child, rest in Me. I will take your books where I want to – where they will do the most good. You do not have to fret about this. You do not have to worry about them making money. Your writings are something that I ordained in advance for you to do. So, your earthly father was right when he wrote: ‘Let Christ use you – don’t try to use Him.’ As your Heavenly Father I encourage you to write, but let Me use your writings in My way.” Ah, such freedom in that release! <br />
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So dear author – let Christ use you and your writings today – however He desires. Keep in mind that, “…nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT.Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-32021006071741720622011-03-30T14:50:00.004-04:002011-03-30T16:11:50.691-04:00What does God think about you?I heard two good questions from our worship leader this past Sunday at church: <div><br /></div><div>First Question: <b>"When God looks at you, </b>W<b>hat does He think about you</b>? <i>Interesting...What does God think about me? I wrote down my answer on the sermon outline.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Second Question: <i>"When God looks at His Son, </i><b>What does He think about Him</b>? <i>Oh, that was a no-brainer...I wrote on my sermon outline: "God thinks of Jesus as His beloved Son."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Next, came these words from the leader: "<b>God, the Father, thinks <i>the same</i> about you as He does about His Son.</b>" <i>Amazing! Because of Christ taking our sins upon Himself, we actually have the incredible honor to "become the righteousness of God" (1 Corinthians 5:21). </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure how you answered the first question, but sadly many people answer in the negative by saying..."I believe when God looks at me He thinks I am very frustrating." Or, "God thinks of me as a disappointment." Really? (Oh sure, there are times when we need to confess sin in our life, but it does not change the way God thinks of us. His love does not waver nor does He have favorite people.) Please don't be tempted to "re-create God" by your own feelings. God is God and He, thankfully, does not change His thoughts or love for us because <i>we feel</i> we are a disappointment to Him (or cause Him frustration - or whatever else you may think).</div><div><br /></div><div>You and I are God's beloved and it's a truth that has been hammering away at me for some time now. Lately, I've been able to grasp this truth in a fresh way. I not only <i>know</i> from the Word that I'm beloved - I actually feel beloved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the sermon outline...When the worship leader had us write down our answer to that first question - of how we think God thinks of us - I found out that I wrote the right answer. I was so pumped! That would not have been my answer a few years ago when I was living in shame. I thank the Lord for His grace in my life to see that when He says we are His beloved - He means it. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-87274737794805621272010-06-10T15:06:00.002-04:002010-06-10T16:13:40.351-04:00Do You <i>Know</i> You Are Really Loved By God?<div><br /></div><div>I (probably like many of you) have often sung the children's song, "Jesus loves me this I know...." The other day I was singing it to my little grandson before his nap. But as I was singing it to him, the words hit me in a fresh way - Do I really <i>know and live like</i> I am loved by Jesus? Do I allow that truth to sink into my deepest thoughts? </div><div><br /></div><div>Not long ago my son-in-law had to go away on an overnight trip. The next morning - when he was not there for breakfast - my sweet 5-year-old grand daughter was distressed to the point of tears. She loves eating breakfast with her daddy each morning - and in her mind it's supposed to be that way every day. His absence at the kitchen table prompted her to write him a note. It was a very tender note expressing her love for her dad. There was one sentence she wrote, however, that especially caught my attention, <i>"And I know you love me, too." </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Wow, I believe that sentence is powerful. Here's a little girl that truly <i>knows</i> her father loves her! I wonder what great impact that knowledge of being loved by her dad will have on her now and in the future? I wonder if she will feel like a woman of worth as she matures? Will her dad's secure love have a bearing on how she feels loved by God? I believe so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take a moment, if you will, and say to the Lord, "Father, I <i>know</i> you love me." Those may be hard words for some to say, but it's true - the Father loves you and He wants you to <i>know</i> it and believe it. "What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it - we're called children of God! That's who we really are" 1 John 3:1 (The Message). </div><div>"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is" Ephesians 3:18 NLT. </div><div>"Jesus loves <i>me</i> this I <i>know</i>."</div><div><br /></div>Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-57040357088069775212010-03-25T17:45:00.002-04:002010-03-25T18:13:26.317-04:00Positive, Powerful WordsMaryann Bird, from her book, <i>The Whisper Test, </i>shares the following story:<div> <div> "I grew up knowing I was different. I hated it. I was born with a cleft palate and when I started school, my classmates made it clear to me how I looked to others. A little girl, with a misshapen lip, a crooked nose, lopsided teeth, and garbled speech. When schoolmates asked, 'What happened to your lip?' I'd tell them I'd fallen and cut it on a piece of glass. Somehow it seemed more acceptable to have suffered an accident rather than to have been born different. I was convinced that no one else other than my family could love me.</div><div><br /></div><div> There was, however a teacher in the second grade we all adored. Mrs. Leonard, by name. She was short, round, happy. A sparkling lady. Annually, we had a hearing test. Mrs. Leonard gave it to everyone in the class. And finally it was my turn. I knew from past years as we stood against the door and covered one ear, the teacher, sitting at her desk, would whisper something and we would have to say back what we heard her say. 'The sky is blue.' Or 'Do you have new shoes?' I waited for her words - the words that God must have put in her mouth - the seven words that changed my life. Mrs. Leonard whispered, 'I wish you were my little girl.'"</div><div><br /></div><div> What an incredible "shame lifter" Mrs. Leonard was for a little girl. Only seven words were spoken, but they changed her student's life. I wonder what words I could share today that would bring hope to those around me? 'Heavenly Father, help me to see those who need whispers of your love.' Oh, by the way, I believe the Lord Jesus continually whispers to a lost and hurting world, 'I wish you were mine.' </div></div>Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-40900195208033430632009-08-20T12:44:00.003-04:002009-08-20T14:20:22.352-04:00Words of ShameIt's been months since I last posted, but now things are settling down with the release of <span style="font-style: italic;">Shame Lifter</span> (only more radio interview to go) and I thought I'd get caught up on this blog.<br /><br />Shame. It's such an interesting emotion. It caught me by surprise a couple weeks ago.<br /><br />I had to go to a medical lab for a routine test. And like most medical offices, there is a sign that reads, "Please register with the receptionist." I stood by the counter and waited for the receptionist to finish whatever she was doing. Without greeting or even glancing up at me she asked, "Name?" I told her. Again, without looking at me she said, "Insurance card." I handed her my card and was amazed how she could, without looking, take it right out of my hand while she looked at her paperwork.<br /><br /> She continued with her work, swearing quietly to herself while I stood there. Finally, she said, "Go take a seat." As I turned and started for a nearby chair in the lobby, she yelled out, "Where are you going? What do you think I just asked you to do?" Now, for the first time she was looking at me and demanding an answer. At first I couldn't believe she was talking to me, but her eyes (and all the other eyes in the lobby) were now staring at me and wondering what I was going to say. I swallowed and said, "You told me to go sit down." Her eyes glowered at me. "Not in the lobby!" She pointed to another chair and commanded, " I want you to sit right over here!" She began mumbling to herself as I sank into the "right" chair. I could feel all those eyes looking at the back of my head. Gratefully, my name was soon called by a nurse and I was freed from my chair.<br /><br />After the appointment, I had to once again file past the receptionist's desk. Not knowing how I would be received and if I should sit in a certain chair I asked, "Is there anything else you need from me?" "No, I'm done with you!" No "good-bye" no smile, no nothing. <br /><br />It really was a little thing - but do you know what I felt like for a couple of minutes as that receptionist dialogued with me? I felt like a bad little kid who hadn't followed directions. (But only for a couple of minutes! :) I quickly realized that I didn't have anything to be ashamed of. She was the one out of bounds. <br /><br />But I do wonder...what was going on in her life? Was she having a most dreadful day in the office? How could I have encouraged her?<br /><br />Our words - they have such power - both with <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span> we say and <span style="font-style: italic;">how </span>we say it. Truly words have the power of life or death. Today I have a choice, I can either be a shame giver or a shame lifter.Marilyn Hontzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005822115542762068noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-8914806860576079792009-05-07T10:18:00.000-04:002009-05-07T10:21:40.723-04:00A review from Five Minutes for Books<span style="font-style: italic;">"A lot of self-help books focus on a variety of individuals and their personal struggles. Not so with </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414318960?ie=UTF8&tag=reatokno-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414318960">Shame Lifter</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=reatokno-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414318960" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; font-style: italic;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><span style="font-style: italic;">. Author Marilyn Hontz uses her own life experiences to show how she was once a shame </span><em style="font-style: italic;">receiver</em><span style="font-style: italic;"> who finally realized that she needed some help with shame </span><em style="font-style: italic;">lifting</em><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span> <p style="font-style: italic;">To be perfectly honest, I didn't think I needed to read this book. I just <em>wanted</em> to. I am, generally speaking, a very confident person. I typically have enough self-esteem to go around and share with, oh, say, about half a dozen other women. I don't generally think ill of myself. However, I did find an area where I generally talk down to myself when I was reading this book. I wasn't really surprised about the area of degradation but I was surprised to find that I really DID need this book. Furthermore, I'd go so far as to say that just about every woman does."<br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/1170/shame-lifter/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Read more here.</span></a><br /></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-57963544454387144262009-05-07T10:17:00.000-04:002009-05-07T10:18:33.877-04:00Christian Ladies Connect Review<p style="font-style: italic;">"Moms and dads everywhere: kudos to you. My hats are off to hard-working moms and dads all over the world, who sacrifice time, money, and energy, while giving the best of their love to a new breed that will one day rise up and be our future hope.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Though taxing at times, parenthood is one of the most satisfying jobs life could offer– or…um…at least that’s what I’ve heard from older moms and dads whose children are grown and are now raising kids of their own! Personally, I’m still in the very early stages of motherhood- parenting a voracious toddler and homeschooling a knowledge-thirsty 6 1/2 year old (yes, that’s six <em>and one half</em>, as she so adamantly reminds me). And, yes, I do find those moments of satisfaction and joy. Especially when they’re asleep!"</p><p><a href="http://christianladies.net/magazine/">Read the rest here.</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-80459665104344378602009-04-29T13:30:00.001-04:002009-04-29T13:31:34.937-04:00Interview on "The Query Queen"Click <a href="http://askwendy.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/10-questions-formarilyn-hontz-author-of-shame-lifter/">here </a>to read one of Marilyn's recent interviews posted on <a href="http://askwendy.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/10-questions-formarilyn-hontz-author-of-shame-lifter/">"Ask Wendy--the Query Queen."</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-73641395344285516642009-04-20T13:49:00.000-04:002009-04-20T13:50:22.773-04:00Excerpt from Cindy's Stamping and Reviews<span style="font-style: italic;">Are you a Shame Giver, Shame Receiver, or a Shame Lifter? Author Marilyn Hontz, in this book clearly explains what each of these are, and how to recognize signs in our lives (there is even check lists at the back of the book) She wonderfully presents a interesting book about how we recognize and deal with each of these, in our lives. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hurting people hurt people. The sooner we recognize this fact in the people we deal with daily and the people who we interact with in our lives. When we become aware of this it will help us to deal with those people who seem set on hurting us. It will also help us to understand our own hurts in our lives.</span><br /><a href="http://www.cindystamps.blogspot.com/"><br />See the rest of this review here.</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-85698467928242370772009-04-08T08:40:00.001-04:002009-04-08T08:42:40.777-04:00Review from The Living Word Book ClubBelow is an excerpt from The Living Word Book Club:<br /><br />Are you bombarded by negative thoughts like "I am so dumb!" "I’m ugly." "I’m worthless." "I’m inadequate." These are berating words that we tell ourselves and what Marilyn calls "shame language." This also includes comparing ourselves to others. "Why can’t I be like him/her?"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thelivingwordbookclub.blogspot.com">You can read the rest of the review here.</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-12805501499139417972009-04-06T15:02:00.002-04:002009-04-06T15:03:51.321-04:00Review from Gwen JacksonHere is an excerpt from a recent blog review from Gwen Jackson:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Marilyn Hontz – friend, fellow pastor’s wife, mom to five grown children, grandma to six, speaker, and author – recently published her second book, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Shame-Lifter-Replacing-Fears-Forgiveness/dp/1414318960">Shame Lifter</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. I was looking forward to getting a copy when I discovered it at a friend's house when we were staying with their kids while they were on a cruise. I debated what book to take with me for reading material, but never really settled on anything. As soon as I saw Marilyn's book, I knew that was the book to read. I finished it in three days and found it to be thought provoking and insightful. Anyone who reads this book will find themselves reflecting on their own life. Shame-givers come in a variety of forms... for me it was two grade-school teachers who instilled a shamed based sense of inadequacy in me.</span>.."<br /><br /><a href="http://gwenjackson.blogspot.com/2009/04/shame-lifter.html">Click here for the remainder of the review.</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-16320918506494663672009-04-03T14:41:00.002-04:002009-04-03T14:44:05.489-04:00Ministry in a Shame Filled WorldHere is an excerpt from a leadership blog written by leadership guru Kevin Harney on <span style="font-style: italic;">Shame Lifter</span>:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"One in four girls is sexually abused before age 18.</span><a href="http://lnbooks.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ced4953ef01156e9c3c31970c-pi"><img alt="Shame Lifter" src="http://lnbooks.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ced4953ef01156e9c3c31970c-320pi" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="Shame Lifter" align="right" border="0" height="240" width="159" /></a> <p style="font-style: italic;">One in six boys is sexually abused before age 18.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Sexual abuse and the collateral damage it brings have reached epidemic levels. Those who lead in the church and Christian ministries must be equipped to support and walk with people who are processing the shame, pain, and fears associated with abuse. Marilyn Hontz has given a gift to those who have faced abuse personally or who walk with people who are seeking healing and freedom from their past. Her book, <em><a href="http://www.tyndale.com/products/nonfiction/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-1896-7&subpage=">Shame Lifter</a></em>, tells her own story of God’s grace and power to overcome the pain and shame of abuse.</p> <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://books.leadnet.org/2009/03/%3Cp%3EOne%20in%20four%20girls%20is%20sexually%20abused%20before%20age%2018.%3Ca%20href=%22http://lnbooks.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ced4953ef01156e9c3c31970c-pi%22%3E%3Cimg%20title=%22Shame%20Lifter%22%20style=%22display:%20inline;%20margin-left:%200px;%20margin-right:%200px%22%20height=%22240%22%20alt=%22Shame%20Lifter%22%20src=%22http://lnbooks.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ced4953ef01156e9c3c31970c-320pi%22%20width=%22159%22%20align=%22right%22%20border=%220%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%20%20%3Cp%3EOne%20in%20six%20boys%20is%20sexually%20abused%20before%20age%2018.%3C/p%3E%20%20%3Cp%3ESexual%20abuse%20and%20the%20collateral%20damage%20it%20brings%20have%20reached%20epidemic%20levels.%20Those%20who%20lead%20in%20the%20church%20and%20Christian%20ministries%20must%20be%20equipped%20to%20support%20and%20walk%20with%20people%20who%20are%20processing%20the%20shame,%20pain,%20and%20fears%20associated%20with%20abuse.%20Marilyn%20Hontz%20has%20given%20a%20gift%20to%20those%20who%20have%20faced%20abuse%20personally%20or%20who%20walk%20with%20people%20who%20are%20seeking%20healing%20and%20freedom%20from%20their%20past.%20Her%20book,%20%3Cem%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.tyndale.com/products/nonfiction/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-1896-7&subpage=%22%3EShame%20Lifter%3C/a%3E%3C/em%3E,%20tells%20her%20own%20story%20of%20God%E2%80%99s%20grace%20and%20power%20to%20overcome%20the%20pain%20and%20shame%20of%20abuse.%3C/p%3E%20%20%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EShame%20Lifter%3C/em%3E%20is%20not%20gratuitous%20or%20voyeuristic.%20Rather,%20Marilyn%20tells%20her%20story%20with%20grace%20and%20thoughtfulness.%20Those%20who%20minister%20to%20people%20who%20have%20faced%20painful%20family%20experiences,%20rejection%20by%20a%20loved%20one,%20and%20abuse%20of%20any%20sort%20will%20want%20to%20review%20this%20book.%20As%20a%20pastor%20and%20leader,%20I%20have%20talked%20to,%20prayed%20with,%20and%20tried%20to%20minister%20to%20many%20women%20and%20men%20who%20have%20faced%20abuse.%20At%20times,%20I%20have%20felt%20very%20ill-equipped%20for%20the%20task.%20As%20I%20read%20%3Cem%3EShame%20Lifter%3C/em%3E%20I%20learned%20a%20number%20of%20very%20helpful%20lessons:%3C/p%3E%20%20%3Cul%3E%20%20%20%3Cli%3EHealing%20from%20abuse%20takes%20time,%20work,%20introspection,%20and%20caring%20people%20who%20will%20partner%20with%20you%20in%20the%20process.%20The%20church%20is%20a%20perfect%20place%20for%20this%20kind%20of%20ministry%20to%20happen.%20%3C/li%3E%20%20%20%20%3Cli%3EWonderful%20and%20healthy%20people%20can%20have%20deep%20pain%20and%20dark%20places%20in%20their%20past.%20As%20a%20leader,%20I%20can%E2%80%99t%20assume%20that%20someone%20who%20appears%20to%20have%20their%20life%20in%20order%20has%20traveled%20through%20life%20exempt%20from%20the%20pain%20of%20abuse.%20I%20need%20to%20ask%20good%20questions%20and%20create%20space%20for%20people%20to%20share%20who%20they%20really%20are.%3C/li%3E%20%20%20%20%3Cli%3EIt%20is%20possible%20for%20a%20person%20who%20has%20been%20deeply%20hurt%20to%20forgive%20with%20equal%20depth.%20Not%20only%20is%20it%20possible,%20it%20is%20essential.%3C/li%3E%20%20%20%20%3Cli%3EMost%20importantly,%20the%20love%20of%20God%20and%20power%20of%20forgiveness%20can%20release%20captives%20and%20restore%20shattered%20hearts.%20In%20a%20cynical%20world,%20it%20is%20easy%20for%20leaders%20to%20think%20of%20wholeness%20as%20an%20ideal%20that%20most%20people%20will%20never%20attain.%20I%20have%20been%20encouraged%20to%20see%20wholeness%20as%20a%20goal%20that%20God%20wants%20each%20of%20His%20children%20to%20reach.%3C/li%3E%20%3C/ul%3E%20%20%3Cp%3EThe%20narrative%20style%20of%20%3Cem%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.tyndale.com/products/nonfiction/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-1896-7&subpage=%22%3EShame%20Lifter%3C/a%3E%3C/em%3E%20makes%20is%20very%20readable.%20The%20honesty%20and%20transparency%20with%20which%20Marilyn%20writes%20makes%20you%20feel%20like%20you%20are%20sitting%20and%20having%20a%20conversation%20with%20a%20trusted%20friend.%20If%20you%20minister%20to%20hurting%20and%20broken%20people%20%28and%20I%20think%20we%20all%20do%29,%20this%20book%20will%20be%20a%20valuable%20resource.%20At%20the%20end%20of%20each%20chapter%20there%20are%20questions%20to%20help%20the%20leader%20through%20a%20process%20of%20personal%20reflection.%20Then,%20there%20are%20suggested%20actions%20and%20activities%20called,%20%E2%80%9CShame%20Lifters.%E2%80%9D%20These%20offer%20practical%20and%20attainable%20steps%20for%20personal%20growth%20and%20spiritual%20healing.%20As%20a%20leader,%20this%20book%20will%20give%20you%20a%20wealth%20of%20tools%20for%20helping%20others%20move%20forward%20in%20the%20hope%20and%20healing%20that%20can%20be%20found%20in%20Jesus%20Christ.%20If%20you%20are%20a%20leader%20who%20has%20lived%20with%20abuse%20and%20if%20you%20are%20still%20on%20the%20journey%20of%20healing,%20I%20believe%20%3Cem%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.tyndale.com/products/nonfiction/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-1896-7&subpage=%22%3EShame%20Lifter%3C/a%3E%3C/em%3E%20will%20minister%20to%20you%20in%20a%20very%20personal%20way.%3C/p%3E%20%20%3Cp%3EKevin%20G.%20Harney%3C/p%3E">Shame Lifter</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> is not gratuitous or voyeuristic. Rather, Marilyn tells her story with grace and thoughtfulness. Those who minister to people who have faced painful family experiences, rejection by a loved one, and abuse of any sort will want to review this book. As a pastor and leader, I have talked to, prayed with, and tried to minister to many women and men who have faced abuse. At times, I have felt very ill-equipped for the task."</span><br /><a href="http://books.leadnet.org/2009/03/ministry-in-a-shame-filled-world.html"><br />READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE HERE.</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446605654747592907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-40242305116471357682009-03-04T21:55:00.005-05:002009-03-20T22:33:22.901-04:00And Yet Another Blog Review!<strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/2009/03/shame-lifter-book-review-and-giveaway.html"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Review from Corn Husker Academy</span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I was excited to get the chance to read this book - it is dealing with such a huge issue - shame. Marilyn approaches this issue from the heart because she dealt with it her whole life, sometimes not even realizing it. She tells her personal story and it is so interesting and gripping that I read through this book in two days. I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing that, because it is meant to really help you dig deep and work through shame issues you might have. But you need to understand that while I can read a non-fiction book in a day or two, I struggle through most non-fiction books. I didn't struggle here at all. Marilyn's writing is wonderfully light and easy to read, while incredibly engaging. Her story will pull you in while the end of the chapters will help you heal. At the end of each chapter she has 3 things to do...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >1) How About You? There are a few questions that get you thinking about whether what Marilyn dealt with in that chapter might be something that you need to deal with too.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >2) Shame Lifters. Here Marilyn mentions some things you can do to start working through these issues, practical self-help, along with scripture to lift you up.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >3) A Prayer. The chapter ends with a prayer that you can pray that helps pour your heart out to your Heavenly Father.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I can't even begin to tell you the list of people that I want to pass this book onto! It is wonderful! Shame Lifters could change the body of Christ one reader at a time by letting them see themselves as God sees them instead of through the eyeglasses of shame that they usually wear.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >http://cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/2009/03/shame-lifter-book-review-and-giveaway.html</span></span><br /></span></span></span></strong>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-25288169990066015432009-03-04T21:53:00.001-05:002009-03-04T21:53:44.441-05:00Another Blog Review from the Wild Card Tour!<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><strong>http://misadventuresofthedynamicuno.blogspot.com/2009/03/wild-card-tour-shame-lifter-by-marilyn.html<br /><br />Dynamic Uno here:</strong> Wow! Marilyn's story was so open and honest that it was hard to read at times because I wasn't sure I wanted to suffer the pain and heartbreak that she felt throughout her life. I generally keep a "quote book" beside my reading table so that I can jot down little thought s and treasures through the quotes I get from books, but there are whole chapters in <em>Shame Lifter</em> that I would have liked to write down! (Chapter 5 especially!) When I first started reading this book, I didn't really think I would fall into the category of having "shame." After all, I'm a pretty cheerful person. But, when you really listen and hear Marilyn's story, there are many places where I could have inserted my name instead of hers. ("Perfectionism" anyone? Yep--that's caused by shame too.)<br /><br />What I really enjoyed about this book was the frankness and sincerity of Marilyn's words. This is her story--one that many of us may share or mirror with our own lives. The sad part is that many of us may not recognize that we are filled with shame. (Myself included.) This book will make you more aware of your past hurts, but more importantly, give you ways to move beyond those hurts to be set-free of the shame and doubt in your life!<br /><br />At the end of each chapter there are focus questions, as well as a section that gives ideas for becoming Shame Lifters. There is also a scriptural-based prayer that deals with the subject matter of the previous chapter. At the end of the book is a beautiful Love Letter called </span><a href="http://www.fathersloveletter.com/index.html"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Father's Love Letter</span></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">. (I had seen it before and am SO glad it was included in this book because I think many of us need to be reminded every now and again that we really DO MATTER. That God really does love us--even if we don't live up to our own or someone else's standards. There are also lists of behaviors that classify people as shame givers and receivers. (You'll have to read the book to find out the actual definitions for those terms.) And, some beautiful letters that were written by Marilyn. I am actually going to buy several copies of this book for MANY of the women in my life. Even if you are not normally attracted to "this type of book," please read it anyway. I'm certain that there is someone in your life that could use it for themselves. If nothing else, it will help you become more of a Shame Lifter in the lives of people around you.<br /><br />Let me know what you think! Happy Reading!<br /><br />http://misadventuresofthedynamicuno.blogspot.com/2009/03/wild-card-tour-shame-lifter-by-marilyn.html<br /></span>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-56883983106165516462009-03-02T21:20:00.001-05:002009-03-02T21:20:50.892-05:00Another Review from the Wild Card Book TourBook Review from: http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/shame-lifter-by-marilyn-hontz.html<br /><br /><br />Most likely, you'd never know this unless I told you, especially after browsing here at My Bookshelf--but I prefer non-fiction to fiction.<br /><br />Told you you'd never know it! I love a good story, one that not only entertains but educates and inspires, free from the 'ick' factor and full of the Spirit.<br /><br />But a non-fiction book that changes me, that takes me on a real-life journey with someone who's walked the road I'm walking---that really is what I tend to hunt for.<br /><br />And that's what I found in Marilyn Hontz' book, "Shame Lifter". It was worth having just for the gorgeous cover art alone, but I must tell you--I wouldn't have missed this journey with Marilyn for the world.<br /><br />In her book, "Shame Lifter", Marilyn truly bares her soul, sharing episodes in her life and thoughts from her mind that may shock some, but most likely will make others think "Oh, praise God, I'm NOT alone!"<br /><br />Marilyn talks about talking with an accent--an accent of shame. She shares how one moment--a compliment, actually--created a break-through for her. How even the thought of writing a book caused shame based thoughts to race through her mind.<br /><br />I'm SO glad she didn't listen!!<br /><br />As one who has lived nearly my entire life battling the voice of shame inside my head and my heart, I drank in Marilyn's book like a thirsty sponge. The power of her message will join the ranks of Beth Moore's "Breaking Free" and books like "The Relief of Imperfection" to help Christian women (and even men) blow aways the clouds of shame in their lives.<br /><br />Marilyn makes the quick distinction between guilt and shame, and talks about how shame can be used to motivate people to change. This isn't the shame Marilyn sets us free from.<br /><br />The shame she has been held captive by, and the shame I still battle, is a sense of "why am I even breathing air" kind of shame. An over-the-top sense of unworthiness that keeps one bound and unable to serve God in freedom.<br /><br />If you've never battled such shame, read Marilyn's book, because I'm certain you know someone who is battling it. You may even be heaping inappropriate shame upon them without knowing it. Let her book set you free.<br /><br />If you're very familiar with shame and long to crush the tapes that play constantly in your head, allow the voice of God to speak through Marilyn's experiences and to lift up your head as a child of the King. Let her book set you free.<br /><br />If you are a counselor, you won't find a better book (besides God's Word) to give to others to read. Marilyn is relatable, inspiring, transparent, and informative. She is a kind and wonderful companion who's forged ahead on the path of healing just far enough to guide us along the way.<br /><br />Also included in Marilyn's book is 'The Father's Love Letter', used with permission from the original authors, along with some other useful additions to the story she shares with us.<br /><br />Each chapter concludes with questions, shame lifters, and prayers to guide you in your path to healing and deliverance from unhealthy shame. I cannot recommend Marilyn's book to you enough. This is one I will be buying and handing out to others I know who battle with shame.<br /><br />It's also going to stay on my 'read again' shelf...because I know I'm not done yet. Christ has my victory already won, I know...but I still live with me, and I can be my own worst enemy.<br /><br />I'm giving "Shame Lifter" the Golden Bookmark for writing excellence and genuine heart, as well as voting it "Best Christian Living/Inspiration Book of 2009". Go out and get your copy TODAY. Don't wait another moment.<br /><br />You'll be SO glad you did.<br /><br />Happy Reading!<br /><br />http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/2009/03/shame-lifter-by-marilyn-hontz.htmlChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-58563406990288208312009-03-02T21:17:00.001-05:002009-03-02T21:18:42.653-05:00Review from the Wild Card Book Tour<strong>Book Review from Wendi's Book Cover Blog: http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-shame-lifter-by-marilyn-hontz.html<br /><br /><br />Perfect for :</strong> Personal Use, share with those who are experiencing<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">** Even if you don't think this is the book for you, I hope you will scroll down and take a peak at the first chapter - it was very eye-opening for me!<br /></span></strong><br /><strong>In a nutshell:</strong> In Shame Lifter, Marilyn has written a very revealing and helpful book about how to discover the things in your life that have created a feeling of shame, which may result in feelings of inadequacy and fear. Not only does she help you to discover things that have contributed to these feelings, she gives you the tools to help understand how to heal from them! This is a great book to read for yourself, as well as to share with others.<br /><br /><strong>Extended Review:</strong> I am a perfectionist, and yet I never feel done. My husband would laugh at this statement, as he sees a completely different side of me - the one where I can completely overwhelm myself because I don't think I know what I'm doing, or that there is no way I can do it correctly. As I began to read Shame Lifter, I realized that according to Marilyn's description of a shame-based perspective on life (described in the introduction): I'm always afraid that what I do will not be good enough, that people won't like me, that I will forget to mention something important, etc. While I've always assumed these faults were based on a lack of confidence, the author points out that these are traits of shame. At some point in my life, I must have done something (probably many somethings that added up) that made me feel shame. As I think back, I was never the most popular girl in school, I felt bad if I missed a word during a spelling contest, etc - I think the early years of school can either build you up, or really make you weary.<br /><br />As I continued to read through the book, I found that I could relate in little ways to a lot of the things that Marilyn was sharing. Then I found inspiration and clarity in the questions at the end of each chapter, and the Shame Lifter activities.<br /><br />I think that a lot of being able to change is understanding how we became what we are, and then having a goal of what we want to be - and this book is the perfect companion to accomplish this. I really hadn't given much thought to the things that have sculpted me over the years to create the woman that I am today, I am very proud of some things, and have discovered that I will be even happier if I stop ignoring the fact that the fear of rejection or making a mistake was holding me back from fully experiencing life.<br /><br />Now that I am more aware, I can continue to re-visit some of the chapters that were more relevant to my life and heal by going through the questions and Shame Lifter Activities. I also plan to share this book with some of the people in my life.<br /><br />Content: Marilyn has written a very good introduction that explains how Shame Lifer came about, and what it is. She then has eleven chapters that focus on different things. Then she has a Father's Love Letter (p. 185) where she has shared many inspirational scriptures, and finally there is an appendix section with some really helpful information.<br /><br />Format: In each chapter, Marilyn uses an example from her life to illustrate the main points. (She includes pertinent scriptures throughout the book where appropriate.) Each main chapter ends with a series of questions to help you make discoveries of your own, then a few Shame Lifter activities to help you heal, or allow you to help someone else heal. Finally, there is a prayer at the end of each chapter.<br /><br />Readability: The book was very easy to read and understand.<br /><br />Overall: A wonderfully helpful book for anyone experiencing fear, shame, guilt, etc, or for someone who wants to help others experiencing shame. The book does help you find the truth and change your fears into hope. I plan to share this book with a lot of people in my life. Hopefully some will find comfort and hope, and others will be inspired to help others by becoming Shame Lifters.<br /><br /><br />http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-shame-lifter-by-marilyn-hontz.htmlChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-47633759541441056752009-02-28T14:58:00.004-05:002009-03-04T21:43:21.334-05:00Prayer for Radio InterviewsMarilyn would appreciate your prayers as she participates in several upcoming radio interviews about <span style="font-style: italic;">Shame Lifter.</span> The interview dates are:<br /><br />Feb 20, 2009 - Pittsburgh, PA<br />Feb 23, 2009 - Birmingham, AL<br />March 2, 2009 - St. Paul, MN - live<br />March 4, 2009 - Bowling Green, KY<br />March 5, 8:30 a.m. North Carolina<br />March 5 - Grantsville, MD<br /> March 10 - Cleveland, Ohio<br />March 11 - Brentwood, TN<br />April 4 - New York, NY (2 hr broadcast)<br />April 14 - Chicago, IL<br />May 20, 2009 - Colorado Springs, Focus on the Family<br /><br /><br /><br />Please pray for Marilyn's presence of mind, for clarity, for the Holy Spirit to direct her words, and for the way to opened up for many to be encouraged through the message in <span style="font-style: italic;">Shame Lifter</span>! Thank you!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-37670204007567523462009-02-27T15:15:00.000-05:002009-02-28T14:56:41.053-05:00Blog Postings on Shame Lifter!<p><span style="color: rgb(84, 141, 212);font-size:11;" >Several <span>blogs</span> will be posting about <i>Shame Lifter</i> this coming Monday, March 2, as part of a virtual book tour. You can click on these links to read a variety of reviews.<br /></span></p> <table style="width: 227pt; border-collapse: collapse;" width="303" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15.75pt;" valign="bottom" width="303"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://firstwildcardtours.<wbr>blogspot.com/</span></a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://deenasbooks.blogspot.<wbr>com/ </span></a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://disciplinesofculture.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://disciplinesofculture.<wbr>wordpress.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://berlysue.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://berlysue.blogspot.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://lilly-readingextravaganza.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://lilly-<wbr>readingextravaganza.blogspot.<wbr>com</span></a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.cornhuskeracademy.<wbr>blogspot.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://bookfoolery.blogspot.<wbr>com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.mikedellosso.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.mikedellosso.blogspot.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.ponderingsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.ponderingsfrommyheart.<wbr>blogspot.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.froggyreviews.com/" target="_blank">www.froggyreviews.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.lovingheartmommy.com/" target="_blank">www.lovingheartmommy.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.midnight-reviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.midnight-reviews.blogspot.<wbr>com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://www.connected2christ.com/theblog" target="_blank">http://www.connected2christ.<wbr>com/theblog</a></span></u></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://quiverfullfamily.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://quiverfullfamily.com</span></a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://laurawilliamsmusings.<wbr>blogspot.com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:black;" ><a href="http://www.danicafavorite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.danicafavorite.blogspot.<wbr>com</a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://misadventuresofthedynamicuno.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://<wbr>misadventuresofthedynamicuno.<wbr>blogspot.com</span></a></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 227pt; height: 15pt;" valign="bottom" width="303" nowrap="nowrap"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:9;color:blue;" ><a href="http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://wendisbookcorner.<wbr>blogspot.com </span></a></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897327288248417476.post-45697839066982623812009-02-27T14:48:00.002-05:002009-03-01T14:59:03.367-05:00Welcome!Welcome to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Shame Lifter</span> blog! Your comments and responses to the book are very welcome. We'd love to hear from you!<br /><br />If you're looking to purchase a copy of the book, you can find a display in Holland, Michigan, at the Jude 3 Christian bookstore. If you're outside of Holland, they can be found at your local Christian bookstore.<br /><br />Books may also be ordered on Amazon at:<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Shame-Lifter-Replacing-Fears-Forgiveness/dp/1414318960/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234489084&sr=8-1<br /><br />Thank you!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16195352763227115051noreply@blogger.com0