Welcome to the seventh stop on Author Marilynn Dawson's virtual book tour for her soon-to-be-released book, “A Year in Prayer With Jesus”.  Today we feature an excerpt from the introduction of her book:

Keeping in mind that The Lord's Prayer is not a recipe for answered prayer, it must be mentioned that the reverence and respect Christ teaches here echoes His own teachings later on in the same chapter.  For many, the focus in prayer is on themselves, on what they want, on what they think they need, on how they feel a situation should be handled, etcetera.  Praying this way is actually quite selfish and leaves no room for God to move in His own sovereign will.  Many of the formulae taught in prayer workshops are aimed at getting precisely what the pray-er wants, rather than what God wants.  

The idea of seeking what God desires is not only foreign, but contrary to the name-it-claim-it and word faith teachings still going around out there. 

My Pastor once referred to this mindset as having a business relationship with God.  I would go one step further to calling it a consumerism or materialistic relationship with God.  The business mantra “What's in it for me?” places “me” squarely up front and centre, with God standing outside the circle dressed in servant whites seemingly waiting on the next demand by Sir Lord and Lady Human.  The common analogy is that of treating God like the proverbial genie in the sky, or as I often refer to the concept, a slot machine in the clouds.  Pull the lever and pray you get the jackpot!

A person coming to The Lord's Prayer with a self-centred focus will tend to focus on the “give me” bits and skim over the “Your will be done” bits.  Consequently, in today's society, truly coming to an understanding of the nature of this prayer is a challenge.  This prayer takes the focus off the person and places it on God.  It turns the concept of prayer into a conversation and a respectful conversation at that.  It turns the concept of a prayer closet into intimate alone-time with just you and the Lover of your soul spending time in each other's presence, talking about what is on your hearts, etcetera.  This is a prayer of relationship.

Click this link here to get your fourteenth single day prayer guide outline.  
http://songdove.fa-ct.com/stuff/YPWJ/YPWJ-day213.pdf

Be sure to stop by Marilynn's blog (http://songdove.fa-ct.com/wordpress-mu/songdovemusing) on July 20th for your next single day prayer guide free download.  Be sure to sign up for her monthly newsletter for yet another free gift!  Don't you just love FREE?

In addition to these free downloads, Marilynn is giving away a complete one-month sample of her next book via the rafflecopter app below.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tell us a bit about yourself.
           
I've been writing in some form since I was a child, beginning with fictional short stories, puppet plays and skits to devotional-style journaling and poetry. I am a Mother of two graduated kids, a cat and a gerbil. I work as a computer repair tech/webmaster during the day when I'm not figuring out how to market my books and when I'm not doing soundtech events for various groups at my church.
 
Can you give short summaries of your books?
 
“Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey” is my personal story of healing and restoration offered in a way that lets the reader apply the lessons God's taught me to their own life. 14 chapters span 6 volumes and there is a Leader's Guide if people wish to engage in the content as a group study with homework.
 
“Mom's Little Black Book: Godly Advice for the High School Graduate” was written for my own graduating teenagers in 2013 (yes, they both graduated last June), but made available to the public for those parents and pastors who wish to offer their graduating youth tidbits of advice that will go with them into adulthood. Scriptures, charts, and example budget sheets are included for the graduating youth to use as guides.
 
“Dressed for Eternity” seeks to answer the question, “How does God adorn His Bride in the Scriptures?” The answer to this question takes the reader through Scripture, history, archaeology and even the New Jerusalem as we learn about Aaron's Breastplate, the New Jerusalem, and other passages of Scripture.
 
What genre are your books?

My books are all non-fiction, primarily Christian/Spiritual growth/Personal Growth.
 
What can a reader expect every time she picks up one of your books?

They can expect a fair bit of Scripture, as well as exhortational writing.
 
Who is your books’ audience?

My books are primarily aimed at the person who has been a Christian for awhile, who wants to go deeper in their faithwalk with God.  
 
Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

Not a reader response per se, but at my “Dressed for Eternity” Book launch bazaar and fashion show back in February, the winner of the evening's grand prize basket, came up to me afterward and told me that my event had inspired her as she seeks to please God with her fashion choices. That totally made my night to hear that!
 
What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

I wish that I'd known years ago just how simple it is to put a decent quality book together!  While it's true the self-publishing space hasn't been around for much more than the early 2000's, it would have been nice even back then to discover the tools I could use to get published.  I've actually created a small ebook on the subject, “Practical Thoughts on Becoming an Author”.  I turned it into a workshop and from there into an e-course that I'll be offering shortly.
 
Are you planning another book? If so, what’s the story about?

My next book is a prayer guide using the Lord's Prayer as an outline for 365 days.  The prayer has been broken down into 7 points, and each of those points has been given a unique Scripture verse and prayer prompt for the entire year.
 
How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me in a wide variety of places online. My profile and/or lists of my books can be found at:
 
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/songdovebooks/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10989028-marilynn-dawson
Freado: http://www.freado.com/users/34318/marilynn-dawson
BookDaily: http://www.bookdaily.com/author/1811135/profile
Twitter: https://twitter.com/songdoveMD
Deeper Shopping: http://www.deepershopping.com/marilynn-l-dawson/homepage.html
Chapters: http://community.indigo.ca/profile/Marilynn-Dawson/557354.html
Barnes & Noble: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/songdove-profile/?showVisitorView=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marilynn.Dawson.Author?ref=hl
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/songdovemd
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/MarilynnDawson
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynndawsonauthor
Authorsdb: http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/3068-marilynn-dawson
Squidoo: http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/songdove
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/songdove
Inkbok: https://inkbok.com/users/marilynn-dawson
 

Welcome Carol Shelton Moye


Author of:

Psalms is the Key of my Life

and

Unfailing Love
I've read some of Carol's Psalms; they are beautiful and put into  modern language that brings it into the present day.  A truly remarkable collection and beautiful to read and meditate on.  Thanks Carol for your beautiful work.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. I was raised by a mother who loved the Lord and raised us in the church. My father didn’t attend church, but was just as fervent in his beliefs. My Christian background made me the person I am and is always present in my writing, whether it be fiction or inspirational.

 When did you first start writing?

I wrote tons of poetry in high school. When my children were elementary school age, I taught a creative writing course in the summers that reignited my writing flame. I continued to infuse creative writing into courses I taught throughout my career as a public school teacher. After retiring last year, I finally had time to spend on my own writing.

 What's the story behind your latest book?

My latest book, “Unfailing Love”, is the second volume in the “Psalms in the Key of my Life” series. My goal is to personalize the psalms and make them relevant to modern readers. The first volume, “Psalms in the Key of my Life” covers Psalms 1-50. “Unfailing Love”, covers Psalms 51-100. I am in the beginning stages of Volume III. It will be called, “Praise the Lord”.

 What was the hardest part about writing your book?

For those of you who are familiar with the psalms, the middle section is not easy reading, and except for a few of them, is not very inspirational. There is much about sin, hiding from enemies, Israeli-Arab conflicts, Jewish history, etc., I struggled to find inspiration and relevance. There were points I wanted to give up. Each time, God gave me exactly what I needed. It was an amazing experience.

 Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Yes, it’s contained in the title. No matter what you are going through, God is there with his unfailing love. Just trust him to pull you through.

 What motivated you to become an indie author?

My daughter is a writer. I watched her get rejection letter after rejection letter. I paid attention to the indie movement. I’ve got professional software and the training to use it. I have a fairly good command of the English language. I learn quickly. Why should I give someone else the power and the money to do what I can do myself? I will admit, self-publishing is very hard work. There are times I would like to just hand my book to someone else, but being the control freak I am, I know I must do it myself.

 What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

Having readers tell me that were inspired by my writing, that the psalms came alive in a new way for them.

 What writing advice to you have for other aspiring writers?

Don’t let the opinions of others discourage you. Listen to advice, but stay true to your calling and your inner voice.

 What do your fans mean to you?

They are like fuel for me.

 Who are your favorite authors?

Christian authors: Max Lucado, Anne Lamott,

Secular: Toni Morrison, Nikki Giovanni, Faye Kellerman, John Grisham, Carol Wyer

 What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

I’m working on a few short stories. Often my characters get me up. I’m excited to continue their stories.

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

I have way more hobbies than I have time for; I am an amateur nature photographer, and an amateur musician. I also love to grow flowers. I also enjoy spending time with teenagers as a tutor, mentor or however else I am needed.

Website: http://cmoye.net
Amazon Author Page:  http://amazon.com/author/carolmoye

Books: 
Psalms in the Key of my Life (Vol. I-Psalms 1-50): 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Key-Life-Carol-Moye-ebook/dp/B00D2Y9A4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400158891&sr=8-1&keywords=psalms+in+the+key+of+my+life
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312717
Barnes and Noble (paperback and Nook) : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psalms-in-the-key-of-my-life-carol-moye/1115292041?ean=9781304006219
Also available at most online retailers.


Unfailing Love: (Psalms in the Key of my Life Vol. II-Psalms 51-100)
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unfailing-Love-Psalms-Life-Volume-ebook/dp/B00JXVZAJI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400159079&sr=8-2&keywords=psalms+in+the+key+of+my+life
Barnes and Noble (paperback only): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unfailing-love-carol-shelton-moye/1119403914?ean=9781494870201

Does God try and talk to us everyday through ordinary events?  Deja Vous?  That coincidence you just saw or heard?  That sign on the bus?  How about that billboard, does it resonate about something going on in your heart right now?

Perhaps we are "tuned out" by traffic or the soccer game - perhaps we just aren't listening.....

Share your experiences with hearing from God in the strangest and most interesting ways:

Hello everyone - Madeline here:

I would like to put out a word of caution when it comes to reading near death experiences.  Since publishing this book, I joined a number of "near death experience" groups on facebook.  I was shocked to find out that darkness and light are both involved with these experiences and sometimes in the most subtle ways.  I have since chosen to separate from those groups.

My brother had a near death experience that took him on a dangerous path for many years and a great deal of harm was done to many people.  He was the only survivor out of 3, in a car crash.  He was a non-believer.  His experience was that his spirit was being raised like cattle and that he would be fed to an energy source when he died.  After experiencing this, he saw no reason to live or do anything good and it took him on a very dark path.  He ended up in prison.  After many years he did find his way back to the light and I am pleased to say that he was a born again Christian at his death and I loved him very much.

I am telling you this to warn you.  Both forces can be involved with these near death experiences.  If you search for darkness, you will surely find it.  If you search for the light through Jesus Christ, you will find Him.  And your life will never be the same.

I can testify to the reality of Jesus Christ through my own personal experiences.  He is real!  Perhaps we were meant to write this book for many reasons beyond just the testimony of Andy Fannon who had this near death experience.  Please be careful when exploring near death experiences.  If it leads you away from Jesus Christ and the Almighty God, you should be very careful.  In the Garden of Eden, the snake deceived Eve by telling her 90% truth, but adding in 10% deception.  Don't be deceived by some of these near death experiences.  If it doesn't agree 100% with the Bible, it is from the darkside and meant to deceive you and lead you along a dangerous path.  I hope you enjoy our ebook and if you have any questions, please comment here.  May God bless and keep you through his son Jesus Christ.