Jones aka The Noticer

Andy Andrews’ artful weaving of characters and simple but profound truths in The Noticer makes this tale a quick read. Imagine if you were going through a divorce, homeless, down on your luck or ready to file bankruptcy. Times like that you could really use a good friend, right? Someone who could lend you their ear and guide you in the right direction. But sometime talking to friends in a small Alabama town isn’t so simple and that’s where the story begins.
Nobody seems to know much about the man who calls himself The Noticer. He shows up when he’s need him most and leaves just as mysteriously as he arrived. No one knows where he comes from, where he sleeps or where he lives. But they all know him as Jones. Not Mr. Jones, just Jones. Once you’ve met him, he’ll be hard to forget. Once you’ve talked to him, you’ll be hoping, waiting for his return.
Jones’ simple, crystal clear perspectives will leave you thinking long after you’ve closed the pages of the book. His insights will touch your heart, your mind and possibly your very soul. Jones affected everyone who ever met him in the small Alabama town, reaching into the problem areas of everyone who crossed his path. He changed their course with a new perspective. You may well find yourself trying to get the right perspective on whatever situation you find yourself in today. If you need a lift, an insight, a glimmer of hope, this is the book for you.

This is Your Brain on Joy

This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Henslin was an extremely informative read. It’s written in terms that a parent without a medical education can understand. Interspersed throughout many of the chapters were photographs of various brains in different states. This helped me to see the profound impact of dietary supplements.
Dr. Henslin approaches all behavioral difficulties with bran scan analysis and gets patients on board with treating themselves through dietary intervention before tackling the problems like anger, anxiety, depression, obsessions and others. Through reading this book, I began to understand difficult people in a whole eye-opening way.
This book would be well worth a read for anyone who has ever worked or lived with people who seemed impossible. I would even recommend the book be given to people who are able to read it who are impossible, especially if they have tried other methods of treatment.
I appreciated the in-depth way each disorder was described and discussed. I never felt as though I couldn’t understand Dr. Henslin or the condition and treatments he was describing.
I plan to keep it on my shelf as a handy reference when dealing with difficult people, because of the music and movie choices listed in each chapter as they pertained to each.
I foresee that a great many people could be helped because of the easy to grasp concepts and the tests in the appendix. I can’t thank Dr. Henslin enough for putting together such a thought provoking and hands-on book.

Do You Catch to Release?

As I read Same Kind of Different as Me, it didn't occur to me for a little while that it was two different men telling their very different sides of stories, one a wildly successful white art dealer and a homeless Black man. The story was better for having told it this way because it felt like a much more balanced and deeper story of how one woman deeply affected changes in each of them.

The changes in Ron Hall were particularly interesting to chart. I have been on the outside of faith and very much related to the aversion to getting sucked in to something so invisible and seemingly uncertain. I related to Denver and his skepticism of Christians in general, but especially white ones.

By the time Miss Debbie hit the homeless shelter and began making waves I couldn't put the book down. I was floored by how clearly she was able to "hear" from God and her visions, dreams and impressions. What a beautiful soul.

Even though the story makes use of Biblical quotes, and references scripture, I didn't find it gratuitously preachy. They were beautiful illustrations showing that God is alive and well and His word continues to live and breathe, and that He is the same God speaking to us even today.

One of the things that sticks with me after finishing the story are words from Denver, who was very concerned about "Catch and Release." The book is a beautiful depiction of the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. Ron Hall has put the emphasis on relationships, something that seems sorely lacking in the world today where people can be tossed aside like this mornings email. It has inspired me to take a look at my relationships and re evaluate what I can do to make them richer for everyone involved.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, especially if the example of Denver and Ron's commitment can be implemented by us to further the healing of race relations in this country.

See what Denver's been up to...

http://www.theceruleangallery.com/Denver%20Moore.htm

Drawing Decisions

No one can dispute that we are facing some of the most difficult times in our lives. With countless people losing their homes, and their livlihoods, it's easy for the panic button to get pushed. What should we be doing? Where should we be going for help? For answers?


If you would like an opportunity to win this book, leave your name in comments and you'll be entered get a free copy of this book, that will help you if You are...

Feeling Lost? Need Directions?

Author Cheri Cowell

Shares Six Tips for Finding Your Route

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City
ISBN-10: 0834123355
ISBN-13: 978-0834123359
Cost: $14.99

Have you ever wished you could look into the future and obtain better insight in order to make wiser decisions for your best outcome? So many times, results from poor choices could have been avoided if we had seriously considered the direction of God's guidance for our lives, instead of trying to figure things out on our own. In her book, Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, Cheri Cowell presents six questions readers should ask themselves when facing important decisions. Through observation and exploration, she examines each question and shares examples of how others--from Bible times to present day--have used these questions to find God's way in the story of their lives. From career options to medical decisions to relationship questions, Cowell's instruction and guidance helps readers learn how to make confident choices as they seek God's direction on the road of life.

Cheri Cowell, a popular conference speaker and writer, uses her experience in ministry to encourage and equip Christians seeking answers to the unspoken questions of faith. She is earning a degree in theological studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, where she and her husband, Randy, call home.

Obviously, the search for God’s will is a topic of interest to many Christians today. What would you say is the most common misconception about seeking God’s direction for ones life?
I encounter this same question every time I speak on this topic. The answer is what I call the Myth of the Path of Relative Ease, which says when we finally find God’s perfect will we’ll be on easy street. Easy Street promises smooth sailing and a peace-filled life. But I’ve learned this is anything but biblical. The Bible tells us we can’t use an ‘easy life’ as a road-sign pointing to His way. In fact, His way promises to be a bumpy road filled with potholes and dangerous cliffs. The exciting thing for us is when we learn to walk in His ways, we’ll have a Companion for the journey who knows the dangerous curves ahead.

In Direction, you write about the process of determining if something is God’s will or not. You say to test it against the character of God. How can we know what the character of God is like?

I don’t presume to know all there is to know about who God is, but when looking for the leading hand of God, it’s important to know how we see that hand. Some see God’s guidance as that of a loving Father showing His child the best way to live so as to protect from harm, others know Him as a Best Friend who shares all that’s needed to make wise decisions. Then there are those who see God as a Guide, almost like a whitewater rafting guide who’s been down this rapid before and can show the way.

When you are personally faced with a big decision, what’s the first thing you do?
LOL, I think I’m like most people. I have well-worn paths I retreat to, and some are not healthy. I’m afraid I tend to talk it out with friends instead of first talking to my Best Friend. I’m fear-filled first instead of crawling up in my Father’s heavenly lap and seeking His heart on the matter. And yes, I also rely on the common road signs most of us have relied upon when making big decisions—Bible reading, prayer, open & closed doors, and the sense of peace we’re to have when walking in God’s light. This last list sounds like a good thing, but I’ve learned there’s a good way to do this and a not-so-good way. The not-so-good way is the one that says these road signs are to point me to God’s perfect will. The ‘good way’ is to use these same road signs as a means of drawing closer to the heart of God instead of looking for a hidden will. It is in this position, close to the heart of God, where we are best able to hear from God.

Sometimes we think we only need to go to God about the big decisions in our lives. What evidence do you have from God’s Word that He is interested in every decision?
I call this the Too Big and Too Small God problem. When we make our God so big, He becomes aloof and distant. When we buy into this lie we only go to God when the decision is big enough. Such decisions often find us at God’s door begging for direction such as, “Who am I supposed to marry; should I take this job and move my family; or is it ever okay to take my loved one off life support?” These are indeed big decisions that require a Big God, but if we’re only going to God when a situation is big enough, we’re missing most of life. Most of life is lived in the humdrum of everyday decision-making. It is the ordinary day-in-and-day-out little things like, “’Do I run this yellow light; do I tell her how I really feel even if it means losing a friend; or do I pick up the phone and call that person I’ve been thinking about all day?” where the little things add up to become big things. Satan tries to tell us these are the small things a Big God should not be bothered with. This is one of his favorite tools. He used these same lies with Jesus during His temptation in the desert, but Jesus knew they were lies. We, too, need to learn to identify Satan’s lying tongue.

To find out if this book is for you, check out this site.

http://directionanddiscernment.com/index.html

AS A BONUS

be chosen for another drawing with all the goodies below.

just add a comment with your name and you could win all this! Drawing to be held March 16th

Books
Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life by Cheri CowellDirection: A Companion Workbook for Practicing the Process of Discernment by Cheri CowellGod's Handprints: True Stories of God's Presence in the Everyday Lives of His PeopleTrusting God's People AgainGive Thanks: Glimpses of an Extraordinary God in Ordinary LivesWhen God Waits: Making Sense of Divine DelaysIf God is Everywhere, Why Can't I Find HimSimple Little Words: What you Say Can change a LifeHeartwarmers of Love: Award Winning Stories of Love, Romance, Friends, and FamilyOther GoodiesHeaded in the Right Direction? notecards Slice Apple Pie shaped/scented candle Apple shaped stress ballDirection JewelryTM (bracelet, earrings, and bookmark with glass apple charms) A decorative apple/fruit themed basket

About Guided by Him
Lose the Weight...Lose the Worry!
Mother and Daughter Team Up to Share the Plan

(Birmingham, AL) - Does the idea of starting a diet make you hungry? Can you eat more than your children's combined weight in twinkies? Don't worry! Help is on the way. Author Julie Morris, RN, and her daughter, Sarah Morris Cherry, have developed a proven method for losing weight and keeping it off permanently. The Guided By Him method not only helps people lose weight, it also helps participants learn how to cope with stress. After years of struggling with her weight, Julie has developed a strategic, humor-filled plan designed to keep participants motivated, laughing, learning and yes, even eating.

In Guided By Him, readers embark on an adventure in weight loss. Julie and Sarah use uplifting scriptures, thought-provoking questions, daily devotionals and fun-filled food facts to ensure readers keep a positive, light attitude toward learning a leaner lifestyle. Julie's experience as a nurse and Sarah's knowledge as a certified counselor, make this a pair of enthusiastic, highly qualified coaches. This study could be used alone in the comfort of home or led in a group setting. It's great for casual girlfriend meetings, church small groups and even the lunchroom at work! Accountability questions keep participants honest and real with themselves and others.

About the Authors
Julie Morris and Sarah Morris Cherry

Julie Morris is a wife, mother, nurse, author and teacher. Since 8 years of age Julie has struggled to control her weight. That struggle of overeating, along with high blood pressure, sent her searching for a solution. After discovering the Christian 12 steps she began seeking God's guidance toward health and wholeness. Now, 25 years later, she's excited to share these tips with others. She is the founder of the Step Forward weight loss program. Guided by Him is a lighter, easier version of Step Forward, for today's busier lifestyles.

Sarah Morris Cherry is a wife, new mother and Licensed Professional Counselor. She has counseled people from two to 92. Whatever the age, she enjoys teaching people new ways to deal with stress as well as facts for healthy living. She coaches them with simple things they can do to become more like the people they want to be. She speaks from experience, having overcome many overwhelming health problems by putting these concepts into practice.

Blog Tour Questions

It seems like everyone is endorsing, writing or following some kind of diet plan these days. What prompted you to write Guided By Him, when there are already so many programs out there?

Julie: I wanted to share a fun and easy way to lose weight--especially designed for busy people who overeat when they feel stressed out. I know personally that this program works. It helps overwhelmed overeaters lose the weight... and worries... that weigh them down. Guided By Him (GBH) is encouraging, inspiring and can be done in just a few minutes a day!

You introduce 12 Steps for weight-loss in your book. Briefly describe the process and importance of these steps.

Julie : In 1982, when I first read AA's 12 Steps, I knew they were the answer! I had been trying to figure out how to rely on God's power when I lacked willpower with my eating and the 12 Steps showed me how to do that. The 12 Steps were written by Christians over 70 years ago and have helped millions of people around the world to overcome their weaknesses. GBH steps are similar to AA's, but ours are shorter and they focus on Jesus helping us to quit overeating.

You offer many practical tips, called Stepping Stones, to encourage participants to make intentional choices regarding food. Share a few of these with us.

Sarah We teach you how to spend 10 minutes having a daily Quiet Time that will literally change your life. In those few short minutes you will learn how to draw closer to Jesus, recognize things that are driving you to the refrigerator that day, and surrender them to Him. We also teach you how to use a Prayer Journal so you will learn to cast your cares on the Lord, not the refrigerator, and Food Cards that will help you to eat in a well-balanced way without having to count calories. Other Stepping Stones provide practical ideas that help you to lose weight. Here are some simple weight-loss tips:

• A good way to decide how much a serving of meat is: look at a deck of cards.
• Never eat while standing.
  Make eating a meal a relaxing event (I'm finding that's really hard with a toddler!).
• Brush your teeth frequently. It helps you reduce snacking.
• As much as possible, stay away from foods that trigger your cravings (mine is peanut butter).
• Chew gum or wear a mask if you're tempted to nibble while you're cooking.

You're a mother/daughter duo. You both bring years of experience to the writing table. How did your careers help you in the writing process of Guided By Him?

Julie: I am a wife, mother and new grandmother. I have been a secretary at the Pentagon, Spanish teacher, lay counselor, and RN. But the experience that helped me most in writing GBH was doing things WRONG for so many years, and then watching amazed as God helped me to change. I lost my extra pounds over 25 years ago and have kept them off. And God has changed my misery to ministry. I've been writing, speaking across the country and leading weight-loss groups since 1992

Sarah: I am a wife, new mother and Licensed Professional Counselor. I have counseled people from two to 92. I have worked a lot with overweight people who desperately need to lose weight, but are overwhelmed at the thought of doing it. I love teaching them new ways to deal with stress, facts about healthy living and easy things they can do to help them become more like the people they want to be.

Sarah, how do you incorporate the principles in Guided by Him in your counseling ministry?

Sarah: I use them in many ways. I teach my clients how to use Anger Busters, Victory Lists, and Prayer Journals. And I teach them the fun-filled food facts and fitness facts in GBH. I talk to my clients about how quitting their Stinkin' Thinkin' can change their behaviors. One example of Stinkin' Thinkin' might be: "I have already blown it today so I can eat anything I want." I encourage changing that to "Shrinkin' Thinkin': "I need to plan a healthy, filling meal tonight because I am starving!"

When tempted to cheat on your healthy habits, what snack do you each reach for?

Sarah: When I'm snacking, I try to balance carbs and proteins so my body stays balanced. And I drink a lot of water with lemon or lime slices.

Because scripture is emphasized in this method of weight-loss, what is your favorite verse to use as a defense against overeating?

Julie: There are so many! I guess my favorite is 1 Corinthians 10:13 "...God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." For many years I thought the only way out of my temptation to overeat would be in heaven because I was sure that I'd always be tempted by unbearable food cravings while on earth.

How do you reward yourself for achieving your goals?

Julie: This sounds really goofy, but I'll tell you anyway. Every week, I tell my friend Sue how I have done with my eating, exercising and other goals (like not being grumpy). If I have achieved more than 80% of my goals, she gives me a pretty colored sticker. I love having a sticker on my Victory List each week. And I HATE having to tell Sue that I've done badly! But the biggest reward is that I feel so much better when I'm on track with my eating and exercising, and I really feel crummy when I'm not.

Sarah: For my rewards, I make extra time for myself to give myself a manicure/pedicure or to watch a favorite TV show. Sometimes I do "Wal-Mart Therapy" where I buy $10 worth of things that I don't normally buy at the grocery store (shower gels, an unusual tropical fruit, a new nail polish).

For moms out there trying to help their children to lose weight, what advice do you have for them?

Sarah: I have a two-year-old so I am finding ways to reward him with things other than food. They include hugs and kisses (of course!) praising him when he obeys and Play-Dough time (his favorite reward right now). I think it is super important to keep kids active, limit TV, computer and game time. Those things are privileges--not requirements--for kids. Other advice to help your child lose weight: exercise and eat in a healthy way as a family. They will do what you do. No pressure!

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Get another perspective on this book! Check out One Lap Around the Sun.