The Word According to Shelia (TWAS)

We Ain’t the Brontes Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:01:02 PST

About the Author
   Rosalyn McMillan is a dedicated wife and devoted mother of four, and grandmother of five, who is currently surviving both rheumatoid arthritis and Alopecia Totalis, a disease that causes bodily hair loss. Rosalyn worked as a sewing machine operator at Ford Motor Company for nineteen years before medically retiring. She used the challenges in her own life as inspiration to become a successful novelist. Rosalyn loves to research newsworthy stories and use them as sub-plots in her real-life novels.
    Her first novel, Knowing, debuted as a highly successful initial achievement. Knowing sold over 70,000 hardcover copies and over 400,000 paperbacks. It was a national best-seller and charted admirably on many book lists.
    Rosalyn then followed the success of her first book with One Better, then Blue Collar Blues, The Flip Side of Sin. This Side of Eternity was Rosalyn’s fifth novel; the plot centered around the sanitation workers strike in 1968.
    Rosalyn remains a loyal student of her profession by reading two to three hundred books a year. She feels that it’s imperative for an author to keep abreast of the New York Times best-sellers as well as fresh voices of fiction.
    Currently, she lives in Memphis, TN, with her husband, John, where they relax fishing in their stocked pond.
    Some of her favorite authors are John Sanford, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, John Grisham, Toni Morrison, Eric Jerome Dickey, Kimberla Lawson-Roby and Terry McMillan.
    Visit the full blog tour and LIVE Radio schedule at http://bit.ly/WeAintTheBrontes.

One on One with Rosalyn

Q. Rosalyn what made you choose to enter the literary industry?

A. I was always an avid reader, and so when my sister, Terry's, success in Waiting to Exhale became a phenomenon, I chose to enter the field, too.

Q. What relief, if any, does writing provide for you?

A. I've always been very creative. Writing lets me expound on several subject matters and plots that constantly bombard my mind.

Q. What do you want readers to get from reading your books?

A. Enlightened about a subject. They get inspiration and motivation. I also want them to feel the emotion that my characters feel.

Q. How many books have you written? Name them.

A. Seven. We Ain't the Brontes, Midnight Pawn, Knowing, One Better, Blue Collar Blues, The Flip Side of Sin, and This Side of Eternity

Q. You haven't been on the literary scene in a while. Why? What was the deciding factor for your return?

A. I couldn't get a contract. I was blacklisted. My return happened because a publisher decided to take a chance on me.

Q. What future plans do you foresee in your literary career.

A. I see myself as a New York Times best-selling author, and as a publisher of e-books.

Q. Is this book based on true events?

A. Some. Like Charity in the book, I couldn't get a contract and had to sell my house. The rest is fictional.

Q. What advice can you offer to aspiring writers?

A. Be consistent in your work habits. Work it like a nine to five job. Do your homework about writing fiction or non-fiction. Take Creative Writing and Advanced Creative Writing classes.

Q. Where do your story ideas come from?

A. From the newspaper and the nightly news. I also get story ideas from my friends who want me to tell their unique story.

Q. What is your definition of success in the literary industry?

A. Making the New York Times best-seller list and commanding a large fee for speaking engagements
About the Book

     Bestselling author Rosalyn McMillan narrates the tale of two literary sisters that will make readers ask: How much of this is based on actual events?
    The relationship between Charity Evans and her sister Lynzee Lavender brings new meaning to the term “sibling rivalry.” Lynzee writes science fiction, and her New York Times bestseller status gets her into A-list parties and fattens her bank account. She can’t stand the fact that Charity is a published author too, though she swears that Charity is nowhere near as good.
     It seems like the publishing industry might agree, because Charity is having trouble getting her contract renewed. Is it possible that Lynzee has had her blacklisted? With her savings dwindling, Charity struggles to pay her bills, and the pressure is putting incredible strain on her marriage. Things only get worse when Lynzee drops a bomb: she reveals that Charity’s husband is the father of a child she gave up for adoption years ago.
    Charity’s life goes into a tailspin as she struggles with the shocking news. Should she tell her husband about the child he never knew he had, or would that be more drama than their already fragile marriage can handle? Charity chooses to fight back against her sister in a very creative way, but the fallout from all this drama might leave plenty of casualties in its wake.

Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BooksaMillion.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Book Review

Charity and her sister Lynzee are both writers but instead of having each others’ backs, they are at constant odds in more ways than one. Charity, inspired to write because of her sister’s great success, hopes to gain the respect and support of Lynzee, a successful, millionaire, bestselling New York Times author. Instead of finding support from Lynzee, Charity is faced with blackmail, kept secrets and being blacklisted in the literary industry, by none other than her sister.

We Ain’t the Brontes is more than a book about sibling rivalry, it reveals the depths of jealousy, deception, anger, betrayal, and non-forgiveness. It shows that your worst enemy isn’t always on the outside looking in, they can be as close as the air you breathe - and true friendship can come from the most unlikeliest sources.

It's good to have Rosalyn McMillan back on the literary scene with We Ain't the Brontes.

Take a sneak peak at the fun you can have with author Rosalyn McMillan.

For More Information:
Visit the author online at rosalynmcmillan.com
View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/WeAintTheBrontes

When Love Deceives Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:01:05 PST

The Word According to Shelia Welcomes Author Shelia M. Goss

Shelia M. Goss is the Essence Magazine & Black Expressions Book Club Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception and the teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Delilah is Goss's tenth novel and first Christian fiction book. To learn more about Shelia Goss, and her newest release, read the following interview and excerpt.

Q. Why did you decide to write Delilah?

Shelia G.: I wrote Delilah because I kept hearing people trying to blame others for their transgressions instead of taking responsibility for their own actions. I decided to take the tragic love story of Samson and Delilah from the Bible and give it a modern day twist.

Q. Is Delilah going to be part of a series?
Shelia G.: Yes. Delilah is the first book in my "Bad Women of the Bible" series. I've chosen women who from mere appearances were the cause of the downfall of several great men. But when you dig a little deeper, you realize the men had choices; just like we have choices in our life. It's up to each individual to weigh their options before acting or reacting. Our decisions can lead to life or death.

Q. What is your favorite type of character?
Shelia G.: One that is flawed. No one’s perfect in real life, so the characters in my books aren’t either. They have issues just like a friend, a co-worker or a stranger on the street.

Q. How do you find time to connect with God?
Shelia G.: It is a daily walk. I find that I just have to make time. I make time for everything else and He’s been so good to me, that I communicate with Him throughout the day…whether I’m at my desk, in the car or at home.

Q. If you could leave one word of advice to people in general, what would it be?
Shelia G.: Shower love on the people that you care about so once they're gone, you will have few regrets.

Q. How can readers learn more about you and your books?
Shelia G.: My website is www.sheliagoss.com or you can also find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.

About Delilah:
Behind every successful man is a good woman. The downfall of a good man is a woman up to no good.

Thirty-year-old Samson Judges is a prominent pastor of Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. His church owns land that real estate mogul William Trusts wants. When Samson refuses to sell, William hires Delilah Baker to find out Samson’s Achilles heel.

Money isn’t Delilah’s only motivation for taking the assignment. After watching Samson every Sunday morning on a local television station, Delilah has fallen in love with him. In her mind, there is only one person standing in her way of getting Samson—his fiancée, Julia Rivers.

Samson is far from innocent. He feels his longstanding relationship with God puts him above reproach. His weakness for one woman, Delilah, threatens to ruin his relationship with Julia, his parents, and his church. When he realizes the length Delilah will go through to get her man, Samson vows to protect his ministry by any means necessary.

To read an excerpt, go to: http://sheliagoss.com/2010/11/29/delilah-excerpt

My Review
Delilah is a woman who knows what she wants and wastes no time going after the powerful, handsome, preacher Samson Judges. Her charm, beauty, and captivating smile are used to pull him toward her like a magnet.

Samson Judges is first and foremost a MAN, and second, he is a bright, prominent and powerful preacher.. He loves God and his church. He also loves Julia Rivers, and plans on making her First Lady. He expertly leads his church as a shepherd watches over his flock, but can't seem to exert the same kind of authority and power over his heart.

Delilah, Goss' first Christian novel keeps you turning the pages, wanting to find out what unfolds next. If you know nothing about Samson and Delilah of the Bible, you will be anxious to go to your Bible and read about them once you've read Delilah.

Congratulations, Shelia M. Goss! Yoi've crafted a great story.

Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:44:42 PST

By Shelia E. Lipsey

O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever (Psalm 136:1 AKJV)

Every day is a day of thanksgiving! Each year we set aside a special day to give thanks for all the wonderful things that have transpired in our lives during the past year. It is a time when most of us enjoy family and friends and loved ones while sitting at a table enjoying a feast of food. It is a time when we laugh and enjoy great fun and fellowship. But everyday should be a day of thanksgiving.

I know that for many of us, it may be hard to see anything to be thankful for, especially if we are in the midst and pangs of grief over losing a loved one. We may be in despair over losing a job, or having a home foreclosed, or we may be in physical pain due to grave illness. We may be troubled about a child who’s gone astray. There are so many things that happen from moment to moment that we can find to be unhappy about. Yet, in all things we should still give thanks. I didn’t say it was easy: I said in all things we should give thanks. Don’t misconstrue what I’m saying either. I did not say to be thankful for all things…I said to be thankful in all things.

Every day is a day of thanksgiving. Everyday though clouds hang low and there is trouble all around, there is still so much to be thankful for. In the midst of adversity, still give God thanks. In the midst of trials, still say ‘thank you, Lord for blessing me right now.’

I’m not telling you something that I am not willing to do myself. There are times I struggle with telling God ‘thank you’. But I praise God for the Holy Spirit that resides in me. The Holy Spirit sings love songs to God when this physical, carnal body is dragging along trying to live out the day set before me. The Holy Spirit sends up petitions on my behalf when I cannot find the strength to do it on my own. The Holy Spirit can and will do the same for you. You too can believe that every day is a day of thanksgiving.

God is a good God. He is worthy to be praised. He is worthy to be honored and adored. God is a God of love, mercy and forgiveness. He loves us in spite of our faults and shortcomings. He knows our pains and the desires of our hearts. He is ready to rescue us even in the midst of the worse turmoil.

There is so much good that God has done, is doing and will do. Take time to look back over your life and realize that it is God who has made you. You are not your own. You are His creation and He loves you. You are one of a kind. A treasure, an heir, a joint heir. You are of a royal priesthood. So stop and give thanks, not only on the day set aside to give thanks, but remember that ‘Every day is a day of thanksgiving.’

Remember and take blessed assurance in knowing that though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT)

The Word According to Shelia Welcomes The House Blog Tour featuring Author Anjuelle Floyd

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 03:00:03 PST

The House Blog Tour – Win a FREE Kindle!

Read at the bottom of this post for details about how to win a FREE Wi-Fi Kindle ($139 value).

About the Author - Anjuelle Floyd

     Anjuelle Floyd is a wife of twenty-eight years, mother of three, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in mother-daughter relations and dream work.
     A graduate of Duke University, she received her MA in Counseling Psychology from The California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco. She has attended the Dominican Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley, California, and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College, Port Townsend, Washington. She has received certificates of participation from The Hurston-Wright Writers’ Week and The Voices of Our Nations Writing Workshops.
     A student of Process Painting for the last decade, Anjuelle has participated in The Art of Living Black Exhibitions 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 held at the Richmond Art Center, Richmond, California.
     Anjuelle facilitates writing groups and provides individual consultation of fiction projects. She also gives
talks on The Need for Family, the Writing Process as a Path Toward Self-discovery and Healing.

About The House
     On receiving the very thing she wants—a divorce and the power to sell their house—over which they have fought the past year—Anna Manning learns that Edward, her soon-to-be ex-husband is dying from cancer.
     A faithful wife for three decades, and stay-at-home mother of four children, Anna endured Edward’s constant absence due to travel for his international real estate firm and numerous extra-marital affairs. With their children now adults, Edward has less than six months, possibly three, to live.
     Anna takes him home to die in the house she has fought so vigorously to sell. But letting go of someone who has caused so much pain in your life doesn’t come easily. Edward has changed. There are Anna and Edward’s four children, three of whom who are married and struggling to endow their families with meaning and purpose.
     News of Edward’s terminal illness provokes her to understand the present, rooted in a wellspring of the past and pouring into a future without him.
     The House shows what happens when one adopts the belief that: All hold regret and are seeking forgiveness. Our salvation rests in the hands of others—most particularly the ones we love, and who have treated us wrongly.

Purchase the Book Online at:

http://www.anjuellefloyd.com/books/the-house/

PODCAST 1 - About the Book

Click here to listen...

Book Review by Author Shelia E. Lipsey

     Anna and Edward Manning have been married for thirty years. They are the parents of four children, whom Anna has forsaken her outside dreams for to become a stay-at-home mom. Edward's business demands a heavy travel schedule which keeps him away from his family throughout his international real estate career. Being away from home so much opens a wide window of opportunity for Edward to indulge in making a substantial fortune for his family and an opening to dally in extra-marital affairs at his discretion.
    Now the kids are no longer small; they are on their own, and Anna cannot endure another year of Edward's infidelity and absences. The decision to divorce Edward and ask for the house is an easy one. Anna is not by any means docile and naive; she fights to get what she wants-and does. When she is granted everything she asks for, including the house, Anna is taken aback. Edward would never be this easy to deal with. She discovers that her soon to be ex-husband is terminally ill and Anna has a change of heart about her requests.
   Author Anjuelle Floyd has written a superb novel complete with mystery, love, and intrigue. Her characters are so real that I feel as though I can reach out and touch them. The descriptive narrative, and slices of realism throughout garner a permanent place on my top shelf books. Kudos to Anjuelle Floyd for a well-written, captivating literary work.

WIN A FREE KINDLE!
To celebrate the release of her novel, The House, author Anjuelle Floyd is offering a (1) Kindle Wi-Fi (retail value: $139.00) as a part of her promotional blog tour.
A WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED DECEMBER 1, 2010.

TO REGISTER ONLINE - http://bit.ly/TheHouseKindleGiveaway
For More Information
Visit the author online at http://www.anjuellefloyd.com
View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/TheHouseBlogTour

But....I'm Still Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:55:16 PDT

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This all important, powerful passage of scripture comes from the Bible in Galatians 6:9. I believe this because I believe the Word of God. I believe in the power of God. His grace and mercy is beyond my finite comprehension. But…I’m still tired.
I’m not so much tired of doing good by others, but I’m tired of waiting to reap my harvest. And to be totally honest, I guess I do get tired of doing good by others, of being the ‘nice person, the ‘giving person’, the understanding person’. I’m just telling you how it is. I won’t lie about it. Is it wrong to feel tired when God is blessing me with life? Is it wrong to be tired when there are so many people who would love to be in my shoes? Is it wrong for me to still be tired when there is so much calamity and mayhem in the world, yet I am safe and my family is safe, and I am included as one of God’s children? Is it wrong of me to be tired even though I’m an heir and a joint heir to the kingdom of God and He adopted me because He loves me?

Sometimes I wonder if I’m overlooking my harvest. Maybe it’s already arrived. After all, I am still living. I do still have the faculties of my mind. I am blessed with plenty of people who love me. I am blessed with sons and grandsons who have a reasonable portion of health and strength. Even I have a reasonable portion of health and strength. I am blessed to have seen many of the desires of my heart come into fruition. So, why do I still feel Tired? After all that God has done for me, after all of the prayers He’s heard and answered, after all of the trials and tribulations He has brought me through and seen me through….But…I’m still tired.

I’m tired but I keep pressing forward. There are days and times such as this when I know I’m not living up to my full potential. I feel drained. I feel sometimes like giving up, yet I keep encouraging others to Stand when I can barely sit up straight in my spirit. I have to share this with you because as a human being with feelings and emotions, I get weary. It’s one of those weary times for me. But even in my weariness, I thank God that He never leaves me or forsakes me. Even during this But…I’m Still Tired time of my life, I thank God that He doesn’t get tired. I thank God that His mercies are new and fresh every morning. I thank Him because He understands my thoughts, my struggles. Even when things happen that, to me, just don’t make any sense, God sees all and knows all. Even when times are hard and every single thing seems to fall apart bit by bit, I know God has a plan for my life. Even when one thing goes right and three things immediately go wrong.

God says that His plans are not to harm me, but they are for my good to give me hope and a future. Hope and a future, good plans, good gifts, good results, goodness and mercy. Today, I’m tired but even in Ecclesiastes the writer King Solomon says, “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” – Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV

In light of what the great King Solomon says, and knowing what a mighty God I serve, and though I am still tired, I will keep pressing on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling me.

Still God's Girl, Shelia

It's Up to You!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Sat, 15 May 2010 20:29:29 PDT

There are many people who have a tendency to blame others for their position in life. They complain, huff and puff like the three little pigs because things have not gone the way they anticipated or expected. I agree that their are situations, circumstances and events that are not under our control. Be real. we all know that Stuff happens. But we ultimately are responsible for many of the unpleasantries, downfalls and pitstops we encounter in life.

Most of our downfalls and troubles, and lack of achievement are due to the thoughts that we allow to surface and come to life through the words we speak and the actions we take. I am learning this more and more each day. It's not like I haven't heard it before; and I've certainly experienced it before. I have been one of those people who had issues with low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence, even though I have been a Child of God since the tender age of eight. Words are so powerful. I have become better about the words I choose to speak over my life and the lives of others. Death and Life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

The tongue has great power. It is time for us to speak words that are uplifting. We should speak good things, good words, think good thoughts and set out to be of good courage, even in the midst of problems. Again, I have to share with you what the Word of God says about the tongue, "But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! (James 3:4-10).

I encourage you as I encourage myself, change the words that pour from your lips. Be careful and think about what you say before you say it. It can be done. It may prove difficult at first, but as the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect."

It's all up to you. Think and speak on the fruits of the spirit: "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23). I dare you to think a new way, speak in a new tongue and watch how things will begin to turn around in your life. It's Up to You!

Shelia

One of God's Amazing Girls

http://www.perfectstoriesaboutimperfectpeople.com/
Non Profit Organization - Living Your Dreams Now (http://www.livingyourdreamsnow.net/)
Email: shelialipsey@yahoo.com

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO 5 FRIENDS. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME READING MY MONTHLY BLOG, PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING ONE OF MY ENCOURAGERS BY JOINING THIS BLOG. IT'S ABSOLUTELY FREE.

What Makes Up Your Shell?

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:35:57 PDT

This morning I stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Yep, I did it. I actually stood in front of my bathroom mirror and guess what I did? I smiled. I smiled at the person who stared back at me. There used to be a time, and not too long ago I must admit, when I first of all dare not stand in front of the mirror. And if I did, an unpleasant scowl formed on my face. I didn't like the person I saw staring back at me.

Today was different. I realized that this body I inhabit is merely a shell. The essence of who I am does not reside in the shell; it resides from within. All of who I am; everything that makes me 'me' radiates from within. The shell is my outward covering. It does not define me. It identifies me.

You too are divinely formed. We are spiritual beings formed in the likeness and image of God. Our shells provide a cover for the essence of our being. Our shells can give people a glimpse of who we are, but sometimes that shell can be deceiving. That is why it is important in relationships that we take the time to get to know the other person. Many times we find out that their shell is not a true representation of who they really are.

Our shells come in all shapes, sizes, colors and heights. Our shells are fat, skinny, dark, light, tall, short, wide, colorful and the list goes on. But who are you inside? When you stand before the mirror and you see your shell staring back at you, think about what your shell represents.

I am grateful that I smile when I look at my shell because I know that I am one of a kind. No, I am not perfect. My shell is wasting away everyday. There is nothing you or I can do about that because all of us must one day shed our outward shells. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:53...).

However, while we reside in these shells let us do all that we are humanly capable of doing to care for our shells. Let us love our shells. Let us remember that we are unique creatures. We are not all meant to look alike, think alike, act alike or live alike. We all have gifts, talents and desires. Let us go about each day and run our race. "The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all" (...Ecclesiastes 9:11).

Take the time to live your dreams now. Love your shell. More importantly love the person that resides insde of the shell. That is the part that truly reveals who you are. Do not allow the opinions of others to damage your shell. You are fearfully and wonderfully made...shell and all.

Now go and Live Your Dreams Now...I dare you.

The Time is Now

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:17:50 PST

What are you waiting on before you start living your dream? You keep saying, as soon as I finish school I’m going to go after my dream. As soon as I raise the kids, I’m going to pursue my dreams. As soon as I retire, I'm going to live my dreams. As soon as I get rid of this no good spouse, I’m going to start living my dream. As soon as I clean up my act, I am going to start living my dream. You know what I say about all of that? I say, it’s not enough. There is no excuse for any of us living and breathing on this earth to put off pursing, chasing down, running down, the dreams that God Himself has placed in our hearts. So what if things aren’t going well right now?

So what if they saw we’re in a recession. God’s word says, "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. He continues by saying, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread (Psalm 35:23-25 NIV).” Oh my goodness, how much more plain can God be?

What will it take for you to grasp hold to the fact that God will take care of you. God wants to see His people succeed. God wants us not to just survive in this life, but He wants us to thrive! God says it plainly again in Jeremiah 29 chapter and verse 11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. He wants you and me to have a great future! He wants us to prosper. He wants us to know that we have hope and a future. That’s what God desires for His people. Therefore, we have no excuse. I don’t care how many hours you work on your job; or how many times you run into something that tries to block your way toward moving forward with the dreams He’s placed within you. God is the one who we must rely on if we expect to live our dreams now. God is the only one who can bring our dreams to pass. God is! He is all in all.

I dare you to step out on faith and live your dreams now. If you place your trust and faith in God, I guarantee you that He will make room for your gift. I guarantee you that God will open doors for you that no man can close. He will close doors for you that no man can open. The God I serve, right now, right this very moment, is behind closed doors working things out on my behalf. He loves me and He loves you. Don’t start talking about things like, ‘but you don’t know how bad I’ve messed up’. Lay that mess aside, all those excuses that the enemy cooks up in your mind. Remember that God’s love is unconditional. God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy never run out. There is not one thing; nothing that can separate me and you from the love of God.

Go forward, step out and trust God. He knows the desires of your hearts. He just wants you to lean on Him and put Him to the test. I am a living, breathing testimony that He will do what He says and so much more.
Now go out and start Living Your Dreams Now!

Multi-award winning Author, Shelia E. Lipsey
www.shelialipsey.com
http://twitter.com/shelialipsey

BEAUTIFUL UGLY BLOG TOUR - JANUARY 25-29 A TYWEBBIN CREATION

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:00:07 PST

http://bit.ly/BeautifulUgly]

YOU'RE INVITED TO COME ALONG WITH ME ON BEAUTIFUL UGLY BLOG TOUR

RADIO SCHEDULE

JANUARY 25, 2010
Black Authors Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network

8:00 pm EST

JANUARY 26 2010

Introducing WRITERS! Radio Show

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kims

7:30 CST / 8:30 EST

JANUARY 27, 2010

Abundant Solutions

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/asemotivation

9:00 pm EST

JANUARY 28, 2010

WordThirst Literary Journal & Authors Showcase

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ashea-goldson

8:00 pm EST

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

January 25

Black Pearls Magazine

http://www.edcmagazine.blogspot.com

All the Buzz Reviews

http://www.allthebuzzreviews.com

Readin’ n Writin’

http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/

Britni Vigil

http://booknookclub.blogspot.com

January 26

RAWSistaz Literary Group

http://www.rawsistaz.com

Book Splurge

http://booksplurge.blogspot.com/

Writing Canvas
http://writingcanvas.wordpress.com/

The POV Lounge
http://thepovlounge.wordpress.com

January 27
SORMAG
http://sormag.blogspot.com/

Tia McCollors
http://www.tiaspen.blogspot.com

Wanda B. Campbell
http://www.wandabcampbell.net/blog.html

Living Our Faith Out Loud
http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com

January 28
Joey Reviews
http://www.joeypinkney.com/

Simply Said Reading Accessories
http://simplysaidreadingaccessories.blogspot.com

The Certain Ones
http://thecertainones.blogspot.com

Carol Langstroth
http://www.carollangstroth.com

January 29
APOOO Book Club
ttp://www.apooobooks.com

LaCricia A’ngelle
http://authorlacricia.wordpress.com/

Faygo’s Report
http://instanter.wordpress.com/

Written Voices Blog
http://www.writtenvoicesblog.com

Touch of Favor

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:50:35 PST

Did you know that a Touch of God's FAVOR is available to you? Great things are in store for you if you believe that God wants to give me and you the desires of our hearts? He loves to do great things for His children. It is so easy for God to change a negative situation into a positive explosion of good and perfect gifts. No matter what you encountered yesterday, God is able to suddenly turn your life from sour grapes to pure sweetness. He stands ready, willing and able to do great things for His children. All he wants us to do is to believe, believe, believe. Call those things that are not as if they are!

I’ve been guilty of looking at the glass jar as half full. Yep, I said half full. Not half empty. For me, half empty means that there is a boatload of favor that can be poured into my spiritual jar. I’ve been guilty of looking at my life as half full, meaning I don’t have much more time left. But God, with His wonderful self, had to give me a wakeup call. He’s so good at that too. He never leaves me to sleep long in my own mess. He always pricks me, pokes me, and picks me up to let me know that He has me in the grip of His grace.

I see myself with all that He has for me! Just a touch of Favor and I see my children blessed. A touch of Favor and I see my grandchildren blessed. Favor..I see my literary career blessed. I see my nonprofit organization blessed. Favor…I see my health blessed. Favor…I see my finances blessed. Favor…I see friends, family and loved ones blessed. I can go on and on about all of the Favor God has planned for my life. Some of the things He is doing on my behalf, I cannot see right now, but yet I believe that He will do what He says He will do. He says in His word that His plans for me are good, not to harm me, but to prosper me, to give me hope and a future. He promises that He will bless me according to His riches, not mine. And His riches are eternal and never run out.

But remember that God will not do something for me that He won’t do for you. He won’t do something for you that He won’t do for me. He loves himself some Shelia, but He loves you too. He will make good on His promises which are yes and not no. He is the God of favor. Favor minded is what I shall be. Favored by God is what I am.

Claim Favor for your life and the lives of your loved ones. Take God at His word and watch Him show up and show out. Watch Favor pour all over your life. All it takes is a touch!

I’ll keep you posted on how He pours out so much Favor for me that there won’t be room enough for me to receive it (but I’m sure going to try)!

Live Your Dreams Now

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:24:23 PST

Whenever a new year approaches I automatically begin to have a sense of apprehension, nervousness and uncertainty. I know the reasons for these feelings: it's because so many people come to the cusp of a new year and do not live to see it; others barely enter into the new year and then they die. Death is inevitable, this we all know. But when the old year ends and another one is ushered in, I always have a tendency to contemplate how fragile life is. Knowing this, and the fact that no one knows when they are going to die, I guess it causes me to analyze the end and beginning of things more than I do during the year.

Because tomorrow is not promised to anyone, why not live your life like it's your last day on earth? I am determined to do that from this moment on. I am determined to stop focusing on all of the negativity and instead use life's lessons to push me forward toward living out my dreams now! I refuse to live a life of regrets and 'what ifs'. I want to live totally and completely doing what God has designed uniquely for me.

I ask you to reflect on your life. Think of all that has occurred this past year. Think of the larger than life events that have taken place in 2009, some were pleasant while others were devastating and trying. But through it all, if you are reading this, it means that you are still here. It means that you have more to do so start doing it.

Whatever dreams are nestled in your heart, mind and spirit, now is the time to share them with the world by taking a giant leap of faith and walking in God's favor for your life.

Simply put: Live Your Dreams Now
May God Bless Each of You

The Truth About Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:14:34 PST

There is no other reason I celebrate Christmas but to set aside time to acknowledge, remember and be grateful for the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This month I do not want to add glamor and glitz to what already is the best holiday of the year other than the time we celebrate the death of Jesus for our sins! I simply want to take this time on The Word According to Shelia and share with you The Word According to the Word!

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

I Guarantee It...

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:22:11 PST

This month, November, is the month set aside to give thanks. Thanksgiving Day many of you gathered with family and friends and enjoyed food and fun. It was a time to laugh, to reminisce and to give thanks. It feels good to sit around with family, friends and loved ones and be cheerful. It feels good to feast on fine food and hear stories from others about things going on in their lives.

But how do you give thanks when you've had a year of layoffs, bad breaks, heartaches, the loss of a loved one, foreclosures and even the literary industry has taken a huge blow. How do you put on a happy face and be content when the events of life have punched you in the gut?

It is possible to be thankful when there have been sad situations and occurences that have taken place in your life. How? I'll tell you how and I'm going to tell you what I know from life's experiences. I have learned that life is not always fair. I have learned that good things happen to the just and the unjust. I have learned that through tears I can smile. I have learned that through heartache that I can love again. I've done this by simply 'living'. See living this earthly life teaches us how to face adversities and pressures. I believe that I have gained strength because of God's unconditonal, never ceasing love for me. Yep, I've had some tough times, and probably will always face tough times. But listen, tough times make you tougher. God has shown me this over and over again with each day that He allows me to live and breathe on this earth.

I've been tried through the fire and I've come out on the other side! Not because of some great faith that I have but because of the greatness of the Father who loves me and created me. He has not left me alone. Every time I could have been dead, He has seen fit to keep me one more day. Every adversity that has come into my life, God has brought me through it. Every time I've worried and doubted and felt lost and all alone, God has come to my rescue.

I know from experience that God never fails. I know from experience that every single, solitary situation that lucifer meant for my demise, meant for evil against me and my seed, that the God who loves me turned a bad situation into a sweet situation. In other words, God took what the devil meant for harm against me and God took it made it work out for my good.

He will do the same for you. I know He will. I know He can. If you have not placed your trust in God today, I double dare you to do it! Find out for yourself.

Give thanks in everything and remember to keep God first. I know He will come through for you. I guarantee it!

Welcome to My Place -Pamela Samuels-Young

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:16:24 PST

Website: http://www.pamelasamuels-young.com/

Email address: author@pamelasamuelsyoung.com

• Where are you from? What is your favorite book?

I grew up in Compton, California, which gave me a very grounded perspective on life. When I mention my hometown, people automatically assume that I dodged bullets on the way to school every day. But it was nothing like that. I had two strong, hard-working parents, who still live in Compton today. The foundation they laid – faith in God, hard work and education – is responsible for who I am and what I have achieved.

I'm an avid reader who enjoys reading both commercial and literary fiction. I enjoy a broad spectrum of writers, so it's impossible for me to pick a favorite book. But if there's one book that impacted me more than any other, it would have to be Claude Brown's Manchild in the Promised Land. I can still remember stumbling across a copy of the book at my aunt's house when I was about twelve. It was the first book I remember reading that had African-American characters and I was thrilled to be reading about people who looked like me. It was also a very gritty and graphic coming of age story. I promptly "borrowed" the book without asking for permission for fear that my aunt would think I was too young to be reading such a sexually graphic book. After that, I developed an insatiable appetite for African-American fiction. That led me to James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison and many, many other great writers.

• How did you feel when you saw your first book on the shelf?
I still have a very vivid memory of seeing Every Reasonable Doubt on the shelf at the Barnes and Noble near my home in February 2006. I went to the store on the book's scheduled release date, not really expecting to find it. My stepson and I searched the shelves but couldn't find it. I was about to leave, but decided to, ask for it at the reception desk. To my delight, the clerk found it and led us to the book. I just stood there staring at it. So much blood, sweat and tears led me to this point. My stepson took out his cell phone and snapped a picture of me holding the book. And just as I started to started to tear up, he promptly warned me not to embarrass him by crying in the store.

• What is your process for creating a novel? Do the characters speak to you?
I will spend any where from a few weeks to as long as three months outlining a book before I sit down to write. I also mull over my story a lot. I'm thinking about it in the shower, while I'm standing in line at the grocery story, during my 45-minute commute to work. I can almost see each chapter as if it were a scene in a movie. Only after I have a completed outline do I start writing. And when I write, I go from page one to the last page without doing much editing. For me, it's psychologically motivating to complete that first draft, even if it's so bad I'd never dare show it to anyone. Once I have a finished first draft, then the real writing starts. I revise, and revise and revise some more. That process can last six months or more.
your free time?

Free time? What's that? Writing is how I spend my free time and I love every minute of it. I still work part-time as a lawyer and when I'm not at work, I'm usually someplace writing – be it at home, the library or the nearest Starbucks. Sometimes I write early in the morning before work, other times I'm up until one or two in the morning typing away on my laptop. My most productive writing time is when I can get away from home and lock myself in my timeshare in Palm Desert for a weekend. When I'm in that environment, the writing is non-stop. When I'm writing, I'm happy.

• Share with us your latest news and book releases.
I’m extremely excited about the upcoming release of my fourth legal thriller and first stand-alone novel, Buying Time, which goes on sale November 1st. In Buying Time, Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer who comes to the aid of terminally ill people in desperate need of cash. Waverly finds investors eager to advance his dying clients thousands of dollars—including a hefty broker's fee for himself—in exchange for rights to their life insurance policies. Once the clients take their last breath, the investors reap a hefty return on their investment. When Waverly's clients start dying sooner than they should, both Waverly, and a high-powered lawyer who’s bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General, are unwittingly drawn into a perilous web of greed, blackmail and murder.

You can read excerpts from all my books at my website: http://www.pamelasamuels-young.com/

To schedule a visit with Pamela, email her at author@pamelasamuelsyoung.com

Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young

ISBN-10: 098156271X

ISBN-13: 978-0981562711

Pick up a Copy Today at Amazon

http://tinyurl.com/buyingtimeamazon
Pick up a Copy Today at Barnes and Noble

http://tinyurl.com/buyingtimebnonline

Bookclubs, select one of Pamela’s novels for your book club meeting and she will join you in person, via webcam or via speaker phone. Read more book excerpts here: http://www.pamelasamuels-young.com/books/index.html

Website: www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com

The Word According to Shelia─I Love You Just Because

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:08:06 PDT

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2: 7

I love you just because. Maybe this sounds like a simple statement to you. Then again, maybe it doesn’t make much sense to say I love you just ‘because’. Because of what? There are times we ask other people, our children, or family members why did you do this or why did you do that. The answer is sometimes a shrug of the shoulder and a resounding “because”. We always want to know why. We don’t want to hear someone respond ‘just because’. We crave details, the full story, even it turns out to be a lie, it seems we’d rather hear a lie than to hear the response, just because.

But I’m here to tell you that during this special season, the time when we celebrate and give thanks for all that God has brought us through, and during the time when we are supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, that we are loved ‘just because.’ We are loved because God chose to love us. God chose to form us, to make each of us individually unique, fearfully, and wonderfully did He create us. Just because He chose to adopt us into His kingdom, just because He chose to die for us while we were yet sinners so we could have a chance at eternal life…just because of who God is, we are who we are.

When you make plans to celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas remember the reason for the celebration. Recall all of the good and perfect gifts God has blessed you to have. Remember all of the ‘this too shall pass’ situations in life that God has brought you over. Remember to gives thanks because God is worthy to be praised. The holiday is called Thanks-giving. You have something to be thankful. If you are reading this blog, then you have something to be thankful for because it means that you are alive! You still have work to do here on earth! You still have dreams to explore, and joy to experience! So, be thankful for every tiny precious new life you’ve been given all the way to the giving God for keeping you during this tough time of financial and economic crises. God deserves your thanks.

As for Christmas, you’ve heard time and time again that Christmas is not about Santa Claus nor is it about getting or receiving gifts. But I’m going to remind you again. Christmas is about celebrating the newness of life in the form of Jesus Christ our Savior. Born in a manger to Mary, a teenage virgin. It’s about His birth. Stop getting it twisted my friends. It’s not about how many presents you place underneath a Christmas tree. It’s not what your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend gets you for a gift. It’s not about satisfying your wants and desires. It’s not about depression and loneliness, not when you know that God is sovereign, that He died and yet lives for you and me! It’s not time to give up but it’s time to give to just because. Give to God your very best life now. Give to others the best of you now. Give to God your heart, spirit and soul. Give the gift of witnessing to someone. Give just because. Give by helping someone who is less fortunate, who’s having a hard time. Give as Christ has given to you. Give and you shall receive, don’t worry about that. As surely as you give in the name of Jesus Christ you shall receive.

When you give it will surely be given back to you. It’s in the word of God, “give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, running over, shall men give unto your bosom! Now that’s an absolutely powerful statement, a promise from God! And God cannot lie.

This Christmas, be of good cheer. This Christmas love others just because. Just because Christ decided to love you.

I love you...just because
May you be filled with thanksgivine and praise as the time of celebration nears!

Mrs. Jacquelin Thomas Welcome to My Place!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:01:01 PDT

Meet Jacquelin Thomas, author of The Ideal Wife
Jacquelin Thomas is an award winning, bestselling author with twenty-nine titles in print. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem.

Jacquelin Thomas is the "Queen of Christian Fiction." She uses her God-given gifts and talents to impact the world of literature and the lives of all who read her works. Jacquelin sets the standards for other Christian fiction authors such as myself. She is a powerhouse of humility, mixed with the love of God that is seen and felt in her books and definitely when one is in the same place with Jacquelin. Her spirit is vibrant, her love of God and family is apparent, and she is definitely an encourager! I am honored to be part of her blog tour as she releases her latest novel, "The Ideal Wife." I pray for God's blessings to continue to reign over, through and in her life.

Although Jacquelin initially published in the romance genre, she decided to follow the call on her heart to write Christian fiction because she seeks to write books that will touch your heart and uplift your spirits with tales of characters who yearn to have an intimate relationship with God. Committed to writing books that glorify God and her growing teen audience, Jacquelin published the first of her Young Adult Inspirational Fiction series titled Simply Divine in October 2006. Her second book in the series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award. She has since gone on to publish two more books in the series. When asked why she is so passionate about writing teen novels, Thomas shares that teens are confronted with so much—sex, drugs, violence and abuse, physically and mentally. They need to not only listen to what the world says about these things but also to what the Bible says.
Jacquelin is a member of the National Writers Union, Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Jana Collins loves her husband with all her heart. But what if love isn’t enough? Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion . . . it’s a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don’t come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion—the ideal wife—to this sexy, powerful man. But at what price?
From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she’s not . . . and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes—how far will Jana be willing to go to keep the man she loves? With her “ideal” marriage falling apart, Jana—the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for—must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.

Drawing from a moving scripture tale with an insightful message for women today, Jacquelin Thomas delivers a provocative and enlightening new novel.

The Ideal Wife by Jacquelin Thomas (excerpt) -

Girl, Naw! by Author Lacricia A'ngelle

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:01:00 PDT

Author, Lacricia A'ngelle is blazing the literary trails and creating quite a buzz with her 5-star rated novel, Girl, Naw. I've been following her this week on her blog tour and have been totally entertained, blessed and honored all at the same time. The work she does includes not only being an author, but Ms. A'ngelle is a licensed evangelist, a mother, an encourager, a true prayer warrior - and I'm glad that she is also my dearest friend. When I purchased my copy of Girl, Naw I was totally taken into the story! Here is my review of Girl, Naw!
Lacricia A'ngelle's novel, Girl, Naw, is truly a testimony of the goodness of God! The title itself is addictive and magnetizing!

In Girl, Naw, the protagonist is Antoinette Walker, a professional counselor. Mrs. Walker counsels women with serious issues, while balancing a life that includes children and a husband. The women Antoinette counsels come from various walks and stages of life. She addresses the problems her clients face with patience and compassion. However, in doing so, Antoinette Walker is forced to look at the woman in the mirror, and for once admits to herself that she must come to terms with her own inner demons. Antoinette's life and the lives of her clients, reveal how the choices we make in life can effect us; sometimes positively and other times negatively.

The relationship Antointte has with her husband, Maurice, reminds me that the sanctity of marriage still exists, and not all men are out to take advantage of women. Throughout the pages of Girl, Naw I learned much about the power of love, forgiveness and the importance of learning to love one's self.

The manner in which Ms. A'ngelle delivers this dynamic story is grabbing and realistic. It addresses everyday issues that occur in people's lives. Sometimes we are so busy trying to help others that we forget that we have some cleaning up to do in our own lives. The consequences we pay for our sins can be tremendous and life changing.

Like a seasoned literary veteran, Lacricia A'ngelle expertly brings her characters to life, and therefore has done well in the delivery of Girl, Naw. It is such an easy and enjoyable read. I could not put it down until I finished it. Ms. A'ngelle has gained a reader for life! Ms. A'ngelle is definitely anointed, blessed and favored by God, and I look forward to more uplifting, inspiring novels from Ms. A'ngelle.

A special note to Lacricia from author Shelia E. Lipsey - Keep moving, don't stop, even when times get hard. You are doing the will of God, and in doing so you SHALL prosper in all that you set out to do. Remember, whenever you feel like giving up or the pressure seems to great or “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19“. I love you and I pray for ALL good and perfect gifts in your life.

Even If I Don't See It - I'm Speaking It!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:36:56 PDT

It's amazing how simplistic the Word of God truly is. This dawns on me with each trial, each victory, each conquest, each tribulation, each bit of turbulence, whatever comes in and through my life, the good, the bad and the not so pretty things, that God has me covered. I don't know about you, but knowing this very thing, gives me strength to ask my Father for the desires of my heart. God reassures me that whatever things I ask when I pray, believe that I receive them, and I will have them. And whenever I stand praying, if I have anything against anyone, forgive him, that my Father in heaven may also forgive me my trespasses. But if I do not forgive, neither will my Father in heaven forgive my trespasses.

Now, answer this: How much more plain can that be? God is not a God of confusion. He does all things decently and in order. I am glad that He does. I thank Him for all that He continues to do in my life. There are times when I don't see Him at work, or feel Him at work in my life. There are so many more times that I don't realize that He is yet behind the scenes working stuff out on my behalf! Wow, isn't it amazing to know that God doesn't punch a time clock? It is for me, because I know that I fall short in so many areas of my life. I disappoint people, fail to keep appointments at times, don't always show up when I should, or perhaps could and still there are other times when I can't help someone desperately in need. I don't always remember to pray for others and I sometimes appear selfish and aloof!

Yet God, doesn't ever stop working on my behalf. Even if I don't see a way out, God has a way of escape already in place for me. Even when I don't see where my next break is coming from, God has already orchestrated divine connections. Even when I don't know how I'm going to make ends meet, God reminds me that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He alone is sovereign.

God always manages to come through, even if I don't see it at the time. Trust that He will come through for you too!

Shelia E. Lipsey,

NY Times bestselling Christian fiction author,
Plus Oprah's 1st Christian fiction Book Club Pick!

(See what I told you -Even If I Don't See It - I'm Speaking It!)http://www.shelialipsey.com/

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(Forward to your friends, and enemies too)

Beautiful Ugly, the novel of three friends seeking how to live when faced with the difficulties of life. Beautiful Ugly is available in bookstores and online, (Including Black Expressions, Amazon,com; Barnes 'n Noble )

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:17:17 PDT

Beautiful Ugly by

Multi-Award Winning Author Shelia E. Lipsey

Coming to stores nationwide and Online August 1, 2009!

Is Beauty Really in the Eyes of the Beholder?

Or the One Staring Back at You in the Mirror?

Envy Wilson, Layla Hobbs and Kacie Mayweather are three 30 year old friends who rely heavily on one another for support in troubled times.

Layla fights the battle of obesity, coupled with low self esteem, but her melodious voice can soothe the savage beast. Who can fulfill her desire for love?

Envy is Layla’s backbone, and one of the few people in her life who doesn’t beat up on her about being overweight. But Envy has her own dark and sordid secrets that she refuses to share, not even with Layla and Kacie.

Kacie, born with cerebral palsy, has always felt the need to prove that she can get a man just like any ‘normal’ woman. She has six children and five baby daddies; bug has never had a husband. When she meets an older man at church, she hopes her prayers for a perfect love will be fulfilled.

Through their trials, the three of them cling to each other. The circumstances they face will hopefully teach them how to cling to God.

Order your copy today of this new, soul-gripping novel. Go to http://www.shelialipsey.com/; Amazon.com; http://www.booksnbeauty.com/; bn.com and more online sites!

Shelia E. Lipsey
http://www.shelialipsey.com/
www.twitter.com/shelialipsey

Email: shelialipsey@yahoo.com

The Dreamer

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:46:54 PDT

In the words of President Obama, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

And so I dare to dream. I dare to dream of change. I am the dreamer, the author, the writer, the speaker, the path setter, the road less traveled, and the called according to His purpose. I am special, unique, divinely created to be Shelia. No one can write like me. No one can speak like me. No one can do those things God has called me to do. There is no one else like me. I am a dreamer who dares to believe in my talents, my gifts, my hopes, my aspirations and that I can have the desires of my heart.

The word, Dreamer is defined as a person who dreams. A person who lives in a world of fantasy; one who is impractical and unrealistic. A person whose ideas or projects are considered audacious or highly speculative; visionary.

That defines me exactly. It denotes who I am. I AM that audacious, impractical, highly speculative and unrealistic visionary. I am that person who dares to dream, who dares to have visions of greatness. I am that person who looks beyond the situations and circumstances that life offers me and reaches for more. I am that dreamer. My words are more than words that burst forth from an overflowing spirit of greatness given me by my Father who art in Heaven. The words that escape from my belly, that are birthed in my spirit, that saturate my mind, my thought processes and travels down my arms into my pointed scrawny fingers, yield captivating power from pen to paper. I am that dreamer that through the blood, sweat and tears of my ancestors. Through the blood, sweat and tears of my parents, my sisters, and my relatives fought for my right to be treated equally. I don’t have to look back to the great martyrs like Harriet, Rosa, Martin, Malcolm or Medgar. I only need look within my household.

I only need look at the struggles of a mother who worked long hours as a maid on bended knees scrubbing floors. I only need look at my father who lost both legs fighting a war that when it was over, he still was treated as less than the hero he was. I only need look at my sisters who marched along Martin in Memphis, next to sanitation workers who screamed I Am A Man. I come from the belly of struggles. I come from the belly of dreamers who dared to believe. I come from the bellies of faith that dared to trust in God my Father. I belong to God who chose to adopt me into His eternal kingdom. I come from the lineage of David, the man after God’s own heart. I come from the pits of cruelty, stares and glares that make me strong and keep my head raised high. I am a dreamer.

You ask me why I am a dreamer? You ask me why I tell my sons and grandsons and you and every one whose path crosses mine to live your dreams now! If we don’t dare to live what God has purposed in our hearts to live, to do, to seek, to pursue then why are we here? This world is predicated, made up of, rooted, and grounded on dreams dreamed by a dreamer and brought from dreamality to reality.

What if Malcolm had not been a dreamer? And supposed Martin had not been a dreamer? Then there’s Harriet who dared to dream about freedom. There’s Rosa who dared dream about a place to rest among those whose skin color lacked pigmentation and therefore considered themselves higher and mightier. What if? What if President Obama had not dared to be a dreamer? Then what? I am a dreamer! I write. I will succeed. I will thrive. I refuse to merely survive. And so I write. And so I speak. And so I strive. And so I move forward to that which I have embedded in my spirit, my soul, my flesh, my thoughts. I am a New York Times Bestselling Author. I am the owner of one of the world’s largest nonprofit organization that teaches people to go after, run down, and chase after their heart’s desires and their dreams. I am a most sought after speaker. I am beautiful despite the limps and the frailties that polio has ravaged on my body. I am lovely despite the hardships of life that try to keep me down. I am mighty despite that ole sly devil trying to trick and trap me. The fruit of my womb is blessed because I am the child of the most high King. My words, given to me by a God who loves himself some Shelia changes lives and prick hearts, causing people to look at themselves and see what they are really made of.

I dare to believe the words of God that say if I fully obey His commandments that I will be above and not beneath. I will be the head and not the tail. I will be blessed going in and going out. The fruit of my womb will be blessed. I am a dreamer who dares to believe that the race is not given to the swift but to him that endures to the end. I am the dreamer that writes perfect stories about imperfect people who overcome tremendous odds because they dare to believe.

My vision will happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won't be a lie. If it's delayed, I will wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won't be late. Yes, I am a dreamer. My vision will burst forth. It will not be kept back, it shall appear. What about you - are you a dreamer?

Pursue Your Dreams Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:45:48 PST

The International Standard Version of the Bible states in Philippians chaper 3:12-14, "It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have embraced it yet. But this one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus."

Pursuing it! Now that's powerful. To pursue means to go after, chase, run down. Of course, this is my meaning of 'pursue'. It's more than going toward a destination or seeking a destination. It's means to move, to chase and reach for that destination, that dream, that goal, or whatever it is in life that you desire, with unbridled passion and fierce determination. It's more than jogging toward your dream, or walking at a fast pace toward your victory; it's running with all vigor and all that is within your spirit.

Next, don't carry the weight of past failures or defeats with you. When you think on your past, and the victories that you lost, it can blind you to what lies ahead. God doesn't want us to dwell, to settle, to sit in the past. God's word clearly states, forgetting those things which lie behind. Forgetting is used to show steady movement, action. It is being used to show that it is something that you must make a conscientious effort to do. "Keep forgetting, keep forgetting, keep forgetting." Many of us get stuck in our pasts. I used to be a perfect example of such a person. I couldn't move forward in the life God purposed for me because I was always thinking about the failures and mistakes of my past. I kept believing that there was no good thing for me because I had messed up too badly. Thank God, that I am not forgotten. God loves himself some Shelia. And God loves you too. God is a God of second, third and unlimited chances as long as we are living!

I have dreams. God's favor is all over my life. I know that now. I believe that now. I will no longer linger in the past. I am more than a conqueror. I am more than a survivor. I am a thriver! I am highly favored. I am surrounded by God's favor. I AM a New York Times bestselling author! I AM the founder of Living Your Dreams Now Foundation, one of the largest nonprofits in the world! I am so blessed that when people hear my name they'll think of Jesus Christ my savior. They'll say, "There goes Shelia E. Lipsey," that favored child of God! I may walk with a limp and use crutches, but that's my physical body. It's merely used as a testament to what God can do even in an imperfect human being like you and me.

Right now, at the very moment I am writing this blog, God has people, situations, circumstances, doors opening and closing on my behalf. He's lining up all that is necessary in its proper place and position so that the blessings He has designed for me, will all fall in place at the exact time He says. I am the called according to His purpose. I am adopted, which means God chose me specifically as His child. My God has it all and that means that there is nothing too big for Him to do for me. Shucks, I'm his girl. I'm his sweetheart. I'm his princess. I belong to him!

I want each of you today, young or old, male and female, regardless of race or disability, whatever your station is in life, to be bold. Claim what is rightfully yours. If you don't know that God is your savior, then study his word so you can know that you are a child of the most high King! Walk in victory. Walk in triumph. Pursue, run down, chase after, take over, believe in the dreams you have for your life! You can do it. Ask God to help you, to direct you, to fill you, to guide you, to protect you, to bless you, to favor you! There is nothing that is impossible with God. I dare you, I challenge you, I double dog dare you (smile) to step out and Live Your Dreams Now!

My New Year's Blessing to You for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:04:44 PST

Hello my dear friends, my sons, my grandsons, godchildren and loved ones! First, let me give thanks and praise to God for each of you, for your help, your support, your love, your concern, your prayers, thoughts and dedication to me. Many things I have taken on in 2008 would not and could not have been done without your help and commitment toward me, and your belief in the dreams and talents God has placed in my heart.

It is my prayer that as God leads us into a new beginning, with the first of many blessings, starting with President Barack Obama and the First family, that we will make many more strides, and the first steps that we take into the new year will lead to marvelous and great things. It is my earnest prayer that God's blessings and His unmerited favor will overflow in our lives,in our careers, in the desires of our hearts, in the lives of our families and loved ones. I pray that those blessings will run us down and overtake us like a mighty rushing wind!

All that we have been through in 2008 has made us who we are today. I'm sure many of us didn't think we'd even be here. I'm certain we each faced our own personal strugles, obstacles, trials, and storms of life. Some which seemed torn beyond repair - yet God is faithful. He promises never to leave us or forsake us. God's word says in Isaiah 65:24 "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Just think about that and meditate on how powerful God's words are.
In 2009, let us seek God first and set our sights on things above. Let us obey his commandments. If we fully obey what God directs us to do, He promises that we will be the head and not the tail, that we will be blessed going in and going out; that our offspring will be blessed. He says, that enemies which come at us one way, will depart from our presence in seven ways! God promises we will be above and not beneath; that we will be lenders and not borrowers..."

Let us move forward in 2009 with great expectancy. Let us declare life and not death; and most of all let us do all that will honour, glorify, magnify and praise God!

I love you all so much (But God really does love you more!)

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So Much to BeThankful For!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:49:14 PST

I know we usually reserve giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day. But how can we not take the time to reflect on all that has occurred in 2008. I don't know about you, but I have a huge list of things that I could easily complain and grumble about. I have an even longer list of things that I could say happened that made me believe at one point or another that I would not even see the end of 2008! But here I am. I'm still alive, breathing, in reasonably good health, of sound mind and body, living my dreams of a literary career, all thanks to God and the calling placed on Carl Weber to start the Urban Christian line. I am grateful to have a multitude of family, friends and loved ones who love me soooo much. I have two wonderful sons who are not somewhere robbing, thieving, hurting, drugged out and who love me with all of their hearts. God has blessed them to be great men! I have three wonderful grandsons that God has blessed me with, simply because he knows how dear and near boys are to my heart, and they are three loving, kind hearted, spirited young men. I thank God for His grand favor over my life and my family, for His endless blessings, for His unwavering, goodness and mercy toward Me. I thank Him because He loves Himself some Shelia. Then I give God glory, praise and honor for all the bad times in 2008 that he brought me through. Times when I thought I would never make it out of the valley, but yet He saw fit to reach down and pull me up again and again. He gave me hinds feet to make it up to the high places! I thank God for this beautiful time of year when we can take the time to celebrate and commemorate His birth. It is because of the birth of Jesus in a manager that we are here today. It is because of His unconditional love for us that we can live our lives, whether they are filled with troubles or overflowing with riches. We are still blessed to be living. As long as we are living, and the blood is running warm in our veins, we have a chance to make things right, to make things better, to do better, to be more appreciative, to make a new start. I can only speak for myself when I say: God I love you for loving me. God I praise you for never letting go of me. And God I say, thank you that you were born so that I might have a chance to live eternally with you one day.

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus
Your Child, Shelia!
God Bless You All!

Can't Help But Say 'Yes God Can"

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:39:42 PST

I cannot explain the thrill of victory that I'm experiencing inside. A new day has arrived and history beyond my finite comprehension has and is being made. President Barack Obama! I'm not calling him President-Elect. He is President Barack Obama. Wow, what an amazing feeling. The First African American First Family. To describe the depth of this tremendous day, election, event, and historical moment in time, there are no mere words worthy to say but, Yes God Can.

Yes God Can should ring from hear on out, over every mountaintop, and every valley low. Yes God Can should ring from the hillsides to the hood, from the ghetto to the neighborhood of MTV Cribs. Not only African American children, but all children who have felt that reaching and achieving great things in life isn't possible - now look at how the impossible just became possible!! To adults, young and old, who have all but given up on accomplishing their dreams, no matter how big or small. If it's important to you, and it brings positive value to you, then it is worth saying "Yes God Can."

For me, It's Yes God Can to our people, to my people to all of those who have dreams but have come up on rough times. Hold on and don't give up. God desires for His people to live abundant lives. He desires for us to do more than strive, God wants us to thrive.

There are times when life gets hard, the struggles get rough, the dream seems impossible, the way seems like we've reached a dead end. But if we place our trust in God, then His word does prevail. I am a living witness of that.

There is a blog I recently read by author, Iris Celeste. I didn't send her a comment on it at the time because reading it made memories of what happened to me some eleven years ago resurface. It talked about the tragic death of someone she loved. Her story, believe me, is identical to mine. I became dead, lifeless, a zombie with no hope when my fiance was brutally murdered back in 1997. In the year 1999 the words I had posted in a journal came forth and transformed into my first self published book novel titled, Always, Now and Forever, which was released in 2000. That novel, though I wasn't an experienced writer at the time, renewed me and brought me back to life again. It revealed my true purpose in life. Much like Iris, I realized that I was destined to be a writer. Two years later in 2002 I published a nonfiction book called A Christian's Perspective -Journey Through Grief which provided further healing for me. I use it now to minister to others. In 2005 I was signed by a traditional publisher and have since published three novels with several more in the works.

I never knew from all of the pain, the heartache, the tears, the downfalls, and the spiritual battles, that I would one day make my own page in history, but God ordained that it would be so. No, I may not end up on the pages of history like the wonderful, oh so eloquent, people oriented, sincere and trustworthy man like our new President Barack Obama, who I am so extremely proud of and grateful to God for. But I have my own pages in history because the words God has placed in my spirit to write in books will never die. Somewhere, after I am long gone from this earth, I know there will be someone who will pick up a novel and the author's name will be, Shelia E. Lipsey.

Are dreams possible? Yes. Is the impossible possible? Yes. Can greatness be birthed from adversity. Yes. Go forth now with the sincere belief in your dreams and your purpose in life by remembering, Yes God Can!

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My Son's Wife - At a Store Near You!

noreply@blogger.com (Shelia E. Lipsey) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:55:05 PDT

I am absolutely thrilled that my third novel, My Son's Wife is available to the world! God is so good. He loves himself some Shelia and I'm grateful and oh so humbled by His grace and mercy toward me. It's amazing, this gift God has blessed me with. Writers you know what I'm talking about, and readers so do you for that matter. To be able to take words, bring them forth from your mind, down to the tips of your fingers and on to a computer keyboard, into a word document, and a story slowly unweaves that is uniquely given to you to write! That's miraculous. Not everyone has the gift to be able to place words miraculously on paper. But we all have gifts that God has endowed within us. Maybe your gift isn't to write. Maybe you have the gift of 'helps' or 'compassion', or the gift of 'faith.' Maybe you have the gift of 'encouragement.' Whatever your gift is, please, please Use it. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. The gifts He blesses us with, He will make room for those gifts to do what He has designed for them to do. I have great expecatations for each book God places in my heart and spirit to write. I believe they will not return void because His word is manifested in each page. I am so in awe that I've been chosen to carry out His plan and purpose through writing. I pray that you will pick up a copy of My Son's Wife and read it with as much passion as I put into writing it. I pray that something within the pages of the book will touch you, move you, make you think, and remind you of the goodness, forgiveness, mercy and grace of God.

Here's a short synopsis of My Son's Wife:
First Lady Audrey Graham adores her daughter's best friend, Rena Jackson. In Rena, Audrey finds the loving relationshp she longs to have with her own troubled daughter, Francesca. When Audrey's son, Stiles, comes home from Duke Divinity School, Audrey is overjoyed at the news that he has decided to follow in his father's clerical footsteps. But the good news doesn't stop there. Finding his sister's friend all grown up, Stiles quickly falls in love with Rena. But Rena's fairy tale life is disrupted when Frankie, her old love interest, learns about the new relationship.
In this explosive novel, the old adage of 'what's done' in the dark' turns out to be more true than anyone can imagine!
Available wherever books are sold: Including Walmart, walmart.com, amazon.com, target.com, bn.com, borders.com, blackexpressions.com and more.