Monday, January 7, 2013

Jennifer Rothschild -- featured author and monthly Book Give-away

Jennifer Rothschild is my guest author today. I was delighted to discover her writings this Christmas holiday, and I have since read two of her books, and  have two more waiting in my stack of must-reads.  I don’t know Jennifer personally; I usually do with my featured authors.  However, I was so blessed and encouraged by her powerful story, I wanted to introduce her to you right away.  (I apologize that there are no pictures.  Blogger is not letting me upload any today.  If you click on her name below, you'll see her picture on her website.)

Lessons I Learned in the Dark is challenging and inspiring. It's beautifully written and scripturally sound. Jennifer writes that it is "impossible to separate who God is from His word". In my opinion, that's reason enough for lots of Scripture. I like that she incorporates a lot of Scripture in her writing. This book perfectly illustrates Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Jennifer gives some of her story, and some of the practical steps she took to learn to walk by faith, and not by sight. I loved her statement that "trust is a choice I make . . . trust is a risk I take . . . the journey is worth the risk". We could all benefit from the spiritual truths she presents. I was blessed and encouraged by her story. As soon as I finished reading Lessons I Learned in the Dark, I read Self Talk Soul Talk.

Self Talk Soul Talk could be a life-changer for many women.  What follows here are a few questions and answers provided by Jennifer Rothschild about that book.
What is soul talk?
Over the years, I have gradually learned what to say when I talk to myself, and that has truly made all the difference in my life. After years of struggling beneath the weight of my own slander and lies, I have learned to speak truth into my soul. It’s what I call soul talk.
How does soul talk work?
Everybody practices self talk, but few of us actually take time to think about the things we say to ourselves. The process is so natural we don’t even notice it. Amazingly, much of our self talk is false. The words we say shape the way we think about ourselves. They influence our emotions, our thoughts, and our decisions. They resurface in our conversations with other people. They can spur us on to live meaningful, productive lives, or they can drag us down to lethargy and despair. Soul talk is about replacing the lies you may have been telling yourself with the truth.
What kinds of struggles with self talk have you had personally?
My steady flow of disapproving thoughts and self talk once formed a constant stream. I badgered, nagged, devalued, and said cutting words to myself. At times, all those dark, negative put-downs have felt like a raging river, tossing me mercilessly until I thought I might drown in my own self-condemnation.
What was the physical setback that you faced in your teens?
At the age of 15, I became legally blind due to a disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Even though I received that difficulty with grace and resolve, the extra challenges of the disability and the knowledge that blindness was inevitable brought even more opportunities for me to struggle with negative thoughts and destructive self talk. For me, blindness is a circumstance that opens the door to a host of other bewildering issues. One of the biggest daily realities I face is the stress of not being able to drive, read, or enjoy independence.
What is the paradox of emotions?
If you try to think with your feelings, you’ll fall into all manner of false conclusions. Emotions are supposed to serve and strengthen us. Left to themselves, however, they enslave and deplete us. We need a thought closet well stocked with timeless truth, or we will clothe ourselves with the feelings of the moment.
How important is our spiritual well-being?
Hopelessness, fear and depression often grow out of unsatisfied longings. C.S. Lewis said, “If I can find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” We can try to fill the longing with relationships, religion, volunteerism, or just being good. But the deep ache from the bottom of our souls can only be satisfied in a relationship with God.

Is it healthy to remember the past? What memories should we revisit?
 
The real power of any moment is fully realized when it is remembered. The experience might have been painful or pleasant, but its intensity and meaning grow when we remember and reflect upon it. Remembering is essential to the health of our souls. So we must tell our souls to look back often. Memories store great anthologies of stories that tell us who we are. They become intimate reminders of our personal histories. However, tell your soul to look back only at what is profitable. Profitable memories are those that add to your soul wellness rather than subtract from it.
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I know this is just a little sampling about Jennifer Rothschild's books.  She has written several others not mentioned here.  You can find out more about Jennifer and her books and Bible studies on her website. (Click on the highlighted words.)
Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of one of Jennifer's books.

At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone. Join in. Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1. Leave a comment on this blog. (Include your name and email address if you want to be included in the drawing. I will use your address to contact you if you win.)  

2. Share this blog post on Facebook so your friends will read about it and visit too, tweet it if you have twitter, and mention the book give-away on your own blog if you have one.  It would be great it you would become a follower of this site, so you won't miss a single post. 

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 12th. A winner will be announced here on Monday, January 14th, so be sure to check back to see if you've won.


Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog. You are a blessing to me. Please come again. 

For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for well-being, and not for calamity, in order to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ISV


 
 

28 comments:

  1. I am intrigued by Jennifer's process of dealing with her self-talk. Her path sounds very similar to the one I have been on since a diagnosis of MS. In both cases that moment of diagnosis changed everything. A disease stripped us of nearly every referent that told us who we are. Yes, blindness opens the door to a host of other things--spiritual blindness also does! I'm checking out her book!

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    1. I'm so glad this spoke to you. I hope you will find encouragement and timely words you need to hear. I pray the Lord gives you His strength and wisdom to cope with your health conditions. Blessings to you.

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  2. Self Talk Soul Talk sounds like something all of us could benefit from reading. Excellent selection Rose! dlamb_freedom@knology.net

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    1. I'll be happy to loan you my books AND include you in the drawings. :-)

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  3. I believe that each of us need to know how to deal with ourselves & how we deal with difficult situations & past feelings. This book sounds like it will be very helpful in accomplishing that. andrea5700@bellsouth.net

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    1. Andrea, you would love Jennifer Rothschild's books. I'm so glad you visited. Putting your name in the drawing. God bless you.

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  4. Not only did I love this post but I am going to read this book for a website I'm starting. So many people struggle through things but I've learned that it is the people who DECIDE to get better as a result [instead of giving up and dying] who see amazing things happen! Great post. my email is Tiffany@WritingCareerCoach.com

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    1. Tiffany, I'm so pleased to see you here! Thank you so much for visiting today. I look forward to visiting your new website which I know will be a tremendous blessings to many. Any communication with you always perks me up! Blessings.

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  5. Grrr. I just left a comment telling you how much I loved this post! When I signed in it deleted. I won't retype it all. Great post. This is very encouraging and right in line with what I've been hearing God say to me. Our words are far more powerful than we assume. Tiffany@WritingCareerCoach.com

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    1. Don't you just love how God gives us the info we need just when we need it! I'm so happy this post was so timely for you. Thank you for taking the time to re-write your encouraging comments. XOXO

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  6. Thanks for featuring Jennifer on your blog Rose! She has been to Jacksonville several times and last year was at my church for a conference here. We have offered Jennifer's Bible studies since she first exploded on the scene, and I personally did the Self Talk Soul Talk study a couple of years ago. She is a lovely lady and such an inspiration! Her insights into the Scripture are deep and profound. Every study she writes encourages and challenges you in a new and fresh way. God bless...

    www.Godmissionpossible.com

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  7. Thank you Deborah for sharing your experience with Jennifer Rothschild. I agree--"her insights are deep and profound", and she does "encourage and challenge". I hope to hear her speak this year. God bless you and thanks again for commenting.

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  8. Wow, you hit some magnificent points and truthsMs. Rothschild. You really spoke to my heart - negativity toward myself was the norm as well, and I found myself doing the same as you. I finally realized, thru Gods leading and Word, that it was unhealthy and, to put it plainly, wrong. Sin. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, struggles, and triumphs with us. You inspired me today!

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    1. Amanda, thank you for sharing as well. If you'll leave your email address, I will add your name to the drawing for one of Jennifer's books. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting.

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  9. I was just recently introduced to Jennifer and her writings. She is so very inspiring!

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  10. Love Jennifer and love your blog!

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  11. Forgot to leave my name and email. Linda Adcock. linda040503@yahoo.com

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    1. So glad you left your email Linda. Thank you for visiting the blog or I hope you'll become a regular visitor. Jennifer is inspirational! Your name is in the drawing. God bless you.

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  12. I just began Jennifer's new Bible Study, "Missing Pieces", and was so touched by her genuineness. This study is exactly what I needed in my life right now. I want to read all of her books! Thank you for this blog about her. God bless you.

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    1. Perfect. I want to read all of her books too. Her love of the Lord and sincerity shines through her words. Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts.

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  13. Deborah, I also have heard Jennifer in Jacksonville and was tremendously encouraged. I was just reading this morning in her "Fresh Grounded Faith" (You Get What You Give) 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that when we give thanks, we are participating in the will of God. When we find ourselves in His will, we are in prime posture to receive. When we choose to give praise, we experience the very presence of God in our midst. God Himself inhabits the praises of His people. If we give praise, we receive His presence, and in His presence is fullness of joy.
    Thank You Jennifer for your obedience and strong faith in God and for sharing from the overflow of His great Love in your heart! So looking forward to reading Self Talk Soul Talk. alisahinson@comcast.net

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    1. Alisa, thank you for sharing these encouraging words with us. I'm putting your name in the drawing for Jennifer's book. God bless you and please come again.

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  14. I have Lessons I Learned in the Dark. I love the illustration given in "Dance the Night Away" about the mother bird and her babies singing in the storm in their chimney. May we dance in storms of life, with the One who teaches us the Dance. To allow Him to lead and lean into His arms; trusting we will twirl! Psalm 139, how well He knows us. He has seen to the end of our life here on earth and comes to walk daily THROUGH it with us. My favorite Scripture is Psalm 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
    How dearly He loves us. I have been looking at Fingerprints of God and think that is the book I would like, if I win! Thank you for this wonderful interview. Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thank you Kathleen. I too love the illustration about the birds singing in the chimney. I'll have to read Fingerprints of God myself. I didn't know about that one. I appreciate you sharing here. You are a blessing.

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  15. I shared on my Facebook newspage

    and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/289610442169528321

    I am a subscriber to your blog (lanehillhouse... is already subscribed to the mailing list of Write Moments with God--an encouraging place for women)

    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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