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.

 Q&A with Jennifer Rothschild--Author of Self Talk, Soul Talk

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