Sunday, July 31, 2011

WE Rock Book Giveaway!

Welcome to my very first book giveaway and I am so excited about it. I am calling it WE Rock Book Giveway! WE Rock means Women Empowered to Rock and all month we will celebrate the victory of August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution became law, and women could vote.

I have two giveaways of my book It Had to Happen. Here are the giveaway contest details:
1. Subscribe and join as a Follower here on my blog
2. Enter the contest in Goodreads






Goodreads Book Giveaway







It Had to Happen by Cynthia A. Patterson






It Had to Happen




by Cynthia A. Patterson






Giveaway ends August 31, 2011.



See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.








Enter to win



A New Heart and A Fresh New Start

I am excited about being an Author now of my first debut book "It Had to Happen". Although I must admit, the process for writing and publishing a book are both challenging and fulfilling. I recall one day writing chapter five of the book, I hit the wrong key and the entire page was deleted. At that very moment I went into a panic, picked up my cellphone and called my son Michael to assist me. Of course, no answer! So I sent him a text message and of course, instant response. A sudden thought, why didn't you just answer your phone? I responded back with my problem. And Michael's response back was "Mom relax, just click the undo button...LOL!!!". To my surprise that is exactly what I did and the information appeared again.

Whoever created the “undo” and “redo” features are absolute genius! These features allow us to easily correct mistakes. Undo reverses the last action we performed and Redo undoes the last Undo action. Immediately, I had an "Ah Ha, snap, snap" moment! For something as simple as a click of the mouse, we can undo or redo information. We must admit in life, it has taken longer to warm up to the idea. Ezekiel 18:31 encourages us, "Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit". Carefully today, read and mediate on God’s promises so you can undo or redo a changed heart and experience a fresh new start with Him.

Stay committed to God and pray this prayer: Lord, I come to you now in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. I confess that I have rebelled against you and I put that behind me. I thank you for a new heart and fresh new start. I choose today to follow and obey your Word. In Jesus Name…Amen!
Stay focused,

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

It Definitely Had to Happen!!, July 15, 2011

5.0 out of 5 stars It Definitely Had to Happen!!, July 15, 2011
By Patricia Madley - Amazon
This review is from: It Had to Happen (Hardcover)

One of our biggest hurdles in life is letting go of our past. As humans we seem to want to linger in the past, especially dwelling on our times of illness, suffering, and loss. The question that repeats itself is: "Why?", "Why did this happen?", "Why now?", and "Why me?"

In the book "It Had to Happen", Cynthia Patterson assists us in moving past the "Why's", and moving forward with the understanding that our past is necessary for our future; even the rough past, maybe especially the rough past. In less than 100 pages Cynthia Patterson brings the reader to not only acknowledge the past, (the good and the rough), but to move forward from that past to the present life. A pathway that is unique to each reader.

Even when some of the author's life examples, life wounds, did not directly apply to me, Patterson's skilled prose led me to an alternative place - that was uniquely mine. I would suggest that it will be the same for any reader poised to move forward on their life's spiritual journey.

When I read a book, such as this book, which has questions at the end of each chapter, I sometimes bypass those questions - and therefore the subsequent internal work those questions imply!! Sometimes.

However, you know the phrase: "She had me at `Hello'"? Well, Cynthia had me at the very first question at the end of Chapter 1. The Journal Reflections, which repeat themselves at the end of every chapter, fit together with the questions in unique and compelling ways. Cynthia calls her questions: "Discovery Questions" and they are just that.

"It Had to Happen - Understanding that Everything You Go Through in Life is for God's Purpose" is fully realized step by step, leading the reader to the revelation that everything truly did have to happen - for you to journey your own unique path during this life.

For her biblical connection, the author chose a passage from The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 5 - the woman with the issue of blood. Now, do not be put off by this scripture passage, it is simply referring to a woman with some sort of health issue. Basically referring to each of us, with our everyday health and spiritual challenges, whatever they may be.

Whether you are new to a quest of self discovery and personal faith, or seeking to deepen your connection with God and self, "It Had to Happen" is an enlightening place with which to move forward. It is a book that invites the reader back time and time again, with each reading bringing you closer and closer to your inner self and ultimately to God.

"It Had to Happen" is a definite `keeper' on my personal bookshelf!

Cynthia Patterson introduced her book by stating that we would embark on a journey - that we would visit our past - and that we would see the direction of our future. And for me, it happened! "It Had to Happen"!

Running from Solace - Breathtaking!

Running from SolaceRunning from Solace by Nakia R. Laushaul

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Very well written book. The author does an excellent job in bringing you into the lives of the characters. When reading I experience several emotions. The story was so real and I can relate so well. In ministering to women as well as experiencing my self, emotional and physical abuse leads to confusion and uncertainty as to who you are. It leaves emotional scars that only God can heal. Thanks so much to the author and we look forward to many more great books.



View all my reviews

You Can Have It!

Remember the old expression, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Here's another way to say it: "You can't have it both ways." It applies, for example of a time for weeks I planned for a gathering with family and friends. To my expectation, everyone brought their favorite dish, dessert, breads, drinks... We had a blast playing games, laughing, and dancing to our favorite songs. However, at the end of the night I wondered why these very people did not continue the celebration and stay to help me clean up. I thought to myself, "you can't have your cake and eat it too!"

I thought about leaving the cleanup until morning. However, my borderline OCD tendencies would not allow me (LOL). Two hours later exhausted and glad I did because the thought of waking up to the mess... NO WAY! As I settled in for the evening, I decided to read a bit and came across a refreshing word in Psalm 16:11,"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with the eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Here's encouragement for you as it did for me. Notice the past, present, and future implications there? Turns out, sometimes you can have your cake and eat it, too! God himself promises! And He makes it possible. At some point in our past God planted our feet firmly on the "path of life", the path of true faith. We would never have found that path ourselves as we wandered through life's wilderness. God searched us out and brought us home to him.

God will continue to fill us with joy in his presence. Regardless of how we feel at any given moment, regardless of whether we happily accept facts at hand, God presence buoys our hopes, calms our anxieties, and ignites our faith.

This fills my heart to wonder. As I look back on my life, I see the sustaining power of God's presence. As I think about it today, my heart overflows. And as for His promise of future joy, I'm at a loss for words. I can have it and this presence carries on until eternity. There we'll inherit the "eternal pleasures" we can't even imagine now.

This made me smile as I shook my head of how I felt earlier and thought, "Girl go to sleep, its not that serious!"

Monday, July 25, 2011

The Perfect Getaway

What's your perfect getaway? A nail salon appointment? A spa appointment? A nice morning sitting on your balcony admiring nature? A candlelight dinner for two? Or a Saturday sitting around in your pajamas, watching your favorite chic movies, while at the same time taking advantage of your only splurge day to eat whatever you want?

We all need to getaway once in awhile. We all need to take a break -- from people, work, and causes we love so much. If you doubt that or feel a twinge of guilt because of it, consider this: It's time and you are way overdue! There are times we will experience fatigue and overload that will require us to have true rest. I had a mentor tell me once "you have to put yourself on your own to-do list". This word of advice was priceless to me. I have a standard ME-day weekly appointment.

But I got to thinking about her advice and realized, one true getaway I do know like no other; is when we go to God. When we go to Him we find this true rest we need.
In the shadow of His wings, our souls live, truly and forever. In His presence there is peace, acceptance, compassion, and security.

Most spas require a reservation. Even nail and hair salons schedule appointments. But this getaway is ours for the asking whenever we need it. Even on the spur of the moment. Heavens's door stands open: "Come to me". Whether we're weary and worried or elated and energized, we can come. Need a getaway? Then run into God's arms!



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Book Review: strategically-written, encouraging and inspiring work!

It Had to Happen by Cynthia A. Patterson is a strategically-written, encouraging and inspiring work!

In this book, Ms. Patterson guides the reader through a very introspective, yet necessary, self-examination to uncover and recognize issues in their lives that require God’s healing touch.

To assist the reader in this process, Ms. Patterson beautifully utilizes (as a mirror of reflection) the issues of the Biblical character known as “the woman with the issue of blood” and that of other everyday women.

Through the help of It Had to Happen, the reader takes a transformative journey to seek God’s wisdom and strength while simultaneously facing the issues in their lives and developing a personal relationship with Christ. This transformational experience draws readers to make the critical decision to surrender themselves, broken fragments, dysfunctional pasts, hurts and issues included, to God’s presence, power, perfect will and purpose for their lives.

It Had to Happen is a must-read for anyone on the journey to personal healing, those helping others heal, and those persons who are further cultivating their personal relationships with Christ!

After reading this book, you will understand why IT (the questionable things and situations in your life) had to happen for your good and for God's Glory!

Well done, Ms. Cynthia Patterson!

Felecia Artis, Founder of Generational Blessings Ministries

www.gcbetc.com

Facebook/GenerationalBlessingsNetwork and Facebook/GCB etc

Sunday, July 17, 2011