A Hearts on Fire Study Series by Susan Elliott

I am excited to announce the new A Hearts on Fire Study series! This series is designed to challenge and encourage you on your walk with Christ. It's designed with a ladies classroom in mind, but is also great for personal study. If you're ready to set your heart on fire for God and his word, this study is for you.

--Susan










My Heart Will Not Be Troubled: The Secret to Peace, Hope and Joy is a study book that will help you embrace the secret to peace, hope and joy in your life. There’s no question. Life is hard. Many times we find ourselves lost in the day to day grind. Unexpected tragedy and burdens overwhelm our souls. Our problems often leave us feeling adrift in a sea of sadness.

Thankfully, we don’t have to live that way. We can learn to be content through the study of God’s word. Within the pages of the Bible, are the secrets to a beautiful life. Dive into this study and learn to leave grief and heartache behind. Recreate your life story into one of hope, peace, and joy.

Life Lessons From the Book of Ruth is an inspirational study guide for women. Life lessons are all around us, but they seldom have the scope of importance as those we can learn from the Bible character Ruth. The book of Ruth contains powerful lessons that are motivational and transformational. This book teaches that we can live righteously and happily in the service of God.

Ruth was a Moabite, a widow, a daughter-in-law, and the mother of kings. She was a positive role model in her day, and she is still a positive role model in ours. Life Lessons from the Book of Ruth: A Woman's Inspirational Study Guide for Living covers a variety of topics from Ruth’s life that are essential for today’s Christian woman. Learn to apply the powerful things Ruth knew and lived in her life, in yours. You will be glad you did!

Paul taught the young preacher Timothy so many essential life lessons in the letters he wrote to him. II Timothy is a Bible book that is pertinent for today’s times just as it was in the first century. It’s surprising to see that many of the contemporary issues that we face today, are so similar to those faced by the New Testament church. Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: A II Timothy Study Guide is a verse by verse and topical study of Paul’s second epistle to Timothy. Paul instructed Timothy to study the word, and to preach the word. God has charged us with the same tasks today. Step into a study that will make the word come alive before your eyes, and learn how to apply the great concepts found within Paul’s letter to your life. You can learn to rightly divide the truth, and put God’s word first in thought and in practice.

Rejoice Sister! You Have Every Reason is a guide for practical living. It is a Biblical study that will foster your love for God, and help you build a stronger personal faith. You can learn to be happy in your life, and grow in joy and wisdom as you study the word of God. Rejoice Sister! You Have Every Reason encourages readers to rejoice in life no matter what happens. It’s no secret that life is hard, but even on the toughest days you can find joy. You just have to know how.

This Bible study helps students to understand Biblical authority, and the true importance of Bible study. Through this study you will learn how to build better relationships with those around you, and most importantly how to grow as a member of your Christian family. You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain when you learn how to rejoice.

Building strong and healthy relationships can be hard as we get older. There are many women who are lonely, and spend way too much time without friends. Unfortunately, loneliness knows no age. Women often feel like they have no one they can reach out to, and they are afraid to pick up a phone and start a conversation with someone new. Often it is hard for women to take a leap and make friends within a congregation or at a social gathering. Will You Be My Friend: Growing Friends in the Church is designed to help women reach out to each other in friendship. It encourages good habits, and features practical applications that everyone can put into practice. God wants us to have friends, and he wants us to enjoy our relationships. Let’s reevaluate the importance we’ve put on making friends, and see if we can reach out to new people, and build stronger relationships.

Will You Be My Friend: Growing Friends in the Church is a sixteen week study of the importance of friendship, and a practical guide for growing relationships and acquiring new friends. This book includes a practicum chapter following each lesson to teach you how to put these valuable lessons into practice. If you’re ready for a hands-on study, this book is for you!

Women of Scandal by Cindy Colley

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Crown of Creation series, and have used the first three books in two different ladies classes. I am so excited that there is a third book in the series available. (I just have to add that I love this cover. It is so striking!)

About Women of Scandal:

"Are we living in the worst of times? Take a peek into the shocking lives of women of Old Testament kings. A sampling of the most appalling are atrocious parenting, rape, murder, incest, jealousy, and adultery. Queens, concubines, and maidens in distress illustrate topics such as ''A Pawn in a Death Wish,'' ''Royal but Not Loyal,'' and ''Kids at Risk.'' 13 chapters, including questions to stimulate Bible study and class participation." (Publishing Designs)

Women of Scandal is available from Amazon and Publishing Designs.

If you're new to the series make sure to check out her other books:

Women of the Genesis
Women of Deliverance
Women of Troubled Times

Is Anyone Home by Katrece Howard

Is Anyone Home? A Study of the Irreplaceable Heart of the Home

"This is a Bible-based study on the value of a mother at home and the importance of homemaking. It examines the value of the homemaker in the family as well as the consequences of the mother absent from the lives of her own children. There are current, escalating problems in the home and these problems fill society. The solution is simple, ancient and filled with what the home desperately needs – a natural, maternal love. This is a study of the irreplaceable heart of the home.

Katrece Howard is a mother of three, the wife of a preacher and has considerable experience in mission works. Her articles have been published in various religious magazines. “Is Anyone Home? A Study of the Irreplaceable Heart of the Home” is her first book which explores the value of the mother and child relationship and the effects this has upon the home and into surrounding culture. Katrece writes from the perspective acquired from an understanding of the Biblical text and a faith that knows it to be true. Her knowledge on the subject of the home is expanded by a depth of personal experiences as well as observing the lives of others. She is unapologetically and unashamedly Christian." (Amazon)

Catch a Sneak Peek Below:

What tips do you have for a good mother and child relationship?

Study Helps for Writers: The Nations Descended from Noah:Genesis 10

It might be surprising to some to know how much I love studying the geography and history of the Bible. An in depth study of the geography and history of the Bible gives Bible students a greater insight to the people and places of the Bible. Names that were once unfamiliar and unpronounceable become meaningful, and places that previously seemed exotic become as familiar to the student as her own neighborhood.

During my personal study time the other day, I rediscovered Genesis 10. It lists all of the nations that descended from Noah. The following verses come straight from the Bible (ESV), and make a great chart for Bible students. These scriptures are especially useful to those studying Bible history and geography.

Nations Descended from Noah GENESIS 10

Genesis 10:1

  "These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood."

Sons of Japheth: Genesis 10: 2-5

  "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations."

Sons of Ham: Genesis 10: 6- 20

  "The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD." The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and Resen between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city. Egypt fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and Caphtorim. Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth, and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, thethe Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the clans of the Canaanites dispersed. And the territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon in the direction of Gerar as far as Gaza, and in the direction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. These are the sons of Ham, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations."

Sons of Shem: Genesis 10: 21-31

  "To Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth, children were born.The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. Arpachshad fathered Shelah; and Shelah fathered Eber. To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg,for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother's name was Joktan. Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan. The territory in which they lived extended from Mesha in the direction of Sephar to the hill country of the east. These are the sons of Shem, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations."

Genesis 10: 32

  "These are the clans of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, in their nations, and from these the nations spread abroad on the earth after the flood."


What treasures have you found in your Bible?

Meet the Author Heather Pryor

About Heather Pryor:

Heather and her husband are business owners and together they run company Pryor Convictions Media. Pryor Convictions Media can also be found on Facebook under the name Pryor Convictions Media.

She has written several books: Available on Amazon, H&C Religious Supplies, Chula Vista Book Store and through the Pryor Convictions Media Website. 

Heather Pryor Books:

Hearts-at-Home Cookbook

Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women

Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women, Volume II

Purer in Heart

Stories from Genesis (illustrated by Heather)

Bible Curriculum:
Genesis: Bible Curriculum (Growing Up In God's Word) (Volume 1)
Exodus (Growing Up in God's Word) ,
Numbers (Growing Up in God's Word)
Proverbs
Life of Christ: Children's Bible Curriculum (Growing in God's Word)
Life of Christ, Pt. 2 (Growing Up in God's Word)
Acts, Part 1 (Growing Up in God's Word)
Acts, Part 2 (Growing Up in God's Word)

Heather is also a blogger and writes posts in the Women's Corner on their website.

In depth with Heather Pryor:

• I honestly don't think there was ever a moment when I decided to be a writer, but rather, I kind of eased into it and was also coaxed into it by my husband and others. About 15 years ago, I began by writing and publishing a ladies bulletin once a month for the ladies in my local congregation. They loved the articles and I received great feedback. After 12 years, my husband encouraged me to compile the articles into a book and self-publish - so I did! That led to a second volume being published and articles being published in Christian Woman magazine. I have home-schooled my three children for the last 20 years and as I was nearing the end of that journey, my husband encouraged me to start writing Bible curriculum to help families (home-schooling or otherwise) teach their children the Bible at home. I didn't feel confident about this at all, but my husband wanted me to do it and absolutely felt that I could so I gave it a try - I loved it! I learn so much as I study the Bible in preparation to write those books and I picture children learning and growing in God's Word as they use the books and it really excites me and spurs me on as I write. 

• The time it takes me to write a book varies. Sometimes I have major writer's block and just get stuck. Other times, I can't type the words fast enough! So far, the longest it has taken me to write a book was close to two years and that was for the purity study. It just took me awhile for it to "feel right" and be satisfied with putting it out there for everyone. The shortest time it has taken me was one month to write the Exodus Bible curriculum.(And that record may never be broken!) The content just flowed, and it was quick to produce. 

• Ironically, my work schedule is basically a non-schedule, and I am a very schedule-oriented person! The problem is that I work at home and life gets in the way of writing very often. To discipline myself, I try to set a deadline and that helps me stick to scheduled writing. I like to write in the afternoons after all of my "domestic goddess jobs" are out of the way and I can fully concentrate on writing. If my thoughts are flowing well, I usually get a good amount of work done, but if it's a day where I'm stumbling around with writer's block, I find it beneficial to just walk away from it and do something else. Then I try to pick up with it the next day and that usually gets me moving again. 

• I can't think of any writing quirks. I'm a boring, sit-at-my-desk-and-type author. :)

• Most of the inspiration for what I write comes from life experiences and observations. Living life gives one plenty of material to write about! 

• When I'm not writing, I love to putter around my house and bake, make homemade soaps, decorate cakes, bake some more, and curl up with a good classic literature novel while sipping a hot cup of Earl Grey tea out of my Old Country Roses china teacup (while listening to classical music in the background). 

• I would tell other Christian women who wish to write to not be afraid. Try! You'll never know what potential you have if you don't make an effort. Whatever genre you choose, keep it God-glorifying, truthful and kind and you can't go wrong. 

• I have currently written 13 books. My favorite is probably the purity study titled Purer in Heart. I struggled the most with it and prayed about it the most, but I have seen the blessing of it being utilized by so many and I am so encouraged and uplifted by that. 

• Read, read, read! Good writers read a lot and it is very beneficial in terms of style, vocabulary, and more. Enlist others to read your writing and offer honest feedback. Be open to criticism and willing to learn and grow from it. 

• I absolutely love to read classic literature! I like to be challenged by those types of books, and I always feel after finishing a classic book that I have just feasted on a 9 course meal instead of a fast food meal. It is very satisfying. And of course, I love to read the word of God and grow in it. 

• When I was a little girl, my dream was to grow up and be a wife and mommy. That is honestly what I wanted more than anything, and God has blessed me so richly in making me a preacher's wife to a wonderful husband of 27 years, and mother to three beautiful children that I was privileged to home-school. 

• For a fun fact...my husband and I can have a 15 minute conversation using only quotations from Charles Dickens and/or Jane Austen novels! :)

A Still and Quiet Soul: Embracing Contentment by Cathy Messecar

About the Book:

"“But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:2

"Life is chaotic. Schedules, stress and strife can quickly spiral out of control leaving you frustrated, exhausted and angry. But God wants more for you. He wants you to be content.

In A Still & Quiet Soul: Embracing Contentment by  author Cathy Messecar shows you how to adorn your life with contentment and anchor your days with joy. In the midst of the mess, you can journey towards a life of worship through being content wherever you are.

You will see how God grants contentment to ordinary people in scripture as He shows us extraordinary things. Each chapter ends with a personal story of how God granted contentment to people like your next door neighbor, co-worker, grandfather, aunt and sister.

With her easy-to-read style and biblically founded truths, Cathy helps you discern contentment in your life even in the midst of the chaos, helping you cultivate A Still and Quiet Soul"" (Amazon)

About the Author:

""Cathy Turner Messecar, born in Nashville, Arkansas, has lived in Texas most of her life. Married to David, they live in Montgomery, Texas, birthplace of the Texas flag. From their rural farm, Leaning Tree Acres, they own and operate a trucking company offering rock and alfalfa. Their family includes two children and their spouses, and five grandchildren who live on the farm or nearby. Cathy says, “Just call us the Waltons.”

She has taught women’s Bible classes for over 25 years. She also speaks at retreats and organizations such as garden clubs, Retired Teachers, MOPS (mothers of preschoolers), and writing guilds. She does occasional radio interviews.

For 11 years, she wrote an inspirational column for Houston Community Newspapers, The Courier, Conroe, Texas, and has received a Roaring Lambs award from the Amy Foundation. Cathy also received the award of Competent Toastmaster from Toastmasters International (speakers’ club).

A freelance writer, she has written for the Houston Chronicle, Christian Woman, Sisterhood, Power for Today, Christian Mirror Webzine and the Pen & Sword Newsletter for the Amy Foundation. She writes for Heartlight.org Magazine and CBN.com and others. Her inspirational writings also appear in devotional compilation books.

Cathy’s interests are family and friends, snooping around antique fairs, collecting old linens, serving tea from her teapots and cups and of course, writing."" (Amazon)

Cathy also has her own website titled, Threads of Peace from a Farmscribe.

Don't miss Cathy Messecar's Meet the Author Page!

Other books by Cathy:

A Still & Quiet Soul: Embracing Contentment

Dogwood Winter: Weathering Cancer with Hope

The Stained Glass Pickup: Glimpses of God's Uncommon Wisdom

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holidays

The Holy Spirit in 365 Scriptures by Katheryn Maddox Haddad

About the Book:

"There are numerous books on the Holy Spirit, but they are based on only a few Bible verses. This study was not done to prove the author’s or anyone else’s pet assessment of the Holy Spirit. The study was made with the desire to forget all pre-conceived notions and opinions, and discover only God’s opinion. 

The Bible has 365 verses on the Holy Spirit and God’s Spirit. This is the only book of its kind to cover all verses. All other books take a few ideas about the Holy Spirit and elaborate on them. 
To make sense out of all 365 verses, they were categorized according to what you see in the table of contents in this book ~ the types of people affected by the Holy Spirit. 

Within each category, are sub-categories, usually based on how the Holy Spirit connected with each person, and how each person reacted. 

The same subcategory terms will sometimes appear in each category of the people the Holy Spirit affected. At first those little words may seem to have no special significance. But as you progressed through them, you will see that even little words like “within” and “upon”, and “full” sometimes had big significance. All those word studies prepare you for the even more dynamic later chapters in the book. 
The study is based on the New King James Version of the Bible. 

Read through these chapters, not to prove what you already believe, but with an open mind and heart that perhaps you don’t believe in enough things the Holy Spirit does, or you believe in more things than the scriptures actually teach.

Let us be careful that we do not go beyond what is written (I Corinthians 4:6). Now, let us gear up for all things God’s Holy Spirit does, and get ready to be amazed."  (Amazon)


About the Author:

"Katheryn Haddad hails from Arizona with palm trees and cacti in her yard, and a computer with the letters worn away to keep her company.

With a bachelor's degree in English, Bible and social science from Harding University and part of a master's degree in Bible, including Greek, from the Harding Graduate School of Theology, she also has a master's degree in management and human relations from Abilene University. 

Her newspaper column appeared for several years in newspapers in Texas and North Carolina ~ Little Known Facts About the Bible ~ and she has written for numerous Christian publications. 

For 20 years, she was a genealogist, and traced her family back to the early 1600s in England and Wales.

Currently she teaches English over the internet every morning, using the Bible as a text book. Most of her students are Muslims. She has taught some 5000 thus far, and has former students, now Christians, in hiding in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine. "They are my heroes" she declares.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Christian Writers of the West, and is also an energetic public speaker who can touch the heart of audiences." (Amazon)

Genre: New Testament Study