Straddling the Fence: The Danger of Compromise by Anita Whitaker

Straddling the Fence

"Compromising one's morality, character, influence, tolerance of sin, and commitment. These are a few of many dangerous darts hurled at young women. This book exposes addiction lures, dating traps, gossip pools, and other dangers in a concise manner. Chapter Questions."

I bought this book several years ago, but it is as relevant today as it was then. I've always wanted to use it for a teen girls class. I wholly recommend this book for teens and women.

This book is only available through Publishing Designs.



What topics do you believe we should be discussing with our teens?

Brenda's Diary by Brenda Rutherford

Brenda's Diary

"Rod and Brenda Rutherford worked in Zambia from 1966 until 1972. Brenda's Diary says: "The purpose of this book is to give an honest, frank look at what life is like on a day-to-day basis in a foreign country. These words are written directly from my diaries which were kept during the nearly seven years that we lived and worked in the country of Zambia, Africa. It deals from a woman's viewpoint with the problems, blessings, discouragements, encouragements, customs and methods used to develop congregations... and an honest look at what it is like to raise a young family in a Third World country." (21st Century Christian)

Church of Christ Women Authors:

I was privileged to sit in Brother Rutherford's class at the Memphis School of Preaching in 1995, and to learn from Ms. Brenda. Since they have known hundreds of students through the years, I don't expect that they will remember me; however, I will be forever grateful for the work they did and are still doing. If you haven't read this book, it should be on your must read list!

--Susan

What other books about missionaries do you enjoy?

Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women by Heather Pryor

About Heart to Heart: Devotional Thoughts for Women:

"A book of devotional thoughts for women covering topics such as contentment, time management, prayer and purpose. Written sometimes with humor, sometimes seriously but always with faith in God and His Word." (Amazon)




Enjoy a Free Preview Below:

From Church of Christ Women Authors:


I've recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Heather. She is a phenomenal woman. If you have the opportunity, please check out her books! --Susan


Don't forget to check out Heather Pryor's Meet the Author Page!


What devotional topics do you like to study?

A Lady's Pocketbook Ministry by Barbara Barnes

About A Lady's Pocketbook Ministry :

The inspiration for this book came from the love my grandmother had for God and for me. She showed her love in many ways that helped my growth in God's Word. My grandmother, Annie Lewis, always carried her purse and Bible everywhere. This study takes the items you carry in your pocketbook every day and gives them a spiritual application. Hopefully, this study will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. All is to the glory of God.

Barbara J. Barnes book can also be purchased at Amazon , Barnes & Noble, and Westbowpress.com.



What lessons can you learn from your purse?

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! :)

Style Your Soul: Get Dressed From The Inside Out by Brittany Davis

About Style Your Soul: Get Dressed From The Inside Out

"Style Your Soul is a revelation and a revolution. It’s a war cry against immodesty and its many consequences. It’s unlike anything on your bookshelf right now because it gets to the heart of the immodesty epidemic that’s plaguing our homes, church and nation. Style Your Soul is your guide book for walking worthy and for presenting yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord. In it you’ll: Examine what it means to worship in spirit and in truth. Unlock your future by examining your current friends. Master the ten commandments of shopping. Never wonder what to wear again. Plus! Get the 3 point clothing inspection no one should leave the house without completing. Join the Style Your Soul revolution and help other girls and women get dressed from the inside out." (Amazon)

Don't forget to check out Brittany Davis' Meet the Author Page!


What are your favorite fashions?

Meet The Author Brittany Davis

"Hey there I'm Brittany and this is the story of Virtuous Magazine. When I was sixteen I was in love with magazines, mostly fashion and beauty magazines and I wanted to create my own. So I created a newsletter but sadly only one issue was ever released. Then, while in college, I tried to create a magazine about female entrepreneurs and I got stuck in the planning of it all. I did a job shadow with the Editor-in-Chief of Atlanta Magazine and interned there while in school. I majored in journalism and took a desktop publishing class as well. But it wasn't until after I'd graduated and got married that I really jumped in with both feet. After a month of marriage my husband had to have cancer surgery and during his recovery I needed somewhere to put my energy and Virtuous was born.

My love for the Lord, living faithful and fashion magazines all merged into one passion and that was creating a magazine for Christian women that helped us live faithful lives and focused on fun things like modest fashion. Everyone loved how colorful and thoughtful it was; women enjoyed being able to leave it around the house without worrying about indiscreet images and articles and I was finally living my dream.

Since I've started Virtuous I've also edited books and created custom publications. Plus now the magazine is free for everyone to enjoy and draw closer to God online, with the printed copies sold individually. And I've written a book entitles Style Your Soul: Get Dressed From The Inside Out.

I am so passionate about sharing the love of God with others through Virtuous and showing how fulfilling your life can be when it's dedicated to Him. I get so excited meeting sisters online and in person and hearing that they are sharing the articles with others and that something I said, wrote, posted or filmed had a positive impact in their lives. I feel so honored to give and use my talents and abilities for the Lord and I hope to leave a legacy of service and that I will leave the world better than I found it." Amazon

Brittany Davis' Books:

Style Your Soul: Get Dressed From The Inside Out
The Greatest Seasonings Recipes In History: An Amazing Guide To Spice Up Your Meals And Delicious Recipes You Will Love

A Strand of Pearls by Delores J. Howard

About A Strand of Pearls

"A warm hello to all! Come on in and sit a spell. Are you thirsty--hungry? We have living water, the milk of the word, veggies, meat, and a delightful array of treats. Enjoy all the savory dishes for there’s something
here for everyone. There are poems to fi ll the hungriest of souls and some to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

Before you eat, please permit me to ask God’s blessings upon the “food” and to bless and nourish you as only HE can do. May we thank Him for all His love and care, (physically and spiritually). As we feast on more assorted stories found in God’s Word, we’ll also savor the experiences of those who’ve shared our world, and those who have touched me and mine personally. Until then, dive in, while your spirits are good and hot! Bon Appetite! —Delores" (Amazon)

You can learn more about Delores J. Howard on her website A Strand of Pearls.

Will you ever look at a strand of pearls the same way again?

Meet the Author Lora Wise

In Depth with Lora Wise:

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I always enjoyed writing but I never planned to become an author. However, I had a message that I needed to get out there. So, I put it in a book.

How many books have you written?

I have only written one book.

How long does it take you to write a book?

The total time to research it and write it was three years.


Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I have always felt a strong desire to help those who have been misled by false teaching. Since the age of sixteen I have especially been struck by the significance and importance of baptism.

My insights into the subject took on new significance when I realized the relationship between the Holy Spirit, baptism, the blood of Christ, and covenant. As I began ro research "covenant" I saw even greater beauty in the act of baptism. I view baptism as a marriage ceremony. The church is the bride of Christ.

When we are baptized into Christ we are added to His church. During baptism we unite with Christ. God has made covenant vows to us, and we make covenant vows with Him. Covenant is such a beautiful concept because it includes fidelity, provision, love and belonging.

I have ideas for future books, but none are so consuming as the first one was.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I like to spend my time, when I am not reading my Bible and researching for future books, in creating digital art. I have a Facebook page called "Scripture Wallpapers" which displays my pictures.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?

I would tell other Christian women who want to write to go for it. If God calls you to write then He equips you for His purpose. Writing is all about the message. If God gives us a message and a talent we bless others when we share it.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 

I have only written one book so of course, it has to be my favorite. But, even if God gives me more books to write this first one is special because the message is so personal to me.

My relationship with God and my confidence in Christ grew so much deeper as I wrote this book. It was an exciting time during which I learned who I am in Christ and to Christ. My relationship with God is so much deeper now than it ever would have been were it not for the book.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I have a few suggestions to help women become better writers.

• The first is to really care about the subject matter. Passion for writing comes through to the reader.
• My second suggestion is to spend a lot of time reading. The more that we read the greater our vocabulary and writing skills will be.
• My third suggestion is to periodically study online sites and/or books that are designed to help us become better writers.

What do you like to read?

My favorite book to read is the Bible. I also like to read inspirational romances and mysteries.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. I fulfilled that desire.

Fun fact.

AAA fun fact about me is I that I have a twin sister. She has no desire to write.


Lora Wise's Book:




What inspires you to write?

Leading Ladies: Willing Hearts, Willing Hands by Teresa Hampton

About Leading Ladies: Willing Hearts, Willing Hands:

"Refreshing ideas and simple guidelines show women divine parameters for leadership. A how-to book for ladies who want to put away complaining, worrying, and gossiping, and step into God's service. Thirteen chapters with questions." (Publishing Designs)

From Church of Christ Women Authors:

I LOVE this book. I started teaching ladies classes several years ago, and I found this book a great encouragement to me as I adjusted to teaching peers. I would recommend this book for women of all ages.

--Susan Elliott

What are your tips for teaching peers about the Bible?

Spirit, Water and Blood: The Marriage Covenant of the Lamb by Lora Wise

About Spirit, Water, and Blood: The Marriage Covenant of the Lamb :

""The Spirit, the water, and the blood are the three that testify. They set up the marriage covenant in which the bride (the church)is united in the body of Christ. It is the covenant relationship in Christ that saves. Come see how we are joined to the body of Christ and what it means to be in a covenant relationship with God in Christ. You will never look at your walk with God in the same way again." 

(The Spirit, the water, and the blood are the three that testify. They set up the marriage covenant in which the bride (the church)is united in the body of Christ. It is the covenant relationship in Christ that saves. Come see how we are joined to the body of Christ and what it means to be in a covenant relationship with God in Christ. You will never look at your walk with God in the same way again.)" (Amazon)

Don't forget to check out Lora Wise Meet the Author Page! (coming soon)


What verses help you with your walk with Christ?