Surprise Book Review

I was thrilled when I popped into Sheila's blog and found a review about my book. I met her at the LDStory Maker's conference and she mentioned a possibility of her doing a podcast interview with me. I hope we can work something out with that soon. I'll keep you posted.

I wanted to share her blog and review with you.

Sheila's Review of A Future for Tomorrow.

It meant a great deal to me to read her words. I appreciate her and your support.

Thank you again Shelia your review really touched me!

Today, I Live.

In honor of this week's book give away I wanted to take one of the questions asked toward the end of the book Today, I Live. (By the way congrats to Rachelle who won the drawing)

The last page of Karen Eddington's book says "Pass it on" I love the encouragement she gives to try to keep her message of self acceptance and peace moving forward and expanding.
So this is one way i am passing it on.

She has many wonderful statements to ponder as well as questions. That it way it was hard for me to decide which one to feature today. Which is exactly the reason why I recommend getting this book (I linked you to amazon to buy it if you click her title in the first sentence)

The question I decided to post is under her Worth and Purpose page,
"How are the people and things around me impacting how I feel about myself?"

I remember years ago being told that my believes about myself were based too heavily on what other's thought of me. It was explained by using the example of a mirror. I reflected what others felt or what I thought they felt about me and internalized it as truth.

I catch myself doing it somewhat still today. I'm sure most of us do to a certain degree. If we receive praise and admiration throughout the day I'm sure we all hold our heads a little higher. However, if we had a rough day and a few people had judgmental comments or gestures toward us we can't help but feel down. Or can we?

If you are absolutely firm in your self concept and the worth you know you have, there is nothing anyone can do or say to change your mind. Reflect instead the love and worth the Savior and Heavenly Father have for us. We have infinite value that our mortal minds can't even conceive of. Even as I type I feel the spirit testifying this truth to me. I know without a doubt our worth as daughters of God is intensely great.
I had a challenge a little while ago for you to pray for a week straight to feel and know of your worth I want to extend that again as something you continually seek.

In addition to that, this weeks official challenge is to notice how your mood and feelings of value change depending on your external factors and other's believes of you. Challenge those feelings with what you know to be true.

FREE BOOK GIVE AWAY!

Free give away of Today, I Live... A Gift of Peace for Girls at any Age. (If you don't win and want to buy the book click on the title above and it will take you to the book's page on amazon.com)
I absolutely LOVE this book!!! It is different than anything I've ever seen because it is a picture book with bright illustrations, but filled with deep wisdom and uplifting messages. I have joined the author, Karen Eddington, in the effort to spread the message of the importance of self esteem. She has invited me to join her for a couple stake girls camp presentations, which I am looking forward to in June.

I am so excited about this book I plan on carrying her information cards to all my book signings or public speaking events. It is a great book for young teens to great grandmothers.

Karen has generously offered to give one book away for a price on my blog.

To enter: Leave a comment naming three of your best traits. (Physical, spiritual, or mental, anything you want.) IF you are not comfortable leaving your list for people to see then just tell me that you named them to yourself or wrote them down at home. Thanks! If you don't have a blog I can link to from your comment leave your e-mail please so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Contest Ends on Friday at midnight. Saturday morning I will do a random drawing.

Extra Chance to Win. Advertise my give away on your blog. Leave another comment saying you did so and your name will be entered twice in the drawing.

Thank you and good luck!!

One Lovely Blog Award

My delightful friend Lori Nawyn from Hearts and Hands selected my blog to win the "One Lovely Blog Award." This is my first blog award so I can't wait to display it on my side bar!

I am honored. Thank you, Lori.

In keeping with the rules, I've been asked to pass on the love and bestow the award to 15 of my favorite blogs. (In no particular order)

Tristi Pinkston LDS Author

I've mentioned Trisit several times on this blog so most of you know she has four published books, a member of LDS StoryMakers, and is a great lady!

Cauliflower Retreat by Karen Eddington.

The Cauliflower Retreat is a non-profit organization that promotes worth and purpose to women! You can learn more at cauliflowerretreat.org!

4Nuts in a Nutshell by Catherine Lang.

She is a high school and college friend who has done great thing with her blog. In a blink of an eye she nearly has 100 followers. That speaks volumes for her blogging talent. Way to go Cat!

Wizard's Hangout by Vicki Wizniuk.

She is a fellow Close to My Heart consultant and I admire her talent and willingness to share her ideas with her blog friends.

A Writer's Ramblings by Karen Hoover.

Karen is a dear friend of mine and a gifted writer. Her manuscripts have won several awards and hopefully we will see one in print soon! Her time is near I can feel it!

Our Many Mumblings by Kelly Hill.

Kelly has a hilariously honest way of blogging her life. Kelly is a strong woman who is comfortable sharing her personal trials and success. I'm proud to call her neighbor and friend.

LobbyMe by Ryan Fransen.

This is the only male blogger I have chosen to award this honor to. I don't know how thrilled he will be knowing his reward is called "lovely blog award" but his blog one of my favorites to read. Ryan is my cousin and a former congressional staffer and campaign manager. His blog helps me feel like I have the "inside track" when it comes to politics.

CraziBeautiful Women

I'm cheating a little on this one because it is a website but it wants to be a blog.

Queen of the Clan by Danyelle Ferguson

Danyelle did a book review for my book and I was privileged to met her in person at the LDS StoryMaker's conference. She has a wonderful blog and does great things for Autism.

The Mar Farr by Mari Farr

Mari is on of the most talent photographers I've EVER seen! She has a great blog about being a mom, photographer, and music teacher. We were neighbors until her recent move, but I still consider her one of my closest friends.

Candace Salima

I'm again linking a website that feels like a blog. I admire Candace for her writing, political stance, and public speaking. Check her out.

Why Not? Because I Said So! by Sheila.

I met Sheila at the LDS StoryMaker's convention and found her to be a delightful lady. She also does podcast interviews on LDS Women's Book Review

Congrats everyone!

Self-Esteem Building Exercise

I found a great site with self-esteem building exercises on it. It is called selfesteem2go.com

Here is some information from that site:

Self-esteem building exercises start with learning to care for yourself; physically, mentally and emotionally. I know, the advice “Love yourself” sounds like such a cliché, but studies have proven that people who feel good about themselves are happier, healthier and have better self-esteem.

The first step you can take towards building your self-esteem is to take care of your body. Eat healthy foods that give you energy and make you strong. Exercise every day, if only for twenty minutes. Take your time with personal hygiene; stay an extra minute in the shower to enjoy the hot water relaxing your muscles, and set aside time for nail and tooth care. --By Zoltan Roth site owner.

There is much more on this site, but I would like to focus on this aspect this week. The challenge is to take better care of your physical body this week. By caring for your body it is showing that you love yourself and your body.

If you don't feel that you do have love for your body maybe pampering it will help you appreciate it and be the first step in learning to accept and love it.

I remember hearing that part of the test of this life is to see how we take care of our body, "our temple." That has stuck with me and I want to show my Father in Heaven that I can take care of the body he gave me. The body that is mandatory for me fulfill my eternal purpose.

Give your body the extra attention this week and feel free to leave a comment about your experience.

(I've been behind on posting my weekly self-esteem assignments lately so if you are new to the site check out older post for more great ways to help you find your divine worth.)

Publishing Secrets

I've noticed since I have a book out I have been asked a lot about the publishing process. I've even read manuscripts and been asked many technical questions as well.

I love helping anyone with questions so feel free to keep asking. If I don't know I have a few friends and resources I can use to hopefully give you the answer you need.

However, ever person I talk to I end up recommending this book to them. It is called LDS STORYMAKERS Publishing Secrets. I want to link it from my site so you can buy your own copy from amazon.

(click on book to order)

It's great for a few reasons, one is that it is written by several authors who have great experience in the topic. So you hear several opinions and scenarios instead of just one persons.

It is great specifically if you are trying to get published in the LDS market, but it does talk about all different types of publishing.

I felt a little overwhelmed when I first started reading it from cover to cover then I decided to just read a chapter at a time, along my own publishing process. I used it as an instruction manual of sorts as I approached each step.

I was thrilled to find they also have a book called "Writing Secrets" It is equally wonderful and another one I recommend!

Book Giveaway!

The blog "4 Nuts in a Nutshell" is hosting a book giveaway tomorrow, of my book A Future for Tomorrow.

I'm not for sure what this will entail quite yet, but the author of this blog is creative and you will get lots of laughs and insight from reading her posts. Check it out and maybe you will be the one who wins the free book! Did I mention I will sign it personally?

While you're there become a follower, you won't regret it!

Good luck!

Trisit Pinkston's New Release Agent in Old Lace

I wanted to do a shout out for my friend Tristi. She has a new book coming out that I'm super excited about and she is doing a fun contest to go along with her promotion.

(To Pre-order this book click on book's cover image above.)

You can link over to her blog to participate. This is what the contest is about and a copy of what she has on her blog:

A Very Tristi Contest!
To celebrate the release of my new book, "Agent in Old Lace," I'm holding the coolest contest I've ever held! Because the book is a mystery novel, I'm sending you on a scavenger hunt all over the Internet. There are three sets of clues on sixteen websites.

First, you must find them all. Then, you must arrange them into groups (they are labeled 1, 2, and 3 - that part's not so mysterious). Then you must decide what they are referring to. Remember the game "Clue," where you discovered that the culprit was Miss Scarlet, in the library, with the rope? You, too, must figure out who did it, where, and with what.

After you have obtained these clues, send me your answer at tristi AT tristipinkston.com with "contest" in the subject line. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing.

And what does the lucky winner receive for all their hard work? A pretty cool prize!

This package contains a popcorn bowl, three flavors of popcorn, a $25.00 gift card to Blockbuster, and a copy of "Agent in Old Lace."

Are you all set to go? Are you rarin' to get ready?

Here are your clues. Each of the bloggers listed below can be found in the sidebar of my blog, either under the "If I'm Not Home, You Can Find Me Here" heading, or the "Or You Might Find Me Here" heading. You may need to do a little clicking and scrolling, but hey, to the victor go the spoils ... or, to the victor goes the cool prize.

"Who" Clues:

1. This blogger raises chickens and wrote "Lemon Tart."

2. This blogger runs marathons and wrote "Parenting the Ephraim's Child."3. This blogger is a political activist and wrote "Out of the Shadows ... Into the Light."4. This blogger makes pottery and wrote "False Pretenses."5. This blogger was raised in a drug store and wrote "The Forgotten Warrior."

"Where" Clues:1.

This blogger was born overseas and wrote "Reasonable Doubt."

2. This blogger used to live in England and wrote "Please, No Zits."

3. This blogger wrote a darling picture book about Down Syndrome and is the author of "Heaven Scent."

4. This blogger is a former publisher and is the assistant manager at Provident Book.

5. This blogger feels like toast and wrote "The Santa Letters."

"With What" Clues:

1. This blogger founded ANWA and wrote "Trail of Storms."

2. This blogger is a seminary teacher and wrote "Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers."

3. This blogger is addicted to peanut butter cups and wrote "Shadow of the Crown."

4. This blogger is a Whitney Award winner and wrote "Counting Stars."

5. This blogger is a nurse and wrote "Sharing Through Song."

6. This blogger is the Utah Best in State Award winner for Fiction, 2007, and wrote "Tower of Strength."

Okay! You've been given your directions. Visit the designated blogs and look for your clues. Your clues will be marked with this symbol:

(THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO GO TO TRISTI'S BLOG TO SEE THE PICTURE OF THE SYMBOL)

You may need all the clues in that category to pinpoint the information you need. You have until May 30th at midnight send me an e-mail with your guess as to who, where, and with what. You can piece it all together by using the Internet as your guide. A hint ... on the "what," the first two clues tell you what brand, the second two clues tell you what kind, and the last clues tell you what item.

Good luck!!

10 Things Parents Can Do to Help Prevent Eating Disorders

I found this list I would like to post in hopes of empowering parents in the effort to provide an emotionally healthy home environment for their children. (List found on The Fitness JumpSite)

The list breaks down things we can do as parents and does mention leading by example. I would like to add the fact that girls with mother's who diet are 12% more likely to have an eating disorder.

3 powerful factors that are connected with teens with eating disorders are: if their mom diets, if their sister diets, and/or if their friends diet.

10 Things Parents Can Do to Help Prevent Eating Disorders
by Michael Levine, Ph.D.

1. Examine the ways in which your beliefs and attitudes and behaviors about your own body and the bodies of others have been shaped by the forces of weightism and sexism. Then educate your children about (a) the genetic basic differences in body types; and (b) the nature and ugliness of prejudice.

2. Examine closely your dreams and goals for your children and other loved ones. Are you overemphasizing beauty and body shape, particularly for girls? Avoid conveying an attitude which says in effect "I will like you more if you lose weight, don't eat so much, look more like the slender models in the ads, fit into more slimmer clothes, etc. Decide what you can do and stop doing to reduce teasing, criticism, blaming, staring, etc. that reinforce the vilification of overweight and the glorification of slenderness.

3. Learn about and discuss with your sons and daughters, (a) the dangers of trying to alter one's body shape through dieting; (b) the value of moderate exercising toward stamina and cardiovascular fitness; and (c) the importance of eating a variety of foods in well-balanced meals consumed at least three times a day. Avoid dichotomizing foods into "good/safe/no-fat or low-fat vs. bad/dangerous/fattening". Be a good role model in regard to sensible eating, sensible exercise, and self-acceptance.

4. Make a commitment to exercise for the joy of feeling your body move and function effectively, not to purge fat from your body or compensate for calories eaten.

5. Make a commitment not to avoid activities (such as swimming, sunbathing, dancing) simply because they call attention to your weight and shape. Similarly, refuse to wear clothes that are uncomfortable or that you dislike, simply because they divert attention from weight or shape.

6. Practice taking people in general and women in particular, seriously for what they say, feel, and do, not for how slender or "well put together" they appear.

7. Make a commitment to help children (both male and female) appreciate and resist the ways in which television, magazines, and other media distort the true diversity of human body types and imply that a slender body means power, excitement, and sexuality.

8. Make a commitment to educating boys about the various forms of violence against women, including weightism, and their responsibilities for preventing it.

9. Encourage your children to be active and to enjoy what their bodies can do and feel like. Do not limit their caloric intake unless a physician requests that you do this because of a medical problem.

10. Do whatever you can to promote the self-esteem and self-respect of your daughters and nieces, and sisters in intellectual, athletic, and social endeavors. Give boys and girls the same opportunities and encouragement. Be careful not to suggest that females are less important than males, e.g., by exempting males from housework and childcare. A well-rounded self and solid self-esteem are perhaps the best antidotes to mindless dieting and disordered eating.

A huge one I would like to add was touched somewhat with number one but here's my take on it: NEVER put yourself down in front of your children! In their eyes you are perfect, and the symbol of everything wonderful and grand. If they see you put your self down or calling yourself fat not only will they emulate this behavior, but they will think "If she (being magnificent in the child's eyes) isn't good enough and hates her body, then I (someone who is LESS marvelous) should even more so dislike my body.

We will all make mistakes as parents, but I feel if you can keep these things in you mind you are more likely to raise a self confident, mentally sound child.

LDS Story Makers

This weekend I went to the LDS Story Makers Writers Conference at the Provo Marriot Hotel. I was only able to attend Friday's conference this year, but hopefully in years to come I will be able to attend both Friday and Saturday.

Not only did I get to make new friends but I was able to meet several people who had read my book or who have even reviewed my book during my virtual book tour. I was touched by some of the stories people told me concerning my book. It was surreal, during introducing myself to fellow conference attendees I was surprised how many of them said "YES! I know you! I read your book!"

On the flip side I was excited to be able to learn from some of the great LDS writers who spoke or held a workshop. I was honored to meet them and visit with them. To name a few: J. Scott Savage, Annette Lyon, Liz Adir, Josi Kilpack, Tristi Pinkston, Rachel Ann Nunes, Janette Rallison, Julie Wright, BJ Rowly, Rebecca Talley, Stacy Gooch Anderson, Candace E. Salima and more.

Here is Candace E. Salima giving her presentation. She did a great job! It was titled "So Your Book's Out--Now What?" Candace is quite a remarkable lady.

Rachel Anne Nunes with four publishers for the publisher panel section of the day. This was an eye opening experience of the publisher's prospective. Some of the information I knew from my experience with "A Future for Tomorrow" but some of it was new and great information.
One of the highlights for me was meeting people who had read or reviewed my book. This next picture is one of them, her name is Danyelle Ferguson. She told me an awesome story about events that occurred after she read my book. Thanks for sharing it with me, Danyelle, I appreciated it so much!!!


Me and Rebecca Talley author of Heaven Scent and Grasshopper Pie.

Another cool thing was the book store. The LDS Story Makers created their own book store with amazingly low prices and after purchasing them we had the opportunity to get them signed.
We were also given this new novel "The Hourglass Door" FREE. It isn't even going to be released until May 13th. The author is Lisa Mangum and she was there to sign our books personally. Very cool!

My night ended with a fabulous dinner, visiting new and old friends, enjoying a mini concert by a talented LDS singer named Amy Van Wagenen, and hearing screen writer Dean Lorey speak.


I hope this made any of you who couldn't go this year or who hadn't heard of this conference before want to come next year. It is a priceless experience for aspiring authors or published authors alike.

Neat Story

This occurrence means the world to me and may seem small to you but it brings me great joy.

I got a phone call from my dad the other day. He will occasionally pop in on a conversation I am having with my mom to say hi but for him to call you know there must be some exceptionally fun or important news.

My dad said that he was gathering information from a lender to do an appraisal for a family in Fillmore (a town not too far from Scipio and where I went to school).
The lender mentioned that this family was needing money to pay for their daughter to go into The Center for Change (the same eating disorder facility I received treatment.)
My dad asked her if she knew about my story and how I had written a book about overcoming the disorder. The lender said "Yes, I know and this girl read it and it is the reason she went to her parents to get help and is willing to go into the center."

My dad has been in contact with the mother and grandmother of this girl via the appraisal work on their home and has visited them. The girl is now living in the center receiving in-care treatment. The mother told Dad that she read my book and cried the whole way through. The grandma also read it and was overcome knowing her grand daughter suffered such and infliction.
I'm overwhelmed with happiness knowing that my book not only helped this young women to get treatment and possibly have saved her life, but has allowed her family to entire the anorexic mind so they can truly understand the power of the disease their loved one is going through.

It gives me great satisfaction know I could be this girl's voice in sharing her story to her family.

I feel the spirit so strongly testifying to me that this is one daughter of God I was suppose to write my book for. I pray there are hundreds of other stories out there like this one.
I have been blessed to hear several other stories but this one stands out the most to me.

Join Me

I just wanted to invite my readers to join me on the followers list and to add the
"A Future for Tomorrow Blog" button on their own blog.

To become a follower:
1. Find my follower list on the right side bar
2. Click on the square that says "follow"
3. Choose your account you want to follow with.

To add button to your blog:
1. Choose what button you want (there are two choices)
2. Copy the code that is below it.
3. Go to your blog side bar under add gadgets, click on HTML/ JavaScript
4. Paste it there.

Thank you! I appreciate your support!

Non Physical Compliments

It is natural to tell our children they are cute, pretty, or handsome. It is ok to, but the point of this post is to help us parents to consciously focus our comments on more than outward beauty.

If we are constantly complimenting our child's appearance they will receive the message that their physical traits are important. Like I said it is fine to complement your children by saying "You look pretty this Sunday morning," or what have you. I do it often. But I'm wanting us as parents to focus more of our compliments and praise toward other attributes as well. Such as:

"You are so thoughtful."

"I'm proud how well you did on this test, you are so bright."

"You are such a good friend to your friends and you treat them so kind."

"Thank you for being so helpfully to me today with cleaning. You are a good worker."

etc...

I like the saying that says you need to "catch" your children being good and praise them. Attention on their positive behavior only encourages them to continue to do it.

That links back to what I said about limiting the accolades on physical appearance. Whether it was a compliment from family or a friend I felt pressure to uphold that praise, even when it was them saying I was skinny. This was a seed that planted itself in my mind contributing to my sever eating disorder. I felt I had to keep either losing weight or at least maintain this physique or I would disappoint them.

Homework:

Try to "catch" your children doing and being good and compliment them for it. Steer away from comments associated with their physical appearance.

American Fork Jr. High

I was honored to be asked to speak at the Jr. High in American Fork today. There were two other writers there as well. We each took an hour. I was able to speak on both eating disorders and the process of writing and publishing a book.

The parts I enjoyed most were all the questions during and after the presentation and then meeting the students afterwords when they all came up to me to sign the book mark I passed out.

There is always a handful of students that come up to me that say they needed to hear it or it was "inspirational." That is why I keep doing these presentations.

I was also extremely touched when their school councilor came up to me with tears. She had read my book and said she wants to recommend it to all her students. Again, moments like that is what gives me the incentive to want to keep reaching more schools.

Karen Hoover also came and presented about how she gets her ideas for the fiction she writes. I enjoyed listening to her and the kids were LOVING the creative approach to her presentation. I couldn't believe how involved and excited she got the kids. (See! I knew you would do great Karen!)

Karen and I went out to lunch after and had a fun chat. Gotta luv that lady!

Here are a few pics that Karen took for me, I'm just sad I didn't grab one of us together!

No More Comparing

“Comparing yourself to others can … result in either feelings of inferiority or superiority. … Accept yourself as the unique person that you are without comparing yourself to others. Doing this will help you love yourself properly without conceit” (Clark Swain, “Q & A,” New Era, Mar. 1979, p. 38).

I feel that one of the fastest ways to feel bad about yourself is by comparing. You can never win when you play the comparison game. Usually because we compare one of our worst traits to others.

If you compare yourself and feel like you are not as beautiful, or talented then your own sense of worth will diminish.

If you compare yourself and feel better than that person then you lose because that is being prideful and judgmental. So why do we keep doing it??? I've decided long ago to STOP. It's not worth it.

Assignment:
This week try to catch yourself if you are comparing yourself to others. Notice it and stop it.

This next excerpt from a talk only partial ties into the theme for this week's challenge but I think these are wonderful points by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Seven Thoughts That Are Helping Me in the Journey to Peace

1. Pray for guidance. Many of our choices as Latter-day Saints are between good things. Prayer can help us discern our best possible options.

2. Don’t compare yourself to others. Chances are you compare your weaknesses to other people’s strengths.

3. Be gentle with yourself. Christ is a gentle teacher. He is gentle with us, and we also need to be gentle with ourselves. Acknowledge you are doing the best you can. Be accepting of your efforts and those of others.

4. Forgive yourself. If you fall backward—brush yourself off and start where you left off. All is not lost.

5. Don’t worry what others are thinking of you. It is really only important that you know how the Lord feels about you.

6. Acknowledge the fruits of your labors. Write them down in a journal. Even during the Creation of the earth, the Lord acknowledged the beauty and effectiveness of his tasks each day: “God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:12).

7. Be thankful. We know that Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25). Rejoicing in Christ and in our many blessings is the best way to show gratitude. A daily closing prayer is a great opportunity to thank the Lord for all your abundance.
One Step After Another

“We don’t have to be fast; we simply have to be steady and move in the right direction. We have to do the best we can, one step after another. …

“The only thing you need to worry about is striving to be the best you can be. And how do you do that? You keep your eye on the goals that matter most in life, and you move towards them step by step. …

“That is easy enough. We don’t have to be perfect today. We don’t have to be better than someone else. All we have to do is to be the very best we can.”, “One Step after Another,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 26.