Wow! Fact or Fiction? Hmmm… consider it. State your opinion.
This blog is brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard. For information on her award-winning memoir Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul, please go to http://www.allthingsfulfilling.com/about-the-book/.
“God be thanked for books; they make us heirs of the spiritual life of past ages.” ~ William Ellery Channing
On Saturday I had a book signing at Come and See Christian Books and Gifts in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. People drifted in and out throughout the day to shop and to speak with me about my award-winning publication Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.
During quiet times, I took the opportunity to browse and become more acquainted with what was in store. In the children’s section I came across a book called “Making Heart-bread.” I thought it was particularly meaningful, and the concept of the tale holds value for both children and adults. It is based on a true story of what helped heal emotional scars of children who were traumatized during the World War II era.
Briefly, a grandmother teaches children the difference between making bread to fill the “tummy” and bread that fills the soul. Making heart-bread she says is very important because it “never runs out.” The recipe has ingredients which nourish us most in times of need. The ingredients are revealed throughout the storyline.
After having read Making Heart-bread I have feelings of warmth inside me knowing I have been given all the fundamentals of heart-bread throughout my lifetime. Heart-bread is that which is made from memories of love and spirituality.
This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. For information on her two publications Gift of a Lifetime:Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected and Short Stories: Lessons of Heart & Soul , please visit https://allthingsfulfilling.com/about-the-book/
See you on Monday on All Things Fulfilling.
If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh
New Year, New Opportunities!
If you are in the Steamboat Springs, Colorado area join me on Saturday January 3rd, 2015 at Come & See Christian Books & Gifts, 675 S. Lincoln Avenue (near the Hampden Inn) for a meet the author/book signing event from 11am to 2pm.
Are you interested in writing and publishing a book? The author will share what helped her to write and publish her award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.
There will be refreshments and treats and learn what’s in store for 2015.
God’s plan for us is always that of grace. ~ Unknown
On this 23rd day of Advent, I have a question for our readers.
Have you seen the painting Kissing the Face of God by Morgan Weistling? He is an outstanding artist who paints historical stories from a different time and era. Many of his paintings are of settlers to the West.
Kissing the Face of God is an exquisite painting that is so appropriate to share on this 23rd Day of Advent as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. When you see the image and read the artist’s statement about the painting, you will better appreciate the sentiment behind it.
http://www.morganweistling.com/galleries/gallery03/kissingfacegod.html
As my husband and I await the coming of our son from far reaches, we gratefully remember the day of his advent that changed our world forever!
My own personal story of the miracles in my life are recounted in Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected. The award-winning book makes a great present to share with loved ones in your life for Christmas, at the start of a New Year, in celebration of a birthday or for “just because.”
Please return tomorrow and celebrate the 24th Day of Advent with us on All Things Fulfilling.
“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” ~ Dale Evans
I’m more proud than ever to attend a church whose motto is “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors.” The Steamboat United Methodist Church reached out, extended their welcome and showed that they practice what they preach to the Jewish congregation here in Steamboat. The menorah issue was put to rest and it was lit on Tuesday December 16th on the front lawn of the United Methodist Church. The Menorah is symbolic of “light, wisdom, and Divine inspiration” but it was also designed as creative art for our community.
This story was broadcast on CBS and in newspapers in other cities. To watch the video about what ended up being a story about love in action, please follow this link.
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/12/11/menorah-blocked-from-courthouse-lawn-in-steamboat-springs/
One of the best things you can teach children when they are old enough to grasp the concepts is about multi-cultural understanding. Author Sue Batton Leonard recounts her personal experience with multi-cultural love in her memoir, an anthology of stories in her book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected. It has won several awards, one in the young adult category. The book is perfect for giving to “tweens’ and teens and an entire family.
The memoir, an award-winning anthology of short stories is available in audio book (narrated by the author), paperback and e-book. Here is how to order:
Audio Book http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh
As a thank you to our readers, today I am going to share an audio chapter of Gift of a Lifetime:Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.
One of the most valuable lessons in my lifetime was learning as a child that the spirit of Christmas should be extended to others. In fact, being grateful and thinking of others rather than ourselves is one of the best cures for whatever ails us.
A week ago, I volunteered a few hours helping with a United Way project here in Steamboat. I was awestruck by the charitable hearts of the people in our community. Corporations, retail establishments, individuals and churches all came together to make sure no one who needs assistance will go hungry and without a gift for Christmas.
A holiday shopping market of toys and clothing and other necessities that makes Christmas feel special was set up for families in the auditorium at Colorado Mountain College. Hundreds of volunteers helped with the effort.
Kate Nowak, Executive Director of Routt County United Way is to be commended for her efforts in leading the way in pulling it all together.
Being neighborly and remembering to give of ourselves through volunteering and other thoughtful gestures means much to those who need to be lifted up. For the giver, it can also lead to a few symptoms of the advent virus – “contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature and frequent attacks of smiling.”
In chapter 29 titled “The Gift of Life” in the award-winning memoir by yours truly there’s a poignant holiday story that families can share together about being grateful every day of your life. Listen in here.
Advent Day #15: Gentle Inspiration
Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards. ~ Robert Orben
Are you a parent who is concerned with raising children who will have their values in the right place? In today’s world of bringing up children, the challenges are different than in previous generations. Let’s be honest! There is an overwhelming focus on material things and kids feeling “entitled.” It’s what many parents are up against.
Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected is written by a baby boomer who remembers when life was much simpler. There are many life lessons incorporated into the award-winning anthology of stories but you must read between the lines to get some of them. This publication is not an offensive hard core religious story and it is not full of in-your-face parenting tips. It is a “story of trust, faith, friendship and deep love for one another. Readers will be inspired by……a life most fulfilling.” ~ Barbara Gueldner, Ph.D.,MSE Licensed Psychologist
Listen to the award-winning audio book as a family. The stories, very appropriate for ages 12+, give a jumping off point to handling those important conversations you have been meaning to have with your children. There is nothing that helps get a conversation started better than humor – that’s inside it!
To order the award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected, please follow these links:
Audio Book http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh
The only gift is a portion of thyself. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yes, I know how you are feeling and what you are thinking. “I really need do more than just go window shopping.” The days are quickly passing and it will be Christmas before you know it. But you don’t know what to give your loved ones that will be different. Did I get it?
An inspiring story of love and humor that anyone can appreciate might be just the thing. A book that has a unique voice not hum-drum. Is that what you are looking for?
The award-winning anthology of stories, Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected is all that and more! It is a book of heart and soul that will leave a lasting impact. Yet it’s an easy, pleasurable read -it’s light-hearted. You don’t have to study over it and it will make you chuckle. Who ever said Christian people have no sense of humor? Gift of a Lifetime has won three awards, one in the young adults’ category.
Above Photo: There it sits on the shelf, at Come & See Christian Books & Gifts hoping some little elf will come by and pick up a few copies just in time for Christmas giving.
If you want to buy locally and support writers, it’s available in Steamboat Springs, Colorado at Come and See Christian Books and Gifts at 675 S. Lincoln Avenue. It’s also available in Towson, Maryland at Ukazoo Books. If you can, save yourself some shipping fees and pick it up in the stores because you might find other gift items for someone else in your community, house or family.
Save the Date! January 3rd, 2015 from 11:00 am to 1pm meet the award-winning author! Stop in at Come and See Christian Books and Gifts in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Have some refreshments and be one of the first to find out what’s in store for 2015.
For those who live too far away from Steamboat, CO or Towson, MD the book is also available on-line through all the major on-line booksellers. It is available in paperback, award-winning audio and e-book.
Advent Day #13
A Frequently Asked Question: “What is the significance of the flowers on the book cover?”
The flowers on the cover of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected relates to an Easter Story retold in a simple and unique dialect by Fanny, the stellar character in the award-winning book . Briefly, the twelve year old “Battoney” twins come to understand the deeper meaning behind the beautiful blossom.
To read the backstory about this beautiful flower, the dogwood, check out this article. https://allthingsfulfilling.com/2011/04/04/a-gift-in-perpetuity-from-japan/.
The personal story as related by the author is featured in a chapter in Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.
This blog is brought to you the award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. For more information on her memoir, please visit these links.
Audio Book http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh
On this 9th day of Advent if you were to ask author Sue Batton Leonard “What is her favorite chapter in her award-winning book? Here’s the answer: Chapter 19 Personal Coaching.
The story starts with an inspirational quote that goes like this “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” by http://www.tonyrobbins.com.
‘Nuf said on this ninth day of Advent on All Things Fulfilling. The whole narrative that relates to this quote by Tony Robbins lies between the covers of the award-winning memoir “Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.” To Order :
All Things Fulfilling 
