Leap of Faith

Sex Trafficking at the Super Bowl

2011-01-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

Sex Trafficking: Don't Buy It!

Did you realize that The Super Bowl is a primary target for sex traffickers? That's true especially this year, when the Super Bowl will be held in Dallas, relatively close to the U.S./Mexico border. Texas is, sadly, #1 in the U.S. for the number of kidnapped and sex trafficked children.

How Can You Help Combat the Problem of Sex Trafficking?

Dillon Burroughs has an awesome post on Beliefnet about how all of us can help combat this problem of social justice. Check it out at blog.beliefnet.com/activistfaith/2011/01/sex-dont-buy-it.html.

Hope for those in Intercultural Marriage

2011-01-26T06:52:00.000-08:00

Excellent Communication Tips

Those of you in intercultural marriages know that effective communication, love and respect are crucial elements to a successful marriage partnership. Chuck Martin, our pastor at First Baptist Church of Frisco, has been preaching a fantastic series called Faith @ Home in which he gives parents excellent tips on improving their relationships with each other and with their children. This past Sunday, each of us received a copy of "The 21 Rules of This House" by Gregg Harris. These guidelines are so powerful that I wanted to share them with everyone! Here they are:

The 21 Rules of This House

1. We obey God.

2. We love, honor and pray for one another.

3. We tell the truth.

4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.

5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.

6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.

7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.

8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.

9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.

10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.

11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.

12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.

13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.

14. We do not create unneccesary work for others.

15. When we open something, we close it.

16. When we take something out, we put it away.

17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.

18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.

19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.

20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.

21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Need a Book Doctor?

2011-01-15T06:52:00.000-08:00

The Doctor is In!

Do You Need a Professional Writer or Editor for Your Book?

Exciting News: my editing/book doctoring business has really taken off over the past few years. Now I am typically balancing a couple of book editing or development projects at a given time (plus writing and marketing my own books)! I just received a new contract from a ministry for a book project that I am very excited about. Each relationship that I am able to build enriches my life and teaches me so much, and every project provides its own fun and inspiring elements as well as its own challenges. I really enjoy this ministry. If you have a project and are looking for an editor/developmental writer to help you get it published, definitely let me know! You can e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Expanding Horizons!

2011-01-14T09:03:00.000-08:00

Search Engine Optimization Writing

I'm thrilled at how God is expanding my writing and my ministry horizons this year. I just started doing SEO writing for a company called My Web Writers. We help companies increase their business opportunities, profits, client base and Web exposure through search engine optimization. It's an exciting and cool thing to learn to do. Check it out at mywebwriters.com.

Blogging on bible.org

I've also been blogging on bible.org for the past couple of years. Their Tapestry site for women has some fantastic, thought-provoking articles on cutting-edge topics related to the Christian life, theology, wife-hood (just coined that one!) and motherhood. It's an excellent resource. View it at blogs.bible.org/tapestry. Let me know what you think!

Musing on A Life of Quiet Significance: Guyneth Walker

2010-12-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

"You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
Cause they fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere…
I’d like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly…" –“Fireflies” by Owl City

After losing his beloved son in a mountaineering accident, author Nicholas Wolterstorff wrote, “There’s a hole in the world now… A center, like no other, of memory and hope and knowledge and affection which once inhabited this earth is now gone. Only a gap remains. A perspective in this world unique in this world which once moved about in this world has been rubbed out… There’s nobody who saw just what he saw, knows what he knew, remembers what he remembered, loves what he loved… Questions I have can never now get answers. The world is emptier." –Lament for a Son

I understand what it means to feel like there's a hole in the world. On June 10, 2010, my grandmother, Guyneth Walker, went to be with the Lord. But her gentle ways and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her birthday is December 2. She would have been 94 this year.
Grandma lived in harmony with people and nature like no one I’ve ever known. She accepted the fact that, on the farm, sometimes Mother Nature cooperated with what people wanted and needed, and sometimes it didn’t. She learned dependence on the land without despairing when hail came or the weather was too hot or too cold, too dry or too wet. As a child, I walked with her through her huge garden as she reached down to touch the delicate faces of blue bachelor buttons. She selected a lovely purple hollyhock bloom and bud and fastened them together to make me a hollyhock doll. Then we walked down a row of tomatoes. Suddenly, Grandma snatched a huge green tomato worm, flung it to the ground and stomped on it. Then she calmly continued down the row to look at the green beans and potatoes as if nothing had ever happened.
Grandma's home was simple, yet it was my favorite place to be in all the world. The author of one of my favorite books, A Life that Says Welcome, says this: “The husband is the head of the home, but the wife is the heart of the home.” Grandma reflected the truth of this statement as her home reflected her warm nature and her loving, sacrificial spirit. Her husband, Jesse Walker (my grandfather) passed away many years ago, while my mom was in college. Grandma never remarried. So she really had to become both the head and the heart of her home.
Grandma remembered people and events and enjoyed recounting them to us. And she wrote down everything. When we sorted through her possessions, we found boxes full of carefully preserved keepsakes and clothing, including the gorgeous dresses and other items of clothing that she had made.
What a legacy she left for us with her writing, as toward the end of her life she tended to forget the details of recent events. But amazingly, she could clearly recall minute details of events that had happened when she was young. She loved talking with her sister Ruth about events that had occurred during her childhood.
After her death, my uncles and my mother began sorting through her belongings. Every box revealed carefully preserved and documented memories, from pristine 1920s postcards bearing antiquated greetings like “Happy Christmastide” to her mother’s silk wedding dress with its exquisite embroidery. Grandma had pinned hand-written notes to almost every item explaining who had made it, where it had come from, who had given it to her as a gift, special occasions when she had worn it, and more.
Now, our history has become HER STORY. I realize that just as one person's life can dramatically influence the growth, development and love of a family, that person also changes the landscape of a town and changes the world in the process. Grandma's testimony is a simple and quiet life, well-lived. She loved well. My aunt Jana noted that one of the things she appreciated most about my grandma is that she had a contented spirit?truly a rare gift in this day and age.
Grief teaches us about life, and about ourselves, and about others, and about God. It reveals to us the astonishing capacity that we have for love. It shows us how we are limited and flawed, cloaked in humanity. Yet it also reveals our remarkable capacity to love beyond ourselves, to love in a way that astonishes and transforms us and everyone around us, to love in a way that reveals that we are made in God’s image because that love is beyond the limits of our human selves. It’s incandescent, like the fields by Grandma’s house glowing with thousands of lightning bugs on a summer evening.
My husband flew in from Dallas on the night before Grandma's funeral. He described his astonishment at the most beautiful sunset he’d ever seen, with bright colors splashed against the sky juxtaposed with a bank of dark rain clouds against the horizon. He said that as they prepared to land, the sun went down and he saw miles and miles of fields lit up by millions of fireflies, as though the entire sleeping landscape was enveloped in a soft blanket of light.
Grandma's home was modest, her furnishings simple, and her "estate" was not grandiose by any means. She had some beautiful things, most of which were beautiful to us because of the decades of memories that they brought back. And the day after she had passed away, as we began looking through her belongings with tears and shared memories, I realized that even if she had owned lavish possessions or had millions of dollars to leave each of us as an inheritance, we gladly would have given it all back just to spend one more minute with her.
Thanks, Grandma. May your legacy live on through each of us.

Important Questions to Ask Your Spouse... An Excerpt from My Book on the Dallas Theological Seminary Website

2010-11-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a helpful excerpt from my book that appears on the DTS website. It includes a variety of extremely useful questions for you and your intercultural fiance or spouse to ask each other. Check it out at dts.edu/publications/read/excerpt-from-your-intercultural-marriage-marla-deshong-alupoaicei/.

Thank you!

Book Recommendation: Coach Mom by Brenna Stull

2010-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

I recently heard Brenna Stull, otherwise known as "Coach Mom" and the mother of five kids, speak at a MOPS meeting. I was so encouraged by the spiritual and practical principles that she shared at the meeting that I went home and immediately ordered her book Coach Mom: 7 Strategies for Organizing Your Family into An All-Star Team. It's from New Hope Publishers. (By the way, God has granted me the privilege of meeting a couple of the employees of New Hope at conferences, and they are fantastic!)

Brenna talks about how we can learn to work smarter, not harder, and how to organize our priorities, our homes and our families in order to better support God's call and His purposes for our lives. I was challenged and encouraged by what she shared. In chapter 9, she notes that many of our decisions are based on fear rather than faith. For example, we don't want our children to fall behind others athletically, so we overextend ourselves in order to put them into 2 or 3 sports even though that stresses us out. Instead, we should ask ourselves these questions before committing to any activity:

1. Does what I'm doing support my purpose?

2. Does this even warrant my time and energy?

I'm now reading the "Clutter Busting" section, and I am really loving that. Now, on to bust my clutter... But that's definitely easier said than done with a 16-month-old son and a two-month-old daughter. Can anyone relate?

Helpful Sites for those in Intercultural, Cross-Cultural, Interracial and Interfaith Marriage

2010-11-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

"The Link Between" is one of the best websites I've seen on the topic of intercultural marriage. Definitely check it out at thelinkbetween.wordpress.com/.

I also love the Marriage Missions website. It contains lots of fantastic articles for intercultural couples. Check out this one: marriagemissions.com/intercultural-marriages-assumptionsmy-way-the-right-way/

Also check out this intriguing site and interview: matadornetwork.com/abroad/on-blogs-of-the-world-intercultural-marriage-and-travel-writing-an-interview-with-liz-chatburn-of-pocket-cultures/

I've been contacted recently by several media folks requesting statistics, information and personal stories related to intercultural marriage. How exciting! Looks like people are catching on to the crucial need for resources on this topic. Let me know if I can be of help to you by providing articles, resources, recommendations or advice on this topic. You can also glean lots from my book, titled Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship from Moody Publishers. It's available on Amazon and at bookstores. Thanks!

Great Article on The Do's and Don'ts of Blogging

2010-11-06T03:03:00.000-07:00

Hello! Here's a great article on the do's and don'ts of blogging from Michael Hyatt, who operates an "Intentional Leadership" blog. Since most of us have blogs, I thought I'd share it with my readers. Thanks!

michaelhyatt.com/do-you-make-these-10-mistakes-when-you-blog.html

Loving Your Choice...

2010-11-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

I recently saw a quote that stopped me in my tracks. It said, "Choose your love; then love your choice."

God spoke to my heart through that quotation, reminding me that love is a choice. Isn't it sad that we fall in love and believe that our significant other is pretty much perfect in every way, and then as time passes, we tend to dwell on the things about him or her that we don't like?

I'm also impressed by the double entendre in this quote. Not only are we called to love our choice (as in the PERSON that we chose), but we are also called to love our choice (as in the fact that WE chose that person and it's up to us to live with the consequences). Every day, we must make it a point to focus on our spouse's best qualities and help him or her to become who he/she is meant to be in Christ.

Yesterday I was thinking that it would be cool to list 31 things I love about my husband, in celebration of Halloween. So here goes:

1) I know he loves me.

2) He buys me roses.

3) He loves the Lord.

4) He's very intelligent.

5) He is well spoken and gifted with languages.

6) He has adapted extremely well to life in America.

7) He understands my near-addiction to McDonald's Coke. :)

8) He is a fantastic dad.

9) He is not a violent person (both of us have been impacted by domestic violence, so this means a lot to me).

10) He loves good food.

11) He is amazing to travel with and can decode any type of map.

12) He works very hard at his job and is dependable.

13) He likes to spend lots of time with his family.

14) He is a good friend.

15) He is sensitive and caring.

16) He loves music.

17) He likes to exercise (sometimes, anyway!)

18) He loves to read and discuss books with me.

19) He's hot (why did I not mention that before?????)

20) He can carry on an interesting and intelligent conversation on any topic - so useful at parties.

21) He doesn't drink, smoke, do drugs, or anything like that.

22) He cares about my safety and that of the children.

23) He does tons of research before buying anything to be sure we get the best value.

24) He is tall, dark and handsome.

25) He enjoys going to church and connecting with friends.

26) He makes sacrifices for me and the kids.

27) He left his home country and family in order to marry me and move to the States!

28) He is a true international, a citizen of the world.

29) He is very devoted to our marriage.

30) He has a gentle spirit.

31) He has compassion for people and roots for the underdog. That will be helpful when the Rangers play the Giants tonight!

Being Jesus to Other People

2010-10-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kevin Leman, the author of several bestselling Christian books, shares this story: "A mother caught her two boys arguing over who would get the first pancake. The mother thought she had a golden opportunity to provide a moral lesson, so she said, 'If Jesus were sitting here, he would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.' The older son turned to his brother and said, 'Okay, Ryan, you be Jesus.'"

I love this story! Not only is it hilarious, but it reveals an integral aspect of human nature: selfishness. Wanting the best for ourselves may be funny when we're kids, but we have to learn to overcome this type of selfishness in order to truly love and serve other people. A me-first attitude is what we must battle daily in order to be Jesus to other people.

In marriage, in ministry, in my family relationships, and in my friendships, I sometimes wait around for the other person to do the right thing (or apologize, or take the first step in mending a relationship). In essence, I am waiting for them to be Jesus to me instead of taking the high road and deciding to be like Jesus myself - WITHOUT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN.

I find this particularly difficult in marriage and with those people that we love most. Ever noticed how sometimes, the people that we really do love the MOST are not those we love the BEST? Sometimes they get our crumbs instead of the best that we have to offer. Jesus always gave His best and offered His full attention to even the lowliest of people in His culture. Very convicting!

I think that our heavenly Father is prompting all of us to try to "be Jesus" to those in our sphere of influence. How is He leading you to be like Jesus today? Please post a comment and share your thoughts! Thanks!

Six Degrees of Separation...

2010-08-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

I love this story that Chip MacGregor tells on his blog:

"In 1919, a young man who had been injured in the war in Europe moved to Chicago, picking one particular neighborhood in order to be close to the noted author Sherwood Anderson. The young writer, impressed with the critical praise heaped on Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, had heard the novelist was willing to assist beginning writers. The two men became close. They met every day to read together, exploring the writing of newspapers and magazines, and eventually tearing apart the inner workings of novels. The young man brought his own work to Anderson, who helped him see how he could improve his craft. Anderson even introduced the young writer to his network of publishing associates, and helped him publish his first novel, which was met with critical acclaim. Its title was The Sun Also Rises. The young man’s name was Ernest Hemingway.
Sherwood Anderson then moved to New Orleans, where he took another young author through those same paces, even putting up $300 of his own money to help that beginning writer’s first novel get published. The novel was entitled Soldier Pay. The author’s name was William Faulkner.
Anderson would then move to California, where he worked with a young writer by the name of John Steinbeck. Sherwood Anderson shaped modern American writing more profoundly than any author except Mark Twain. Most of the writing instructors of the late 20th century were, in one way or another, disciples of Anderson.
And the reason Sherwood Anderson was so committed to mentoring beginning writers? Because when he was young, a more experienced author by the name of Theodore Dreiser had invested in his own life and craft. It's why I'm a fan of beginning writers finding a Sherwood Anderson to help them develop."
What a cool and intriguing testimony to the power of helping others succeed! And Theodore Dreiser just happens to be from my hometown of Terre Haute, IN, which makes this story even more fascinating to me! Thanks for sharing, Chip.

Pointers for Parents

2010-08-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

My blog friend Courtney posted these notes from a talk by Sally Clarkson, a Christian author and speaker who homeschools her children. I loved some of her insightful comments about parenting:

1. Read great books to your children and introduce them to the best minds in the world.

2. Satan hates children. They are the next generation and he'll do anything to distract them with television, video games etc. Remember to continually prepare your children to serve God.
3. Create a foundation of love in your home. Teach them to obey the greatest commands, to love God and love others. Just as Jesus spent time with the disciples eating, laughing and doing life with them, as parents we must build bridges of love to our children's hearts. Live, laugh and do life together.
4. Establish a foundation of grace in your home. From Genesis to Revelation we see the grace of God revealed. Teach your children to offer God's grace to others - many times this is displayed through good manners.
5. Inspire your children. They were created to do good works. Find their talents and let them be who they are. Fill their hearts and minds with heroes and those who made a mark on this world for Jesus. Stand with your children through trials knowing that this is making them a stronger man or woman of God. Don't always protect them; let God build their character and grow them through their trials.
6. Teach your children scripture and live out a faithful story before them. They will have to be warriors for God one day and they are watching us. What are we role modeling? They need to see our passion for the Lord which gives them a foundation for their faith.
7. Train your children to be self-controlled, to work hard and long hours, to be creative and grow them into maturity. Be intentional about your training. This is a long process. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." "When he is old" means when he grows a beard. This is a process. And remember - at what age did we become perfect? We are working towards maturity not perfection. Filter television. Be sure to fill their minds with truth.
8. Teach your children to serve others. Train them to take initiative in relationships. If you want to see them as a servant of God, you must incorporate it into their lives. Show them the needs of the world through missions, homeless shelters, serving your neighbors and opening your home. Do not let your children become the future Pharisees of America; teach them to serve.

God is in the Details

2010-08-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Writing allows us the opportunity and privilege to record the minute details of our lives, to explore and redeem tragedy as well as reflect glory, and to express what we love, who we are and why our experiences are important. I love this quote by Natalie Goldberg:

“Our lives are at once ordinary and mythical. We live and die, age beautifully or full of wrinkles… At the same instant we have these magnificent hearts that pump through all sorrow and all winters we are alive on the earth. We are important and our lives are important, magnificent really, and their details are worthy to be recorded. This is how writers must think, this is how we must sit down with pen in hand. We were here; we are human beings; this is how we lived. Let it be known, the earth passed before us. Our details are important.”
Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones, p. 43

What Makes a Successful Writer... or Spouse... or Parent...?

2010-08-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

How do you define success in life? On his website, Christian literary agent Chip MacGregor has a thought-provoking blog on this topic. chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/ He explains that from a market standpoint, most people define an author's success in two simple words: book sales. If you sell a ton of books, you're successful. But he goes on to expand that definition and explain how the real measure of success is SIGNIFICANCE.

It's true that, even in Christian publishing, the bottom line (money) is the bottom line. Publishers are in it to make money, and the more books you can sell, the more money they make. And the more they love you.

But I think that the downturn in the economy has changed Americans' values a lot. I know it's affected me. Yes, my goal as a writer, editor and speaker is to be as successful as possible. But significance is more important. If I can help people, if I can influence and inspire them to live a better life, then I have succeeded. God has given my husband and me a dynamic and unique platform for ministry. We feel that it's our call to share the message that the Lord has laid on our hearts in order to inspire, encourage, and uplift others in their spiritual walk and their marriage journey.

In my travels as an author and speaker, I've met many other authors who may never reach #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, yet they are warm, inspiring, godly and fun-loving people with fascinating stories to share. They have loved me and provided me with great encouragement as a young author. They have given me practical advice and helped me expand my ministry and build my platform. I'm forever grateful to them. And to me, they are all successes, whether they ever sell another book or not. Best of all, they are SIGNIFICANT.

In the spiritual life, not all success is measurable in dollars and cents. It's not measurable in inches, pounds, or any type of numerical system. For example, Jesus said, "Follow Me." This SEEMS to be one of the simplest commands in the Bible, but HOW PROFOUND. Man, to follow Him every day is not easy, is it? "Follow Me" means "imitate Me, love Me, sacrifice your needs and wants for Me, show Me to others, obey all of My commands."

To me, success means following Jesus, no matter what.

Seasons of Life, Marriage and the Writing Journey

2010-07-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've spoken to several men and women recently who seem to be trudging dolefully through a tough stage in their lives and their marriages, as though they're dragging a ten-ton stone behind them. I understand completely. Our son, Evan, just turned one on July 6. Having him has been an unspeakable joy, yet this has also been by far the most challenging year of my life. (The fact that I'm eight months pregnant with our second child may have something to do with that!)

Life changes, big and small, cause upheaval. Maybe for you, it's been a move, financial struggles, a marriage, a divorce, a death in the family, or the loss of a job. I don't think that I've ever encountered so many people struggling with an identity crisis, a feeling of wondering what on earth happened to the person that they used to be. And yes, I've wondered that pretty much every day myself since the day my baby son was born.

What has gotten me through is the fact that even when I'm no longer sure how all of the complex aspects of myself, my family life, and my creative pursuits fit together, God is. He knows who I am. And more important, I know who He is. HE IS THE GREAT I AM. Isn't it interesting and odd that when Moses asked, "Who should I say you are?" God said simply, "I AM." His identity is in His being, His perfection, His holiness, His integrity. He does not have to DO anything to be Himself; He simply has to BE.

The truth is, you are. God made you. You are here on the earth, and you are here for a reason. No one has ever been like you, with your unique combination of characteristics, personality traits, quirks, sense of humor, gifts, and abilities. If you're a writer, God has gifted you with a voice and a way to write and describe things that is special and particular to you. If you don't write those ideas down and share them with the world, no one else will.

Part of loving God, loving yourself and loving other people is using your voice and your gifts to communicate your personal message.

Recommendation from a Client and Fellow Author

2010-07-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

I was inspired and encouraged by this recommendation for my developmental writing and editing services from author Dave Sterrett. I edited two books for him, both of which were published and one of which has become a Christian bestseller! Congratulations, Dave!

“Marla Alupoaicei is one of the best writers and editors in the Christian market today. Very few Christian editors and writers have the ability to meticulously edit while adding creative suggestions with theological soundness. Marla, on the other hand, provides all three: accurate grammar, innovative ideas on your manuscript, and biblical accuracy. I highly recommend her writing and editing services!”

- Dave Sterrett, popular speaker and author of "O" God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah's Spirituality and Why Trust Jesus? Website: davesterrett.com

Thanks so much, Dave! For all of you writers out there seeking editing help or publication, please contact me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com for more info on my writing and editing services. I look forward to the privilege of working with you to develop your manuscript, improve your platform and help your publishing dreams come true!

Tips and Tricks for Writers

2010-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

As an author and speaker, I often cross paths with men and women who write and want to know some of the "tips and tricks" of the publishing trade. Thought I'd share some helpful advice here!

1) Know your subject. Do your research. Double-check your sources. Perform original interviews to gain unique material. Find a cool angle and hook that give you a cutting-edge perspective on your topic - a perspective that no one else has. Do the legwork to find out about your competition and be sure to include that information in your book proposal.

2) Work hard, and keep a positive attitude. Accept others' comments with grace, and always carefully consider any pointers you receive. But trust your instincts, too. Don't be discouraged by the market or by other people's negativity. There are lots of "joy stealers" in this world! Trust that the Lord has given you something to say and a venue in which to say it. Pray hard and persevere!

3) Be teachable. Join a writer's group and submit your work regularly for critique. Ask trusted writers for their honest feedback.

4) WRITE. EVERY DAY. Don't spend so much time reading that you don't actually write. Writers write. It's that simple!

5) Research your subject matter on Amazon and the web. Order books related to your topic and also be sure to get a copy of the most recent Writer's Market. Know which publishers accept the kind of work you are doing. Send them only what they ask for.

6) Don't rush. Be sure your work is ready and as close to perfect as possible before submitting it. When you think it's ready, submit it to your writer's group for their critique. Then sit on it for a few weeks. Read it, pray over it, and give yourself a chance to be inspired and make your final edits/changes before you send it to a publisher.

7) If you tend to struggle with correct spelling, grammar, plot development, etc., hire a professional editor to help you develop your ideas and edit your manuscript before you send it out. For an affordable fee, you can get your manuscript in tip-top shape, learn publishing tips from the pros, and greatly increase your chances of successful publication!

For more info on Marla's editing services, e-mail her at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thank you!

FamilyLife Interview on Intercultural Marriage

2010-05-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

In November, I had the privilege of traveling to Little Rock to be interviewed by Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine on the topic of intercultural marriage and my book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. I shared some juicy tidbits about the intriguing twists and turns of our romance and marriage journey, as well as practical tips and helpful marriage advice for couples. Here's a link to the video feed if you'd like to watch it! familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5834071/k.14B6/Marla_Alupoaicei__Intercultural_Marriages.htm Blessings.

Women Living Well

2010-05-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

Today, I'd love to recommmend that you visit the website Women Living Well at womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/. I'm inspired by Courtney's energy as she invests her heart and her time into caring for her family and herself. She is one of the few people I've seen who really considers homemaking and caring for her family to be a high calling and an art. It's refreshing to read about her passion and her commitment to God and to her family.

On Courtney's site, you can watch lots of video clips from her appearances on TV shows like Rachael Ray in which she presents her meal tips, health strategies, and marriage advice. She also presents tons of other helpful articles and quick, fun ideas, including:

-Menus and recipes that both adults and kids will like

-Easy, inexpensive gifts to make for teachers

-Devotional prompts for moms

-Great organizing and cleaning tips

And more! Courtney says that her favorite Scripture verse is Galatians 6:9, "Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up." Check out her site; I think you'll be inspired by her. For me as a writer with a 10-month old son and another baby on the way in September, I always enjoy a bit of motivation and encouragement from someone as "with it" as Courtney!

Book Review: Thin Places by Mary DeMuth

2010-03-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago on a Saturday, I received my copy of Mary DeMuth's memoir, Thin Places, from Zondervan Publishers. I had been anxiously awaiting this book since Mary is a personal friend and writing mentor of mine, and I've been so moved by the personal stories that she has shared at writing conferences and in our conversations. I immediately opened the book and began reading. About two hours later, I was still standing in my kitchen, reading...

Mary has done a masterful job of weaving her past, present and future into an inspiring tome that will touch your heart. God's grace, forgiveness and healing power resonate from every page. If you or someone you know has been hurt by abuse, especially sexual abuse, you will be blessed and encouraged by Mary's remarkable story. I laughed as I read some pages and cried as I read many others. My heart broke for all those children who have been hurt by the adults they should have been able to trust.

Yet Thin Places never sinks into self-pity, despair or hopelessness. To the contrary, I found hope leaping off of every page. Though I (thankfully) was never a victim of sexual abuse, both my family and my husband's family have a history of domestic violence. This has caused me to struggle with many of the same feelings of pain, helplessness, and low self esteem that Mary has experienced. Her ability to forgive her oppressors and rise above her feelings of victimization have inspired me and helped me to do the same.

Probably the most compelling and life-transforming truth that I have gained from reading Thin Places is the reality that we do not have to DO anything or BE a certain kind of person to deserve to be loved by God and others. God loves us because of Who He Is. And God loves us because of Who We Are - His precious daughters and sons. And we're called to love others not based on their performance or their ability to be perfect, say all the right things, and do all the right things. We love people BECAUSE we are all flawed and in need of God's grace. We don't love them IN SPITE OF the fact that they are flawed.

This book will empower you to jump off of the hamster wheel of trying to earn favor from God and others; instead, you will be inspired to get rid of your spiritual, emotional and physical baggage and simply rest in the arms of Jesus.

"Sometimes I'm still that little girl fighting against the grief of the world, longing for a snatch of light in the midst of dark days," Mary writes on pages 20 and 21 of Thin Places. Readers will identify with Mary's pain and vulnerability. They'll also rejoice in her remarkable gift for trusting the Lord to transform that pain into triumph through His grace and redemptive power. Every page emanates with the struggle with a young girl who has been wronged, yet still clings to her faith in a Savior who loves her and wants her to find wholeness and healing.

I've read quite a few memoirs, and I'd say that Thin Places has pulled the curtain of shame off of the issue of childhood sexual abuse, just as Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes poignantly illuminated the shocking problem of childhood poverty in Ireland. Like McCourt's book, Thin Places is a well-wrought and luminous account of a life journey that led from dungeons of darkness to expansive places of light and hope. Mary's book is available on amazon.com and at bookstores. I highly recommend it!

Need Professional Writing/Editing?

2010-01-07T04:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Leap of Faith! It's the New Year, and most of us have made exciting and life-transforming goals for ourselves and our careers. Your goals may include:

-Creating updated newsletters or marketing materials for your company or ministry

-Increasing income and maximizing profit by honing your message and finding ways to more effectively reach your target audience

-Hiring a writer or editor to help you finish your book and get a publishing contract

If you need help in these areas, Marla Alupoaicei will be pleased to use her writing/editing experience to help you accomplish these goals. A published author, professional editor and speaker, Marla has many years of experience creating powerful marketing materials and helping write and edit books for publication.

To discuss projects and price quotes for her affordable, professional writing and editing services, please contact Marla at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thank you! Congratulations on taking the first step to making 2010 YOUR YEAR FOR SUCCESS!

Ushering in a New Year of Promise

2010-01-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Wow! My list of New Year's resolutions is about a mile long. I'm astonished that it could actually be 2010... Ten years have passed since 2000? God has impressed on my heart that I need to be more intentional in my relationships this year. My catchphrase for this year is CONNECTION. My goal is to invest more in people and care less about things. Spend more time and less money. Share what I've learned about writing, speaking, and the journey of being a creative Christian on the pilgrimage toward eternity.

Speaking of New Year's goals, Catalin and I try to eat healthy, but we have committed to an even more healthy lifestyle. Since the New Year began, he's been working out more on our elliptical machine, which I bought him for our anniversary last year. We had a baby in July, so I am working on losing those last five pounds to get back to my pre-baby weight! I have always been a "Cooking Light/healthy recipe" buff. One of my favorite challenges is to take fattening recipes and turn them into healthy ones. For instance, I love dips, but those can be some of the worst party foods. Why not try this fab new recipe below? I promise that you will love it and you will NOT miss the fat and calories!

Healthy Nine-Layer Dip
Ingredients:
1 16-oz. can fat-free refried beans
1 package Old El Paso mild taco seasoning mix
1 cup reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream
1 package store-bought guacamole (I like Wholly Guacamole.)
1 cup medium salsa
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mexican or mozzarella cheese work well.)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 T. sliced black olives
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 T. sliced jalapenos or hot peppers (optional)
Tortilla chips (Thick chips like Tostitos Scoops work best.)

Directions:
1. Place refried beans in a 9x13 glass baking dish or plastic pan. (Avoid using a metal pan.) Thin beans by adding 2 T. of milk or water and mixing well. Add Old El Paso mild taco seasoning mix and mix until blended. Spread mixture smoothly in bottom of pan.
2. Layer sour cream over top. Layer guacamole over sour cream. Then layer salsa over guacamole. Sprinkle cheese over salsa to cover. Sprinkle tomatoes liberally over cheese. Arrange black olives over cheese. Sprinkle green onions over top. Sprinkle sliced jalapenos or hot peppers over top or just use a few as a garnish, if desired.
3. Serve with tortilla chips. (Tostitos Scoops work well. I also like Tostitos Bite Size for parties-no double dipping! J) Cover and refrigerate any remaining dip.

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...

2009-11-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Is this your vision of Christmas? If you live in England, it might be, along with lighting a Yule log and gathering with your extended family to eat a traditional pudding. Or maybe you're from Australia and your family always goes to the beach on Christmas. For those in intercultural marriages, expectations and culture clashes can cause conflict around the holidays.

For example, what if you expect turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, but your wife wants to make lamb, rice and baklava? What if your husband always put the Christmas tree up on Christmas Eve, but you want to put up the tree and decorate it the day after Thanksgiving, because that's how your family always did it? What if one spouse wants the kids to believe in Santa Claus, but the other one doesn't? What if your in-laws expect you to drive 8 hours to visit them and a huge mish-mash of siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles (including that person no one really seems to know...), but you were hoping for a quiet holiday at home?

Issues like these can wreak havoc in a marriage unless couples discuss their holiday expectations with each other. In my book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship, I offer an in-depth discussion of the holidays and how intercultural couples can graciously create a holiday season that is enjoyable for their families. Here are few questions to help couples sort out their values, customs, traditions and preferences with regard to celebrating the holidays:

What traditional holidays do you celebrate in your culture? Which are the "biggest" or most important to you?
How did/does your family of origin celebrate these holidays? What do you like specifically about their traditions?
Which of your family's traditions would you like to incorporate into our own family? Which do you NOT want to incorporate?
Which foods do you eat on each holiday? Which traditional foods are your favorite? (For instance, my grandma's turkey dressing, my aunt Jana's cheesy mashed potatoes, and my mom's applesauce cake are out of this world!!! I eat them every Thanksgiving.)
What are your thoughts about Santa Claus/St. Nick? Do you want to tell our kids that they bring gifts on Christmas, or not?
Did your family tend to spend a lot of money on holiday gifts? Do they expect to receive expensive gifts or money from us for the holidays? If so, what kind, and how much?
What religious or spiritual traditions do you follow on the holidays? Why are these important to you? Do you plan to keep these after marriage?
Describe a typical Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter with your family.
What values and traditions do we want to teach our children during the holidays?
What are your expectations regarding us visiting your parents or family for the holidays? Are you open to us alternating between visiting my family and your family?

I hope these are helpful to you! If you have additional suggestions, please post a comment here! Thanks so much. Happy Thanskgiving and Merry Christmas to you!

GREAT Questions for Intercultural Couples

2009-11-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the most important questions to ask before entering an intercultural marriage:

1) What are your spiritual beliefs? Do you attend church? Do you read the Bible or other religious books? How involved are you in spiritual activities?

2) What types of food and drink do you enjoy? At what times do you typically eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner? How often do you go out to eat? Do you like to cook?

3) Which holidays do you celebrate? What traditions and foods does your family enjoy on these holidays?

4) Are you an early bird or a night owl? How does this affect your daily schedule? What does your "perfect day" look like?

5) Do you consider yourself an optimist, a pessimist, a realist, or something else? When you face a difficult situation, what tends to be your first response?

6) How do you deal with interpersonal conflict? Do you tend to fight or take flight? How did your family of origin handle conflict?

7) What type of work do you do? What type of work do you expect to do after marriage?

8) Do you plan to attend graduate school or seminary, get additional work training, or take other educational courses after marriage?

9) What is your current financial situation? How much debt do you have?

10) Do you want to have children? If so, how many, and when? What is your perspective on marital intimacy? Do you believe in using birth control?

11) How would you describe your relationship with your parents, siblings, and other family members? What was your parents' marriage like?

If you're in an intercultural marriage (or considering one) and you are looking for helpful resources on the topic, check these out:
Additional Resources for Intercultural Couples

Intercultural Marriage: Promises and Pitfalls, 3rd edition, by Dugan Romano
Mixed Matches by Joel Crohn
101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged by H. Norman Wright and Gary J. Oliver
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman
Before You Say I Do by H. Norman Wright
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Les and Leslie Parrott
How to Save Your Marriage Alone by Ed Wheat
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship by Marla Alupoaicei

Bardwell Steps Down

2009-11-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 3, Keith Bardwell stepped down from office as a justice of the peace in Louisiana. The governor as well as many other officials had called for Bardwell's resignation after receiving complaints about Bardwell's stance against granting marriage licenses to interracial couples. This is a victory for intercultural/interracial couples in Louisiana! See below for more details.

Louisiana Official Denies Marriage Certs to Interracial Couples

2009-10-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

Keith Bardwell, a justice of the peace in Louisiana, refuses to issue marriage licenses to interracial couples. He says, "It is my experience that most interracial marriages do not last long... I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way."

Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them.

Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.

"There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage," Bardwell said. "I think those children suffer, and I won't help put them through it."

If he did an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said. "I try to treat everyone equally."

American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana attorney Katie Schwartzmann said, "It is really astonishing and disappointing to see this come up in 2009." She said the Supreme Court ruled in 1967 "that the government cannot tell people who they can and cannot marry."

The ACLU sent a letter to the Louisiana Judiciary Committee, which oversees the state justices of the peace, asking them to investigate Bardwell and recommending "the most severe sanctions available, because such blatant bigotry poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the administration of justice."

To read the full Associated Press story, please see news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/ap_on_re_us/us_interracial_rebuff.

Comments? Thoughts?

Quote for the Day

2009-10-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

“A good marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” ?Ruth Bell Graham

Ah... The Joys of Waiting on the Lord

2009-09-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine told me recently, "God is rarely early, but HE'S NEVER LATE!"

I thanked her for that remarkable reminder. The seasons of my life when I was waiting on the Lord to move and to work have been some of my darkest seasons... and, in hindsight, my brightest. There's no doubt about it - waiting can be painful. It's an art, a science, and a spiritual discipline. It's a time when we feel like God is at the Potter's wheel, crushing us, smoothing us out, and making something new out of us. But we don't know yet what.

When we see God working in others' lives, blessing them with a burgeoning ministry, a wonderful mate, gifted children, great success in their work, a promotion, a new home, and incredible talents and abilities - and it seems like they didn't have to wait for those things from the hand of the Lord - we may feel slighted in comparison. While we are deeply entrenched in a season of waiting, we can't see the light at the end of our tunnel. But I promise, it's there!

In my recent seasons of waiting, the Lord has used several people in my life to remind me of this passage: "Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14). The preceding verse is one of my favorites in Scripture, reminding us of where to place our trust: "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (27:13).

Waiting forces us to depend wholly, desperately, upon the Lord. It causes a crisis of faith when we must fall before the Lord in prayer and decide with our minds and hearts to trust in His love and His goodness, even if our emotions are telling us that we've been forsaken. Psalm 138:8 reminds us: "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands."

The Lord WILL ACCOMPLISH His good and loving plan for you. You can't outwait God - His lovingkindness is EVERLASTING!!! He will be faithful to move in your life. He will not forsake you. And you'll be blessed and transformed by the lessons you have learned through your seasons of waiting on Him.

Exciting Interviews on Intercultural Marriage!

2009-09-26T03:31:00.000-07:00

This week, I wrapped up two interviews on the topic of my book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. One interview was with Dr. Gary Chapman on his show "Building Relationships with Gary Chapman," and the other was with Tracy Haney for PrimeTime America on the Moody stations. I'd like to thank both hosts for their excellent facilitation and feedback! I'm excited to hear the interviews on air. The PrimeTime America interview will air on Moody radio next week sometime-stay posted for an update! The interview with Gary Chapman will air on Nov. 14th. Thanks so much, friends! Blessings!

Revamp Your Marriage!

2009-09-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, while I was driving to the gym after Catalin and I had had a "discussion" about our finances, I saw this bumper sticker: "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." I was so glad for that reminder. Though we follow Christ, it's so easy for the world's attitudes and actions to seep into our minds and hearts. And what we allow to seep in is what tends to ooze back out when we are "squeezed" by the pressures of life. Jesus said, "You have heard it said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'... But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:38, 44).

Remember that your husband or your wife, the one person you love most on this earth, the one person you pledged to honor and cherish until death, is not your enemy. You are on the same team! You need each other. Don't be fooled into thinking that your spouse is your enemy. Satan is our enemy! 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The devil wants us to be so consumed with fighting against each other that we forget to do spiritual battle against him.

Our job---through love, prayer and self-control---is to GUARD OURSELVES against false and negative thinking toward our spouses. An eye for an eye is not the answer. Responding to a hurtful comment or act with another hurtful word or action just makes the situation worse! That means you may have to step up and BE THE ONE to end the cycle and respond with grace.

Pastor Paul Basden of our new church, Preston Trail Community Church, has been leading a fantastic new marriage series called "Hug of War." Catalin and I have enjoyed it so much and have learned volumes about how to communicate better and love each other more selflessly in our marriage. Check out the podcasts and videos of this inspiring series here: prestontrail.org/podcast/index.htm. Just scroll down until you see the "Hug of War" icon and you can listen to the podcasts or watch videos of the messages. Enjoy!

Inspiring Quotes about Writing Poetry

2009-09-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some inspiring quotes about poetry by great writers:

Poetry is an orphan of silence. The words never quite equal the experience behind them.
Charles Simic

Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.
Leonard Cohen

Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful.
Rita Dove

Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history.
Plato

Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things.
T. S. Eliot

Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words.
Paul Engle

Thanks to BrainyQuote for these!

Listen to Marla's Interview on Moody Radio-Chris Fabry Live!

2009-08-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hi! On Friday, Aug. 21, I had a live interview with host Chris Fabry on the subject of intercultural marriage and relationships! You may listen to the interview simply by following this link, scrolling down until you see the podcast from August 21, and then clicking on "Listen." moodyradio.org/brd_programarchive.aspx?id=31078

Thanks for your support! Enjoy!

Thanks for the review!

2009-08-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

On her excellent intercultural marriage site, Gori Girl has posted a review of Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. I appreciate her positive, balanced review, especially considering the fact that she does not espouse Christian beliefs. Here are some highlights:

"I think that Your Intercultural Marriage is a good book – for the niche that the author, Marla Alupoaicei, is trying to serve: Christian intercultural couples. I did enjoy the book, and I found useful material in here that I believe could appeal to anyone. I’d highly recommend the book to any Christian intercultural couple whose faith is a large part of their lives.

The book is broken down into twelve chapters: the first half focuses on general topics of interest to any (Christian) intercultural couple, with topics such as “Surviving (and Enjoying) Your Engagement, Wedding, and Honeymoon” and “Building Strong Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Skills.” The second half of the book discusses more specific concerns that intercultural couples often have: time-orientation, food, finances, children, and so forth. Each chapter starts and ends with a quote, and is followed by a suggested list of movies to watch…
Alupoaicei’s breezy, friendly style of writing – with lots of pointers towards other resources and questions to consider on your own – gives her book a feeling similar to a well-edited blog... you are going to find plenty of ideas that could lead to an ah-ha moment or a great discussion with your significant other.
Chapters such as “Coming to Terms with Faith and Values” do pull together theoretical research, the author’s personal experience, list of questions, and the like to create a strong – albeit very Christian-oriented – chapter that will guide an intercultural couple through potential issues. I also appreciated the detailed chapter on intercultural marriage in the Bible, which I suspect could be particularly helpful if you have conservative (or bigoted) family members who believe that intercultural or interracial marriage are prohibited by God and/or the Bible.
Bottom line: If you are in the demographic Your Intercultural Marriage targets, I suspect that you’ll find this book pretty valuable. If you aren’t, the constant discussion of the Bible & Christianity could grate, but if you can look past it, then you’ll find some good information and fun stories of other intercultural couples. I came away satisfied with the amount I got for the time I gave the book."
Order YOUR Copy of this Exciting Marriage Resource Today! Just Click: amazon.com/Your-Intercultural-Marriage-Healthy-Relationship/dp/0802418546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250553683&sr=8-1

To read the full review, please see the blog Gori Girl: Intercultural Relationship Stories and Advice at gorigirl.com/book-review-and-giveaway-your-intercultural-marriage#more-853. Thanks, Gori Girl!

Exciting Poetry Update!

2009-08-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Marla Alupoaicei was recently named the first-place winner in the rhyming poetry category of the 2009 Writer's Digest Writing Competition. This is the 78th annual competition. Marla will receive a cash prize of $1,000, a manuscript critique, and $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books. Her poem will also be published along with the other winning entries. For more information on the competition, see writersdigest.com.

Great article on Intercultural Marriage!

2009-08-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Check out the following excellent article on intercultural marriage: marriage.suite101.com/article.cfm/cross_cultural_marriage. It presents seven principles that you should consider before saying "I DO" to a person from another culture. Enjoy!

Calling All Influencers!

2009-08-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am looking for influencers to help spread the word about my new intercultural marriage book titled Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. Whether you are a friend, family member, author, writer, speaker, businessperson, pastor, teacher, or anything else.... YOU CAN BE AN INFLUENCER!

What does this entail? I will send you a book at a discounted rate (autographed if you would like) and then you will read it and spread the word in a variety of ways. 1) I can send you postcards that you can distribute to your pastor or others in intercultural marriages. 2) You can blog or write about the book on your website. 3) You can write reviews of the book to post on Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, Christianbook.com or other websites. 4) You can hire me to speak or do an interview on the topic. 5) You can send info about the book to your local newspaper. 6) You can order additional copies of the book to give to intercultural couples.

All of these will help us to get the word out about this important resource. The goal is to encourage intercultural couples and to help save their marriages by providing them with practical principles and sound biblical advice.

If YOU WANT TO BE AN INFLUENCER, just e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com! Thanks so much!

I'm Back!

2009-08-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Hi! I'm officially back to posting after quite an adventure. After a hospital stint and the birth of our son, Evan, on July 6th, we are all home and doing well. Baby Evan was in the NICU for three weeks due to low birth weight, but he now weighs almost six pounds and is such a joy to us. We aren't getting much sleep, but we couldn't be happier or more blessed. We feel that the Lord preserved his life and we are so grateful to our heavenly Father for His protection and provision for us. Thank you to everyone who prayed for me, Evan and Catalin during this time. We truly appreciate it and we know that your prayers have made a huge difference in our lives.

What are we up to now? I am thrilled about the launch and media campaign for my new book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Partnership. The book is available on amazon.com, christianbook.com, and at all bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Borders, Family Christian Stores, Mardel, LifeWay, The Open Door, etc.). The book is perfect for:

-Couples considering intercultural marriage

-Couples already in intercultural marriages

-Parents or friends of intercultural couples

-Pastors, teachers, professors, counselors, missionaries, and anyone else who wants to be better equipped to interact effectively with people of all cultures and ethnicities

To buy the book, please visit amazon.com/Your-Intercultural-Marriage-Healthy-Relationship/dp/0802418546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249170970&sr=8-1 Thank you!

You can also buy a PERSONALIZED, AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THE BOOK from me for $11.00. I can autograph it with your name or the name of a friend or family member. Simply e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thanks so much for helping to support this book and spreading the word about this resource!

Your Path to a Published Book!

2009-06-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

If you want to get your book published, now's the time! I can help you achieve that goal by coaching you in the process, editing your book manuscript, and helping you write a winning proposal that will get your book noticed (and accepted) by publishers!

Writing and publishing a book is not easy, but it's not impossible. There's no "magic bullet," but publishers, agents and editors do look for certain characteristics when considering projects for publication. I can help you perfect your manuscript, write a fantastic book proposal and focus your writing and speaking platform and career in order to achieve that fulfilling goal of publication. There's nothing like opening that FedEx package and holding that pristine copy of your first book in your hand!

I worked with writer Dave Sterrett to edit two of his books and prepare them for submission to publishers. I'm pleased to announce that he has received fantastic book contracts for both books! Here's a recommendation from him:

“Marla Alupoaicei is one of the best writers and editors in the Christian market today. Very few Christian editors and writers have the ability to meticulously edit while adding creative suggestions with theological soundness. Marla, on the other hand, provides all three: accurate grammar, innovative ideas on your manuscript, and biblical accuracy. I highly recommend her writing and editing services!”

Qualifications:

-Have over 15 years of writing and editing experience for companies and ministries like Insight for Living, W Publishing, Purdue University, East-West Ministries, Living Stones Ministries, Joni & Friends, and for many personal clients

-Have been successful in helping a considerable number of clients write winning proposals and publish their books, articles, and poetry in major publications and with top publishing houses

-Degrees from Purdue University (B.A. in English and Communications) and Dallas Theological Seminary (Master of Theology)

-Have written, edited or contributed to over 30 books, Bible study guides and workbooks for a variety of publishers, including Harvest House, W Publishing (Thomas Nelson), Regal Books, Moody Publishers, Broadman & Holman, Insight for Living, East-West Ministries, and more

TO SPEAK WITH ME FURTHER ABOUT YOUR PROJECT AND TO DISCUSS MY AFFORDABLE CONSULTING AND EDITING RATES, please e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com or give me a call anytime at (214) 497-4614. I typically work on a per-project basis, and I am sensitive to the needs of my clients, especially those who work in ministry like I do! I look forward to working with you to make your publication dreams come true! Give me a call today.

Fending Off Arrows of Discouragement

2009-05-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

“We and the world, my children, will always be at war.
Retreat is impossible.
Arm yourselves.” ?Leif Enger, Peace like a River

Man, it’s tough to fight off discouragement, isn’t it? We pray, we work hard, we love people, we serve others, and yet sometimes it seems like we just hit setbacks at every turn.

When I face discouragement, I have to remind myself that WE ARE AT WAR. I like to think of this world as a happy and friendly place, that if I love God and people and invest in them, that the positive fruit of that will return to me.

But sometimes it doesn’t. And it’s then that I have to remind myself that Satan is my enemy and that this world is not my real home. The root of the words “courage,” “encourage” and “discourage” is the same: COR, meaning “HEART.” Don’t let Satan steal your heart!
We tend to think that no one wants more good things for us than we do, but our heavenly Father is able to provide for us better than we ever could. He has greater plans in store for you and me than we could ever dream of. He has given us exquisite gifts. Through prayer, our heavenly Father intends to do a work in our lives that is “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
We read in the book of Proverbs, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (4:23). As Christians, we’re passionate about guiding others and guarding their hearts (as well as our own) as we watch them grow. I want to provide the best for my husband and loved ones, knowing Jesus came so that we “may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Unfortunately, we face fierce opposition in our quest to obtain abundant life. We have an enemy called Satan, whom Jesus describes as “the thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Satan is the deceiver, our adversary, who seeks to oppose and destroy God’s people. He wants to keep us and our loved ones from receiving God’s best for us.
Satan’s sneakiest ploys are twofold. He wants:
1) to convince us that he doesn’t exist; and
2) to convince us that we are not at war.
In his book Waking the Dead, John Eldredge writes, “By all means, God intends life for you. But right now that life is opposed. It doesn’t just roll in on a tray. There is a thief. He comes to steal and kill and destroy. In other words, yes, the offer is life, but you’re going to have to fight for it because there’s an enemy in your life with a different agenda. There is something set against us. We are at war.”
Yes, engaging in spiritual warfare against Satan, the enemy of our souls, can be scary. But we have this confidence: through Christ’s finished work on the cross, we have already won the victory. God’s power always has been and always will be greater than Satan’s.
The devil knows that his time on earth is limited; the game is up. Eventually, he will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Rev. 20:10). So when we bring our praises as well as our needs before the Father in prayer, we know that we have “checkmated” Satan. We can have supreme confidence in the Lord, knowing that we’re on the winning side of the battle.
Take heart, my friend.

Social Networking: Can You Strike a Balance?

2009-05-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

Just read an intriguing post on this topic by Alan Weiss. Many authors/editors/speakers and others in the industry are spending countless hours on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Is this social networking just for fun and for "giving back" to others from what you've learned throughout your career? Or does this type of networking really help to build your platform and increase traffic to your ministry or business? For tips on maximizing your effectiveness, check out Alan's excellent article "What Price Glory?" at contrarianconsulting.com/what-price-glory-orcan-we-get-some-air-in-here

Check out the Tapestry Blog on www.bible.org!

2009-05-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've enjoyed reading and posting on bible.org's Tapestry Blog for women. You'll find practical and inspiring articles there to encourage you in your life, marriage, work and ministry. I highly recommend it! To read the blog, see blog.bible.org/tapestry. Enjoy!

Finding its own way to beauty...

2009-05-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed reading an online interview by Jendi Reiter with Robert Stewart, the editor of the literary journal New Letters. Mr. Stewart had some profound thoughts to share about the spirituality of writing and art. My favorite comment of his was this:

"Every piece of writing that succeeds as literary art finds its own way to beauty." To read the full interview, see: newletters.org/wwinterview2007.asp

Toward the Light

2009-05-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that the Christian literary journal Toward the Light: Journal of Reflective Word and Image is now accepting submissions of poetry and photography for its fall and winter issues. The journal's editors recently selected three of my poems for publication in their Summer 2009 issue. For more info, see towardthelight.net. Blessings!

Now Available for Pre-Order... Your Intercultural Marriage!

2009-04-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that you can now pre-order my new book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship, for a great discount on Amazon.com! Click here to order and to read more about the book: amazon.com/Your-Intercultural-Marriage-Healthy-Relationship/dp/0802418546/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240867234&sr=8-2

Moody Publishers is releasing the book, and I'm thrilled to be working with them! It's so exciting to have this, my "heart book," finally come to fruition. Here's a sneak peek at some of the highlights:

-Personal stories, insights, and advice from hundreds of intercultural couples

-Tips for anticipating and working through conflict in a healthy way

-Relevant and vital questions to ask your fiance or spouse on a variety of topics, including food, finances, intimacy, family, child rearing, and more

-A close-up and intriguing look at the intercultural marriages in the Bible

-A list of fun intercultural movies to watch at the end of each chapter

-Practical resources and websites for further information, advice, and research

Now, you can download chapter one of the book for FREE on this website, Leap of Faith! Simply click on the box on the right on my home page. Enjoy!

Instead of Twiddling Your Thumbs...

2009-04-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

After you've worked slavishly to complete and submit an article, manuscript, book, or other artistic masterpiece, you often feel so relieved that you just "veg out" for weeks... or even longer. Next time, use these methods to create income, hone your writing and build your platform while waiting for a response. Art Spikol presented these useful pointers in the latest issue of Writer's Digest:

1. Recycle. Revamp your previously published articles and pitch them to another magazine. Think of creative ways to re-package your existing work and sell it elsewhere. Look through your completed articles, short stories, poems, and book ideas, and glean the best possibiities.

2. Write on spec. Send out one article query a day. Go to your local bookstore and look through magazines to get info on the latest trends. Pitch ideas that can be used at any time of year.

3. Make multiple submissions. Get the most mileage out of your work by submitting to several publishers at once. Follow up with each publisher several weeks later.

4. Get intimate with your markets. Study the publishers and publications you want to break into. Take notes on what types of material and articles they are accepting. Tweak your ideas accordingly.

5. Write about research you're doing anyway. Cull through the books, stories, poems and articles you've written. What are you an expert on? Pitch some nonfiction articles on those topics.

6. Don't just sit there. Don't let slothfulness take over. Exercise. Attend writer's groups and conferences. Visit places you rarely go (the E.R., a local bowling alley, a diner, a comic book store) to get fresh ideas. Schedule interviews to get new material for articles.

7. Advertise yourself. Visit Vistaprint's website (vistaprint.com) and create some inexpensive, professional marketing tools for yourself and your ministry or business. Create flyers, postcards, brochures, and other materials and mail them out.

8. Find a collaborator. Join with other creative people (writers, designers, editors, videographers) to create material. Barter your services for theirs.

9. Ask for help. Network and connect with people you've met through interviews, conferences, writing groups, and more. Share your desire to ramp up your writing/speaking and see if they have a need. Discover how you can help them by offering your services to them.

*For more info, see Art Spikol's excellent article "The Freelance Dance" in Writer's Digest, May/June 2009, 14-15.

Advice from Bestselling Author John Updike

2009-04-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

The late great John Updike offered this crucial advice to writers: "Try to develop steady work habits, maybe a more modest quota, but keep to it. Don't be thin-skinned or easily discouraged because it's an odds-long proposition; all of the arts are. Many are called, few are chosen, but it might be you."

-John Updike

Provide Hope and Help by Joining our Mentoring Network

2009-04-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Are you involved in an intercultural marriage? Are you a pastor, counselor, writer, teacher or someone else who is interested in mentoring intercultural couples? Catalin and I are expanding our mentoring network and are looking for men and women who are interested in joining. If you'd like more info, please e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Sticking Together through the Four Seasons of Marriage

2009-04-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

The Four Stages of Marriage

"The development of a good marriage is not a natural process. It is an achievement." -David and Vera Mace

Just as a person journeys through the stages of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, every marriage passes through seasons of fruitfulness and seasons of dryness. In his book The Four Seasons of Marriage, Gary Chapman writes:

My experience, both in my own marriage and in counseling couples for more than thirty years, suggests that marriages are perpetually in a state of transition, continually moving from one season to another. . . . Sometimes we find ourselves in winter . . . other times we experience springtime, with its openness, hope, and anticipation. On still other occasions we bask in the warmth of summer—comfortable, relaxed, enjoying life. And then comes fall with its uncertainty, negligence, and apprehension. The cycle repeats itself many times throughout the life of a marriage, just as the seasons repeat themselves in nature.

Think about the stage your own relationship may be in as you read the descriptions of each season below.

Spring
Marriages begin in the honeymoon period of spring, with the soaring emotions that accompany the experience of falling head-over-heels in love with a person from another culture. One newlywed describes her marriage this way: “It’s full of joy! It’s exciting to watch our relationship grow and develop. That ‘in love’ high just deepens and becomes richer each day. Every day is an opportunity to find a way to live out my love for my husband.”

            Summer
            The summer season of marriage manifests a deepening of love, a strengthening of a couple’s connection to each other. The initial honeymoon effects of spring may have waned, but summer marriages reflect a sense of security, commitment, and satisfaction. Julia, married for sixteen years, says: “Summer feels good. We’re on the same page, and that makes our marriage fun. It opens up my heart to communication.”

Fall
            Fall is the prelude to winter. Couples in the fall season recognize that the winds of change are blowing and that their relationship is facing trouble. A man who has been married for thirty-one years said, “I feel dejected, disheartened, and unappreciated. It’s not a good place to be. I am not content with my marriage. Something has got to change or we’re not going to make it.”

Winter
            The winter season of marriage is characterized by stormy weather: emotions of hurt, anger, disappointment, loneliness, grief, and rejection. Dr. Chapman writes, “What brings a couple to the winter season of marriage? In a word: rigidity—the unwillingness to consider the other person’s perspective and to work toward a meaningful compromise.”
What’s a couple in the winter season to do? These seven strategies, outlined in greater detail in the book The Four Seasons of Marriage, will enable a struggling intercultural couple to move through winter toward spring.

1. Deal with past failures.
2. Choose a winning attitude.
3. Learn to speak your spouse’s love language.
4. Develop the awesome power of empathetic listening.
5. Discover the joy of helping your spouse succeed.
6. Maximize your differences.
7. Implement the power of positive influence.

Every marriage will pass through these seasons, but thankfully, winter doesn’t last forever. Spring is right around the corner! My prayer is that understanding the implications of these intercultural marriage models and patterns will help you improve your communication as a couple. Practicing these principles will empower you and your spouse to create deeper bonds of love and unity as an intercultural couple.

*This material is drawn from Marla Alupoaicei's book Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship (Moody Publishers, June 2009). To order, see amazon.com/Your-Intercultural-Marriage-Healthy-Relationship/dp/0802418546/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239998973&sr=1-3. Enjoy!

Quote for the Day

2009-04-11T03:16:00.000-07:00

Frederick Buechner, one of my favorite Christian authors, wrote this. I found it fitting as we reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross over two thousand years ago:

"What's lost is nothing to what's found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup."

-Frederick Buechner, Godric

Rejoicing in new life,

Marla

The Mom I Want to Be

2009-04-11T03:12:00.000-07:00

At the Book Expo, I enjoyed talking with Suzie Eller, the author of the book The Mom I Want to Be (Harvest House). Her life stories, as shared through her book, had a powerful impact on me as my husband and I prepare to welcome our first baby into the world. Suzie was able to turn her abusive past into a blessing and to learn from her parents' mistakes so that she would not repeat them with her own children. A gifted author, speaker and mentor to young people, Suzie writes in a fresh, compelling style that I really enjoy. One of her most powerful points is that we must discover and rest in our own identity in Christ (as daughters of the Most High God) before we will be able to teach our sons and daughters to have a strong, positive self-identity.

Thanks, Suzie, for sharing your insights! To buy Suzie's book, see amazon.com/Mom-Want-Be-Rising-Future/dp/0736917551/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239459124&sr=8-1. Enjoy!

Enter the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition!

2009-03-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

All you writers out there - don't miss out on entering the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. It's an excellent way for you to get your work out there, and you just may win a prize and help boost your writing career a bit! For more details and to enter, please visit writersdigest.com/annual. You may enter either online or by smail-mailing your entries to Writer's Digest. The entry deadline is May, 15, 2009 - coming right up! I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing about your awards!

Calling All Poets-Submit Your Poems to Leap of Faith!

2009-03-28T02:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a poet, and I know that many of you, my readers, are gifted poets, as well. I thought it would be exciting to create a collection of poetry to distribute among Leap of Faith's readers. If you have poems to submit for consideration, please e-mail them to me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com! If we generate enough interest, we may be able to start our own literary journal and start attending readings together in the Frisco/Plano area and throughout the Metroplex. Let me know if you would like to participate! I look forward to reading your literary masterpieces. Blessings!

Book Expo

2009-03-28T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Book Expo went very well! Thank you so much to all of you friends, family members, fellow authors, bloggers and others who attended the Expo and our book signings. We enjoyed chatting with you and we appreciate your support!

The Expo was a fantastic event and extremely well planned, but attendance was not as high as it could have been. Hopefully the attendance will be better in future years.

To read Mary DeMuth's excellent summary of the Expo and also to find out what she spoke about during her Christianity Today author panel on Living Christianly in a Postmodern Culture, please check out her website at relevantblog.blogspot.com.

Mary also includes a link to a VERY helpful discussion of author platform at springswriters.blogspot.com/2009/03/building-your-writers-platform.html. Check it out! If you're a writer who has not yet signed up to receive Mary's excellent newsletter and blog articles, be sure to sign up. Mary is a gifted writer and an encouraging mentor to me. Enjoy!

Attend the Christian Book Expo March 19-22 at the Dallas Convention Center!

2009-02-20T03:36:00.000-08:00

Hi! Exciting news: the world's largest Christian conference, the 2009 Christian Book Expo, will be held in Dallas from March 19-22. Dillon Burroughs and I (as well as tons of other Christian authors) will be holding book signings at the Expo. We will be at the Harvest House booth signing our book Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca.

Generation Hex was nominated for the OUTREACH Magazine Resource of the Year Award in the field of apologetics. We're thrilled to have this honor!

For more information about attending the Book Expo, please see christianbookexpo.com/index.php.

Dates and Times for Generation Hex Book Signings:

Friday March 20 / 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Booth 1110, with Dillon Burroughs)
Saturday March 21 / 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (Booth 1110, with Dillon Burroughs)
Sunday March 22 / 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Booth 1110, with Dillon Burroughs)

For more info on our book signings, see christianbookexpo.com/authors/profile.php?id=2.

Thanks, friends and family members! We look forward to seeing you at the Expo!

A Weekend to Remember...

2009-02-13T02:40:00.000-08:00

We leave today to attend FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember marriage conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. We're thrilled about this opportunity. This will be our first time to attend, and what better time than Valentine's Day Weekend???

I hope all of you have a blessed and romantic Valentine's Day celebrating with your sweetheart! For more information and to register for a Weekend to Remember conference in your area, visit Family Life's website at familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.3204559/k.F5BB/Attend_a_conference.htm. Enjoy!

Great Intercultural Movies to Watch!

2009-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hi! For those of you who have taken that exciting "leap of faith" into intercultural marriage, here is a list of some great movies that will encourage and enlighten you in your relationship. I have included information on almost 40 intercultural movies in my NEW BOOK, which will be released by Moody Publishers in June! The book is called Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship. Please help spread the word!

Here are some movies for you to check out. Some of them have subtle intercultural elements that you may not have considered!

Angela's Ashes
Anna and the King
Awakenings
Bend It like Beckham
Chariots of Fire
Dances with Wolves
The Doctor
Empire of the Sun
The English Patient
Fools Rush In
Freedom Writers
Hotel Rwanda
The Joy Luck Club
The Kite Runner
Life is Beautiful
Lost in Translation
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
New in Town
The New World
Not Without My Daughter
One True Thing
Out of Africa
Remember the Titans
Save the Last Dance
Schindler's List
School Ties
Seven Years in Tibet
Shall We Dance?
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Spanglish
Stand and Deliver
Take the Lead
Witness

If you know of others, please e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com and let me know! Thanks!

Factors for Success in Intercultural Marriage

2009-01-15T04:30:00.000-08:00

Studies show that the most fulfilled intercultural couples are those who dedicate themselves to loving and serving each other, living a life committed to God, setting and achieving goals, and reaching out to others. In addition to these factors, the intercultural couples that I’ve interviewed have listed a variety of other elements that they consider vital to marital success, including:

a true, personal relationship with Jesus Christ
a strong commitment to the marriage
gaining the ability to communicate well
patience
kindness
a willingness to sacrifice personal preferences for the sake of the other person
sensitivity to each other’s needs
a positive attitude toward each other’s cultures and families
flexibility
adaptability
the sharing of common dreams, goals and interests
a spirit of adventure
a sense of humor
a willingness to learn each other’s languages
the dedication to stay in the marriage and work out problems when times get tough
building each other up through words rather than tearing each other down

Make it a point to sit down now with a pen and paper and think honestly about your fiancé or spouse with regard to the above categories. How does he or she fit (or not fit) with each categories? No person is perfect; all of us have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important for you to be aware of both.
Does your loved one have a personal relationship with Christ? Is he patient? Does she know any of your language at all? Does he like your culture, or does he tend to criticize it? Is she a positive and uplifting person, or does she have a critical spirit? You will see at least a few areas that will suggest a possible weakness or “red flag.” Write each of these down and find a neutral time to discuss your concerns with your fiancé or spouse. Working through these issues in a positive way will greatly improve your marriage.

IMPORTANT: THIS MATERIAL IS FROM THE BOOK YOUR INTERCULTURAL MARRIAGE: A GUIDE TO A HEALTHY, HAPPY RELATIONSHIP by Marla Alupoaicei (Moody Publishers, June 2009). Please do not disseminate or reproduce this information without permission from the author and publisher.

A thought for today...

2008-11-16T02:11:00.000-08:00

I have a sign above my computer desk with this saying on it. It's always an inspiration to me when I sit down to write:

"Make time for the quiet moments

as God whispers and the world is loud."

What a Mission Statement IS... and What it's NOT

2008-11-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Your mission statement should be a simple summary of who you are and where you're going in life. It reminds you and others of what your call is.

Here is a helpful list of what your mission is NOT.

Your mission is NOT: your JOB. Your current JOB is not the same as your mission. Your job will change several times during your lifetime; your mission most likely won't.

It is NOT: your ROLE. First, you were a baby, then a child, then a teen, then a college student, then a "real" adult, then an employee, then possibly a husband or wife, then maybe a mom or dad, a businessperson, an artist, a writer, and so on. But your role is not the same as your mission. Don't let your current role overshadow your mission.

It is NOT: your TO-DO LIST. I don't know about you, but I sure do have the tendency to let my to-do list take over my day sometimes. And when I do, I notice the empty feeling I have when I realize that my relationships with God and others have taken the backseat to "urgent" tasks that are really unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Other truths from The Path:

You probably are already living your mission in some form or fashion. You just need to think about it, define it, limit it enough that it can be helpful, and then use it.

You are important enough to have a mission. Everyone needs one.

Your mission doesn't have to be grandiose. You can change the world one life at a time, even if your job or ministry is behind the scenes or seemingly not that important.

Your mission doesn't have to be full of suffering to be valuable.

Your geography is not your destiny. If you're not living in a place or situation where you can fulfill your mission, move on!

If you're not married and you are involved in a dead-end relationship that is keeping you from fulfilling your mission in life, ditch it. Life's too short! Focus on what God has gifted you to do.

What's Your Mission?

2008-11-14T02:08:00.000-08:00

Author Karen Dinesen wrote in Out of Africa, "My biggest fear was that I would come to the end of my life and discover that I had lived someone else's dream."

We were put on this earth for a reason. As Christians, artists, writers, or people from any walk of life, we sometimes wonder if we've arrived at that mission or if we're just wandering through life without any real sense of purpose. Creating a personal mission statement can help you get in touch with God's call on your life and keep you from "living someone else's dream."

In her book The Path, Laurie Beth Jones writes, "My uncle once told me that during World War II if an unidentified soldier appeared suddenly in the dark and could not state his mission, he was automatically shot without question. I wonder what would happen if we reinstituted that policy today...A mission statement is, in essence, a written-down reason for being-whether for a person, or for a company. It is the key to finding your path in life and identifying the mission you choose to follow."

Jesus' mission statement was, "I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). He also said, "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

Laurie Beth Jones continues, "There are three simple elements to a good mission statement.

1. A mission statement should be no more than a single sentence long.

2. It should be easily understood by a twelve-year-old.

3. It should be able to be recited by memory at gunpoint."

Now, hopefully, you'll never be called on to recite it at gunpoint, but her point is that you need to be able to remember and recite your mission statement in order for it to really work for you and change your life.

Tomorrow, I'll blog about some of the false assumptions that people make about their mission statements. Please stop by Leap of Faith!

Blessings-

Marla

Best Mexican Food in the World

2008-11-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Okay... as a foodie, I just have to give a shout out to my friends at Cristina's Fine Mexican Restaurant in Frisco and let my readers know that this restaurant serves the best Mexican food on earth. Plus, the service is fantastic. The waiters and waitresses have become personal friends of mine and are just the best EVER!!!!

Also, the manager, Francisco, is truly a wonderful man who will ensure that every element of your experience is fabulous.

The chips and salsa are the bomb (best chunky salsa anywhere, ever - try it if you don't believe me). I love the chicken fajitas, tacos de fajitas, and so many more dishes... and my husband thinks the chicken flautas are the most amazing dish, which they are. Oh, and for something a bit healthier, the chicken tortilla soup is fabulous, as well.

If you live in the Metroplex and you've not tried Cristina's, you are missing out, folks. Stop by and say hi, and tell them I sent you! :)

Here is the website for more info: cristinasmex.com. The address is 8210 Highway 121, Frisco, Texas, 75034. The phone number for reservations or parties is: (214) 618-8230.

Enjoy!

Share the Reason for the Season...

2008-11-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

Halloween season is now transitioning into the TRUE Christian holiday season - the time of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas. At this time of year, we begin to invest more mental and emotional energy into focusing on spiritual issues. Our thoughts and desires naturally turn toward spending time with family, giving thanks for all we have, celebrating another year of God's blessings, and planning special ways to help our families commemorate Christ's birth, which ushered God incarnate into the world over 2000 years ago.
Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a sad time for many people. Those who have lost loved ones, those who are lonely or depressed, those who are ill or have no family nearby, may be experiencing a spiritual struggle or a crisis of the soul. This year, when every person you meet will naturally be thinking about deeper issues of God, faith, and family, why not start some spiritual conversations with others? If you need help knowing how to do this, our book Generation Hex will help you engage others in a way that is genuine, open, truthful, and compelling. Why not help others discover the best Christmas gift ever given - salvation through Jesus Christ? Introduce someone to faith in God this holiday season.

Wake Up, O Sleeper!

2008-10-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! This Halloween, stores are decked out like never before. Have you noticed that Halloween is now a SEASON, not just a DAY like it used to be?
       This year, for the first time, I saw that some stores have "Countdown to Halloween" calendars that look just like Christmas advent calendars. Also, today at Target, I decided to roam through the Halloween aisles to try to find a candy dish that wasn't too creepy looking. I started down one aisle and saw some of the scariest display stuff ever. An array of gargoyles and freaky skulls stared me down. I also saw for sale a "coffin sofa cover" that you can put on your couch to make it look like a coffin. And then, next to one of the gargoyles, was...
       A SATAN HEAD.
       Yes, a Satan head that would have given me nightmares as a child. It looked like the picture of Satan that was in the children's Bible that my mom used to read to us. It had horns and lightbulbs in the eyes that lit up red.
       I felt torn. On the one hand, I didn't want to even look at it. I felt sick inside. Then I thought, I should buy it and get rid of it so no one else has to see it. But of course, I couldn't justify purchasing such a hideous item. Then I thought, I really should write a letter to Target and tell the management that I'm disappointed that they would carry such a thing.
       All this to say, folks, that if you are still in the dark about the fact that witchcraft and darkness are taking over our culture, please WAKE UP!!!!!!
       Our book Generation Hex shares the truth about our culture's spiritual trend toward witchcraft. Most Wiccans and witches are NOT Satan worshipers in a literal sense, but he still is leading many away from God's truth. In Generation Hex, we interacted with Wiccans and pagans in a way that creates open dialogue and seeks to build bridges of understanding from Christians to those of pagans faiths. I hope each of you reading this post will choose to read the book and be informed about the influence of Wicca and witchcraft in our culture, especially among young people.
       The Bible says that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). As Christians, we need to be able to recognize and counteract his evil and destructive work in the world.
       Blessings-
       Marla

Upcoming Interviews for Generation Hex

2008-10-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Dillon and I have quite a few live interviews lined up for the next two weeks. We'd love to have you tune in and give us your feedback! NOTE: These stations also allow you to listen to archived interviews, so if you miss the live interview, simply click on the link and you can listen to the interview afterward via streaming audio.

Here is the schedule:
Oct    Central Time    Station
22      2-3 pm            Chris Fabry Live, Moody Radio, Colorado, multiple stations moodyradio.org/brd_programarchive.aspx?id=18894
25      12-1 pm          Janet Parshall’s Talking it Over, Moody Radio, multiple stations moodyradio.org/talkingitover.aspx
29      7:30-8:30 am   KBJS Radio, Jacksonville, TX kbjs.org/common/content.asp?PAGE=247
29-31 3-4 p.m.          Prime Time Live, Moody Broadcasting, Chicago, IL
30      7:10-7:30 am   Moody Broadcasting, WMBI, Chicago, IL
30      11:15-11:45 am    TLC Radio
30      5:15-5:45 p.m.     Live from Criswell College, Dallas, Texas
WJSL Radio, Quest for Character, Mike Dunn, St. Louis, MO- Rescheduled- New date and time TBA
On Halloween, Dillon Burroughs, co-author of Generation Hex, will be involved in outreach at the screening of the movie Pray 2 in Woodland Park, Apex, NC.
Dillon also will be involved in an outreach at Tennessee Temple Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31. For more info, see his website at readdb.com.

Recommended Books for Teens: Alternatives to HP

2008-10-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Sarah Anne sent me these recommendations for exciting, well-written Christian-based fantasy books:

The DragonKeeper Series by Donita K. Paul
The Restorer Series by Sharon Hinck

I also had another friend recommend Christian author Bryan Davis' excellent fantasy fiction series published by AMG, called Dragons in Our Midst. Check it out!

Also, my darling teenage friend Grace sent me the list below. I have wanted to post this for some time. It's a list of GREAT ALTERNATIVE BOOKS for teens to read besides those with dark witchcraft-related themes. Here they are:

The Eragon series by Christopher Paolini
Anything by Francine Rivers - Her books aren't fantasy but I personally love her writing.
Ted Dekker books, especially the Red, Black, White series
Books by Frank Peretti (This Present Darkness, etc.)
Proof by Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh
The Last Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly
The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff
The Gammage Cup by Carol Kendall
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

Grace says, "I also really like classical books, I'm currently reading a lot of Jane Austen and Charlotte and Emily Bronte. I think a lot of girls would like their books." There you go! Can't go wrong with the classics. Thank you, Grace!

Q & A Time with the Poet

2008-10-13T01:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, my fellow writers and poets! I am going to start posting questions and answers about writing on my site. Today's questions come from C.M., a young man who e-mailed me with questions about getting poetry published. His basic questions were these:

QUESTIONS

1. How do I find competitions and venues for publishing my poems that aren't scams?

2. How do I improve my poems enough so that I will be ready for entering these competitions?

He mentioned that he had entered a contest through the National Library of Poets, but then later discovered that the competition was a scam.

ANSWERS:

       Thanks for your message. I'm so sorry about your bad experiences with the National Library and other contests. Yes, you definitely have talent and potential as a writer! If you submit to the magazine Poets & Writers, or go online to their website at pw.org, you will find a list of real, vetted competitions to enter each month. Here is the list for this month: pw.org/content/deadlines. All of these competitions are legitimate, so you won't have to worry about scams.

       The best way to improve your poems is to read as much contemporary poetry as you can and revise, revise, revise! Keep your audience in mind. Use specific language. In poetry, the nouns/objects carry the weight. Use a thesaurus and a synonym dictionary to be sure you are using exactly the right words.

       Most Christian publishers don't publish poetry, but there are a few Christian poetry journals that you can submit your work to:

              -IMAGE
              -Relief
              -Rock & Sling
              -Toward the Light

        Most people who publish poems today, including myself, publish in the contemporary poetry (secular) market. Those poems typically have more of an outward focus rather than an inward focus. For some idea of what I mean, stop by a Barnes & Noble or other bookstore and pick up a bunch of their newest poetry and literary journals and read through them for a couple of hours. The Paris Review, Missouri Review, and others should give you an idea of what kind of poems are being selected. Also, you should purchase the following books online; they will really revolutionize your writing.

             -The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo
             -The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser
             -Several collections of poetry by Billy Collins

        Also, check out this website and you will be able to read many contemporary poems there: poets.org. Discover which poets you like and then figure out why you like them. What elements do they use that you might be able to focus on more in your own poems?

       Poets & Writers Magazine also includes lists of the winners of all of the major poetry contests. Reading the poems of the winners, printing them out and looking over them and seeing what they did and how they used language, will be one of your best tools for writing winning poetry!

       Also, if cost is a factor, you may want to focus for now on writing poems and submitting them to journals (which is free). After you work on your poems for a while, then you can start entering competitions. Definitely stick with it! Blessings!
Marla

Poetry Updates

2008-10-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Marla Alupoaicei recently won awards in two poetry competitions. Her poems "Ode to the Theory of Everything," "Prodigal the Prodigal," and "The Cutting" won a Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg prize in the amount of $2500. For more information and to read all of the prizewinning poems, please visit dorothyprizes.org.

Marla also won a prize in the Writer's Digest 77th Annual Writing Competition (Rhyming Poetry Category, 4th place). If you're a fellow poet, Marla would love to hear from you. Please post updates here of your poetry writing, publications, awards and accomplishments. Marla would like to hear about how God is blessing your work!

You are Loved by God...

2008-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Some quotes to inspire thought:

     And did you get what

     you wanted from this life even so?

     I did.

     And what did you want?

     To call myself beloved, to feel myself

     beloved on the earth.

                       -Raymond Carver

     We fill our hands when they are
     empty. We empty ourselves when we have held too much too long.

                     -Kathleen Graber, "Book Nine"

Is Satan Real?

2008-10-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

What’s the Difference Between Wicca and Satanism?

            One of the most common questions we receive from Christians is, “Don’t all Wiccans worship Satan?” Actually, no. Most Wiccans and proponents of other New Age religions will be quick to tell you that they do not believe in absolute evil. In fact, they do not believe that Satan exists at all; they consider him to be part of the Christian tradition. Wiccans believe that by admitting that Satan exists, they name evil and allow it to have power over them.
           Truth is, however, Satan does exist. He is alive and well in the world, seeking to lead people astray and destroy them. To put it simply, Satan counterfeits God. He seeks to usurp God’s power and glory, and he tries to distract and mislead people from recognizing God as the one true and holy God. Interestingly, the Scriptures tell us that we can have power over Satan's evil by clearly naming it and rebuking it in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:18; 19:13; Matthew 4:10).
            The New International Version of the Bible includes 47 verses that specifically mention Satan by name. What types of actions does Satan perform in the world? The following chart lists some of them.

Satan…                                   Scripture Reference

convinced King David to take a (prideful) census of the nation of Israel.

1 Chronicles 21:1

presented himself before the Lord along with all the other angels.

Job 1:6; 2:1

told God that he had been “roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”

Job 1:7; 2:2

suggested that Job worshiped God only because God protected and favored him.

Job 1:8–9

afflicted Job with painful sores.

Job 2:7

stood at the right hand of Joshua to accuse him.

Zechariah 3:1

was rebuked by the Lord.

Zechariah 3:2

tempted Jesus in the wilderness.

Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13

was personally rebuked and sent away by Jesus.

Matthew 4:10

caused some people to say that Jesus’s power was from Satan rather than from God, which was blasphemy.

Matthew 12:26; Mark 3:23–26; Luke 11:18

caused Peter to prioritize the things of men over the things of God.

Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33

will be cast into eternal fire.

Matthew 25:41

takes away the Word of God sown in some people’s hearts before it can take root.

Mark 4:15

fell like lightning from heaven.

Luke 10:18

prompted Judas to betray Jesus.

John 13:2

can get a foothold in our lives if we do not control our anger.

Ephesians 4:27

schemes to destroy people; we must put on the full armor of God to protect ourselves.

Ephesians 6:11

lays traps for God’s people.

1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26

holds the power of death.

Hebrews 2:14

causes people to harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in their hearts.

James 3:14–15

will soon be crushed underneath our feet by the God of peace.

Romans 16:20

masquerades as an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:14

displays all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

is our enemy; he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

leads the whole world astray; will eventually be destroyed.

Revelation 12:9

will be bound for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:2, 7

will be thrown into the lake of fire forever.

Revelation 20:10

Satan does have some measure of power as the "prince of this world." However, God's power is far greater. Let me know your thoughts! Thank you.

6 Myths and Truths about Wicca

2008-10-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends! Here are some interesting myths and truths about Wicca to keep you informed during WICCA AWARENESS MONTH! And if you have not yet snapped up your personal copy of the new book Generation Hex, please do so now on amazon.com. We hope you will take this opportunity to become informed about this influential cultural and spiritual trend!

Generation Hex: Uncovering the Truth about Wicca
Myth #1: You can tell a person is a Wiccan just by looking at him or her.
Truth: Jami Shoemaker of Llewellyn Publishers said, “The average witch is a beautiful twenty-five year old.” Wiccans do not necessarily dress “Goth,” nor do they ride on broomsticks!
Myth #2: Wiccans are Satan worshippers who sacrifice living beings.
Truth: Wiccans do not worship Satan directly. They consider Satan part of the Christian tradition; most don’t even believe that he exists. They do not perform human or animal sacrifices.
Myth #3: Wiccans are trying to convert others to their religion.
Truth: Wiccans read books on Christianity and other religions. However, they typically do not try to convert others to their faith.
Myth #4: Wiccans don’t follow any rules.
Truth: Wiccans follow the Wiccan Rede, which states, “’An it harm none, do as ye will” (translation: “As long as it doesn’t harm anyone, do whatever you want”). They also follow the Rule of Three, which states that the consequences of a person’s actions, whether positive or negative, will return to that person threefold.
Myth #5: Wicca and Christianity are compatible.
Truth: Scripture clearly states that Christians are not to participate in any form of witchcraft. This includes séances, casting spells, palm reading or fortune telling, using Tarot cards, communicating with spirits, playing with Ouija boards, or playing occult-related video games.
Myth #6: Arguing with a Wiccan about God or the Bible is the best way to lead that person to Christ.
Truth: Wiccans enjoy engaging in honest, open dialogue about their faith. If you show genuine interest in them, most will be glad to discuss their beliefs and experiences with you. When you have the opportunity, share your positive personal testimony about how God has transformed your life through Christ.

BIO: Marla Alupoaicei (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary, 2002), is an author and speaker as well as a writer for East-West Ministries. She and Dillon Burroughs (ThM, 2002), recently released the book Generation Hex: Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Wicca with Harvest House Publishers. Marla and her husband, Catalin, operate a ministry called Leap of Faith for intercultural couples. For more information, please visit Marla’s website at marriageleap.com. Marla also mentors and encourages writers and authors at her author site, marlawrites.com.

Author Dillon Burroughs' Website

2008-10-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thanks for stopping by Leap of Faith. For those of you who are seeking additional info on Wicca, check out the website of author and speaker Dillon Burroughs: readdb.com. Stop by for a visit, and feel free to e-mail him if you have any questions! Thanks!

Join the Gen Hex Club - It's Wicca Awareness Month

2008-10-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends, and welcome to Leap of Faith! October is Wicca Awareness Month! So what do you need to know about Wicca? Here are ten pointers:

1. According to recent studies, Wicca is America's fastest-growing religion.

2. Wiccans believe in a God and a Goddess that are equal in power.

3. Wicca is the most popular "brand" of witchcraft today.

4. Wiccans have homeschool networks, just like Christians do.

5. Wiccans do not worship Satan directly. They don't even believe in him.

6. Wiccans use candles, crystals, and other objects to pray and perform spells.

7. Wiccans love nature and seek to protect the environment.

8. Wiccans shouldn't be feared. They are people just like the rest of us. God loves them.

9. You WILL have opportunities to share your faith and create open dialogue with Wiccans, pagans and those of New Age faiths. Your care and preparation will determine whether you do a good job of this or not.

10. We want every person to be well-equipped to understand Wicca - what it is, and what it is not. Our book Generation Hex will equip you to know more about Wicca and to share your faith in a positive manner with people of a variety of belief systems.

Pick up your copy of Generation Hex today on amazon.com or at your local bookstore! Thank you.

Know Before You GO: It's Wicca Awareness Month!

2008-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that October's here. I know that we all have football games, Oktoberfest, pumpkins, falling leaves, hot chocolate, Halloween and other fall-related festivities on the brain, but let's not forget to be a light to the world. In fact, why not join us in our commitment to make October Wicca awareness month?

Wicca is America's most popular form of witchcraft. Its popularity is skyrocketing, and its membership doubles at least every 30 months. Yet many of us still don't know what Wicca is or how to carry on a compelling spiritual dialogue with a person of a Wiccan, Pagan or New Age belief system.

If that describes you, never fear - GENERATION HEX is here! Dillon Burroughs and I have written an informative book on the topic of Wicca that will help you learn about this trend. We interviewed over 20 Wiccans and pagans (some of whom later became Christians), and we include their powerful personal stories in the book. We give a simple overview of what Wicca is, what Wiccans believe, how influential it has become, and more. We also compare and contrast Wicca with Christian beliefs. We've received fantastic feedback from many Wiccans and pagans, and we know of at least two Wiccans who have already accepted Christ as a result of hearing our radio interviews.

Here is what one former witch wrote to us recently: "In serious desperation, I picked up a copy of your book this past weekend. I was happy to get it, as it was the only copy of its kind on the shelf. Words cannot express how much it has helped me, and I want to sincerely thank you both... I want to commend you for talking about this subject and encourage you to do more. I'd love to see another book about people who have come out of the craft... Bless you for having the love and courage to write the book Generation Hex." -N.H., California

This month, I am offering a special: you can order Generation Hex directly from me, autographed, for $8. Simply mail me a check, and I'll mail you the book. You can also purchase the book on amazon.com or at any local bookstore. For more info, please e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com! Thank you for helping to spread the word about Wicca Awareness Month! I appreciate your support.

Sharing the Wealth

2008-10-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

I've been so blessed by authors, readers, and friends sharing their writing tips and personal stories with me. Recently, I attended a writing clinic in New Jersey hosted by bestselling author Cec Murphey. Before the clinic, I felt exhausted and run down, maxed out by all of my projects - and life in general. In fact, I seriously considered not even going to the clinic because I felt that I hadn't really had time to prepare physically or emotionally for it. But I went anyway.

I'm so glad I did. I'm amazed at God's way of redeeming situations. I stayed with a fantastic family in the beautiful hills of Milford, NJ. Cec encouraged and inspired me. The other women had incredible stories of how the Lord led them through adversity and pain to a place of redemption and how He had prompted each of them to share their life experiences through writing.

Some of the lessons I learned:

1. You are not alone.

2. Every person has a story to tell - and that story is worth telling.

3. Many, many people in this world are worse off than you are.

4. Our pain gives us a platform to minister to others.

5. We must do our part and then trust God to do the rest.

Thanks to Cecil Murphey, the Moore family, Annalee, Carol, Carole, Ronie, Lisa, Leslie, Dawn, and to Twila for helping make arrangements for me.

Cec has only ONE more three-day clinic available. I highly recommend it - his pointers will transform your writing! The conference will be held in Toronto. For more information, check out Cec's website at themanbehindthewords.com.

CowABUNGA!

2008-09-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Come and join us for an exciting chat on Abunga Books! Tomorrow on abunga.com/?d=authorsatabunga (Wednesday, Sept. 17), Dillon and I will be giving an online chat interview for Generation Hex. Just click on the link and then click on "Authors@Abunga" under the heading "Cool Stuff." You can ask questions and join in the conversation! We'd love to hear your perspective on the issues related to Wicca, Christianity and the dialogue between the two.

The chat will be held from 1-2 p.m Central TIme (2-3 p.m. Eastern). To check it out and join, you may also visit Abunga.com/FeaturedAuthorBurroughs. Thank you!

Blessings-

Marla

Insightful Article for Those Contemplating Intercultural Marriage

2008-09-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

A friend just recommended that I check out this article, written by an American man who married a woman from Japan. He shares some excellent insights about intercultural marriage as well as some important warnings and advice for those contemplating intercultural marriage. Here is the link to the site: larabell.org/cross.html

Thanks for the recommendation, J.!

Enjoy Writing More!

2008-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hey, all you freelance writers! Feeling maxed out, burned out, stressed out over your writing schedule? Frustrated with a project? Then check out this great article: "9 Ways to Enjoy Freelancing More." Here's the link: freelanceswitch.com/freelancing-essentials/9-ways-to-enjoy-freelancing-more/

I am going to start posting more intercultural marriage articles on Leap of Faith, as well. My new intercultural marriage book, Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship, will be released in July by Moody Publishers. It's now available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

Questions, concerns, tips about intercultural marriage? Share them here! Thanks!

Join Me for a Book Signing in Terre Haute on Saturday!

2008-09-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am going to be holding a book signing for Generation Hex on Saturday, Sept. 6th (that's THIS Saturday) from 2-4 p.m. at The Open Door Christian Bookstore in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Open Door is located behind Honey Creek Mall, at 3125 Third Place, Terre Haute, Indiana, 47802. You may also visit the website at opendoor-christian-store.com.

I hope you will join us! We will have a drawing for several GREAT door prizes and enjoy coffee and pastries from the newly opened Gingersnaps cafe located in the back of the bookstore. You'll also have the opportunity to browse the store's fantastic selection of gifts, books and music.

I look forward to seeing you there! I truly appreciate your prayers and your support for us and our book. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (214) 497-4614. Thank you!

Want to Make the World a Better Place?

2008-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Then follow Michelangelo's advice - “Criticize by creating.”
If you don't like the way something is done, change it! Do it better.

Principles for Sharing Your Faith

2008-08-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

Over the past several months, Dillon and I have been giving radio and TV interviews for Generation Hex, and one of the common questions we are asked is, "So how do I share my faith with someone who doesn't share the same beliefs?"

Here is what I've learned:

1. Listen first and talk later. Ask a person, "What's your spiritual background?" or "Did you grow up going to church?" These questions are open-ended and unjudgmental.

2. Throw your legalism, stereotypes and misconceptions out the window. But hang onto your personal faith and your wisdom.

3. Don't freak out at a person's response to your questions. In today's culture, it's not that uncommon for a person to say, "I'm a witch," "I'm a Rastafarian," "I'm an atheist," "I'm agnostic," "I'm New Age," "I'm no religion," and so on. Heck, someone might even tell you that he has seven wives, or that she was a member of David Koresh's compound in Waco. Everyone's experiences are different. And each person's story gives you clues into what makes that person tick.

4. Identify elements of that person's experiences and spiritual beliefs and use those to build natural bridges for sharing your own faith. For example, most of the time, people will throw the door wide open for me by saying, "I've tried Buddhism, and that's pretty interesting. And I spoke with a Jehovah's witness once, and that sounded good, too. I think that there are many paths that lead to God. There's no one way." And THAT will easily allow you to share, "I understand. There are many ways that seem right, but do you know what the Bible says? "There's a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death." But Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me."

I'll share more helpful principles in the days to come! Questions, comments, concerns about Generation Hex or anything you heard on one of our radio interviews? Please post a comment here.

Gen Hex Interview on Prime Time America

2008-08-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

Today, Dillon and I gave an interview on our new book, Generation Hex, for Prime Time America on the Moody Broadcasting Network (WMBI in Chicago, 90.1 FM). The interviews will air for 2-3 days at the very end of October during the 4 p.m. Prime Time America show. At that time, you will be able to simply click on this link: moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramToday.aspx?id=11694 and then click on "Listen Live." Thank you for your support!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... Halloween

2008-08-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

The other day at Barnes & Noble, I noticed a new table set up with a sign reading "For Teens." At least 80 percent of the books on that table were related to dark fantasy, witchcraft, Wicca or the occult. They included the four titles from Stephenie Meyer's bestselling series, Twilight, as well as dozens of other books. Some of these series were even geared toward children and tweens, including Sarah Mlynowski's Magic in Manhattan Series, including books with titles like Bras & Broomsticks, Frogs & French Kisses, Spells & Sleeping Bags, and Parties & Potions.

Let's face it: witchcraft has become an extremely influential element of our culture.
Let's say you were to strike up a friendly chat with a stranger at the mall, at your child's soccer game, or at a restaurant. If that person said that he or she was a Wiccan, would you know:

     -What Wicca is?
     -What Wiccans believe and practice?
     -How popular and widespread Wicca has become?
     -Why our culture says that witchcraft is "harmless," and how that viewpoint is skewed?
     -What the premise is of the Harry Potter books, Charmed, Buffy, and Sabrina?
     -How to share your faith with a Wiccan or a pagan?
     -How to converse intelligently with a pagan without stereotyping him or her?

You know, before I began researching Wicca, interviewing pagans, and writing the book Generation Hex, I didn't know the answers to all of these questions, either. But now I do! And I want you, my readers, to discover what I did about Wicca and to be equipped with the truth. Check out Gen Hex on Amazon.com now! It just may be the best six bucks you've ever spent!

Want to Buzz Your Book?

2008-08-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Trying to create a BIG BUZZ for your book? If you are an author or media person working hard to market your book, check out the following incredible marketing resources:

      The best I've found is From Book to Bestseller by Penny Sansevieri. It contains fantastic, fresh ideas and also contains the addresses and phone numbers of tons of marketing venues, reviewers, and more. For me as an author, this book has been invaluable. NOTE: Be sure to double-check addresses, editor names, name spellings, etc. The most recent issue of the book was released in 2005.

      Penny also has a book called Red Hot Internet Publicity that I have not bought yet, but plan to. If it's anything like the previous book, it's a must-have for every author.

      Also check out Beyond the Bookstore by Brian Jud. It's about $25 on Amazon, and worth every penny.

      I also enjoyed the book The Making of a Bestseller by Brian Hill and Dee Power. This is an intriguing book featuring interviews with the industry's bestselling authors, editors, publishers, and others in the business. Very helpful.

      Also check out Jacqueline Duval's Publicize Your Book. It's similar to Sansevieri's book.

      Also see Dallas news reporter Jeff Crilley's awesome book, Free Publicity. It contains great ideas for getting your book and your business or ministry featured on TV, radio, and in print media.

      Will Work from Home is a great new bestseller that gives useful business and marketing tips for any writer/freelancer who works from home.

      Got more suggestions for me? Please post them below. Thanks so much!

Write a Review, Win a Gift Card!

2008-08-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Leap of Faith! We are currently featuring a FREE $25 Starbucks gift card giveaway. Anyone who posts an AWESOME review of Generation Hex for us will be entered into the drawing to win the gift card! If you purchase a copy of Marla and Dillon’s new book Generation Hex and post a review on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or another retailer’s website, we will enter you to win. I know that all of you faithful readers love to curl up at Starbucks with a great book and a grande latte! I sure do, especially on a rainy day.

Here’s the Amazon link to purchase the book: amazon.com/Generation-Hex-Understanding-Subtle-Dangers/dp/0736924019/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217798029&sr=1-2

We appreciate your support and we look forward to receiving your feedback about the book! Thank you.

Quotes to Change Your Life

2008-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

... one tidbit at a time.

Here's one: Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.

Big News: Harry Potter Movie #6 Moved to Next Summer

2008-08-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just found this out yesterday: The sixth Harry Potter movie, which was set to release on November 21, 2008, has been moved to next summer. It will release on July 17, 2009. That's a huge decision for the studio to make!
     In place of Harry Potter, on November 21, 2008, we will witness the release of the first movie based on Stephenie Meyer's bestselling Twilight book series. The movie is called "Twilight" and is based on the teen vampire romance novel of the same name. Expect LOTS of interest and buzz surrounding the releases of both of these movies.
      NOTE: The Twilight series is not directly related to Wicca itself, though it does contain references to vampires.
      If you haven't purchased Gen Hex yet, snap up a copy and read up on the trend of witchcraft before these influential movies come out! Here's the link to buy the book on Amazon: amazon.com/Generation-Hex-Understanding-Subtle-Dangers/dp/0736924019/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219083894&sr=8-1

Gen Hex Interviews... Listen Live Online!

2008-08-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dillon and I have an interview tonight night at 8 p.m. central time on Raw Talk in Albuquerque.
   Please listen in online! Here are the next four interview times.

   Note: After the interviews are completed, you can listen to them on podcast on the sites listed below.

   Sunday, Aug. 17
   8-9 p.m. CT
   Raw Talk
   M88, Albuquerque, NM - Go online to m88.org/rawtalk.asp and click on "Listen Now."

   Monday, Aug. 18
   5-6 p.m. CT
   Life Today Radio
   KGFT, Southern Colorado - Go online to kgftradio.com and click on "Listen Live."

   Friday, Aug. 22
   10-11 a.m. CT
   The Matter at Hand
   WGRC, Lewisburg, PA - Go online to wgrc.com/wgrc-christian-radio-programs.htm and click on "Listen Live."


   Monday, Aug. 25
   9:30-10:30 a.m. CT
   Prime Time America, Moody Broadcasting Network
   WMBI, 90.1FM, Chicago, IL - Go online to moodyradio.org and click on "Listen Live." After the interview, click on "Podcasts" to listen to the interview.

NEW Free Books for August!

2008-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, my quirky and fun English teacher from Sarah Scott Junior High School, Mrs. Everly, would be telling me "You're a day late and a dollar short" right now. I'm a bit late (like a week) announcing the FREE books that we are giving away this month on Leap of Faith. But it's worth the wait!

This month's FREE books are:

-The Shack by William P. Young

-150 Ways to Raise Creative, Confident Kids by Silvana Clark

-Walk with Me Today, Lord: Inspiring Devotions for Women by Emilie Barnes

-What Can Be Found in LOST by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs

Want to enter the drawing? Simply e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com and let me know which book you want to win, or post a comment below. I will put the names for each book into a bowl and draw the winners on Aug. 31. If you are a winner, I'll contact you personally, and I will also post the results here on Leap of Faith.

For every person you direct to Leap of Faith to enter the contest, you will receive one extra entry to the drawing for the book of your choice. So send 'em on over here, folks! Blessings, and enjoy the books!

It's Easy: Sign Up for the Blog Tour!

2008-08-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Lots of friends and fellow writers have been asking, "How do I sign up for the Generation Hex blog tour?" It's simple! And it's not too late!

Just e-mail Tina Howard, blog tour aficionado and tech-savvy writer extraordinare, at toddntinahoward@gmail.com. Let Tina know that you want to participate in the Gen Hex tour, and she will give you all the info you need. She will contact our incredibly generous publisher, Harvest House, and ask them to send you a copy of the book to read. Then, you can just visit the Gen Hex centralized website where Tina has posted articles and interviews about the book. You may copy and paste blurbs from that into your personal blog site or web site, or you may add your own comments and reviews of the book as you feel led.

Thanks, friends! We truly appreciate you and your support of Generation Hex. With your help, we can get the word out about Wicca - one of the most influential spiritual trends ever to sweep across our nation.

The Latte Factor

2008-08-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a book called Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach. It was recommended to me by a Christian friend who knew that my husband and I are working on tightening up our finances so we can reach certain financial and ministry goals.

Bach talks about "the latte factor." He talks to many women who say they can't save money, but when he asks them about their morning routine, they admit that they stop by Starbucks every morning for a latte and a muffin... or coffee cake... or a scone. That adds up to at least $6 a day. Bach says that if you can cut out the latte and save that money, you can save $180 or more a month. Not bad!

I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but the other day, I decided to try a McDonald's vanilla iced coffee. (The summer temps in Texas soar above 100 degrees every day, which is CRAZY!) Anyway, the iced coffee was delicious, and I shelled out exactly $1.72 for a small one, which is in a Starbucks venti-sized cup.

SO... if you can't completely forego the coffee, maybe try Mickey D's! :) Read below for some great summer snack tips.

Great Snacks under 100 Calories!

2008-08-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

So... I've been writing so much about Generation Hex that I decided to share some great health tips with you today! I try to stay in shape, eat well, and keep my "temple" in good condition. Sometimes it's tough, though, when that chocolate brownie ice cream starts calling my name from the freezer...

Let's face it - I like SNACKS! What kind of snacks are actually healthy? Here are 20 snacks under 100 calories:

1 Fudgsicle or popsicle

3 cups of air-popped popcorn

1 large apple

1 small banana

1/2 whole-wheat bagel with 1 teaspoon peanut butter or lowfat cream cheese

1 cup Kashi puffed wheat cereal or plain Cheerios

6 vanilla wafers

1 handful Triscuits, Wheat Thins, or Club crackers

1 small pear

2 ounces of low-fat cheese

6 ounces of nonfat yogurt (I like Yoplait.)

1 small orange

1 kiwi fruit

1/2 cup of fruit sorbet

6 ounces of apricot nectar

3 tablespoons of raisins

4 Hershey's Kisses

2 tablespoons of almonds

1 cup of Teddy Grahams

1/4 cup of dried fruit

Have other suggestions? Please post them here.

Get "Generation Hex" on 8/08/08!

2008-08-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

It's here! Generation Hex has officially launched. We are asking friends and family to buy the book on FRIDAY, 8/08/08 - the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com and christianbook.com. I believe christianbook.com has the best value, for only $7.99 plus shipping. You can also stop by and pick up a copy or two from your local bookstore!

You may also order an AUTOGRAPHED copy from yours truly for $9, which includes the price of shipping! Please consider ordering a few personalized copies for family, friends, or parents who may need to know more about Wicca and the influence of witchcraft in our culture. And if you know anyone involved in Wicca, by all means, please give them this book! We hope it will change their lives.

To order an autographed copy of Generation Hex, simply e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com and send me your address, and I'll ship the books out to you right away. Thanks so much!

WIN A FREE STARBUCKS GIFT CARD! If you would be willing to write and post a review of Generation Hex on a website like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or another site, you may enter our drawing for a free Starbucks gift card. Just let us know when you've posted your review! Thank you!

Join Our Blog Tour for Generation Hex!

2008-07-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

On August 1, Generation Hex was released by Harvest House Publishers. Wicca has become America's most popular form of witchcraft and our country's fastest-growing religion. Yet most Christians don't even know what Wicca is!

Generation Hex reveals some of the reasons for the skyrocketing interest in Wicca, New Age and pagan spirituality in our nation. Through our research and personal interviews with Wiccans and pagans, Dillon Burroughs and I provide intriguing insights into these belief systems and the people who follow them. In the book, we also dispel stereotypes about Wiccans and equip you to create open dialogue with pagans in order to effectively share your faith with them.

To help kick things off, Dillon and I will be holding a blog tour for Generation Hex from September 2-12. We're asking YOU, our faithful readers, to participate!

Harvest House Publishers has graciously agreed to send out a FREE copy to you if you will participate in the tour. Our blog tour coordinator, Tina Howard, will be setting up a centralized website which will contain all the information you need for posting: bios, photos, media releases, and some canned interviews. You can simply copy and paste information and blurbs from this site into your own blog or website as needed. Dillon and I would be happy to conduct personal interviews for you, as well.

If you are interested in participating in our blog tour, please e-mail our blog tour coordinator, Tina Howard, at toddntinahoward@gmail.com with your mailing address and your blog or website address. Tina will be sending out more detailed instructions to make posting as streamlined as possible. If you've never participated in a blog tour, don't worry! Tina will answer all of your questions. She helped me with the first blog tour I participated in, and it was very simple and fun!

Also, please pass on this info to any other bloggers or friends who might be interested. We're hoping for a great response! We appreciate your help and the incredible support you've shown for us and our writing ministries. Thanks so much!

Blessings-

Marla Alupoaicei

Get Real!

2008-07-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

Cec Murphey, the writer extraordinaire who has written and co-authored several runaway bestsellers, including 90 Minutes in Heaven, shared these excellent thoughts recently on The Writer's View. We were discussing the issue of how to be more authentic and vulnerable in our writing. Cec says:

"Of course it's difficult to be real (another word for vulnerable). And let's not make this a gender issue. It may be more difficult for males, but that's not a reason to hold back...

What would have happened if Moses had used the same argument and not told about killing the Egyptian? Maybe David shouldn't have written Psalm 51. Don't overlook Elijah's dark, depressive experience.

For me, being real is the most difficult aspect of writing; it's also the most rewarding. When I'm real (vulnerable, naked, honest, transparent, open), that's when I connect with people who hurt. And yes, I get blasted by a few people. And yes, that hurts, but it doesn't stop me.

When other writers open themselves and show their real selves, they give me permission to keep trying, despite my failures. I'm bored with those writers whose illustrations teach us to believe they rush from victory to victory and never fail.

One final curmudgeonly comment: Reader identification is the mark of good writing in fiction or nonfiction. I can identify with reality; I'm turned off by perfected saints."

Great points by Cec, who calls himself a "Curmudgeon of the First Order"! For more information on Cec's ministry or to sign up for his great newsletter, please visit his site at themanbehindthewords.com.

What Marks a Real Writer

2008-07-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this snippet from an interview with Anthony Snider, the winner of the 2006 Bridport Prize Competition:

“To steal a great line from Czeslaw Milosz: ‘I am a poet because I am always thinking
of something else,’” Snider says with a smile. “There is a back burner that is going all
the time, and if someone says something in a conversation that is an interesting turn
of phrase, or I hear somebody put something together that is interesting, I’ll write it
down and put it away in a little journal of snippets... Sometimes poems are
just begging to be written... Everything flows through.”

Great Work Advice-Don't Do These 5 Things!

2008-07-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a fantastically helpful article from Robert Half International. It appeared on MSN Careers:

5 Ways to Tarnish Your Professional Rep

Without a doubt, getting ahead in your career has much to do with your skills and on-the-job contributions. But a lot also depends on how you are perceived by your colleagues and managers. The impressions you make with others can greatly affect your advancement potential. Are you taking the right steps, or are you inadvertently sabotaging yourself?

Here are five ways to jeopardize your professional reputation -- and career prospects:

1.      Not raising your hand.

A colleague needs someone to take on a few of his duties while he's out of the office next week, and the boss asks everyone on the team for volunteers. You sit quietly until a co-worker offers to help out. Bad move. Taking on projects that fall outside your normal responsibilities can help you expand your skill set and explore new avenues for professional growth. While you may not always have the time to volunteer for an extra assignment, passing on every opportunity also will prevent you from being viewed by your manager as a go-to person in the deparment.

2.      Overpromising.

You may be the hardest worker in the company, but if your boss and co-workers cannot rely on you to deliver results you've committed to, you may be passed over for plum assignments. Avoid the urge to promise more than you can realistically deliver, and let people know when you hit a snag that could prevent you from meeting your deadlines. You won't acquire more responsibility if people can't depend on you.

3.      Being a know-it-all.

It's smart to offer feedback during brainstorming sessions and to colleagues who are stuck on challenging projects. But keep in mind that there can be too much of a good thing. If you are blunt or forceful with your opinions, it can seem like you are giving orders and not offering suggestions, and consequently lead to resentment among your colleagues. This attitude can be especially harmful during group projects, when effective collaboration is key. Be tactful when presenting your thoughts and respect others' right to disagree, no matter how strongly you feel about your ideas. Co-workers will appreciate your feedback and desire to help, even if they don't follow your guidance.

4.      Never admitting your mistakes.

Creating an excuse to justify poor performance is dishonest and unprofessional. Plus, chances are your ploy won't stand the test of time. If you make a mistake, step up to the plate; then go further by devising a plan for both correcting and avoiding similar incidents in the future. Employees who accept ownership demonstrate professional maturity and confidence.

5.      Being part of the rumor mill.

When there's bad news to share or complaints to be made about situations at work, you don't want to be the person leading the talk at the water cooler. There's nothing wrong with bonding with co-workers, but being associated with negative discussions makes you seem negative -- which won't please managers and can harm relationships at work. It's best to remain above the fray as much as possible.

A major snafu at work isn't the only thing that can harm a promising career. Sometimes it takes just one minor misstep. Make sure your own actions aren't derailing new opportunities from coming your way.*

*Featured on MSN Careers, July 24, 2008 See msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1563&SiteId=cbmsnhp41563>1=23000

Wildfire Marketing

2008-07-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

If you need help with marketing your book or expanding your speaking ministry, I highly recommend that you e-mail Rob Eagar. Even better, meet with him in person! His ministry, Wildfire Marketing, will be instrumental in helping you shape and hone your message and focus your ministry for maximum impact. For more info and AWESOME free resources, including great articles and free e-newsletters, visit Wildfire Marketing's website at startawildfire.com. You'll love it! And please tell Rob I sent ya.

Blessings!

Belonging...

2008-07-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

Here's an intriguing quote:

You must learn one thing.
The world was made to be free in.
Give up all the other worlds
Except the one to which you belong.

-David Whyte

The Smallest in Christ

2008-07-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

If I had to choose one Bible verse to characterize the cry of my heart and the attitude I want to have toward the Lord, I would pick Psalm 19:14:

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

When everything is stripped away and I'm hunkered down at my desk with a messy stack of papers, books, a tall cup of Starbucks and a cat wedged between my monitor and my keyboard in a blissful state of "desk sprawl," I just want to be obedient, available, and willing to express the message that the Lord wants me to share with the world.

Recently, I was reading a missions report from a Russian pastor. This humble, godly man risks his life to drive his car hundreds of miles over frozen lakes with NO ROADS and NO SIGNS to visit Christians in isolated villages in Siberia. Often, his car breaks through the ice and almost falls into the freezing water. It's a true miracle that he makes it across that frozen taiga. Every few miles, he faces a life-threatening situation, and God rescues him. Over and over. At any moment, his life could end. And sometimes he does all of this to reach JUST ONE PERSON for the sake of Jesus Christ. Most amazing of all, at the bottom of the page, after describing these truly harrowing adventures, this man signed his name "The Smallest in Christ."

Wow. Ouch. God, is my desire to be THE SMALLEST IN CHRIST? Do I consider it a privilege to be last so others can be first? As an author, (yes, even as a Christian author) I see that there's a lot of positioning and placement done, lots of fuss and seeking after fame, lots of buzz about "who's the next big name," "who's the next rising star."

I'm pretty sure that God is calling us to eliminate all of that and instead, to call on the Name that is above every name.

Like Christ, we have to be willing to give up any vestige of glory and allow ourselves to be THE SMALLEST IN CHRIST. Let's make His name large. He must increase. We must decrease.

Comments? Please share them here. Thank you!