Digging in God's Garden

The Best Benefit Package of All

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:01:00 +0000

It was Christmas evening and we had finished a wonderful dinner at my daughter's home. My grandson, Brandon, was stretched out comfortably in an easy chair with his feet propped up on the oversize ottoman. Reyna, my six-year-old great-granddaughter, nestled in the crook of his arm, obviously enjoying the security and contentment of being close to her daddy.

Meanwhile, the rest of us pitched in to clear up the dishes. That's when Reyna twisted around to where she could see her grandmother and called out, using the German endearment for grandma, "Oma, thank you for making such a good daddy!" I was amused and touched by Reyna's expression of gratitude for the blessing of her daddy's special love and attention. In her young mind, her grandma was the reason she enjoyed the benefit of a good daddy.

Reyna's comment made me think about how important it is to express my gratitude for the benefits I enjoy. I praise God for the many benefits with which He has blessed me, which include a loving family, provision of all my needs, and a church where I can enjoy God-anointed worship and Bible study. But what if some of these benefits were removed? What if I did not have the resources for some of the necessities of daily life. Suppose I could not worship God or read my Bible openly, as in many countries. Would I still be grateful? Would I still praise God if the benefits I enjoy were restricted or withdrawn entirely?

These days, a chaotic economic environment and forces hostile to our values and beliefs threaten the security of our country and the world around us. Many people are depressed and nearing panic over the changes that are taking place and wonder what the future holds for them. They realize that no matter what benefits are offered by the powers that be, they are subject to being changed or eliminated.

In Psalm 103, I have found some benefits that will not be eliminated. They are not dependent on the whims of those who think they know what is best. They were promised and enacted before the foundation of the world by our Creator. These benefits include forgiveness for ALL our sins, no matter how grievous (v.3); healing and deliverance from destructive bondages inflicted by Satan (v.4); the lovingkindness and mercy of our God (v.4); good things that truly satisfy our body and soul (v.5); a renewal of our body, mind, and spirit (v.5).

As we approach Easter, I thank God for the greatest blessing and benefit of all, the gift of eternal life. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for you and me when He hung on the cross and died for our sins. Have you signed up for the best benefit package of all, one that you can enjoy for all eternity? Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart, forgive your sins, and be your Lord and Savior? If not, won't you ask Him now?

© Laura Allen Nonemaker

Imagine It!

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:37:00 +0000

This coming Thursday, March 15, I will do a reading of my children's book, Benny's Angel, as part of the Southwest Florida Reading Festival event at The Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, Florida. Each child will have the opportunity to participate with me during the reading, using character puppets. Also, they may make a puppet to take home with them. The Florida Rep will present a children's performance called The Imaginators and the children can join in guided, hands-on art projects with local artists and meet other local children's authors. This family event runs from 4 pm to 6 pm and is free. A $5 donation is suggested.

Share this with those you know who have children and grandchildren and visit my website at http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com/

Seaside Surrender

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 04:30:00 +0000

The setting was out of a travel brochure, with waves rolling onto the sun-drenched sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and seagulls piercing the air with their shrill cries. It was the annual retreat of the women's ministry at Sundial Resort on Sanibel Island. One hundred women from First Assembly of God, Fort Myers gathered last weekend to reflect, refresh, and connect with God..

The theme this year was "Seaside Surrender" and Pastor Connie had prepared a series of teachings that brought us quickly into the center of what God wanted to do in our lives. She used the amazing chambered nautilus shell to demonstrate what God wanted from us this year. First, she showed us the outside of one of these exquisite shells. Then she held up a cross section of the chambered nautilus, which, true to its name, was divided into many compartments, each progressing in a circle towards the outer opening of the shell.

Pastor Connie explained how the inhabitant of the shell begins as a microscopic sea creature. As it grows, a larger chamber is created to accomodate its size. By the time it outgrows one compartment, a larger one has formed and it moves in. This process continues until it is mature.

A unique characteristic of the chambered nautilus is that each time it moves into a new chamber, the previous one is emptied and sealed shut.That means that it cannot move back into its old residence. It must continue to move forward in its spiraling journey toward completion and freedom.

The chambered nautilus holds a valuable lesson. If we stay mired in regret for the mistakes and pain of the past, we cannot experience living fully and successfully in the present. We are prevented from moving on to the next step in our journey to fulfill the call of God on our life.

Isaiah 43:18, 19 says, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth..." NKJV. Only when we willingly and intentionally surrender the baggage from the past can the Holy Spirit heal our wounded spirits and open up the next "chamber" of our life. Then we are free to move unencumbered toward our destiny in Christ.

As we surrendered our hearts to be cleansed, healed and renewed, God gently moved us to a new place in our walk with Him and we were set free to become the godly handmaidens He desires us to be.

© Laura Allen Nonemaker

Sunny Signing in Fort Myers Beach

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Annette Stillson welcomes Laura Allen Nonemaker and Benny's Angel to Fort Myers Beach

Saturday was an ideal day for a book signing in sunny Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Annette Stillson kindly hosted the signing at her shop, Annette's Beach Book Nook, in Santini Plaza. Many of the friendly people who stopped to investigate my display of Benny's Angel picture books, 3-D books, and T-shirts were escapees from the cold, snow, and rain of northern states. Happily, sales were good and to top it off, Paul had the privilege of praying with an elderly gentleman who was in Florida to sell his condo due to the critical illness of his wife. It is always a blessing when the Lord allows us to minister in some way, while at the same time making available my little children's book with its timely message of the importance of prayer and trusting God.

Benny's Angel in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:24:00 +0000

Let Benny lead your little ones on an adventure that teaches them about the importance of prayer!

Event Date:

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Artist/group:

Laura Allen Nonemaker

Artist/group e-mail:

lauranonemaker@gmail.com

Annette's Book Nook will host author, Laura Allen Nonemaker, on Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. when she introduces her colorful new picture book, Benny's Angel, to the Fort Myers Beach community. Benny's Angel was written for pre-K through early elementary age children and is the first book in the God's Secret Garden Adventure series. Pastor Dan Betzer of First Assembly of God, Fort Myers,author of the Dan and Louie Bible Stories, says of Benny's Angel, "In this charming book, she will take her readers into a garden of flowers, aromas, and beauty. This book will be an asset in the child's spiritual foundation and faith in God." Benny and his animal friends are sure to delight the little ones on your gift list!

Location

Annette's Book Nook

7205 Estero Blvd. # 701, Villa Santini Plaza, Next to Bank of America

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

:In addition to being at Annette's this coming Saturday, I will be at Ornery Attitude Cafe in Fishermen's Village, 122 W. Retta Esplanade #28 in Punta Gorda, Saturday, February 4, from 1 pm to 3 pm. David Jones has been kind enough to allow me to set up right outside his popular meeting place. If you like Blue Bell Ice Cream and gourmet coffees and latte's, Ornery Attitude is the place to be...and they claim to be able to change the most ornery attitude out there!

Fishermen's Village is an upscale shopping arcade and resort with an island flavor. Drop in and visit me at Dave's place and check out the mall before you leave!

A Christmas Memory for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:16:00 +0000

Last December I shared a precious Christmas memory from my childhood, helping my father prepare his traditional family recipe for plum pudding. New readers can refer to my archives if they would like to read that article.

This year's special memory is of the first Advent season I spent at Mount Saint Agnes Academy when I was ten. In what I call a mysterious move by God, I was enrolled by my Anglican father and Jewish mother, neither of whom attended any religious services, in a Catholic school. It seems that when they married, they agreed not to impose either of their religions on my brother and me. We learned respect for God through our nightly prayers with our mother, but we did not have a clear understanding of who Jesus was.

It was the custom during Advent for the nuns to give us each a flyer containing directions for making a "crib" for Baby Jesus It listed various prayers and recitations, each of which represented an item needed to prepare a baby's bed. For example, the mattress might be ten Our Father's, the sheet might be fifteen Glory Be's, and the blanket ten Hail Mary's. In addition, there would be a pillow and a pillowcase. As a child who had never been exposed to any details of the Christian faith, I was absolutely fascinated with this ritual. I was to have the honor of preparing a crib, in reality my heart, where the Christchild would be welcomed.

Now, as an adult, I believe I know why this so appealed to my young spirit. Through this symbolic exercise, God was giving me a tangible point of contact to begin to place my faith in and build my anticipation for the One whom I would eventually receive into my heart as my Lord and Savior.

Praise God for the mysterious ways in which the Good Shepherd leads us into His fold.

Laura Allen Nonemaker

Announcing the Winner of the Benny's Angel Blog Tour Grand Prize

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Congratulations to Grandma Carol B, whose name was drawn by random.org as the winner of the grand prize gift package.

Thank you, Carol, for leaving your comment at the blog tour for Benny's Angel, which appeared on Abi Buening's blog, www.myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com. Your prize is on its way!

Sheila McKinney DeChantal's Review of Benny's Angel

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:27:00 +0000

This book was sent to me as part of a tour with KCWC Blog Tour. While this book is short and sweet, it packs within its pages a powerful message about our joy and how we are in control of the way we respond when things go wrong.

I remember when my boys were growing up and they would come home all upset about what someone had said to them. Maybe it was name calling, or maybe it was a comment about how they played a game or answered a question. I always told my boys that they had the power to choose how they responded, a kind response or none at all can really take the power away from the offender, after all – they are fueled by the reaction. The same goes for the message within this book, while Count Slime wanted to see the animals of the garden have sorrow and feel scared, when that reaction was missing – the Count goes about his way… defeated.

I think even as an adult I need to remind myself sometimes that I choose how I respond to situations that may be difficult or painful. Knowing that, somehow makes me feel better.

This book would make a wonderful addition to a Christmas stocking. The book also includes a code for a free download of the audio version of the book. What fun to play the audio version while paging through the colorful illustrations that go along with this story.

Thank you to KCWC Blog Tour and Tate Publishing for offering me this book for review.

Filed under: Book Review Order Benny's Angel: www.godsgarden.tateauthor.com

The Joy of Writing: Benny’s Angel by Laura Allen Nonemaker

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:31:00 +0000

The Joy of Writing: Benny’s Angel by Laura Allen Nonemaker: I love finding new picture books that beautifully communicate the finer points of God’s Word and theology to young children. Benny’s Angel ...

A Grandmother Reads Benny's Angel to Her Granddaughter

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:23:00 +0000

Thank you to this grandmother for her touching account of reading Benny's Angel to her 3 yr. old granddaughter.

BENNY'S ANGEL: Who stole the flowers in God’s Secret Garden?

My 3-year-old granddaughter, Julia, found my copy ofBenny’s Angel, a new children’s book by Laura Allen Nonemaker, during Thanksgiving. As I read it to her, I was amazed at how quietly she sat in my lap. In fact, she asked me to read it to her again later. Julia laughed as we read about Benny and his animals friends—I think she liked the silly voices that I used as I read her the story.

I enjoyed reading Benny's Angel to Julia—sometimes it's fun just to observe at a simple tale through the eyes of a child. Even though this book skimmed the surface with its biblical teachings, it opened the door for me to talk to my grandchild about prayer in a way that she could understand. The tale also seemed to captured Julia's imagination. With all the technology available to entertain children these days, it's refreshing to find a book that helps me to connect with my grandchild, using simple concepts, words, and pictures. So, I’m grateful to add this enjoyable little story to my children’s books at home. BLESSED, kj

Join the Blog Tour for Benny's Angel!

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:57:00 +0000

This week, from Monday, November 28 through Friday, December 2, a group of bloggers will be hosting a blog tour for Benny's Angel, my new children's book.
Leave a comment on one or more of the following blogs and your name will be entered in a drawing to win a prize package worth $85.00.

11/28/11 http://www.sickofmg.blogspot.com

http://aliveinspirit.com/wordpress/

http://geniwhite.typepad.com/a_candle_in_the_dar

http://inthepages.blogspot.com

http://www.lifeasamomnwife.blogspot.com/

http://practicalfrugality.blogspot.com

www.sarahsblogoffun.com/

11/29/11 www.grannysperctive.blogspot.com

http://www.annhibbard.com

http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com

http://beyourbestmom.blogspot.com/

http://hangingoffthewire.blogspot.com/

http://www.jewelknits.blogspot.com

www.reallifedeals.com

11/30/11 http://www.cornhuskeracademy.blogspot.com

http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

12/01/11 http://www.thenursemommy.com

http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

www.lesleypeck.com

http://jdellis.blogspot.com

http://www.chelled.blogspot.com/

http://psmomreviews.blogspot.com

http://reviewsbymolly.blogspot.com

http://shopannies.blogspot.com

http://TheTouchstones.wordpress.com

12/02/11 http://blog.karenjordan.net/

http://janey-demeo.blogspot.com/

http://liveanddreamalittledream.blogspot.com/

http://ausjenny.blogspot.com

www.lovingheartmommy.com

Thank you so much for checking out some of these websites and entering your name in the drawing!

~ Laura

A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Yesterday was Black Friday, the day that launches the beginning of serious Christmas shopping, when businesses hope to get in the black financially. Paul and I chose to forgo the sales in favor of something far more valuable, a special day with our two great-granddaughters, Brianna and Reyna. Our destination was Derby Dinner Playhouse and the Children's Musical Theatre production of A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas. What fun!
After diving into a sumptuous buffet lunch of mostly "kid food" like corn dogs, chicken nuggets, waffle fries, green beans, and macaroni and cheese, we settled down to watch a musical based on a beloved children's classic, The Velveteen Rabbit. The original book by Margery Williams was published in 1922. It tells the story of a brown velveteen rabbit stuffed with sawdust that is placed in the Christmas stocking of a little boy named Oliver. Even though Oliver receives other toys that are more colorful and sturdy, or have mechanical parts, the velveteen rabbit becomes his favorite. The little rabbit is dearly-loved and handled by Oliver. It goes through may adventures and mishaps, until it loses all its fur and looks quite worn out. That is when the rabbit undergoes a wonderful transformation. It becomes real!
The story of the velveteen rabbit has a clear message, one that is particularly important to remember during the holiday shopping season. Nothing bought in a shopping mall or on the web can compare with the love that we are capable of experiencing among family and friends. As we see in the story of The Velveteen Rabbit, it is the giving and receiving of love that makes us real. We have the life-giving capability to love because our Maker loved us first and gave us the most precious Christmas Gift of all, Jesus. (1John 4:19)

© Laura Allen Nonemaker

Book Launch Contest - Win a Limited Edition Print

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:22:00 +0000

OLD TIMER

Visit my author website at http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com/ and e-mail me your comment about my new children's book, Benny's Angel. Your name will be entered in a drawing for my limited edition, signed and numbered print titled, "Old Timer." The original artwork for this print won first place in the Fine Arts portrait division of the 2006 Kentucky State Fair.

Note: Last date to leave a comment is December 10, 2011.

Book Signing at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Author, Laura Allen Nonemaker, with Benny Bunny and friends at a recent book reading and signing.

This coming Saturday, Laura Allen Nonemaker will sign and personalize her new children's book, Benny's Angel, at the holiday craft show sponsored by Fisher's of Men Lutheran Church. Laura's colorfully illustrated book, written for early elementary age, uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach children the value of prayer and the importance of trusting God. It is the first book in the series, God's Secret Garden Adventures.

Get an early start on your shopping at the Fishers of Men Craft Show, November 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, Florida.

The Tragedy of Inner Vows

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:15:00 +0000

When I was a child, certain events caused me to make a decision that plagued me much of my adult life. I decided I would never allow anyone else to control me. This was impossible, of course, if I was going to be a lawful citizen and moral person. Everyone is subject to some kind of authority, whether in school, on the job, or as a member of the community. But as time went on, my subconscious found subtle ways to control aspects of my life and the lives of those around me. I was acting out the "inner vow" I had made when I was young.

An inner vow is a decision, usually subconscious, that we make due to some uncomfortable or traumatic experience. For example, I watched my own father allow an inner vow to affect him in a negative way throughout his entire life. As a younger man, he received a life-changing blow to his career. Because of that disappointment, he lived the rest of his life dominated by sadness and depression. Only death gave him complete release from the burden he carried.

My father made an inner vow that changed the course of his life. Unfortunately, it also affected the rest of our family as well. Living with the emotional fallout of his loss planted a deep fear of loss in my own life. As a result, when I became a young woman, I struggled with the need to exert control over the circumstances of my life and the lives of those around me.

Fortunately, we can be released from these subtle, but powerful, controls on our emotions and behavior. Victory over the effects of my early decision began after I read about the concept of inner vows, understood it, and recognized symptoms of it in my own behavior. I saw that a lot of my life revolved around my fear of losing control over my life.

The next step in my recovery was to turn the situation over to God and allow Him to have ultimate control of my life. Scripture says that perfect love casts out fear. God's Word also says that fear has torment and I had experienced that torment. As I submitted to God's love and his will for my life, I was gradually able to hand the reins of control to God. As a result, my fear of loss lessened and so did the need to control those around me.

When we examine the roots of our negative behaviors, we likely will find an inner vow somewhere in the mix. Releasing past trauma to God initiates a healing process that frees us from the negative effects of an inner vow.

© Laura Allen Nonemaker

Book Signing and Book Fair This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Laura Allen Nonemaker will take part in the annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Florida this Saturday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laura will sign and personalize copies of her new children's book, Benny's Angel. The church is located at 3759 Colonial Boulevard.
Meanwhile, Laura's husband, Paul, will represent her at the annual Faith Lutheran Church Book Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Signed copies of Benny's Angel will be available for purchase. The church is located at 705 Leeland Heights Boulevard in Lehigh Acres.
In addition to Benny's Angel picture books, Benny's Angel 3-D books, coloring books, T-shirts, and character Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase at both locations.

Are You a Victim of Seasonal Affective Disorder? Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:36:00 +0000

I apologize to my readers that due to circumstances, the final post of the SAD series is going up later than planned. For those who missed the first two segments, please refer to September 21 and September 28 in the index of posts.

     What treatment is available for SAD sufferers? Antidepressants have been used with some success, along with exercise. However, medication has the potential for side effects. Researchers are pointing to light therapy as another possible solution. It appears that replacing natural, full-spectrum light, which is in short supply in the winter, can provide relief for some SAD sufferers. According to an article in Maclean's titled, Surviving the Winter, dozens of clinical studies have shown that light therapy, simply exposing a patient to bright light for a period of time each day, can be highly effective in treating two-thirds of SAD patients. The belief is that this is probably due to the restoration of proper melatonin synthesis and secretion by the pineal gland. This leads to reestablishment of the proper circadian rhythm, which is the natural 24-hour rhythmic release of hormones.
     Is there a way to tell who will benefit from light therapy? According to a report on early response to light therapy carried in The Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, a small clinical study using light therapy showed that patients suffering from hypersomnia and carbohydrate cravings tend to have a favorable response. According to the article, a number of studies have demonstrated that artificial bright-light therapy effectively treats the symptoms of depression in most, but not all, patients with SAD.
     Those suffering with certain types of depression other than SAD also may be helped with light therapy. There is evidence that exposing PMS sufferers to full-spectrum light for a period of time each day during the dark winter months could serve as a non-drug therapy to reduce their symptoms. In a preliminary study of PMS sufferers dealing with depression, two hours of natural light was administered the week before menstruation each month for three months. All patients experienced vastly decreased feelings of depression. An article in Prevention offered the theory that, similar to patients affected by SAD, the release of the hormone, melatonin, during light therapy restores the rhythms that have been interrupted by the reproductive hormones.
     The available data seems to draw a clear relationship between the availability of full-spectrum light and our physical, emotional, and mental health. Light therapy appears to be a relatively simple, non-invasive way for some people to experience relief. Formerly, the equipment used to administer full-spectrum light was bulky and heavy. A light-producing device called Litebook is the size of a portable CD player and uses light-emitting diodes (LED's) to create an intense beam, while consuming just one-tenth the power of an incandescent bulb. This device could make a significant difference to those suffering from conditions that respond to light therapy. This includes people with jet lag. Larry Pederson, the inventor of Litebook, points out that travelers and business people generally don't have the luxury of several days to recover after a long flight. The use of light therapy could be a welcome benefit to those with heavy travel schedules between time zones.
      There is a less expensive solution. Visit a pet store and purchase a full-spectrum florescent light designed for an aquarium. It may be necessary to sit near the aquarium light for up to two hours at a time rather than the 20 minute estimate for the costlier version, but the time can be well-spent reading or doing office work.

After learning about the benefits of light therapy, I bought a standard full-spectrum light bulb at a health and nutrition store and installed it in a lamp. I sat near the lamp for 30 minutes to one hour each morning. After two to three months on this regimen, there was a marked reduction in my depression and my energy and motivation increased significantly. After implementing light therapy, I was able to anticpate the beauty of fall without the accompanying dread of winter. Of course, even better is the blessing of a winter vacation in Florida!

Note: As with any treatment of physical, mental or emotional symptoms, a medical professional should be consulted before using light therapy.
© Laura Allen Nonemaker

Donna J. Shepherd Reviews Benny's Angel

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:57:00 +0000

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Benny's Angel by Laura Allen Nonemaker

Benny's Angel is a God's Secret Garden Adventure. The book opens with a mystery – what happened to the beautiful flowers in the garden? In Nonemaker's sweet story, the animals call on God for wisdom to come up with a solution. God sends an angel to speak to them. By obeying God, they find that joy comes from serving God – not from your circumstances. This charming little book with its colorful illustrations will help you teach children about prayer and faith. Here's where you can pick up your copy. Available in paperback or eBook:http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781613460092

reviewsbydonnashepherd.blogspot.com/.../bennys-angel-by-la...

Book Signing October 16 for Benny's Angel

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:50:00 +0000

You are invited to bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to a special reading of Benny's Angel, a new book for children by Laura Allen Nonemaker. The first in the God's Secret Garden Adventure series, this delightful tale uses animals, nature and a visit from an angel to teach children the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.

Date: Sunday, October 16

Place: Kids Church, Second Floor
Evangel World Prayer Conference Center
6900 Billtown Road
Louisville, Kentucky

Time: During the 9:00 a.m.and 11:00 a.m. services

Books will be available for purchase to be personalized and signed by Laura following each service.

Pastor Dan Betzer, author of the Dan and Louie Bible Stories, says "It requires a special talent to effectively communicate to children the wonders of God's Word. It requires expanded imagination and Laura Allen Nonemaker has an abundant share of that. In this charming book, she will take her readers into a garden of flowers, aromas, and beauty. This book will be an asset in the child's spiritual foundation and faith in God."

Benny and his whimsical woodland friends promise to find a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike.

Life is Good with Enough Sleep!

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:49:00 +0000

This morning I woke up alert and ready to go. I couldn't wait to get started on my day. Lately, that has not been the case. Some mornings I have to push myself just to roll out of bed, especially since I have been wearing a "space boot" on one foot. However, this morning was different. Why? Because, for the first time in a long time, I got my required eight hours of sleep. The result was a livelier, more cheerful me and consequently, a happier husband as well.

I thought a lot today about the difference a good night's sleep can make. I thought about it as I gathered together two loads of clothes and started them on their way. I thought about it as I stood at my kitchen window and enjoyed the sunny view while I washed and cut up vegetables, including my daughters beautiful home-grown tomatoes, for a pot of homemade soup. Life felt good.

Then I took up my position at the computer with a long to-do list for marketing my just-published children's book, Benny's Angel. As the day wore on and I began to wear out, it became clear to me where the problem lies. I have not learned to draw a line on the number of hours I sit at the computer. I am not taking enough breaks, not finding a balance in my life that includes adequate rest.

O.K. So here I am at 8:45 sitting at my computer typing up this post to share with you. Where did today's epiphany get me? Well, at least I'm thinking about it, and as soon as I finish this post, I'll shut down the computer. Maybe.

~ Laura

Note to my followers: Those who are waiting for another installment in my series on SAD, should look for it in a couple of days. I just had to get this up tonight!

Family and Friends Gather for Book Signing

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 03:25:00 +0000

Benny's Angel, my first book in the God's Secret Garden Adventure Series, was the centerpiece last Thursday evening. With the help of her sister, Marlene, my daughter, Lisa, hosted a very special family and friends book signing in her home. The affair was well-attended and the guest list included some friends I had not seen for some time.

My daughters outdid themselves with the beautifully presented refreshments and the cake was decorated with an edible copy of the book cover. When the time came to cut it, every child wanted a piece of Benny Bunny, which posed a real challenge for Lisa. Thankfully, she was able to do some creative cutting and satisfied them all.

My heart was warmed during my reading of Benny's Angel, when little ones gathered as close as they could on the floor around my chair. Adults settled into the sofa and chairs, with others standing in the background. Even the cat, Daisy, joined us. She probably felt at home with the stuffed rabbits I had positioned around the room. The children's responses during the "pop quiz" I gave them after the reading showed me they had listened closely.

Benny's Angel was a hit with both children and parents. Book sales were brisk, with the 3-D version proving to be very popular. I can only pray that my future book signings will be as rewarding as this one.

Benny's Angel may be ordered at http://tatepublishing.com/ .
Coming in October: my brand new website at http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com/

Are You a Victim of Seasonal Affective Disorder? Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:38:00 +0000

With the approach of winter, it is typical for SAD sufferers to struggle in their emotional, mental, and physical health. They may have difficulty dealing with the most ordinary tasks of daily life and experience a vague melancholy. Not only are they depressed, but they feel sluggish and irritable. They oversleep, crave carbohydrates, and overeat, according to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. In contrast, these same people may feel elated, active, and energetic during the summer months.

What causes SAD, sometimes called "the winter blues?" The consensus seems to be that inadequate sunlight is the culprit. Natural light is just as important to the body as proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise, and plays a vital part in synchronizing the body's daily biological clock. When mornings are dark and gloomy, some individuals don't receive a strong enough light signal to get them going. This results in chemical changes in the brain. SAD is more prevalent in Canada and the northern United States, where fall and winter are longer. However, although most of the literature refers to more northern districts, such as Alaska and Michigan, SAD also seems to affect people farther south, but to a lesser degree.

There may be another reason more people do not recognize SAD as the cause of their symptoms. During November and December the holidays bolster their spirits and carry them through until New Year's. They may be well into January before they realize they are depressed or anxious and that they don't have the energy or attitude they had during the warmer months. Before the SAD victim gets around to seeing a professional, spring has arrived and he feels better. To complicate things even more, some may attribute their lack of energy and blue mood to other causes, such as finances, a death in the family, or another stress factor that may be coinciding with the seasonal component. Once spring arrives, it is easier to cope with the stresses of life and the problem with depression seems to be resolved.

My next installment of Are You a Victim of Seasonal Affective Disorder? will examine some solutions for SAD sufferers.

Are You a Victim of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Many parts of the country are entering the fall season, which I consider one of the most beautiful times of the year. The trees are an outrageous pageant of color and the sun sheds a special glow across the entire countryside. Festivals, hayrides, and apple cider entice our senses to taste life and savor its goodness. Thanksgiving will usher in homecomings, pumpkin pie and frosty mornings. Christmas waits in the wings with its collage of twinkling lights, family celebrations, and warm memories.

In spite of the charm and appeal of the changing seasons, some people see it as the harbinger of an annual struggle with overwhelming fatigue and blue moods. As shadows lengthen and days grow shorter, many battle emotional swings and lack of energy. Once the holidays are behind them, they begin a desperate countdown to spring. These individuals, and I formerly was among them, are often victims of a syndrome called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

In the coming days, I will share some information gleaned from my own research into SAD, as published in the December 2003 issue of Kentucky Monthly Magazine under the title, Fighting the Winter Blues. Whether you suffer from SAD or you know someone who does, I invite you to return to Digging In God’s Garden and dig deeper into this subject.

© Laura Allen Nonemaker

Thanks To All Who Made Benny's Angel Book Signing Successful!

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:17:00 +0000

My first book signing for Benny's Angel: A God's Secret Garden Adventure was a success and a blessing. What a joy it was to read the book for the children, who included my own great-granddaughters! All the children enjoyed coloring the printouts of Benny Bunny and Marietta the Angel that we made available to them. The adults were gracious with their response when I shared my experiences leading up to the birth of the book. The question and answer session was lively, enabling me to share the positive experiences I have had with Tate Publishing & Enterprises during the production of Benny's Angel. I am looking forward to several more pre-launch events that are scheduled for September and October. Stay tuned for dates and times.

~ Laura Allen Nonemaker

Order Benny's Angel

Laura's First Book Signing as Reported by Crystal A. Murray

noreply@blogger.com (~Laura Allen Nonemaker) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Crystal A Murray

Our Louisville Christian Writers meeting with Laura talking about the publication of her new book. This is a cell phone shot, so not as clear as others I took with the regular camera, but if you can see her cute garden table in the background, it looks really good. And her story, a bit of a Garden of Eden allegory, was enjoyable to listen to her read from. A great success I would say.