Upcoming Events in February

Exciting Events are happening in the month of February! So much so, I wanted to share them with you!

Book Signing/Literary Cafe--Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM @ Fairfield Baptist Church, 6133 Redan Road Lithonia, GA. There I will be signing copies of my books, The Life of a Lily, Have a Little Faith anthology with my story, "The Breakthrough" and my first children's book, An Act of Forgiveness.

Then on February 26, 2011, I will be the Presider/Exhorter at the 1st Anniversary Celebration of "Bent No More Network" in Douglasville, GA, under the leadership of President/Founder/Host, Pastor Karen Dones! Service starts at 10:30AM with a breakfast preceding at 9:30AM. Come on out!

New books about to be Released!

Excitement is in the air as two books are about to be released! One of the books that I actually just received in the mail is my first children's book, "An Act of Forgiveness." It's from the six part series entitled, The Last Shall Be First. They are targeted at 3rd-5th grade children.

ENDORSEMENT: In this book, Ms. Ratliff, captures the heart of forgiveness. She shows the challenge and victory that come in the act and effort to forgive others. Along with forgiveness, this book examines the differences in individuals. No two people are alike. Each of us has a unique personality, which is what makes our world so flavorful. Learning to respect our differences is important to our walk with God. This book adds to every child’s character development and should be on every child's, library's and school's bookshelf.

--Caterri S. Leaks
Willing Heart Creations
Founder & Author

Go to http://www.lilylratliff.com to order NOW!



The other book, which has been in the works for over a few months now, is entitled, Have a Little Faith: Trouble Don't Last Always. Have A Little Faith is designed for those individuals that have gone through test and trials and come out on the right side of FAITH. Have you or anyone in your family ever been healed of an illness, delivered from an addiction, or set free from sin all in the name of Jesus. If you have, then you most certainly must Have A Little Faith. It also contains stories of entrepreneurs that have stepped out on faith and gone into ministry, started a company, or wrote the book/released the CD that was in their hearts. Now they want to share their stories of triumph amongst all of the odds that were against them.
It is set to be released May 20th and can be pre-ordered now from my website, http://www.thelifeofalily.com. My story, "The Breakthrough" will be featured. These are sure to bless your spirit!

Everyone Has a Story to Tell-Part 2

Many people usually don't know where to begin when it comes to writing their own personal memoirs. Some people feel that a memoir chronicles their entire life, pinpointing the major events that influenced and shaped them the most. Some people will take a particular event and create a "story", of course non-fiction in nature, but focus on just that as the basis of their memoirs with the hopes of informing or entertaining readers, and their overall message or theme sticks out for all to take in. It's all up to you. There is and should never be a set format in which to write a personal memoir, because it is just that, "your personal Memoir.

So when thinking about where you would like to start in your quest for writing the personal memoir, maybe ask yourself a few questions.

1. What are some of my most memorable moments? They can be sad, embarrassing, loving, or fun. They can be life-changing, or just matter-of-fact. But whatever they are, they have to big enough for you to want to share with others. Stick to big stories and less on the technical details.

2. How far back in my past should I go when pulling an important event into my memoir? What is meant by this is---you never want to bring a story from your life to paper that you cannot fully "show" to your reader. It has to be so vivid from your memory that others reading it can get a visual picture of your life, as if from the outside looking in.

For example: Being rescued from a house fire. Obviously you wouldn't just tell us you were rescued by firefighters late one night. You would go more in depth by "showing" exactly how they rescued you.

"As I was dangling outside of my second story bedroom window, sashaying a white bedsheet high in the air to signal I was there, a firefighter caught a glimpse of my hanging there. He quickly pulled a ladder in the direction of my silhouette, climbed up to my window and caught me before I could no longer take in the smoke that filled my lungs."

3. Do I want to base my memoir on a certain time period, i.e.,childhood (school) years, or as an adult (relationships, divorce, how you became the President of a Fortune 500 company or a successful entrepreneur)? It's important which angle you want to take when writing so that you are not all over the place with no end in sight. Once you know what is most important for your book, stick to it.

Now once you have all of your fundamental events, situations, and life experiences that's suitable for YOUR memoir, now begin to write. It doesn't matter about grammar, and the technicalities of writing perfectly. That will come with time once it's finally done and you're ready to edit. But remember we are only on Part 2. We will talk next time about creating a speaker voice that will be true to only your work and that will set you apart from other stories that are out there. Until next time, WRITE YOUR WAY TO DESTINY!

Be sure to leave your comments about this or the Part one of "Everyone Has a Story to Tell!"

Be Blessed!

Ch. 57 Atlanta Live Interview

I wanted all of you to be the first to view my recent TV interview on Atlanta Live Ch. 57. What a wonderful time I had on the show with Host Shelley Hendricks! Please be blessed by my testimony and be sure to share with others! God Bless!

Lily

Everyone has a Story to Tell

Ever wanted to tell your story, but just didn't know where to begin? Maybe your story is inspiring, tragic, purposeful, or full of information. Maybe you have to tell this story because if you didn't, the release and deliverance that God has for you just can't be brought to fruition. The pain and emotions from your past has weighed you down. Are you with me? I understand everyone of these situations because I, at one time, was there.

So how do you start to put pen to paper and let the words flow from you heart? I'm going to share I few tid bits in the coming weeks on how to write your personal memoir. These short techniques that I'll share have been proven to help me when I wrote my memoir, The Life of a Lily.

By the way, if you are in the Las Vegas area June 18th-19th, come out to the Black Writers Reunion Conference, www.blackwriters.org at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. Along with some of the information that I'll share with you in the coming blog posts,(there's many more where this came from), I will also be presenting on Writing Children's Books for Today's Youth.

Ok, Let's start.

Memoir-(def.) memorandum; autobiography; an account of something noteworthy. (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, copyright 2004).

My definition: a collection of true, personal life experiences that an author uses to tell a story, and/or inform an audience for the purpose of entertainment, inspiration, and reflection.

1. Start with the right surroundings.

It's kind of hard to get into your zone of writing without having the right atmosphere around you. The best time for writing for me is at night, when it's quiet, my child is in bed, and it's just me and God. I make sure I keep a pen and pad next to my bed at all times, and have awaken a time or two to jot things down from my dreams, from my subconscious mind (I know that's weird) but I have been known to wake up and some things from my past have resurfaced in my dreams. God brings things to you for a reason, especially if you realize that it happens more than once. Some people call it deja vu. I don't. God gives us unctions in the Holy Spirit. Take heed to them.

Now you want to make sure to have the most comfortable writing experience. How? Try to work in an area with the right lighting (desk lamp, or full-fledge natural lighting), and a desk or table that you always go to to write. Let that be your writer's workshop, so to speak. Get yourself something to drink, like coffee or tea, turn down any music or TV; as a matter of fact, turn it off. You want to make sure you are free from distractions and your creative juices can begin to flow. Make sure the chair that you are sitting in has the proper height for your posture but also to be able to sit properly with your computer or laptop. Working while sitting up in your bed will not be the best way to write, because you can become too comfortable and maybe fall asleep. I know many writers that do not feel that their homes are conducive to writing in. So they may go to a coffee shop, library, or other space where there's noise, chatter, or anything with stimulation. So really to each his/her own. Do what's most comfortable for you.

Just having the right surroundings will make you free to think and ready to write. Next time we will discuss how to research your life to find stories, and past memories for your memoir.

Blessings!

Subscribe to Enter My Book/Gift Basket Giveaway!

With the giveaway, you have a change to win one of three prizes just for subscribing to my blog!

Here's what you could win:

1 (ONE) winner will receive an autographed copy of my release, The Life of a Lily, inside of a gift bag/basket containing these items: cucumber melon body lotion with bath sponge, a Celtic Knot and Cross Charm Watch, "And You Will Know the Truth” Bracelet, “Guardian Angel” Bracelet, a Decorative Heart Box & Charm Key Chain, and a Expect Miracles Bookmark, all courtesy of Everything That's Lily LLC!

2 (TWO) runners-up will receive an autograph copy of my release, The Life of a Lily, a beautiful matching bookmark, and an autographed photo!

Subscribe to my Blog Feed via email from now until February 28, 2009. Remember to confirm your subscription at your email ID as well.

Winners will be chosen randomly and will be contacted via email. Thanks for your support and continued blessings!

Feature Article in Inspired Women Magazine

If you are looking for a testimony of one woman's own date rape tragedy and how she overcame it, please click on the banner that will take you to my story in Inspired Women Magazine. It contains a never before told account of my college dormitory experience that I now share with other young women that I'm sure will also bless your spirit.

The Heart of the Matter

Happy Holidays everyone!

It has truly been awhile since I’ve blogged to all of you and I must admit, I miss it! But lots have been going on with me since the last time I’ve placed a devotion or a reflection here that I must share with you!

I have been doing a lot more speaking lately! God has commissioned me to speak to others not only on my book and testimony but on the Heart of the Matter. What is it that truly concerns us? What is it within us that still causes us to be consumed with bitterness, despair, and the feeling that our prayers are not being answered? When we truly look at our hearts and do some soul searching, we may find that there are issues that plague us to the point of blocking all that God has for us, including the promise of our purpose here on Earth. Ultimately, God’s purpose will be fulfilled, however it may take longer, just as Moses and the Israelites did when traveling for 40 years in the wilderness, or he may find someone else more suitable to fulfill it that truly has a heart for God. Remember if you don’t use the talents God has given you, He will take it away and give it to someone else. What is it that you have been gifted with that you are truly not using for the glory of God? Think of this seriously and declare that in 2009, you will use what God has given to you, not by right or by your own merit or right, but because he loves you and wants to truly bless you!

Below is not only my taped message, done in Riverdale, GA on December 20, 2008, but also a written excerpt to get your juices flowing in preparation for what you are about to hear. I pray God’s blessing over you as we embark on the greatest year of our lives! Our harvest is about to come! Happy New Year!

My CD Sermon

There’s been many times in my life in which I had gone through one bad relationship to the next carrying the same old baggage. It’s true that what you normally go through during your childhood, with the men in your life (Uncles, fathers, brothers), you many times end up finding those same traits in the men you date. It’s as if your subconscious mind or soulish spirit seeks after those types of men. Especially if you yourself don’t know how to rebuke and bind up that generational curse over your life, making sure to ask God to send you a God-fearing man, so that you two are evenly yoked together. You don’t have to settle ladies. You are heirs and the righteousness of God. So I went through life, naïve and ignorant to what the Lord was trying to tell me. I knew I was saved. My grandparents put the fear of God in me early in life. But it was who I hung around once out from under them and on my own that influenced me the more. Put it this way-think about one of your friends that may not be in the Lord. They ask you repeatedly to go out with them to a nightspot. You continually tell them no. But it takes that one time, when you weren’t prayed up, or you had your guard down, and you finally said yes. That’s strike one with the devil. So you go out with them. While there, all of the people around you are dancing and drinking. You know you don’t drink. It makes you sleepy and besides, You’re a Christian. But that one time when your friend says, “Oh, it won’t hurt just to take a glass of wine.” “Ok, I guess I will have just one glass.” That’s strike two. The devil is about to win the inning. One glass of wine becomes two, and then three. What was once just a casual night out becomes much more because by then, someone who looks like Morris Chestnut has asked you to the dance floor, knowing by your mannerisms, he can take advantage of the situation if he wanted to. You’ve lost control of your senses. Strike Three-the devil has you now and the Holy Spirit is grieved that when you had the means to escape, you allowed yourself to slip.

In 1Cr 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

It’s amazing that your parents and even grandparents tell you things for your own good, many times because they’ve been through what you are now getting into. It’s not what you are ‘going through’, but ‘getting into.’ Because it didn’t have to be that way. It’s the choices that we make that determines our future outcomes. When you get yourself into things, you haven’t asked God for guidance, you felt, “I can do this on my own” and without God’s blessings, you have left his covering for a time, and it’s like being without your mother or father, and you’ve been left in the middle of a big field, with people all around you that doesn’t look like either one of them. Without a shield of protection and loving arms of the one that loves you the most. When you were younger, you didn’t want to hear what your parents had to say. The best way you thought to get them off of your back was to say, “Ok” or “I know ma.” So as you went through different situations, you ended up getting yourself caught up in the very thing they advised you on. By then, it was too late. So then you would plead with God, and say to yourself, ‘If you get me out of this situation, I won’t let it happen again.’ And it hurt you very badly. But it could have been avoided if you had just listened. Many people have to learn from experience. It’s not going to sink in for some people until they themselves go through it. Yes, it may end up a painful situation, but a life lesson indeed that ultimately works for our good. Amen!

In His Love,

I Am a Changed Woman!

Last Sunday’s service at Changing a Generation Ministries (Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church) with Co-Pastor Debra Morton as Founder and Host of the event, marked confirmation to me about what God is consistently doing in my life. When my book, The Life of a Lily was shipped to my door two weeks before Christmas last year, I felt as release deep within my spirit like never before. I also heard God tell me, “Now is the time. You are renewed in the spirit of God. I have released you to spread my message. Your life will be your purpose!” Hallelujah!

The sermon during the service was entitled, “Diary of a Changed Woman!” Over the last week, Pastors, Elders and Speakers have come to share the message that “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” Your past just set you up for the glory-your destiny-and your purpose! Pastor Fran Love from Greater Antioch Church of Love in Louisana gave a powerful, spirit-filled word on Luke 13:10-13 which says:

“And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, Behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.”

Eighteen years, this woman could not bend over. Eighteen years this woman was ostracized, isolated, shunned, and disgraced. No one noticed her for eighteen years. And this man, we call Jesus, the son of God, a man who gravitated towards ones that no one else cared for, stopped teaching and called to her to come to him. My God!! Don’t think for one minute that what Jesus had been teaching wasn’t important, for everything that comes out of the mouth of God is worthy to be heard and adored! But He looked beyond her physical ailment and focused on her heart. What a powerful sentiment to the wonderful God we serve!

When He laid His hands upon her, instantly she was healed, set free and delivered! She was changed! So too, are we changed. All of the bondage have been broken, the chains have been loosed, and we can walk in victory! I thank God that He does not judge me for my past, for I am a new woman! The former things are gone away, behold all things become new! That word was for me! Every incident, every broken promise, the neglect and abandonment, has changed into love unspeakable, peace overflowing, and compassion for others who are where I once was. There is hope! Thanks to God Almighty! Praise You Jesus!

A Conference You Must Go To

Last weekend, I was afforded the opportunity to be a part of the Black Writers Reunion & Conference. And what a conference it was! Kudos goes out to Ms. Tia Ross, the organizer and director of the conference which featured workshops on Dialogue, Plot Development, Characterization, Expanding Your Book Market, Promoting your Book on the Virtual Market (Internet), 4 P’s to Self-Publishing, Writing Children’s Books, Christian Fiction: Ministry vs. Entertainment, Working With Literary Agents, and the list goes on! Awww, what knowledge these presenters had, and many lasting connections were made. I look forward to next year’s conference in Las Vegas, NV! Take a look at my pics from the conference on my Photo Gallery!

The Evidence of the Holy Spirit

What a beautiful day today! While going through my normal checking of emails today, I read a blog post from my good friend, Genikwa Williams on the topic of ‘Speaking in Tongues.’ There has been quite a bit of scepticism on this subject for years, but a topic that to me is a no-brainer. Read it for yourself…

http://genikwawilliams.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/

speaking-in-tongues/

~I posted this comment on her blog~

Her experience reminds me of a time when the Holy Spirit gave me utterance-I’ll never forget the day, time, and event in which this true miracle from God was given to me. I highlighted it within the pages of my book, The Life of a Lily. Here’s an excerpt:

While my ex-husband and I were going through our difficult period of emotional and physical abuse with each other, God still helped me to get two degrees: a master’s in reading education after the divorce in December 1999 and an education specialist in educational leadership in 2001. I was able to obtain a 3.8 grade point average throughout school. I received a job promotion to Language Arts Department Head at the school where I taught. Then God did a miraculous thing in my life: I received the gift of tongues on November 12, 1999, just a couple of weeks after my grandmother passed away. It happened at an E.C. Reems International Christian Convention that was held at my church. That was a true blessing, one for which I asked the Lord. Days before I had stopped and asked two Holy Spirit-filled women in the church what I needed to do in order to receive this gift. Still pretty much a babe in Christ, I asked them, not knowing that all I had to do was ask God for it. The Lord said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14). It also says in John 15:7: “If ye abide in me, and my word abides in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” These are the promises of God. He also said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (John 15:16). So they prayed with me and told me to go home, set the atmosphere, and ask God for what I wanted. I let God handle the rest. That night, on November 12, a turning point in my life occurred. As I was standing up front in the choir stand, the speaker asked us to turn and hold a neighbor’s hand and start praying for them. As I started praying, I felt a warm tingle go through my body like you would never believe, and I felt myself go up in the Spirit. I could actually hear myself, but it was an utterance that I’d never heard before. First it sounded like gibberish, as if first learning to speak.Then it sounded like actual words from another language. The Bible says:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

I finally returned back to my first love from the age of thirteen, when I had first received the gift of salvation. From that point on, I made sure to talk and confess to God everything that weighed on me. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). From that November night, I had an intimacy with the Lord like I’ve never had before with anyone. My husband, lover, and friend were all wrapped up in Jesus. Instead of coming to Jesus with frivolous requests, I just wanted more of him. When I got off from work, I’d rush home and through the door to him. My new apartment was indeed a sacred haven in which Jesus resided with me. It contained unspeakable peace, love, and joy. I would have dates with Jesus, cooking for my Lord, talking daily with him.

God can and will give you the desires of your heart, if you would just ask. But before you even ask, seek Him-all of Him-as He said in His word, If you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these other things will be added unto you! (Matthew 6:33)

What an awesome God we serve!

Welcome to The Life of a Lily Official Blogspot!

The Life of A Lily

Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love

by Lily L. Ratliff

Are you going through life’s ups and downs alone? Are you a victim of the foster system or adopted and want to know, Why me? Can there ever be life after abuse or abandonment? If you have experienced opposition or neglect, this book is for you. In her autobiography, The Life of a Lily, author Lily L. Ratliff shows you that through all of your mess, God can bring you to a point of acceptance of what life has given you, with the vigor to carry on. A catalyst for hope and restoration in your life, with easy-to-read vignettes and relevant corresponding Scriptures, The Life of a Lily shows how a young girl triumphs by discovering what so many others failed to realize that God had a plan for her life.