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
Watch Your Life Bloom
Welcome to the Official Blog of Author Dr. Lily L. Ratliff Jenkins, of the inspirational Memoir, The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love, and many other writings.
Thanks for coming by to sit awhile and reflecting along with me on everything biblical. On this blog, feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about the various topics I present. They all do come from the heart and are meant for us to ponder, be enlightened, laugh, cry, and ultimately give God all of the praise.
You will hopefully find resources on everything from writing tips to creating your own memoir, how to journal, becoming better Christians and how to walk in your callings, destinies, and witty inventions that we have deep inside of us but sometimes don't quite know how to tap into and walk in. But GOD! It is in his wisdom along with an open mind that we will get through this together. Amen! So I welcome you my brothers and sisters!
Thanks for coming by to sit awhile and reflecting along with me on everything biblical. On this blog, feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about the various topics I present. They all do come from the heart and are meant for us to ponder, be enlightened, laugh, cry, and ultimately give God all of the praise.
You will hopefully find resources on everything from writing tips to creating your own memoir, how to journal, becoming better Christians and how to walk in your callings, destinies, and witty inventions that we have deep inside of us but sometimes don't quite know how to tap into and walk in. But GOD! It is in his wisdom along with an open mind that we will get through this together. Amen! So I welcome you my brothers and sisters!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
An Act of Forgiveness
Asta Publications Announces, An Act of Forgiveness, the Highly Anticipated Children’s Book from Author, Lily L. Ratliff
Asta Publications releases, "An Act of Forgiveness," written by Lily L. Ratliff in March 2009. The paperback will be available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $12.95.
Lithonia, GA, January 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- During one of Ms Frazier’s fifth grade bible lessons on forgiveness at Noah’s Christian Academy, Caleb daydreams about being constantly bullied by the school’s gang. They began teasing him when they found out he was living in a foster home. Caleb concentrates on doing well in school and helping his favorite teacher by doing small chores for her. One day Caleb stumbles upon intruders defacing and destroying the school’s computer lab. His main tormentor, Leander is accused by the principal of being involved. However, Caleb knows the truth and has to make a decision of whether to tell the truth or get revenge. Will Caleb be able to forgive those who have abused him?
While it is at its core a story of perseverance, pain, and character building, An Act of Forgiveness is also a challenging parable about the pitfalls of moral judgment, acts of kindness, and forgiveness.
His character is tested every time he is taunted, teased, and eventually beat up by bullies of the private school he attended, but still later on forgave them.
An Act of Forgiveness is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the Children’s Fiction category. With U.S. wholesale distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and all-encompassing online availability through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, An Act of Forgiveness meets consumer demand through both retail and library markets with a suggested retail price of $12.95.
Additionally, An Act of Forgiveness can be ordered by retailers or wholesalers for the maximum trade discount price set by the author in quantities of ten or more by visiting the author’s web site at www.thelifeofalily.com.
Lily L. Ratliff is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of the inspirational memoir, The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love, a Black Christian Book Distributor’s Top 50 Independent Publishers Bestseller. She was a finalist in the 2008 Indie Book Awards and is a Cambridge Who’s Who of Professionals, Executives, and Entrepreneurs Honorary Member. By day, she is an educator and lives with her family in the Atlanta area.
###
Contact Information
Asta Publications
Lily L. Ratliff
813-850-7333
astapubl@gmail.com
www.thelifeofalily.com
Asta Publications releases, "An Act of Forgiveness," written by Lily L. Ratliff in March 2009. The paperback will be available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $12.95.
Lithonia, GA, January 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- During one of Ms Frazier’s fifth grade bible lessons on forgiveness at Noah’s Christian Academy, Caleb daydreams about being constantly bullied by the school’s gang. They began teasing him when they found out he was living in a foster home. Caleb concentrates on doing well in school and helping his favorite teacher by doing small chores for her. One day Caleb stumbles upon intruders defacing and destroying the school’s computer lab. His main tormentor, Leander is accused by the principal of being involved. However, Caleb knows the truth and has to make a decision of whether to tell the truth or get revenge. Will Caleb be able to forgive those who have abused him?
While it is at its core a story of perseverance, pain, and character building, An Act of Forgiveness is also a challenging parable about the pitfalls of moral judgment, acts of kindness, and forgiveness.
His character is tested every time he is taunted, teased, and eventually beat up by bullies of the private school he attended, but still later on forgave them.
An Act of Forgiveness is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the Children’s Fiction category. With U.S. wholesale distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and all-encompassing online availability through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, An Act of Forgiveness meets consumer demand through both retail and library markets with a suggested retail price of $12.95.
Additionally, An Act of Forgiveness can be ordered by retailers or wholesalers for the maximum trade discount price set by the author in quantities of ten or more by visiting the author’s web site at www.thelifeofalily.com.
Lily L. Ratliff is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of the inspirational memoir, The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love, a Black Christian Book Distributor’s Top 50 Independent Publishers Bestseller. She was a finalist in the 2008 Indie Book Awards and is a Cambridge Who’s Who of Professionals, Executives, and Entrepreneurs Honorary Member. By day, she is an educator and lives with her family in the Atlanta area.
###
Contact Information
Asta Publications
Lily L. Ratliff
813-850-7333
astapubl@gmail.com
www.thelifeofalily.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
You Are Worth It
Enjoy this inspirational food-for-thought, that one of my dear friends, Pastor Natalie Francisco, sent out as a motivational tool for all of her friends to jump start our day! http://www.nataliefrancisco.com/. Thanks Natalie!
YOU ARE WORTH IT
You are worth the trouble and effort required to make your life the best it can possibly be. There is so very much you have to express, to give, to experience and to contribute to the magnificent fabric of life. You are worth the discomfort and frustration that you’ll regularly need to get through. You are worth the pain that the world will sometimes offer.
For within you is the capacity for great joy and astounding achievement. Within you are beautiful and worthy dreams that long to be fulfilled. You are one of a kind and you are filled with a driving purpose. You are worth whatever it takes to give that special purpose a lasting and meaningful expression. Yes, the disappointments, inconveniences, pains, problems and annoyances will surely and steadily come. Yet they are indeed quite trivial compared to the precious possibilities that live within you. Make whatever efforts necessary, endure whatever setbacks you must, move forward through whatever challenges may come along. For there is no question that you are worth it.
— Ralph Marston
YOU ARE WORTH IT
You are worth the trouble and effort required to make your life the best it can possibly be. There is so very much you have to express, to give, to experience and to contribute to the magnificent fabric of life. You are worth the discomfort and frustration that you’ll regularly need to get through. You are worth the pain that the world will sometimes offer.
For within you is the capacity for great joy and astounding achievement. Within you are beautiful and worthy dreams that long to be fulfilled. You are one of a kind and you are filled with a driving purpose. You are worth whatever it takes to give that special purpose a lasting and meaningful expression. Yes, the disappointments, inconveniences, pains, problems and annoyances will surely and steadily come. Yet they are indeed quite trivial compared to the precious possibilities that live within you. Make whatever efforts necessary, endure whatever setbacks you must, move forward through whatever challenges may come along. For there is no question that you are worth it.
— Ralph Marston
Monday, January 19, 2009
Set Yourself Free
Set yourself free from anything that might hinder you in becoming the person you want to be. Free yourself from the uncertainties about your abilities or the worth of your dreams, from the fears that you may not be able to achieve them or that they won’t be what you wanted.
Set yourself free from the past. The good things from yesterday are still yours in memory; the things you want to forget you will, for tomorrow is only a sunrise away. Free yourself from regret or guilt, and promise to live this day as fully as you can.
Set yourself free from the expectations of others, and never feel guilty or embarrassed if you do not live up to their standards. You are most important to yourself; live by what you feel is best and right for you. Others will come to respect your integrity and honesty.
Set yourself free to simply be yourself, and you will soar higher than you’ve ever dreamed.
by: Edmund O’Neill
Set yourself free from the past. The good things from yesterday are still yours in memory; the things you want to forget you will, for tomorrow is only a sunrise away. Free yourself from regret or guilt, and promise to live this day as fully as you can.
Set yourself free from the expectations of others, and never feel guilty or embarrassed if you do not live up to their standards. You are most important to yourself; live by what you feel is best and right for you. Others will come to respect your integrity and honesty.
Set yourself free to simply be yourself, and you will soar higher than you’ve ever dreamed.
by: Edmund O’Neill
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