Choose NOW Ministries

March 22, 2012

On Teen Talk: Jennifer Maggio, single moms; Rachel Hendrix, October Baby; Margaret Daley, Human Trafficking

What a JAM-packed show this is going to be. I can’t wait to bring you these three fabulous guests! First Jennifer Maggio and I will chat about teen pregnancy and life as a single mom. She visited Parent Talk in the previous hour, but now has something special to share with you.

Jennifer Maggio is a nationally-recognized author and speaker, Jennifer Maggio, has a passion to see all women living the life God intended. Her personal journey through teen pregnancy, severe abuse, and homelessness is leaving audiences riveted. She has allowed God to transform her “mess” into her “message”.

She is founder of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries and Overwhelmed: The Single Moms Magazine. She has been featured on more than 100 radio and television programs and her work has been endorsed by some of the nation’s leading ministries, including The 700 Club, Focus on the Family, Moody Institute and more.

Next, Rachel Hendrix will Join me. She plays Hannah in October Baby.

OCTOBER BABY follows the dramatic, humorous, romantic story of 19-year-old Hannah, who goes on a road trip to find answers after learning she is adopted and the survivor of an attempted abortion. Offering a life-affirming, uplifting take on an often polarizing topic, OCTOBER BABY is distributed by Provident Films—known for its leadership in the faith film arena with films such as FACING THE GIANTS, COURAGEOUS and FIREPROOF—and Samuel Goldwyn Films, the distributor of FIREPROOF, AMAZING GRACE and FACING THE GIANTS.… continue reading

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March 20, 2012

Girl talk: My sister is very sick but I feel like I’m losing my parents too

Alexis wrote: My little sister is pretty sick. She has cancer and is going through a bunch of treatments. My parents are never, ever home because they’re always with Allie at the doctor or the hospital. I try not to complain because I know how hard it is on them to see Ally so sick and in so much pain. It breaks my heart too…so I feel like a real jerk for even writing this, but I feel sort of forgotten about. But they probably think they don’t have much time left with Allie. . .because that’s what the doctors say. But what about me?

Emmy 199x300 Girl talk: My sister is very sick but I feel like Im losing my parents too

Emily replied: I’m so sorry about all you’re going through, Alexis! I totally understandwhy you feel bad and forgotten about–I think that makes perfect sense. It’s totally unfair that you’re dealing with this. . .but it’s also unfair that Allie is sick like she is. Can you go with them to the hospital or go hang out at a grandparent’s house so you’re not alone so much? No solution is perfect–It’s just not a good situation for anyone, and the only way to get through it is with God’s help. Pray that He’ll give you the strength to get through each day and that you’ll be strong to face whatever comes.… continue reading

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March 8, 2012

On Teen Talk: Actress Cierra Ramirez, Girl in Progress; and Stefne Miller

Well, here we are, the very first episode of the new Teen Talk show brought to you by Choose NOW Radio! Are you excited??? I sure am! What I love most is that I’ll be able to bring you double the content, double the great guests, and double the fun. I’ve always been sad when Teen Talk Radio ended after an hour–I was just getting started! So now I get to talk for two full hours!!

Do you have topics you hope we’ll cover on Parent Talk or Teen Talk? Please contact me here to make your requests and suggestions.

This week, my guests are Stefne Miller and Cierra Ramirez! Read on to find out more…… continue reading

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March 6, 2012

On Girl Talk: 3 ways to deflate the power of toxic friendships and online bullying

Hey there, my name is Chloe, and I’m from South Africa. I have a problem here. I have a few friendships going with some people and feel that they are all wrong. Sure, they comfort me and help me when I’m down, but most of the time they make me feel sad or upset, for no real reason, something I can’t explain. It’s so bad that I can’t even use social networks anymore because they’re always on there teasing me and putting me down. What is happening to me?

Natalie said: I see a few things happening here. One thing that concerns me is cyber bullying. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, on social networks, first print out any proof of things that have been said to you, then avoid the setting completely. You aren’t required to check in on Facebook or anywhere else online, so if you don’t want to, don’t. Or, weed through your online friendships and make your corner of the cyber world a safe place for you to be by only surrounding yourself with people who will build you up, not tear you down.

The other concern I have is that you’re feeling down a lot.… continue reading

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February 28, 2012

On Girl Talk: My BFF and her BFF are mean / 5 Steps to Fix it

“S” wrote : I would really like some help! I have 2 friends.. one is my best friend forever named Macy and my other is just a friend but still a good friend named Sarah. They both like the same person… and they talk about him and look for him all the time. They completely leave me out and don’t even notice that I am there too! Macy is totally different outside of school. She always tells me that I am her best friend and we talk on the phone ALL THE TIME!! We go to youth group together, we do dance and we hang out A LOT! But when we go to school NONE of that ever happened in her mind.

When Sarah is upset Macy is comforting to her and all that but when I am upset and tell her about my feelings she says it is annoying, which is really mean. I hate going to school everyday because of that. When the teacher says pick a partner my heart almost stops. I get sooo nervous and hate partner stuff! I hate gym because we always need a partner and they always leave me out. I usually put a smile on my face at school but when I get home I completely break and cry my eyes out!… continue reading

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February 23, 2012

TTR: Are you a sucker for a big announcement?

If you missed this show when it aired live, you can grab the podcast right here.

Then you won’t be disappointed when you tune in to Teen Talk Radio tonight! I have a big announcement to make. I should hold it for the end of the program so you have to listen to the whole thing, but I won’t do that to you. Tune in at 10pm EST at www.choicesradio.com and I’ll spill it right away!

Following the big announcement, tonight’s Teen Talk Radio guests include Renee Fisher, author of “Not Another Dating Book; Bonnie Sharon, Cellular Chloe, on the subject of Dating violence; and Courtney Walsh, author of Sweethaven Summer. We’ll chat about her book, memory making, and the importance of family and strong friendships.

Author, Renee Fisher

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Renee Fisher had a love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day for nearly a decade as a single woman in her twenties, and after trying and tiring of dating formulas and Christian clichés, Fisher turned to Scripture to rediscover God’s purpose for relationships. Instead of zeroing in on relationship status, Not Another Dating Book widens the lens to see the whole picture of the most important relationship as revealed in Scripture that will shape all others.

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February 16, 2012

TTR: Defying the Diva

Haley Patterson is having a great year hanging out with her friends and making a name for herself as the only freshman reporter for her high school newspaper, The Raider Review. But when she reveals one too many details in a gossip column, superdiva Camilla Quinn turns Haley’s life upside down. Completely ostracized and abandoned by even her closest friends, Haley finds herself alone and miserable. A summer job at a mountain resort brings Haley a new set of friends, romance with two cute guys, and an unexpected confrontation with Camilla that forces her to choose whether to back down, or find the courage to stand her ground.

“ Skillfully captures the painful reality of teen bullying while also telling Haley’s humorous and sincere story of growing up.”Kirkus Reviews

“The love story is sweet, and readers will root for Haley to admit what’s been going on and finally give herself a chance to be happy.” Booklist

On why she wrote Defying the Diva, Dorothy said:

“I’m a bully because I enjoy pushing people around and making them do what I say. It’s my thing. If you mess with me, I will shove you into your locker, and it will hurt.” This unabashed admission from a fifteen year old girl led me to my novel about a high school student who finds herself the target of a popular and attractive classmate known for pushing people around and getting her own way.

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February 9, 2012

TTR: Fantasy, Titanic, and Cherry Blossom Capers

“All on one show?” you ask.

Uh huh. That makes five total guests, tonight. My producer is gonna kill me!

First, I’ll be chatting with Dean Briggs, author of the fantasy series The Legend of Karac Tor. He started writing the books after his wife of 16 years passed away. He wanted to help his sons find a way to deal with the loss of their mother. Thus a fantasy world of adventure was born. In the books, the boys have to face challenges together.

We’ll be touching on the subject of teens dealing with grief

Then, double Christy-award winner, Cathy Gohlke, will be sharing about her latest release, Promise Me This.

Michael Dunnagan was never supposed to sail on the Titanic, nor would he have survived if not for the courage of Owen Allen. Determined to carry out his promise to care for Owen’s relatives in America and his younger sister, Annie, in England, Michael works hard to strengthen the family’s New Jersey garden and landscaping business.

Annie Allen doesn’t care what Michael promised Owen. She only knows that her brother is gone—like their mother and father—and the grief is enough to swallow her whole. As Annie struggles to navigate life without Owen, Michael reaches out to her through letters.

… continue reading

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February 7, 2012

On Girl Talk: Book Reviews and Tons of Opportunities for FREE Books!

Nat, Em and I totally miss answering your questions these past two weeks, but we are so bowled over by the Girl Talk buzz, we wanted to take one more opportunity to let you all know about some current book reviews and giveaway opportunities so you can all run and enter to win! I’m so grateful to the bloggers and my writer friends who have so graciously hosted us in an interview or posted a guest post or review of the book.

THANK you!

Today found Girl Talk at the top of Amazon’s How New Releases list for its category. That’s thanks to you all and the buzz you’re creating about our book and this column. Thank you!

Here’s the list so far:

Valerie Comer: Super FUN interview with me and the girls.

Chambana Mom to Know: Guest post with Giveaway

Jill Williamson: Review and Intervi ew with Giveaway

Precarious Yates: Guest Post and Giveaway

Dad of Divas, review

Stephanie Morrill, Go Teen Writers: Review and giveaway

Review by Lissa

K Down Byrd: Interview and Giveaway

Terri Harr: Review

Clash Entertai nment, giveaway… continue reading

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February 5, 2012

Laura Kurk: The Vow

Well, this is cool! I’m thrilled that Nicole asked me to be part of Choose NOW Ministries with a monthly column. She’s told me how loyal and brilliant her readers are and I’m ready to sign on and join you in this noble quest of figuring out how to choose what God wants for our lives.

Even better, I get to talk about all the crazy, bizarre, stultifying, irresistible things that go on with celebrities. You get to help me decide whether the celebrity behavior of the week is worthy or unworthy of your time and valuable brain cells.

I admit I chuckled a little when I settled on this topic for my column. I can hear all our mothers lining up to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” With that adage in mind, a column about the lives of celebrities written by a Christian could potentially be a huge, yawning black hole where I say nothing at all.

But that would be boring, and a complete waste of space in Nicole’s Choose NOW Ministries website.

So here’s the deal, I’ll discuss a timely celebrity issue (positive or negative) in my column, but…(the part of the column in which I make a solemn pledge to you is coming)—

In the tradition of Hollywood, I will hand out an award each month to a celebrity who has gone above and beyond to get it right.… continue reading

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