Joy Potential: Where You'd Least Expect It by R. P. Sharpe

R. P. is feeling justifiably low. He has been dealing with a traumatic job layoff, and it seems that seeking new career opportunities has rolled into an extended length of time with no employment or even promising prospects. He now accepts a temporary customer service position. Although thankful for the income, he finds it disappointing to admit the necessity of working a job for which he is greatly overqualified and, to make matters worse,  he has been scheduled on the graveyard shift. He wonders why on earth, at this stage of his adult life, his road has taken this severe curve.

Too young to retire, yet hovering at an age where prospective employers suspect that his most efficient productive and cognitive years are in the past, R. P. finds it difficult to generate enthusiasm about his new temp job.

Personally, I have always been a believer that things often happen for a very distinct reason. We cannot always recognize value at the time, but frequently gaze backwards and say, “Aha! I get it now. If that hadn’t happened, this would never have been possible.”

R. P. perseveres and meets some fascinating, illuminating people along his temp job path. They help him think through his feelings about different aspects of his life, and they help reinforce the belief that people are frequently brought into our lives (even if only temporarily) for a specific purpose.

I definitely gained a few golden takeaway nuggets from reading this book. Hitting home with me were the following:

1-Being conscious of not allowing interactions with negative people to dictate my mood or frame of mind. I don’t need to let a snide comment send me into free fall from elation to deflation. I have to take control of my own mood and not give negative people the power to ruin my day.

2-My perception of why someone said something that I consider negative may be very different from what they were actually thinking or insinuating. Have I walked in their shoes? Probably not.

3-Success (even in terms of book sales) is not necessarily measured in numbers, but by the people who are positively touched by our writing and other endeavors.

There are many other thoughts that come to mind after reading Joy Potential, but the above were just a few precious gems that penetrated and steadfastly stuck to my brain.

Joy Potential also explains the progression of R. P.’s venture into hosting Internet radio shows--something the author does in real life. The actual R. P. really does an excellent job with interviewing and discussing a variety of books and genres. When you listen to one of his programs, his sincerity and enthusiasm absolutely charm the listening audience.

His own book will inspire and surprise the reader, but you won’t get any spoilers from me. You will want to read Joy Potential: Where You’d Least Expect It for your own benefit. You may just see the world a little bit differently.

Book Description

In a state of chaos, anything is possible. We have an opportunity to shake up our lives, to create more happiness. Our time here is limited. Where do you put your attention? What do you create and experience - fear or joy? At a crossroads in life not knowing which direction to go, I find myself taking a temporary graveyard job to help with expenses.

During the course of this one week assignment, I discover negative patterns and cycles ingrained since birth. It becomes clear how these mistaken beliefs create fear and roadblocks in my life. It's time for a change! A new perspective is created as John the Supervisor and Leonora, Quality Control, guide me through the unknown, overcoming fear, to a place where I see new paths and opportunities. "Moving from a place of questioning one's self worth, to a place where I do something that significantly improves a stranger's life is a massive shift!" I am led down a path where my hobby, Internet-based radio, becomes a major source of Joy Potential.

In the Author’s Own Words

"This story was written to help the reader become more aware of the opportunities that life presents every day for creating more joy and happiness.  Each morning, while walking in nature, I was shown what to write for the day creating excitement and anticipation in me as the story unfolded.  The perspectives provided are meant to stimulate thought and to recognize that our life experience is created by the decisions we make each day.  If you want a better life, start now by making better, healthier and more positives choices."

About the Author

R. P. Sharpe is the Founder of BITEradio.me --Bringing Inspiration To Earth radio. Established in 2010, BITEradio.me was created to provide a source of positive programming designed to enlighten and entertain. A former corporate trainer, R. P. Sharpe has more than 25 years experience in the study of metaphysics and more than 10 years radio experience both broadcast and Internet-based.

See  http://joybook.me/ for links to purchase Joy Potential.

Also visit with R. P. Sharpe at the following sites:

Radio: http://biteradio.me/

Blog: http://biteradiome.wordpress.com/ 

Don't forget to catch R. P. on his additional radio show, dedicated to Beach Author Network members, at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beach-author-network.

Learn more about Beach Author Network writers and their books at:

http://www.beachauthornetwork.blogspot.com.

***

See you soon!

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com

*****

Days of a Wounded Heart by Barbara Flowers Jacobs

This book supports my motto that says, "Nothing is Easy," as well as the Scripture telling us that in this world, we aren't exempt from trouble. So many think that being a Christian makes life suddenly easy and effortless, and that's definitely a myth. What we do have is help from Above to cope with the issues of life and to know we aren't ever alone. We can turn it all over to Him and ask for guidance. He will see us through. And that message by this author is unmistakable.

Barbara Flowers Jacobs gets right to the heart of the matter--tales of a tough upbringing and then difficult years of parenting and beyond. She is able to convey challenging and sometimes heartbreaking situations that she encountered without giving graphic detail. She manages to paint a clear picture without forcing us to watch the entire movie.

Important memories, along with pertinent poetry, Scripture, and Thoughts to Ponder are what this book provides the reader. Inspiring and poignant, it is a true and honest testimony that touches the hearts of her family and anyone else who is blessed to read this story.

Book Description

Barbara Flowers Jacobs tells her stories through prose and poetry with courage and honesty. Most will find something within these pages to relate to from Barbara's trials and troubles, yet even if you can't, you'll find yourself admiring her for her bravery and faith.

"Barbara Jacobs' story is one of a woman who has struggled with cancer, an alcoholic mother, an abusive father, difficult relationships, and the trials her children and grandchildren have faced with her by their side. In the end, the Lord has blessed her much like He blessed Job after his suffering." - Rev. J. Patrick May

Amazon Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Heart-Barbara-Flowers-Jacobs/dp/0985188928

About the Author

Spunky mother, grandmother and woman of deep faith, Barbara Flowers Jacobs was born in Colorado, but lived in a variety of locations during her lifetime. Her high school years were spent in Laurel Hill, North Carolina, and she has also lived in Texas, Virginia and Georgia. Jacobs has resided in the Myrtle Beach area since 2001 and said, "Living here in this house is the longest I have ever lived anywhere in my life."

Barbara recently told me an amazing story:

"I was standing in line at Walmart, and there was a girl with a young son waiting in line behind me. We began to chat, and she said, 'I feel like I should know you.'

The longer we talked, one thing led to another and I said that she should read my book. She asked me what the book was all about and then announced that she had already read it. I asked her where she had read it. Her response surprised me.

'In jail,' she replied. 'I read it and wrote down some of the poetry to take home with me.'

I asked her what she was in jail for. She told me that it was for drunk driving and drugs. She has now moved in with her mother, joined Alcoholics Anonymous and is raising her son.

Her son listened to our conversation and then said, 'You do know there's an angel here.'

What are the odds of running into this girl in line in Walmart and her knowing all about my book because she read it in jail and copied some of the poetry so she wouldn't forget it? It was definitely a God thing.

I knew that she couldn't buy the book, so I went out to my car and got a copy to give her. She was so thankful and appreciative, and as she walked along the sidewalk on her way home, I could see that she was engrossed in the pages of my book. And that's why I wrote it. I wanted it to help someone know that they didn't have to live the way they were raised. I hear people all the time say, 'Well that's the way I was raised.' God gives everyone the ability to make their own choices. And if my book helps anyone make a better choice, then I have accomplished what I set out to do. 

God's already left me here 3 times. I've had cancer twice and serious complications from surgery, but He has kept me here. Sometimes I say, 'God, I know you've kept me here 3 times, but could You please tell me what for?'"

***

I think we know the answer to that question. Through her book and her testimony of faith and hope, she touches lives and hearts in ways that are so far reaching, she will never even know how many or how significantly. God bless you, Barbara Flowers Jacobs! Days of a Wounded Heart-a book packed full of inspiration.

See you next time with a new book selection for your reading pleasure.

Blessings,

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com