The Holidays Are Coming!!!

Kick Life-Wrecking Lies To The Curb Book by Becky Cortino

Hard to believe — BUT — the holidays are just around the corner, aren’t they? ?

Are you ready for them? ? So many details… so many preparations and so much more… Unfortunately gatherings sometimes bring challenges and unforeseen difficulties.  Tensions can run high ?Anxiety can grow so big that joy gets crowded out. 

Unfortunately gatherings sometimes bring challenges and unforeseen difficulties. Holidays don’t always bring the best out in people. 

It’s not easy to be prepared for relational issues that develop or become inflamed during these times ? It’s hard to stand ready for ANYthing that can happen — most of which you probably couldn’t predict or imagine.

When the dreaded mishap or a major eruption does happen, it often makes you feel like you had better walk on eggshells if you want to keep the peace — possibly in your own home?‍?

Are you feeling a bit anxious? Who wouldn’t?! What to do?

I suggest my newest book which deals squarely and candidly with challenges just like this:

Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul

We all struggle to remain in control of our lives. Isn’t it time to stand up to the lies and live the life you were meant to live? Don’t settle for less. Kick the lies to the curb and accept God’s best for your life!

Embracing lies costs us dearly. Life becomes less about who we are, and more about the lies living with us. They stick around for as long as we allow.

After 7 years of research, deep-dive study, and writing about building healthy relationships, I realized the need for encouragement and insight into issues that create a fertile environment for pain-filled relationships.

Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul is written from a biblical perspective, offering tried-and-true solutions to some of life’s most nagging relational issues.

Learn effective strategies and discover:

  • How lies easily captivate hearts and minds everywhere
  • 10 ways lies take up residence
  • 7 principles for lie-free living
  • Sure-fire steps to break free of lies – banishing them

Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul is available in paperback and ebook formats on Amazon; also on Barnes & Nobel, Walmart and Lulu:

AMAZON:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9H3N51/

Kindle eBook: https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Life-Wrecking-Lies-Curb-Letting-ebook/dp/B0BNMG3DRS/

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kick-life-wrecking-lies-to-the-curb-becky-cortino/1143514934

Walmart:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kick-Life-Wrecking-Lies-to-the-Curb-Letting-Go-of-the-Lies-Keeping-You-From-Living-with-Heart-and-Soul-Paperback-9781470960841/3775679761

LULU.com:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/becky-cortino/kick-life-wrecking-lies-to-the-curb/paperback/product-9pd8y5.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Let’s KICK those Life-wrecking Lies to the Curb (everyone has them!)  and all have a better 2024, please??

Resources for You:

Over the last 8 years, I have created resources to help you and those you care about, wherever you are in your life at this moment:

❤️‍ Broken2Breakthrough – You CAN Transform Your Life One Relationship at a Time! https://Broken2Breakthrough.com

♥️Resources for REAL Life: https://www.restoringthebrokenplaces.com/realliferesources/

Building Healthy Relationships and Finding Forgiveness: http://ForgivenessBook.BeckyCortino.org

#BecauseRelationshipsMatter #RelationshipsMatter #Relationships #KickLies #KickLiesToTheCurb #MindsetReset #Broken2Breakthrough

22 years ago, on the Saturday following 9-11…

This was the week September 11th was remembered by many. It really stirs the heart and memories looking back, doesn’t it? I’m sure you have a lot of memories packed-away about this infamous day. We’ll never forget, will we? 

Some precious memories of the days that followed came to mind this week, as I remembered garden friends gathering in our Herbal Treasures Garden for a previously-scheduled event turned prayer gathering right in the middle of the garden.

gardening

A beautiful glow was cast on our Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow Garden by the golden September sunshine. Peace and calm filled our lovely garden. It was a lively place as butterflies flitted about, the bees were buzzily busy doing their thing as birds joyously sang their little sweet hearts out.

Like a last-minute hug before leaving for a long time, life felt secure and assured that all was well as we launched into the day. This morning was so especially gorgeous, it belied the potential evil lurking in the corners of the day. Looking back, it seemed impossible this serene day could take the turn it did in mere hours on 9-11.

22 years ago, on the Saturday afternoon following 9-11, a group of women gathered in our Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow Garden. It was September 15th. As the last big event of the 2001 gardening season, it was the grand finale.

This garden gathering had been planned months before. The program offered sweet fellowship time and sharing about our family’s visit to the Chelsea Flower Show — the ultimate garden party! Special refreshments included serving Sticky Toffee Pudding, a delight we discovered on our trip (long before becoming an internet sensation).

The Infamous Day Life Changed Forever

On 9-11 (Tuesday) life changed forever for the United States, and dare I say also the world. The life-altering events of that day impacted every aspect of life, immediately including regular schedules, special plans and everyday life as we knew it.

By Wednesday, I knew I had to decide whether to go forward with our planned event or not. After prayerful consideration, we determined we must continue with our plans. Press on we did!

The women gathered in quiet anticipation of needed time with others in a loving safe space — our garden. These are women of faith. Standing together in the center of the garden, we prayed deeply that day. We prayed over the horrific events unleashing unexpected destruction that week.

There were so many needs to cover with prayer, that it was almost difficult to know where to begin. We prayed for our country, leaders, and all who were touched by the unfolding horrors: affected families… destroyed businesses… lost lives… bystanders harmed, and the cities and areas affected. The list grew on!

He Holds The Whole World In His Hands

That day, each sweet lady left her 9-11 related concerns at Jesus’ feet right there in the garden. While we had difficulty finding all the words, He was there with us, as well (as with everyone calling out to Him everywhere). He is among us and He hears us, sees us, and knows us.

Jesus was with all of us wherever we were on the fateful day of 9-11. Before the dark events caused such a tragic outcome and in the aftermath, He was present. He continues to stay close to all of us today.

Jesus heard all the cries, saw our tears, witnessed the pain and unimaginable desecration. He brought us together with one another to get through the excruciating pain and dark uncertain days that followed. We found we were better together.

People were seeking answers. They needed assurances. They wanted something they could hold onto that was secure in this world gone mad. The truth is, we always are looking for these things. In the topsy-turvy days following 9-11, this quest spread like wildfire!

We Always Have Hope, Even Amidst the Ashes

There are many things we can count on:

  • Life is always uncertain.
  • Evil exists in the world.
  • Our pain and struggles are real.
  • Even on dark days, we are never alone.
  • Every day of our lives, Jesus is with us.
  • God loves all deeply (even bad guys).
  • He keeps His promises.
  • God — NEVER man — is “in charge.”
  • Evil will be punished.
  • Hope is found in Him, for all our needs.
  • God hears our prayers and knows us.
  • God answers our prayers in His time.
  • His Will, His Plan supersedes man’s.
  • God uses even bad things for His good.
  • Man will NOT have “the last word.”

The truth is: even in our darkest days, we are never alone. God is with us. Jesus stands by us and will go forward with us as we press on through it all.

In Deuteronomy 31:6, Scripture tells us:

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (MSG)

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” (CSB)

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the LORD your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.” (ASB)

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)

MORE ABOUT Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow

At Christmastime…

Christmastime Brings All Hearts Home

If even for just a moment, Christmastime brings all hearts home, pausing to remember:

  • happy times
  • happier times
  • what once was
  • what life was like, before…
  • ________ (you fill in the blank)

The memories may be heart-warming, affirming joyful times with family, friends, and loved ones.

Or the memories may rekindle angst and hurt felt during those times (or still feel, thinking back).

You may be surprised when those once-happy sweet, special moments suddenly turn into a stinging source of pain, piercing your heart with every remembrance. 

Take heart — all of these reactions, feelings, and emotions are normal! We are human. This is how we roll! 

Believers and unbelievers alike, Christmastime brings all hearts home, if even for just a moment:

  • it gives us that moment to pause amidst the blowout holiday sales and heavy party schedule or the darkness of long, lonely days.
  • during this small space of time between the old and new years, it gives us a moment to reflect upon life, this year, the way things are, and what we hope will be.

♥️Christmastime brings believers and unbelievers alike:

  • Comfort, if there is pain.
  • Peace, the assurance we are never alone.
  • Joy, knowing we are always loved (unconditionally), more than we could ever imagine. 
  • Hope, knowing God has a plan to prosper each of us. With Him all things are possible! 

We are securely held in His love with a bright future if we accept His gracious invitation to receive the greatest gift freely given to all:

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” ~ John 3:16-17 [The Living Bible]

He is the way, the truth, and the light to help you through your darkest days. He will stand with you as you celebrate your greatest joys! 

Over the last 7 years, I have created resources to help you and those you care about, wherever you are in your life at this moment:

❤️‍Broken2Breakthrough – You CAN Transform Your Life One Relationship at a Time! https://Broken2Breakthrough.com

♥️Resources for REAL Life: http://Resources4RealLife.Broken2Breakthrough.com

Building Healthy Relationships and Finding Forgiveness: http://ForgivenessBook.BeckyCortino.org

Let’s KICK those Life-wrecking Lies to the Curb (we all have them!) and all have a better New Year, please??

NEW: Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul:

Additional favorite versions of John 3:16-17 and John 3:16-18

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” ~ John 3:16-17 [NIV]

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” ~ John 3:16-18 [The Message]

#BecauseRelationshipsMatter #RelationshipsMatter #Relationships #KickLies #KickLiesToTheCurb #MindsetReset #Broken2Breakthrough

Broken Places in an Unforgiving World Presents Real Life Strategies

Restoring-the-Broken-Places-revised
Newly-revised edition of Restoring the Broken Places is available now!

Do you want to regain peace in your life, repair broken relationships and really live your best?

My book Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World provides a deep-dive look into relationships, forgiveness and the perplexing issues that cause relational problems.

I wrote this book with the heart mission of presenting a fresh look at why popular everyday methods (most often used by everyone) don’t work to ‘fix’ painful situations. Relationships matter!

It is a real life application book showing how to effectively move toward restoring broken relationships, and offering assurance that regaining peace in life is possible. 

I’m happy to share with you the NEWLY Revised Edition of Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World is now availablewherever books (and eBooks) are sold – online and in bookstores!

Amazon: AmazonAuthor.BeckyCortino.org

Barnes & Noble: Available in-store and order online

LULU.com: BeckyCortino.org

Many other online/brick-and-mortar book sellers: LivRad Publishing

#RestoringTheBrokenPlaces #RelationshipsMatter #Forgiveness #Grace #Peace #Restoration #Relationships #ForgivenessBook

New Beginnings

The New Year stretches out before us as a clear slate of fresh beginnings, great opportunities, hopes, dreams and wonders to be discovered…

What do you hope for in your life? The New Year is recognized as the time in our calendar year as a season for everything becoming new again. Fortunately for all of us, fresh starts and new beginnings aren’t scheduled only for January 1st!

New Beginnings are launched when we take steps in the right direction toward our heartfelt desire.

Becky Cortino

Relationships rank high on most people’s priority list, and yet this area remains as one of life’s most daunting challenges. Our days become complicated as we attempt to navigate through issues, desire to deftly address touchy issues and try to smooth over painful moments.

Have you added relationships to your list to focus on in the New Year? Many people place relationships at the top of their list. They begin their initiative armed with all good intentions and great resolve to deal with troubling relational messes.

Often, the thought of approaching a pain-filled area in life causes even the most resolute to freeze in place. Immobilized, the whole situation becomes increasingly more confusing as hurt, deep sorrow and bad memories blend into a chaotic mix. Progress in moving toward resolution comes to a screeching halt. Fear sets in. Where to begin? How to handle this? I just can’t do this!

Seeking to address relational breaks requires us to revisit times and places we’d prefer to keep on a shelf somewhere safely out of sight. In reviewing those breaks, the deep root of a problem inevitably stirs powerful emotions.

It’s difficult to cast aside the happy life we’ve comfortably surrounded ourselves with, to make time and create space for mending a break or to admit a wrong. But take heart! In our walk with Him, God often takes us through life’s dark, rough terrain before we arrive on the other side with Him, where we find true peace and the joy we seek.

How can you embrace New Beginnings in your life and effectively apply them to restoring broken relationships?

  • Recognize the situation for what it is in reality — not what you think, or how you feel about it. Admit it exists. See it for what it is.
  • Pray about the matter, all involved and touched by it. Ask God for a clear vision of the problem, and for His guidance in addressing it. He will change your heart in every aspect surrounding this issue! When we change our heart about a painful situation, our eyes see it more clearly.
  • Seek His guidance throughout. He is always with us. He stands beside us and will bring us through. We have to be willing participants wherever He leads us. We have to do our part — to do the hard things. He makes the way clear for us.
  • Let your reset heart redirect your mind, acting as a spiritual GPS, directing you where to go. Begin taking steps toward resolution, as the Lord leads you in that direction. His restoration will be far more complete and well beyond what you could ever imagine!

Forgiveness and restoring life’s broken places takes time.

When we want to restore a relationship or fix a problem in life, it helps to remember it is a process. It’s never a one-and-done or easy peasy cure for what ails us relationally. Sometimes it takes a lifetime. But forgiveness is possible.

Let the Holy Spirit lead you in this. Don’t take personal initiative to map out your relational restoration plan or detail this project on your calendar. This is a matter of the heart — carry it with you. Let the matter (and those involved) come to your mind frequently. Allow it to be laid on your heart and cover all with prayer.

Every small step you make toward restoration is a step forward.

Progress is made, moving toward that hope. Realize relationships involve more than “self,” so moving forward (or not) rests also in the hands of other(s). They may not wish to relinquish their control or admit wrong. Our heartfelt endeavors to restore broken places shaped by the Lord’s leading, will us free of our pain.

RESOURCES:

♥️ Read More about Forgiveness

❤️‍? Becky Wants to Know: What is your #1 Forgiveness question/concern/challenge/problem?

MEDIA:

? Listen to this content on LivRad The Podcast with Becky Cortino — on Your Fav Podcast Platform on App!

? Apple Podcast episode here

? Spotify Podcast episode here

? YouTube Podcast episode here

ABOUT: Becky Cortino – Encourager, Author, Presenter, YouTuber and Tightrope Walker

Becky Cortino International Speaker and Author


Becky Cortino is an author, inspirational speaker and tightrope walker. She has authored 9 books and is a longtime featured presenter.
 Her new book (number 8), RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD, is about Forgiveness. 

A multi-platform professional writer throughout her career creating marketing/sales and promotional content for clients commercially, in addition to promoting causes and information campaigns. Her tradition of multiple-platform communication continues today.

Becky has written for, her words have been published and broadcast over every form of media. Her first 7 books are based on ministries she and her family participated in for over 20 years. 

Resulting from her writing and book publishing efforts, public speaking and presentation opportunities domestically and internationally developed.  Audiences range from small events, to business community member audiences (up to 500 in attendance).

A longtime presenter featuring a series of edutraining programs, Becky also presented special track training workshops at an international conference. She recently offered a special program to a delighted audience in southeastern Europe.

Becky is a featured collaborator in 2 published books on the subjects of Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare, and Herbs, to benefit causes and nonprofits (on the national/global platform).

She wrote a piece on work that looks like play and hearts touched by the hospital humor ministry she and her family served in for nearly 14 years. It was featured in What’s Right in Healthcare, a special edition created to inspire those in the front lines of healthcare. This book was published in 2007.

Herb Society of America’s Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs, benefitting The National Herb Garden (now in 3rd reprint and available in Kindle eBook Edition), was published in 2007. Becky’s contribution was an offshoot of her Herbal Treasures Of Hickory Hollow women’s ministry, and her homeschooling family’s garden adventure.

Becky collaborated on a third book for women in business: Behind Her Brand, Entrepreneur Edition, Volume 5 in 2016. Her contribution was based on her marketing and public relations consultancy business and digital marketing experience.

Since 1999, Becky has published several books, countless eBooks and many websites, creating content ongoing – ‘blogging’ before there were blogs! (Blogging officially beginning in 2004, when suitable platforms were available.)

She has presented numerous training programs, coached and helped area churches, by personally encouraging the Christian community to establish Christian Creative Arts Ministry as a regular activity and special event, enhancing outreach and mission trip efforts, to impact lives.

To support this important outreach work, Becky authored 2 in-depth books on the topic of establishing Christian Creative Arts Ministry. In addition to her books to further prepare and equip these ministries, she created digital media resources. Becky created and developed 15 online multi-media training courses. She began offering online training and resources in 2002.

A media maker with professional experience in all forms of media including New, Social and Traditional. Becky began podcasting in 2008, hosting several internet BlogTalk Radio Shows collaboratively and on her own. Since 2008, she created a branded series of videos for her books on her YouTube channels featuring related original niche content.

In February 2020, speaker and author Becky Cortino established LivRad, a speaking and writing ministry charged with the mission of “Encouraging Words for Hurting People.”

MORE ABOUT:  Becky Cortino 

Becky Cortino Books + Media (Links):
AMAZON Author: Becky Cortino Books + Media on AMAZON

Becky’s Newest Book About Forgiveness: Restoring the Broken Places 

JOIN ME??? 🌝Tales From The Tightrope!

Becky Cortino Social Links:

Becky Cortino Facebook Page
@BeckyCortino on Twitter
Becky Cortino on LinkedIn
Becky Cortino on Pinterest
Becky Cortino on Instagram
Becky Cortino Channel (YouTube)


#BlueRidgeChristianWritersConference
#BlueRidgeChristianAuthor #SheSpeaks #SpeakUp #ChristianCommunicator

More About: Becky Cortino Books and Presentations

PLEASE NOTE: In light of the rapidly-changing COVID-19 situation and varying mandates, Becky Cortino Speaking Engagement Information, including Presentation Topics, and Booking Details are not available.

Friend, do you have a calling you feel is tugging on your heart to answer? Click here for some encouragement especially for you!

More About: RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD, Becky’s book about forgiveness http://ForgivenessBook.BeckyCortino.org