MEET THE TALENTED AUTHOR MARIETTA TAYLOR!

Marietta (Mari) Taylor resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband of seventeen years and her two teenage daughters. Mari is the author of Surviving Unemployment Devotions to Go, released March 2010 and Girlfriends On…Surviving Unemployment, also scheduled to be released in 2010. Mari was also published in Penned From The Heart VOL XV, a devotional anthology. Her column, Frugal Elegance, appears in Girlfriend 2 Girlfriend, an online magazine published by Extreme Diva Media.

I asked Mari a few open-ended questions so we could get to know her better and these are her answers.

MY FONDEST MEMORY IS when my husband and I attended a marriage conference in Winona, MN. We had been on the verge of a divorce. Going to this conference was the first trip we were taking after deciding to try to work things out. We had our two daughters with us because they had a program for the kids. We lived in Chicago at the time and drove up. As we crossed from Wisconsin to Minnesota we came upon a dam with water flowing over and the most beautiful pristine looking body of water. It took my breath away. I knew instantly this trip was going to be fabulous! It was held on a college campus so we all stayed in a dorm room. We had the best time. Our kids enjoyed their program and we learned so much there. We were on of the youngest couples there and were "adopted" by several older couples. This conference was a turning point in our marriage. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.

WHEN I HAVE ENOUGH TIME, I WANT TO do some traveling overseas. I'd love to visit Jerusalem, Egypt, Paris, Italy and Tahiti. I know that's an odd mix but those are the places on my list. Jerusalem and Egypt are on the list because of their biblical significance. I took advanced French in high school and college and have always wanted to visit all the renowned landmarks and places of interest. I love Italian food so that placed Italy on the list. Tahiti is my romantic place. My husband and I hope to be walking the beaches of Tahiti in 7 years when we celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. I guess this also falls into the "when I get enough money" category.

I GET ANGRY WHEN people place blame, conveniently forgetting to mention their part in the matter. I think it is important to be accountable for your actions and not try to deflect so that you "look good". I often face this at work. I find myself carefully crafting a response "be accountable for your actions as well" in the most professional and unemotional way possible. That really helps my writing skills!

I ENJOY being relaxed, reading a good book. As an author I know that sounds kind of hokey but it's true. I'm a voracious reader. Books make me happy :)

MY FUTURE GOAL IS TO start a ministry for women facing difficult circumstances. I've already picked out the name. It will be called Joy For Mourning Ministries. The name comes from Isaiah 61:3. It says that God will give "The oil of gladness instead of mourning". I love that! I plan to draw on my own experiences to provide support, encouragement, practical advice and concrete assistance to the women who will participate in the ministry.

Here’s part of a review of Mari’s latest book:
Marietta Taylor’s book, “Surviving Unemployment Devotions to Go,” is a devotional that reads like an e-mail from a friend. She is candid, smart, and funny. She reveals to you the things that most people wouldn’t, just so you can learn from her experiences. Each chapter has a scriptural reference and a prayer focus that condition you to hold on to the Lord’s promises and obey His Word, even as the storm of circumstances make you a little unsteady.

“Surviving Unemployment Devotions to Go,” offers tips on thankfulness, frugality and money-making, and keeping a consistent relationship with God.
The emotions and obstacles brought about by unemployment are some that many of us face each day in different situations. There is debt, marital discord, and the tough job of trying to meet the needs of everyone in the family. I would recommend this devotional to any woman who manages a household.

Taylor shows us that we can live, love, and laugh through our issues, and make the best possible decisions, while we trust God to lead us out of them.

Book Review by Adrienne Adams
President, The Write Vision Group
www.wtvmin.com

Mari’s websites:
Personal Blog: www.marismorningroom.blogspot.com
Website: www.mariettataylor.net
Twitter: www.twitter.com/raleighgirl
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Marietta-Taylor-Author/345681080001Read an excerpt of “Surviving Unemployment Devotions to Go” at www.mariettataylor.net.
Get your copy at www.edmbookstore.com.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile