NEW BOOK ~ AWAKENING THE GENIE WITHIN

What happens when a forty year old woman awakens to a genie lurking within her? Two time award-winning author Bettye Johnson answers this question in her soon-to-be released first work of non-fiction Awakening the Genie Within, A Journey of Discovery, a semi-memoir of Johnson's journey into a world of manifested words and thoughts. Johnson's book Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls is an Independent Publishers Book Award Winner 2006 and its sequel Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy an Independent Publishers Book Award Winner 2008.

Suzanne Fairbrother, Ph.D., author of the best-selling book The Goddess Within, says "Awakening the Genie Within is a delightful presentation of the accumulated wisdom of a life well lived. Bettye Johnson's book shows us how to live our lives more powerfully." Johnson's book covers a span of her next 39 years of developing the genie within and shares her experiences, the tools she used and the wisdom gained during a fascinating journey of discovery.

Two Wins. How Sweet It Is!

Indeed! It is sweet to receive my second Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY Award) for Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy and especially since there were 3,175 entries from 49 U.S. States, 9 Canadian provinces, and 16 foreign countries.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards, also named the IPPY Awards were created in 1996 as a broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry. The awards are intended to bring increased recognition to the thousands of exemplary independent, university, and self-published titles produced each year, and reward those who exhibit the courage, innovation, and creativity to bring about change in the world of publishing. I am truly honored.

Since I published my first book in 2005, I have seen a change in the publishing industry and it has been beneficial to those of us who choose to self-publish. Internet and Amazon have been a boon to those of us who choose to self-publish. When I first made a decision to publish Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls,

I research my publishing options. What I learned was that one must find a literary agent and after some rejections, it seemed that to self-publish might be the way to go. I even attended some workshops and learned further that print-on-demand publishing that furnished the ISBN numbers was almost the kiss-of-death to self-publishing by bookstores and most wholesalers.

Fortunately, I had already purchased a block of 10 ISBNs, so that was no problem. I was gifted with some funds, and I had my book printed. I also learned some hard lessons such as the cost of freight and having a place to store the books. Whereas, print-on-demand allows the author to purchase as few or as many as one wants and that elminates the storage space. I also secured 3 wholesalers including Baker&Taylor. At that time, the biggie Ingram did not take self-publishers. It has been a grand journey of discovery. I am so delighted to be a two-time award winner and what is my next step? To promote, promote and also to get my next book, Awakening the Genie Within published. Yes, it will be self-published and is my first non-fiction book.

BORDERS OF THE MIND

Memorial Day in the U.S. was one where many paid homage to the men and women who died while in service to their country. Perhaps across the world there were other countries who are also mourning their fallen military, and I have often wondered why we have war. I recently re-read William Bramley's book, The Gods of Eden. I had the privilege of hearing the author speak in the early 1990's.

Bramley at that time was a research lawyer and he shared that as a boy around eight he played war with his playmates. It was exciting and fun. One day he saw a photo of the prisoners of Dachau who had been released at the end of WWII. He was shocked by their skeleton look. This was the beginning to find out why there is war in the world and it led him to other discoveries.
During his talk, Bramley told the audience that he had found his knowledge in public libraries and it was there for everyone to read. This surprised me and this could have been a seed of the beginning of my love for research and history. What I found from my research reinforces Bramley's research. I recommend his book for those who are interested.

In this article, I am taking a different approach to the same subject: why war. It seems to me incongruous that with the information and technology, we have today that few people realize that what occupies our bodies comes from the same source—meaning each spirit that inhabits the body is from only one source and the source is neither male nor female. The source of all life can be found in quantum physics and has nothing to do with religion.

In the beginning, the physical body was created to house a spirit, which would have an opportunity to explore and evolve in the physical world; borders were placed in the brain with limited thinking. It is up to each spirit occupying a body to break though the borders of the mind. The first border to break through is that of religion. Religion sets apart those who believe in a particular form of religion from another. By studying history, one can see that most of the wars have been religious wars.

Others wars have been for power and expansion of territories. It is there in the history books. War is promoted by sports. In sports, there are the two teams who 'battle' to see who is the winner. Sports rev up the adrenalin in those viewing and there is cheering for whatever team one is for. This is reminiscent of the gladiators fighting in the Roman forums. When the Christians were thrown to the lions, the Romans became bloodthirsty and roared with approval.
Humanity has been fed to the lions of power. The approval of war has been passed down through generations and now it is genetically accepted by most of the world's population. This is a border of the mind that must be passed through in order to evolve the spirit within.

Borders of the mind that must be dissolved are prejudices, which pit one nationality against another—one skin color against another. Another border to be dissolved goes hand-in-hand with prejudice and that is discrimination. The U.S. is still subtly holding on to racial discrimination even though the black population legally is freed from segregation and discrimination. This also goes for those from Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico. It is ludicrous that a border wall is being built between the U.S. and Mexico. Is this to keep us in, or to keep others out? This is a form of war fed by propaganda and fear.

War breeds fear. War also keeps women in submission because the history of war shows that one of the spoils of war is for the conquering army to rape women and in ancient times to carry them off to be slaves. Women and children are the victims of war and have no voice.
In breaking through the borders of the mind, one can see all of humanity as a brilliant quilt made up of the many facets of the Source. It is up to each individual to choose whether to participate in war or not. There are those who will not because the most challenging borders to break through are the borders of fear and doubt.

Fear and doubt are partners and keep people from breaking through the borders of the mind. They are lost in conformity, ridicule, being different, becoming an outcaste in the tribe and other attributes; therefore suppressing their desire for change.

One only has to view the wars going on across the world objectively and observe the motives for war. This means to break through the borders of propaganda and see each war for what it really is—power with its offshoots of religion, greed and control. One only has to go to VA hospitals and visit the wounded, or read about the walking wounded and the suicides that are escalating. We only have to ask ourselves, is war worth this? It is time for each of us to break through the borders of our mind and create a new future.

Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls Meets The Bloodline

Yes, the author of Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls did meet the producer, Rene Barnett and director Bruce Burgess of the newly released documentary Bloodline on Bettye's show Knowledge Is Power, www.blogtalkradio.com/bettye. Barnett and Burgess' film is as exciting as a thriller--only this one is true and you can view it instead of reading it.

Barnett and Burgess discuss the repercussions and the background of a major discovery of a hidden tomb found in the Languedoc region of southwest France. According to the Documentary Bloodline, this discovery may help substantiate the existence of a Mary Magdalene and Jesus bloodline. The Chamber contains a mummified corpse on a rose-colored plinth under a shroud bearing the distinctive red cross of the Knights Templar. This figure is surrounded by wooden chests revealing a cache of gold chalices and coins.

The discovery has been reported to the French Government agency, Direction Regionale des Affaires Culturells Languedoc-Roussillon, and plans are underway for a full scale survey. There are reportedly scrolls, documents and artifacts that will have a startling effect on current attitudes held by theologians and the Church.

According to Burgess, the subterranean chamber was discovered by an English advednturer, Ben Hammott and by using a hidden code in the decor of the church at Rennes-loe Chateau, left behind by the 19th century priest Berenger Sauniere. The film team was able to gain access into the tomb by using a remote camera inserted through a small air shaft at the top of the chamber.

The revelations of the tomb has the potential of changing the world view of Mary Magdalene, Jesus and the involvement of the Knights Templar. Their website is http://www.bloodlinethemovie.com/.

The archive of my talk with Burgess and Barnett is not as clear as it was broadcasted, but if one hangs in there, Burgess and Barnett come across loud and clear for the listener. Please go to
www.blogspotradio.com/bettye.

Water Into Wine

I think most of us have heard the biblical story of Jesus turning water into wine, but few fully understand the true intent of this story. The meaning of turning water into wine precedes religions and Christianity. It is ancient knowledge that has been convoluted over the ages until it has been attributed only to Jesus. Let's first begin with water.

Scientists are at last finding that water hold memory. Dr. Masaru Emoto has demonstrated the attributes of water with his experiments with polluted water. He has proven that polluted water can be changed to clean water by sending messages of love to the water. He has done this not only with a polluted lake, but by placing words of love on beakers of polluted water and the water responded and became clean. What happened? The water changed its memory.

Most of us have heard of the Ganges River in India. The people bath in its waters, wash their clothes, swim in the river, dispose bodies in the river after death, and possibly urinate in the water. To the people of India, the river is holy and they know it is blessed--thus, they are able to use this water also for drinking and cooking. Most Westerners think it is abhorrent, but is it really? Over the years of accepting it as being holy and blessed, haven't they turned the water into something clean and wonderful?

Over the eons, the blessing of water became used in the form of baptism and it also was taught to bless the food one eats with an intent of giving thanks by religion. Therefore, blessing became associated with religion even though the meaning was ancient. I have learned that by being sincere, we can change our water and our food impurities to something wonderful for our bodies. The degree of success comes from the degree of our acceptance and intent. There are several well-known quotes that actually come from ancient Egyptian teachings and one is as a man/woman thinketh, so it is and the other is it is done to you as you believe. There is also another statement, practice makes perfect.

Therefore, by blessing our water, our food, and everything and every person in our life, we can change water into the wine of life. Perhaps the simple act of blessing is the Holy Grail. It is something to think about.

HOPE ~ AN OFTEN CONVOLUTED WORD

I have often heard the phrase, I hope so spoken with a voice inflection that indicates that the person speaking would love to have a wish or something come true, but doesn't think it will really happen. In other words, it is a maybe, or perhaps. It appears that the word hope has become a word with an ambigious meaning.

I looked up the meaning of the word hope, which is to wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment. The archaic meaning is to have confidence, trust. Hope is a beautiful word that has gradually lost its luster. It's time we polished it up and now share messages of hope.

Recently I was sent an email giving a website for the Hope Revolution. A beautiful woman began placing messages of hope around New York City and now there is a website: http://www.hoperevo.com/.

When we change our attitudes such as prejudice, bigotry, judgment and harboring anger and resentment, we change our lives. When we watch the words we use and the thoughts we have and change them into something affirmative, we change our lives. When we change our lives, we affect the people around us. It is something like throwing a pebble into a pond and watching the ripples flow out. This is what we can do.

There is never a problem or a challenge that cannot be resolved. We can create what we want by using affirmative words and thinking affirmative thoughts. I use the word affirmative because it is a statement. Thinking positive will only attract its opposite of negative.

Pass the word and use the affirmative word hope and we can change our world.

Bettye Johnson

Why Presidents' Day?

February 18 has been declared a national holiday in honor of our past Presidents' birthdays. I understand some people look upon this day only as having a day off from work.

In reflecting on this holiday, I realize that few people truly know what some of these great men accomplished or what they based their presidency on. The Founding Fathers of this great country and the creators of the U.S. Constitution were great men. President James Madison, considered to be the Father of the U.S. Constitution, along with Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Freedom and the following portion is part of the State of Virginia's Constitution. In Section 1, Jefferson argues that the concept of compulsory religion is wrong for the following reasons:

-The imposition of anything on a human mind, which God made to be free, is hypocritical and wrong.
-Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free, God never coerced anyone to follow him, and the imposition of a religion by government officials is impious.
-The coercion of a person to make contributions—especially monetary—to a religion he doesn't support is tyrannical and crates favoritism among ministers..
-Civil rights do not depend on religious beliefs, and what a person thinks is no business of the government.

There is also a strong possibility that the Iroquois Confederacy influenced the writers of our Constitution. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin are known to have a strong connection with the Iroquois and used parts of the Iroquois Confederacy constitution as a role model for the U.S. Constitution. I find this most interesting because most of our population have looked up the Indians as being savages and pagan. It is time to change that image and to realize their contributions.

The Confederacy consisted of five Indian tribes and recent estimates date the confederacy and its constitution between 1090 and 1150 CE. The initiator of the Iroquois constitution is reportedly the Great Peacemaker Deganawida. Legend has it that his was a virgin birth. He stuttered, was ridiculed and he became an enlightened man through his handicap. He traveled through the various tribes to teach them the way of peace and along the way met Hiawatha, a ferocious warrior. Hiawatha listened to Deganawida and became his disciple as Deganawida's orator.
Deganawida became known as a prophet as he traveled among the tribes counseling peace while unifying them into the League of the Iroquois. He created an advanced political system—primarily democratic and it allowed women a major role.

In celebration of this Presidents ' Day, it should be noted that this country was not founded on religious beliefs, but the wisdom of the Founding Fathers. President John Adams wrote in the Treaty with Tripoli, "As the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." President Harry S. Truman is quoted as saying, "We believe that all men are created equal because they are created in the image of God."

Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, "Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society." President John F. Kennedy said, "Let us resolve to be masters, not victims of our history, controlling our own destiny without giving way to blind suspicions and emotions."

We have a brilliant Constitution and a legacy of wisdom from our Founding Fathers, whom we should honor and insist on the restoration of the Constitution.

Interesting People

Today the thought came to me regardng the difference between interesting people and fascinating people. I checked my trusty dictionary and learned that primarily mean the same though there are slight differences. The word interesting is defined as holding attention, while fascinating is defined as holding attention, plus possessing the power to charm or allure. Hmmm. Almost the same, but not quite the same.

An interesting person is one who is not a whiner, blamer or a victim. There is nothing of interest there. A truly interesting person is a doer--always seeking and this could mean a variety of things. An interesting person is one who when they talk has something worth listening to. My interest is held by what is being spoken to me.

I meet a lot of interesting people. There are many interesting people all over the world. All we have to do is shut up and listen. If their conversation is mundane, then I tune them out. There is nothing to exchange here. To me it means they are just treading life. Sometimes it seems to me as if there is no one home behind those eyes. An interesting person's eyes is alive and they enjoy new experiences and perhaps new adventures.

There are many interesting people who are the quiet ones and perhaps these are the ones who have the most interesting things to say. There are many people who quietly live interesting lives and if you want to find these people, it is well worth your effort to ask a few interesting questions of your own. Who knows, you might find them fascinating.

THE BULL AND THE BEAR

Once upon a time there lived a bear in a cave deep in the woods. Nearby
was a meadow in which a farmer kept his cattle -- and one large,
ferocious-looking bull. Each day the bear hid at the edge of the woods,
watching the bull. The bear was known as the strongest, most fierce
creature for miles around. No other beast in the forest dared to tangle
with him. As the bear watched the bull peacefully gazing, he wondered
which one of them would win a test of strength. He thought about this for
many days. Then one morning he decided to challenge the bull to a fight
to the finish.

The bull had just chomped down on a fresh clump of clover when he looked
up and saw the bear barreling across the meadow toward him. He stopped
chewing. The red flag of danger popped up in his head. The bear skidded
to a halt in front of him. The bull lowered his head menacingly, his
sharp horns aimed right for the bear's throat. For long moments they
stood in place -- eyeball to eyeball -- neither one of them moving.
Finally the bull grew tired of the stare-down and asked, "What do you
want, Bear?"

"I want to fight you," growled the bear.

"Why?" asked the bull.

"Because, I want to prove that I am a stronger and better fighter than
you are."

The bull laughed. "I thought you really wanted something. You can't
possibly win against me. I have sharp horns that can cause terrible
injuries."

"And my claws are sharp and quick," the bear shot back. "I have defeated
many an enemy -- anyone who would harm my cubs or take away my mate. I am
the king of the forest!"

"Then go back to the forest," the bull bluntly advised. "This is the
meadow."

The bear blinked in surprise. "I beg your pardon..."

"I mean, what's the point of me fighting with you?" the bull asked. "What
would that prove? We are not enemies. I have not harmed your cubs or
taken your mate."

"It would prove that I am the strongest."

"Okay," said the bull, smiling. "I'll buy that. You are strongest. Now
leave and let me graze in peace."

"Just one cotton-pickin' minute. What do you mean by that?" The bear
raised a club-like paw. "I will tear you to shreds. Defend yourself."

"What you do is up to you," the bull answered calmly. "But if you do,
what will all your friends -- the ones who are watching us right now --
think about you?"

"They will think that I am the strongest," yelled the frustrated bear.

"I don't think so. I do not choose to fight you just because you choose
to fight with me. I would only fight to defend one of the cows in my
care. If you attack one of them, then I'd be obliged to give you a good
lashing."

"I can't attack them," protested the bear. "They can't fight back. There
would be no victory to it."

"Exactly," answered the bull. "But what if you did? And what if I should
try to defend them? What if something should happen to me? Who would
protect them then? You? Would you trust me to protect your cubs if
something happened to you? What would happen to your family if you lose
the fight?"

"I never thought of that," said the bear.

"Go back into the woods, Bear," said the bull as he turned to walk away.
"Live in peace. And I will stay in the meadow and do the same."

The bear turned toward the woods. He had come spoiling for a fight -- to
prove which one was the strongest.

But he had learned an important lesson from a very wise bull. In peace,
there are no losers.
-- author unknown

A FOCUSED MIND

Perhaps you have a focused mind--meaning that whatever you place your attention on, you can manifest. For too many, the brain has a short attention span and we wonder
why we become so scattered. I know because I have been training my mind for 25 years and yes, I have made progressed. However, there are some to where it becomes a passion. I will give you an example.

About six years ago I was introduced to the Henry Sugar story written by Roald Dahl. It was a most interesting story about a man who secured a small booklet telling of a man from India who by looking steadily into the flame of a candle learned to ride a bicycle in heavy traffic blindfolded. He could see through things.

Being a student in the Ramtha School of Enlightenment, this intrigued me but I wasn't committed at that time to pursue this avenue. There was a man--a carpenter and the single parent of a son who was feeling depressed because he felt he had
not progressed in the school. He read the Henry Sugar story and one day he was sitting and looking out his sliding glass door when he 'saw' a playing card and perhaps it was the 3 of clubs. He was pulled to pick up a deck of cards near by and he stared at the back of the deck. Then, as I recall him telling the story, he turned the card over and it was the 3 of clubs. This excited him and he began spending long hours staring at the backs of cards and gradually over a year, he began to be adept at it.

It was at this point, he shared with others what he could do. He was then asked to show the RSE students what he had learned to do. I was in the audience in the Great Hall, when Kenny Thompson began focusing on the backs of cards--after someone had shuffled the deck thoroughly, and he called most of them correctly. He went on to
become more adept and about a year ago he and another student were tested by scientists in California and they came through with flying colors.

What did it take? Focus and a passion to do it. He has now gone on to roulette and is quite good at it. Kenny now has a website and I urge you to go to it. http://www.spin-geek.com. Be sure to click on the sample e-book.

A simple man who developed a passion trained his mind. I know I am inspired and I hope you are too.

THE REFLECTION OF YOU

For many years I have been urged to study nature and it will tell you its secrets. It was only yesterday that I FINALLY got the message. Some people are faster than others. The main thing is that I finally understood it in a broader sense. I already knew about the caterpiller turning into a butterfly and I understood about the ants storing up for the winter and how it can apply to we humans. It wasn't until I heard my teacher Ramtha describe nature using a potted hyacinth plant as the teaching example that it came to me.

The soil of the Earth is the mind of the Earth. This beautiful soil has many different colors. In some areas it is red and in others it is black, shades of brown, yellow, and almost white. When I thought of this, I realized the connection with the various races on this Earth. We have people with what is called red skin, others with yellow skin, black skin, brown skin and the lighter skin that is called white. The Earth is our reflection. Therefore, why should we harbor prejudice against people because of the color of their skin? Why should one religion hate and discriminate against another religion?

The Earth was made from the Mind of God and that same mind is in each one of us. I think the Bible has a verse that tells us we were made from the clay of the earth. We are each aspects of the One Mind and we each have our very own individual place in the scheme of things. A dandelion can never be a rose--nor can a rose be a lily. Each of us with our uniqueness adds to the fabric of life that makes up the Mind of God.

Therefore when we think we do not measure up or that we have no worth, we should look at nature and realize that everything has its own place in the sun. When we finally realize that we are all connected, we can begin to appreciate who we are and think of the soils of the Earth as reflections of us.

The Birth and Arrival of A Book

Ah...the waiting is almost over. The birthing of a book is different with each one. Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy is my third published book and now as I wait for UPS to deliver my ordered copies from the printer, I am poised to begin my marketing strategies which I have developed after careful research and based on past experiences.

However, during this wait there are the dishes to washed, laundry that calls out to be washed and thank god I managed to get it washed and into the dryer before my handy fix-it son cut off the water in order to install a new filter for the washing machine. Of course, Mom has to be the hand-me this until he realizes that he is missing a part. So off to town he goes. (We live in the country.) I decided to let off some energy and write a piece for my blog. Am I antsy? Perhaps a wee bit. So I play it down some.

I sit a moment and contemplate the readers of Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls. My overall feedback has been on the positive side. Somehow, I sense that this second book will excite the readers as much as the the first one did. Again, in this sequel, I never knew where the story was going to take me. As idea after idea came, I wrote.

As most authors will say, the writing is the easiest part. Then comes the editing and proof-reading. I have found that this second part takes as long - if not longer, than it did to write the book. Am I satisfied with the results? Yes! I will say it is all worth it.

I have been asked why I havn't pushed my second book, A Christmas Awakening and I really don't have the answer. It is a novelette that I cherish and perhaps I
have a subliminal desire for everyone to discover this jewel on their own. It is based on a teaching I heard in 1994 and I made a few photocopies of it along with
my own drawings. JZ Knight liked it so much that she gave it as a Christmas gift to
over 1500 students that year. Perhaps for this coming Christmas season I will promote it.

Why have I self-published? I have the satisfaction of knowing that I own my book and I am the one who has all the responsibility. I can also take full credit for my work.It is my creation. I also realize that the publishing industry has changed drastically in the past five years and more and more writers are turning to self-publishing. If you are willing to risk the responsibilty--go for it. If you are one of the faint-at-heart people, then look for a literary agent and hope you have good rapport and that the agent will sell your book to a publisher.

I have learned that every published author--whether self-published or agent published must at some point market the book. It would be nice if we were all a DaVinci Code best-seller. For the time being, I will continue to write, publish and market and enjoy the ride. Life is for living one's dream. Enjoy yours.

THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT~A Memory

I remember the Christmas of 1937 and at this time, it was a custom of my family to arise early in the morning--open our presents and to ooh and ah over the gifts left by Santa under our Christmas tree. My sister, brother and I were also looking forward to our to driving to Dallas from our home in Winters, Texas—a seven hour drive on a two-lane paved highway.

My parents were always concerned when we traveled that distance because I had a penchant for carsickness from riding in the back seat. Luckily, I did not throw-up on this trip because I was excited. We were on our way to see my father's parents, sisters and brother. We three children were the only grandchildren, nieces, and nephew on my father's side of the family. During these Great Depression years, even though the economy was bad, we knew we would each receive something special.

It was cold that Christmas Day when we arrived at 801 West Eighth Street in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas. We three children scrambled out of the car and barely greeted our grandparents, aunts and uncles. Santa had left gifts for us under their tree and I knew the minute I saw it that it was mine.

Yes, the moment I spied the toy typewriter under the tree I had an affinity with it and at the time, I had no inkling of the importance a typewriter would be in my life journey. In fact, it seemed that every year from the third grade until I graduated from high school that I received boxed stationary and a five-year diary from my mother for Christmas. Did she know something I did not?

Although I played with and used my toy typewriter, I did not know the basics until I took a typing course in high school. Eventually my speed range became ninety words per minute. I used my typing skills in all of my jobs, including being a code clerk at the U.S. embassies in Paris and Tokyo.

In retrospect, I can understand the importance of the toy typewriter in my life. During my mothering years, I began belonging to clubs and often elected to be the corresponding secretary, which included creating and sending out newsletters. This carried on to my government job with the Social Security Administration in Orange County, California. I created the district newsletter.

In the 1980's I began writing for myself, but it was not until 2003 when I began writing my first draft of the now award-winning Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

My typewriter has turned into a computer and researching and writing is a passion with me. The sequel to Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls titled Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy, is due for release in January 2008. When I contemplate the effect of a toy typewriter on my life and the memories I cherish, I am truly grateful to the one who chose the gift whose effects are a precious present for me.

MARK VICTOR HANSEN ~ An Encounter

I first met Mark Victor Hansen in 1979 when he came to the Community Church by the Bay in Costa Mesa, CA. Dr. William R. "Cherry" Parker was the minister and everyone called him "Cherry"--a nickname given to him in his earlier years due to his red hair. During his tenure as a professor at the Redlands University in Redlands, CA and a practicing psychologist, he co-authored the best selling book Prayer Can Change Your Life. He later became an ordained minister in Divine Science.

Cherry had a large following in his church, which met in a theater on Sundays and usually packed to the overflowing. Cherry enjoyed giving many unknown people an opportunity to speak and Mark Victor Hansen was one of his speakers.

I remember Mark bounding on the stage filled with enthusiasm and energy. He told us his story. As I recall, he had been a self-made millionaire at age 25 in New York City from investments in the stock market. He said that he walked into his office one morning a millionaire and when he walked out, he was penniless. The market he invested in crashed. He was devastated at the time and made a pledge to himself that he would become a millionaire again.

I really don't remember too many details, but when he came to the Costa Mesa/Newport Beach area he was on his way to becoming a motivational speaker. He self-published his first books and sold them out of the trunk of his car.

One evening I was having dinner at Cherry's house in Costa Mesa and Mark was a guest. I remember him telling Cherry that he wanted to buy Cherry's house. Cherry liked his house and said it was not for sale. Mark focused on buying the house and a few months later Cherry sold it to him. Mark would not take no for an answer. He had developed a tremendous powerful ability to focus on what he wanted.

Mark joined the Huntington Beach Church of Religious Science and met his wife Patty and after a courtship, they married and have two girls—now young women. Perhaps it was four or five years after his first talk at Cherry's church that Mark gave back to Cherry. Dr.Parker was establishing the Parker Holistic Center and needed to raise money. I was the program director and I asked Mark if he would help out. Mark came and gave a presentation--for free. Mark was always a giver and he had a dream that has manifested today. He knew what he wanted and went after it. It has been a pleasure to keep up with Mark's career and to see it become what it is today.

Some will say he has done it with positive thinking. I would not call it positive thinking because for every positive there is a negative. I would say he has developed affirmative thinking to a fine art. I remember speaking recently with someone who has known Mark and she said something I thought most interesting. The gist of the remark was that Mark never actually wrote a book himself—instead he accumulated the stories of common people and turned them into the best-sellers Chicken Soup series.

It has been so long ago that I do not remember if the books Mark self-published and sold from the trunk of his car were not actually written by him. I think that he did write them in the very early days.

What would be the key to his success? Perhaps it would be that he had a dream and he had the power of focus. He never gave up. I also think he had a plan or he mapped out his intentions. Doubt and fear along with lethargy were foreign to him it would seem. Since Mark and I crossed paths twenty-eight years ago, I have developed my own dream.

I placed my dream of writing on hold for many years and there are no regrets because I have gained wisdom. I do understand the power of affirmative thinking and I understand the necessity of letting go of regrets, guilt, doubt and fears. It takes will to pursue one's dream.

I have my list of steps to take to bring to me what I want. I do not try to figure out how it will come to me. I also in my list write as if I already have it. As an example, I write, "I have always been an international acclaimed author." I am a self-published author of Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls, an Independent Book Publisher Award Winner 2006. I entered the contest and then I forgot about it. When the notification came, I was ecstatic! One part of my dream had manifested.

With the second edition of my book released, the Macro Edizoni Publishers of Italy approached me and my book is translated into Italian. Next, a German publisher approached me and my book now translated into German and on sale in Europe.

This year I entered the Writers Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards contest. No—I was not named a winner, however the Commentary Sheet I received from the Judge was greater than I could have expected. My book received a high five in all categories and the Judge's review of the book and the commentary on my writing ability is available to read on my blog, www.magdalenescrolls.blogspot.com.

I am experiencing great things because I have let go of doubt, fear and I have confidence in my abilities to write. Mark Victor Hansen has been an inspiration and I honor him for all that he gives to other people and organizations. He is on the world stage because he pursued his dream. I have learned that the more I give, the more I get back. What is my next step? The sequel, Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy release date is January 2008 and then onward into the future.

AUTHOR'S BLOOPERS AND BONUSES ~ Part 4

NO ROAD MAP – DESTINATION UNKNOWN

Have you ever completed a project and found that you were at ‘loose ends’ – or in other words, no road map and your destination unknown? It is a feeling of being freed up and not knowing what to do next. I have also realized that in my writing that I begin a story or a book with no road map and the destination is an unknown.

In writing classes, I was taught that one should have an outline before beginning a book. Really? I listened to my professors and at the time felt sure they knew what they were talking about. I soon realized that their advice was great if one is writing a book of non-fiction and especially a ‘how-to’ book. But fiction? All I can say is that it didn’t work out that way for me.

In 2004 I completed my first novel, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls and all I knew when I first sat down to write was that I wanted to write a book about Mary Magdalene. I researched Mary Magdalene for a number of years to learn about her. What I learned is that no one really knows who Mary Magdalene was or what she stood for. Too many writers have kept her in the tiny slot given in the New Testament where she was placed in a subservient role and kept there. In the Book of Matthew her name is mentioned three times; in Mark another three times; in Luke two times; and in John three times. I realized there was very little information to go on.

Myths carry within them seeds of truth and I found one that has been perpetuated by the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church. The storyline is that Emperor Tiberius Caesar gave a banquet and Mary Magdalene attended. Tiberius asked her about Jesus and as the story goes; her reply was Christ is risen. Tiberius handed her an egg from the banquet table and told her that if this was true, then she was to turn the egg red. Reportedly she did and thus began the tradition of a red egg at Easter time for the Eastern Orthodox Church. If she had the ability to turn an egg to the color of red, what else was she able to do?

My research has taken me on an odyssey of unraveling history and learning that history as we have been led to believe is indeed a tapestry of facts intermixed with misinformation, lies and deceit perpetuated upon the human mind. James Cameron, who wrote the Introduction to The Family Tomb of Jesus, stated that history is a consensus of hallucination. I agree with him.

The morning I sat at my computer to begin the novel, I asked myself: how to I begin? I realized I couldn’t write a non-fiction book based on my research, so the alternative was to create a book of fiction interwoven with facts. The white screen stared back at me blankly. With my fingers on the keyboard, I began with the first idea that came into my mind of secret scrolls found in an unknown cave in the French Pyrenees Mountains. From that seed an idea came of two American women while hiking stumbled into the cave. Thus, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls began to take form.

I had no road map of where the storyline would take me; nor did I really know the destination, or how the book would end. Each day as I wrote, I allowed the story to unfold with its many twists and turns. Sometimes I would startle myself as the characters took on their own personalities. There were also times when I would be surprised at a new twist or when a new character was introduced. The writing of the book became a wonderful adventure. There were also times when I would re-read what I had written and told myself, Damn! That’s good!

Even while writing, I continued to research and finally when the last sentence had been written, I knew the book was completed. In 2005 the 2nd Revised Edition came out followed by an Italian language edition and a German language edition. This was followed by winning the prestigious Independent Publishers Book Award in 2006. What does one do after that? Write a sequel.

I had a germ of an idea regarding Sarah and James, the two children of the Magdalene and Jesus. In the fall of 2006 I again sat down at my computer and asked myself how to begin. Again I had no road map but this time I felt I had a destination. At the end of May this year, I completed the manuscript of the sequel titled: Mary Magdalene: Her Legacy. My editors have told me that this one could be even more exciting than the first book. I would like to think so.

The book is now in the hands of my editor with the next stage creating the cover. Again, I have chosen to self-publish. Having researched the established publishing houses, I have noted a shift that is not favorable to authors or to literary agents. I also have decided that I don’t want my storyline changed and I want to retain control of my creation. When one signs a contract with a publishing house, the author has signed away her/his rights.

Will there be a third book? Perhaps. For the present moment, my focus is on promotion and marketing – an entire new adventure. I am open to any innovative ways to promote my books. If you have some valid suggestions, please share them with me.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE SCRIPT?

Today I received an early Christmas card from an acquaintance of some years. When I read her photocopied one-page synopsis of her life this past year, I was saddened by how empty her life appeared to be. If the best of her life is receiving a Red Sox t-shirt because she donated blood--well, enough said. However, this caused me to think about life and ask what is our life script?

How many people do you know who meander through life complaining, harboring anger and resentments, jealousy, fear and doubt? Is it any wonder that they are sick? Most people hate their jobs, but stick it out in hopes they will be able retire. This isn't a life script that I would choose. It sounds boring and excludes the excitement of crafting one's life.

I have learned that we are each the creator--the craftsperson of our life. Our life will turn out just the way we thought. In other words, our beliefs, our words, our thoughts are the road map for our life. Being miserable and lamenting about our so-called victimizations create one's life script and the destination is illness, injuries and eventually death.

There is a way to change one's life script. It takes practice, practice, practice until we get our part correct. Changing one's habitual words and thoughts takes determination and doing it over and over until it happens. When an actress/actor is given a script, each must learn their part and they rehearse over and over. At any given moment, we can choose to change our life script if we are unsatisfied with it.
It is all about choice.

The url given below is beautifully stated and if one were to use it, then the new
life script will be a piece of cake. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IItTlj-5qy0&feature=related

WRITER'S DIGEST COMMENTARY

Who could ask for a better commentary for a book submitted to a writing competition?
The following is a replica of the Commentary Sheet from the Writer's Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards.

Author: Bettye Johnson
Title: Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls
Category: Genre Fiction
Judge: 99
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning "poor" and 5 meaning "excellent," please evaluate the following:
Plot: 5
Grammar: 5
Character development: 5
Cover design: 5

Judge's commentary:
What did you like best about this book?

Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls is a tantalizing story depicting the discovery of ancient scrolls about Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Though it covers some of the same ground as the Da Vinci Code, the writing is infinitely better and far more believable. The heroines in the story are more realistic and the adventures described in a truer voice along with a possible time-line--something very much lacking in Dan Brown's tale. Whether the reader chooses to believe what is revealed in story form or not, the book is entertaining from beginning to end.

How can the author improve this book?

No suggestions--the author knows how to write and tell a compelling and convincing story. Hopefully the promotion for this book will be enough to make those who read the Da Vinci Code want to read the Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

I thank and bless the judge.
Bettye Johnson

THE GEESE ARE BACK

It's November and the geese began returning a few weeks ago. I knew this was the heralding of colder weather. This is the latest I can remember since I moved to Washington state 20-odd years ago. I remember the first time I heard their honking and I looked up to see a large flock of Canadian geese flying in a V-formation. Something touched my soul when I first heard the sound of the flying geese. Was it a memory of a lifetime I no longer remember? I only know I felt a thrill everytime they flew over. It didn't matter what I was in the midst of--I would stop and listen and watch them. I still feel the thrill whenever I hear them and stop to watch them.
I learned that when the lead goose became tired that it would drop back and allow another to takes its place.

Usually they began returning in September. Within the past 5 years, it seems their
arrival was later and not as many flocks as I recall. I wonder if the melting of glaciers in the Artic is a reason for fewer flocks each spring and fall. Some say that due to our milder winters that they have no need to return to their normal habitat in the far north. I wonder about this because I rarely see these geese on
ponds or small lakes in my area.

Regardless of the sparsity of their flocks, I knew this month that colder weather was on its way. Sure enough, I woke up this morning to 25 degree weather. I was warm and toasty in my small home with its wood stove. I have great insulation so it wasn't freezing inside and it didn't take long before the roaring fire was ablaze. I looked out as I watched the sun rise and noted the sparkling frost covering the land, trees and the driveway.

As the sun climbed higher in the blue sky and the temperature began rising to 28 and then up to 34 degrees, I noted the frost becoming vaporized and rising into the air to disappear. I wondered about the ascension of the frost and thought of humans. I understand that it is possible although most people do not think so. We humans really have no comprehension of our ability to accomplish many things. We become
mind-locked into beliefs, superstitution and accepting what we have been told and not attempting to experience other potentials. We think it is cool to read books such as the Harry Potter series, the Philip Pullman series such as The Golden Compass and even Charles Strosse's The Family Trade series.

Too often, the majority of humans believe that death is inevitable and that one must believe everything a doctor tells them. Isn't it time we begin to ponder the grand potentials that await us? Isn't it a possibility that we can open the lock of our mind? It is exciting to think about.

A Light In The World

There are many in this world who are making a difference in other people's lives and I want to single out one woman who has changed the life of a Down's Syndrome young man. Her name is Marian Lancaster and she lives in the Pacific Northwest. Marian is a teacher and an improvisional dancer.

The young man's name is Dylan Kuehl. I attended a program at our local library where Marian and Dylan spoke and danced. Dylan's mother also shared a portion of his story. Dylan was born with Down's Syndrome and as a small boy he was severely abused. At age 9 his anger began surfacing and his behavior in the school he was attending was not the best. By the time he was 11, his mother, afraid for her life, was considering placing him in a residential institution. Fate stepped in and Dylan was assigned to Marian Lancaster. She recognized his anger and began teaching him improvisational dancing as well as art and this opened up a new world for Dylan. She
also taught him how to create a dream map and this young man is now manifestng his dreams and creating more.

Dylan is outgoing and loves to interact with people. He has become a motivational speaker, a dancer, artist, drummer and martial artist. Recently he has created his own dance company. His poem "Faces" received an International Society Poetry Award 2006 and his painting "Colored Hill" an Art Ability International Award 2006.

Thank you Marian for your wonderful work! You are indeed an inspiration. If you want to know more about her work, S.O.A.R. Special Opportunities in Arts and
Recreation you can email her at goldnbludancer@yahoo.com.
Or, write her at P.O. Box 21, Rainier, WA 98576.

Dylan has his own website http://www.dylankarts.com. He offers commissioned art, prints, calendars, postcards, bookmarks and greeting cards plus more.

AUTHOR'S BLOOPERS AND BONUSES ~Part 3

The manuscript of Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy is about to be printed and getting it to this point has been a grand learning experience and much different than publishing Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls. As I have written in a
previous segment of Author's Bloopers and Bonuses, I changed 'horses' in mid-stream--meaning I switched from Word 2000 to Word 2007. Actually, this was one of the best things I did.

Although I have had excellent editors and proof-reading, I had an experience that taught me a great deal. I 'thought' the manuscript was in great shape and ready to be sent to the printer when I noticed that some of the quotation marks were not all the same. In transferring the data from Word 2000 to Word 2007--even though I was using the same font, the quotation marks were different for each Word. I therefore began going through the 384 page manuscript and correcting the out-moded quotation marks. This led me to see that there were still items that escaped the eagle-eyes of my editors and proofreader and I was able to make the corrections. Yes, it was a long and tedious process, however it was well worth it.

In Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy, I have a quote as said by Jill and that is,
From adversity comes the jewel. I am experiencing this more and more. Another example is in connection with Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls. A few months ago I submitted it to the Writer's Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards. A few days ago I received a large envelope with a Certificate of Participation along with a letter informing me that I was not a winner. Then I looked at the Judge's Commentary Sheet and I found the jewel.

Books are judged in the areas of plot, grammar, character development and cover design with a scale of 1 to 5 and 5 being 'excellent,' or the highest mark given. My book received a 5 in ALL of the areas of judging.

The Judge's commentary in reply to the question of What did you like best about this book? is as follows: "Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls is a tantalizing story depicting the discovery of ancient scrolls about Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Though it covers some of the same ground as The DaVinci Code, the writing is infinitely better and far more believable. The heroines in the story are more realistic and the adventures described in a truer voice along with a possible time-line--something very much lacking in Dan Brown's tale. Whether the reader chooses to believe what is revealed in story form or not, the book is entertaining from beginning to end."

The Judge's commentary in reply to How can the author improve this book? is as follows: "No suggestions--the author knows how to write and tell a compelling and convincing story. Hopefully the promotion for this book will be enough to make those who read The DaVinci Code want to read the Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls." What more can be said? I have a jewel of a review and since my book has already been acclaimed as an Independent Publisher Book Award Winner in 2006, I
am well-pleased.