Ascot Media Group Blog
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People Are Still Finding Spiritual Fulfillment Through Jesus, But Now It’s Outside The Walls Of Church

Newbury Park, CA – Even though more and more people are becoming disenchanted with traditional religion, as evidenced by the plummeting numbers of those attending Sunday services, it doesn’t mean they no longer follow the teachings of Jesus. In fact, according to author Wayne Jacobsen, it’s quite the opposite – they are just finding other avenues to worship the Lord. Jacobsen explores this trend of the “unchurched” in his new release, Finding Church: What If There Really Is Something More? (Trailview Media.)

In posing the question “What If There Really Is Something More,” he creates a platform for the “dones” – people who are simply “done” with organized religion, yet remain passionate in their pursuit of Jesus and authentic community. Jacobsen examines traditional church, the myriad of reasons people are leaving, and what exactly these same individuals are doing for spiritual fulfillment within their communities.

“God’s church is a living temple,” Jacobsen says, “Springing up in the individual heart and then knit together into a worldwide community of people whose very relationships put God’s glory on display.”

Jacobsen’s work provides insight to the next generation and how organized religion is evolving. Finding Church reveals how the “dones” are forming a deeper relationship with Jesus in this living temple. Their departure from local congregations, however, is creating a void of volunteerism and monetary support.

Meet Wayne Jacobsen. He’s dedicated his life to serving God and has done so using many platforms. He served as a pastor for more than 20 years and continues to spread the word of God through his writing and missionary work overseas. Most notably, he worked with William P. Young on the recent Christian blockbuster, The Shack, which now has more than 22 million copies in print. He’s also written other books including: He Loves Me, So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore and A Man Like No Other.

For more information, visit: http://www.findingchurch.com

Finding Church: What If There Really Is Something More?
By Wayne Jacobson
Publisher: Trailview Media
Available at major online outlets and http://www.findingchurch.com/order-book/
ISBN-10: 0983949158
ISBN-13: 978-0983949152

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The Appleseed Journal: A Spiritual Message from an Authentic American Hero

Bartonsville, PA – There’s more to Johnny Appleseed than meets the eye and Dr. Stewart Bitkoff’s new release, The Appleseed Journal, unveils the true story of this American hero, who very few may know was a spiritual man, and further that he went missing in 1843.

Johnny Appleseed is famously portrayed for his impact on growing the apple industry and expansion of his operation throughout the frontier. After a further look at Appleseed and his contributions, we discover that he was quite a spiritual man who ministered throughout his life’s journey. The Appleseed Journal is based on actual events and delves deep into the era when Appleseed went missing on the way to a convention at the Church of New Jerusalem in Philadelphia. It’s uncertain what happened along the way, but what is certain … he never arrived.

“Johnny Appleseed had a spiritual calling and provided apple seedling, a life staple along the frontier, as part of his work,” says Dr. Bitkoff. “It’s rumored that Appleseed planted a message in Hudson Valley, New York so that it could be harvested by spiritual travelers in our time.”

Author of six published books on spirituality, Stewart Bitkoff, holds a doctorate in education and has served as a faculty member for multiple college and universities throughout the US. Dr. Bitkoff is a spiritual traveler and advocate for Sufi mysticism. Additionally, he specializes in therapeutic recreation, psychiatric rehabilitation and mental health treatment. Dr. Bitkoff is a regular contributor to online media outlets such as: Philadelphia Spirituality Examiner, Wisdom Magazine, New Age Journal, and Mystic Living Today.

For more information, visit: www.stewartbitkoff.com.

The Appleseed Journal
By Stewart Bitkoff
Publisher: Abandoned Ladder
Available at Amazon.com
ISBN-10: 0991577515
ISBN-13: 978-09915775414

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Meditation as a Way of Life: New Book Based on Teachings of Yogananda Promotes Peace and Wellness

“One of the best meditation guides in years. Clear, uncomplicated, inspiring, and straight from the heart of a true expert who’s been there. Highly recommended.”
~ Larry Dossey, MD, author of Healing Words

Minneapolis, MN, – Among primers on meditation, Meditation as a Way of Life: Philosophy and Practice Rooted in the Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda is unique in that it uses the universally applicable teachings of Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda to guide readers who treasure inner growth and are looking for reliable direction for how to achieve it in an authentic and sustainable way, offering specific, time-tested principles and how-to exercises for cultivating the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of a meditation-based spiritual life from a classical yogic perspective.

Rev. Alan L. Pritz, a disciple of Yogananda, distills the teachings of many other spiritual traditions and religions, including Christianity, into an interfaith perspective that will appeal to all seekers of the Divine. Specific elements include foundations of spiritual practice; benefits of energy-building exercises, affirmations, and healthy life-style regimens; instructions in mantra practice and inner-sound meditation; techniques for effective prayer; and guidelines to measure inner practice.

Throughout the narrative, Rev. Pritz adds touching and sometimes humorous personal stories, speaking to the reader authentically as a fellow practitioner rather than a master or guru. He concludes the book with an appendix that contains a discussion about the differences and similarities between spirituality and religion.

The accessible narrative and universal themes in Meditation as a Way of Life make it enjoyable to read and life-enhancing to apply.

Rev. Alan Pritz is an Interfaith Minister, meditation teacher, spiritual counselor / life coach and consultant who’s trained in and taught inner sciences for over 40 years. Inspired by the universally applicable teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, Rev. Alan helps individuals and organizations address spiritual growth or work/life issues from a higher perspective framework. He also leads Sunday Morning Meditation Services in Minneapolis. For more information about his activities visit: www.awake-in-life.com.

Meditation as a Way of Life: Philosophy and Practice
Rooted in the Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda
By Alan L. Pritz
Published by Quest Books
ISBN 978-0-8356-0928-9
$17.95 paperback
288 pages
To order online: http://tinyurl.com/nte9lqg

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Day of Wrath: A Time Sensitive Warning To Protect Our Schools And Transportation Systems From The Threat Of An Attack By ISIS

Black Mountain, NC, William R. Forstchen, PhD, New York Times bestselling author, professor, and military history expert, sheds a critical light on the ruthless offensive conducted by ISIS as well as its direct threat to bring their campaign of terror to the continental United States in his new release, Day of Wrath.

Turn on any news station or social media outlet and ISIS, an extremist Islamic sect and offshoot of Al-Qaeda, proudly displays its barbaric acts for the entire world to see. The images are not easily forgotten: mass executions of prisoners, beheading of children, cutting of throats and laughing as they bleed to death, and mass crucifixions of Christians.

“The campaign by ISIS, in its seizure of northern Iraq, is one of cold-blooded, systematic genocide. Their leader has promised that their next target is us, the United States; our civilians and our children,” says Dr. Forstchen. “We recovered from the terrible blows of Pearl Harbor and 9/11. But the methods of terror practiced by ISIS could be a shock our nation might never overcome. The storm is coming. It is not a question of ‘if,’ it is a question of ‘when,’ and we must prepare for it now.”

Forstchen, author of more than forty books, presents in fictional form a horrifying but likely scenario of attack. His work is based on an Islamic terror attack against a Russian school in 2004 which left at least three hundred children dead, as well as the methods of terror strikes used by ISIS and other such groups. This is his first work to go directly to ebook self-publication because of his conviction that this story must reach the public immediately and should be used as a platform for debate as to how to respond and prevent this terrorist threat.

William R. Forstchen, PhD, is a noted expert historian and public speaker and has been interviewed on FOX News, C-SPAN, and Coast to Coast on topics ranging from history to technology and cultural issues, to space technology development, to security threats. He is a New York Times bestselling author and holds a doctoral degree from Purdue University with a specialization in military history and technology.

Available on Amazon.com. To order, please visit : http://amzn.to/1HL9Z4s
Day of Wrath
By William R.Forstchen
ISBN-10: 1625781547
ISBN-13: 978-1625781543

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Bestseller Ellis the Elephant Delights Kids and Adults in Callista Gingrich’s From Sea To Shining Sea

Callista Gingrich announces the release of From Sea to Shining Sea (Regnery Kids), the fourth volume in her New York Times bestselling Ellis the Elephant series.

A patriotic American history introduction for young children, From Sea to Shining Sea follows an adorable elephant named Ellis in exploring the early years of the United States and the epic journey west into uncharted territory with Lewis and Clark. Charming rhymes and beautiful illustrations make the 50th reading as fun as the first, for children as well as adults!

In earlier books, Sweet Land of Liberty, Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, and Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis, the time-traveling pachyderm, learns about pivotal moments that shaped America. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, From Sea to Shining Sea will delight those who want to know how brave Americans forged a growing nation and spread freedom from coast to coast.

Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt─ a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives─host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World.

Mrs. Gingrich is also the co-author of Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny. Her photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller Rediscovering God in America. An avid musician, she sings in the Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and plays French horn with the City of Fairfax Band in Fairfax, Virginia. She resides in McLean, Virginia with her husband, Newt Gingrich.

For more, please visit the website: www.EllisTheElephant.com

From Sea to Shining Sea
Regnery Kids
Available October 13, 2014 at independent and major book stores across the country including Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Amazon.com
$14.99
ISBN-13: 978-1621572534

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Michael Taube, Washington Times: “Callista Gingrich has created one of the most impressive children’s book series in recent years. Her love for her country can be seen in every footstep Ellis takes in these three memorable volumes. As this small elephant discovers U.S. history, young children will never forget his great adventures.”

Kevin K: “Callista has found a great avenue to teach children about America. These books tell the unique history of our country and bring to life personalities and events in a way that is extremely appealing. This series is a gift to our children.”

John Longshore: “Delightful.…clear and easy to read and teaches history in a way a young child can understand and enjoy…educational at both the child and adult level. It is always good to be reminded of the facts of our nation’s history…”

Katie K.: “I love that Callista Gingrich has taken the time to write American history for children. I read these books to my nieces and nephews when we are together and they love to hear the story….it gives us a way to open up the conversation about the greatness of our America, and why we are here….a great gift to the younger generation…and you will ENJOY the time reading this book to them.”

BOOK TOUR:

Wednesday, October 22, 2014
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE TUCSON/EASTSIDE
5130 E. BROADWAY
TUCSON, AZ 85711
520-512-1166

Wednesday, October 22, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE PIMA & SHEA
SCOTTSDALE FIESTA SHOPPING CENTER
10500 N. 90th STREET
SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258
480-391-0048

Friday, October 24, 2014
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
DOYLESTOWN BOOKSHOP
16 S. MAIN STREET
DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901
215-230-7610

Saturday, October 25, 2014
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
LYNCHBURG, VA 24502
434-582-2316

Monday, October 27, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE CREEKWALK VILLAGE
801 WEST 15th STREET
SUITE E
PLANO, TX 75075
972-422-3372

Tuesday, October 28, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BLUE WILLOW BOOKSHOP
14532 MEMORIAL DRIVE
HOUSTON, TX 77079

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE OAK PARK MALL
11323 W. 95TH STREET
OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214
913-492-8187

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE
3055 SOUTH GLENSTONE
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65804
417-885-0026

Monday, November 3, 2014
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
THE VENETIAN
WATERFALL ATRIUM & GARDENS OF THE PALAZZO
3355 LAS VEGAS BLVD SOUTH
LAS VEGAS, NV 89109
702-414-1000

Wednesday, November 5, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE BETHESDA
4801 BETHESDA AVENUE
BETHESDA, MD 20814
301-986-1761

Friday, November 7, 2014
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE PALM BEACH GARDENS
11380 LEGACY AVENUE
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 33410
561-625-3932

Saturday, November 8, 2014
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE FT. LAUDERDALE
2051 N. FEDERAL HWY.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33305
954-561-3732

Monday, November 10, 2014
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
GREETINGS & READINGS
118-AA SHAWAN ROAD
HUNT VALLEY, MD 21030
410-771-3022

Tuesday, November 11, 2014
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE FAIR LAKES PROMENADE
12193 FAIR LAKES PROMENADE DRIVE
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
703-278-0300

Friday, November 14, 2014
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP
123 W. JEFFERSON AVENUE
NAPERVILLE, IL 60540
630-355-2665

Saturday, November 15, 2014
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE VALLEY VIEW MALL
3800 STATE ROAD
LACROSSE, WI 54601
608-785-1330

Saturday, November 22, 2014
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
BOOKENDS
211 EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE
RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450
201-445-0726

Saturday, November 29, 2014
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
BARNES AND NOBLE WATERSIDE SHOPS
5377 TAMIAMI TRAIL N.
NAPLES, FL 34108
239-598-5200

Saturday, December 6, 2014
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY BOOKSTORE
345 DUKE OF GLOUSTER STREET
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185
757-221-1651

Saturday, December 13, 2014
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
SUGAR HOUSE DAY SPA AND SALON
111 N. ALFRED STREET
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
703-549-9940

Saturday, December 13, 2014
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
THE SHOPS AT MT. VERNON
3200 MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HWY.
MT. VERNON, VA 22309

CONTACT:

Publicist – Monica Foster
Ascot Media Group
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
Direct: (281) 324.2180
Office: (281) 333.3507
[email protected]
www.ascotmedia.com

 

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Choose Life: Life for the Planet, Life for the Animals, and Life for Yourself

A New Curtain Opens, by Richard P. Matthews, is a compelling story that reminds us we need to “Abandon our search of the cosmic heavens for a Divine power, shut down our chattering minds and swollen egos, and listen to the silence within us – for in that silence we will find the ‘Great I am’.” People need to focus on this connection as all animals are doing. When it comes to enlightenment, animals naturally have it. They are already connected and protected and trying to help us connect. Yet we still continue our slaughter of them and their natural habitats, mainly to feed human greed!

In A New Curtain Opens, the story begins with humans on the verge of self-destruction in a situation that’s going from bad to worse on our planet. We are introduced to a kind and caring old gentleman, Hoss Proxetter, who becomes the most unlikely superhero Hayah – whose only super power is a shield of love that boomerangs hateful acts of violence back on the perpetrators. Hayah is tasked, along with the animals, to show the human race what the earth can become if only 1% of the people connect with the ‘Great I Am’ within themselves.

While this timely book acts as a reminder that the biodiversity of life on our planet is disappearing faster than at any time in human history, it also offers a refreshingly simple path to enlightenment in a character-driven adventure that gently leads us to a place where we can choose life and healing for ourselves and our planet.

Richard P. Matthews did his graduate work in theatre at Northwestern University and the University of Utah. He is a spiritual teacher who has devoted his life to bringing others to their Spiritual Centers and the ‘Great I Am’ within. An ordained Elder in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, Richard has been meditating since he was sixteen and practicing yoga since he was twenty-one. He travels throughout the US and Europe with the Living Bible Stories®, doing storytelling and meditation workshops, and starting new meditation groups. He is the Director of Revitalizing Ministries.

Richard is published in Swedish and English and is the author of Stories for Your Spirit and many published articles. A New Curtain Opens is the first of five novels in a series about Hayah. For more, please visit the website: www.RevitalizingMinistries.com.

A New Curtain Opens
Available from www.RevitalizingMinistries.com, Kindle, Amazon and Create Space
$19.84 Paper
$9.84 Kindle
ISBN-13: 9780979810640

Michael Herndon
Ascot Media Group
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
Office: (281) 333-3507
[email protected]
www.ascotmedia.com 

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Love and Terror in the Middle East: Creating Sustainable Peace Through Grassroots Efforts

Creating sustainable peace has been a century-long goal for the Middle East, specifically Israel and its neighbors in the West Bank and Gaza. For decades, Frank Romano, PhD, has been making strides to support peace through interfaith grassroots efforts in and round the area. Despite war going on around him, he still persists and shares his personal journey in Love and Terror in the Middle East, 4th edition. This latest edition includes a new chapter dedicated to a recent event, when Romano was trapped in the midst of rioting Palestinians, following the killing of a Palestinian youth by Israeli soldiers.

Dr. Romano began his journey from California to France, where he studied philosophy. He then ventured to Casablanca, Morocco on his way to the Middle East where he was called to participate in the interfaith peace movement. He was also seeking the universal religion, perhaps Islam, meaning “peace.” What he found was a distorted version of Islam, not “peace,” and he was wrongly accused by Muslim extremists for being a Zionist spy, due to questions he raised relating to Islam and women. This led to his imprisonment, spiritual awakening and eventual escape.

Through meditation behind this journey, he found truth about religion. This truth serves as the driving force to bring Muslims, Jews and Christians together to celebrate their commonalities, building on a platform of the belief in one God.

Dr. Romano’s personal journey hasn’t been without sacrifices. Friends and fellow activists have been murdered. He’s been attacked by settlers, harassed by Israeli soldiers and arrested by Palestinian police. The ultimate cost was the end of his marriage, as well as another long romantic relationship. Additionally, his role as a father has been impacted due to less time with his children.

Despite his hardships, Dr. Romano still moves forward with his vision for realizing sustainable peace through grassroots efforts. “My vision has always been about creating dialogues and breaking down barriers,” says Dr. Romano. “Organizing interfaith groups is critical to creating a platform for those dialogues to take place.”

Meet Frank J. Romano, PhD. He is a lawyer, author, speaker and professor of law, literature, history and philosophy of law. Dr. Romano has been an advocate for peace and is an expert on the conflict in the Middle East, notably the West Bank, Gaza and Israel.

For more information on Dr. Romano’s drive for peace and Love and Terror in the Middle East, please visit:
http://www.frankromano-loveandterror4.com (book)
http://www.frankromano363.blogspot.com/ (blog)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQ-TYRDIVI (Interview)

Available at Amazon.com and major online outlets
Love and Terror in the Middle East, 4th edition
By Frank Romano
AB Film Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-0989706865

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TIP SHEET

Rosa Syed: “extraordinary….provides a profound insight into the relations of Jews, Muslims, & Christians in the Middle East.…A magnificent book on the current events and the road to peace….”

Mark Russell Bell: “Reading Frank Romano’s memoirs, I was reminded that paths of spiritual discovery involve the intellect in relation to one’s dedicated research and contemplation….I also found myself acknowledging once again that the true ‘holy’ land in the transitory world we call Earth is not limited to any geographical area but is the condition where one recognizes that all people are members of the same vast family.”

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