Guest post and Giveaway with Author Cynthia Simmons!

This week, I am excited to welcome Author Cynthia Simmons to my blog. Cynthia will be discussing anger and how to deal with it from a Godly perspective. She will also be giving away a copy of her Bible Study Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame.  All the details about entering (and it’s super easy!) are explained below. But first, let’s visit with Cynthia…

My husband and I raised five wonderful kids. But being a parent is tough, especially if you homeschool like I did. I’d pass out school assignments and chores to each child. Then I juggled housework while monitoring their progress. By the end of the day, I would be so tired I wanted to stare off into space. It didn’t take much for me to lose my temper at that point. Perhaps the boys would scuffle and knock over one of my orchids. Sometimes the kids would quarrel and call each other names. I’d long to explode, but wanted to please God. So, I couldn’t say or do the things that popped into my head. Here’s what I learned about responding the right way.

In Ephesians 4:26 the Apostle Paul said, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This verse contains three commands. The first one is to be angry. That’s passive tense, meaning something happens to you. It could be translated ‘allow yourself to be angry.’ Let me explain why. In the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers wrote “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”These men understood the Ten Commandments and other Old Testament passages teach us respect for people and their property. When a child overturns one of my orchids, he wrongs me, creating a debt. Something needs to be done, and anger supplies the energy surge.

 I learned it’s important to let anger rise, but we can’t stop there. The second command is “do not sin.” Ouch! This part is hard because I wanted to lash out. However, God calls us to rise above our human tendencies. That person bears the images of God, so I must measure my words. Self control comes into play. I think of moving away and looking at the situation from a high mountain to get some perspective. Rather than unload insults, I must treat that individual with respect. I remember talking until I got myself out of a jamb. If my first words were, “How childish,” then I’d say, “But I know you want to grow up to be a godly man. So when you mature, you’ll make better choices.”

Now I’ll tackle the third command. “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” This is a metaphor which means not to harbor anger. When the sun sets we all know a new day is coming and yesterday is left behind. In order to keep anger alive, you must feed it by reliving the event over and over. Just like food left in the refrigerator too long, anger turns to bitterness when stored. Instead, I need to put it aside and choose not to even the score. Ephesians 4: 32 says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Follow the example Jesus set, and let go of anger.

I wanted to be a good parent and instill godly values in my children. That meant I had to handle anger God’s way when my kids upset me. If I blew up that would hurt them, and that’s not what I wanted.  Instead, I learned to channel the extra energy with God’s help and lots of prayer.

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Wow! I love the Godly wisdom that Cynthia has shared with us. And now, let’s find out a bit about her  Bible Study that deals with that very topic…

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.

Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU

Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html

About Cynthia: Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers.  “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.

And now, here’s all you have to do to enter! Leave an encouraging comment for Cynthia and yes, anyone can enter, but confirmed subscribers receive two entries, so be sure to sign up to follow this blog, then check your email and confirm your subscription to be added to the subscriber list!) Giveaway ends on May 24, 2012. A winner will be chosen at random.

I will be announcing the winners of the Stephen Bly book and the Starbucks giftcard/choice of one of my books giveaway soon, so stay tuned!