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Mary E. DeMuth Turning Trials to Triumph!
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Online Status: Last On: Jun 30, 2009 - 5:21 PM
Profile Views: 16,739
Member Since: February 28, 2007
Location: Rockwall, TX
ShoutLife Address: shoutlife.com/maryedemuth
Website: www.marydemuth.com
Genre: Women's Fiction
Primary Publishers: WaterBrook, NavPress, Harvest House, Zondervan
Influences:
Leif Enger, Peace Like a River
Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Marilynn Robinson, Gilead
C.S. Lewis, Til We Have Faces
Walter Wangerin, The Book of the Dun Cow
Similar To:
I've been told my novels resemble To Kill a Mockingbird and/or The Secret Life of Bees.
News Feed
Wednesday July 1
8:10 AM is now friends with N. Paul Williams
Tuesday June 30
6:10 PM is now friends with Korika Johnson, Ultimate Impact Youth Mission Int. and Shirley Corder
5:19 PM posted a new blog entitled "What if all we had was skin deep?"
Monday June 29
5:04 PM is now friends with JENNIFER
General Interests
gourmet cooking, gardening, graphic design, decorating, singing, worship leading, playing guitar, running, swimming, biking
Music
David Crowder Band, Coldplay, Switchfoot
Books
Peace Like a River, The Secret Life of Bees, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Life of Pi, Gilead
Movies/TV
Heroes, The Office, HGTV, The Food Network, Strictly Ballroom, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars
Published Works
Daisy Chain (2009)
Product Description
The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty and compelling story of love and sorrow, revealing God's hand of redemption in impossible situations. Lyrical fiction from a bright new literary talent.

From the Back Cover
The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance from a small Texas town in 1973 spins three lives out of control?Jed, whose guilt over not protecting his friend Daisy strangles him; Emory Chance, who blames her own choices for her daughter's demise; and Ouisie Pepper, who is haunted by dreams of Daisy while pierced by the shattered pieces of a family in crisis.

In this first book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper has a sickening secret: He's convinced it's his fault his best friend Daisy went missing. Jed's pain sends him on a quest for answers to mysteries woven through the fabric of his own life and the lives of the families of Defiance, Texas. When he finally confronts the terrible truths he's been denying all his life, Jed must choose between rebellion and love, anger and freedom.

Daisy Chain is an achingly beautiful southern coming-of-age story crafted by a bright new literary talent. It offers a haunting yet hopeful backdrop for human depravity and beauty, for terrible secrets and God's surprising redemption.

Buy Daisy Chain Online

Authentic Parenting (2007)
What is postmodernism? Is it good or bad? Does it have anything to do with being an effective, godly parent?

With sensitivity, grace, and a passion to help families experience authentic, life-changing relationships with God, Mary DeMuth describes the new way people are processing truth.

She reveals effective ways for parents to communicate with today's kids: by developing relationships, by learning along with their kids, by creating a safe haven for kids to explore their worlds, and more.

Parents will discover how to...

*communicate the gospel effectively to their own children, who may process truth in a new way

*equip their children (and themselves!) to relate successfully with others and avoid isolating themselves from those who need Christ

*lead their families even when they don't have all the answers

This unique resource offers everyday moms and dads an engaging introduction into the postmodern world and provides the tools they need to relate to it with confidence and faith.

Buy Authentic Parenting Online

Building the Christian Family You Never (2006)
"Mary DeMuth offers positive encouragement and practical help for parents who want to do things a little differently than what they experienced growing up. Building the Christian Family You Never Had offers a fresh start and bright hope as you seek to raise godly children."
-Karol Ladd, author of The Power of a Positive Mom

"You are not alone as a pioneer parent who is blazing a new trail on the parenting journey. If you have longed for someone to show you how to build a family that is different from the family you grew up in, this book is for you!"
-Jill Savage, executive director of Hearts at Home and author of Professionalizing Motherhood

"As Mary shares her haunting story of a broken childhood, she provides a roadmap for breaking the cycle of family dysfunction. Her roadmap provides hope, courage, and grace, allowing any reader to walk with her on the continuing journey to wholeness."
-Tim Riter, professor at Azusa Pacific University and author of Twelve Lies Husbands Tell Their Wives

"If your parents raised you in the 'old country,' you may wonder how to ground your kids in new soil. Mary DeMuth's insights about parenting-as well as life in general-will help you raise firmly planted, emotionally secure, Christ-following kids."
-Sandra L. Glahn, adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, coauthor of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage and When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden

"Mary DeMuth creates a compelling picture of what a Christian family should look like for those of us who never had one, or may have never even seen one up close. Reading this book will change the way you think about love, parenting, and healing-and God's hope and plan for your life and the lives of your children."
- Michael Warren, executive story consultant on "Happy Days," co-creator and executive producer of "Step by Step" and "Family Matters"

"This is an honest, thought-provoking, and life-changing book. If you want to parent differently than you were parented, this is a must-read!"
-Mary Byers, author of The Mother Load and How to Say No…And Live to Tell About It

"Mary adeptly encourages pioneer parents to seek healing for the pain and dysfunction they experienced during their formative years, while honoring their parents for the good they provided. Learning parents should study this volume with an open mind and an open heart."
-Paul Pettit, president of Dynamic Dads and author of Congratulations, You're Gonna Be a Dad!

"Building the Christian Family You Never Had is for parents who have experienced some dysfunction (and which of us hasn't), but who also want to get past that dysfunction and raise emotionally and spiritually healthy children. Mary points us to principles deeply rooted in God's Word that apply the salve of truth mixed with grace, mercy, and hope."
-Linus Morris, president of Christian Associates International

"Mary gives families a biblical blueprint for success without presenting her family as perfect role models. I have many friends who did not grow up in a Christian home, and I would give them Mary's book in a second!"
-Dena Dyer, author of Grace for the Race: Meditations for Busy Moms

"In a refreshing voice and with wisdom and sensitivity, Mary DeMuth delivers a powerful message of liberty for all who want to break free from generational pain in order to parent in newness of life in Christ."
-Jan Winebrenner, author of The Grace of Catastrophe and Intimate Faith

Book Description
You're willing to do whatever it takes to ground your children in a faith your parents never embraced. Or maybe you grew up in an outwardly religious home that lacked a foundation of Christian grace and moral values. If you're the first generation in your family to embrace a relationship with Christ but aren't sure how to give your children a foundation of faith, find guidance in Building the Christian Family You Never Had.

Author Mary E. DeMuth understands firsthand the fears, frustrations, and anxieties of those who lack role models of faith-based parenting. In Building the Christian Family You Never Had she provides needed encouragement, practical tools, and crucial strategies. You'll learn how you can…
·shield your children from the negative influence of family members who undermine your values
·cope with criticism and objections to your faith-based parenting decisions
·honor (and forgive) your parents without endorsing their behavior
·find positive parenting mentors

This inspiring, down-to-earth guide will enable you to provide a spiritual legacy of security and strength for your children as you lead the way through Building the Christian Family You Never Had.

Buy Building the Christian Family You Never Online

Watching the Tree Limbs (2006)
From Publishers Weekly
In this debut faith-based novel, DeMuth transports readers to the hot East Texas town that is nine-year-old Mara's home. Amid the red dirt and pecan trees, Mara struggles to find her way through a painful and mysterious family situation. Who were her parents? Is her aunt Elma really her aunt-and does Elma really have a tumor? What will happen to her if her aunt dies? The pain in Mara's life multiplies when she meets General, the teenage neighbor who repeatedly rapes her, threatening her life if she tells anyone. DeMuth captures the horrific situation-from Mara's inability to keep her body from shaking to her determination to watch the tree limbs to keep her mind off of what is going on-while providing hope of redemption and healing. Her characters are expertly drawn, and encompass meanness, evil, great kindness and the confusion of generally good people who don't know how to handle what life has given them. Christian themes are woven throughout as a natural expression of the characters and situation. Readers may be surprised at the dark subject matter, but this book will appeal to many readers both as a thoughtful, powerful reflection on a difficult topic and as a compelling story.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Buy Watching the Tree Limbs Online

Wishing on Dandelions (2006)
God says I Love You in many ways, some of which are hard to hear.

Georgeanne Peach will ruin everything! At seventeen, Maranatha Winningham admittedly has some trust issues—her mother abandoned her, a neighbor boy abused her for years, her best friend has left for college and God, ever since he spoke to her underneath the pecan tree three years ago, has remained elusive. So when Miss Peach blows in to take over the only place Natha's ever called home, leaving a trail of peach fabric swatches and cloying perfume, it's easy to understand how something like a little ol' tornado might not be a big deal. Like every teenager, Natha tries to sort out the confusing layers of love—of friends, of family, of suitors, and desperately, of God. Natha struggles to find herself before she gives into the scared, shadow of a girl in this follow up to the praised Watching the Tree Limbs.

Buy Wishing on Dandelions Online

Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (2005)
Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God is a devotional aimed at the deeper issues of the heart and one that will provide a soothing respite amid chaos. Think of it as Oswald Chambers meets Busy Housewife.

Writer, speaker, and stay-at-home mom Mary DeMuth creatively focuses on the gift of motherhood as she considers

resting quietly in the Lord, even on crazy-busy days
being thankful for the duties as well as the joys of being a mom
offering God a heart to prune so that it can continue to bear good fruit
Personal stories integrated with scriptural truth and probing prayers will help everyday stay-at-home moms remain connected to the most amazing and extraordinary Parent of all parents.

Buy Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God Online

Groups
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QuickLinks: About - Photos - Blog - Friends - Guestbook

About Mary E. DeMuth
Thanks for stopping by my Shoutlife page.

I'm a Christ follower, a mommy, a wife, a novelist, and a nonfiction book writer who now lives in Texas after church planting in France. I've got three funny and amazing children, two needy pets, and one husband. I love helping people turn their trials into triumph through authenticity and raw spirituality. And, quirky side note: I have a nose ring.

My books include:

If you'd like to learn more, here are some places:

Photos
Photo Gallery Folders:
Book Signing (3), Speaking (2), The Fam (4), Writing Friends (15)
Blog
What if all we had was skin deep?   6/30/2009 - 5:19 PM
I flipped through channels the other day, landing on this inane show about who looked good in swimsuits and who did not. They profiled an older lady who wore a bikini. When they showed a shot of her backside, the trendy hosts went OFF on her. Word... (login or sign up to read more)
16 views - 2 replies - Most Recent Reply: 07/01/09 - 6:55 AM
My memoir's book trailer is LIVE!!!   6/24/2009 - 11:11 AM
I'm excited to announce the release of my memoir's book trailer today. Zondervan did an amazing job with it, in conjunction with LifeFocus TV. Thin Places was excruciating to write, delving into sexual abuse, illicit drug use by parents, neglect... (login or sign up to read more)
9 views - 2 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/30/09 - 5:20 PM
Struggle with Marketing your book?   6/23/2009 - 8:25 AM
I included this picture as perspective, to remind myself about this crazy beautiful world we live in, to ground myself in people, not products. Last night I asked via Twitter and Facebook this question: How do you balance blessing the Kingdom of God... (login or sign up to read more)
12 views - 4 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/24/09 - 11:12 AM
Have integrity in your male/female relationships   6/07/2009 - 6:12 PM
"The Elephant in the Room" is my recent addition to Christian Fiction Online magazine. It wasn't easy to write, nor was the wisdom gained easily won. Here's the skinny: In this business (or any business you'll be a part of), you will interact with pe... (login or sign up to read more)
13 views - 4 replies - Most Recent Reply: 06/22/09 - 7:43 PM
You can help me title a book!   5/14/2009 - 1:19 PM
I'm just terrible at titling books. Would you be willing to help me out with a little survey for a parenting book title? It'll take just a few (like 2) minutes of your time. When the survey reaches 100 participants, it closes down. Thanks for helping... (login or sign up to read more)
14 views - 1 reply - Most Recent Reply: 05/14/09 - 7:39 PM
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Recent Guestbook Comments (30)  
Christie Gerschutz on 6/25/09 - 8:55 AM
Thanks for adding me to your circle of friends, Mary!

If you're looking for unique reading material for children, check out my latest book "Abby the Sheep"! It's the Nativity story told through the eyes of the animals. I also have my historical fiction series entitled The Land Of... Series for those who enjoy early Americana and the Wild West. Autographed copies are available through my artist myspace or shoutlife pages, so stop by and check out my books and music.

Now Available!!!

May this year be full of joy and peace for you and your family. Remember to keep your eyes on the prize, Jesus Christ, and may the Lord bless you in all you do.

Rise up and be God's,
Christie Gerschutz
Singer, songwriter, author & speaker

"God won't be looking for your medals, diplomas, or degrees--He'll be looking for your scars."

Michelle Sutton on 6/12/09 - 10:57 AM
When the going gets tough...the insane laugh! (like me)

Hope you have a great weekend and laugh yourself silly!

LORI on 6/02/09 - 1:55 PM
dropping by
Ms.V.says, I CHOOSE to be RECESSION FREE on 5/27/09 - 5:34 PM
Greetings Mary,

Thank you for allowing Graphics on your page. Please stop by and check out this site. It is very interesting ;)



Ms. "V"s Official Web Page
Terry Squires on 5/26/09 - 4:24 PM
Hey Mary!! Hope you are doing well today!
Harald on 5/25/09 - 4:30 PM
Hi Mary,

How are you doing?
I hope everything is fine.

Today it was very hot here in Germany (30° C) but they say it's getting colder ?
what are your plans for the week? Anything special?
I'm still convalescing...(was sick in hospital, but thanks God, I'm back at home and feeling much better now)

So, have a wonderful week!

God bless
Auf Wiedersehen

Harald
LORI on 5/18/09 - 8:47 AM
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hello there
Katrina L. Burchett on 5/06/09 - 12:15 PM
Hi Mary, I watched the Daisy Chain book trailer and now the book is in my Amazon cart. I look forward to reading your work :)
Susan Waters on 5/04/09 - 8:02 PM
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Don't be a fence sitter!
Mass confusion, mob uproar - in Decision Valley! I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. Joel 3:14 Deuteronomy 30:19 The Message
I pray that every decision you make is a God-directed decision of Life, leading to His blessings for you.
Blessings,
Susan
Susan Waters on 5/04/09 - 8:01 PM
Photobucket

Don't be a fence sitter!
Mass confusion, mob uproar - in Decision Valley! I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. Joel 3:14 Deuteronomy 30:19 The Message
I pray that every decision you make is a God-directed decision of Life, leading to His blessings for you.
Blessings,
Susan
Sojourner Quartet on 5/02/09 - 2:51 PM
You bet Mary! I pray that your weekend is BLESSED!!!!

Christina
Cherie Hill on 5/01/09 - 5:10 PM
Hi Mary...I was visiting several book review blogs today and ran across this comment on one of them. Thought you'd like to know you're being talked about! :) It's nice to know that people are looking forward to reading your books! :)

*************************
Angela said...
This is definitely being added to my want to read list right up there with Daisy Chain! Thanks for the review
*************************

Have a super blessed weekend!
Cherie
Susan Waters on 4/27/09 - 10:18 PM
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He saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 The Message
I pray that you see yourself cleansed - not by your own efforts, but by the grace of your Loving Abba Daddy.
Blessings,
Susan
Sojourner Quartet on 4/27/09 - 4:00 PM
Hello Mary... so great to meet you! We have some of your titles in the Christian Bookstore in which I work! Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,
Christina
The Sojourner Qt.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Larry Hill Ministries on 4/24/09 - 2:51 AM
Hey my friend
I'm home from the hospital Praise the Lord! Their still not sure what caused all this,but my lungs are much clearer and I can breath thank the Lord! I go back to the doctor Thursday,but I'm believing our Doctor is taking care of me. We serve a Mighty God and I thank you for talking to Him about me,and bless your hearts for praying down strengh for Stella she never wavered through it all thank you so much!!! But the most important thing is, just listen to this oh Hallelujah Bless His Name they will never stop His plan! With me being home yesterday God allowed me to cross pathes with this lady she's lost and knows she needs Christ. We talked briefly and she was crying under deep conviction and said she had to go.But before she left I ask her to visit us here at shoutlife. Well I as we all have felt, I thought we would never hear from her. Guess what not only did she visit she opened her on page! Her name is Michelle I added her to my top 25 list please go by pray and encourage her! Let her know what we are all about Amen! Sorry such a long letter and I cant type it has took me about an hour to write this,but oh Hallelujah one more soul for Him Amen!
God Bless You

Larry
Psalm 32:8
Susan Waters on 4/21/09 - 6:20 PM


Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NKJ
I pray that no matter what you are facing, going through, or helping others through, your joy will remain strong, allowing God's strength to be mighty in you!
Blessings,
Susan
V. K. Sansone on 4/20/09 - 3:05 PM
Anytime sweetheart. Have a glorious week and do write when you find some X-tra time! And also let me know where YOU found it (extra time)! :D Love ya Mary!
V. K. Sansone on 4/16/09 - 5:21 PM
Me again! Loved your books and I shall refer all I can to them! :)
V. K. Sansone on 4/15/09 - 10:28 AM
Oh Mary! I have just finished reading Daisy Chains (read all three of
your novels) and they were wonderful! I left a review of each on my Profile page on Good Reads. Hope you visit and I do love your writing
and may your week be lovely and your life blessed in HIS love & peace
always. Katie
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1941832
Susan Waters on 4/14/09 - 8:35 PM
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If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. John 7:37 NKJ
I pray that you drink deeply of the goodness of God, of His love for you, and of His truth that will set you free. Drink deeply and drink often.
Blessings,
Susan