A Happy Birthday Free Gift

by April Yamasaki, posted in Writing
A chapel series on self-care for staff at Power to Change was just one of many amazing Four Gifts ministry opportunities this year, including Sunday morning speaking and retreats. If you’re interested in having me speak on self-care or any other topic, I’m now booking dates for 2020 and would love to hear from you!

Four Gifts quietly turned one-year-old last Wednesday, September 4. There was no party, no cake, no fanfare, but today I’m marking the occasion by giving away a FREE copy that you can keep for yourself or give to a friend, your pastor, another church leader, or anyone else you’d like to bless with some self-care. To enter the draw, leave a comment below, or sign up for my email updates if you’re not already on my mailing list. ~ Thank you to all those who entered – this contest is now closed, and the draw prize winner has been notified . ~

Writing/Reflection Prompt: How have you experienced Four Gifts? Would you please help me celebrate this first birthday by sharing that with someone in person or online? That would be a big help on Amazon (U.S.), Amazon (Canada), Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, in person conversations—however you best interact with others. Thank you for your help in encouraging healthy self-care!

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40 thoughts on “A Happy Birthday Free Gift”

    1. Thank you for finding and taking time weekly to write down thoughts worth reading and thinking about prayerfully. May God continue to use your life journey to bless and aid others.

  3. I’m a Chaplain at a Children’s Home, our agency works with teens who’ve been removed from their homes due to traumatic experiences like severe neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. It’s so rewarding to work with them, but DRAINING to everyone’s emotional “tank.” I’ve done several one on one’s with staff, a few workshops but would love to have this resource to help. I’m already signed up for your newsletters…and love them!

    1. Thank you for your kind words and this small glimpse of your work, Deborah. I’m grateful for what you are doing, and can see how regular resourcing for self-care would be vital. All the best to you and your staff in your on-going ministry.

  4. I gave the book to a daughter-in-law when she accomplished a milestone. She enjoyed it! I do not have my own copy, nor have I read it.
    I would like to do so!
    A few of my self-care activities are yoga, walking (and paying attention with as many senses as is possible), reading, journaling, and spending time with women who have commonalities with me.

    1. Congratulations to your daughter-in-law, Nancy – I’m glad to know that she enjoyed Four Gifts. I also love how you are paying attention as you walk – I sometimes have to remind myself of that!

  6. I loved your workshop at Gathering 2019, and Sacred Pauses helped me through a difficult postpartum period years ago, so I’m not sure why I haven’t gotten around to reading Four Gifts yet (probably not enough self-care!)

    1. I’m so glad you made it to that workshop, Lisa, and am grateful to know that Sacred Pauses was helpful to you. Here’s to setting aside some time for self-care very soon!

  7. I would love a copy of your book! I’ve read your book Sacred Pauses- and enjoyed it a lot! I would be happy to leave a review for you once I read it.

  9. I was very fortunate to have received a book that you offered previously and have enjoyed sharing it with my book club members. Enjoy your writings.

  10. Hi, April: I’m signed up for your emails (thank you!) and would love to be entered in your drawing. I’m the pastor at Willow Avenue Mennonite Church in Clovis, California. Nice to meet you!

  11. I purchased Four Gifts for our church library last winter but haven’t had a chance to read it myself because it’s been out with other readers!
    Would love a copy of my own 🙂

    1. I’m glad to hear that Four Gifts is resonating with readers in your church, Linda. Some have been asking for a group leader’s guide for small groups, and I hope to have that ready soon.

  12. Self Care is one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn. When breast cancer hit I felt knocked out of the park and my world seemed out of control. Through the process I learned that I did have a choice left – that was the choice of my attitude: how was I going to respond to all the changes, the people, what I should do, the treatments, and to my family. Knowing that I had a choice gave me the encouragement to endure many trials and come out of it all praising my God for his goodness. I would love to share Four Gifts with a friend who has not yet claimed the Truth of where all gifts come from.

  13. I would love to receive your book as a gift. I am doing a retreat on self care this fall and would love to use some of your ideas from the book. I hope that’s okay with you. I will definitely credit you. I am already signed up.

  14. I found you online while I was going through an extremely hard time in my life. My Grandmother, who was my everything, was in hospice. I read her bible to her every night and found special readings through your website.

    I have not yet read your book and would be delighted to receive a copy.

    Thank you and God Bless!

    1. Thank you for sharing, Jen. I’m excited to know that you found me online and that I could offer some small comfort during a hard time. May you continue to know God’s grace and peace, Amen.

  16. I would love to have a copy of this book. This past summer has, among other things, brought a somewhat stressful family change and I’m surprised and a bit ashamed that I have found it so difficult. I feel the need for soul care.

    1. Even happy changes can be stressful, Laura, so I can imagine that “a stressful family change” would be even more difficult. Times of change definitely bring a need for self-care.

  17. Hi April I have your book and it’s great; I’d love to win the free copy so that I can gift it to a friend.

  18. Hi April,
    I’d love to win your book! I gave my copy to a missionary that our church supports. If she took it with her, your book might make it to Kenya. If she didn’t take it with her, it will have been passed on to bless someone else.

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