A Happy Birthday Free Gift

September 9, 2019

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 responses

Brenton Dickieson

Sep 9, 2019

I’d love to win and give away a book! I’m already signed up.

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1. Ruth Isaac Wiederkehr
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  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.
  
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  1. April Yamasaki
    
    Sep 9, 2019
    
    Thank you for your words of blessing, Ruth. It’s a privilege to connect with people through my blog, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
    
    Reply
2. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Lovely to see you here, Brenton, and thanks for tweeting out this offer!
  
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Judy Wu Dominick

Sep 9, 2019

Happy 1-year anniversary to Four Gifts, April! I’m already on your mailing list.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Thanks, Judy!
  
  Reply
Deborah Pollex

Sep 9, 2019

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!

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  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.
  
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Nancy Fisher

Sep 9, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  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!
  
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sharonwysemiller

Sep 9, 2019

Thank you for the inspiration you share through your blog. I’d love to win your book!
SWMiller

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Thanks, Sharon!
  
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Lisa Heinrichs

Sep 9, 2019

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!)

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  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!
  
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Ruth Nakai

Sep 9, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Thanks, Ruth – no pressure of course, but it’s also not too late to share a review of Sacred Pauses if you’re so inclined 🙂 https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Pauses-Spiritual-Practices-Personal/dp/0836196856/
  
  Reply
Lynda DeManti

Sep 9, 2019

Love to read this book and learn some new things.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  That would be wonderful, Lynda!
  
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Pearl

Sep 9, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Thanks so much, Pearl – I’m glad you’ve been able to share the book with your book club members, and appreciate your on-going interest in my writing.
  
  Reply
Audrey Hindes

Sep 9, 2019

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!

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Good to meet you, Audrey – I just had a look at your church website, and would love to visit sometime 🙂
  
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Linda Wiebe

Sep 9, 2019

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 🙂

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  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.
  
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Ruth Cook

Sep 9, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  Thank you for sharing your experience, Ruth. Your attitude is encouraging, and I hope that you are doing well physically at this point also. All the best to you!
  
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Pauline Steinmann

Sep 9, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  I would love Four Gifts to be a resource for you and your retreat, Pauline. I’m glad to know that you’ll be doing that this fall.
  
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Jen Ahrendt

Sep 9, 2019

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!

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 9, 2019
  
  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.
  
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La Vern

Sep 10, 2019

Congratulations!

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 11, 2019
  
  Thanks La Vern!
  
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Laura Klassen

Sep 11, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 11, 2019
  
  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.
  
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Maddaline

Sep 11, 2019

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.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 11, 2019
  
  How thoughtful, Maddaline – I’d love for your friend to have a copy!
  
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Liana

Sep 12, 2019

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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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 15, 2019
  
  I’m glad to hear that Four Gifts is on the move, Liana – thanks!
  
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Frank Dyck

Sep 17, 2019

Thank you for your encouraging words. and your offer of Four Gifts, also regarding my enquiry.

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1. April Yamasaki
  
  Sep 17, 2019
  
  You’re welcome, Frank. May God direct your steps.
  
  Reply

Faith and Hope with April Yamasaki

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I write, edit, teach, preach, and mentor in a variety of venues, platforms, and publications. The common thread? To encourage and inspire people of all ages to live with faith and hope. I’d love for you to join me!

In all the challenges, joys, and ordinary moments of daily life, God’s mercies never fail. They are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).