Podcast appearances and mentions of athena dean holtz

What did you think of this episode?When is relaunching your book a great option? Today's guests share strategies and insight into making a book relaunch your next best step. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, you'll learn about … Relaunching a Book to Gain New Traction  My industry experts are Athena Dean Holtz and Carol Tetzlaff… Athena is an author, speaker, podcaster, and publisher at Redemption Press, and She Writes for Him. She pioneered the indie publishing movement in the Christian market in the early 90s. Carol is an award-winning Bible study author, speaker, and associate publisher at Redemption Press.Alright, let's head into our content for today… Relaunching a Book to Gain New Traction How do you know it's time to relaunch? How can an author add value to the reader by revising or expanding? What are the most effective additions to make a new version stand out?Listener giveaway? - Our free resource would be a course on Get unStuck in Your Writing.Your A Game - Courage for the Communicator – PDF Download and watch training at Romans828mediagroup.com https://www.redemptionpress.com  Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

Life is full of opportunities for us to become hurt and offended.  And sometimes those hurts and offenses stay with us and begin to change how we see life and make decisions.  In today's episode, I'm joined by Athena Dean Holtz as she shares her story of how hurt and offense became a driver in her business decision making.  If you found today's episode helpful, I'd love to know! Send me an email to heather@sweetteasocialmarketing.com OR find me on LinkedIn and tell me what you thought of today's episode.  

Thanks for listening to Simply for Women.  This show is for that mom who knows the chaos of life, that daughter who knows the challenges of the day, and for those women who want to deepen their faith. God invites us to take Him off our to-do list and to simply be - to simply be with him. www.Jenniferjackson.com Learn more about the host, Jennifer Jackson Invite Jennifer to speak at your event Healing Prayer: Shower of Power (free download) Simply for Women online store (books, merch)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks for listening to Simply for Women.  This show is for that mom who knows the chaos of life, that daughter who knows the challenges of the day, and for those women who want to deepen their faith. God invites us to take Him off our to-do list and to simply be - to simply be with him. www.Jenniferjackson.com Learn more about the host, Jennifer Jackson Invite Jennifer to speak at your event Healing Prayer: Shower of Power (free download) Simply for Women online store (books, merch)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks for listening to Simply for Women.  This show is for that mom who knows the chaos of life, that daughter who knows the challenges of the day, and for those women who want to deepen their faith. God invites us to take Him off our to-do list and to simply be - to simply be with him. www.Jenniferjackson.com Learn more about the host, Jennifer Jackson Invite Jennifer to speak at your event Healing Prayer: Shower of Power (free download) Simply for Women online store (books, merch)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks for listening to Simply for Women.  This show is for that mom who knows the chaos of life, that daughter who knows the challenges of the day, and for those women who want to deepen their faith. God invites us to take Him off our to-do list and to simply be - to simply be with him. www.Jenniferjackson.com Learn more about the host, Jennifer Jackson Invite Jennifer to speak at your event Healing Prayer: Shower of Power (free download) Simply for Women online store (books, merch)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew Mornings, it was day one of the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB) in Orlando, Florida. Thanks to MorningStar Mission, we were able to broadcast live from the event, which continues through this Thursday. Karl and Jonathan (Young Thunder) talked with several guests including Yvonne Carlson (digital expert), Athena Dean-Holtz (author), Allen Parr (author & YouTuber), David A.R. White (producer & actor), Dr. Erwin Lutzer (author & host of Running to Win), Steve Dewitt (pastor & host of The Journey), Jeff Allen (comedian & actor), Bill & Pam Farrel (authors & speakers), and Brant Hansen (media personality & author). Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for pictures! Hear the highlights of these interviews on today's Karl and Crew Showcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Links from Todays LIVE show: Together for a purpose: https://togetherforapurpose.com/

The co-authors of the book, Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry, Ross and Athena Dean Holtz, related insight about their marriage relationship and some of the principles that they highlight in the book. You can learn more at togetherforapurpose.com or redemption-press.com.

The co-authors of the book, Together for a Purpose: Love and Mission in Marriage and Ministry, Ross and Athena Dean Holtz, related insight about their marriage relationship and some of the principles that they highlight in the book. You can learn more at togetherforapurpose.com or redemption-press.com.

Hey Friend! So you want to write a book... but maybe you're wondering what it would be about, or how to get started, or if you actually have the time to make your dream a reality. I know that one day I'll write a book and as I get closer to that day, God has led me to some incredible people who have helped show me the incredible options we now have to make this process easier. I've invited Athena Dean Holtz on from Redemption Press and she'll be explaining the differences between self-publishing, hybrid-publishing, and traditional publishing. She'll share how you can get started if you have a book on your heart and how to do it in a professional, yet affordable way. I pray this blesses you! Xo, Stef   Check out Athena's writing challenges at shewritesforhim.com, her free guide realitiesinpublishing.com, or her podcast!   Next Steps: Watch the Free Workshop: www.podcastforgrowth.com Join the Stefanie Gass School: www.stefaniegass.com/school Grab Your Freebies: www.stefaniegass.com Join the FB Community: www.stefgasscommunity.com

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mystical world of Scientology? Well you'll have your questions answered. Nick Shalna interviews Athena Dean Holtz, a former Scientologist who had held a high up position at the Celebrity Centre (yes, they have one) as an OT-3 Sea Org. The discussion uncovers scandal, spiritual abuse, Scientology insider language and concepts such as "Thetans" and the E-meter, and how to prayerfully share the truth of Christ with those in Scientology. Don't forget to "follow" the podcast and share this episode with a friend!Athena Dean Holtz's book Full Circle:https://www.amazon.com/Full-Circle-Coming-Home-Faithfulness-ebook/dp/B0732PTXRR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H68CBXXRRU86&keywords=athena+dean+holtz&qid=1659927295&sprefix=athena+dean+holtz%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1Athena's Website:https://athenadeanholtz.com/Nick's Episode on Worship/False Teaching on Ravel:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nick-shalna-apologetics-worship-and-ratatouille/id1460638854?i=1000559255588Support the show

Heartlifters, are you ready for Part 2 of my conversation with Author and Founder/Publisher of Redemption Press, Athena Dean Holtz? Her brave story helps us arm ourselves against the tyranny and power of spiritual deception. Here in this community, we are 100% committed to spiritual formation and ultimately spiritual maturity. Athena helps open our eyes to the subtle and subversive tactics of a dangerous enemy to our authentic faith journey: deception. In Part 2 we hear of the redemptive power of God and how he brought her to wholeness. Links + Resources from this Episode: So excited that the podcast has been voted #11 in the Top 100 Mental Health Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/mental_health_podcasts/ Order copies of Athena's book for yourself and friends/family: FULL CIRCLE Visit Athena's website: ATHENA Learn more about Redemption Press: REDEMPTION PRESS Learn more about She Writes For Him: SHE WRITES Follow Athena on Instagram: ATHENA Grab a copy of Janell’s newest book: STRONGEREVERYDAY Subscribe to Janell’s podcast and newsletter: SUBSCRIBE Leave a review, please, of the podcast: LEAVE A REVIEW Visit Janell’s site: MORE RESOURCES Follow Janell on Instagram: @janellrardon

Deception, the act or practice of deceiving—lying, misleading, or otherwise hiding or distorting the truth, is not something we talk a great deal about, but today, in this bonus spiritual formation episode, we meet a woman who shines a light on several deceptive systems that led her into very dark places. In the aftermath of spiritual abuse and toxic leadership, Deceived by Scientology, forays into mysticism, and twelve years in a restrictive and legalistic cult, Athena Dean Holtz lost everything: her marriage, relationships, home, business, money, and reputation. This is a candid and inspirational conversation about how her eyes were opened, how God restored what had been lost, and how God gave her the desires of her heart, including a new love. Links + Resources from this Episode: So excited that the podcast has been voted #11 in the Top 100 Mental Health Podcasts on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/mental_health_podcasts/ Order Athena's book: FULLCIRCLE Visit Brad's website: ATHENA Listen to Athena's Podcast: REDEEMEDANDRESTORED Follow Athena on Instagram: ATHENA Learn more about SHE WRITES AND SHE SPEAKS Grab a copy of Janell’s newest book: STRONGEREVERYDAY Subscribe to Janell’s podcast and newsletter: SUBSCRIBE Leave a review, please, of the podcast: LEAVE A REVIEW Visit Janell’s site: MORE RESOURCES Follow Janell on Instagram: @janellrardon

Join Melinda Patrick with guest Athena Dean-Holtz as they talk about the power of Truth and how God fights for us in a season of wait.  The enemy would like nothing more than to have us walking in deceit.  God has so much more for us.   Listen in and hear how God used Truth and the words of others to bring freedom to the life of Athena Dean-Holtz.   Athena Dean-Holtz:  https://athenadeanholtz.com/ https://shewritesforhim.com/ Redemption Press: https://redemption-press.com/ Jen Wilkin:  Women Of The Word  https://www.amazon.com/Women-Word-Study-Bible-Hearts/dp/1433567148/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1433567148&psc=1 BSF:  https://www.bsfinternational.org/ Scripture References:  John 17:17; Ephesians 6:10-28; Romans 8:28 Download for Spiritual Armor: https://bit.ly/ArmorPrayerGuide

**Get the Resource Library Here.*** https://view.flodesk.com/pages/620480aed328ec5152cef854 Just because we become Christian does not mean our walk is a straightforward path. Our Guest today started with no God in her life, new-age, Scientology. In fact, she likens herself to Paul. He was against Christians and then had a radical transformation to become one.   But life is not simple and we all have our vulnerabilities.  In this two-part episode we are going to follow Athena Dean Holtz on a journey from God-hating, Scientology, a Christian awakening, vulnerable spots of deception, a 13-year walk in a toxic and restrictive cult and then God's amazing, redeeming love.  The life story of Athena Dean Holtz is a tale of a search for affirmation, meaning, and significance that trapped her in spiritual deception and caused her to lose everything she had. Fiction? No. Absolutely true. It is also a story of restoration and a love lost and found. Out of the great loss of her marriage, family relationships, home, her reputation, and a twenty-year career in publishing after twelve years in a toxic and restrictive cult, has come great restoration. Athena Dean Holtz now uses her growing and multi-faceted platform to encourage and uplift others through sharing the faithfulness of God in her life and in the lives of others. Her turnaround story continues. The founder and publisher of the hybrid Redemption Press, and was named Best Female Podcast Host of the Year (2021) by the national Spark Media Conference. The All Things Podcast uses Romans 8:28 as a theme. She is an author, publisher, YouTuber and follower of Jesus.  This is Part 2. Part 1 is Episode 51.   Today's Bolg with all the cool stuff! _____________________________________________ Email> hello@findingfaithabove.com Website> https://findingfaithabove.com/ FB Group> https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianwomenafterreligion Instagram> https://www.instagram.com/findingfaithabove/

**Get the Resource Library Here.*** https://view.flodesk.com/pages/620480aed328ec5152cef854 Just because we become Christian does not mean our walk is a straightforward path. Our Guest today started with no God in her life, new-age, Scientology. In fact, she likens herself to Paul. He was against Christians and then had a radical transformation to become one.   But life is not simple and we all have our vulnerabilities.  In this two-part episode we are going to follow Athena Dean Holtz on a journey from God-hating, Scientology, a Christian awakening, vulnerable spots of deception, a 13-year walk in a toxic and restrictive cult and then God's amazing, redeeming love.  The life story of Athena Dean Holtz is a tale of a search for affirmation, meaning, and significance that trapped her in spiritual deception and caused her to lose everything she had. Fiction? No. Absolutely true. It is also a story of restoration and a love lost and found. Out of the great loss of her marriage, family relationships, home, her reputation, and a twenty-year career in publishing after twelve years in a toxic and restrictive cult, has come great restoration. Athena Dean Holtz now uses her growing and multi-faceted platform to encourage and uplift others through sharing the faithfulness of God in her life and in the lives of others. Her turnaround story continues. The founder and publisher of the hybrid Redemption Press, and was named Best Female Podcast Host of the Year (2021) by the national Spark Media Conference. The All Things Podcast uses Romans 8:28 as a theme. She is an author, publisher, YouTuber and follower of Jesus.  This is Part 1. Part 2 is Episode 52 releasing tomorrow.  Today's Bolg with all the cool stuff! _____________________________________________ Email> hello@findingfaithabove.com Website> https://findingfaithabove.com/ FB Group> https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianwomenafterreligion Instagram> https://www.instagram.com/findingfaithabove/

Are you an aspiring author? Or maybe you are in the throes of writing your book? Perhaps you were wondering how and what happens with a publisher? You're in luck because today, we will dive into this and more with Athena Dean Holtz! Athena is the founder and publisher of Redemption Press, and She Writes for Him Writers' Conference. And I was recently fortunate to get to meet her at Proclaim Conference. We dive into what it's like publishing a book and how the industry has changed. You don't want to miss this one!"The question is, do you have a story that is compelling and resonates with your audience? And if you do, then you can get whatever help you need to make it well written." - Athena Dean Holtz.Highlights from my chat with Athena include: When is the time to write a book (2:04)Where does the story start (3:27)Ink on paper doesn't translate body language (5:07)Different types of publishing (9:17)Combining traditional and true self-publishing models (15:15)Likelihood of being turned down (18:18)Resubmitting your manuscript (19:56)Examples of word count and costs (22:44)Importance of the brand (25:11)The cost to an author (28:18)Kickstarter option for authors (33:22)Athena tells you your next steps (36:36)Are you ready to take your book to a publisher? Or are you in the beginning stages of writing? I'd love it if y'all came to join the conversation in the Facebook group-Take the Stage Speakers and share with us! If you aren't on Facebook, find me on Instagram! I would love for you to share with me. Connect with Athena Dean HoltzRedemption PressFull Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God - SignedShe Writes for Him Conference Want to chat outside of the podcast? Yes? Alright, get on the email list! Head to takethestagepodcast.com, scroll to the bottom and sign up. Thanks for joining me on today's episode of, Take the Stage - for Speakers by Speakers! If you enjoyed today's episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, give me a 5 star, and leave a review to help me reach even more speakers who are ready to Take the Stage. Also, don't forget to check out my website, visit me on Facebook, or hang out with me on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what's in store for you.

We are all made to be creative with gifts to impact and influence others because we have a creative God! In this episode join me with my special guests, Athena Dean-Holtz and Carol Tetzlaff, from Redemption Press as we talk about the importance of using our creativity and how it can restore our soul. We will also be sharing about an exciting opportunity—if you are an aspiring writer or speaker, listen in and learn how to take next steps to develop your gifts as a Christian Communicator. Proclaim Conference information: www.shewritesandspeaks.com Key quote: 2 Timothy 1:6,7 Discovering God Through the Old Testament Series beginning January 26th. To join: https://cynthia-cavanaugh.mykajabi.com/ot-ezra --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cynthia-cavanaugh/message

Learn more about Athena here: https://athenadeanholtz.com/ Join our live training here: https://www.briandixon.com/live

In the aftermath of spiritual abuse by toxic leaders of a cult, Athena Holtz's shattered life seemed hopeless. She desperately needed to be rescued and redeemed from the ruins of spiritual abuse. Deceived by Scientology, the New Age movement, and twelve years in a restrictive and legalistic cult, she lost everything--her marriage, relationships, home, business, money, and reputation--gone. But the devestation of spiritual abuse is not how this story ends... In this candid and inspirational episode, Athena shares how her shattered life was transformed. Hear how God restored what was taken from her, and how He gave her the desires of her heart, including the love of her life (see their sweet photo below!). Athena affectionately refers to her full-circle story as a Cinderella story and it is truly an amazing one! I know what Athena has to share will encourage, inspire, and challenge you so listen in while I have a chat with Athena Dean Holtz... Favorite Quotes from the show... "...everytime I had a thought--one of those thoughts that I was brainwashed into thinking--I'd say, 'Holy Spirit, what do You say?'""...it was my wounding that made me vulnerable to deception." --Athena Dean Holtz Connect with Athena! You can connect with Athena at athenadeanholtz.com and pick up her amazing book Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God where you'll find more of Athena's amazing God story of redemption and restoration. More About Athena... Athena Dean Holtz is a podcaster, former radio host, author, speaker, publisher, bookstore owner, and pastor's wife. After 13 years of a “Job-like” experience where she lost everything she held dear, she found God redeeming her in ways she could never have expected. Through this intense period of suffering and healing from the fallout of toxic leadership and extreme spiritual abuse, God proved Himself faithful to walk with Athena through the valley of the shadow of (emotional) death and brought her into wholeness and restoration. Her modern-day Cinderella story is a testimony to the faithfulness of God. If you love Fierce Calling, please leave a review on Podchaser. Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! Have a Blessed One!! Photo by Ann on Unsplash Don't forget to grab my free gifts below... Grab one of my free downloads by scrolling down to the bottom of the page! "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 Much Love and Blessings, Doris

In this Episode, I interview my inspiring Kingdom Rockstar guest, Athena Dean Holtz.  Athena is a talented Christian author and speaker and the Founder and Publisher of Redemption Press.  She is also an award winning Podcast Host of the All Things Podcast.  In our authentic conversation, Athena shares her transformational God story of her search for affirmation, meaning, and significance that trapped her in spiritual deception, and a cult of twelve years that caused her to lose everything she had.  She also shares how God restored everything she lost back to her along with a love lost and found. Enjoy listening to Athena's powerful God glorifying story!

In this episode of the By His Grace podcast, I interviewed Athena Dean Holtz. Athena is the Diamond Sponsor of the 2021 Spark Media Conference. She is a podcaster, former radio host, author, speaker, publisher, bookstore owner, and a pastor's wife. She is active in her small-town community and recently served as president of Northwest […] The post Athena Dean-Holtz: A Story of Redemption appeared first on By His Grace.

How can self-publishing lead to a traditionally published book? Our guest, Athena Dean Holtz has worked in the publishing industry for over thirty years. As the co-founder of Redemption Press, Athena has stories to share and tips to advance your writing career.Athena Dean Holtz is a publisher, speaker, author, podcaster, pastor’s wife, and former radio host. For over thirty years, she has worked in the book business, spearheading the independent publishing movement in the Christian market. In 2014 Athena cofounded Redemption Press to fill an author-centered niche in publishing. Welcome her to Your Best Writing Life with our host, Linda Goldfarb.How did you personally experience this strategy?What seems to be the expectation with traditional publishers in order for them to consider contracting your self-published title for their house?Do you have some examples of those you’ve worked with who have been picked up by a traditional publisher?LINKSShe Writes for Him: Stories of Resilient Faith She Writes for Him Bootcamp Editing Essentials for the Christian WriterNovember Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers downloadJoin fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.

Guest and friend, Athena Dean Holtz, shares the dramatic story of her flailing publishing company. Meeting the business conflict head-on was extremely uncomfortable and yet she tells of how God helped her face the problems, overcome her mistakes, and turn the publishing business around. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cynthia-cavanaugh/message

I want you to hear a story that started many years ago, which really reached it's climax on November 21, 2011, when I received a Facebook message from Athena. This is a story of toxic leadership and spiritual abuse, manipulation, and loss. You'll hear Athena's story of falling prey to a cult that took everything from her. You will also hear how God brought this story full circle. This is also a story of redemption, healing, and hope. You can find Athena's book Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God through Redemption Press or on Amazon. You can connect with Athena at Redemption Press or her personal website. If you're enjoying this podcast, spread the word by sharing it with your friends and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. I encourage you to send me your feedback or suggestions for an interview. Help me help you. You can email me at jroper@foursquare.org, or direct message me on Facebook. You can also submit any feedback or questions here. Don't forget to subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher so you don't miss an episode. As always, you can connect with me on Facebook or Twitter. It's your life, now go live it! I am among the eleven Area Missionaries supported by Foursquare Missions International. To support our global missions efforts, visit The Global Missions Fund. Post may contain affiliate links. All proceeds are used to support the missions work. Thanks for listening!

Episode Summary: If you have ever been abused by someone in the church, been manipulated by the church, or been under abusive authority within the church, or want to know how to avoid all the above, then this show is the perfect show for you. In this episode, I speak with Athena Dean Holtz about spiritual abuse. Those at greatest risk of being the victim of spiritual abuse appear to be those who don’t truly know what the Word of God says. Manipulators thrive on control and thrive on converting others to their way of thinking. Intimidation is another characteristic of abusers, leaving their victims feeling all alone, powerless, defeated, and victimized. While most situations of abuse are not the victim’s fault, it can nonetheless be so helpful for the victim to ask God the Father “What role did I play in this?” When we take responsibility for our own behavior, it strips the abuser of their power. Furthermore, learning what behaviors and patterns are recurring and leaving victims wounded, helps us take responsibility for the roll we played, and it makes us more responsible for having honest dialog with the one who is wounded by agreeing in prayer, and agreeing with what God says about us, and often has the added benefit of helping us not repeat behaviors and patterns in relationship that would lead to future abuse. Quotables from the episode: It’s so crucial that we know the Scripture and know when it is being taken out of context. Furthermore, when we aren’t familiar enough with the scriptures for ourselves can make us easily intimidated by the scriptures when others proclaim them. If we leave wounded areas in our life unhealed, leaves us open to further work by the enemy of our soul. Intimidation is a common strategy used by those who are abusive. And that’s just like the enemy, who is a big bully and is intimidating when Jesus isn’t like that at all. When we have been hurt and wounded by people, that can leave a void in our lives that can leave us open to being wounded by others and be drawn in by others in the future, and manipulators are good at observing and figuring out what our triggers points and vulnerable weak spots are, so they can use those to their advantage. Abusers often begin with a grooming process, where they take a special interest in someone and go out of their way to make that person feel special. But at the same time, they also make it seem that anyone who questions, or challenges, or who points out anything that could be negative as the enemy. The abusers will often make it sound righteous by cutting off anyone who disagrees with their position. In the grooming process, they also want to isolate you and cut you off from friend, family members, and anyone who might point out the fallacies of their beliefs and help you see truth. If a spiritual leader is not humble enough to allow people to challenge them on their opinions or teachings, but instead intimidate or get angry, that’s a very dangerous place to be. To aid in our healing, we have to be willing to ask God, “What was my role in this? Where did I open the door for the enemy to come in? What do I need to take responsibility and repent for?” God’s way is for us to be teachable and humbling ourselves to his conviction. Another useful thing to do when you want to ensure that you know truth, is to ask the Holy Spirit “What do you say about this?” The Holy Spirit’s job is to remind us of all truth. But He can’t remind us of the truth if we haven’t already been exposed to it by reading God’s word. If you have a friend or loved one who is being spiritually abused, pray for them. Because of the brainwashing that takes place, they are not likely to listen to your concerns. You might gift them a copy of Athena’s book because it comes from the perspective of someone else who has been there. If you’ve been in a position of having been spiritually abused, do not allow it to steal your trust with others. Not all churches, pastors, or spiritual leaders are abusive. You need to find a safe community of believers who believe the truth, and help you get healed from the past abuse, whereas the enemy would like to use this to isolate you further. Scripture References: Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do." Isaiah 30:20-21 “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.’” Recommended Resources: Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God by Athena Dean Holtz https://amzn.to/37WpiaC Twisted Scriptures: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told by Andrew Farley https://amzn.to/33q1Y1f The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen https://amzn.to/2Drv6Li Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement by Ron Burks https://amzn.to/2DsJWRs “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://athenadeanholtz.com https://facebook.com/athena.dean1 https://facebook.com/redemptionpress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Athena Dean Holtz Athena Dean is a publisher, speaker, former radio host and pastor’s wife. For the last 30 years she has worked in the industry, spearheading the independent publishing movement in the Christian publishing market. In 2014 Athena co-founded Redemption Press to fill an author-centered niche in publishing. She was president of the Northwest Christian Writer’s Association from 2016-2018, is a president’s club member of Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA), a member of Advanced Writer & Speaker Association (AWSA), and recently retired host of a weekly radio program, “Always Faithful” on AM 630 KCIS, where she shared God’s faithfulness with women across the globe.  Her newest book recounts the story of her twelve-year Job-like experience and the modern day Cinderella story she is now living. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

You may have heard of new age practices or cults (even Christian ones), but you likely don't know how one becomes involved in one or what day to day life is like. In this episode, we explore both. My guest, Athena Dean Holtz, dabbled in several new age practices. In her book, Full Circle, she explained, "The enemy used my hunger to know God to draw me into his lies. Because I didn't know the truth, I was easy prey for the counterfeit."Athena not only shares what her life was like while experimenting with new age practices, but she also shares how she joined a Christian church not knowing it was a cult. Her openness about how she got involved in the cult and how much emotional and spiritual abuse she endured gives the listener a deep look into the dangers of looking for God in all the wrong places.

The church is the place we go to strengthen our bond with God, even more so when in moments of need. We hear from today's guest, Athena Dean Holtz, on how she got wrapped into a church cult for over 12 years, and how she got out of it.

Author & speaker, Athena Dean Holtz, shares God's grace and goodness after spiritual abuse.

Author & speaker, Athena Dean Holtz, shares God's grace and goodness after spiritual abuse.

Athena Dean Holtz shares how God rescued her from her poor choices. She recently released a book, Full Circle, telling how being involved in cult caused much heartache.

Dean Niewolny, Thomas Purifoy, Steve Greene, Athena Dean Holtz, Andy Bowersox, Mark Meckler, Austin Ruse, Jeff Dixon

Dean Niewolny, Thomas Purifoy, Steve Greene, Athena Dean Holtz, Andy Bowersox, Mark Meckler, Austin Ruse, Jeff Dixon

This episode's coffee talk topic is about the enormous gift of Redemption in the life of Athena Dean Holtz, who shares her powerful, riveting story written in her new book, Full Circle, published by Redemption Press. This show and message is for everyone who has been taken advantage of, lied to, manipulated and utterly deceived under the guise, and misrepresentation of who God truly is. Theme Song: Jesus Kind of Love by Nate Jackson Connect with Athena at www.athenadeanholtz.com #FullCircle #WomenThatInspire #OJNR #CCTFW #RedemptionPress #Isaiah_61

This episode's coffee talk topic is about the enormous gift of Redemption in the life of Athena Dean Holtz, who shares her powerful, riveting story written in her new book, Full Circle, published by Redemption Press. This show and message is for everyone who has been taken advantage of, lied to, manipulated and utterly deceived under the guise, and misrepresentation of who God truly is. Theme Song: Jesus Kind of Love by Nate Jackson Connect with Athena at www.athenadeanholtz.com #FullCircle #WomenThatInspire #OJNR #CCTFW #RedemptionPress #Isaiah_61

About Author Athena Dean Holtz:http://athenadeanholtz.com "I've spent the past 30 years in the book publishing industry, as co-founder and former owner of WinePress Publishing, I pioneered the independent publishing movement in the Christian book industry. I was blessed to spend a year as a radio personality on “Always Faithful Radio” a live radio program for women on AM 630 KSLR in San Antonio, TX where I served as broadcast missionary under Commission to Every Nation. Now I'm hosting the same show on AM 630 KCIS in Seattle, WA Fridays at 1PM PST. I am also a cult survivor, twice over. Once before I became a Christian I got sucked into and escaped from the Church of Scientology. After my salvation experience in 1986, I was lured into a legalistic, toxic, abusive Christian cult called Sound Doctrine. Ever since I walked away from this traumatic experience I've not been afraid to stand up and tell my story. It's created an immense backlash online by my abusers, but I have nothing to hide. I've learned a lot from that experience and God has taught me a great deal about why I was vulnerable in the first place. He has also given me great insights into deceivers and those who have been deceived as a result. I've written four books including my memoir, "Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God," "Consumed by Success: Reaching the Top and Finding God Wasn’t There," and "All That Glitters Is Not God." The most exciting thing that's happened to me recently is I married Ross Holtz, founding pastor of The Summit, an Evangelical Free Church. That means I'm now a pastor's wife...who knew? We now have a combined family of six sons, two daughters and 17 grandchildren, and absolutely LOVE boating and RVing. We live in Enumclaw where a large percentage of our grandkids live as well."

David Limbaugh, Greg Koukl, Kristen Dalton Wolfe, Lisa-Jo Baker, Elizabeth Thompson, Athena Dean Holtz, Jennifer Breedon

David Limbaugh, Greg Koukl, Kristen Dalton Wolfe, Lisa-Jo Baker, Elizabeth Thompson, Athena Dean Holtz, Jennifer Breedon