Marlene Burling

A PUBLICATION BY LETTRA PRESS

Marlene Burling is a resident in Batavia, NY. She is a widow. She was a pastor’s wife. They were married for 51 years, 30 of which her husband was a pastor. She has 3 married children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She and her husband began their ministry as home missionaries and later served in regular pastorates. She has been a teacher of children, youth and ladies, and has been a speaker at ladies’ banquets and workshops. She has written articles for newsletters, and has developed a workshop titled, “There’s Life After Loss—(LIVING in Widowhood).” She has a weekly blog on her web site. She started a widow’s ministry in her church for widows and singles. The group is called The King’s Daughters. She was also the care-giver for her in-laws until their home-going.

She enjoys playing the piano, singing, and taking morning walks.

MARLENE BURLING www.marleneburling.com

WHAT’S INSIDE? 2 The Author 4 Books 6 Morning Walks with God 8 A Daily Walk with God 10 Interviews 12 The Gallery 12 King’s Daughters

18 Book Signing 20 Book Review 22 Testimonials 23 News Release 24 Conversation

with Marlene Burling 26 Pacific Book Review

MARLENE BURLING

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The Author Marlene Burling, a resident in Batavia, NY, is a widow. She was a pastor’s wife. She has 3 married children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She and her husband began their ministry as home missionaries and later served in regular pastorates. She has been a teacher of children, youth and ladies, and has been a speaker at ladies’ banquets and workshops. She has written articles for newsletters, a children’s book titled “Grandma, Tell Me the Easter Story,” and has compiled a workshop titled, “There’s Life After Death—(LIVING in Widowhood),” which she is able to present to churches, ladies’ groups, or other groups. She started a widow’s ministry in her church for widows and singles. The group is called The King’s Daughters. She lived with her in-laws as their care-giver until their home going. She was a graduate of Elba Central School in 1962. She and her husband graduated from Elohim Bible Institute in Castile, NY in 1979.

What began as a personal exercise to process her grief upon the death of her husband of 51 years; took on a life of its own and resulted in a collection of 365 daily devotional thoughts, titled, “Morning Walks with God” and just recently published her second 365 day devotional titled “A Daily Walk With God.” The author has captured common and relatable daily occurrences,objects, and Bible stories and written spiritual applications for daily encouragement. God used these spiritual lessons in her own life as part of the healing in her grieving process. Readers will be encouraged to realize that no matter what they are going through—and no matter how difficult or trying it may be—they are NOT alone because God is always there. She wants her readers to know they can rely on Him for peace, comfort, direction and joy even in the midst of heartache.

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MARLENE BURLING

Morning Walks with God

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A Daily Walk with God

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MARLENE BURLING

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Morning Walks with God “Morning Walks with God” is more than just another devotional.

It is the heartbeat of a woman with an authentic walk with God. Marlene Burling does not just go through the routine of having devotions but lives out the valuable truths that she discovers in her daily time with the Lord and that are contained in this collection.

She is a true blessing to the women in our church, and I know she will be an encouragement to those who embrace this journey of spiritual growth with her.”

Dr. Donald A. Shirk, senior pastor Grace Baptist Church Batavia, New York “Within these pages, you will find encouragement that is personal, practical, and powerful. From her many years as a wife, mother, and pastor’s wife, Marlene has gained much wisdom and personal experience. This book is going to be a great tool to help you to grow in your own personal spiritual life.”

Michael J. Peck D Min, author, family counselor, Baptist church planter “This book is unique, as these devotions are practical and related to everyday experiences and will make the reader stop and think about how this reflects in their everyday walk with God.” Rev. Dr. Robert Chambers VA chaplain

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MARLENE BURLING

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A Daily Walk with God “Take two.” In the film industry, that statement is made because the first take was not good enough. In the case of this book, it’s the opposite. Marlene‘s first book, “Morning Walks with God,” was so successful her second is now in your hands. A Daily Walk with God is filled with practical food for your soul that will spiritually sustain and equip you so that your first take on the decisions of your day will honor God. Marlene is a student of what an authentic walk with God should look like, and writes with helpful insight and clarity. You will be encouraged and motivated to live for the Lord each day as you enjoy the wisdom contained in these pages!

–Dr. Donald A. Shirk, Senior Pastor Grace Baptist Church, Batavia, New York You are holding a great book that is written out of the rich experiences of Marlene Burling. She is not only a mother but is one who has served the Lord in many capacities. She has experienced the home-going of her beloved husband, Autry. Before this event, they served the Lord together as a pastor and wife for many years. Marlene Burling writes from the perspective that God’s Word is our source of spiritual food as well as our compass for life.

Reading the daily devotionals will both challenge and bless your spiritual liife.

Take my word for it. You’ll appreciate her insight and wisdom.

–Michael J. Peck, DMin Author and Family Counselor (Retired), Baptist Church Planters, Grafton, OH The perfect title for Marlene’s new book, A Daily Walk with God, is exactly what we need to be doing–walking daily with God. Taking time to read the Bible and to seek God’s guidance daily is an essential part of our daily walk.

But let us not forget that prayer is our lifeline to God. As we talk with Him, He hears and answers our prayers knowing what is best for our life. As you read these daily thoughts and the brief prayer, stop and reflect on how God is working in your life. It is my prayer that this book will be an encouragement in your daily spiritual walk.

–Dr. Robert Chambers, Chaplain VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY 9

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MARLENE BURLING

Interviews

Marlene Burling_Al Cole Radio Interview

Preach the Word BOTM with Marlene Burling

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It is always a pleasure doing an interview with Al Cole.

He has a way of making you feel relaxed and very comfortable talking with him.

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MARLENE BURLING

THE GALLERY The Bender’s Christian Bookstore held a special event, “Afternoon Tea with Author/Speaker, Marlene Burling. I presented my workshop, “There’ Life After Loss” which was followed by refreshments and then a book signing.

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At the Bookworm BookStore, in East Aurora, NY I did a Saturday afternoon book signing.

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King’s Daughters

I started a at our church Daughters. We togethers. I enjo can. Our Christm in my home as w which was held o

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a widows group h called the King’s have monthly getoy hosting whenever I mas luncheon was held was our summer picnic on my patio.

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MARLENE BURLING

We try to do some outings with our King’s Daughter’s group. This was a one day trip to Letchworth State Park near Mt. Morris, NY. We had lunch at a restaurant and then enjoyed the beautiful scenery in the park.

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Our King’s Daughter’s meetings always contain a time of devotion in the word of God. Often I lead this, but I try to encourage the other ladies to take turns once in a while.

This is my office. This particular day, I was getting ready for the presentation of Grief Share which I co-lead on Monday evenings at our church, Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, NY. 17

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MARLENE BURLING

Book Signing

It was quite the adventure flying to Texas where I was able to do abook signing in Austin at the Texas Book Festival.

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MARLENE BURLING

Book Review MARLENE BURLING A Daily Walk with God A Christian writer offers her wisdom in the form of daily discourses. Her observations and advice center around the theme of taking a walk each day in which we try to see God’s purpose for us that day and in all the time we have on this earth.

MARLENE BURLING A Daily Walk with God A Daily Walk with God is the second book of devotionals from Marlene Burling who again provides a satisfying and inspiring follow-up to her Morning Walks with God which got its start as what the author refers to as mini-devotionals she wrote for Facebook.

MARLENE BURLING Morning Walks with God Author Burling’s collection of Christian-themed devotional readings are designed to offer an attentive, prayerful focus of meditation for each day of the year.

The opening segment for January 1 cites the difference between happiness and joyfulness:

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MARLENE BURLING A Daily Walk with God Author Marlene Burling pens a book that will delight her readers and nurture the gift of love from Christ in their hearts. A Daily Walk with God is a thought-provoking, yet inspiring devotional, that will accelerate your belief and faith as well as the truth about God. MARLENE BURLING Morning Walks with God Morning Walks with God is more than just another women’s devotional, it affirms the power of God and HIS truth. Author Marlene Burling takes her readers away from the busy world, and turns them into advocating Bible reading. As you dash through the early morning rush, she will begin to let you see the world in a new lens, with optimism in her book.

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MARLENE BURLING

TESTIMONIALS

What People Say “Morning Walks with God” is more than just another women’s devotional. It is the heartbeat of a woman with an authentic walk with God. Marlene Burling does not just go through the routine of having devotions, but lives out the valuable truths that she discovers in her daily time with the Lord and that are contained in this collection.

She is a true blessing to the women in our church, and I know she will be an encouragement to the women who embrace this journey of spiritual growth with her.”

“Within these pages, you will find encouragement that is personal, practical, and powerful. From her many years as a wife, mother, and pastor’s wife, Marlene has gained much wisdom and personal experience. This book is going to be a great tool to help you to grow in your own personal spiritual life.”

Michael J. Peck DMIN

Dr. Donald A. Shirk SENIOR PASTER

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News Release BATAVIA, New York — For most of us, the passing of a loved one can mean a ceasing of many activities. We are all entitled to a period of mourning that can last a long time for many of us, and rightfully so. Everyone has different ways to overcome loss. Author Marlene Burling is no different. To help her cope after the passing of her pastor husband, Autry Burling, she began writing mini daily devotionals and uploading them to Facebook. After months of these 5-day devotional postings, friends successfully convinced her to sew up a book.

Burling says walking with God daily is key for her writing. “There are so many spiritual lessons we can learn when our eyes are focused on God,” Burling says. Her prayer is that what she has learned will be passed on to her readers. She wants her book to encourage her readers to have that close daily walk with God even during the “hard times.”

Burling has received two book reviews: US Review of Books, and Pacific Book Review for her book A Daily Walk with God. She continues to write weekly posts on her website and Facebook account.

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Morning Walks With God A Daily Walk With God By: Marlene Burling Paperback | $10.99 Kindle | $3.99 Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Marlene Burling is a widow. She was married 51 years to Autry Burling. He was a pastor for 30 of those years. Marlene has 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She has been a Sunday School teacher, youth counselor, ladies Bible teacher, speaker at banquets and retreats for ladies, and developed a workshop for widows which she presented at 2 ladies state conferences and churches. She began a ministry at her church for widows and singles called The King’s Daughters. She became an end of life doula after being the care-giver for her in-laws. She enjoys playing the piano and singing in the choir and trios.

M A R L EN E B U R L IN G, Author | DIGITAL EDITION

MARLENE BURLING

1. How did your writing change your life?

As a widow, my writing has helped me to take my focus off from me and given me a desire to be an encouragement to others who are going through similar losses; to help them to realize they can go on even in the midst of loss.

2. Before your husband passed away, have you imagined becoming an author of devotionals?

I had never even thought about writing such a book. It was after my husband passed away that my family and friends encouraged me to write a book after I had been writing daily posts of encouragement on facebook.

5. We have gathered on your Facebook fan page, @morningthoughtswithmarlene that you have started a workshop called There’s Life After Death—(LIVING in Widowhood) .

Can you tell us more about it?

Grief lasts a lot longer than what our society thinks it should. There are people who may say after even a month or two that “you shouldn’t be grieving; it’s time to get over it.” Yes, it may get better but you don’t get over it. It will never be the same. But, life does go on and there is a verse of scripture that says, “The thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy, but I have come to give you life and to give it to you more abundantly” John 10:10. We have an awesome God who loves us and will never forsake us. He will give us his peace that passes understanding if we keep our focus on Him. We can go on living NOW with His help. Some widows just want to hibernate and let the world pass them by, but with the Lord’s help we can go on.

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A conversation with Marlene Burling 6. Between where you started and where you’re at, can you say you’ve achieved your goal?

I don’t think you ever really achieve your goal.

You keep pressing on. I think you grow through your loss more and more every day as you walk with the Lord. That’s why I’ve used the titles of my books that I did. A daily walk with God is so important.

7. What are the five stages of grief for you?

Shock Confusion Emptiness Anger Resolution – it is what it is and life goes on and I can go on!

8. Are there any self-help books on the horizon?

Because of the losses I have experienced in my life (both parents, husband, in-laws) and being caregivers for both of my in-laws, along with several physical problems in my own life, there may be another book on the horizon.

9. If your husband could read this magazine, what would you want to tell him?

“I am thankful for your love for me over the 51 years we had together and the faith that we shared together in the Lord. This has been my strength and encouragement since you’ve been gone.”

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10. What’s your message to those going through grief?

Grief as much as you need to for as long as you need to. God has given us tears for a reason.

Find those “healing people” in your life that can help you. They will be “here” for you. They will have “empathy” (will try to understand your feelings) “Accepting” – won’t judge you for the way you are grieving or how long “Listening” – will let you share your feelings again and again and again!

Loners are more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks.

Find people to be with and things to do. God will give us the most support that we need. It’s so important to be in the Word of God every day.

11. Who is Marlene Burling?

Marlene is a widow. She was married 51 years to Autry Burling. He was a pastor for 30 of those years. Marlene has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

She has been a Sunday School teacher, youth counselor, ladies Bible teacher, speaker at banquets and retreats for ladies, and developed a workshop for widows which she presented at 2 ladies’ state conferences and churches.

She began a ministry at her church for widows and singles called The King’s Daughters. She became an end-of-life doula after being the caregiver for her in-laws. She enjoys playing the piano and singing in the choir and trios.

12. What is the book about?

Her books are 365 day devotionals. Each day is a short devotional either taken from a Bible story or character, or lessons Marlene has learned from her own life from childhood through married life. There are many metaphors written simply from objects she may have seen through her day or events from her life. She applies a spiritual lesson and closes either with questions in her “Morning Walks with God” or with a short prayer in “A Daily Walk with God.”

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13. What motivated you to write the book?

After the passing of her husband, Marlene began writing mini devotions 5 days a week on facebook. After a few months went by several of her friends told her she should be writing a book. She kept saving the daily posts and they eventually developed into the two 365 day devotionals that she wrote: “Morning Walks with God” and “A Daily Walk with God.” 14. Greatest influence in writing?

Walking with God daily is key for her in her writing. Every day is exciting to her when she is expecting and looking for the things God wants her to learn through her day. Marlene has asked the Lord to show her simple spiritual lessons as she walks with Him. He has revealed Himself to her in a variety of ways and in simple everyday events.

15. What are your goals in writing the book?

There are so many spiritual lessons we can learn when our eyes are focused on God. Marlene’s prayer is that what she has learned will be passed on to her readers. God has given us eternal life which will be in the future, but He also wants us to have an abundant life right now. She wants her book to encourage her readers to have that close daily walk with God even during the “hard times.”

16. Who is your target audience?

(Christian readers) These books aren’t just for women. Teenagers, as well as men, can be encouraged in their personal spiritual growth, and especially on some of those tougher days.

17. To whom you dedicated the book to?

She dedicated the books to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and in memory of her husband, James Autry Burling.

18. What are your writing achievements?

Marlene has received two book reviews: US Review of Books, and Pacific Book Review for her book “A Daily Walk with God” Morning Walks with God is her other book. She continues to write weekly posts on her website and facebook.

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MARLENE BURLING

Pacific Book Review

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Author Marlene Burling’s Morning Walks with God is an inspirational, yet practical, read that would benefit any Christian’s life greatly.

Filled with small daily devotionals, one for every day of the year, it is a great introduction to truly live each day “walking with God” and the peace it brings.

Sometimes we all need that small spiritual lesson to remind us what is important; it teaches us what to strive for and reminds us to think about our many blessings. To me, that was the main point of the book. It is a great source of encouragement for every-day life, especially on the days when we need it most. What I really liked about these mini devotionals is that the author admitted her own experiences, fears and thoughts throughout, sharing her personal journey. It reminds me that no one is perfect but that they can drive for perfection with the guidance of the All-mighty.

Each day after the devotional, we are required to do a little work.

Every devotional asks us to consider three questions: What is this telling me about God; What do I need to do today; Is there a promise I can claim. It requires not only to read the short lesson but also leaves us to ponder how this can play a role in my life. Built around scriptures and gospel principles, if we follow these series, we can draw closer to God while learning more about ourselves in the process.

Morning Walks with God is an easy read, so that is realistic to use on a daily basis for inspiration. You can tell Marlene Burling is a woman of faith who has received guidance and lived through experiences which have strengthened her faith. Containing lessons from her own walk with tragedy, it is a guide to recovery and redemption.

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MARLENE BURLING www.marleneburling.com

Morning Walks with God

A Daily Walk with God

Paperback

Paperback

Paperback: 378 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 1645520773 ISBN-13: 978-1645520771

Paperback: 376 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 1643140647 ISBN-13: 978-1643140643

$10.99

Available at

$10.99