Relay For Life on May 6th - A Tribute To All Cancer Survivors

The Relay for Life is an annual event that takes place at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. The Relay includes food, activities, live music, games, and fellowship. It is an awesome reception in honor of Cancer Survivors, and a myriad of fun for families and friends uniting to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Each guest will receive a meal, goody bag, and t-shirt, and be encouraged to take part in a survivor walk.

During my chemo session this week my nurse invited me to join their team. With the information she provided I registered online, and was issued my own personal fundraising web page. To get there,  go to http://www.gwinnettrelayforlife.org/. At Top Teams, on the far right, click view all and scroll down to GMC OTC, then scroll down and click on Catherine Johnson and click donate and/or join my team.

Although I am scheduled to continue treatments until the end of March, I already call myself a survivor! I am looking for sponsors to support me on the Gwinnett Medical Center's OTC Team, and encourage you to also support this outstanding team of nurses in their efforts to shine as bright here as they do on the job. Your donation will help them and the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The amount you donate will also count towards my fundraising goal.
Please help to raise money for this great cause, and I will keep you updated on my progress.

Thank you.

Nyima Chante Robbins of 'Born To Return The Gift'

She flip flopped between caring and not caring what other people thought, but deep down she was a pleaser who just couldn't get the recipe of self + or - others right for personal success.

A mask of complacency faced the world to hide the rage brewing inside... until war is finally waged between these conflicting emotions on a spiritual battlefield where Nyima breaks through the barriers of her past to claim her rightful inheritance for the NOW.

5.0 out of 5 stars To An Extent Been There Done That, January 28, 2011

By Bronetta M. Sheen "bmarshen" (Henderson, NC USA)
Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)
Born To Return The Gift, Author Catherine E. Johnson

First of all let me commend the author for taking the time to document what an undetermined number of women has had to endure in their lives. Even though it is written as fiction it portrays what was and is everyday living and existance for more women than anyone could ever imagine has had to go through just to survive day to day. As a first time author the novel was written to be understood by anyone that would take the time to read it. I have truly enjoyed reading this novel and I would recommend it to the younger generation of women to be enlighten of what not to do and avoid lifes hardships in the future.
http://amzn.to/bxQXcV

FAITH

What the eye does not see doesn't mean or prove that the unseen doesn't exist.  I choose to stand on faith in the hopes of a better tomorrow.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irene_Yoon

"Born to Return the Gift" is the debut novel of Catherine E. Johnson, which deals with many harsh and difficult times in life, and how the protagonist, Nyima, deals with them. The book overall is a stunning achievement, and perfect for any fans of young adult literature. However, it comes recommended to only those over 18 because of a sexually explicit scene and some foul language, although many words are censored with hypens.
From the beginning, I felt bad for Nyima, a strong character who became a real person in my mind. I cringed at times, like when she was being insulted, along with her because I felt so sympathetic. I was impressed by how she made the best out of everything, and the tough struggles that she had to live through.
Although the book is centered on a foundation of faith, I found myself forgetting that, and just felt like I was reading an ordinary book, albeit one with an excellent storyline and plot. For me, this is a good thing because I am not an overly religious person, so it was helpful - I don't need a book that reminds me that God is great every few minutes. I can do my own worshiping during my own time, not when I'm trying to read a good book.
Reading it, I thought that it was rather addictive and hard to put down. But I also spotted some errors, which are something that bothers me a lot. A simple run through spell check would have helped, and there were simple things like missing a comma that I felt took away from the reading and presentation of the book. At some points, I also thought that italics were overused. However, none of these have anything to do with the actual story, and the content is worth reading if one can look past the grammatical and conventional errors.
My interpretation of this book is that it is one that is based on a match with fate and destiny. "Born to Return the Gift" is well written and very well thought out as well. I recommend it, with a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

It's a new day, a new year & I'm feeling gooooooood about it!

MyHotComments Be safe as you celebrate because the best is yet to come!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

May your days be filled with the sharing of extraordinary peace & love.
Stay blessed and be safe in whatever way you chose to enjoy the season.

5.0 out of 5 stars are latest reviews posted to Amazon November 28, 2010

By cinnor67 - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)


Catherine E. Johnson has written a poignant story about overcoming life's speedbumps and persevering over all. I couldn't put the book down! You feel as if you are living the heroines life with her. Ms. Johnson manages to put you right in the middle of the story. I'm sure many people can relate to her struggles with depression and low self-esteem. Can't wait for her next book!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

By Cindy U. - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)

Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a well written story about one womans struggle with depression, addiction and abuse. While the story deals with some difficult issues, it is truly a faith based story that has you routing for Nyima throughout. It renews your faith and gives you faith that good things can come to all, despite your circumstances.

This book would make a great Christmas Gift

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerful book to empower women, October 11, 2010 (Amazon)
By bookworm (Durham, NC)
"Born To Return The Gift" is a book by first time author Catherine E. Johnson. She has written a gritty, at times outright harsh and brutal, story about a theme common to many social workers dealing with helping women getting out of abusive relationships. The story of Nyima shows many of the themes commonly seen in such situations. After a bad childhood, early addiction and getting into wrong relationships, these women commonly find themselves helpless on their own. Realizing that the relationships are bad, these women also often suffer from depression, but seem to be unable to catch a break and find a decent relationship that is build on respect and mutual understanding.

But unlike many of the women caught in this spiral of depression and bad relationships, Nyima finds a way out of the situation through her belief in God.

The message of the book is one of a strong belief in God and that every life has a meaning and a value. Nyima realizes these things and is able to overcome her problems.

I truly was amazed by the level of maturity seen in a book by a first time author. The language is accurately reflecting the mood of the main character and the reader can not help but feel for Nyima in her struggles and sense the relief when Nyima's fate turns to the better.

A wonderful book that I highly recommend for people working in jobs such as social workers because just as it is life-affirming for Nyima, this book will also show social workers that one life helped can make up for a lot of disappointments.

An extraordinary debut novel - review by Kratzy (Amazon)

"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a story about a young woman finding her place on earth and a meaning on her life. Growing up in circumstances that leave little room for hope, the protagonist incurs early issues in life, including addiction and bad relationships. Trying for a clean break, Nyima moves across the country to California. Rather than turn for the better, her life is more of the same. Again there are bad relationships and little hope for a better life. Depression follows and one is reminded of the fate of many women that never seem to catch a break.

But a break does happen and it occurs through the realization of our heroine that God is present and that there is a purpose to EVERY life on earth. Empowered through that realization and her belief in God, Nyima does turn things around.

A debut novel this is an outstanding first attempt at a realistic drama that takes the reader through the personal growth of a young woman finding her place in life and on earth. Some readers may believe that this book due to its Christian message may be sugarcoated, but this is certainly not the case. The sad beginnings of our heroine are told in an extremely realistic way, with the language certainly meeting R-rated levels. While some authors use such language for added drama and to pretend to be realistic, the author in this book succeeds in using at no point language as a mere add-on for dramatic effects. The whole book is extremely realistic and authentic, the author has a clear no-nonsense style that vividly describes the fight of our heroine to better herself and her situation. Definitely not your standard Christian novel, but because of this so much more convincing and interesting to read.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fighting Cancer and Winning!

I just underwent a lobectomy and proportionate removal of two ribs. During the recovery process I will not be adding promotional posts for  'Born To Return The Gift' but be aware that articles relating to depression, domestic violence, alcohol/drug recovery, and spiritual awakening will still be automatically updated as they appear in different news mediums around the world.