"Defining Moments" on the Journey of Life

By ELLIOTT LYONS M. DIV.

The authors purpose in the writing of this particular literary account of his life was to offer practical and useful tools that will assist others in making wise decisions and beneficial choices in life.
He draws from his unique personal, as well as professional knowledge and experiences, in the attempt to shed light upon what it truly means to discover ones purpose, plan and meaning in life. The discovery of that plan, provides for us a sense of direction and understanding of how we fit into this vast and complex world. It is revealing for us to be blessed to make such a remarkable discovery.
This documentary gives a detailed account of how to overcome adversities and reach a level of success. It gives useful advice and offers practical tools to utilize, in order to accurately analyze and assess the best plan of action. The ability to gain a clearer perspective and arrive at workable solutions is never an easy task.
Vital Information and keys are offered. Spiritual Keys (Chapter 3) Financial Management Keys (Chapter 4) Keys of Enlightenment / Success (Chapter 5) Successful Marriage / Relationship Keys (Chapter 6) Pastoral Care Keys (Chapter 7) and New Insights / Decision Making Keys (Chapter 8).
It is the authors prayer, that he will be able to offer helpful tools that will hopefully assist in the decision making process. The goal is to encourage, enlighten, inform and inspire others on their journey of discovery, to move towards a greater sense of self-fulfillment and self-actualization. The revelation of workable solutions and enlightenment about who we truly are; our gifts and abilities, then becomes what is referred to as our purpose and plan in life and our Defining Moment. Everything becomes a little clearer and more meaningful to us when we are able to discover just how we fit into this blessed and great phenomenon called life. This mystery is made clearer to us and can only culminate in our discovery of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514429846

ELLIOTT LYONS M. DIV.

This book is dedicated to God and to Eretta Lyons, the wife of Elliott, for over 24 years of marriage. It is also a tribute to Elliott’s devout grandmother, Mrs. Rosa Brown, along with his family. He hopes that this book will offer enlightenment, self-help tools, inspiration, as well as a clearer perspective on how to make the best choices for our lives. Elliott was born in Chicago, Illinois to Reverend and Mrs. Elliott and Elsie Lyons and raised by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and Rosa Brown in Galveston, Texas. He is a survivor of three near fatal car wrecks, three near death drowning encounters and escape from the ghetto violence crime life. He was given a second chance opportunity to begin a new life. This was the “defining moment” in Elliott’s life, with the acceptance of the call to the ministry in 1968. He understood that God had a greater plan and purpose for his life and would often say that, “God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.” He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas and Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He holds numerous awards and certificates which include certification in Clinical Pastoral Education-Commissioner’s Award of Outstanding Service / DHR – Substance Abuse and Offender Rehabilitation Counseling Certification – MAC (Masters Addiction Counselor) and CCCJS (Clinically Certified Criminal Justice Specialist), by National Forensic Association and National Board of Addiction Examiners. He is a current member of Cambridge Who’s Who Honor Society. He recorded his first CD entitled, “Songs of Inspiration” in 2007. Pastor Lyons brings to this body of work over 47 years of ministerial experience, which included pastoring, counseling / intervention, consultation, speaking on various school / college campuses, as well as conducting seminars. He retired, after 30 years of service from the Department of Human Resources receiving an award for faithful service in 2008. In February of 2013, he completed his retirement after 4 years of part time service as a consultant with the Developmentally Disabled, serving as a Public Relations Officer. He is an author, having published several books entitled, After Retirement: A New Chapter of Life and Effective Communication Through the Gift of Listening. He has recently completed the writing of his third book entitled, “Defining Moments” On The Journey of Life (2015 Xlibris Publishing). He is married to a devoted wife, The Reverend Eretta B. Lyons (Assistant Pastor of Welcome Chapel). She is currently retired as a Certified Special Education Teacher. He has a beloved son, Elliott Lyons III. Pastor Lyons carries out his ministerial duties, serving as current pastor of Welcome Chapel of Decatur, Georgia. He humbly attributes all of his achievements to the “Glory and Honor of God.”

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by ELLIOTT LYONS, M. DIV.

ISBN:      Hardcover            978-1-5144-2987-7

                Softcover             978-1-5144-2985-3

                eBook                  978-1-5144-2984-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 11/25/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

730493

Contents

Description Of Book

About The Author

Chapter I Defining Moments Defined

Chapter II Significant Life Transitions

Chapter III Spiritual Awakenings

Chapter IV Journey To Adulthood

Chapter V Academic Journey Of Enlightenment

Chapter VI Journey Of Matrimony

Chapter VII Personal And Professional Journey

Chapter VIII Journey To Retirement/Summary And New Insights

New Insights

Decision Making Keys

Special Acknowledgments

DEFINING MOMENTS

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ON THE JOURNEY OF LIFE

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ELLIOTT LYONS, M. DIV.

The front book cover photo symbolically conveys the Dawning of a New Day. The breaking forth of a new day and opportunity that can be realized. This offers a very optimistic message regarding the possibilities that life offers and the focus upon the positive end results that can be attained. The message of hope and inspiration, in regard to knowing that, behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining. We must learn how to look up and live.

This has been a journey of faith and discovery in which both, Pastor Lyons and his wife, Rev. Eretta Lyons, have been available to carry out their unique ministries, both within the church, as well as through their careers in the secular world. The uniquely Defining Moment, was their discovery of God’s plan and purpose for their lives at an early age.

image001b.jpg

Description of Book

The author’s purpose in the writing of this particular literary account of his life was to offer practical and useful tools that will assist others in making wise decisions and beneficial choices in life.

He draws from his unique personal, as well as professional knowledge and experiences, in the attempt to shed light upon what it truly means to discover one’s purpose, plan and meaning in life. The discovery of that plan, provides for us a sense of direction and understanding of how we fit into this vast and complex world. It is revealing for us to be blessed to make such a remarkable discovery.

This documentary gives a detailed account of how to overcome adversities and reach a level of success. It gives useful advice and offers practical tools to utilize, in order to accurately analyze and assess the best plan of action. The ability to gain a clearer perspective and arrive at workable solutions is never an easy task.

Vital Information and keys are offered.—Spiritual Keys (Chapter 3)—Financial Management Keys (Chapter 4)—Keys of Enlightenment/Success (Chapter 5)—Successful Marriage/Relationship Keys (Chapter 6)—Pastoral Care Keys (Chapter 7) and—New Insights/Decision Making Keys (Chapter 8).

It is the author’s prayer, that he will be able to offer helpful tools that will hopefully assist in the decision making process. The goal is to encourage, enlighten, inform and inspire others on their journey of discovery, to move towards a greater sense of self-fulfillment and self-actualization. The revelation of