Blog Entries for: Jesus

Owning Your Talent by Guest Blogger Marilyn Shipe

Do you know what today is? Yep--it's the fifth Tuesday, and that means it's guest blogger day! I'm thrilled to introduce my friend, Marilyn Shipe. Marilyn is an aspiring magazine freelance writer. She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the CBI Clubhouse. She enjoys attending writers conferences and is currently working on an historical novel, a young adult mystery novel, and enjoys writing poetry. Marilyn is editor of three monthly newsletters. She also enjoys knitting, cooking, scrapbooking, and reading. Be sure to check out Marilyn's daily blog.

Welcome, Marilyn. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today!

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August 31, 2010 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give-Away with Author/Speaker Jan Coates

Happy Tuesday to you! Today I'm thrilled to introduce my friend, Jan Coates. God uses Jan as a Difference-Maker within His Kingdom to help others experience a new perspective filled with positive change from the inside out.

A non-denominational Christian, Jan has served in ministry for more than 25 years. She is a savvy, highly-respected sales/marketing/motivational professional with more than 20 years Fortune 500 experience as well as a Christian speaker and author.

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August 24, 2010 | 21 Comments | View or add comments

Hands for Soldiers and New DVD!

Since this is July 4^th week, it's only fitting that we talk about our military. But instead of talking generalities, I want to tell you about my young friend, Janey Turner and her Hands for Soldiers ministry. Janey does more than talk.

Janey has always had a heart for helping others, so when the eight-year-old wanted to send care packages to soldiers in foreign lands, her parents weren't surprised. She stood in the middle of her kitchen, holding a list of names. "I can only pick one soldier? But what about the rest of them?"

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July 5, 2010 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

To Blog or Not To Blog? By Guest Blogger Jean Matthew Hall

Well, today is a fifth Tuesday, which means it's Guest Blogger Day! Jean Matthew Hall is Coordinator of the planning team for the Write2Ignite Conference for Christian Writers of Children's Literature. I've had the joy of teaching and keynoting at Write2Ignite and highly recommend attending if you're interested in writing for children. Jean's credits include essays and poems published in Mature Living, Sasee, The Vision, Bible Advocate, The Christian Communicator; devotions published in Open Windows; and personal experience essays published in anthologies such as The Embrace of a Father, Whispering in God's Ear, Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul, The Ultimate Gardener, and Christmas Miracles.

Please join me in welcoming my friend and fellow writer, Jean Matthew Hall.

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June 29, 2010 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Submission is NOT a Four-Letter Word!

 

Forty-one years ago today I walked down the aisle to say "I do" to my high school sweetheart...and he's still my sweetheart today! In honor of our 41^st anniversary today, I want to share an important lesson I learned on marriage. And even though it's primarily written to women, I think you men will especially enjoy it. Gr-r-r-r-r.

First of all, I want to tell you I knew instinctively how to be the wife Gary needed, how to be his helpmate, how to relate to him in a way that would build him up as the leader in our home. That's what I want to tell you, but I can't--because it'd be a big fat lie! The truth is, the Lord took me kicking and screaming all the way to submission! And my marriage and my love for Gary has never been the same.

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June 1, 2010 | 9 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Speaker Sarah Bush

(I'm sorry this is late. I've been sick.)

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May 25, 2010 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Chick-Fil-A, Writing, and the Word of God

When my grandson, Cole, was about three, he had trouble pronouncing some of his words. His older cousin, Ellie, had had a similar problem at that age. But even though we sometimes had difficulty understanding what Cole was trying to say, it was clear as a bell to him.

One day as we drove by a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, I said, "Cole, did you know Ellie used to call Chick-Fil-A, Chick-Er-Ray?"

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May 4, 2010 | 7 Comments | View or add comments

Touching the Hearts of Children

Whether you write for kids or not, whether you have children or not, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of participating in the second annual Write2Ignite Conference for writers of children's literature. It was a glorious time of focusing on our calling as writers in the battle for kids' minds and hearts. As I prepared for my Friday night keynote, "Setting Children's Hearts Afire for Jesus," I recalled considering a similar thought when I was writing my book, Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe.

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March 2, 2010 | 7 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Mary DeMuth

Dear friends, have you suffered abuse, hurt by those who are supposed to love and protect you? Has your past followed you into your present? Does it whisper words of defeat and failure in your ear? If so, then you're at the right place today.

I'm honored to introduce you to my precious friend, Mary DeMuth. Mary helps readers turn their trials to triumphs. Author of eight books, Mary mentors writers at The Writing Spa and through the popular blog Wannabepublished. Her writing is authentic, truth-filled, and full of redemption.

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February 23, 2010 | 21 Comments | View or add comments

Looking Out for Number One

In today's world, it's all about me . . . and it's all about you. It's all about what we want and what we need and what we'll do to get it. While game shows demonstrate how to wheel and deal our way to financial freedom, reality TV delivers a one-two punch of alliances and backstabbing. It's done in the name of entertainment, but if we're honest, we all secretly dream of being the top dog. Numero uno. The big cheese.   

Well, I hate to brag, but, well, I've been number one, and . . .let me tell you . . . it feels good! When I was ten years old, I won first place in the 4-H Talent Show for my rendition of the song, "Side-by-Side." My partner, an upside-down broom with a construction paper face, shared the spotlight. We won ten dollars together. It was a heady experience, and I was hooked.

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February 2, 2010 | 7 Comments | View or add comments

The Sin That Hinders in 2010

My dear friend, Linda Shepherd, author, speaker, and founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, recently shared some words of wisdom with me. She has given me permission to share them with you.

"After a word from the Lord, [a friend] and I have been working hard to ‘remove the sin that hinders.' It's a good word, a word that requires a thorough search of one's heart. I've searched and I continue to do so. And as I've confessed revealed sins, I've seen God show up.

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January 5, 2010 | 14 Comments | View or add comments

'Tis the Season of Joy?

It's no surprise that many are struggling this December. The economy has taken a hit, resulting in joblessness, foreclosures, and financial ruin. In such an environment, it can be hard to be joyful this Christmas season. After all, what do we have to be joyful about?

I admit, when things are hard (like they've been for me this past year), it's easy to get focused on the hardship and be blinded to the joy God makes available to us. And to be totally honest, when things are really bad, I'm likely to be more comfortable resting in the hardship than finding the joy. 

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December 1, 2009 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Word Pictures: Out of the Mouths of Babes

The past couple of days, I've Twittered a few comments collected through the years from kids at my Writing is Fun workshops in schools. Our kids' and grandkids' statements are often good for a laugh, but could there be more to them than that? Honestly, could "MaMa, why is your arm like a water balloon?" assist me in some way as a writer and speaker?

If you've ever heard me speak, you know I use a lot of stories. After all, it's through story that we can grab the listener and then teach the message we feel called to share. I use this technique frequently, and I find it works especially well when the joke's on me.

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November 9, 2009 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

This Isn't What I Signed Up For!

Gary and I married young, right after my high school graduation. It was during the days of Viet Nam and Gary was in the Air Force. A year and a half later, we were anticipating the birth of our first baby. As a mature nineteen-year-old who had helped raise three younger siblings, I had a keen sense of maternal instinct. And that maternal instinct told me natural childbirth was the way to go.

Now, let me say right here and now, I know natural childbirth can work. As a matter of fact, I delivered our second baby naturally with the help of Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques. But with this first pregnancy, I'd never heard of Dr. Lamaze. I didn't practice breathing-I mean, what was there to practice? I'd been breathing all my life without anybody's help, thank you very much! So, after minimal consideration and absolutely no preparation, I announced to Gary and the world that I was going to have a natural childbirth.

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November 2, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Developing Beautiful Feet (It's a Message for Guys, Too!)

As many of you know, Edie and I just returned from our annual Christian Writer's Den Writing Retreat in the beautiful mountains of Todd, NC. The retreat consists of four days and three nights set in the midst of God's creation at Ann Wayne's lovely cabin with all the latest conveniences. The weekend is filled with sixteen women (Sorry guys, but we aren't able to invite you--at least not yet!), delicious food prepared and served by our own Theresa Garrett, cook and entertainer extraordinaire, praise and worship, teaching from God's Word, writing instruction, and hours of uninterrupted writing time. Yes, you read right--sixteen women remain totally quiet for hours at a time! 

Why? Because these women are committed to the call, to the Gospel, to the job of sharing the message of Jesus Christ. And that, my friends, is reason enough to be silent.

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October 5, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Which Side of the Coin? by Guest Blogger Ray Simmons

This is the fifth Tuesday of the month--Guest Blogger Day. Please join me in welcoming Ray Simmons. Ray resides in the Atlanta area with his wife, author Cynthia L. Simmons. He holds a BBA in business with an emphasis in accounting from University of GA and works as Chief Financial Officer for SEI/Aarons. At Grace Community Church he serves as both elder and Bible teacher. He writes poetry and studies Hebrew, Greek, and philosophy. He and Cynthia have five children. Together, Ray and Cynthia offer a weekly tea party for friends or acquaintances who have questions in apologetics, philosophy, Scripture, or politics. In February of 2008 Ray was diagnosed with encephalitis. As a result of the infection he has experienced significant brain damage. While he still recovers from the impact of his illness, doctors are amazed at his recovery.

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September 28, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Kathi Macias

Imagine the horror of being told your mother has been murdered. Now imagine discovering your son committed the crime. That's the premise of Kathi Macias' latest novel, My Son, John.

I'm honored to have Kathi with me today as she shares her writing wisdom with us. Don't forget to leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of her book!

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September 22, 2009 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

Writer, Fear Not!

Okay, go ahead. Admit it. You know it's true, so just go ahead and say it: You like to write. You find joy in writing. You may even feel you've been called to write. The question is, why aren't you? Why aren't you writing?

I'll tell you why. You're afraid. I know...because sometimes I'm afraid, too. The truth is you and I and every other writer in the world experiences fear at times in our writing life. But what could possibly cause us to fear putting pen to paper or, as in most of our cases, fingertips to keyboard?

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August 31, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Sharon Fawcett

Have you ever struggled with depression? Does someone you love suffer with it? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you won't want to miss today's interview with author and speaker, Sharon Fawcett. Sharon and I met in the cafeteria line years ago when I was teaching at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Now CLASS Christian Writers Conference) in New Mexico. Although Sharon is multi-published in magazines and anthologies, today we're going to discuss her first book, Hope for Wholeness: The Spiritual Path to Freedom from Depression (NavPress). And as you'll soon see, it's been quite a journey.

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Sharon. Thanks for joining us and sharing your message of hope. As a matter of fact, in HOPE FOR WHOLENESS, you combine your own story with solid advice for helping others find freedom from depression. What was your experience with depression like?

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August 24, 2009 | 19 Comments | View or add comments

A Diva Wannabe

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Homemaking is not one of my spiritual gifts. Put me on a stage in front of two thousand people and I'll have a ball, but please, please, please don't ask me to pick out a rug or decorate a table. (I'm dead serious. Just ask Sandra, the former women's ministry director at my church. She made the mistake of doing that and . . . well . . . it wasn't a pretty sight--and I'm not talking about the table. I won't go into the gory details, but let me just say no one's had the nerve to suggest I be part of the decorating committee since.)

Now, for some women, this defect would drive them crazy and make them feel like total failures. And I admit, I do wish housework and organization and meal planning came easier for me. I'd love to be like my friend, Terri, who maintains a spotless, beautifully decorated home, or my friend, Carrie, who bakes homemade bread made from her own freshly ground wheat.

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August 3, 2009 | 17 Comments | View or add comments

Get Up and Go!

I don't know about you, but I'm tired. I'm tired of the sickness and the conflict and the hardship. I'm tired of rushing here and there, feeling that I don't have time to slow down and rest. I'm tired of the striving.

What about you? Do you feel called to write? Called to speak? Called to share words that will change hearts? I do. I know that I know that I know that I have a message to share. But I'm tired.

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July 6, 2009 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Love by Guest Blogger Shelly Moran

Our guest blogger today is Shelly Moran of NC. Shelly and I met when I spoke at her church several years ago. She confessed she was interested in writing and the rest is history! I know you're going to enjoy Shelly's "...random musings and obscure scribblings as (she tries) to figure out God."

Love by Shelly Moran

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June 29, 2009 | 0 Comments | View or add comments

A Half-Truth is a Whole Lie

A half-truth is a whole lie. It's a recurring theme in a couple of my books.  Not that I've ever had a problem with stretching the truth or anything. No, not me. After all, my daddy WAS in the oil business and we really DID live near Paris--two impressive details for a ten-year-old who had just moved to a new town...in the middle of the school year...without her daddy.

(The facts are that Daddy's involvement with the oil business was limited to a huge hose and a big-bellied heating oil truck with the words "Be Sure With Pure" painted across the back, and our proximity to Paris was a tiny four-room house at the base of Paris Mountain in Greenville, SC--insignificant details that would have simply tarnished the new-kid-on-the-block's much-needed delusions of grandeur.)

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June 8, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments

What is My Motive?

As you know, the first week of each month we take a look at a spiritual truth and its application to our writing lives. Last month the question was "Who Is It About?" This time we're asking, "What Is My Motive?" And oh, what a booger this is for us as writers!

The answer to that question is often complex, and I hate to admit it, but the battle is a life-long process. Even after years of evaluating my heart, I continually struggle to know my motives.

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May 4, 2009 | 4 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Yvonne Ortega

Hi, writers! Today I'm honored to introduce to you, Yvonne Ortega. Yvonne is not only a speaker and author, but she's also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and cancer survivor. She is the author of Hope for the Journey through Cancer (Revell) and a contributing author to The Embrace of a Father (Bethany House). (That book has my story about my daddy in it, too!) She has also been published in CBN.com, Spirit-Led Writer, The Secret Place, The Quiet Hour, The Virginia Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors VAADAC Views, and other magazines. You can find out more about her at her website.

Vonda: So now, let's get started. Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Yvonne.

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April 27, 2009 | 12 Comments | View or add comments

Who Is It About?

So many times, there are conflicts and disappointments in life because it's all about us. It's all about what we want, what we think, and how it will affect us. It's about our opinions, our goals, and our way of doing things.

When I began this journey of sincerely trying to be more like Christ (instead of just trying to follow rules), I found two verses that influenced my choices.

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April 6, 2009 | 8 Comments | View or add comments

Fellowship with the Word by Guest Blogger Jean Davis

Well, this is the fifth Tuesday of the month, so you know what that means--Guest Blogger Day! I'm thrilled to introduce you to writer and Christian Writer's Den reader, Jean Davis. Jean and I met several years ago when I was teaching at the Delaware Christian Writer's Conference. While we were getting to know each other, we discovered that both of us had stories about our dads in the anthology, Embrace of a Father. (How cool is that?) Jean's devotionals have been published in Devo’zine, The Upper Room, and Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women. She also has stories included in The Heart of A Mother and Whispering in God’s Ear. I hope you'll check out her blogs at www.iwitnesslife.com and www.writersadvance.blogspot.com. And if you'd like some copies of Embrace of a Father for Father's Day or for any man in your life, please visit my Bookstore! ;-)

I know you're going to enjoy Jean's blog today. It's a message we all need to hear!

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March 31, 2009 | 4 Comments | View or add comments

It's a Wonderful LIfe?

(This is a picture of my mother, my sister, Laura, and my sister, Gail, taken at my mother's 75th birthday party.)

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March 2, 2009 | 9 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Dianne Neal Matthews

What a joy to introduce my friend, Dianne Neal Matthews! Dianne has written numerous devotionals, magazine articles, and newspaper features and her work has appeared in Focus on the Family, The Quiet Hour, LIVE, The Christian Communicator, and websites, including CBN.com. She is the author of The One Year On This Day (which won her the 2006 Writer of the Year Award at the Write-to-Publish Conference--Way to go, Dianne!), and The One Year Women of the Bible, both published by Tyndale House. Dianne is a 2006 CLASS graduate and a member of Advanced Writers & Speakers, Christian Authors Network, and Toastmasters. She and her husband, Richard, have three grown children, a son-in-law currently serving in Afghanistan, and a gorgeous granddaughter. For more information, you can reach Dianne at her website.

Now listen, you don't want to miss an opportunity to win Dianne's book, The One Year Women of the Bible--and it's easy! Simply leave a comment for Dianne or me and you'll automatically be in the drawing for your own personalized copy!

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February 23, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Encouraging Words

I love to sing. I admit, I'm not all that good at it-certainly not recording artist material-but I love it. You should hear me in the car when I'm all alone and the music is turned up loud. I sing with abandon, and praise God with my whole heart. I know He thinks my voice is beautiful!

But it's a different story when I'm in front of the church. I want to sing with abandon, I want to praise God with my whole heart. But instead, my throat tightens, my voice trembles. And even though I know I shouldn't, I remember the day they laughed.

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February 3, 2009 | 1 Comment | View or add comments

The Best Laid Plans

Okay, here's the scoop. My life of caring for my sister has taken over. I praise God for the opportunity to show her my love and the love of her Savior during this time. But I'm also realizing I can't keep up with everything I need to do. Most things related to my writing and speaking ministry are currently delayed. Some things are even falling through the cracks. But I'm learning--yet again--that God is in control and I'm praying that He will protect what He truly has for me to do. (Photo taken at my mother's 75th birthday party, 8-9-08. Mother, sister Laura, and sister Gail.)

Please forgive me if I've let you down. That is never my intent! If you've emailed or called with a request, please resend it. I promise to get to everything as soon as I can. And if it's truly urgent, please write "Urgent" in the subject line and I'll try to get right on it. (I'm serious about that!)

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January 21, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Smoke Signals

I hate tobacco smoke. I hate the way it smells, the way it permeates my clothes and hair, and especially the way it kills. But in this season of my life as a caregiver, cigarette smoke has taken on a new and positive role-as a way to communicate with my terminally-ill sister, Gail.

The doctor gave us the bad news six days before Christmas. There was nothing more they could do and my sister had "weeks to months" to live. Three days later my sister and mother moved in with my husband and me. Together, we would love Gail and care for her and make her final days as comfortable as possible.

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January 6, 2009 | 27 Comments | View or add comments

My Isaac

This is a fifth Tuesday week, so that means it's Guest Blogger Day! Today's guest is my friend, Nancy Foss, mother of two adult children and now a recent grandmother. She has been married to Dave for almost 29 years. Nancy is a retired elementary school teacher and works part time as a waitress where she loves to meet people from her small town of Wake Forest, NC. She just recently started her own business selling maple butter, a recipe handed down from her grandmother. You can check out her website at www.fossgourmetfoods.com. When she's not busy working she loves spending time with her granddaughter, Avery Morgan. Nancy also works with the teen girls at her home church and is active ministering in her neighborhood.

My Isaac by Nancy Foss

Gen. 22:2 Take your son, your only son, yes, Isaac, whom you love so much and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering.

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December 29, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments

The Cereal...er...Serial Comma

December 15, 2008

Okay, I know the title is corny, but I'm desperate. Many writers say the serial comma is passé. Well, you tell me if you think a little comma would have clarified this phrase, reportedly taken from a book dedication: "To my parents, Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II." Say what?

Could the writer really be the unclaimed offspring of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II? I don't think so! Can you see that a serial comma (one placed after Mother Teresa) would have made the writer's intent clear?

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December 15, 2008 | 8 Comments | View or add comments

What's in a Name?

Remember when you studied the balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? Remember when Juliet said:

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

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December 8, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments

What Will You Do With Your Gift?

December 1, 2009

Merry Christmas! Yes, I know it's only December 1, but I couldn't wait to give you a gift of encouragement from writer and speaker, Mary McKenzie. So what makes Mary so special? Well, besides being a devotional writer, novelist, and speaker, Mary is only 18 years old!

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December 1, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments

And the Beat Goes On...

November 11, 2008

Ahhh...the melody of words. Don't you love it? Melodic writing truly is music to the ears.

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November 10, 2008 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

The Writer's Fruit of the Spirit

September 2, 2008

There's a saying that goes something like, "The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree." Hmmm...

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September 1, 2008 | 12 Comments | View or add comments

I'm So Proud of My Humility

August 4, 2008

As a little girl, I recognized the power in achievement. I wanted to be the best, to be noticed and appreciated for my skills and abilities. And even as the shortest student in my class, I fought for-and often won-a place in the hierarchy of leadership. Kids usually wanted me on their team.

I knew God would want me on His team, too. So, when I was nine or ten years old, I walked down the aisle of my church and announced my plans to become a missionary. Even though I had no idea what salvation was, I promised God I would go anywhere and tell others about Him if he would just do one little, itsy-bitsy thing-let my hamster, Snowball, live.

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August 5, 2008 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Successful Life and Leadership

July 29, 2008

I'm so excited to introduce our guest blogger, my friend, author and speaker, Robin Bryce. Robin and I met years ago in Knoxville, TN, when we both attended a CLASServices seminar for speakers. She currently lives in Huntsville, TX as a pastor's wife and mother of three blessings. I hope you'll connect with Robin at www.RobinBryce.com or visit her Facebook page.

Welcome, Robin!

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July 29, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments

Have No Fear!

July 1, 2008

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah Psalm 55:6-7

There have been times in my life when I could have written that verse. I have a feeling you know what I'm talking about. I have a feeling you're like me, and you know what it's like to want nothing more than to fly away and be at rest. And we wouldn't even need wings or an airline ticket. A moped would be fine . . . just as long as it could take us away!

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July 1, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Shellie Tomlinson

June 24, 2008 

I knew I'd found a friend the day I found Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. She's not only the owner and publisher of All Things Southern, a website that celebrates "...the charm and heritage of the South," but she's also NOT a girly-girl. And that makes us practically sisters!

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June 24, 2008 | 17 Comments | View or add comments

The Red Pen

June 3, 2008

Well, it's been a little over a week since I returned from the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and my inbox is full. The response has been everything from "Now I know how to make my writing better" to "I quit--I must not be a writer."

I can't help but smile. I could be reading my own words, spoken at different times in my writing journey. Of course, most of you are much better students than I was when I started out! I hate to admit it, but when I first began this journey, I thought anyone who saw a need for improvement in my writing was just . . . well . . . wrong!

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June 2, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments

God's Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will

May 6, 2008

I can't tell you how many times I've begged God to give me a clear sign so I'd know His perfect will for my life--you know, something really Biblical, like a message written across the sky, with fireworks exploding around it. But when I gaze up into the vast blue beauty, all I see is a white puffy cloud that looks like a hamburger. Am I supposed to give up this writing thing and work at McDonald's? (Don't laugh. I'd certainly make more money flipping burgers!)

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May 6, 2008 | 18 Comments | View or add comments

Going Fishin' by Guest Blogger Renae Brumbaugh

April 22, 2008

Vonda here: Welcome, friends! As promised, we're pretending today is the 5th Tuesday. After all, we're writers, and writers can make it whatever day they want, right? Next week we'll have a wonderful interview and book give away with author Allison Bottke and we'll pretend it's the 4th Tuesday. Totally confused? Good! That means I'm not alone! ;-)

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April 22, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments

Waiting in the Fast Lane

April 1, 2008

Waiting is hard for me. I read of Sarah waiting for Isaac, Anna waiting for the Messiah, and Elizabeth waiting for John, and I'm amazed. I mean, can you believe Sarah waited about thirty years for a baby? Thirty years? I have a hard time waiting for my nails to dry!

But God's Word is clear that we're to wait, to be still, to remain in Him.

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April 1, 2008 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Virelle Kidder

March 25, 2008

I pray this Easter season has found you encouraged and excited because of the promise we have in Jesus Christ. We serve an awesome God! But what if you're not excited? What if you're weary and tired and ready to call it quits?

Lesson #1: You're not alone.

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March 25, 2008 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Happy All the Day?

March 4, 2008

Do you remember the old song that includes a line about Christians being happy all the day? The idea is that once we've accepted the Lord as our Savior, our lives will always be happy. Although I understand the writer's intent, those words may be sending the wrong message. In our zeal to lead others to Christ, we sometimes inadvertently spread a lie--a lie that says the Christian life is always wonderful.

It's not. Just ask Paul.

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March 4, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments

Three Little Words

February 12, 2008

Okay, be honest--you think this is just another sappy essay about Valentine's Day and the meaning of love, right? Wrong. Believe me, I'm not writing about dating, marriage, or conversation hearts. The three little words I'm talking about today are powerful.

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February 12, 2008 | 9 Comments | View or add comments

A Positive Rejection

January 29, 2008

In order to protect the not-so-innocent, we'll call him John. He was tall, handsome, and athletic. The desire of every eighth grade girl. Oh, if only he would chose me as his partner--my life would be perfect!

Well, you know the story. I lined up, alongside three-fourths of the female eighth-graders, and applied for the role of John's girl. But he said I wasn't a good fit. I wasn't his type.

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January 29, 2008 | 8 Comments | View or add comments

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