Category Archives: Christian Living

“Thoughts on living the Christian life ”


Conference Etiquette

0
By Vonda Skelton | May 15, 2012

Al Gansky and me BRMCWC 2010

I’m in the midst of final preparations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that begins this coming Sunday, May 20 and runs through Thursday, May 24. As always, I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing conference. Have you registered yet? It’s not too late!

And since conference season is up and running, I thought it’d be a good time to repost my Conference Etiquette reminders. I hope it’ll help you make a better first impression than I did! Like many of my blog entries, this one is written and shared with you because I wish someone had taught these concepts to me when I was starting out!

I’ll get right to the point about Conference Etiquette: I didn’t have it and didn’t even have enough sense to know I didn’t!

Here are my suggestions on how to be a gracious receiver of a faculty member’s time and input:

1.    Seriously pray about and consider who you should meet in faculty appointments. Don’t just take an appointment because there’s an opening. I did that the first year. Signed up to talk to just about everybody–even if I had no intention of ever writing what they’d be interested in! Wasted my time and theirs.

2.    Be on time for your faculty appointments and be considerate when the faculty member says the time is up. I think most instructors are like me and try to stay on schedule in fairness to all those with appointments.

The Black and White Ladies BRMCWC 2010

3.    Listen more than you talk. Like many others, I tend to talk too much when I’m nervous. And before I learned this lesson, the less I knew, the more I talked! The best use of your time is to make a short introduction, tell a little about your experience, ask a sensible question, and then listen. Don’t plan your next question while the person is answering the one you just asked. Really listen. Take notes if necessary. Follow up with other questions as time allows.

4.    If you’re getting a critique, don’t defend every point the critiquer makes. If you do, you’re wasting valuable time you could be using to learn. Of course, you may have questions you need answered for clarification, but don’t argue or rationalize every point. Sincere questions are one thing, continually being on the defensive is another.

5.    Realize that instructors will most likely be unable to take your manuscript home from the conference. Remember, you’re one person. Multiply that by 300-400 students. If they’re interested in what you have, they’ll give you instructions for sending it to them.

6.    Faculty members love to eat with students, answering questions and giving encouragement. But don’t hog the conversation at meals. Occasionally there are those who dominate the conversation, treating the opportunity as one-on-one time.  Not good.

7.    One more thing about meals with faculty: It’s really nice when they can get in a bite or two of food.

8.    Be considerate: Don’t shove your manuscript in their faces in the restrooms. Don’t interrupt a conversation or break in line to speak to someone.  Don’t bad mouth one instructor to another.

9.     Don’t tell a faculty member that God gave you that book or article or story or song and it can’t be changed. The Bible has already been written. Your words may be inspired by God, but they’re not the words of God. I can almost promise you that it won’t be published as it is.

10.    Don’t insinuate that the publisher/editor/agent will be out of God’s will if he or she doesn’t publish or promote your work. The statement, “God told me to that you are to work with me” is often answered with, “Well, when He tells me, I will.”

Brittney Breakey and me at BRMCWC 2010

11.    And a common courtesy that’s often missing in our culture today: thank you notes. Handwritten ones are especially nice, but email ones are certainly acceptable. I cringe every time I think of all those kind people who invested in me…and yet, I never even wrote a thank you note. Sadly, that wasn’t something that I was taught as a child, and I didn’t even take such notes seriously until someone mentioned it regarding conferences. Now I try to write notes to everyone who does a kindness to me. Sometimes I forget, but it is something I want to do. They’ve invested time in me, the least I can do is invest time in writing a note.

If you’d like additional information about talking with faculty members or the benefit of attending conferences and taking classes, please check out this blog from the past: Put on Your Grown-Up Britches and Get to Work!

So there you have it–suggestions on how to present yourself as a professional writer, as well as a kind, considerate person.  :-)

Read entire post »

 

Parting Words From The WORD…

22
By Vonda Skelton | May 11, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Perhaps you’ve noticed there’s been a lot of recent conversation here at the Christian Writer’s Den about stress, weariness, disappointment, hurt, and other symptoms of living on this earth. You’ve seen quite a few comments on the blog, but there have been many, many more that were sent to me personally, ones that were too tender to post out loud.

For those who’ve shared your hardship with me, please know I continue to pray for you. But even for those who are just going through the daily struggles of life, the pressure can be wearying.

Regardless of what we’re going through, we’re often afraid to admit our frustrations and fears. After all, we know we have Jesus and His strength in our corners, ready and quite able to take our burdens. If only we’d admit our struggle. But we’re supposed to be strong. How can we admit such weakness to our brothers and sisters?

David, the man after God’s own heart, had similar hardships and fears. The difference is, he admitted them…in writing…for all to see. Like many of us, David was a writer, singer, and poet and his words written over 2,000 years ago speak clearly to me today. Do they speak to you?

In Psalm 3, David cried out to God while he was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him. But even though he was facing possible death, he knew where his strength came from…

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

What a beautiful picture. The Lord Himself as a shield, surrounding David with His protection. I can see myself in that picture too, can you? If I close my eyes I can imagine Jesus sitting next to me as I rest against Him, my head gently cradled in His arms. I’m weary and tired and hurt…but He holds me with love.

Wow.

He is my shield.

He is my glory.

He is the lifter of my head.

I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

Read entire post »

 

Parting Words From The WORD…

20
By Vonda Skelton | May 4, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. It seems I go two steps forward, only to take three steps back. Every week I think the next week will be better, but it’s not.

And I’m only talking about the pressure of busyness. I know some of you are really going through difficult times.

Is that where you are? Are you weary of the struggles of life? Tired of feeling like a failure or a fake or a weak-kneed soldier? Sick of being sick or broke or beaten down?

Then you’re right where God wants you…and I’m right where He wants me. I’m praying for many of you today by name and I know He will answer. But today let’s also take the time to meditate on these words, written by the great apostle Paul:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

“We are weak, but He is strong…” we sang as children. Could we be like Paul, and boast that today?

Yes, Jesus loves you and me, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.

I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

The Writer’s Fruit of the Spirit

14
By Vonda Skelton | May 1, 2012

Photo courtesy of John Kasawa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There’s a saying that goes something like, “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Hmmm…

In Galatians 5, Paul says we identify ourselves to the world by how we live, whether in the sinful nature or the nature of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of that nature is visible for all to see. It confirms our heritage, our roots.

What does the world see when it looks at us? What does it see as it watches us deal with each other as writers? Jealousy, discord, selfish ambition, and gossip announce that we’re walking in the sinful nature.

But Galatians 5:22-24 says:

. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

The Fruit of the Spirit. I’d heard that phrase all my life. I could even stand up in church and quote the verse word for word. But for years, those who knew me could look at the evidence, and it was telling a different story. It was telling of selfishness and greed and rudeness. Of pride and fear and self-centeredness. On the day I came face-to-face with the attitudes of my heart, I was shocked. I was ashamed.

Friends, the Fruit of the Spirit is not a list of nice things we should try to do. Neither is it a collection of possible gifts we may or may not have. Instead, this is God’s command to those of us who belong to Christ Jesus: to crucify the sinful nature and the evidence it produces.

Crucify is such an ugly word, but that’s exactly what we have to do. We have to kill that sinful nature with all its ugliness, and put on the image of Christ. And that includes in our writing relationships.

In other words, can we:

  • Love the person who lands another fast contract when we’re still waiting for our first?
  • Find joy in the midst of our poor sales?
  • Claim His peace when we find another rejection in the inbox?
  • Be patient with the person who doesn’t deliver what he promised?
  • Be kind to the new writer who wants us to teach her in 15 minutes what it has taken us 10 years to learn?
  • Demonstrate a heart of goodness by sharing our leads, our resources, and our contacts with other writers?
  • Be faithful to pray for those we promised to pray for?
  • Let the gentleness of our Servant-Savior, Jesus, come through our words, whether written or spoken?
  • Use self-control to avoid hogging the conversation with faculty at conference meals?

There it is—the Writer’s Guide to the Fruit of the Spirit. If others can see His fruit in us, our words are more likely to bear fruit for Him.

And isn’t that why we write?

Let’s not fall far from our Tree.

(Photo courtesy of John Kasawa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And you’re not going to believe what Patty Mason is offering!

First of all, the winner of the free copy of Patty’s book, Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs, is Bea. Congrats, Bea! All you have to do is contact Patty at patty@libertyinchristministries.com and you’ll get your free book.

But Patty was so moved by everyone’s comments that she is offering a special deal for everyone. Instead of the normal price of $8.99 plus shipping, Patty is offering a special price of only $5 plus shipping! Just contact Patty at patty@libertyinchristministries.com for details.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope y’all have a great week!

Read entire post »

 

Parting Words From The WORD…

9
By Vonda Skelton | April 27, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Friend and writer, Marilyn Shipe, sent a blog to share with us: Famous People Who Found Success Despite Failure by Ben Hsu is a list of just that–famous people who found success despite failure. :-)

  • J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected 12 times.
  • Walt Disney was fired for lacking an imagination.
  • Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four.
  • Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting his entire lifetime.

The list goes on and on.

Do you know anyone like that? As you look at the list, the truth rises to the surface. These non-famous people became famous people because they didn’t give up. They might have been afraid, but they took the next step anyway.

Gideon was like that. He was fearful. The Midianites were stealing their cattle, taking their crops, oppressing them on every side. Gideon was so scared he was threshing his wheat in a winepress, hoping to keep it from the enemy.

An angel of the Lord came to him and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:11). Gideon asked if God was with them, why was all this happening to them. To which the angel replied:

“Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14

Go in the strength you have. Now. Take the next step. Don’t look at the weaknesses and past failures. Go in the strength–in whatever measure it is–that you have right now.

Of course, we know the rest of the story. Gideon led a mere 300 men into battle and beat the Midianites.

Gideon is a man who found success despite Israel’s previous failures and fears. He found success because God was sending him and he took the next step.

What is God calling you to do? Whatever it is, you can be assured if He is calling you, He will be sending you. But you have to take the first step.

I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

 

Read entire post »

 

Interview and Book Give-Away with Author and Speaker Patty Mason

36
By Vonda Skelton | April 24, 2012

It’s author interview and book give-away day and I’m so pumped to introduce my friend, author and speaker Patty Mason, to you. Patty and I met in May ’09 at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference where her book, Transformed by Desire: A Journey of Awakening to Life and Love, won an award in the Bible study category. At that conference, Patty also attended my How to Develop a Speaking Ministry to Women continuing class at Blue Ridge and I later endorsed her book. Then, in January 2011, Patty participated in our very first Christian Communicators Conference at Lake Keowee, SC, and I can tell you, she’s an amazing speaker.

As you can see, Patty and I have developed a lasting relationship and I’m honored to be able to share her books with you today.

Be sure to check out Patty’s bio below, but for now, just take my word that she’s someone you want to listen to. :-)

And if you’d like the opportunity to win a free copy of Patty’s book, just leave a comment below and you’ll be in the running! (Be sure to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.)

Thanks for being with us today, Patty. I can’t wait for the readers to hear your story. First of all, tell us about your newest book, Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs. Why did you write it? Who did you write it for?

Patty: Finally Free is my story—my personal battle with depression. In the book, I share how I got there—even to the point of becoming suicidal—to how I was instantly delivered from depression without drugs. When I first began to write Finally Free, I had other depression sufferers in mind. I know the pain of their anguish. I wanted to reach out to them and offer hope, to let them know they are not alone. However, during the months it took to write the book, many people approached me and told me how their mother, husband, friend, etc. was suffering. They were looking for answers because they didn’t know what to do to help those they loved. From these conversations I saw another need: To reach people who are living with a depressed loved one.

How difficult was it to write from both perspectives?

Patty: I know depression from both sides of the well. I know what it is to suffer, and I know what it is to live with someone who is depressed. About seven years after I was healed, my husband became depressed. Listen, I am not a doctor, so I do not share medical advice in the book. I wrote purely out of personal experience. I know what worked for me when my husband was suffering, so in the back of the book I share some practical tips, some do’s and don’ts, when handling someone with depression.

That sounds like a valuable resource. Would you share a couple of those tips with us?

Patty: First of all, be a good listener. Don’t judge or criticize how your loved one feels. Don’t say, “Oh, you’ll get over it.” That is what my husband would say to me. Prior to his depression my husband didn’t understand what I was going through, so he dismissed it as something I would “get over.” If someone has never experienced depression, they will not understand. However, when my husband began to experience his own trouble with depression, he apologized to me profusely.

Another good helpful tip is to get them out of the house. Depression suffers tend to hide from people and life, and a change of scenery can help. I took my husband and our three children on vacation for a few days, and that trip helped tremendously.

Although I’ve had down periods, like after the death of my daddy and while caring for my terminally-ill sister, I’m blessed that I’ve never suffered with lasting depression. Can you tell us more about what you went through? How did the depression start? Did you seek help? How did you find your way out of depression without drugs?

Patty: Disappointment and disillusionment caused me to fall hard into my well of depression. From the age of 18, I went on one pursuit after another expecting “people and things” to fill me in some way. By the time I was 35 I had everything. I had a husband who loved me, three beautiful, healthy children, a nice home and successful career, yet none of it gave me the sense of worth and satisfaction I was looking for. For a long time I wore the mask that told those around me I was fine and I had it all together. Outwardly I looked like I had everything, but inwardly I was dying. I didn’t want to admit I had problems, so I didn’t seek help at first.

Finally, once I figured out I couldn’t help myself, I began to seek help through family and friends. When that didn’t work, I turned to the medical profession, but I couldn’t find any doctors who would help me.

The most critical day came when I had come to the end of myself. Suicidal, I cried out to God to help me. “Only you can help me!” I told Him, “Please, help me!” Later that same day, God reached into my well of darkness and pulled me out. And when I came out of that well, I came out a different person.

What an amazing story of the power of our God! Since your book came out, I know your story has been told numerous times. Would you tell us about some of the places you’ve had opportunities to share your story of God’s healing grace?

Patty: Actually, I began sharing my story before audiences back in 1997, shortly after the healing took place. God has given me many opportunities to share it over the years at various conferences, churches groups, and workshops. But since the release of Finally Free, He has opened doors for me to share on numerous television and radio programs, including CBN 700 Club. My story has also been published in several magazines, on blog sites, and in books by other authors, such as Unshackled and Free and Recycled Women.

I’ve watched your video interviews and you do a great job of telling your story. I hope the readers will visit your website to find out more about Liberty in Christ Ministries and to check out your videos.

But now, let’s switch to writing. Tell us more about your journey. What are you working on these days?

Patty: My writing began at the age of nine when I won my first writing contest. From then on my mother would tell me, “Patty, you’re a writer.” My writing career, however, began 34 years later. I wrote my first book in 2003. Since then I have had the privilege to write five books, including two Bible studies. Transformed by Desire: A Journey of Awakening to Life and Love was released in 2010; then Finally Free in 2011.

I’m currently working toward publishing my second Bible study, Know That I AM God, and working on the video series that will accompany the workbook. In between all this, I’ve written several magazine articles and on various blog sites.

Writer’s conferences have played a big part in my developing career; as well as the guidance from my writing mentor, Doc Hensley, who I met at the first writer’s workshop. And as you said, Vonda, we also met at a writer’s conference—whoo hoo! You, too, have played a big part in my writing and speaking. What I have learned from you is priceless to me.

Wow, thank YOU for your kind words and for sharing your wisdom and journey with us. It’s been a joy to watch God bring glory to Himself through your faithfulness.

And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment below for Patty and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book! Be sure to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.

Thanks for joining us today, Patty.

Patty: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my heart and my story of God’s healing mercy.

Author Bio:

Patty Mason is a wife and mother who found hope and healing when Jesus reached into her well of depression and set her free. From her painful past God created Liberty in Christ Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and freedom for their souls. As a speaker and Bible teacher, Patty continues to speak at women’s luncheons, events, workshops and conferences and has reached audiences all over the world through Sisters on Assignment, Christian TV, Salem Communication’s Light Source, WLGT Blog Radio Live, and CBN 700 Club.

Website: www.libertyinchristministries.com

Contact info: patty@libertyinchristministries.com

Read entire post »

 

Parting Words From The WORD…

5
By Vonda Skelton | April 20, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a fan of The Biggest Loser. It’s the only show I anticipate each week and record. I love to watch the contestants as they realize their own power over the struggles, not only in the area of food, but in life itself.

One thing that draws me in is the backwards concept of the game and its title. Instead of working for more, more, more, they’re working for less, less, less. Why? Because the more they lose, the more they gain.

Kinda like God’s upside-down economy.

The world tells us to grab for all the gusto we can get. To step on others in order to get ahead. To use and abuse relationships and then toss them away.

But God says:

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28

The words don’t make sense in this me-first culture, do they? But in God’s economy, the truth is simple:

The biggest losers win. And they win big.

I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

 

Read entire post »

 

Writing for Women

33
By Vonda Skelton | April 17, 2012

Photo courtesy of HealingDream/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’ve had the joy of writing in a variety of genres and am looking forward to adding a couple of more in the next few years. In addition to my goal of writing a women’s fiction loosely based on my experience of caring for my sister during her terminal illness, I’m planning to try my hand at writing a screenplay based on the yet-to-be-written book.

And although the ideas excite me, they scare me, too. After all, I’ve already written a book for women…and I know what it takes. If you’ve ever considered writing fiction or non-fiction for the fairer sex (note I did NOT say weaker sex), you might want to consider what it will require.

1.  Transparency. If there’s anything universally true about writing for women, it’s that it requires transparency. Whether we’re writing fiction or non, we must be honest about our fears, doubts, and failures.

Were you mad at God? Admit it. Ready to walk out the door of your marriage? Let us know. Frustrated with a child’s choices in life? Join the crowd. That means you’re like the rest of us. It’s what you did with that anger and struggle and frustration that allows us to learn from you.

I’ve read books, and I assume you have too, where the writer is such an expert Christian that she can’t admit she struggled, and perhaps still does at times. I just can’t respect or relate to those kinds of books. Let’s face it, as Christians, we’re never going to get everything right here on earth. To present ourselves as one who has arrived is to present a lie.

2.  Writing about real life. Dirty diapers. Bills. Scrubbing toilets. That’s real life for most of us. And that’s what will draw me in to your story. Yes, if you’re writing fiction, you have the freedom to help us escape through the lives of the characters, but we still must be able to find real life feelings and emotions within those characters. I don’t know what it’s like to have a husband who cheats on me, but I expect such a character to respond in a realistic way. Even if we don’t see it on the surface, we must be able to identify with what’s going on inside her.

In non-fiction, the topic must be something that is real to your target audience woman. Write it real to the subject and she’ll be able to identify with you and your situation…and you’ll be able to help her.

3.  The ability to laugh at yourself. Laughter is a uniting technique that breaks down walls and draws the reader in, especially when we’re plopping ourselves out there for our readers. Writing Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe was gut-wrenchingly difficult because of the transparency, but fun because I was able to laugh at myself. I was able to take many of my foibles of life and use them to present spiritual truths. Women could see the scene, find themselves in the character, and apply God’s Truth to their own situations.

4.   A we’re-in-this-together voice. You should refrain from using the words “you should.” :-) You should, you need to, and you must should be used sparingly and in a way that doesn’t point the proverbial finger. Yes, there are times when you may need to say something using those words, but that shouldn’t be the voice of the book.

Instead, using phrases like we can, we must, and if we…then… takes away the pointing finger and replaces it with a warm hug. It’s a sitting-around-the-kitchen-table-and-sipping-coffee kind of statement. And that kind of statement will draw your reader into your story and allow her to benefit from your experience.

Writing for women isn’t easy, but it’s a worthy calling, and one that I’m honored to have received. I know many of you have, too. As my tagline says, I’m thankful God can take my messes and use them for His glory…if we let Him.

After all, God doesn’t waste any scars.

Half-price sale for Mother’s Day! Want your own autographed copy of Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe for half price? What about giving them as Mother’s Day gifts? Just contact me and I’ll send you a charge through PayPal for only $6.50 plus shipping ($2.50) per book. PLEASE DO NOT ORDER HALF-PRICE OFFER THROUGH VONDA’S STORE–IT WILL CHARGE YOU FULL PRICE!

Here’s a recent review of Seeing Through the Lies:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will enjoy this humorous, fun and thought provoking book, May 24, 2011
This review is from: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe (Paperback)

You will enjoy this humorous, fun and thought provoking book. There are many principles to apply to your everyday life. The amusing and personal stories will encourage you to continue learning and growing in your spiritual quest. The chapter’s end with a list of Bible readings that apply to the information you have just studied. There are also questions to answer to make sure you have understood the principle the author is teaching.

One of the chapters entitled “I’m So Proud of My Humility” explains how pride will get you no where! Using scripture and personal stories the author encourages you to leave the worlds lie behind that says you deserve more then anyone else.

The chapter entitled “Fear and the Faith Factor” was a personal favorite. Following the principle of scripture you will learn how to make decisions not on fear but on prayer.

“When does Happily Ever After Begin?” is a hilarious chapter and includes wonderful insight on how to maintain a happy marriage. The author is very clear that happily ever after does not exist and is just another lie the world has lead us to believe.

This book is filled with excellent principles and easy to follow steps to shake off the lies of the world and center your thoughts on the Lord’s truth. I loved this book so much I gave away copies as presents for Mothers Day!

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Healing Dream)

Read entire post »

 

Parting Words From The WORD…

12
By Vonda Skelton | April 6, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Today is Good Friday. In my earlier days of following Christ, I often wondered how the day could possibly be called good. After all, Jesus suffered unimaginable pain and torture as He died on the cross. What could be good about that?

Later, as I began to mature in my relationship with Christ, I reasoned the day was considered good because without Jesus’ death and ultimate resurrection, we couldn’t go to heaven. All that’s true, and I believe it even more at this stage of my life.

As I got older, I wanted to know more. Where and when did the term begin? So I searched and found a bunch of commentaries on the origin of Good Friday. They were helpful and full of information.

But today I read the prophesy of Jesus in Isaiah…and the goodness of Good Friday became even more clear.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.  Isaiah 53:5-6

Yes, He:
…was pierced
…was crushed
…was punished
…was  wounded
…ultimately died and rose again

But as I read and meditated on the words, a deeper appreciation for the good of Good Friday jumped from the page:

…He was pierced for our transgressions
…He was crushed for our iniquities
…The punishment that brought us peace was on Him
…By His wounds we are healed
…The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah’s words pierced my own heart and I embraced anew the foundational truth of grace:

  • He suffered it
  • We caused it
  • He paid it
  • We are free

And that is the good of Good Friday.

I hope you’ll grab your tissue and watch “The Bridge” an excerpt from the short film, Most, written by Bobby Garabedian and William Zabka. A modern day parable of the love of our Father. A powerful picture of sacrifice. You can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mostthemovie. I’ve got to get the full DVD. Watch this and you’ll see why!

YouTube Preview Image

I pray God’s richest blessings as you celebrate Good Friday today.

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

Don’t Be Apwaid to Take a Wisk!

54
By Vonda Skelton | April 3, 2012

Photo courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As some of you know, I do a little acting. Nothing big. I don’t have stars in my eyes and certainly don’t entertain visions of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But I do love acting. I love the opportunity to be somebody else, doing and saying and choosing things I might never do, say, or choose as Vonda. It’s simply another fun, creative way to enjoy life using the passions He placed in me.

Well, last week I had my first experience with video auditions. There’s a great film in the works in Asheville, one I’d love to be a part of. I submitted my resume and headshots and was thrilled to get an invitation to audition. But since I was going to be out of town on the appointed day, I was given the option of submitting a video audition. Something I’d never done before.

I’m blessed to be part of a community of actors who help and support one another, many of whom have already experienced video auditions and have the technical skills to pull it off. Two of them volunteered to help me.

I arrived confident of my choices about the characters I was auditioning for, confident of my ability to do a good job. But my confidence was soon deflated as my experienced friends critiqued my performance. I wasn’t invested enough in the character…I needed to dig deeper into the feelings she was experiencing…The scene was too slow, sucking the energy out of the character.

One of my friends said, “You’re playing too safe. Make strong choices. Commit to and believe your line that says, ‘Don’t be afraid to take a risk.’” The truth was, for a moment, I just wanted to walk away.

But I knew acting required me to take a risk.

So I did. With the camera off, we replayed the scene over and over, and each time they both encouraged me to go deeper, to feel the heart of the character and express it at a more realistic level.

And soon I was in the groove. I was fully invested in the scene, feeling each word as if it were my own. We were ready to turn on the camera.

My character took over. The camera rolled and I, Vonda, disappeared as “Mitzi” moved and spoke and challenged her young friend at the bakery counter.

“Proceeding with caution,” I/Mitzi said, nodding approval. “Very wise.” My heart pounded in my chest. I was there, feeling her emotion, dispensing her advice, thinking nothing of Vonda or who she was. I was Mitzi!

The moment I’d been building to was here…my signature line, to be spoken with wisdom and confidence and a touch of spice. It was the best taping yet—I was on right on target!

The sage in me leaned in, winked across the counter, and announced, “Don’t be apwaid to take a wisk.”

Bwwaaaaaahhhhhaaaaa!!!!!! Don’t be apwaid to take a wisk? Did I really say that?

Did that unexpected, unplanned, and undesired, second rate Elmer Fudd impersonation really come from MY mouth?

The next second my actress friend and I fell to the floor as our giggle boxes flipped end-over-end in laughter. (You girls know–the kind that will mean cleaning the mascara from your cheeks and completely redoing your make-up.)

Our poor video guy did the usual guy thing and laughed for a few minutes, then watched with a kind, wholly-male smile. Every time my friend and I thought we were getting it under control, we’d look at each other or one of us would repeat the line and it would all start over. For at least five minutes, maybe ten.

But you know what? That night I took a risk, invested everything I had in the moment, only to have it turn around and bite me in the funny bone. And although we tried several more times, I never quite got back to that deep groove level.

But at least I overcame the fear and took the risk.

I wonder if Noah and Moses and Joshua and Esther were ever afraid of taking a risk. What if they had been confident in their own ability, only to realize they didn’t measure up? What if they’d fought against God’s instruction to invest in their roles with all they had? What if they had refused to dig deep, down to the emotions and giftings God had placed in them for such a time as this?

The truth is, without their willingness to overcome fear and take a risk, history would have been a different story; this world would have been a different place.

You know what, dear friend? God has such a role for each of us. It may not mean He’ll separate a sea so we can lead others through it on dry land, but it could mean that friends, family, and acquaintances could come to know Him through our leading. Would we be willing to invest in that role, digging deep into all it would mean and require of us?

Would we be willing to make strong choices, overcome our fears, and take a risk?

If not, perhaps we’re not really committed to the role, but impersonating a second rate copy instead…meaning God will have to give the part to someone else.

Don’t be apwaid to take a wisk. :-)

(PS: I just found out yesterday I did get one of the other parts! Yay!)

(Photo courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Winner of Phoebe Leggett’s Book, My Time to Grieve, is…

Friends, you’re not going to believe it, but Phoebe Leggett has graciously offered to give away not one, but THREE copies of her book! Hoo-wee! Thank you, Phoebe!

Today’s three winners are Tammy Whitehurst, Marilyn Nutter, and Catherine Young. Congratulations, dear friends! Just contact me with your mailing addresses and your books will be on the way.

And for those who didn’t receive a free gift, you can visit Phoebe’s website to order your own copies.

Thank you, dear Phoebe, for your kindness to us and to those who will benefit from your words. I pray God blesses you and your ministry to our grieving brothers and sisters around the world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And thank you, dear friends, for joining me week after week here at the Christian Writer’s Den. You bless me with your presence and your words. Without you, this Den would be a lonely place. :-)

Blessings on all your projects!

Vonda

 

Read entire post »