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Successful Life and Leadership

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By Vonda Skelton | July 29, 2008

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 or visit her Facebook page.

Welcome, Robin!

Successful Life and Leadership by Robin Bryce

I plopped face first in a pile of emotion. Near tears, but refused to succumb. What would the kids think? I felt overwhelmed, unworthy, and unable. Pick an area of life–any area. I was totally unfit to accomplish anything I was supposed to do in all areas of my life. I had so many good and necessary tasks to carry out and fulfill God's calling on my life, but looming over me was a sense of utter inability and sure-fire failure. This feeling was all in my head . . . or was it?

I had the same twenty-four hours as others to accomplish the actions items that overloaded my table. What to do first? Do I have what it takes? What if I mess up? Living life was frightening. Dying seemed a respite of peace. But before dirt is thrown in my face, would anything I've done, said, or stood for be considered beautiful, jaw dropping, or worthy? I was called to share the encouragement of Christ, but there were so many steps, means, and ways to do it that confusion and frustration concerning my lack took over and I found myself in need of the encouragement I was to give. I wanted to hang it all, find a hole in the sand and stick my head in it. It was too many things to do, too many choices to make, and not enough of me to go around.

Since I was a leader, speaker, and writer, and my life an example (at least to my kids), I did what any powerless leader might do. I lay in an emotional heap, bare before God and open before his Word for the day's reading. God spoke . . .

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ (Oh yes. Lord, I have much encouragement from our relationship.), if any comfort from his love (Yes, your love and acceptance is great comfort in my inability and insecurity.), if any fellowship with the Spirit (How sweet is the fellowship with you, your Spirit, and your word! It is better than life, and makes life worth living.), if any tenderness and compassion (You are tender and compassionate with my frailties and shortcomings. I will be filled with the same for others.), 2 then make my joy complete (Thank you! Because of your work in and through me, you make me completely joyful.) by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (In unity of mind, love, spirit, and purpose with you, I can be and do all you call me to do.). 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Yes Lord, I will not consider anything related to myself, rather relish in your love and acceptance and build others up.) (Phil. 2:1-4, NIV).

I learned five essentials to a successful life for overcoming mountains of insecurity, conquering heaps of responsibility, and fulfilling God's purpose for my life.

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  • Humility. Effective leaders are servants. Servants consider those they serve as more important than themselves. Leaders place their needs aside to serve the needs of others. Authentic leadership doesn't seek to make a name for themselves, but to build up those they serve. Genuinely effective leaders are created in time spent with God.
  • Prayer. Effective leaders are in constant communion with God. They know their power to lead comes from God alone, and without prayer their leadership is less powerful, original, and creative. Prayer makes a good leader better.
  • Word. Effective leaders find guidance and direction in God's Word. They know without the truth of scripture there is no hope, no point to work towards. Servant leaders search God's word for direction and leadership for their own lives then translate what they learn to lead others.
  • Follow Through. Effective leaders lead. They follow through in all the ways in which God leads. That sounds elementary, but this is where the well intentioned remains only intentions. They don't do it all perfectly. Authentic leaders are not only willing to lead, but honest enough to understand not everything they try will work. Good leaders are quick to evaluate, try a new tactic, and keep at the job in the face of failure. Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Follow through is key to success.
  • Assistance. Effective leaders look for ways to include others. They know their limitations and "staff" to their weaknesses. God provides helpers to complement our weaknesses. "Look to the hills from whence our help comes" (Psalms 121:1). Good leaders know the more they empower and include others to serve the more creative and effective are the outcomes.

My near tears of discouragement turned into joy and compassion. I gained a renewed purpose to continue working at the increasing load on my table knowing that it is God who called and he is able to finish what he started with me, his imperfect instrument (2 Tim 1:12). With God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it." (Col. 4:17, HCSB). I am eager to watch God move this mountain of responsibilities, inabilities, and frailties to make a splendid wonder out of my nothing. How great is our God!

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And the winner is…

Congratulations to Amy at Living a Blessed Life blog. She's the winner of Simple Little Words, by co-authors Michelle Cox and John Perridon. Amy, please contact Michelle through her website and your book will be on the way!

Congratulations!

And readers, you could be our next winner! All you have to do is leave a comment when we have an author interview. What a great opportunity to get a great book signed by the author!

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Another Write
r's Workshop Opportunity! thecabincovesmall

I'm pleased to announce that Ann Wayne is organizing a new Christian writer's conference–and I'll be teaching! The conference will be held at her cabin in the mountains of NC during Labor Day weekend, August 29-31. Space is limited, so be sure to contact her today at . I'd love to see you there!

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Women's Ministry Leaders Take Note

I'm receiving great feedback from group leaders across the country about my new book, Seeing Through the Lies. They're finding the group discussion questions to be helpful in opening the door to meaningful conversation and recommitment, which is exactly what I had hoped for when I wrote the book! (Thanks again to Edie Melson and Michele Reeves for help with writing the discussion questions.)

In addition, I'm offering up to one-hour-long speaker-phone visits to groups who use the book for their study. We have so much fun! One leader said, "What a delight…It seemed like you were sitting among us!" I'd love to "come and sit among" you and your ladies' group. 😉

The 2009 event schedule is already bustling! If you're planning a women's ministry event for 2009 (I'm sorry, but 2008 is already full), I hope you'll consider partnering with me. What a joy it is to share the hope, love, and mercy we can only find in Jesus Christ, and what comfort it is to know God can take our messes and use them for His glory. Boy, am I proof of that!

I hope you'll contact me for information on discounted group book sales, phone visits, or speaking opportunities in your area. I'd love to join you in ministry!

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And now, I want to leave you with these words of David as he prayed before the people when they sacrificed to build the temple:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

What is God calling us to sacrifice in order to build His kingdom?

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

Vonda

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Interview and Book Give Away with Michelle Cox and John Perrodin

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By Vonda Skelton | July 22, 2008

July 22, 2008

Whew! I'm back from the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando and am so ready to get back to work! But one of the highlights of the yearly convention is having the opportunity to connect with old friends and catch up on what God is doing in their lives.

Last week I had the joy to spending a little time with my friend and fellow author, Michelle Cox. I met Michelle years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she frequently assisted author Yvonne Lehman while honing her own skills as a writer. Michelle is now a speaker, co-author (with John Perrodin) of Simple Little Words: What You Say Can Change a Life, and the author of Mothers Who Made a Difference. She writes frequently for various publications at Focus on the Family, has written greeting card text, and recently taped a small group DVD curriculum on parenting and marriage for Focus on the Family. She and her husband, Paul, live near Asheville, North Carolina.

Michelle's co-author, John Perrodin, is Senior Editor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. He has written three YA novels with Jerry in the Renegade Spirit series. For 12-plus years, he worked at Focus on the Family and served as Special Assistant to Dr. James C. Dobson. He and his wife, Sue, live in Colorado Springs. I haven't had the joy of personally meeting John, but am honored that he and Michelle could join us today.

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Michelle and John. I see that you've compiled a collection of stories from a wide variety of authors and known names in the industry for this book. What gave you the inspiration for Simple Little Words?

Michelle: A special moment from my childhood was the inspiration for Simple Little Words. As a child from a dysfunctional home situation, I had no self-esteem and no self-confidence. On a class field trip one day, a classmate's mom said, "You have the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen." To her they were ten simple little words, but to a child who needed to hear there was something of beauty about her, they were life changing.

Vonda: Wow, what a story! What themes exist in Simple Little Words that you hope the reader sees?

John: I hope the reader sees that our time on earth is short. We don't know how many more opportunities we'll have to look a loved one in the eye and say "I'm sorry." That's the beauty of Simple Little Words. We're not asking anyone to make fancy speeches or write eloquent tomes. All we're asking is that they take the time to speak life, hope, and love to those around them.

Vonda: So tell me–what made each of you start writing?
John: Reading. Ever since I could read, I've wanted to write. I love how books draw you in and take you to places you could never otherwise visit.

Michelle: I never intended to write-but God had other plans. I had compiled a cookbook to welcome my son's bride to the family and included letters and stories about the friends and family who contributed recipes. I gave a copy to my pastor's wife and a few weeks later, my pastor called and said, "You need to do something with your writing."

God kept nudging my heart in that direction until one day I prayed and said, "Okay Lord, if that's what you want me to do, I'll do it…but we might have one small problem. Have you happened to notice that I can't write?"

Then I heard that still small voice say, "That's okay. I can. You just be willing and I'll take care of the rest." And God has provided everything I've needed for this writing journey.

Vonda: That sounds wonderful, but we all know it's not quite that easy. Tell us how you handle rejections.

John: Best case scenario? I learn from them. I especially appreciate when a kind editor takes the time to offer a few pointers on what I've done wrong – and right. That involvement is rare, but wonderful.

Michelle: I pray over my proposals before I send them. "Lord, this is the best I can do at this point in my career. I give this to you now. Please open and close doors according to Your will." Then when the rejections come, I realize that a contract with that particular publishing house at that particular time wasn't God's will for me. Looking at rejections as God's stepping-stones to teach me or connect me with someone has made receiving those letters much easier.

Vonda: Hmm. That's an approach we all need to adopt! Well, I want to hear more about Simple Little Words.

John: Simple Little Words is a book full of heart-tugging stories. You don't have to be a great speaker or published author to encourage someone. You just have to look for opportunities to put someone else's feelings first and then follow through with simple little words of encouragement.

Michelle: You might wonder what bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, a farmer's granddaughter, and Focus on the Family CEO Jim Daly have in common. All of their lives have been touched or changed because of something someone said to them.

Words are powerful tools that can wound and leave scars or they can encourage and inspire. That's the message of Simple Little Words. The book concludes with a poignant question: What simple little words do you need to say to someone who needs to hear them?

Vonda: Wow. What a great reminder of the importance of our words. Thanks for sharing the message. And now that you both have found your calling as writers, do you have any advice for other writers?

John: Read and write. Every day if possible. And if it's not, then spend a few minutes thinking about the next scene you'll be writing. Or reflect on one of your characters. Consider the different ways they might respond to
an upcoming conflict – and then brainstorm a completely different approach for them to take.

Michelle: Be persistent. Sometimes the most successful writers aren't the ones with the most talent. Instead, they're the ones who are most persistent in working to achieve their ambitions-and God's ambitions-for their lives.

Meet your deadlines. That's a personal goal for me. So far, I've never been late for a deadline. This one trait will set you apart from the majority of writers. I can promise that most publishers and editors will love you for turning your work in early or on time.

Vonda: Great advice! Thank you both for taking time from your busy schedules to be with us.

Readers, you'll want to visit John and Michelle at and view their cool book trailer at YouTube. And don't forget to leave a comment below for Michelle or John (or me) and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of Simple Little Words!

Remember–your words could change a life forever!

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Cruise Deadline Quickly Approaching!

Calling all cruisers! Please join me and lots of other Christian entertainers, authors, and speakers for a cruise to the Bahamas! But you must act now! The deadline to take part in the special Spring in the Son Cruise activities is August 27th and we want you with us! Family-friendly Christian comedians, music groups, authors, and speakers are looking forward to spending some time with you as we sail from Jacksonville, FL to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Fascination. Please note: only those booking through Hightower Cruises will be able to take part in these special activities.

If you register by July 27th, prices start at less than $599 (includes all taxes, port fees, fuel charges, and program fees). After July 27th, there will be a Carnival Cruise fuel charge of $42. Grab some friends and bring a group and you can save even more money!

So what are you waiting for? Register today!

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I want to thank you, dear friends, for visiting with me every week. I appreciate each of you and thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to hang out here at The Christian Writer's Den. Please invite your writing friends to join us. As you know, the writing life can be a long and lonely road. We can make it more enjoyable by sharing our lessons and experiences with each other. Together we can be better writers.

And now I leave you with these words of wisdom from King Solomon:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to pick him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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

Vonda

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Tap into the Senior Market

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By Vonda Skelton | July 14, 2008

Well, I had good intentions. I had sincerely planned to post Birthing Your Baby Part 2, even though I knew I'd be at ICRS this week. But like so many of my good intentions, it just didn't happen.

But have no fear! I am pleased to be able to offer something even better! Please welcome guest blogger, freelance writer Susan Sundwall, as she shares her article on writing for the senior market. You won't want to miss these opportunities!

Thanks, Susan!

Tap Into the Seniors Market

By Susan Sundwall

Not too long ago a good friend and I giggled like teenagers as we contemplated what we were about to do; get our first "senior discount." It was only ten percent off at one of our favorite department stores, but there was a bit of devil-may-care in our giggles that said-so what? We were about to join the millions of other men and women of a certain age who had worked in earnest at a productive life and were now reaping a small benefit from a grateful merchant. Along with store discounts, cheaper insurance and early bird specials at some great restaurants, another benefit out there is the many publications that cater to the needs, desires, hobbies and overall changing lifestyles of the well-aged citizen. It's occurred to me more than once what a rich bounty this is for writers!

If you think you might have some ideas that will appeal to this age group and would like to write about them, there are some things to bear in mind. For instance: Seniors do – 

  • Have sharp minds.
  • Love to laugh.
  • Enjoy sharing the highlights of their lives.
  • Like to dress well, eat well and play hard (think travel articles).
  • Have expendable income.

Gosh, seems like a great demographic to write for, doesn't it? Here are some markets for this group.

  1. Eldr – A brand new magazine geared towards men and women over sixty. See website and guidelines at
  2. AARP the Magazine – Used to be Modern Maturity See full guidelines at
  3. T/L Golf – The sport is certainly not for seniors only, but if you have a story to pitch that way, you'll reach hundreds.  See guidelines at
  4. More – Celebrating women over forty. Guidelines here:
  5. Good Old Days – Write up some great memories for this one. Guidelines:

Seniors are just people. Sure, they've lived longer and done more than some, but writing for them only needs a bit of creative sensitivity while bearing a few other things in mind: Seniors don't –

  • Have the energy and agility they had thirty years ago.
  • Like what's happening to their bodies.
  • Want to be left out of the technology loop.
  • Listen to loud music or text message their friends
  • Care as much as they used to about what others think.

Every person who lives for a half-century, and then some, comes to the realization that things change; sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Whereas a grandchild may be an utter delight, when it comes to horsey back rides on an old back-well-that's a whole other story. The idea of death may not hold the terror it once did, but trying to figure out all the features on a new cell phone can make a senior's blood pressure hit the ceiling. Writing about this side of senior life is important, too. Keeping it light and informative is what your editor will appreciate. Have a look at these markets.

  1. Arthritis Today – Primary focus is baby boomers. See guidelines at
  2. New Mobility Magazine – Another publication that will appreciate a senior slant. Guidelines available here:

My list of senior do's and don'ts, of course, does not apply to everyone. As with any age group you choose to address, there is wide diversity. By simply living I, and hundreds of other, have passed into the realm our society designates "senior' and it hardly bothers me at all. And I'm going to resist the temptation to put forth the old saw, "consider the alternative," which is-staying eighteen forever. Good grief, who would want to do that? Certainly not my friend and I. We're looking for discounts and great articles everywhere these days!

Thank you, Susan, for stopping by and sharing your leads with us!  

Susan is a freelance writer and children's Christian playwright. She writes from her home in upstate New York where she lives with her husband and Libby the wonder dog. She has recently completed her first novel, a cozy mystery.

See Susan on Amazon at

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And writers, I leave you with these words from God's Holy Word:

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b 

I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your heart.

Vonda

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Giving Birth to Your Book, Part I: Clean It Up!

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By Vonda Skelton | July 8, 2008

July 8, 2008

You've worked for months or years and finally, it's done. You've accomplished your dream and finally created "new life." But new life is just the beginning. Yes, your baby-your book-is created, but how do you start the delivery process and get your baby out into the world?

  1. Save a copy. And I'm not just talking about saving it on your personal hard drive-that's a given every time you write. But in addition to your hard drive, every time you make a change to the manuscript file, you should either save a copy on CD, send an electronic copy to a friend's email address, or send it to another account such as Gmail. At Gmail, you can store 6900 MB. Now, that's a lot of files! I can't tell you how many friends have been working on manuscripts and lost them because their computer crashed or they hit a wrong button. (I've come really close a few times myself!) And even though those files can often be salvaged, you may experience a lot of stress-and sometimes a lot of expense-to retrieve them.
  2. Put it away. Yep. Close the file and put it away for a while. Work on another writing project, take a vacation, or set aside a week to visit friends who've given up on ever seeing you again. Or, like me, you can begin to attack the stacks of unopened mail, half-eaten meals, and very important papers that have accumulated on your desk while you've been in the throes of writing. Just do whatever you need to do to get your mind off the manuscript.
  3. Begin the rewriting process. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know you've probably been rewriting as you wrote, but believe me, that is not the same as final rewriting. After you've been away from the book for a while, start it again with fresh eyes. Everyone will eventually find a way that works best for them, but at this point, I read through the book from beginning to end, looking for plot problems, timeline issues, and slow sections.
  4. Dig in for a deeper rewrite. At this point, I read the entire book aloud, looking for areas that just don't work. I check for cadence, realistic dialog, and the right balance between description and action. This would also include searching for telling where I should be showing, eliminating weak verbs and sloppy use of adverbs, and making sure there are no extraneous uses of the word, "that." Make every word count. Make it earn its keep. It either does the job and does it well, or it needs to be outta there! Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Done right, this rewrite could take months (sometimes lots of months).
  5. Get feedback from other writers. Sure, you can let your mom and your kids and your best friends read the book, but you really need a group of serious critiquers who are familiar with writing for publication. You need people who will be honest and tell you when they're bored with your words, when the plot feels contrived, or when the dialog doesn't ring true. Ask them to analyze your opening paragraphs for hooks, setting, and time placement. Ideally, you're also doing this as you go through the initial writing process, but this time it needs to be read with the proverbial fine-toothed comb. If possible, get critiques from writers who write in the same genre as your book.
  6. Do another rewrite. Based on the responses from your serious critiquers, you probably will need to do another formal rewrite.
  7. Get feedback from readers. Once you're sure you have it as good as you can make it, then get readers from your target audience to read your book. If you write for children, get readers in the age range you write for. If your target audience is young mothers, locate some young women who will commit to read and honestly give you feedback. Stress to them that they are not helping you if they simply tell you how great your book is. In addition to looking for typos and general mistakes, ask them if the story kept their interest, if they felt a connection to your characters, and if they felt the dialog was on target. If you write non-fiction, you need to know if your explanations were clear, if you drew in the reader, if your words motivated them to change or taught them something new. You wouldn't believe some of the feedback I've gotten from my readers. I especially look forward to hearing from a few of these hardnosed readers-even though I know they'll send pages of comments. But that's what I want and need! I'd much rather these readers catch the problems now than for an acquisition editor catch the problems later-and promptly reject my book!
  8. Rewrite, yet again. And yes, it's probably time for another rewrite. Depending on the readers' responses, this could simply be an editing process or it could be another complete rewrite. But either way, you need to address the issues that arise through this feedback. I can't tell you how many times I've been saved from serious problems by having readers in addition to my critiquers. If your writing group reads your stuff frequently, it's sometimes hard for them to catch things that have been revisited several times. Your readers will see it with fresh eyes, often discovering new areas that need to be addressed.
  9. Put it away again. If possible, allow time for the book to settle again for a few days.
  10. Read it aloud again. After a few days, read it aloud again, critically looking and listening for any areas that may still need work.

So there you have it-the first steps to getting your book delivered and out into the world. It won't be easy, but it'll sure be worth it. Remember, you have one shot to make your baby pretty. You don't want to miss your opportunity because you were tired of cleaning her up. 😉

Be sure to come back next week for Giving Birth to Your Book, Part II-All Cleaned Up, Now Where Do We Go?

I'll be leaving for ICRS on Thursday, July 10 and won't be back until July 17, but will still be posting a new entry next Tuesday, as usual. I'll be able to approve and post your comments, but probably won't be able to respond to comments myself. But please feel free to post any questions or comments and we'll address them when I get back.

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Kudos!

Thanks to these readers who are willing to share their successes and allow us the joy of celebrating with them!

  1. Barbara Parentini 's (NC) devotion, The Love of a Husband, God's Gift , was featured for Father's Day at Truth Media's Devotional for Men. It was also recorded as a podcast! I hope you'll take the time to visit these sites and leave a comment. Barbara's also been notified that one of her devotions will be included in the upcoming HUGS Bible Reflections for Women, to be released by Howard Books (division of Simon and Schuster) in July 2009-an opportunity announced right here on The Christian Writer's Den. Way to go, Barbara!
  2. Donna Sherer's (SC) essay has been announced as a finalist in the Fir
    st Foundations writing contest, The Bible: Faith's First Foundation. This is another opportunity I posted on the blog. Congratulations, Donna!
  3. Renae Brumbaugh (TX) has been busy! She's been contracted to write and compile a perpetual calendar for Barbour called 365 Simple Tips for Busy Moms. She's also contributing to a Barbour devotional book called 365 Whispers of Wisdom for Step-Moms. On top of that, she's now a newspaper columnist with a new faith newspaper called Real Talk. AND she's had several articles accepted by Vista -another opportunity announced here on the blog! In her email, Renae says she gives God all the glory for what He has done. We do, too, but we still say, Kudos, Renae!
  4. Tom Slovenski (SC) has had another reprint of an article-this time in Pursuit Magazine for Investigators. This is an article he wrote once, but has had reprinted several times. Lots of mileage from one piece-and this time the editor contacted him, asking for it! Way to go, Tom!
  5. Jeanne Styles' (AL) third book in her embroidery software series is now on the market! In addition, she was invited to teach at the annual Pfaff sewing convention in August. Keep up the good work, Jeanne!
  6. Linda Greer's (SC) effort to promote a new support group for fibromyalgia was featured at GoUpstate.com. Congratulations, Linda!

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Speaker-Phone Visits are So Much Fun!

sttlcover100px I'm hearing from women around the country that my new women's book, Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe, makes a great small group study book. Here are some comments from women using the book in their groups:

"Truly a blessing!"

"We truly appreciated your insight from Scripture and witness from personal experience. It helped put a lot of things in perspective."

"I wanted to let you know that it was a great study. The ladies really connected with your writing and it opened many great discussions."

I hope you'll consider recommending Seeing Through the Lies for your ladies' group study. If you do, I'd love to make a speaker-phone visit during one of your sessions. It's so much fun! As one precious lady said, "It seemed just like you were sitting among us!"

So email me and let's set it up. I'd love to "sit together" and chat about our Lord with you and your ladies!

And if you haven't read my book, I hope you'll get it and then suggest it to your group. Word of mouth is the best advertising there is. And as a little bitty fish in a great big pond, I need all the help I can get! Thank you for your encouragement and support!

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Cheryl T, Please Contact Me!

Cheryl T, I've been trying to reach you ever since you wrote me after returning from Blue Ridge, but all my emails are returned. ;-( Would you please email me again? I want to talk to you!

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And I hope you'll meditate on these words this week as you write and speak the words He gives you:

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11

I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts.

Vonda

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Have No Fear!

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By Vonda Skelton | July 1, 2008

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!

Away from rejections and disappointments and lost dreams. Away from those fears that can take over our lives.

In these verses, David was ready to fly away and hide. (Of course, most people would agree he had a pretty good reason to skip town–after all, his son, Absalom, was trying to kill him!)

Throughout Psalm 55, David verbalizes his fear: "I am distraught . . . Fear and trembling have beset me . . . Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress."

But it's crucial for us to see that even with all his rantings and ravings and cries of despair, David ended his pleas of Psalm 55 with these words: "But as for me, I trust in you."

I trust in You.

There he was, fearing for his life, running from the possibility of death, and yet he trusted in God.

What about us? Do we trust in God?

Do we really?

Oh, we trust in Him as Creator. We even trust in Him as Father, Lord, and the Holy One. Yes, most of us can honestly say we trust in Him. But the question is . . . do we trust Him? Do we trust Him with the details of our lives?

I have to admit, there have been times in my life when I haven't trusted Him. I didn't trust Him because I believed a lie of Satan–the lie that says I have to be in control. And everything seemed out of control.

But it was just out of my control.

As believers, we know we have the Holy Spirit. But the question is, does the Holy Spirit have us? Have we submitted to His authority and power in our lives? Have we swallowed our pride, exposed our weakness, and handed our future over to Him?

That's not to say our problems will be resolved according to our preferences. But God does promise that everything will work out for His glory, that He is in control, and that He–and we–can handle it. All we have to do is submit ourselves and our messes to Him, and then trust Him with the details of our lives.

He wants only the best for us, and He's the only One Who knows what that best really is. It may not be the new house we want or the book contract we long for. The best for us may not even be our healing. But Romans 8:28 promises us the best is what we'll get . . . for His glory.

We want peace. And Satan is eager to give his version of it. But his answer to fear is a lie. After all, he is the Father of Lies–he's incapable of telling the truth!

But we don't have to drown in fear, because we have a well of Living Water. In Balance that Works When Life Doesn't, Susie Larson says, "Don't leave the well. Don't be so uncomfortable with your pain that you rush to a quick fix to cover it up. In your loneliness, in your hard times, and in your waiting, stay by the well until the true, pure water comes. He will come for you. He will bring healing and a new direction for your lives."

So whether your struggle today is about writing or health or relationships, remember these words of Jesus:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

The Prince of Peace is coming. We have no reason to fear.

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Call for Kudos

Hey, writers–it's that time again. Time to celebrate God's blessings in your writing and speaking life. So if you've had a recent publication, received a new contract, or any other writing or speaking achievements, please email me and I'll share the news next week!

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Cruise Update! * Cruise Update! * Cruise Update! * Cruise Update!

New destination! New lower price! New entertainment! New date!

Yes–lots of new stuff going on with the Christian Cruisers Club Spring in the Son Cruise!

As more and more groups were finding out about this Christian cruise, they had one concern: They would be missing two Sundays. So cruise director, Emily Hightower has decided to make the schedule more convenient for church groups. Here are the new details:

March 30-April 4, 2009

Sail from Jacksonville, FL to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas

Free Christian entertainment for you and your family!*

Free writing workshops!*

Prices now start at $598.72. Gather your friends or get a church group together and you ALL save even more!

*Spring in the Son attendees only–not open to regular Carnival cruisers. Also, please note that I'm listed as a comedian, but I'll be teaching writing classes, too. 😉

I'd love to have you and your family join me in this fun time of rest, relaxation, and 'riting!

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Writer's Retreat Waiting List Now in Effect

Our ladies' fall writing retreat is now full, but you may still be able to go! Every year we fill up quickly, but every year we also have cancellations, opening the retreat to some of those on the waiting list. If you'd like to be placed on the list, please email me for details.

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And the Winner Is…

Nancy!!!

Congratulations, Nancy. Please email me as soon as possible with your mailing address and Shellie will get your complimentary copy of Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color On right out to you. You're gonna LOVE it!

Thanks to all of you who left comments. Your words were such an encourgement to Shellie and me.

And thank you, Shellie, for your informative and inspiring interview. What a great reminder of the opportunities we have to be a light in the darkness.

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And now, I leave you with these words from the Apostle Paul. I hope they encourage you this week in your writing and speaking walk.

For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

The Prince of Peace is coming. Have no fear.

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

Vonda

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