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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 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.

Not your typical Christmas time verse. While I could have written on any number of Christmassy themes, I felt the Lord lay this testimony on my heart. It is the story of my journey to the land of Moriah. I know this is a blog in which the primary focus is on writing and speaking ministries, so what I am going to share may seem out of place, but then maybe it won't. God knows who will read this blog and who may need the words written within it.

Many, many years ago (I know I'm aging myself! πŸ˜‰ I had a chance to give a testimony at a ladies retreat. From that moment on, I was hooked. I felt like I just knew that was what God wanted me to do. I was going to be the next Beth Moore (though at the time I didn't know who she was). I began praying that God would use me in the area of speaking and/or teaching. As the years progressed, I did a few sessions at ladies seminars at our church and always felt God had anointed me and I had gotten positive feedback. I felt like I was moving in the right direction. When I'd hear a speaker I couldn't just relax and enjoy the message. Always in the back of my mind was the desire to be doing what she was doing. I hate to admit this, but there were times when I was jealous. It's what I felt I was supposed to do and as the years passed by with just a spattering of opportunities, it became frustrating. It wasn't that I felt that I had this great ability to speak. It was that I felt like there was a burning flame within me that needed an outlet. I started praying, "Lord, either take away this desire or make things happen, please."

I taught a ladies Bible study and loved it. It fueled this desire even more. In the fall of 2004, I attended CLASSeminar. It was a wonderful week of learning and meeting great people like, none other than Vonda and Sharon Hoffman. I was sure this was going to launch my ministry. Not long after this, I met a former pastor who encouraged me to go after what I felt God was calling me to do, so I had brochures made up and sent them out to many churches. Again, I felt sure this was God's timing. I did do another seminar at our church and even spoke at a ladies retreat in Massachusetts. Then for a long period of time there was nothing. I began to get frustrated and even mad at God. (Yes, I admit to that too!) I felt like He was playing games with me, giving me such a burden to speak and then not allowing it. I was so focused on doing this "big" ministry, I failed to see that God was just as interested in all the daily things He was asking of me in my day-to-day life.

Slowly, over this last year, God began to get through to me. I began to realize that God is most interested in the relationship I have with Him, even more than the ministry I feel He wants of me. He also began to show me that ministry doesn't have a "size." He cared just as much when I taught children at a neighborhood Bible club or invited a neighbor to church or loved on someone in need, as He would if I taught a crowd of one thousand ladies. I slowly started praying that He would help me to die to my dream to speak and focus on falling more in love with Him. For years I had prayed another prayer: "Lord, either take the desire or open the doors." I never really thought He'd take the desire. I thought He'd open the doors because I was willing to give it up. (It's amazing how we can fool ourselves.) This past year it was a very different prayer. I was willing to truly give up my dream and not expect Him to give it back to me because of my "magnanimous" sacrifice. I began to sense a working in my heart. This past spring when my friend was asked to be the keynote speaker at our church's seminar, I truly rejoiced for her and began to earnestly pray for her. I truly feel God called me to lay "my Isaac" on the altar and leave it there. I have had such an incredible peace since then. I am totally one hundred percent satisfied to leave it dead and buried and concentrate on falling in love with Jesus and doing the things He has for me to do on a daily basis: to minister in my world.

I don't know what your Isaac may be or if you even have one, but I think perhaps we all have something that gets in the way of our focus on getting to know our Savior in a more intimate way. I pray that whatever it is, you may find the courage to lay it down once and for all. For all you speakers and writers that God has not asked to lay down your call, may God continue to use you in a mighty way.

Vonda here: Thank you for your message and transparency, Nancy. You're right — He wants us to want Him more than anything, including ministry. Your testimony and challenge is just what I needed to hear. And what perfect timing as we look forward to a new year. 

What could God be asking us to lay down?

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And the winner is…  

Melony Brown! Congratulations, Melony — you're the winner of a book from Linda Gilden! Just contact me with your mailing address and I'll send it along to Linda. I'm so happy for you! And for those who haven't won yet, don't give up! We have a book winner every month, and you could be next!

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Be blessed in 2009!

And as we look forward to the future, I pray that you will walk boldly into the new year. After all, you can be confident that God has a plan…specifically created just for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 19:11

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 Author and Speaker Linda Gilden

What a great week to introduce you to my friend, Linda Gilden. Linda and I met years ago when we were both students at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and she's been a real gift to me! (Don't forget to leave a comment and you could win the gift of one of her books!)

Linda has written numerous articles, contributed to many books, and speaks regularly at writers' conferences and women's events around the country. She's also a freelance editor who enjoys helping people discover and improve their writing talents. So, let's get started!  

Vonda: Linda, on your website you're listed as a writer, speaker, and editor. How do you balance all that?

Linda: Sometimes I wonder the same thing! But it works. Those three things really complement each other. Early in my career I was just a writer. But slowly editing and speaking crept into my schedule! Writing, speaking, and editing are all tools to accomplish one purpose – to communicate encouragement to others, whether I speak to a group, write, or edit someone else's work.

Vonda: What's the bottom line for you? Your message in a sentence or two would be…

Linda: Do everything with excellence because you are doing it for God and encourage everyone else to do the same.

Vonda: Your books definitely reflect that theme. Tell us a little bit about your books.

Linda: I started ghostwriting books. My first one was called Every Child is a Winner by Caz McCaslin and Bobb Biehl. I thought it was probably a one time thing and I would never write a book of my own. However, God had other ideas and not long after that tapped me on the shoulder and began to sing, "This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made…" Finally, I asked Him, the day for what, Lord?

Vonda: Did He give you an answer?

Linda: He sure did. Start writing books.

Vonda: So did you do it?

Linda: I have done it many times since that day for myself and for others. My first book was Love Notes in Lunchboxes and other everyday ways to color your child's day. My husband and I had been putting notes in our children's lunches, shoes, cars, on their bathroom mirrors, or anywhere else we thought they might be. The notes meant so much to them that their friends asked us to write notes to them. That was incredible!

Vonda: You mean your children's friends asked for notes?

Linda:  They sure did. One day the phone rang and it was a friend of Ginger's. Before I went to get Ginger to the phone, her friend said, "Wait a minute. May I ask you something first?"

     "Sure," I said. "What can I do for you?"

     "You know those notes you put in Ginger's lunch? Would you put one in her lunch for me tomorrow? I'll get it when we get to the lunch table."

Vonda: Wow! So Love Notes in Lunchboxes was your first book and then what?

Linda: That book actually became a series. I am currently working on book three. The second book was Love Notes on His Pillow and encourages wives and husbands to creatively encourage each other.

Vonda: What is your favorite story from that book?

Linda: My publisher really likes the one about my husband's potato chip love notes.

Vonda: Potato chip love notes?

Linda: Yes, it's so simple. I rarely eat potato chips. But when there is a folded one in the bag – you know the ones that get stuck together when they are in all that grease – watch out! When my husband is eating potato chips and comes across a folded one, he smiles and just hands it my way. He doesn't even have to say "I love you." Why else would you give up the best potato chip in the bag except for love? J

Vonda: Love notes really make a difference, don't they? You recently had a book released called Mommy Pick-Me-Ups. Is that about love notes, too?

Linda: In a different sort of way. Mommy Pick-Me-Ups was coauthored with Edna Ellison and encourages moms in their daily walks with God. In the middle of matching socks, wiping peanut butter off the walls, and changing diapers, we sometimes lose sight of what a wonderful calling motherhood it is!

Vonda: Absolutely.

Linda: I knew there were moms out there who were not experiencing the joy God intended for moms. And I didn't want them to let precious "mommy moments" go by with their children without acknowledging them.

Vonda: I know that you and I are…ahem…well beyond our mom days, but you still have a burden for the young moms around, don't you?

Linda: Yes, I remember those days of feeling like one day lasted a week! But I also remember the joy in helping my children see a glimpse of God. You know, Vonda, I believe that everything we do with our children from the time they are born is contributing to their spiritual foundations. What a privilege as a mom and grandmom to do that.

Vonda: Is there anything you'd like to say before we close?

Linda: Enjoy every minute of life. Make the most of every opportunity to share your faith with your children, grandchildren, and friends. Sometimes we think our worlds are so small and we can't make a difference. But that is not true. God has placed each of us where we are for a purpose and the bottom line is that we are where we are to glorify Him and share His love.

Vonda: Linda, thank you so much for sharing your writing journey and wisdom with us. Be sure to leave a comment for Linda and you'll automatically be in the drawing for a free book! Check back next week to see who's the winner!

You can learn more about Linda and what she does by visiting her website,

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Please pray for my sister…

My sister is seriously ill and is now in hospice. Please remember her and our family in your prayers as we go through this difficult time, especially right here at Christmas. Praise God, she made Him Lord of her life a couple of weeks ago, so we can look forward to seeing each other again on the other side. What blessed peace! It truly is a peace that passes all understanding.

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And as we go through this week, I hope you will celebrate our Lord — the Gift and the Giver of Christmas. Remember the example the shepherds set for us all those years ago:

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. Luke 2:16-17 (emphasis mine)

If you don't know the baby Jesus who grew to be the Man who died for your sins and mine, please contact me. I would be honored to share the good news with you.

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

Vonda

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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?

The serial comma has been eschewed in the newspaper industry for years, but in today's world of texting, IMing, and Twittering, it's quickly losing ground in all areas of writing…and I believe our written language is suffering for it.

Years ago, when newspaper reporters pecked out their stories on manual typewriters, each letter or mark required a uniform amount of space, regardless of the space it actually filled. In a market where space is money, the serial comma was deemed unnecessary, creating more space for news and/or income-producing ads. computer_small

That's not the case today. In this age of word processing and publishing software, each letter or mark carries its own unique space requirement, allowing a small mark or letter to take up only a small amount of space. But the newspaper industry has not changed its stand. And when you add the proliferation of shorthand communication associated with technology, it seems the poor little comma may be gasping for its last breath.

But what do I know? Let's see what the experts say. Strunk and White certainly felt the serial comma was necessary. As a matter of fact, it was so important that its use is listed as Rule #2 on page two of the acclaimed book on writing, The Elements of Style:

            In a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last.

The Chicago Manual of Style is equally adamant:

            6.19   Items in a series are normally separated by commas (but see 6.60). When a conjunction joins the last two elements in a series, a comma–known as the serial or series comma or the Oxford comma–should appear before the conjunction.

When I first began writing, the comma was primarily ostracized in journalism (newspapers, magazines, etc), but now it's suffering a slow death in fiction writing as well.

americanflaglargeSo I have to ask, "Is the serial comma really necessary?" You tell me. Is the American flag made up of three colors, red and white and blue? Or is it red, with an area of white and blue? My college English textbook, Hodges' Harbrace College Handbook, uses this example on page 117:

The natives ate beans, onions, rice and honey. (Was the rice and honey a mixture?)

For the life of me, I can't see the justification in eliminating the serial comma. And I'm not the only one. Jeff Rubin–aka Punctuation Man–has taken a stand and established National Punctuation Day, September 24. As a matter of fact, a quick Google search found almost 500,000 hits for the term, "serial comma."

And yet, the more books, magazines, and articles I publish, the more it seems the determining factor is simply the publisher's preference. Sometimes it's even the editor's preference within a publishing house. All my book manuscripts were submitted with serial commas. The little buggers made the cut at one publisher, only to be put to death at another. Sniff, sniff.

"Missing-in-action" serial commas certainly aren't the end of the world, but eliminating them sure feels lazy, at least to me. It feels soggy. (Here comes the transition…) Sorta like soggy cereal…where individual pieces get clumped together into a distasteful mish-mash of confusion. 

And where's the good in that?

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Writing Opportunities for YOU!

Be sure to check out these opportunities carefully, as I am unable to personally verify them. And remember–you should never have to pay someone for the privilege of writing for them.

  1. Empowered Magazine, The Christian Lifestyle Magazine for Women, is looking for articles from Christian women. 
  2. Chicken Soup for the Soul is always looking for submissions, and several Christian Writer's Den readers have been published through them. This is a paying market!
  3. Outdoor writer wanted
  4. Seeking educational writer 
  5. Human interest stories wanted
  6. Bloggers wanted for breast cancer, motherhood, and allergy blogs.

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Other Opportunities

  1. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Scholarships! Deadline for entries February 15, 2009.
  2. Free writing courses 
  3. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Spalding University in Kentucky (low residency)
  4. Free e-book from Book Proposals that Sell
  5. Fiction Writing for Children class, taught by our own Pam Zollman, coming to Greenville, SC area in January.

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As we continue through this Christmas season, I pray we all remember the Baby who grew to be a Man and died on the cross as the Sacrifice for our sin. Because of Him, we can have peace with God. 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14

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

Vonda

Images courtesy of: FreeImages.co.uk and ChristianPhotos.Net – Free High Resolution Photos for Christian Publications 

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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

By any other name would smell as sweet.

Well, I hate to be the one to bring it up, but Juliet was dead wrong.  

If we want to be quality fiction writers, we must take the time to determine the best names for our characters. Here are five points to consider in order to make our characters' names as sweet as a rose:

  1. Don't use names that start with same letter, especially with characters of the same gender. Readers, especially those who read fast, will often confuse such names. Remember the number one goal of writing: Don't do anything to cause your readers to stumble or disconnect from the story. If they have to stop, go back, and figure out who a character is, you've tripped them up and created a pause in the flow of the story. Not good.
  2. Don't use similar-sounding names. This is similar to #1, but it goes beyond the first letter of the word. I made both of these mistakes in the second Bitsy book, Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island. By naming a character Bernie, I not only repeated the letter B, but even the sound of the names is very similar: Bit-sy and Ber-nie. Both have the ē (long e) sound at the end of the name. And to top it off, Bernie sounds like a boy's name, taking the confusion even further. Of course, at the time I thought I had a very good reason for naming a girl Bernie. After all, her name was Bernadette and she was the twin of Ernest, AKA Ernie. See? Ernie…Bernie. Sounds cute, doesn't it? Well, it may be cute, but it's also confusing to the reader, especially when you add Bitsy to the mix. And a good writer never wants to confuse her readers. I goofed.
  3. Make sure the name fits the character. Unless a name mismatch is part of the story, as in "A Boy Named Sue," you'll want the name to create an accurate image of your character. Did you know that Margaret Mitchell originally named her Gone with the Wind protagonist Pansy O'Hara? Her publisher wisely stepped in and requested a change. Mitchell more than made up for her mistake when she renamed her protagonist Scarlett O'Hara. Perfect!
  4. Be sure the name would have been used at the time of character's birth. Even though I'm sure they didn't do it just for us, the Social Security Administration created a wonderful tool for us writers when they created the site, Popular Baby Names. Here, you can find the most popular names for babies born in any year. Was your character born in 1972? If so, you probably shouldn't name her Mabel. But the name would be perfect if she was born in 1908.
  5. Try to make names easily readable. I've read entire books where I was never sure of the correct pronunciation of several character names. So what did I do? I just skipped over them. Now that might not be the end of the world, but readers do have a harder time connecting with characters when they have no idea how to pronounce their names. And remember, helping the reader connect with your character is a number one priority!

If you recall, Juliet's balcony request ends with:

Romeo, doff thy name;

And for that name, which is no part of thee,

Take all myself.

Want to be a great fiction writer? Want your readers to cry, "You've got all of me"? Then you must be willing to do the hard thing and doff a name or two if the story requires it. After all, the doffing could allow your characters to "retain that dear perfection…without that title" and you to win the hearts of your readers.

And that, dear writers, is as sweet as it gets.

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This Month's Kudos!

We only have two kudos this month, but believe me, they're biggies!

  1. Donna Sherer (SC) won the top award for the First Foundations essay contest–and she found out about it right here on The Christian Writer's Den! Not only was she honored with the first place award, but the cash prize was $500! Her winning entry will be posted on the website after the first of the year. Congratulations, Donna!
  2. Caroline Eschenberger (SC) has received word that Focus on the Family has accepted an article for their Clubhouse Jr. Magazine. Woo-wee! Way to go, Caroline!

Next month I hope we'll hear from lots more people with lots of good news. We'd love to celebrate with you!

And be sure to come back next week, where you'll find lots of great writing opportunities. You could be the next success we're celebrating!

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As we move into the Christmas season, let's all use every opportunity to remember why we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

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

Vonda                                            

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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!

Mary is the daughter of Aidan and Cindee McKenzie, and Aidan is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Reconciliation Ministries. Mary not only writes a teen devotional column, Thoughts for Teens, for the Reconciliation Ministries website, but has almost finished writing her first book, and has spoken in several churches in the southeast!

It's a joy to be able to encourage Mary by sharing her words with you. I hope you'll unwrap the gift she brings and let the Lord speak to you today.

December by Mary McKenzie

The Christmas season is all about gifts. I wanted to share a story about one of the smallest gifts ever given. It's in John 6. It starts out that there was a great crowd following Jesus. They followed Him up onto a mountain. One of the first things that Jesus did when He saw how many people there were was turn to Philip and ask, "Where are we to buy bread, so that they may eat?"

Philip looked at the mass of people, an estimated 20-25,000. Philip turned to the Lord in bewilderment. "Two hundred denarii (wages for 200 days of work) worth of bread is not sufficient for everyone to receive a little." He was saying even if they worked for two hundred days and spent everything they earned, it wouldn't be enough.

Did Jesus ask this because He was just as overwhelmed as the disciples and needed some ideas to bail them out of the mess they were in? No. He had a greater plan. He was going to strengthen their faith by revealing more of His power. So He kind of put His disciple into a state of panic trying to figure out ways to feed so many people.

Then Andrew came to Jesus with a little boy. "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?"

This is where the story gets good and the point I wanted to bring you to. There is an estimated twenty-five thousand people to feed, so the disciples are trying to figure out a way to put food in their mouth.

And a little boy steps out of the crowd, grabs Andrew, and holds out his little lunch. How many of us would be embarrassed to bring such a small gift to such a great teacher?

"What is such a small lunch for so many?" some might have snickered. "How foolish for him to give away his lunch. With it being so close to the Passover, there won't be anywhere for him to buy any food." Others might have whispered.

How many of you feel your gift might be too small? How many think your efforts not enough? Let me encourage you dear precious writer (and reader). The Lord does not give gifts too small; He doesn't shun those who bring gifts that seem too small. He is looking for you. He is looking at the huge crowd of people waiting to be fed and He is watching and waiting for your little gift.

The end of the story? After the little boy had brought his little lunch, a miracle happened. Jesus blessed it and the disciples distributed it. When they were done they still had leftovers.

The following story illustrates the beauty of different gifts:

Someone once imagined the carpenter's tools holding a conference. Brother Hammer presided. Several suggested he leave the meeting because he was too noisy. "If I have to leave the shop," Brother Hammer replied, "Brother Screw must go also. You have to turn him around again and again to get him to accomplish anything!"

Brother Screw then spoke up. "If you wish, I will leave. But Brother Plane has to go, too. All his work is on the surface. His effort has no depth."

To this Brother Plane responded, "Brother Rule must leave, too. He does nothing productive; he is not able to cut wood or hold it together!"

They all fell silent when they saw the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in to do his day's work. He put on His apron; He went to the bench to make a pulpit so He could share the gospel. He used the hammer, screwdriver, plane, rule, sandpaper and all the other tools. After the day's work, when the pulpit was finished, Brother Saw stood up and remarked, "Brothers, I observed us working together today with the Lord."

God has made everything different. Your writing style might be different. Your articles shorter, your ministries smaller; but just like Jesus took that little boy's insufficient gift to use, if you're willing to give–no matter how inadequate it may seem–He can also use you.

Vonda here: What a great reminder, Mary! Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement with us. I have a feeling I'm not the only one who has been reminded that we each have something to offer. Yes, our voices may be different, but our goals should be the same: to reach out to others in the name of Christ, regardless of our ages, our preparation, or our past. We all have something to offer.

If you'd like to talk with Mary, you can reach her at . I hope you'll visit the ministry website or by snail mail at:

Reconciliation Ministries
P.o. Box 4052
Greenville S.C. 29608

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And the Book Goes to…

Ann Wayne! Congratulations, Ann! You're the winner of Sharon Hoffman's A Car Seat in My Convertible? Giving Your Grandkids the Spiritual Ride of Their Lives! I'm especially excited for you since you have that new grandbaby on the way! Please email me with your mailing address and Sharon will send you a signed copy.  

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I'm Looking for KUDOS!

Okay, gang! It's that time again! Have you received some good news? Had an article published? Received a book contract? Won a contest? If so, we want to celebrate with you! Just send me the details (your name, state, website, publication, month published, cover art, if available) and you'll be included in next week&
#39;s kudos. Let us join you in praising God for His blessings!

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Where Will I Be?

The busy speaking season is almost over and I must say, I have mixed emotions about it. One the one hand, I'm so ready to have time to get my new book proposal finished and to my agent. But on the other hand, I'll really miss meeting new people and talking about the Lord and/or writing. But for everything there is a season, and this season is about to end. Here's where I'll be during the next two months:

  • Moore, SC. December 2 Poplar Springs Baptist Church Women's Christmas Banquet. Call the church for more information: .
  • Simpsonville, SC. December 6. Westside Church Dinner Theater. I'm thrilled to be part of the cast of "Christmas Crosstalk," a humorous reminder that Christmas isn't just another holiday, but the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior. And I get to play a snooty talk show host! (Oh, I LOVE drama!) The Westside Children's choir will be supplying the music and dinner will be served! No reservations required!! Donations of any amount and a canned good are requested. Call the church at for more information.
  • Rock Hill, SC. December 13. Eastview Baptist Church Women's Fellowship and Tea Party. Call for more information.
  • Orlando/Tampa, FL area. January 11-16, 2009. I'll be in the area for a taping of the Herman and Sharron Bailey Television Program and will be coordinating several other events. If you're in the area and would like to have me speak to your church, school, or writer's group, please contact Kathy Willis at KCW Communications, .

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Christmas Book Sale for the Entire Family!

sttlcover100px If you're considering giving books for Christmas, I've got some good news! It doesn't matter if you need books for men, women, or kids, I can take care of the whole family–and save you money, too! And you don't even have to leave your house. πŸ˜‰

bitsy_hilton_head_cover_100px From now until Christmas, you can get a free, signed copy of Seeing Through the Lies each time you purchase a set of  three Bitsy books and a copy of Embrace of a Father. Yep–you get a copy of Seeing Through the Lies for FREE–NADA–ZERO! embrace_cover_100px

IMPORTANT–To get this special sale, do NOT place an order for Seeing Through the Lies! If you order the book, you will be charged!!!

Simply place your order here for the other books and be sure let me know how you want all of them personalized (including Seeing Through the Lies). Each time I get an order for three Bitsy books and an Embrace of a Father, I will automatically add a Seeing Through the Lies to the box–and I'll pay the extra shipping, too. πŸ˜‰

Thank you for your encouragement and support this year!

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And in this season of gift-giving, let's remember to use our gifts for the Giver of all good things.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 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 for ever and ever. Amen.   I Peter 4:10-11

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

Vonda

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