Latest Blog Posts

Interview and Book Give Away with Mary DeMuth

21
By Vonda Skelton | February 23, 2010

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

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

Mary writes both fiction and non-fiction. Her award-winning Maranatha Series and Defiance Texas Trilogy are gripping tales of fear, betrayal, and redemption. But today we're going to talk about her newly-released memoir, Thin Places. I've read Mary's Defiance series as well as her memoir, and let me tell you, she is an amazing writer. Her words stayed with me long after the books were closed.

Now don't forget to leave a comment for Mary and you'll be entered into the drawing for your own copy of Thin Places. And, as always, if you'd like to leave an anonymous comment and still be entered into the drawing, simply send me your comment and I'll post it for you. 

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Mary. Thank you for joining us. First, I'd love for you to tell us, what compelled you to write Thin Places?

Mary: I finally felt sufficiently healed from my past, which had been a long, long journey. And in that healing, I knew I had the perspective I needed to be able to communicate my story with hope. In the past, I'd vomit my story of sexual abuse and neglect on any poor soul who'd listen, not with the intention to help her grow through her story, but to gain empathy.

But now I marvel at the path God's brought me on, how gently He's led me to this place of wholeness. From that abundance, I share my story. Why? Because I believe sharing the truth about our stories helps others see their own stories.

While I recorded the audio book for Thin Places, the producer asked me why I'd splay my life out this way.

"Because I don't want folks to feel alone," I told him.

"You've given a gift," he said.

I sure hope so.

Vonda: In this memoir you give readers a candid glimpse into your upbringing. Was it hard to share particular parts of your story?

Mary: In some ways, it was easy. I've shared my story over a decade now. What was hard was giving myself permission to say it all, to not hold back, to explore the emotions I experienced during the rapes, the drug parties, the feelings of loneliness.

Oddly, though, it was harder for me to share what I'm dealing with now as a result of my upbringing than the actual initial trauma. It's hard to admit that I'm still so needy, so insecure. After reading the book aloud, I saw I still had areas of growth, particularly in being so hard on myself.

Vonda: What do you hope readers gain from reading your memoir?

Mary: I hope they see hope. I hope they realize how profound and surprising and radical God's redemption is. I hope they'll see the irresistibility of Jesus.

Vonda: Some folks wait until grandparents and parents are deceased until they write a memoir, but you wrote yours with some still alive. Was that difficult?

Mary: Extremely. In many ways, agonizing. You can be assured that I prayed through every word. I'm thankful for my critique group who walked me through the writing and my stellar editor who helped shape the manuscript into a redemptive story. My goal was not to impugn or point the finger at what went wrong way back when, but to shout about God's ability to transform a needy, incomplete girl.

It's never easy to tell the truth, and I know my words may hurt some. But, thankfully, I've sought God's heart in this and I can rest peacefully in knowing that.

Anne Lamott says, "Risk being unliked. Tell the truth as you understand it. If you're a writer, you have a moral obligation to do this. And it is a revolutionary act-truth is always subversive."

Thin Places is my answer to her quote.

Vonda: You don't know this, Mary, but I'm in the early stages of writing a novel about the family difficulties of the last few years. And to be honest, I keep asking myself why I feel compelled to write it. So, I'll ask you…Why go there? Why examine the past? Hasn't the old passed away?

Mary: Yes, of course we must move forward. We must move beyond our pasts. But in order to do that, we must mourn the reality of what happened, not bury it under a rug. I love what Sam says in The Two Towers movie about the importance of telling our stories, no matter how dark: "It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad has happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you."

It's my sincere hope that my story will stay with readers, not because of its sordidness, but because the Light of Jesus has shined so brightly upon it.

Vonda: Well, I can tell you, your story certainly stayed with me. For weeks, I revisited many of your scenes, unable to comprehend how adults could treat an innocent child in such horrible ways. And then I'd look at you and all you've done to bring God glory through it…and I see the truth of His word: What Satan meant for evil, God will use for good, if we let Him. Thank you for letting Him use you.

Readers, here's the gripping book trailer for Thin Places.

To learn more about Mary, her ministry, and her mentoring program, check out the
se sites:






Facebook:
Twitter:

And don't forget to leave a comment here at this blog and you'll be entered into the drawing for a free copy of Thin Places. Be sure to check back next week and see if you're the winner. And whether you win or not, believe me, you'll want your own copy of Mary's story.

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

Do You Live in the Chattanooga Area?

Christian Writer's Den reader, Becky Hillman, has started a writer's group in your area, and you're invited to join her! You can check it out here.

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

Congratulations to Darlo Gemeinhardt!

Darlo is the winner of the free download of my new class, Teaching Children Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction. Hope you enjoy it, Darlo!

And readers, for a limited time, you can get TWO Writing for Children download classes and handouts for only $22.43–that's $7.47 off the regular price. 🙂

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

And friends, if you're suffering this week, please know you're not alone:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

Grits, Bacon, and Writers’ Conferences

10
By Vonda Skelton | February 16, 2010

Last week I talked about the need to see the writing journey as an investment. And since this is the time to gear up for the writer's conference season, I decided to share one of my favorite conference stories. Some of you have heard it, but many of you haven't. Either way, I hope it will encourage you to take the leap and register for an upcoming conference. 

I sold my first article over grits and bacon at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I arrived early for breakfast and claimed my spot at Jesse Florea's table. As an editor at Focus on the Family, Jesse was sure to see that my article, Catch Your Child in the Act…of Being Good, was a perfect match for Focus' parenting newsletters. I was the first one at his table that morning and claimed two places–one for him and one for me. My heart pounded as I watched Jesse enter the dining room and head for his spot.

Within minutes, the table full of eager writers attacked him with questions regarding guidelines, submissions, and editorial needs. And even though I felt sorry for Jesse, I added my own din to the I-want-to-be-a-writer clamor. He stopped, took the proffered article from my hand, and read. He smiled. I thought I was going to throw up.

"This sounds like something we could use," he said.

"It does?"

"Yeah. Send it to me when you get back home."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I'm serious," he answered. "Your writing's good. And I know just where this would fit."

"You do?" (Can't you just hear the confidence oozing from my voice?)

He reached in his pocket and pulled out his card. "Here's the address. I look forward to getting your article."

And with that, he was off. Just walked away, backpack slung over his shoulder, breakfast tray in hand. Totally unaware that he had at that very moment been part of a miracle: After 63 rejections, I had finally sold an article.

Instead of throwing up, I cried.

Of course, I know now that the article hadn't really sold at that moment. There was still much to do to seal the relationship. But on that day, over grits and bacon, Jesse Florea said I was a good writer and that he would like to use what I had written. Wow.

I've gone on to write many articles for Focus on the Family publications, as well as articles, books, and scripts for many other publications. So you can see why I'm a firm believer in writer's conferences. I mean, where else can you find such a varied collection of writing classes to choose from? Where else can you mingle with editors, agents, and publishers? Where else can you meet other writers who understand your pain? When I look back, I realize I was introduced to most of my writer-friends and industry contacts by attending writer's conferences.

But don't expect that your first attendance will necessarily assure publication. My Focus on the Family acceptance experience took place during my second year at Blue Ridge, after attending several other conferences. By that time, I had taken many writing classes and read a library of books on writing.

The truth is, there is much to learn about the craft of writing. It's a process. You have to be willing to put in hard work, time, and money. There are no shortcuts.

Be sure to check out my article, Making the Most of Writer's Conferences and then begin your search for the right conference for you. I'll be teaching at several conferences this year and would love to see you there: write2ignitelogo

  • Write2Ignite is a conference for those interested in writing for children. It's not too late to register! North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC, February 26-27, 2010 
  • CLASS Writer's Express, Spartanburg, SC April 10, 2010 
  • Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Ridgecrest, NC, May 16-20, 2010 
  • Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival, Ridgecrest, NC, June 3-8, 2010 
  • North Texas Christian Writer's Conference, Dallas/Fort Worth area, TX, September 17-18, 2010 

I've also taught at and/or recommend these conferences:

  • Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference in PA
  • Colorado Christian Writers Conference in CO
  • Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in CA
  • CLASS Christian Writer's Conference 
  • Foothills Writers Workshop in SC 
  • Quad Cities Christian Writers' Conference in IA 

You can also find a list of conferences at Shaw Guides.

So if you're serious about writing, you'll be serious about attending a conference. Maybe you're like I was and you feel like you can't afford a conference. As I said last week, I asked my family to give me money for my birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day. They did and I went. (And remember, many conferences offer scholarships, too!)

After the first year or two, I started looking at writer's conferences as my "education" in my career choice. In the same way that I had to pay for my education in nursing before I became an RN, I needed to pay for my education in writing before I became a writer.

So start saving your pennies now and before you know it, you could be sitting at the table, eating your grits . . . and making the writing connection that could change your life!

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

Writing Opportunities Collected Just for You!

1.     Interested in film or know a talented teen who is? Adult and teen film contests! Check out the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival and Intern Program (I'm a co-director of the Intern Program).

2.     The Secret Place Devotional Magazine 

3.     Judson Press Books 

4.     Outreach Magazine 

5.     Cup of Comfort for Couples joins efforts with Redbook to offer this great contest! Deadline is April 20, 2010. (Thanks, Jo Rae!)

6.     Jean Matthew Hall's January 8th blog entry includes lots of great links for writing opportunities. Be sure to check them out. (BTW, Jean is the director of the upcoming Write2Ignite Writer's Conference) 

7.     Cec Murphey's Christmas Spirit is looking for stories!

8.     Guideposts Incredible Prayer Series needs stories for Refreshed by the Spirit. 

9.     Small Group Trader needs articles for leaders of small groups.

10.  New LIVE editorial needs here.

11.  List of anthology call-outs and contests here.  Follow the free links offered February 9, 2010.

12.  Barbara Parentini will be leading a two-part Living Letters Seminar event March 13 and March 27 in Chapel Hill, NC. This is an opportunity to write letters that can change lives. 

13.  Want to read your work aloud to an audience? Upstate SC American Christian Writers is sponsoring a Read Aloud Writer's Workshop at Anderson Library, Anderson, SC, February 27, 2010.

14.  ChristianDevotions is always looking for devotional writers. Many of our readers have been published through the writing opportunities Eddie and Cindy offer. 

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

Now Available: New Writing Workshop, Teaching Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction!

It may surprise you to know your children's books can teach Godly principles and Biblical truth–even in public schools! I've had the joy of speaking to over 17,000 children across America, primarily in the public school system, and I've learned what we can and can't do…and I'd love to share what I've learned with you!

I'm excited about this new writing workshop, Teaching Children Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction. And to celebrate, I'm offering a special Writing for Children Package!

For a limited time, order Teaching Children Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction and you can receive Write a Novel Children Will Love for HALF PRICE! That's only $22.43–a savings of $7.47! No shipping. No waiting. Simply order, download, and listen at your convenience. (MP3 download and handouts included.) It's like having a writer's conference in the comfort of your own home! But this special will be offered for a limited time, so don't miss out. 

And, as always, the first person to order the new class will get an instant refund of $14.95, making it only $7.48 for TWO classes or FREE if you only order the new class.

PLEASE NOTE: The free give-away is only for the first person to order the new class, whether as a single class or in the package, and the Two-Class Writing for Children Package Special is a limited time offer. Either way, you don't want to delay! Your writing could be making a difference in a child's life.

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

And lastly, here's our verse for the week. I hope you'll meditate on it as He strengthens you for the journey ahead. 

Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent. Acts 18:9

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

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

Writing is No Different

15
By Vonda Skelton | February 9, 2010

This week I received an email from someone I'll be meeting at an upcoming writer's conference. She was discouraged because she had been going to conferences and working hard, but so far had only received only $25 for her efforts. She ended the email by saying that if it weren't for encouragement from a few people, she would just quit.

She's not alone. I know exactly how she felt. I remember working year after year, paying for postage, buying books and magazines on writing, and going to conferences…and I didn't even have $25 to show for it.

Some of you know how she feels, too. You're in the same boat, struggling with the same frustrations, and facing the same realities.

This is part of what I wrote back:

Oh, I soooooo know what you mean! (Sorry for the dramatics, but I wanted her–and I want you–to hear my heart.) It took me years to get anything published and then many more years to make a profit. But I finally had to look at it this way:

  1. Any business we start will cost something. Often thousands and thousands of somethings. Writing is no different.
  2. If I wanted to be a concert pianist, I would have to invest in years and years of piano lessons and practice. I would never expect to play Carnegie Hall or have someone pay me to play until I'd been doing it for many, many years. Writing is no different.
  3. When I was in nursing school, part of my training was that I had to work hours and hours at the hospital. And not only did they NOT pay me, but I had to pay THEM for the privilege of doing it! Writing is no different.
  4. If I wanted to be qualified and have the credentials for a job, I would most likely have to go to college and pay for the training and experience. Writing is no different.

The truth is, I had to start looking at writer's conferences, workshops, editing, critiques, books, magazines, workshops, etc. as my "college degree" that prepared, qualified, and confirmed me as a writer.

Looking at writing as a business helped me hang in there year after year. And, as many of you already know, it was a lot of years. It took me seven years and 63 rejections before I ever had anything published. It took ten years to get my first book contract. And I had to invest several more years, even after publication, before I saw a profit.

I once heard a writing instructor say that the average writer will get 5-10 rejections and quit. The writer would then console himself with the fact that he had really tried, but the truth must be that God just didn't want him to be a writer.

And to that I say a heartfelt, unequivocal, "Baloney!"

How long did Noah work on the ark before he saw any rain? How long did Abraham and Sarah wait for Isaac? How many times did Moses face Pharaoh before the exodus? How many times was Paul stoned by angry mobs, thrown over the wall, and left for dead?

But they all did what it took to complete the work God had for them to do.

As this year's conference season begins, I hope you'll hang in there and invest in your gift and the work God has called you to do.

But after all this discussion, if you still feel like you've had it and just can't continue the journey, I totally understand. Remember, I got 63 rejections before ever getting anything published. I know what frustration and discouragement feels like.

So, when you've gotten your 64th rejection, just let me know. Then maybe I'll give you permission to quit. 🙂

(Photo compliments of Bob Spalding Photography)

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

Kudos to YOU!

Despite rejections and hardships and shattered dreams, these Christian Writer's Den readers didn't quit, and we want to congratulate them!

They have what it takes. They did what it took.

1.     Linda Greer (SC) has a story in the newly-released book, Too Soon to Say Goodbye. The book is for those in need of comfort after the suicide or attempted suicide of a loved one.

2.     Ginny Dent Brant (SC) has signed a contract with CLC Publications. Finding True Freedom:  From the White House to the World is the true story of a teenager's prayer to see her father find Christ so they can spend eternity together. Her father, Harry S. Dent, Sr., entered politics to save the world and protect the freedoms of this country. After turning to faith in Jesus Christ, Ginny Dent Brant leaves her modeling career and sets out on a journey in obedience to God's call. 

3.     Melony Brown (GA) has been busy doing freelance editing on two books, writing TWELVE articles, and writing copy for a real estate agent. After I heard all this news, I asked Melony if she'd be willing to share how all these opportunities came about and she said yes! Be on the lookout for the info in an upcoming blog entry. 

4.     Edie Melson (SC) has headed up a new Facebook Fan Page and a Yahoo Group for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Be sure to head on over and join these great sites. 

5.     Donna Rhodes (SC) had a new devotion posted January 31 on ChristianDevotions.us in the Faith and Family section. You can read it here. 

6.     Edie Melson (SC) also has three feature articles in the February issue of Centered Magazine.The titles are: "Driving Thrills," "Nicole Beharie, Dream Girl," and "Breaking into the Music Business."

7.     Jan Parys (NC) has an interview of Nancy Sanders published in the February issue of Children's Book Insider. Her interview of Jesse Florea, editor of Clubhouse Magazine (Focus on the Family), was published in the April 2009 issue of Children's Book Insider.

8
.     Becky Hillman (TN) had a devotion published January 20 at ChristianDevotions.us. You can read it here. 

9.     Jill Baughan (VA) has a new website, Unleash the Power of Play! 

10. Cynthia Lovely (NY) had an article published at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Mountain website. My Moment of Clarity at Blue Ridge describes the impact the Blue Ridge conference had on her writing life. (Scroll down to the January 14 entry.)

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

I know it's not Writing Opportunities Week, but…

Jo Rae Johnson was kind enough to send me this Valentine's contest at Focus on the Family, and I didn't want you to miss it! But you have to hurry! Contest ends February 11. 

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

Be sure to return next week for writing opportunities and soon we could be announcing YOUR good news!

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

This week, if the words won't come and the rejections won't go, remember these encouraging words from Paul:

See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord. Colossians 4:17

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

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

Looking Out for Number One

7
By Vonda Skelton | February 2, 2010

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

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

But my number one status was soon forgotten and I had to find a way to recapture my position. Although I absolutely hated country music, I understood the need to sacrifice for my art. (Sounds so much better than compromising for my goal!) So I borrowed a guitar, took some lessons, and learned a few chords. Before long, I was a regular on the Ben Leonard Show every Saturday morning at 7am (Yes, there really is a 7AM on Saturday morning!). Decked out in a brown cowgirl hat and matching vest, I strummed the borrowed guitar and sang about broken hearts and hound dogs.

It was the peak of my musical career. Within months, the world's infatuation with a miniature Loretta Lynn wannabe was over (well, at least the infatuation of all eleven viewers who were awake at 7am on Saturday morning–including the five members of my own family). There I was, a musical has-been at the tender age of twelve.

But the point is, even as a pre-teen, I was willing to do almost anything to be Number One in my little corner of the world. It didn't matter that I didn't like country music. The important thing was, I liked the position. I liked the praise.

I wasn't alone.

Since the beginning of time, mankind has been fighting for position and praise. Yes, we all hope to be the big shot at some point in our lives. And it begins long before we're adults. Just spend a few minutes in the church nursery and you'll see the evidence of our collective self-centeredness. Without any training whatsoever, toddlers know how to build alliances and backstab their way to what they want–and they'll fight and bite to get it. As kids, we push and shove and try to garner the number one slot.

Then finally, we grow up . . . and common sense tells us if we don't look out for ourselves, who will?

That's the opposite of what Jesus says.

Satan delights in this all-consuming sense of self-because he led the way.

Our first introduction to this devil of deception is in the garden. And the scary part applepickermediumchristianphotosis, before he ever met Eve, he knew her. He already knew what it would take to deceive her. He knew he didn't need to orchestrate an elaborate presentation, he simply had to introduce confusion through doubt.

He smiles at his little ingénue. "Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'"

It didn't take long for Eve to dance around the truth and come up with her own variation of reality. But the bottom line is, Satan formulated a lie and introduced doubt into the picture. And then he took the next step, he accessed her innate sense of self-promotion: "You will not surely die . . . you will be like God . . . ."

Yes, the Father of Lies came up with the Mother of All Lies: "You can be right up there with God. You can be Number One."

Writer-friends, listen–just like Satan knew Eve, he knows us! He knows us and he's selling us a lie. One that says our worth is in direct proportion to our position!

And Satan's lie feeds our self-centered focus.

But Jesus tells us the truth. And His truth says we become "more" only when we become "less." In Mark 10, beginning with verse 32, Jesus is walking with His disciples on the way to Jerusalem for the Triumphant Entry. He has just told them–yet again–that He will soon die. But this time He tells them more. He tells them that He'll not only die, but He'll be mocked, spat upon, and flogged prior to His painful, humiliating death. Oh, I can't imagine how hard it must have been for our Lord to share the heartrending details of His upcoming death!

But even though the disciples had heard the message before, they still didn't get it. In Mark 10:35 James and John respond to Jesus' painful report by asking (and I paraphrase), "Yeah, okay, well, listen, Jesus, we've got something we want to ask You." 

How sad. There was Jesus, pouring His heart out to those who were supposed to love Him, who were supposed to be devoted to Him . . . and they didn't seem to care. But Jesus doesn't reprimand them. Instead, He simply asks, "What do you want me to do for you?"

James and John continue their self-centered request. "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." In other words, "Can we be the big cheese with you? Can we be the top dogs, too?"

Oh, how their words must have hurt Him! He was preparing them for the worst, and all they wanted was the best. The best for themselves. 

I can just imagine the disappointment in His eyes as He releases a sorrowful sigh. His shoulders droop and His head slowly shakes back and forth. "You don't know what you are asking."

Then, as the other disciples gather around, He says this (and again, I paraphrase): "If you really want to be number one, you have to become nothing. If you really want to be first, you have to be a servant. Just like Me. I didn't come to be number one, I came to die . . . for you."

Oh, friends, that brings tears to my eyes! He is God in the Flesh! He is our Mighty Warrior, our Prince of Peace, and the Savior of the world!

Why are we fighting for position and praise? Why are we trying to be number one when the only Number One of all time became Nothing . . . for us?

crossandmanAs followers of Christ, we must take on the mind of Christ. And in order to have the mind of Christ, we must become servants. We must take off the royal robes and put on the slaves' rags.

People need to see Jesus in action, and if we're willing to serve, they'll
be able to see Him . . . in us.

What can we do in our writing lives to be the hands and feet . . . . in order to share the heart and mind of Christ?

(Photos courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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

Speaking of Hearts…

My new friend, David Hollar, sent me this link to a powerful video, The Parable of the Heart. I sat at my computer and cried. Do we have the heart of Jesus? Do we really?

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

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, gotten a new website, or any other writing or speaking achievements, please email me and I'll share the good news next week!

IMPORTANT: Please include your name, your state, your good news, and any links to the publication and/or your website. Thanks!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~stupidaboutmen

And the Winner of Deb Dunn's Book, Stupid About Men Is…

Lynn N! Congratulations! Now Lynn, just email me with your mailing address and the book will be on its way to you!

IMPORTANT FOLLOW-UP: Deb has taken to the time to address some of your comments and questions about romance at her website. Here you can read her excellent advice on how to deal with some of the difficult issues of life.

Thanks again, Deb!

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

And now, as we continue our journey as writers of Truth, let's consider this: Are we seeking to glorify Him, or ourselves? If we're honest, we have to admit it's a constant battle, isn't it? Oh, that we'll be focused on seeking to serve Him! We can do that by following these simple words, said by John the Baptist:

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Let's work hard…to become less.

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

Vonda

Read entire post »