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Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Speaker Sarah Bush

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By Vonda Skelton | May 25, 2010

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

Please join me as I welcome my friend, author and speaker Sarah Bush. Sarah is a member of Moms In Touch International (MITI), a women's ministry teacher and speaker, and active participant on the prayer team at church. She is currently a Prayer Consultant and Speaker for Stonecroft Ministries – Christian Women's Clubs. Sarah and her husband and three kids reside in Winston-Salem, NC. Sarah enjoys running, water sports, and biking with her family. In her free time, she escapes by reading in the sun, scrapbooking and traveling to the mountains or beach of NC. 

Over the years, Sarah has used various journals and prayer guides, but was never able to locate the two that worked in harmony. This desire led her to create an inspirational book on the benefits of prayer and journaling (The Invitation: Come to the Throne of Grace), along with a practical companion prayer guide and journal for daily use (Grace for the Journey).

To find out more about Sarah, her books, and her ministry, please visit her website, SarahBush.com.

Don't forget to leave a comment below for Sarah or me and you'll be in the drawing for a free book! Be sure to check back next week to see if you're the winner!

Vonda: So tell us, what made you choose the topic of prayer?

Sarah: Prayer has been my passion since I became a Christian at the age of 13. I didn't always have a desire to pray at the beginning of my walk with God, but after I asked the Lord for increased desire to pray, He has certainly granted my request. I have discovered that my gifts of mercy and encouragement are best communicated through intercession. I felt like God wanted me to share what I have created to help others in their walk with God.

Vonda: Why do you include a section on journaling in your book?

Sarah: Many instances in the Bible God said, "Write this down as something to be remembered." God required this especially for the next generation.

For me, prayer and journaling go hand in hand. When God speaks to me through His word or people, nudges me through His Holy Spirit or through circumstances, I want to write it down, because I can so easily forget His wisdom in the busyness and distractions of life. I gain strength in my faith when I look back and remember His faithfulness.

Vonda: Has there been a time when you looked back in your journal to renew your faith?

Sarah: Yes, I'm sure most people can relate to having to sell a house and move. When my family last moved to Winston-Salem, we struggled for a year to find a place to live. During the wait, my faith grew weary. I decided to go back and read my journal entries from the previous move that God led us through. My faith was renewed, and I was reminded that God knows the exact time and place with regard to where we are to live.

Vonda: What other benefits do you think people might gain from reading your book?

Sarah: I pray that the greatest benefit for people will be to bring each individual into a closer walk with God. Prayer is like breathing. It is our lifeline to God, the way in which God created us for fellowship with Him as our Creator. I hope to remind the reader that our prayers are a sweet fragrance that can minister to the heart of God. The Invitation aligns foundational Old Testament principles with fulfilled and future promises in the concepts of prayer and journaling. I pray that the reader will grasp the eternal value of prayer and the hope and assurance it reveals as I explain that Jesus has fulfilled the earthly role of priest and offers His life as the final sacrifice for us. Prayer is a sacrificial labor of love. Jesus is our example, and we should live a life of prayer.

Vonda: What other aspects do you address in the book?

Sarah: As we come to God, He begins to cultivate our hearts through prayer and journaling. I discuss overcoming unbelief, conquering our fears in prayer and journaling, and eliminating idols-the loves we put before God. I address the rich inheritance we will receive and the eternal treasure that we are now. God calls those who believe to a royal priesthood, and God has given us all we need to live a life of prayer in complete fellowship with God.

I also emphasize various aspects in our prayer lives, such as taking time to search and confess, emptying prayers, committing, listening and waiting, giving thanks, finding balance, persevering, and more. I also address spiritual warfare. There is a battle taking place for our hearts and God's Kingdom, so I discuss how God has given us the most valuable weapon to engage in the battle by praying His Word and applying His armor. The book helps the reader to discover their individual purpose leading to abundant life. It also shows the reader how to build God's Kingdom and bring Him Glory. Prayer and journaling also aid in our physical, spiritual, emotional and relational health.

Vonda: Do we get a glimpse of your personal life through the book?

Sarah: Yes, I've added some of my own personal journal entries and analogies as I started to take up running and ran my first half marathon. Physically, I was learning things that I could apply to my life spiritually. I used to hate running, and I quickly learned that to finish the race I had to change my thinking. I began to tell myself, "The more you run, the more you can run." The analogy hit me one day while I was running that this also applies to my prayer life in that, "The more we pray, the more we can pray." At first, the book was solely the teachings and scripture from the Bible that support prayer.

Vonda: Would your book help someone who is not a believer or not sure if God hears our prayers?

Sarah: My hope is that this book provides a greater understanding to those who don't fully grasp God's unfailing love or believe in the benefits or purpose of prayer. I hope it will expose readers to how God designed us for a relationship with Him in a simple and non-threatening manner.

Vonda: What is your ultimate goal in writing this book?

Sarah: First, The Invitation aligns foundational Old Testament principles with fulfilled and future promises in the concepts of prayer and journaling. I share personal stories and intimate journal entries to inspire the reader. My hope is that reader
s would learn from the life of Jesus the value of prayer and delve deeper into communion with Him in full assurance knowing their prayers are a sweet aroma, a delight to God and that God has something to say to each of us. In Heaven they will see their golden bowl on incense overflowing…which are the prayers of the saints.

The companion, Grace for the Journey, is designed for tangible use to help the reader grow spiritually and apply what has been read. It offers a daily prayer guide with structured scripture prayers and journal entry space. Also given are weekday prayer pages that offer topical scripture. It is truly a tool for such a time as this. As they record their life journey and see God's faithfulness in answers to prayer the reader will build a legacy of faith for the next generation.

Vonda: Thank you again for joining us, Sarah. It is a joy to see your journey unfold. And readers don't forget to leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing for a free, autographed book! And be sure to visit Sarah's website for more information about Sarah and her ministry.

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The Christian Writer's Den at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference!

My goodness, The Christian Writer's Den was well represented at Blue Ridge! So I have two requests:

1.     If you have a group photo of our lunch meeting, please contact me and I'll email my address. Sorry to make it so complicated, but the form won't let you attach anything and I don't want to list my email because of robot spiders (sounds like a sci-fi plot, doesn't it?).

2.     And if you won an award (or two or three!) at Blue Ridge, would you please go ahead and send the info to me? PLEASE include your name, state, award category, place, and title of your piece. Can't wait to brag on all of you!

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It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Fesitval! Coming June 3-8…"Where Art and Purpose Meet"

If you're interested in drama, acting, directing, producing, TV, radio, screenwriting, songwriting, or any other media art, you won't want to miss this amazing conference! 

  • Keynotes include Muse Watson, actor in the #1 TV show, NCIS and David Nixon, producer and director of Letters to God
  • 16 film screenings (including Letters to God and Lost Boy: The Next Chapter [the Greg Laurie Story])
  • 3 film premier film showings (including A Christmas Snow and a new VeggieTales movie, It's a Meaningful Life)
  • Hands-on classes in acting, screenwriting, and all aspects of filmmaking, songwriting, TV, and radio
  • Opportunities to network with working professionals in the media arts–you can even share your bios and headshots 

Be sure to check out the movie trailers here.

I'll be there and would love to have you join me!

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We carry a huge responsibility as writers and speakers. If you're like me, it's easy to get caught up in all we have to do. It's easy to step out in our own strength, calling on the name of Christ only when we find ourselves in over our heads. But Peter says:

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. 1 Peter 4:11

May God be praised in all we do!

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

Vonda

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The Truth about Publishing and Writing Opportunities for YOU!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 18, 2010

Hello, writers! Well, as you read this, I'm having a ball at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in beautiful Ridgecrest, NC! And lots of Christian Writer's Den friends are here, too. Hoo-wee!

If you're at home wishing you were here with us, I encourage you to start making plans now for 2011. This is a conference you don't want to miss! I think I've told you that in the early years, I asked my family to contribute to my conference fund instead of giving me gifts for Valentine's Day, birthday, Mother's Day, anniversary, and Christmas. It worked! By the time Blue Ridge would roll around, I'd have most of the money saved up! So, you have about 365 days to get ready. What are you waiting for? 🙂

But since I'm at Blue Ridge and not at my desk, I'm going to send you to Mary DeMuth's recent Relevant Blog post, 7 Myths about Publishing. Lots of good information to clear some misconceptions about the publishing world. Enjoy!

But don't forget to check out the writing opportunities below. Who knows, maybe you'll get a nice check to add to your conference fund!

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thecabincovesmallOnly TWO Spots Left for the Christian Writer's Den Fall Retreat October 21-24 in Beautiful Todd, NC

Don't miss out, ladies! Only $200 for four days and three nights of writing immersion! Classes, writing time, critiques, freebies, meals, and lodging included–and you don't have to cook or clean up! Check out Kimberli Buffaloe's 2008 video and then get more information here. We'd love to see you there! (And no, it won't be snowing in October.)

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Writing Opportunities Compiled Just for You!

  1. Susie Shellenberger of SUSIE Magazine is always looking for good writers for this teen girl mag. Susie issusiemaglogo the former editor of Focus on the Family's teen magazines and knows good writing when she sees it! This is not yet a paying market, but it IS a quality clip to have on your resume! Writer's guidelines here.
  2. Pockets Magazine for kids to age 12. Writer's guidelines here.
  3. Spiritual Sign Stories needed. New anthology needs stories. Check out the guidelines here. 
  4. Primary Treasure Magazine for kids guidelines.
  5. Are you in Law Enforcement? Writers needed!
  6. Outdoor Photography needs articles and photos.  
  7. Outreach Magazine is open to submissions.

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Writing Classes and Conferences

  1. AnAuthor World in Greenville, SC is now enrolling for June classes. Don't miss these great opportunities!
  2. Upstate SC Chapter of American Christian Writers will meet May 22, 2:30-4:30pm at the Anderson Country Library in Anderson, SC. 
  3. St. David's Christian Writers Conference , June 22-26, Grove City, PA. I had the privilege of teaching at this conference last year, and it was great! (Sure hope I get to go back one of these days!) I know some of you live in the PA area, so I hope you'll check it out.
  4. Steven James' next Novel Writing Intensive is August 19-22. But you'll need to hurry–space is limited!
  5. Mark your calendars now for November 15–the 9th annual I Love to Write Day celebration! Now's the time to discover what YOU can do to help students learn the joy of writing. (You don't have to be a published writer to participate!)
  6. North Texas Christian Writers Conference, September 17-18 in Keller, TX. I'd love to see you there!
  7. CLASS Christian Writer's Conference, Abiquiu, NM, November 10-14. I'd love to see you there!

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And now, as we begin another week, let's remember these words of promise, given so long ago…for you and me today.

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

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

Vonda

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Conference Etiquette: Mind Your Manners 2010

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By Vonda Skelton | May 11, 2010

warningsignI'm in the midst of prepping to teach at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that begins this coming Sunday, May 16 and runs through Thursday, May 20. As always, I'm thrilled to be part of this amazing conference. Have you registered yet? It's not too late!

So this week, as I prepare, I can't think of anything better to talk about than Conference Etiquette–regardless of the conference you're attending. Like many of my blog entries, this one is written and shared with you because I wish someone had taught these concepts to me when I was starting out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cwdatbr2009As always, we'll be having a Christian Writer's Den Gathering and picture-taking session at lunch one day during the Blue Ridge conference. (I'll announce which day on Sunday during the faculty introductions.) But in addition to that, please be sure we get to meet. I want to put your faces and names together!

Oh, and BTW, DeeDee Parker was the only one who emailed giving permission to post that she was attending Blue Ridge this year, but I know MANY of you are! So, here's the scoop: If you're attending Blue Ridge for the first time this year OR if you'd simply like to make a bunch of new friends quickly, many new attendees are meeting between 3:15 and 3:30 on the porch of Pritchell Hall.

Also, if you haven't already, I hope you'll join the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Yahoo Group. LOTS of good instruction, hints, and friendship there!

(Warning sign photo compliments of )    

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It's Kudos Week!

Congratulations to all these Christian Writer's Den readers who are doing what it takes and being blessed in the process!

  1. Jean Matthew Hall (NC): Jean's article, "Less is More," has been published in the May/June issue of The Cross and Quill.
  2. Cindy Jones (AL): Check out Cindy's new website.
  3. Linda Greer (SC): Linda's story about her deceased daughter's first daughter, adopted at birth was posted at Ane Mulligan's blog, Adoption Share.
  4. Lynn Blackburn (SC): Lynn's humorous blogpost, "Tick…Tick…Tick…" was recently posted on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog. 
  5. Andrea Merrell (SC): Andrea will
    be interviewing writers at Blue Ridge for ChristianDevotions.us AND will be on faculty at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. Also, her article, "Delete-Delete-Delete," was just accepted by The Christian PEN and will be posted in the newsletter in August. 
  6. Kimberli Buffaloe (NC): Kimberli's article, "Tuppence," was recently published at the Christian Fiction Online Magazine.
  7. Edie Melson ( SC): Edie's new writer's blog, The Write Conversation, has added Thursday reviews of writing instruction books. Check it out before you buy!
  8. Beth Fortune (SC): Beth has THREE new praises! 1)She has signed a contract for her story in the upcoming book, Chicken Soup of the Soul: Devotional Stories for Mothers. 2)She's had two more devotions accepted for publication in ChristianDevotions.us. 3)She recently graduated from CLASS Speaker's Training. 

Congratulations to all these terrific writers! What a joy to watch as God opens more doors for you! And if you're discouraged because you haven't yet seen your name in print, just remember, most of these writers have been plugging away for many years. Your time will come.

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Be sure to come back next week for a list of Writing Opportunities! There are editors out there, looking for good writers!

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Now There are Only 2 Spaces Left for the Fall Writing Retreat…

Ladies, you don't want to miss this! October 21-24 in Todd, NC, near Boone. Four days, three nights of writing instruction, writing retreat, and lots of great food! And you don't have to cook or clean up! But space is very limited, so don't delay. Check it out the 2008 video here and get more info here.

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Another Chance for a Winner!

Last week's winner didn't respond, so we've drawn another winner of Michele Huey 's book, Minute Meditations: Meeting God in Everyday Experiences. So drumroll, please…It's GLORIA! Gloria, please email me with your mailing address and your book will be on it's way! Congratulations!

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God called the prophet Jeremiah…and He called us. God gave Jeremiah the words to say…and He'll give us words, as well. That's not to say that our words will be the inspired word of God, but it does mean that God inspires our words.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now I have put my words in your mouth." Jeremiah 1:9

Let's go write and speak the words God gives us.

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

Vonda

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

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By Vonda Skelton | May 4, 2010

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

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

I heard him slap his leg as he laughed. "Ha! Ha! Elwee used to call Chick-De-Way, Chick-Er-Ray!"

Oh, how quick we are to see the errors of others, but we're so blinded by our own! In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. As the Pharisee stood proudly in the temple, he said, "God I thank you that I'm not like the other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."

Then Jesus described the tax collector, so ashamed, he wouldn't even look up to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

How many times have we been like the Pharisee–"Thank you, God, that I'm not like him!"

Several years ago, I was at a conference where one of the speakers passionately told her story of how God had taken her from a life of sin, including several abortions, and brought her to a point of cleansing through new birth. Later that day, I overheard two women talking. "Well, I don't think she should be up there speaking if she's had those abortions! How awful!"

Yes, it was awful. That was the point of the speaker's testimony. The lies of Satan lead us to do some awful things, but the good news is, God is awesome! He can take us from that dark, evil life, wash us up, and send us on our way to be witnesses of His power and glory!

I wish I had spoken up that day, but I didn't. My mind was reeling. Yes, this speaker had killed her babies, but how many people did Paul kill as he led the fight against Christianity? Hundreds? Thousands? I'm thankful God didn't consider Paul unworthy to be His spokesperson!

Those women at the conference were not alone. If we're honest, we have to admit we do the same thing. We look at others' sins, weigh them against our own, and make judgment. Brothers and sisters, that's not what we're told to do! We're told to be open and transparent, honestly sharing what God has done in our lives! Paul says he's the worst of sinners (I Timothy 1:15); Peter tells us to be ready to tell others what God has done for us (I Peter 3:15); and David admits his struggle with sin (Psalm 51).

When we stand in judgment at the confessed sin of others, we are taking glory in our own apparent goodness. We are boasting, "Thank you, God, that my sins do not compare to hers!" But Galations 6:14 says, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . .

Now, the time may come when you have to address another's unconfessed sin. In that case, we are to lovingly address the issue. People often misinterpret the words of Jesus in Matthew 7, where He talks of judging others. If we look closely, we see that He doesn't say we aren't to confront their sin. Instead, He says, "First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew7:5) He's telling us we must evaluate our own hearts first and confess any sin, including our motive. Then–and only then–can we sit down with another and address her sin. After all, that's what Christian friends are supposed to do for each other. (Thanks for encouraging me to clarify that, Paul!)

Writers, let's step away from the judgment seat and step into the role of advocate for the hurting and the lost. Whether we're listening to another's story, or telling one of our own, let's confess our own sin, and then use every opportunity to share His love and forgiveness with the world.

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Oops! I Spoke Too Soon!

I don't know what I was thinking, but this is isn't Kudos week, NEXT week is. So if you haven't already, be sure to send me your good news this week and we'll celebrate together next week!

God has been so good to our group since we started in 2008. In just a little over two years, we've had reports of 196 publications, contracts, new ministries, new websites, and media appearances! Way to go, gang!

And many of those who have found success found it right here–through our monthly Christian Writer's Den writing opportunities.

So…what are you waiting for?

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Only 6 Spaces Left for the Fall Writing Retreat!

Ladies, you don't want to miss this! October 21-24 in Todd, NC, near Boone. Four days, three nights of writing instruction, writing retreat, and lots of great food! And you don't have to cook or clean up! But space is very limited, so don't delay. Check it out the 2008 video here and get more info here.

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Are You Going To Blue Ridge?

Please let me know if you're going to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference May 16-20. I'll post a list and we'll get to know each other while we're there! Edie and I will announce the Blue Ridge Christian Writer's Den lunch gathering day soon!

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And the Winner of Michele Huey's Book is…

Bren!!! Congratulations, Bren. Just send me your mailing address and your copy of Minute Meditations: Meeting God in Everyday Experiences will be on its way!

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Special Pricing on Bitsy Hardback Books!

Okay, here's the deal. I have a few hardbacks left of Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island and I need the space! So, for a limited time, I&#39
;m offering the hardbacks for only $12–including tax and shipping! But you'll need to email me in order to get this special price.

And of course, I'll be happy to personalize them for you. 🙂

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Ladies Near Greenville, SC…

I'll be at my home church, Westside Church, this Saturday, May 8 10am-12 and would love to have you join us. I'll be doing a new program, and let me tell you–I am so excited, I'm 'bout to bust! (For your northerners, that means I'm REALLY excited!) Email me if you're interested in more info.

PS: And you might want to bring your dancing shoes!

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And this week, as we write and speak, let's remember the words of Paul, spoken to his young mentee, Timothy:

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

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

Vonda

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