It’s Guest Blogger Day! Please join me in welcoming my dear friend, Barbara Parentini, as she takes us on a whimsical sail through the ups and downs of writing.
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:8-10 NIV
Sunset Sail
Ahoy there, Vonda! You’ve brought along a snappy looking crew of writers with you. Welcome everyone to my sailboat, Gifts by Grace! I’m delighted to be your host on our sunset sail. Feel free to come on board! Vonda, would you kindly pass out these maps with our itinerary for our guests? Watch your step, and grab a seat. We’re in for a great evening on the bay. It’s time to leave the captain at the helm, so let’s set sail! Anchors aweigh!
Allow your senses to open to God’s magnificent handiwork. A lifetime of inspiration awaits: the aquamarine sea sparkling like diamonds in afternoon sunlight, white pelicans gliding near the shore, and playful dolphins swimming just beyond the sandbar. A few deep breaths of salty air and you’ll find your cares lift light as sea oats in morning sun.
Please notice on your map, we’re approaching the Falls of Fellowship. Here you’ll find the camaraderie of other writers. Attending writing conferences such as Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and joining writing organizations will help you hone your craft. Not only will you expand your network, you’ll establish friendships to last a lifetime.
Our next port is the Garden of Grace. See that massive rock? It reminds us to dwell in the secret place of the Most High. (Ps. 91) This beautiful retreat overlooking the ocean is fragrant with jasmine, and a perfect destination for worship. Here you can pray for guidance, commit your writing to God, and draw a prayer covering close when storms threaten to blow you off course. Quiet reflection in the Word and a deep sense of gratitude for your gifts will usher you into God’s presence. In the Garden of Grace your dreams take flight and creativity abounds.
We need God’s Word to guide us. Not the stars. (In Hollywood or in the heavens!) You are a star in God’s eyes. He loves you. He delights in you, and endows you with gifts for His pleasure. Pour your heart into your writing, and listen for His voice. In the stillness or on a mighty rushing wind, He will speak to you. After my life-changing accident, God planted a life verse in my heart. Like a message in a bottle, it just appeared one day. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) became my compass in all I write and create. When you see God’s fingerprints on your work, blessings are sure to follow.
Words are powerful. Your words can touch a heart. And your words can change a life. There is much work to do, and the laborers are few. (Matt. 9:37) Millions have never heard the Gospel. I pray a sense of urgency ignites your passion to write what God has placed in your heart.
If you risk being shipwrecked in the midst of a storm, head True North to Cape Comfort. You’ll know you’re there, even on a moonless night without a compass. The sea will be tranquil, and peace that passes all understanding will wash over you. (Phil. 4:7) If you’re grieving a loss, walk The Sands of Sorrow with the Master. (Matt. 11:28) Drop anchor here for the night, along with your fears, and you’ll awaken refreshed in the morning.
Carefully study the dark triangle with crossbones south of Pirates Cove on your map. You must avoid these waters at all costs. Its beauty will beckon you into deep water to swim and deep-sea dive. Beware! These are shark-infested waters! Many writers have lost their gifts searching for buried treasures there. Tangled on lures of fame and fortune set by the enemy, dreams are stolen. With no lighthouse nearby, many writers disappear into the murky depths of despair. Like the stealth of a moray eel, the enemy lurks to pirate talents near the treasure chests hidden at the bottom of the sea.
Our final destination tonight is Serenity Sound. You’ll know you’re there when you see the swans, and experience joy from work well done. As lights wink in the distance, and the sequined night sky twinkles with a million stars, I leave you with these words. . . There is room for you as a writer, as sure as there is room for you in the heart of God. Your voice, your unique style, and God-given talents belong to you alone. Write so others may know Jesus is the source of our greatest treasure. Thank you for sailing with me! Grace on your journey.
Vonda here: Thank you for taking us along with you, Barbara! And readers, here’s a little about Barbara and her ministry:
A native Ohioan, Barbara fell in love with the South when she attended Warren Wilson College in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Retired from her career as a registered nurse since a life-changing accident in 2003, she devotes late nights to writing fiction, devotions, and poetry.
You’ll find her heartfelt stories in books published by Tyndale House Publishers, Howard Books, The Writing Academy, and others. Devotions appear on Truth Ministries, and Christian Devotions.us websites; and poetry on websites for caregivers.
She’s polishing a tender gift book, Love and Everyday Wisdom for Brides that awakened her mornings last summer, with companion devotional/journal to follow. She continues to mine the story, In the Den with Daniel, an historical novel set deep in the mountains of Appalachia.
In quiet moments she creates Soaring Hearts, an inspirational card line available in Lady Bedford’s Tea Parlour in Pinehurst; and The Sand Dollar, a seaside boutique on Anna Maria Island. Barbara presented her inaugural Living Letters® Seminar and Tea at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, February, 2010. For upcoming Living Letters® Seminar and Tea for BRIDES, email: .
She is a graduate of CLASSeminars, member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Authors Guild, North Carolina Poetry Society, and founder of Light of Carolina Christian Writers. Barbara and her husband dream amid bluebirds and hollyhocks in a southern part of heaven. You can reach Barbara through Twitter, her website, or by email at .
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Who Won Ann Voskamp’s Book, One Thousand Gifts?
#8–Cathy Strawhorn! Congratulations, Cathy! Be sure to contact me with your mailing address and it’ll be right out to you!
Dear readers, I see that Ann’s post and her beautiful book reasonated with you, just as it did with me. I hope that means you’ll not only get to know Ann’s blog, A Holy Experience, but that you’ll also take
on the challenge found in One Thousand Gifts. I’m looking forward to it!
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It’s Time for MoGo7000 Results!
Can you believe it’s the last day of May? That means you have until midnight tonight, May 31, to reach the goal of 7000 new words on your book this month and you’ll be in the drawing for $100!
So if you reach the MoGo goal, be sure to LEAVE A COMMENT with your May
word count on this week’s blog. Those posted by next Sunday, June 5, will receive another entry in the drawing!
And don’t feel bad if you didn’t reach the goal. The good news is, a new challenge begins with each new month! And even if you just start now, you could have seven chances to win $100 AND a finished book by the end of the year!
Want to know more? Check out the MoGo7000 guidelines here.
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Parting Words from The Word…
And as we seek this week to write and submit and speak in His great Name, let us remember that it’s not about us. It’s not about publications or events or bylines or royalites. It’s all about Him.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
