What a joy to introduce this week’s visiting author, Cindy Rooy. Cindy and I met years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and it’s been a joy to watch God bless her work. Cindy is the author of the Bible study, Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears. She presently hosts a bi-weekly radio show in New Mexico called Faith Flash and is an inspirational newspaper columnist for three papers covering southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee. You can read more about Cindy and her ministry at the end of the interview, but be sure to leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book!
Welcome, Cindy. Let’s start with the question everybody wants to know when they talk to writers: How did you get started writing and speaking?
My church asked me to conduct a Bible study workshop at our women’s retreat and the ex-teacher in me decided to create a study along with a worksheet for the ladies to fill in. I enjoyed the whole process more than I ever could have imagined.
A published author was in that class and persuaded me to go to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference to try to get my work published. After much prayer and confirmation, I attended, and at my appointment, a publisher told me to make my retreat study into a 6-week Bible study workbook.
Several months later, a newspaper editor read a few of my devotionals and asked me to be a columnist in the religion section of the Times-News. Within another year, two more newspaper editors also invited me to write for them. This provided my platform!
After being published in the paper, I started to receive requests to speak at different functions. This happened after my second writing conference where I unexpectedly attended Vonda’s speaking class. God orchestrated my conference schedule to prepare me for the opportunities He had planned for me.
In April 2011, I moved to Albuquerque and the day after unpacking the last box, I received a phone call from a local Christian radio station. (I didn’t even know they existed!) They liked my Bible study (which was published last year) and encouraged me to host my own show. The Lord has truly been my marketing agent!
If we wanted to hear your radio show, could we stream it live?
Yes, just go to and click on the headphones. “Faith Flash” airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, around 7:09pm ET. My four minute program is part of a live show (New Mexico News and Views), so the time can vary by 3 minutes in either direction.
Why did you decide to write about Trusting God?
I was upset that my siblings and I had so much heartache and chronic problems so I searched and studied Scripture for some answers. I not only learned why God is trustworthy but discovered nine reasons for allowing adversity in our lives. The Bible also reveals the benefits of trusting God. Since troubles and tears are common to everyone, I thought that others might like to know God’s reasons for our difficulties. And hopefully by sharing some of my experiences, the reader would be encouraged to trust the Lord whole-heartedly and enjoy the abundant life He talks about.
Did you make a DVD with this study?
No, for a reason. Our church did several studies that involved a lengthy video, which left no time for discussion. While we all enjoy those videos, our ladies were no longer bonding with each other. So I made chapter review questions in order to facilitate sharing among the ladies. And it worked–friendships were renewed and everyone enjoyed learning from each other besides the Bible.
Can individuals do this study alone?
Absolutely. The workbook was designed for individual and group study and is applicable for both sexes, teens to seniors, and great for home schoolers. Each of the six chapters contain five encouraging lessons. I ask the questions and point the reader to the Bible for the answer, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the individual while reading God’s Word. Anyone can visit my website () to get more details about the contents of this Bible study or email me at .
Do you have any words of advice for other writers?
I was a control freak so God allowed me to experience increasing adversity to the point of giving up and surrendering all of my life to Him. He then showed me what He could do for me if I trusted Him. Every time I try to accomplish something on my own, it goes nowhere; when I pray, wait patiently, and strive for excellence in my present work, God opens doors and provides the new opportunities to serve Him. When I take my hands off the steering wheel, the Lord takes me places I could never reach on my own. Solomon counseled us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, for if we acknowledge Him in every way, He will direct our paths, (Proverbs 3:5-6). I found God to be faithful to His Word so my advice is to trust Him completely!
Thank you for joining us today, Cindy. And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment and you could win a free copy of Cindy’s book!
Here’s a little more info about Cindy and her ministry: In addition to writing her book, Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears, Cindy is also a contributing author in devotional books and enjoys speaking at retreats, conferences, banquets, and various church groups. She is a mother of three and just became a first-time grandma! I hope you’ll visit Cindy’s website at: I hope you’ll read more about Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears here. I have it and other great Christian books available in my Amazon bookstore.
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WARNING For Writers!
The Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) has released a warning and asked us to share it with our readers. Christian writers have reported that PublishAmerica is soliciting authors, claiming a relationship with CBA to promote their books. Here is the CBA statement.
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Parting Words from The Word… 
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
