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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | June 29, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Writers write. Good writers write, study, learn, rewrite, study, learn, and work some more. And it all takes time. Without the study and the work and the learning, we set ourselves up for failure.

When I wrote my first book, I didn’t understand those concepts. I sat down, wrote fast, and submitted quickly. After five years of rejections, I finally realized the truth of 2 Timothy 2:15. And even though Paul is specifically talking about understanding scripture here, I believe we can apply it to writing as well.

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

The point is to do our best, and in the process, we’ll learn.

For years I was ashamed of my 63 rejections before getting anything published. I was embarrassed that it took me so long to begin the work/study/learn journey. But praise God, He’s redeemed that time by allowing me to share the truth of His Words and His wisdom with other writers.

So work…study…learn…and regardless of the twists and turns of your publication path, you won’t have reason to be ashamed. Whether you end up with gobs of published books or gobs of blog posts, you’ll be doing what you’re challenged to do: Present yourselves to God as one who has done the work…and let Him be in charge of the outcome.

In that, there is no shame.

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Writer’s Headlines: Conferences, MoGo7000 & Christian Communicators

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By Vonda Skelton | June 28, 2012

Welcome to Writer’s Headlines 4th Thursday!

And since I just returned from the North Texas Christian Writers Conference, it’s a great time to look at upcoming conferences for writers, encourage you to write with MoGo7000, and update you on the Christian Communicators Conference.

Writers Conferences…

1.  AnAuthor World/The Writers’ Plot Conference: July 21, 2012, Furman University, Greenville, SC (I’ll see you there!)

2.  Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: August 1-4, 2012, Langhorne, PA

3.  Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival: August 11-16, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

4. Christian Authors Guild “Catch the Wave” Writers Conference: August 23-25, 2012, Norcross, GA

5. East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers Conference: September 7-8, 2012, Covington, GA

6. American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW): September 20-23, 2012, Dallas, TX

7. Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference: September 24-28, 2012, Near Norton Shores, MI

8. C. S. Lewis Southwest Regional Retreat and Writers Workshop: October 27-30, 2012, Navasota, TX

9. CLASS Christian Writers Conference: October 31-November 4, 2012, Ghost Ranch, NM

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The 2012 MoGo7000 Challenge is Sponsored by Catherine Young!

I am so blessed to have such great friends! Catherine Young, a writer and friend from Delaware, has graciously offered to sponsor this year’s MoGo7000 Challenge. Thank you, Cathy!

And the good news for writers is, you don’t have to change a thing.  So…are you currently working on a book? If so, Catherine Young and I want to help you finish it AND give you an opportunity to win $100!

All you have to do is write 7000 NEW words (not rewrites) on a book project during the calendar month and you’ll have an entry. Meet the goal one month and you’ll have one entry. Meet it 10 months and you’ll have 10 entries and increase your chances to win!

And it’s all free! Want more details? Check out the MoGo7000 Challenge page for the guiidelines. And yes, you can work on more than one book at a time.

You have a few more days to meet the June goal, so what are you waiting for?

Thank you, Catherine Young, for your support of writers!

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The Rooms for Christian Communicators are Filled, But You Can Still Come!

The 2012 Christian Communicators Conference will be August 29-September 2 at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. We have a few more “Conference and Meals Only” spots available for those who are able to arrange off-site lodging. But you must hurry. The conference is limited to 30 participants.

Check the Christian Communicators website for more details.

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Well, that’s it for this week’s Writer’s Headlines. Be sure to check back next week for the monthly call-outs!

Write on!

Vonda

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Author & Speaker Mary Englund Murphy

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By Vonda Skelton | June 26, 2012

Happy 4th Tuesday! Today I hope you’ll help me welcome my friend, Mary Englund Murphy. Mary is an award winning author who communicates with enthusiasm, humor, and passion, and speaks to the listener’s heart. Her extraordinary life experiences have equipped her to grasp the unique needs of women of all ages.

Her newest release Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors won the 2012 SELAH award for best Bible study.

Mary speaks for retreats, conferences and other special events, and is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She and her husband Bill reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma and have three grown children and two grandchildren. You can reach Mary Englund Murphy through her website or by phone at .

And readers, be sure to leave a comment for Mary and you’ll be in the drawing for a free autographed copy of her book!

Welcome, Mary! Okay, let’s jump right in. Joseph is such a well known figure from the Bible, there must be numerous books and Bible studies on him. I’ve gotta ask, what prompted you to write Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors?

Yes, there are a many books written on Joseph, but very few Bible studies that are devoted entirely to his story. Several authors include a chapter about him, but that’s all. I found only two Bible studies entirely about Joseph.

Your title is intriguing Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors. What do you mean by the phrase “beyond the coat of many colors”?

Many of us who were raised in church have what I call a Sunday school view of Joseph and therefore we miss many of the treasures that are found in a deeper study of his life. We tend to think of him as a little boy dressed in something like a multi-colored striped bathrobe, being thrown into a pit, sold as a slave and then ending up as prime minister of Egypt. This Bible study goes way beyond all your preconceived notions about Joseph.

Can you give us a brief overview of Joseph’s story for those who may not be familiar with the Bible?

Joseph’s story is found in the Old Testament portion of the Bible. He was the eleventh, and favorite, of the twelve sons of Jacob and was literally despised and hated by his brothers. When Joseph was seventeen years old, his father gave him the famous coat. The brothers plotted to murder Joseph but ended up selling him to slave traders. He spent thirteen years as a slave and a prisoner until Pharaoh heard that Joseph could interpret dreams. When Joseph gave Pharaoh God’s interpretation he was promoted to second in command of Egypt. Joseph saved the country from famine and eventually was reunited with his family and brought them to Egypt.

Okay, so Joseph had a few very trying years, but look how it all turned out for him – wealth, prestige, honor, a wife and children, and he was restored to his family. Anyone could make it through difficulties with all that in their future.

That’s exactly what I was referring to previously. We tend to view Joseph from an overall perspective – the favored child, the coat of many colors, conflict with his brothers, a few rough years in Egypt, then promotion to wealth and prosperity. Sometimes we think he persevered with virtually no problems, but the Scriptures indicate that he did he have challenges with the same things we struggle with like depression. Joseph was a great man but he had feelings and emotions just like the rest of us.

The term “blended family” is used to describe families that have step-children and step-parents or half-siblings or step-siblings. How do you see Joseph fitting into those categories?

Joseph’s father Jacob had two wives and two concubines all at the same time and all four women produced children. Even though that was culturally acceptable there were jealousies and conflict galore. Joseph’s family gives new meaning to the blended and dysfunctional family.

I know that you can relate to Joseph in this area. Would you mind telling us a little about your family background?

I was born into a broken/blended home. My parents were married a total of 10 times. I’ve had 3 stepfathers, two stepmothers, and 21 step, half and adopted brothers and sisters. In fact, my own family background is one of the primary reasons I decided to write about Joseph; I can relate to him in so many areas.

Many of the books and studies about Joseph focus on grace and forgiveness. Can you talk about some of the other things we can learn from his life?

His story is a wealth of information on life. Raising children, dealing with jealousy and disappointments, sexual purity, employee/employer relationships, what to do when you feel like God isn’t there.

Well, we’re almost done, but for the last question: What is the primary message you want people to take away from this study?

I want people to understand that God knows the end of their story just as He knew the end of Joseph’s. Don’t give up, and know that God is working in your life with purpose just as He did with Joseph. God knows the end of your story just as He knew the end of Joseph’s story. God isn’t finished with you yet.

And that is a great message! God knows the end of our stories and He isn’t finished with us yet. Thanks for the reminder!

Okay friends, remember to leave a message for Mary and you’ll be in the drawing for a free autographed copy of Mary’s book, Joseph: Beyond the Coat of Many Colors.

Thanks for joining me today, sweet friends. Be sure to check back on Thursday for some new opportunities!

Blessings,

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | June 22, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

We like things big in America. Big homes. Big movies. Big bank accounts.

We like our miracles big, too. After all, we know we have a big God. Why shouldn’t we expect Him to reveal Himself in a big way?

Elijah had just experienced a big miracle. Four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of Asherah who were supported by Jezebel had gathered to show the power of their gods. On the other side was Elijah, all alone.

You know the story. None of the false prophets could call down fire on the altar. But after Elijah saturated the altar with water, his God sent fire from heaven to consume the entire altar. Now that’s big.

Not long after, Elijah is running for his life from the threats of a woman, he’s depressed and hiding in a cave. Where was his big God now? Where was the miracle?

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” I Kings 19:11b-13

No explosions. No flying through the sky to save the day. No wind or earthquake or fire. Nope.

Instead, God was in the gentle whisper.

What is He whispering to you and me today? Are we waiting for the next big thing…and ignoring His gentle voice that’s right there, whispering in our ears?

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities and Writing Contests for YOU!

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By Vonda Skelton | June 21, 2012

Yep, it’s the 3rd Thursday, so that means you get lots of opportunities to follow up on. Could one or more of them be calling your name?

1.  Becky Jacoby is offering a contest for dog-rescue stories. Check out the details for A Writing Contest for Dog Lovers.

2.  Novel Rocket’s Launchpad Contest guidelines here.

3.  Stage of Life Writing Contests here.

4.  Chamberton Publishing is open to submissions. Chamberton Publishing Guidelines here.

5.  LIVE periodical has sent us a new update. LIVE Needs Update here.

6.  Warner Press submission guidelines here. Church of God Ministries.

7.  Writer’s guidelines for Alive Now. The Upper Room.

8.  Apogee Photo Internet Photographers Magazine guidelines here.

9.  Bride & Groom writer’s guidelines here.

10. Cadet Quest writing guidelines here.

11. Are you funny? Funny Times is looking for submissions.

12. Family Tree magazine writer’s guidelines.

13. HeartLand Boating writer’s guidelines.

14. I Love Cats Magazine writer’s guidelines.

15. The Quilter Magazine writer’s guidelines.

16. Becky Jacoby is also calling for submissions for two devotionals–one for dog rescuers/lovers and the other for creative people. You can read Becky Jacoby devotional call out here.

Well, I think that’s enough to keep you busy. Can’t wait to see what comes out of this list. 🙂

Write on!

Vonda

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Teaching Biblical Truth Through Secular Fiction & Writing Contest Winner!

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By Vonda Skelton | June 19, 2012

I’m traveling again this week, so I thought it would be a good time to re-post what I think is a good lesson.

I’ve had the privilege of teaching my Writing is Fun Workshop to over 22,000 kids across the country in public, private, Christian, and home schools, and I feel I have a pretty good grasp of how to connect in a positive way fiction.

As you can see, I’m focusing today on writing for children, but don’t think you adult writers don’t need to read it.

After all, truth is truth, regardless of the age or genre. And so is good writing.

Teaching Biblical Truth Through Secular Fiction

Today’s fictional children are invincible. They’re smart and calculating and wise beyond their years. They’re totally independent and answer to no one. They nab the bad guy and save the planet and solve the world’s problems through their ingenuity and insight. And where are today’s fictional adults while all this is going on? They’re standing in the corner, picking their noses–inept bystanders in the crises of life.

Truth is, real kids need us adults. They need us to listen and understand and offer guidance. Fictional kids need adults, too.

When I decided to write my first book, Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island, I wanted to create a story kids would love, one with adventure, danger, and mystery. But I wanted more than just a good story. I wanted to teach something in the process.

1.  I wanted kids to see cause and effect. As adults, we know there are consequences for poor choices in life. You choose to be tardy at work, and you get fired. You choose to eat the wrong kinds of foods, and your health suffers. But the truth of consequences is often missing in children’s fiction. Many children’s books have kids doing a variety of dangerous and unhealthy things, with no undesirable effects. I wanted kids to experience the consequences of poor choices through my characters. And remember, consequences don’t have to come at the hands of adults. Natural consequences may be punishment enough and are often more effective. Kidnapping, false accusations, and loss of trust are a few of results the characters suffer in the Bitsy series.

2.  I wanted to kids to see that adults are usually pretty smart people. Fictional adults are often portrayed as oblivious to danger, or if they are aware, they’re unable to do anything about the problem. Parents are stupid, teachers are idiots, and authority figures have their own wicked agendas. Sure, a good mystery must have good guys and bad guys, but I still wanted the majority of adults to be intelligent and have the kids’ best interest at heart. In each Bitsy mystery, the kids are the ones who ultimately solve the puzzle, but it’s done without sacrificing the primary adults’ integrity.

3.  I wanted kids to see that family is an important, desirable part of life. Bitsy has an intact family who, like all real families, has blemishes. They argue and fight, but there’s no doubt they love each other. Bitsy may resent her siblings’ intrusion in her life and may wish for freedom from family constraints, but in each book, she learns one more reason to appreciate them.

4.  I wanted kids to see a Christian family who isn’t perfect, but who believes in a God who is. In contemporary fiction, Christians are often presented in one of two ways–either as Bible-thumping idiots or as saccharine-sweet saints. The truth is, we’re just like everyone else. We struggle with right and wrong. We face difficult situations, and we can’t understand why some things happen in life. In the Bitsy series, Bitsy and her family struggle to do right when it would be so much easier to do wrong.

As writers of children’s fiction, I feel we have a responsibility to our readers and their parents. Can parents trust our writing? Can children trust the story we’ve created? Will they learn and grow and experience life by reading what we’ve written? I certainly hope so. If not, we’ve contributed to the idea that children are invincible and they don’t need us old people to help them along the way.

And we all know that’s a lie.

But what if you’re not writing for children? Do you think this instruction isn’t for you? Think again. Whether you’re writing for children or adults, the protagonist of every story must learn something. He or she must change and grow over the course of the book. So regardless of who you’re writing for, remember that you can teach Biblical truth through your secular fiction.

That first book has grown into a series of three: Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island, Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island, and Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island.

I hope you’ll check out Bitsy’s World for fun games for kids, summaries of the books, first chapters, and the link to getting Bitsy’s books for your own kids and grandkids!

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Who Won the Movie of Words Writing Contest?

My goodness, what great writers you ALL are! There wasn’t a bad scene in the bunch! All of them were inviting, connected with the reader, and created a movie in my mind.

So I finally just reread them to see if one drew me in on a more personal level, and one did. As a grandmother of four with arthritis in my hands and feet, I could relate personally to Tim Knopp’s scene. So Tim, just visit the Store, take a look at the downloadable workshops, and let me know by email which one you prefer.

And a huge THANK YOU to all who participated. You’re an amazingly talented group, especially in such a short time frame!

Blessings on all your projects!

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | June 15, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

As many of you know, I’m participating in Shannon Mullins’ Living Power Through the Bible in a Year Online Bible Study. It’s been an amazing journey and I can honestly say, the best study I’ve ever done. Ever. We read our daily passages in the New Living Translation and Shannon prepares daily video teachings Monday through Friday. On the weekends we keep up with our reading. I hope you’ll check it out. It’s free and you can join any time.

Today’s passage was in our reading last week, and it was one of those that stayed with me as a writer. It’s from the last chapter of Ecclesiastes. Solomon says:

But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

As I read that passage, I was struck by the words, “Be careful, for writing books is endless…”

Uh, can I get an AMEN on that one?

It seems our work is never done, doesn’t it? There’s always another book to write, another article to submit, another devotion to share. Let’s face it, we never finish. As a matter of fact, I told someone today that unless I have something specifically planned, if I’m awake, I’m working…because writing books and articles and blog posts and devotions is endless.

Is he saying we’re not supposed to write?

Of course, further study helped me see that Solomon was most likely saying something like, “Don’t add to this book. Somebody’s always got another idea. Don’t study a bunch of other people’s opinions. Books are a dime a dozen and everybody thinks he’s got the answer. Instead of wasting your time chasing after every new concept, remember that everything comes back to this: Fear God and obey His commands.”

So even though we often know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has given us something to say, we must always remember that the truth is still the truth. The whole story is this:

            Jesus is God’s Son.

            We are sinners.

            We can’t be good enough to get to heaven on our own.

            We need a Savior.

            That Savior is Jesus.

            He is the sacrifice for our sin.

            He took the punishment we deserve.

Studying and chasing after anything beyond His truth will only wear us out.

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

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Kudos, MoGo7000 Qualifiers, and Early Bird Deadline is Near

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By Vonda Skelton | June 14, 2012

It’s the 2nd Thursday of the month, so that means we get to celebrate your successes!

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Congratulations to you, Christian Writer’s Den family!

These writers have worked hard, learned hard, and written hard. And it’s paying off!

1.  Kristi Butler (NC): I had the honor of having my work published in two anthologies with Write Integrity Press. Tributes to my Mama and my Daddy appeared in Life Lessons from Moms and Life Lessons from Dads released in May and June respectively! These lovely gift books are sweet compilations of
heartwarming and inspiring stories. They are available through Amazon in paperback and also for Kindle and Nook.

2. Verna Bowman (PA): So pleased to report the June issue of Power for Living (David C Cook) has published my story “The House that Built Us.” Also, the September 2012 issue of Chicken Soup for the Soul will feature a story in “I Can’t Believe my Cat Did That!” . . . a little different writing for me, so I wanted to share the good news with you!

3. Cathy Baker (SC): Cathy won 1st Place in the Poetry Division  for “The One” at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She also had a meditation accepted by The Upper Room. Publication is scheduled for May/June 2013.

4.  Cheryl Barker (KS): My devotional article “Living to Tell About It” is appearing in the Summer 2012 issue of The Lutheran Digest.  My article “Journal Your Gratitude” was accepted for publication in LIVE and will appear in a November 2013 issue.

5.  Jeanne Doyon (CT): Open The Word has picked up my articles, Battle Stations  and Do Not Be Afraid, Only Believe. I received acceptances from Evangel (Light & Life Communications) for three articles to appear in 2013. And, I will be sharing a workshop entitled, Don’t Let Fear Win, at Camp Berea, NH during their women’s retreat weekends–September 2012.

6.  Lill Kohler (TX): I have a story being published in the composite Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware.

7.  Dr. Linda Greer (SC): I did a podcast with Rita Schulte for her Heartline Blog the first week of June. The topic we discussed was Fibromyalgia Syndrome and its effects on your health, your relationships, your finances, your mind, and your occupation.

8.  Lisa Carter (NC): Lisa Carter has signed a three-book contract for her romantic suspense novels with Abingdon Press. Her debut novel, Aloha Rose, releases November 2013.

9. Tracy Crump (MS): The article for my column in Southern Writers Magazine is “First Rate Critique.” My story “It Won’t Rain” appears in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Here Comes the Bride.

Wow–what an impressive list of accomplishments! Congratulations, writers!

And if you didn’t see your name on the list, don’t worry. We have lots of writing opportunities lined up for you next week. Be sure and come back!

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One of These Writers could be $100 richer at the end of the year!

The MoGo7000 results are in and these writers met the goal of 7000 new words on a book project in May:

9.  Jamy Whitaker – 7106 words
10. Esther Wallace – 7697 words
11. Tim Knopp – 9830 words
12. Kristi Butler – 8034 words
13. Cindy Patterson – 7051 words

Congratulations, MoGo-ers! You’re in the drawing for the end-of-the-year $100 award!

We’d love to have you join the fun and complete a book! You can begin any time and it’s absolutely free! Check out all the MoGo7000 Challenge details here.

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The Writer’s Plot Early Bird Discount Ends this Saturday, June 16!

I’d love to see you at The Writer’s Plot Writing Conference on Saturday, July 21 at Furman University, Greenville, SC. It’ll be a great day with lots of great faculty teaching lots of great classes! Agents, authors, and editors will be giving their all to help you grow as a writer.

And it’s only $80 if you register by this Saturday, June 16.

You can read all the details for The Writer’s Plot here: The Writer’s Plot Promo.

Write on!

Vonda

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A Movie of Words & A Quick Contest!

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By Vonda Skelton | June 12, 2012

Photo courtesy of

What type of writer are you? Some, like my friend Edie Melson, hear the dialogue. Others, like me, see a movie. Here’s the way I see it.

Every book…every chapter…every scene…every page…every paragraph…every sentence…every word we write should transition into a movie onscreen. If we want to write compelling stories, the reader must be able to see the movements, hear the words, and feel the emotion, whether we’re writing mystery, romance, or historical fiction.

In order to make my writing real, I take the words on my paper and project them onto the screen of my mind and then ask, “What kind of movie do I see from only those words?” The problem is, as the writer of the words, my mind inserts lots of information I haven’t actually put on the paper. My mind can see a pretty good scene, complete with all the senses. But I need to see what the reader sees.

If I’ve done a good job, you should be able to see the setting, feel the emotion, and smell the air. The characters should come alive on the screen as you watch them stand, sit, and move around the set.

If I’ve not done a good job, I have plain black and white stills, stuck in a dusty, one-dimensional photo album.

Here’s an example of a boring photo:

An old black woman came into the room. She had a nice voice.

Here’s how Christa Parrish created a movie with words in her novel, Home Another Way.

She looked older than her one hundred years, if that was possible. Her skin, the color of cinnamon sticks hung loosely over her skull, as if she had borrowed it from someone much larger, or bought it off a clearance rack. Age spots clung to her cheeks like leeches. Filmy, sightless eyes peered out from between rheum-caked eyelids, and her earlobes hung nearly to her chin. But her voice was a lullaby of fireflies and snickerdoodles. My tense muscles relaxed under her words.

Oh my goodness! Can you see and hear this dear woman? Now that’s how it’s done! Thank you, Christa!

Okay, readers, how about a quick exercise? I’ve written some black and white stills below. Would you take a few minutes to rewrite them and make them into a movie of words? And then would you post one or more of them as comments?

The winning comment wins a downloadable workshop of your choice from my Store.  🙂

1.  I went across the street and went into the store.

2.  When my daddy came home, the dogs got excited.

3.  She sat down and got to work.

Now friends, time to work your magic. Let’s see you turn one or more of these boring black and whites into a passage worthy of an Academy Award! (You don’t have to do them all. You can do one, two, or all three!)

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | June 8, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Today’s post is a request for prayer, coming from a dear friend who is working in Asia. I hope you’ll join me in prayer for all the desperate people crying out to a god who cannot hear.

Desperation

by Leah W.

As I was standing on the subway on my way to the office yesterday I saw a man desperately trying to communicate with his god. With eyes closed and rapid breathing, he desperately chanted under his breath. He moved his fingers in a very distinct pattern as if it was ritually required for his prayers to be heard. He then touched his head and stopped praying for a few seconds, only to start again as if afraid of what the repercussions might be if he did not continue.

He finally stopped and sat with his eyes closed as if exhausted from the mental effort he had just put forth. He then pulled a string of beads out of his bag, presumably to pray some more. At that point I moved to a different spot on the train in order to make way for the people entering/exiting and this man was obstructed from my view.

I was struck by the sadness of such desperation. The sadness of such desperate rituals to a god who is powerless.

As I think back to the image of this man, I am also struck by my own desperation. I too desperately need for my prayers to be heard, need salvation, need to see change in my life. But unlike this man, when I pray in desperation, I know that my prayers are heard and that I have a loving heavenly Father who willingly forgives, willingly works, willingly molds me into the image of His Son. My desperation is for something that is living and active; this man’s desperation is for something that is hopeless and void of all love.

Please ask the Father of all hope to reach out to the millions of desperate souls who daily chant and pray to a god of no hope.

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of )

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