Latest Blog Posts

Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | January 31, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

I love how God speaks through His word. I had such an experience this week.

I’d been trying to make a decision for a while and continued to find myself vacillating between two equally good choices. Either path would have been good, but I struggled with which would be best for me at this time of my life.

My morning started as usual, spending some time in prayer before beginning the day’s Bible study. I asked God to open my eyes and ears and speak to me through the lesson. I grabbed my study book and flipped through the pages to the introduction for the lesson of the day.

And I smiled.

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Jill Hart, and Who Won Jennifer Fromke’s Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | January 28, 2014

What a great day we have today! I just can’t believe I get to spend time with such great writers and speakers…and then share them with you!

It’s a joy to introduce my friend Jill Hart to you today. As you know, I often will tell you how I met my guests, but for the life of me, I can’t remember how Jill and I connected. But I can tell you that she is one sharp woman! Be sure to read her bio below, but I want to go ahead and tell you that she’s an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and founder of Christian Work at Home Ministries. Today we’re going to talk a little about her ministry and her brand new book, Do Life Different.

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | January 24, 2014

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson Sr lo resAs writers and speakers and actors and filmmakers, we’re often faced with opportunities that don’t necessarily honor the Lord.

Many times people will defend their projects by pointing to passages in the Bible as pictures of debauchery…and they certainly can be. But the Truth–the overarching goal of God’s Word–is to show His redemption in the midst of our sin. That’s a useful guide to use as we make our choices and walk this path of the creative arts.

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Jennifer Fromke

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By Vonda Skelton | January 21, 2014

I’m thrilled that today I get to finally introduce my friend, Jennifer Fromke to you. Jennifer and I met many years ago when she graciously welcomed me into her home when I spoke at her church in North Carolina. I fell in love with her immediately and we’ve been friends ever since!

Jennifer has three books out, but today I wanted to hear about her newest release, A Familiar Shore. And if you’ve ever wondered if reputable writing contests were worth the effort, this book won the 2010 ACFW Genesis contest for women’s fiction. It released in 2012 from Write Integrity Press.

Be sure to leave a comment for Jennifer and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book!

Okay, Jennifer, let’s get started. Tell us a little bit about your debut novel, A Familiar Shore.

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | January 17, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson Sr lo res

Laughing Jesus, by Robert Wilson, Sr.

When we see pictures of Jesus, we usually see Him with one of two facial expressions…either with a loving smile or a suffering grimace. After all, He’s not only our loving Savior, but also our suffering Sacrifice.

But what about other emotions? John 11:35 tells us Jesus wept when he heard of Lazarus’ death. He was overwhelmed in the garden, angry in the temple, and gentle to the children.

Jesus got exhausted, and hungry, and frustrated with His disciples.

He was human.

And as a man, I’m sure there had to be moments when Jesus not only smiled, but he actually laughed, too.

And I get to see it everyday!

Today I’m thrilled to share my new Friday image, this beautiful painting, Laughing Jesus, created by my uncle, Robert Wilson, Sr. A print of the original hangs in my office, alongside other creations by Uncle Bob: Jesus carrying his Cross, Mary lifting baby Jesus toward heaven, a portrait of my Daddy in a Confederate soldier uniform. You can see why he’s an award-winning artist! (If you’d like to see some of Uncle Bob’s paintings and prints, you can check out the website at Robert Wilson Fine Art Paintings and Portraiture.)

I’m sorry that there aren’t any more prints of Laughing Jesus available, but my cousin, artist Robert Wilson, Jr, was able to locate a jpg of the picture so I could share it with you every Friday!

And each week, as we see Laughing Jesus on the page of Parting Words, I hope it’ll help us find a smile to end our week, even if it’s buried deep beneath a week of exhaustion. suffering, frustrations, anger, and tears.

After all, we are human. But we’re humans who are loved by a sacrificial, supernatural God.

And the thought puts a smile on my own face.

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.” John 8:42 NIV

I pray your weekend is full of love and laughter,
Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities & Conferences

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By Vonda Skelton | January 14, 2014

newspapersHere are writing opportunities collected just for you!

Yes, it’s time for our monthly list of writing opps. I hope you’ll read the following opps, study the guidelines and submit. And don’t forget to let us celebrate with you when you have good news!

1.  Melissa Williams has a call-out for women who found love and marriage after age 30. She says: I’m currently writing an inspirational book for single Christian women (aged 30+) who are hoping to be married. I’m looking for Christian women who did indeed find love and marriage after 30 and are willing to share their stories throughout the book. I’m incredibly honoured by all the women God is

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | January 10, 2014
Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

As writers, we often discuss the issue of Point of View (POV). It’s an important concept to learn if you want to grow in your fiction writing.

There are several rules involved in the teaching of POV, but the main rule is, there should be only one point of view per scene. One person’s thoughts. One person’s beliefs. One person’s truth. It’s the only point of view that really matters in that scene because it’s the only view the reader needs to know.

It occurred to me today that there’s only one point of view that really matters in life and death,

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Writer’s Headlines: Changes, Champions, & Celebrations! And Who Won Johnnie Donley’s Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | January 7, 2014

Photo courtesy of SSCreations/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today is definitely a day of celebration–and we’re celebrating YOU, the Christian Writer’s Den family!

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Changes at Christian Writer’s Den

First of all, thank you to all who responded to my call-out for help with my blog posts. As I mentioned last week, this year I’m committed to working on the novel of my heart that I’ve been saying I was going to write for the past four years. On top of that, I forgot to mention that a friend and I are also reworking a non-fiction book proposal for an agent who has shown interest.

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | January 3, 2014
Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

This time of year it’s likely that you’ve either already set goals or are considering which goals you should set. The Bible is clear that we should look ahead, make plans, work hard, and then trust His control over our lives in our goal-setting.

And although goals for earthly success are certainly reasonable and acceptable, there’s more to goal-setting than simply pursuing a bigger business, more writing opportunities, and seeing our names on the best-seller list.

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Writer’s Headlines: Kudos & MoGo7000 Call Outs and Christian Writer’s Den Announcement

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By Vonda Skelton | January 2, 2014

newspapersHappy New Year, friends! It’s the first week of 2014 and that means there are a lot of things to talk about today! Change is in the air!

Call-Out for Kudos…I Want to Brag on You!

Have you had something exciting happen recently in your writing or speaking life? Maybe you’ve had an article published, signed a book contract, released a new book, got an agent, or started a new blog. If so, we want to hear from you!

It’s really simple, but I do ask that you contact me with the info in this format and order:

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