Category Archives: Ramblings

“Various random thoughts ”


A Diva Wannabe

17
By Vonda Skelton | August 3, 2009

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Homemaking is not one of my spiritual gifts. Put me on a stage in front of two thousand people and I'll have a ball, but please, please, please don't ask me to pick out a rug or decorate a table. (I'm dead serious. Just ask Sandra, the former women's ministry director at my church. She made the mistake of doing that and . . . well . . . it wasn't a pretty sight–and I'm not talking about the table. I won't go into the gory details, but let me just say no one's had the nerve to suggest I be part of the decorating committee since.)

Now, for some women, this defect would drive them crazy and make them feel like total failures. And I admit, I do wish housework and organization and meal planning came easier for me. I'd love to be like my friend, Terri, who maintains a spotless, beautifully decorated home, or my friend, Carrie, who bakes homemade bread made from her own freshly ground wheat.

I can see it now: "Vonda Skelton, Domestic Diva.

The truth is, I'm more like Erma Bombeck, the Diva of the Domestically Disadvantaged. She spoke for all us messies when she made the undeniable argument that no one ever died from sleeping in an unmade bed. And to that I say, "Preach it, sister!"

I have to admit, when I focus on my domestic ineptitude, it's easy to get down on myself. I do wish I were a star in the womanly category of homemaking. But between throwing out moldy leftovers, apologizing to wilted houseplants, and convincing myself that chocolate is one of the basic food groups, I'd say I'm probably somewhere between mediocre and unfit.

People are always surprised to discover this little deficiency. There's this false notion that speakers are speakers because they have it all together. Well that, my friends, is a big, fat lie.

The truth is, we're speakers because we have a message. For me, it's a message of failure and success, heartache and happiness, sin and forgiveness. It's a message of hope. Oh, how I praise God that He can take my messes and use them for His glory! (And believe me, I'm not just talking about the house.)

As followers of Christ–washed in His blood and forgiven of our sin–we each have a message to share. Not because we're perfect and have it all together, but because we each have mess…and Hope.

And yet, we often hide behind our masks of Christianity, fearful that someone will discover the real us. The imperfect us. The needy us.

Even Paul, the one miraculously changed from persecutor of Christ to proclaimer of Him, struggled with imperfection and neediness. In Romans 7, he brings to light the very words we often keep hidden inside.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. . . . I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature . . . . What a wretched man I am!

Did you get that? Paul struggled. He struggled, too! He struggled with the same reality we do. The reality that we can't measure up. That we can't be all we want to be. That we can't even be all God allows us to be.

But His Word tells us He loves us anyway, even though He knows about our mess. And then it also tells us He can use those very messes for His glory…if we let Him.

What are you struggling with today? What heartache? What sin? What mess has He delivered you from that you can now use for His glory?

As writers and speakers, we can share Christ by sharing the hope He offers. And we often do this by sharing the truth of our struggle. Write the Struggle. Write the Hope. Write the Answer.

And lives will be changed for eternity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And the winner of Nine Ways God Always Speaks is…
…#11 Lynn! Congratulations, Lynn. Please send me your snail mail address and the book will be on its way.

See how easy it is to win books here at The Christian Writer's Den? Be sure to enter later this month when we talk with Sharon Fawcett, author of Hope for Wholeness: The Spiritual Path to Freedom from Depression. You could be the next winner!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do You Live in These Areas? I'd Love to See You!

Writer's Conferences:

  • Langhorne, PA: Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference THIS WEEK! August 6-8 
  • Greenville, SC: Write at the Start Writer's Conference, August 15
  • Keller, TX: North Texas Christian Writer's Conference, September 11-12.

Women's Events:

  • Greenville, SC: Earle Street Baptist Church Women's Event, August 11. Free and open to the public. Contact .
  • Corsicana, TX: Cornerstone Baptist Church Women's Event, September 15.
  • Woodlake, TX: Capture Me! Women's Conference, September 18-20. Open to the public (The women public, that is!) DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION AUGUST 15! Check out the flyer here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I Need Your Kudos!

Next week is our time to celebrate how God has blessed us in our writing and speaking. Please send me any good news you have regarding a new article, book publication or contract, new blog, TV or radio appearance, or any other opportunity He's given us. And please include your state. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Any Writers in the Homeschool Market Out There?

If you have a book published for the homeschool market, would you contact me? I need some guidance and could use your expertise. ;-) Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now, as we seek God's Word for His guidance, let's look at these words from Isaiah:

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears,
and I have not been rebellious;
I have not drawn back. Isaiah 50:4-5

Oh, that we would not draw back from spreading His Word!

I pray God's blessing on your hands and your hearts,
Vonda

Read entire post »

 

Love by Guest Blogger Shelly Moran

0
By Vonda Skelton | June 29, 2009

Our guest blogger today is Shelly Moran of NC. Shelly and I met when I spoke at her church several years ago. She confessed she was interested in writing and the rest is history! I know you're going to enjoy Shelly's "…random musings and obscure scribblings as (she tries) to figure out God."

Love by Shelly Moran

In the penultimate expression of all that is, we find LOVE. That's it, and we know it, the total expression and aspiration of everything. We hear that God is love, and our brain boggles, we hear there is no fear in love, yet we can't comprehend what that means.

So we wrap our arms around it and squeeze with all our might, and we strap it to our chests and loins with furor. We shake our fists at the misunderstandings, and leap toward our versions of paradise, until scalded and pierced we lie fallow, and panting, wondering how love still eludes us.

Yet IT stands. Not our murky impersonations and gilded thorns, but the truth: that God is love, that without God there can be no love, and within that love there can be no fear.

I want to grasp that: the seeming impossibility of reciprocal relationship, a circle of love and trust. To walk in the heat, and cool, and shadow, and light of God, and take it as a daily offering to my brothers in this endless race.

Why do we not see this? Why do we not run toward God's love and rest in it, holding His hand and staring in the depths of His face?

Because we cannot accept that ALL is according to His purpose.

That ALL is His unrivaled attempt to LOVE us.  

That he will take our wretched and selfish choices, that leave us gasping and grasping toward security–that he will take the evil that's visited upon us, that leaves us writhing and staggering from agony–and teach us to let go of fear, and hurt, and power, and glory. That He will orchestrate this supreme dance to its finest point and pinnacle, in spite of our vainglorious, ignorant strivings, and love us, fully bleeding, into freedom.

TRUST ME, He says, and we say, I CAN'T. LOVE ME, He says, and we say, I DO, but we don't. I CAN'T TRUST YOU, we say, BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW YOU, BECAUSE I CAN'T SEE YOU, BECAUSE I WON'T COME CLOSE ENOUGH, BECAUSE I DON'T TRUST YOU.

Because, honestly, we cannot step outside our wretched perceptions of ourselves, to believe that with no further ascension or merit, we could be that authentically LOVED.

Vonda: Thanks, Shelly. Great job! Guest bloggers fill in on the fifth Tuesdays and are free to write on anything they wish. Would any of you like be a guest blogger here on The Christian Writer's Den? All you have to do is let me know and I'll put your name on the list. Thanks!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who Wins Marybeth Whalen's Book, Learning to Live Financially Free?

Lesia Glick! Congratulations, Lesia. All you have to do is send me your mailing address and your free book will be on the way!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Writer's Conferences: An Integral Part of the Writing Life

What a wonderful week in PA at the St. David's Christian Writer's Conference! It was my first time to be there and what a blessing to visit with old friends and make new ones.

I'll be at three more writers' conferences this year and would love to see you!

  • Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, August 6-8, Langhorne, PA
  • Write at the Start: AnAuthor World Kick-Off Conference, August 15, Greenville, SC
  • North Texas Christian Writer's Conference, September 11-12, Keller, TX
  • And I had planned to be at CLASS Christian Writer's Conference (formerly Glorieta CWC) November 4-8 in Abiquiu, NM, but because of my daughter's and grandson's birthdays that weekend, I've decided I just won't be able to go. But I do hope you'll consider attending. I know it'll be a great conference!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

thecabincovesmallThe Fall Writing Retreat is full, but the waiting list is still open. It's October 1-4 in the beautiful mountains of Todd, NC. Simply send completed registration to Edie. NOTE: You don't have to send a deposit to be placed on the waiting list. Check out the 2008 video and you'll see why writers love it so much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I was at the St. David's Conference this past week, I often heard writers say something like, "I'm sorry I'm so new at writing." Well, you know what I say to that? Don't apologize! Remember, all of us were new to writing at one time. And although most beginners have much to learn, that doesn't mean the messages aren't worthy and applicable. After all, even if our writings aren't yet publishable, God can still use those early words to encourage our churches, our friends, and our families. I encourage you with these words written by Paul as young Timothy began his ministry:

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.                                                  1 Timothy 4:12

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

Read entire post »

 

Urgent! Please Send Me Your Blue Ridge and Gideon Conference Kudos!!!

2
By Vonda Skelton | June 13, 2009

I know it's not Tuesday. But there were many award finalists and winners from our group at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, and I don't want to miss the opportunity to let everyone know!

So, if you were any kind of winner (okay, I know we're ALL winners, but you know what I mean) at Blue Ridge or if you were a finalist or winner at the Gideon, would you please email me ASAP? I want to include them in the kudos and I'll be working on it this weekend! 

 Hope you're having an awesome week!

Blessings,

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

What is My Motive?

4
By Vonda Skelton | May 4, 2009

burningskyAs you know, the first week of each month we take a look at a spiritual truth and its application to our writing lives. Last month the question was "Who Is It About?" This time we're asking, "What Is My Motive?" And oh, what a booger this is for us as writers!

The answer to that question is often complex, and I hate to admit it, but the battle is a life-long process. Even after years of evaluating my heart, I continually struggle to know my motives.

And I'm not alone. Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Left to their own devices, our hearts cannot be trusted! They require continual comparison to Scripture, evaluation, and confession.

Regardless of what our actions may look like to others, we must look internally. What's driving me? Why do I want (or NOT want) to do this? Am I following the rules so people will admire me? Or am I following them from a heart of true obedience?

And the one that often gets me: Am I following the letter of the law, while ignoring the spirit of it? If so, I'm just like the Pharisees. In Matthew 23, we see Jesus' confrontation with the religious leaders and their commitment to following the law with an impure heart. Jesus said (in part):

  • Everything they do is done for men to see.
  • You give a tenth . . . but have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
  • On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

In contrast to the Pharisees, Peter rebuked the people when they tried to praise him for healing the crippled beggar. Instead, Peter points to the Father when he says, "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12)

"Humble yourself . . . Don't be afraid to seem unimportant in the eyes of people," says Catherine Martin in her book, Revive My Heart. "Choose to be famous in the secret audience of God. Don't worry if it seems life is passing you by. Stay at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, worshiping and following Him."

As writers, it's so easy to get caught up in the all-consuming goal of publication. I know, because at one time I was there. After years of writing and accummulating nothing but a stack of rejection letters, I attended Write His Answer, Marlene Bagnull's writing seminar. During the 2-hour drive up the mountain, I cried out to God, begging Him to let me get published. I even promised I'd do anything if He'd only let me see my name in print. I had no idea what God had in store for me. You see, I drove up the mountain begging for publication. But after 24 hours of truly seeking Him, I drove down the mountain a different person, promising I would write…regardless of the outcome. It was no longer about seeing my name in print. It was no longer about receiving praise.

David knew the danger of seeking the praises of men. He knew the necessity of a heart examination. In Psalm 139:23-24, he says, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Would you join me in praying the prayer David prayed? Asking God to search our hearts will be a daily, continual request, but it will be one that will lead us the way He wants us to go.

And it all begins with the question, "What is my motive?"

(Sky photo compliments of ChristianPhotos.net)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And the winner is……..

Beth Fortune! Congratulations, Beth! You're the winner of Yvonne Ortega's latest book, Hope for the Journey through Cancer. I know you or someone you love will be touched by her words. Now all you need to do is email me with your mailing address and Yvonne will get it right out to you.

And for those who didn't win this time, I hope you'll buy the book for you and your family. You won't be sorry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's Not Too Late!

It's not too late to register for these two great conferences coming up!

blueridgelogo2009 The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference is May 17-21 at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area. Lots of great classes, valuable networking ops, and fun, fun, fun! And it's not too late to sign up for critiques! Several of us are still taking submissions. Be sure to check out the website and make your plans. All Christian Writer's Den readers will meet for a meal during the conference. I'll announce the day and time next week. (And if you want to read about how I got my start at the Blue Ridge Conference, check out my blog post here.)

The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival is May 31-June 4, also at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area. Come and you'll see why it's called "Hollywood in the mountains." Producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, writers of church drama, radio personalities, and more will be there, eager to teach how to spread the message of Jesus through the media arts. I'll be there again this year and would love to see you there!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday is the National Day of Prayer for our Country. Would you join me as we approach the Father on behalf of America? His Word says:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

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

Read entire post »

 

Fellowship with the Word by Guest Blogger Jean Davis

4
By Vonda Skelton | March 31, 2009

Well, this is the fifth Tuesday of the month, so you know what that means–Guest Blogger Day! I'm thrilled to introduce you to writer and Christian Writer's Den reader, Jean Davis. Jean and I met several years ago when I was teaching at the Delaware Christian Writer's Conference. While we were getting to know each other, we discovered that both of us had stories about our dads in the anthology, Embrace of a Father. (How cool is that?) Jean's devotionals have been published in Devo’zine, The Upper Room, and Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women. She also has stories included in The Heart of A Mother and Whispering in God’s Ear. I hope you'll check out her blogs at and embrace_cover_100px And if you'd like some copies of Embrace of a Father for Father's Day or for any man in your life, please visit my Bookstore! ;-)

I know you're going to enjoy Jean's blog today. It's a message we all need to hear!

Fellowship with the Word
by Jean Davis

The last Delmarva Christian Writers Fellowship I attended, our leader, Candy Abbott, gave us a Scripture to consider and fifteen minutes to write. She e-mailed the verse to us ahead of time so we could meditate on it, but she wanted our writing that morning to be spontaneous. When time was up, each person had opportunity to read his work.

Poems, devotionals, and essays emerged during the allotted time. A few writings sounded like journal entries. Some authors skipped over the more personal parts.  Aware of our diverse backgrounds, we were still amazed to discover how remarkably different and how exceptional the pieces were.

After Ben read, someone asked, "You wrote that just now in fifteen minutes? Really? How did you do that?"

Ben's answer was immediate.  "I just said, ‘God, help me.'"

Oh. I see how this works. Ben cheated. He asked for and received some help as he wrote on assignment. He hooked up to the Helper, the Teacher, the Creator, the Author and Finisher of our faith. His writing was a collaborative effort. (Note to self: Memorize Ben's prayer.)

Betsy's composition touched something deep within me. I wanted my own copy so I could take time to study her words. I started to ask, but I don't know Betsy that well and didn't want to seem nervy.    

When Candy read her devotional, the young woman sitting next to her, Cathie, said she'd like to have a copy, especially for the prayer Candy included. "I'd like a copy, too," I said, "for my daughter." Then Leslie, fifty-something, asked Marshall, all of twelve years old, if he would write out his poem for her. She wanted to share it with her Bible study group the next evening. Who knows how far-reaching this endeavor will prove to be?
That afternoon when I got home, as soon as I took my coat off and checked e-mails, I heard a knock at the door. My neighbor Dena stood timidly on the porch. "Would you like to come in?" I asked. I felt a sense of urgency.

(Photos are of the Delmarva Christian Writers Fellowship)

We sat at the kitchen table.  Lord, give me the words. I reached my hands out toward her, palms up, hoping she'd put her hands in mine. I wasn't disappointed.
    
"Would it be okay if I prayed with you?" I asked. I'd wanted to pray with her rather than for her since we met more than two months earlier.

"Sure," she said. "I don't mind." As we talked later, we both got a little teary. She was able to share a difficult circumstance and her faith in God. I was able to share my love for her and God's faithfulness.

"I've been waiting for you all day," she said. "I just knew I had to come see you today."

After Dena left, I brought a load of clothes in from the laundry room and accidentally bumped a bookend on the filing cabinet with the laundry basket. Papers I needed to file hit the floor. When I stooped to pick them up, on top of the stack were some tracts I'd made eight years ago. I flipped through the titles: "Recognizing and Dealing With the Spirit of Fear," "All Is Well," "What Jesus Lives For," "When Life Seems Hard."  I'd written the last three. The first I'd prepared from transcribed notes from our pastor's sermon. Considering my earlier conversation with Dena, I knew these topics would be perfect for her.

Later, I thumbed through a book on my shelf, a devotional for women published in 2005. I had four devotionals included. More than eighty writers shared precious gems in that volume, all meditations on Scripture. I know! I thought. I'll give my extra copy to Dena.   

If we release the words God gives us, either through writing or speaking or through prayer, we can be assured they'll find their mark. After all, they are not our words. And if words previously published sit on a filing cabinet or book shelf for years while we wonder if their purpose is over, we might be surprised when opportunity to share them comes knocking at our door.

~~~~~

Thank you, Jean, for sharing this message from your heart. I look forward to hearing more good things God is doing in your writing life!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember–Book Give Away Winner to be Announced Next Week! Be sure to check back then.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Focus

And this week, as I gaze over the vastness of the sea, I'm in awe of it all. The beauty…the power…the majesty of the One Who spoke it all into being.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

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

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Jo Franz

10
By Vonda Skelton | March 23, 2009

Hi Gang! Please help me welcome Jo Franz. Jo is an award-winning author and national speaker for women's conferences, retreats, banquets, etc., and a speaker for colleges, universities, and association and business events. She has inspired audiences since 1984, and she gives God all the glory! She has stories in numerous books and contributed to the writing of several others before writing her memoir. Her newest book is for college students and high school seniors. I had the joy of meeting Jo several years ago at her booksigning at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta. I'm blessed to call her my friend!

You can reach Jo and read more about her and her ministry through these links:

Websites: , or  

Blog:

Email:

Now, don't forget to leave a comment and you'll automatically be in the drawing for a free copy of her book, Soar Unafraid. 

Vonda: So let's get started. First of all, tell us why you had your memoirs published and how long did it take to write?

Jo: Since 1984, when I began speaking, women and men have requested my life story in print. I tried  to write it at several points in the ensuing years, but every time I felt it wasn't time. In 2004 I sensed God speaking to me in prayer, "Soar unafraid as you write," and I knew it was God's time. So much had happened since 1984-no wonder I wasn't supposed to tackle it before! I began reading through my journals from the late 1970s to the present, and that took months. Then I started writing from journal entries-even conversations I had recorded immediately after they'd taken place. It took over a year to write and then several months to cut 31% from the body (which was the most difficult part) before sending it to the publisher.

Vonda: Even though this is a memoir, would you say there is a theme throughout the book?

Jo: This is a book about relationships-ones that didn't work and how I dealt that; ones that did and why; my "relationship" with an incurable disease; and a precious ever-growing relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. My memoir is full of prayers and the Spirit's whispering back to me and how I'm learning to walk with Him moment by moment.

Vonda: An incurable disease? Would you like to tell us about that?

Jo: I would! In 1977 strange symptoms bombarded me and in 1978 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a humanly incurable autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Though my faith in God gave me hope, I still dealt with fear. I prayed for miraculous healing. I struggled. But as I turned to God with every emotion I grew closer to him and I could trust him more with each unpredictable MS attack that would weaken me. A unifying theme throughout my life is how I overcame, and with MS that meant learning how crucial exercise was to coming out of flare-ups.

Vonda: How did people in your life react to the MS?

Jo: Well, I thought my husband would always be there for me, but he slipped away from God-though he was a pastor. When he began an affair I needed to grow and learn who I really was and work hard at keeping our marriage intact, but he left me and eventually filed a divorce I didn't want. I was devastated, but while I lived alone, God became my Daddy, drawing me even closer.

Vonda: But there is someone in your life now, isn't there? ;-)

Jo: Oh yes! I met a wonderful man at a church-sponsored singles breakfast and the story is so romantic that when my editor read in the book where Ray finally asked me to marry him, she wrote: "Woo hoo! Great story-telling! I couldn't take much more of this!" I take the reader through an up and down period of emotional growth. It also involves me becoming "an instant mom" to eight and ten-year-old daughters!

Vonda: Whew! That's a lot for anyone to handle! But what other issues and relationships have you overcome?

Jo: I needed to cling to God when I realized Ray wasn't an easy man to live with (does anyone totally know who they're marrying?). We needed to work hard and remain committed, and this is an aspect that inspires male readers. Men read the book because of relationship issues and have even written reviews telling what this part of my memoir-Ray's transformation-meant to them! Because we've worked together on the pain we discovered we carried, our marriage bonded beautifully-going on 22 years!

Vonda: But that's still not all, is it?

Jo: No. I suffered a cervical spinal cord injury as well. There's an entire chapter on how we got through that by the Spirit's power and by refusing to give up. Then I lost my ability to speak for ten months due to the MS and was told I would never sing again–and I'm a recording artist! As a professional speaker who just couldn't keep quiet, I had to find an outlet, so I began writing and submitting stories. Right after God miraculously healed me of the vocal chord attack, I received my first acceptance letter for publication of one of my stories in a book! Many more followed.

Vonda: Gary Thomas' review of Soar Unafraid says, "What a vulnerable, powerful testimony!" Wow! What other responses have you had?

Jo: People tell me they "know" me because of how open I am in the book, and they appreciate my honesty-that I don't paint a rosy, perfect picture of myself. Readers say they are modeling how I grew in my faith-even though this is a memoir and not a teaching book. That's so wonderful, because I want my story-whenever I tell it or people read it-to bring others to Christ or into a more intimate relationship with God as their Daddy. I want them inspired to keep on going no matter what happens in their lives, just as I have.

Vonda: And Jo, I think you've done exactly that. I was privileged to read your story, and I can say it is truly amazing! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us!

And readers, don't forget to leave a comment and you could win an autographed copy! But since I'll be out of the country next week, you'll have to check in two weeks to see who the winner is. Don't forget to come back!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Drumroll, please…)
Bitsy is Nominated for a SIBA Book Award!

bitsy_hilton_head_cover_100pxI am so excited! My latest Bitsy book, Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island, has been nominated for a coveted SIBA (Souther
n Independent Booksellers Alliance) Award! I hope you'll pass the word and encourage your local independent bookstore to vote for Bitsy! She'd really appreciate it. ;-)

Be sure to check out the official press release!  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's Cruise Time!

It's finally here! Remember when I was telling you about the awesome Bahama cruise where I'd be speaking and teaching (and entertaining!)? Well, it's finally here! Several Christian Writer's Den readers will be there and I'm thrilled that we'll all finally get to meet each other!

We'll be on the sea next week, but don't worry, you won't be abandoned. We're blessed to have writer Jean Davis as our guest blogger next week and you're gonna love what she's written! I most likely won't have internet access and won't be able to approve your comments, but please feel free to write them anyway. I'll approve them as soon as I get back on land. (No internet for a week? Will I survive????)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are You Near Amelia Island, FL?

When we get off the ship on Saturday morning, April 4, we'll be heading straight on up to Amelia Island (north of Jacksonville) for a booksigning at Books Plus in downtown Fernandina Beach. We start at 12 noon and will hang out there for a few hours. Please come by if you're in the area. I'd love to see you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Focus

And now, as we face another week, another month, another season of life, I pray our eyes are open to the opportunities God places in our path to encourage each other in love.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:23-24

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

Read entire post »

 

It’s a Wonderful LIfe?

9
By Vonda Skelton | March 2, 2009

motherlauraandgaillarge

(This is a picture of my mother, my sister, Laura, and my sister, Gail, taken at my mother's 75th birthday party.)

Do you remember the old hymn that includes a line about being happy all day long? The idea is that once we've accepted the Lord as our Savior, our lives will always be happy. And even though I understand the writer's intent, those words may be sending the wrong message. In our zeal to lead others to Christ, we sometimes inadvertently spread a lie–a lie that says the Christian life is always wonderful.

Are we telling the truth when we tell others about Jesus? Are we presenting Him as a mystical guru in the sky who waves his magic wand and makes everything okay? Are we like the false teachers who promise wealth, health, and happiness at the low, low price of a monthly donation?

If so, we're spreading a lie. Jesus never said the Christian life would be wonderful. As a matter of fact, He said the exact opposite. He said we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). He said the world hated Him, and it would hate us (John 15:18-19). He said to count the cost, because the cost would be high (Luke 14:28-30).

Reality is, good mothers don't always have good children. Husbands leave. Illness comes. The sickness, the betrayals, the rebellion, the failures–they all were born that day in the garden when Satan seduced Eve. Sin entered the world through the door of the Deceiver and we've been suffering the consequences ever since.

But that doesn't mean the Christian life doesn't work. It simply means we can't depend on this world for our happiness. Our satisfaction can only come in knowing Jesus. It can only come in knowing we have a future that overcomes the pain of the past . . . because He has a past that overcomes the pain of the future!

Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew what it meant to suffer. As a pregnant, unmarried teenager, she could have been stoned to death. And even though Joseph took her as his wife, the townspeople still knew. They could count the months. And I'm sure they did. Whispered accusations. Judging eyes. How hard that must have been for this virgin woman-child who simply wanted to please God and submit to His plan for her life.

But that was only the beginning. On the day Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple, a man named Simeon blessed them and then told Mary that her Son would "cause the falling and rising of many in Israel . . . And a sword will pierce your own soul, too." Luke 2:34-35. He told Mary she was going to suffer.

And she did.

She knew how it felt to lose a twelve-year-old child for three days (Luke 2:41-50) and to be ignored by her Son (Mark 3:31-35). Her other children rejected Jesus (John 7:5) and she was apparently widowed at a young age.

But the worst anguish of all was watching Jesus suffer at the hands of those He came to save. Not only was her innocent Son being put to death, but a guilty murderer was going free in His place!

Oh, how Mary's heart must have broken when she saw Him hanging on that cross! At that moment–in the midst of His suffering–what did she see? Did her mind replay His childhood? Did she see the mischievous smile of her little boy? Did she hear His giggles and feel His hugs and smell His sweaty hair?

Or did she see the blood of the Sacrifice, willingly given for her own sin, and the sin of the world?

Regardless of what she saw at that moment, I can assure you of one thing–Mary was not happy.

But Mary had hope, because she could look back and remember the day He spoke to her. The day she answered with, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38. She could look back at the day her suffering was foretold, and know God had a plan.

There's comfort in knowing that regardless what happens, He has a plan. His plan includes me, and it includes you. He doesn't tell us life will be wonderful, but He does tell us life will be worthwhile, that He can use us in the midst of our suffering.

Yes, we may be hard pressed on every side with struggles and trials. We may beburningsky perplexed and asking, "Why is this happening to me?" We may be persecuted, or even struck down. But praise God, we are not crushed! We're not in despair! And we will never be abandoned or destroyed! (See 2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

His Word tells us that when we join His family through the gift of salvation, we can look forward to spending eternity with Him. Oh, what a joy that will be!

No more bloating! No more cramps! No more pinto beans five nights a week!

No more cancer. No more SIDS. No more adultery. No more anger or abuse or fear.

No more death. 

Oh, dear ones, we have a blessed home waiting for us. A home where our loving Daddy is in control, where sin has no power, and Satan has no presence.

Yes, the truth is, it will be a wonderful life.

But it won't be here, and it won't be now. Our wonderful life awaits us . . . on the other side of the struggles . . . on the other side of the pain. 

My sister, Gail Skinner Phillips, knew what it meant to suffer. She knew the struggles of this life. But now she's living on the other side of the pain. Last Thursday, February 26, 2009, Gail went home to her Savior, Jesus Christ. And regardless of her hardships on this earth, she now knows the truth…that God had a plan all along.

And that's the news we need to spread. The Good News of salvation. The Truth of Jesus. The promise of eternal life.

Thank you for your prayers, calls, and notes. We were both encouraged by your love.

I hope you'll join me as we look forward to eternity on the other side.

(Burning sky photo courtesy of )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
womenofbiblecover Congratulations to…
Cindy Rooy! Cindy is the winner of Dianne Neal Matthews' book, The One Year Women of the Bible. Cindy, be sure to contact me with your mailing address so Dianne can get this book right out to you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you been published or received a contract or signed with an agent?
Then I need to hear from you! Next Tuesday is our Kudos day and we want to celebrate with you! Please email me with your good news, including your name, the state you live in, your good news (including date or issue), and a link or jpg cover file, if applicable. Your success will be an encouragement to us all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I leave you with these words from the Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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

Read entire post »

 

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Dianne Neal Matthews

16
By Vonda Skelton | February 23, 2009

dianneheadshotWhat a joy to introduce my friend, Dianne Neal Matthews! Dianne has written numerous devotionals, magazine articles, and newspaper features and her work has appeared in Focus on the Family, The Quiet Hour, LIVE, The Christian Communicator, and websites, including CBN.com. She is the author of The One Year On This Day (which won her the 2006 Writer of the Year Award at the Write-to-Publish Conference–Way to go, Dianne!), and The One Year Women of the Bible, both published by Tyndale House. Dianne is a 2006 CLASS graduate and a member of Advanced Writers & Speakers, Christian Authors Network, and Toastmasters. She and her husband, Richard, have three grown children, a son-in-law currently serving in Afghanistan, and a gorgeous granddaughter. For more information, you can reach Dianne at her website.

Now listen, you don't want to miss an opportunity to win Dianne's book, The One Year Women of the Bible–and it's easy! Simply leave a comment for Dianne or me and you'll automatically be in the drawing for your own personalized copy!

Vonda: Okay, I'm excited to get started! Dianne, it seems to me that the Bible includes a lot more stories of men than women. How did you come up with enough topics about women for 365 devotionals?

Dianne: Well, at first there didn't seem to be enough women in the Bible for a one-year devotional, but some of the women gave me enough material for several days. I used groups of women, witnesses to significant events, women in parables, and "invisible" women, like the mother of the little boy who offered his lunch to Jesus.

Vonda: Hey, that was smart! But you also include contemporary stories. Where did you get the ideas for the opening stories about contemporary women?

Dianne: The contemporary stories are mostly based on real-life women that I've womenofbiblecover known, heard of, or read about, usually with the details changed to guard identity. I even got a couple of ideas from reading Dear Abby. I also include some stories that are from my imagination, but hopefully true to life.

Vonda: Yep, nobody's safe with us writers around, are they? Now let's change gears here. What was the most surprising thing you learned from researching and writing this book?

Dianne: I think it's the fact that these women lived so long ago, with lifestyles and circumstances vastly different from our own, and yet they had to deal with the same basic problems, temptations, needs, and struggles that we do today. Today's mothers worry about the safety of their children, especially when a school shooting is in the news. Moses' mother gave birth to him at a time when the Egyptian pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew newborn boys be drowned. Sometimes we suffer from doing something that is acceptable in society's eyes but not in line with God's will. Sarah's choice to give her maid to Abraham had consequences that affected not just her, but the history of two nations. Leah and Rachel demonstrated the ultimate sibling rivalry by competing to see who could give the most sons to their shared husband.

Women in the Bible endured mistreatment, prejudice, rape, and war. Some of them lied and manipulated others. Many of them struggled with dysfunctional relationships. Human nature hasn't changed since the Fall–and neither has the Answer to our problems.

Vonda: Isn't it wonderful that we can personally know the Answer? Now, as a writer, I'm interested in knowing if the experience of writing this book changed you in any way.

Dianne: Actually, I think the process changed how I relate to the people in the Bible. Once I looked at these women from the perspective of my own experiences and emotions, they became more real to me. Before, I found it easy to relate individual verses or passages to my life, but the people in the Bible seemed distant and sometimes unreal. Not anymore–now I see these women as flesh-and-blood people I'd like to meet and have a chat with over a bowl of figs and dates.

Vonda: Or maybe Starbucks? ;-) So, would you say the experience changed your perception of God?

Dianne: Yes, I would. It opened my eyes to the way God sees women. Before God formed Eve, He announced His intention to make a "helper" for Adam. That always sounded like a secondary role to me, until I discovered that the same term is used to refer to God in a number of verses, including Psalm 70:5.

biblewomenGod made woman as the final touch that completed His creation. In the Old Testament, God entrusted women with key roles to carry out His work. In the New Testament, Jesus elevated women in ways that shocked a culture where the men thanked God in prayer that they were not born as women.

Now I have a new appreciation for how highly God values women and how He shapes us in unique ways to carry out His purposes.

Vonda: I'm so glad to hear you say that! Ever since I studied the interactions between Jesus and women, I've felt Jesus had a special place in His heart for us women. He did go against culture and tradition by standing us for us, even against powerful men. What a precious Savior!

But with all the struggles we women deal with, is there one overall message that you hope women take away from this book?

Dianne: There sure is, and that message is found in the very last devotional of the book. I open with a story of an anxious bride starting down the aisle. When she looks at her groom, she sees a reflection of her beauty in his eyes and his intense longing to claim her as his own.

That scenario gives a taste of how God looks at us. He loves us just the way we are, even though we don't see ourselves as desirable, and even when our culture thinks we don't measure up. And He can't wait to claim us as His own for all eternity.

Vonda: What a beautiful thought! And one last question. What do you find most rewarding about  writing devotionals?

Dianne: Writing devotionals keeps me excited about how fresh and relevant God's Word is. I love finding ways to illustrate Scriptures and draw out practical applications. And feedback from readers motivates me to keep writing. It's such a blessing when someone tells me that a devotional has spoken to their specific situation, or says that one of my books is a part of their regular quiet time. Just last week a woman in Australia emailed to say how amazed she is that the pages of The One Year Women of the Bible often mirror what's going on in her own life. Comments like that remind me what a privilege this is.

Vonda: Yes, we must remember that–writing is such a privilege. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Now readers, I know you want a copy of this book, so just go ahead and write a quick comment. Someone
is going to win, and it might as well be you! To learn more about Dianne, her books, and her ministry, be sure to check out her website.

Don't forget to check back next week to see who the winner is!

(Photo of women courtesy of )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now, as we face a new week, let's be reminded that followers of Jesus were never promised an easy life:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

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

Read entire post »

 

Encouraging Words

1
By Vonda Skelton | February 3, 2009

I love to sing. I admit, I'm not all that good at it-certainly not recording artist material-but I love it. You should hear me in the car when I'm all alone and the music is turned up loud. I sing with abandon, and praise God with my whole heart. I know He thinks my voice is beautiful!

But it's a different story when I'm in front of the church. I want to sing with abandon, I want to praise God with my whole heart. But instead, my throat tightens, my voice trembles. And even though I know I shouldn't, I remember the day they laughed.

grabbinghandsIt was years ago, my first attempt at singing a solo in a previous church. The older couple sat on the front row, arms crossed and brows furrowed. Why did I continue to look at them? Why didn't I zoom in on the faces of my precious family, smiling at me from the third row?

My heart pounded as the song began. My voice-clear and strong in the car-came out weak and unsure onstage. And then the moment came. The one I had dreaded since I stepped up to the podium. The high note squeaked out . . . off-key.

My eyes went straight to the couple, hoping for grace and acceptance. The husband elbowed his wife. She rolled her eyes, crinkled her mouth into a smirk, and shook her head.

I had specifically chosen that song to minister to our body. Our church was at a crossroad, and the words were just what we needed to hear-a message of hope and confidence in the power of God. But instead of encouraging the people, I had caused them to laugh.

Yes, it was only one couple. But they are the ones I remember. Their response is the one that's indelibly printed on my mind.

I still sing, and I love it, but oh, how I want to be able to sing onstage with abandon, like I do when it's just God and me in the car with the music turned up loud.

That experience reminds me to support and lift others up, even though they may not be the best soloist or the best Sunday School teacher or the best preacher I've ever heard. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to build up others, according to their needs.

Satan is the author of destructive criticism. Let's look for opportunities to minister to each other through the gift of encouragement.

For writers, our opportunity to encourage is in the critique process. New writers are often sensitive to negative feedback. And although they must hear the negative in order to learn the process of writing well, we can make it more palatable by sandwiching suggestions between compliments. Even if the manuscript is rough and needs lots of work, we can take the extra time to find something good. If we look for it, there will be something positive we can say. 

Writers, let's commit to being wise stewards of our words. Let's ask God to guard our mouths and give us discernment as we help each other through the process. Yes, there will be negative comments that must be said. Yes, there will be changes that must be made. But let's not be like the couple on the front row, crossing our arms and laughing.

We can be the difference between helping someone sing on the page with abandon or causing them to tremble at their computer with fear. It's all in the delivery and the heart. 

(Photo compliments of )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We Need Kudos!

Speaking of encouraging words, your successes can be encouragement to other writers. If you've received a contract, had a book, article, devotional, or any other publishing credit, or any other writing/speaking news to share, please email me this week with the details (your name, your state, and your news). We'd love to celebrate with you next week!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And the winner is…

Abi! Abi, be sure to email me with your mailing address and Linda Rooks will send you an autographed copy of her new book, Broken Heart on Hold, Surviving Separation. 

And readers, I know from your emails that you'll want a copy of this book, either for yourselves or for others. I wish we had one for everybody. But since we don't, please take the time to order your copy here. This is a book that could change your life, your marriage, or the marriage of someone else. This book is too important to pass up. Thank you, Linda, for writing it and for sharing it with us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now, I leave you with these encouraging words from Paul:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

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

Vonda

Read entire post »

 

The Best Laid Plans

16
By Vonda Skelton | January 21, 2009

Okay, here's the scoop. My life of caring for my sister has taken over. I praise God for the opportunity to show her my love and the love of her Savior during this time.motherlauraandgaillarge But I'm also realizing I can't keep up with everything I need to do. Most things related to my writing and speaking ministry are currently delayed. Some things are even falling through the cracks. But I'm learning–yet again–that God is in control and I'm praying that He will protect what He truly has for me to do. (Photo taken at my mother's 75th birthday party, 8-9-08. Mother, sister Laura, and sister Gail.)

Please forgive me if I've let you down. That is never my intent! If you've emailed or called with a request, please resend it. I promise to get to everything as soon as I can. And if it's truly urgent, please write "Urgent" in the subject line and I'll try to get right on it. (I'm serious about that!)

I love each of you and count it pure joy to walk this writer's journey with you. It's just that right now I have another journey to complete. Praise God His timing is perfect and Gail's destination is secure. 

 Many are the plans in a man's heart,
       but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

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

Vonda

Read entire post »