(Vonda here: I’m currently in Michigan caring for my dear cousin who needs a miracle. Please join me in praying for his healing. Thank you, dear friends.)
Lori Roeleveld is my special guest today!
Friends, I’m excited to introduce my friend author Lori Roeleveld today. Lori and I met at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference several years ago and it has been a joy to watch her career skyrocket. She was the recipient of the 2015 Blue Ridge Director’s Choice Award for her new book, Running from a Crazy Man (and Other Adventures Traveling with Jesus).
Be sure to leave a comment for Lori and you’ll be in the running for a free book!
Welcome to the Christian Writer’s Den, Lori. Let’s begin with the question everyone asks about your book, who IS the crazy man?
My title, Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus), comes from the story of King David. David knew God had anointed him king and had every reason to believe his path would lead straight to the throne. It must have created incredible confusion for David to find himself spending part of his life running from King Saul but we know God was present and active in David’s life even then.
What is the message for modern believers that you explore in the book?
In the seventies, the message communicated about Jesus was that He would make our lives better. That’s true but it doesn’t always look or feel the way we expect. Many of us begin our life with Christ with expectant hope, but not all of those hopes are realistic. When our lives detour down roads called disaster, disease, depression, or personal devastation, we’re tempted to pull off to the side of the narrow road and wonder what happened. I wrote Running from a Crazy Man for those moments in every believer’s life when following Jesus doesn’t make sense, to encourage us all to remain in the adventure.
Alton Gansky, Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, called your book an “unconventional devotional.” Tell us how you’ve designed each chapter.
Each chapter is adapted from a popular post on my blog so they’re short – usually under 1000 words. The titles are quirky such as Elephant Repellent, Church Bullies, and I Hope that You’re Perturbed but I include headings to help you know what each is about such as Following Jesus when You’re Feeling Useless, or Following Jesus when Other People are Mean. I’ve concluded each chapter with scripture references, thought questions, and words to remember so readers can use this book as a daily devotional or with a Bible Study/small group.
One thing I love about both your blog and your book is the ability to pull me in through those quirky titles. I even noticed that rather than the usual Foreword, your book has a Forewarned written by bestselling author, James L. Rubart. What led you to create such a unique voice for your projects?
Readers tell me they enjoy the humor of my posts but always know that something in the post will unsettle or challenge them in their faith. When they forward my posts to others, I’ve noticed they often warn that the post may create discomfort that may lead to action. I decided to embrace reader reaction to my voice. Challenge is what I seek in my spiritual life. I’ve loved Jesus for over fifty years and I know the temptation of settling in, getting too comfortable, or expecting to drift through my later years on cruise control. I always want Jesus to spur me on to a deeper relationship with Him. God uses hard times in my life to unsettle me and like Frodo (from Lord of the Rings), I’ve learned that even though I resist it, I do like adventure with Jesus. I hope to invite and incite others to continue in the Jesus adventure.
“Invite and incite,” I must admit that doesn’t sound like the usual call to salvation. Is that where you came about with the tagline, Disturber of Hobbits?
Yes, exactly. I love the Lord and I love the church. As much as I’m aware of the shortcomings of the church of Jesus, I just love the family of God. I equate believers with hobbits because hobbits like comfy settings, we like our meals on time, and we resist adventures because they make us late for dinner. When I write, I use humor but also gentle exhortation to remind us all of the goals set forth in scripture. I’ve been making comfortable Christians “late for dinner” for many years now – I included.
As we close, what advice do you have for other bloggers?
Partner with God in your work and don’t underestimate the power of “small.” I hear bloggers complain, “Only 30 people read by last post.” If 30 people showed up on your doorstep asking your thoughts on God, you’d consider that a ministry. Respect the value of a small but faithful readership. Pray for them and give them your best work. We don’t write for numbers, we write for readers. Each one has value in God’s eyes. My blog is small but God uses it in big ways for His glory.
Photo courtesy of Mary Denman
And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment for Lori and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book. Be sure to return next week to see if you’re the winner!
Bio: Lori Stanley Roeleveld is a disturber of hobbits who enjoys making comfortable Christians late for dinner. She’s authored an unsettling blog since 2009; a pursuit that eventually resulted in her first book, Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus). Though she has degrees in Psychology and Biblical Studies, Lori learned the most important things from studying her Bible in life’s trenches. You’ll find her at her website If not, know she’s off somewhere slaying dragons. Not available for children’s parties.
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Running From a Crazy Man-Be forewarned-this book will unsettle you, not make you comfortable! @LoriSRoeleveld @VondaSkelton #Christian (Click to Tweet)
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Free photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
And now let’s celebrate with these Christian Writer’s Den friends!
Congratulations are in order for some of our writers and speakers.
1. Nan Jones (NC): My first book, The Perils of a Pastor’s Wife, is releasing on June 30th. I’ll be having a Facebook launch party on July 2nd from 7-9pm with special giveaways (the big one is a prayer shawl crocheted by me at a value of $85) and girl chats and encouragement and fellowship and… and… Hope you’ll join me. It will be fun. Click here for the Amazon link to my author page and The Perils of a Pastor’s Wife.
2. Tracy Crump (MS): My story, “The Circle of Volunteerism” will appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Volunteering and Giving Back. My story “Fishes and Loaves” has been accepted for CrossRiver Media’s anthology, God’s Promises. My article “Chicken Soup with a Dash of Faith” appeared in the Christian
Communicator. And my devotion “Two Little Lights” appeared on ChristianDevotions.us
Congratulations, Nan and Tracy! So proud of you and all you continue to accomplish!
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Well, that does it for another second Tuesday. Be sure to return next week for a new list of writing opportunities, conferences, and contests. Oh, and don’t forget to check to see if you’re the winner of Lori’s book!
Blessings,
Vonda
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