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Archive for the ‘God’s promises’ Category

My Words for 2015

Posted in Goal-setting, God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on January 1, 2015| 7 Comments »

2015 words

 

Yesterday, with permission from AssistNews.net, I posted a thought-provoking article by Carol Round, “How One Word Can Change Your Life.” In the midst of a long end-of-year to-do list, I made time to do what she suggested. I tried to pick just one word, but two words kept coming to mind: trust and obey.

 

Blessings on all who reverence and trust the Lord—
on all who obey him!
Psalm 128:1 TLB

I long to be blessed to be a blessing. As Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries says, “God’s blessings to us are not meant to end with us. His desire is that they filter down to others.”

But that can only happen as I choose to trust and obey.

I’m reminded of the hymn, “Trust and Obey,” written more than a century ago by John Sammis.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

I love the story behind this hymn. Share Faith says, “In 1887, just following an evangelistic meeting held by Dwight L. Moody, a young man stood to share his story in an after-service testimony meeting. As he was speaking, it became clear to many that he knew little about the Bible or acceptable Christian doctrine. His closing lines, however, spoke volumes to seasoned and new believers alike: I’m not quite sure. But I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.”

I’m often “not quite sure” how to manage the workload of directing the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference as well as my writing and speaking ministry and ministry to other writers as a publisher, editor, and mentor. And I must not overlook the most important roles God has given me as a wife, mom, grammy, and friend.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even fearful. I’ll be seventy years old January 10. Yikes, how have that many years flown by so quickly? I need to trust the Lord for physical strength and mental clarity to obediently do what He calls me to do.

Father, please help me choose to
trust and obey.
Day by day,
“May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly.”*

What word (or words) have you chosen to focus on in 2015?

*A prayer ascribed to the 13th-century English bishop Saint Richard of Chichester.

 

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How Long?

Posted in God's promises, Our Christian witness, Pondering Biblical Truth on December 16, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Wise men

How Long?

Along with many other schools near me,
the school my grandkids attend
was on lockdown today
as police searched for a killer.
We locked our doors
and prayed he would be found
before more lives were lost.
Far away in a school in Pakistan
terrorists killed 135 children.
In Yemen a car bomb
killed 20 children on a school bus.

Oh Father, how long
before there is an end
to this madness?
How long before
the Prince of Peace comes to reign?

Thank You for the star
that lit the way to the cold, damp cave
where Your Son entered our world
two thousand years ago.
Thank You for Your promise
that “His life is the light that shines
through the darkness—
and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Help me to be Your lightbearer—
to write and to live
Your answer.

John 1:5; Philippians 2:15-16; Habakkuk 2:2
Marlene Bagnull – Christmas 2014

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Encouraging Writers and Conference Updates

Posted in Called to write, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life, Writing Fiction on July 9, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Faith rocks2“Faith is the confidence
that what we hope for will actually happen;
it gives us assurance
about things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NLT

Rejection: A Fact of the Writing Life – Yes, this really is an encouraging blog from literary agent, Steve Laube, who published my book Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. To add to what Steve shared, 31 years of ministry through the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and 18 years through the Colorado Christian Writers Conference would not have happened if I had allowed the deadly Ds (disappointment, doubt, discouragement) that often accompanied 42 rejections of my first book cause me to give up. To tie into the next item, I was ahead of the market.

Studying the Markets – Great advice from Cec Murphey, GPCWC 2014 faculty member who will keynote on “Write His Answer – Authentically” and teach the continuing session “The Power of Story.” I highly recommend Cec’s “Writer to Writer” blog.

Need more encouragement? – Best-selling author, Joel Rosenberg, says of where he was at in 2001, “Failure has a way of focusing the mind and I’d come off of ten years of political failure in Washington DC and I thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m a Rosenberg, yet I am not a lawyer, a dentist, a doctor, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, an accountant or even a stockbroker.

“I’ve got no financial genes and I can’t do anything practical. I write ‘Op-Eds’ that people don’t read. I    write speeches people don’t listen to; the only thing I know how to do is write and clearly badly. But these are my loaves and fishes and I don’t want to be a failure; I want to be a blessing.

“So, I told the Lord, ‘I want to be a servant of yours, Lord Jesus, so could you take these loaves and fishes, limited though they be, and would you break them, and bless them, and somehow feed people with them.’”

Click here to read the rest of this powerful and encouraging interview. I highly recommend Joel’s books and his blog, http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/ that tracks the latest happenings in the explosive Middle East.

How to Respond to Alarming Changes – Another helpful and encouraging post from literary agent, Rachelle Gardner. Click here.

A Word Fitly Spoken or Written – Good counsel from literary agent and GPCWC 2014 faculty member, Diana Flegal. Click here.

For fiction writers – K.M. Weiland, author of historical and speculative fiction and writing mentor has a helpful blog. Click here for “Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 31: One-Dimensional Conflict.”

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, July 30 – August 2

Deadline extended for paid critiques – Since manuscripts for paid critiques are now sent via email, I’ve extended the due date to July 16. Paid critiques are a great investment in your writing ministry. Your critiquer will read your manuscript before the conference (please note length parameters at http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/paidcritiques) and spend 30 minutes with you at the conference pointing out things you need to strengthen and answering your questions. The cost is only $30.

Book signing Thursday & Friday night – Conferees as well as faculty are welcome to participate in a book signing following the Thursday and Friday night keynote. On Thursday night Cec Murphey will  keynote and authors whose last name begins with M – Z will have 1-2 minutes to talk about their latest book followed by a book signing. On Friday night Rob Cook will keynote and authors whose last names begins with A – L will share and sign their books.

Appointments – For those already registered, you have until tomorrow, July 10, to submit your appointment request form online for your appointments to be booked in the order your registered for the conference. That gives early birds a real advantage. All appointment requests need to be received by July 24. After that you can sign up for appointments when you arrive at the conference.

Bonus appointment with Rick Marschall – Because Rick is a last minute addition, we’re offering an bonus appointment with him in addition to the number of appointments you’re already entitled to receive (4 appointments for those coming all 3 days with the first 100 conferees receiving a 5th appointment, 3 appointments for those coming 2 days, and 2 appointments for those coming one day). If you’ve already submitted your appointment requests, you can add Rick by simply sending an email to mvawter@writehisanswer.com. Rick is also available for paid critiques of devotionals, picture books, nonfiction books and book proposals, historical novels, and humor. Rick has 74 books and hundreds of magazine articles to his credit. A former political cartoonist, editor of Marvel Comics, and writer for Disney, his fields as an author are as eclectic: popular culture; classical music; country music; biographies; television history; children’s books; cartoons and comics; and Christian books, where his publishers have included Thomas Nelson, Faithwords, and Tyndale House. For four years he has produced the weekly blog www.MondayMinistry.com,  devotionals that feature music videos and address culture, worldview, church history, and matters of faith.

Roommate matching – You can make a new friend and lower your conference cost by requesting a roommate but please do so as soon as possible.  A double room on campus is only $39 a night or $59 a night for a single. We need to let Cairn University know by July 23 how many are staying on campus.

Scholarship help and time payments – Complete the application at http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/scholarships and know I’ll do everything possible to help you be able to come.

Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 13-16, 2015

Be sure to put next year’s date on your calendar. And remember, CDs of this year’s conference are available. You’ll find an order form at http://colorado.writehisanswer.com.

Keep writing His answer!

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You can conquer the “deadly Ds”

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life on May 4, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Faith rocks2“Early in the morning
before the sun is up,
I am praying
and pointing out
how much I trust in you.”

Psalm 119:47 TLB

 

Some of you know that it took five years and rejection slips from 42 editors before the first book I wrote was accepted for publication. Before that I struggled for several years to finish the manuscript. Self-doubts, and to be honest, God-doubts had me close to giving up many, many times.

The “deadly Ds” – disappointment, doubt, discouragement, even despair – were my frequent companions. What kept me keeping on?

  • Promises such as Galatians 6:9: “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up” (TLB).
  • The very first words I ever felt the Lord speak to my heart: “Child, I never said it would be easy to follow Me, but I have promised always to be with you.”
  • My husband who has never told me to go get a “real” job even during times when things were really rough financially.
  • My pastor who paid my way to my first writers’ conference and held me accountable afterwards to use what I learned.
  • Friends who year after year babysat my three children so I could go to the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference.
  • The network of writing friends who encouraged me, and Gayle Roper and Anne Sirna who mentored me.

Yes, it took many long, discouraging years but that first book did get in print. The rest – seven other books, the Greater Philly and Colorado Christian Writers Conferences that I direct, the 70 conference faculties I’ve been honored to serve on, and my day-long writing seminars that I’ve given around the country over 50 times – are the fruit of abiding in Him and trusting Him to do what I could never do in my own strength.

The key really is trust, especially when the deadly Ds threaten to derail me. I’m learning that I am free to trust or to doubt, but when I do not trust, I grieve the Lord.

I want to encourage you not to give up and to make registering for the May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference a priority.

  • If the evil one is bombarding you with the deadly Ds, trust the Lord.
  • If the logistics of childcare for your kids seem impossible, trust Him.
  • If you can’t see how to fit the conference in during a spring packed with activity and demands on your time, trust Him.
  • If you need more encouragement to overcome your self- doubts, trust Him and click here.
  • If financially it seems impossible, trust Him. Be bold. Ask family, friends, or your church to help. Apply for a scholarship. Even though it’s past the deadline, I will still consider requests for partial scholarships as well as requests for time payments.

Father God, thank You that You know the plans You have for us and our writing – and that they are good plans. Help us to trust You when we face the deadly Ds. Thank You for all the incredible people You have brought into my life these past 18 years of directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and 30 years directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Thank You for all You have done and all You will do as I trust You.

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It comes down to faith

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life on May 4, 2014| 1 Comment »

10-1113tm-vector2-3103Do you put off doing things because you don’t believe you can do them? Do you have half-written manuscripts waiting to be finished? What about ideas that you’ve tucked away – somewhere? Are you putting off registering for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference or the  Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference because you’re uncertain that you have what it takes to get in print?

Yes, procrastination is a very real foe, but I am convinced the real reason we procrastinate is because we don’t believe we can do something. And actually, that’s true! We need God’s enabling to do the work He calls us to do. The key is knowing what He is calling us to do. The Living Bible paraphrase of Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”

It comes down to faith – to believing in the One who calls us and choosing to say “yes, Lord, here am I.”Dream%20With%20Me_album%20cover

I want to encourage you to read aloud the “Writer’s Statement of Faith” below. You may need to read it aloud several times a day. I know I do! I also want to encourage you to watch this video of pre-teen Jackie Evancho singing “To Believe.” Yes, Father, help us to believe that we really can make a difference and bring peace – Your peace – to our troubled world.

A Writer’s Statement of Faith

I have strength for all things in Christ Who Empowers me-I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength in me, [that is, I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. Phil. 4:13 AMP

Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies, so that God will be glorified. 1 Pet. 4:11 TLB

[Not in my own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in me – energizing and creating in me the power and desire – both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Phil. 2:13 AMP

My strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power at work within me. Eph. 6:10 TLB

In Him in every respect I am enriched, in full power and readiness of speech (to speak of my faith), and complete knowledge and illumination (to give me full insight into its meaning). 1 Cor. 1:5 AMP

Now I have every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing His will are mine during this time of waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:7 TLB

I actually do have within me a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16 TLB

I can be a mirror that brightly reflects the glory of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3:18 TLB

I will commit everything I do to the Lord. I will trust Him to help me do it and He will. Ps. 37:5 TLB

I will lean on, trust and be confident in the Lord with all my heart and mind, and choose not to rely on my own insight or understanding. Prov. 3:5 AMP

I will commit my work to the Lord, then it will succeed. Prov. 16:3 TLB

Sharing Christ is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me. Col. 1:29 TLB

I will be strong and courageous and get to work. I will not be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with me; He will not forsake me. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly. 1 Chron. 28:20 TLB

I need to keep on patiently doing God’s will if I want Him to do for me all He promised. Heb. 10:36 TLB

I m convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in me will continue until the day of Jesus Christ – right up to the time of His return – developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in me. Phil. 1:6 AMP

His mighty power at work within me is able to do far more than I would every dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond my highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes. Eph. 3:20 TLB

From Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. For more excerpts, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

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Impossibles, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life on March 29, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Are you facing what seems to be an impossible situation?

A friend emailed me this morning asking for prayer. She is facing “financial ruin” if her two apartments and former home are not rented quickly.

Another friend is asking for prayer for a Godmom who is fighting to hang on until she has serious heart surgery scheduled for April 3. She is having difficulty breathing. She caught a cold that delayed surgery.

And there are so many others I know, and that I’m sure you know, too, who need prayer for desperate situations. Perhaps you also need prayer for an impossible in your life. It might be a health problem, a financial crisis, a fractured relationship … Or perhaps, like me this past week, it’s a workload that feels impossible, a computer with “issues,” or words that aren’t coming despite an approaching deadline.

   “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God,” [Jesus told His disciples].
    The disciples were incredulous! “Then who in the world can be saved, if not a rich man?” they asked.
    Jesus looked at them intently, then said, “Without God, it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Mark 10:24-27 TLB)

Father, help us to give You the impossibles in our lives that are weighing us down and robbing us of the peace and joy that are Your gifts to us. Thank You for Your promise that “I can do everything [You] ask me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (Phil. 4:13 TLB).

Update – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Fiction Intensive – The deadline to apply for the Fiction Intensive with Jim and Tracie Peterson is April 1. Tracie just recently had her 100th book published. If you’ve been on the conference Facebook page, you saw her September 2013 release, A Home for My Heart, was free on Kindle. It’s now $9.99. Good reason to follow the conference Facebook page!

And your reason is? – See faculty member, Marti Pieper’s, “Top Ten Reasons Not to Attend.” http://martipieper.com/write-top-ten-reasons-not-to-attend-the-colorado-christian-writers-conference/

Update – July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Workshops Scheduled – Even though this is my 31st year directing, I confess I felt overwhelmed as I finally began the process of choosing 60 workshops from the couple hundred available from our faculty of 55 authors, editors, and agents. It really did feel like an impossible task, but that’s a good thing for it meant I needed to rely on the Lord. The 18 early bird workshops are now posted on the website – minus the descriptions that I’ll add next week. You’ll find the schedule posted, too. I hope to have the grid of the 42 Thursday through Saturday workshops posted tonight. I’ll put an announcement on the conference Facebook page when they’re uploaded.

“No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself.
Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”
Mark 10:27 MSG

Registration Opens April 1 – No fooling! Thank You, Father. This, too, looked impossible. Thank You for enabling me to do what I could have never done in my own strength.

News You Can Use

How Many Words? – See Books and Such Literary agent Mary Keeley’s helpful info on “Word Count Confusion.” http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/word-count-confusion/

Looking Professional Online – Another helpful blog from a Books and Such Literary agent. I so agree with Rachael Kent’s advice, “Don’t try to get cute with your email address.” And I’d add, don’t assume I’ll know who you are from your email address. It’s very helpful (and professional!) to include an address block at the bottom of your email with your name and contact info. http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/looking-professional-online/

Encouraging Blog – Thanks, Marji Stevens, for your blogs that always encourage me. This post that I just rediscovered speaks to the impossibles. Marji writes, “Sometimes I spend the entire day frustrated and annoyed running in mad circles. Generally, it all stems from failing to start my day, or project, acknowledging the One who waits for me to figure out how much I need Him.” http://www.marjistevens.com/2014/03/17/figuring-out-how-much-i-need-him/

Keep writing His answer and trusting Him for the impossibles – Marlene

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To Believe, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth on March 21, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Compassion rocks fixed

Are you concerned
about human trafficking,
orphans, abortion, the poor,
racism, the handicapped,
the hungry, the oppressed,
and so much more that is close to
the heart and call of Jesus?

Maybe your concerns are closer to home –
a family member who doesn’t know the Lord,
relationships that are strained,
even estranged,
not enough money to meet urgent needs,
and not enough faith to tackle issues
that seem beyond us to resolve.

Today I want to challenge you, and to challenge myself
to believe that we can make a difference.

Dream%20With%20Me_album%20cover

I’ve just watched – again – the video of pre-teen Jackie Evancho singing “I Believe” that now has 4,628,546 hits on youtube. Amazing voice – powerful message. I encourage you to watch it and to believe. God has a plan for you and for your writing. He can use you and use me to make a difference in our hurting world. And grab hold of His promises in “A Writer’s Statement of Faith.” Read them aloud. Choose to believe He means what He says. He who calls you will equip you to do “far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Eph. 3:20 MSG).

Updates – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Steve Lawson2 Jan 2014Compassion, Justice, and Advocacy Seminar If God has given you a burden to be an advocate, to tell a story, or to make a cause or issue known,  this seminar will help you learn how to be more effective. If you’re coming to the conference, I encourage you to “tithe” your conference time by choosing this seminar in the place of the Friday 1:15 panel and 2:15 workshop. Pastors and concerned Christians from the community may register just for this seminar by  clicking here. The $35 seminar registration fee  will be split between the organizations making presentations in our Missions Moments throughout the conference.     Steven Lawson, a freelance writer, editor, writing coach, and publishing consultant with more than 30 years of experience will lead this critically important seminar.  For 11 years he was senior editor at Regal Books. At Regal, he acquired, developed, and edited major titles by a wide array of authors, including A. W. Tozer, Shane Claiborne, Don Richardson, Eric Metaxas, Joni Eareckson-Tada, BarlowGirl, Jack Hayford, Cecil Murphey, and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. He previously served as an editor at Charisma Magazine, publications director at Jews for Jesus, and a reporter for a major newspaper. As a freelancer he has teamed up with World Vision, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and others. He helps first-time authors, pastors, athletes, worship leaders, devotional writers, and missions-minded authors shape their vision and navigate the ever-changing world of publishing. Currently he is ghostwriting the memoirs of John M. Perkins.

Additional free appointment – Although I can’t extend the early price, I can offer everyone who registers this weekend (March 22-23), an additional free one-one-one appointment with a faculty member.

Updates – July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Have you seen who is on faculty? – Click here and rejoice with me in the outstanding faculty God has provided.

News You Can Use

Lancaster (PA) Christian Writers’ Super Saturday 2014 – I hope to see you April 10. I’ll be keynoting and bringing the Write His Answer bookstore. A faculty of 7 will offer workshops you won’t want to miss. To learn more, click here.

Write His Answer Seminar – June 6-7 I will be in Washington, NJ  teaching five workshops and leading a critique session. For more info click here. CDs of this seminar that I taught in CT last fall can be purchased securely online by clicking here. Interested in a seminar in your area, click here.

Until next week, keep believing and writing His answer!

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Faith Is . . . Conference Updates and News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Goal-setting, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion, Writer's Life on March 13, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Crocus in the snowFaith Is . . .

I knew my snowdrops (flowers not flakes) were there, somewhere, buried under the blanket of snow that had covered the ground for months. After the thirteen snowstorms we’ve had this winter (I think there were thirteen – I lost count!), I am so ready for spring.

Yesterday I took advantage of the almost 60 degree weather to work in my garden. Sure enough, poking through the snow were my snowdrops and, amazingly, they were already in bloom.

Today, the temperature is again below freezing. A bitter cold wind is gusting to 30 MPH. It’s a day to curl up in my recliner and dream about springtime as I leaf through catalogs that have been arriving almost daily. It is definitely not a day to be outside gardening.

I’m reminded of a familiar Scripture. “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead” (Heb. 11:1 TLB).

Years ago I paraphrased this verse for writers:

Now faith is the assurance
of the acceptances we hope for,
the proof of acceptances
we do not yet see,
And the conviction of their coming reality—
faith perceiving as
future fact that which is
not yet revealed when we go to the mailbox.

Does that mean everything we write will be published? Of course not. Hebrews 11:1 is not a blank check we simply sign for anything we want. And “dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words” (Eccl. 5:7 TLB). But if we seek first His Kingdom, if we match our faith with hard work, and if we “don’t get discouraged and give up,” Galatians 6:9 says “we will reap a harvest of blessing” (TLB).

We can’t rush the process any more than we can rush the coming of spring. But we can choose to keep our priorities in order and to rely on His promises. “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him, and he will respond to us as surely as the coming of dawn or the rain of early spring” (Hosea 6:3 TLB).

Updates – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Early registration deadline – At 12:01 am EST, March 16, the price for those registering online will automatically increase. I do not create the registration form and, therefore, cannot extend the date as I’ve been known to do in the past.  But since we’re only three registrations away from the first 75 who will receive an additional free appointment, I can extend an additional free appointment to everyone who registers before March 16.

Roy Hanschke use this oneSpeaker’s Clinic with Roy Hanschke –Every writer needs to be a speaker, too. If you’ve been avoiding the challenge to begin the speaking part of your ministry or need to improve what you’re already doing, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Roy has trained and coached beginning and seasoned speakers for over 15 years. He is also a 20-year (plus) veteran in Christian radio in Denver, Colorado. His morning show is heard at 910AM and worldwide on streaming audio at www.AM91.org. Roy  will help you 1) discover your ministry focus and how to talk about it (power statements), 2) organize one of your talks to maximize time and effectiveness (message development), 3) present your talk with power and pizzazz (voice personality), and 4) market your message through radio (media mania). In this clinic you’ll have an opportunity to test what you learn and receive helpful evaluation from Roy and seven of your peers. For more information and the application that needs to be submitted by April 1 go to http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/clinics.    

Updates – July 30–August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

DickBrusoPhoto_014ret-2Focus on faculty member Dick Bruso – An international speaker, author, and founder of Heard Above The Noise®, Dick is a highly regarded branding and marketing expert. His clients include best-selling authors and in-demand speakers. He is an active member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and served as the Chair of the NSA Writers & Publishers Professional Experts Group for 2009-2010 and as the Chair of the NSA National Academy for Professional Speaking for 2011-2012. Dick will teach a special two-hour workshop on “Creating a Best-Seller Brand: The Inside Secrets Every Author Needs to Know!”

More information on GPCWC’s 60 workshops and 3 clinics coming soon. Visit the website for descriptions of our 8 continuing sessions. Online registration opens April 1.

News You Can Use

Writing opportunity – Because 2013 GPCWC faculty member Ann Knowles believes that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, she is currently accepting submissions for a book about miracles. The book will contain commentary about miracles from the Old Testament, the New Testament and miracles of today. If you have a miracle story, contact Ann for more information. annknowles03@aol.com.

Two Ingredients for Success –  Impatient not just for spring but for a publishing breakthrough? Check out what Literary agent, Karen Ball, has to say in a recent blog.

Keep writing His answer and trusting His timing!

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Perseverance, Conference Updates, & News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, Writer's Life on February 22, 2014| Leave a Comment »

It’s been a challenging week! In addition to directing the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writer Conference, I’m also an author, editor, and publisher. That’s lot of hats, especially when I add the most important ones of wife, mother, and grammy – all, of course, under the umbrella of follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve been reminded – again – that He never promised it would be easy to follow Him. Nor does He promise to remove obstacles from our paths. Instead, the Bible says “problems and trials are good for us—they help us learn to be patient” (Rom. 5:3 TLB).

Yes, this is the same passage I quoted several weeks ago from The Message. Obviously, I still have much to learn when it comes to patience.

Yesterday and into the wee hours of this morning I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall (or my computer!) as I tried to figure out how to remove the white background in the logo for my small publishing house, Ampelos Press.

2 AMPELOS LOGO trans

Ampelos is the Greek word for vine in John 15:4-5: “Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.  Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing.”

I’ve got Jasc Paint Shop Pro, a powerful software program if I just knew how to do everything I know it can do! I did online searches, followed the “easy” instructions I found, even downloaded a free graphic design program. Nothing worked.

My patience was growing – thin that is! Then suddenly the unwanted white background disappeared. I don’t know what I did, but it worked! Thank You, Father.

What if I hadn’t persevered? Yes, my dear friend Jo Hardesty Lauter, a gifted graphic artist and author, offered to remove the background for me. But I felt compelled (okay stubbornly driven) to learn how to do this.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you follow my example. Father calls us not just to give but to receive help. But I do know that it is far too easy for gifted writers to give up. Too many manuscripts are never finished, and too many finished manuscripts are never published because we give up.

Friends, let’s determine to “Keep [our] eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Heb. 12:2-3 MSG)

Colorado Christian Writers Conference Updates

Take a look at the new Breaking News page. You’ll be encouraged by the testimony of three conferees whose books are now published because they persevered. Marilyn Wentz says, “I’m 53 and I am now publishing something I started at 12.”

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference Updates

Push cropped

Speaking of persevering . . . Mark Ammerman, a pastor from Lancaster, PA, is one the keynoters at this year’s Philly conference. I had the privilege of working with him to get his End Times novel, PUSH, into print. It’s a gripping page-turner that I believe the Lord is going to use in Ephesians 3:20 ways. I can’t urge you strongly enough to purchase a copy (it’s available on Amazon), read it, and pass it on. His keynote in Philly is “Write His Answer . . . Now!” I am convinced there is no time to waste.

Because the time is short, more than at any time in history Father is giving us the opportunity to not just write but to publish His answer. I’m very excited about the continuing session we’re offering this year, Indie publishing: A Walk through CreateSpace. In these interactive workshops led by Bart Palamaro from Indie Author Support, you’ll learn:  Critical Word page setup requirements. Using Styles and Sections to simplify your work and create a consistent appearance. How to open a free CreateSpace account with proper royalty and tax setup. When and how to get an ISBN.  Front and back cover size and resolution requirements. Choosing a cover style. Proof a book using Softproof and print copies, troubleshoot problems. Pick sales channel. Price your book. Order books, costs, and drop shipping to a third party. Convert your book to KDP (Kindle format). Much more.

Keynotes, continuing sessions, and clinics are now in place along with 48 faculty members. Now the work of updating the website begins.

News You Can Use

Dianne E Butts ebook cropped

Dianne E. Butts writes a blog I highly recommend, Dianne E. Butts About Writing. Her latest post has a wealth of info on How to Write and Get Published by Magazines and Book Publishers, also the title of her new ebook. Dianne will be serving on the faculty of both the Colorado and Greater Philly conference.

That’s all this week. Check the Colorado and the Greater Philly conference Facebook pages for updates between now and next weekend when I trust I’ll have loads more to share with you.

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Passionate Patience

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on February 8, 2014| 4 Comments »

Marlene Bagnull

Yesterday we picked up 7,000 brochures for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference from the printer. About 30 miles from home our 2002 van started bucking and losing power. We were near an exit and managed to pull into a gas station – a gas station with no mechanic! A clerk told Paul where to find gas stations with garages, but they were the opposite direction from home.

Amazingly, as we waited for a break in traffic, our van seemed to revive. (Yes, I was praying!) We decided to try to make it home. The speedometer bounced back and forth like a deranged gauge, but the van moved forward without a lurch and kept moving until we pulled into our driveway.

This morning our mechanic is trying to find the problem that appears to have disappeared. Father, please show him what’s wrong and how to fit it – reasonably.

It’s been a ridiculously expensive year so far. We needed a new heater/AC/heat pump. That cost $12,000. Then a pipe froze. It cost $550 to repair. And the ice storm earlier this week damaged four of our huge oak trees. It will cost $1,660 to remove the broken limbs.

Problems – expensive problems – are groupies! Seriously, when was the last time you were confronted with only one problem?  And how did you respond? Did you follow the Apostle Paul’s example and praise God or did you grumble?

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! — Romans 5:3-5 MSG

I admit more often than not I grumble. I prefer to avoid those things that test my patience even though I know God is able to use them to grow me spiritually. I just wish the process was easier and quicker.

But I’m choosing to trust Him – to “let him have all [my] worries and cares, for he is always thinking about [me] and watching everything that concerns [me]” (1 Peter 5:7 TLB).

What about you?

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