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Archive for the ‘Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference’ Category

Publishing Expert Joins GPCWC Faculty

Posted in Get your book in print, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on July 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Larry Carpenter

New Faculty Member
Larry Carpenter

Larry has been in the Christian publishing industry for 26 years, serving as:

President and CEO of the largest Christian distributor, Ingram/Spring Arbor
Vice President of Marketing for Thomas Nelson
President of Standard Publishing

Currently Larry serves as President and CEO of Christian Book Services, LLC. Larry works with authors desiring a contract with an established publisher, helping them to create their book proposal and find a literary agent.

For those authors desiring more control over the publishing of their book, Larry works with them to design their book, edit their book, get their book printed, and get it sold and distributed through all of the major book distributors. The price for this process, called “custom publishing,” is significantly lower and the quality of the design and editing of the book is significantly higher than that offered by the internet-based self-publishing companies.

In the last three years, Larry’s company has helped authors publish over 200 books through his publishing imprint of Carpenter’s Son Publishing.

Larry is available for 15 minute appointments as well as 30-minute paid critiques at the July 31 – August 3 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Because he is a late addition to the faculty, the due date for manuscripts (for Larry only) has been extended to July 25 by email. Paid critiques and appointments are available on a first-come basis, so if you plan to take advantage of this great opportunity, you need to register for the conference ASAP. I guarantee a paid critique with Larry will be worth far more than the $35 cost.

What others are saying:

Larry is a fantastic resource.  We recommend him at SuzyQ.
Shawn Kuhn

Fantastic! Larry’s got the experience, know-how, and servant’s heart
that will take authors a long way toward achieving their dreams. 
Tiffany Amber Stockton ~ Author

 Wow! Larry is super! I hope everyone who attends will get to be blessed by his presence there.
Once again, an indicator why this & CCWC are the best Christian writers conferences in the country.
Gretchen Passantino Coburn ~ Director, Answers in Action

It’s not too late to register for the conference but please note that after July 15 meals will cost more. I also can’t guarantee on-campus lodging after July 15. If needed, you can register with a deposit and pay the balance when you arrive or in time payments.

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Energy and Enthusiasm that’s Contagious!

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on July 11, 2013| 1 Comment »

Allison Althoff

Audio Interview with Allison Althoff
by Donna Brennan

Click here to listen

Allison Althoff is one busy person. She’s an online editor at Today’s Christian Woman, an avid reporter and blogger, a popular tweeter (@ajalthoff), and an assistant in Wheaton College’s journalism certificate program.

Despite all the hats she wears, Allison still finds time to teach at conferences and listen to pitches for Christianity Today and Today’s Christian Woman. In fact, she’ll be at the July 31 – August 3 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference teaching a workshop on how to write for Christianity Today. I attended her session on this topic at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference in Estes Park, Colorado, and learned all about the various blogs and magazines owned by Christianity Today and what each is looking for.

Even with her busy schedule, Allison was able to sit down with me for an interview. She’s a very energetic person and her enthusiasm is contagious. If you have any desire to write articles or book reviews, I strongly recommend attending her workshop and seeing if Christianity Today’s more than a dozen resources, online and print, are a good fit for submitting your work.

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Struggling with the Deadly Ds? – Trust the Lord!

Posted in God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Publishing journey on July 10, 2013| 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 July 31 – August 3 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference a priority. Lodging is available on campus for only $39 a night if you share a room (a great way to make a new writing friend although you can book a single room for $59 a night). I need to get a room count to Cairn University by July 15 as well as a count for meals. So don’t procrastinate! You can still register after that, but the cost for meals will increase and I can’t guarantee a bed for your head.

  • 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 summer packed with activity and demands on your time, trust Him.
  • If you need more encouragement to overcome your self- doubts, click here.
  • If financially it seems impossible, trust Him. Be bold. Ask family, friends, or your church to help. Apply for a scholarship or email me to request time payments.

The next 15 registrants will receive an additional free one-on-one appointment with a faculty member of your choice. (We do ask you to give us several choices since appointments are booked on a first-come basis.)

Come one day and get two appointments,
two days and get three appointments,
and three days (with an additional bonus appointment) get FIVE appointments.

Wednesday is a pre-conference day with 18 early bird workshops and an exciting evening session where various faculty will encourage you to “Write His Answer to Issues that Concern You,” but it is not counted toward your appointments. Perhaps one of those appointments will open the door to publication as it did for me.

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 30 years of directing GPCWC and for all You have done and all You will do as I trust You.

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Book Marketing – Learn from an Expert

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on July 10, 2013| Leave a Comment »

KarenWhiting 2013 for blog

Audio Interview
(click here)
with Karen Whiting

by Donna Brennan

 

Karen is an author of over 500 articles and 16 books—and she has more books coming out this year!  She’s a whiz at finding ways to promote her books, and she uses her amazing marketing skills and ideas to help promote the books of many other authors as well, especially through the Christian Authors Network and at conferences.

 At the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference July 31 – August 3 Karen will be leading a clinic titled, “Developing a Unique Marketing Plan for Your Book,” where she’ll help participants create marketing strategies that will work for them. She’ll also be teaching an early bird workshop Wednesday on developing your nonfiction book pitch.

 I caught up with Karen at the end of the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference in Estes Park, Colorado. Although she had had a very busy few days and was tired, she graciously sat down to an interview with me and shared a little bit about how she got to where she is in the publishing world and some of the ways she helps authors to promote themselves and their books.

And you don’t have to wait until your book is published before thinking of ways to market it. Karen can help you get the pieces in place so that when your book is published, your marketing plan is ready to go.

Karen and her co-author won the Golden Scroll Nonfiction Book of Year Award at the Golden Scroll

Awards banquet this June. http://awsa.com/goldenscrolls/index.htm ______________________

Thanks Karen and Donna. You both are amazing! Applications for Karen’s clinic need to be submitted online by July 15.

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Writing His Heart, Righting Mine

Posted in Called to write, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Publishing journey, Writer's Life on July 8, 2013| Leave a Comment »

WHAPLogo2 for FBGuest blog from 2012 GPCWC Conferee
Marianne E. Parker, RN  

Cold air blasts as I sit in the dark corner.  Six twenty-one shines in the corner of my computer screen.  I quietly type, trying not to waken my daughter.  Ideas swim in my head like young children enjoying the pool outside my hotel window.  I am still.  Still.  Still small voice; come to me Lord.  Be glorified today.

Gratitude enters as I ready for the final day of this year’s Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference: Write His Answer.  Habakkuk 2:2 (TLB), “Write my answer on a billboard, loud and clear, so that others may read it and rush to tell others” undergirds the bridge Marlene Bagnull co-labored in love over twenty-nine years ago as conference founder and director.    I imagine her prayer this morning; “To God, be the glory.”

Marlene and all who have been called to come alongside her have accomplished their mission: “Encouraging & Equipping you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable & who changes lives.”

Jim Watkins shared during the Friday opening session that 10,000 hours are required to become proficient in any field.  So, I pulled out my phone started to calculate.  Hmm.  I would like to be proficient in 1 year (remember, I’m a beginner) so 10,000 divided by 365 is the realization that I need 27 hours a day to make that happen. OK then, I start multiplying.  Three hours commitment a day multiplied by 365 equals ten years.  I look up and say to myself,

“OK God, do what only You can whenever You want”.

Personal perspective and heavenly perspective met that day.  Your team also gifted me with healing perspective.  I may not yet know how to write a magazine article or a novel, but I can offer an honorable thank you.  So, from the bottom of my broken heart (that story is not yet ready to tell-thank you Sue Cameron), I so appreciate that you all have heard the voice of our loving Father, walked with His Son and stepped out with His Spirit.  You are blessing many.  Continue saying; “Yes, Lord”.  We need your gifts, talents, leadership and fine example.

It will be my privilege and expectation to see you again next year, if not sooner.

Sincerely,

Marianne E. Parker, RN
(Gratitude and redemption writer)
_________________

Thanks much, Marianne, for sharing your heart. It’s not too later to register for the July 31 – August 3, 2013, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. If you want to stay on campus, however, you need to register by July 15. Same with meals in the campus dining hall. After July 15 and until July 24 meals can still be ordered but they will cost 50 cents more a meal. After July 24, you’ll have to eat off campus – not ideal because of the fellowship we share around the tables I the dining hall.

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Marketing Mentoring Clinic

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on July 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »

KarenWhiting 2013 for blog


Develop a Unique
Marketing Plan
for Your Book

Why you need it
and how a mentor could help

By Karen Whiting

 

Why is a Marketing Strategy Important?

I just finished edits on a book with Zonderkidz this week and sent a note to my editor that I love the finished project and mentioned a few ideas on promoting it. She quickly responded that she wants a list of my ideas and mentioned that such a list could help me secure another contract. Marketing is important and getting more important for authors who want contracts.

Self-published authors need to promote their book since they have no team behind them. They must do it all.

There are lots of choices on marketing from speaking and media to social networking and blogging. What works and what doesn’t work? The answer is that it depends on the audience, your abilities, and the book.

I’ve helped dozens of people find and develop a strategy that fits their book, audience, and personality strengths. One woman I mentored with a children’s picture book had a price too high because of her choice in self-publishing. So I helped her design materials that added value and made the book a great deal. 

I mentored another woman with a fiction book that tied into Alzheimer’s. Solutions she showed in the story came from her own struggle and after publication scientific studies reinforced her methods. So, I helped her find places to write articles on how science collided with fiction. She then used the articles to connect with audiences on how to deal with Alzheimer’s and to set herself up as an expert.

It’s not enough to say, “I’m willing to be on radio and TV if you get me booked.” You must be proactive and understand how to pitch yourself to media, how to post effectively on social networks, and where to network. It comes down to the details and building on success.

The right article and strategy can become a building tool of a marketing plan.


When Should a Marketing Plan Be Developed?

As soon as a writer has a book idea they should be noting marketing ideas. And marketing continues until the book is out of print and there’s no new book on that topic. Thus, marketing should happen all the time.

At this point before sending a proposal out or putting a nickel into self-publishing an author needs a plan that will help sell the books. A book that is printed and never read or sold doesn’t get the message out or help anyone.

Gathering ideas and then sorting them out, choosing the best, and developing the details to carry each idea out is part of the strategy. The more concrete a plan the easier it is for an editor to sell the book concept to the publishing team and get a contract. The more plans laid down and developed the easier it is to launch the book and start the sales going.

 

How Does a Marketing Mentoring Clinic Work?

With a group of writers I first discover each person’s book topic, passion, and strengths. I start showing each person how they would apply each type of marketing to their book. We draw the best out of the ideas to develop a plan and a strategy. The plan shows what to do in upcoming months. We develop a strategy where one success can become a tool for more, such as getting on one radio show to use the recording to garner more radio interviews.

Just following all the ideas on how to market a book, and there are thousands of ideas, mentoring lets an outside person who is experienced give advice on what ideas could work best.

In mentoring we get specific. Instead of just suggesting that you use twitter or some other social network, we’ll talk about what types of posts to develop and which network to work on. A book on gardening would be great for Pinterest where many gardeners like to follow boards with pictures and gardening tips. It can also be good for twitter if the author can give quick tips throughout the year that help indoor and outdoor gardeners. Handouts can be good, and a gardening book might be a great match for bookmarks that provide a list of the best indoor plants or tips on having a green thumb. It’s thinking of ideas that work and than planning when to work on each that builds the strategy. 

You may have some ideas, but mentoring can help flesh them out. Brainstorming in a clinic opens the mind to many possibilities.
_______________________

I’d be first in line for Karen Whiting’s clinic if I wasn’t directing the conference! In decades of working as an author in addition to directing two writers’ conferences, hands down Karen is the best idea person I’ve ever met. If you want to be one of the ten writers in Karen’s “Develop a Unique Marketing Plan for Your Book” Clinic, you need to apply online no later than July 15. (That’s an extension of five days because I’m getting this out during a holiday weekend.) For more info and the application go to http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/clinics

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Need Help with Your Novel?

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writing Fiction on July 3, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Mike dellosso

Guest Blog
Mike Dellosso

In 1959 Vince Lombardi took over the head coach position of the less-than-stellar Green Bay Packers. During one practice, Lombardi got so frustrated with the lackluster effort of the team he had them gather around him and he picked up a football. He said, “Let’s start at the beginning. This is a football.”

We all need to learn the fundamentals. Then we can branch out and try new things, break new ground, spread our wings and soar.

My passion is to teach writers the fundamentals of fiction writing and publishing. And then to teach them how to break the bounds of those fundamentals and create something unique and captivating. Something that will change lives and get people talking.

Please join me for the Not Yet Published Novelist Clinic at the July 31 – August 3 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. I’ve published seven novels and one novella myself; I’ve taught numerous workshops and seminars in a variety of settings. I’ve coached writers to be the best they can be. I’d love to work with you on your novel and get it ready for publication, make it something editors and agents will want, even fight over. In the six hours we will work together you’ll learn new techniques you can use immediately to improve your writing, to bring it alive and make it jump off the page. We’ll have a blast.

If you’ve completed a manuscript or are currently working on a project or started one but can’t seem to get it going in the right direction this clinic is for you. But you’ll need to submit your application online no later than July 10 for the opportunity to be chosen as one of the six participants in this clinic. For more info and the application click here.

What others have said about Mike’s teaching:

I took a seminar class from Mike and was impressed with the level of both availability and expertise. Mike got down to the nuts and bolts challenging us to look beyond the norm to the “possible.” I felt stimulated to write more creatively, and outside my own box, seeing that the “possible” might just be deeper inside myself.  One of the big take-aways from his class was what impact our words have on our readers–how we can touch those deeper spots within each person–ultimately for the good. I recommend taking a class from Mike. I’m looking forward to gleaning more from this inspiring and inspired teacher. –Donnalynn D.

I loved Mike’s class. I learned so much from the workshop. I’m applying what he taught me in my critique group. One of things he taught was get into each character’s head.  I highly recommend his workshop!! –Deborah C.
_____________

Thanks, Mike, and congratulations on your latest contract with Tyndale.

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What’s Inside the Words – Writers Conference?

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Publishing journey, Writer's Life on July 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Joyce

Guest Blogger
Joyce Magnin

In my humble opinion there is no better place for writers to converge than at a conference. It is good for the body, mind and soul. Nay, I say it is imperative for writers to gather, all of one mind, kindred spirits, a singularity as it were of folks all looking in the same direction.

Well, I got to thinking about the words Writer’s Conference—I often think about words—and I came up with a few things that might help you decide to come to the conference or if you are already on board to feel pretty good about it. I know I do.

The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference changed my life, people. I mean it. Changed. My. Life. If it had not been for the conference, I would never have met the people who were instrumental in launching my career. I was shy at first but BAM! Success happens. Attending a conference is the best way to network, to begin to land on the radar of editors and other authors who can make a difference. Facebook is great but there ain’t nothing better than face-to-face.

So let’s look at the words Writer’s Conference and see what we can find.

WRITERS. Well stating the obvious is of course the word writer. And you know who you are. You know how many times you think, wow, that’s a great idea or I should really write a story or a book and then sadly the moment is quickly replaced by say, a screaming child or a flat tire. Well, here’s the thing, attending a writer’s conference is the one place a writer can be a writer. When that instant of inspiration or a light bulb turns on, you can simply reach out and touch another writer who would just love to talk about it with you. Even help you get it on paper. Not to mention the amazing opportunities for a WRITER to bring his or her stuff to a place and have it read by some really talented people.

Embedded in WRITERS is the word in TER, as in deter. How many times have you been deterred from writing? From starting that novel, finishing that story or submitting? Life is full of detriments to a creative life, but here’s the thing, coming to a conference will be the one place you go this year where you will not find things to deter you but things to TER you on and find your words inTEResting and help you determine where and when to submit.

Now let’s look at the word CONFERENCE. Hoki smoke Bullwinkle, lots of good stuff here. CONFER, yes! It means to grant or bestow. Here’s the thing, I hereby bestow and grant unto you the title of WRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE. And where do writers go? Conferences. That’s right.

Ah, but what if we shorten it and wind up with the word CON? Oh boy, how many times have you felt like con artist, a fraud, a person without talent, a person your family kind of humors until you walk away. Here’s the thing—we all feel that way. Even authors who have published dozens of books feel like a con sometimes. But, attending a conference will do so much to help you feel, well, bestowed upon, granted the title of writer—even if you still have a hard time wearing your WRITER badge at home. We’ll let you take it out, polish it to a fine patina and proudly wear it.

And that brings us to the back end of the word—ENCE. As in: CONFIDENCE. Yeah we can get you some that. But you have to come and please, whatever you do, don’t leave your words at home. Bring them. We’d love to see what you’re working on.

Some more words to consider:

AUDIENCE—Ain’t nothing wrong with having an audience or sitting in the audience and listening to some really amazing speakers. It’s good for you.

BIOLUMINESCENCE—Okay, maybe a stretch but think about it. The word simply means to make your own light and let it shine in dark places. Umm, isn’t that kind of the point?

EXCELLENCE—Personally one of my favorite words. I believe all artists, writers need to strive for excellence. And let me tell you, a conference is the best place to make some headway there.

Now I could go on but maybe you should find some of your own words. In fact why not write them down and bring them. Maybe we can find a place to display them. What’s your ENCE or TER?

Seriously, the July 31 – August 3  Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference is the place to be this summer.

___________________
Joyce Magnin is leading the Middle Grade and YA Clinic at the conference this year. You need to apply by July 10. She is the author of nine books including two middle grade novels. Her most recent middle grade was awarded a Kirkus Starred review. Visit Joyce’s blogs at www.joycemagnin.blogspot.com  and www.joycewritesforyoungpeople.blogspot.com.

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Cindy Sproles’ Mission – Get New Writers Published!

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Publishing journey on June 29, 2013| 1 Comment »

Audio Interview with Cindy Sproles

by Donna Brennan

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker, and the senior editor for ChristianDevotions.com and DevoKids.com. She’ll be at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference teaching a Wednesday, July 31, earlybird workshop on “Turning Personal Experiences Into Parables” and teaching on “Writing Devotions” during Thursday’s Teens Write. In addition she’ll be listening to pitches Thursday and Friday and will speak on “Writing as Ministry” Thursday evening.

I caught up with her at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park in May where she graciously agreed to an audio interview.

Click here to listen. Please forgive the background noise. It was hard to find a quiet place with so much going on. But the words Cindy speaks are well worth hearing. She speaks from the heart and shares the reasons she and Eddie Jones started ChristianDevotions.com and their other devotional sites. Click here to listen.

If you write devotions or are interested in learning about writing devotions, I recommend you make an appointment with Cindy or visit her website. She’s always looking for new writers – both adults and children/teens.

___________

Thanks Donna and Cindy. Be watching for more interiews Donna did at the Colorado conference.

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Overcoming the Accuser

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth on June 28, 2013| 1 Comment »

Have you ever been ready to give up? Have you tried everything you know but feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall?  What do you do when the accuser tells you that your best isn’t good enough – that it never has been and never will be?

Perhaps it’s a manuscript you’ve been working on for years. You’ve rewritten it not just once or twice but many times. Still you’ve been unsuccessful in finding anyone interested in publishing it. And it makes no sense because you know it’s something God has called you to write. You’ve studied the craft. You’ve  gone to critique groups and conferences  trying to find that missing something.  And now . . . now you’re not sure you can keep on keeping on.

That was my experience with my first book that some of you know was rejected by 42 publishers over a six year period . If I had given up (and believe me, there were many times I wanted to), it and the eight books that followed would never have been published. I would not have founded the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference in 1983 or said yes in 1997 to directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.

Yet still there are times I doubt–times when as my writing mentor Lee Roddy said years ago, I “listen to the wrong voices.” Frequently I hear the voice of the accuser telling me that my best isn’t good enough as I struggle to get on top of the myriad of details for the July 31 – August 3 Greater Philly conference.  Many days I tell the Lord, “I can’t.” And I know that’s true. Without His help I can’t manage the time pressures and deadlines I used to find exciting.

What can I do, can you do, whenthe Lord doesn’t seem to be listening? Has He abandoned us? Or is He using the problem(s) we’re facing to strengthen our faith muscles so that when the stakes are even bigger we won’t get discouraged and give up?

I’m learning that there are lots of lessons I thought I’d learned (that I’ve even written about in my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers) that I need to relearn!

Keep your eyes on the Lord, on how far you’ve come, and on the prize.  It’s easy to allow problems and challenges to consume us and to blind us to the Lord’s presence, to how far we’ve come, and to the prize.  “I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us” (Philippians 3:14 TLB) Paul wrote from prison in Rome. He had reason to be greatly frustrated and discouraged by the loss of his freedom. He could have questioned the Lord and concluded that his ministry was over. Instead he focused on the needs of the churches and wrote letters that continue to encourage Christ-followers almost 2,000 years later.

Cut the tapes from your past. Although Paul never forgot the person he was before he encountered the Lord on the Damascus Road, he did not wallow in the past or dwell on what others thought or said about him. Instead he embraced the truth of Zephaniah 3:17: “He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you with great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you” (TLB). Paul was able to preach and write about the message of salvation because he had experienced firsthand God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Don’t grieve the Lord by your lack of faith. Although sometimes it does seem that He’s not listening, we need to trust that He will equip us with all we need for doing his will (see Hebrews 13:20). It’s not easy to wait on the Lord and to have Hebrews 11:1 faith in what we can’t yet see, but “God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn; he will never go back on his promises” (Romans 11:29 TLB).

Do your best and trust God for the rest. The fear of failure can paralyze us if we let it, and that’s exactly what our adversary wants. I grieve for the books that have not been published and the ministries that have been abandoned because of the evil one’s accusations that our best will never be good enough.

Father, help us to believe You and not the accuser. Thank You for loving us and for being bigger than our perceived failures. Thank You for encouraging us not to give up. We will keep on expecting you to help us. We will praise you more and more. We will walk in the strength of the Lord our God (Psalm 71:14, 16 TLB).

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