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Archive for the ‘Pondering Biblical Truth’ Category

O Holy Night – Marlene’s Christmas Message

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on December 18, 2016| Leave a Comment »

nativity-lt

The pain of childbirth
had been intense
yet now was forgotten
as she held the Babe close.

He was so tiny, so helpless,
so dependent on her & Joseph
for everything He needed.

How could it be
that in her arms she held
the Promised One –
the Savior of mankind?

But it was true.
She had not known a man.
God had chosen her
to bear His Son.

The cave was dark
except for the star above.
The future was unknown,
but God was with them.

 

The miracle of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh – it really happened! A young girl, about the age of my twelve-year-old granddaughter, was given the responsibility, privilege, and joy of giving birth to God’s Son and raising him to manhood. She experienced the heartache of watching Him writhe in agony on a cross and seeing his broken body laid in a tomb. But death couldn’t hold Him! He came back to life and He is coming again. Perhaps soon!

 

God was with Mary, and He has been with us throughout this year. Through joy and through sorrow He has been faithful to hold us close. I’m so grateful for the 53 years Paul and I have been married. His loving support is what undergirds Write His Answer Ministries. This was my 20th year directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference; my 33rd year directing the Greater Philly conference. Amazing! I’ve had the privilege of helping two authors get their book in print this year, and two critique groups continue to meet in my home. Maybe next year I’ll get back to the books I know He is still calling me to write. For now, I can do more for His Kingdom through “encouraging and equipping others to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.”

 

We continue to thank God for the home He has given us within walking distance of Deb and Rob and our three grandchildren. We’re grateful for how the walls of our home have expanded to comfortably embrace our son, Rob, daughter-in-love, Nicole, and their two dogs. We’re also grateful that our oldest daughter, Sharon, finally was approved for disability. God has carried her and Howard through the past two difficult years that Howard has been out of work. Howard recently applied for disability. Father, please grant him favor.

 

As the unknowns of a new year stretch before us and our nation, may we be drawn closer to the One who loves us so much He sent His Son.

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Overwhelmed?

Posted in God's promises, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth on December 6, 2016| 1 Comment »

Faith rockHave you been feeling overwhelmed lately? I have.

Two weeks ago we discovered mold in our bathroom from a leak hidden behind the shower wall. “How much is this going to cost?” I asked contractors, electricians, and plumbers.

In the midst of all this, I spent a day at the courthouse waiting to hear if I had been selected for a trial they anticipated would last six days. Thank You, Father, that I was not chosen! And thank You our USAA homeowner’s insurance covered $2,464 of the repairs after initially telling us it was doubtful we’d get anything. We’re still out over $2,000 with our deductible and work not covered, but it could have  been much more costly.

Stressful? Yes! Time consuming? You bet! On Friday our home was a scene out of ET with plastic sheeting from floor to ceiling between our bathroom and front door. Today the walls go back up, tomorrow the tile, and Thursday the grouting of the shower walls.

Tomorrow I’ll also spend over an hour in the dentist chair for a root canal of a top front tooth that is abscessing from tripping up one step and falling on a ceramic moose over a month ago. More unexpected expense, but thank You, Father, for helping me find a dental plan that will cover some of the cost.

So, yes, I’m feeling overwhelmed especially with the need to get the May 17-20 Colorado and July 26-29 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences planned. I’ve finally got the spreadsheet of prospective faculty updated, but with over 450 names I’m even more overwhelmed.

The bottom line? Despite 33 years directing the Philly conference and 20 years directing the one in Colorado, the evil one is again pulling me down into the quicksand of self-doubt. And I’m feeling especially anxious this week with the need to sign the contract and pay the $2,500 booking fee for the 2019 (yes,  you read that correctly) Colorado conference.

I’m again experiencing a “crisis of confidence.” Perhaps you are too.

If a crisis of confidence is holding you back from the work you know you have been called to do, it’s time to acknowledge that it’s not self-confidence you need (and I need) but God-confidence. It’s time to learn what it means “to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off [our] own power and abilities” (2 Cor. 12:9 TLB). And instead of running from opportunities to serve the Lord, we need to continue to focus on the “firm, tested, precious Cornerstone that is safe to build on. He who believes need never run away again” (Isa. 28:16 TLB).

Fear of failure, rejection, writer’s block, or not measuring up, can all create a paralyzing crisis of confidence. Read and reflect on the following antidotes to fear, noting how God is personally speaking to you.

Psalm 9:10
Psalm 16:8
Psalm 25:3
Psalm 34:4
Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 1:6
1 John 4:18
___________

New WHA coverHow is God speaking to you through these passages?

I’ve devoted a chapter in my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers, to the “Crisis of Confidence.” You’ll find it and several other chapters on my website at http://bit.ly/2h1qgs2.

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Thankful

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth, Praying for our nation on November 23, 2016| Leave a Comment »

tg-bible

We Thank You, O Lord
To the tune “We Gather Together”

We thank You, O Lord, for Your mercy and blessings,
Your love that we never can merit or earn.
Our praises we’re bringing to You on this Thanksgiving.
We worship You, O Lord -, our hearts for You yearn.

We need You, O Lord, in our lives, in our nation.
Forgive us for failing to follow Your way.
Thru darkness please guide us, Your light please shine upon us.
Help hold fast to our faith in these difficult days.

We cling to Your promise, we know You are faithful.
Our land You will heal if Your people will pray.
If humbly we’ll seek You and turn away from evil,
There’s hope that our- nation will see brighter days.

And so, Lord, we give You our praise and thanksgiving,
Our worries and fears we surrender to You.
We choose to rejoice in Your promise, Your provision.
We will trust You, O Lord -, for Your Word is true.

 Marlene Bagnull

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A Special Early Christmas Gift

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, Writer's Life on November 12, 2016| Leave a Comment »

tree-1283772_640Thanksgiving is not yet here, but the stores have already been decorated for Christmas for several weeks. Today I did some early Christmas shopping at Kohl’s to a background of Christmas music. (A 30% off coupon plus Kohl’s cash for my purchases is hard to resist!)

advent-to-epiphanyAs you begin to think about Christmas, I want to encourage you to give yourself and your friends an early gift that will bless your journey to Christmas in life-changing ways.

I had the privilege and joy of editing Liena Apšukrapša & Jacqueline L. Hullaby’s  new book, Advent to Epiphany – Engaging the True Heart of Christmas. Through this interactive devotional you will be drawn closer to the One whose birth we celebrate. I know I was.

Liena writes: “The majority of us will miss this Christmas. It is so easy to get caught up in the swirl of activity and find ourselves physically exhausted and spiritually empty at the end of the season. What if this year is different? What if you end the year rested and start the new year spiritually invigorated and transformed? A new Advent devotional is coming to you this season to make this a reality in your life.”

I met Liena at this year’s Colorado Christian Writers Conference where I sat with her for an hour reading and commenting on her manuscript. As I begin planning the May 17-20, 2017, Colorado conference (and the July 26-29, 2017, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference) I am encouraged by her testimony below. You will be, too.

~ * ~ * ~

God’s Beloved,

Every time I think of my writing journey, tears of deep gratitude and healing stream down my face. Yesterday, October 23rd, my first book was born. As all children do, this too has changed my life.

Giving life to a book was inconceivable just a few years ago. I come from Latvia, Eastern Europe, and all my years of elementary school I struggled deeply with writing, especially with grammar. This vicious struggle and the subsequent critique from teachers stifled and silenced my creative ability to bloom in writing. The writer in me was wrapped in a grave clothes like Lazarus and put away in the grave. Until one day…

I walked into an unknown church while wandering around in Denver on a Sunday morning. During the time of worship, the pastor came over to me, lifted my chin and said, “Sharpen your pencil. God wants you to write!” I swallowed these words with tears that dripped on my lips. There, deep in my heart, they dropped like a seed waiting to be nurtured.

The Holy Spirit, the most patient Person of all, came around several more times in the following years to encourage me to write. I knew to pay attention to these repeated visits containing the same message. I began to ask God what He desired to write through me. I had some ideas, but His answer came in the most unexpected way.

My very good friend Jacqueline came to visit me for Christmas. Every day we used the St. Ignatius method of delving into the Scriptures that lead to profoundly deep prayer experiences. When Jacqueline went back home to Iowa, we continued to pray this way over the phone, sometimes for hours every weekend. This experience was so spiritually nurturing and uplifting. Until another day…

God spoke to me while I was doing chores, “I want you to invite others into your prayer experiences with Jacqueline.”

“How, Lord?” I questioned.

“Write!”

Here it was–the first assignment. So, I began. The first time I sat down to write, I collapsed on my knees and wept because I could write. The healing had begun. The words came naturally and easily, called out by Jesus. “Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go” (John 11:43-44). I have not stopped walking in this call to write since that time. The joy of this wonder is simply uncontainable–compelling me to write the rest of my life.

God has faithfully placed walking companions on my path who have helped me to peel off whatever grave cloth have been still sticking on me. Last year I went to Colorado Christians Writers Conference in Estes Park which did miracles for me. The Holy Spirit taught me constantly through various speakers. I was able to see my writing deficiencies so clearly, but is brought me the greatest joy because I knew “when God is putting His finger on the part of your life that’s not working, He’s pointing to the site of your next miracle.” (Graham Cooke).

The most profound healing came during my book’s critique. I sat down with Marlene and she started to read my manuscript. It was the end of conference and by then I knew how imperfect my writing was. Believe me. I was expecting the same critique I received way back in school. But something unexpected happened. Marlene read my flawed sentences with such deep love that my heart was flooded with streams of divine healing. I went away knowing first hand that this is how God reads our imperfect lives – with upmost adoration and love. This meeting was the greatest motivator for reworking and finishing my book.

Today, I am walking joyfully toward you to extend our first book Advent to Epiphany: Engaging the True Heart of Christmas, written to you.

Lord, set us fully free to share Your creativity and heart in this world!

Liena

_____________
Available on Amazon.com.

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Praying the Scriptures

Posted in God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on September 22, 2016| 1 Comment »

cross-1448946__180I can’t believe it’s been over six weeks since I blogged! Please forgive my silence.

The August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference was powerful. I’m praising God for all He did and will do.

I’m also thanking the Lord for the ministry of my dear friend, Laura Shaffer. The prayers she emails daily go deep into God’s Word and His answer for the struggles we all face. Today’s prayer especially spoke to my heart. Perhaps to yours, too?

~*~*~*~*~*~

O Father, these are some of the verses that have come to me in the darkest times. Times when I truly thought there was no hope. Times when I was at the end of all I could think to do to save myself from what appeared to be dire and dark circumstances that I believed held no happy ending.

These words are spoken by Your prophet Isaiah who is telling how it will be when the judgment of Israel is over. “You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth! You will not grow tired or weary…You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak…those who hope in You will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.”

What hope that gave me Father – because I was weary and weak. But because I know You as my Savior, I believed that these verses were true of me. It’s like You were speaking right into my heart then, and since then. You were promising to give me Your strength and power. You promised to renew my strength. When I felt like I could not take one more step, You empowered me to go on, to “walk and not grow faint.”

You told me “Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my Righteous Right Hand.” And even more than that, You sang it to me. I could hear a melody in Your words. That became a theme that I could sing to myself over and over – Your words of encouragement and empowerment. I still sing them today.

Thank You Father, that Your Word, written down so long ago, has power and influence and still speaks right now. And not just to me, but to any and all who will seek You there.

And these words of Paul – I love them and have prayed them over and over again for myself, my family, and my loved ones. I pray them now, again Father, for everyone reading this prayer. “I give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know [1] the hope to which He has called you, [2] the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people [that’s us], and [3] His incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Father, speak these words of comfort and empowerment to all who need to hear them from You. When the evil one whispers “you’ve failed again, there’s no hope,” let them know what it means to “not fear” and “not be dismayed.” Give us victory! Amen

Isaiah 40:1–41:16; Ephesians 1:1-23

~*~*~*~*~*~

To receive Laura’s prayers in your inbox, email her at davidtshaffer@juno.com. You’ll be blessed and encouraged.

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Words

Posted in Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth, Writer's Life on July 27, 2016| Leave a Comment »

This morning I needed to re-read the poem my friend, Sue Cameron, gave me years ago. While “Words” was a gift to me, I suspect you may also need to read this. Father, help us to choose to listen only to Your words.

WORDS

Is there anything more powerful?
To heal, to hurt,
to destroy?
Words in my mind—accusing me,
dragging me down
into guilt and helplessness.
Words from outside—attacking me,
tearing at the fragile image of who I am and hope to be.
I struggle under their heavy weight
and fear I’ll suffocate.

Not all words are true, but they feel true.
Some are lies wrought in the basement of hell,
sent to defeat those who march in the army of God.
My Leader warned me of such warfare,
so subtle and hard to detect.
A sudden attack strips my defenses.
Wounded, bleeding,
I am left to die.
Now my fate depends on
to whom I choose to listen.
To the liar,
or to my Leader.

His Word consoles and strengthens me,
binding my pain and wrapping me in acceptance.
He does not condemn me in my weakness,
or require me to run on broken legs.
He asks only that I listen to him
and believe what he says.
His truth banishes falsehoods
and sets me free.

Living on the battlefield isn’t kind and gentle;
it is demanding and stretching.
I must often pause and ask myself,
To whose voice do I listen?
And in whose voice do I speak?

(c) Sue Cameron, 1993. Excerpted from Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers by Marlene Bagnull.

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When Random Mysterious, Wonky Issues Crop Up

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, Uncategorized on July 24, 2016| Leave a Comment »

ant-306677_640Guest post from
GPCWC Faculty member
Patricia Durgin

David and all our children are home safe and sound. Hallelujah! They came home to a house filled with an ant infestation. They’re everywhere!

In our cars (not only around them–in them), on our counter tops, in our beds, I can’t tell you how maddening it is!

We’ve tried everything we can think of, but we can’t get rid of them. It’s intolerable, but we’re stumped as to what to try next.

Life here is just one thing after another right now. Sometimes your life is like that, too, isn’t it? What shall we do?

Bringing It Home To You

When random, mysterious, wonky issues crop up out-of-the-blue, the enemy is usually behind them.

God gives us lessons to teach us, refine us, and deliver us. He’s not trying to trip us up; He wants to grow us up.

The enemy, on the other hand, wants to destroy us and if he can’t do that, he wants to make our lives miserable, so that we’ll listen to his whispers when he says, “If God really loved you, these things wouldn’t be happening to you.” 

Which is, of course, a lie straight from the pit!

Thoughts To Ponder

When life is topsy-turvy (for whatever reason), that’s no time to turn our backs on God. And it’s certainly no time to think He’s turned His back on us!

We might review how we got in this mess, and if it was by following God, we can ask Him if He wants us to continue going in this direction, or if He’s ready for us to change directions.

The one thing we absolutely, positively, undeniably should NOT do is make a decision based upon our circumstances, for they waffle to and fro. They are unreliable. God is not.

Sooner or later, these pesky ants will leave our home. But the enemy will remain, trying to distract us, discourage us, and if possible, destroy us by destroying our faith.

We cannot let the enemy win! I encourage you to hold fast, and keep believing.

If God says to move, do so. But if He does not, stay right where you are and wait for Him. He is on His way!

Thanks for joining me on this journey, Patricia.

If you like this edition of The Encourager, please forward it to your friends. If you received this from a friend and would like your own free, weekly edition, sign up at: http://patriciadurgin.com/newsletter/.

Follow up questions or comments? E-mail me at pd@patriciadurgin.com.
_______________

Patricia Durgin for Marlene Philly '14Patricia works with Christian speakers and writers—already established offline—who want to take their message online. She focuses on the basics, discovering (or rediscovering) the specific people Christ wants you to serve, the unique message He wants you to communicate, and the transformation your audience can expect to receive. Then we create your professional online presence to make that happen so you can attract and serve your ideal clients around the world.

Like my clients, I have an eclectic background. For over 35 years, I trained employees in my professional life and served adult survivors of childhood abuse in my ministry life.
During those years, I delivered over 5,000 teaching sessions at work, church, and in the community, not counting the 8 years my husband David and I home-schooled our 2 daughters. We’re now empty-nesters living in Atlanta.

Workshop: Who Is Really in Your Audience (Friday, 4E)
Christ gifted you to serve a specific audience. Discover precisely who they are and create content that fits them perfectly to establish a loyal following.

Services Offered: I am interested in clients who are hungry to know who is in their target market and are ready to start developing their websites or blogs. Click here for an exciting opportunity Patricia is offering at the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

GP banner 2016

It’s not too late to register! Although the $15 late fee will kick in at 12:01 am July 25, if you print a copy of this blog and bring it to the conference book table, we’ll give you two free CDs.

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Lord, I believe but . . .

Posted in God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth, Uncategorized on July 24, 2016| 3 Comments »

Faith rock“Do you believe God can use you?” I asked in my last post.

It’s a question I also ask myself on days when doubts threaten to overwhelm me. I don’t doubt Him. I know He is faithful. It’s self doubts fueled by the accusations of the accuser that I struggle to overcome.

How can I – how can you – overcome the self-doubts that hold us back from experiencing the  victory that faith brings?

 

 

1. Cut the old tapes. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 TLB).

2. Stop listening to the wrong voices. “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:4 NASB)

3. Change your focus! “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had” (Phil. 2:4-5 TEV).

4. Renew your vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18 KJV).

5. Set specific and measurable goals. “We should make plans – counting on God to help us” (Prov. 16:9 TLB).

6. Refuse to let disappointments derail you. “No one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed” (Rom. 10:11 TLB).

7. Don’t reinforce your doubts. “But I’m not the person for a job like that” (Ex. 3:11 TLB).

8. Refuse to fall victim to discouragement. “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” (Zeph. 3:17 TLB).

9. Stop procrastinating and persist. “Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words” (Eccl. 5:7 TLB)

10.Draw near to the Promise Keeper. “When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him” (James 4:8 TLB).

11. Stay in the Word. The whole Bible “is God’s way of making us well prepared at
every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone” (2 Tim. 3:17 TLB).

12. Get to work. “Be strong and courageous and get to work. Do not be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly” (1 Chron. 28:20 TLB).

13. Put on the armor and commit to what He is calling you to do – NOW! “So I run
straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around” (1 Cor. 9:26 TLB).

Now you have every grace and blessing;
every spiritual gift and power
for doing his will are yours
during this time of waiting
for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7 TLB

Marty poster for web

It’s not too late to register for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and to request free one-on-one appointments. But the price increases tomorrow, July 25. None of the workshops or continuing sessions are closed. Lodging on campus is still available.If you need time payments or some scholarship help, please ask. And choose to believe that if the Lord wants you to come, He will make a way.

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Do you believe God can use you?

Posted in Called to write, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, tagged on July 21, 2016| 1 Comment »

July 9 I gave a day long “Write His Answer” seminar in Baltimore. I quoted Chuck Colson’s sobering words in Against the Night, Living in the New Dark Ages:

‘Dark Age’ is a strong term. I recognize that. Yet in recent years I’ve had a growing sense of storm clouds gathering on the horizon . . . The forecast is foreboding . . . We  scan the horizon with unease.

We sense that things are winding down, that somehow freedom, justice, and order are slipping away. Our great civilization may not yet lie in smoldering ruins, but the enemy is within the gates.

The times seem to smell of sunset. Encroaching darkness casts long shadows across every institution in our land. . . . We do face a crisis in Western culture, and it presents the greatest threat to civilization since the barbarians invaded Rome.”

Sunset_Mountains_Worship_Background

I feel such a strong sense of urgency to “write His answer” – now. I believe the day is fast approaching when we will not have the freedom to print or distribute Christian literature or to share our faith on the Internet.

Critical days are ahead. As so many are saying, America is teetering on the edge of collapse. I urge you to watch Michael Gantt’s keynote, “The Cross Is the Main Thing,” from last year’s conference.

“The sad fact for America is that
our sin has made God our enemy.
Because of the rejection of God and His Word
and because we have exchanged
the God of Life for the gods of death
and perversion,
America is already under
the Hand of God’s judgment.

“If there is no national confession of sin
and if we cannot find a heart of repentance,
a Holy God will complete his judgment;
either by the complete annihilation
or subjugation of what was once a great
and godly people or by rendering it
completely irrelevant on the world stage.”

Michael Gantt
http://growinggodlyseed.com/stand (complete transcript)
Video – http://bit.ly/1JkE8m9

Father, please open our eyes to the “signs of the time” and help us to “Make the most of every chance [we] get. These are desperate times!” (Eph. 5:16 MSG).

Sunday, July 24, is the last day to register for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference before the price increases. It is also the last day to sign up for appointments (based on availability) with up to FOUR (agents, editors, or authors from the 55 serving on this year’s faculty. You can still register after July 24 (and walk-in), but you will need to wait until you arrive at the conference to request your appointments.

But Philly is too far? It’s not the same as being there, but CDs will be available after the conference. And I’ve just posted the order form for CDs from the May Colorado Christian Writers Conference to the website. Click here. Michael Gantt’s keynote that the above quote came from was also presented in Colorado this May and received a standing ovation.

But I can’t afford the cost. If Father wants you to come, He will provide. This is not a pat answer but one that I have personally experienced time and time again. I know all about “thinking lack.”  But I also have been convicted that when I worry (translation “wring my hands”) over my perception that there is not enough money, I grieve Almighty God who promises to supply all my needs from His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). Partial scholarships are still available. Family, friends, your church might welcome the opportunity to invest in your writing ministry, but you need to ask.

But I can’t get time off work. God can grant you favor with your boss, but again you need to ask. If you’ve used all your vacation time but are off on Saturdays, then come just one day.

But I don’t have anyone to watch my kids or aging parent. Again, you need to ask! Remember, “you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2 NLT).

As my friend Lee Roddy once said, “eternity will be different” because of the words that will be written and published  as a result of this conference.

Father, please help everyone who reads these words not to doubt You or the gift of
words You have entrusted to them. Move whatever obstacles that appear to stand in their way and get them to the August 3-6, 2016, GPCWC. I know You will meet us there.

Keep believing, living, and writing His answer!

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Facing Elephants

Posted in Called to write, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, Writer's Life on July 7, 2016| 1 Comment »

2 elephants

 

Are you facing an elephant?
More than likely your elephant, same as mine, is something you’ve been putting off doing because it’s just seems so big, so beyond your capability, so overwhelming . . .

 

You’d think after 33 years of directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and 20 years directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference it would be less overwhelming.

Not so!

Each year the task seems more daunting. And each year I have to remind myself that “God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn; he will never go back on his promises” (Rom. 11:29 TLB).

What has He promised you and me?

That it would be easy to follow Him? No. But He has promised always to be with us.

I’ve learned (but need to keep re-learning) that “when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him” (2 Cor. 12:10 TLB).

And so, depending on Him, I keep on keeping on even though it seems that for every item I cross off my to-do list I add half a dozen more.

I’m choosing to depend on His enabling power for the day-long writers’ seminar I’m teaching in Baltimore this Saturday, July 9. I’ve given over 50 seminars and love teaching. Still, I find the preparation overwhelming. So, of course, I put it off until the last minute.

I’m reminded of a Scripture He brought to my attention many years ago when I was struggling to finish my first book.

“I want to suggest that you finish what you started to do”
(2 Cor. 8:10 TLB).

So, no more excuses! I know that in His strength  I can eat the elephant a bite at a time!

What about you?

elephant cookie

If your elephant is fear that your writing isn’t good enough to be published, then take advantage of the learning opportunities at the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Partial scholarships are still available. Remember, God can make possible what seems impossible.

If you are registered for the conference and your “elephant” is fear that you won’t be accepted in the clinic you would really like to take, I want to encourage you to eat that elephant and complete the application. It’s due tomorrow, but I am extending the deadline until Monday morning, July 11.

Father, help us to step out of our comfort zone into the exciting plans You have for us if we will just keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the elephants!

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