Write His Answer

Conference Updates & News You Can Use

February 6, 2014 by Marlene Bagnull

Colorado Christian Writers Conference updates . . .

Neither rain nor snow, sleet nor ice . . . Well it goes something like this! While yesterday’s ice storm prevented us from picking up the brochures from the printer today as we had planned, I’m praising God for how preparations for the May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference are progressing.

If we have your USPS address, you should receive your brochure in a little over a week. Meanwhile, you can view it on the conference website.

Yesterday I uploaded photos, bios, and the editorial needs of our 18 Book Editors and representatives. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I’ll upload the page for the 11 Periodical Editors. Then I need to tackle the pages for the 18 Agents & Other Professionals and the 21 Authors. Whew! What a huge but joy-filled task. Thank You, Father, for the great faculty You have provided.

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference Update

I’m still focused on updating the website for the May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference but soon, very soon I trust, I’ll be able to turn my attention to the Philly conference. I can tell you that so far we have 4 agents, 12 book editors or representatives, and 22 other professionals on faculty.

I think I already announced that Cec Murphey will be keynoting and teaching a continuing session on The Power of Story. “Stories,” Cec says, “are truth in human skin. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction stories and illustrations you need to impact your readers. You can learn to write original stories, sustain suspense, intrigue readers, and provide satisfying endings.”

News you can use . . .

Grammar test – Take this quiz to see how sharp your grammar skills really are. Are you making common grammar mistakes?

Tips for tags – dialogue that is – A helpful article by James Scott Bell, an excellent author and teacher who has served on our faculty.

Are the words you speak and write pushing millenials away? – If you’ve not seen this onFaith November 7, 2013 article by Addie Zierman, and even if you have, it’s important to read and to read again. Father, please help us think before we speak and write – better still, to pray!

Joel Rosenberg’s Blog – In his January 29 blog, Joel writes about the importance of prayer and asks important questions. “Are we praying for our leaders at this time of crisis? Or are we sniping at them?”

Amen. Father help us to faithfully and prayerfully serve You.

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writing Fiction | Leave a Comment »

Don’t Give Up!

January 31, 2014 by Marlene Bagnull

Yesterday was one of those days when I identified with the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8, “We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up” (GW). Not that my exasperation with technology and techs that didn’t speak clear English can compare with all Paul endured to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – still, not being able to send email was incredibly frustrating and a problem that had to be resolved. Thank You, Father, that I’m able to send email again – that You helped me not to give up.

The temptation to give up is one everyone – and especially writers – will face. Whether its words that are not coming together, discouragement with trying to get our work in print, or poor reviews and disappointing sales of a book that finally did get published, it’s not easy being a writer. I think it’s even harder when we’re writing out of a strong sense that this is what God has called us to do.

Disappointments, doubts, discouragement – I call them the deadly Ds – are weapons the evil one effectively uses to get our eyes off the Lord and the call to “write His answer.”

As I have watched Father’s plan for the May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference come together, I am awed by how the keynotes and continuing sessions reflect His heart to encourage us not to give up. I know He is going to meet us on the mountain and that the fellowship we will share with Him and with other writers, editors, and agents will be life-changing.

Online registration opens at 12:01 am EST, Saturday, February 1. That’s 10:01 pm today, January 31, in Colorado. The brochure that is now at the printer is online at http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/brochure along with lots of other info (and more to come). The first five online registrations will receive a free copy of my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers.

Father, thank You for loving us and calling us to make a difference through the words we write and the lives we live.

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life | 2 Comments »

Brochure online for May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

January 25, 2014 by Marlene Bagnull

“For you are the Fountain of life; our light is from your light.”
(Psalm 36:9 TLB)

During the past two months of planning this year’s conference I have frequently felt overwhelmed. Even though this is my 18th year directing the Colorado conference and 31st year directing the July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly conference (2/3s of the faculty is in place), it doesn’t get any easier. Sometimes it feels like the light at the end of the tunnel is an approaching train!

Sorting through hundreds of emails, asking Father to show me who He wants to serve on faculty from my Excel spreadsheet of over 300 names, seeking His wisdom to choose 60 workshops from the lists faculty provide, and then putting it all together into a 16 page brochure is a daunting task. And this year I’ve also been editing and typesetting a powerful 426 page End Times novel for a pastor.

Thank You, Father, that Mark’s book is at CreateSpace and the brochure is ready to go to the printer Monday morning. The brochure is now on the conference website – http://colorado.writehisanswer.com. I am in awe of what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do.

More than ever I feel Father’s anointing on this year’s conference. I believe the keynotes and continuing sessions reflect His heart to draw us closer to Himself. I know He is going to meet us on the mountain.

Secure online registration opens February 1, but for those eager to be among the first to register (remember, the earlier you register the better opportunity you have of getting your top picks for the one-on-one appointments), you can print the registration form you’ll find in the online brochure and mail it with a check or money order. The first seven to register before online registration opens will receive a free copy of my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers.

Be encouraged. He has plans for you and your writing ministry. Trust Him to light the way and to give you the strength to follow.

Joyfully serving the Lord – Marlene

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises | 2 Comments »

Overcoming Procrastination

December 31, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

Procrastination is a sin;
it brings me endless sorrow.
I know I should stop doing it.
I think I’ll start tomorrow!

No doubt you’ve seen this poem or something similar. I checked the Internet to attribute it and found 4,390 entries! Obviously procrastination is a hot topic that, like the old game of hot potato, we quickly toss (pass the blame) to someone or something else. Really, isn’t it easier to blame someone else for causing us to procrastinate or to move to another task to avoid doing the thing(s) we know we need to do?

While no one is immune from procrastination, I think writers are especially prone. I’m not pointing an accusing finger at you – I’m pointing it at myself. Despite the chapter on “Overcoming Procrastination” that I wrote for my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers, I struggle with procrastination as much or perhaps more than others. How else could I have written that chapter? I’m an expert! If you’re curious about what I’m learning (but sadly not always applying), click here to read the chapter online.

I especially struggle with procrastination when it comes to planning the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences. I know Father has entrusted these conferences to me. Watching Him work and do Ephesians 3:20 things each year (it’s now 31 years for Philly and 17 for Colorado) is one of my greatest joys. It’s just the getting started that’s hard. Well, okay, the entire process is hard! I know I’ll face computer challenges and overwhelming to-do lists and time pressures that will stretch me far beyond my abilities, my limited IQ (it’s amazing how stupid my computer can make me feel), my wisdom, my strength . . .

And that’s the problem! I procrastinate when I focus on me – on my self-doubts and feelings of inadequacy rather than trusting the Lord to enable me to do what I can never do on my own. Although the world says dependency on anyone or anything but ourselves is weakness, like the apostle Paul I’d rather embrace my weaknesses knowing that “when I am weak, then I am strong – the less I have, the more I depend on him” (2 Cor. 12:10 TLB). God-confidence is far better than self-confidence!

Will you ask the Lord what He wants you to do – to write – this year? And will you then commit to do it in His strength and for His glory?

P.S. The website for the May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference is now updated with the 2014 faculty and continuing sessions. Lots more info coming soon. The website for the July 30-August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference still has 2013 info but I can tell you that Cec Muphey will be on faculty. I hope you’ll visit again, pass the URL on to friends, and save the date! There’s still lots of work to do but as Aristotle said, “Well begun is half done.” I’m excited and hope you will be too.

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Goal-setting, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life | 1 Comment »

The Gift of Children

December 22, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

Eagerly we awaited
our first grandbaby’s birth.
We praised God
as we held her in our arms
less than an hour after she arrived.
So tiny, so helpless, so dependent –
and so immediately loved.

How difficult it must have been
for Joseph and Mary’s parents
to wait several years
to hold Jesus in their arms
and not to even know
if Joseph and Mary
and their grandchild were safe.

Today countless little ones
will never be held in the arms
of their grandparents.
Separated by the ravages of war,
they will struggle to survive
in refugee camps or on the streets
or as child slaves, prostitutes, or soldiers.

How can we best celebrate Jesus’ birth?
By remembering how He held children
in His arms and blessed them.
By not forgetting the plight
of children in crisis around the world,
and by giving sacrificially
even as He gave Himself for us all.

Marlene Bagnull

Posted in Pondering Biblical Truth, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

The Bagnull Family Christmas Letter

December 21, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

Christmas 2013

Dear family & friends –

I came home to snow from a wonderful vacation in the Caribbean December 5-12. Paul doesn’t like to fly so he stayed home with the dogs while I enjoyed this special time with our grandkids. One day I even swam with the dolphins! I worried that my arthritic knees wouldn’t be able to handle the trip, but it was my son-in-law who came home on crutches after breaking his ankle jumping into the ocean from a boulder on Virgin Gorda. He’s facing a long recovery. Please pray for him.

The Write His Answer conferences were again blessed with outstanding faculties who encouraged and equipped participants to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives. It was the 17th year of ministry for the Colorado conference and the 30th year for the Philly conference. God is amazing!

This fall I taught my Write His Answer Seminar in Connecticut and keynoted at conferences in Delaware and Georgia. The trip to Covington, Georgia, was a special blessing because we got to see our son and daughter-in-law’s new home in South Carolina and I got to spend time with my dear friend, Sue Cameron.

Our grandkids had a great time when Sharon visited in June with three puppies. She has another litter almost weaned in time for Christmas. Sadly Mommy says no puppy!

Thank You, Father, for all the ways we have experienced Your presence with us during 2013. And thank You for the special blessing of the friends and family who gathered to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on November 9. May you know His peace and joy each day of the coming year.

Marlene & Paul

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Peace at Christmas – When Familes Don’t Get Along

December 18, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

Home at Christmas
How fast the year has flown, I reflected as I took the photographs off the mantle to decorate it for Christmas. A charred mark on the paneling behind one of the photos instantly reminded of a Christmas when our home had been anything but peaceful.

My mother and stepfather were visiting. The relationship was strained, but we had been trying to keep the peace. On Christmas Eve the tension erupted into a bitter argument. The smell of burning wood stopped me from saying things I would have later regretted. A candle had tipped over on the mantle causing the paneling right near the thermostat to smolder. Trembling with fear of what might have been, I soaked the wall with water and later hid the damage with a photo. The damage in the relationship with my parents was not so easily hid. Painful memories have a way of refusing to stay camouflaged.

At Christmas we are forced to face the fact that all is not always “calm” and “bright” in our relationships with a brother or a sister, a parent or a child, an in-law or cousin. This season of joy can turn into one of misery as we have no choice but to spend time with people who go out of their way to avoid us the rest of the year.

When our homes are filled with conflict, what can we do to have “peace on earth, good will to men”?

1. Keep our eyes on the One whose birth we celebrate. The Gospel of John opens with the poignant words: “His life is the light that shines through the darkness–and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John l:5 TLB). The reality of that first Christmas was not just the angels’ song, but Herod’s decree that every baby boy two years old and under be slaughtered (see Matthew 2:16). The shadow of the cross was already hanging over the Holy Family as they fled to Egypt.

Jesus never promised us problem-free relationships, but He has promised to give us the wisdom to know how to love those who may be anything but lovable. Difficult relationships do not have to spoil the joy of Christmas if we follow Jesus’ example and respond with love and forgiveness.

2. Try not to put unrealistic demands on ourselves. Christmas Eve I typically am still racing to complete my “to-do” list and end up too tired to enjoy Christmas much less to cope with difficult family members. We need to learn when to make a good night’s sleep a priority so that we’re able to handle added emotional pressures.

3. Avoid having unrealistic expectations of others. It is unlikely that people who have been less than pleasant throughout the year will suddenly become nice just because it is Christmas. Yes, I believe God works miracles, but it is just as great a miracle to learn not to set ourselves up to be hurt through our unrealistic expectations.

I cannot remove that charred area of paneling without replacing the entire wall, but it can serve as a reminder that if I want peace in my family, it must begin with me. Truly, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Cor. 5:19 NIV). Because Christ came, we can be reconciled to one another.
___________

It’s been over 35 years since that traumatic Christmas Eve. Thank You, Father, for bringing Your peace to these strained relationships and for the assurance that my mother and stepfather are now home with You. Please bring Your peace – Your shalom – to families in conflict. Restore estranged relationships and help us to love others as You love us.

Posted in God's promises, Our Christian witness, Pondering Biblical Truth | 3 Comments »

Watching Wonder

December 18, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

Guest Blog
by Verna Bowman

We comprehend more today than our ancestors could ever imagine, but it comes with the cost of a diminished ability to marvel, don’t you think? We want to understand everything – and think we do, but in the process we lose our child-wonder.

A divine birth is predicted thousands of years ahead of time, then announced by heavenly host on the night it actually takes place.

Enough to make us amazed – amazed enough to make us believe.

Countless nativity scenes surround us at this time of year. Plastic, pewter, porcelain, wood, and live ones outside of neighborhood churches. We’ve heard the greatest story ever told, believe it’s all there is to know and allow the familiarity and tradition to dull our awe. But, I want to look past the earthiness to the loftiness to be struck with details.

I want to be a part of the breathtaking story, when the God of Wonder stepped down into our world to enter the human race in a specific womb, to be born of a dirt-poor couple to trade His throne for a trough. Real people at a real time in history, to fulfill a real promise to mankind. To me-kind.

I want to see the flesh and blood nativity traveling seventy miles on a donkey to arrive at just the right place, at just the right time . . . where there was no room for the virgin bride swollen with pain to deliver holy offspring on a silent night.

I want to see Joseph, the one who seems to be placed under the crèche to make it a family, the one who played the huge role of caring for the chosen mother and the Messiah-baby to become a Messiah-man.

I want to see the frightened shepherds who left their sheep to find the Lamb, fascinated under a canopy of planets, looking to the stars remembering the promise of Isaiah, the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them the light has shone 9:2.

I want to hear the angels praising high, while knowing Bethlehem would pave the road to Golgotha. Shepherds and angels sending out birth announcements.

Christmas is more than an annual event to get wrapped up in, it’s a life-season meant to draw us near to the Christ who didn’t remain in a feeding trough. “Christmas” was planned before creation to acknowledge the great lengths our God went to because humanity needed a Savior.

The next time we pass by a nativity scene, let’s add ourselves, not among the plastic tradition and the trite, but within the flesh and blood awesome message of the manger, so we can hear Advent telling us to stop and be amazed by the details.
____________

Thanks, Verna Bowman, for allowing me to share you blog with my readers. And thank you, Verna, for your words that always touch my heart in deep ways. Friends, I encourage you to subscribe to Verna’s blog at http://vernabowman.com/.

Posted in Pondering Biblical Truth, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Christmas Reflections / Shopping for Christ in Christmas

December 4, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

Guest post
by
Cheri Roan Clay

As I stood in the Christmas isle at Wal-Mart, I cried. I allowed my tears to flow as I looked at the decorations. True they were pretty. In fact, some were very nice. But as I walked the Christmas section looking for inspiration to teach my kids in my Sunday school class about Jesus, my eyes saw no angels, no nativity scenes. All I saw were penguins, snowmen, Santa Clauses – but no Jesus. As the sadness consumed me, I asked Jesus, “Has it gotten so bad they have forgotten You?” The answer I received was a greater sadness to meet my own.

Where did the reason for the season go? Where in the hustle and bustle that seems to start before Halloween did we lose the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Jesus’ birth? Where did it all go? Did we as Christians allow it to disappear? Did we allow time and change to destroy Christ in Christmas? Could we have done anything to stop it even if we had tried? I don’t have the answers. All I have is the sadness of my soul that won’t let go. My spirit cries out that we must change this.

We ask God to bless America, but we can’t even remember His Son’s birthday. Sure I know those of us that are Christians celebrate in our homes and in our churches, but we can’t let others forget the reason why. We can’t turn a blind eye and pretend we don’t see there are no more nativity scenes. We can’t turn a deaf ear while our kids learn “Here Comes Santa Claus” and are not allowed to sing “Away in a Manger.” Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with penguins, snowmen and Santa Clauses, but when we allow them to overshadow and even take the place of Jesus then yes, something is wrong – definitely wrong. Sure we can point fingers and say it’s not our fault; it’s the government or someone else’s fault. But the truth of the matter is point one finger at someone else and there is still the other fingers pointing at ourselves.

Again I don’t have the answers. All I have is the why of my sadness as I beg Jesus for forgiveness for allowing this to happen. So with sadness within I stand tall and proud and humbled in God’s love and say JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON and let us never, ever forget that!

*~*~*~*~

Thank you, Cheri, for expressing so powerfully the sadness in my heart and for giving me permission to post this. Father, please bring our nation back to You.

Posted in Our Christian witness, Praying for our nation | 3 Comments »

So very thankful!

November 27, 2013 by Marlene Bagnull

50th Anniversary

Thank You, Father, for all You’ve done this year and for the very special blessing of celebrating 50 years of marriage to my beloved husband, Paul, on November 9. Wow, Father! Half a century of blessings!

Thank You for our precious grandchildren. I’m so grateful You moved us within walking distance four years ago.

Father, You know I’m also so grateful for the faculty and staff who served You and Your people at the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. And thank You for those who have said yes to be with us next year. Thank You that the continuing sessions are in place for the Colorado conference.

And what joy it was to give my Write His Answer Seminar in Connecticut in September and to keynote in Georgia and Delaware in October. Thank You for opening these doors of ministry and helping me move tons of overheads to PowerPoint.

This could easily become a book rather than a blog for there is so much more that fills my heart with gratitude. Thank You for family and friends and most of all for loving me and helping me to do what I could never do in my own strength. You are awesome, Lord!

Come All Christians

Marlene Bagnull
To the tune “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

Come all Christians join in song
Praise our God the whole day long
Not just on Thanksgiving eve
But throughout eternity
Thank You God for all You’ve done
For Your Spirit and Your Son
And Your Word that points the way
To bear fruit for You each day

Thank You for this land we love
For Your watch care from above
For countless ways that You have blessed
Giv’n Your strength when we are stressed
Help us never to forget
That in You our needs are met
Change our hearts, our faith renew
Help us serve and honor You

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference | 8 Comments »

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Write His Answer

Encouraging and equipping you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.

Conference Updates & News You Can Use

Colorado Christian Writers Conference updates . . .