Writers ADVANCE! Boot Camp 2012

Writers ADVANCE!

Christian Devotions Ministries set out four years ago to promote Christian writers and Christian writing genres. We prayed God would use us to meet the need…and He has.


We never dreamed we could ask for this and God would provide, but now we’re learning to dream bigger for the future. When we stood at a conference and announced we were starting a publishing arm to the ministry, large publishing houses looked at us and said, “Are you crazy? The country is in the middle of an economic downturn.” They were right. However, our response was, “God doesn’t expect Christians to back down in the face of adversity. He expects His soldiers to ADVANCE!” And we did.

Since that day, God has blessed this ministry. In 2011 our small publishing house sold just under 11,000 books. And the longevity of the books is amazing. Our little Spirit and Heart book still sells in large numbers. Who would have thought? God did, obviously.

Because we believe Writers should ADVANCE in times of plenty and times of adversity, we were moved to begin each year with a weekend of hard work to kick-start writers into ADVANCE mode.

The Billy Graham Training Center, THE COVE, will welcome Christian Devotions and Writers ADVANCE! Boot Camp 2012 to their campus February 24-26. This is a weekend packed full of information. There will be hands-on training, one-on-one work with award-winning and best-selling authors, even an agent, who will give attendees their full attention. The goal is simple…to ADVANCE writers into a new year of writing and to help them renew their purpose.

Registration is now open for Christian Devotions Writers ADVANCE! Boot Camp 2012. The cost is very affordable ($250 for a single occupancy room, $198 for a double. There are also rates for triple and quad occupancy, and even an off-campus rate.) This is ALL-INCLUSIVE…your room and all meals, snacks, and two full days of work.


Visit www.ChristianDevotions.us or the link below and register NOW!

http://christiandevotions.us/category/writers-advance-bootcamp/
Boot Camp 2012 meets regardless of the weather. (Registrations are non-refundable after January 31.)

For further information contact cindy@christiandevotions.us

Date: February 24, 25, 26

Place:  THE COVE

Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, NC

Kick off 2012 with a boost to your writing.  ADVANCE! Writers BOOT CAMP 2012

Pull out your boots and lace them up tight. Start your new year with Writers ADVANCE! Boot camp 2012, an action packed weekend designed to inspire, motivate and train writers to ADVANCE forward in their writing work.

Set in the format of boot camp, writers are offered intense classes and work for the new writer (Infantry) and the advanced writer (Officer). Each track is designed to offer in-depth training, one-on-one guidance and hand-to-hand work to move writers from stand-still to actively moving ahead on their personal writing projects. 

Writers ADVANCE! Boot camp connects writers with authors, agents and speakers who can teach a well-rounded approach of writing- from the idea to the completed project. The design welcomes all levels of writers offering workshops structured to meet their stage of writing and launching them ahead to the next level.

Slip on your boots. Step out in faith. Join us for Writers ADVANCE! Boot camp 2012.

Two tracks of learning:

Infantry – New Writer

Officer -   Advance Writer

Infantry Training		Officer Training
Getting the Story Started: From Idea to Reality		Putting Up the Frame and Avoiding Writers Block
Preparing and Writing Articles: Basic How To		All Wound Up: Keeping Tension in Your Story
Devotional Writing: Hook, Book, Look and Took		Readers or Leaders: Saving the Next Generation of Young Readers
Painting the Landscapes: Scenes & Settings		Delving Deeper into Fiction: Sub-Plots, Character Development and Dialogue
Writing for Children: Nuts and Bolts		Making Amazon Work for You
It’s the Little Things that Count: Editing Your Work		It’s All in the Detail: Advanced Editing
Moving to the Next Level		Moving to the Next Level
Enticing First Pages:  15 Minutes with an Agent		What About an Agent:  When and Why You Need One
Social Networking: What! How! Who ME!		Social Networking: You can, YOU MUST!
The State of the Ministry: Christian Devotions and You		The State of the Ministry: Christian Devotions and You

 Group session: When you Write for God                           Round Table One on One Critiques

Appointments with a published author or agent to discuss your work and Goals

**OPTIONAL - Paid critiques – You may pay for a professional critique of work

                             $10 – 3 devotions (up to 600 words each)

                             $25 -  The first 15 pages of your novel

                             $20 -  The Basic Proposal

COST

Per Person complete meeting package rates  include, 2 nights rooming, meals, materials packet, snacks and all conference classes:

$250 for single occupancy (to pay in full)

OR pay 1/2 deposit (single occupancy) of $125 with remainder due Jan. 31 – click here

$195 for double occupancy (to pay in full)

OR pay 1/2 deposit (double occupancy) of $98 with remainder due Jan. 31 – Click here

$170 for triple occupancy (to pay in full)

OR pay 1/2 deposit (triple occupancy) of $85 with remainder due Jan. 31 – Click here

$160 for quad occupancy (to pay in full)

OR pay 1/2 deposit (quad occupancy) of $80 with remainder due Jan. 31 – Click here

$100 Off-campus rate (includes all meals, conference fee and packet fee. There is no one-day rate) OR

you may pay deposit of $75 with remainder due Jan. 31 – Click here

(All boot camp registrations are non-refundable. We are committed to filling rooms.)

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT TO START YOUR WRITING YEAR OFF WITH A BANG!

AND we have our own “black Friday” sale when you:

BOOK YOUR RESERVATION BEFORE  DECEMBER 10  AND SAVE $10 (once you book we’ll credit $10 back to your card)

(Sorry, this discount does not apply to off-campus rate)

REMEMBER…Boot Camp fees are  ALL INCLUSIVE  – Room, Food, Materials Packet and Conference Fee

Boot camp is an intense weekend. Soldiers have buddies to help them stay on track, hold one another accountable and lift one another up when they fall.  We have your back. And that is what makes Boot camp so special. You walk away with a writing buddy you can count on. So invite your peers. Be a part of this amazing weekend of training.

Writers Advance is for all writers, new or seasoned, so invite your friends. Jump start your writing year with a friend. Soldiers travel with a buddy and writers should too. So buddy up and bring a friend for a year of buddy system accountability.

Writers ADVANCE! Boot Camp marches on regardless of the weather so tie your bootstraps tight and be ready. If you attended our past Boot Camps you know we fill you up and send you out armed and ready for battle.

For additional orders or information, contact cindy@christiandevotions.us

Meet Christian Devotions and their Staff and board members. Find out how the ministry of Christian Devotions works, what’s coming down the zip line and how you can not only benefit from, but be a part of it.

Click on one of the occupancy links and sign up for your marching orders. This is a weekend you will not forget.

He Will See You Through

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:12

Listen to He Will See You Through - She Said

“Arrrggh. Will you let me sleep?” I shouted when I bolted up from the bed. I knew there was a decision to make…one that affected my entire family and God wasn’t going to let me rest until I said yes.

It meant stepping out on faith. "God," I said, "I have a good job at a time in our economy when thousands do not and you’re asking me to give it up?"

He was. So I did.

Three months after I retired, the house fell into dire need of repair. New siding, new fencing, new stairs, broken driveway, and I’d taken early retirement. Mistake, I wondered?

I call God the great nudger. He’s like the cartoon Daffy Duck dressed as an angel, sitting on my shoulder nudging me. He wakes me in the night whispering in my ear, “Come, follow Me.” Yet when I say yes, His devil counterpart is thrilled when, for lack of better words, “all hell breaks loose.” Something just isn’t right here. When you go to work for God, you’d think things would be smooth sailing.

God nudged the Magi too. After their visit to the Christ child they were warned in a dream not to return home by the usual route. It was their hint from God that it wouldn’t be safe to revisit Herod.

More times than not, when He calls us to do something for Him, it involves a price. These Magi, scholars of their time, had studied for years, paid attention to the signs and wonders and when God placed it on their hearts to GO, they did. They were to serve as witnesses of the fulfillment of scripture and it meant danger for them. Still they did what they were led to do.

Despite the hardship and dangers any of us face in the service of Christ, God always provides care for us. He never fails to open a door of safety, send provision, or warn us of the dangers we might face when we say “yes.” He doesn’t promise a smooth path, for in the wake of Him are those who work to destroy His ways.

God provided for us just as He did for the Magi. The math doesn’t work out on paper but somehow we’ve managed to survive the impact of major home repairs on one income. And we’re still managing because God is Jehovah Jireh (God of Provision). The Magi returned home safely even through the danger because God is Jehovah Shammah (God who is there).

When God calls you, listen...answer...trust. Will it be easy? Definitely not but El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) will see you through.

Be Not Afraid - Guest Blog Host Angela E. Arndt

How many of you have heard the old story about the bumblebee? Supposedly, a scientist compared the weight and measurements of its body to its wingspan and judged that bumblebees cannot fly. However, the bumblebee just keeps vibrating its wings and buzzing away from flower to flower.

Lately I've been getting little love notes from God. No, I'm not hearing voices, but do you ever find yourself seeing things with a common theme over and over? Lately, my theme has been, "Don't be afraid."

"Don't be afraid," you ask? Am I climbing a mountain, taming lions or fighting a war? No. I'm just writing a little novel and sometimes it terrifies me. The What-If-Asaurus hovers over me as I type, his stinging stinky breath settling over me like a cloak, telling me I'm going to fail or I'll never finish or even, I'll finish and be published (which in some ways is even more terrifying).

But these little love notes keep popping up for me. Scriptures such as Deut. 31:6 -

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Or I may "happen" to read blog posts or inspiring articles while waiting in the doctor's office on conquering fear. Over and over again, I find this topic keeps popping up and you know what it tells me (besides the obvious)? It's telling me that Someone loves me enough to make sure I hear His message. It also tells me to keep on going, even when the little voice inside me says I can't do it. I'm supposed to keep on writing even if what I wrote last night sounds ridiculous the next morning.

Did you know there are at least 11 references in the Bible that say, "Be strong and courageous?" From Deuteronomy to the Psalms and through the New Testament to Ephesians, we are admonished to go forth with courage and strength.

In addition, we're also reminded that we should:

• Not be frightened (Joshua 1:9)

• Obey the Lord's commands (Joshua 1:7)

• Remember the Lord will defeat our enemies (Joshua 10: 25)

• Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-11)

• Obey the Lord's commands and don't be sad (1 Chronicles 22:13)

• Remember the Lord will be with you until our work is finished (2 Chronicles 15:7)

• Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14)

• Remember the Lord will not leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6)

• Remember the Lord will be with us (Deuteronomy 31:23)

And I have to do more than just show up. Remember the bumblebee can't fly unless it vibrates its wings. I've got to move my fingers and try, at least. And I've got to trust Him to do the rest.

What a wonderful testimony to God's love for us and His commitment to His plans for us! If God is for us, who can be against us? As long as obey His commands and do His will, we have no reason to be afraid. God is in control!

Angela Arndt is a writer living in "smalltown" South Carolina. She has her master's from the University of South Carolina in Education and currently writing a series of mystery novels. Check out Angela's site at:

 http://www.angelaearndt.com

http://joyonthebackroads.blogspot.com

Only Tim Hawkins Could....

Only Tim Hawkins can make such a sad situation humorous.

Overcoming the Writing Overwhelm

Life does have a way of happening. As much as I make the effort to control the things around me the truth is, I’m not in control at all. Publishers and professionals tell me, “You must blog. Facebook is an asset to your writing career. And oh, chirp, warble…uh no, it’s tweet, tweet, TWEET .”

When I gazed across my to-do list and see its length, my stomach churned. Worse yet, none of the work is my personal writing. It’s writing for others, reading submissions and editing. In the back of my head my own novel flailed, bobbing up and down through the river of “stuff” that called my hand of attention. My work was floating but I am personally drowning.

How do we manage to write when we’re overwhelmed? It begins when we re-examine the reason we write. The reason we write is from a love, a passion that burns deep inside us—that gift God has placed within us to nurture and develop so He is able to use our talent. When we allow the world to overwhelm us with earthly junk, God won’t work through us. We shove God to the bottom of the slush pile when it’s His calling that has ignited the desire to write.

I sat in front of my computer screen in a fog. Tweets popped up in the corner of the screen and instant messages lined the bottom. Who do I answer first? I slowly inched the cursor over the x and closed out Tweetdeck. One by one, I closed the instant messages and marked myself…off-line in Gmail. My heart knew I needed quiet.

I turned my Bible Isaiah and his words of encouragement…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Just reading these words gave me a renewed strength.

Mental and physical overload is a worldly thing that sends me into a frenzy where the unimportant cloud the words God speaks to me to write.

It seems cliché to say “Pray,” but God wants us to bring every need, every thought to Him. When we offer up our plate filled with “things,” it’s His pleasure to scrap it clean.

Fighting overload begins at the feet of Christ—here we release the unnecessary and regain the necessary.

The work is too much to handle alone. Be quiet. Lift your weariness to the one who can manage it. Give the work to God. Renew your strength. Then, will you find the strength to fight the overwhelming junk of the world.

I get it God, I thought. So I slammed my Bible closed and grinned as a Twitter feather floated to the floor.

You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:18

God's Emancipation Proclamation

Below you will find a very unique piece sent to me recently. It didn't fit the criteria for our devotional site but at the same time, what is written was a message that needs to be shared. A special thank you to Sheree Whitby for allowing me to reprint her work on my blog. Read through. Think on this.

-Cindy

(used by permission by Sheree Whitby)

By the Lord God Almighty

A Proclamation

Whereas on eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, a proclamation was issued by the Sheree Whitby, inspired by the Lord Jesus Christ, containing among other things the following, to wit:

Today, all persons held as slaves (me, my family, my bloodline, my friends, my associates and all who come in contact with me), within any State or designated part of a State and especially in our bloodline, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and or financially, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the Lord God Almighty, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the devil of hell and all his minion, legions, authorities, followers and powers will recognize and maintain the freedom of God’s people and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.

And by virtue of the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the purpose aforesaid, we do order and declare that all persons held as slaves (me, my family, my bloodline, my friends, my associates and all who come in contact with me) within any designated States, and parts of States, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and or financially, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the High authority of our Heavenly Father, including Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.

And we hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless necessary self-defense; and we recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed by God, they labor faithfully for more than reasonable wages.

And we further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into God’s armed service to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Bible, upon God’s military necessity, we invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God. We shall be free and free indeed!

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hand and caused the seal of the Lord God Almighty to be affixed.

Done in the city of Heaven and on Earth, this eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the people of the Lord God Almighty.

By (insert your name here):

But If Only for a Minute - She Said

Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman…Jeremiah 15:19 NIV 

If but only for a minute, I thought. Only a minute, can I speak with grace. I waited my turn to do a 5-minute tape recorded presentation

.

God knows me and my mouth. He also knows my naivety and I have to wonder, since He does know these things…why He doesn’t always open my eyes. I’d sat and listened quietly at the stories of 23 amazing women. I could see where their stories came from and how they could make motivational and inspired talks. What I didn’t know …was my story.

I’d planned something humorous. A true story from an eldercare visit but in my naivety I didn’t see it might not be the right presentation for that particular moment and when I found out from loving friends it wasn’t…I was not only embarrassed but at a loss.

I guess I’ll close myself into the closet upstairs and work through the night, I thought. So I did. I closed myself inside a small closet away from everyone with my Bible and a blank sheet of paper that lay, untouched, all night. My mind was blank. Fear closed in around me. Failure seemed imminent.

The women at this speakers conference were amazing. My life had been somewhat mundane compared to theirs. I felt so undeserving…unworthy to stand in their presence. God had worked wonders in their lives and though I knew He’d done great things for me, nothing seemed to “top” what I’d heard.

“God do you want me to be a speaker?” I asked. “Cuz’ I’m not doin’ so hot.”

The minutes turned in to hours and before long morning had come. There I still sat without a presentation.

“God,” I said. “I need to do this presentation. I got nothing. Nadda. I’m up second to speak. The words I had were wrong. I’m sorry. All I can do is trust when I stand in front of this group, You will speak.” I folded my paper in half and tore it into four pieces. They were blank…waiting for God to print on the page.

If but only for a minute, I prayed, can I speak with grace. My name was called and I laid the four blank papers on the small table. “But if only for a minute,” I whispered. “Grace.”

That’s the amazing thing about God. Sometimes He makes us wait to the ultimate last moment. But He promised He’d restore us…me… so I could serve Him and if I uttered worthy words, I could be His spokesman. My pages were blank but as the cue to speak came, my heart was filled.

Graceful words slipped from my mouth, gentle gestures, strong phrases and articulate sentences. I, me…Cindy…just opened my mouth and God allowed me to be His spokesman.

I learned this week, we’re all His spokesmen. He’s given us all a story to tell. Some amazing while others are steadfast, but until we utter them as worthy words, they cannot be heard and others cannot be touched.

Look for your story. Find it and then “Oh, but if only for a minute, speak with grace.” God will bless.

P.S. I AM A SPEAKER. Do you need one for an event?

The Best Is Yet to Come: 60 Devotions

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The Best Is Yet to Come: 60 Devotions

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What We Least Expect

I never imagined this. Never.

Who'd have really expected what would happen? Not me, but then, I wasn't really looking for the unusual.

When I turned 50 the reality of half my life having passed was a snapshot of one picture. Me with a plastic crown and a pink wand labeled, "Princess." (A nickname lovingly bestowed on me by a best friend from college - Thanks Keeb...it stuck.)

Today, marked another of those memorable days. I think, the one I expected least. Outside of the fact it was another birthday, the unexpected part was this outpouring of love and kindness. Literally hundreds of emails and facebook messages wishing ME...of all people...ME, a happy birthday.

I just didn't expect or deserve such a gift.

This past week, I came under fire. It's not the first time and I doubt it will be the last, but the attacks were personal and deep. I can say, without a doubt, my heart was broken.

Probably not much to the average Joe, but to me, a big deal. Now, I'm no saint, no Peter or Paul, but I make every effort to be a good and kind person. Though I've suffered and survived a divorce, I brought out of it two wonderful sons that have been my lifeblood for 31 years. Two years past the aftermath of divorce, God provided someone who has taught me what it means to be loved and cherished--something I'm grateful for everyday I open my eyes.

Our blended family gave us 4 sons. I've never called my stepsons, stepsons...they've always been "My BOYS." And likewise, have my sons been Tim's. We've struggled through near financial disaster from medical bills, learned to manage the special education maze, managed to raise a son with a disability to be a wonderfully loved and respected citizen, cried through a prodigal and rejoiced when he came home. We've lost parents, fought through cancer scares, dug through blood clots that nearly took Tim and still we've been continually lifted from the mire of despair virtually unscathed.

This week has been a test. A hard test. My ministry partner said, "Satan knows where you are vulnerable...your heart." And he is right. I've not slept well this week, had a few moments of tears, a few times I wanted to throw up. But here's what I've learned.

1) When we're attacked it always looks bigger than it really is. That's part of the lie Satan tells.

2) God is a God of foolproof promises and His comfort is available at the sound of a whisper.

3) When we feel as though we are alone in the battle, God surrounds us with people who stand shoulder to shoulder forming a wall of protection.

4) And finally, that all of these people show you just how much they love you.

Today is my birthday. I really don't think much of them (except that I expect my children to at least call)...but otherwise, I'm as happy to pass it by and remain unnoticed. Through this week of trial, literally hundreds of people have emailed me, commented a birthday wish on Facebook or tweeted a wish. My sweet friend, Kevin wrote a devotion in my honor and though I nearly didn't post it, the staff of Christian Devotions over rode my vote. And tonight, during choir practice, the entire choir harmonized the happy birthday chorus to me. My son called from Florida, my cousins took me out to eat lunch and my mom, husband and another son, joined the party. My brother and sister-in-law called too not to mention an email from a man I'd never met who spent two full paragraphs telling me what the ministry of Christian Devotions and He Said, She Said had meant to his life. My friends Edie and Mary called me from South Carolina (Sorry girls I was in church when you called), and my buddy Marianne sent me this HUGE box of treats (You always know how to treat a friend) and finally, Tim took me out for a chocolate extreme Blizzard. What more could you ask for?

Frankly, the attention made me feel small, undeserving and a little embarrassed. Then I thought of a song by Greater Vision called Faces where a person stands before Christ and reviews his life feeling as though he'd done nothing special or unique.

See I'd done my best to share
That Jesus really cares
And he would save if they just believe
Oh, but seldom did harvest come
And so few did I see won
Until the Lord said, "turn around and see."

(Chorus)
Then he showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me
So many faces that my life had led to Calvary
All those years I thought nobody saw as I labored in lowly places
That's when Jesus smiled and showed me all the faces.

This is not to say, I'm one who saves thousands. But it is to say, none of us know...I mean REALLY know the people we touch on a daily basis. We never know the moments that a touch on the shoulder, a smile, a call...really makes a difference. We tend to miss those things.We rarely see the instant that something we do, changes a life, offers hope or stands in our behalf.

Throughout this week of tests and trials, I felt broken and lost until today. I'd probably never mention the deepest part of the hurt to anyone, instead, I'd just swallow it, pray over it and keep it buried. Until today.

I've never had such an outpouring of genuine love in my life and I am so touched...so grateful that through it all my amazing Father in heaven loved me enough to show me the FACES of those who care for me.

Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. But I can tell you this. My tears are no longer tears of broken sadness, but tears of joy. So, NO, I didn't expect this gift of love today. Wasn't looking for it coming...but I'm grateful. I hope you'll zip back to the top of this page and listen to the song FACES by Greater Vision. Then when it's done know that you are standing before God and He tells you TO TURN AROUND AND SEE MY FACE. Thank you for touching my life. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference. May God heap blessings over you.

A very humbled friend,

Cin