FaithWriters February 2015
"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" Today's Devotional and the Newest Member E-books Included |
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God's Box of Chocolates - A Valentine's Day Devotional
by LauraLee Shaw
Everywhere I look near Valentine's Day, there's chocolate: boxes of chocolate in all the stores, chocolate on TV promising to be the only love you need, chocolate Girl Scout cookies--CHOCOLATE! I even saw chocolate Altoid breath mints in the grocery checkout aisle the other day. I think that's what led me to remember the famous quote from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." (I even remember it with his accent.)
In reality, that phrase can be true in many ways. We wake up every morning, completely unsure of what the day may hold for us. We've made our plans. Sometimes they even happen the way we make them; but we never know for sure, do we?
The days that come with caramel in the middle are my favorite. The ones with the strawberry goo are just so-so, but the ones with coconut--YUCK! I'd rather go back to bed. Then there are the days where tragedy or difficult times come out of nowhere, and the chocolate sits in the pantry untouched...there's no sweetness to be had in those moments, it seems.
God knows that life, as it pertains to circumstances, is uncertain for us. That's why He comforts us and reminds us so many times that He is our constant companion, our steadfast friend, our consistently loving God and Savior. He doesn't keep promises the way we do.
"When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee His promises, He gave His word, a rock-solid guarantee--God can't break His word. And because His word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable." (Hebrews 6:16-18, The Message)
You see, no matter what chocolate we are "in the middle of" right now, He is there with the certainty of His promise today, as well as His hope of Heaven tomorrow. The verse above continues to encourage us as seen in verses 19-20:
"We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up His permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek."
I love the visual picture of grabbing on to Him with both hands as He runs ahead of me to the Father. That makes me able to get up today and praise Him for whatever comes my way. This faith, this confidence, this hope is our unbreakable spiritual lifeline--HIS love for us no matter what, when, how or why. Let's binge on His priceless box of chocolates today...the sweetest and most satisfying of them all.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalm 34:8
LauraLee Shaw is a disciple of Jesus Christ disguised as a wife, mom, writer, and speaker. She is a contributing author to "Women of Passions," and a writer for "Internet Cafe Devotions." You can read more from and contact LauraLee HERE.
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| | The Writing Challenge Will Improve Your Writing
"There's simply nothing like FaithWriters' Writing Challenge anywhere on the internet.You'll develop the disciplines of writing to a topic, writing to a deadline, and writing within a word limit--all in a safe and nurturing environment of fellow Christian writers who will encourage and mentor you while you hone your craft." Jan
"There is no better place at FaithWriters to get feedback, make friends, and improve your writing than the Writing Challenge." Joanne
"Participating in the weekly FW Challenge has been so much fun and a true blessing. It is a joy-filled experience to blend my writing and my faith within a community of very talented writers. Reading entries from other members has probably helped me the most. I continue to be in awe of the master story-tellers who can do so much with 750 words (or less!). The weekly cycle of entries is exciting and addictive." Sherrie |
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Grammar tips
by Rachel Ann Nunes
1. Learn your punctuation. I can't tell you how many aspiring authors I've met who don't know if the comma goes before or after the quotes in dialogue. If you are unsure, do your research. A good grammar book will help immensely.
2. Change paragraphs every time someone new is speaking. (There are rare exceptions, but you are safe to stick with this until you learn how to use them.)
3.Watch sentences that can have double meanings. Example: I saw a movie about a vacation spot which I recommended. So are you recommending the vacation spot or the movie?
4. Do a search for all the words you habitually overuse. Look up new words and replace.
5.Trim your sentences for unnecessary or redundant words.
6. Consider hiring a line editor the first few times to see what they pick up.
7.Don't feel that a publisher will overlook the errors. If there are a few and the story is really good, they might be overlooked, but if there are so many signs that you haven't done your homework on either grammar, content, format, or storylines, they won't read past the first few pages, if that.
8. A good story WILL be published. Editing will make your story better and tighter.
Find this article, more tips, writing lessons and interactive lessons on FaithWriters HERE.
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| | Take Full Advantage of Your Membership Improve Your Writing Skills in 2015
We love Jan's courses. "I absolutely must add to these comments my own deep appreciation for the hard work you put in for us week by week. You enable people to grow and find true expression for their faith in the will of God. I've learnt so much already in such a short time, and that's because of your great advice and loving direction. Trace P. |
| | Sharing Our Faith is of Vital Importance!Don't let fear stop you, the objective evidence is on our side.
Do you have a desire to share your faith but you are unsure of what to say? Afraid of what others will think? Maybe you fear saying the wrong thing or not being able to answer a question or objection. If this is you, welcome to the club, we have all been there. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take that will help. During the next several newsletters, I will be offering you some suggestions garnered from my personal experiences in sharing my faith with many people.
To start on this path, I suggest that you take the time to review some of the objective evidence that proves God's existence and identity beyond a reasonable doubt. The truth is the evidence is on our side and the more you realize this, the more confident you will be in sharing your faith. If you go HERE you can obtain a free e-version of Gravity that you can read and share with others.
Gravity has been it the top five books of its two categories for over a year now on Amazon. The many reviews you will find on Amazon testify to God's use of it in many lives. It is also being used across the country to present the evidence for Christianity on the street, by the Navigators on college campuses and in 1,300 prisons. The objective evidence presented in Gravity will show you just how little faith you need to believe while it gives you great faith at the same time. There are also many answers to objections made by skeptics. You can also obtain print copies of Gravity for handout on the authors website at his cost.
Here are a couple of great questions to ask an atheist.
They say: "There is no God." You say: "How do you know that is true?" The original assertion could be a variety of claims attacking God's existence and identity and this same simple question will end most assertions by atheists. The truth is that people make all kinds of assertions attacking Christianity and have nothing to back it up. Gravity will answer many questions for you.
Here is another question to ask an atheist: "If there is no God, why is there something instead of nothing?" Click here to read article.
Go HERE to watch Mike lead an ongoing class reviewing the objective evidence for God's existence and identity. As of this date only two of several classes have been completed and posted online. These free videos will help you tremendously.
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| | Winner to be Published! Ninth Annual Page Turner Contest
2015 – CHRISTIAN FICTION
1. A fabulous cash prize of $500 (US);
2. The offer of traditional publication of their winning manuscript by Breath of Fresh Air Press;
3. Final editing of their manuscript (through Breath of Fresh Air Press);
4. Free publicity and marketing of their book on all FaithWriters' sites for twelve months following publication;
5. A special Page Turner Champion award plaque.
Two Page Turner runners-up will each receive*:
1. A cash prize of $50 (US);
2. A special Page Turner award plaque; and
3. Consideration for future publication by Breath of Fresh Air Press
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| | Submit Articles to Our Critique Circle
We have paid editors who visit the Critique Circle on a regular basis and they are telling us they need more submissions. This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing.
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| | New Year Resolution Improve my Writing For Jesus and Share the Gospel Online
Post "at least" One Article Per Month Challenge
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. Mark 13:22
While the internet has a lot of great information about Christianity, it is also a breeding ground for completely false information about Christianity. There are a whole host of sites run by atheists who are doing their very best to mislead seekers and destroy Christianity. If you do not believe me just search Jesus never existed and see what you find.
So we are asking you to make a commitment. Will you make a personal commitment to publish at least one article per month in our regular articles or free reprints sharing the truth of the gospel? It does not need to be a lengthy article, just what God leads you to post. Be creative with your keywords when you post and list things like suicide, divorce and bankruptcy to draw those who might be considering these.
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect... 1 Peter 3:15 |
| | The Father Love's You As Much As He Loves Jesus
I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Jesus in John 17:23 NLT
So if you can figure out how much the Father loves the Son, you will know how much He loves you.
Meditate on this in 2015 and see what happens. |
| | Thank You Xulon Press
For the Publishing Packages in 2014
Ten percent discount for Platinum members and five percent for Gold. These discounts are off Xulon's best advertised price at the time you commit to purchase. This discount could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
Don't let a shortage of funds stop you from fulfilling your publishing dream!
Xulon Press offers interest free payment plans to get you started. We’ll even work on your book while you’re making timely payments. Call your Author Consultant at 866-381-2665 to discuss the payment option that's best for you!
Make sure to tell them you are a FaithWriters member and want your discount. By upgrading you could very well save twice the cost of your FaithWriters membership. This makes upgrading at FaithWriters something to consider. |
| | | Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE
CELEBRATE– by Stephanie M. White
Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. Exodus 23:16 NIV
Celebrate! Celebrate God’s goodness in your life! Celebrate the harvest His Word produces in your life! Celebrate all that you are blessed with!
God has blessed us in so many ways and there are too many times that we fail to remember to celebrate His goodness. We can even overlook His goodness when we allow our minds to focus on the things that appear to be negative in our lives. What are you focused on? Are you focused on your problem or God's promise concerning the problem? Focus matters!
Celebrating is an important part of life. Too many times celebrating gets put on the back burner. We get entangled in the day-to-day and we endure life instead of celebrating it!
How can we incorporate celebrating into our lives? We can set time aside on purpose. We make our schedules; we choose what to do with our time. It is true that we make time for what we deem as important – we need to see celebrating as important.
David knew how good God was and he wasn’t afraid to celebrate (2 Samuel 6:21; Psalms 145:7). Are we? We need to abide in His goodness; we need to focus on the Word of God that declares all that God has done for us and celebrate. He has made us righteous in Christ – that is something that should keep us celebrating for life!
Stephanie is a wife, mom, and author from Ohio. Read more of her work or contact her HERE.
Our devotional is now on over 22,000 websites/blogs plus 15,000 by email and Twitter. FaithWriters members are encouraged to submit a devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 300 words which teaches you to write to topic and word count. Plus you will be spreading the news of Jesus with us. |
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Read Great Christian Books Free In Exchange For A Review Many already have multiple five star reviews on Amazon.
The Four in One Gospel of Jesus by Nikola Dimitrov Have you ever wondered about the chronological order of events in the life of our Lord Jesus while He was on earth? Or have you heard the secular accusations that the four gospels in the Bible contradict each other?
Well, this book has the four gospels contextually interlaced in chronological order.
The Four in One Gospel of Jesus already has 20 great reviews on Amazon and is running 4.9 out of 5 stars. This is just one example of over 30 books you can read for free in exchange for a review. Many others have multiple five star reviews too.
One book is running just below five stars with 71 reviews and it is listed in the top five books of its two categories. Another with over 30 reviews is running close to five stars and was honored as the book of the year by a major theological website. Another has over 20 reviews and is running almost five stars. Read one of these or one that has just joined the program and desperately needs reviews.
These are all free to read for you while others pay full price on Amazon. Plus you receive the bonus of helping a fellow believer and FaithWriters member. It takes reviews to sell books these days and other members really appreciate your help.
Go HERE to find a great book to read for FREE.
Hurry and choose one while they are still free to read! The authors can take their books out of this program at any moment.
Have you written a book and need reviews? Learn about submitting your book to this program HERE. |
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Testimony Book - Trials and Triumphs Available in our store & on Amazon The Powerful and Personal Testimonies of Forty FaithWriters
Support fellow members by getting a copy of this inspiring book, which contains 40 true stories from members who live for Jesus no matter what. These testimonies are powerful and encouraging, and maybe just what you need to strengthen your faith. Makes a great book to leave on your coffee table for a conversation starter. Check it out! http://faithwriters.com/testimonies.php.
Newest Testimony Book Congratulations to those selected for the next book which should be released very soon now. We are on our second review of the proof from Xulon and we hope to give them the final green light within a week. |
| | | | | | | DISCOUNT - Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace
The newly updated and expanded version of this award-winning title is packed with valuable information on promoting books in the unique Christian marketplace. This is the essential resource for anyone involved in producing and promoting Christian books.You will find many great ideas you need to market your book, and FaithWriters has negotiated a member discount .
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Be a blessing to someone today by letting others pray for you or by praying for them! |
| | Really Big News For Free Silver Members! FaithWriters Private Messenger Available to You Now
All members can now receive direct private messages from anyone interested in their writing through private messenger. If you had previously listed your email address in your profile, it should be removed now to reduce potential spam to your email address. Private messenger provides you with a level of privacy and security you did not have when posting your actual email address.
Note: Private messages with job opportunities will still only be sent to upgraded members. If you want to benefit from those opportunities you will need to upgrade HERE. |
| | Thank You For Your Financial Support
Fishers of Men Together We Spread the Gospel
Together we are casting a net on the over the web, an extremely important field ready for harvest. The enemy knows this and he is working hard on the internet to lead people down the wrong path. As followers of Jesus we can make a difference by publishing the true message and pointing people to Jesus. Men and women from over 230 countries are drawn to the FaithWriters site by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Many have no other way than the internet to find out about Jesus. They are able to learn a lot from our site and the sister-sites to which we have provided links. Many click on the sites we link to that offer in-depth information on Jesus because they are able to get more information in their native language.
Hundreds of people from around the world have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. Plus, as we refer many people to other sites to help answer their questions and accommodate their language. We know it is not about just about numbers. We also know that accepting Jesus and confessing Him is just where it starts. It is honor to consider the fact that God would use us in this way. The numbers are encouraging for us though and we will love encouragement.
We contact every person who leaves an email address, and provide them with more information. Sometimes we correspond with them several times. We even offer to place them in contact with another believer (FaithWriters member) in their country.
Consider how much time people --- especially kids --- spend on the internet these days. Watch this two minute video on how Kimberly found God on the internet.
Thank You FaithWriters!
Many Blessings from the FaithWriters Staff |
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
Joanne Sher is one of several editors offering editing services.
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| | Platinum Members are Eligible to Enter ALL Contests During the YearUpgrade today and support FaithWriters
At FaithWriters, we want to help you grow as a writer as we work together to spread the gospel. We really appreciate all of our members. However, like any business, we have website overhead, employees, and other expenses. Because most FaithWriters are free Silver members, please consider helping FaithWriters by UPGRADING to Platinum or UPGRADING to Gold. We promise to do all we can to give you a lot more than it costs. Another way you can help is by purchasing products through our Amazon links. They are found at the top of most site pages and are entitled Shop, Save, Support. We thank you for your prayers and support. -- Mike & Bea and the FaithWriters staff |
| | This Months FaithWriters Great Reads Selection
We have some excellent writers and many topics to choose from at FaithWriters. Bless your fellow members by reading one or more of their books occasionally. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
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| | | | Books added in the last month as described by each author.
A Flight Delayed
KC Lemmer
Your Price: $3.99
When career-focused Amanda McCree discovers that her controlling Great Aunt, as a last request, has especially asked that Amanda carry her Aunt's remains to Cape Town, Amanda is furious.
from Amazon.com!
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Biblical studies
HEART to heart: A Discipleship and Mentoring Plan
Robin Ulbredtch
Your Price: $8.96
Have you ever experienced the transforming love and power of God as He poured His grace into your heart? Have you ever experienced the cleansing, healing, and restoration of your heart and life? Have you experienced a passion for telling your story and sharing the news of God's transforming power?
from Amazon.com!
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Marriage
Me, My Husband and My In-Laws
ETURUVIE EREBOR
Your Price: $0.00
Failure to live in harmony with the extended family members of one's spouse can create unnecessary tension in the home. Many women for hundreds of years have found it difficult to get along with their in-laws and in this book, Eturuvie Erebor looks at three main reasons for the continuous disharmony between women (especially Christian women) and their in-laws.
Available in more formats from:
Smashwords.com
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Non-Fiction
Giants Give Birth to Giants: The Impact of a Mentor
ETURUVIE EREBOR
Your Price: $1.50
Giants give birth to giants; great people give birth to great people; like begets like. Everything on the earth reproduces after its kind.The Bible is full of relationships between mentors and mentees and this book highlights some of these relationships which give a clearer picture of the impact of a mentor
Available in more formats from:
Smashwords.com
Leadership Lessons from the Life of Jesus
ETURUVIE EREBOR
Your Price: $0.00
Jesus needs no introduction; He is the son of God, messiah of the world and returning king. He is the King of kings which without argument makes Him a leader of leaders. He exemplifies what a true leader should be and this book highlights a few of the leadership lessons the author has learned from studying His life and ministry as recorded in scriptures.
Available in more formats from:
Smashwords.com
My Search For The One True God
james rondinone
Your Price: $5.99
Storyline:
Does God really exist? If so, how does one find Him? Where does one look? These are fundamental questions most people ask at some point in their life. My Search for the One True God aims to answer those questions while directing readers toward a life of meaning and purpose from a spiritual perspective.
Too often we get caught up in the do’s and don’ts of a church’s theology, but a deep and true relationship with God can instead be attained by being impacted by His personal-ness. Author, James Rondinone, takes the reader on his own personal journey through various religions and experiences, illustrating that God indeed exists and how His personal-ness can actively be found and implemented in our life.
The reader will have an opportunity to find the one true God for themselves and like the author will be able experience His personal-ness and have assurance of a heavenly dwelling place after physical death.
from Amazon.com!
Overcoming: Living Victoriously In Christ
james rondinone
Your Price: $7.99
Story Line:
Overcoming: Living Victoriously in Christ is for Christians. It teaches those from every walk of life how to experience God’s presence (e.g. love, joy, peace) on a daily basis by providing 30 chapters with topics that are timely, practical, and relevant to everyday living.
from Amazon.com!
My Prayer for You Is...
Lisa Chism
Your Price: $5.59
All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of God but is of the world. Move beyond the superficial surface of self-centered prayer into the depths of prayer centered in the will of God.
from Amazon.com!
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Poetry
SUNRAYS AND LILY SMILES (Sweet Memories of Poetry Cottage)
Liana Wendy Howarth
Your Price: $7.99
In Sunrays and Lily Smiles, Liana Wendy Howarth has added to and included previous writings from her e-book, Fragrance from the Spring, a sweet collection of poetry for all ages.
There's something for everyone inside her Poetry Cottage ... Poetry, song lyrics and encouragement. May you be blessed.
from Amazon.com!
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Children
Pete and His Gigantic Feet
Carrie Talbott
Your Price: $3.99
Gigantic feet. New sandals. Bullies. Pete’s feet don’t stink, but being made fun of sure does. When the teasing at school becomes too much, Pete’s daily visit to the woods becomes more than just a fun detour.
from Amazon.com!
David's Ocean Journey
john miller
Your Price: $8.55
Join David on the adventure of a lifetime as he flies about the lake near his home and meets his friend Alexander, an angel. They enjoy flying together around the lake and then Alexander takes him for his first visit to the ocean.
David hears a mysterious song coming from the sea that captivates him and draws him into the water.
Dolphin guides take them far out and down to an amazing underwater "cathedral" inside a coral reef. Here all the dolphins, whales and other sea creatures have gathered to meet with their Creator, who appears in blinding light.
As a voice from the Glorious Presence pronounces a blessing on them all, He beckons David to come closer and receive a special blessing. Soon David is back on the grassy shore of the lake, and finds that he has been given a special reminder of his amazing visit to the ocean. He is filled with joy as he goes on his way.
from Amazon.com!
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Free Reads For Reviews
Don't Quit That Marriage ...You Can Make It Work!
Onyechuku Aghawenu
Your Price: $4.99
This book will show you exactly how to win back your partner and re-ignite the passion in your once-happy marriage life. Happiness in your marital life depends far more on what you do than on what your spouse or anyone else does. No matter the current state of your marriage, you can improve it.
No Fear: Conquering Fear Through GOD's Presence and Strength
Randy Somers
Your Price: $5.00
God’s Love Will Heal the Fear in Your Life
Everyone knows what it is like to feel afraid. Especially in our modern world, fear stalks our hearts and lives in many forms.
from Amazon.com!
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| | | | Thanks for your Membership and Support!
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