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WIN/WIN - Two Opportunities to Publish the Book God Placed on Your Heart!
FaithWriters 
May 2015 




USA National Day of Prayer is May 7th.




"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" 
Newest Member E-books Included
ENTER THE CHALLENGE AND IMPROVE YOUR WRITING!
Challenge Topic: Fulfillment (04/06/06) - 1st Place Masters Level

Altar
By Ann Grover

I crumpled the week-old sales flyer and touched a match to it. For a moment, the model’s face in an advertisement smiled at me before her blushing radiance blackened and curled into ash. I wondered briefly how long her all-day make-up would last if she were the one having to burn the debris from a cut-down tree.

I fed dry twigs and leaves to the fire, adding larger branches as the flames took hold.

Sitting on the tree stump, I watched the dancing ruffles of flame, smoke twirling and rising in the early morning stillness. As the green wood started to hiss and groan, so did my own murmuring thoughts, a sighing sibilance within that began to gather strength.

Where had gone the dreams I’d had, for an normal life, a life in which I might beam my lip-glossed smile blissfully through each day, hanging out brilliant whites on the clothes line, confident that they outshone my neighbours’. I had planned to greet each crisis with graceful aplomb, whether it be the wrong coloured curtains arriving for the kitchen or the escalating cost of milk.

It was not to be. Instead, disease prowled and lurked. It stole time and treasure, diverting energy into survival instead of living, bleeding the life out of loving. The pleasures of mundane inconveniences and luxurious, routine days of domesticity didn’t happen.

It seemed that time and time again, I had arrived at the front of the line, only to discover that God was out of hope and dreams, and the wicket was closed indefinitely.

The tree had been cut during winter’s last snow, and now fledgling buds briefly unfurled in the heat, wilted, and turned to cinder; they hadn’t been given a chance to thrive, just like my own dreams and hopes, stunted and dried up. I watched warily for wayward sparks that could ignite the nearby hillside, and knew my own heart was threatening to ignite in a blaze of discontent and disappointment. The wind blew acrid smoke into my face, and I breathed in the bitter fumes stubbornly, revelling in the pain, smoldering anger glowing within.

What kind of womanhood was this? What kind of life was it that had denied me an able-bodied husband and provider, and sent me out here to wield an axe and shovel instead? Why was I expected to wear the pants and the apron? This was not fulfillment.

I heaped more wood on the fire, tugging at the unwieldy branches, irritated with my own weakness. I snatched up small, dry stuff, throwing it on the fire with frustration. I felt something pierce my palm – a thorn – and I stopped to pull it out. Suddenly, the moment became suspended in time, hushed, silent.

I thought of other thorns. Of Another’s palm.

Holiness surged from the cold ground and through my muddied rubber boots.

I waited.

A Voice spoke from the flames… my own burning bush.

You have demanded that I fulfill your dreams, dreams and aspirations that you have appropriated for yourself. I am the Giver of Dreams.

The wind shifted and my eyes stung, from the smoke or the sting of truth, I didn’t know.

I want your willingness to fulfill My will. It’s not for Me to fulfill yours.

The flames became flames again, and the smoke returned to smoke.


The dreams and desires I had grasped so tightly were laid on the pyre in front of me, and I watched them scorch and swirl on the upward draft. In turn, I was engulfed in eddying smoke and saw myself rising as an offering to the Father, to do as He asked, not ministering in misery, but acting in love, choosing to live extraordinarily in my un-chosen ordinary life. A boxed mix promise of satisfaction guaranteed was not going to bring fulfillment, however much I might wish it to be so.

By day’s end, I smelled like something dead, and I realized that it was the cremated remains of my will. Soot rouged my cheeks, and my brow was anointed by a smudge of ash.

The late afternoon sun sank to the horizon, and a chill descended. I huddled on the stump, wrapping my arms around myself to keep warm as the fire died. Yet, the heart of the fire pulsated, and the embers beckoned.

Take the coal.

Here I am
.


Ann has been with FaithWriters for many years and has won many of our writing challenges. You can improve your writing just by reading her entries. Find more of Ann Grover's work HERE.

Enter the Writing Challenge and Improve Your Writing!
BIG NEWS - Two Opportunities to be Published

1) Winner to be Published! Ninth Annual Page Turner Contest 

2015 – CHRISTIAN FICTION
 
One Winner:

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


2) 2015 Xulon Raffle for a Best Seller Package Opens Today 4-1-15
    All members can enter, free and upgraded.

One Winner: 

FaithWriters will be awarding a comprehensive Xulon publishing packages as a prize in 2015. The package is Xulon's Best Seller package with a retail values over $4,000. Download a Xulon publishing guide HERE and earn five entry credits into the raffle. 

Two runners-up will receive:

1. Second name drawn: One Year Platinum Membership on FaithWriters

2. Third Name drawn: One Year Gold Membership on FaithWriters

Second and third prizes are courtesy of Bottom Line Website Ministries.


For more information on both of these opportunities go HERE.

Want to Publish now? FaithWriters Gold members receive a five percent discount and Platinum members receive a ten percent discount on Xulon's best current advertised price. Go Here and make sure to tell them you are with FaithWriters. 

New Release: Trials and Triumphs II 
Rooted and Grounded in Love

The Powerful and Personal Testimonies of Fifty FaithWriters Members

Support fellow members by getting a copy of this inspiring book, which contains Fifty unique true stories from members around the world. These testimonies are powerful and encouraging. Makes a great book to leave on your coffee table for a conversation starter. Check it out HERE! 

Limited Offer: Read for free in exchange for a review on FaithWriters and Amazon. Email Michael@faithwriters.com and request a copy. 

Be a Better Writer
RESOURCES FOR THE WRITER
By Jan Ackerson


This week’s post will be a little different, because I really, really would love your contributions to the various items posted here. I’ve compiled a list of resources for writers, and I suspect that you all have your favorite resources that you can add to the list.

Brainstorming resources:

I just received my copy of the Writer Emergency Pack in the mail today, which got me thinking about this week’s lesson. It’s not cheap, but it’s got some great ideas, and I can’t wait to spend a bit more time with it.

I love the Storymatic box, which has literally millions of combinations of characters and situations.

There’s an app for iPhone called “The Brainstormer” that will also generate myriad combinations of characters, settings, and conflicts.

When I was teaching high school, I used Nanofictionary to teach my students the concepts of conflict, setting, and resolution. It’s also got a lot of possible combinations for brainstorming.

Enter “story prompts” or “writing prompts” into Amazon’s search bar and you’ll get dozens of books, boxed sets of cards, and games for nearly every type of writing.

In addition, you can Google “story prompts” or “writing prompts” and you’ll get hundreds of sites—and unlike the other items on this list, these are free.

Grammar resources:   Continue Reading

Taken from Jan's writing lessons, this article can be read in full with active links in place to the resources listed HERE.
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.
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 truth and see what happens.
Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional 
Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE

Take flight 
 By C D Swanson

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves...” (Matthew 10:16 )

Each day we go out into the world we’re doing a “balancing act”. Going forth into the secular world there’s disdain and mockery for those with great faith. Harbingers of “worldly” goods can procure reprehensible acts which are offered in abundance. The world can run the gamut of hideous and evil abominations, while calling to us in “gentle disguise.”

This is what Jesus was warning us about. He instructed His disciples to go forth on their great commission while being cautious and meek. When we set forth to bring His message forward, no matter the depth of our capacity… whether it’s local, worldwide, as clergy, or a lay person filled with faith…we must keep our eyes open to the ways of the world, and not conform to the wickedness that surrounds us… but instead, shine our light to those in the darkness.

We’re essentially ambassadors of Jesus while we preach His word. But, the warning from Jesus to the disciples, and of course to us, is “keep your eyes open to the subtle deception of the world, while being meek, humble, and kind…be aware, because a ravenous wolf will tear you asunder if you become distracted in your quest.” We need to be both wise and gentle in order to exist and be purposeful in living out our destiny as God wills it.

Take flight with His Spirit, and be of good cheer, because inherently we know this as John tells us so eloquently: “… greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Are you ready to take flight?


The author of 14 books, C D writes for His glory Contact.

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. 
Today is the Day to Start Taking Action! Give Family and Friends a Chance.
Share Your Faith By Using This Free Book.

It is Time For Us To STOP Worrying About What Others Think About Us!
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 or 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 become in sharing your faith. If you go HERE you can obtain a free e-book of Gravity in several formats that you can read and share with others. Gravity has been in the top five books of its two categories for over a year now on Amazon. If you read its many reviews on Amazon, you will discover that many readers testify how God used this book to change their lives. It is also being used across the country by the Navigators on college campuses and is used in over 1,300 prisons to present evidence for Christianity. 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 to hand out on the author's website at his cost HERE.

Defend the deity of Jesus by reading this article: http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=176768

It is not our job to refute a non-believers assertions such as "God does not exist' or "The Bible is a made up story". It is their job to back up their assertions with evidence. Asking questions makes them think about why they believe what they do, keeps the interaction peaceful and puts the burden of proof on them.
Submit Articles to The 
Critique Circle

We have paid editors who visit the Critique Circle on a regular basis and they are telling us they need more submissions

To help them out and see if you are paying attention, Michael is giving away free Critique Circle credits to all Platinum members who read this and respond. This limited offer means you do not need to provide a critique, you just get two, three or more critiques on a piece you submit. Just email Michael@FaithWriters.com and ask for a free credit. This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing. 

This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing. 

This offer available to Platinum members who have not been given a free credit in the last 90 days.

FaithWriters Needs Your Support Today!

Ninety nine percent of FaithWriters members are free members. If the current trend of increasing expenses and declining financial support continues, it will at some point place FaithWriters at risk. Therefore we are asking more members to please consider helping us financially by upgrading. In doing so you gain access to more tools to improve your writing. At the same time you are helping foster the growth of new Christian writers and spreading the gospel in over 230 countries online

We can all easily see that the world desperately needs to hear about Jesus, online and in books. Helping writers get a good start is essential so they can share the Good News of Jesus in print. We do not want to come to a point where we cannot help these writers improve and spread the Good News through their writing.  

If you already support FaithWriters, we greatly appreciate it. Platinum is only .37 day and Gold is .20 day. Please Upgrade Here

Members can also sponsor other writers who cannot afford it. Email michael@faithwriters.com if you would like to do this.


Read Great Christian Books Free In Exchange For A Review
Many already have multiple five star reviews on Amazon. 

The Voice by Doug Spurling 

Amazon Reviews: Running Almost 5 Stars with 8 Reviews.

More than a book—it’s a message.
About the strength of family and power of prayer. 

The only thing Mac wanted more than a good day of sailing was a big, noisy, messy, happy family…
But life happens, dreams sink and battles rage…

Review: "One of the best books I've ever read and I've read a lot ." By Brenda N.


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 74 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.
Please Consider Helping a Pastor and His Family in Bulgaria

A couple of months ago Nikola Dimitrov joined FaithWriters. He is a pastor in Bulgaria. He came with the hope that we could help him promote his book The Four in One Gospel of Jesus so that 
he would have funds to continue their ministry to the poor in Bulgaria. His book makes a great study tool and is running 5 stars on Amazon with 20 reviews; some of these reviews are now from FaithWriters members. You too can help by reading his book for free for a review

Currently the sales of his books are not even close to being enough to provide for his family and ministry. This coupled with the fact that they just lost their long term support from a mission organization that is having financial issues, things are getting difficult. 

Nikola is committed to helping the poor and personally bringing Jesus to the lost in Bulgaria. He also runs an internet ministry to spread the gospel and has over 400 videos on YouTube teaching and preaching. We have committed to helping Nikola monthly and we have also been able to get one church to do the same. Together we have made a dent in what they need to remain operational. We are hoping you can help by bringing his story to your church or organization.  You can also help by giving what you can personally. You can learn a lot about Nikola and his ministry at a Go Fund Me page he has set up. http://www.gofundme.com/7tivbw. You can also visit his website HERE.

To contact Nikola directly, email michael@faithwriters.com. I will put you in touch. 

NEED PRAYER? GO HERE  
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.
Please Support FaithWriters

Fishers of Men in Over 230 Countries
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 (View Countries Here) are drawn to the FaithWriters site by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Many have no other way but 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.

Recent email we received on FaithWriters evangelism site.

 "Not too long ago, I lost my job and had a terrible experience with management that has led to legal problems. Short before that my brother also lost his job and relationship forcing him to move back with my parents. At the same time my parents experienced problems with their home and to make matters worst, my younger sister was facing a strenuous separation and now divorce with her husband. My family, the ones mentioned, and others not mentioned, have experienced turmoil in their lives and things seem to be getting worst. We are a religious family and pray for God to establish stability and peace in our lives. I came across this website at my most vulnerable state of despair and losing hope. I can say that I have felt God's presence and love while reading this site. It has restored hope into my life. I have never written anything on any website in the past but I feel compelled to say Thank You for giving me hope today and forever. I ask that you please pray for my family, we need all the prayers in the world that God may help us through our struggles and guide us on the right path. I will continue to pray stronger everyday. God Bless all my brothers and sisters." Stephanie


Thank You FaithWriters! 

Many Blessings from the FaithWriters Staff

FaithWriters really needs your financial support. In doing so you gain access to more tools to improve your writing. At the same time you are helping foster the growth of new Christian writers and spreading the gospel in over 230 countries online. If you already support FaithWriters, we greatly appreciate it. Platinum is only .37 day and Gold is .20 day. Please Upgrade Here

Don't Skimp on the Editing 
Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!

Joanne Sher is one of several editors offering editing services. 

Click Here to choose an editor.


  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. 




Books added in the last month as described by each author.



God and the Philosophies of the Philosophers
Eugen Pop
Your Price: $6.26


God and the Philosophy of the Philosophers lesson looks at God and the Philosophy of the Philosophers message and asks what does God and the Philosophy of the Philosophers mean, what is God and the Philosophy of the Philosophers, why is God and the Philosophy of the Philosophers important...........
from Amazon.com!



Biblical studies


Behold Our Awesome God
Robin Ulbredtch
Your Price: $3.99


Behold Our Awesome God, a thirteen-week Bible study, presents God's attributes by sharing accounts of His intervention in people's lives. Through provocative questions, activities, and Scripture, we can "behold" God and learn to apply His word to our lives.
from Amazon.com!



Non-Fiction


Trials and Triumphs II
Michael Edwards
Your Price: $7.99


The fifty authors in this book do not have perfect lives. They actually have something much better; a heartfelt understanding of the most important thing, a correct awareness that God does love them.
from Amazon.com!


Proof That I Was Here
Lisa Hudson
Your Price: $11.99


Ordinary people can have extraordinary experiences, depending on how they respond to what life offers. This is a genuinely heartfelt story, written to compel us all to make the best of this time we have been given on Earth.
from Amazon.com!



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. A rhyming picture book for ages 4-8 about bullying, self-esteem and friendship.
from Amazon.com!



Endtimes


Our Contemporary Society
Eugen Pop
Your Price: $8.78


Our Contemporary Society book with Our Contemporary Society lesson. This Our Contemporary Society study and Our Contemporary Society story with Our Contemporary Society lesson looks at Our Contemporary Society message and asks what does Our Contemporary Society mean.
from Amazon.com!  


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