God Uses Broken Vessels: February 2010

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Becoming Lucy by Martha Rogers

Angie's Take: I take great joy in sharing this new release with you because the author is a debuting not only her book, but her dream! What makes that so different from every other author's first book? The fact that Martha Rogers achieved it in her 70's!

She's inspirational to me because I felt like I was getting older and still had some dreams that hadn't come to fruition. I started to believe they never would. Then along comes this gracious, living example that we are to continue dreaming with all our might for our entire lives, not give up in our "retirement." In fact, Martha is a courageous beauty to the max! She even went out on a 3 day speaking engagement when I asked her to do it for ACFW and Blue Mountain College. She's 30 years my senior and someone I admire greatly! Please enjoy the opportunity for Martha to inspire you too.

Book Summary:
Lucinda Bishop (Lucy) has lain both of her parents to rest and now must move West to family members in Oklahoma. But 1896 Oklahoma ranch life is far removed from the culture and society of Boston. Her aunt and uncle do their best to acclimate Lucy to her new life, though Lucy struggles with newfound feelings for ranch hand Jake Starnes and longings for her former reality. Between Jake's past and Lucy's future, will she ever be able to live this new life?

Get your copy here.

About Martha Rogers
Debut Novelist, Long-time Believer

Martha Rogers placed her faith in Jesus Christ 65 years ago. He has seen her through her step-father's sexually abusive behavior toward her sister and brother, her own breast cancer, two mastectomies, two miscarriages, her husband's heart attack, her grandson's cystic fibrosis, and the deaths of her parents. She holds a Master's degree in education and enjoyed a 36-year teaching career. To say she's an inspiration to those of us trying to walk a faithful path is a gross understatement.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Go Red For Women Luncheon 2010

The Go Red For Women Luncheon 2010 Volunteers

Photo by Laurie Lane Studio

You're invited to attend the American Heart Association's

Go Red For Women Luncheon for women's heart health.

Feb.25th, 2010

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn Missoula

3720 North Reserve Street

Schedule for Thursday, February 25, 2010

10:30 a.m. Registration and Mimosa Bar Open: South Rotunda

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Silent Auction: North Rotunda

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sponsor Booths, Displays & Heath Information: South Rotunda

11:30 a.m. – noon Breakout Sessions:

“The Heart Hormone Connection” – Cathryn Powell, Parlor A

“The Heart Soul Connection” – Angela Breidenbach, Parlor B

“The Heart Brain Connection” – James Ramsey, MA, M.Div., Parlor C

12:30 p.m. Silent Auction Closes

12:30 – 2 p.m. Luncheon: Ballroom

12:30 – 12:50 p.m. Welcome – Dr. Jonathan Weisul, Ric Mussiett and Amy Hetzler

1:50 – 1:10 p.m. Open Your Heart – Jill Valley, and Carolyn and Chriss Mack

1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Keynote Address:
“The Healing Power of Laughter” – Diana Jordan

1:45 p.m. Closing Remarks – Jill Valley

2 p.m. Silent Auction checkout: South Rotunda

Menu
MEDLEY OF SALADS:
• Beet Salad with Feta, Balsamic Dressing and Candied Almonds
• Citrus Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pears
• Baby Greens, Roasted Roma Tomato and Cucumber Ribbons
• Herbed Lemon Tabouleh with Baked Pita Chips

DESSERT:
Angel Food Cake with a Fresh Berry Coulis & Port Wine Glaze

Breakout Sessions 11:30-Noon

The Heart Hormone Connection
It’s Getting Hot in Here … Hormones and Heart Health
Parlor A

There are certain numbers every woman should know and they’re well beyond just your shoe size! Learn how your body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid panel may factor into decisions on hormone therapy. There are risks and benefits of hormone therapy. Learn also about the various options in hormone therapy such as herbal, synthetic and bio-identical preparations.

Bio: Cathryn Powell has 16 years experience in women’s health. She is a board certified family nurse practitioner who emphasizes education, health promotion and wellness. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Montana State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University.

The Heart Soul Connection
Digging For The Treasure
Parlor B

We have some amazing tools right at our fingertips to use to dig for

healthy treasures — to use when we recognize the way things are,

evaluate and decide things that need to change. But inner pirates create a battle on the adventure to reclaiming health.

New habits, behaviors and choices to change begin with watching and learning, and culminate in acting on the decision. What inner pirates are keeping you from a powerful life?

You are a gem! Come fill your treasure chest with me.

Bio: Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009. A speaker and author, she is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and assisting minister. In addition, Angela is a confidence coach and teaches workshops and online classes in personal growth and powerful living. She works with the American Heart Association, the Jadyn Fred Foundation and Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries, and draws awareness to Fair Trade practices.

The Heart Brain Connection
Parlor C

Total heart health is more than just eating well and exercising. Your

relationships to others are also important. Our hearts are affected by

our emotions and our emotions are affected by our relationships. Learn how to become more aware and skillful in your relationships to provide a broader concept of heart health.

Bio: James W. Ramsey is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a certified domestic mediator with more than 34 years experience. He has master’s degrees in clinical psychology and theology. He has received specialized training from John Gray

and was part of his “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus” therapy team. James also is certified with the Gottman Institute Inc. and is currently the only certified Gottman therapist in Montana.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer

LIFE LESSONS from a HORSE WHISPERER

Angie's Take:

I really enjoyed the analogies drawn between training a horse and personal growth. When Lew shares his failures, I was right there with him learning from his admission and then the character choices he made from what he experienced. In the vulnerability of telling these life lessons, I was able to peek into what true humility and confidence look like in a godly man.

Now I can't end without mentioning the beautiful photos. They brought me into a personal connection with the horses and the storyteller. Do you want to be a better parent, spouse, or person? This book offers a gentle learning opportunity in patience and relational skills. I am so glad to have this in my library!

ABOUT THE BOOK!

A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. In this book, Lew tells the stories of his work with these horses and the lessons each one has taught him. Sometimes heartbreaking and often uplifting, Lew has condensed his lifetime of learning into messages for the Christian life. Today, Lew shares these messages with more than 50,000 people each year through horse training presentations at Miracle Mountain Ranch and nationally through his Sermon on the Mount Ministry.

The author's engaging style and adroit mixture of well-tested anecdotes and thoughtful instruction make this a winning read-and not just for horse lovers.

Interview with Dr. Lew Sterrett

Author of Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer

Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH HORSES? AT WHAT POINT DID IT BECOME YOUR LIFE’S PASSION?

A: I was but eight when my neighbors got horses and then my sister followed suit. Somehow it struck a chord with me, for I had already been infatuated with the likes of Roy Rogers, Stony Burke, the Rifleman, etc. I rode my sister’s horse looking more like a peanut on an elephant than a cowboy on his steed, but I was hooked. From that time on this fantasy began to become a reality. When I was 14, I was asked to train for someone else. It was all downhill after that. In part because of my intense enjoyment of horses, in part it was my safe place from family issues, and in part because I began to experience affirmation from others in what I did.

Q: THE TITLE OF YOUR THIRD CHAPTER IS 'ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING POORLY' – WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

A: Of course this statement opposes the more popular line that 'If anything is worth doing, it is worth doing well'. However we must understand that no one ever starts anything at the top of their game. Starting is often clumsy, messy, and many times,embarrassing. The key is 'get started' for you will never learn any younger, and you really have no place to go but up! The emphasis here is to learn how to take the initiative and to keep getting up when you fall.

Q: YOU'VE WORKED WITH AND SPOKEN TO A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT AUDIENCES - AT RISK YOUTH, HOMESCHOOLERS, CORPORATE RETREATS, AND OTHERS. HOW CAN HORSES SPEAK TO SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE ALL AT THE SAME TIME?

A: Our audience is a broad spectrum. It includes all ages and ranges from very secular to very Christian, and total horse enthusiasts to non-horse observers. But we do share things in common: we are all people and we all share the same relational situations. The very principles that profit a horse/trainer relationship help humans to see their needs more objectively. Illustrating these with horses helps people appreciate God’s greater purpose for their lives from a relational and not necessarily “religious” perspective. The context is fundamentally sound, pithy, yet entertaining and non-threatening.

Q: YOUR EARLY YEARS AT Miracle Mountain Ranch WERE DIFFICULT. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT LEADERSHIP? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CONTINUE?

A: The very nature of the work at MMR is 24/7/365 and mandates living in a fishbowl. I soon discovered that leadership is more about responding responsibly to crisis than about position or perks. Reading II Corinthians 10:8, 13:10, I learned that the authority the Lord gave me was for building up and not for tearing down. I began to realize that when we face resistance or criticism from either an animal or person, it is a great temptation to react and use whatever power or position we have at our disposal to protect or save ourselves first. The result is usually unsavory both to our own palate and to others. Leadership is all about crisis and the more prepared we are for win-win results the more satisfying the job. Though often tempted to quit, I am still integrity bound to a “response-able” mandate.

Q: IN CHAPTER SIX, YOU MEET BERRY AND DESCRIBE HIM AS “THE HORSE THAT WOULD CHANGE MY LIFE.” HOW DID HE CHANGE YOU?

A: Berry, though outwardly beautiful and inwardly kind and cooperative, came to a place in his training that seemed impossible to surpass. As chapter 6 tells you, we thought Berry had reached his pinnacle. Finally, instead of trying to force the issue, I went back and started some basic training to increase his flexibility. Eventually, he overcame the physical challenge that was holding him back before. What I learned from him impacted me. Character is a reflection of the heart and will always surpass natural beauty and talent in the long run.

Q: WHAT IS THE “10,000 HOUR RULE?”

A: When I use the phrase “It'll take a lot of wet saddle pads” my coaching audience looks baffled. However when I tell them that the only thing their team lacks is sweat equity, then the lights go on. I am very quick to emphasize that practice never makes one perfect. Otherwise we would not repeat the same dumb arguments with our spouse or kids. But it is essential to rehearse repeatedly in order for us to react automatically in crisis...kind of like forgiveness.

Q: WHAT IS A SOFT ANSWER? HOW IS IT USED IN HORSE TRAINING? CAN WE USE IT IN OUR LIVES?

A: Often an action provokes a reaction, such as a harsh reaction to a harsh statement. It would be like jerking the horse’s mouth because he doesn't respond well. Whenever a trainer or parent reacts to an immature action he or she loses perspective and becomes childish. Soon the child or animal begin to push the buttons of the authority and thereby exert their will over the parent. A soft answer is not one of low volume; rather, it is a response to the need that keeps the real objective in view. It actually turns away wrath and provokes a responsible response. It includes seeing and responding to the need and not merely reacting to the words.

Q: WHAT DOES THE PHRASE “ASHES TO BEAUTY MEAN” TO YOU? AND HOW HAS WORKING WITH HORSES TAUGHT YOU THIS?

A: God the Creator is always in the business of redemption. In my opinion, we were a pretty poor purchase for the sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. With all respect, I see Him as a garbage collector: He takes our garbage and in exchange offers forgiveness and cleansing. He gave His life as complete payment for our sin offering eternal life to all who would receive Him. What a deal!! Only a fool would turn it down and that is precisely the point. Furthermore, He takes the ashes of broken lives and gives us a purpose to do His good and perfect work. The testimony of His regenerate work in a person’s life parallels seeing that of a horse whose life was headed for destruction being restored to a place of useful and honorable service.

Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATCHING SOMEONES ACTIONS AND WATCHING HIS/HER REACTIONS?

A: If the truth were told, we all have two personas: the first is the role we portray and want others to see us in. The second is that which comes forth when we are caught by surprise. I learned this about myself when I was faced with my own reactions and realized that my true character shows up in crisis. It is often thought that when push comes to shove we will always 'rise to the occasion.' In reality, when a crisis comes we will always 'fall to the level of our true character and training.' This can certainly be unnerving, yet represents all the more the need for a work of God in our hearts. A horse’s true relationship with his trainer is revealed when he is frightened suddenly or when he is given the liberty to act out his true self. We like the horse are the person of our reactions not our actions.

Q: YOU WRITE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WRITING TO YOUR STEP FATHER TO ASK HIS FORGIVENESS. HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE CHANGE YOU? IS THIS ALWAYS THE CASE WITH FORGIVENESS?

A: I am embarrassed to say that I was married and living in California before I realized that my bitterness and rebellion toward my step-father had truly made a slave out of me. Forgiveness had far less to do with my step-father’s faults then it did with how I processed hurt and disappointment. Blaming him and rationalizing the anger and resentment I felt only festered into an angry vengeful messy abscess in my heart. Though I professed to love God, in truth I could only focus on myself. Not only did I forgive my father from my heart for the wrongs I felt were done to me, but I also wrote and followed up with a phone call to ask his forgiveness for my anger and disrespect I'd acted out toward him. To his credit—and my surprise–he not only readily and completely forgave me, but truly conferred his blessing upon me. Not all situations come out this way, but God puts the emphasis upon us taking responsibility for our offenses before Him, for if we do not forgive, neither will He forgive us.

Q: IF THERE IS ONE MESSAGE YOU WANT READERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK, WHAT IS IT?

A: Every trainer wants a relationship with the horse. Man’s ways are opposite to God’s—we are deceitful and addictively self-absorbed—but God wants a relationship with us. To get there, God often has to corral us and get us to face the futility and deception of our own reasoning. Like the horse, we can’t 'save ourselves.' The story of this book is that not only does God want a relationship with every reader, but He has already sent the trainer, the Lord Jesus Christ, into our arena to speak our language and to elevate us to fellowship with him. It is our privilege to respond to Him in humility (repentance) and trust (faith) in His offer of forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him for salvation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR!

A champion trainer and true horse whisperer, Dr. Lew Sterrett has used patience and a firm but gentle hand to earn the trust of more than 3,500 horses. Dr. Lew Sterrett (Ph. D) had little idea that his boyhood interest in horses would open doors internationally for speaking and training. During his years in 4-H, he savored many opportunities to train and show horses and earn national recognition. As a student leader at Penn State University he benefited from many mentoring relationships from which he received valuable training, experience and honors. This foundation provided a basis for an extensive horse career with a unique emphasis on training youth and community leaders.

Lew has served as the Executive Director of Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions, Inc. (MMRM) since 1977. MMRM, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is home for a summer youth camp, and a leadership training center for youth, adult, and family groups. He has also promoted safety in public riding programs, serving as President of the Certified Horse Association for 7 years. A licensed pastor, certified Youth, Marriage and Family Counselor, he earned his PhD from North Tennessee Seminary in 2007.

Find out more about Dr. Lew Sterrett on his website: http://www.sermononthemount.org/

BUY THE BOOK!

READ AN EXCERPT!

http://store.kregel.com/client/excerpt/978-0-8254-6316-7.pdf

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE!

Here's the link to the blog tour. http://ow.ly/169ym

Friday, February 19, 2010

Weight Watchers Open House Feb. 20, 1-4pm

You are cordially invited to come to an open house party with me at the Missoula Weight Watchers Center tomorrow.

Saturday, Feb. 20th, 2010

1-4 p.m.

2432 W. Central Ave.

Click on the address to map it.

I'll be teaching how the program works for FREE!

Here's my before and after photos.
Size 14 down to 4/6!

I gained enough confidence to compete for and win

Mrs. Montana International 2009! I'd have never thought I could before!

Come get your questions answered in a friendly, safe, relaxed environment. Try out some sample treats like chocolate mint mini bars, my favorite, and high fiber muffin tops.

Learn why people are so successful using Weight Watchers.

Find out if Weight Watchers is the program to help you reach the healthy goal or re-energize your weight loss efforts.

Saturday, Feb. 20th, 2010

1-4 p.m.

2432 W. Central Ave.

(Map it.)

I'll do a drawing for prizes every hour and helping friends learn how to gain confidence in themselves through weight loss.

We'll have BMI index testing, a grand prize basket of Weight Watchers products, several employees to answer questions, sample meetings, open doors for people to drop in and buy Weight Watcher special treats, snacks, cookbooks, scales, and tools to help in your healthy weight loss journey.

Even our recipes make it simple!

There will be guest vendors too! If you're a fan of Silpada Jewelry, a representative will be there to share her line.

The Missoula Weight Watcher Center has gone through a face lift adding a computer system that simplifies and speeds the check-in process. If you haven't been in lately, you'll be very impressed with our new weigh-in system.

Bring a friend who decides to join and be entered in the Grand Prize Drawing! You should see the size of that basket!

But the real benefit will be in loving your friend enough to support her desire to get healthy.

Come visit, there's no cost and nothing to lose. You get to find out what Weight Watchers Program is really all about, sample a meeting, taste some of my favorite treats, and enjoy really nice people and a fun event. What are you waiting for? It doesn't get any easier than this opportunity :-)

It's about choices. Empowering choices!

Come see how I lost 35 pounds and took back control of my own health through Weight Watchers. I want to help you too.

~Angie Breidenbach,

Weight Watcher Leader & Confidence Coach

Thursday, February 18, 2010

What Would You NOT Want To Leave Behind

What would you NOT want anyone to find if you died today?

I started a little filing and cleaning. My desk was in need of a serious filing block of time. I pulled open a drawer and it was full of... doodads. A bunch of junk taking up space.

I suddenly thought of someone else having to go through my things if I were no longer here. (Several people I know have lost loved ones this week and so my thoughts weren't maudlin, simply a recognition that all life ends.)

Did I want them to open drawers and find junk? What would they do? Seriously, wouldn't you just turn it over a garbage can? Was there anything in my home that would bother me if my grandson found it? You know he has a habit of exploring all my cupboards and drawers passionately!

But the filing had important insurance documents in it. What would my family do if they couldn't locate the insurance that would pay for all the expenses I'd incur?

Wow! That thought stopped me in a mid-air intention to sit down. I launched back up and over to the pile. I began the chore of filing.

A little later while researching verses for a chapter I'm working on in Courageous Beauty, I found a verse, James 3:16, that says For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Consider that from a slightly different angle, evil practice and disorder are a result of envy and selfish ambition. Oh my! I skidded to a halt. Was disorder a sin and equal to evil? What was appropriate ambition for a Christian? (Here's a tool I found to help.)

The more I thought about it, the more I felt convicted. The time I've wasted over the last several weeks while I searched for this paper or that could have been spent writing pages and pages of a book or in creating materials I need for speaking. Instead, I wasted precious time looking through a messy desk. Time that I can't get back. Time that was given to me by God to live out the purpose and calling planted in my DNA.

So I've been just handing this precious gift of time right out the door. It's my choice.

My Lenten season won't be dedicated to giving up a food or even regular fasting. (I'm a Lutheran who practices lenten discipline.) It will be spent dedicated to creating a sense of order because God is not a God of chaos but of order.

How will you observe Lent?

How does this concept affect you?

Is there anything you wouldn't want to leave behind for others to deal with?

Angie
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Perfection-What Confidence Is Not

Is perfection an elusive dream?

Should we strive for perfection?

Actually, the Bible says we should strive for perfection but are we supposed to worship it?

We hear the phrase, "I'm a perfectionist." It's supposed to mean that someone is paying attention to details and working hard to achieve quality. We want quality in product and performance. Think race car.

What concerns me is the pitfall that turns into a type of ricochet loop when perfection becomes a distraction. Instead of moving toward the goal, it's easy to keep circling a task instead of finishing it as a part of the whole. Think half a race car.

I've heard many writers reworking the first three chapters of a novel for various contests, but never turning it in to an agent or editor for potential publication. That's a prime example of perfection stealing confidence. Think picture of a race car.

Sometimes the constant analyzing is like the magnifying glass on paper sizzling through hole after hole. Instead of constant improvement, what was once well done begins to show wear and burn marks.

Another battle with perfectionism is obsessive compulsive behavior. When any standard task must be done in the exact same manner or it causes extreme stress, then we've imprisoned the opportunity for driving the race car.

So the question isn't should we strive for perfection? But rather, how do I learn give my very best without burning up my efforts?

Allowing vulnerability isn't a bad thing either. In our culture, we've fought to look like we have it all together in every way at all times. When we think we've failed, we begin immediately attacking on the internal front. Ultimately, I believe worship of perfection is really caused by a lack of self-esteem. Our self-talk becomes failure chatter.

Sometimes it helps to get input from others. Not for mere opinion, but as Proverbs teaches that where there are many counselors, plans succeed. Getting objective view points helps pop us out of our internal negativity and see our work through new eyes.

Is there something that's got you spinning in circles rather than moving toward a goal?

I'd love to hear your thoughts, please share.

If you'd like some tools for personal growth in the area of self-esteem, please visit these links.

Angie

Monday, February 15, 2010

Confident Self Presentation

How do you present yourself?

Is there a difference in your presence on stage and off?

Do you present yourself professionally online and off?

One of my favorite examples of confident self presentation are beauty queens. Does that surprise you? These women have a way of walking, holding their body, direct eye contact that's friendly and yet not threatening. Take that a step farther. Watch the winners. They also are able to infuse personality into and as a part of their confident manner.

At Mrs. International Pageant, some of the many women who amazed me with their level of confidence and community contribution!

Think about it: It has to take a ton of confidence to walk on stage in a swimsuit or tight fitness wear. People judge the competitors. What makes these women courageous enough to step out in a swimsuit or long gown (easy to trip on) walk out on a stage and be judged?

Every woman I've talked to during competition and in interviews for my non-fiction book, Courageous Beauty, has had a deep belief in a much larger goal. They aren't worried about being judged as much as they are challenged to take the opportunity to capture a vehicle to their goal. Hint: Every one of them has a constant, easy smile. It comes from a place of joy even in struggles and a willingness to look for opportunity regardless of how high the hurdle appears. Optimism that there is a way to achieve the goal regardless of the facts.

Presenting yourself with confidence starts with recognizing your goal is worth the challenge.

Do you study anything that helps you focus on your purpose or life calling?

A fun assignment: Watch a pageant. Know who the winner is in advance. Follow her through each area of competition. Study her physical and vocal cues. Note what you learn from her.

Please share:
What's your goal?

Is it big enough to make you step out into the competition?

If not, how can you make it bigger so that your desire to win that goal is bigger than the fear of the competition?

Angie
Do you have a plan to reach your goal?
Did you know courage, confidence, & wisdom are learnable skills?
Angela Breidenbach, Certified Personal Development Coach, can help you learn confidence skills and set a plan of action to reach your goal.
http://www.MyGemofWisdom.com

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Call for submissions from Incredible Prayers book series compilation from Guideposts

Hello friends,

I have been asked to share this opportunity with you since I just submitted. Please read the information VERY carefully. I will not have further information but the email to communicate with is Jeanette Littleton atincredibleprayers@earthlink.net as she is assisting Jim Bell with this project for Guideposts. They are working on books 6-12 now.
This is a legitimate call for submissions.

I'd love to know... do you plan to submit?
Angie

Submission Details:

Dear Valued Writer,
We are now in phase two of the Incredible Power of Prayer series and I welcome you to join us. Guideposts is launching a series of 12 books on various aspects of prayer and how people from every walk of life have been transformed through God’s response to their prayers. These books will be available by mail only, sent monthly as part of a book series promotion.

You may have contributed to the first three titles in this series (Praying from the Heart, The Healing Touch, and Expecting Miracles) or perhaps to my Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love Is a Verb brands. Or perhaps I’m contacting you for the first time. Whatever the case, I eagerly seek your participation in this next phase of prayer volumes.

Book six, Love and Forgiveness, deals with relationships that have been strained or broken due to offenses against us, or our own faults. When we pray for love for those who mistreat us and pray for the willingness to seek restitution and restoration we regain our families and friends and change the hearts of our enemies. How was prayer the determining factor in a renewed love, forgiveness, and eventual restoration of relationships?

We would be pleased to consider as many stories for these three volumes as you wish to submit. We’ll look at stories of up to 2,000 words and prefer that they be at least 1,000 words. The stories should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution. They need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, compelling personal experience stories with a realistic portrayal of the people involved. They need to be stories rather than testimonies, Christian living articles, and shouldn’t focus on mere feelings or mental states.

Most important, they need to revolve around prayer itself and not the circumstances of the story. These are themed books but the purpose is to convince the reader of the power of prayer in these situations.

We prefer original stories but you may also submit previously published stories that you have full rights for and are not currently in print with a major publisher. We pay $25 for stories under 1200 words, and $50 for stories over 1200 words. You may retain the right to publish the stories in magazines and in books with less than national distribution and not carried in nationwide bookstores.

We are accepting manuscripts for until March 1, but the sooner you submit the better your chance of acceptance. We will notify you by April and send you a permission form if your story is a finalist.

Please send your manuscript attached to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the email window. Feel free to send your manuscript in normal manuscript formatting, with your full contact information—name, address, phone number, email address—and whether you’re offering First Rights or Reprint Rights at the top of each manuscript. Please include a biography of 30 words or less at the end of each manuscript.

Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton, at incredibleprayers@earthlink.net. If this email has been forwarded to you and you can’t submit to this call, but would like to hear about other editorial needs as they arise, please send us your email address and we’ll add you to our notification list. Also please pass this along to any writing or praying friends who might be interested.
Blessing to you and yours,
Jim
James Stuart Bell
Compiler, Guideposts Incredible Prayer series

--
Do you have a plan to reach your goal?
Did you know courage, confidence, & wisdom are learnable skills?
Angela Breidenbach, Certified Personal Development Coach, can help you learn confidence skills and set a plan of action to reach your goal.
http://www.MyGemofWisdom.com
Angela's blog: http://GodUsesBrokenVessels.blogspot.com

God Uses Broken Vessels

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