Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

New Book Offers Biblical Guide for Being a Powerful Last-Day Christian

Author Provides Practical Tips for Everyday Life

For immediate release: As the final clock ticks down to the end of time, do you shine as a light in a dark world? Wars, natural disasters, and financial ruin terrorize the world as we know it, but author David Garcia believes that Christians can stand firm in these troubled times. But what does standing up for God’s truths look like? Portrait of a Powerful Last-Day Christian: Prophetic Insights for Successful End-Time Living (Ambassador International; June 2014; $13.99, paperback) provides a helpful guide for Christians, giving them truths to live by for their everyday lives.

Using David as an example of a man of God who stood up against adversity, Garcia outlines the basic character qualities of a last-day Christian and how Christians can claim victory over today’s struggles. Garcia writes, “In this book, we will explore the Scripture to find that God has intended for you to be victorious as a Last-Day Christian. Yes, God has promised this victory in the Scriptures. It is not just a feel-good, positive-thinking attitude; it is in the word of God!”

Each chapter of Portrait of a Powerful Last-Day Christian discusses a new facet of David’s example—leadership, strength in God, trusting in God’s provision—and applies it to the life of everyday Christians. Through these different lessons, Garcia teaches that in these end-time days, no matter what our news, television and internet proclaim, God has a real provision for you, as a Christian, right now.

About the Author: David Garcia is the Lead Pastor at one of central Florida’s most exciting churches, Grace World Outreach Church, which has been located in Brooksville, Florida, for over one-quarter of a century. Pastor Garcia is a versatile and popular speaker for seminars, crusades, and conferences, and he offers a wealth of Biblical and practical ideas. He is also a gifted author with a unique style of relevant presentation. David and his wife, Nellie, have been married for 44 years and have two happily married children, both serving God in full-time ministry, and four wonderful grandchildren.

To connect with author David Garcia or to receive a review copy of his book Portrait of a Powerful Last-Day Christian please contact publicist Alison Storm by email at media@emeraldhouse.com.

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99¢ Sale: One Day Only!

For 24 hours we’re offering a brand new fiction title for just 99¢! Pick up Robert Parlante’s honest and touching novel Patch Town: A Letter From Miss Wingate for less than a buck for the Kindleduring our one-day sale event. After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend and then it will return to regular price.

Synopsis: Widower for three years. Frequent periods of unemployment throughout his life. Unresolved anger. A fragmented family that cannot deal with a father spiraling downward. Martin receives a letter from his old 8th grade teacher asking him to forgive her for a painful childhood incident. He is overwhelmed once again by his hatred for Miss Wingate, blaming her for much of what went wrong in his life. His son and daughter eventually help him take reluctant steps to forgive the teacher he wished was long dead. He meets recently divorced Linda who brings a flow of freshness into his life. She encourages Martin to visit the teacher, now dying from dementia in a nursing home. Along his journey to a coal mining community to meet the teacher, strangers enter his life compelling him to confront his past and unsure future—helping him move from failure to forgiveness and spiritual redemption. BUY NOW!

Movie Executive Reveals Remarkable Story in New Memoir

Hollywood’s Chosen Shares Undocumented Aspect of Film Industry

For immediate release:There are fewer than 100 full-time film buyers in North America, but without them some 40,000 theater screens would be blank. For more than two decades Larry Vaughn served as the liaison between Hollywood studios and the movie theaters he represented. In his new book Hollywood’s Chosen: An Insider Shares His Story(Ambassador International; September 2014; $16.99, paperback) Vaughn is pulling back the curtain on a largely undocumented aspect of the film industry.

Through a cast of characters that includes celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Michael J. Fox and Clint Eastwood, Vaughn describes the drama and delight that accompanies being one of Hollywood’s Chosen. Vaughn began working at a movie theater when he was 15, earning just $.50 an hour. As a child growing up in a poor, single-parent household Vaughn dreamed of a life filled with movie stars and thrilling plots, a fantasy that was fulfilled when he became the vice president and head film buyer of a theater circuit located in one of the top movie markets in the country. Vaughn’s job consisted of meetings with producers, directors and actors; reviewing scripts; and watching yet-to-be released movies from his own private screening room.

After becoming a Christian later in life, Vaughn faced a difficult decision that put his career and faith at odds. At the pinnacle of his career Vaughn made the difficult decision not to show a certain film, a controversial movie that made national headlines. With a foreword from Movie Tavern President and CEO John Hersker along with endorsements from Hollywood icons like Bruce Snyder and Bert Livingston of 20th Century Fox as well as Mark Gaines from Universal Pictures Distribution, Hollywood’s Chosen is set to be a blockbuster hit.

About the Authors: Larry Vaughn was raised in Greenville, South Carolina by a single parent. His humble beginnings didn’t stop him from dreaming about a career in the Hollywood entertainment industry. Larry started ushering in his neighborhood movie theater and climbed the corporate ladder, where he later became Vice President/Head Film Buyer for a premier theater circuit in one of the top movie markets in the country. Today, Larry lives in South Bend, Indiana with his wife.

Mentora Vaughn Gratrix was born in Miami, Florida, and later lived in Myrtle Beach and Greenville, South Carolina. She and her husband Jeffrey, currently live in South Bend, Indiana with their two daughters.

To connect with the author or to request a review copy of Hollywood’s Chosen please contact publicist Alison Storm at media@emeraldhouse.com.

Celebrate Books All Year: 36 Literary Holidays

Do you share our love of books? There are plenty of holidays all year long that celebrate books, authors and readers. Whether your an avid reader, literacy advocate, or someone looking for an excuse to pull out the cake and balloons, here is a list of literary themed holidays worthy of celebration!

January

18: Winnie the Pooh Day

A holiday sure to bring back fond memories of childhood, Winnie the Pooh Day is celebrated on birthday of author A A Milne. Every year, people gather together to honor the beloved series with pooh bears’ picnics, honey filled snacks, and Tigger tea parties.

February

1-7: Children’s Authors and Illustrator Week

This holiday was created to promote literacy and a love of reading at an early age. Children’s authors and illustrators gather all over for workshops and speaking events to get children excited about reading and writing.

14: Library Lovers Day

It maybe Valentine’s Day for some, but for library lovers it is a day to come together for fun events and activities to celebrate the gift of free public access to literature and the wonderful people that make it possible.

Library Lovers Month

An extension of Library Lovers Day, all month long special celebrations are planned at public, private, and school libraries to showcase the importance of libraries and all they have to offer.

March

2: Read Across America

The National Education Association kicks off the year long “Read Across America” program on March 2, birthday of the adored Dr. Seuss, to encourage communities to gather their children together to celebrate reading. The NEA provides 365 days of reading resources available to parents, teachers, and children.

5: World Book Day

It is an annual worldwide celebration of authors, illustrators, and books intended to promote child literacy through the wide distribution of “book tokens” to pre-registered nurseries and secondary schools. The book tokens are dispersed to children who in turn can take their token to a local bookstore to receive a new and free book.

2-8: Read an Ebook Week

Read an Ebook Week is supported by various artists, publishers, formatters, manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets to promote interest in and distribution of ebooks worldwide. Readers are encouraged to read electronically and download free and discounted ebooks during this week.

April

2: Children’s Book Day

In celebration of Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, author of The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, Children’s Book Day has events worldwide with writing competitions and speaking engagements with famous authors and illustrators. This a chance to get to find out about the great works of some unknown children’s authors, as well.

16: National Bookmobile Day

Bookmobiles have been instrumental in getting books to people who would otherwise have no way of receiving them. National Bookmobile Day is an opportunity for fans of bookmobiles to show their appreciation—through thanking bookmobile staff, writing a letter or e-mail to their libraries, or voicing their support to community leaders.

16: Celebrate Teen Literature Day

Started in 2007, this holiday sets out to show that young adult literature is a “vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today’s teens.” It also showcases award-winning authors and books in the genre, and highlight librarians’ expertise in connecting teens with books and other reading materials.

23: World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day is an annual event held on April 23, hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to promote reading, publishing and copyright. The hope is that people will gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have further the social and cultural progress of humanity through books.

27: Tell a Story Day

Stories do not always come in book form. They can be movies, tall-tales, or an old fork lore. Maybe you have a family story that has been passed down generation to generation. Take today to tell that story to your kids! Embrace words in all story forms.

28: Great Poetry Reading Day

Most of us have had the not-so-great pleasure of coming across really bad poetry, but today is the day to embrace those really moving verses that inspire us. Celebrate by having your own poetry reading party, listening to a reading at a local coffee shop, or maybe try writing your own!

5-11: Library Week

National Library Week encourages communities to share how their local libraries and librarians have affected them. Each year is themed with a honorary chairmen. For 2014, the theme was “Lives Change @ Your Library” and the honorary chair was Judy Blume.

D.E.A.R. Month

D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. It kicks off on April 12, birthday of beloved children’s author Beverly Cleary. Many literary organizations and publishing companies encourage and remind parents to treat reading as a family affair. Although you don’t need an official holiday, use D.E.A.R. as a motivation to get your kids together and enjoy some great books!

May

11-17: Reading is Fun

This week seeks to show that reading is not meant to be a chore or tedious task. People of all ages are encouraged to find something that grabs their attention and they can’t put down. It does not matter if it is a biography, mystery thriller, or that young adult novel your teen has been begging you to read. Find what interests you and embrace it. You won’t be sorry!

June

27: National Columnists Day

Created by The National Society of Newspaper Columnists, it was established on April 18th, in memory of the day columnist, and Pulitzer Prize winner, Ernie Pyle, killed in World War II. Whether it be the quirky “how-to” lady or the environmental contributor, read your favorite column and then give the writers feedback. They like to know you are interested in their work!

Audiobook Appreciation Month

June is all about generating excitement and enthusiasm for audiobooks. An underrated commodity, audiobooks are great for car rides, long trips, and those days when the reading glasses just don’t cut it. June is the time for beach trips and travel adventures, so don’t forget to bring along your favorite audiobook!

July

30: Paperback Book Day

You just can’t get that old book smell from a kindle or tablet. There is just something nostalgic about an old paperback. Plus, when comparing to a hardback cover, you are always going to get a better deal. Take this day to pick up a newly released paperback or maybe one of the classics. Either way, you know you’ll enjoy!

Read an Almanac Month

For those of you unfamiliar with this item, an almanac is an “annual publication that includes information such as weather forecasts, farmers’ planting dates, tide tables, and tabular information.” These underrated and sometimes forgotten gems can be extremely useful and interesting. So head to your local library or bookstore an see what you’re missing!

August

9: Book Lovers Day

If you are reading this post, chances are you will want in on this holiday. Celebrated worldwide, this is a chance to pull out your tattered old favorite, a shiny new release, or share your recommendations for others to enjoy. However you want to celebrate, embrace your book love and share it with the world!

September

6: Read a Book Day

Although the origin is unknown, we can all quietly thank the anonymous creator of a holiday that gives us an excuse to put down the paperwork, turn off the computer, and cozy up to a good book. After all, we wouldn’t want to deny a calendar marked holiday, right?

8: International Literacy Day

Founded by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this is worldwide holiday to promote literacy efforts. Its goal is to show that literacy is the right of all humans and the base of all learning. Through speaking events all over the world, people are educated on the importance of literacy and the progress being made in these efforts. May it also be a day to remind us of the blessing of literacy still denied to so many.

22: Dear Diary Day

Although the origins of this holiday are unknown, its message is universal. Take time out of your busy day to put all those thoughts onto paper and experience a relief similar to a spa day. Journaling has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and lighten moods. Plus, who knows, you may find inspiration in what you thought was gibberish or discover a hidden love of writing!

Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month

We all know the books we love would be impossible without the talented writers that pen them, but just as much, the editors that help mold and shape writer’s work into the paperback beauties readers enjoy. September is a time to express your gratitude for all they do. Post a nice comment on the website of your favorite author, shoot an email to the editor of your favorite book, or better yet, mail a hand-written card.

October

16: Dictionary Day

Dedicated to Noah Webster, “Father of the American Dictionary,” this is a holiday encouraging you to expand your vocabulary. We’re not necessarily suggesting you read Webster cover to cover, but take a day, learn some new words, and expand your horizon.

12-18: Teen Read Week

Developed by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and begun in 1998, communities are encouraged to use the “Turn Your Dreams into a Reality” theme to shine a light on all the great resources and activities provided to inspire teens to succeed in school and beyond.

National Book Month

An entire month dedicated to the pleasure of reading and enjoyment of books. Once sponsored by the National Book Federation, it is now a nationally celebrated holiday encouraging book lovers and avid readers to celebrate how they see fit. So find out what your local schools, libraries, and literary organizations are doing to celebrate and get involved!

November

1: Author’s Day

Every avid reader has a favorite author whose books never disappoint and leave you wanting more. This is a day to honor those incredibly talented people. Authors speak at different events and readers get a chance to show their appreciation!

1: National Family Literacy Day

This holiday is all about encouraging families to read together, and parents to actively engage in learning activities with their children. It is kicked off on November 1st, but events are held all month long. Take this opportunity as an excuse to spend the afternoon with your kids at your local library or bookstore. It might surprise you what you can learn from them and their favorite books!

6: National Non-Fiction Day

An annual celebration of children’s non-fiction, it was initiated by The Federation of Children’s Book Groups in partnership with Scholastic Children’s Books and is celebrated across the UK each year. People of all literary interests gather to highlight the best information and narrative non-fiction books for children. Every year there is a different theme to the day.

15: I Love to Write Day

Founded in 2002 by author John Riddle, I Love to Write Day is now celebrated in over 30,000 schools all across the United States. Writing events and activities are held at schools, libraries, and bookstores. People are encouraged to find events at local communities to gather together and discuss their love of writing. Get your pen and paper ready!

Picture Book Month

Founded by authors, story tellers, and illustrators, Picture Book Month aims to bring awareness to the importance of picture books during the developmental stages of children. During the month of November, there are new post from a picture book champion explaining why he/she thinks picture books are important posted on the Picture Book website.

National Family Literacy Month

Started in 1994, the annual event is held to encourage and stress the importance of family literacy. It is officially celebrated on November 1st, but events continue throughout the month of November. Many literacy organizations, including schools and libraries, participate through book drives, read-a-thons, celebrity appearances, etc.

National Novel Writing Month

Affectionately known as “NaNoWriMo,” this is a challenge for established writers and newbies alike (really anyone can participate) to attempt to write an entire novel in one month. The word count goal for adult is 50,000 and age 17 and under can have a lesser, yet reasonable goal. In 2012, over 300,000 adults and 80,000 young writers participated. It is a fun, creative, and challenging exercise that people really enjoy participating in.

December

Read a New Book Month

With it being the busy Christmas season, this holiday was began to encourage everyone to stop, take a minute, and delve into a great new book. Who knows, maybe by participating in this holiday, you’ll knockout another gift on your list with a great book!

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5 Things About Author Kathy Howard

Learn more about your favorite Ambassador authors with our “Five Things” series. Author Kathy Howard wrote the upcoming novel, From Dishes to Snow. Here are Kathy’s “five things”:

I ran from books until I was in my thirties. Growing up, I wanted nothing to do with reading. I truly despised any book of any topic. Even the idea of reading was hard to swallow. Now, give me a good movie and I was in, but a book – you couldn’t pay me enough. I come from a long line of readers and it pained my mother to see a love she cherished skipping the next generation. Years later, after I had completed my schooling and was no longer told what to read, I finally learned to enjoy the subject. In fact, I can honestly say, reading is now a passion of mine. It took years for my mother to adjust to my new hobby, and I can still see her shaking her head saying, “I never thought I’d see the day.”

I am an extremely picky eater. My parents tried, to no avail, to encourage my taste buds in a normal direction. The fact of the matter is, I am and always will be a picky eater. I can count on one hand the essential foods I prefer to eat. I try to venture outside of that number for the sake of my family, but I don’t go far. Because of my lack of food interests, I don’t know how or what to cook. So, when writing about the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals in From Dishes to Snow, I had to turn to others for help. If I hadn’t, the main characters might have had boxed mac-n-cheese, deli sliced turkey, and store bought cookies.

My grandparents mean the world to me. I am blessed to still have three living grandparents at my age. And I’m even more blessed to have the ones I have. All three of them have had an enormous positive impact on my life. Their walk with the Lord and their constant love and encouragement have been a guiding light, an example to follow. I wanted to bring them into the book. Several of the characters’ names are theirs, whether in exact form or a slightly altered form. The descriptions of the elderly neighbors fit each of my grandparents in some way or another. I will always picture my beloved Granddaddy, Granny, and Grandma each time I read my first novel.

The mountain house in the book is based on my family’s actual mountain cabin. My grandfather built our red mountain cabin when my father was just a child. It was a simple house with no hot water or connection to the outside world. Not much changed throughout the years as my family made dozens of trips to the higher elevations each year. We had to boil water for baths or hot cocoa, just like it says in the book. Because there were no phone or television, I dreaded going as a teenager, not wanting to miss out on weekends with my friends. However, once we arrived, we did nothing but hike, play cards, grill hamburgers, dance in the kitchen, and laugh. My fondest memories are from my time in those mountains and in that little red house. I can still remember hearing oldies music play in the next room as my brother and I made shadow puppets from our bunk beds at night. My father knew it was important to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules and reconnect with each other without the distractions. We were and still are a close-knit family and I am grateful to God and my father for giving us that mountain get-away.

I prayed every time I sat down to write. While writing From Dishes to Snow, I tried to put aside myself, though unsuccessfully at times. I gave the book and its direction to God. Before a writing day began, the words were prayed over. I did not have an outline because I had no idea where the story would go. I just sat down, prayed, and trusted that God would take it where He wanted it. It was an incredible experience, not knowing what was going to happen, and then suddenly realizing I was writing the last chapter – the story had found an ending. My prayer today is that I heard God correctly and did not write anything I shouldn’t have. God may take this book and reach hundreds of individuals or He may take this experience and reach just me. Either way, From Dishes to Snow is not mine, it is God’s and I have already been blessed by what He has taught me on this journey.

Win $25 for School Supplies & a Backpack of Ambassador Books

Ambassador International wants to help one special person kick off the school year in a big way! We’re giving away a $25 Staples gift card and a backpack full of Ambassador books, a prize worth nearly $100! (Find the full details on how to win at the bottom of this post!) This week we’re also drastically reducing the price on THREE powerful titles for parents, educators, homeschoolers or anyone interested in Christian education. This week download any of these books for just $.99 on Amazon:

A Scent of Water: Bringing Life Back to the Christian School Movement: The Christian school movement currently lacks vision, struggles with enrollment declines and battles budget limitations, according to the authors of a book that aims to restore hope and vision to the ministry. A Scent of Water: Bringing Life Back to the Christian School Movement combines scriptural truth with empirical research to provide a road map for the Christian school movement for the 21^st century. BUY NOW
Against the Tide: Reclaiming Authentic Christian Education: Against the Tide calls the Christian education movement back to its mission. The ideas offered in this book are thoroughly practical. The authors have effectively implemented these principles in their Christian schools. More important, these ideas are thoroughly biblical in their understanding of the role of Christian education and, in particular, of the Christian school, in helping parents to develop Christlike character in young people. BUY NOW

Called to Coach: 52 Weekly Devotions for Coaches: This book is written for coaches who work hard—sometimes too hard—and know how to quickly size up what is a waste of time. Called to Coach is for those who are looking for something solid. It is for coaches who know that real ministry takes place in the opportunities of everyday life, rather than simply sitting in rows on Sunday morning or around a campfire singing kumbaya. It is for coaches who recognize that the Bible is the greatest source of leadership principles the world has ever known. BUY NOW

And now on to the giveaway we mentioned! Enter to win a $25 Staples gift card to help you stock up on supplies. We’re also including a backpack of Ambassador books including these three Christian education titles, children’s books and parenting resources. The giveaway runs until August 13. Enter now!
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Shelter Dogs Star in New Children’s Book

Dog Tales Features Eight Real Adopted Dogs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Each of the 70 million pet dogs in the U.S. has its own story. Author Teresa Herbic’s new book Dog Tales (Ambassador International; August 2014; $9.99, paperback)focuses on eight of these unique adventures, using each dog’s story to teach children about human compassion and messages of love, peace, and kindness. Featuring real adopted pets, Dog Tales will make you love these eight special dogs and their family.

“Abandoned animals often wondered onto the rural acreage where I grew up,” explains the author. “I felt that any time an orphan animal presented itself, it came as a gift from God there to teach us something and to become a member of our family.” And Herbic’s dogs are just that—a gift. Dog Tales’ message is based on the Beatitudes in Matthew. “They remind us of God’s powerful blessings for those who follow and serve,” says Herbic.

Readers will discover a common thread of adoption throughout the pages of Dog Tales because the author has been touched by adoption all her life. As the Director of Families for Adoption for Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, she and organization’s leaders include the adoption of pets as part of their support services, along with the domestic and international adoption of orphan children.

Dog Tales is the follow up to Herbic’s first book Cat Tales, released by Ambassador in 2013. Cat Tales follows adventures of Prince, Dakota, Lolli, and the rest of the family of cats teach readers the lessons of the Fruit of the Spirit highlighted in Galatians. Both books are part of the Children’s Compassion Series, which will include other titles in the future.

About the Author: Teresa Herbic currently serves as the Director of Family Groups at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. She lives in Missouri with her husband, Galen, and their two adopted children, Meyana and Braxten, along with their cats, which inspired Cat Tales.

To connect with the author or to request a review copy of Dog Tales, please contact Alison Storm at media@emeraldhouse.com.

5 Things About Author David Garcia

Learn more about your favorite Ambassador authors with our “Five Things” series. Author David Garcia wrote the book Portrait of a Powerful Last-Day Christian, available now. Here are David’s “five things”:

We spent 9 years as full-time missionaries. From January, 1976-July, 1980, in the inner city of Bronx, New York (where Nellie and I were born and raised), working in an inner city church doing evangelism and discipleship. Also from July, 1980- November, 1984, in Zimbabwe, Africa, right after the government changed from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. We were involved in church planting, evangelism, discipleship, and directed a bible school.

We have been pastoring Grace World Outreach Church, Brooksville, Florida for 26 years. This is a multi-ethnic and multi-generational church of 1,600+ people, with a strong emphasis on evangelism, missions, and discipleship.

I travel world-wide teaching in churches, leadership seminars, pastors schools. I especially have a passion for teaching teenagers and young adult singles on biblical romance and godly relationships. In addition, in the pastors schools I train pastors in Kigoma, Tanzania covering subjects that include Leadership, how to disciple new converts, marriage enrichment, authority over demonic powers, dealing with witch doctors, healing, and bible prophecy. I have a team from our church in the area who are reaching unreached people groups which include the Tongwe and Regwe people. In addition, I also minister in Mindinao, Philippines conducting evangelistic crusades, leadership training, and discipleship. I serve as an apostolic advisor to two organizations: one in Dipolog & the other in Pagadian City. The group in Dipolog is also reaching unreached people groups in the remote areas. In addition, Inhave a passion for the UK and have preached in churches in Hull, Wolverhampton, London, and Manchester. I have a conviction that since Britain planted the seeds of the Gospel in our country & is now post modern with less than 2% of the population saved, that as the US Cuvier j invests in the UK, revival will come to the US.

My wife Nellie and I are avid college football fans. Since she is a Florida State Seminole and I’m a Florida (Univ of Florida) Gator fan (both teams are state rivals!), football season is very interesting in our household and church!!!

I am an avid reader of history, especially military history. I have a large collection of war movies including the Civil War, World Wars 1, World War 2, and others. I firmly believe if we do not learn from the past, we are bound to repeat the same mistakes in the future.

She Speaks: Being the Author God Wants You To Be

The following is a guest post from Ambassador author Carrie Daws about her recent experience at the She Speaks Conference, held July 24-26 in Concord, North Carolina.

Overwhelmed. Doing my best. Uncertain. Spinning my wheels.

These are the phrases I would have used to describe my author plan. I know God gave me books to write, but getting the thoughts from my head to your hands is not simple. Bookstores are flooded with a plethora of resources to help me, but I can’t read them all and sometimes they contradict. And who am I to write a book anyway? The great writers are doing a fine job without me. Are you as frustrated as I am?

Walking into the She Speaks Conference by Proverbs 31 Ministries this year, I expected to walk away with tools for marketing, ideas to spark creative juices, and lists of things to do. Instead, God infused my thoughts with truth.

What you think disqualifies you, is exactly what God is going to use to change someone else’s life.

Glynnis Whitwer

I’m not Francine Rivers and may never be as popular as she is, but the truth is that God already has Francine and doesn’t want me to be her. He created me to be me, to accomplish His purposes my way. And the shortcomings and inadequacies I see are often the very things that draw others to me, and thereby to Him.

Authors Carrie Daws, Shaunti Feldhahn and Kathy Barnett at the She Speaks Conference.

God has something amazing for me to do. He is doing amazing things in the process.

Shaunti Feldhahn

Shaunti’s statement is one of those truths that I know but struggle to remember. I understand that God has a great plan that includes me, and I acknowledge that He wants to use me to accomplish incredible things. But the truth is that each step along the way is also amazing. It may not feel like it at the time, but when I stop to reflect back on the journey, I see those little moments that became stepping stones that got me where I stand right now. Every step is amazing.

You already have what it takes to accomplish His plans for you.

Renee Swope

This proclamation by Renee really caught my attention because I struggle every week to understand more about writing and HTML codes and best social media practices. I seem to be a constant flurry of learning what is just outside my grasp of understanding. Yet the truth is that God didn’t give me an assignment and send me on my way. He also gave me everything I would need to accomplish the assignment! Sometimes it’s in the form of books and blog posts and Google searches, and sometimes it’s through real people who make the keystrokes for me. But I am not alone on this journey that often feels very solitary.

Our passion cannot be our words. Our passion must be the Word.

Lysa TerKeurst

I endeavor to find the right words and put sentences in the order that will have the biggest impact. And while that’s important, the truth is that the time I spend with God in His Bible is more important. I must be filled with Him so I can overflow with love and grace and compassion. Otherwise, the words I find will not be the ones that change lives and make His name known.

Ambassador authors of The Warrior’s Bride, Kathy Barnett and Carrie Daws.

This is not a game. We write to free people from bondage.

Christine Caine

Sometimes I put off writing because no one asks for an account of my time. Sometimes I put it off because it’s hard, or boring, or frustrating. Sometimes I just put words on paper and throw them out to the world without really considering what I just wrote. But Christine is right: our writing is not a game. God wants to use me and my writing—all my writing—to affect change. To love people. To free them from the bondages in which our enemy wants to bind them. This is a battle where sometimes, many times, I do not get a second chance.

So while I also learned a couple new tidbits about Pinterest and what Lysa TerKeurst strives to put into every chapter she writes, I walk away from She Speaks with encouragement and motivation from God, whom I’m reminded is my biggest cheerleader. What an amazing thought!

Learn more about Carrie Daws at CarrieDaws.com. Her newest book, The Warrior’s Bride: Biblical Strategies to Help the Military Spouse Thrive, will be released in fall 2014.

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