Hello from Kathy Collard Miller in the sunny desert of Southern California. One of my main memories from several years ago when I was in bed from a bad back for nine months was feeling unproductive. It seemed at the time unexplainable that God wouldn’t want me to be working for His glory. And if you’re like me, we can easily feel like we need to earn God’s approval. After all, aren’t we supposed to work for God’s glory? If I’m not doing something for Him, it seems like I’m being disobedient. And even unloved and “un-approved.” But reading Matthew 6:25-26…
Tag: encouragement
This is our archive pageWhat Arrows Assail You?
Hello from Kathy Collard Miller in the Southern California desert. When I attended my first writers conference in 1980, writing legend Woody Wirt closed the final session by exclaiming, “I want you to say right now, ‘I am a writer.’” I am a writer? It seemed dishonest to say such a thing. After all, I’d only had one article and one short story published. That didn’t seem to qualify as a true “writer.” What was a “true writer”? I didn’t know but I was convinced it didn’t refer to me. But being the People Pleaser I am, I wanted to…
Who Me? A Perfectionist?
Hello from Kathy Collard Miller in the desert of Southern California If I were to ask you whether you’re a perfectionist, you’d most likely say “no.” The explanation for saying that? “Well, I don’t get anything perfect! After all, perfectionists reach perfection.” Would you be shocked if I told you that’s not accurate? Not only is it not accurate but I would almost predict that some perfectionist tendencies are blocking your efficiency and joy in your writing. Because one definition of a perfectionist is: “A person who takes great pains and passes them on to others.” Want to know if you have…
Surprise! God Is Sovereign!
Hello from Kathy Collard Miller in the desert of Southern California! Have you ever been surprised by God’s sovereignty? Early in my writing and speaking ministry in the 1980’s, I felt the need to make things happen. It felt like I needed to force things to happen. I even seemed to hear from the publishing world that it was up to me to make things happen. And within a decade or two, I began to learn that I needed a platform and it was all up to me. I felt tense.
How to make our days shine
“Oh, sweet friend,” I said in an email to my dearest friend from my college years, “I’ll be attending a fancy gala soon. And if you find any fancy gowns in your shopping ventures in my size, let me know. Little time for me to shop these days.” As is her nature, she went to action. She researched and sent me links to dresses she chose according to my color and size. Then she wrote, “I found great bargains for gorgeous dresses. And I found other items that I’m sending too. I know they will look great on you. They’re…
Cheering Each Other Onward
Aloha from Karen, I’m wearing a crown to celebrate my new release: The One Year My Princess Devotions. I’m thankful for CAN as part of the team that helps me spread the word on new books like this one with retweeting my appearances, having me guest blog, and some group activities that include speaking and signing books at a retailer event. Being part of a group is valuable in marketing. There’s so much competition with books that it helps to be part of a team. That’s what makes CAN work well, but you can also assemble your own team. Last…
ANYTHING BUT THAT, LORD—By Christine Lindsay
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” FACT—According to The Book of Lists, the fear of public speaking ranks number one in the minds of the majority of people. Far above the fear of death and disease, comes the fear of standing in front of a crowd.
A Listening Ear
Hi, Sherry Kyle here, writing to you on my laptop from Central California. I prayed fervently on my way to the Capitola Mall on Saturday. The direction of my prayer went something like this, “Please, God, help me to be a listening ear to those who need encouragement coming into Inklings Books & Things. Help me plant a seed for Christ. And if I sell a few books, well, that would be nice too.” I wasn’t nervous or anxious at being the featured author at my neighborhood bookstore. Instead I was eager to see who God would bring my way….
LOOKING FOR LOST DONKEYS–By Christine Lindsay
You’ve heard the old adage, ‘cast your bread upon the waters and wait for it to come back to you’. Well how about the adage, ‘looking for lost donkeys’? Nope? Never heard of that one? Lately I’ve been testing the waters to see what direction I should take with my career. Not being independently wealthy I need to bring in an income. I know, I know, who of us does not have financial difficulties? We all have our crosses to bear. Ooops, there’s another well-worn adage. Thing is, we all have our stresses. And we all reach crossroads at frequent intervals where we have to…
Encouragement from Daniel
Sherry Kyle here, writing from central California with some encouraging words straight from Scripture. Are you worried about something? Upset? Do you feel helpless? Daniel felt all these emotions when he saw visions of the future. See Daniel 7-10. Just like Daniel, we can feel afraid when we think about our future. Maybe you’re waiting for your next book contract and are starting to doubt if it will ever happen. Maybe you have a looming deadline and fear you won’t be able to complete your manuscript on time. Or maybe you’re so overwhelmed with life that you don’t have time…
