CLASSeminars - April is informed Woman Month

Karen has donated this article to be used by CLASSEMINARS to help get the word out  about the next CLASS Christian Writers Conference this fall. Karen has attended every  year except one, since 2004, and because of her interaction at the conference, she is  reaping an expanded network in the writing industry as well as seeing amazing doors  opening up for her this year. If you're interested in attending the conference, or would  like to hear about their early bird special (expires the end of April),  click here for more information: http://bit.ly/H4hMYu/.

April is Informed Woman Month Five Steps to Get a Grip on Your Stress By Karen Jordan How can we get a grip on our stress, when life is heavy and hard to take? The book of Lamentations offers a clear word about dealing with stress. "When life is heavy and  hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for  hope to appear” (Lam. 3:28-29 MSG). 1. Go off by yourself. Jesus knew the importance of spending time alone with His Father. When  He needed to listen, He would pull away from everyone. After Jesus fed the 5,000, He “climbed the  mountain so (He) could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night”  (Matt. 14:23). 2. Enter the silence. When we seek God, the accuser tries to distract us with fear, like in the story  of Hannah. Hanna’s husband had two wives, and her husband’s other wife taunted her, accusing  God for Hannah’s inability to conceive. Even when Hannah prayed, the accuser attacked. “… Hannah  was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the  conclusion that she was drunk”…” (1 Sam. 1:13). 3. Bow in prayer. God promises that if we call on His Name, He'll listen. “… And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours” (1 John 5:15). 4. Don't ask questions. My questions often interfere with my communication with God—I’m talking,  instead of listening. When Jesus taught His disciples, He asked them on several occasions, “Are you  listening to me? Really listening?” (Matt.11:15). 5. "Wait for hope to appear." The psalmist speaks of “waiting,” “I waited and waited and waited  for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep  mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip” (Ps. 40:1-2). “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may  or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the  time comes” (Matt. 6:34). So, remember, "When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in  prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear" (Lam. 3:28-29). Karen Jordan is best known for telling the stories that matter most. She has multiple  writing credits and trains other writers as well. Contact her for speaking events, writing  assignments, and interviews atkj@karenjordan.net or visit www.karenjordan.net.

CLASSeminars early registration info.

Linda Gilden CCWC Director From Linda Gilden, Director of the CLASS Christian Writers Conference: In case you haven’t heard, the 2012 CLASS Christian Writers Conference is coming up in just a few months, October 31-November 4. We don’t want you to miss this amazing opportunity to learn from professional writers and meet with editors and agents. AND, if you act now, you can save $150 with the special early bird registration price. All you have to do is pay in full by the deadline of May 1. Once May 1 arrives, the price will revert to the regular price so register today. Want to take your writing to the next level? CLASS Christian Writers Conf. Early Bird Special until 5/1. http://bit.ly/GCMFX3 Read more about the 2012 conference below. Hope to see you there! Linda Glenna Salsbury Keynote Speaker 2012 CLASS Christian Writers Conference Is it time for you to take your writing career to the next level? If you seek to learn more about the craft of writing and increase your chances of an editor or agent reviewing your work, it’s time to consider a writers conference. Whether it’s your first conference or your twenty-first conference, there are always new possibilities when you enter the writing world at a conference. Why not consider attending the CLASS Christian Writers Conference? It will be held October 31-November 4, 2012 at the Ghost Ranch in beautiful Abiquiu, New Mexico. Our theme for the year is "This is My Story." God has given each of us a unique story to make a difference in the Kingdom. But in order for our stories to be effective print pieces, we must learn how to write with excellence. The Ranch is just the place to do that. Glenna Salsbury is our keynote speaker. Glenna is an award-winning speaker with a story to share. The stories Glenna likes to share the most are directly from the Word of God because her greatest desire is to ignite a spark of faith in the lives of all those she meets. She challenges audiences to have a contagious excitement for God's Word. Glenna is the author of five books including, The Art of a Fresh Start. The conference week is filled with life-changing options. The morning teaching labs give you the opportunity to specialize your craft with top professionals. You will pick up new tools to improve your writing and hear the inside scoop about the Christian publishing industry. Morning Teaching Labs Faculty Making Your Non-Fiction Book A Reality—Kathy Collard Miller Writing Compelling Fiction—Dan Walsh  Writing for Children—Jeanne St. John Taylor The Art of Magazine Writing—Larry Leech Discover Your Personal Life Mission—Chad Spriggs Over thirty-six dynamic workshops and clinics will equip you with the skills to self-edit, prepare a polished manuscript, write a proposal, set up a marketing plan, and pitch to an editor or agent. Top industry professionals (agents, acquisitions editors, experienced writers, coaches, and publicists) are available for one-on-one consultations. You can leave the conference as a published author by participating in the CLASS Conference Book Project. Every attendee will be part of a small critique group and will spend time with writing mentors to polish each chapter submission. The published book will be available for conferees to purchase at a discount. (You do not have to buy books to participate in the project.) Other Special Features: On Ramp and the brand new On Ramp 2 (Early Conference Prep Day) Advanced Fiction Mentoring Workshop with DiAnn Mills Autograph party features all published authors (faculty and conferees) Teen Track with Caleb Breakey So what‘s your story? What message has God given you? Are you ready to make a difference for His Kingdom? Your writing dreams can become reality in Abiquiu. For more information, see: http://bit.ly/GCMFX3. If you register and pay in full by May 1, 2012, you qualify for the early bird tuition—just $525. There are also scholarships available. We hope to see you there!

National Sleep Awareness week.

 

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National Sleep Awareness Week, March 5-11, 2012

Close To God

 By Dr. Charles. W. Page

What do you do when you feel that gentle nudge from your child in the middle of the night asking to cuddle up with you in your bed? This probably goes against the opinions of most sleep gurus but my wife and I allow them to climb in and rest with us. We want our children to feel free to come to us day or night—waking or sleeping—for comfort, reassurance and guidance. Nurturing a relationship of trust and openness with our children is worth the loss of a little shut-eye.

Whoever said, “those who sleep like a baby usually doesn’t have one,” spoke from experience. It’s sometimes scary to see how our dozing toddler practices his midnight tackling drills right in the middle of my back. Tebow beware—linebacker Charlie Page is coming through the ranks. Charlie always seems to glue himself to us instead of spreading out in our king-sized bed. When I move to get a little freedom, Charlie follows—almost like a magnet. My own sleep-shadow! It seems as though children have an innate need to have someone close in the wee hours of the morning.

Has it ever occurred to you that the worries, regrets and fears that you may experience as you fall asleep may be a reminder to curl up to your Heavenly Father? As God’s children, we can take refuge in a heavenly Father that invites us to be close to Him as we lie down to rest. Your “Daddy” is not inconvenienced or bothered by your midnight crisis of faith. The Lord who watches over you never slumbers—He awaits you with open arms. Remember that you are as close to God as you chose to be. “Come near to God and He will come near to you” James 4:8.

What are the barriers that separate you from intimacy with God tonight? Wherever you are, whatever your need—it all begins with worship. David gives us some pointers in the Sixty-Third Psalm as he runs for his life from his son Absalom.

“On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night, because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings” Psalm 63:6-7.

• Remember God—think of some times in your past that God has showed up in a big way for you.
• Think of God—Recall His attributes and His character—His unfailing love towards you—how it is even better than life itself (Psalms 63:3).
• Understand that God is your help—surrender control and allow God to do for you in the nighttime hours what you cannot do for yourself. Appreciate the truth that God has your back covered as you rest.
• Sing. Yes sing to the One who gives songs in the night (Job 35:10). Maybe it’s the rawness of a song of sorrow and pain. Or perhaps it’s one of joy and gladness. One rendering would suggest that we sing “for’ (or to obtain) joy. Have you ever considered that making a melody? Nevertheless, sing in the solitude of the night watches.
• Experience His presence—Being under the shadow of God’s wings reminds us of shekinah glory that one could experience only by being in the most holy place in the temple. Being so close to the ark that the actual wings of the cherubim would cast a shadow over you would require some major life adjustments! This reminds us that God is holy and must be approached with a humble and contrite attitude. But also this picture of the “shadow of your wings” reminds us of how a baby bird seeks shelter, security and comfort under the wings of its mother. We’re encouraged to crawl into the Father’s open arms. As you lay down to sleep, remember that your Heavenly Father desires you to snuggle up close. Surrender your sleep into His arms.

Charles W. Page, MD author/speaker

 Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. Learn more at:www.surrenderedsleep.com/.

Share a story.

 

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Florence Littauer, Founder CLASSEMINARS Share a Story — Shape a Future Week, March 5-9, 2012 Don't Die With the Story Still In You  By Florence Littauer and Gerry Wakeland I had just settled into my seat when I heard the pastor say, “I see that Florence Littauer is with us this morning.” I was scheduled to speak for the women of the church later that evening and had slipped into the sanctuary for the Sunday morning service. As I started to stand acknowledging the introduction I heard him continue, “Let’s have her share our children’s sermon.” I was stunned. I had never given a children’s sermon before. As I made my way to the front of the church I asked the Lord for a scripture and Ephesians 4:29 popped into my mind. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (KJV)  I was running out of time. This would have to do. I gathered the children around me and began to teach. I spoke to the children about how our words needed to be kind and loving, building up those around us. As I finished one little girl stood up, turned to the congregation and said, “What she means is, our words should be like a little silver box with a bow on top.” I knew this message was a keeper. I have shared the story of this message of “Silver Boxes” hundreds of times with thousands of people reminding them of the weight of our words. Often following my presentation someone will come to me and remark, “The words I say to my husband, to my children, to others, are not very nice. I need to do some things differently.” This message has changed lives, saved marriages and encouraged many a wayward young person. We all have a story to share, a message to impart. Often it is a story that can reach deep into a broken heart to offer hope. Sometimes a story will point a person in the right direction or redirect their thinking. Writers and speakers need encouragement as well. They need to hear that they are on the right path and that their words matter. My “Silver Box” story ends with a quote attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes, “Don’t die with the music still in you.” We can change it slightly, and encourage you, “Don’t die with the story still in you.” Our stories can shape the future if we have the courage to share them. Florence Littauer is the bestselling author of Silver Boxes, The Gift of Encouragement  and over 30 other books. An internationally recognized speaker, she is the founder of the CLASSEMINARS and resides in Henderson, NV. Gerry Wakeland is the President of CLASSEMINARS, Inc., a ministry that trains Christian communicators. She loves encouraging men and women to share the message God has given them. The mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three active boys, Gerry lives in Albuquerque, NM. Visit the CLASS website to learn more information about the 2012 Christian Writers Conference. Come meet Gerry and the rest of the CLASS faculty there!

CLASS Christian Writers Conference, A Home in the Library.

Linda Gilden, Director

CLASS Christian Writers

Conference

February 9th was "Read in the Bathtub" Day

Take a Break

By Linda Gilden

I held the dripping book by one corner. Water poured from between its pages. How could that have happened? Until this moment I had never even gotten a cover wet.

For years the bathtub has provided my favorite literary getaway. Preparation for bath time means gathering the essentials: a glass of cold water, one towel for drying, a small one for drying hands occasionally, a flashlight, eyeglasses (a fairly recent addition to the list), and a good book.

You may not be a bathtub reader but finding a daily time for yourself is important and reading enhances that special, individual time. Making the effort to have personal time each day has great benefits.

1. Keeps you grounded. The best way to start every day is with a personal time of devotion. Making a connection with God when you first get up gives you a solid foundation for the day. This time may include Bible reading, your favorite devotional book, and a time of meditation and prayer. 
2. Recharges your “batteries.” We were not created to go and go and go. We need a break. Life is busy if not frantic for most of us and burnout lurks just around the corner. A few minutes away from the family, workplace, and the demands that go along with them gives you new strength, energy, and perspective to face your day.
3.  Provides a time for enjoyment. Everyone needs to have a little fun every day. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. So relaxing with a good book, whether in the bathtub, under a tree, or wrapped in a blanket in the recliner gives me a few minutes of enjoyment and entertainment.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Linda Gilden is an author, speaker, editor, and writing coach. She has written hundreds of articles as well as the Love Notesseries, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, and has ghostwritten or contributed to over three dozen books. Directing the CLASS Christian Writers Conference in Abiquiu, NM, she encourages others to clearly communicate God’s love to the world. Linda lives in SC with her family – a great source of speaking and writing material!

In March, the CLASS website will release news of the 2012 Christian Writers Conference: www.classeminars.org. Come meet Linda and the rest of the CLASS faculty there!

Gerry Wakeland, President CLASSEMINARS

February is Library Lovers Month

At Home in the Library

By Gerry Wakeland

If you asked me to describe my dream home, without pause I'd respond, "My dream home would be an old vacant library where I would remove all the fixtures except the bathroom and the bookshelves and then I'd move my bed and desk into the center and start filling the shelves with my books." At which point you would stare at me quizzically.

My love affair with books and the library began as a child and continues to this very day. I remember as an elementary student begging my mother to take me to the library. She'd pull up to the curb in front and let me out, reminding me she would be back in an hour. Every time, I'd race up three sets of steps, fling open the double doors, run inside and stop. I would stand perfectly still and inhale the fragrance of the books. True love.

The library was my refuge. It provided a safe and silent haven from the noise and chaos of my home. But more than that, it opened doors for me, doors to the past, doors to the future, doors of adventure, and doors of romance, most importantly doors of wisdom.

I learned so much at the library. I learned that as a woman I could be brave and bold like Amelia Earhart or save lives like Florence Nightingale or Clara Barton. I could write poetry like Elizabeth Barrett Browning or books like Jane Austen. The library gave me hope!

Over the years I have continued to be a library patron. Sometimes I take my laptop and head to the library to work on a project. With the world at my fingertips, both digitally and in hard copy, I can research any topic to my heart’s content. Hardly a Saturday goes by that you cannot find me at some point in the day at the local library, perusing the new arrivals for the week.

Or sometimes I just sit quietly in one of the easy chairs wishing that the books could talk and wondering what they would say if they could tell the stories behind the stories.

I may never have the unusual, almost bizarre, home of my dreams. But the library is still my refuge, affording me a place that’s safe and silent, where dreams are born and hope exists.

Gerry Wakeland is the President and CEO of CLASSEMINARS, Inc. She loves helping Christian communicators identify their passion, clarify their vision and define their mission so that they can articulate God’s message effectively. Gerry is the mother of two grown daughters and grandmother to three precious grandsons. She makes her home in the land of enchantment, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her favorite pastime is reading and one of her favorite places is the public library. In March, the CLASS website will release news of the 2012 Christian Writers Conference: www.classeminars.org. Come meet Gerry and the rest of the CLASS faculty there!

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