Hi girls! My apologies for not posting this yesterday. I was honestly convinced that yesterday was Wednesday as our Youth Group at church was canceled on Wednesday night and it seemed to have messed with my head a little. :-)
Anyways, onto the giveaway winners.
The winner of the pink pure t-shirt and the Becoming Beautiful to God video set and handbook is commenter #7, Lauren Elaine!
The winner of the first set of signed books by Melody Carlson is commenter #2, Rachelle!
And the winner of the second set of books by Melody Carlson is commenter #4, Sarah!
Congratulations to all of the winners! I will be e-mailing you girls (so be sure to check your e-mails) requesting your shipping address so that I can get your prizes to you as soon as possible.
Blessings,
Maggie
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Interview with Amy Vest from Loving the Lord Ministries and a Giveaway!
I'm very excited to interview Amy from Loving the Lord Ministries. She has an amazing love for the Lord and I can't wait to share with you all of the amazing things He has done through her in her ministry.
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Through my teen years, I treasured the one-on-one discipleship relationships the Lord provided with younger girls in my life. As the Lord confirmed His call to young women’s discipleship, He opened doors to serve with various young women’s ministries through leading groups, writing articles, and speaking at conferences. Then in 2002, I started a discipleship group at my home with 13 girls (ages 11-16) and wrote material from what the Lord had used to transform my life and walk with Him. I was amazed at the incredible response and evident need in the girls’ lives. Soon, people began asking for a conference for young women. The following summer of 2003, through the Lord’s confirmation, we hosted our first conference and again were amazed at the response and evident need.
We then started receiving requests for spiritual growth materials for people to use to begin young women’s discipleship groups. The Lord impressed on my heart the messages and we recorded four different conferences series’ on various topics critical to young women. These were developed into spiritual growth material in the form of DVDs and handbooks. Women of all ages and churches around the country have used this material for discipleship and to start groups. The Lord has consistently provided opportunities to speak and host conferences across the nation, as well as abroad. Over the years, He has provided an incredible team of young women and women who love the Lord and are passionate for others to know Him. Last year we launched an intensive 8 month training program of spiritual discipleship and ministry training for older young women. We also host a blog and I write a periodic newsletter as a way to reach young women, stay connected with the conference attendees, and provide continuing encouragement in pursuing Christ. Currently I am developing a purity conference to launch in March of 2010, as well as working on a book.
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4. What does it feel like to have Christ working through you?
Next to knowing Christ, there is nothing more incredible in the whole world than having Him work through you and to watch Him transform someone's life!!! It is Him alone that does the work. It is our treasure to be empty vessels that He pours Himself through to a thirsty world. 2 Corinthians 4:7 is my theme verse for the ministry, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
Through this, I have experienced Him in ways I never would have otherwise. I have witnessed with my own eyes that He is all that He claims to be and always fulfills His promises. Next to knowing Him, this has been the most fulfilling element of my life. He has taken my weakest areas and shown Himself so strong. I continue to daily see my dependence upon Him and the beauty of His faithfulness. This is HIS ministry, we give Him all of the glory for what He has done, and we are so excited about all that He has in store as we keep our eyes on Him!
5. Do you have any encouragement for other girls?
- You were created for an all-fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. Apart from this you cannot know the fulfillment, joy, peace, freedom and purpose you were intended to experience. Pursue Him with all that you are! As you truly know Him, you cannot help but love Him. As you love Him, you will desire to follow, obey, serve, and share Him! This will lead you into all that He intended for you and His glory! This is what has transformed my life.
- The Lord has a special plan for you as you follow Him in total yieldedness. He wants to use you to reach this world for Himself in special ways. As you walk close to Him and follow His leading, He will do things through your life that are beyond your wildest dreams! 1 Cor. 2:9
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1. When did you gain a heart for ministering to young women?
It all began when the Lord transformed my life through knowing Him as my ALL. I had found all that I was longing for in Him and I passionately wanted others to know Him, too. I knew that knowing Him and making Him known was the purpose for which I was meant to pour out my life. As I sought the Lord for His specific call for this, I felt Him leading me into discipleship of young women. I passionately love these young women and long that I can be someone just a little older than they are encouraging them that a close relationship with Christ is possible, a joy, and worth living for with every ounce of their being!
2. How has God built your ministry?
This ministry is truly His. He has brought it to pass and He is the One Who changes lives. He deserves all of the glory! I feel as if I have watched Him work.
Through my teen years, I treasured the one-on-one discipleship relationships the Lord provided with younger girls in my life. As the Lord confirmed His call to young women’s discipleship, He opened doors to serve with various young women’s ministries through leading groups, writing articles, and speaking at conferences. Then in 2002, I started a discipleship group at my home with 13 girls (ages 11-16) and wrote material from what the Lord had used to transform my life and walk with Him. I was amazed at the incredible response and evident need in the girls’ lives. Soon, people began asking for a conference for young women. The following summer of 2003, through the Lord’s confirmation, we hosted our first conference and again were amazed at the response and evident need.
We then started receiving requests for spiritual growth materials for people to use to begin young women’s discipleship groups. The Lord impressed on my heart the messages and we recorded four different conferences series’ on various topics critical to young women. These were developed into spiritual growth material in the form of DVDs and handbooks. Women of all ages and churches around the country have used this material for discipleship and to start groups. The Lord has consistently provided opportunities to speak and host conferences across the nation, as well as abroad. Over the years, He has provided an incredible team of young women and women who love the Lord and are passionate for others to know Him. Last year we launched an intensive 8 month training program of spiritual discipleship and ministry training for older young women. We also host a blog and I write a periodic newsletter as a way to reach young women, stay connected with the conference attendees, and provide continuing encouragement in pursuing Christ. Currently I am developing a purity conference to launch in March of 2010, as well as working on a book.
Each year, the Lord has continued to lead, open doors, and show Himself strong. We are continually in awe of Him! I have seen HIM move in ways I never could have dreamed. We could fill books with stories of His faithfulness and miraculous work. I have stood in awe so many times as the Lord has transformed a heart, specifically answered prayers for the provision of funds (to the dollar!), or given extra strength when I was weak.
I have experienced Him in ways I never would have otherwise. I have witnessed with my own eyes that He is all that He claims to be and always fulfills His promises. Next to knowing Him, this has been the most fulfilling element of my life. He has taken my weakest areas and shown Himself so strong. I continue to daily see my dependence upon Him and the beauty of His faithfulness. This is HIS ministry, we give Him all of the glory for what He has done, and we are so excited about all that He has in store as we keep our eyes on Him!
3. Can you share with us part of your testimony?
I heard the Gospel and prayed to receive Jesus as a young girl - and rededicated my life to Him when I was
in my teens. I grew up going to church, reading my Bible, and attending church activities. I loved the Lord because He died for me and I wanted to do what was right. But I felt like there was supposed to be more to the Christian life. When I was in my early to mid teens, I began to sense the Lord’s drawing (through His Word, the testimony of other’s lives, and His work in my heart) and see that I was meant to have my own relationship with Him. He wanted me to not just know about Him and pray every so often, but to have a real walk with Him.
As I made Him my priority, began really seeking to know Him, and spent time with Him, I came to know the Lord as far more than the One I heard about in church, read about in my Bible, or even prayed to - He became REAL to ME. As I experienced the Lord for who He really is, experienced His love, heard His voice, saw Him real in my circumstances, He changed my life and I found what I had been longing for in the depths of my heart. I discovered I was fully satisfied in the Lord and His love for me. As I came to know His heart more, I knew I could trust Him in every area of my life, I understood and embraced my need to surrender all to Him as my Lord, and I was filled with purpose to live for Him and be pleasing and beautiful to Him.
This was no longer because I had to; but, because I knew Him and loved Him, I wanted to do it. Since then, the Lord continues to reveal Himself to me, bring me to deeper levels of surrender, and do His work in my heart! Life is an amazing journey with my Savior that I would not trade for anything!
Next to knowing Christ, there is nothing more incredible in the whole world than having Him work through you and to watch Him transform someone's life!!! It is Him alone that does the work. It is our treasure to be empty vessels that He pours Himself through to a thirsty world. 2 Corinthians 4:7 is my theme verse for the ministry, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
Through this, I have experienced Him in ways I never would have otherwise. I have witnessed with my own eyes that He is all that He claims to be and always fulfills His promises. Next to knowing Him, this has been the most fulfilling element of my life. He has taken my weakest areas and shown Himself so strong. I continue to daily see my dependence upon Him and the beauty of His faithfulness. This is HIS ministry, we give Him all of the glory for what He has done, and we are so excited about all that He has in store as we keep our eyes on Him!
5. Do you have any encouragement for other girls?
- You were created for an all-fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. Apart from this you cannot know the fulfillment, joy, peace, freedom and purpose you were intended to experience. Pursue Him with all that you are! As you truly know Him, you cannot help but love Him. As you love Him, you will desire to follow, obey, serve, and share Him! This will lead you into all that He intended for you and His glory! This is what has transformed my life.
- The Lord has a special plan for you as you follow Him in total yieldedness. He wants to use you to reach this world for Himself in special ways. As you walk close to Him and follow His leading, He will do things through your life that are beyond your wildest dreams! 1 Cor. 2:9
The Giveaway
I'm very excited to be giving away three amazing items from Loving the Lord Ministries to one (1) lucky winner!
The winner will receive:
-A Medium Pink "Pure" T-Shirt
-Becoming Beautiful to God: 7 session video set
-Becoming Beautiful to God: Video Companion Handbook
Please make sure that you have your parents permission to enter, because if you win I will need your address to send you your prize. You have from today, Tuesday July 12th until Wednesday June 20th to enter. Winner will be announced on Thursday July 21st.
To enter all you have to do is comment below with your favorite person from the Bible. Was it Paul? Or Ruth? Maybe Esther? I'd love to know!
*Images in this post provided by Amy Vest*
Interview with Melody Carlson and a Giveaway!
Hey girls! I'm very excited to be featuring an interview with best selling author, Melody Carlson. And stay tuned for the end where there is a giveaway for several copies of books signed by her!
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1. What does your writing routine look like?
My office is located in a separate building (next to my home) and I usually get in there around 9am. I start out by doing office work (email etc.) and get into “serious” writing in an hour or so. I always pick up right where I left off the previous day. Although I might skim over the last chapter if necessary. Mostly I try to get right into actual writing. I like to let the story flow and if I allow myself to get bogged down with editing my prior work, it tends to hurt the book. For me, editing is something that comes later—after the book is completed. I pretty much keep “banker’s hours” by not working evenings or weekends (unless I’m crunching on a deadline).
2. What do you do to keep from getting distracted during your writing time?
As I mentioned, my office is off by itself. I also have a separate phone line out here. So, really, other than the woodpecker who sometimes hammers above my window, or my dog (a sweet yellow lab named Audrey) needing to “go out,” I don’t get many distractions. This is a good thing because the more years I write, the more I realize I need a quiet environment to create in. But back when I first began writing, I could pretty much write anywhere. I remember a time when our house was being remodeled and the only place I could situate my desk was right next to the refrigerator (and I had two teen boys at the time who were constantly hungry). Yet I sat there, with the fridge door opening and closing again and again, and managed to write a whole book.
3. What kind of work goes into getting a book ready to get published? What do you find to be the hardest part of that process?
Because I’ve written so many books, for so many years, this publishing process comes much easier to me now. It’s like anything—the more you do it, the better you should get at it. Also, I worked in publishing for a few years, so I learned a lot of things that help me now. However I do remember how stressful the editing process used to feel to me, back when I was getting started. I’d cringe to see pages of editorial direction. Fortunately, that’s changed. Also, I’ve always had difficulty with the pre-marketing material. This is specific information that publishers need long before the book is written (so they can design covers and write copy to sell it). But since I don’t outline my books, it’s always hard to provide them with the information they want. Sometimes I write the book first then give it to them.
4. You have come up with so many different and amazing story lines. How do you continue to generate such amazing stories?
I think writing is a gift—and it took me a long time to be able to admit that out loud. But when you do something that you can’t really explain, it just comes easily and naturally to you, that’s often because you’re gifted in that area. That’s how writing and storytelling is to me. Also, I like to remind people that there is no limit on stories. If you consider the population of the world…and that each individual has his/her own story, you can understand how unlimited the tales would be.
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5. What was your inspiration to begin writing the Diary of a Teenage Girl series?
A number of things inspired me, but most of all, I felt there was a need for some “honestly” written teen books in the Christian market. However, teen books had never been very popular in this market, so the publisher was hesitant. Then when I told them I wanted to write a book that dealt with all kinds of current issues, including sex, drugs, death…I’m sure they were a little worried. But they took a risk and to everyone’s pleased surprise the book took off. Sixteen books later (in that series) and they remain popular among teen girls.
6. After having read many of your books, I am curious, which character in your books do you think relates the most to you?
I feel like there’s a bit of me in all of my characters. In the Diary books, I think I might be a split of Caitlin and Chloe—isn’t that a crazy combination! But I probably insert pieces of myself into all my main characters. It’s just an easier way to write and I think, in the end, it comes across as more authentic.
7. What message do you strive to have shine through all of your books? What does this message mean to you?
Grace, for sure. My biggest goal in my writing is to convey God’s grace for everyone, and story is a great vehicle for it. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to judge others and yet it’s something Jesus preached against over and over. He knew how destructive and hurtful it could be. So if I could get one thing across, in my books, it would be that God forgives and loves everyone, so why shouldn’t we?
8. How does your faith impact your writing? How has being a Christian author presented struggles while going through the publishing process?
My faith is just part of my stories. Sometimes it’s in light doses, sometimes not so light. But because faith is a huge part of my life, I can’t really create without including it. As far as publishing challenges, I sometimes forget that, despite being Christians, my publishers are also human and they can make decisions I don’t agree with, or even mistakes. Sometimes I need to just forgive them and move on. But that’s true with all parts of life.
9. What tips and advice do you have for girls who want to get published?
Start out small. Writing for your school paper, or blogging online, or whatever it takes to get your words into print is valuable. And, remember, that not everything you write (no matter how cool it might seem) needs to be published. Allow yourself to write things that no one ever sees. All writing time is good practice. To focus too much on getting published can come back and bite you. It’s better to work at becoming a good writer…the publishing will follow. Some other tips are to join or create a critique group, read books on writing, attend local writers’ conferences. Also, it’s important to read the kinds of books that you someday hope to publish.
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10. Aside from writing, what are your favorite past times? How do you find the time to enjoy these past times with your busy writing schedule? We live in a beautiful place and I enjoy being outdoors. Whether it’s a short hike or bike ride or cross-country skiing in winter, there’s plenty to do here. I also like to travel and garden and redecorate and cook. And I just took up knitting!
My office is located in a separate building (next to my home) and I usually get in there around 9am. I start out by doing office work (email etc.) and get into “serious” writing in an hour or so. I always pick up right where I left off the previous day. Although I might skim over the last chapter if necessary. Mostly I try to get right into actual writing. I like to let the story flow and if I allow myself to get bogged down with editing my prior work, it tends to hurt the book. For me, editing is something that comes later—after the book is completed. I pretty much keep “banker’s hours” by not working evenings or weekends (unless I’m crunching on a deadline).
2. What do you do to keep from getting distracted during your writing time?
As I mentioned, my office is off by itself. I also have a separate phone line out here. So, really, other than the woodpecker who sometimes hammers above my window, or my dog (a sweet yellow lab named Audrey) needing to “go out,” I don’t get many distractions. This is a good thing because the more years I write, the more I realize I need a quiet environment to create in. But back when I first began writing, I could pretty much write anywhere. I remember a time when our house was being remodeled and the only place I could situate my desk was right next to the refrigerator (and I had two teen boys at the time who were constantly hungry). Yet I sat there, with the fridge door opening and closing again and again, and managed to write a whole book.
3. What kind of work goes into getting a book ready to get published? What do you find to be the hardest part of that process?
Because I’ve written so many books, for so many years, this publishing process comes much easier to me now. It’s like anything—the more you do it, the better you should get at it. Also, I worked in publishing for a few years, so I learned a lot of things that help me now. However I do remember how stressful the editing process used to feel to me, back when I was getting started. I’d cringe to see pages of editorial direction. Fortunately, that’s changed. Also, I’ve always had difficulty with the pre-marketing material. This is specific information that publishers need long before the book is written (so they can design covers and write copy to sell it). But since I don’t outline my books, it’s always hard to provide them with the information they want. Sometimes I write the book first then give it to them.
4. You have come up with so many different and amazing story lines. How do you continue to generate such amazing stories?
I think writing is a gift—and it took me a long time to be able to admit that out loud. But when you do something that you can’t really explain, it just comes easily and naturally to you, that’s often because you’re gifted in that area. That’s how writing and storytelling is to me. Also, I like to remind people that there is no limit on stories. If you consider the population of the world…and that each individual has his/her own story, you can understand how unlimited the tales would be.
5. What was your inspiration to begin writing the Diary of a Teenage Girl series?
A number of things inspired me, but most of all, I felt there was a need for some “honestly” written teen books in the Christian market. However, teen books had never been very popular in this market, so the publisher was hesitant. Then when I told them I wanted to write a book that dealt with all kinds of current issues, including sex, drugs, death…I’m sure they were a little worried. But they took a risk and to everyone’s pleased surprise the book took off. Sixteen books later (in that series) and they remain popular among teen girls.
6. After having read many of your books, I am curious, which character in your books do you think relates the most to you?
I feel like there’s a bit of me in all of my characters. In the Diary books, I think I might be a split of Caitlin and Chloe—isn’t that a crazy combination! But I probably insert pieces of myself into all my main characters. It’s just an easier way to write and I think, in the end, it comes across as more authentic.
7. What message do you strive to have shine through all of your books? What does this message mean to you?
Grace, for sure. My biggest goal in my writing is to convey God’s grace for everyone, and story is a great vehicle for it. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to judge others and yet it’s something Jesus preached against over and over. He knew how destructive and hurtful it could be. So if I could get one thing across, in my books, it would be that God forgives and loves everyone, so why shouldn’t we?
8. How does your faith impact your writing? How has being a Christian author presented struggles while going through the publishing process?
My faith is just part of my stories. Sometimes it’s in light doses, sometimes not so light. But because faith is a huge part of my life, I can’t really create without including it. As far as publishing challenges, I sometimes forget that, despite being Christians, my publishers are also human and they can make decisions I don’t agree with, or even mistakes. Sometimes I need to just forgive them and move on. But that’s true with all parts of life.
9. What tips and advice do you have for girls who want to get published?
Start out small. Writing for your school paper, or blogging online, or whatever it takes to get your words into print is valuable. And, remember, that not everything you write (no matter how cool it might seem) needs to be published. Allow yourself to write things that no one ever sees. All writing time is good practice. To focus too much on getting published can come back and bite you. It’s better to work at becoming a good writer…the publishing will follow. Some other tips are to join or create a critique group, read books on writing, attend local writers’ conferences. Also, it’s important to read the kinds of books that you someday hope to publish.
10. Aside from writing, what are your favorite past times? How do you find the time to enjoy these past times with your busy writing schedule? We live in a beautiful place and I enjoy being outdoors. Whether it’s a short hike or bike ride or cross-country skiing in winter, there’s plenty to do here. I also like to travel and garden and redecorate and cook. And I just took up knitting!
The Giveaway
And now it's time for a giveaway. Two (2) lucky winners will receive a special set of books written and autographed by Melody Carlson.
Winner #1 receives:
-Premiere: On the Runway
-Cat Walk: On the Runway
-Rendezvous: On the Runway
-Spotlight: On the Runway
Winner #2 receives:
-Carter House Girls: Last Dance
-Never Been Kissed
-Anything but Normal
Here's how it works:
The giveaway is open from today, Tuesday July 12 until Wednesday July 20th. The winners will be announced on Thursday July 21st. The first winner chosen using Random.org will recieve the first set of books and the second winner chosen using Random.org will recieve the second set of books.
To enter all you have to do is comment below with your favorite Bible verse! Please only one entry per person.
Be sure that you have your parents permission to enter, because if you win I will need your address to send you your prize.
*Images in this post provided by Melody Carlson*
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