All Blog Posts (98)

Smoke Signals

I hate tobacco smoke. I hate the way it smells, the way it permeates my clothes and hair, and especially the way it kills. But in this season of my life as a caregiver, cigarette smoke has taken on a new and positive role-as a way to communicate with my terminally-ill sister, Gail. The doctor gave us the bad news six days before Christmas. There was nothing more they could do and my sister had "weeks to months" to live. Three days later my sister and mother moved in with my husband and me. Toge… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on January 7, 2009 at 12:30pm — No Comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Linda Gilden

What a great week to introduce you to my friend, Linda Gilden. Linda and I met years ago when we were both students at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and she's been a real gift to me! (Don't forget to leave a comment and you could win the gift of one of her books!) Linda has written numerous articles, contributed to many books, and speaks regularly at writers' conferences and women's events around the country. She's also a freelance editor who enjoys helping people discov… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on December 22, 2008 at 9:07pm — No Comments

The Cereal...er...Serial Comma

Okay, I know the title is corny, but I'm desperate. Many writers say the serial comma is passé. Well, you tell me if you think a little comma would have clarified this phrase, reportedly taken from a book dedication: "To my parents, Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II." Say what? Could the writer really be the unclaimed offspring of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II? I don't think so! Can you see that a serial comma (one placed after Mother Teresa) would have made the writer's intent clear?… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on December 16, 2008 at 8:48am — No Comments

What Will You Do With Your Gift?

December 2, 2009 Merry Christmas! Yes, I know it's only December 2, but I couldn't wait to give you a gift of encouragement from writer and speaker, Mary McKenzie. So what makes Mary so special? Well, besides being a devotional writer, novelist, and speaker, Mary is only 18 years old! Mary is the daughter of Aidan and Cindee McKenzie, and Aidan is the Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Reconciliation Ministries (www.proclaiminghim.com). Mary not only writes a teen devotional co… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on December 2, 2008 at 12:30pm — No Comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Sharon Hoffman

(I apologize that you can't see my photos of Sharon or her awesome book cover--but I can't figure out how to make the photos small enough to add them here!!! If you want to see them, please visit my home blog at www.VondaSkelton.com) I first met Sharon Hoffman at CLASServices speakers' training in Knoxville, TN, where she was a faculty member. I was immediately drawn to her welcoming smile, but it didn't take me… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on November 25, 2008 at 7:40am — No Comments

And the Beat Goes On...

November 10, 2008 Ahhh...the melody of words. Don't you love it? Melodic writing truly is music to the ears. But the melody I want to talk about today isn't necessarily created through the use of lyrical, literary, or eloquent words. It's the rhythm of a well-crafted sentence, created when we develop an ear for the beat. Here are two versions each of four passages, none of which would be considered eloquent, and yet I believe they demonstrate varying levels of music through the beat. Which do… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on November 10, 2008 at 6:30pm — No Comments

God and the Telemarketer

November 4, 2008 You may not believe this, but I know it for a fact: God talks on the telephone. Many years ago, I was putting together a talk on having a gentle spirit. As usual, I searched my concordance for appropriate verses and found many that applied to both men and women. But since I was preparing to speak to women, I typed 1 Peter 3:3-4 into my notes and then wrote, "Ladies, we must pray earnestly and daily for a gentle and quiet spirit." (Hang in there with me, men...this is going to… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on November 3, 2008 at 9:53pm — No Comments

Praise God for His Angels of Protection

In the last few years, I have faced so many challenges, each one is a chapter within itself! We could go back as far as Hurricane Katriana (or farther), then Rita (or farther). but that gives you a general sense of life on the edge of how God's Grace has protected us. However, The date that stands out the most as a life changing event is December of 2006. After William and I were Hospitalized, my employer - LEHMAN Brothers, basically forced me on the FMLA to protect my job. At first, I had the t… Continue

Added by Charleen on September 19, 2008 at 5:54am — No Comments

Bad News/Good News

September 16, 2008 “I’ve had a hard life,” the eager new writer says. “It’s an amazing story and everybody says I need to write a book. I know it would be an encouragement to everybody who reads it.” It’s the thought process every knowledgeable writing instructor dreads. On one hand, the instructor knows that the story most likely is amazing. It probably would be an encouragement to many others who are going through a similar hardship. But the sad truth is, unless the author is a celebrity or… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on September 16, 2008 at 9:23am — No Comments

The Writer's Fruit of the Spirit

September 2, 2008 There's a saying that goes something like, "The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree." Hmmm... In Galatians 5, Paul says we identify ourselves to the world by how we live, whether in the sinful nature or the nature of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of that nature is visible for all to see. It confirms our heritage, our roots. What does the world see when it looks at us? What does it see as it watches us deal with each other as writers? Jealousy, discord, selfish ambition, and… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on September 2, 2008 at 9:44pm — 3 Comments

Dodging Gustav!!!

It's only been 3 years since the Gulf Coast was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and I think I can speak for us all when I say.....We DON'T want you, Gustav!!! I live on the Alabama Gulf Coast, about 4 miles from the Mississippi state line. Please pray for us...these situations… Continue

Added by Melissa Howell, Celebrate Moms Founder on August 28, 2008 at 4:30pm — 3 Comments

Scams, Shams, and Flim-Flams

I'm so excited about all the writing opportunities I have for you this week! But before we get to those, I'd like to take a few minutes to share some warnings. As a group, writers are generally considered a hungry bunch, and I'm not talking about food here. Let's face it, most of us have said at one time or another, "I don't care if I don't make any money, I just want to see my name in print" or "I just want to get God's message out there" or "I want to leave something written down for my famil… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on August 24, 2008 at 9:11pm — No Comments

True or False?

Those more willing to forgive and have grace towards others are ones who have first learned to have forgiveness and grace for themselves through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. What do you think? Continue

Added by He Won My Heart on August 19, 2008 at 4:30pm — No Comments

Leaves a Flutter

I found myself in sweet adoration of a beautiful August summer day. I sat in the sage wicker chair with my feet lifted comfortably onto the seat next to me.The wind gently brushed against my face as the sun peeked between the rustling leaves of the shade tree reminding me of my wonderful creator. Some of the leaves have already begun to fall from the trees and have turned a light shade of yellow. I sat in quietness watching these leaves flutter and fall to and fro. Some leaves fell to the groun… Continue

Added by He Won My Heart on August 18, 2008 at 7:06pm — No Comments

Online Prayer Garden

A friend of mine just sent me a link to the most awesome online prayer garden! I had to share it with you. Visit it at www.prayerforthenations.com/prayergarden/flash.htm It took me several times to u… Continue

Added by Melissa Howell, Celebrate Moms Founder on August 8, 2008 at 9:30pm — No Comments

I'm So Proud of My Humility

August 4, 2008 As a little girl, I recognized the power in achievement. I wanted to be the best, to be noticed and appreciated for my skills and abilities. And even as the shortest student in my class, I fought for-and often won-a place in the hierarchy of leadership. Kids usually wanted me on their team. I knew God would want me on His team, too. So, when I was nine or ten years old, I walked down the aisle of my church and announced my plans to become a missionary. Even though I had no idea… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on August 6, 2008 at 9:18pm — No Comments

The Shack

I saw the author of this book on Life Today. I haven't read the book, but I have ordered it and can't wait to get it. You can read the first chapter on the books website: www.theshackbook.com If any of you have read it, please post your thoughts about it here....no spoilers please!!! Continue

Added by Melissa Howell, Celebrate Moms Founder on August 2, 2008 at 6:30pm — 1 Comment

Another AWESOME Movie By the Creators of Facing the Giants - FIREPROOF!

Coming to theatres this September! Watch the trailer. Help spread the word about this movie on your websites/blogs/networking sites/newsletters etc. May God be GLORIFIED! Continue

Added by Karla Meachem on July 31, 2008 at 6:51pm — 3 Comments

FREE Tool to Help Kids Take Turns on Computer

Turn Nanny sits on top of your display and shows whose turn it is and how much time is left for that user. Turn Nanny helps ensure that each child gets their turn on the computer. Turn Nanny is easy to configure and made for parents who might not be the most avid computer user. While Turn Nanny can’t promise that your kids will never fight over the computer again, Turn Nanny will help childre… Continue

Added by Karla Meachem on July 29, 2008 at 4:07pm — No Comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Michelle Cox and John Perrodin

July 22, 2008 Whew! I'm back from the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando and am so ready to get back to work! But one of the highlights of the yearly convention is having the opportunity to connect with old friends and catch up on what God is doing in their lives. Last week I had the joy to spending a little time with my friend and fellow author, Michelle Cox. I met Michelle years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she frequently assisted author Yvo… Continue

Added by Vonda Skelton, Celebrate Moms Support Team on July 22, 2008 at 10:12pm — 2 Comments