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 long to realize Sharon didn't just have a beautiful smile, she was the real deal.
I can't wait for you to hear about her latest book, but first let me give you a little background. Sharon is a popular speaker and the author of four books. She and her husband, Rob, live in Maryville, TN, where Rob is the pastor of Victory Baptist Church. They've been married forever and have two adult daughters and six grandchildren. Visit Sharon's website for more information on her writing and speaking ministry.
Now don't forget to leave a comment for Sharon and you'll be in the drawing for an autographed copy of Sharon's new book, A Car Seat in My Convertible? How to Give Your Grandchildren the Sp.... I've read this book, and I can tell you it is full of great advice for not only grandmothers, but for all of us who have children in our realm of influence. After all, it's our calling to be sure those children--whoever they are--have the chance to see Jesus at work in our lives.
So, let's get started!
Vonda: Sharon, be honest, do you really have car seats in your convertible?
Sharon: Sure do! Books, sing-along cd's, and lots of cracker crumbs, too, I might add! (smiles)
Vonda: Well, as a grandmother of four, I know EXACTLY what you mean! So, tell us, what "drove" you to write on this topic?
Sharon: This book came out of my heart's desire to share my thoughts, encouragement, and specific Scriptures with fellow grandmoms. I embraced becoming a grandmother with open arms, finding it the most rewarding role of my lifetime.
The message I want readers to draw from the book is simple: You have an opportunity in your lifetime to leave a legacy that will impact eternity by giving your grandchildren much more than your things... give them yourself!
Vonda: So are all the suggestions from your own experiences?
Sharon: No. Throughout the book readers will find wonderful tidbits of wisdomcarseatcover from a variety of women. I relied heavily on a group of 100 friends, also grandmothers, to add their insights and experiences on a number of topics of interest to the modern-day grandma, including how to play with and teach precious grandchildren, being a long-distance grandmother, holiday celebration ideas - and most importantly, how to be a godly grandmother whose unconditional love impacts our little blessings for eternity.
Vonda: Does that mean we all have to be alike?
Sharon: Not at all. My personal style of grandmothering is enthusiastic, energetic, and animated, but it's important for each woman to find her own style. Don't try to be like somebody else, or not even necessarily like your own grandmother. Women today are extremely busy with gym work-outs, having cappuccinos with friends, and careers with many working full-time. Grandmothering today is totally different than even a generation ago. So I encourage every grandmother to find her own style, what works for her at this season in her life.
Vonda: In your book, you encourage grandmothers to accentuate the positive. Can you be more specific?
Sharon: Be your grandchild's head cheerleader! Sometimes a grandchild is in an environment where the parents are divorced, or argue constantly, or possibly in the grip of alcohol or drugs. Grandma's house can be the safe haven of peace they crave. I encourage grandmothers to never give up on the grandchild or on their parents. Be the one who can stand up and be the peacemaker. Don't be too proud to do that. Never, ever give up on them.
Vonda: You talk about teaching moments. Can you share a teaching moment with one of your own grandchildren?
Sharon: Sure! One evening my grandson, Jake, looked up at the moon and was confused because it wasn't at all like the one in his book. It was only half there--not full. "Moon is broken," he wailed to me. The first thing that came out of my mouth was, "God can fix it." Jake settled back into my arms, satisfied with my answer. Later that night, I remembered what I'd said. "Yes, God, You can fix anything" I believe that with all my heart and want to spend the rest of my life helping my grandchildren know that truth, as well. I want them to see through the way I live my life that God truly can fix anything we give Him.
Vonda: What else do you suggest?
Sharon: Give positive words. Children today are faced with so much negativity. They may go through a whole day with only hearing negative and no positive. We grandmoms need to decide, "I'm going to make it my mission to have positive words come out of my mouth and I'm going to be the one who believes in this child." Whether your grandchild is 5 or 25, that belief has the potential to change the direction of a child's life. Let him know that he can come to you with anything...anything! And respond with a positive, kind, encouraging word.
When my own birth mother passed away before I was 5 years of age, I found that secure stable place in my own grandmother. I needed that love desperately. I'm so glad she was there for me.
Vonda: I love this thought: "Leave your heart." Explain what you mean by that.
Sharon: I want grandmothers to remember to live and leave what is important to you - your faith, your salvation, your love. What we pour into their little lives may affect whether or not your grandchild accepts Christ as Savior someday. We grandmoms can make an impact for all eternity!
Vonda: You're so right, Sharon. My grandmother died when I was 16, but it's amazing how often I find myself still thinking of her and her love, her acceptance, and her gentle heart.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Sharon, and for sharing your words of wisdom for all of us who have an influence on children. What a joy to know that what we pour into children's lives today can make a profound difference on their future, including their relationship with the Lord!
Okay readers, don't forget--you can win a free copy of Sharon's book by simply leaving a comment. Be sure to check back next week to see if you're the winner!
Wouldn't this make an excellent Christmas gift for the grandmothers on your list? You can order it right now right here in our own Amazon store!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Application deadline extended for Gideon Intern (Teen Track) at the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival!
I am honored to be teaming up again with Sarah Anne Sumpolec as a co-director of the teen track, The Gideon Intern Program, at The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival to be held May 31-June 4, 2009. Applications are being accepted from now until January 15, 2009. If you know a creative teen, I hope you'll pass along this incredible opportunity to meet with movie and television producers, directors, screenwriters, musical artists, professional actors, and radio personalities. What better way to get started on a career path in media that makes a difference?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Hope You'll Check Out My New Online Store!
In addition to having new products (You gotta see the Seeing Through the Lies bookmarks and bracelets--they make great Christmas gifts!), I'm also excited to now be an Amazon Affiliate! Be sure to check it out. You'll also want to check out the recommended books on the left of the Amazon store page. You'll find not only the books from the past year's interviews, but recommended books on writing. Be sure to check back frequently, as I'll be adding books often.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And in this special week of thanks, I hope you take the time to give thanks to the Giver of all good things.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your heart,
Vonda
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 long to realize Sharon didn't just have a beautiful smile, she was the real deal.
I can't wait for you to hear about her latest book, but first let me give you a little background. Sharon is a popular speaker and the author of four books. She and her husband, Rob, live in Maryville, TN, where Rob is the pastor of Victory Baptist Church. They've been married forever and have two adult daughters and six grandchildren. Visit Sharon's website for more information on her writing and speaking ministry.
Now don't forget to leave a comment for Sharon and you'll be in the drawing for an autographed copy of Sharon's new book, A Car Seat in My Convertible? How to Give Your Grandchildren the Sp.... I've read this book, and I can tell you it is full of great advice for not only grandmothers, but for all of us who have children in our realm of influence. After all, it's our calling to be sure those children--whoever they are--have the chance to see Jesus at work in our lives.
So, let's get started!
Vonda: Sharon, be honest, do you really have car seats in your convertible?
Sharon: Sure do! Books, sing-along cd's, and lots of cracker crumbs, too, I might add! (smiles)
Vonda: Well, as a grandmother of four, I know EXACTLY what you mean! So, tell us, what "drove" you to write on this topic?
Sharon: This book came out of my heart's desire to share my thoughts, encouragement, and specific Scriptures with fellow grandmoms. I embraced becoming a grandmother with open arms, finding it the most rewarding role of my lifetime.
The message I want readers to draw from the book is simple: You have an opportunity in your lifetime to leave a legacy that will impact eternity by giving your grandchildren much more than your things... give them yourself!
Vonda: So are all the suggestions from your own experiences?
Sharon: No. Throughout the book readers will find wonderful tidbits of wisdomcarseatcover from a variety of women. I relied heavily on a group of 100 friends, also grandmothers, to add their insights and experiences on a number of topics of interest to the modern-day grandma, including how to play with and teach precious grandchildren, being a long-distance grandmother, holiday celebration ideas - and most importantly, how to be a godly grandmother whose unconditional love impacts our little blessings for eternity.
Vonda: Does that mean we all have to be alike?
Sharon: Not at all. My personal style of grandmothering is enthusiastic, energetic, and animated, but it's important for each woman to find her own style. Don't try to be like somebody else, or not even necessarily like your own grandmother. Women today are extremely busy with gym work-outs, having cappuccinos with friends, and careers with many working full-time. Grandmothering today is totally different than even a generation ago. So I encourage every grandmother to find her own style, what works for her at this season in her life.
Vonda: In your book, you encourage grandmothers to accentuate the positive. Can you be more specific?
Sharon: Be your grandchild's head cheerleader! Sometimes a grandchild is in an environment where the parents are divorced, or argue constantly, or possibly in the grip of alcohol or drugs. Grandma's house can be the safe haven of peace they crave. I encourage grandmothers to never give up on the grandchild or on their parents. Be the one who can stand up and be the peacemaker. Don't be too proud to do that. Never, ever give up on them.
Vonda: You talk about teaching moments. Can you share a teaching moment with one of your own grandchildren?
Sharon: Sure! One evening my grandson, Jake, looked up at the moon and was confused because it wasn't at all like the one in his book. It was only half there--not full. "Moon is broken," he wailed to me. The first thing that came out of my mouth was, "God can fix it." Jake settled back into my arms, satisfied with my answer. Later that night, I remembered what I'd said. "Yes, God, You can fix anything" I believe that with all my heart and want to spend the rest of my life helping my grandchildren know that truth, as well. I want them to see through the way I live my life that God truly can fix anything we give Him.
Vonda: What else do you suggest?
Sharon: Give positive words. Children today are faced with so much negativity. They may go through a whole day with only hearing negative and no positive. We grandmoms need to decide, "I'm going to make it my mission to have positive words come out of my mouth and I'm going to be the one who believes in this child." Whether your grandchild is 5 or 25, that belief has the potential to change the direction of a child's life. Let him know that he can come to you with anything...anything! And respond with a positive, kind, encouraging word.
When my own birth mother passed away before I was 5 years of age, I found that secure stable place in my own grandmother. I needed that love desperately. I'm so glad she was there for me.
Vonda: I love this thought: "Leave your heart." Explain what you mean by that.
Sharon: I want grandmothers to remember to live and leave what is important to you - your faith, your salvation, your love. What we pour into their little lives may affect whether or not your grandchild accepts Christ as Savior someday. We grandmoms can make an impact for all eternity!
Vonda: You're so right, Sharon. My grandmother died when I was 16, but it's amazing how often I find myself still thinking of her and her love, her acceptance, and her gentle heart.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Sharon, and for sharing your words of wisdom for all of us who have an influence on children. What a joy to know that what we pour into children's lives today can make a profound difference on their future, including their relationship with the Lord!
Okay readers, don't forget--you can win a free copy of Sharon's book by simply leaving a comment. Be sure to check back next week to see if you're the winner!
Wouldn't this make an excellent Christmas gift for the grandmothers on your list? You can order it right now right here in our own Amazon store!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Application deadline extended for Gideon Intern (Teen Track) at the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival!
I am honored to be teaming up again with Sarah Anne Sumpolec as a co-director of the teen track, The Gideon Intern Program, at The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival to be held May 31-June 4, 2009. Applications are being accepted from now until January 15, 2009. If you know a creative teen, I hope you'll pass along this incredible opportunity to meet with movie and television producers, directors, screenwriters, musical artists, professional actors, and radio personalities. What better way to get started on a career path in media that makes a difference?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Hope You'll Check Out My New Online Store!
In addition to having new products (You gotta see the Seeing Through the Lies bookmarks and bracelets--they make great Christmas gifts!), I'm also excited to now be an Amazon Affiliate! Be sure to check it out. You'll also want to check out the recommended books on the left of the Amazon store page. You'll find not only the books from the past year's interviews, but recommended books on writing. Be sure to check back frequently, as I'll be adding books often.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And in this special week of thanks, I hope you take the time to give thanks to the Giver of all good things.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your heart,
Vonda
Tags: away, give, grandparenting, writing
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