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What Am I to Do?

9/18/2017

By Gerry Wakeland

Recently I had a conversation about calling and vision. I recall remarking that I would never have predicted where I am in ministry today. Do we ever really grasp the potential and possibilities that lie before us? If we could see the “Big Picture” would we embrace it with enthusiasm, or just hide under our beds?

Many of us in our early walk tend to cling to the words in Jeremiah 29:11 that assures us of God‘s plan for our life, a plan to give us a future and a hope. For some of us, the plan takes longer to take shape than we had hoped.

For years my own calling was nebulous. I knew that I wanted to serve God and to do His Kingdom work. I just didn’t know what that looked like in specific terms. So, I did whatever I was asked to do. In talking to a pastor recently, he asked what responsibilities I had held in the church. I thought about it a moment and responded, “pretty much everything.” And over the years I have. I have served wherever I was asked. While this provides the time and experience to develop a vision, it doesn’t always support the call we have been given.

Every year as the time for the CLASS Writers Contreat (formerly conference) draws near I talk to a lot of men and women who want to write. They believe God wants them to write, but “they’re just not sure.” I hear lots of excuses.

I remember when asked to come to Albuquerque to take on the leadership of the CLASS ministry I was at a crossroads. I was waiting for the Lord to give me a new assignment. I had no idea what it would be. I must admit that I did not “see” what God had in mind. But I knew I was to obey. Now years later, the vision and the call have become clearer. Not my vision, but His call.

I have come to realize that too often we struggle with filling in all the blanks. We need to recognize our call and then embrace it. Developing a mission statement and setting goals are important components of the process, but not to the degree that we do not leave space for God to work in us, for Him to clarify the call, and then give us the mission, the goals, the vision.

Perhaps you are one who has the desire to share the message God has given you. Maybe you are waiting for all the pieces to fall into place, for all the blanks to be filled in. Let me encourage you, “Don’t Wait!” Take a risk, a step of courage, and join us at the 2017 CLASS Writers Contreat. You may be surprised at what God has in store for you.

God has taught me a lot over the years. One of the greatest lessons has been about vision. I have learned that the vision needs to come from Him. And if I wait and walk in obedience He will reveal it to me. One bit at a time. This way I can embrace it with excitement and anticipation and not have to spend too much time hiding under the bed!

Gerry Wakeland is the President of CLASSEMINARS (Christian Leaders Authors Speakers Seminars). While waiting for God to confirm His vision she has been a women’s ministry director, consultant, speaker and event planner, not to mention wife, mother and grandmother. She now lives in Albuquerque, NM where she continues to do anything they ask her at her local church.

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MEET DIANN MILLS

9/15/2017

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“A writer must discover his/her true passion.”

DiAnn Mills has always wanted to write. She wrote her first book when she was in the second grade on an Eagle notepad with a #2 pencil. But was writing a calling or was it just something she enjoyed doing? Is there a difference?

When asked how she knew writing was a calling, DiAnn shared her own, very personal, very real experience.

“In church one Sunday, I was standing in choir staring at the back of the pastor’s head when I heard someone say, ‘I want you to write.’ It was so real that I thought it was someone behind me speaking. When I heard it a second time, I asked, “Write about what?’ The voice responded, ‘Write about Me.” I knew then that I was hearing from God. I tried to offer up a few excuses saying that there were many far more qualified, but God spoke once again. ‘I didn’t ask them, I asked you.’ This conversation with the Almighty will always stay with me. I didn’t know what to do, so for the next two years, I did nothing.”

Knowing what you want to do and doing it can be two totally different things. Knowing what God wants you to do and doing it is an entirely different matter. When asked why she didn’t obey God’s call immediately, DiAnn said, “I just didn’t have the guts.”

It was 1996 before DiAnn found the courage she needed in the form of a challenge. Recognizing his wife’s longing to write, Dean Mills threw down the gauntlet, and dared DiAnn to “do it.” He challenged her to take one year away from her job to write AND get something published.

How could she do that, this very disciplined, very structured woman that had been the director of a preschool for ten years. Just give up everything and stay home and write.

DiAnn accepted the dare and never looked back. Her first book, Rehoboth was published in 1998. In February of 2016 this same book was released by Barbour as Journey of the Heart. To date DiAnn has written and published 75 books. With sales exceeding one million, she can confidently claim that she won Dean’s challenge.

After years of successfully writing historical romance, DiAnn’s writing career made a gradual shift to the suspense market. For a time DiAnn was writing both romance and suspense, but by the time she wrote her last novel for HeartSong, she had lost her passion, not for writing but for the romance market.

“We live in a dangerous and unpredictable world. People live in fear. I want to write stories that deal with that fear and show the Christian world view.”

DiAnn wants her readers to see that there are brave men and women out there working on their behalf.

Her first suspense novel titled Footsteps was published in 2004. All set in Houston, DiAnn has written books about CIA agents, Secret Service Agents, and FBI Agents. Surprisingly enough, amid the suspense and sometimes terror, there is often a hint of romance.

When DiAnn is not busy writing, she is the proud mother to four boys and grandmother to three. When talking of her grandchildren, DiAnn proudly announces that her eight-year-old granddaughter, Grace, has already completed her first book. Maybe it’s in the genes.

DiAnn and Dean have been married 26 years and enjoy their life in Houston surrounded by friends and family.

Meet DiAnn in person at the 2017 CLASS Writers Contreat where she will be teaching a continuing class on fiction techniques. She will also be teaching a one-day intensive on social media. Find out more at the website, www.classeminars.org/writers-contreat-2017.html

To learn more about DiAnn visit www.diannmills.com

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What You Say Matters

9/11/2017

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By Gerry Wakeland

In the last several days our world has been filled with destruction and devastation. Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and floods. Where will it end? Yet, somewhere amid all the terrifying bad news, we have found moments of hope and peace. We’ve heard stories of victims being rescued by strangers and people leaving their homes and jobs, driving hundreds of miles pulling boats to help. I’ve read numerous prayer requests on Facebook and stories of the miraculous in blog posts. Millions of dollars have been raised to help support the victims of these tragedies.

I’ve never experienced a hurricane or a flood, but I have been through an earthquake and a fire. Both times I was left with nothing. It makes it easy for me to identify with some of the recent victims. I hear the pain in their voices as they are interviewed in the media. I recognize the looks of bewilderment in their faces. And I remember.

I remember a lot of the words people said to me. Certainly, they were trying to be kind and helpful, offering encouragement. But too often the words sounded trite and made-up. “No, you don’t know how I feel.” That’s what my mind screamed while my heart ached.

Today we live in a different world. A world filled with all kinds of communication techniques. We no longer pick up the phone that is attached to the wall or sits on the desk. Nor do we rely on the radio or television for updates. We have smart phones, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. We have blogs.

Blogs can be a valuable communication tool. At CLASSEMINARS we encourage beginning writers to start by blogging. It helps establish your platform. It provides practice, regular, consistent practice. It helps develop your voice.

I read several blogs each week. The blogs I read have a purpose. Some are instructional. I read cooking blogs and crafting blogs and get great ideas. Others are informational. And then you have those that are inspirational.

Blogs offer writers the opportunity to share thoughts, opinions and ideas. Most importantly they can provide a platform to share God’s Word, to offer hope in what seems to be an impossible situation. They allow us to plant one small seed of faith when everything around us seems hopeless.

Blogs can be great tools, but like any of our writing we need to be conscientious with the words and the messages we share, especially in times of trial and tribulation. Here are some suggestions I’d like to share:

Be Concrete
Give real life examples and specific scriptures. Get permission to use examples and make sure they are accurate. Avoid passing on stories from the internet.

Be Complete
One of my pet peeves is when a writer does not finish their thoughts. My mother used to say, “Don’t start something if you’re not going to finish it.” Readers cannot read your mind and if they try they are apt to get it all wrong. Provide conclusions to your stories, instructions, etc.

Be Compassionate
Sensitive may be a better word. People are hurting. Many are fearful and uncertain of the future. Be thoughtful in what you write. Don’t let your words make the pain any worse. God has gifted you with the ability to bring hope to a hurting world. He has challenged you to be light in the darkness. Use your gift for the good of the Kingdom.

As we work through some tough times in our nation your words are more important than ever. Remember what you say matters.

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MEET AARON ZOOK

9/11/2017

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As a teenager Aaron was interested in writing, mostly stories. He would compose creative science fiction tales and then hide them in a drawer. His secret dream was to get one of his stories published. This was going to be very hard to accomplish since he never submitted any of them. He just kept them in the drawer.

When he went away to college, he left his writing and the dream of being a published author behind.

Many years later, as a Captain in the US Army, Aaron found himself writing once again. Only this time it was correspondence for his commander. He wrote military manuals, policies and memos, lots of memos. Not exactly creative writing. Somewhere hidden deep within there remained that secret dream of someday being a published author.

Aaron has spent a great deal of his life in military service. Six years in the USAF and then an additional 26 years in the US Army, retiring in 2006 at the rank of Colonel. His military adventures took him to many interesting places including Germany, Korea, Japan, Greece, Kosovo, and Iraq. He even had an assignment where His family had to live in Hawaii.

He loved every opportunity given him to experience new cultures, learn new languages and meet new people. Eventually some of these same locales and characters made their way into the pages of his books. Books that began when he and his family were stationed in Germany.

Aaron and his wife, Joyce

While living in Germany, Aaron would take his family on drives to experience the beautiful German countryside. Drives that were meant to be peaceful and refreshing often turned into backseat wrestling matches between his two sons. To keep the boys engaged, Aaron would create thrilling stories about another two boys and their dogs. His stories were always filled with excitement, adventure, and action. It is no surprise that many years later some of these same stories made it onto paper.

Aaron has a passion for writing for young adults. It may seem like his target is boys, but I know a lot of girls read these books as well. Adults, too. His publisher, Karen Porter at Bold Vision Books, describes his books as the Christian version of the Hardy Boys after they have discovered technology.

Aaron’s first book, The Secrets of the Castle, was published in 2012. The well-planned 12 book series introduces brothers Alexander (Alex) and Gabriel (Gabe) and their two dogs, Thunder and Lightning. Hence the tag, Thunder and Lightning Series. Two more books have followed, The Salt Mine Mystery in 2014 and The Phantom of the Fortress in 2016. This book won First Place in the Young Adult Fiction Category of the Texas Authors Competition earlier this year.

This November, Aaron and his lovely wife Joyce, will have been married 39 years. They met when Aaron was stationed in Okinawa but it wasn’t until after Aaron returned stateside that the romance blossomed and they were wed. The couple have two sons, Jeremiah and Michael, who are both married and have two children each.

Aaron and his son, Michael

When Aaron’s not writing he enjoys playing golf and admits that he sometimes plays as much as four times a week. He loves spending time in the outdoors. Earlier this year Aaron and his son, Michael hiked 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

Aaron remains heavily involved in community and church activities. He is completing a two-year term as President of the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. He has also served as the point of contact for the Officers Christian Fellowship at Ft. Hood. Aaron’s lifetime love of music is fulfilled by his participation in the praise and worship team at his church.

Maybe like Aaron you have been writing and hiding your writing in a drawer, thinking no one will ever read it. It will never be good enough. Trust that God has a plan. If He has given you a passion to write, He has a reason. If He has given you a dream, He can make it come true.

Join Aaron Zook, and his wife Joyce, at the 2017 CLASS Christian Writers Contreat. Aaron will be leading our worship times and he will also be teaching a workshop on research. www.classeminars.org/writers-contreat-2017

To learn more about Aaron, his writing and many other activities, visit www.aaronzook.com, www.zookbooks.org or follow him on FaceBook.

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Getting’ Old Ain’t for Wimps

9/7/2017

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Gettin’ Old Ain’t for Wimps
Karen O’Connor
Harvest House Publishers
$11.99 239 Pages
ISBN 9780736914765

Baby Boomers make up approximately 26% of the U.S. population and as of 2015 this significant portion of our nation all became senior citizens, at least according to AARP. So, it stands to reason that they would be interested in books jam-packed with anecdotes about every day occurrences in the life of seniors. Let’s face it, one day it will happen to us all.

Karen O’Connor, in her book Gettin’ Old Ain’t for Wimps, is a master at providing just such stories that warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Covering such topics as Auto Mania, Aches and Pains, The Good Old Days, and Creative Cookery, Karen’s stories will delight the reader and put a smile on each face. You will quickly find yourself chuckling as you identify your own mishaps in the pages of this book.

Many of Karen’s stories are based on her own personal experiences. For example, there’s the story about her registering for a personal growth seminar and realizing on the first day that she had attended the same seminar six months before. We’ve all done it, but Karen is willing to admit to it, and in writing, no less.

Gettin’ Old Ain’t for Wimps is more than just a book filled with amusing stories. Each story is supported by insightful scripture and a heartfelt prayer. Every story has a point that makes us realize the issues we face, like forgetfulness or the occasional conversation with our self, when approached with a sense of humor are not nearly as bad as we thought. This is something we all need, inspiration and positive affirmation.

Whether you have just enough time for one quick story or an entire afternoon to read and enjoy, O’Connor’s book fits the bill. It’s like sitting with a friend over a mocha cappuccino and letting her regale you with tales that encourage your heart and cause you to celebrate the joys and misadventures of getting older.

--Gerry Wakeland

Gettin’ Old Ain’t for Wimps hilariously affirms that life will always be filled with wonder, promise, and adventure!

For over forty years Karen O’Connor has been writing books, articles, letters, and more recently blogs based on her personal experiences and observations of life. An award-winning author, she has taught for a variety of schools and conferences, including the University of California, the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference and the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writes Guild. When she’s not writing, teaching or speaking, Karen enjoys travelling, hiking, and hanging out with her grandkids.

Other of Karen’s titles include Grandma, You Rock!, My Favorite Senior Moments, The Early Bird Gets the Discount, and Help, Lord! I’m Having a Senior Moment. You can purchase one or more of Karen’s delightful books on her website at www.karenoconnor.com, They make great gifts for friends and family. Be sure to subscribe to her “Bright Side of Aging” blog while you’re there.

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Mental Fitness for Writers

9/4/2017

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By John Thurman M.Div., M.A., LPCC

The term “mental fitness” has been around for a while. Mental fitness is designed to help develop resistance to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A second benefit of mental fitness is that is helps develop resilience. Resilience is the positive capacity to withstand stressors and cope with trauma.

There can be no denying that there is a powerful connection between the mind, brain, body, and fingers. Here are five quick tips for maintaining mental fitness for writers.

Focus on positive emotions. As Christian writers one of the traits of our work should be founded in is hope. Depression is one of the most common mental health issues for writers. A benefit of focusing on positive emotions and having a faith-based worldview is that it keeps depression and the blues at bay. Learning to develop positive emotions not only pushes back depression, but helps you feel more creative and inspired.
Actively engage with others, particularly in positive relationships. Creative individuals who enjoy the solitude of the creative process can slip into weirdness if they fail to find ways to intentionally engage.
Keep your eyes on the dreams, purposes, and goals the Lord has given you. This keeps the inspiration and the imagination on the upswing and helps you resist the dreaded writer’s block.
Sleep. Dr. Oz recommends 7-8 hours a night. If you are working, you tend to get your writing done in the “nooks and crannies” of your day. Some of us tend to develop our craft in the evening when the rest of the house is tucked in. Insomnia is a common theme among writers, who might have issues falling asleep or who stay up too late writing. (That would be me.) Sleep is important. It keeps the mind-brain connection sharp and focused and keeps the body’s metabolism working well and fighting off illness and fatigue.
Give yourself a high five from time to time. Praise yourself. When I say praise yourself, I do not mean in some arrogant, lofty manner. God made you in His image, and part of that image is that you are creative. Taking a few moments to reflect on accomplishments and practicing self-affirmation can improve your attitude and outlook and give you something else to thank the Lord for. Even those small accomplishments like a positive comment from an editor, completing a chapter, or a note from a reader are worth a pat on the back.

May the Lord richly bless you as you increase your mental fitness.
© 2012 John H. Thurman Jr.

John Thurman is a unique counselor who combines real life principles and practical insight to help people learn how to overcome obstacles and set backs they may have experienced in their personal lives, relationships and businesses. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Marriage and Family Educator, Speaker and Writer. You can find him online at http://www.johnthurman.net.

If you haven’t registered yet for this year’s conference, click here for more information!

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MEET AUDRA GRACE SHELBY

9/2/2017

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Sharing lunch and conversation with author and speaker, Audra Grace Shelby is like going on a great adventure filled with excitement, passion and dreams yet to come.

That’s how Audra’s writing career began at the age of eleven when she began writing adventure stories of two little girls getting into all sorts of things, mostly mischief. She’s been writing ever since.

The daughter of missionaries, Shelby spent her formative years living and learning in the Caribbean. As a young college student, she dreamed of writing the great American novel, but got sidetracked when she started a graphic design business. She left college to pursue the business and later married the man of her dreams.

Family photo before the birth of their fourth child, Jake.

Audra and Kevin have been married 30 years and are the parents of four children, Madison, Jaden, Jack and Jake. Raised as an MK (missionary kid), it was no surprise when she and Kevin made the decision to enter the mission field and left for Yemen with their three young children (Jake was born three years later).

While in Yemen, she kept writing. To keep her children entertained, Audra wrote delightful stories about a family of squirrels, each one sharing familiar attributes with her own children. She wrote a monthly newsletter, sharing stories of Yemen, the people she met and learned to love, and she wrote a series of articles about people groups for an organization here in the US. But deep inside, she still harbored the dream of being a great writer and someday writing the great American novel.

Immediately upon their arrival in Yemen, they began to work in the community amongst the people, sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

Then came that fateful morning, September 11, 2001. It was like a bad dream. There was a mandatory evacuation notice and the Shelby family was given 24 hours to pack up and leave. It was a very emotional time; there was no opportunity for goodbyes, no closure.

They spent the next ten days in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. They fully expected to be sent back stateside, but God intervened and they were allowed to return to their home. There was work still to be done.

During this entire time, Audra was collecting notes: notes she wanted for her children so they would remember the legacy of Yemen in their lives. And then one-day God said, “These notes are not just for your kids.” Thus, began the process of compiling the notes into her first book, Behind the Veils of Yemen, where you can read more about the family’s adventures in Yemen.

She had no money, no agent, no contacts. She anxiously submitted the manuscript to a Christian manuscript review service and immediately got three responses. One of the publishers interested was Chosen Books. Audra saw it like a message from God, as if He were saying, “I have chosen you.”

Audra was blessed when God brought Jane Campbell, Editorial Director for Chosen Books, into her life. Jane was, and continues to be, a valuable mentor and great encourager to Audra. When Audra was ready to give up and call it quits, Jane saw something in Audra and encouraged her to keep writing.

“Writing is a gift and we need to be responsible stewards with the gifts given to us.” How do we do that? We keep writing. We share stories that teach biblical truths. We write to teach, not just to entertain.

When asked to describe the difference between being a writer and an author, Shelby was quick to respond, “A writer focuses on skill and craft. An author is more concerned with titles and the number of books written.” Interesting thought.

When asked why she writes, Audra Grace replied, “When I write I feel the pleasure of God.”

Audra and Jake

Following the release of her first book, Audra began work on her second book. This time she ventured out into the fiction market. The Grip of Lions and Veils is filled with suspense and adventure. It seems that somewhere inside of this godly woman and talented writer, there is still a little girl writing adventure stories, still dreaming of writing the great American novel.

Meet Audra Grace Shelby in person at the 2017 CLASS Writers Contreat. She will be teaching on how to write about your own personal experiences.

To learn more about Audra Grace Shelby’s ministry visit her FaceBook page. To subscribe to her blog, visit audragraceshelby.wordpress.com.

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The Heart Healer

8/31/2017

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The Heart Healer
Cyndy Bartelli
Self
$14.95 166 Pages
ISBN 9781946730008

Death, divorce, disease, disaster, these are all trauma wounds that enormously affect our souls and spirits. We all have them. No one is exempt. The question is, how do we get beyond them? We need heart healing and only the Heart Healer can provide the answer.

In her book, The Heart Healer, author Cyndy Bartelli takes us on a journey, a journey from pain to peace. A journey that she, herself, experienced and has since developed a passion for sharing. She wants her experiences to help others discover the peace and healing she has received.

The Heart Healer is more than just another book filled with stories of overcomers. It is a “work” book that challenges the reader to walk through the distress and discomfort of the past seeking wholeness and hope for the future. Perhaps the greatest challenge of all comes with the surrender that is required to let go. This is only accomplished through prayer, intense, honest, heart-wrenching prayer.

“The choice to open yourself to Him and pray is the most courageous work you’ll do. God does the rest.” These words were penned by someone who has had first-hand experience, Cyndy Bartelli. Because of her own journey, Bartelli has written a number of beautifully worded prayers which she includes in her book. Prayers that readers are encouraged to lift to the Father. In doing so, the doors of heaven and the heart of God will be opened to the brokenhearted.

The Heart Healer courageously addresses topics such as a new normal, renewal, hope for all, pathway to peace and the call. Each of these an important stop along the journey of healing.

If you are hurting, or know someone who is (and we all do) this book was written for you. Maybe you are saying, I’ve read all those books, they haven’t accomplished anything. Let me ask you, “Have you prayed all those prayers?” One of the most powerful messages in the Gospel is this,

“He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Don’t give up hope. God is still in the miracle business and He has a miracle waiting for you. Let Cyndy Bartelli’s words help guide you on your journey to healing.

Gerry Wakeland

“Cyndy Bartelli has taken one of the most complex subjects and given us a clear and pure understanding of how healing is possible in the midst of great pain. Not content to simply talk about a subject, she has provided solutions and action steps that can bring permanent healing”
Pastor Christ Hayward, President, Cleansing Stream Ministries

Entrepreneur, speaker, and writer Cyndy Bartelli has developed a passion for helping others heal from heartache. She received extensive training in prayer ministry and applied the principles to her own healing. Cyndy has served as a trainer for prayer ministry and has contributed to training materials on this topic since 2011.

To learn more about Cyndy and her ministry, or to purchase a copy of The Heart Healer, visit www.cyndybartelli.com

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Risky Writing

8/29/2017

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By Linda Gilden

Is writing a risky business? Or have you chosen to be a writer because it felt safe?

I must admit when I first began writing I felt safe. And as an introvert and melancholy personality, that was important. I could write and sell nonfiction articles, doing safe research. I could maintain my privacy and anonymity and make a difference in people’s lives and the world.
Publishing good solid articles for years, I began to bore myself and feel my writing was flat. Although I was doing lots of profile articles, interviews that yielded great information, and regular assignments, there seemed to be something missing.

Finally, I decided to try something different. Digging deep down in my heart, I wrote an article about my mother and how her health struggles affected me.

When the article was done, I panicked. What was I thinking? I had poured out my deepest thoughts and pain for the world to see. Could anyone possibly want to read that? More importantly, what would the reader think of my blatant honesty and raw emotion?

It didn’t take me long to find out the answer to those questions. First, the editor called. “This is a great article! Can you send me a picture of you and your mother?” When the article was printed, I began to receive notes from readers.

“Thank you for sharing your story. It encouraged me to deal with my own mother’s illness.”

“Your article really touched my life and gave me great hope.”

“I appreciate so much your honesty and openness. Thanks for sharing.”

I had taken a risk and stepped out of my comfort zone. And I had touched more lives and made a difference.

In the beginning, I didn’t think I could do it. Never mind the risk, I just didn’t want to put myself in a vulnerable position where people knew my innermost thoughts and feelings. I didn’t think it was their business how I felt or what my deepest thoughts were. Why would any reader who was not personally acquainted with me want to know what I was going through or how I dealt with the difficult circumstances in my life?

What I learned was that I was probably not the only one going through whatever circumstance I found myself in. Others were struggling, too, and when I shared what God was teaching me, He was able to touch the lives of others.

Did they condemn and criticize and say, “Oh, poor you?”

No, comments came thanking me for my openness, honesty, and courage to share what was deep in my heart.

Christian writers are in the risky business of passing along God’s message in an open and honest way that touches the hearts and lives of their readers. But we can’t do that unless we have drawn close to Him in both good times and bad. And when our hearts are filled with God’s direction for our lives, we can be sure in writing from the overflow of that direction, He will bless others.

What about you? Are you willing to take the risk? Reach into the depths of your heart and share what God is teaching you today. You can make a difference.

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MEET JOHN THURMAN

8/27/2017

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“I’m a New Mexican with a Georgia accent.” This is the way John Thurman often introduces himself. This “Get a Grip” guy has been a resident of Albuquerque since 1986 when God called him to serve as the College and Single Pastor at Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church.

Even though an ordained pastor, John’s career has been filled with diversity. Therapist (with over 50,000 hours in private practice), retired military officer, international stress management consultant and corporate speaker are but a few titles that John can claim. Most recently he added published author when his book, Get a Grip On Depression was released in 2014.

Like many authors, writing did not always come easy for John. For years he was plagued by the voice of his tenth grade English teacher who told him, “Your grammar is horrible. You will be lucky to get out of high school.” This voice in his head held him back for years. Wouldn’t she be surprised to find out that her one-time student holds two Master’s degrees, has one book published and another coming out in September 2017.

John readily admits his grammar is not any better today, but he’s quick to tell you he has friends, friends that are happy to help him overcome his deficiencies. In fact, it was these friends who encouraged him to write.

John attended his first writers conference at Glorietta, NM in 2006. It was there he met fellow writers Ron Benson and Lee Warren. As they tossed around ideas, Ron and Lee affirmed John and his concepts for articles and books. They told him, “You are a writer.” John realized that he was not at this conference by accident. He was there for a reason.

At this same conference, John met editor Ginger Kolbaba. It was with Ginger’s direction that John became serious about his writing. As a result, John had his first paid article published with Focus on the Family. Not a bad start.

John and his wife, Angie, just celebrated forty-five years of marriage. They have two grown children, Hannah and J.S. and three grandchildren, all who live in Albuquerque.

When John is not traveling, speaking, or working on a new book, he enjoys photography. You can enjoy some of his favorite photos at www.johnthurmanphotos.com.

John has invested most of his adult life in helping individuals and couples discover and implement practical, biblical strategies that can enrich their lives, improve their personal skills, and enhance their relationships. He is passionate about helping people experience life change. He desires to get the truth of Scripture into a pagan world. He uses his teaching to plant seeds that will start a conversation.

When John attended his first writer’s conference he was very uncomfortable. He felt out of place. Determined to learn all he could, he attended every class, sitting on the front row and taking notes. He left that conference having made some good connections with editors and other writers. “I learned a lot, especially about the business and mechanics of writing,” he said. And he found his voice, his writing voice.

John’s advice to new writers attending a writer’s conference is, “Come with a hungry heart, an attitude to learn, and a teachable spirit. Don’t be shy. Ask questions, lots of questions. Follow up with personal notes. But don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself.”

Join John at the upcoming CLASS Christian Writers Contreat where he will be teaching a workshop on Becoming a Local Expert. This workshop is based on his personal experience as the only male featured writer for Sage Magazine.

To learn more about John his writing and his ministry, visit www.johnthurman.net.

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Expand Your Platform

What Am I to Do?

MEET DIANN MILLS

What You Say Matters

MEET AARON ZOOK

Getting’ Old Ain’t for Wimps

Mental Fitness for Writers

MEET AUDRA GRACE SHELBY

The Heart Healer

Risky Writing

MEET JOHN THURMAN

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