My heart bursts its banks, spilling beauty and goodness. I pour it out in a poem to the king, shaping the river into words. (Psalm 45:1)

Welcome to our new blog!

Note that this blog is primarily for members of CWOSA. Only those members who have signed up as authors to the blog are able to post on this site, although all may leave comments.

You may not pass on any posts from this blog without permission of the author, but you may pass on a link if you wish to share something written.

To join CWOSA, you are required to either be a Christian writer or aspiring writer who lives in Southern Africa, or a Southern African Christian writer living overseas. If you qualify and wish to learn more, click on this link.

TOPIC OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER

1. Read the topmost post, then click on "comments".
2. Read the last comment to see the most recent addition to the story.
3. Copy/past the entire story to date into a new comment box.
4. Add a further three words.
5. Click on Comment as. If you are signed in, your name will appear. Click on Publish.
6. If you're not signed in, click the small dropdown arrow, and select Name/URL. Give us the name we know you as, and click on Publish.

Remember! This is meant to be a story!
Have fun!

Thursday, 29 November 2012

LOOKING FOR AN AGENT: What He Doesn't Want to Hear.

I have recently had my first book, Strength Renewed, Meditations for Your Journey through Breast Cancer, published and released to the global market. I did it without an agent. I'm blessed!

However, I am now in the market for an agent. I realise that I will only have one crack at each one I approach, so I'm doing my homework.

What should I not say in my query letters to them? 


Following is  a list of some of the things I should avoid saying:


  • "I see from your website that you represent science fiction and fantasy, but I have written this cosy romance, and thought you might like to look at it."
Agents often specialise in specific types of literature for a reason. They have their contacts in that field, and that's where they are confident. I must study their websites, and if they don't represent your field, I mustn't  waste their time or mine. I must look for another agent.

  • "I have attached my novel for you to read. It is a rather large download, but I'm sure you'll find it worth the effort."
I must avoid filling his (her) inbox with long emails or attachments. I need to send a brief, well-formatted query. If the agent wants to see my work, he'll ask. Sending a full manuscript is a guaranteed formula to make sure he won't even read my work.

  • "If you are interested, I will send you the book as an attachment."
If he is interested, he will almost certainly only want to see a full book proposal telling him about the book, why I've written it, who I've written it for, and why I'm the best person to write the book. He will then decide if it's worth his time reading the entire manuscript. Again, I need to study the submission guidelines on his website.

  • "This is a draft copy and I'm open to your suggestions to improve it."
I must remember, I'm writing to an agent, not an editor. Premature submission is not an option if I'm trying to find an agent. He is a busy man and according to what I've read, most of his reading is done at home. He's not interested in material that is not the very best I have to offer. If I recognise it needs more work, I must do the work--or pay an editor to help.

  • "My writing is on a par with John Grisham but without the legal angle." 
I may think my writing is like John Grisham, and my mother may agree. It's highly unlikely, however, and it's for the agent to decide. Don't try to compare your work to other authors or boast about your amazing writing skills. He is a professional, and he will decide for himself.

  • "I have a number of other books I'd be happy to send you to look at as well."
Unless this is the first of a series, I must limit myself to one book. If it is one of a series, I should mention that in my query letter, but only offer to send a proposal for the one book. Yes, the agent may be interested in knowing I have other books in me, but this is not the time for me to impress him with all the books he's going to have to look at. At this stage, he's only interested in whether I am a good enough writer, and whether he'll be able to sell my work--the book on offer.

  • "I have published eleven books which all sold well." 
Truth is, I have contributed to ten published books, and had one book published by a major publishing house. Strength Renewed, my first "solo" book, was released a couple of months ago, so it's too early to say how well it's selling. I must remain truthful and not try to give a false picture of my abilities and success (or failure) rate.

  • I know this book has the makings of a top best-seller, and it will make a lot of money for both of us.
I can't possibly know this. Come to that, nor can he. I mustn't have unrealistic expectations, nor try to tell him how good I think I am. It's up to him to decide if I'm any good.

  • Sorry to bother you again, but did you receive my last three emails?
Agents are busy people. Some will acknowledge receipt of the email. Most will not. Some will send a form letter once they've looked at it. Others will write a short email. Still others won't reply at all. I find this bad manners, but according to much of what I've read, it often happens. I need to read their websites and make a note of when I can expect to hear from them. If they say I won't hear for 3-4 weeks, I should wait at least 5 weeks before dropping a polite note to see if they have had a chance to look at it yet. If I get no reply then, I should move on to the next agent.

  • It is two weeks since I wrote to you and there has been no reply. You might at least show a bit of decency and respond promptly. I'm a busy person, and I'm sitting waiting to hear from you!
Whatever I do, even if I think they are being tardy or unreasonable, I should not show my annoyance. I am not only trying to "sell" my book idea, I'm trying to sell myself as a client. If they think I'm going to be a problem, they will immediately say, "No thank you!" Even if they accept me as their client, I need to remember I am not their only author. I must not expect to hear from them every day or two.

  • I received your letter of rejection, but . . . "
So he's written to say "No thanks!" At least he's written. I need to acknowledge his letter politely, and thank him for his time--then move on. I should never be so unprofessional as to try and change his mind. No is no. If I really believed he was the right person, it would be a good thing to take another look at my query and see what might have put him off. But it's too late to try again with him. I must remember--I only have one shot.

  • Oh fantastic! You've sold my novel? Now I can quit my day job and start my next book.
From my sale of Strength Renewed, I know only too well that signing the contract was only the first step in a long journey. Even now that the book is on the shelves of shops across the world, I still have little time for writing that next book. Most of my writing time is spent on marketing and blogging. If I still had a day job, I would not be quitting. (Taking some leave to catch up on marketing, maybe. But I would need that income!)

Okay, now I know what not to say, I need to figure out what I do need to tell a prospective agent. More in a few days.

OVER TO YOU: Did you know all these? Do you have anything to add? Is there any point you don't agree with?

SHIRLEY CORDER lives near the coast in Port Elizabeth, South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on times when God spoke to her during the rough times spent in the cancer valley. Please visit Shirley at ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, and at RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. Follow her on Twitter or on FaceBook, or sign up for her newsletter.

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

TOTW: Do Agents Look for New Authors?


Do Literary Agents look for new authors? If so, how do I get one?

by W. Terry Whalin

Question:Do Literary Agents look for new authors? If so, how do I get an agent?

Answer: I'll begin this answer with a question: Have you written a book proposal on this book or the entire manuscript?

Even if the manuscript is short, you still need to write a book proposal. Many people make this mistake when they try to publish a nonfiction book.

If you are writing a novel and are an unpublished author, then you need to write the entire novel (yes, all 90,000 words of it). Many fiction editors have been disappointed with contracting a great proposal, synopsis and a few sample chapters then the novelist wrote themselves into a corner and didn't know how the story ended. This situation happens much more often than you would suspect so if you are writing fiction, then write the entire book. If you are writing nonfiction, then you need an excellent nonfiction book proposal and a sample chapter.

I've written a book on this topic, Book Proposals That Sell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. This book includes a full example of a nonfiction book proposal which I wrote and sold several years ago for an advance over six figures. A book proposal includes a number of important elements for the publishing consideration process that are not in the completed manuscript--and the agent or editor will need that material.

As far as agents, every agent that I know (and I know a number of them from my work as a book acquisitions editor) is open to new clients--the key is that you have something different to say than the other stacks of things coming into their office unsolicited--and that your material catches their attention.

To get an agent, you need to ask other writers who have agents. Ask a series of questions such as the list over on the Association of Author Representatives website. Not every good agent is a member of the AAR but they have some membership requirements that make an AAR member a worthy agent to consider.

Also track down this book: Literary Agents: A Writer's Introduction by John F. Baker (Hungry Minds, 1999). Baker who writes for Publisher's Weekly profiles a series of literary agents who have been in the business for many years. You will learn a great deal about agents reading this excellent book--and it may give you some ideas about who to approach with your project. There are some good agents out there but as with editors, the good ones have their hands full.

Some times it's more difficult to find an agent than to get published in the first place. While you are talking with agents and waiting for a response, work on getting published in magazines and building some publishing credits. It will help you catch the agent's (and the editor's) attention.

Another good way to talk with agents is at a writer's conference. Look over the program and select a conference where there will be several agents attending. Take the initiative to talk with them and make a personal connection during the conference. After the conference, follow up and send them your material (or show it to them on the spot). That could be the major break through that you need.
___________________________________________________________
W. Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor for Decision and In Other Words. His magazine articles have appeared in more than 50 publications including Writer's Digest and Christianity Today. Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books and one of his latest is Book Proposals That Sell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Write Now Publications). See more about his writing at www.right-writing.com/whalin.html. For more than 12 years Terry has been an ECPA Gold Medallion judge in the fiction category. He has written extensively about Christian fiction and reviewed numerous fiction books in publications such as CBA Marketplace and BookPage. He is the former Fiction Acquisitions Editor for Howard Books. Terry and his wife, Christine, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

© 2008 W. Terry Whalin
Re-printed with permission

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

About Pansters - by Shirley Corder

In our Topic of the Week (TOTW) we're talking about Pansters. Here are some thoughts on the topic.

Stories written by Pansters tend to have a lot of twists and turns and often
end up somewhere you never expected--indeed often where the author never
expected. Fantasy writers and science Fiction writers are often Pansters.

Writing this way is a lot of fun. (I am a Panster.) But there are downsides:

Pansters are more prone to writer's block. It can be very frustrating when
your characters refuse to do what you want them to do, and throw the few
plans you did have out the window! I know it sounds weird to those of you
who are not Pansters--but this actually happens. I had a pair of twins in a
novel who absolutely refused to keep following an old lady they were spying
on. They insisted on turning in the gate to a play park. As a result, they
lost the old lady. BUT they opened the door for a new character that I
wanted to use but couldn't figure out how to introduce. So they redeemed
themselves.

This character independence can lead to unfinished stories or stories with
so many surprises they are difficult to follow.

Perhaps one of the best-known Panster writers is Stephen King. How many of
you have his excellent book (if you can bypass his language!) "On Writing"?
It really is one of the best writing books I have read. Here are a couple of
quotes from him:

"I won't try to convince you that I've never plotted any more than I'd try
to convince you that I've never told a lie, but I do both as infrequently as
possible. I distrust plot for two reasons: first, because out LIVES are
laregely plotless, even when you add in all our reasonable precautions and
careful planning; and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity
of real creation aren't compatible. . . . My basic belief about the making
of stories is that they pretty much make themselves. The job of the writer
is to give them a place to grow (and to transcribe them, of course)."

"The situation comes first. The characters - always flat and unfeatured, to
begin with - come next. Once these things are fixed in my mind, I begin to
narrate. I often have an idea of what the outcome may be, but I have never
demanded of a set of characters that they do things my way. On the contrary,
I want them to do things THEIR way. In some instances, the outcome is what I
visualized. In most, however, it's something I never expected."

Sounds like fun, right?

OVER TO YOU. Let's talk about what we've seen today.

* Does what Stephen King says resonate with you?
* Are you perhaps a Panster?
* Have you had any experiences like I've just shared about the twins?
* Do you think being a Panster only relates to fiction writers? Or would it also apply to a non-fiction writer?

Monday, 19 November 2012

DOES GOD REVEAL HIMSELF TO YOU IN YOUR WRITING?

By Marion Ueckermann


Earlier this evening I shared this story with Shirl that I’m about to share with you.  She immediately said, “Blog about it on CWOSA.” I agreed.
                                                
In penning this, however, I wanted to find some scriptures that were appropriate.  I started searching the words guide, write ... and it struck me how much God loves writing. Just go and check the book of Revelation how many times God tells his servants to WRITE.
Before I share my story though, I wanted to quote a few verses from my favourite passage in the Bible, Psalm 139. Ponder on these words when you write … God knows us so well, and he knows the way we must take, the words we must write, long before we even think them.
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. (OR ON THE TIP OF MY PEN, THE WRITER IN ME LIKES TO THINK) You hem me in behind and before and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
And then from Isaiah 58: The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
This afternoon I was busy writing a scene in The Piano, my 2012 Nanowrimo Novel. My protagonist, Lizzy, had just invited the Antagonist, a German concert player, Carl von Henselt, to a bible study at her house.  She’s attracted to the piano player and initially it slipped her mind that they are studying Song of Solomon Chapter 2. Lizzy might have reconsidered inviting him had she remembered, and to make matter’s worse, Lizzy is leading the study.
Now  to backtrack a little, in the beginning of The Piano, Carl reminisces on a wilder time in Bogota, Columbia (backstory titbit to his wilder womanising days). Initially I could not remember why I chose Bogota Columbia, but then on checking back in the story, it was because the portfolio case for his Macbook Air was made of Columbian leather (and that was a researched fact on the Mac products).
Anyway, so here I am literally sweating up in my writing loft, thinking of the next scene in which Lizzy is driving home. She tells me she wants to crank up the radio and play her favourite Christian CD so that she can sing while she’s driving.  I agree, and “randomly” decide on the music of Delirious? (yes, there is supposed to be a question mark after their name) as the song “Did you hear the mountains tremble” pops into my head.  The archaeologist in Lizzy tells me that’s a great song and instantly it becomes one of her favourites.
It is here where my story takes an interesting turn, and I realised just how involved God is in my writing, how he is continually before me and behind me, guiding me in the way I should go (or write). For in this research, I discover a song called God's Romance by Delirious? and I think to myself that it sounds like a great song to go in with the Bible study Song of Solomon theme. I’m certain I can find a way to write it into the story.
So I Google the song to see the words and listen to it, and you won't believe what I discover—it was recorded live in ... BOGOTA, COLUMBIA.  Well, I know that the German pianist is going to find that very interesting –that something other than wine, women and song has come out of Bogota—like 12,000 Colombian Christians who’ve found Jesus as the Lover of their Souls and aren’t afraid to sing it out into the night sky. Far more people—and far more enthusiastic—than those who attended his Bogota concert.
I’ve no doubt that making this discovery tonight is all part of a thread that will lead to the culmination of the story, the small, still voice that Lizzy hears as she contemplates what Solomon's words will do for Carl tonight—to draw him to the greatest love he'll ever find.
So, next time you’re on a writing spree, look for God in your writing. He’s actively at work in the background, setting the stage for your story.

OVER TO YOU: So what is Marion? A Planner or a Panster?

Monday, 06 August 2012

Rubik's Cube...easily solved in the right hands!


Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube? That colorful cube that gets all muddled up and then it takes a while to get it straightened out? For some people it can take a very long time, for others it’s done in a few minutes flat. 


I am glad to declare that I am a Rubik’s Cube in God’s hands and if you choose to follow Him…so are you! 


I think we are all born perfectly solved, but the devil, well, he is like those people that come if you have one in your hands and say “can I mess it up, pleeeeze” except that the devil of course does not say please. He just does it. I believe that from the time you are born, he is out to mess you up. But and here comes the big “BUT”…God is a Master solver of Rubik’s Cubes people! He can straighten out any mess and if you will let Him…that’s when you become whole again or as we Christians call it - “saved”. 


Jesus saves your messed up life, but just like with the Rubik’s Cube you have to get the base right first and that part is not all that difficult yet. Most of the time, when you start on a Rubik’s Cube you can get one side straightened out by yourself. For us, getting the base right means that you PRAY. 
But then it gets a little more complicated and you are best of to follow some of the given algorithms that you can find in the little instruction booklet that comes with the cube when you buy it. 


Well, so it is with us since the bible says “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jer 6:16 NIV) – there you go! That’s your algorithm for life. 


Follow the ancient paths, keep following Jesus and He will solve all your problems and make you whole. I know only too well, that the way there is not always easy or at least it does not look that way. Just before you solve the Rubik’s Cube, when you align the last corner pieces, the cube goes through a phase of being “totally muddled up” again. The instruction booklet warns you not to get distracted by that as it will solve itself soon after. 


Wow! That was so beautiful and encouraging to me! Because I feel pretty muddled up right now and I know that God has been working on me for a pretty long time already. But that means that I am only a few moves away from being completely solved or whole! I don’t know about you but that makes my heart jump for joy and today it will be a bit easier to look at the “muddled up corners” in my life. 


I believe Jesus has a special heart for Rubik’s Cube people and he loves a job well done ‘cause the bible also says that God will finish the work that He started. So, don’t spend time worrying today about all the messy parts in your life…give your everyday life to Jesus and know that you too are only a few moves away from being solved!

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Writing in an instant world

Recently, on one of my writer’s loops, we were discussing the long path to publication and how difficult it can be to wait--especially when we live in a world focused on instant gratification. Whether it’s fast food, shopping on line (Amazon’s ‘Buy now with 1-click’ is way too easy to push), or losing weight, almost everything we do can be done with a flick of a button or a ‘magic’ pill.

We simply hate to wait.

But while we might be able to instantly upload the latest bestseller onto our ebook reader, author Mary DeMuth says that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master writer, just like it does in many other professions. 

Ten thousand hours might sound like a long time, but I believe she is right. Because the truth is that with anything truly worth it, there is no instant success. Writing takes hard work, sweat, and a dedication behind the scenes that the readers will never see.  

In the book world, I’ve known many people who have kept writing even with one rejection after another. They have stuck with it for five, ten, even fifteen plus years before they were finally published. With today’s changes in publishing, one of the great things is that a writer doesn’t always have to wait on a publisher, but can publish a book themselves online. But even going that route still takes time, learning, and patience until the work is ready to be seen by the world.

This is a concept I’m trying to pass on to my own children. I want them to learn that it is still important to work hard in life, to sacrifice, and put in their 10,000 hours of practice. And while the concept might seem overwhelming, it's important to look at the entire process in smaller pieces.

Here are some ideas for breaking down that 10,000 hours of practice with specific goals.

1. Set a daily (and weekly) word count that is practical for you to reach. I typically plan to write 1000 words a day, five days a week. Some people will need to make a smaller goal, while others are able to write much more. 
2. Read one book a month that deals with the craft of writing
3. Join a critique group (Most crit groups have monthly goals/expectations of members)
4. Read one book a month in the genre you are writing 

You will be amazed at how 'quickly' your writing ability grows when you take these baby steps.


What about you? What are your writing goals. Is there something you’ve had to wait on that was worth it in the end? Something you’ve put your time and energy into that in the end paid off? I’d love to hear what you think.

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Golden Baobab - Call for Submissions

Thanks to Fi for sending this in. Please note that any queries should go to the addresses at the bottom of the poster, not to CWOSA! Don't forget to follow the guidelines to the letter!

The 2012 Call for Submissions for the Golden Baobab Prize

Golden Baobab 2012- Call for Submissions

 

Dear Friend:

It is a pleasure to announce the ongoing Golden Baobab Prize, a literary award that annually invites entries of unpublished African-inspired stories written for an audience of ages 8-11 years or 12-15 years.  The mission of the Golden Baobab Prize is to identify the African literary giants of the next generation and produce excellent stories that will be appreciated for years to come.

This year the prize will award $1,000 to the best story in the junior category as well as the senior category and $800 to the most promising young writer (18 years and below). Beyond that, the Golden Baobab Prize offers to connect outstanding stories with African and international publishers. The Prize is open to African citizens of all ages. Deadline for submission is June 24, 2012.

Please help us spread the word about the Golden Baobab Prize by:
1. Forwarding this email with the poster to interested persons or organizations.
2. Encouraging eligible persons (i.e. African citizens of all ages)within your networks to write and submit their stories.
3. Printing out and putting up our catchy poster attached. It should only take a minute!


The Golden Baobab seeks to ensure that in the next ten years every young African will have access to excellent quality literature that they can relate to. We solicit your support in making this a reality. Plesse help spread the word.

Our website:  www.goldenbaobab.org

Regards,

Maureen Atebawone
Programs Associate & Prize Co-ordinator- The Golden Baobab Prize

Sunday, 08 April 2012

God's Open Day


I recently had the privilege to attend the Pearson High School Open Day…a time of introduction to all new parents and students. Coming from Switzerland and an entirely different educational system, this was all so new to me, but even some of my South African friends said that, coming from Primary School, it seemed like a whole new world - a world we didn’t even know it existed. So much more to do; so much more to aspire to…so many new people to meet. Quite overwhelming at first, but exciting nonetheless. On that evening, the admission rules were explained to us. This new school, this new world is reserved for some. Yes, anyone can apply, but only 160 students will be admitted. That’s the reality, these are the limits set by the authority in charge. However, somewhere amongst the application forms there was a piece of paper that stated a very important part of the admission rules…and that is that admission is guaranteed if you live in the vicinity of the school. It said that if Pearson High is your nearest High School and if you are a rightful resident of Summerstrand, then you will not be refused entry. What a relief to know! Especially in the presence of the 500 odd people present who might all be applying later.
Why am I telling you all this…?
Easter is coming up…and I have been pondering over this thought for a while…EASTER IS JESUS’ OPEN DAY…! He came; He made His presentation. Heaven is His world, a world we don’t know but it exists, far beyond any imagination. God wants all of us to be there one day. Anyone can apply. Not everyone will be granted a spot. But I have some really GOOD NEWS! There is a  little detail lots of people keep overlooking…if Jesus is your friend…if you live in the vicinity of the cross he died on, admission for you is GUARANTEED! Yes, you may fail a grade or two…you might mess up your very next exam, but if you live with Jesus in your heart, your grades don’t matter. You will get in.
This vicinity thing is really important because it is easy to be worried. Many people worry if they will go to heaven one day, just like many parents have asked me since that Open Day…”What if you don’t get in?”…”Will you apply to any other High School?”…and my answer is always NO. None. This is the only one we will apply for. No doubt it is the best for us and the good news is we live nearby. Some parents seem to worry, even though they live near the school too. Perhaps they did not read the small print and now the devil can sneak in a thought of worry. “Are you sure your child will be accepted?” or “What if his grades don’t measure up?” I have had lots of thoughts that I am not good enough for heaven, and many a time where I have sinned and the devil tried to convince me that I would not make “the cut”. But that is when I go and read the small print of God’s promise again for in the bible it says that if you are a friend of Jesus and you make him your Lord, you WILL get into heaven. Your behaviour is not the deciding factor, but your closeness to Jesus is. So the only question for you over this Easter is this: is he your friend? DO YOU LIVE NEAR THE CROSS? Why not make him your friend this Easter and make sure your admission is guaranteed? Jesus was here. He had His Open Day and He is reminding us every Easter. He has enough space for all of us. He died and he rose and HE IS COMING BACK.
I think even the devil knows that his time is almost up…almost every new action movie released is dealing with some kind of “impending return”…people are sensing it…and the devil is trying to advertise his own team. He will do anything to keep you distracted and busy and away from Jesus. But remember - Easter is Jesus’ Open Day! You have to make your choice. Do I want to be in or out? And remember the small print…so move your heart to the cross and DECLARE JESUS YOUR FRIEND…it will be well worth it! Is there any other heaven you would want to go? No. None. This is where I want to go and I hope to see all of YOU there! Have a Happy Easter!

Monday, 19 March 2012

Be ready to share

I was reading a reflection by Henri Nouwens, who was on a retreat when asked to share with others. He was reluctant because he felt that there was just too much preparation required. The wise Abbot  said to him. " Why do you need to prepare? If you pray half and hour in the mornings, sing in the choir and do your spiritual readings, you will have more than enough to share with others."
It is not to prepare to share, but to live in a state of continuous preparedness.If you live with your life steeped in the Lord's love you bring Christ with you in all your meetings with others. Your attitude, your loving kindness, your knowledge of God's Word is what God has prepared in you so that you are Christ to others in all meetings.
As Christ's own you have more than enough love to share, and the Holy Spirit speaks through you to touch the heart of the one who listens..

Friday, 17 February 2012

Please Identify the Picture


Isn't this the most beautiful picture?

Reminds me of Psalm 91:4, He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Can anyone help me with the type of bird this is? Is it a dove? I've been asked this by an American friend and don't want to give a wrong answer.

You can enter your thoughts as a comment. Thanks in anticipation.